Beware the Equalizer

Chapters

Chapter 01: Stolen Cutie Marks
Chapter 02: Lose One Thing or the other
Chapter 03: What One Does From Here?

Chapter 01: Stolen Cutie Marks

Beware the Equalizer

Chapter 01: Stolen Cutie Marks

The scene begins to open up in a strange location far from the Rainbow Kingdom. Where we find the Mane Six, Ben, Nyx, the baby dragons, accompanied by Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Jack Zen & Omega. They were heading off to a location that had everyone showing some serious faces. The reason why was because of a recent report that they got & it was something that sent disturbing news about….cutie marks. The reason was that something involved them, & that someone was causing an incident around that spread until it reach everyone’s ears about…cutie marks being taken. The gang were on a task to figure out what was wrong & to solve it…& whoever was causing it.

“Are we almost there?” Pinkie Pie asked off in wondering if they have arrived at their destination.

“No.” Rainbow Dash stated off in them not arriving yet.

“How’s about now?” Pinkie Pie asked off this question in being curious now.

“No.” Rainbow Dash issued off in again, not knowing if they have arrived.

“Now?” Pinkie Pie asked again if they are now there of where they wanna be.

“No.” Rainbow Dash stated off in trying to hold it together, her pink friend is not knowing repeats will tend to get them annoyed soon.

“Well how’s…” Pinkie Pie was about to ask this again until she was cut.

“No! We’re not there!” Rainbow Dash yelled off in trying to make this clear, they have not arrived at where they are trying to get to.

“Settle down Rainbow, we’re just a bit antsy.” Applejack stated off to calm her friend that was getting tired from their long walk in having to deal with this sort of thing….for a few hours.

“I’ll say & who can blame us after having heard….such horrid news.” Rarity stated off to gasp at the very shocking matter that their ears have heard.

“Reports that flew in about ponies Cutie Marks just suddenly being stolen & replaced with equal Cutie Marks.” Jack Zen stated off in what they have heard has been going on that is by far…strange, yet sounding somewhat familiar.

“Not only that, the culprit responsible is said to be some mysterious armored villain called The Equalizer.” Goldie pointed off in who was responsible for such acts that they need to find & put a stop to.

“Worse is that for everyone that has become a victim, they are force to unwilling be recruited to join him which he’s done throughout one town after another town. And Ponyville maybe next unless we can stop him!” Pinkamena exclaimed to say this in feeling that those that were victims are being force into being recruited by the Equalizer, & if he goes from town to town doing this, he’ll go after their home too.

“So far, no Element Bearers have been a victim of this guy.” Ben astride to say this in knowing none of those they come to know have been targets of any cutie mark threats.

“That means Crash Fire, Snowcrystal, Kilik, Jones Venture, Z-Strap, & NeoVamde are currently safe. We have to stop these string of thefts as soon as possible.” Twilight stated off in knowing they can’t let those that have elements be victimized by whoever is stealing cutie marks.

“But are we enough? I mean, only cutie marks are being taken from ponies, we Dragons don’t have any so we won’t be effected?” Spike asked off in knowing that from what they know, only ponies are targets because they get cutie marks on their flanks.

“You kidding, I’m surprised she didn’t call in the Dragons of Equestria. Would have had enough fire power to roast the turkey.” Phobos rolled his eyes off that if Twilight wanted to stop whoever is behind this, get an army of Dragons to stop the thefts since they don’t have any cutie marks to be endanger.

“But if this Equalizer does come to Ponyville, it’s probably better they stay & watch over everyone to make sure they aren’t in any danger.” Fluttershy stated off in knowing that the Dragons of Equestria are better to keep their town safe should someone try to steal cutie marks there, the Dragons can be very helpful then.

“Autumn Gem & Sombra are aiding to watch the town & the CMC are there to offer some support.” Omega issued off in knowing who else is currently watching the two to make sure all things are stable.

“Good thing too, my three friends just got their cutie marks, they be devastated if someone took them.” Nyx stated to say this in not wanting her friends that finally got their cutie marks, to lose them.

“No way am Ah letting’ some cutie mark snathin’ fiend take maj little sister’s cutie mark!” Applejack issued off to protest to having some no good thief take a cutie mark her sister work hard to get.

“Same here, the rogue & brute that does that to my sister will see how far I ruin his outlook!” Rarity issued off to say this in not going to be happy about who would take her own sister’s cutie mark.

“Right, if this buddy touches my number one fan by taking her cutie mark, then he’ll have to face me first!” Rainbow Dash issued forth to declare this in being all determined in what she do to the rogue there that takes Scootaloo’s cutie mark.

“And if he tries to turn everyone into his recruited zombie followers or whatever, he’ll have to answer to ME!” Pinkie Pie issued to say this in what she do to the villain for having do something that evil to those that never wanted their cutie marks taken.

“I know my animals might be safe, but….I don’t want my friends to feel like they are alone, so…I’ll help out too.” Fluttershy stated to meekly say this in wanting to help stop whoever is doing these mean things.

“Okay, so….where are we heading towards first?” Phobos asked off in not knowing where they are even going at this time since they were in a rush.

“To a remote town, it’s directly between Neighagra Falls & Crystal Mountains.” Twilight spoke off in stating of where they are currently going towards in their direction. “With any luck, we’re not too late.” She stated in hoping they are not too late to help out.

“Then let’s pick up the pace every pony, move them hooves & feet!” Pinkamena issued forth in wanting them to not be wasting any time here.

“And she’s getting excited about this.” Jack Zen rolled his eyes in stating what was going on now.

“Let her be, it’s hard to convince her otherwise.” Goldie shrug off to say this in knowing how his sister gets at these moments.

“I’m prepared for what we’ll face in full force.” Omega issued forth to say this in having his weapons on the ready.

The group continues to move itself to where they are needed to go. They need to make sure they reach where they need to go as fast as they can. However unknown to them, something afar was watching them from a hill while wearing a cloak to conceal their identity. He seem to pay attention to those that are about to head near a town nearby as he left the spot. The scene fads as much of what will happen will remain to be seen it seems…

Now the scene changes to a strange town that looked more like a place setup to have plenty of merchant tents outside buildings with different signs & logos of who owns them. This place appeared to look like a busy place to shop, except for one thing….where are all the town’s folk? As the gang enter the area, they come to the same conclusion, there was no one around when this place should at least have some folks minding their merchandise, etc.

“Are we in the right place mommy?” Nyx asked her mother if they are in the right place here.

“This should be the right location, it’s not a popular town, but Merchant’s Town is said to be a place where one can find business of different merchants making a sell of their profits. It’s like a big gathering of many things around Equestria all place in one spot.” Twilight stated off in where they are in knowing the name & history of this town or what it does for a living.

“So wha happened ta de so-called Merchant’s Town?” Applejack asked off in looking round, not seeing much here.

“Looks more like a Ghost Town to me.” Rainbow Dash issued off in what this place felt like to her.

“Ghost?” Fluttershy yelps in fearing that sounded kinda scary to encounter.

“Relax darling, there is no….” Rarity was patting her friend to calm down when…

“Boo!” Phobos sneaks up behind the mares to make a ghost call…

“Waaaaughhh!” Rarity & Fluttershy screamed out to hug the other before looking back at who scared them with frowns.

“Heh-heh, couldn’t resist!” Phobos giggled off to sheepishly say this that he like to yank someone’s chain there.

“Oh Phobos.” Nyx rolled her eyes in seeing her pet pal was being silly even on the worse moments.

“Well, there isn’t much to go on from not asking anyone anything.” Spike shrug off in seeing they can’t much do anything if there is no one around to ask for anything.

“I don’t understand. Did we make it too late?” Twilight asked off concern in thinking if no one was around, then they might not have arrived on time.

At the moment, everyone was looking around to see if they could find anything of someone still within this town. But then Ben felt something was off as he looked around in feeling there was someone that was watching them. But there was no one, there was nothing around or anything. However, the feeling of someone watching them with dangerous intent did not weaver.

“Wait….I don’t think we’re alone.” Ben issued off to say this to his friends that there was someone around.

“Is it one of the town’s folk?” Jack Zen asked off in thinking maybe someone from the town sees them.

“The area seems vaguely quiet, but….it might mean this is a good use for a surprise attack.” Omega stated off in thinking that someone was gonna come forth to surprise them with an attack.

“I really wish it wouldn’t be.” Goldie stated off in not liking for that to be the case.

“Why bro?” Pinkamena asked off in why her brother would say such a thing.

“Because the only surprises I don’t like are those that aren’t fun & of what the enemies use to drop in on us.” Goldie issued off this factor about what he likes & what he doesn’t like when it comes to surprises.

“So….you have at last appear before me.” Spoke off a strange voice modified in sounding somewhat retro of a male.

Then all eyes were on someone that was standing above what was likely the town’s main building of central attention. The character was some kind of pony, fully dress in armory that was dark gray/blue, wearing silver hoof boot-wear, a gray piece chest-plate, wore a darken silver cape & wore a silver helmet with three crescent back-style horns with a mouth cover addition to even a blacken triangle-eye form visor. There was no mark on the guy, no symbol to indicate who he is, but from the sounds of it…he’s bad news.

“I am the Equalizer, surrounded now & relinquish your cutie marks for equality!” The one revealed to be the Equalizer has introduce himself to all that stand before him.

“That sounds like what a villain would say alright.” Jack Zen nods with a firm face in seeing who it was that they have here; a villain alright.

“What did you do to all of the town’s folk?” Goldie demanded off to the guy that was responsible for the town.

Then appearing from around the corners of the town, looked like a gray pale looking bunch of ponies, all of which seem to have equal sign marks while the eyes they showed seem to be….those who have no will of opposing the armored mask villain.

“As you can see, they have been recruited like the rest…& soon, you will be too!” Equalizer issued forth in stating what it is that he has done that will be the dawn of where all will become as seen here.

“Over our flank-less behinds we will!” Applejack protest off that she does not want to become a pawn for this villain & lose her cutie mark.

“Then let us see what you can do….now my recruits….seize them!” Equalizer issued forth to his recruitment of many ponies with the equal sign to begin moving forth here.

That was when the crowds with equal signs began to move off like obedient drones in marching off to attack the heroes. Many of them had to brace themselves against the oncoming crowds that began to outnumber their small numbers.

“Everyone, try not to hurt them!” Twilight issued the order to not hurt any of the ponies here.

“Hurt them, what about us?” Rainbow Dash protest out that while they do that, how are they gonna handle being attacked.

“Twilight’s right, it’s not their fault, he’s somehow controlling them!” Ben stated off to say this in knowing that the ponies under the Equalizer’s control are victims here.

“Then let us help by undoing it!” Rarity exclaimed to say this as she summoned some gemstones to push away the equal crowds.

“Time to take out the problem in the less painful way possible!” Pinkie Pie stated to say this in knowing one way that can help them out here.

“How’s that?” Fluttershy asked her friend in what she had in mind that could do the trick.

“Party theme attacks that are fun & get in the way!” Pinkie Pie smiled off to simply say this as she pointed her party cannon here.

That was when Pinkie Pie was firing of her Party Cannon of her Tangle Streamers to tie up the control crowd’s legs. Then fired a Confetti Fog to blind everyone to allow the gang to try to approach & avoid contact while trying to terrestrial the ones the Equalizer has under his control.

“Remember Omega, use the most NON-Lethal attempts to subdue the crowds!” Pinkamena issued the order for her bot pal to not hurt the crowd that were in need to be stopped, but not hurt.

“I am trying miss, but being a heavy weapon arsenal means using things to harm targets.” Omega stated off in knowing that he was design to use much arsenal to take down threats, this one was….a bit more troublesome.

“Oh boy, I gotta look into installing some non-lethal weapons when I next have the chance.” Pinkamena slapped her forehead in thinking she may have to do something like that when they come across situations like this one.

“Watch out!” Adult Nyx yelled out to dive down to use her magic to plow the crowds from almost getting Goldie’s group.

“Thanks for the save Nyx!” Jack Zen replied off in giving thanks to the black mare for the save.

“When we’re through here, you’re next Equalizer!” Goldie stated in seeing they will make sure this enemy will be next to receive his just-doing for this trouble.

“Then perhaps I need more assistance from some rather…unique associates.” Equalizer stated off in knowing what to do here, call in some more reinforcements.

Then without warning, something appeared through dark corridors over the buildings to surround everyone. They appeared to be dress in the same soldier troop types that were used mostly by the Dark Mystics; these were Dark Mystic Troopers or Dark Troopers for short of what these common soldiers serving the Dark Mystics are.

“Are those….Dark Mystics?” Ben asked off in seeing who it was that the guy has called in here.

“You would be correct for they are aiding me in my quest…to ride this world of Cutie Marks!” Equalizer stated forth in stating what he & these evil foes of Equestria are doing together.

“Like the Dark Mystics wanna agree to that, they got Cutie Marks too!” Spike stated that if the Dark Mystics help a guy remove cutie marks, then they will also lose their cutie marks too.

“Apparently, maybe they offered a deal of being spared while only Equestrians lose their cutie marks.” Phobos stated off remotely in knowing how villains probably wanted to set such things up.

“Typical….let the rest of us suffer & our enemies are left to taunt us!” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in seeing how things are gonna be for the enemies to use.

“Say what you will, now…use the recruits to hid & provide cover & attack them!” Equalizer issued the order in wanting the Dark Mystics to use the ponies with equal signs to act as shields in seeing nobody wanted to hurt the innocent.

Now the Dark Mystics were seen going on the attack as they were using the obedient crowds as cover while many leaped out from them to launch dark magic or strike with their own weapons. Everyone was trying to do their best in keeping these guys at bay while holding off the obedient & possessed victims under the villain’s control.

“Ye cowards are using them ponies as shields!” Applejack issued off to protest that such action was horrible to see.

“How can we fight while not hitting the crowds?” Jack Zen asked off in finding this to be difficult in performing.

“There might be a way, but it’s risky.” Pinkamena stated off in feeling like there was no choice but to do something drastic. “Omega, reveal those objects, please!” She issued this off while dodging more enemies.

Omega soon pushed away some equalized crowd control to reveal a compartment which opened to reveal two strange pendants of an emerald green & ruby red gemstone.

“What are these things?” Rainbow Dash asked off in flying around some attacks to question the jewelry.

“Special shard gem pendants I found & had them made. From what I learn, the green emerald lets one have a peaceful & compassionate personality.” Pinkamena explained off about what the objects are with one of them she was talking about.

“And that helps us…HOW exactly?” Phobos remarked off in not seeing how one makes someone friendly, they can’t win with something like that.

“Let me finish, the other one that’s the ruby red lets one have fighting skills.” Pinkamena pointed out what the other one is supposed to do.

“Oh, is that almost like with Baymax from Big Hero 6, only instead of computer chips, these are pendants to wear on?” Pinkie Pie broke the fourth wall to issue this while firing her cannon, much to anyone’s confusion of the subject.

“That’s random enough that I have no words to comment it.” Twilight shook her head off while teleporting to avoid more crowds trying to get her.

“While that’s impressive Pinkamena, why are you telling us this?” Ben asked off in not knowing what the point of things are to show them something while dealing with a problem.

“Well, it’s just that while they give a boost to one’s own thoughts & skills, gotta warn you to never remove the green emerald.” Pinkamena pointed off that each of the gems give a boost in a field, but there is a cautious warning.

“Oh my, why? What could happen if you only wore the red gem?” Fluttershy asked off worried in not liking the sounds of it.

“Let’s just say the results wouldn’t be too pretty.” Pinkamena shrug off to sigh under her breath in what happens if one has the red without the green to be on a ‘friendly’ term.

“I’ll take those!” Then suddenly, a Dark Trooper appeared to snatch the two pendants away while hiding in the crowd.

“HEY! THOSE ARE MINE!” Pinkamena snapped off to yell at the thief; how rude.

“Grrr….guys….still in need of stopping these guys without hurting innocent ponies!” Jack Zen growls off to say this in using his shield to hold back the equalized crowds, but he can’t last forever.

Then without warning, the background was playing ‘Code Red’ from Megas XLR OST to build some drama. As something caused everything to become slow motion, as someone was seen moving faster than everyone else. Then from a strange bow shot noise, it expanded itself to become large iron restrain nets that fell on the citizens that were under a strange control; limiting their actions while exposing the Dark Troopers & cutting the heroes fight down a notch.

“What’s this?” Equalizer yelped at being this sight, something was going on, but what?

“Oh, something is happening, but what?” Pinkie Pie asked off in being puzzled to notice something happening that went off around them.

“Don’t know, but who are we to complain?” Phobos shrug off to state this in not complaining about this handling.

“Something’s catching all of the equalized ponies!” Adult Nyx stated to say this in seeing what was happening around.

After mere moments, all of the recruited equalized citizens were soon within captured nets to be struggling effortless with no results of getting out. But then what happened next was something in which many of the Dark Troopers began to notice that something happened to them, they were wearing weird belt devices on their bodies that glowed crimson of magical energy.

“What’s happening?” One Dark Trooper asked off in not knowing what just happened.

“Hey, what’s that on you?” A second Dark Trooper pointed in seeing what was on his bud along with himself & others.

“Are these…BOMB!?” A third Dark Trooper yelps in seeing some weird bomb devices on them; when did this happen?

“Lights out.” Spoke a voice from behind a building that was stating this to the enemies. “Click….” Then a switch was heard ‘clicking’ from a button push from the guy & then….

“KABOOM-KABOOM-Kaboomfruvhmm….” That’s when many of the Dark Trooper’s bodies were suddenly gulf in huge explosions from afar that caused a shock-wave. Nobody else but the enemy got evaporated, but still…the excessive force was almost breath taking to see how easy it took one to take care of Dark Mystic Troopers.

“Woah….” Spike yelps in seeing what just happened there with the enemies getting blown up.

“Eek!” Fluttershy yelps to hide behind the others, this seem unexpected.

“Okay….that was kinda….extreme measurements.” Ben lightly stated in thinking that was a little more then what they thought about dealing with enemies.

“Ye mean blowing’ up de enemy?” Applejack asked of rhetorically in seeing how the enemy just got blown away, literally.

“Isn’t it best to eliminate the threat, I find this acceptable.” Omega stated off in mentioning this as a means to finish the battle.

Now something began to approach from the smoke to approach where the main building was & below its view from where the Equalizer started; saw a strange brown cloak being that had caused so much trouble in ruining the scheme the armor villain played out.

“Aaaughh….” The Equalizer was heard groaning in seeing what has happened. “Who….are you?” The guy asked off in not knowing who it was that stop his plans here.

“Your worst nightmare.” The pony issued off from stating this factor, as he touch his cloak.

Then from removing the cloak, the character revealed who it was. It was a unicorn stallion with darken red fur color, a short flock mane & short tail of an orange color, white eyes behind a mask (his true color eyes are light blue when the mask is off). He appears to be within his twenties, quite tall, appears physically fit for his muscles & legs to work fast. He wears a black & red design suit with some gray hoof footwear, leg mini-bags & a gray protective vest. One of the major differences about this pony is that his front right hoof is not there, it’s instead replaced with a black & gray mechanical arm with red lining designs. He’s also seen hauling loads of different mechanical tech weapons on his back, each with a different purpose & function. On his flank side appeared to be a golden medal plate with swords, daggers & a center piece as if reflecting what his Cutie Mark stands for in the line of his talent. The guy looked like a tough contender to not wanna mess with, like he’s packing some heat even if it’s not there, but his appearance & attitude is enough to make some folks second-guess.

“My name is Arsenal, The Arms Stallion.” The revealed pony introduced himself to all those that were watching. “And I’m here….to finish up some business with someone who’s made a huge mistake.” He issued to say this in gazing up at the Equalizer in wanting to end this little mess the villain was making.

“Grrr…..” Equalizer growls in frustration in seeing that things were coming apart too quickly. “You haven’t seen the last of me! I will return with more recruits to put an end to you all!” He issued forth in stating this factor of what he will do as his horn was glowing.

Then without warning, Equalizer used a teleportation spell to vanish from sight to be getting away. At the same time, the background music was cease being heard as everything sort of became quiet now.

“Figures…they always run away.” Arsenal remotely stated to say this in seeing the villain turn tail.

“Um…hello there?” Then Twilight’s voice was heard as the strange stallion turn to look at her. “I don’t believe we had the pleasure of knowing you, Mister…Arsenal, was it?” She stated off in having to meet with this pony that has helped them out.

“That’s just fine princess,” Arsenal stated off in a not so friendly tone to minding how he’s addressed.

“I don’t believe it…so…you’re the real deal!” Goldie exclaimed off to almost gasp in shock of seeing who was right before him.

“You know him Golden Heart?” Nyx asked off after transforming back into a filly form in seeing Goldie somehow seem to have heard about this Arsenal guy.

“I heard about him & well….” Goldie nods off to almost start talking when….

“Save the talk, I need each of you to scout out & learn about the entire town before the night falls & the next daybreak comes.” Arsenal cuts in to give the order that they are to quickly set themselves up without wasting time.

“Hey, since when do you call the shots?” Phobos protest in not liking how the guy was treating them, only to yelp in looking headshot in the guy’s mask eyes that say ‘don’t mess with me’ all over his face.

“Since I’m the guy that just saved your flanks…now unless you want the enemy to catch you by surprise, we need to make this place fortified to keep them from getting anywhere to your homes.” Arsenal issued off to sternly explain to the Moon Dragon that they don’t want the enemy to have the home field advantage, cause if they slip by, then the next place to be targeted will be…Ponyville.

“That….is actually a well thought up plan.” Jack Zen slowly stated in thinking that kind of topic of what to do isn’t all that bad.

“Then get going unless you want him to come back & next time….focus on obtaining what he stole.” Arsenal issued off that unless they get the needs done, next time Equalizer shows up, they will need to focus on taking what he’s stolen.

“You mean the Cutie Marks?” Ben raised an eyebrow in knowing that from what they see of the captured town’s folk that been made into equalized recruit servants, this case is pretty big to get what was taken & return the cutie marks back.

“Unless they are returned, whatever is making these ponies obey the Equalizer will not return to normal anytime soon,” Arsenal stated off to mention this in now things were looking at this point.

Now Arsenal leaves the group to begin doing what will be necessary, while the others begin to review things that have happened. First, they came to town, got ambushed by ponies that were equalized & being controlled by the Equalizer & that the villain has gotten in touch with the Dark Mystics. Things were not looking well in while they have apprehended the town’s folk, they still need a way to fix them of what has turn them into obedient equalized minions.

“This is almost like Starlight Glimmer all over again, but…she never resorted to controlling those she took cutie marks from.” Twilight sighs to say this in seeing that whoever the Equalizer is, his methods remind her very much of when her group faced a problem that involved Starlight Glimmer before she vanished from sight & has yet to be found.

“Right, whoever ‘dis here Equalizer is is hanging’ wit’ an evil crowd.” Applejack stated to nod in seeing that the new enemy is hanging with one of the Three Lords, the Dark Mystics.

“And turning ponies like these into recruited flunkies.” Rainbow Dash stated to look at the crowd that they have either subdue or those that were caught are not acting normally.

“Right, I mean….forcing those into a group, that’s just plain mean.” Pinkie Pie stated off in seeing what happened here was not a nice thing at all.

“Can we figure out how to fix them Twilight?” Fluttershy asked her smart friend in how to fix these ponies that have equal sign marks on their flanks instead of their own cutie marks.

“Well you heard him darling, unless their cutie marks are return, they will stay like this.” Rarity sadly shook her head off that what Arsenal said maybe the only case, unless the cutie marks are return, no one will be the same.

“I hate to imagine if anyone stronger got affected by this….or even any of us.” Ben stated with concerns if anyone of them were in the same position that the recruits of the Equalizer are behaving, just obeying without any will to oppose.

“Let’s hope not daddy, cause if it’s a friend, that would be even harder.” Nyx stated to say this in feeling like fighting those that are their friends be too hard to do.

“Yeah & we have our behinds handed to us if we couldn’t beat someone stronger!” Phobos pointed off another troubling fact to be on the lookout about.

“What are you worried about, Dragons & even Omega won’t be affected, remember?” Spike pointed off that the Equalizer will remove cutie marks from living ponies, they are safe from that.

“Well for now, let’s just focus on checking this place out & being ready for any enemy surprises.” Pinkamena stated off in knowing what they can do for now at this time.

“Alright everyone, stay safe….& if you see the Equalizer, don’t engage, alert us to your location.” Twilight issued off to say this to her friends & family in what to do while taking precautions steps.

Everyone nods their heads in agreement before splitting up at this time. As the scene goes dark, they are concern if they will be able to handle this, one thing at a time is all they can manage until a solution can be found for this….difficult equation of undoing this equality madness.

Meanwhile in a strange cavern location far from Merchant Town, we find the Equalizer punching a nearby wall while looking frustrated in what happened. A chance to get cutie marks from the Mane Six that have been gossip about all around Equestria has slipped through the villain’s grasp. All because someone new entered the field & completely ruined the plan to weaken the good guys & take their cutie marks.

“Curses…..that Arms Stallion ruined everything!” Equalizer cursed off i knowing who it was to be blamed, Arsenal ruined his chances….he’ll need to fix that somehow.

At this time, one of the surviving Dark Troopers approaches the Equalizer during his moment of grieving such a setback on who they were trying to defeat only to fallback due to unexpected interferences.

“What is it?” Equalizer sternly snapped at the trooper that was the only one to survive the bomb blast.

“I…I just thought you wanted to see these gems I snatch from that pink pony.” The lonesome Dark Trooper showed off two familiar pendants he had brought about.

“Give me those!” Equalizer snapped off to snatch the two pendent jewels from the trooper.

Soon the Equalizer studied the emerald green gem & the ruby red gem while hearing what the Dark Trooper overheard Pinkamena say about the strange objects that give someone a boost in certain field areas of the being’s body.

“Hmm….one to be friendly…the other to be a good fighter. Perhaps, I can make use of these after all since my recruits seem to lack….fighting potential.” Equalizer stated off in thinking about this carefully, those that are now equalized, hardly have much potential in overpowering anyone unless…they gain something to become capable of such feats.

“So, what should we do now?” The Dark Trooper asked off in what they do from here.

“Gather those that have been equalized, it’s time we make a comeback with a little more….result in the making.” Equalizer stated off to say this in looking at the ruby gem in having a very wicked & evil plan on the mind.

Soon the scene begins to fade out as the Equalizer begins to plan out a new attack method to aid in finally having to gain victory over such foes. And as he clutch the ruby gem pendent, he used his horn to make it glow as if preparing to perform a….replication spell to replicate the effect. Yes, whatever may happen, the heroes will have to be on their guard, for what will be coming soon will be an unexpected surprise from the next batch of….equalized recruits!

Author's Note

Arsenal is an OC Pony made by VISION-KING who's like Arsenal with the weaponry gear & Red Arrow in his personality from Young Justice TV Series.

Alright, that's the first little starter, now moving onto the second chapter. As the gang have made sure the town they are staying in is secured, they begin to learn something about their new friend Arsenal, that though he seems like an unsocial & un-cooperating type in not needing a team while calling the shots, the guy went through something...tragic with something more than losing a cutie mark. But on the next morning, Equalizer returns in bringing an army of equalized recruits that strangely have...more fight & bite than the gang last saw. What will happen, can they win & stop the villain? And just when coming close to obtaining the stolen cutie marks or taking down the Equalizer in a final stand...Arsenal will have to choose...which is more important? Stay tune to find out what happens next....

Chapter 02: Lose One Thing or the other

At this time, we find our heroes still inside Merchant Town around the top of the central building in a large open gallery on the roof. There, everyone setup a fire to get warm while they had a good view around the lights from the town’s lamps to have a view of all their surroundings. After their recent encounter against the Equalizer, they are now prepared if any night raids should happen.

“So….where’s Arsenal?” Jack Zen asked off in seeing that the guy that was with them has yet to appear.

“I believe he is currently on watch duty?” Omega stated off in where Arsenal was at this time at night.

“Why didn’t he run this down with us?” Spike asked off in why the guy they meant who told them to do stuff is not informing them of this task.

“Seriously, what’s that guy’s problem….being all cool & doing things alone…to show us up?” Rainbow Dash asked off in what was Arsenal trying to do, be cool by doing everything seriously; what’s with that kind of attitude.

“Nah, dat be more around yer department, Rainbow Dash.” Applejack rolled her eyes off in stating who ELSE was more wanting someone to be cool, namely Rainbow Dash.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash snapped off in having to take such an insult, she doesn’t act that way in doing things alone…at least most times, she ask her friends for help.

“Well, he didn’t seem so….um, friendly, even after saving us.” Rarity pondered off in noticing that when they met Arsenal, he wasn’t much on being friendly as he was when he saved them from a close calling.

“Maybe…he’s just lonely & doesn’t know how to treat others more kindly.” Fluttershy stated off in what her idea was about Arsenal being…lonely.

“Somehow, I’m not sure….I feel sorry for him.” Nyx stated off to say this in looking a bit sad about Arsenal.

“Why’s that Nyx?” Twilight asked her daughter in why she feels that way, it must be something important.

“Well…he looks like he’s not wanting to join us, but…he’s wanting to do something right. It feels weird that he doesn’t wanna open up more to us than be all solo.” Nyx stated off in seeing what Arsenal was doing that he simply is not the type to be surrounded by others when doing a job that he wants to do…on his own, including task that are right.

“Maybe it’s because while he’s something of this good act, he’s not at all much like a hero.” Goldie stated off to mention this in feeling somewhat serious over the case.

“Wait….are you saying he’s….an Anti-Hero?” Pinkie Pie yelps off to say this in knowing that Arsenal is most likely to be.

“Holy cupcakes, I don’t even know if we ran into any of those before!” Pinkamena yelps in hearing this to feel like that is something really surprising to hear.

“What’s the difference between a hero & anti-hero?” Ben raised an eyebrow in being curious about the idea between a hero & anti-hero.

“Ben, Ben, Ben…..that’s like asking why you love Twilight. The answer’s simple!” Pinkamena shook her head in seeing how silly Ben was in not having any idea about the matter.

“And?” The Mane Six group asked off in liking to know this as much as the next group to hear the details.

“Anti-Heroes are different because they lack conventional heroic attributes; examples like idealism, courage, & morality. Plus nobility of mind & spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose & the like.” Pinkamena pointed out to explain the facts about what Anti-Heroes are for those that are more use to seeing those act like Heroes to know the difference of what the two categorized two stand for in their areas.

“Well, nobility does not seem his…strong suit of character, that’s for certain!” Rarity exclaimed off in seeing that someone like Arsenal does not look or act like a noble hero would.

“Well Arsenal’s got courage in de face of danger. But Ah’ll bite, wha else is there?” Applejack stated off to rub her chin while thinking about another factor that is on one’s mind to know more things.

“Well, an anti-hero is said to be a flawed hero, & therefore, much more interesting than the more traditional heroes. They can work on the side of good, but with a tragic flaw or a horrible past or for reasons that are selfish & not entirely ‘pure’ in some cases.” Pinkamena shrug off to mention this in what Anti-Heroes are that seem to be more interesting to catch one’s eyes than normal Hero types, but they come with things that happened in their past & what they fight for is not for a pure cause.

“But wait, I think I heard how some also would work for the side of evil, but with hidden noble intentions or other underlying complexities.” Pinkie Pie stated off to randomly state this little factor of what other Anti-Heroes do in joining villains, but don’t do evil or such?

“How you two even know & explain such things so easily can make me say this with a certain straight opinion…..you both are so random!” Rainbow Dash issued off to simply say this about these two pink ponies being so random, it’s hard to figure them out.

“Then, why is Arsenal like that? An Anti-Hero, um, if that is okay to ask when he’s not around?” Fluttershy meekly asked off the bigger question in why Arsenal is as he appears to them.

“Well, I heard of the tale….being royalty means you get to know things more than subjects of one’s country or state.” Goldie stated to say this with a firm expression, but let it drop to a sorrow mood as if not sure if he should say anymore just cause he’s a prince & has been told of such things others don’t know about.

“You sound as if you’re afraid to speak.” Ben raised an eyebrow in having heard Goldie sound like he doesn’t wanna say anything about Arsenal, why?

“No doubt its cause Arsenal seem to not want his past told.” Omega pointed off in having a good guess as to why Golden Heart won’t say.

“But how can we help each other if we don’t know what’s wrong, if we face the enemy again, we might lose our cutie marks if we’re not careful?” Nyx stated off in knowing how dangerous the enemy is that he can take cutie marks away, they need to all have faith & trust one another.

“Heh, like that guy would care about losing that cool cutie mark of his.” Phobos rolled this eyes to remark if Arsenal even cared if he lost a cutie mark.

“Cutie Marks are one thing to get back, but…he lost something greater that may never be return.” Goldie stated off to say this in looking kinda depressed, which made everyone look to him strangely.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked Golden Heart of what he was talking about.

“Bro, I think it’s time you told them…even tell me since now I’m curious too.” Pinkamena stated in asking her brother to tell them what he knows, cause it sounds something serious.

“Hugh….alright, I just hope he won’t chew us up from telling this to you all.” Goldie sighs to say this in knowing that he may have to tell everyone…about what Arsenal lost that can never be return.

Everyone was paying close attention as Goldie began to tell them something about their new friend, Arsenal. Apparently long ago, there was a young colt by the name Roy Arrow who inherited a considerable fortune when his parents died. That colt trained rigorously before tracking down someone to show him the skills of using a bow. Once impressed, Roy was then taken on as the mentor’s ward & partner. However, early in the colt’s crime fighting career at the age of 15, he went on a solo investigation into a sepsis business shell company trading weapons across Equestria. But the colt was captured & taken by an unseen enemy, where the scientist amputated his front right hoof to have an endless supply of his DNA to use in some cloning technique. The colt known as Roy was replaced by a clone who took over his identity for the next 3 years, while the real Roy was in a cryo-containment pod, later to be found when some team uncovered his pod that was left in a mansion & caught the colt who started to regain consciousness. From his liberation, the child was taken to a hospital where he was told about what happened over three years; the Roy Clone was used for a great setup to eliminate some heroes of a different kind by a ‘Mystic’ known force, but from the casualties, the clone died right after having finished Roy’s old mentor. Furious over what happened, Roy secretly left the hospital room’s window in order to hunt down the one responsible for his confinement. After the escape, he went to an old storage area he knew about, took an old outfit & some equipment to stand off against his foe, a stallion known as Xel Rohtur. After finding the foe that was a businessman who conceal his real crimes behind his outer appearance, Roy performed different strategic feats even with only one hoof usage on weapons in which he was gonna get revenge on the guy, even though the foe stated what Roy wanted was satisfaction; stating about how the colt used his mind to overpower his bodyguard. Just as Roy was going to finish his enemy Xel Rohtur, but the guy had his hired guards arrive in which if Roy killed their boss, they kill him, but the colt was ready to pay the cost. The target came prepared & offer the colt something in which if Roy chooses, he could gain a new limb, one better to make him stronger & all he needed was to cease the act of his action and he can walk away free as a bird. And so, Roy made his choice, he obtain a new arm for his missing right front hoof in satisfaction than seeking revenge on Xel Rohtur while the guy continues his secret business elsewhere. The new arm the colt got was not meant to conceal it being flesh & blood, it was more powerful & versatile years ahead of other weapon models the enemy gave to his hired guards, literally making Roy a living weapon. Once the colt obtain it, he taken a new name for the arsenal he used in battle & becoming a weapon, “Arsenal”, & from there, a cutie mark appeared in which symbolizes his talent & destiny. And over the next course of his years of training & sharpening his skills, Arsenal becomes ‘The Arms Stallion’ in which he fights to make sure nothing of evil will remain or hurt anyone the way he has suffered. Doing everything on his own….even doing stuff not normal or average heroes do….because that is what he is…

“And that’s it…I heard this along with Celestia about what happened…so you see, retrieving a magic mark is simple to do, yes, but…losing apart of yourself & who you were….the Dark Mystics used him to help eliminate some Mystics. Arsenal harbors that it was thanks to him, the Mystics can’t forgive someone that even if he was not there in the flesh, he played a role in it, so he carries a lot of weight on his shoulders.” Goldie finished off the explanation about what past that Arsenal bears that even up to this point, the tragic events & weights of lose are more heavier than anyone could expect.

We see the gang around the fire as Goldie finished his telling a story version of what Arsenal’s life was like. And from everyone’s expression, there was much sorrow, sadness, grief & feelings of regret in having heard how one pony suffered things when so young, that it felt like one’s very life & identity were stolen away from them. Arsenal’s been fighting a lonesome battle all on his own while still somehow suffering things from the heart & memory of what he endured…

“Wow….that’s just…just…” Rainbow Dash slowly spoke off in feeling too lost for words in having heard something like…well, quite like that.

“So unhappiness all over.” Pinkie Pie looked down to which her pink puffy mane deflated, that story had WAY too many unhappy moments.

“My word, he lost a hoof for some horrible experiment & then finished off his mentor? Those fiends!” Rarity gasped off in shock in having heard such horrible feats, there were such monsters they never knew existed until now.

“I can’t believe there existed such evil to do that & to bring so much on a poor pony.” Fluttershy stated off in feeling so sad & sorry for what Arsenal went through, that’s a horrible memory to live through!

“Guess we thought Arsenal was more a lone wolf, without knowing’ how deep he lick his wounds.” Applejack replied off in feeling pretty bad about how they thought the guy as one thing, when in truth, he’s hurting all over.

“The guy makes me think about myself, always alone…never getting close to anyone. If not for you all, I might still be living as the Demon Pony.” Ben stated off in seeing how much Arsenal was like him, keeping a distance because he doesn’t wanna lose something….even if it means not having anyone around to be alone; he was saved from such loneness.

“Ben…when you left, I thought I lost someone I once had a place in my heart.” Twilight patted her love in feeling that what she almost went through in thinking Ben was gone would have destroyed her; however…. “But Arsenal, he lost so much…yet, he’s still fighting…all alone.” She looked down in pity, Arsenal went through a lost but unlike Twilight, he fought hard than just mope about things.

“The guy’s made of tough stuff, not just his metallic hoof arm, but the rest of him.” Jack Zen stated off in seeing how tough Arsenal is made of to have to live each day after having such an experience.

“Indeed, but no matter how hard the outside, the inside must also function without any broken compartments.” Omega stated off in knowing that even those of mechanical working order must be functional without anything busted within, Arsenal maybe fine, but inside himself is not all repaired.

“Strangely said Omega, the guy needs the one thing that might turn his life around….friends.” Goldie nods off in feeling that to maybe fill & fix someone who has suffered so much & does everything by themselves, maybe what he’ll need can fill a void…friends.

At that moment, Pinkamena’s eyes turn in feeling something was nearby at the corner in front of her direction. Hidden there was Arsenal as he lean with cross front hooves in looking like he was continuing to watch things, but he seem to have overheard everything; the gang know about his past & wish to help out. The masked guy just simply moved away to go somewhere else, but Pinkamena felt like this guy heard about them wanting to help & maybe…just maybe…he might still have a decent heart of a hero after all.

“Something wrong Pinkamena?” Nyx asked off in seeing Pinkamena look to a direction by around a corner.

“Hmm….oh nothing. Just…admiring how nice & peaceful the night is.” Pinkamena slowly stated off to say this in changing the subject to the night sky’s stars.

“Well let’s hope nothing bad happens by morning.” Phobos stated off in hoping nothing bad will make things hard for them.

“Something tells me, what you wish for…the opposite might come true.” Spike stated off to roll his eyes in thinking what will come tomorrow maybe the opposite of peaceful…

The night continues to move on from here as many were gonna continue to chat or head off to rest up for tomorrow.

Meanwhile within the cave that Equalizer was staying put in, he was pacing around in coming up with a new strategy to win against those that stop his first attempt. Just then from a Corridor of Darkness that appeared nearby, the armored villain looks to see who steps out from it…a character from the Dark Mystics known as…Amon Blood.

“Amon Blood!” Equalizer exclaimed forth in seeing who was here

“I see that you appear distracted, why is that when you should be focusing on your task?” Amon Blood asked off in killing to know something about the situation the armored stallion is dealing with.

“It could not be helped, I went through a setback, but this time…I’ll end it!” Equalizer issued off to say this in knowing he’ll end things from where it was left off.

“Then I will provide you with a gift….take this stone.” Amon Blood issued off to say this before tossing a strange disc with a written spell inscription along with a strange dark stone object in the center.

“What will this do?” Equalizer asked off in studying the thing that he was given.

“Your targets have Elements, use that to cast a spell to shut them down & then take their marks while distracted. It is why I presented you with that staff, is it not?” Amon Blood explained what the object will do to help Equalizer against those that have powerful elements while making it easier to take the others cutie marks.

“Of course…” Equalizer stated to say this in fully understanding the subject in looking to where a strange staff was seen laying around.

“Do try to obtain victory, we will be watching your progress.” Amon Blood issued off to say this in being firm & straight about what they expect.

Then Amon Blood walks to a Corridor of Darkness as it vanishes along with him while leaving Equalizer by himself.

“I will win this….or die trying!” Equalizer stated off to say this in preparing to get ready…to end the battle & defeat those cursed heroes & take their cutie marks. Everything begins to fade out as this villain will leave his mark without question.

The next morning came in which the sun was rising over Merchant Town, slowly those that seem to have rested were slowly starting to feel the sun rays on them. But this was not going to be a peaceful morning as some were expecting…

“Ha-ha-ha-haaahh….” Then an evil laughter is heard that made many widen up their eyes to look around; even Arsenal that slept while leaning on a wall shot them open in hearing…trouble.

“Uh oh…..waking up to the sounds of evil laughter, can NOT be a good wake-up call!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed to say this in knowing this did not sound at all like a good thing to hear.

“Where’s it coming from?” Twilight asked off i trying to figure out where the sound was coming from.

“Over there!” Rainbow Dash pointed off to the distance outside of the town’s entrance where they saw the Equalizer standing by.

“Greetings my adversaries….today, you will suffer defeat & your cutie marks shall be stripped & you will become equal amount all of us!” Equalizer proclaimed forth this announcement in what will happen to those here that shall suffer defeat & lose what they have.

“Same banter as last time, you & what army!” Phobos rolled his eyes to say this in remarking the guy’s claim as they don’t buy it.

“Um, maybe….that one!” Nyx pointed off to state this with a little worried expression.

Then ahead of everyone’s gaze, they find what looks to be a large cloud of dust picking up before they began to see what it was. A lot of ponies with equal marks on their flanks of all ages young & old, carrying weapons of combat & range types, some even piloting weird mechanical things that had catapults & spear launchers. In short, there was almost nearly a 1000 or 3000 so ponies that were under the Equalizer’s control.

“Ack….” Phobos gasped lightly in seeing what was now before them….a whole lot of zombified looking equalized pony army.

“You had to ask that one?” Spike rolled his eyes in seeing Phobos really walked into that one.

“Well, after a bit of work, we made sure that even a group of unwilling ponies under some obedience won’t get in with their slow response.” Rarity stated off that they are not afraid, if these under the recruit of the Equalizer are like those they subdue, they will be very slow.

“That was then, but take a look here!” Equalizer issued off to say this as he brought forth something; a midnight blue with neon blue light lines with a golden circle ring on top of it. “This is the Magical Item known as Hypercube, a cube that stores & contains large amounts of things in limitless spaces. Objects, weapons, creatures & even cutie marks!” The armor villain exclaimed that from this single object, it’s containing a lot of things, including some very important stuff.

“That thing has all of the stolen cutie marks!” Goldie exclaimed off in shock in seeing what

“Then if we can get our hooves on it, we can return everyone to normal!” Jack Zen stated off in seeing what they can do to fix things if they can get that cube.

“My scans are detecting cutie mark magic with the cube, therefore, it is not a trick.” Omega stated off in using his scans to determine that Equalizer was telling the truth about the object that had the stolen cutie marks.

“I don’t like this…revealing where the cutie marks are doesn’t sound like some rookie mistake. What’s this guy up to?” Ben stated off in staring at the enemy in feeling that this guy was hiding something.

“Now watch, as I use what I’ve acquired from you the other day…to improve my recruits improvements.” Equalizer issued forth to say this as he brings out a familiar ruby gem to be place in the cube that made it glow a bright redness.

Then without warning, many of the equal signs began to admit a glowing red aura as the recruited ponies that look to lack any will other than obedience….began to react strangely. Then their eyes flash red before they showed off fighting skills that made the Mane Six, Goldie’s group & the baby Dragons’ jaws drop; that was….unexpected!

“Yes….excellent, I must thank you for the gift.” Equalizer sounded very pleased in seeing the results were to one’s satisfactory.

“D’oh! He used those things I had to make his slow moving controlled victims now be more aggressive & obedient fighters.” Pinkamena slapped her forehead in seeing what the enemy has gone & used what she had on hand to help them out.

“How much difficult can they be with that ruby red gem effecting them all?” Twilight asked the pink pony for any idea of what they can be facing now than yesterday.

Then below the gang’s spot on the building, the equalized ponies were seen moving quicker to start tearing down the wooden wall setup to start going into town looking like emotionless fighters.

“Let’s just say, their fighting power is gonna make them a lot harder to subdue & detain than yesterday!” Pinkamena pointed this off to her friends in seeing this will be a little more challenging than what they saw yesterday.

“Then the only way to end this…is to cut off the head of the body….by taking out Equalizer, this madness will stop.” Arsenal stated straight forward in seeing what they need to do, get the control away from the controller to stop the equalized ponies.

“Alright everyone, try to handle them as best you can! I’m going to try to cast a spell over the numbers with precise locking….I just hope it’ll work without hurting anyone!” Twilight issued off this to her group in what they need to do, as she’s gonna try something here.

“We know you can do it Twilight, we’ll buy you the time needed!” Rainbow Dash issued off to say this in having faith in their smart friend.

“Right, leave them fellas ta us!” Applejack issue doff to say this in feeling gutsy about this.

“I also have a plan, Omega, take Spike & Phobos with you to take down the Equalizer, you’ll be fine as he can’t take cutie marks from those who don’t have them.” Pinkamena issued off that she wants her bot pal to take the baby dragons to stop the enemy that can’t steal cutie marks from those that have none.

“Understood.” Omega nods off to say with the baby Dragons nodding in the same agreement.

“Everybody ready, then….CHAAAARGE!” Pinkie Pie yelled out to say this in getting herself extra pump here. Soon without warning, the Mane Six & Goldie’s group split off to keep the powered up fighting equalized ponies at bay, they were just barely holding out at this moment.

“If they wanna use big guns, then here’s a big shot! Bombardment Mode - Unicorn Cannon!” Rainbow Dash issued off to say this in getting her bombardment cannons ready as she announced her attack. “KURPOW-Kurpowfruvhmmm…./NRUHUHUHURAAARUGHHH!” Then firing two massive shots of energize unicorn heads headed straight for the giant weapons. “Bamfruvhmmm….Bamfruvhmmm….” And like that, she was able to take down those things with ease.

“Remember darlings, take out the mechanical stuff, but not the ponies themselves….here goes!” Rarity issued off to say this before firing off her gemstones to knock off the weapons the equalized ponies have.

“Oh, please forgive me, but…Sonic Screech!” Fluttershy exclaimed to say this in being worried about this, as she then takes a deep breath to fire a sonic screech attack that made the recruited ponies stop to yelp in pain.

Everyone was keeping the enemies at bay in trying to not hurt them, but this battle was tougher than they expected. At the same time, Equalizer watched things to even yelp when Twilight unleashed her Twilight Star Shower, but meant to knock off the equalized ponies while not hurting them but destroy any mechanical weapons & get him. Soon Omega & the baby Dragons appeared in front of the villain, ready to stop him.

“What have we here, a couple of shrimpy Dragons & an empty tin-can.” Equalizer remarked off in not being the least be afraid of something like this.

“Oh, well get ready for a flank whooping, buster!” Phobos issued off in seeing they are gonna be fighting this guy with no hold bounds…

“I do not have time to waste on nothing but those with cutie marks.” Equalizer stated off in not wanting to waste time with such things.

“Then you won’t be getting our friends then!” Spike issued off to say this in not about to let the creep have his way.

“Well, I can at least put you away.” Equalizer stated off in what he can do against these fools.

“What do you mean?” Omega asked off to say before the enemy made a weird move.

Then without warning, Equalizer held out his Hypercube that was magically opened to start sucking those in front of him. The three yelped before they were sucked in without warning.

“That…is how! Humph….” Equalizer exclaimed off to say this in having dealt with that issue. “Now to prepare the spell.” He stated off in getting himself ready for a certain spell he will be using here.

“Um guys, I think he’s up to something!” Jack Zen stated in looking concern about what’s happening.

“What happened to Omega, Spike & Phobos?” Goldie asked off in seeing their friends aren’t there, why?

“Uh-oh! Something bad is coming!” Both Pinkie Pie & Pinkamena yelped of in sensing something was about to come at them.

“Element Blackout Alchemy…” Equalizer issued off to show a familiar stone disc as it began to glow darkly.

Then without warning, a large pure light with a black star-shaped & symbol of darkness in Chinese appeared in the center as its light shine off. A dark electrical surge of energy emerge from the ground, surging across Ben Mare & Pinkamena’s bodies as they yelped from the effect before…Ben’s gear vanished without a trace & Pinkamena felt weaken that she felt her chain blades drag her down. Everyone that wasn’t affective gasp in shock as they know this spell.

“Hugh…this spell is…” Twilight yelped in realizing what this spell was that was covering the whole town.

“Drat….since when could….” Pinkamena groans off to clutch herself in feeling her strength of her element fad.

“Surprise….this is a prepared spell set within this little stone.” Equalizer showed those that were having a hard time something that made the use of a spell that shuts down element users’ power. “It’s true I could not perform it, but a Dark Mystic set this up & while it was going to be used within the Rainbow Kingdom….I decided to affect those of you here.” He explained how he was going to use this spell in one area to effect more Element Wielders, but this group has force his playing card.

“This is bad….Pinkamena & I are…” Ben struggled to hold off more equalized ponies, but without his gear & element’s power, he’s left completely open.

“Now, your cutie marks are mine!” Equalizer issue forth this claim, as he prepare to begin his grand moment.

Everyone turn to see the enemy wielding a strange metallic staff that he held that seem awfully familiar to many, it looked almost like…

“That staff….it couldn’t be!” Adult Nyx exclaimed off in surprise in seeing that staff, but…it couldn’t be.

“I take it this looks familiar to you!” Equalizer exclaimed to say this in noticing the surprised & stump faces of everyone.

“That staff…No, it can’t be…” Twilight protest as that thing looks just like the Staff of Sameness, the very staff that Starlight Glimmer used to take away the Mane Six’s cutie marks only to find out it was a fake, but why was the Equalizer wielding a metallic version of it?

“This is known as the Staff of Sameness 2.0, unlike the other one that was a fake, this one grants more. It makes things more equal, more obedient, the same as to which I used on these towns folk, just like what you all will be!” Equalizer explained forth this matter of what he’s done to hold a staff that provides him with qualities over many that lose their cutie marks. “Now, you will see how much better life can be without any cutie marks!” He issued off in about to begin everything starting with the heroes without their cutie marks.

“That’s not gonna happen!” Ben shouted off to protest the manner of letting the enemy do such a thing.

“Think again, Earth filth scar-chest!” Equalizer remarked off to taunt Ben.

“What…?” Ben yelped off in having heard that insult remark that got him a bit upset; the last time someone said that to him was…Starlight Glimmer! Was it a coincidence, or…

Twilight quickly tried to fire a Unicorn Burst attack at the Equalizer in hoping to stop his attempts, but then a blue shield somehow appeared by magic that protected the Equalizer from the attack.

“Huh?” Twilight yelped in seeing that, that spell almost looked familiar, why….but that was not the focus of what came next.

Then without warning, Equalizer waved out his metallic staff that unleashed a strange light pink wave burst that spread across the entire town; it affected everyone in the area that didn’t have equal signs. Soon then Mane Six, Golden Heart & Jack Zen, even Adult Nyx yelped off in pain which caused her to transform back into a filly. Then their cutie marks were suddenly snatched right off to swirl around Equalizer who used his Hypercube to store the stolen cutie marks as equal signs began to appear on the ones that had theirs taken.

“In less than mere minutes, you will become my recruited ponies of equality, I look forward to our company.” Equalizer stated off to say this in how soon he will have everyone be among his recruited followers. “I suppose it’s not strong enough to rob Element Wielders their cutie marks…but it’ll only be a matter of time.” He stated in seeing that Ben & Pinkamena still had their cutie marks because of their elements even if shutdown, but….it’s only one setback for now.

“Grrr….mah head…feels funny.” Applejack held her head in feeling something was effecting her.

“Oh, I don’t find this funny ha-ha at all.” Pinkie Pie held her head in feeling this was not something funny.

“Ugh….they’re still coming.” Fluttershy yelps from looking out to see the equalized ponies coming to them.

“No, keep away!” Rarity yelped to try to use her magic…but nothing worked as she was captured.

“Darn it…” Rainbow Dash cursed off as she tried to fight through a mob mobbing her, but no good.

The equalized ponies were overpowering many that were suffering the effects of slowly losing themselves to become….equalized ponies of equality. Ben & Pinkamena tried to push forward, but they were not getting anywhere with their elements shutdown.

“It’s over, I’ve won!” Equalizer stated off in seeing that he’s won, at last…he has taken the cutie marks of these heroes & won…

“You’ve won nothing…” Spoke a serious voice from somewhere close.

Then appearing out of some special stealth tech type ability to appearing behind the Equalizer, Arsenal soon delivered a strong punch blow that knock the armor guy off to drop his stone disk for the spell & his Hypercube.

“My stone!” Equalizer yelped in seeing his stone disc was knocked out of his possession & beneath Arsenal’s hooves.

“Now it makes sense how you could perform such dark magic…the Dark Mystics provided you with a Dark Stone. Well, that ends here.” Arsenal exclaimed to say this in seeing that with a dark stone used to help with the right inspirited words on a disk, it was possible for even someone else to perform things.

“Crushfruvhmmm…” Then with a use of his metallic hoof, the masked stallion smashed the dark stone to pieces, which caused the Element Shutdown Alchemy to fade & for those that had their elements turn off to be reactive again.

“Hey, my strength is coming back!” Pinkamena stated off in seeing that her strength has returned.

“Mine too. Come on, let’s help the others!” Ben stated in seeing that with their element’s strength back, they can fight.

Now Ben & Pinkamena rush off to help in clearing a path to help those that were in trouble, the Mane Six & Goldie’s group.

“But how….my staff should have taken all the cutie marks, the only ones that it couldn’t were Element Bearers, then why….why aren’t you being affected?” Equalizer asked off in demand of why Arsenal was not like the others, suffering from losing their free will to be equalized, how could someone overcome such agonizing feeling.

“I’ve suffered things far worse than a lost cutie mark I can get back, as for your control…I’ll just end it before it takes me.” Arsenal remarked off to state this claim in having had the ability to overcome such trial pain.

“Grrrr…..” Equalizer growls off in fury as he gets his staff ready. “You pay for getting in my way! Hruuaarrghhhh!” Equalizer held up his Staff of Sameness 2.0 to thrust at the pony, who only thrusted…a metallic hoof.

“PowCruvhmm-Trussvhmmm…Babangfruvhmm….” But when made in contact, the metallic hoof surprisingly was much tougher than seen as it completely smashed the Staff of Sameness 2.0 to smithereens.

“Graaaurghh….” Equalizer was tossed backwards after his weapon was busted from that punch impact as he moved upwards… “Im-imposibble….the staff was made of strong metal….how?” He was shock, how could one pony have been capable of busting his staff.

“My cybernetic hoof is made of tougher stuff, you should have pay closure attention.” Arsenal issued off to say this in showing that his metallic hoof was made far stronger than any normal metal material. “Now to put an end to things….The Hellkite!” Then he summoned a strange flamethrower in the form of a skeleton dark Dragon with glowing crimson eyes, as it expelled red mist from its mouth while below it is a barrel container. Suddenly, out was shot crimson flames that burn across the backside of his opponent, cutting off any running plans.

“Wah….wait a second….heroes aren’t supposed to take lives, that has to be against the rules, isn’t it? I’m not a major villain, I’m just trying to make things equal!” Equalizer yelped in seeing that the guy looked ready to finish him off, that can’t be….he shouldn’t do something like that…right?

“When you in league with one of the Three Lords, then you may as well expect yourself to be finished off.” Arsenal stated off in looking ready to put this enemy out of anyone’s misery for the trouble he caused.

“Wait….think about it, while you waste time with me…your allies are slowly losing themselves.” Equalizer pointed off that the guy has to think about the others.

Looking back, Ben & Pinkamena still had to clear out a lot of equalized ponies…but those that lost their cutie marks were about to become the same as they were losing more & more of themselves.

“Will you watch those slowly become equalized ponies….or will you stop a low enemy? Even I think the choice is clear.” Equalizer stated off to explain that the so-called hero can only do one thing; get the bad guy or save the day.

“Your right.” Arsenal stated off to say in using some magic to make his flamethrower vanish to turn his right mechanical arm into a compartment of spinning blue shuriken disk….

“Hugh?” Equalizer yelped in seeing this, this guy…was he serious about just wanting him.

“The choice is clear….in what to be done.” Arsenal stated off in what the choice was & how to simply fix things.

“Wait….wait….you’re not seriously gonna…” Equalizer yelped in seeing this was bad, the guy was gonna attack him with blades.

“Bizzz-Bizzz-Bizizvhmmm…./Trisisvhmmm….” Then in a flash, Arsenal fired his blue shrines in the air, Equalizer yelped in thinking this was it until…they came in contact with the Hypercube. “Breakfrishvmm….Frusushv….” Then as the Hypercube was busted which let off everything from within, including the three captive beings.

“We’re free!” Phobos cheered in seeing they are out.

“We’re back!” Spike exclaimed in joy in seeing this.

“That takes a load off our backs.” Omega stated to say this in seeing that they are now back where it’s solid ground than unknown space.

Then at this time, many shining lights escape the air that impacted many of the equalized ponies that flashed & suddenly…their red equal marks vanished to show different cutie marks.

“Hugh/What/Where am I?” Many of the freed ponies that were equalized were looking around, not sure what happened.

“They’re free….the cutie marks have return…and so have ours!” Twilight exclaimed in joy in seeing this, their cutie marks are back, & in the nick of time too.

Now Arsenal sees Ben & Pinkamena coming towards him & his cornered prey, only for the Equalizer to use his boots that were jet boots to fly off.

“Oh no you don’t!” Ben shouted off in thinking fast & throwing his Gale Boomerang off at the villain.

“Ow…!” Equalizer yelped from when the weapon slash across his flank, tearing the fabric on his suit before turning back at the group. “Take this!” Then from the horn, he fired off a spell towards the others that dodged the shots.

Soon while the enemy was distracted, something roared from nearby that everyone looked to the skies to see…a familiar Fury Dragon swooping down….it was…

“Nightclaw? What are you doing here?” Ben replied off in knowing the Dragon he rode during the Winter Wrap-Ups.

“Oh that’s simple, I brought a Dragon whistle to call him if we needed help; that was when we lost our elements.” Pinkamena smiled off to simply state this about calling in one more helper during the case.

Then as Equalizer was firing magic beams, Nightclaw swooped down to swing the tail at the target, sending him flying to smash into a nearby pillar. The impact knocked off the guy’s helmet, but the Equalizer had his hood cover the head to look away while not being alert about…a rip on his suit around the flank region.

“What the…” Ben yelped from seeing not the face, but rather…the mark on the armored villain’s flank…it couldn’t be.

“This isn’t over!” Equalizer protest off to say this as he used his jet boots to leave the scene while vanishing with a smoke cloud. The guy got away, having not only lost the fight but also lost a means to gain control to equalize everyone.

“You can count on it.” Ben stated off to say this min knowing this was not over, not by a long shot.

“Let’s get back to the others to see how they are doing.” Arsenal issued this off in what they should do here.

“Hey, Arsenal…” Ben called out to the guy in wanting to talk to him.

“Yah?” Arsenal turn around to Ben who called out to him, what does he want all of a sudden.

“I wanna say….thanks…for what you did. You could have stop Equalizer, but you say the others in pain, and…well, thanks for that.” Ben spoke off in stating this in being really thankful towards what the guy did, saving others instead of taking out the villain who got away.

“Yeah, deep down, you still have a heart…it’s just hard to come out at times.” Pinkamena smiled off to say this in knowing how this was looking.

“Ridicule me all you want, if Equestria lost its princess of friendship, that just make any villain’s day. And I for one let to see any side of evil suffer.” Arsenal exclaimed off to say this while he decided to state his own claims; as he was moving away, Ben & Pinkamena had different thoughts in what they heard.

“You know, I think deep down, he was happy to hear us say thanks.” Pinkamena smiled off to say this in seeing how that turn out pretty well.

“Well, let’s go see how Twilight & the free ponies are doing.” Ben stated off to say this that after ending the madness, they can be with their friends again.

Soon Ben & Pinkamena quickly rush on over to Merchant Town where everyone was waiting for them along with Arsenal following along. The scene begins to darken here, as whatever will be a closure to a close calling of what the Equalizer was up to, & who it might be….remains to be seen. But for now, the Mane Six & friends can smile with relief, they have now fix the problem of the cutie mark thefts, & now…things will be back to normal soon…

Author's Note

The Hypercube is an object heard & seen from Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius TV Series.

A reference to the direct-to-video film "Stan Lee Presents: The Condor" is seen from when Ben throw his boomerang at the villain.

There we go folks, one more chapter left to go here. As the heroes feel that after stopping the Equalizer & freeing all the stolen cutie marks, the day feels like it'll come to a nice end. And will Arsenal probably become a more open friendly sorta guy afterwards? And what about the Equalizer, what fate awaits him...or rather who was truly behind the mask? Stay tune to find out in the epilogue...

Chapter 03: What One Does From Here?

The scene begins to open up within the Merchants Town in where after having defeated & sent the Equalizer packing & freeing all of the stolen cutie marks, the victims were being treated with food, blankets, & a nice place to settle until they gotten their strength back. Clearly they said everything about what towns they are from, that the Equalizer came to &made them into his recruited followers of Equalized Ponies, but they were never equals of equality without being complete & obedient to the one leading them. Many are glad that horror show is over with…as the gang are doing some final checks.

“How’s everyone’s condition?” Twilight asked off in how the victims of the Equalizer are doing.

“Well….they’re a bit shaken up, but they’re good now.” Applejack nods off to say this with an honest face over the matter here.

“Yes, already this town’s merchants will provide some food & warm commitments for those here…free of charge.” Rarity smiled off to say this in how the merchants of their town will provide aid & will not charge anyone a thing.

“They said that it was their way of saying thanks for helping them be free from the Equalizer.” Fluttershy stated off kindly to say this in how things went that those here are wanting to thank the gang.

“Man, if we were not so busy, I TOTALLY would like to get a good deal on some merchandise!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed off in stating what she wish she could do in taking up a free chance to get good deals here.

“Unfortunately, we need to report this to Celestia of having stopped the Equalizer…” Goldie stated in knowing they need to inform Celestia of what’s happened.

“Right, the guy may have gotten away, but he may still try something the next time.” Jack Zen stated off that they may have lost the enemy, but they need to report of what they learn.

“Sorry we were not much help when we got stuck in that Hypercube thing you guys.” Spike apologized to everyone in when they were stuck in that cube when they were supposed to stop the enemy.

“Oh, that reminds me…what was it like inside? The thing that holds so many large amounts?” Pinkie Pie asked off a sudden random question at this time.

“Scary as if feeling I was back in the Void location in the moon, I was screaming the whole time!” Phobos stated off in feeling that where they were made him feel like he was sealed in that Void place all over again.

“Approximately seven minutes by how long we were there.” Omega pointed off in how long they were stuck in that Hypercube’s large space room.

“Well, at least you all are safe & maybe next time….we won’t have a possessed pony crowd trying to keep us distracted.” Pinkamena smiled off in trying to look on the brighter side of things.

“Say, where’s daddy?” Nyx asked off in noticing that someone was still missing here.

“I haven’t seen Ben for about a few minutes.” Twilight stated in not seeing where Ben was at the time.

“What about Arsenal?” Rainbow Dash asked off in seeing that another member was not present.

“De guy’s not here neither.” Applejack stated that Arsenal wasn’t around either, just like Ben.

“Just where could those two be?” Rarity asked off in wondering where those two could be at this time.

At this moment, Ben was with Nightclaw while the Fury Dragon was knocking the iron helmet that fell off the Equalizer. They were just watching off across the open field in seeing where the enemy fled to & probably got away…

“You seem to be distracted.” Arsenal spoke off in entering the scene to alert those of his presence.

“Hugh, oh…yeah, I guess so.” Ben yelped a bit as he & Nightclaw saw this guy join them.

“Thinking about the enemy….of who they’re working for?” Arsenal stated off in guessing what was on Ben’s mind.

“Well it’s just…I think I know who the Equalizer was.” Ben stated off to briefly bring up this subject.

“But there’s more, otherwise you tell the others.” Arsenal raised an eyebrow in thinking there was more to this then meets the eye.

“Right….I think the Equalizer we saw was indeed a unicorn, but from at first, it was just some stallion when in truth….it was the opposite.” Ben stated off to mention this much out while pointing out an important fact that was…to his surprise discovery.

“In short….the guy…was a mare.” Arsenal raised an eyebrow in understanding where this was going…the enemy was not a stallion, it only sounded like one.

“I know who it was….the drive in wanting to remove cutie marks, turning everyone into equalized ponies, living under a term belief of all are equal in equality…there’s no mistake if was…’her’ doing.” Ben stated off to remotely state this in knowing who was behind such a caper to pull this off with such motions of wanting everyone to not be different; only one pony came to his mind.

“Then let me ask you something….why let me know & not the others?” Arsenal asked this next question that was truly catching his attention.

“Well…because….I can trust you with this secret.” Ben smiled off to say this in knowing he can tell the guy will not tell the others.

“Hmm?” Arsenal seem to be caught in an interesting conversation about to start here; that Ben doesn’t want the others to know yet…

“Arsenal, I know what it felt like to lose so much of yourself to the world you once knew…I was turn into a Demon Pony & thought my life was over, but when I became a stallion, I was saved…by those that cared for me.” Ben exclaimed off in stating how he felt like one that lost it all, but if not for his friends…those that even care for him, he might not be here today.

“I wish I had something like that…but having a team….could only make me feel like I’m being slowed down? I don’t want them to drag me down…or the opposite.” Arsenal remotely stated off in knowing that either of those two claims could result in something.

“Well you know….for us that might have slowed you down, you did come back for us. Maybe you should think about having friends around, to help fill in a void for the heart…just like I do.” Ben patted the guy’s back to which Nightclaw made some happy sounds in agreement for Arsenal to have friends in his life once more.

“I….hmmm.” Arsenal was about to respond when he saw something far ahead of them that when narrowing his eyes….it look like smoke.

“Hey Ben! Hey Arsenal! You having a buddy-buddy moment?” Pinkie Pie’s voice called out as she & the others arrive on the scene, checking to see how they’re doing.

“Never mind that, look over yonder!” Arsenal issued to cut off to point at a smoke far from their distance. “Looks like Equalizer had a crash course, he’s not too far from this area! We can still catch him!” Arsenal stated that if they are quick enough, they can catch the target ahead.

“Finally, it’s payback time!” Phobos stated to punch his fist together in wanting so much to dish out payback for being stuff in something.

“But how are we gonna get there, we have to go really fast?” Spike asked off in how they can even get over to a place that is 500 miles away from them.

“Rainbow Dash or Omega could get their quicker or teleportation magic, but…” Jack Zen stated off in trying to think up ways that can help them until…

“I could just use my Super-Slow Motion spell to help make our surroundings be slow down for 3 minutes. Then if anyone has a fast motion spell, it’ll save us time.” Arsenal suggested this off that made everyone yelp; this guy had a spell that made his surroundings slowed down.

“Wow, you have a spell that can do that, man, no wonder you were all ‘zip-zip’ & then ‘zoom’ from before!” Pinkamena exclaimed off in thinking that explained how the guy could move so fast, cause he made everyone else so slow.

“Alright Arsenal, help us get there with the least amount of time to be spent.” Ben nods off in liking their new ally to help get them to where they need to be in the fastest way possible.

Soon Arsenal activated his spell, & then from Twilight’s Comet Run ability, the group ended up moving at a far faster speed than they even believed…but everything was more slowed down. The scene begins to blur out as things were slowly beginning to change to a new location…

Meanwhile in a crash site area, we find the Equalizer having crashed there with smoke coming out of the jet boots the fella wore. The pony was covering the mouth with a cloth to conceal more of the face while trying to struggle to move, but appeared to be badly hurt from the last battle to even the crash. But just then appearing in a flash, the heroes arrived to block Equalizer from going anywhere, much to the enemy’s surprise…how did they find the pony?

“Impossible! You managed to find me!” Equalizer exclaimed that to find out where the pony was, how’d the heroes do it…?

“Looks like you were right, he did have rocket boot malfunction.” Jack Zen stated off towards Arsenal for having made a good call in how the stain played out.

“Which means his escape has been a bust.” Goldie stated off in knowing the enemy won’t be going anywhere now.

“This can’t be….happening to me!” Equalizer exclaimed to say this to speak through the cloth to muffle the voice.

“It’s over! You've lost.” Twilight stated off towards Equalizer, that the enemy has lost & must give up.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle. You should know that no matter how many victories you claimed, you are the ones who have lost…” Spoke a strange male voice in Mandarin Language in which this made everyone be on guard; was this another enemy.

“Who-who’s there?” Fluttershy meekly asked of a bit shaken by the strange voice that sounded unfriendly.

“Show yourself!” Pinkamena shouted off in demanding whoever was here, reveal himself.

“Yeah, just who do you think you are?” Rainbow Dash issued off in who was this new voice telling them they lost, made no senses.

Then coming out of some Corridor of Darkness appeared some strange looking cloak pony that hid his appearance, but there seem to be strange marks on the cloak; symbols relating to something connecting to the Qin Dynasty. Everyone was on edge while seeing this strange stallion of an enemy while the Equalizer stared in puzzlement, but lightly gasp in knowing who was here….

“Uh oh! New enemy has arrived on sight!” Pinkie Pie yelps in seeing who they have for company now.

“Alright buster, just wha de heck are ye suppose ta be?” Applejack asked off in wanting a straight an answer from this enemy.

“You want to know? I am the Emperor's most famous & loyal Eunuch in history since the dawn of Great Qin Dynasty. And I'm sure that some of you know me from such history records. Seekcurse has returned!” The pony in question gave a bit of a detail introduction about himself that seem to make some look somewhat puzzled & confused.

“Um, sorry…many of us don’t know much about that stuff.” Phobos shrug off to say this in not having paid attention to such history stuff.

“You might know if you study sometimes like Twilight asked.” Spike rolled his eyes in quoting Phobos to catch up on such things.

“Seekcurse, didn’t we hear that name from a book detailing about the Qin Destiny that Azure Phoenix had you review sometimes, Golden Heart?” Jack Zen pondered off to say this in last recalling where he heard that name before.

“I think so Jack." Goldie lightly nods his head in response.

"Twilight, isn't he supposed to be…?!” Ben spoke off in response while turning to Twilight in trying to figure this guy out.

“The one who tried to frame Azure Phoenix for not being a capable leader & sacrificing some ponies to the dead Emperor to be alive & undead. I think that’s him alright.” Twilight lightly nods her head in looking at this enemy with firm & stern looking eyes. “I'd never forget of what he did to Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Applejack & me! He hurt the Royal Sisters' feelings of losing Han!? And he tried to use mine & Applejack's aura, both power and souls for his Emperor! But what is he doing here?!” Why was someone that is another enemy doing all the way out here, after what those last recall this guy did some time ago...

“Isn't it obvious? To complete my revenge. Qin Dynasty will be reborn & one will take its rightful place. Emperor Qin Wang Di will rise from Tartartus!!” Seekcurse issued off in simply stating such strange random stuff that sounded like a villain’s calling of some evil scheme to come forth in the future. “But first….to deal with you. Metal Terracotta Warriors, Attack!” He issued forth in calling out this in about to summon forth…some soldiers.

Then without warning, something broke through the ground to appear like Terracotta Warrior statues, only these guys appeared to be made of metal.

“Holy smokes….it’s like seeing some ancient stone statue army from a Chinese history, only different somehow!” Pinkamena broke the fourth wall in stating this on what she saw, much to anyone’s confusion of what she was randomly saying.

These strange Terracotta Warriors showed blown red eyes as if coming alive. They began to move on their own, as they began to approach the gang. Those that used magic fired off their first wave of attacks & the baby Dragons fired their breaths while Omega unleashed his Gatling guns. But as the dust was clearing, these Metal Terracotta Warriors seem undamaged, & begun to fight those here that were scattered & tried to hurt these things…but nothing seem to work!

“Okay... Since when did these stone warriors not gettin’ broken down?” Applejack asked off in not getting what was going on that something

“It’s like they’re made of harder stuff, we’ve taken on golem making magic before, but this never happen that we couldn’t break them.” Rainbow Dash stated off in seeing how tough these guys are, but they fought against Ronson’s Steel Golems to beat them, so why are these guys harder.

“He must have put up a stronger magic protection spell on them, thus turning them from stone to metal, so that unless we deal even greater damage, they won’t be stopped! That’s so unfair!” Pinkie Pie pointed off in what the enemy has done to make these guys harder to beat.

The group are seen trying to keep these Terracotta Warriors at bay, but they were kinda hard to destroy….but while that was going on, Seekcurse approached Equalizer to pull the guy up in getting ready for them to leave.

“Enjoy playing with my soldiers. My ally & I are leaving now. We need to make some special preparation for the future…especially for when the time comes, for the dawn of history…” Seekcurse issued off to say this tothe heroes that were distracted.

“Dawn of History? What are you…” Twilight was about to ask what the villain was talking about, but…

Seekcurse & Equalizer threw the smoke bombs down in making them disappeared from everyone's sights. Then as the smoke clears, a vanishing Corridor of Darkness was seen before it faded out…meaning the enemy has escaped.

“Seekcurse... What are you up to?” Twilight groans in seeing the two enemies having escaped, but what are they up to.

“Can’t anything hurt these guys?” Ben asked off in firing a sword beam, but that only knock a Terracotta Warrior down before it stood up again.

“What about your Megaton Hammer, father?” Adult Nyx asked in thinking of one weapon that can break these guys.

“I can give it a shot.” Ben stated in about to do that, but Arsenal cuts in….

“Swinging a hammer at one at a time will only slow you down unless you have a wide-spread attack pattern. I have something that can stop them….stand back, things are about to get hectic.” Arsenal stated off in knowing the difference between one’s attack & knowing that he may have a way to stop these guys, but the others need to stand back.

The group obeyed their friend, not knowing what Arsenal was planning, but soon…the guy was preparing magic spells.

“Super Everlasting Ammo! Super Invincibility!” Arsenal spoke these words, his body glowed all over to which even his weapons glowed from making it possible to have everlasting ammunition while making one’s self invincible for the time being.

“What sort of spells are those?” Spike asked off in not knowing what Arsenal was planning.

“Hopefully good ones.” Phobos issued off in hoping whatever the guy’s doing, it’ll be good & helpful.

“Now….Mega Turret!” Arsenal then summons forth from one direction to another, what looks like a summoned mega rapid-firing weapon. “BangBangBangBangBangfruvhmm….” It began firing off clockwise motion with loads of ammo blasting & breaking the metal enemies’ structure; course the gang had to duck down to avoid getting hit as Arsenal order them to get back.

“Wow! That thing packs more firepower than Omega’s Gatling guns!” Pinkamena replied off amazed; that is certainly a special weapon summoned spell technique that looks like it packs a wallop.

“Bombing Run!” Arsenal’s horn glowed in firing something in the air, as the clouds were forming while around the ground; a grid-map with location points show where the Terracotta Warriors are. “Frusvhmmm….BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-Boomfruvhmmm….” Then without warning, powerful air strike was falling from above that was blowing up hordes of enemies to smithereens.

“He can summon powerful air strikes!” Jack Zen yelped off in seeing this; that is definitely not an easy spell to cast or perform.

“If he used that on the town’s ponies when they were equalized, there be nothing left.” Goldie stated off that an attack spell like that would have stop the controlled equalized ponies, but the damages would be too high to count when they were just victims under control.

“Grom the Banisher!” Arsenal summoned forth a battle axe model to look Demonic in its appearance with a skull in the center axe as a symbol; as he slices & dices many enemies in a spin force for a good amount of time before stopping. “Last enemies left….better make this one count.” He saw what was left, & slowly began to prepare for a final attack move.

Then without warning, Arsenal’s right mechanical arm unveils a special & ultimately powerful weapon in his…well, arsenal. It became a turbine spinning electro plasma cannon with five metal claws around its sides. As it was charging while the last enemies were coming until…

“THE HYDRA!” Arsenal yelled off the name of his strongest attack, as it was creating a blue force of energy magic before… “POWFRUVHMMMM…..Kaboomfruvhmmm…..” Then firing a blue pulse beam that was so strong, it blasted away everything in sight, even the Terracotta Warriors in the line of fire…

As the smoke clears, everyone saw that Arsenal managed to help take out all of the enemies with those moves that really…surprised them to no ends; now they see how the guy earn the title; The Arms Stallion, cause he lives up to his name in having a load of arsenal on hand.

“He….he did it. He took out all of the Terra-cotta Warriors. Unbelievable.” Rarity gasped off in shock to not believe it, Arsenal stopped that stone army.

“And it was AWESOME! The guy had so many cool stuff, it was off the charts!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed off in liking what she saw, that was the coolest thing she ever saw.

“Wait, looky there….it ain’t over yet!” Applejack yelps to point at something that looks like….the fighting ain’t over yet.

Suddenly, a single Terracotta Warrior was seen charging forth in about to throw a punch to Arsenal, if the guy didn’t respond back in the same motion. “Kapowfruvhmm…Breakfruvhmm….” With a single swing of his metallic hoof with all of his might, Arsenal busted the enemy’s stone fist & the guy’s entire stone body…to pieces; winning the fight at last. “Uuuagh!” But the exhaustion finally got to even this tough guy that he fell onto the ground, spent…

“ARSENAL!” The gang called out before approaching to check their friend, he looks completely exhausted from using so much force of magic & effort to take out that many enemies; it tire anyone out.

“Oh dear, hang on…this’ll help.” Fluttershy stated to say in using her Rosin Crystal Petals to begin covering & making the guy glow to slowly be healed.

“Hugh….hugh….it’s over, they’re gone, right?” Arsenal pants off from his exhausted breath to look to the others, asking if the enemies are gone.

“Yeah, you did it…you helped us out of a tight jam…thanks for the save, friend.” Ben smiled off to say this in giving some praise work for a friend that saved their flanks.

“Humph….guess even loners….get lonely in liking to have company when it’s necessary.” Arsenal replied off to make a light humor comment here while still being serious.

“Let’s heal him & get back home…I get the feeling that who or whatever Equalizer is, we know he’s with the Dark Mystics…question is why? We need to alert Celestia of this right away.” Twilight stated off to say this in feeling that they best get back home to figure things out, everything is becoming more harder to process before they can even get by one part of it.

Everyone nods in agreement as they need to quickly get back to their home to report the situation as they have seen. Everything begins to go dark while Twilight performs her Comet Run move to make it quicker to get home…

Soon dashing across the skies like a shooting comet, Twilight’s Comet Run makes it’s landing outside of Rainbow Castle. But as she & the others were about to move in to get inside, they saw three figures waiting nearby; they were Mystics…

“Mystic Tao…Azure Phoenix, what are you both doing here?” Twilight respond off in seeing who was here, but why?

“Became because we sense something was amiss with disappearing cutie marks.” Spoke a female unicorn that wore a long purple cape & hood to cover her entire being while only her eyes are seen; she seem a bit…like someone who is all about being dark &…likes to keep to herself at times.

“Who is that?” Omega asked off in not knowing who this pony was, another Mystic perhaps.

“That…would be Blackwitch…a Mystic who shows to be unemotional, but she possesses highly cautious, knowledge, intelligent & understanding of black & dark magic.” Arsenal issued off in knowing much about the Mystic here for those that don’t know the mare & of what she does for a living.

“It would appear you brought another friend in need, Twilight Sparkle…& the fame Arsenal, the Arms Stallion…how long has it been since we’ve seen you…Roy Arrow.” Azure stated off in knowing who the stallion was that the Mystics know about.

“Too long…since knowing of what I did, you never forgive me for what my clone did in killing your friends.” Arsenal stated off to look away in remotely stating how those here don’t like him much from such an event that was in the past.

“Aieyah, child…that was long ago…we are pass that…no one blames you for what happened!” Tao stated off to say this in trying to let the pony know that they don’t hold that kind of grudge.

“Azure, we have to report our findings to Celestia, but…there is something we have to tell you first.” Twilight stated off in having something to ask about what they have to report in.

“I am listening child, speak…” Azure stated off in preparing to listen of what this pony has to say to him.

Soon after ten minutes have passed, everything that happened during the pursuit of the Equalizer to stopping stolen cutie marks to lastly what they encountered before coming here became an interesting topic that the Mystics managed to hear.

“So….you suspect that Seekcurse may tried to bring his former kingdom back. But how?” Tao raised an eyebrow in having heard what was said, just not believing much of it.

“I don't know how. But I have a feeling that Seekcurse is up to something.” Twilight stated off to nod in response to the question of the statement. “Whatever it maybe, we may have to be prepared for it. He did say something about…Dawn of History. But I don’t know what he meant. I need someone to help me understand it.” Twilight said, a bit puzzled by the “Dawn of History” part.

“You wish to seek aid…from the Witch of Time.” Azure hummed off to say that in seeing who the mare wishes to get some help from.

“Who’s that?” Jack Zen asked an eyebrow off in not knowing who Azure was referring to.

“She is the one who reads the Book of Ages & Prophecies within our realm, while not revealing any of its contexts to any.” Azure stated off to say this while looking near Blackwitch, stating that she was the one that handle such a thing.

“Strange…that sounds almost like someone I think Celestia & Luna know & went to see after the gang here return from the Mirrorverse.” Goldie held his chin in having heard this to become curious.

“So then, will this Witch of Time help us or not?” Phobos asked off in liking the main matter of things to help them out.

“It’s true…she surely knows something about what Seekcurse is plotting. But I guaranteed that she will not help after what Jade did last time.” Azure shook his head i stating this about what the problem is about getting help from this one after an incident.

“I told that girl not to tear the book off from the book, just because she wanted to know about the Cutie Mark Crusaders' fate.” Tao huffs off in knowing what his grand-niece did that caused trouble.

“You mean them discovering their Cutie Marks? That's not really a big deal. I mean, everyone wants to know what kind of future they have, right,” Twilight stated off in knowing how many would like to know what their talent is along with what their future may hold.

“That is why none of you know about it! The future is very unpredictable & hard to understand. There is no telling whether you are on the right path or not. So, they must rely on their mental & physical to decide the future, not rely on sorcery & magic to know yours.” Blackwitch stated off in stating such claims that had to be matters for understanding the principle issue.

“But Blackwitch. Our enemies are up to something. And we need to know what the future may hold, so we can be prepared.” Twilight stated off in thinking this was a good plan to counter enemy movement.

“No…” Blackwitch issued off to say this in shaking her head.

“But the fate of the world depends on time. We need to be prepared & be ahead of our enemies at all time. They're getting stronger & more dangerous than before. There is no telling what kind of tricks they have installed for us.” Twilight stated off that facing the Three Lords & with new threats arriving, they need a way to be ahead of them.

“That is for you to find & discover, not by overseeing things that may or may not happen. It must be you & your friends to learn the dark secrets behind the enemy's plot. It must be you all to decide the fate. And above all, you all should know whom or who to rely on…” Blackwitch stated this off in being very firm & straight about this act as Twilight cannot change from knowing the future, she can only handle what may come. “Now let it be. I will not continue this discussion, nor will you.” She stated off in ending this discussion as it’s pointless to go on.

“But…” Twilight would have gone on, but was stopped there.

“Let it go, don’t bother seeking what could change you into something you’re not. Ponies that know the future can become corruptive, which is why so few are chosen to keep things safe from harm.” Blackwitch warns Twilight of what may happen if one was to learn about something & it changed them into something else….

“She speaks thy truth, friends.” Then arrive on the scene to flap her wings on landing was Princess Luna.

“Aunt Luna…” Ben replied off in seeing his aunt here, but why?

“Knowing too much can rest in problems of the present or change one’s future. Celestia & I became worried about Twilight & the rest when they vanished to another world that my sister & I sought to speak to the Chronicler…” Luna explained this off about what happens from knowing too much of a future as she & Celestia only wanted to know about if Twilight’s group would return from the Mirrorverse, they sought aid & advice from someone.

“The Chronicler?” The Equestrians responded off in hearing the name & became interested.

“A keeper of tales & history that has happened in Equestria. Much like the Mystics who have their Book of Ages & Prophecies that write down everything in one book, the Chronicler has millions of books that tell tales of not one destiny, but a multitude of them from this world to the next.” Luna explained about who & what the Chronicler they meant does & how he is different from what the Mystics have…as he has many tales detailing of others & their destinies from their world to another.

“He has that many books…about everyone?” Twilight yelps in being surprised to hear this.

“How come you’re telling us this now?” Spike raised an eyebrow in having heard this now all of a sudden.

“Because…I feel that Twilight should not let what she doesn’t know stop her from making choices by her own will.” Luna stated off in making this stern decision for Twilight’s sake.

“Then if Twilight needs help, why not see this Chronicler guy since Blackwitch doesn’t wanna help?” Rainbow Dash asked off in seeing they can get help from someone else that might be better off for them.

“He may show you some things, the past & what is currently happening present, but the future is something that must be left alone…only the Chronicler can look beyond such things. Discord once tried to open a book meant for a future battle you would have…” Luna issued off that those that want to see one’s past & how things are going in the present is one thing, but trying to look into the future is something that is impossible; even Discord learn that lesson.

“And…what happened?” Fluttershy asked off worried in not knowing what happened when Discord tried to peak at something unknown into the future.

“Discord could not see, raw magic escape from such a book, filling his head with too many vague images that he may not comprehend…if he was not a being of chaos, then an average pony would be in a delusionary state.” Luna explained firmly that Discord was lucky to only bear-witness what he may have seen, but anyone else would not be lucky as only the Chronicler can handle it.

“So if Twilight peeked at a dangerous book meant for a future, she be all….dugh….ugh…and stuff?” Pinkie Pie asked off the question & acted like someone who became stupid in what Twilight would be if she peeks in a future tale that has yet to be written.

“I fear so….that’s why Twilight must listen to the warning to not let your mind wander too far of the future, for you may lose what’s behind you if you go pass it.” Luna stated this off in wanting Twilight to understand the concept of not letting what not knowing make her forget what she knows & has all around.

“You mean…my friends & family?” Twilight stated to look at her group in following what Luna was saying. “Your right Luna, if I look too far ahead, I may not be able to look back with those close to me, I’m sorry…everyone.” Twilight nods off in seeing that what everyone told her is true, she shouldn’t mess with things out of her control, because it could change her…& she doesn’t wanna lose something that’s with her…those she cares for to be together for both the present & the future.

“You need not apologize….we too know about the Chronicler…he’s a good stallion, one I think you would enjoy having some…reading time with.” Azure patted Twilight’s shoulder to ease her burden while stating that Chronicler is a good pony in which bookworms like Twilight can get along well in reading many books.

“Until then my friends, we must go….take care. We’ll try to be in touch if there is a problem too big for you alone to handle.” Tao stated off to say this in trying to make a claim of trying to be in touch if things require their assistance to aid the Equestrians, if that time is needed during such a caper.

Then at that moment, the Mystics said their farewells to the group while magically teleporting out of the area. But as they left, Arsenal decided to speak to Ben from what they were listening to here.

“Ben, I think you best tell them.” Arsenal spoke this off to Ben about telling the others about…Equalizer.

“Hugh, but…” Ben was a bit uncertain after making sure they wouldn’t say anything yet.

“Best not keep it for later in the future if they encounter you-know-who again without the armor & helmet.” Arsenal stated to say this in knowing if the group come across Equalizer, they will need to be ready in what other form to recall such a foe.

The others were discussing things before noticing Ben’s distracted look when he & Arsenal were chatting that made them become…curious.

“Yo Ben, you okay?” Rainbow Dash asked off if the guy was alright.

“Is it about what we were just told?” Goldie asked off in knowing the discussion about knowing the future seem…to be a long stretch.

“Yeah I’m good, but I've just been thinking about the Equalizer.” Ben stated off in saying this about what he’s thinking at this time.

“What about him?” Jack Zen raised an eyebrow in not knowing what the guy wanted to say.

“Well, when I threw my Gale Boomerang at him, I…think I saw his cutie mark.” Ben stated off in what he saw to describe this as best he could.

“What did it look like?” Twilight asked Ben if he knew what the Equalizer’s cutie mark might be to narrow down a search.

“Well, um...Pinkamena, do you have any colored pencils?” Ben was uncertain about how he could explain, so he asked for some help to make an image.

“Uh, sure, Ben.” Pinkamena replied off puzzled just as she pulls a paper and a few colored pencils out of nowhere.

“Thanks.” Ben gave his thanks before he began drawing something on the paper.

“Uh, what are you drawing, Ben?” Spike asked off in what the guy was trying to draw on the paper.

“The Equalizer's mark. Something about it looks familiar.” Be stated off to say this in trying to make a certain image; in the form of some star…

“Woah….it kinda looks like a star.” Pinkie Pie stated off in seeing that strange star design.

“It also had some blur after images as if it was descending.” Ben drew in some comet trail blurs from above, as if the star was falling.

“Wait a second, don’t dat sound like…” Applejack was about to say this as she & the others had shocking moment as if this drawing reminded them of…someone from before.

“Ben, you don’t think…” Twilight was about to ask if this was who they think it is.

“I don’t know, it could have been ‘her’ or not…cutie marks sometimes have different objects with one thing standing for another.” Ben shook his head as even he is not sure if the Equalizer is that pony.

“It’s possible that the Equalizer was an alias name to hide who was actually doing things.” Arsenal stated off in knowing how someone kept an identity a secret from anyone knowing. “My best guess, they’ll be back to settle things.” He stated off in how things might go in the future as he prepares to leave.

“Wait, where are you going darling?” Rarity asked off in seeing their new friend was looking ready to leave them so sudden.

“I need to get back to doing my work…” Arsenal stated off in knowing what he has to be doing at this time.

“Then, is this goodbye?” Nyx asked off in feeling sad that their new friend is leaving them.

“No, not goodbye….” Arsenal shook his head off before showing…an actual smile off his face that seem…kinda friendly. “It’s only until next time we cross paths. Till then, try to handle things without someone to watch your backs.” He stated this off in how he’ll wanna see these ponies again, someday in the future, at least for them to get by without him watching their backs.

With that, the guy activated his stealth tech to vanish from sight, making everyone go ‘wow’ in seeing how the guy left in such a style.

“That was an intriguing speech.” Omega stated off in having heard the speech that Arsenal spoke to them.

“Think we’ll see him anytime in the future?” Jack Zen asked off in wondering if they will see the guy in the future.

“As long as there is evil around, Arsenal will go after them. So yeah, maybe someday.” Goldie nods off to scythes in knowing that Arsenal will be around, depending on where & when they come across each other.

“Well, at least one good thing happened, the cutie marks re all safe, that’s what’s important.” Pinkamena smiled off to say this in what was the positive view out of this whole adventure.

“Pinkamena’s right you guys, come on…let’s head inside…maybe try to get something to eat.” Ben smiled off in trying to change the subject to a more happier one.

“Oh, I can whip up a cake! And have Twilight pop out of it to surprise you!” Pinkie Pie smiled off in suggesting something crazy here.

“Pinkie Pie, that isn’t much a surprise if you tell it ahead!” Twilight rolled her eyes in stating that plan won’t be surprising if she knows it which made her giggle a bit & it’s not a big surprise like hearing she’s gonna be an aunt.

“Oh, but that was the surprise, not to make you do it, but to make you laugh off this frown face! So, surprise!” Pinkie Pie smiled off in having made a surprise by stating a surprising idea, which surprise her friend to think that was the surprise; surprisingly odd, we know.

“She’s got you there mommy.” Nyx smiled off to say this in seeing how Pinkie Pie got her mother.

“Oh, you guys!” Twilight rolled her eyes to smile a bit at this.

This caused everyone to laugh up a bit while the camera is zooming away from the scene. As everything begins to blur out at this time…

The scene changes to a strange location in a strange dark forest, as we find Amon & Seekcurse were discussing things while Equalizer was using magic to heal any injuries. Right now, the former armored foe was still ticked off about the cutie marks being set free & stuff.

“I was close. So close to take my revenge! And now it's ruined!” Equalizer cursed in seeing the chance to get back at the heroes was foiled.

“That would be the least of our concerns. But for now, we need to prepare something special for our enemies.” Amon issued off to say this in what they should be focusing on. “For now, learn more about your enemies before you attack. I will show you the teachings so you must decide the fate. Seekcurse, is everything nearly prepared?” The guy was lecturing off in stating these things to Equalizer before turning his focus on another…

“Hai! I have done what you need.” Seekcurse smirks doff to nod the head in response.

“Good... With what we’ve gain, the fate of our enemies & the world will be decided. Evil shall rise from Tartartusl! And you'd better prepare for this, Equalizer….no, perhaps I should say your…true name?” Amon said, asking the Equalizer if he or she shall be said his or her real name.

“As you wish, Amon….they will feel the wrath…” As Equalizer spoke this off, we begin to see the familiar face of a mare that once made ponies of a little town be equal without cutie marks….yes, it was…Starlight Glimmer!

The scene begins to fad out from what the mare is doing in aiding the Dark Mystics, why was it is a question we don’t know. However, from a pouch the mare has the emerald gem that was taken from Pinkie Pie was crack & some tiny particles were fluttering about that faded into her body. There may not be anything said of what may happen or if nothing will happen at all, but…that is for the future to decide…

The scene opens to where within Canterlot Castle, we see Celestia was having a report from Kenny in what was the recent settling after the cutie mark theft. So far, all of the victim ponies have return to their homes with their cutie marks intact.

“Thank you Kenny, that will be all for now.” Celestia issued off to wishing to be by herself, as Kenny leaves while Celestia hovers with her magic, a scroll sent by Twilight. “Things are not going well, our enemies keep performing unknown planning & attacks. This time even using our own citizens in a force service.” She felt horrible that the enemies would use innocent bystander citizens as puppets for their instruments of destruction.

The princess of the sun felt furious in hearing about how the Dark Mystics helped the one called the Equalizer do such thing; it’s one thing to lose cutie marks, but become mind-control recruits is another story.

“From what Twilight has reported to me, it’s clear….stronger enemies will be harder for them to fight. But how can they get through this?” Celestia stated off in seeing that if nothing is done, as Twilight reported the hard battle her group fought when Seekcurse appeared, they need a way to overcome this; but how?

That was when Celestia thought this for mere moments before…an idea came to her as she looked over the scroll again.

“Oh course…that could work…Twilight’s report said thanks to the strong efforts of Arsenal, they managed to get by, perhaps…if the Mystics are wanting those that are Equestrians to solve things where they cannot always intervene in our problems then solve them we shall.” Celestia stated off that from knowing the Mystics will only aid in certain matters, but the rest must be done by Equestrians alone; so…that will be what can be done.

Celestia takes another magic scroll p to her face to skim it down, as it had…certain names written there.

“These are the recent names of those that I’ve come to know & hear about, they each have something that may help Twilight, Ben & everyone get through this.” Celestia stated off in browsing through the list of those that she’s about to address off that can help. “Currently within the Rainbow Kingdom, Crash Fire, Snowcrystal, & Kilik are near along with Flare Tiger, Shadow Cat & Flower Dog, even Pinkamena, while Azuma, Z-Strap & NeoVamde can be reached in wanting to help, Magnus is another option, the same can be said for Cadance & Shining Armor, but with a baby to be concern about, asking them is too much. These others are the only ones I can reach out to.” She saw many names of those that can help them out, minus her niece & nephew-in-law who due to a baby might be hard to ask for help, but…there may be a way to get other help here.

Soon Celestia brings over a list of names that seem to be ’special’ as they were a part of the same category of something; what that was is a surprise to be learn…As Celestia begins to read off the names as she sees the words…

“Armor Stark…Gemini Sparks…Snow Villiers…Gravi….Dust…Rufus Lore…Bickslow…Bulk-Head…and from recent reports of others that they all share something to help us out.” Celestia stated of in seeing these names, seeing them seem to help her feel more like there was hope to turn things around. “I’ll need to make preparations for them, even those here that are also new while not known so far, including…” She was stating in needing to make preparations for all of these mentioned ponies before…

At that moment, one name was spelt in crimson red as if being a warning about who ‘else’ is on the list that might be…dangerous.

“Including doing something to truly help us…if the enemy is so bend on pushing my family into a corner with fear…then I may have to respond in turn.” Celestia stated off in knowing what she must do here, fight fire with fire, if the enemy wishes to push them into a corner…then they will have to resort to the same thing, but in a different approach.

The princess signs before putting the scrolls away while focusing on the crimson name that had nothing but a large ‘Z’ on it that said ‘CAUTION: HIGHLY DANGEROUS & HARD TO PREDICT’ on it, this name of someone sounded so scary, but…

“I can only hope this countermeasure will let at least two thirds of the Three Lords be ready. This move maybe so bold, even I feel a bit unsure, but…” Celestia spoke off in knowing what she’ll do will be a big game changer, she only hopes it works out alright. “We’ll need as much strength as possible, including…some pony…from within the deepest, darkest reaches of…Grimdark.” She issued off to say this in knowing what to do, get strong fighters including someone from…prison.

With that, Celestia’s face looked out across her throne room and looked up to the ceiling as if…letting her thoughts drift a bit.

“If it comes to it, I’ll need to discuss this with Luna, then agree to it to have Twilight & the others to perform the task…I just hope all these precautions are enough.” Celestia issued off in knowing that if things become so bad, she will have to discuss with her sister, then with Twilight to perform…this huge task.

With that, the scene begins to fade out as behind Celestia were shadow versions of many different characters with each one showing things like happiness, pride, joy, seriousness, sometimes scary & focus stern faces. Celestia is wanting to do what will help keep everyone safe by aiding Twilight, Ben, the Mane Six…everyone…for the future challenges ahead…as this entire story comes to a close off filled with mysteries…

The End

Author's Note

Major Cast List
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Blackwitch
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Various Ponies
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Various Ponies
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Princess Luna
Cathy Weseluck: Spike the Dragon
Jason Marsden: Ben Mare
Daveigh Chase: Nyx
Chris Sanders: Phobos the Dragon
Orlando Bloom: Golden Heart
Vic Mignogna: Omega
Brian Drummond: Jack Zen
Crispin Freeman: Roy Arrow/Arsenal
Bryan Cranston: The Equalizer
Peter New: Various Ponies, Dark Trooper 1
Rob Paulsen: Dark Trooper 2
Jeff Glen Bennett: Dark Trooper 3, Surviving Dark Trooper

Minor Cast List
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Frank Welker: Nightclaw

Cameos
Brian Dobson: Seekcurse
Jason Statham: Amon Blood Statham
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Seekcurse appeared from Episode 8.5 The Princess and The Emperor from nigel's story gallery.

For those of you seeing the Equalizer was Starlight Glimmer, don't worry so much about what action happens in the TV Series as the story has been carefully made to which we'll learn about her fate in 'The Cutie Re-Mark Parts 1 & 2' to help avoid future problems by the time Season 5's Finale Occurs.

Discussions about a character called 'The Chronicler' & what events Luna spoke about, happened after Jus' 'Return to The Mirrorverse' story. You can see how it happens in VISION-KING's story called - My Little Pony: Story Chronicles to learn of what events happen that tie into Equestria Prime in JusSonic's MLP: Universe.

The new names Celestia spoke of will be future plan characters to aid the heroes in certain future stories that will be appearing shortly soon...it's only a matter of time...

And there we go, this story is now completed, so we can all enjoy how things have turn out while looking forward to the next story in question...and here it is!

“Recovery from the Nightmare: (short story) Diamond Tiara, who is still recovering from the trauma Lorcan put her through begins to remember memories of her Mother, Spoiled Rich, and what her self-centerness has done to her in the past. Will she be able to overcome her mother and change?”

Another story with Diamond Tiara. Looks interesting. Until next then, read, review and suggest!