Chaotic Harmony Episode 1: Arrival

Chapters

Chapter 1: Fractured Bonds
Chapter 2: The storm begins.
Chapter 3: Strangers in a new land
Chapter 4: Grace and Attitude
Chapter 5: Ruptured peace
Chapter 6: No calm after the storm

Chapter 1: Fractured Bonds

Chapter 1: Fractured bonds

Harmony. Without it, there can be no peace. Even the most different things can co-exist with each other if there is harmony between them. Two worlds, as different as night and day, will be joined together, forever changing both when the dust settles. For one, an idyllic paradise that thrives off of everypony and everything working together. For the other, a rampant whirlwind of chaos that fuels the adventures of its inhabitants. Can the two actually be one? Some say no, as such things were never meant to be together. As this tale will show, harmony can be found in the most unlikely of places, and from the most unlikeliest of people. This is the tale of what transpired when visitors of the chaotic world entered the land of a peaceful existence. What happens then would forever change the balance of both parties, but most importantly, the visitors who first needed harmony with themselves.

The sights of the apartment building were filled to the brim with balloons, streamers, and other decorations. It was a time for celebration as a young rabbit named Cream was preparing the room for her birthday. Joining her was her mother Vanilla and her pet chao named Cheese. Together, they made sure that everything in the room was up to perfection. The ensuing party was going to be the best, for it was the first that she would spend with her friends. Among those planning to attend were Sonic, the world’s fastest hedgehog with an attitude to match; Miles “Tails” Prower, a fox with two tails (hence his name) who was an expert mechanic and inventor; Knuckles the Echidna, who usually guards the Master Emerald decided to show up here for this occasion; and Amy Rose, a young pink hedgehog infatuated with Sonic. They have shared countless adventures with one another, and today, they were going to celebrate the little girl’s birthday. Not too long after preparations were finished, the guests arrived bearing gifts and other goodies. Cream could barely contain herself as the pile of wrapped goodies began to pile up on the floor. Her mother assured her that the best was yet to come, but she was too wrapped up in happiness to care. Things were turning out perfectly as she imagined, and nothing could go wrong.

“Happy birthday, Cream!” Amy said as she handed her a present. She gleefully opened the package to find a giant mallet, much like her own. Cream politely accepted it while her mother Vanilla, gave a disapproving look.

“A mallet? Really? Couldn’t you have gotten something safer, like a teddy bear?” Tails asked nervously.

“No way. Cream isn’t a little girl anymore,” she replied. “She’s turning into a lady, and a lady must always have something to use when in danger, or when chasing down her love.”

The two-tailed fox just shook his head. “Well, if you say so. But I doubt she’ll have to use it, now that Eggman is gone.”

It was true. Dr. Ivo Robotnik, better known to the citizens as “Eggman” due to his large stature that made him look like an egg, was a mad scientist with a love of destruction and robots, who was a constant threat to the inhabitants of the world. He was always plotting new ways to take over the planet, each scheme more heinous than the last. Besides being very heavy-set, he was also persistent. Every time his plans were thwarted, he came back more determined than ever. It’s because of the efforts of Sonic that he never succeeded in his plans. Still, despite tasting defeat every time, he usually comes again sometime soon after, laughing maniacally as he announces his next plan for world domination. And every time, Sonic and his friends were there to put an end to his plot. It’s been a year since Eggman was last defeated, and he hasn’t been seen since. No random attacks from his machines, no powerful monster unleashed to terrorize the nation, not even a single evil laugh filled the air. It’s as if he disappeared off of the face of the earth, much to the relief of the world. Without him around, things have gotten a lot more peaceful, and without anybody or anything to defeat, Sonic and his friends adjusted to a less chaotic lifestyle, living everyday normal lives. Some adapted well; some...did not.

“Doesn’t matter,” Amy said. “For all we know, he isn’t gone, he’s just hiding. I hope he really is gone, though. Now that Eggman is nowhere to be seen, Sonic and I have gotten really close. We’re practically a couple now!”

“I don’t think he calls being chased around trying to get him to date you ‘close,’ Amy,” Tails mused.

The girl immediately glared at Tails while slowly pulling out her mallet, the Piko-piko hammer. “What was that? I didn’t quite hear you.”

The young fox just shook his head nervously. “Umm...wh-what I m-meant to say was...uh..hey look everyone! Sonic and Knuckles are back with the cake!” Tails pointed out the window, breathing a sigh of relief as he, Amy and everyone else stopped to look outside.

Everyone watched in awe as the cake made its way to the entrance of the apartment. It was huge, about three times the height of Cream herself. Judging by how both carriers were struggling to make it upstairs, it was heavy as well. Homemade vanilla chocolate ice cream cake with colorful sprinkles, decorative frosting, and shaped to look like the birthday girl. The cake was so massive that they had trouble getting it through the door. The hedgehog and the echidna were fumbling around adjusting themselves so that it could fit through the doorway. The crowd eagerly watched as both patrons continued their epic struggle, fearing that a mere slip of the fingers would cause it to fall. Thankfully they maneuvered it into the living room without a single lick of frosting wasted, and it was there in all of its glory. Cream could barely contain herself, her sweet tooth by far the biggest among her friends. Oh, how she couldn’t wait to take one huge bite out of that mouthwatering beauty. Other people started to feel the same way.

“Sorry we’re late, everybody,” Sonic apologized. “We would’ve been here sooner, if someone didn’t get the directions to the bakery wrong.”

“For the last time Sonic, it wasn’t my fault. I thought the map reader said to turn left on Route 280, not 99,” Knuckles retorted. It was well known that among the things the red, treasure hunting echidna was good at, reading directions was not one of them.

“So? It’s still your fault, knucklehead. How about this, next time I read the directions, you carry the heavy cake,” Sonic sneered.

“Hey! Watch it Sonic, unless you want a face full of fist,” Knuckles growled. Sonic stuck his tongue out mockingly, making the red echidna even more furious.

“Enough you two! Please don’t fight on my daughter’s birthday. Act your age, not Cream’s,” Vanilla interjected. Immediately both offenders stopped and sheepishly apologized.

“Yeah! Who cares whose fault it is anyway? The cake’s here, so let’s eat!” Amy said gleefully. Everyone in attendance agreed.

“Before we do,” Vanilla spoke, causing Amy to sadly look down at her stomach, “I have a few things I want to say.” She then turned to Cream with a book-shaped package in her hand.

“I want to thank you all for coming out here to celebrate Cream’s birthday. Ever since we were rescued from Dr. Eggman years ago, you all have been the greatest friends anyone could ask for. And for that, I say thank you for keeping her safe and strong.” As everyone smiles and watches, Vanilla turned to her daughter, with wide eyes and an eager gaze. “Cream,” she started “Ever since you were a little girl, you’ve been growing into a special young lady. You’ve even helped Mr. Sonic in saving the world many times. Oh, sometimes I fear you’re growing up too fast, but then again you can’t be little forever I guess.”

“Aww, don’t worry mommy. I’m still a little girl, and I’ll always be your little girl.” Cream reassured as she gave a warm hug to her beloved mother. "Aww!" Tails and Amy expressed their approval of the strong and loving bond between the birthday girl and her mother. Sonic and Knuckles, who were not as accepting of affection, rolled their eyes as their stomachs angrily objected to the heartwarming moment. The blue hedgehog silently tapped his foot on the floor as he considered sneaking a taste of the cake.

“Yes yes, of course you will,” Vanilla replied. “Year after year, you’re growing up to be a fine young lady. I just want to be there with you every step of the way. Now that it’s your birthday, I have something for you that I just know you’re going to like.” She then handed over the present she had in her hand to Cream. “Sweetie, this is for you.”

Cream held the book-shaped present in her hand, grinning from ear to ear. “What could be inside?” she wondered. Without giving it anymore thought, she ripped through the wrapping. It was a book with a decorative cover that showcased a picture of six cute ponies happily playing on the hills. At first, she stared at it without moving, as if the book itself froze her on sight. Then suddenly she let out an extremely loud scream that the whole neighborhood could hear.

“AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! The My Little Pony: Adventures in Equestria book! I’ve wanted this for sooooooooo long! It’s my favorite book ever, and mommy got it for me! I can’t believe it! It’s here! It’s here! Oh mommy thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!” Cream blurted out. “Oh, please read it to me! Please, please, please, please, PWWWEEEAAASSSEEEE!?!?”

“Well it’s quite long Cream,” Vanilla said. “Tell you what, I’ll read just a little and the rest I’ll read at bedtime, alright?” Cream frantically nodded her head yes.

“Woah, woah, wait a minute,” Sonic interjected. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but can you do this after we serve the cake? I’m not gonna sit around listening to some girly story about rainbow ponies while the ice cream melts.”

“Sonic!” Amy yelled “This is Cream’s party, remember? She can do whatever she wants. Stop acting like a brat. Ms. Vanilla, please excuse him, he doesn’t usually act like this. We’d love to hear the story, so please continue.”

“Hey look, colorful, sugar sweet ponies ain’t my type of thing. I’d rather be in one of Egghead’s traps than listen to this. I mean, it’s just...uggghhhh...”

Amy whipped out her hammer with a very annoyed look in her eye. “Sonic, sweetie?” She said, “Either you sit down right there and listen to the story, or my Piko-piko hammer flattens your head. Your choice.”

Sonic, too stunned to move, sighed and reluctantly agreed. It was wise not to tick off Amy, something he had learned the hard way multiple times.

“Honestly, you’ve been acting more of a jerk than usual. What’s gotten into you anyway?” Amy huffed.

The blue-clad hedgehog said nothing as he sat down with a bored and disgruntled expression on his face. True, something has been bugging him for the longest. With Dr. Eggman gone, there wasn’t much to do anymore. Sure there was the occasional robbery or fire rescue, but that’s small rings compared to beating his arch-nemesis and his latest evil plan. Now that everything was peaceful, it’s gotten much more boring, and boredom went with Sonic like moldy cheese on a chili dog, which was to say not at all. As time flew by, Sonic became less and less enthused, and more irritated. Everyone else was fine with living normal lives, but not him. He lived every day like it’s a new adventure, but what was there to do now that the adventure’s over? Sitting around doing nothing listening to stories about ponies? No way. There just had to be something, anything that he could do. If only Eggman were here creating havoc. He’d be more entertaining than the boredom he’d have to put up with now.

“Thank you Amy,” Vanilla said in relief. “Okay everyone, gather round for the story. I’ll read the first few pages, then we’ll serve the cake.”

“Don’t worry Sonic. Once it’s over, we’ll head over to the Smash Shack. Chili dogs are on me. Sounds fun?” Tails asked. Sonic shrugged, not even looking at his best friend. Not even chili dogs, Sonic’s favorite food, could cheer him up now.

Vanilla propped Cream on her lap, while her pet chao Cheese sat on hers. She then opened the book, cleared her throat, and began to read aloud the first page.

“Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two little sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn, the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the youngest sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her older sister brought forth, and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in her heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, her sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponyville: The Elements of Harmony! Using the magic of The Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently on the moon.The elder sister took on responsibility of both the sun and the moon, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.”

“Okay, that’s it,” Sonic interrupted, “I tried to listen and bear it, but I just...can’t. Unicorns? Ponyville? Talk about sugary. I’m going to bail before I start puking rainbows.” He then got up from his seat, ready to make a mad dash outta there.

“Sonic! What’s your problem!?” Amy screamed, “This is taking it too far. You’ve become a real big jerk ever since you beat Eggman.”

“Yeah Sonic,” Knuckles added, “He’s gone now, so why don’t you just chill?”

“And what, sit around here doing nothing and listening to that? Noooo thank you. You guys may be fine with things so dull, but not me. I mean, look at you guys: Knuckles just lazes around back on Angel Island, Tails decides to start a repair shop and he works all day, and you...” Sonic paused, pointing at Amy, “I see you enough during the day. You never leave me alone!”

“I don’t ‘laze around!’” Knuckles retorts. “I still guard the Master Emerald. It’s a very tough job, thank you very much!”

“Sonic, times have changed, and Eggman is gone,” Amy responded, “Why can’t you just accept that and settle down?”

“Hellloooo, I’m Sonic.” he said to her, “I don’t ‘settle down,’ I don’t accept normality, and I certainly don’t listen to little girl stories.”

“Please Mr. Sonic, don’t be upset,” Cream reasoned, “Here, have some cake. I know it’ll cheer you up.”

Sonic ignored her and continued to rant. “This place has gotten so boring. You used to see G.U.N. everywhere, but now they're not even on the streets. Heck, Shadow and Rouge are gone too. Looks like they had the right idea, I’m not sticking around any longer.”

“Sonic, if you do that, then I can’t see you anymore,” Amy said. “What am I going to do without you around?”

“Gee, I dunno...” Sonic sneered sarcastically, “...maybe you can find somebody else to chase around. Or better yet, perhaps you can do something besides stalk people.”

Everyone in the room gasped. Vanilla, Cream and Cheese covered their mouths in shock. Tails and Knuckles’ jaws were on the floor. Everyone could not believe what Sonic just said to her. Amy, poor girl just stood there, eyes wide open in disbelief. Her? A stalker? She was only just showing her affection for her beloved. To have her love rudely backfire at her was just heart-crushing.

“Woah that was harsh,” Tails spoke. “Sonic, that wasn’t very nice at all. She may be, well Amy, but she’s still your friend.”

“Oh yeah, sure. Says the guy who won’t even hang out with his best friend. It’s all about the repair shop now. Everytime I come to visit, it’s always ‘Oh hi, Sonic. Wait right there, I’m helping someone out’ or ’Sorry, can’t see you today. I have a huge repair order.’ You’re never around anymore, all because of that stupid business.”

“But...” the fox boy tried to speak, but in his heart he knew he was right. The garage was a success, but it’s been cutting into the free time he and Sonic shared. Day after day, hundreds of customers come to have their electronics fixed and/or modified, and Tails has been busy with demands. He didn’t know how Sonic felt about this, but he tries to hang with his bro every time that he can.

“Please stop arguing!” Vanilla pleaded. “Lets all just enjoy this delicious cake and put this whole fight behind us.” Everyone in the audience briskly agrees. They did not want to see it escalate into something more terrible. It wouldn’t take long before things do.

“...Sonic...” Everyone paused to see the pink young hedgehog, face down with eyes shut whisper his name. Tears streaming from her cheek, she sniffled and nothing else. The room was silent and still, and the tension electrified the entire area. Even Sonic stopped to look at the girl he had broken. Then, she opened her mouth beginning to say something, and what little sadness she had turned immediately into sheer, unleashed rage.

“SooonnNNNNNNIIIIIIICCCCCCCC!!!!!! I...HATE....YOU!!!!!”

With the force of an 18-wheeler, Amy slammed her mallet into the ground, right on Knuckles’ foot.The poor echidna, howling in pain, grabbed his flattened foot, jumping backwards into a huge purple feline named Big. Startled, he let go of his little buddy Froggy who hopped around all over the place and on Vanilla’s hair. The mother screamed in horror, jumping up and knocking Cream and Cheese to the floor while shaking the frog out of her hair with little success. Tails ran over to grab the little amphibian from Vanilla’s tangled hair, but he was shoved from behind by another startled guest, so instead he knocked the poor woman over, falling next to the cake. Big saw his pet, and he ran over to grab him. “I’m coming, Froggy!!!” he yelled as he took a flying leap in the air, much to the dismay of Vanilla and Tails. He missed, colliding with the cake table and sending it flying across the room. The dessert flipped twice in the air, and it came down on Sonic and Amy with a huge Splat!

Sonic, blindsided by the enormous pastry that hit him, nearly fell unconscious. Ice cream and cake covered him from head to toe. He was humiliated. At that moment, he felt his anger reach its breaking point.

“That’s IT! I’m done! First thing tomorrow, I’m outta here! I hope I never see you guys again!”

“Fine by me!” Tails yelled.

“Me too!” Knuckles fumed.

“Good! If I see any of you, it’ll be too soon!!!” Amy screamed.

The four continued their spat, when all of a sudden, they were interrupted by the sound of sniffles. Everyone was caught up in the chaos that nobody noticed Cream, eyes full of tears and her lower lip quivering with sadness. “How did this all go wrong?” she thought. Everyone was so happy to be with each other, and now the room was completely trashed with her friends splitting apart. This was her special day, but everything went so wrong. All she could do now was cry. In a flash, she ran up to the guest room, sobbing along the way. The last sound to be heard from her was the jarring slam of a door.

“Oh no, Cream dear...” a worried Vanilla spoke. Before she went upstairs to try and comfort her daughter, she turned to the four of them with a disappointed look in her eye. “You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Because of this, Cream lost her friends.”

Chapter 2: The storm begins.

Evening set in, and everybody had left the party. The mess from the fight was properly cleaned and everything was back to normal. Vanilla paid one more visit to her daughter’s bedroom before retreating to her sleeping quarters. After what took place earlier today, the young rabbit could barely speak a word, much less show her usually beaming face around everyone. She had retreated quietly in the comfort of her bedsheets reading stories from her book. Cheese tried to comfort his master to little avail, but nevertheless she smiled for his effort. After a quick tap on her door, the mother quietly entered her daughter’s keep.

“Cream honey. Are you alright?” She asked. Cream slowly nodded her head yes, but it was quite clear that the little girl was lying.

“I’m sorry for what happened today. I know you wanted everything to be perfect, as did I. Sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we want them to, but we shouldn’t let that bring us down.” She then sat alongside the edge of her daughter’s bed, stroking her hair trying to cheer her up. “By the way, Mr. Knuckles left something for you.”

She reached out her hand and grabbed a lustrous, luminescent jewel from her pocket. The gemstone glowed brightly from the palm of the mother’s hand, bathing the bedroom in brilliant green light. This was no ordinary jewel, that’s for sure. This was a Chaos Emerald, a beautiful, yet powerful diamond-like gemstone filled with unlimited, untamed energy. It had the power to control both time and space with a technique called “Chaos Control,” warp reality, and turn wishes into power. There were seven of these magnificent minerals in the world, and when one collected all seven, a miracle would happen to him or her lucky enough to have them. Being the source of power that they were, these were the objects of desire Dr. Eggman sought after, and our heroes made it their mission to keep them away from the maniacal scientist at all costs.

“I don’t want it,” Cream softly spoke. Sadly, her mother placed the gem on her dresser.

“Do you want me to read the rest of the story?” Vanilla asked. She shook her head no.

The mother decided it best to leave her daughter to herself, so after a kiss goodnight to both her and Cheese, she made her way to the door. Before leaving, Cream asked her mother one last question before she left.

“Mommy; what’s the use of having friends, if everyone fights all of the time?”

At first, Vanilla said nothing. She never expected this type of question from someone her age. The mother rabbit thought on this, hoping to answer her with words that she needed to hear. After thinking about it for a second, she replied with much optimism:

“Friendship is a wonderful, magical thing. Don’t give up on it; someday you’ll find someone who will bring some magic into your life. I promise...” With those parting words, Vanilla wished her darling goodnight and shut the door.

Cream waited until her mother was asleep when she turned the lights back on to read the rest of the storybook. Page by page, she read through a different pony’s story in their daily lives in Ponyville. Each mare had a different tale, but it usually ended the same way: through the ponies’ friendship, they were able to overcome mountainous obstacles. Even when their differences put them at odds with each other, their conflict was resolved by the end of the story. The more Cream read, the more she immersed herself into the world of Equestria. It was unlike anything she’d seen. This was a world where everybody lived so peacefully with one another, and everything and everybody were nice and bright. There was little to no fighting, no sadness, no hate. It’s the world she always dreamed of, but sadly, that was where it ended. It was a dream, and nothing more. She had to live in this world, where friends fight and ruin birthday parties. Why couldn’t life be more like the ones in the book? Why couldn’t her friends be more like the characters in the story? if only she could stay there, even if it were just for a day, she would cherish it for the rest of her life. If only...if only...

“Cheese, why can’t things be like the stories in the book?” she questioned her pet. “I don’t like it when people fight and hurt each others feelings. I wish me, you, mommy, Mr. Sonic and everyone else could live in the story, that way there would be no more fighting, and everybody would be happy. So...very...happy.”

As Cream and her chao dozed off to dream, the Chaos Emerald on the dresser began to glow ever so brightly. In a chain reaction, the other six did the same. Five were being held by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream, while the rest were in unknown locations. The stone began to glow even brighter, while outside, a huge cluster of stormclouds gathered around Central City. All of a sudden, each of the emeralds began to spark, as if electricity had shot through the gemstones. They began to float and shake violently as the looming stormclouds gathered up in a swirl. The air outside was still, until whiplashing winds jet through the downtown area, violently shaking trees in the process. By that time, everyone had already ran for shelter, in fear that there might be an oncoming tornado in the area. Sonic, who was resting on a tree, was violently shaken from the branch he was resting on. After picking his face off the dirt, he looked to see the incoming storm approaching. Before he could run to the hills to get a better look, the Chaos Emerald, one colored sapphire to match him, began to shake violently. He knew what was happening, and it wasn’t good.

“I knew this wasn’t an ordinary storm,” he thought. “Somebody’s using Chaos Control, and a powerful one, too. If things don’t stop, we could be in some major trouble.”

Before Sonic could act, the Chaos Emerald stopped moving, and the wind became still again. As quickly as it had came, the storm was over just as fast.

“Whew! That’s a relief. Guess everything’s back to n--”

Sonic stopped in mid sentence when the Chaos Emerald started to levitate in the air, shining brightly like a star. Squinting to prevent being blinded, he spotted six other brightly colored lights in the area. “Those must be the other emeralds,” he thought. “But, if Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and I had of four of them, where did the other three come from? Did somebody else have the rest of the emeralds?” No time for questions. He had to do something before he was warped someplace else!

The powerful gemstones then let out an explosion of raw chaotic energy that engulfed the area and Sonic in it. He was being Chaos Controlled for sure. Where would he end up? What was on the other side? The blue hedgehog struggled to hang on to a branch as everything else was being sucked in. Each second he was losing his grip, but he was determined to not get taken by the light. The branch weakened as he tried to hold on even longer, and with a final *snap*, Sonic and the debris were sent flying in the endless white void.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!”

Chapter 3: Strangers in a new land

Chapter 3: Strangers in a new land.

“What is that thing?”

“Is it dead?”

“Oh my gosh, it just fell out of the sky!”

“Wha...who said that?”

“It’s moving now. Looks like it’s alright.”

“Ooooh, can I touch it? Huh? Can I dad?”

“No! Don’t you dare stick a single hoof near this thing! Who knows where it came from.”

“What the...who are you? And why am I hearing voices?”

“Why does his hooves have white worms sticking out of them?”

“I don’t think those are hooves.”

“Hooves? What are they talking about? Urrggghhh....my head is killing me. Okay Sonic, just open your eyes...”

The azure speedster slowly started to pick himself up from the dirt ground. After shaking his head free of earth, he sat up and slowly started to open his aching eyes. He was still reeling from the bright light of the Chaos Control, so he squinted until his eyesight returned to normal. The first thing he started to see were more colors. Further still, he could make out a crowd of some sort staring back at him. By the time his eyesight started to clear, he saw what looked like...ponies. Mares and stallions of every color. Some had horns on their head, and some were flying. Sonic rubbed his eyes, thinking this was just an illusion. He was probably still messed up after being warped. He blinked twice and his eyesight was back to normal. Unfortunately, he soon found out that he was not hallucinating.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!” the hedgehog screamed in shock. The crowd, startled by the strange creature’s behaviour, jumped as well. One pony with a pink coat and a yellow mane that housed a lily on it, instantly fainted.

“Hey, are you okay?” one mare asked. She extended her right cyan hoof to the startled hedgehog. He started to back away from the crowd.

They can talk, too. He needed a minute to analyze this. Ponies, no rainbow ponies, who can talk. This had to be a dream, or a nightmare. Was he somehow transferred into the storybook? Trying to grasp hold of the situation, he stood up, getting a better view of the equines that surrounded him. Finally collecting himself, he began to speak.

“Okay...where am I?” he asked.

One pony with a red mane and a beige coat spoke up. “You’re in Ponyville, duh.”

“Pony...what?”

“Ponyville. Y’know, as in ‘of Equestria’?”

“No, I don’t,” he stated.”How did I get here?”

“You just fell out of the sky after a blue light flashed above,” another mare spoke. “Come to think of it, there were six other flashes of bright light today, all over Equestria.”

“Nopony told me there would be a light show today. I could’ve gotten some popcorn.”

“Six other flashes of colorful light? There's no doubt about it; the Chaos Emeralds somehow warped me here,” he thought. “And if they did, then they must be nearby. All I need to do is find one, and I can bail out of this nightmare. No problem, now I just need to ditch the crowd.”

“Listen,” he announced. “I hate to run, but this has been seriously weird, so I’m going to split now.”

“Wait!” one pony exclaimed. “I wanna know where you came from! Are you from Cloudsdale?”

“He ain’t a pegasus,” another pony spoke. “Where are his wings? He don’t look like he can fly.”

“Maybe he came from the Everfree Forest. Lots of weird things come from there.”

One pony from the background piped up. “He fell out of the sky, Clover. The sky. That’s strange, even for a place like the Forest. It’s obvious he’s not from here, Cloudsdale, or Canterlot! I don’t think he’s even from Equestria! I mean look at him; his mane is all wild and spiky-lookin’.”

“And he doesn’t have hooves,” one more mare agreed. “Now THAT’s freaky!”

“And he’s running away!”

[Event: Time to go!]

Everypony abruptly stopped their conversation and turned to what looked like a blue speck leaving behind a giant dust cloud in its wake. While talking amongst themselves, the mysterious blue creature took the opportunity to make a break for it in the opposite direction, finding a way out, if any. The herd stopped what they were doing, and took off in pursuit of the strange visitor.

Sonic pumped his legs rapidly, dodging other bewildered ponies left and right. Buildings turned into nothing but blurry images wizzing past him as he blitzed through more crowds of equines who were joining in the frantic search. With his trademark speed and agility at work, he navigated his way around town, stopping for a split-second if there were ponies obstructing his path. Worse was that the crowd of curious equines were starting to get closer. Despite how much of a blur he was to the bystanders, there was no shaking off his captors. Ponies were everywhere; in the buildings, among the streets, and even in the sky. “How the heck are they able to keep up with me?” he thought. Someone of his reputation shouldn’t have a problem with this, and yet far into the distance, he could see them gallop their way into his direction. Were they that fast, or was he getting slower? Running out of ideas, he spotted a bunch of barrels in the middle of an alleyway. If he couldn’t lose them with his speed, then he’ll just have to hide until the herd ceased the chase. Without giving it a second thought, he darted right into the alley, jumped in a vacant barrel and closed the lid.

The crowd made their way to the section where he was last seen. After looking high and low for the hedgehog escapee, the herd turned its attention away, continuing their search in another place. Sonic, peeking through a cork hole, exhaled a small sigh of relief. Now that nopony was chasing him, he was ready to bolt. All he needed now was an emerald, and he’d be out of here for good.

“Hi there! You like playing ‘hide in a barrel’ too? It’s fun, isn’t it? I mean what's more fun than hiding in a barrel? It’s like these things were made to hide in. You can hold a lot of things in here, like apples, or pickles, or ponies. Well, obviously ponies, because well, I’m a pony of course, and I’m in one! And you must be too, since you’re hiding in it as well. So, are you having fun? Huh? Are you?”

Sonic’s relief was instantly changed to sheer terror when he heard that high-pitched voice break the silence. No, he didn’t need to make a scene. He just stood calm and addressed the mysterious voice that was talking to him.

“I’m not playing games,” he said. “I’m hiding from those ponies that are chasing me. Don’t talk so loud, you’re going to blow my cover.“

“Wow, you don’t sound like anypony I know. And believe me, I know everypony in Ponyville. Are you new here? Where did you come from? Canterlot? Nah, you don’t sound all royally-like. Come to think of it, you don’t even sound like you’re from Equestria either. Oooh, oooh! Maybe you’re from the Everfree Forest! If you are, you have to meet my friend Fluttershy. She’s like, the nicest pony ever, and she’s also good with animals. I’m sure you’ve heard of her right? Speaking of friends, there’s also my friend Applejack. She’s great, very honest, and she works at Sweet Apple Acres. That’s where I get my apples from, they’re just so juicy and they taste delicious. She always lets me take some home to use in my bakery, though I usually keep eating them up before I get there. Rarity says that if I eat too much of them I’ll get really fat, but I keep doing it anyway because they’re soooo good! Oh yeah, Rarity’s also my friend. She has her own boutique that she runs, and let me tell you she’s one pony with one super-sharp fashion sense. She’s also very dramatic, I mean like really dramatic. Like ‘pull-out-a-couch-to-cry over-missing-jewels’ dramatic. But, she’s very nice and she love to give things to other ponies out of generosity. Like this one scarf that I had that she made for me got lost in the Everfree Forest, and she made me a new one no charge. Heck, she wasn’t even mad at all. Then there’s my awesome friend, Rainbow Dash! She’s by-and-far Equestria’s best flyer. I mean she did a sonic rainboom, a SONIC RAINBOOM, twice for Celestia’s sake! Not only that, she’s super-cool to hang out with. She never leaves her friends hanging, like me! We always go for prank runs around Ponyville every now and then. One time, we...oh, right. I promised Twilight I’d never tell that story to anypony else, at least until the cake mix was cleaned from the roof of the library. Yeah, Twilight’s my friend too. She’s got magic like you would not believe. This pony stopped an Ursa Major from attacking the town. Well, okay technically it was an Ursa Minor, but you should’ve seen that thing! I mean it was huuugggeeee. And she sent it back into the forest like it was nothing. When I first met her, I knew she was going to be really special, and I was right! I was so excited to see her, I ran off and threw a party in the town library. Parties are kinda my thing, because I love throwing them! I mean who doesn't like a good party? Nopony, that’s who! And it’s always nice to see somepony smile, in fact it’s the one thing that makes it makes it all worthwhile. Take it from me, Equestria’s numero-uno party mare! Whew...I must’ve said a lot! I bet if somepony were to write a story with me in it, it would take pages to write! But anyway, I’ve talked so much, that I didn’t even introduce myself. Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and you a-- ”

Crouching inside the barrel with his hands over his ears, the irritated hedgehog was pleading in his mind that the talking would stop. He could not believe anyone could run their mouth as long as this pony did. How she could keep going and going and going like that was way beyond him. He was too busy wishing that the motormouth would stop talking that he didn’t notice that the lid was moved. Sonic took notice of the sudden silence and took a look up the barrel’s opening, only to come face to face with a pony with a pink coat and a rosy puffy mane staring back at him with huge light-blue eyes. At first, both hiders just looked at each other. Then, as if suddenly, both parties screamed and jumped back. The surprised mare quickly sprang up a few feet in the air, and then bolted to the other direction, screaming all the way. This quickly got the attention of a few passers-by walking the dirt roads. Within seconds, they alerted the attention of the herd search party, who then stampeded their way towards the alleyway.

“Great,” Sonic huffed. “Man, I just can’t catch a break.”

[Event: Time to go...again!]

Sonic darted out of the barrel, flying past more equine onlookers. No matter which direction he took, there were ponies there to obstruct his path. How were they able to keep up with him? There’s no way that he, the Fastest Thing Alive, should have trouble out-running a bunch of horses. Yet, they were everywhere he was, there was no escape. Overhead, a few pegasi were tracking his movements. Looks like running away wasn’t doing him any good. Hiding again will have to do, but where? He searched frantically for a vacant building, but they were all occupied. Just when he was about to give up, he spotted an odd tree-like building with a sign that had a book on it. It looked as if it was made of oak, with windows coming out of the leaves and a balcony on the higher part of the branches.

“This must be a library,” he thought. “It’s a stretch, but it’s my only chance of hiding. Besides, who goes there anyway?”

Quick as a flash, he darted right to the entrance and closed the door behind him. Great, he was inside; now he just needed to find someplace to stay hidden, this time without any ponies occupying the space. He looked around the room: books, books, and more books. To his left, he saw a quill and some parchment sitting on a stand. To his right, he saw a bunch of books clumped together in a pile on the floor. “Whoever runs this place must be lazy,” he thought. Looking directly ahead, he spotted a staircase. “Perfect, this looks like a good place to lay low. Good timing, it sounds like the mob is towards this direction.” He couldn’t, however, shake the suspicion that he was being watched. He whipped his head around frantically to see if someone, or something, was eyeing him. From where he stood, he saw an owl, perched on his stand, curiously looking at the panicked guest. Sonic wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved it wasn’t another equine.

“Whew...it’s just an owl. You aren’t going to start talking, right?” Sonic asked.

The young bird just stared at him, then responded with a hoot. “Who?”

“You, duh.”

“Who?”

“You! I’m talking to you right now!”

“Who?”

“You! You, okay!? Geez, and I thought that pink pony was annoying!”

“Who?”

“Alright, that’s it!” Sonic yelled. He dashed forward, meeting the annoying feathered fiend face to face. “Say ‘who’ one more time. I dare ya, birdie! I. Dare. You.”

“Is there somepony downstairs? I’ll be with you in a second! Spike, can you make our guest downstairs some tea while they wait?”

Sonic paused when he heard the feminine voice call upstairs. Looks like he was not alone, and if he stood here any longer, he was going to get caught. The situation was not looking good; he couldn’t escape out the front door since the herd was closing in on the library. Desperate, he had no choice but to escape through the upstairs.

“Look like this is my cue to bail.” he said to the owl. “We’ll finish this later, bird-brain.”

Sonic dashed up the stairs, flying past a short purple and green thing that was coming down that way. He reached the top, but then he came to a screeching halt. Three people were already there: two that Sonic recognized immediately, and one unicorn he didn’t recognize. She has a vibrant lavender coat, an indigo mane and a tail that had a pink and purple streak going across it. All three patrons stopped their conversation when the intruding hedgehog showed up. They all just stared at each other for a split second, until the blue escapee broke the silence.

“Tails!” He exclaimed.

“Sonic!” the fox boy shouted.

“Sonic?” the unicorn asked questionably.

“Sonic.” the pink hedgehog growled.

“Amy!?”

“Amy...”

“Sonic!”

“Twilight!”

“Twilight?”

“Tails?”

“Alright, this is getting annoying,” Sonic said nonchalantly. “Tails, Amy, what the heck are you all doing here?”

“I don’t know,” the twin-tailed fox answered. “I was asleep at my house. The next morning, I woke up here. I was hoping not to see you again, though.”

“Same here,” he sneered. “In fact I was just starting to enjoy this place, until I saw you two.”

“You two know each other?” the puzzled equine asked.

“Unfortunately,” Tails nodded, not even looking at his former friends’ direction. “He’s the blue jerk I was telling you about.”

“I’m the jerk, huh? I wasn’t the one who dropped a two-ton cake on his ex-best friend’s head! I’ve got a headache the size of the Death Egg thanks to you!”

“That wasn’t even my fault!” he exclaimed. “I got shoved from behind. Still, that’s what you get for ruining Cream’s birthday party.”

“Whatever,” the annoyed hedgehog dismissed. He turned his head to Amy, expecting a response from her. “What? You got something to say, too?”

“Tails,” the pink hedgehog said, “tell Sonic I’m not speaking to him, nor am I going to look at him. In fact, I think it’s time for him to leave.”

“Sonic, Amy said--”

“I know what she said alright!? I’m standing right here!” the hedgehog shouted at Tails.

“Wow. Sounds like the three of you have a little animosity between each other,” the unicorn spoke up. “What happened between you all?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” the blue hedgehog replied. “Wait, who are you anyway?”

“Oh right. Pleased to meet you sir; my name is Twilight Sparkle,” she said nicely. “I’m the caretaker here.”

“So, you’re the pony in charge of this dump?” he asked. “Libraries have books in shelves, not on floors you know.”

“Oh, that,” Twilight spoke enthusiastically. “I was in the middle of re-shelving everything when I saw a yellow and pink light flash outside. I was going to ignore it, but my assistant Spike came running downstairs yelling that somebody appeared out of nowhere upstairs. When I came up to my room, I found these two.” She pointed at Tails and Amy. “After they woke up, I treated them to some tea, and I asked where they were from. I was so caught up in the conversation that I forgot.”

“Yeah!” Amy spoke up. “Tails, tell Sonic that we would like to go back to talking if he doesn’t mind.”

“Sonic,” the fox boy started. “Amy said--”

“I get it!” he interrupted. “I’ll be glad to get out of here, but I’ve got a small problem.”

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“The Chaos Emeralds...are here.” He started. As soon as those words left his lips, Tails and Amy’s faces twisted into complete worry. Each of them knew that whenever the jewels appear, problems would follow soon after. Their top priority for years was to keep them away from those who wished to abuse their power. This was bad news for the three fugitives, but to Twilight, this only raised further questions.

“Wait, what is a ’Chaos Emerald?’” she asked.

“It’s a-” Tails began, but Sonic interjected right before he could finish. For all he knew, telling them about a gemstone that could inevitably bring widespread destruction throughout this place was only asking for trouble.

“It’s none of your business, that’s what!” he snapped.

“Wow. Rude, much? I just asked a question, no need to be a jerk about it,” the unicorn responded.

“Told you,” the fox boy nodded to her.

“Sorry, but I’m not here to shoot the breeze with a pony,” Sonic retorted. “I could really care less on what you guys were doing, so that’s why I need to find an emerald so I can bail.”

“Well, what’s stopping you?” Tails asked.

Sonic walked over to the window pointing outside. “That,” he said.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to see a huge herd of multi-colored equines crowding around the library. Eagerly looking for the strange blue creature to show up again, they were looking through windows hoping to spot him. Immediately, Spike ran back up the stairs to inform everyone that the library just got some unwanted guests.

“Twilight, what are all of these ponies doing here?” Spike asked. “And who’s THAT!?”

“One gone hedgehog!” Sonic answered.

“Wait, don’t leave just yet,” the unicorn insisted. “I’ll take care of the crowd, just leave it to me. Spike, stay here!” As she was galloping downstairs, her assistant stayed behind so that he could converse with the guest. Meanwhile, the studious unicorn rushed over to the entrance. She opened the door to find a sight most unpleasant. At the entrance, two stallions with white coats and royal gold armor stood before the magic-gifted pony. Twilight recognized them immediately as the Princess’s royal guards. If they’re here, then that means the situation was not looking good at all.

“Hello, gentlecolts,” Twilight greeted. “What can I do for you?”

“Afternoon, Ms. Sparkle,” one of them spoke. “We have orders from the Princess to apprehend a-” he stopped for a second to look down at his parchment that he was holding in his hoof, “-’blue fast-running hedgehog and others that look like him.’ Well, that’s what it says, anyway.”

“We know it sounds ridiculous, but these are the Princess’s orders,” the other pony spoke. “Plus, we have leads from these ponies that claim they’ve seen him moving in this area. You haven’t seen anything suspicious, have you?”

“What? No, no, absolutely not. I’ve just been here...um...re-arranging the...books! Yes that’s it, the books! I’ve been here this whole time re-arranging the books, and I’ve in no way seen anyone or anything weird here. Because I’ve been, y’know, reshelving books. Did I mention I was reshelving books?”

“Yes, you did. A lot,” they both spoke. Neither one looked satisfied with the fibbing unicorn’s answer. “Listen, we’ll be patrolling the area in case we see them, so we’ll be around if you do find one of them.” One of the guards leaned in closely so that his eyes met with Twilight’s. “However, if we find out that you’re hiding them from us, we’ll have to take you in as well for aiding a fugitive. And you know Celestia; she doesn’t take too kindly to ponies who disobey her orders.”

“Yeah, better watch out Ms. Sparkle.” the other stallion joked. “You could end up...on the moooooonnnnnn.” At that moment, both guard colts snickered.

“Ha, ha, ha. Ya got me there, good one,” joked Twilight, knowing good and well that her mentor wouldn’t just whisk her away. Then again, she’s never done anything to invoke that notion, and her mentor has the power to do it too. Suddenly, the unicorn fell under a twinge of worry. She’s never done something as serious as hide something from the Princess except for the time she and Fluttershy tried to take care of the Princess’s pet phoenix, Philomena. She let them go easy, but she might not be so nice this time. What would she do if Celestia found out that her star pupil was hiding them? And why was she interested in them in the first place?

Both guards stopped chuckling then turned to the nervous looking pony. “Well, we’ll see you around. And remember...to the mooooooonnnnnn!” Both of them started to trot away giggling while shooing away the pony onlookers from the scene. Twilight closed the door and waited until they were out of earshot before she sighed relief. It wasn’t long before that relief turned to horror when Spike ran down the stairs.

“Twilight! That blue guy, uh what's-his-name, he jumped out the window!” the surprised dragon gasped.

“He WHAT!? Celestia help me, why didn’t you stop him!?” the unicorn asked.

“I didn’t even know he left. I was talking about Rarity and her jewels one second, and the next second, he’s gone! Still, that was cool. He might be faster than Dash. What do you think, Twilight?”

“I think we should stop talking and find him before he’s caught by the guards,” she answered.

“But how? Ponyville isn't that big, but he could be anywhere!”

“I have a hunch. Just tell Tails and Amy to stay inside while we look for Sonic. Equestrian guards are everywhere, and we don’t want to make the situation any worse.”

“Got it!”

With Spike on her back, Twilight galloped out of the Ponyville library’s entrance. True, the town wasn’t large, but there was nowhere he could go without being spotted.

“Where do you think he is?”

“When we were talking, he said something about a ‘Chaos Emerald.’ I don’t know much about gems normal or mythical, but we do know somepony who does!”

“Rarity! Good hunch! He must be at her boutique!”

As they made their way to her shop, a large shriek could be heard from that direction. Both followers recognized the scream coming from their friend. Almost certainly Twilight and Spike feared the worst.

“Did you hear that?” Spike gasped. “She must be in trouble!”

“Spike, calm down. I’m sure she’s fine.” the unicorn assured, but there was doubt in her voice. This stranger may have seemed rude, but it’s not like he would actually hurt somepony. But what if she was wrong? What if Rarity really was in danger? Without giving it a second thought, Twilight and Spike sped their way to Carousel Boutique full gallop.

Chapter 4: Grace and Attitude

Chapter 4: Grace and attitude.

Just minutes before, Sonic zipped past every stable in Ponyville until he reached the Carousel Boutique. He opened the door to find that it was rather extravagant, with all the dresses and suits on display. He looked even further to see tailoring equipment. Whoever this “Rarity” was, he or she must be busy a lot. Whatever, that wasn’t his concern right now. He needed to find an emerald and fast, before everypony and their dog starts looking for him. He looked to his left to find a treasure chest with a jewel insignia on it. The energy that it was giving off was definitely chaos energy. He just needed to open the chest, grab the mystical gem, and finally be free of this place.

“Helloooooo! Welcome to the Carousel Boutique! And just what can I do for you--wahaHAHA!?!?”

The hedgehog was greeted (or rather, gasped at) by yet another pony. This one was different from the ones he just met, for he can tell that she was very fancy. She had a lovely well-kept white coat that housed a deep lavender mane which was dressed up in striking curls, as well as her tail which looked even curlier than her manestyle. This unicorn sported eyelashes and eye shadow in a striking shade of light blue, probably to match her shrunken eyes. Resting on her nose was a pair of red glasses that hung off her at a slight angle. But the biggest thing that he noticed (and was not too happy about), was the look of complete shock that she was giving him. Fearing that this pony would react the same way as the others, he huffed his breath preparing for the worst.

“Oh great. Another one...I mean, sorry to disturb you, but I’m in a bit of an emergency right now,” he said. That didn’t stop the white-coated mare from giving him a look of utter disapproval.

“Oh I can see that. First of all, you look absolutely filthy. Did you happen to roll around in a dirt pile before you came here? You didn’t even have the decency to wipe your shoes off before you just barged in unannounced.”

The high standards unicorn emitted a deep indigo glow from her horn, and with a gesture, she levitated a welcome mat towards the dirty guest. Sonic didn’t realize that he was riddled from head to toe with dirt, but he didn’t appreciate being talked to like he was some kind of animal. Still, he didn’t want to make a scene that could easily give away his location, so he reluctantly agreed as he wiped his shoes on the mat.

“Good,” the fashionista approved. “Now, let’s do something about...” She extended her right hoof gesturing at the hedgehog’s body, which was still quite filthy. “...the rest of that.”

In an instant, she hovered the mat right back out the entrance. She made a gesture with her horn, and this time she brought out a small tub of water with a brush and some shampoo. She placed all items at the hedgehog’s feet, much to his horror. He was hoping that she wasn’t going to do what he thought she was, and sadly he was right; this mare was going to give him a bath.

“Hey wait a minute, what are you going to do with that!?” he cautiously asked.

“What do you think, dear?” she answered. “You look like you could use a refreshing scrub. Now, do be a dear and get in the tub.”

“Yeah...no.” Sonic briskly responded. Too bad the determined unicorn wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Before he could make any sudden moves, he was nullified in mid-movement. Surrounded by the same indigo aura that covered the items, he was turned to face the small pool of water which looked ready to take him in. Wait...she wasn’t thinking of...

“Don’t. You. Dare.” Sonic barked, giving her a look that was a mixture of shock and anger.

The unicorn ignored his plea and proceeded to levitate him up in the air and over the tub. When he was released, Sonic fell straight into the small pool of very warm bubbly water. With a huge splash, the hedgehog was covered in a relaxing dip of scented scrub. As soon as he was in, he jumped out of the tub with a look of pain on his face. Seems that the temperature was too warm for his liking.

“YEEOUCH!” he yelled. “What are you trying to do, cook me!!?”

“Oh please, don’t be such a little filly. It’s not that warm.” she insisted. She immediately levitated him back into the tub.

Sonic realized the situation was useless trying to get out of, as every time he tried to jump out, the mare would just pull him back in the tub. After struggling for a few minutes, and remembering that he needed the Chaos Emerald that was stashed in the chest over there, the disgruntled speedster finally cooperated.

“I did not come here for a bath,” he thought. “Urrgghh...now I’m more than ready to get out of this world. But it looks like I’ll have to bear it if I want to get the emerald. Fine...It’s not like things can get any more ridiculous.”

When the hedgehog finally settled down, the unicorn grabbed a brush and some shampoo from the table and started to work her way on Sonic’s head starting with his quills. While she was doing so, she started to hum a little tune...and then she started singing softly.

“Oh, please tell me she isn’t...”

“Look your best.” A parody of “Art of the dress” by Daniel Ingram.

Rarity: “Brush by brush, we start with the cleaning.

Stroke by stroke, clearing out all the dirt and grime,

Making these quills look nice and fine,

A shade of blue, oh so divine,

And keeping every spine nicely in line.

Lift your arm, if you don’t mind.

I’m prepping my fine guest!”

Sonic: “Oh God she is!”

Rarity: “Now we start with the perfect shampoo.

Why don’t we start with a fragrance nice and bold?”

Sonic: “Eww no way! It smells really old!”

Rarity: “How about this, so nice and merry?”

Sonic: “Do I look like a strawberry?”

Rarity: “At least try to reason fairly.”

Sonic: “Someone get me outta thiiiisss messss....”

Sonic: “Oh great, now I’m singing it too!”

Rarity: “Don’t be jumpy.

It’s not as bad as you may think.”

Sonic: “Then stop trying to dunk me!

I want out of this pickle-HEY THAT TICKLES!”

Rarity: “Towel and comb, time to dry you.

Carefully, we want to make those spines shine like glass,

with sophistication, grace and class!

Make the effect nice and flash!"

Sonic: “After this is over, I’mma dash.”

Rarity: “Opportunity has yet to pass!

I want you to look yourrrr bessstttt!!!”

Rarity: “Stand up straight, nice and tall.

That won’t do, not at all.

Arms fixed down, parallel.

Your look will surely sell.

This is how you look your best!”

Sonic: “Ack!? What did you just put on me!? *sniff* Blueberries!?”

Rarity: “No, dear, blueberry fragrance. To complement your theme.”

Sonic: “Yeah, like that makes it any better!”

Rarity: “Time to bring out your features.

With much polish, we’ll make those shoes stand out so nice.

Do you think this color would suffice?”

Sonic: “I’d rather dunk my head in a spike pit.”

Rarity: “How about some green, will you like it?”

Sonic: “I’m done putting up with this.”

Rarity: “You’ll look dashing I’ll confesssss!”

Sonic: “Here’s a better idea; how about we quit before someone sees me!”

Rarity; “Stop now, darling? Not before I have you try on these wonderful outfits!”

Sonic: “Oh nooo...”

Rarity: “Suit by suit, wear by wear,

I have these great outfits already prepared!”

Sonic: “Seriously, I’m not here for the dress up,

Nor the fruity scents or make-up!

I’m here to get a gem to go,

So please stop this crazy shhhooowww!!!!”

Rarity: “Oh please, take it easy,

every design must stand tall.

So please don’t be too picky.”

Sonic: “And what if I don’t want to?”

Rarity: “I can still force you.”

Rarity: “Now, first we have this piece inspired by the great unicorns of Canterlot’s history. What do you think?”

Sonic: “*Mmmbh, mmmr, mm, mmmth!* (Get it off me! I can’t breath!)”

Rarity: “Ooops. Here, try this; A suit lined with rubies and sapphires! They are the best you know, unlike gold or silver!”

Sonic: “I look like a clown. You got anything less, frilly?”

Rarity: “Less ‘frilly’ dear? What do you mean by that?”

Sonic: “You know, less poofy, more cool.”

Rarity: “Cool? Like this dress?”

Sonic: “No way! At least 20 percent cooler than that!”

Rarity: “Oh dear, not again...Wait! There is something that I was working on that might fit your description.”

Sonic: “Please tell me it isn’t going to be a dress...”

Rarity: “Now, could you just stand still for a second?”

Sonic: “For what!?”

Rarity: “For taking your measurements, of course! Now hold still and stretch your arms a bit.”

Rarity: “I have just the outfit for your pleasure,

This one is my best work in ever,

matching your body type with style,

It’ll sure to bring out a smile.

A nice overcoat in neon blue

with a thunderbolt running on through

from the hood up to the leg down,

The best in the whole town!”

Sonic: “Hey this is...not too bad.

Dare I say, pretty rad.”

Rarity: “Do you really approve?”

Sonic: “You’ve got a nice groove.”

Rarity: “And that’s how you look your best!”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sonic turned to the mirror to admire his new outfit. A coat, bright cobalt, with a streak of gold streaming down from the side. It was flashy, to say the least. Surprising was that, unlike most of the designs featured in her shop, this one looked specifically designed to be worn by someone of Sonic’s body type. As much as it puzzled him, he admired her handiwork. This was pretty cool, even if it was designed by a small white pony.

“Hey, this ain’t half bad, uh...Ms...”

The elegant equine beamed proudly at her customer’s approval. “Rarity, dear. No need to be too formal. And I’m glad you like the outfit darling, but...” she stopped mid sentence, with a look of deep questioning at the hedgehog. “...it’s...missing something. Something that’ll make the outfit just scream ‘Look at me, Equestria! Marvel at my supreme taste in style!’” She spent a few more seconds in thought before she jumped up in excitement.

“IDDDEEEEAAA-A-A-A!!!” she proclaimed, with a grin that spread from ear to ear. “I have just the piece de resistance` that’ll bring out the ‘it’ factor in my design, or as my friend Rainbow Dash puts it: ’The awesomeness!’ Now then, where did I put those goggles?”

She trotted away from the azure speedfreak to look for her item, but her opportunistic attitude soon turned to annoyance, and then to worry. The goggles she needed to finish the outfit were nowhere to be seen, and the more Rarity searched every nook and cranny, the more she began to worry that she would turn up empty hoofed. She began to pace the floor, mumbling to herself as her expression gave way to her worst fears. All the blue hedgehog could do was just look at her dumbfounded. Scratching his ear, he spoke up to see if she was feeling alright.

“Hey, uh...are you okay?” He asked.

Rarity immediately stopped pacing to face Sonic. With her lavender eyes wet with tears, she could only emote an expression of shame, frustration and sorrow.

“No I am not okay! This is just awful, simply awful! No, no worse! A disaster of the highest order! Of all the worst possible things that could happen this is the. worst. Possible. THING!” she cried as she extended her white hoof to her head. “Dear Celestia, of all of the tragedy I endure, why now!? WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME!?”

“Hey, take it easy! It’s just some stupid goggles, I can do without them. No need to raise some drama.” Sonic said, trying to comfort the dramatic unicorn. Poor guy, he’ll soon find out that besides fashion, drama is her specialty.

Rarity raised a questioning brow towards him. “NO no no no no no, this outfit NEEDS those goggles! Without them the entire outfit falls apart. I can’t let anypony see anything less than perfection! Why, that would make me...imperfect! Do you know what that means!? If I present this to anypony, they’ll laugh me out of Equestria! I’ll spend the remainder of my days withering away in some hole in The Everfree Forest! Forever ashamed! Never to show my pitiful face in Ponyville, or Manehatten, or Fillydelphia! It’s all over! All ov-v-v-e-e-e-rrr!!!” Her voice broke to the point where she’s sobbing in tears, eliciting bawws mixed with her usually well-versed speech. Sonic looked down to see her pouting on the floor, unable to do much of anything else. All he could do was scratch his head in confusion and annoyance.

“Great...I just got bathed, played dress-up, and now I have a crying pony on my hands.” he thought. “Further reason for me to get going.”

Looks like he had his chance. While the prissy unicorn was reduced to a puddle of tears, he could make off with the emerald and finally leave this place. Yep, it would be just too easy, but then he paused. Sure he hated being here, and the sooner he’d bail out of here the better, but even still, she was nice enough to make him an outfit, and she did express some admiration at his form. At the very least, she doesn’t deserve to be ditched in the middle of her problem, even though she was blowing it way outta proportion. After contemplating it for awhile, he decided that he should at least help her find it. He started to look around the room, nothing but frilly gem-encrusted dresses and pin-up designs. Finally, he turned to his left to see a large shelf filled with fabric of all colors and textures. At the very top was...well what do ya know? The goggles! Perhaps she couldn’t see them up there because of the obvious height difference, but that still doesn't explain why it was located up there in the first place. With a shrug, Sonic extended his right hand to grab the cool-looking eyewear, and got down to the floor to present the aloof item to the sobbing fashionista.

*sniff* “Leave me be! I don’t deserve to be acknowledged!” She cried. The blue hedgehog just merely rolled his eyes.

“Here you go. I believe you were looking for this?” He asked. Rarity ceased her sob fest to look at what he was offering. Sure enough, these were the goggles she was looking for. Her beautiful sapphire irises expanded quickly, as did her smile. She was too caught up in emotion to speak, as her response was a smoldering hug from the proper pony lady. Sonic, bewildered that while he’s glad that the water works were finally over, the last thing he wanted to be thanked with was a hug. Suddenly, the speedy blue escapee could feel his manliness slowly fading away...

Both parties were startled when the outsides of the entrance were bucked in. Twilight had just entered the area with Spike en mount, none too happy to see his crush draping her arms around some stranger.

“Hey, back up buddy! Lay a single finger on her, and it’ll be the last thing you touch!” Spike growled, emerald fire spewing from his nostrils with every word spoken. He’d probably charge at the hedgehog had Twilight not held him back.

“Uh...this isn’t what it looks like! Really!” Sonic piped up, His words only made Spike that much madder, and Twilight much more concerned for her friend’s well being.

Rarity looked up in the midst of all of the commotion, immediately withdrawing her hooves from around the hedgehog’s shoulders. Within seconds she stopped to regain her composure, clearing her throat and matting her hair to make sure no curl was thrown out of place.

“Twilight, Spike, just what on earth are you doing?” She asked.

The lavender unicorn said nothing, instead she ran in-between the two, separating them from each other. Twilight took a defensive stance with her horn pointed at Sonic, who looked even more confused than before.

“Stand back, Rarity! He’s not going to harm you any longer!”

“Um...Twilight dear, he didn’t hurt me in any way. Why, I was in the middle of thanking him. He was such a gentleman, helping me with this outfit I was preparing.”

“Wait, so if he wasn’t doing anything to you, then why were you screaming?”

“Because I was so distraught about not being able to finish my design...until he handed me the goggles I needed to complete my newest piece. Oh, he’s been nothing but a big help to me, I simply had to thank him...*ahem* though maybe I was a bit too...affectious.”

“Ohhhhh...” both Twilight and Spike acknowledged.

With the situation now cleared, both pursuers breathed a sigh of relief. Twilight then motioned to Sonic that they needed to go back out before anyone could catch them. The hedgehog was just about to exit the boutique, when he remembered the reason that he came here. He turned back to Rarity, estatic that her outfit could be completed now.

“Is there anything at all I can do for you, darling?” she asked.

“Yeah. I’m looking for a blue gemstone shaped like a diamond. Do you have it?” Sonic questioned.

She just stood there for a second before turning to the chest that contained all of her gems she mined herself. Opening the case with her magic, she pulled out a sapphire Chaos Emerald, the same one Sonic sensed. “Hmmm...blue gem? You mean this?”

“Yeah! That’s it! Look, I hate to ask, but I sorta...need that thing right now-”

Before he could finish, she levitated the radiant gemstone into his hands. “Here you go darling. I saw it on my way back from the caves where I dig up my jewels. Why, I’ve never seen something so beautiful, so radiant! I was going to use it in another dress I was going to make. But, if you need it that badly, then I suppose parting it won’t hurt. Especially since you’ve been just a delight to have around...unlike that other one. Ooh, he was so rude...”

Before Sonic got to ask who this “other one” was, he was escorted out of the entrance by his two pursuers. As he reluctantly started to walk away, Rarity waved the trio off wishing them a nice trot back.

“Buh-bye! If there’s anything else you need, don’t be afraid to come back dear!” she proclaimed.

Sonic was too busy admiring his catch to utter a reply. He finally found a Chaos Emerald, and he was going to waste no more time in using it. Too bad Twilight and her assistant were going to scold him to Tartarus and back. (Well just Twilight. Spike was too busy eyeing the Emerald like it was a fresh piece of candy.) Before the hedgehog could walk another step, he was trapped in very bright purple aura. The unicorn used her magic to fling him behind the Boutique, away from anypony that could’ve seen them. His blueberry-scented head met the back of the wall hard. Needless to say, he was getting annoyed of being tossed like a ragdoll.

“Hey, watch it!” he yelled. “Geez, what is with you unicorns!? Do you guys always throw ponies around or what!?”

“What is your problem!?” Twilight yelled. “Every pony in Ponyville is out looking for you, and you decide to run in the open where you could get easily caught! *sniff* And why do you smell like blueberries?”

“Why do you care?” he retorted, moving his emerald before Spike could bite the gem in one gulp. “Or, is it that if I’m busted, then they’ll find everyone else, and you’ll be trouble too, huh? Heh heh, looks like you’ve got a problem here.”

“Um, hello. I’m not the only one in this mess, remember!? If they find you, you’ll never escape. Bet that changes your tune, doesn’t it?” Twilight fired back.

“Hah, you wish! Like I’m supposed to be scared of some ponies that are trying to catch me. I’m the fastest thing alive! They’ll be eating dust before they can even see me. Besides, it’s not like I’m wasting another second here.” He stopped in the middle of his speech to show off the gem he had been holding this entire time.

“Oooohhh” Spike spoke, his eyes fixated on Sonic’s emerald. “You gonna eat that?”

“What? No! You can’t eat this! This is my ticket outta here.”

“Wait, you’re leaving? What about your friends? Are you going to leave them behind?”

“First of all,” he started. “they are not my friends. Second....yeah.”

“That’s so mean. How can you do this to them?” the unicorn asked.

“Like this.”

With that said, he backed a few feet away from the pony and her assistant with the Chaos Emerald extended in his hand, reaching for the sky.

“Goodbye. Tell Tails and Amy that I hope they enjoy their stay...NOT! Chaos...CONTROL!”

After Sonic said the incantation, the gem started to flicker in a bright blue light. Then an explosion of radiant cobalt glow bathed the area around it. But, as soon as the flash was made, it quickly disappeared into nothing, and Sonic was just standing there. His confident smirk soon turned into a look of dumbfoundedness.

“What the-” he paused. Shaking the jewel in his hand, he tried again to warp, but nothing. The same result over and over again happened. The Chaos Emerald would flash, and nothing else. This was a bad sign, it seems that the emerald’s power had no effect in this world, much to Sonic’s horror.

“No...NO WAY!” He yelled. “This...this can’t be happening! Why am I not gone yet???”

Twilight, looking just as confused as her assistant, chimed in. “Looks like that emerald ran out of power. I guess you’ll be here for a while longer.”

“Great. Juuuussstttt great.” the blue hedgehog groaned. “I’m stuck in this stupid world with all of these crazy ponies-no offense-, and the Chaos Emerald isn’t working! Things cannot get any worse-”

As if suddenly, a large kaboom echoed through the middle of Ponyville followed by the sounds of screaming and destruction. From the distance, a huge smoke cloud be seen east of where the trio was standing, but it was another sight that caught Sonic’s eye. A metallic shape was seen through the smoke, and with another motion it took, a huge, dull boom followed. This appearance couldn’t be coincidence, but when the figure emitted a haunting laughter, it only reaffirmed his fear.

“Oh no...” he bemoaned. “He’s here.”

Chapter 5: Ruptured peace

Chapter 5: Raptured peace.

“Who’s here!? What are you talking about?” Twilight asked, but before she could get an answer, she noticed something that made her blood run cold with shock. The direction of the wreckage was coming from none other than her place...and Tails and Amy were still inside!

“Twilight! It’s coming from the library! Whatever’s attacking the town, it’s coming from there!” Spike yelled.

“Alright Spike, send a letter to the Princess requesting immediate help from the royal guard. I’ll go into town to make sure that everypony isn’t hurt. Sonic, you stay here with Spike. I don’t know what's causing all of this, but it looks dangerous. It’s best if you sit this one---Where did he go now!?”

Just before the unicorn could finish her orders, a blue blur leaving behind a trail of debris and dust could be seen from the direction of the mayhem. Sonic blasted off to confront this threat, for he knew who was behind all of this, but why was he here of all places? There was no time to think, as with each passing second, more and more destruction of the library could be seen. Sonic zig-zagged his way through several equine onlookers, most of which were frozen in fear looking at the mechanical monster that was terrorizing the town. He arrived in record time, looking up at a large, snake like contraption with laser lenses tearing through the streets. In the cockpit sat the figure of a bald head with high tech goggles sitting on top of his head. Further down, a wicked amber moustache could be seen concealing a devilish smirk the man so gleefully displayed in his quest to tear everything asunder. He was going to smash his way through the bookkeep if he wasn’t stopped in time, and Sonic did just that when he threw a rock at the cockpit window.

“What the-who did that!?” the man exclaimed. “How dare you! Do you know how long it took me to repair this windshield!? I’ll get you, you little-”

He turned around to spot his assailant when his gaze fixated on the lone hedgehog, sporting a cocky smirk as he stood there, wagging his finger in a teasing motion. The crazed pilot’s grin widened even larger, as he opened the windshield and ejected his floating mobile from the machine. Staring down at the blue menace, he promptly expressed his plan to do away with him and others around him.

[Event: It’s Eggman!]

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Sonic!” He exclaimed, with a hint of disgust in his tone.

Suddenly, the pink pony from before appeared out from the crowd giggling at the mere sight of the moustached man. Both he and the assailant was caught off guard at the sight of her, who appeared as if outta nowhere.

“Hey look everypony! It’s a giant talking egg! Hehehehe!!” Pinkie giggled.

“Silence!” He commanded. “I am Dr. Robotnik, the greatest scientific genius in the universe! You will address me as such!”

“Okie dokie lokie...*giggle* Eggman! HeheheHAHAHA! Eggman! Get it? Hahahah!!!” she continued. Others started to join in on the laughter, and even Sonic uttered a snicker out of it. The crowd was silenced immediately when Eggman shot a missile just barely missing Sonic in the ground.

“Anyone else would like to laugh? No? Good,” he said as he shot a petrifying glare at the audience. “Now then, where was I? Ah, yes. Sonic.” He then fixated his glare at the hedgehog, still reeling from barely missing a missile to the face. “It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Though I was hoping never to see you again, less so here of all places.”

“I can say the same for you!” he retorted. “Just what do you think you’re doing here?”

“Putting my latest plan for world domination into action! Within this very library lies a tome that holds the key to a being so powerful, no creature magical or not could stop it! And I intend to use this beast in dominating, not the world, but the universe! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a book to check out.”

“Oh no you don’t!” Sonic exclaimed as he leapt through the crowd. With a blink of an eye, he rose 10 feet off of the ground. At the peak of his leap, he curled himself into a spiky ball of destruction buzzsawing his way in Eggman’s direction. But before he could land a clean hit, the machine rose to intercept his attack. With a swift flick from its spiny tail, the machine swatted Sonic away like a fly. He hit the dirt hard, sliding just a few feet from where he was struck. He rose up, and shook the dirt out of his ear, then he turned to face Eggman, now in the safety of his machine, who was locked on to the hedgehog’s position.

“Ah ah ah,” The mustachioed madman teased. “Don’t make any sudden moves, or my Egg Viper MK-III will crush you like the bug that you are. I’ve made some heavy modifications to it since our last encounter. It’s invincible, with no weaknesses whatsoever! Perfectly designed to squash pesky hedgehogs and their friends!”

Sonic brushed off the remaining debris from his head, now sporting a look of determination in his eye. He got back into position, ready to lay another strike on the mechanical menace.

“You just don’t learn do you, you nasty little pincushion?” he said with a sneer. “Well then, if I can’t convince you, then perhaps these brats will!”

Eggman pushed a button to reveal a glass container in one section of the Egg Viper’s tail. With a virrrr, the glass revealed itself to hold a scared Tails, Amy, and Cream inside, pounding away desperately trying to escape! Sonic clenched his teeth much to Eggman’s satisfaction, as he knew that as long as he had these hostages on his side, the daredevil hedgehog wouldn’t dare attack him.

“Ho ho ho! How do you like my display case, Sonic? It holds everything; trophies, rings, and scared hostages! HAHAHAHA!”

“Eggman!” Sonic yelled. “Let. Them. Go. NOW!”

“Ha! What’s the matter? Cold feet now that I have your friends in my possession?”

He paused, then with a smirk he responded. “They’re not my friends. Not anymore.” His expression then changed into one of dead seriousness. “But friends or not, I’m not going to let you get away with putting lives in danger! Bring it on, Eggman!”

BOSS: EGG VIPER MK-III /------------------------------------------------------------------------

HP:[==========]

Sonic leapt into the air again, changing tactics. He was going to take on the joints of the Egg Viper, knowing that if he cut them, Eggman would be defenseless and everyone else would be safe. With breakneck speed and pinpoint accuracy, he sliced through the first joint, cutting off the tail from the machine. One down!

HP:[======== ]

Eggman: “Gaaahh! How did you-Grrr, I’ll make you pay for this!”

With a push of a button, two hidden compartments on the Viper opened up, revealing a row of rockets, locked on to Sonic’s position. Dodging one was tricky enough, but now there were a lot more heading his way.

Eggman: “Get a load of this!”

One after another, each rocket chased Sonic tailing his position. He sidestepped the first one, then ducked to avoid the second. Two were closing in on both his blind sides. He leaped just in time to cause the two rockets to crash into each other. But he wasn’t able to dodge the one homing in on landing. The missile exploded right into Sonic’s face. The impact caused him to fly far into the crowd of ponies who were keeping a safe distance, knocking them over. The sting was intense, but he still managed to stand, and he was able to move a few inches away from the explosion. But his left arm caught the most of it, as Sonic was holding on to it hoping to ease the pain.

Eggman: “Oh, ho ho ho! Looks like the fastest thing alive has gotten a little slow! Tell you what? Cease this and I might spare you your life!”

Sonic: “Stop now? Are you kidding!? I missed this! You don’t know how much fun I’m having!”

Quick as a flash, he weaved his way through the other remaining rockets. Leaping into the air and curling up in a spiky ball of doom, he blew into the next joint snapping it from its chain. The next segment came crashing down on the ground, nearly crushing a few equines in the process.

HP:[======= ]

Eggman: “Not bad, Sonic! But see if you can dodge THIS!”

Another compartment opened up, this time revealing the laser cannons concealed from view. With a quick gesture, the hot beams blared into Sonic’s location. He managed to dodge one by jumping, giving him enough time to do an acrobatic flip off of the ground avoiding another. The trailing beam cut through a nearby house in the area. The balcony snapped and soon two multi colored unicorns fell through. Sonic made a quick turn into the falling ponies’ direction, but he was immediately stopped when a laser cut right into his path.

Eggman: “Just where do you think you’re going, eh? Trying to save them? I’d be more worried about myself if I were you!”

Another wave of incoming rockets shot out of the Viper’s secret compartment. Sonic quickly disappeared in a flash, causing a few of the missiles to go off in other directions.

Eggman: “What the-pesky hedgehog! Where’d you go now!?”

As if on cue Sonic appeared on the nose of the Viper. Then he turned around, bent over, and spanked his butt at Robotnik while sticking out his tongue. This drove the mad doctor even madder.

Eggman: “Why you little! I’ll grind your bones into dust!”

The poor Doc didn’t see the fleet of missiles still tracking Sonic’ position. He quickly flipped off of the nose just in time for the remaining ones to crash into the cockpit. The resulting explosion and shockwave scrambled his controls, momentarily stunning the machine, giving Sonic enough time to take out another two segments.

HP:[== ]

Eggman: “This is the last straw, Sonic! I won’t be defeated! Now it’s time get serious!”

Thinking quickly, the doctor hatched a nasty tactic to distract the hedgehog. A little filly pegasus stood too close on the battleground, and he was in range for Eggman to shoot a missile at the hapless youngling. Sonic caught the mad doc’s gaze and immediately rushed in to intercept the incoming missile from tearing the filly a new one. He appeared right in front of the onlooker, and within seconds, he shoved the young pegasus out of the way just as the missile came crashing down on its target. The explosion seared Sonic’s back as he was sent flying into a side of another house, face colliding into wall. He landed with a thud, moving slowly off of the ground to rise again, but the pain was much too strong since he took it directly in his blind area. Robotnik saw this and laughed maniacally as his dirty handed trick worked. Sonic was at his mercy.

Eggman: “That’s right hedgehog, don’t move. I’ll end you right here and now!”

The last of the rockets he shot out blasted ever so fast into Sonic’s general direction. He started to move, but the pain kept him from advancing any more inches before the rockets enclosed on his location. The only thing he could do was to close his eyes and wait for the inevitable.

Twilight: “Don’t give up! C’mon, Sonic!”

Immediately, the missiles stopped in their pursuit. A shiny purple aura covered the rockets nullifying their momentum. Sonic looked up to see Twilight, very unhappy, standing between him and certain doom, horn aglow with the same violet aura surrounding the missiles. Then with a gesture, she turned them around, and shot them back at the machine. Eggman reacted quickly by cutting them with the lasers before they could get into range. Bewildered, Eggman popped the hatch again to chew out his intruder.

Eggman: “You, purple equine! Stay out the way, before I roast you too!”

Twilight: “No I won’t!”

Eggman: “A foolish choice, you stupid horse. Those who dare stand in my way will be destroyed. Now, be a good little horsy and back off!”

Twilight: “First of all, I’m not a horse, I’m a pony. A unicorn to be exact. A very powerful unicorn who has defeated more powerful enemies with the help of my friends. Second, you terrorized Ponyville, attempted to harm innocent bystanders, and caused widespread destruction on our peaceful town. But the biggest mistake you made was destroying MY library. Now, I’m going to show you why getting a unicorn angry is a very bad idea!”

Eggman: “Ha! How bold. That’s very brave talk coming from such a small hor-oops, pony!”

Twilight: “Who said I was alone?” *Gasp* “NOW, RAINBOW!”

The area stood silent for a second. Not one person or pony made a slight move. Eggman looked up to see what looked like a blur enshrouded in a velocity cone inching faster and faster towards the area. The speck began vibrating faster and faster as if it was a bullet or a homing rocket.

Suddenly, BANG! A huge circular rainbow appeared like a flash, jetting whatever was rocketing its way to the Viper with breakneck speed. Eggman feared it was an incoming nuke of some sort so he tried to use evasive action to avoid it, but much to his displeasure, he was locked in position. Twilight’s magic held him in place, and although she was struggling, she held him in enough time for the incoming projectile to dart its way through the remaining link, freeing the hostages and shattering the Viper MK-III in pieces.

HP:[ ]

Sonic: “Woah! What was that!?”

Twilight: “That was Rainbow Dash, and her Sonic Rainboom! Go Rainbow!”

As quickly as the blur came, it shot up into the sky, leaving a rainbow trail in its wake. Suddenly, the mare went into a spectacular dive zeroing in on its target. With a screeching whistle sound, the blitzing pony slammed into the remaining head of the Viper, blowing it to smithereens with an explosion. Eggman ejected himself before he was crushed, but the shockwave shot him into the sky past a few pegasi. When the dust cleared, standing over the wreckage was a sky blue Pegasus mare with a rainbow mane furiously shaking her head free of remaining debris.

RD: “That takes care of that! You okay, Twilight?”

Twilight: “Now that you’re here. Thanks alot.”

Immediately after she said that, Rainbow Dash fixed her attention to the floating man in the sky dazed out of his mind wondering just what had happened. The look on her face was so cold it froze Robotnik when he came to.

RD: “I’m gonna send whatever that thing is flying outta here! I’ll show it what happens when it tries to mess with Ponyville and my friends!”

But before Dash could make due on her promise, Twilight held her tail by her magic before she could fly off.

Twilight: “Woah! Hold on, Rainbow Dash! Don’t worry, Celestia’s Guards are here! Look!”

Twilight pointed her purple hoof towards the sky where the doctor was sitting in his Egg Mobile, when a squadron of pegasi in royal armor surrounded Eggman on all sides. Eggman knew he was beaten, so he held up his hands in surrender.

Sonic: “Eggman’s finished!”

Boss CLEAR!/

RANK: C /

Sonic: “Huh? No problem.”

Chapter 6: No calm after the storm

Chapter 6: No calm after the storm.

Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked in confusion. “Uhhh...what was that?” The Pegasus asked.

“Y’know, ” Sonic answered. “I never figured it out myself.”

“That was a grade on your performance, silly!” Pinkie Pie butted in, again appearing out of nowhere with minimal explanation how she got next to them or where she’s been this whole time. “It’s a rank telling you if you did a good job or if you blew it. You got a C, which means that you were okayyyyyy, but you really need to step it up a bit more. Just saying.”

“Wait a minute!” Sonic exclaimed. “How do you know all of this!?”

The motormouth pony stopped to think, tapping her hoof on her chin while doing so. Finally she shrugged. “I dunno. I just notice these things. Weird huh?” And with a nod, she sprang up and trotted out of the area.

“Ummm...” Sonic turned to the other mares pointing at Pinkie’s direction. “Is she always like that?”

“Yep, that’s Pinkie alright.” Twilight said in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone. “Some things just can’t be explained with that pony. It’s better to say that that’s Pinkie...being Pinkie.”

“Ah.” Sonic nodded. “Gotcha.”

“Anyway,” Twilight said, bringing their attention to the surrounded Eggman. “Looks like that crazy person is now under the hoof of the Royal Guards.”

Ms. Sparkle spoke too soon, because Eggman, slick as he is, deployed a flash of highly-blinding light obscuring the guards’ eyesight. Without any good eyesight, most of the pegasi were stunned and started to fall below. Within minutes, the sky was filled with raining guards, as the mad doctor uttered another laugh standing tall in his mobile.

“You fools actually thought you could capture me? How cute!” He boasted. “You may have halted my progress in obtaining the tome, but mark my words, my little ponies. Before this is over, this land will be at my mercy. But for now, I bid farewell. My ride is here.”

[Event: The Egg Skylord rises]

Eggman threw up his hand, when all of a sudden, winds started to sweep the remains of the battlefield, follow closely by a flock of birds flying by. Suddenly, the sky grew dark, as a humongous steel cloud appeared behind Eggman. It was so massive it blocked out the sun, shading each four (and two) legged patron in the area. It looked like a crimson bird, with a wingspan that simply dwarfed everything in its shade. The huge ship suddenly stopped just over the doctor. Then, a hole opened above him, shooting down a green light that tracked the doctor and his mobile in.

“Feast your eyes on my ultimate flying fortress, ponies!” He exclaimed. “This is the symbol of the great Robotnik empire yet to come! You are all powerless to stop this magnificent aircraft! I give you; the Egg Skylord!”

With a chilling laugh, he entered the humongous airship as it slowly departed its way into the direction of the Everfree Forest. When the sun shone again on the citizens on Ponyville, they all looked a bit worried, but thankful all the same now that the madness was over.

“What are you guys waiting for!?” Rainbow Dash barked. “I’m not going to stay here while that freak flies away! I say we get him!”

“Don’t try it.” Sonic said, finally regaining his strength again after spending all of his time kneeling. “He’s too powerful. You might as well be flying in with a target on your head.”

“Puh-leaze! Did you see me!? I turned his stupid toy into scrap! There’s no way he can handle me!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Sonic’s right, Dash.” Twilight answered. “He’s in the Everfree Forest now. It’ll take forever to find him. Besides, let’s see if the others are fine first.”

The purple unicorn trotted off to aid Tails, Amy, and Cream, relieved that they were free as well. Sonic stood behind so he could talk with Dash some more. Soon, the other three joined the hedgehog and the pony, all looking fine without a single scratch.

“Woah! Thanks for your help!” Tails exclaimed. “Man you were pretty cool *ahem* unlike someone else here.”

“I heard that, Mr. Ungrateful.” Sonic retorted. “Yeah, not like I didn’t even try to save your sorry butts while my quills were getting blown off, but you’re welcome.”

“Tails,” Amy, arms folded with her nose turned upwards, away from him. “Tell Sonic, ‘Thanks for the ’rescue,’ but this doesn’t change anything between us.’”

*sigh* “Sonic, Amy said...”

“I. Get. It. Thank you. ” he growled. “Fine by me anyway. We’re still not talking to each other. Got it?”

“Fine!” the fox boy huffed.

“Tails, tell Sonic I said, ‘Whatever.’” Amy agreed.

“Woah, what’s with the cold looks? Did something happen between you guys?” Rainbow piped up.

Sonic looked at her, then he turned his head to his former bro Tails and his ex-friend Amy. Hard to believe that after so long, after everything that they all have been through, their bond was broken by a silly fight. Even Cream (who was too fixated on every pony that was there) didn’t even acknowledge his presence. Seeing Rainbow Dash and Twilight work together softened his heart a bit, but he was not without malice towards all of his “friends.” Still, deep down, he felt a bit sorry for what happened and hoped that everyone would come around again.

Sonic and the others were so deep into conversation that they didn’t notice six Royal Guards circling them until one of them (one of the guards that visited Twilight hours before) told everyone and everypony to freeze. Everyone was caught up in the excitement of everything that they seemed to have forgotten that Sonic and the others were wanted. Thankfully, Spike came running towards everyone with a peculiar parchment in his clawed dragon hand. He extended it to the guard calling for an arrest. The seal on it was the official one used by the princess herself, and he was careful to read over every detail.

“To the Royal Guard, I hereby call off the capture of the blue hedgehog and his friends. Instead escort them to Sugarcube Corner where I will meet with them myself. Your humble ruler, Princess Celestia!”

Following orders, the stallions clad in gold armor escorted the crew into the local bakery, Sugarcube Corner. As they were walking, their minds were racing as fast as their hearts. What did the princess want with them? Will she be nice? What will she do to them because of all of this? With each step the group took, they began to see just how much collateral damage Dr. Robotnik’s attack on the town made. This was not settling well for everyone in the party.

Finally, they arrived at the entrance. Everyone but the ponies just stopped to take in how....sugary it looked, to say the least. There was a gingerbread roof with a section on top that looked like a giant cupcake with birthday candles sticking out of them. Tails and Cream didn’t know whether to enter the place, or to eat it. If the situation wasn’t so serious, this unusual sight would’ve been amusing. But, as the guards herded them through its doors, the group was reminded that this was no laughing matter. When they entered the bakery, each heart stopped. Nobody decided to move an inch, and the fact that it was dark just made it even more nerve-wracking. What if they were going to be ambushed, or worse? Everyone started to frantically look around, preparing themselves for any unseen attacks that could be coming their way.

“SURPRISE!”

The gang shrieked as a large group of ponies chimed in to surprise the unsuspecting visitors. There were balloons and pastries of all kinds behind them, as well as a punch bowl. This wasn’t what they were expecting at all. Why would there be a party now of all times? The ringleader behind it all was the one and only Pinkie, giggling all the way on the floor.

“Wow, you should see the looks on your faces! You were all like *GAASSPPP!* And your eyes were like so huge! Hehe, anyway, enjoy the party. We have cake, punch, cupcakes, more cake, balloons and other sweets!”

Everyone just looked in awe and confusion before Sonic spoke up. “Wait, why are you throwing us a party? We barely even got here!”

“It’s a welcoming party! No, a thanks-for-saving-the-town party!” she exclaimed. “Oooh, I know, it’s a ‘Welcome-and-thanks-for-saving-the-town’ party! In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever threw one for this! It was just going to be a regular welcoming one after I met you. But, when you and Rainbow Dash beat that mean Eggy guy, I just had to make this one super-special. So, I got a lot of Ponyville citizens, and made this super-special-party just for you guys!”

“But, why?” Sonic questioned. “I mean, don’t get me wrong; I like a good celebration, but I hardly know you.”

“Because,” Pinkie answered. “I like to throw parties, especially for somepony new! I told you; I’m Equestria’s numero-uno party mare. Well, gotta go! Running low on cupcakes! Enjoy the party!”

Pinkie trotted off attending to the cupcakes while Twilight, Dash, and Spike settled into the celebration. Seeing the festivities made Sonic remember something. This would be best for Cream, since she did have her birthday crashed by him. He turned to the little rabbit who was chewing on a pink frosting cupcake, grinning from ear to ear. At least she was enjoying herself. If there was someone he needed to make amends with, it would be her.

“Cream,” he started. “I’m sorry for what happened at your birthday party. I guess I was really bugging out too much that I forgot that it was supposed to be your special day. Can you forgive me?”

The young rabbit stopped what she was doing before she nodded her head in agreeance. “It’s alright, Mr. Sonic. I forgive you. Thank you for coming to our rescue. Cheese is thankful as well. ”

“Hey, no problem.” Sonic answered, glad to see her smiling face again. Now if he could just get his other friends to forgive him so easily.

“Here she comes! Here comes the princess!”

Everypony stopped what they were doing and turned to see a ball of radiant light make its way through the windows of the bakery. The luminescent light flashed revealing a figure of great importance rise from the shine. Her coat was white with a mane as mesmerizing as the sun itself. She had wings of a pegasus, and a horn longer than a unicorn’s. Adorned on her head was a crown made of gold, giving her an appearance of divinity. Everypony bowed down to the royal figure. Even Tails, Amy and Cream came to a stop and bowed their heads in respect.

“Greetings, my loyal subjects. And greetings to you, the one whose bravery helped save many lives. I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria. And on behalf of Ponyville, we thank you.”

Immediately, each pony in attendance gave a rousing cheer, congratulating the heroes Sonic and Rainbow Dash. As the crowd stamped their hooves in applause, Twilight approached the princess who gave a slight muzzle to greet her star pupil.

“My faithful student. I must also congratulate you and Rainbow Dash on your bravery. Without your help, your friend here might’ve been in trouble.”

“Thank you, Princess! But, I would like to say a report that I have dedicated to my new friends.”

“I would be honored to hear it.” she said.

“Today I learned that when it comes to friendship, looks can often be deceiving. Sometimes the person you may think is rough around the edges, he or she can show a side of themselves that you never knew that they had. When I first saw Sonic, I didn’t think he had a good heart, but the more I got to know him, the more I found out that he’s very caring. It’s easy to judge someone or something based on the outside, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters.”

“Very good Twilight. Day by day, I see your studies of friendship grow more and more diligent with each lesson. Well done.”

“Thank you very much, Princess!” she exclaimed.

“Twilight, why don’t you go get some cake for us? I would like to speak with Mr. Sonic and his friends alone.”

The unicorn gladly got up and walked away from the group as her princess ordered. Sonic watched her trot off before he spoke up to Celestia.

“So Princess, that’s one nice student you have there. She really helped me out back there, and if it weren’t for her and her friend, I would’ve been toast.”

But the royal figure ignored him, as she was waiting for her pupil to be out of earshot before she could speak. When she was certain that Twilight was out of range, she turned to the group displaying a look of seriousness that changed the mood for everyone that saw her. She leaned in closer so that Sonic and the others could hear her message, one that chilled their hearts just by her voice alone.

“You shouldn’t be here.” she harshly spoke. “You all were never supposed to enter our world. Your presence means that destruction will soon follow, and as ruler, I cannot let this happen to my ponies and my land. Now that there is a danger that threatens the piece of Ponyville, I can't just allow you to leave until he has been defeated. I must allow you to stay until my subjects and the land that they live in is safe. But know this: I am keeping you all on a very short leash.”

The sudden air of hostility changed the hedgehog’s mood. Only he had the nerve to answer back as the others watched in slight uneasiness. “What’s with the cold reception all of a sudden?” he asked.

The Princess glared at Sonic even harder, as if she wanted to break him with her gaze. “Watch your tongue. You should know better when addressing me.”

A smirk broke through the speedster’s face. She wasn’t going to intimidate him. He has stood up to more monstrous threats. This “princess” isn’t moving him in the slightest.

“Sorry ‘Your Highness.’ I guess I don’t answer too well to authority.” he sneered. “Especially ones that don’t know how to say “thanks for saving the town.””

Tails extended his hand on Sonic’s shoulder to warn him not to provoke her majesty further. From the way she was confronting the group, she really didn’t like their presence around her.

“Sonic....chill out.” he insisted. The hedgehog shrugged it off without any attention given to the worried fox.

“It would do you well to listen to him,” Celestia spoke. “You have no idea what you’re getting into. If my guards had caught you, you’d be banished back to the unruly world from where you came. But now that the madman is loose in the Everfree Forest, and the Chaos Emeralds are here as well, this situation is out of my hooves.”

“Wait a minute!” Tails exclaimed. “How do you know about the Chaos Emeralds!?”

The regal figure bit her lower lip in shock. She spoke too much, and it was in earshot of Sonic and the others. She withdrew from them, facing away to the exit of the bakery, all while muttering to herself on how careless she had been. Sonic wasn’t going to let this princess leave without answering a few questions. He circled around Celestia quick as a flash. Before the ruler could react, now she was standing face to face with the azure speedster.

“Looks like someone has some explaining to do,” the hedgehog sneered. “How do know about the emeralds? How do you know about us? What else are you hiding?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she denied. “Let me make one thing clear: I don’t trust you or your friends. Once that madman has been defeated, I don’t want to see you or them in my land ever again. Also, this conversation only happened between us. Not a single word to Twilight or her friends. Do I make myself clear?”

The gang said nothing, as they were completely shocked at the sudden sharp behaviour turn the Princess expressed, so they replied with a nod. Now that they understood each other, Celestia bid her subjects farewell before returning back to Canterlot in a brilliant flash of light. Twilight soon trotted back with slices of cake in tow to find her teacher gone, much to her disappointment.

“Oh, did she leave already? Oh well, I guess she’s very busy,” she said. “So Sonic, what did you think of her? Isn’t she the most magnificent pony ever?”

“She’s...something.” he answered.

“Don’t worry, she may come off all regal, but she’s really nice. I’m sure she’ll come around to you all eventually.”

“You and I both.”

“So, still thinking about leaving?”

The question rung out in the speedster’s mind like a bell. How could he now? The Chaos Emeralds were here and he needed to get them before they fell into the wrong hands (or hooves), Eggman somehow made it here, and that was never good news. And to make matters even more complicated, the Princess’ hostility means that she’s keeping something from them. What else did she know about them and the Chaos Emeralds? The more he thought about it, the more he was getting intrigued in this situation he and the others were in. Perhaps this world of colorful ponies wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

“Heh, I think I might stay awhile, Twilight.” he said. “Something tells me the fun is only just beginning!”

Next Episode: Race.

Special Thanks:
Hasbro, Studio B, SEGA and Sonic Team for coming up with two awesome series that I was crazy enough to try and mash together.

The super-chill bronies at the Gamefaq’s My Little Pony thread. Thanks for putting up with my obnoxiousness.

One of the members (he chose to be anonymous), who helped me edit this into something a little more readable.

All other MLP crossover authors, giving me the inspiration to actually do this.

My old-as-buck computer, when it wasn’t going all derp on me. :P

Twilight Snarkle, author of Order from Chaos. Proving that Sonic and MLP can actually work together.

And of course: YOU! Thanks for giving this fic a chance!