Power Ponies: Origins

by Epicdiscord214

Rating: everyone
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Nightmare Moon, Starlight Glimmer, Mane-iac, Sunset Shimmer, Adventure, Alternate Universe
Length: 21963

What happened before Anar D, Arcanus, and Grogar? Read for yourself.

This story takes place two years before Power Ponies: Harmony Forever.

Back in the day, superheroes were celebrated by some. The others support the Super Purification Act. That's part of the reason superheroes conceal their identities, especially Twilight Sparkle a.k.a. the Masked Matterhorn. But when an old secret of Princess Celestia comes to light, Twilight must team up with other heroes to fight two threats. One full of darkness and the other full of insanity.

Published 2015-08-21 00:00:05 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-05 15:15:16 UTC

How It All Started

Do you remember the story of six super-ponies who, through a series of circumstances, worked with the inhabitants of two other worlds to vanquish a great evil and create the magic of friendship? Well, what you don't know is how it all started. Everything has a starting point and every team has a reason of banding together. It's all explained in the following prequel.

"From the might of the will

And the strength of the heart

This act of goodness in the thrill

Is one that cannot depart

With power comes responsibilities

See to the innocent's desperate needs

Answer to the citizens' pleas

The right cannot slip

Armed with the power of friendship

Hup, ho

Watch your step. Let it go

Hup, ho

Watch your step. Let it go

Honest. Generous. Kind. Loyal

Light your way through any turmoil

Farther than us. Farther than a star

FARTHER THAN THE FARTHEST FAR

HA

FROM THE MIGHT OF THE WILL

AND THE STRENGTH OF THE HEART

THIS ACT OF GOODNESS IN THE THRILL

IS ONE THAT CANNOT DEPART

WITH POWER COMES RESPONSIBILITIES

SEE TO THE INNOCENT'S DESPERATE NEEDS

WE ALL HAVE LINKED DESTINIES

SEE THIS FLASHBACK CLIP

See the power of friendshiiiiiiiiiiiiiip"

The bank alarmed sounded in the shine of Luna's moon. Two masked Earth ponies ran out the back door of the bank and into a dark alley. They chuckled while they carried the heavy sacks of money on their backs. As soon as they rested, they opened their bags and stared in awe of the green inside.

"Oh, Brimstone, we hit the big time tonight." one robber said.

"You got that right, Payday." Brimstone agreed with his partner. "Say, are you sure it's all right to rest right now."

"Dude, relax." Payday said. "The police won't ever look three blocks away. They'll be too busy looking for evidence back at the bank. By the time they're done, we'll be at out hideout planning a trip to Bray-zil."

"It's not just them that I'm worried about." Brimstone said. "It's the supers."

"You mean those costumed freaks?" Payday asked. "They already have enough on their hooves with that Super Purification Act. They won't possibly..."

"Don't be so sure." a gruff voice growled from the shadows. The two of them were frightened by the ominous tone.

Payday scooted back until his head bumped something. He slowly turned around and saw a costumed dragon hanging upside-down with an serious look. The criminal stopped for a minute before Brimstone looked with him. They both couldn't believe what they saw.

"I'm Hum Drum." the costumed dragon said.

The two criminals screamed and ran around the alley. In response, Payday picked up the top of a garbage can and swung it toward the hanging dragon hero, who didn't see it coming.

"OW!" he whined. "Garbage can lids, my one weakness!" Brimstone picked up an empty soda can and threw it at Hum Drum's face. "Tin cans, my only other weakness!" A bag of bread was thrown at him, but he wasn't surprised. "Wheat bread, yet another one of my weaknesses."

"Brimstone, let's vamoose before the real heroes show up!" Payday shouted.

"Hey!" Hum Drum shouted. "I'm a real hero!"

Ignoring the dragon, the two criminals picked up their money bags and climbed up a ladder to the rooftop. They thought they were safe until a new shadow rose. They looked at who was casting and gasped.

"It can't be!" Payday gasped. "It's..."

The purple, costumed unicorn appeared and stood proudly.

"The Masked Matterhorn!" both criminals gasped. "Run for it!"

They turned away and tried to run, but the Masked Matterhorn pointed her horn and it started to glow blue. A cyan blast shot out of it and hit the crooks' hooved. Quick as a flash, ice formed sealing the villains to the roof and they couldn't move one inch.

"Sorry, boys," the Masked Matterhorn said, "But it doesn't look like you'll be going anywhere but prison."

"Hey!" Hum Drum shouted climbing up to the top exhausted and out of breath. "I kept them talking, just so you know." He looked at the ice around the criminals' hooves and grinned. "Well, it looks like you put their crimes... on ice!"

"Seriously?!" Brimstone asked.

"That joke was so bad," Payday said, "It hurt me physically."

"Hum Drum, stop trying." the Masked Matterhorn said. "You're only hurting yourself."

"Hey!" Hum Drum took offense of that.

"Anyway, we'll leave these two to the police and make our way home." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Hum Drum, let's go."

"Okay." Hum Drum replied.

When they returned to their home, they changed out of their costumes and opened a secret compartment under the rug. They folded their costumes and hid them under and covered the hatch. They became their secret identities, Twilight Sparkle and Spike.

"That was a good night of crime fighting." Spike said. "Did you see how I handled myself out there?"

"Yes, Spike." Twilight said sarcastically. "You really handled yourself against wheat bread. Why do you keep making up weaknesses?"

"All superheroes have a weakness." Spike said. "I just wanted one of my own."

"Spike, no offense," Twilight said, "But your weaknesses are a little self-explanatory. Anyway, let's get some sleep. Remember, I've got my big test tomorrow."

"Right." Spike said. "And if you pass, you'll advance to the next stage of Princess Celestia's teachings."

"Can't wait." Twilight yawned before tucking herself into her covers. Spike got into his bed and did the same.

Twilight and Spike never knew that outside their room, a shrouded pony looked through a pair of binoculars and watched the young unicorn sleep. The hooded pony put them away and walked into the darkness. Twilight also didn't know that the very test she was about to take would change her life forever.

Author's Note

TA-DA! You thought I was done with the Chaos Saga? I changed my mind! I thought I'd start this next phase with the origin of the Power Ponies. See how it all started.

The song here is a parody of "Frozen Heart" from Frozen. I do not own the original version nor the future songs you'll find in this story.

The Oracle's Warning

The next day, Twilight Sparkle and Spike trotted across the streets of Canterlot on the way to the royal castle. On the way, Twilight bumped over a fellow pony. They were both fell over. When Twilight got back up, she recognized the unicorn she bumped into.

"Moondancer! Hey, how are you doing?"

"Just peachy." Moondancer said sarcastically whilst picking up her papers. "Not like you'd care."

"What?" Twilight asked. "What are you talking about?"

"Twilight, for the past few months, you've been a distant from me and the others. It's like you were trying to hide something. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were the Masked Matterhorn."

"Whaaaaat?" Twilight asked nervously. "Well, it's a good thing you do know better."

"The point is, with your extra studies for this next level of Celestia's teachings, you've rarely had time for the rest of us to hang out together."

"Look, Moondancer, I'm sorry I wasn't around all the time. I'll make it up to you somehow. When's your birthday?"

In an instant, Moondancer's face grew red with rage and she stormed away. Twilight was both scared and confused. Spike just smacked his forehead.

"What?" Twilight asked.

"Twilight, Moondancer's birthday was yesterday. I told you about it, but you were busy looking up on possible scenarios for your test. I had to go alone."

"Ooh." Twilight said nervously. "Spike, am I really that bad with my friends?"

"Not as bad as the Purifier, I bet." Spike said. "If that anonymous mare manages to convince Princess Celestia to sign her Super Purification Act into law, superheroes like us will be chased out of town. What's her problem anyway?"

"She's just one of those ponies." Twilight explained. "Remember, superheroes have powers that rival even an alicorn's. If something goes wrong, ponies like that know exactly who to blame. Come on, we've got a test to take."

Twilight and Spike continued their trail toward the castle. As soon as they arrived, Twilight witnessed her brother, Shining Armor, leading the knights as their captain.

"Together, we strive

From here to eternity

As long as we're united, we ride

Always alive

Village to city

No one shall ever have to hide

Together, we strive

From here to eternity

As long as we're united, we ride

Always alive

Village to city

No one shall ever have to hide"

Just afterwards, Princess Celestia presented herself to the entire city of Canterlot. Twilight Sparkle was amazed at her presence as the princess joined in.

"We live in a changing place

New shapes, familiar face

But one thing that can ever be the same

The bond we share can't sever

For we're all connected forever

We have our differences, but we can't be ashaaaaamed"

The guards cleared a way for Twilight and Spike to join in just in time for them to march their way back into the castle. Princess Celestia grinned at her and welcomed her into the castle.

"TOGETHER, WE STRIVE," the guards sang,

"FROM HERE TO ETERNITY

AS LONG AS WE'RE UNITED, WE RIDE

ALWAYS ALIVE

VILLAGE TO CITY

NO ONE SHALL EVER HAVE TO HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE

NO ONE HAS TO HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE

NO ONE HAS TO HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE

NO ONE HAS TO HIDE"

Meanwhile, in the far-off city of Maretropolis, there was a shampoo factory for the Glimmering Mane corporation. Inside, the workers were debating to each other, especially that dark-purple Earth pony with the green mane, Green Locks.

"You tell her." a worker told Green Locks.

"I'm not going to tell her!" Green Locks refused. "What do you think I am, crazy?

"Look, you started working here to earn the money to get your sister to college, right?" the worker asked. "Well, she's already on her second semester at Manehattan University. And it was your idea that we should ask for some advances. So you tell her."

"But I..." Green Locks tried to say something. She was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A light-purple unicorn with dark-purple hair walked in with a disappointed face.

"Uh, oh." Green Locks whispered. "She doesn't look happy."

"I don't care." the worker said. "I need a vacation. You're up." He shoved Green Locks towards the unicorn. She stopped just in time for her boss to see her.

"Oh, Green Locks. Is there something you want?"

"Well, Ms. Sunset Glimmer..." she said nervously. "Well... A few of the workers and I were working here a very long time. It's just that... well... we noticed you kept us with the same standards as all the other workers. It's just that..." She breathed in. "Okay. Cloverleaf needs a raise. West Vibe needs a vacation. And I think I need a new direction."

"Green Locks, I hope you're not talking about resignation." Starlight Glimmer said. "I do want to help you. I really do. But how will that look for the other employees? The sad truth is, this company is run on equality. That means no one must be better or worse than the other. It's my job as company president to enforce it. Tell the others I won't be granting their requests."

"But Ms. Glimmer, I don't even like it here." Green Locks begged. "It's noisy and smelly and the chemicals can be deadly."

"Stop groveling, Green Locks." Starlight snapped turning her back. "It makes you look desperate. Trust me, this is for your own health. Now, don't bother me." She stepped into the elevator in front of her and the door closed between the two. Green Locks sullenly approached the other workers and told them the bad news.

"Sorry, Green." a worker said.

"It's all right." Green Locks replied. "At least, for once, she acknowledged me. Story of my life." She looked up and saw her boss enter her office above. She was thinking to herself. "I wonder what she does in her office."

Twilight Sparkle was astonished by the beauty of the throne room while her teacher sat in her throne. There was always an empty chair next to her, but Twilight never thought to wonder what it was for.

"All right, Twilight." Princess Celestia said. "Are you ready for your test?"

"Yes, mam." Twilight replied. "So what do I need to do?"

"As you recall, I had another student before you."

"Oh, yeah." Twilight said. "Sunset Shimmer. You told me she quit before she could start on her test."

"Apparently, she couldn't understand what I was trying to teach her and went her own, misguided path." Princess Celestia explained. "Anyway, I thought we could give you the test I had for a Cutie Mark."

"Might I recommend something?" Twilight and Celestia turned their heads toward the source of the new voice and found an Earth pony there. It was an elder pony with an orange hide and yellow mane. His Cutie Mark was a glowing eye.

"Oracle!" Princess Celestia gasped. "It's been a long time."

"Oracle?" Twilight asked. "As in THE Oracle! You can see the future and you're not even a unicorn!"

"Indeed." the Oracle said. "Princess, I know of a test more worthy of her."

"Well, don't leave us in suspense, Oracle." Princess Celestia said. "Tell us what my student has to do."

"Not just her." the Oracle said. "Her alter ego as well."

Twilight didn't see that coming. She got nervous. She started to sweat.

"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked nervously.

"Twilight, all of Equestria is about to reach dark days." the Oracle said. "In order to save it, you have to embrace who you are. We need you as well as your superhero self... the Masked Matterhorn!"

Author's Note

Someone sure figured that out in a big hurry.

The song featured here is a parody of "United, We Stand" from Quest for Camelot.

The Test

"Me, the Masked Matterhorn?" Twilight asked sweating with nervousness. "Come on. Princess, you have to see how silly it is."

"Twilight, it's all right." Princess Celestia said. "I've always known."

Twilight widened her eyes and couldn't believe what she heard. "You... you have?"

"Why else wouldn't I forward the SPA?" Princess Celestia asked. "Only a unicorn as talented as you could do what the Masked Matterhorn did."

"And she's going to do more." the Oracle said. "The time is drawing near, your majesty. She... is coming back."

Princess Celestia's face went from proud to frightened in a heartbeat. She stumbled to her side and nearly fell over.

"Princess, is something wrong?" Twilight asked.

"No." Princess Celestia gasped. "No, it can't be. How?"

"The stars are almost in perfect position." the Oracle explained. "They'll act as a bridge for her return. And she will come back tomorrow night."

"Would someone tell me what's going on?!" Twilight asked in a demanding tone. "Who are you talking about?"

Princess Celestia took a sigh before speaking. "Are you familiar with the legend of the Dark Alicorn?"

"Of course." Twilight answered. "As I remember, she was an alicorn, almost as powerful as you. But then she turned bad and you trapped her in the moon."

"She wasn't just an alicorn." Princess Celestia said. "You see... she's my sister, Princess Luna."

"WHAAAAAT?!" Twilight shouted.

"I know. I haven't told anyone this in centuries. It all started back when she was as innocent as you and me. Back then, we had our simple royal duties. I would bring the sun up during the day and she would bring up the moon during the night. Over time, Luna couldn't help but notice how all the ponies were excited during the day, but tired during the night. Soon, that jealousy turned into envy. And that envy is what attracted the Asteroth."

"The what?" Twilight asked.

"The Asteroth is a deadly and dark energy in the form of flowing liquid." the Oracle explained. "No one knows where it came from or what it was made for. All we know is what it did when it found Luna."

"It made its way into her soul and bonded with her." Princess Celestia continued. "She wasn't the same after that. She gained a tremendous boost in dark power and tried to overthrow me. I tried to reason with her that it was the Asteroth talking, but she wouldn't listen. So... I had to do the unthinkable. With what little magic I had left at the time, I banished her to the moon. Over time, most ponies have forgotten all about my sister. They thought she'd never return. But I never forgot and I could barely move on."

"That throne next to yours," Twilight said, "It's hers, isn't it?"

"I'm afraid so." Princess Celestia said. "And now, there's a chance for her to escape. Oracle, what must we do to prevent this?"

"Nothing." the Oracle said. "You may be powerful, princess, but even you can't change the stars' positions. There's nothing we can do to keep her from coming back."

"Then all is lost?" Celestia asked.

"I never said that." the Oracle said. "I said we can't stop her return, but there's still hope to stop her."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "How?"

"In the big city of Maretropolis, there are five superheroes who can help. But they can't do it without the Masked Matterhorn. You must travel there and team up with them. Only together can you purge the Asteroth out of Luna and stop the coming threat."

"Are you sure?" Twilight asked. "Other than Spike, I don't know the first thing about being on a team."

"You'll learn." the Oracle said. "Trust me. This is your test."

"My test?" Twilight asked with a gulp in her voice.

A few minutes later, the door opened beside Spike and Twilight walked out nervously.

"That was quick." Spike said. "How'd it go? What do you have to do?"

"I... have to stop... the Dark Alicorn." Twilight confessed.

"The Dark Alicorn?" Spike asked. "I thought that was just a ghost story that's supposed to happen a long time ago. How's that important?"

"I'll tell you on the way to Maretropolis."

Meanwhile, quitting time had started and all the employees went home at the exact same time. When Green Locks went back to her house, her boyfriend, Briny Deep, was waiting with a box of pizza on the table.

"The oven was broken, so I decided to order a delivery."

"Thanks Briny, you're a lifesaver." Green Locks said gloomily.

"I... take it that it wasn't a good day." Briny Deep said.

"You don't know the half of it." Green Locks said. "I tried being late, I tried to fail at my position, but I just can't get fired. Do you have any ideas, sweetie?"

"The only thing I can think of is get the factory shut down," Briny Deep said, "But that's nearly impossible. We're going to need quite a scandal. Uh, dear, if you don't mind me asking. Why are you trying to get fired? Weren't you looking for a job?"

"That was years ago." Green Locks said. "I don't need that job anymore, but now I can't get out of it. You're lucky to have a job you love at that sports store. I hate my job. I tried to take it to the authorities, but they can't lay a hoof on Starlight. So if a scandal is what I need, then I need to find one. And I'll do whatever it takes to discover it."

The next morning, a royal carriage waited for Twilight and Spike to enter with their big bags. Spike already got in while Twilight was approaching it. Suddenly, she looked back and saw a figure disappearing around the corner.

"Twilight, is something wrong?" Spike asked.

"I... thought I just saw someone watching." Twilight said. "But it's probably nothing. Come on, Spike. Next stop: Maretropolis."

As soon as the carriage flew away, the hooded figure looked back and glared at the unicorn leaving Canterlot.

Author's Note

Obviously, the Dark Alicorn mentioned here is based off of NightMare Moon. More about Briny Deep later.

Thanks, But No Thanks

"Well, here we are." Twilight Sparkle said as the carriage dropped to the streets of Maretropolis.

"So... let me get this straight." Spike said. "This Oracle guy told you that you need to team up with five other heroes here to fight Princess Celestia's evil sister."

"Basically." Twilight said getting off the carriage with her bags. "Although I'm not quite sure how six superheroes are going to make a difference. It took nearly all of Celestia's power to beat the Dark Alicorn the first time."

"Maybe it's how powerful these heroes are." Spike said. "I say we change into our costumes, find these ponies, and talk them into becoming a team."

"All right."

After they checked into a hotel and escaped in their costumes, they snuck out of the building and traveled across the town.

"So, Hum Drum, who do we find first?"

Hum Drum pulled out a piece of paper with five different names. "According to the Oracle's list, we should look at someone named Mistress Marevelous."

The Masked Matterhorn suddenly stopped. "Well, does it say any more."

"Uh, well, there's a side-note by her name." Hum Drum said. "It reads, 'Watch your hooves'."

"Watch my hooves?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "What's that supposed to..."

Her sentence was cut short when she felt a quick tug wrapping around her front-right leg. She saw a glowing rope dragging her across the street, but the Masked Matterhorn kept running with her hooves. She then crashed into an Earth pony with a black costume and red stripes. The glowing rope was attached to her belt. As soon as the Earth pony saw the Masked Matterhorn, she chuckled.

"Sorry about that." she spoke in a Western accent. "I was hoping a mugger I was tailing would step there. Didn't mean to wrangle up a fellow superhero."

"I take it you must be this Mistress Marevelous." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"That's right." Marevelous said. "So, you here for a move."

"Actually, no. I'm the Masked Matterhorn and I'm supposed to form a team. Guess what, you made the cut. What do you say?"

"Well, I got nothing to do this weekend." Marevelous said. "Count me in!"

"Great!" Matterhorn said. "We're off to a good start. Hum Drum, who's next?"

"Let's see." Hum Drum said examining the list. "It says 'Watch the skies for Zapp'."

At the sound of that, Mistress Marevelous widened her eyes. She sighed and replied. "On second thought, I got muggers to catch."

"What?" the Matterhorn asked.

"Sorry, but I can't be on this team." Mistress Marevelous answered turning away. "Thanks, but no thanks."

"But..." the Masked Matterhorn said before seeing Marevelous running away. "Well, that was odd."

"I know." Hum Drum said. "Maybe Zapp won't change her mind so fast."

After they left, Mistress Marevelous looked back and sighed. She turned back to her direction only to find a figure in front of her.

"Hey, who are..." that was the last thing she said before the figure threw a burlap bag over her.

Heard from the citizens, the Masked Matterhorn learned that Zapp was signing autographs in the middle of town. She and Hum Drum waited in the line until they made it to the table. Behind it sat a costumed, cyan Pegasus with a rainbow-colored mane.

"Well, a fellow superhero." she said. "I'm Zapp, the one and only. Now, who can I make this autograph to?"

"I'm the Masked Matterhorn, but I'm not here for an autograph. Actually, I'm putting a team together and you're an eligible candidate."

"Hmm... It has been a while since I was on a team. And this solo act is getting a little boring. Why not?"

"Okay." Hum Drum said pulling out the list. "Next up is, and I quote, 'the elusive and glamorous Radiance'."

"Say what?" Zapp asked. She then grew upset toward the Masked Matterhorn. "Oh, I get it. They sent you here to get me back. Well, you can tell them I said 'nice try'! Go make a chump out of someone else!" And with that, she flew away before anyone could say another word.

"Any pony else feeling deja vu?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"Deja who?" Hum Drum asked.

"Deja vu." the Matterhorn repeated. "It means we've been in this kind of situation before."

"That did seem a little strange." Hum Drum said. "Maybe Radiance can be a little more cooperative."

Meanwhile, Zapp landed at the other side of the block still upset. She was busy strolling through that she didn't notice some pony spraying her with a mist that made her black out.

"WOW!" Hum Drum shouted as he and the Masked Matterhorn entered the beautiful, boutique-shaped lair of Radiance. "So beautiful!"

"I know." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Someone decorates their HQ quite beautifully."

"Not the lair." Hum Drum said. "Her!" He pointed at the white unicorn with the blue mane and the dazzling costume. She was going through a collection of different-colored streamers.

"No." the unicorn said. "Not that. Clashes with my outfit."

"Um, excuse me." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Are you Radiance?"

"That's me." Radiance said turning around. When she saw her guest, she gasped. "ARE YOU THE MASKED MATTERHORN?!"

"Uh, yeah."

"Ahem." Hum Drum cleared his throat. "And I'm Hum Drum."

"OH, IT'S SUCH AN HONOR!" Radiance expressed herself. "Never before, in my whole life, have I had the pleasure of having a hero from Canterlot in my home! Quickly, you must tell me what it's like!"

"Maybe later." the Masked Matterhorn replied nervously. "Right now, you should know that I am tasked with assembling a team. After you, all we need is Saddle Rager and..."

"Wait, what?!" Radiance gasped. She cleared her throat. "Well, in that case... GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!"

The next thing they know, the Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum were shoved out of the lair in utter confusion.

"That's the third time this happened." the Masked Matterhorn said. "What's going on?"

Back inside the lair, Radiance growled in anger. But she didn't notice the mysterious figure sneaking up on her until it was too late.

A quick travel through the forest was what lead the Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum to find the next pony on their list. On the list, it read, "Follow the sound of singing birds, and you will find Saddle Rager." The Matterhorn and Hum Drum suddenly heard the sound of birds chirping a melodious tone. They saw a green-costumed Pegasus with a pale-yellow coat and a pink mane. She was listening to the birds singing harmoniously. The song ended when the Masked Matterhorn spoke.

"Hi!"

"Yeep!" Saddle Rager shrieked quietly. She made a bleating sound like a sheep and toppled over on her backside and she hasn't moved.

"Uh, hi." the Masked Matterhorn said. "My name's the Masked Matterhorn. Are you Saddle Rager?" There was no answer; just awkward silence. "...Okay. Look, I'm putting a team together and I'd like you to be a part of it. What do you say?" There was still no answer. "Um, I'll come back when you can talk again."

And with that, the Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum left the scene. Soon after, a mysterious figure grabbed Saddle Rager's tail and pulled her out of the forest.

"All right." Hum Drum said looking at the list. "There's only one hero left. This list reads, 'Don't find Filli-Second. She'll find you'."

"She'll find... What does that even mean?"

Suddenly, a pink and white flash blurred past and when it stopped, there was a pink Earth pony with a pink-and-white costume.

"Hi!" she gasped. "You must be the Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum!"

"What?" Hum Drum asked.

"Uh... that's right." the Matterhorn said. "And we..."

"You've come to Maretropolis to recruit me, Zapp, Saddle Rager, Mistress Marevelous, and Radiance in a team to fight off Celestia's evil sister that is about to return tonight?!" Filli-Second asked.

Both of the other heroes dropped their jaws.

"How did you know that?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"Just a guess." Filli-Second answered following a squeak.

"This could be easier than we thought." the Masked Matterhorn said. "So what do you say?"

"What do I say?" Filli-Second asked happily. "I say... NO WAY!" And with that, she zipped away faster than anyone else can blink.

"I don't get it." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Why would none of the heroes want to be on a team and then just change their minds?"

"It doesn't make any sense." Hum Drum said. "For now, I say we rest for a bit."

"But the Dark Alicorn is supposed to return tonight. We can't waste any time?"

"What choice do we have?" Hum Drum asked.

Meanwhile, not too far, Filli-Second tried to lift her hooves, but they were stuck on the rubber cement and she couldn't move.

"Looks like I got myself into a sticky situation." Filli-Second said. She then saw a mysterious figure in a cape standing beside her. "Oh, hey. Who are you?"

Later that night, in front of the Glimmering Shampoo Company, Green Locks and Briny Deep parked their van and made it to the door. Green Locks used a hairclip to pick the lock and opened the door.

"We're in." Green Locks said. "Let's go."

The two ran their way up to the higher floor and made it to Starlight Glimmer's office.

"I still can't believe we're doing this, dear." Briny Deep said. "We could get arrested for this."

"Hey, if we do, at least we get to be somewhere better than this dump." Green Locks said. "Besides, I did not drive us all the way here just to turn back at the last second. If Starlight is hiding some big scandal, I'm going to find it. Just watch the door while I look."

Green Locks entered the office and began searching.

Back at Twilight's apartment, she still couldn't figure out the super ponies.

"Ooh!" Spike said. "I got it! Maybe they... No, no. Never mind."

"If only we had a clue or a sign or a..." Twilight's message was cut short when they heard a tap on the window. They looked and saw a piece of paper taped to the glass. There was a message.
"If you want to find out why the ponies you saw don't want to be part of a team, meet us at the Center Park Ring as soon as you can. Hurry. There's no time."

"Who wrote this?" Spike asked.

"I don't know." Twilight said. "Whoever wrote this seems to know who we are and what we're doing here. It's worth a try. After all..."

At that moment, a bright light lit the sky. A beam of light flew from the moon and bounced from star to star. Twilight looked ahead and saw the trail leading to the outskirts of Maretropolis.

"...We may need all the help we can get."

"I GOT IT!" Green Locks cheered jumping out of the office. She was holding onto a folder. "I FOUND IT! Oh, this won't just shut down the factory, it will run Starlight out of town."

"Whoa, whoa, honey." Briny Deep said. "Calm down. What did you find out?"

"Something that'll get her in a lot of trouble." Green Locks said. "According to this, Starlight Glimmer is..."

She was interrupted by the bright light shining through the window. Green Locks and Briny Deep looked out and saw the light beam land outside of down. The impact was at the same time as when the floor she was on started to shake. As she wobbled around, she accidently dropped her file onto the catwalk above the chemical vats.

"NO!" Green Locks shouted. She jumped off and landed on the catwalk. She walked and approached the file.

"Dear, wait!" Briny Deep shouted.

"I can't!" Green Locks said. "I need to get my file back! It's my ticket to a well-deserved break!"

Green Locks reached down and grabbed the file. She cheered in celebration, but it didn't last long. The earth started to shake again.

"AFTERSHOCK!" Briny Deep shouted.

"WHOA!" Green Locks shouted. She kept wobbling over until she reached the end of the catwalk right above a chemical vat. She waved her arms, but she eventually tripped.

"NO!" Briny Deep shouted.

Green Locks saw her life flash before her very eyes before she dropped down screaming and splashed into the green gunk. Not long after, an electrical wire snapped and fell into the chemicals. There was no trace of Green Locks after the electric shocks dimmed down. Briny Deep collapsed to the floor all devastated.

"Green Locks." he mourned. "No."

All of a sudden, a pony body jumped out of the vat and hopped into the shadows dripping chemicals all over the floor. Briny Deep gasped and went down to approach her. As he crept in closer, the figure started to chuckle.

"Green Locks, is that you?" Briny Deep asked. "You seem... different. But I'm glad you're alive."

"Oh, I'm more than alive, sweetie." Green Locks said in a maniacal tone. Suddenly, the silhouette of her mane started to extend to look like tentacles. There were dozens of tendrils. "I FEEL BETTER THAN EVER! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!"

Return of the Power Ponies

The Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum made their way into the Center Park Ring and stood there waiting. The costumed unicorn was still wrapping her mind around who could've sent that letter. Suddenly, they heard bushes rustling. They approached it and saw a mysterious pony figure coming out into the moonlight. Both the Matterhorn and Hum Drum were shocked to see a pony who was completely obscured by her full-body costume, a flowing cape, and a wide fedora.

"I don't believe it!" the Masked Matterhorn gasped. "It's the Mysterious Mare Do-Well, one of the most mysterious heroes in Equestria! What are you doing here?!"

The Mysterious Mare Do-Well extended her hoof to the left. The Matterhorn and Hum Drum looked and saw five burlap bags with moving things inside.

"How did we miss those?" Hum Drum asked.

The Masked Matterhorn turned to ask Mare Do-Well more, but the mysterious pony wasn't there anymore. All that was left are the hoofprints the left behind.

"How does she do that?" Hum Drum asked.

The Masked Matterhorn used her horn to untie all the bags at once. Suddenly, five familiar mares in costumes rolled right out. As soon as they saw the Masked Matterhorn, they gasped in shock.

"YOU!" They then looked at each other. "YOU?!"

"Marevelous!" Zapp growled angrily.

"Zapp!" Mistress Marevelous growled angrily.

"Filli-Second!" Saddle Rager growled angrily.

"Saddle Rager!" Filli-Second growled angrily.

"Marevelous!" Radiance growled angrily.

"Radiance!" Mistress Marevelous growled angrily.

"OKAY!" Zapp shouted. "I get it! We all have names!" She then turned her head to the Masked Matterhorn. "This is your idea, isn't it?"

"No!" the Masked Matterhorn denied. "I had no idea you were going to be here! The Mysterious Mare Do-Well just invited me!"

"She is right!" a male voice said. Suddenly, the Oracle was standing on top of a high rock. "Hello, again, Ms. Sparkle."

"The Oracle!" the Masked Matterhorn gasped.

"Whoa!" Hum Drum expressed. "So you're an Oracle, huh?"

"What did you expect?" the Oracle asked.

"I don't know; one of those black-and-white whales."

"That's orca."

"No, that's a leafy vegetable."

"That's okra."

"No, that's a talk-show host."

"That's Oprah."

"No, that's a stage play."

"That's opera."

"HEY!" Zapp shouted. "Would some pony mind telling me what is going on here?!"

"Well, like our purple unicorn friend here has been telling all of you," the Oracle explained, "She needs to team up with all of you to fight a great evil."

"NO WAY!" the five heroines shouted.

"Why not?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"Is it my breath?" Hum Drum asked. "Because I already ate Tic-Tacs today."

"It's not that, darling." Radiance said. "It's just that... well..."

"I'm not working with these four again!" Zapp shouted.

"Again?" the Masked Matterhorn asked confusingly. "What do you mean, again? Do you know each other?"

"Really, Ms. Sparkle, how could you be a superhero and not hear of these five?" the Oracle asked. "I'd like you to meet Filli-Second, Zapp, Mistress Marevelous, Radiance, and Saddle Rager, the Power Ponies!"

"Ex-Power Ponies, for your information." Mistress Marevelous added before sighing. "He's right. We did used to be a team. We were probably the best team in all of Equestria."

"Not counting the Wonderbolts, that is." Zapp said. "Just so you know."

"You used to be a team?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "What happened?"

"Differences here, feuds there." Saddle Rager explained.

"No fun anywhere." Filli-Second added.

"That's not what a team needs, is it?" Radiance asked. "And then came... that night.

A year and a half ago, the Power Ponies were in their common lair keeping tabs on Maretropolis. But then, they made the stupid decision as to turning on the radio and listening to the distorted voice on that frequency.

"We don't need the Power Ponies in our lives, do we?" That comment got all their attention. "Just look at them all. Filli-Second belongs in the party circuit, not in law enforcement. Saddle Rager is a time-bomb waiting to go off, and if she's not, she's too much of a chicken to do the real job. The only thing bigger than Zapp's storms is her ego. Radiance has to be the center of attention; that's why she wears that costume. And Mistress Marevelous... need I say more. This is the Purifier, and I say, support the Super Purification Act!"

The radio ended and the heroes looked at each other nervously.

"After that, we got into a big argument." Mistress Marevelous said. "One thing lead to another, and... we split up. I guess that deep inside, we knew the Purifier was right about us."

"Yeah." Zapp said. "I guess she's right too. After all, I dealt with my grief by signing autographs. I guess I do get a big head about myself."

"Look at yourselves." the Oracle said getting their attention. "No one said a team had to be perfect, but you were willing to put your prides ahead of your responsibilities. If you focus on what one pirate-radio host said about you and let it split you apart, then you really do need some improvement. I nominate the Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum."

"Us?" the Masked Matterhorn and Hum Drum asked.

"Them?" the other heroes asked.

"Indeed." the Oracle said turning his head to the purple unicorn. "I said you needed a team to stop the great threat. Remember, the Dark Alicorn has already made her way back to Equestria, so she could make her move any time now. So I suggest to put your differences aside and work together one last time for the sake of Equestria. Once you do that, I promise the Purifier will never bother you or any other superhero again. What do you say?"

The superheroes looked at each other thinking hard about them. After a moment of thinking, Saddle Rager spoke.

"Um, if it's all right... I'm willing to rejoin the Power Ponies."

"Well..." Mistress Marevelous said, "I guess if Saddle Rager agrees, then so do I."

"Like I said," Zapp said. "I kinda miss being part of a team."

"Same here." Radiance agreed.

"Okie-dokie-lokie!" Filli-Second joined in.

"Well, Masked Matterhorn?" the Oracle asked. "If you agree to this, you'll become more than a team."

"What will we become?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"That is something you should learn on your own."

The Masked Matterhorn looked at the other ponies and smiled. "Let's do this."

Not long after, the Masked Matterhorn gave the situation to the rest of the Power Ponies, but even the danger in it didn't scare them (well, maybe Saddle Rager). They approached an abandoned tower that used to be the central lair for the Power Ponies. They opened it back up and decided to get Power Tower back in business.

"We didn't think this would happen

We've been apart for so long

I've never felt so happy to be wrong

There's a danger in our world

Must stop this evil threat

And now, all the pieces are already set

We're heroes reunited

Forever fight as one

Heroes reunited

Securing Equestria's future

Heroes reunited

We'll get the job done

Heroes reunited

Making our big comeback tour

We've been so separated

We forgot what we had

But back together, we are glad

Protest all you want

We will never go down

Watch out. The Power Ponies are back in town

We're heroes reunited

Forever fight as one

Heroes reunited

Securing Equestria's future

Heroes reunited

We'll get the job done

Heroes reunited

Making our big comeback tour

WE'RE HEROES REUNITED

FOREVER FIGHT AS ONE

HEROES REUNITED

SECURING EQUESTRIA'S FUTURE

HEROES REUNITED

WE'LL GET THE JOB DONE

HEROES REUNITED

MAKING OUR BIG COMEBACK TOUR"

Meanwhile, right outside of Maretropolis, a cave sheltered an Alicorn wearing a black-and-blue armor and bearing a blue, smoke-like mane and tail. She looked at Maretropolis and chuckled.

"My work starts tomorrow."

Author's Note

Yes, the Dark Alicorn has a hidden agenda, but there's more to the story. More will be explained later.

The song here is based on "Munks on a Mission" from Alvin and the Chipmunks meet the Wolfman.

The Mane-Raising Experience

"Wow." the Masked Matterhorn said admiring the newly-refurbished lair of the Power Ponies. "This is amazing. I can't believe we got this place back up again."

"Yeah." Zapp said. "This place sure does bring back memories. Hey, Filli-Second, remember when we had our pets race across this room?"

"Do I ever?" Filli-Second replied. "But I still think the race was rigged."

"How can I rig a race with slow animals?" Zapp asked.

"I... I don't know." Filli-Second answered.

"All right." Mistress Marevelous said. "We got the team back. We got our tower back. Now, all that's left is to find this Dark Alicorn and stop her."

"And we've got to do it quickly." the Masked Matterhorn said. "The Oracle said that she'll make her move at any time. So... exactly what can any of you do?"

"My mind is connected to my rope." Mistress Marevelous explained.

"My necklace here allows me to control the weather." Zapp explained.

"I am fast." Filli-Second said.

"My bracelet here makes both a good accessory and a solid projection of whatever I can think of." Radiance said.

"Um..." Saddle Rager said, "My power kinda happens when I get mad. And it couldn't end well for anyone."

"Why?" Hum Drum asked. "What can she do?"

"You'll know it when we say 'brace for impact'." Zapp said.

Starlight Glimmer sighed as she entered her shampoo factory. She found a newspaper on the ground and picked it up. She widened her eyes when she saw the front cover.

"Power Ponies Return!"

"No!" Starlight growled as she stomped into the empty factory. "How can this possibly..." She stopped in her tracks and looked around the building. She didn't see any of her employees anywhere. "Hello? Is any pony here?"

Suddenly, Starlight saw something hit the floor right in front of her. She saw the pen and looked up to where it fell from. She gasped when she saw her workers tied up from the ceiling. They were all struggling to escape the green tendrils wrapped around them. As they struggled, a maniacal cackle echoed through the building.

"What the Celestia's name is going on here?" Starlight asked backing up. That was her mistake. She didn't see the green hoop until it was wrapped around her leg. A strong tug tripped the unicorn and she was dragged into the shadows. She tried to escape, but it was no use.

When she woke up, Starlight Glimmer tried to get up from her chair, but she felt that there was something weighing her down. She saw a lot of green tendrils wrapped around her and realized she couldn't budge. She looked around and saw she was inside her own office, but there were green tendrils connected to the ones tying her up. Starlight rubbed her hooves on the wrap and felt the texture.

"Is this... hair?" Starlight asked.

"Give the mare a prize!" a familiar mare's voice called out from the door. She chuckled as she brought herself into the light. Starlight gasped in fear when she saw a dark-purple mare with a pure green mane that moved around on its own. "Ding-dong. The witch is mine."

"What is this?" Starlight asked. "Who are you?"

"I'm so disappointed." the mare said. "Sure, my coltfriend's probably the only pony who knows I exist, but I'd think you'd recognize your most persistant employee, don't you think... boss?"

Starlight Glimmer squinted her eyes at her captor and widened them in surprise. "Green Locks?! What happened to you?"

"This could have been prevented, you know." Green Locks said. "All you had to do is give me and my fellow employees benefits. You wouldn't listen to our union. That's why I had to see what secrets you've been hiding. But while I was here, that light came down on the street and I fell. One thing led to another and... Bada-bing, bada-boom, kapow!"

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Starlight asked. "If you want to crush me, get it over with."

"True, I can easily pop you like a balloon," Green Locks said. "But where's the fun in that? No, I'm going to humiliate you and make sure justice is served. Do you know why I broke in here last night?"

"Didn't cross my mind." Starlight replied. "Were you hoping to get an early start on Donut Tuesday?"

"Actually, I was finding these!" Green Locks said throwing down a folder. The sight of it finally made Starlight Glimmer nervous and sweaty. "Inside here are daily planners, scheduled interviews, and scripts for a certain pirate radio program supporting the Super Purification Act. Starlight Glimmer... YOU'RE THE PURIFIER! Hmm... Since you were running an illegal radio show, I wonder how Celestia would react when she finds out who you really are."

"Who do you think she's going to believe?" Starlight Glimmer asked. "Anyone could've forged these papers. Besides, it's going to be the word of a maniac against mine."

"Maniac?" Green Locks asked. "Maniac?! ...Actually, that's not bad. In fact, it fits me completely. The Mane-iac! Beautiful! Poetic! What do you think?"

"I think you're about to get fitted for a straightjacket." Starlight said.

"No doubt you already hit the silent security alarm you have under your desk." the Mane-iac said. "Any minute now, the police will surround the place, and I'll be arrested, and you'll be free to do your superhero protests, and everyone will be singing and laughing and giggling like the Littlest Elf. A happy ending; is that what you had in mind? Tell me, since I'm going to be incarcerated, I want to know why you're against superheroes. One little thing for me before I get locked up, please?"

Starlight Glimmer thought for a moment and decided to answer. "You saw how I run a business here. The world will get along better without those super freaks showing off their powers. You think that you have the right to tie up me and my company just because you can? I'm the Purifier for a reason. All I have to do is speak the voice of reason."

The Mane-iac laughed loudly. "AND THEY SAY I'M THE CRAZY ONE! WHAT DEAD-PAN DELIVERY! YOU ARE HEE-HAW-LARIOUS!" She calmed down. "All joking aside, I have to say, you're right. If I told the public you're behind the Super Purification Act, no one would believe it unless you said it yourself. So..." She pulled out something from her mane that frightened Starlight: a tape recorder. "...Thank you for saying it. Now, once the police and a superhero or two find me, they'll also find your confession."

"This can't be!" Starlight gasped in terror. "All my work, ruined... by you! Look, I'll make you a deal. I'll give you all the days off you need!"

"Stop groveling, Starlight Glimmer." the Mane-iac scoffed. "It makes you look desperate. Trust me, this is for your own health."

"Green Locks," Starlight said, "If you pull of this stunt, you'll never be hired for a job again. What could you possibly have to gain from all this?"

"What do I have to gain?" the Mane-iac repeated. "Let me tell you, 'boss'.

"Even as a filly, I was always unseen

Now, look before your eyes. Evil is going green

For the first time ever, the ignoring will desist

Now, it's time...

It's time I become notiiiiiiiced

You've all been treating me like I'm invisible

Now, it's about time the world knows I'm invincible

My beauty reaches out and you can't resist

Now, it's time...

It's time I become notiiiiiiiced"

"That's right! It's time I become noticed! Hostages..."

Without hesitation, the employees tied to the ceiling began singing out of fear.

"She's got an envy for glory and fame

Now, she wants the world to know her name

She's changing the rules of the game

She will never be the same"

"FOR A LONG, LONG TIME, I FELT LIKE I DIDN'T EXIST," the Mane-iac sang,

"NOW, IT'S TIME...

IT'S TIME I BECOME NOTIIIIIICED

IT'S TIME I BECOME NOTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICED"

Meanwhile, in Power Tower, the Zapp had finally managed to turn the computers on. The machines hummed and vibrated.

"Hey, I got them working again." Zapp said.

"Wow, I'm surprised you managed to get the whole system working." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"Well, I don't want to brag," Zapp said, "But I did get a C+ on Engineering in my superhero school."

"That, and you remembered you had to plug it in." Mistress Marevelous pointed out.

"Ha, ha, go hogtie a barrel." Zapp snared.

"What are these lines?" the Hum Drum asked pointing at some moving lines on the screen.

"That happens to be a police frequency." Filli-Second explained. She approached the panel and put on a set of headphones. "Well, Squad 4 is enjoying a box of donuts, there's an emergency alarm set off in Glimmering Shampoo Company, and... someone's listening to hip-hop music? Must have picked it up by mistake."

"Wait, what?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "An emergency in a shampoo company?"

"Well, if there's an emergency involving the police," Zapp said, "Then they're going to need a renewed group of superheroes to back up them up."

"It would be a good start to get back on our hooves." Saddle Rager said.

"Then it's settled." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Let's Power Pony up!"

"What?" everyone asked.

"We're heroes." the Matterhorn said. "I thought we'd need a catchphrase. Anyway, let's go!"

Author's Note

Looks like things have gone from bad to worse. BTW, the song features here is a parody of "Evil for Extra Credit" from Phineas and Ferb.

Best Laid Plans

The shampoo factory was surrounded by police cars from every side. Inside, the Mane-iac could see them all from the window. Starlight was still tied to the chair in beside her.

"Ooh, looks like we've got a full house. Let's make things a little more fun. I'm thinking about dropping a few machines down before I turn myself--and you--in."

Suddenly, a crash was heard across the room. The Mane-iac turned and saw the Power Ponies falling through. They posed and stared straight at the villainess.

"Hold it right there you..." the Masked Matterhorn said before taking a good look. She gasped along with the rest of her team. "I... You... That's a very freaky mane."

"The Power Ponies!" the Mane-iac spoke with excitement. "I heard you were back together, but I didn't think your first mission would be me. I am truly honored. Here." She reached to a lower floor with a tendril and pulled up a bottle of shampoo. "Care for a complimentary bottle?"

"Oh." Saddle Rager said. She reached for the bottle. "Don't mind if I..." She was interrupted when the Mane-iac squeezed the bottle quickly and the shampoo burst out onto Saddle Rager's face.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" the Mane-iac cackled. "That gag never gets old!"

"You're insane!" Mistress Marevelous exclaimed.

"Sure I am." the Mane-iac agreed. "What's your point? I'm the Mane-iac. I think it'd be obvious."

"Power Ponies, don't..." Starlight Glimmer was about to speak, but the Mane-iac wrapped a tendril around her mouth.

"Now, now, missy." the Mane-iac said. "Let's not ruin the surprise just yet. The 'mane' event is yet to start."

"Enough!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted. "Release Ms. Glimmer and surrender yourself now!"

"Uh, Matterhorn," Zapp pointed out, "I doubt that a supervillain as crazy as her would never surrender."

"I surrender!" the Mane-iac defied.

"Huh, I stand corrected."

"Here." the Mane-iac said pullinging a tape recorder from her outfit. "You can even take that as evidence."

"Evidence of what?" Radiance asked.

"The truth is, I'm just a victim of circumstance just like you are. The one pony who is truly at fault is... Starlight Glimmer!"

"What?" the Power Ponies asked. They turned their heads to the hostage struggling in panic.

"What the hey are you talking about?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

"On that little recorder, you'll find a little confession I took from Starlight. As it turns out, Starlight Glimmer is, and has always been... the Purifier!"

"WHAT?!" the Power Ponies gasped in complete shock.

"Yes, I know that it was her who caused the original team to split up." the Mane-iac said. "I thought you wanted a face to go with the name as does the rest of the world."

"Ms. Glimmer," the Masked Matterhorn said turning her upset face to her, "Is this true?"

"You can talk about this during visiting hours in prison." the Mane-iac said. "Now..."

Suddenly, an explosion from below interrupted the Mane-iac. Smoke covered half of the ground floor.

"What was that?!" Hum Drum shouted.

The smoke started to clear and everyone was shocked at what they saw. There stood an Alicorn in black-and-blue armor. A smokey mane and tail whipped from her.

"It's her!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted. "It's the Dark Alicorn!"

"That's her?" Hum Drum asked. "She's scarier than I imagined."

"Hey, yoo-hoo!" the Mane-iac shouted catching the Dark Alicorn's attention. "We're in the middle of something here. So why don't you go back to wherever it is you came from and sayonara?"

"NEVER!" the Dark Alicorn shouted pointing her horn toward the Mane-iac. Before anyone could react, a dark-blue flash blasted out of it and hit the Mane-iac sending her across the hallway. She was a little dizzy after that.

"And that, kids, is why it's not okay no point." she said dizzily before shaking herself back. She felt something warm in her hoof and saw the tape-recorder, or what was left in that pile of scrap after that blast.

"NO, NO, NO!" the Mane-iac shouted angrily. "I'M OUT OF HERE!"

Quick as a flash, the psychotic pony released everything and swung out the window.

"I got her!" Zapp shouted.

"Whoa!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted. "Not yet!"

"But she..." Zapp said.

"Is the least of our concerns." the Masked Matterhorn pointed out. "The Dark Alicorn is down there and her power is magnified by the Asteroth. The Mane-iac is a crazy idiot who wanted to be arrested. Which do you think is more dangerous?"

"Ooh... all right." Zapp said.

The Power Ponies looked down and saw the Dark Alicorn pulling out machine parts from different places. The evil Alicorn pulled out a muffler and examined it.

"Well, I have everything this building has to offer, but it's not enough." she told herself. "I'll have to..."

She was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a pink superhero stopping her run right beside her. She reached out her hoof and grabbed the muffler. "Ooh. This looks shiny."

"Return that!" the Dark Alicorn snarled.

"Hey, Zapp, got a present for you!" Filli-Second shouted tossing the muffler to the cyan Pegasus.

"Thanks, Filli!" Zapp said. "It's what I always wanted!" The Dark Alicorn growled and elevated herself in front of her. "Whoops. Not my size. Radiance!"

Zapp tossed the machine part across the room. Radiance pointed her jeweled bracelet and made it glow. A large, purple, see-through baseball mit that caught the muffler. The Dark Alicorn turned an evil glare toward Radiance and she threw it to Hum Drum.

Left and right, the muffler was thrown to another Power Pony out of the Dark Alicorn's reach. Up above, Starlight Glimmer--who was now free from the Mane-iac's grip--watched them fighting and grew upset.

"Look at them." she talked to herself. "I'm having my company torn apart by these supers. I've got to put an end to this." She turned her head and saw a pile of crates above Saddle Rager and grinned.

Below, the Dark Alicorn got more and more peeved at the Power Ponies. The muffler fell into the Masked Matterhorn's hooves when the villain lost it. "ENOUGH!" She grabbed Hum Drum and held him tightly.

"Hum Drum!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted.

"Every pony, stand back!" the Dark Alicorn shouted. "Give me the machine part or the dragon gets it."

"Ooh, what are you going to give him?" Filli-Second asked. "Is it a labradoodle? Congrats, Hum Drum; you're getting a labradoodle!"

"What do we do?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

"I'd use my pendant, but I might hit Hum Drum." Zapp said.

"What kind of heartless villain holds a baby dragon a hostage?" Saddle Rager asked sternly.

"You don't understand anything." the Dark Alicorn said. "I'm..." She stopped when she saw a pile of crates scooting off the edge. She saw the nervous heroine underneath and widened her eyes. "GET DOWN!" She let go of Hum Drum and lowered her head. Her horn blasted out and hit Saddle Rager who was pushed back. Right after, the crates fell and crashed right in front of her.

"SADDLE RAGER!" everyone gasped. The Masked Matterhorn dropped the muffler and ran to check on her with the rest of the team.

The Dark Alicorn seized the opportunity and grabbed the muffler on the floor and put it in a burlap bag with the rest of the parts she took. She grabbed the bag and flew out the door while the Power Ponies looked after their teammate.

"Saddle Rager, are you all right?" Radiance asked.

"Yeah, of course." Saddle Rager replied.

"That Dark Alicorn!" Zapp shouted. "The next time I see her, I'll throw down the thunder!"

"Wait." Saddle Rager spoke out. "Listen, that blast didn't hurt me. It just pushed me out of the way of those crates. I think... I think the Dark Alicorn saved me."

"Saved you?" the others asked in confusion.

"Saddle Rager, that's ridiculous." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Why would the Dark Alicorn want to save you?"

"I don't know." Saddle Rager said. "I just know I would've been crushed if she hadn't pushed me."

"Hey, where did those crates come from anyway?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

They looked up and saw Starlight Glimmer behind where the crates once stood. She chuckled nervously.

"Ms. Glimmer, did you push the crates down?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"What?" Starlight asked nervously. "No. Of course not. Why would I hurt one of the city's greatest heroes?"

"Starlight, why did the Mane-iac say that you were the Purifier?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"She used to be one of my employees. She tried to ruin my company and must have had an accident. She's crazier than she was before. I'll bet she'll say anything to make sure the factory's shut down."

"Well, without that tape, we have no way of knowing for sure." Hum Drum said.

"All right." the Masked Matterhorn said. "We'll keep watch out for that mad Alicorn later."

Outside, Briny Deep waited in a rusty van until the Mane-iac entered from the back door in a hurry.

"Don't just sit there, sweetie. HIT THE GAS!"

In a panic, Briny Deep stepped hard on the gas pedal and the van drove out in a flash.

"What happened?" Briny Deep asked. "I thought you were going to let yourself get caught!"

"That's what I thought too." the Mane-iac said. "Suddenly, some big, bad villain showed up and cramped my style. So, this Dark Alicorn wants to make this into a turf war? She's got one."

Author's Note

I know I said this basically before, but things just got real here!

From Bad to Worse

Later that day, the Mane-iac turned on her boyfriend's TV and watched the news. The screen showed Starlight Glimmer walking out of the police station into a crowd of reporters.

"Ms. Glimmer," a reporter shouted, "Ponies are saying you were the victim of a new villain calling herself the Mane-iac."

"Yes, she tried to hold me hostage and make me shut down my company." Starlight spoke out. "This Mane-iac used to be an employee until she went insane. To everyone in Maretropolis, do not listen to anything the Mane-iac says. She's a psychopath and a liar."

CRASH! The Mane-iac shot her mane to the television set and broke the screen to shards. From the kitchen, Briny Deep reached his head out and examined the broken set.

"Sweetie, watch your temper. You break it and we'll have to buy another one."

"Don't start with me!" the Mane-iac snapped. "I was close too! So close, I tripped at the finish line! Then this armored Alicorn just waltzed in and stole my thunder! She ruined my chances! I've got to know who she is and how I can surpass her!"

"Alicorn?" Briny Deep asked. "I thought Princess Celestia was the only Alicorn."

The Mane-iac widened her eyes. "You're right. If Celestia kept this much from us, I wonder..."

Later on that week, the search for the Dark Alicorn wasn't going very well. The Power Ponies had no luck looking at the city surveillance.

"Any luck?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"None whatsoever." Radiance said.

"Finding one pony in a big city is like finding a needle in a concrete haystack," Mistress Marevelous said, "Even if this pony is an armored Alicorn."

"I don't know what to do." the Masked Matterhorn said. "I was supposed to stop her from carrying out her evil plan, but I can't even stop her from robbing a factory."

"Hey, don't think like that." Zapp said. "As long as we're together, nothing can go wrong."

"Yeah." Filli-Second said. "Do you know what our team motto used to be?"

"No." Hum Drum said. "I'm interested."

The Power Ponies held up a bunch of necklaces with pendants on them. They all matched their owners' Cutie Marks. They all spoke at the same time.

"Individually, we are the friendliest, most powerful heroes in Equestria, but together, we are the Power Ponies!"

"Wow." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Hard to believe you all mean so much to each other."

"We're friends." Radiance said. "We're supposed to be. Didn't you ever notice that?"

The Masked Matterhorn took note over that question and thought for a minute.

"Well..." she said. "You see..."

Suddenly, a metal stomp was heard. The Power Ponies turned and saw a familiar pony on top of their computer screen.

"The Mysterious Mare Do-Well!" the Matterhorn said. "What are you here for?"

The Mare Do-Well reached into her cape and held up a front-page newspaper. She dropped it in front of the Power Ponies and they took a good look at it.

"A robbery at the Canterlot Museum?" the Masked Matterhorn read in confusion. "The Electro-Orb stolen? I don't understand. What does this have to do with our mission?"

"Uh, Matterhorn..." Hum Drum said pointing in the front-page photo. Everyone squinted and saw a certain Alicorn in the far background.

"No way!" the Masked Matterhorn gasped.

"So that's why we had a hard time finding her." Radiance said. "She's not even in the city anymore."

"What's the Electro-Orb again?" Saddle Rager asked.

"It's an ancient power source." the Masked Matterhorn explained. "These days, the Electro-Orb can be used for any machine. That's why it's so dangerous, it's required to stay in a museum. But that's what bothers me."

"What do you mean?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

"Well, this plus all the machine parts she stole..." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Sounds like she's building something. The problem is, what can she possibly know how to build? She's been living on the moon for many, many years. The wheel wasn't even invented then. How can she build anything if she doesn't even know how engineering works?"

"You know, that is actually a good question." Mistress Marevelous said.

The Mysterious Mare Do-Well then picked up a square piece of paper and dropped it. It swished back and forth until it fell above the newspaper. With one quick look, the Masked Matterhorn gasped at the photograph.

"Is that..." Hum Drum asked looking at the pony in the photo.

"Who?" Zapp asked. "Who is she?"

In an instant, the Masked Matterhorn ran to the counter and picked up a phone. Holding it to her ear, she dialed in a number. She waited nervously until she heard a familiar voice.

"Hello?"

"Moondancer, it's me, Twilight!"

"Twilight? I haven't heard from you since your test. How was it?"

"Not important." the Masked Matterhorn answered nervously. "Listen, where are you?"

"The library." Moondancer explained. "Where else can you read things?"

"Listen to me!" Twilight said with fear. "You need to get out of there, go home, lock your doors, and seal your windows!"

"Whoa, Twilight, you're not making any sense." Moondancer said. "What are you talking... Wait, what was that?"

"Moondancer..."

"Sounds like someone broke the window."

"Don't..."

"Twilight, I'm not sure what... Hey! Who are you? What are you... WAIT! DON'T!" That was all that was said before the phone hummed. The Masked Matterhorn put the phone down and felt panicked.

"Matterhorn..." Hum Drum asked nervously. "What happened?"

"The Dark Alicorn." the purple hero breathed. "She took her. She took Moondancer."

"Should we know who this Moondancer is?" Zapp asked.

"I'll explain on the way." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Right now we should go to Canterlot now...

"...and be careful! As long as the Dark Alicorn has the Asteroth, she's more powerful than any super."

Starlight Glimmer turned off the speaker on her office desk and smirked.

"It's a good thing I slipped in that listening device. So, the Dark Alicorn has something that makes her more powerful than a super, huh?

"...Sounds like a game changer to me."

The Mane-iac chuckled at the sound of Starlight's voice coming out of the speaker in front of her. She turned it off and laughed.

"You're not the only eavesdropper, Starlight. Briny, start the van! We're going to Canterlot!"

Reasons For Seclusion

Princess Celestia was pacing around her hallways with a worried look on her face. She couldn't stop thinking about what her student had told her over the phone earlier. She stopped pacing when she heard the door open and the Power Ponies galloped through.

"We came as soon as we could." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Any luck?"

"I'm afraid not." Princess Celestia responded. "I've had guards patrol the streets ever since you called and told me the situation. So far, they've had no luck on finding my sister nor Moondancer."

"This is all my fault." the Masked Matterhorn said. "The Dark Alicorn must have figured out who I was and has kidnapped Moondancer to get to me."

"That makes no sense." Filli-Second said. "If she did know who you are, then why didn't she just come after you? Also, how could she have known how much this would impact you?"

Everyone stopped and looked at the pink heroine.

"Whoa." Zapp said. "You know something's off when Filli-Second makes sense."

"I... I don't know." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Look, I just need some time to myself." She didn't give her team a chance before she galloped up the stairs.

"What's up with her?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

"I wish I knew." Hum Drum said scratching the top of his head.

"Hurry it up!" the Dark Alicorn shouted. Her screams echoed in the dark room with just her, Moondancer, and a machine between two glass domes.

"I'm going as fast as I can." Moondancer said. "You know, if you let me take a break every once in a while, I can have the time to look over any mistakes I might have..."

"NO!" the Dark Alicorn roared scaring the daylights out of Moondancer. Her mane rose higher like a fire with more wood added. "I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO REST UNTIL I GET THIS DONE! IF THIS DOESN'T WORK, I WON'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU! Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal." Moondancer replied in a frightened tone.

"Good." the Dark Alicorn said. "Continue on your work."

Moondancer turned back to the machine she was building and started to continue. During her construction, she couldn't help but think to herself.

"Come on, Twilight. Where are you? I could sure use your help right now."

Where was Twilight? She was on a balcony near the top of the castle staring off to the sunset. She thought back on every moment she shared with Moondancer. Then she thought about moments with Spike. She then thought about her new friends before shaking her head back into reality.

"What is wrong with me? I can't believe this happened. Everyone wrong, it's what I was trying to avoid.

"There once was a time I was by myself

And now, I am starting to miss those days

Yet, why do they insist on trying to help

This isn't some game that anyone wants to play

I have never been

Outside of my walls

What is wrong with me

I was always on my own

How can someone like me

Get hurt so easily

Was it a lot better when I was all...

Aloooooooooooooone"

She turned her head and saw the rest of her team standing there waiting to speak.

"You want to tell us something?" Radiance asked. "This is about more than just what might happen with Moondancer, is it?"

The Masked Matterhorn sighed and was ready to admit something. "You may not have noticed, but I'm not the most social pony in Equestria."

Filli-Second let out a loud, expressive gasp as she jumped into the air. No one else gave any reaction.

"...Anyway..." the Matterhorn continued. "You see, my brother's part of the royal guard, so he's not home so much. My parents are also very busy with their jobs. It's like everyone I count on keeps leaving me. The only logical idea I could come up with is keep myself as secluded as I can. That way, no one can let me down again."

"That's your answer to your troubles?" Saddle Rager asked. "To push everyone else away?"

"It's not like I want to. There were a couple of times I decided to let my guard down, like when I first met Spike or the day I met Moondancer. I really opened up to her, telling her almost all my secrets. But then, the debate over the Super Purification Act started. Ever since then, criminals started to be more confident and I've been really busy on my superhero work. And now, some demonic Alicorn just kidnapped someone who I admitted I could relate to. If anything would happen to her, I'd feel worse than ever before."

"Sugar-cube, it's all right to feel worried over someone." Mistress Marevelous said. "It's a part of life. Look, I have a sister myself and she worries for my safety every day. But I get even more nervous about letting her down. If that's how it is between us, what do you think Moondancer might think about letting you down?"

"Yeah." Filli-Second said. "You see, friendship doesn't work one-way. Moondancer might just be as worried for you as you are for her."

"You... you think so?" the Masked Matterhorn said.

"Twilight, I've known you for a long time," Hum Drum said, "So of course I'm worried for you. But I still support you and help you out as much as I can. Doing things on your own does guarantee no one letting you down, but it also guarantees no one helping you either. I think you've known that all along."

The Masked Matterhorn looked at everyone and smiled. She stood high and proud with a confident look on her face.

"You're right! I can't believe I've been blind for so long. From now on...

"I'LL LIVE ANOTHER LIFE

OUTSIDE OF MY WALLS

I'LL IGNORE WHO I WAS

ALWAYS ON MY OWN

NO MORE WASTING TIME

FROM HERE ON OUT, I'M

CHANGING WHO I AM! NOW, IIIIII AM NOOOOOOOT...

ALOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE"

The Power Ponies cheered loudly. Suddenly, they were interrupted when a rock fell in front of them. The Power Ponies looked at it suspiciously.

"Maud?" Filli-Second asked.

Just then, another rock landed before the ponies, and they looked back over the balcony. Down below, they saw the Mysterious Mare Do-Well awaiting them to show.

"Again?" Zapp asked. "Look, Mare Do-Well, you've been taking us on a zig-zag path all week. You're not telling us anything about what's going on and what we're supposed to be doing."

Just then, the Mysterious Mare Do-Well raised her hoof into the air and motioned it around her to the other direction.

"I think she wants us to follow her." Saddle Rager said.

"But to where?" Radiance asked.

"I don't care." the Masked Matterhorn answered. "Anything's better than just pacing around worrying for Moondancer all day."

Author's Note

Now what?!

The song featured here is a parody of "Go the Distance" from Hercules.

Revelations

"PRINCESS CELESTIA!" Shining Armor shouted as he galloped into the throne room. When he stopped, the princess noticed he was out of breath.

"What is it, Shining Armor? Did you hear from your sister?"

"Yes." Shining Armor said. "She's here. She said... she's succeeded."

Princess Celestia widened her eyes in complete worry. "Let her in."

The doors opened and a group of ponies walked in one hoof at a time. Obviously, the Power Ponies and Hum Drum were there. The Mysterious Mare Do-Well (covering her face with her hat), Moondancer, and the Oracle followed. But the one pony that shocked Celestia the most was her sister, Princess Luna, without her Dark Alicorn armor.

"What is this?" Celestia asked.

"Well, I don't understand it much myself." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"Let me." the Mysterious Mare Do-Well said. She removed her hat revealing her face. Celestia's surprise returned to her.

"Sunset Shimmer?! You're... You're back? But I thought..."

"I know I have a lot to explain," Sunset Shimmer said, "But if you let me..."

"Oracle..." Princess Celestia asked.

"It's okay, your highness." the Oracle said.

"It's like this." Sunset Shimmer explained. "You sent me to locate a lost amulet for my final exam. Halfway there, I found an old hut and met the Oracle. He told me if I continued on my quest, I'd be straying from my destiny. To ensure the safety of Equestria, he told me I had to follow his instructions, including making myself disappear. I took on the identity of the Mysterious Mare Do-Well and made sure Twilight and her friends would team up to free your sister."

"Free my sister?" Celestia asked. "From what?"

"From this." Moondancer said holing up the Electro-Orb. There was a black liquid flowing inside of it. "Inside this Electro-Orb is the Asteroth. After Luna abducted me, she told me she needed me to build a siphoning chamber to put the thing inside the Electro-Orb."

"Stop the ice-cream truck!" Filli-Second exclaimed. "You mean this whole time, the Dark Alicorn was good?"

"It's complicated." Princess Luna said. "Celestia, do you remember when we first found the Asteroth in the secret catacombs under the castle?"

"How could I not?" Celestia asked.

"The reason I was able to find it is because I was drawn to it." Luna continued. "It was like it was calling to me. And when I absorbed it, it was like it was trying to convince me to embrace the newfound power. But when my power grew, so did my aggression. And soon, my free will started to diminish and I couldn't control myself. When you sent me to the moon, I was unleashing my rage at nothing for hundreds of years before I was able to gain back control. But it was already too late; I was separated from the kingdom and sister that I loved. And so, I've been watching Equestria from afar, and after the advancements that I saw, I knew today's science could free me from the Asteroth's influence. So when I returned to Equestria, I took as many machine parts as I could need. Then, I needed someone to build what I needed. And I had to do all this as soon as possible or the Asteroth would take control back. I've had a few episodes, but I was able to cool off. And now, it's over."

"Luna," Celestia breathed stepping off of her throne, "Had I known..."

"You've got nothing to apologize for." Luna said. "If any pony should be sorry, it's me.

"For many centuries, I've been so blind

Of everything that I lost

I was so consumed with temptation

I never thought about the cost

I may not know what the future holds

But here me when I say

That I'm going to try my best

So my past is not today

I had a great responsibility

As the princess of the night

Yet the influence was too strong

For just one mare to fight

Now that all that's behind me

I wish to make amends

I want to have retribution

To make all the nightmares end"

"Forgiveness is easy to gain," Princess Celestia sang,

"All you have to do is ask

As long as you are true to your word

And always stick to your task

You never lost the love we had

The bond we have is the same

Why do you think I dedicated the nights

In honor of your good name

You see, you're Princess Luna

The sister I've longed to see

There's nothing I wanted more

Than you to be with meeeeeeeeee"

"We've been drifting for far too long," both sang,

"Let's forget who's right and forget who's wrong

At last, we've sewn back what we once tore

You are my sister. We're a family once more"

"We are sisters, and that can't change," Princess Celestia sang.

"I am ready to rearrange," Princess Luna sang.

"Life's too short to miss out on yoooooouuuuuu," both sang,

"WE'VE BEEN DRIFTING FOR FAR TOO LONG

LET'S FORGET WHO'S RIGHT AND FORGET WHO'S WRONG

AT LAST, WE'VE SWEN BACK WHAT WE ONCE TORE

YOU ARE MY SISTER! WE'RE A FAMILY ONCE MOOOOOORE

You are my sister. We're a faaaamily once mooooooore"

Filli-Second pulled out a tissue and wipes her watery eyes with it. "I just love tearful reunions."

"HOLD THE PHONE!" Zapp interrupted. "You mean to tell me we weren't needed at all?! All we had to do was sit back and let Luna get her Asteroth out and we didn't need to interfere at all?!"

"Um... pretty much, yeah." the Oracle replied.

"But I don't get it." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Oracle, you said we were needed to stop the Dark Alicorn."

"No, I said you were needed to stop the great threat." the Oracle corrected. "Believe it or not, it's not over."

"What?" everyone asked.

"Oracle, you never told me there would be more." Sunset Shimmer said.

"I can't divulge too much about the future." the Oracle said. "I have an agreement with the Doctor."

"The who?" Radiance asked.

"You'll understand later." the Oracle said. "Right now, you better turn on the news."

"There's no TV in this room." Shining Armor said.

Suddenly, Filli-Second pulled out a TV set from behind her and smiled. "There is now!"

"...Where do you keep that?" Saddle Rager asked.

"I'll never tell." Filli-Second said.

The screen flashed on and Starlight Glimmer appeared in front of a large crowd of ponies. A reporter held out a microphone.

"Ms. Glimmer, you announced that you had something to say?"

"Actually, yes." Starlight Glimmer said. "You see, you all have heard the rumors that I am the anti-super activist known as the Purifier. Well, I am here to put those rumors to rest. ...They are true."

A loud gasp escaped the crowd at the same time as the Power Ponies widened their eyes at the bombshell news. Many ponies shouted comments and questions until Starlight spoke again.

"Yes, yes. I know some of you have negative comments about my Super Purification Act, and that is why I had to conceal myself. But now, something has happened that forced me out of hiding. I am gathering you all here to hunt down a dangerous villain plagueing our fair Equestria... the Dark Alicorn."

"But wait?" a reporter called out. "We've never heard of any Dark Alicorn!"

"I bet you haven't." Starlight said. "You see, the supers and our princess have been hiding it from us independent citizens who had a right to know! We put our trust in these so-called 'heroes' and they have never given us a reason to! Right now, they have captured the Dark Alicorn, but all they're not going to do anything to stop her!"

"WHAT!" the crowd shouted. "THEY CAN'T DO THAT! AN EVIL ALICORN IS TOO DANGEROUS! THIS MADNESS MUST STOP!"

"ARE WE GOING TO LET THESE SUPERS CONTROL OUR SOCIETY ANY LONGER?!" Starlight shouted.

"NO!"

"THEN FOLLOW ME TO CANTERLOT!"

The angry mob got into their vehicles and followed Starlight's out of the city limits. They were headed for the capital of Equestria itself. The TV turned off leaving the ponies watching it full of worry.

"This... is bad." Radiance said.

"I'm calculating our odds of getting out of this all right at... zero." Moondancer said.

"This doesn't make sense." the Masked Matterhorn said. "How could..." Her attention was caught at a tiny, little device on Saddle Rager's outfit. She scooped it up and examined it. "It's... a listening device! Starlight's been listening to everything we were saying!"

"Oh, no." Princess Luna cried out. "This is all my fault!"

"Oracle, what do we..." Sunset Shimmer started to say until she saw the Oracle wasn't there anymore. Everyone gasped at the empty space.

"We should really put a bell on that guy!" Filli-Second said.

"Wait!" the Masked Matterhorn said looking at the floor. There was a folded up piece of paper that she levitated to her face. She opened it and read the words written on it aloud. "'Give them a reason.'"

"A reason?" Zapp asked. "What kind of reason?"

"We have to figure this out." Princess Celestia said. "In the meantime... Shining Armor, gather the guards! Form a barricade around the castle! Don't hurt any pony who attempts to enter here, but don't let them in!"

"Yes, your majesty!" Shining Armor agreed as he galloped out of the room.

"A reason." the Masked Matterhorn whispered to herself. "A reason. What could he mean?"

Author's Note

This is going to be an eventful weekend. I'm heading to see John de Lancie in person. It's a dream come true for a Discord fan like me.

The song featured here is based on "You'll Play Your Part" from the MLP show itself.

The Reason

A white van pulled up behind the castle and stopped. The Mane-iac and Briny Deep walked out of the van and found their way to a wall. The long-maned villainess reached our her hair like a rope and caught the top of the tower.

"Hope you're not afraid of heights." she said before starting the climb. Briny Deep followed.

"Are you sure you know where you're going?" Briny Deep asked.

"Yes." the Mane-iac replied. "Just don't blow it for us. Ooh, the anticipation if making me jumpier than a pogo stick on caffeine! Oh, and don't forget our... special package."

An angry mob raved on in front of the Canterlot royal guard. The guards were ready to stand proud and strong while fear and worry were being made to go through with this situation. Soon, Starlight Glimmer stood out.

"Stand aside, guards! You're harboring a dangerous fugitive in that castle!"

"No, you don't understand!" Shining Armor spoke out. "Princess Luna is no longer the Dark Alicorn! It's already taken care of!"

"And you expect us to believe something as convenient as that!" Starlight Glimmer asked. "The supers lied to us! The princess lied to us! The only ponies we can trust are each other! Now, let us through so we can finish the job!"

"Sorry, but I can't allow you to do that!" Shining Armor shouted.

"Then we'll let ourselves in!" Starlight Glimmer shouted. "ATTACK!"

Without hesitation, the angry mob ran into the guards to prepared to stand their ground. Meanwhile, up above, the Power Ponies watched the attack from up above. Filli-Second paced around the room at supersonic speed in panic.

"What do we do? What do we do? What do we do?!"

"You think running in circles and asking that question over and over is going to solve our problems?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "We need to think this through. Matterhorn, where's the Asteroth?"

"I told Hum Drum to sneak it to Moondancer's house for safekeeping. Knowing him, he'll think of hiding it in the secret lab until we fix this."

No one knew it, but on the roof of that very tower, the Mane-iac overheard every word and smiled. She reached her hair back down just as Briny Deep used the last of his breath to finally make it up. As soon as he saw his crazy girlfriend start the climbed back to the ground, he groaned and followed.

"The Oracle knows how to fix this." Mistress Marevelous said. "Maybe..."

"Look, all he could tell me is I need to find a reason." the Masked Matterhorn said. "I have no idea what kind of reason he's talking about. Sunset..."

"I don't know." Sunset Shimmer said. "Most of the time, I don't understand half of what that guy says. Usually, it requires a lot of guessing."

"Better think up something fast!" Zapp said. "The mob is starting to break through!"

"A reason." the Masked Matterhorn whispered. "A reason." She thought back on a few memories.

She remembered earlier when the Mysterious Mare Do-Well's mask fell of and Sunset tried to hide her face. The Oracle told her not to and said, "The time for those is ending."

She then remembered Starlight Glimmer telling the crowd that the supers live in secrets and lies and that they never truly give the public a reason to trust them.

THAT'S IT! The Masked Matterhorn gasped when she came up with a thought. Everyone saw the worried look on her face.

"Matterhorn, what's wrong?" Saddle Rager asked.

"Maybe she's got gas." Filli-Second said.

"I... I know what he's trying to say." the Masked Matterhorn said. "I know what to do. But... it's incredibly risky."

"Look, those ponies down there may not trust you," Sunset Shimmer said, "But I do."

"Me too." Radiance said.

"All of us do." Mistress Marevelous said. "It doesn't matter what you decide to do as long as we do it with you."

The Masked Matterhorn smiled. "Good. Because this could risk all of us."

It was only a matter of time before the mob broke through the defenses and into the royal hallways. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched them corner the two of them. Starlight Glimmer walked to the front.

"Stop right there!" Princess Celestia said getting in front of her sister. "I will not allow you to harm my sister!"

"So you admit you've been holding out on us." Starlight Glimmer said. "All these years, there has been a second Alicorn, but evil."

"It wasn't Luna's fault!" Celestia said. "It was the Asteroth! It made Luna do all that horrible stuff!"

"And where is it?" Starlight Glimmer asked. "If you do not present it to us, I can't be held responsible for what the ponies behind me do."

"Celestia..." Luna said walking in front of her, "It's all right. They're right. I have to pay for my crimes."

"Luna, you can't!" Celestia protested. "I just got you back! I can't lose you again!"

"NO ONE HAS TO LOSE ANYONE!"

The Power Ponies ran out of a stairway and landed right between the mob and the princesses.

"Supers too?" Starlight asked. "If you're trying to talk us out of it, you're only making things worse for you."

"Everyone, can't you see what you're doing?" the Masked Matterhorn asked everyone. "You're committing treason! You're attacking the very heart of Equestria itself! And for what reason, because one unicorn told you that one pony here wants to hurt you? If Princess Luna wanted to destroy the world, she would have done it already!"

"Don't listen to her!" Starlight shouted at the crowd. "We're doing Equestria a favor! Besides, why should you hear her out after all the lies and secrets they have kept! They gave us no reason to trust them!"

"But we will now!" the Masked Matterhorn declared getting everyone's attention. "I will prove to you all that I trust you with everything about me! I give you... the reason."

The Masked Matterhorn breathed in and out. She lifted her hoof and dug it under her mask. To everyone's surprise, she quickly pulled it off. She then waved her purple mane proudly and stuck out her face to the shocked crowd.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I'm the Masked Matterhorn!"

A short moment of gasps later, the rest of the Power Ponies did the same. They remove their masks and revealed themselves like they weren't ashamed.

"My name is Rarity, and I'm Radiance!"

"My name is Applejack, and I'm Mistress Marevelous!"

"My name is Rainbow Dash, and I'm Zapp!"

"My name is Fluttershy, and I'm Saddle Rager... if you don't mind."

"My name is Pinkie Pie, and I'm Spartacus... I mean, Filli-Second!"

The crowd whispered among each other, and Starlight Glimmer hadn't changed her mind. She just laughed.

"You really think taking off your masks is going to change anything? Everyone, get ready to attack."

"No!" a random pony from the crowd shouted. That caught Starlight Glimmer by surprise.

"What?"

"Don't you see?" a pony shouted from the crowd. "They trust us. They are willing to give up their identities to show we can trust them."

"It's a trick, don't you see?!" Starlight Glimmer shouted. "A cunning plot! They're trying to lull you back to their side! The supers can't be trusted!"

"Why not?" another pony asked. "Because you said so? As far as I'm concerned, you're the one we can't trust. How did you even know the Dark Alicorn existed?"

Starlight widened her eyes in worry. She couldn't come up with an explanation other than the Dark Alicorn broke into her factory a week earlier. She stammered trying to think of a way out.

"I... I don't have to prove myself!" Starlight shouted. "Come on! Don't tell me you're considering supporting a team of liars with superiority complexes!"

"Superiority complex?" Twilight asked. "Wait, is that what this was all about?! Starlight, we supers don't consider ourselves above the other ponies at all!"

"BE QUIET!" Starlight snapped! Suddenly, Starlight was surrounded by spears pointed at her by the guards. "What... What is this?!"

"Starlight Glimmer," Shining Armor declared, "You are under arrest for conspiracy, disturbing the peace, radio-piracy, and treason! You're looking at a looooong time in prison!"

"No! Wait!" Starlight Glimmer shouted. "You don't understand! I'm trying to help you all! Everyone, you won't let them do this to me, right?!"

The crowd of ponies stared at her in disappointment before making a path outside. The front gate had a prison cart. Starlight tried to teleport away, but a metal clamp wrapped itself around her horn.

"This metal is made especially to cancel out unicorn magic." Princess Celestia said. "As princess, I sentence you to 20 years to life."

"NO!" Starlight shouted as the guards dragged her away. "STOP! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! NOOOOOO!"

The front gate closed hard right after Starlight was brought outside. Everyone cheered. The Purifier was gone, Princess Luna was safe, and all was right... or so they thought.

In the secret lab, Hum Drum sighed as he rolled the Electro-Orb left and right softly.

"You know, now that you have the Asteroth, maybe you should have a new name. I'm thinking... the Dark Orb or... the Destructo-Orb. You know, maybe I should see what's on TV."

He picked up a remote and pointed it at a television set at the corner of the room. The first thing that appeared was the news. Hum Drum's eyes almost popped out when he saw the Power Ponies without their masks in front of every pony in Canterlot.

"I can't leave those girls alone for five minutes, can I?"

Suddenly, he gasped when he felt something tighten around his waist. He was lifted up by the green vine which he found attached to the Mane-iac.

"YOU?!" Hum Drum screamed. "How..."

"Now... Hum Drum, was it," the Mane-iac said, "Don't ask. That's my job. In fact, I'm going to ask this... Where is the Asteroth?"

"If you think I'm telling you..." Hum Drum said.

"Uh, honey." Briny Deep said looking at the Electro Orb on the floor. "I think I just saw a face in this. I think this has the Asteroth."

"Well..." the Mane-iac said turning her attention back at Hum Drum, "Look who just became redundant." She released her tendril and Hum Drum fell to the floor.

Hum Drum got back up and saw the Mane-iac getting closer to the orb. In a reaction, he charged toward her in a cry of battle. It stopped when the Mane-iac pulled out a spray can and shot out a pink mist that covered him. When the mist cleared out, Hum Drum couldn't move, no matter how much he struggled.

"What the..." he gasped. "How..."

"The Hair Spray Ray of Doom." the Mane-iac said. "Able to freeze any helpless victim. Evil, and stylish. Patent pending."

"How do you expect to take the Asteroth?" Hum Drum asked. "My friends and I trapped that thing and it's virtually indestructible."

"Well, it's a good thing there's a siphoning machine here." the Mane-iac shouted staring at the machine used earlier. "You should've dismantled it when you had the chance. All I have to do it reverse the settings and I'll be on top of Equestria!"

"Wait, my dear!" Briny Deep shouted. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Of course, it is." the Mane-iac replied. "I didn't come all the way from Maretropolis to just stop at the last second. And I certainly didn't do it to hear that you have second thoughts."

"Uh, Mane-iac," Hum Drum said, "Who are you talking to?"

"Briny Deep, of course." the Mane-iac said. "Oh, right. You haven't formally met."

"There's no one to meet." Hum Drum said. "I don't see any pony here besides you."

"What?" the Mane-iac asked. She turned back at her boyfriend. "Why can't he see you?"

"Hate to break it to you, but it looks like you're a little crazier than everyone else thought." Hum Drum said.

"No!" the Mane-iac snapped "I've known him half of my life! He's been there for me! He's everything I've dreamed of in..." She stopped when she had a horrible realization. She turned back to Briny Deep and his worried face. "You... really are everything I've dreamed of in a stallion. And come to think of it, I've never seen you interact with any pony else. Also, I think with my new powers, I think I would drive the van myself and not even know about it. That would explain the reckless driving. Tell me, have you always been a figment of my imagination?"

Briny Deep sighed. "I hoped you wouldn't find out this way. Green Locks, you've lived your whole life without anyone giving you the time of day. I am not called Briny Deep after the ocean, I'm called Briny Deep because that's how far in your mind I have come from. All you ever wanted was someone to know you exist, even if that someone doesn't exist himself. I am begging you, turn away from this path. Turn yourself in. You'll be happier than this."

The Mane-iac lifted the Electro-Orb and gazed upon it. She then turned back to her imaginary boyfriend. She closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Briny." The Mane-iac opened her crazed and smiled. "But no dice!" Quick as a flash, she placed the Electro-Orb in one tube while she entered another.

The glass doors were sealed shut while one tendril was sticking out. The Mane-iac used it to pull the lever and make the machine hum. She took one last look at Briny Deep's sad face before he faded before her eyes. She shook the thought out of her head while the black mist escaped the Electro-Orb and flowed through the pipes.

After a few minutes, Hum Drum was finally able to move again. He tried to dash toward the chamber, but a bright light flashed out of it. When the light dimmed, the Electro-Orb was actually brighter and the Mane-iac's capsule opened up. Afraid for his life, Hum Drum decided to escape and warn his friends.

The Mane-iac stepped out of her capsule with a flash of black flowing through her eyes. She laughed at the new feeling she had.

"Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

"From here on out, I'm gonna show what I'm made of

From here on out, I possess what I seemed to lack

I'm done playing Ms. Nice Girl

Now, I'm on top of the whole world

From here on out, you'll see the inner Mane-iac"

With a black flash, her hair started to gain black streaks. As she looked around, she saw new hallucinogenic ponies watching her in fear. She began to walk up the stairs.

"From here on out, everyone is going to have to love

From here on out, everything's given in a sack

No one will dare say no

Or they will all have to go

From here on out, you'll see the inner Mane-iac"

"From here on out, the ignoring will desist," the hallucinations sang,

"Her beauty's so radiant, you cannot resist

From here on out, she'll finally exist

SHE'S BAAAAAAAAACK"

The Mane-iac felt it. Her black-and-green mane burst out longer extensions and she loved it. She made it out of Moondancer's home and entered the sewer system. Upon entry, she found a large pit with intersecting pipes. She reached out her new, everlasting hair vines through each pipe while she continued to sing.

"OH, YES! AND...

FROM HERE ON OUT, EVERYONE IS GOING TO WATCH ABOVE"

"BETTER RUN AND HIDE," the hallucinations sang.

"WHO CARES IF THE FUTURE LOOKS A LITTLE BLACK," the Mane-iac sang.

"THE TRUE HER'S COMING OUTSIDE," the hallucinations sang.

"NOW, MY REACH WILL BE EVERYWHERE," the Mane-iac sang,

"NO ONE CAN ESCAPE MY MAGNIFICENT HAIR

FROM HERE ON OUT, YOU'LL MEET THE INNER

GIRL WHO'S DESTINED TO BE A WINNER

FROM HERE ON OUT, YOU'LL KNOW THE INNER...

MANE-IAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC"

Author's Note

Introducing... THE MANE-STER!
Sorry I didn't post this sooner. Thanksgiving break has been lazy.
Anyway, I expect I should be done with this story by next week. If I upload each chapter a day, I'll be done on Saturday.
The song featured here is a parody of "The Real Ludmilla" from Bartok the Magnificent.

Monster vs Mane-ster

The crowd cheered as the Power Ponies finally stepped out of the castle and to the press. Many reporters started shouting comments and questions.

"Ms. Sparkle," a Pegasus with a blue mane said, "This is News Flash. Tell me, are you content with sharing your identities with everyone in the world? Basically, you just gave your enemies your families' zip codes."

"Don't get your ropes in a twist." Mistress Marevelous said. "If any of those varmints make it to my farm, they're going to meet with my family. We Apples are nothing if not resourceful."

"And my family's in Cloudsdale." Zapp said. "If anything happens there, they'll be properly protected by the Wonderbolts."

"In other words, News Flash," Twilight Sparkle said pulling her mask back over her face, "We heroes no longer have to be ashamed of who we are. So whatever may come, we'll handle it with the world knowing what we're fighting for!"

Just as soon as she finished that, the bottom of their hooves started to vibrate. The pebbles jolted up and down while the ground made a thundering noise growing.

"I thought the earth doesn't usually move until honeymoons." Filli-Second said.

Suddenly, the roads broke as gigantic, green vines sprouted from underneath. The ponies started to panic as a dozen more broke through the roads on that street alone. Hum Drum was then seen running through the crowd and avoiding being trampled until he made it to the Power Ponies.

"Hum Drum, what's going on?!" the Matterhorn asked. "Where did all these vines come from?!"

"Well..." Hum Drum said nervously, "Remember that psychotic supervillain with the extra-long mane? Well... she may have... bonded with the Asteroth."

"WHAT?!" the Power Ponies asked wildly.

Suddenly, a large intersection of the vines came from the ground. The Mane-iac was standing on it with glowing-green eyes and a black outfit.

"An Asteroth-boosted Alicorn is one thing," Sunset Shimmer said, "But an Asteroth-boosted supervillain is... catastrophic!"

"She's... a monster." Saddle Rager shivered in fear.

"No!" Filli-Second shouted. "She's a... a Mane-ster!"

The Mane-ster lowered herself into a crowd of innocent ponies and laughed maniacally.

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" the Mane-ster shouted. "It's about time Equestria moves into a new world order! I volunteer myself to take the princesses role! This is my world now!"

"Enough!" Princess Celestia shouted approaching the villain with her sister by her side. "Surrender now or pay the price!"

"Oh, no!" the Mane-ster shouted sarcastically. "What are you going to do; sprinkle me with a little bit of sunshine?"

"Listen," Princess Luna said, "I know what you're feeling! I felt it too, and I too gave into its temptations! But the more you embrace the power the Asteroth gives you, the more of yourself you'll lose! I know how it feels!"

"Oh, yeah?" the Mane-ster asked. "Well, I know a riddle. What do you get when you cross Mane-iac hair with Asteroth power?"

"ENOUGH!" Princess Celestia shouted. She shot a powerful burst of magic from her horn, but the Mane-ster blocked it with a vine of her mane. The vine then reached further toward the princesses and wrapped itself around their waists. The Alicorn tried to fight it, but eventually, they stopped fighting and their eyes began to glow black.

"The answer is," the Mane-ster continues, "A new superpower that gives me two brainwashed alicorns as my maids!" She then reached out to the crowd. "YOU SEE THIS, EQUESTRIA?! CAN YOU NOTICE ME NOW?!"

"HEY, YOU!" a voice cried out. The Mane-ster looked behind her and saw the Power Ponies approaching her. Filli-Second spoke again. "No Equestria for you, Mane-ster!"

"Mane-ster?" the villain asked. "I like it! 'Cause I'm a monster with a super-mane!"

"You don't have to do this anymore." the Masked Matterhorn said. "We already exposed Starlight Glimmer. She's already in jail. You don't have a reason to do this anymore."

"Reason?" the Mane-ster asked. "What's that? Nice try, kiddies, but I'm no longer doing this because I hate Glimmer. I'm doing this because... I LIKE IT! THE POWER! THE UNBELIEVABLE POWER!"

"Whoa." Zapp said. "Somepony needs a hobby."

"I don't believe it." Saddle Rager said with a growing tone. "I... don't... BELIEVE IT! You mean to tell us you're doing all this just because you like it! I've never heard of a more cruel and offensive purpose in my life! AND IF YOU THINK I'M JUST GOING TO LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS..."

"Uh oh." Mistress Marevelous said in a worried tone. "She's getting mad!"

"What's wrong?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "What happens when she gets mad?"

"Remember when I said you'll know her powers when we say 'brace for impact'?" Radiance asked.

"Yeah..." Hum Drum asked nervously.

"Brace for impact." Zapp said. "We also might want to step back."

The Matterhorn and Hum Drum looked back and saw Saddle Rager's eyes turn blood-red. Her legs and body started to grow to tremendous size. In a matter of seconds, her monstrous, muscular body was half as big as any building. Her roar started to rattle the green hair tendrils.

"Whoa." the Mane-ster expressed. "Looks like someone's been drinking her milk."

Suddenly, Saddle Rager jumped up and tackled the Mane-ster. They both crashed into the middle of a city square. When the crash cloud cleared, the Mane-ster was laying back on a crater unconscious and underneath a deep-breathing Saddle Rager monster. She turned back at her friends watching the whole thing. Saddle Rager's face expression changed to an open-mouth smile before she shrunk back to her meek, feeble size.

"Remind me to never forget her birthday." Hum Drum said.

"She's been like this for years." Zapp said. "Whenever she gets super-mad, she changes into something that can take her anger out. Of course, she's not easily upset, so it happens on rare occasions."

"Terribly sorry you had to see that." Saddle Rager said. "I know it was scary."

"Are you kidding?" Hum Drum asked. "That wasn't scary! That was awesome!"

"Focus, Hum Drum." the Masked Matterhorn said. She reached for her earpiece. "Sunset, how are the princesses?"

"Still unaware." Sunset Shimmer responded. "Celestia and Luna are still hypnotized and the vines are still attached."

"What?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "But that doesn't make sense. How can the Mane-ster still have mind control if she's unconscious? Unless..."

Too late. Several green vines were quickly wrapped around the Power Ponies' ankles. No matter how much they tried, they couldn't escape. The Mane-ster's eyes opened wide and she laughed. After that, she quickly attached a vine to Saddle Rager's back. The Pegasus then had black eyes.

"NO!" the Power Ponies shouted.

"Nice try, Power Ponies!" the Mane-ster said. One by one, she attached different mane vines to the Power Ponies. "I admit, you had the jump on me. But this isn't your day. This is my day. This is my victory. This... is my Equestria!"

The last one struck with the vine was the Masked Matterhorn. Sunset Shimmer and Moondancer looked and gasped at the sight. The Mane-ster approached the heroes and examined them.

"Hmm. I suppose I can make them chimney-sweeps, complete with a song-and-dance number. I just can't wait to..." Suddenly, she stopped and gasped softly. "What's this?" She caressed her head. "I don't know what this is. It feels like... AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" She screamed in total agony, but she knew something was going on... inside her mind.

Author's Note

I'm on a roll here! And now, the Power Ponies are about to enter the worst place imaginable: the Mane-iac's mind.

Touch of Destiny

The Masked Matterhorn couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her surrounding. The white, endless void reached out farther than the eye can see. Her voice echoed as she tried to call out.

"HUM DRUM! RADIANCE! ZAPP! SADDLE RAGER! FILLI-SECOND! MAREVELOUS! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"You won't find them."

The distorted voice jolted Matterhorn off her hooves. She turned around and froze when she saw the black, formless cloud hovering over her head.

"Whoa!" the Masked Matterhorn gasped. "Who--or what--are you?"

"You know me as the Asteroth."

"What?! But... This doesn't make sense! The Asteroth can't possibly be alive! It's an object!"

"How much do you really know of the Asteroth? Do you know my purpose? Do you understand my methods? Do you even know how I was created in the first place? The universe is filled with many secrets far beyond your understanding alone."

"Well, if you're the Asteroth, then where are we?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "I thought you had bonded yourself with the Mane-iac."

"The pony did, in fact, absorb me for my power, and I admit, merging with a super pony is much more satisfying than an alicorn. However, her mind is limited. All she wants is to make pony-kind her slaves. But when I sensed the extraordinary mind you possess, I saw an opportunity. So when Green Locks connected her mind with yours, I pulled you in here to talk."

"This is the Mane-iac's mind?" The Masked Matterhorn looked around the endless void. "I expected it to be a lot less... empty."

"This is only because I shut off her mind. Out there, in the physical world, Green Locks is stuck in a petrified state awaiting your decision."

"What decision?"

"To save your world. If I hadn't intervened when I did, Canterlot would have fallen by now and you would've been powerless to stop it. Well, I'd be happy to lend you the power to stop her; the same power I gave to Princess Luna and Green Locks. With this much power, not only will you defeat the Mane-iac, but also any villain who threatens you or your friends."

"I... I can't." the Masked Matterhorn shook her head. "I've seen what you've done to the Mane-iac and Princess Luna. I can't risk that happening to me."

"What other choice do you have? Think of everything you sacrificed, such as time away from your childhood friends. Think of everyone who said you had to disappear, such as Starlight Glimmer. And don't forget about your parents. Out of every mind I've looked into, yours was the most touching. Everything you are, it was all for them. But how safe are they now that you've given away your secret? Unless you can find another way to save them, my offer's the only path. Come on, Twilight Sparkle. Go outside your walls."

The purple unicorn hero thought long and hard about what she had heard. She closed her eyes and thought hard. And then, that's when they heard them.

"TWILIGHT! MATTERHORN! SUGAR CUBE! MARCO, POLO!"

The Masked Matterhorn gasped and opened her eyes. She looked around, but she didn't hear the voices she heard anymore. And just like that, her wrestling-with-herself was over. She turned back at the cloud.

"You're wrong! I know another way, a way that's always an option! I have to rely... on... THEM!"

And just like that, a yellow light escaped from her and circled from behind. The Asteroth moved back a few feet before stopping. Inside the circling light, several sets of hooves appeared from bottom to top. The manifestations then took the forms of all her friends. The Power Ponies stood proudly with the Masked Matterhorn and against the Asteroth.

"What is this?"

"I'll tell you!" the Masked Matterhorn declared. "First, we have the honest, buck-whiling cowgirl, Mistress Marevelous! Next, we have the loyal, courageous Pegasus who brings the thunder, Zapp! Let's not forget the generous, compassionate caregiver to all, Radiance! She's shy, but she's kind with a heart of gold; I give you Saddle Rager! Never forget the silly, highly optimistic speedster, Filli-Second! And the dragon who I can never live without, Hum Drum! Individually, we are the friendliest, most powerful heroes in Equestria, but together..."

"WE ARE THE POWER PONIES!" the heroes shouted at once.

After that, the Power Ponies attacked the Asteroth with all their powers. They kept going like that again and again until...

"ENOUGH!" The Asteroth's voice shook the entire void and the Power Ponies stopped. The voice then spoke in a softer tone. "Well done, Power Ponies. You passed."

"Passed?" Hum Drum asked. "Passed what?"

"My test. You see, I am not truly evil. I simply offer the power to those who merge with me. I cannot be held responsible for what they decide to do with the power. I've been waiting an eternity for someone to pass, and now, I found them. I knew you were special, Sparkle. You saw another path to a better future besides power."

"You mean... it was all a test?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "You risked all of Equestria by giving Princess Luna and the Mane-iac a chance not to take it, but when they did, you couldn't do anything about it."

"Can't really do much when you're not in the physical world. And so, for passing the test, I give each of you your rewards!"

"Ooh, a puppy?" Filli-Second asked.

Suddenly, bright lights emitted from the Power Ponies' chests. After a few seconds, the light dimmed.

"What in tarnation was that?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

"The Touch of Destiny." the Asteroth answered. "In the future, the seven of you are to take part of an event that will affect all of existence. I do not know what, but with the Touch of Destiny, I guarantee you will be involved. Until then, I'll be watching you."

Outside, in real life, the Mane-ster finally screamed after minutes of silence. She then collapsed to the ground and her vines fell off of every pony she was connected to. The Power Ponies then came back to being awake.

"Whoa!" Zapp shouted. "What happened?!"

"Forget all that." Mistress Marevelous said. "Matterhorn, how did you get us all with you in there?"

"Well, after the Asteroth said there was no other way, I started to believe it." the Masked Matterhorn explained. "But then, I heard your voices. That's when I figured, if I could still have you all connected, I could also use the mind to being you all with me."

Suddenly, a black smoke escaped the Mane-iac's body. It circled around above in a spiral. Suddenly, it vaporized and disappeared.

"That... was weird." the Masked Matterhorn said.

Hum Drum took a glance at his best friend's side and widened his eyes. He gasped in complete shock. "Not as weird as... that!"

The Power Ponies looked and shared Hum Drum's expression. Confused, the Masked Matterhorn looked at her sides and saw for herself. She then turned speechless when she saw the pair of big, purple wings attached to her sides.

Author's Note

Sorry for the little detail and the rushing. I was in a hurry. Anyway, I have one last chapter to upload and an epilogue. I'll upload both tomorrow.

Super

Later on, the Masked Matterhorn showed her wings to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The Oracle was there too standing alongside Sunset Shimmer and Moondancer.

"What do you think?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "What does it mean?"

"Simple." Princess Celestia said. "You passed your exam."

"Huh?" the Power Ponies asked simultaneously.

"Don't tell me you haven't seen it for yourself, young one." the Oracle said. "The leadership you displayed with the Power Ponies. The judgment you showed when you decided to trust Princess Luna in the lab. The sacrifice you made by removing your mask in front of the whole world. The bond you share with your friends even away from different realities. Those are all the traits needed for your next phase."

"Welcome to our circle, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Celestia congratulated.

"Hold the phone!" Filli-Second said. She pulled out a glass of water and took a sip. She then spit her sip out of her mouth.

"I understand this is a complete shock," Celestia said, "But I want you to understand that you have earned this."

"Awesome!" Zapp shouted. "We've got a princess super hero now!"

"Thank you." the Masked Matterhorn said. "I understand everything now. If I hadn't met the Power Ponies before, I would've accepted the Asteroth's offer in a heartbeat. But in the end, friendship always trumps power. I am proud to be part of my team and I'm proud to be a Power Pony."

"I just have one question." Saddle Rager said. "What's going to happen to the Mane-iac?"

"Look outside and see for yourself." Princess Luna said.

The Power Ponies looked to the street and saw a bunch of doctors dragging a crazed Mane-iac with her mane tied in a knot.

"BLACK!" she yelled getting dragged into the ambulance. "I DO SEE BLACK, YOU KNOW! IT'S EVERYWHERE!" The door slammed shut and the ambulance drove away.

"Weirdest villain ever." the Masked Matterhorn said. "But I guess that wraps up this."

"Well, I hope that's it." Princess Luna said. "The Asteroth may be gone, but I'm worried about escalation."

"You're scared of electronic stairs?" Filli-Second asked.

"No." Princess Luna said. "It's just that every time something happens, something bigger happens on the other side. For example, the Masked Matterhorn came. And now, back in Maretropolis, there's this super-villain unicorn with some kind of magician theme."

"That's probably a problem for another day." Radiance said.

"But first," Filli-Second shouted, "do you know what this calls for?"

"A PARTY!"

Canterlot Gardens was decorated with streamers and balloons and everything a party needs. As soon as the Power Ponies appeared, a crowd of ponies cheered.

"The world is changing, huh?" Princess Luna asked her sister.

"I'm afraid so." Princess Celestia said. "The best thing we can do is try to change with it."

"I'm ready to try." Luna said. "No more secrets. No more distant watching. No more separation."

"I'm proud of you." the Oracle said. He turned around toward the exit.

"You're leaving?" Princess Celestia asked. "The night's still young."

"Sorry, but Sunset's still got some learning to do." the Oracle said. "Have a good time, everyone!"

The Oracle left the area. Celestia and Luna looked at each other. They were about to say something, but they were interrupted by Filli-Second.

"COME ON, EVERYPONY! LET'S GET DOWN! VINYL..."

The DJ set down a record and played it. Out the speakers was a loud music that was cheery. Filli-Second took the microphone and started.

"We've had our twists and our turns

And our times for complete self-doubt

But in the end, we've all been able

To stand proud and stout

Many obstacles have really tried

To keep us out of place

But we've managed to leave

With a smile on our face

You've got my hoof and I've got yours

We don't need to think twice

Life is nice

If we have fixed what we broke

Yes, we can learn from each other

I know we can love another

Forever

Become the best folk

See, life is a party. You need to celebrate

Bring in the love and drive out the hate

If you're upset, you can always turn it around

The future can bring problems, but don't run away

If there's no tomorrow, then just live today

Just listen to all that happy sound

What's lost is found

NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN

NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN

WHEN FRIENDS CAN START, WE

CAN HAVE A PARTY

THERE'S NO NEED TO FROWN

NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN"

"All right." the Masked Matterhorn said. She reached out her hoof and accepted the microphone from Filli-Second. "My turn.

"I've kept myself in the background

Thinking friendship doesn't last

But everyone here has proved me wrong

So now, I leave the past

Even though this test was not

Exactly what I expected

I'm just glad to have these ponies

HAVE MY LIFE PERFECTED

And even though life is messy

We have it under control

Ever since we were foals

No matter how strange

I know friends don't make any sense

I admit, I was also that dense

But I'm glad I took the chance to change

Keep your guard up and you will miss your shot

Your life's precious 'cause it's the only one you got

I learned that in my time in this town

You can learn a lot more outside your book

It's a real world out there. Just take a look

It's ten-times better than the brightest crown"

"What's lost is found," Filli-Second sang.

"NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN," the Power Ponies sang,

"NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN

AS LONG AS I HAVE YOU

WE'LL SEE IT THROUGH

AND WE CONTINUE TO ASTOUND

NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah," Vinyl sang,

"NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN," everyone sang,

"NOTHING CAN BRING US DOWN

I COULD NEVER ASK FOR MORE

OUR FUTURE'S SECURE

OUR FRIENDSHIP IS SPELLBOUND

NOTHING CAN BRING US DOOOOOOOWN"

"Is this the end already?" Hum Drum asked.

"Oh, no." Filli-Second said. "This is only a prequel. There's a lot more stories later."

Author's Note

The song here is a parody of "Summer Belongs to You" from Phineas and Ferb.

And now, you know how the Power Ponies came to be and how the Masked Matterhorn became a princess. But don't think it's the end just yet. There's an epilogue that foreshadows a new threat.

The Masked Matterhorn's Gambit

The Power Ponies and the Mysterious Mare Do-Well stood in front of a house that was clearly a fixer-upper. It needed paint, the wood was loose, and the plants were in need of a LOT of trimming.

Filli-Second was a little creeped out. "I guess the cleaning lady took the... year off. What is this place anyway?"

"This..." the Masked Matterhorn said recognizing the house, "This is Moondancer's home. Mare Do-Well, why are we here? We're supposed to be looking for Moondancer."

Instead of answering, the masked pony opened the front door and the Power Ponies followed her inside. Radiance screamed when the looked in.

"THIS IS HORRIBLE! THIS IS DREADFUL! THIS... THIS... IS A COMPLETE MESS!" She tried to back away from all the books and wrinkled rugs all over the floor.

"Whoa." Zapp said. "Looks like Moondancer put up quite a struggle."

"No, this is how her house always looks." the Masked Matterhorn said. "She doesn't get visitors that much. Mare Do-Well, what's going on?"

The Mysterious Mare Do-Well walked to approach a wall. Even when she was 3 feet and closing in, she didn't slow down. Within a second, her body began to disappear as she sunk herself into the wall startling the Power Ponies. They approached the wall and Filli-Second touched it. Waves flowed across the wall from where she was touching.

"Suddenly, I feel like I'm in Grannie Pie's Jell-O mold."

Nervous, the Power Ponies walked into the wall and closed their eyes. A second later, they opened their eyes to a darkened hallway with a staircase. They continued down until they heard working power tools down in the room.

The Power Ponies peeked in and saw Moondancer constructing a large machine with two glass tubes the size of ponies. One of the tubes was empty, but the other had the Electro-Orb inside on top of a pedestal. The Masked Matterhorn jumped through the door and into the other room startling Moondancer.

"Moondancer! Are you all right?"

"The Masked Matterhorn?" Moondancer gasped. "What..."

"Great job, Matterhorn!" Zapp shouted showing herself with the rest of the team. "We lost the element of surprise on the Dark Alicorn."

"And the rest of the Power Ponies!" Moondancer panicked. "What are you doing here?! You shouldn't..."

"Moondancer, calm down." the Masked Matterhorn said. Without thinking, she dug her hooves under her mask and removed it from her face. "It's me, Twilight."

Moondancer's eyes widened over hearing the bombshell. The rest of the team groaned while Hum Drum smacked his forehead.

"Twilight..." Moondancer gasped. "You're... All along... You..."

"Hey, I'm not the only one with secrets." Twilight said. "Why didn't you tell me you had your own, hidden lab?"

"I don't." Moondancer said. "The Dark Alicorn made this corridor after she abducted me." Suddenly, she gasped. "The Dark Alicorn! Listen, you've got to get out of here."

"We will." Mistress Marevelous said. "That's why we're here, to get you out of here."

"No!" Moondancer shouted. "You don't get it! I have to finish this!"

Twilight looked at the machine behind Moondancer and took a second to examine it. Suddenly, she recognized it.

"Moondancer, is that a siphoning chamber?!"

"A what?" Radiance asked.

"A siphoning chamber!" Twilight explained. "It takes the energy from one thing and places it into the other."

"Wait." Hum Drum gasped. "So you're saying..."

"The Dark Alicorn's going to take the power of the Electro-Orb and use it to boost herself! We've got to destroy it!"

"Wait, you can't!" Moondancer shouted. "The Dark Alicorn..."

"Don't worry." Mistress Marevelous interrupted. "After we're done, we'll protect you."

"DON'T YOU DARE!" a new, booming voice shouted. Everyone looked at a door from a different side of the room and the Dark Alicorn stormed in. They all stared at each other before the Dark Alicorn spoke again. "You can't destroy the machine."

"Actually, we are." Zapp said. "You days of tyranny are over."

"You don't understand." the Dark Alicorn said. "If you'd just let me explain..." Suddenly, she roared loudly frightening everyone else. She opened her eyes, and her pupils turned a lot more feral.

"I don't like the looks of this." Hum Drum said.

"Neither do I." Twilight said pulling her mask over her face again. "Zapp, Radiance, Filli-Second, the three of you keep her busy. The rest of us will take the siphoning chamber apart piece by piece."

"NO, WAIT!" Moondancer shouted.

Suddenly, Filli-Second zipped in front of the Dark Alicorn and laughed.

"I am here!" she said dodging the Dark Alicorn's strikes. "I am here!"

"All right, Power Ponies!" the Masked Matterhorn told the ponies sticking with her. "Let's take this apart!"

"NO, YOU CAN'T!" Moondancer shouted jumping in front of them. "YOU NEED TO LISTEN!"

"Moondancer, what is it?!" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"You need to hear this!" Moondancer said. "The Dark Alicorn needs to be in there!"

"WHAT?!" Matterhorn gasped. "Moondancer, don't you know who that is? She kidnapped you! She stole from Maretropolis! She tried to bring eternal night to Equestria hundreds of years ago, for Celestia's sake!"

"Twilight, just listen to what I have to say!" Moondancer said. "The Dark Alicorn is really..." She was interrupted by a dark-blue magic blasting her from the back. Moondancer collapsed on the floor while the Dark Alicorn proudly stood in front of the machine.

The Masked Matterhorn caught Moondancer's unconscious body before she could hit the floor. Meanwhile, the Dark Alicorn faced the siphoning chamber and grinned. Her black horn started to glow as if preparing a spell.

Suddenly, out of the shadows, the Mysterious Mare Do-Well galloped toward the Dark Alicorn and shoved her forward into the open, empty chamber. Mare Do-Well stepped out and quickly sealed the capsule.

"Mare Do-Well, what are you doing?!" Zapp shouted. "You're giving her what she wants!"

The Dark Alicorn shook her head and stammered. "Wh-What happened?" She looked around her and gasped. "I'm in! Quick, some pony, turn it on! I can't do it myself in here!"

"WHAT?!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted. "You expect us to give you what you want after what you did to Moondancer?!"

"Listen to me." the Dark Alicorn said. "Do you remember when I saved your Pegasus friend back at the factory?"

"Yeah." Saddle Rager said. "Why did you save me?"

"All I can tell you is that I know I did some terrible things and said some horrible stuff in the past," the Dark Alicorn replied, "But trust me; everything I'm doing, everything I'm fighting, it's all for Equestria! There's nothing I want more than everyone's safety!"

"Saddle, what if she's lying?!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted. "Remember who she is! She's the Dark Alicorn!"

"LOOK INTO MY EYES, PONIES!" the Dark Alicorn begged desperately. "DO YOU REALLY THINK I'D WANT TO HURT YOU?!"

"WE CAN'T!" the Masked Matterhorn argued. "WE NEED TO..."

"Twilight." a new voice called out. The Power Ponies followed it and realized the speaker was the Mysterious Mare Do-Well. "Trust her."

Under the mask, the Masked Matterhorn wrestled with the decisions in front of her. Her head was telling her to keep the Dark Alicorn prisoner, but everyone else is telling her to let the Dark Alicorn through it. She struggled with the worry of a wrong decision. Suddenly, the Masked Matterhorn made her decision. She quickly grabbed a switch on the control panel and flipped it.

"MATTERHORN, WHAT ARE YOU..." Zapp shouted.

Suddenly, a bright light pulsed out of the machine pushed everyone to the wall. As soon as the light dimmed, everyone dropped to the ground and watched the machine.

Inside her capsule, the Dark Alicorn screamed while a black mist flowed out of her body and through the pipes. The pipes then led to the other capsule and the mist slammed onto the Electro-Orb. The mist shrunk on impact and the Electro-Orb became much darker. The Dark Alicorn's capsule opened up and the princess collapsed onto the floor, her helmet popping off of her head on impact.

"What... what... that?" Zapp asked.

"I think... that was the Asteroth." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"Correct." the Oracle walked through the hallway and into the room. "The machine was meant to take the Dark Alicorn's power and place it in the Electro-Orb, not the other way around. That was her plan all along."

"I don't..." Mistress Marevelous started to say before hearing a groan.

The Mysterious Mare Do-Well started to get up when her mask fell off of her face. In a panic, she tried to lower her hat over her face.

"It's all right, child." the Oracle said. "The time for those is over. It's time they know."

"Who... Who is that?" Hum Drum asked.

"The pony behind the Mysterious Mare Do-Well..."

Slowly, the Mysterious Mare Do-Well removed her hat revealing her golden face. Her slightly-curled mane had a mixture of red-and-yellow colors.

"...Sunset Shimmer."

Author's Note

BOOOOOOOM! Mind blown, huh? I bet it was? Explanations later.

EPILOGUE

Behind the Maretropolis museum, a shipment of crates were carefully carried inside. The curator took a good look at the most important crate before turning to the man in the truck, who was concealed in the shadows.

"And you're sure this package is going to change Maretropolis?"

"I guarantee it." the voice came from the shadows.

"Okay." the curator said holding out the clipboard and a pen. "I just need you to sign here and I'll take it off your hooves."

"I don't have hooves." the voice said. Out of the shadows came a long, metal hand that spooked the curator. The hand took the pen and signed a name on the clipboard before returning into the shadows. "Now, don't tell anyone about this. Capiche?"

"U... Understood Mr..." The curator looked at the name on the paper. "...Tartus." The curator then walked away.

Two sets of metal arms reached out from the shadows and stroked the top of the package he just gave away.

"This is going to be fun. I can't wait for the results. You're definitely going to change Maretropolis before the Multiverse... Anar D."

Inside the crate, there was a small box laying in a pile of hay. The box was made of stone and had golden hinges waiting to be open.

Author's Note

Bum-bum-buuuuuuum. Just wait. There's a little more about Tartus in the next story. And so concludes the first story in my new series: the Creation Saga.