Friendship Is Half the Battleby EquineAvengerChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4PrologueEquestria Girls: Sunset Shimmer, the head bully of Canterlot High turned megalomaniacal she-demon, and her newly transformed demonic henchmen, Snips and Snails, had hypnotized the student body of Canterlot High into becoming their teenage slave army which they planned to use to conquer Equestria. “Spoiler alert.” The demonic Sunset turned to the heroes: Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. “I was bluffing when I said I was going to destroy the portal. I don’t want to rule this pathetic little high school; I want Equestria! And with my own teenage army behind me, I am going to get it!” “No, you’re not!” Twilight declared defiantly. “Oh, please! What exactly do you think you’re going to do to stop me? I have magic, and you have nothing!” “She has us!” Rainbow Dash defiantly announced with the other four girls by her side. Twilight gave a big smile, she was so happy to have such good friends backing her up. Sunset growled when the five girls joined their friend’s side. But she brushed it off and laughed wickedly. “Gee, the gang really is all back together again.” She mockingly cackled. She had to stop for a moment to wipe a single tear from her eye because she was laughing so hard. Then she held out her hands and a ball of fire started forming between them. “Now step aside! Twilight has tried to interfere with my plans one too many times already! She needs to be dealt with!” and then she hurled the massive fireball right at the purple-colored girl. Just before the fireball hit, all five friends huddled around Twilight protectively in an attempt to shield her from the attack. Sunset cackled when the fireball made contact, it looked like she had won, but then she looked again. “What!?” A pink force field surrounded the six girls, none of them had a single scratch. The five friends released Twilight from their grasp and stared at each other bewildered. After a moment they cast each other happy smiles that they were alright. “The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!” Twilight said pointing to the crown on Sunset’s head. Just then, a beam of magic flowed from the crown toward the girls and they all started levitating in the air. Each one of them could feel the magic flowing through their bodies and transforming them. Honesty! Applejack’s human ears transformed into pony ears and she grew a long ponytail from her hair. Kindness! Fluttershy’s ears also turned into pony ears, yellow feathery wings appeared on her back, and a long pink ponytail emerged from her hair. Laughter! Pinkie Pie also gained pony ears and a tail just like Applejack. Generosity! Rarity, like Pinkie and AJ, received the ears and tail of a pony. Loyalty! Rainbow Dash received ears, wings, and a tail just like Fluttershy. Magic! Twilight Sparkle felt herself being blessed with the ears, wings, and tail of her native species. “Together with a crown, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine, but it is a power you don’t have the ability to control! The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: the magic of friendship!” With that, Twilight and her friends join hands in a heart-shaped formation and a burst of rainbow-colored energy shot right at Sunset Shimmer. “No! What is happening?!” Sunset screamed in panic as the rainbow engulfed her entire body. “Here and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all!” Twilight said as another beam of energy shot at Flash Sentry and passed on to all the other students releasing everyone from mind control until it finally engulfed Snips and Snails. Finally, a blinding light emitted from the six girls for one big final act. When the light had dispersed and everything became visible again. The girls still had their ears, wings, and tails but now there was a big crater in front of the destroyed entrance of the school, and inside the crater was a defeated Sunset Shimmer turned back to normal. As the girls rose to their feet and walked over to help their defeated foe, little did they know was that their skirmish had been watched. Hiding up in a tree on the other side of the road across from the high school sat a man clad in a dark camouflage outfit. He spied on the entire event through binoculars with a built in camera. His real name was unknown to everyone, but he went by the alias: Firefly. He was a mercenary working for Cobra, a shadowy and evil terrorist organization bent on world domination, as a spy and saboteur. His superiors recently assigned him to spy on a small province where reports of strange occurrences, large groups of people suddenly erupting in fights and arguments, had happened. After witnessing what just transpired in front of this small high school, he found that almost anything was now possible. “Well, this was an interesting transaction.” Firefly said to himself as he hopped out of the tree and started walking down the sidewalk. “I think I might need to increase my stay here a few more days.” Rainbow Rocks: Six moons after the Fall Formal incident at Canterlot High, a trio of devious sirens in human form called the Dazzlings had used the school’s Battle of the Bands event as an opportunity to turn everyone at the school against one another so they could feed off of their negative emotions to regain their full power and gain control over the world. However, the Rainbooms: Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie pie, and Twilight Sparkle, were unaffected by the corruptive singing of the Dazzlings and were working to create a counter spell for their magic. Now it was the main event of the Battle of the Bands, the Dazzlings performed on stage while the Rainbooms, with some help from Vinyl Scratch, performed on a small hill. By now the Dazzlings had absorbed enough negative energy to create astral projections of their true forms which flew around trying to take the Rainbooms down. Each band blasted magical sound waves against one another, but eventually the sirens overpowered the Rainbooms. However, a now reformed Sunset Shimmer decided it was her time to step up and show everyone that she could be one of the heroes. With Sunset by their side, the Rainbooms combine the magic inside them and form it into a giant astral form of an Alicorn in the clouds that blasts the sirens, destroying their projections and the gem pendants that powered their singing. With their true nature revealed and their pendants destroyed the Dazzlings were unable to sing and manipulate the other students who proceed to boo them off stage and cheer for the Rainbooms and Sunset. Unbeknownst to everyone, another person had been observing the entire spectacle. Atop another hill in the distance, Firefly stood watching everything with his binoculars. “Things just keep getting more and more interesting around here.” He said to himself. He felt that his mission was nearing its end. Friendship Games: Sometime after the Band of the Bands, it was now time for the Friendship Games, a sporting competition held every four years between Canterlot High and its rival school Crystal Prep. For a long time the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts have been the proud reigning champions of the games, but since their victories in the Fall Formal and Battle of the Bands, the Canterlot Wondercolts developed some new determination and confidence that this time they could finally beat their bitter rivals. However, things became a lot more complicated when Sunset Shimmer and the Humane Five found out that the human version of their beloved friend, Twilight Sparkle, was a reluctant member of the Shadowbolts and had built a spectrometer: a device that detects and steal magic, something the human Twilight did not intend. Even with most of their magic accidentally stolen, the Wondercolts had become evenly matched with the Shadowbolts. Now everyone was gathered at the front of Canterlot High for the final event of the competition: capture the flag. However, Crystal Prep’s despicable principal, Cinch, finds out about the magic her prized student, Twilight, has stored in her spectrometer and with help from the other Shadowbolts pressure Twilight into releasing it in order to win the games. However, the result caused the magic to consume Twilight and turn her into a power-crazed being known as ‘Midnight Sparkle’ who decided to destroy the human world so she could travel to Equestria to learn more about magic. She had begun tearing open dimensional rifts leading to Equestria. Despite Sunset’s pleas for her to stop, Midnight Sparkle continued ripping holes in the dimensional fabric and endangering several students from both schools in the process. Realizing the danger they all shared, the Shadowbolts and Wondercolts decide to put aside their differences and help save their fellow students from this disaster. Sunset, having found the device that Twilight used to accidentally steal magic, realized that what happened to her long ago was now happening to Twilight. “This isn’t the way!” Sunset pleaded. “I know you feel powerful right now, like you can have everything you want! I’ve been where you are, I’ve made the same mistake you’re making! I put on a crown and, just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained! I thought it could get me everything I wanted!” “Oh, you’re wrong.” Midnight Sparkle retorted. “Unlike you, I can have everything I want!” “No, you can’t. Even with all that magic and power, you’ll still be alone! True magic comes from honesty! Loyalty! Laughter! Generosity! Kindness! I understand you, Twilight, and I want to show you the most important magic of all…” Then with the spectrometer, Sunset drew what little magic the Humane Five had left, and then she threw the device on the ground destroying it and releasing their magic which transformed her into a glowing angelic version of herself called ‘Daydream Shimmer.’ “…the Magic of Friendship!” Daydream Shimmer’s first act was to seal all the dimensional rifts, save for the huge one on the ground. Midnight Sparkle and Daydream Shimmer blasted huge energy beams at one another, at first it looked as if they were both equally matched until Midnight Sparkle started getting the upper hand. Just then Spike, Twilight’s puppy who had gained the ability to talk, ran forward in an attempt to get her to stop. “Twilight!” Spike called desperately to her. Midnight Sparkle looked down at the puppy who had pleading eyes. “Spike?” For a moment, Twilight snapped out of her corrupted trance. Seeing the opportunity, Daydream Shimmer blasted everything she had at Midnight Sparkle. “Noooo!” She screamed as she was engulfed in a blinding bright light. When the bright light disappeared, the last dimensional rift was closed and both girls had returned to normal. “I’m so sorry…” Twilight tearfully apologized. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…” “I know.” Sunset replied in an understanding and empathetic tone. “And going by my own experiences, they’ll forgive you.” She took Twilight’s hands and gave her a reassuring smile. Spike barked with happiness and jumped on his beloved owner. Twilight giggled as he licked her face and gave her her glasses. However, not everything was as right as it seemed. Standing on the roof of the school unnoticed was Firefly. Once again he had watched and recorded the entire thing with the camera in his binoculars. “Everything has turned out as I expected.” He chuckled sinisterly to himself as he put his binoculars away. After many weeks of infiltrating and spying, he felt that he had gotten everything he needed and his mission was finally done. “I think it’s time to return to base. The Commander will want to see this. Hail Cobra.” And with that he disappeared into the night. Chapter 1It had been a few days since the Friendship Games; everyone at Canterlot High was satisfied. The Canterlot Wondercolts had lost three games to the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts in the past but the last games ended with both sides winning, they had proven that they had become just as good as their rivals. They also got a new transfer student out the whole thing as well, which was none other than the human version of their good friend and hero, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight walked down the hallways of her new school, some students waved and said “Hi Twilight” as she passed them. It was nice to receive nice greetings from her new fellow students, things she never got from the Crystal Prep students, but she still wasn’t quite used to it. Occasionally, she would accidentally bump into a couple students and apologize. But instead of getting angry faces like she used to get at her old school, she would receive friendly faces as if telling her that she didn’t need to apologize so much. Finally, she potted a familiar face that made her smile. “Hi Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer greeted. “Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight ran right up to greet her friend. “Sorry, hope I’m not too late.” “You’re just in time actually.” Sunset said and led her into the band room. Inside, the other five friends were all waiting excitedly for her to arrive. They had called a meeting during break for everyone to meet in the band room to discuss something important. “Twilight, you’re here!” Pinkie Pie squealed with excitement as she gave her new friend a big welcoming hug. For a moment, Twilight felt some air being squeezed out of her lungs, but eventually Pinkie released her from her bear hug and she gave the pink energetic girl a warm smile. “So what did you all want to talk about here?” Twilight asked the group. “This.” Rainbow Dash held up a poster which read ‘Canterlot High Evening Carnival.’ “The Canterlot Evening Carnival?” “Sounds fun, doesn’t it?” Pinkie asked excitedly. “The Rainbooms have volunteered to perform for the carnival.” Applejack explained. “The carnival’s in three weeks.” Rarity added. “We’ve been practicing our instruments for it.” Rainbow said while adjusting her guitar. “We were wondering if you’d like to help Sunset with vocalization.” Fluttershy said. “What do you say? Would you like to join?” Sunset asked. “It’ll be fun and a great way to gain more popularity with the other students.” Twilight was surprised, honored, and a little hesitant by this offer. It did sound fun but she had never sung before in front of a live audience. What if she messed up? The band might be humiliated. On the other hand, she was a pretty good singer, she’d sung to herself quite often when she was alone at Crystal Prep. “I’d like to see that.” Spike said sticking his head out of his mistress’s backpack. “I think it’s a splendid idea.” said a voice from behind Twilight. She turned around to find Principal Celestia standing in the doorway of the band room. “Principal Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise and anxiously tried straightening up and dusting off her clothes to try and look presentable for the principal of the school. “I didn’t know you were there.” “I believe it would be a great benefit to, not only your friends, but to you as well. I know your life at Crystal Prep wasn’t very exciting but I think if you take some time off from your studies and books and take part in activities with your friends.” In just a few days Twilight had already developed a great deal of respect for Principal Celestia. She was like a second mother to her; so wise and caring. Twilight thought for a moment, and then she smiled indicating that she had come to a decision. “Okay, I’ll do it.” The other girls cheered with excitement while their principal gave a warm smile of satisfaction. “Here are the lyrics.” Sunset handed Twilight some papers. “See you at band practice tomorrow.” “You too.” Later on that day, Twilight had ridden the bus home and when her family was all sitting at the dining table having supper she decided to tell them the exciting news. “So what happened today, Twily?” asked Shining Armor, her older brother. “Something exciting.” Twilight announced. “My friends asked me to perform with them at the school’s evening carnival, and I accepted.” Everyone at the table stopped eating and started telling how excited and pleased they were to hear that. “That’s great, Twilight.” said Night Light, Twilight’s father. “My little girl is going to make so many people happy.” Twilight Velvet, Twilight’s mother, said wiping a tear of pride from her eye. “It’s in three weeks and I’m going to be Sunset Shimmer’s vocalist partner.” Twilight told them. “Just a few days at your new school and you’re already being asked to participate in fun activities by your friends.” Shining Armor congratulated his little sister. “I know, isn’t it amazing.” Spike said joining in the family conversation. “Twily, if you’re going to perform at that carnival, then I’ll be there to watch you sing along with your friends.” “Really?” Twilight asked excitedly. “You’ll be there, BBBFF?” “My kid sister is finally doing something that she’s happy about with other people her age. You couldn’t drag me away from that. I’ve got to tell Cadence about this, I know she’ll love to see you sing as well. After all, you do have a beautiful singing voice.” Twilight felt even better with the decision she made now that she also had the support of her family. “I love all of you. I will be practicing my lines everyday till the day comes. I believe it will be a day to remember.” Chapter 2It was nighttime at the boat harbor. A man dressed like a sea captain stood behind the counter of his shop waiting for customers to come in. Then a man wearing a long dark raincoat stepped in. He had the hood of his coat up making it hard to see his face. “Ahoy there matey.” The sea captain called to the man in a playful sailor-like accent. “Are ye here lookin’ to buy a boat for some seafarin’?” The hooded man approached the counter. “As a matter of fact, I am.” “Well, we’ve got all sorts of sturdy vessels around here capable of crossin’ the great blue.” “Actually, I was wondering if you a special kind of vessel.” Then the man pulled a small card out of his pocket and showed it to the sea captain. The card had a red symbol that looked like the head of a cobra snake and under it was a few numbers. Suddenly, the sea captain’s jolly exterior turned to serious one. He looked around the shop to make sure no one else was inside or outside. “I think I might have what you’re looking for.” And he led the strange man through a door and down a few stairs into a secret room where in an open hole in the floor was a strange looking one-man submarine with the same red snake symbol floating in the sea water. “Is this what you were looking for?” asked the sea captain. “Yes it is.” The man said taking off the hood of his raincoat revealing himself to be none other than Firefly. “Well, better be shovin’ off now.” The sea captain said as he made his way back up to his shop. “Hail Cobra!” he whispered to Firefly before he left. When the captain was gone, Firefly hopped into his mini sub, hit a few buttons and flipped a few switches, and then the sub dove into the water and was off. After an hour and a half of traveling in open ocean, the sub entered a huge mist. Suddenly, the sub’s navigation instruments shut down. It was able to travel but not know where it was going. Firefly wasn’t nervous though, he pulled a compass out of his pocket. “The navigation instruments have shut down. That means I’ve entered the emp field and I must be getting close. Have to thank Mindbender for that. Now I just need to remember what directions to take.” After a half hour of navigating with a compass, Firefly saw a very familiar site through the window of his sub. “I’m here.” He said to himself as he entered a dark underwater cave. He drove the sub up towards the surface where he found himself in a submarine docking bay hidden in the cave. As he exited his sub, he was immediately greeted with a group of soldiers wearing blue uniforms with the red snake symbol, black masks that covered their noses and mouths, and armed with rifles which they pointed at their newcomer. “Halt!” the squad leader shouted at Firefly. “It’s me, Firefly.” He said raising his hands to show he wasn’t a danger to them. “What’s the passcode?” the squad leader asked. “All hail Cobra, the great snake rules forever.” “Welcome back, Firefly.” And the squad of soldiers lowered their weapons. They lead Firefly out of the cave and to a black armored vehicle sitting on a dirt road. They all hopped into the vehicle and drove off into a large forest. They drove through the forest for about a half hour till they came to a huge mountain base. The entrance of the mountain base was carved to look like a giant cobra head. “The Commander has been expecting you.” The squad leader said as the doors opened up allowing them to enter. They drove through a room where other armored vehicles and big double-barreled tanks, called H.I.S.S. tanks, were all lined up in rows on both sides of the room. Soon they came to an elevator at the end of the room. Firefly dismounted from his ride and made his way toward the elevator. He pressed the up button on the control panel and after a moment the elevator doors opened. He entered the elevator, pressed a button and then the elevator doors closed. After going up several floors, the elevator eventually stopped and the doors opened to reveal a long hallway leading to the entrance of another room at the end. Firefly exited the elevator and began walking down the hallway. Behind him standing on both sides of the elevator doors were two guards clad in red uniforms, each holding a rifle. These were called the Crimson Guard, the organization’s most elite security force. Firefly walked down to the end of the hallway until he found himself in another room. It was a huge throne room. There were five huge monitor screens: two on opposite walls and one hanging from the ceiling facing the throne. Below each wall monitor was a small pit were operators, Tele-Vipers, operated computer screens. Between the Tele-Viper pits and monitor screens was a runway with a long red carpet leading from the room’s main entrance to the big golden throne shaped like the head of a cobra snake with ruby red eyes. Standing on both sides of the throne were some strange-looking individuals. On the right side was tall muscular man wearing a dark military uniform and a shiny iron mask (Destro, aka James McCullen XXIV: the owner of the M.A.R.S. weapons manufacturing company, and the weapons supplier of Cobra), a woman with long black hair, glasses, and wearing a tight black leather suit (the Baroness, aka Anastasia DeCobray: a European aristocrat who joined Cobra as its director of intelligence), a man clad in a white ninja outfit (Storm Shadow, aka Tommy Arashikage: a ninja from the Arashikage clan believed to had murdered his master and uncle, he now serves as Cobra’s ninja master), and a man with black armor, a mechanical right arm, and a patch over his left eye (Major Sebastian Bludd: known as one of the deadliest and lowest mercenaries in the world who will do anything if the pay is good). On the left side of the throne was a man wearing dark armor and a hood over his head that almost hid his face with the exception of his nose, mouth, and glowing yellow eyes (Zartan: a master spy and assassin who leads a mercenary and biker gang known as the Dreadnoks. A genetic mutation gave him the ability to change his skin color to blend in with the environment like a chameleon) and two men who looked exactly the same except for a scar across the latter’s left cheek (Tomax and Xamot: twin brothers who served as the commanders of the Crimson Guard and the corporate face of Cobra). And between these people, sitting on the golden snake throne, was a man wearing a blue dictator uniform, a blue helmet, and a featureless mirror mask that covered his entire face (Cobra Commander: the mysterious founder and leader of Cobra. Feared, power-hungry, psychopathic, and ruthless with no regard for human life, he has dedicated everything to conquering the entire world). “Welcome back, Firefly.” Cobra Commander said in a chilling hissing voice, makes perfect sense that the leader of a snake themed organization should sound like a snake. “We will discuss the details of your assignment in a moment.” He waved Firefly to join Zartan, Tomax, and Xamot. “Bring in the prisoners!” The throne room’s main doors opened and in came a group of Crimson Guards escorting two prisoners: a vicious-looking man dressed in golden armor, a green cape, and a golden helmet shaped like the head of a snake, and a bald, mustached man wearing a monocle, purple pants, no shirt, and a black cape (Dr. Mindbender: a mad scientist responsible for creating many technological and biological weapons of Cobra). “You dare do this to ME?!” shouted the golden armored man. “I AM Serpentor, the one true Emperor of Cobra, release me at once!” “It is you who would dare to usurp MY leadership of Cobra.” The Commander hissed back at him. “You and your creator!” the Commander turned his attention toward the quivering Mindbender. “Fool! I was created with the DNA of many of Earth’s greatest conquerors: Caesar, Napoleon, Attila, Alexander, Hannibal, Genghis Khan. I was created to succeed where you failed so many times!” “And yet, I am the one still in charge.” “I AM your master! And you will DO as I say! THIS I COM-!” But before Serpentor could finish, Cobra Commander pressed a button on the right arm of his throne. The two ruby eyes on his throne started glowing bright red. Suddenly, two beams shot from the eyes and instantly turned the Cobra Emperor into a pile of ash. The guards who had brought in the prisoner narrowly avoided the beams themselves. Mindbender stared trembling at the pile of dust that he had once considered his greatest creation. He could only wonder what the Commander had in store for him. Bludd and Tomax had shocked and disturbed expressions. Destro, Baroness, Storm Shadow, and Firefly looked unfazed as if they expected that to happen. Zartan and Xamot looked quite pleased with what had just transpired. Xamot held out his hand to his brother as if expecting him to give him something. Tomax reluctantly pulled a wad of cash out of his pocket and handed it to his brother who smiled triumphantly. “You have no idea how old that got.” Cobra Commander hissed. Then he turned his attention to Mindbender who looked like he was about to wet himself. “Did you really think this thing would serve as a true leader of Cobra, Mindbender?” “Please, Commander.” Mindbender pleaded. “It was nothing personal. I was doing it for the cause of Cobra.” “And you thought by creating a man made up of many long dead warlords and REPLACING ME with him would serve this organization better. He may have had the wisdom of ancient rulers, but he had nothing of a modern one. Give me one good reason why I should let you live.” “I was a fool to think anyone else could lead Cobra better than you! Let me live and I will devote my brilliant intelligence to assist the goals of Cobra and its Commander! Please give me another chance!” The whole room went silent for a moment, as the Commander pondered what to do with this treacherous scientist. “Very well, you may continue to serve as my chief of science.” Mindbender let out a sigh of relief. Tomax smiled smugly and held out his hand to Xamot who angrily took out another wad of cash and handed it to his brother. Then Cobra Commander spoke “But if I ever suspect you of treason again, you will wish you had never been born!” “Sir?” asked one of the Crimson Guards. “What about the other prisoners?” “Throw them in the Snake Pit; all traitors must be made examples of. And bring someone in to clean that up.” the Commander said pointing to the pile of ash. With that the guards left the room to carry out the command. Mindbender immediately took his place with Zartan, Tomax, and Xamot. Then the Commander rose from his throne to give a speech to everyone in the room. “Let this serve as an example to all who dare to even think of taking over my command. There have been rumors of me being a weak and cowardly leader. Well I think it’s time to dash those rumors once and for all. There will be no more plotting behind my back, there will be no more mistakes, there will none of your CRAP! NONE OF IT!” the Commander sat back in his throne. “Serve me well and I will give you the world. Betray me and I will WIPE you from the face of the Earth!” Then Cobra Commander turned his attention to Firefly. “Now that we have that out of the way, I believe Firefly has something he would like to report from his latest assignment.” “Indeed, Commander.” Firefly said walking down into the closest Tele-Viper pit and handing a flash drive to one of the Vipers. “I think you all will find what I have to show you quite magical.” The Viper plugged the flash drive into a computer, typed a few keys, and soon each monitor was showing what Firefly had recorded with his binoculars. Images of teenage girls fighting demons with strange powers played on the screens. Everyone was staring in awe at what they were seeing. How could this be possible? Teenage girls with unimaginable powers! “How is this possible?” Destro asked. “These high school girls I have kept my eye on for some time possess a power unlike anyone has seen before.” Firefly explained. “They call it magic and they have done their best to hide it from most of the world. Or so they thought.” “Am I supposed to believe that magic actually exists?!” Cobra Commander said as he watched the screen obsessively. “A power that can give one the means to achieve anything they desire.” Mindbender pondered with excitement. “That is something worth researching. I must have one!” “Commander, just imagine the possibilities we would have if we had magic on our side.” Baroness suggested. “With such power nothing would be able to stand against Cobra. Not even G.I. Joe!” “Hold on a moment, let me show you something.” Firefly told a Tele-Viper to pause the video at a certain point. It stopped at an image of a purple haired and skinned girl holding a strange device in her hands. “This girl was able to build a device that not only detects magic but also steals it. I’m sure she might have the blueprints to this device somewhere at her school.” “What is your decision, Commander?” Destro asked his leader. Everyone waited to hear their leader’s final decision. First thing they heard was a small sinister chuckle. “With magic under our control, Cobra will finally be unstoppable! It’s time to begin Operation: Alakazam! Find those magic-wielding girls and bring them to me alive, I want to know how their magic works. And be sure to bring the blueprints for that magic-detecting device, Cobra will make better use of it. Now Go!” “Right away, Commander.” Everyone said together. “At last, the world will be MINE!” Cobra Commander’s evil laughter echoed throughout the entire base as if he was the devil himself. Chapter 3Things at Canterlot High were hopping. Everyone was excited and getting ready for the upcoming carnival, particularly the Rainbooms. They had been using every long available break during classes to rehearse. “Wow, you’re sounding really good, Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer commented. “Your voice is spectacular, darling.” Rarity said. “Thanks, just a little more practice and I think it’ll sound almost perfect.” Twilight Sparkle replied. “Sugarcube, ah know you’ll do just fine at the carnival.” Applejack said in a reassuring tone. Twilight smiled, she had never had such supportive friends in her life besides Dean Cadence, her family, and her dog. School was now out for the day, and the seven friends made their way to Sugarcube Café. After they had purchased their drinks from Mrs. Cake, they all sat down at a table to discuss what else they needed to do to be ready for the carnival and enjoy each other’s company. “Wow, you all seem really happy today.” A voice came from behind Twilight. Everyone turned to see some rather unexpected visitors with pleasant smiles, the Shadowbolts from Crystal Prep: Sour Sweet, Sunny Flare, Sugarcoat, Lemon Zest, and Indigo Zap. “Hi girls, we didn’t expect to see you here.” Twilight politely greeted her former prep mates. Ever since the last Friendship Games, Twilight has been on much better terms with the Shadowbolts. “We heard you girls like to hangout here often, so we thought we pay this place a visit.” answered Lemon Zest. “I have to admit, this place doesn’t look as bad as I thought.” Sugarcoat said in impressment while looking at the interior of the café. In the past, she never considered hanging out at a common place like this, but trying it for the first time was a new and comforting experience. “So how have things been at Canterlot, Twilight?” Sunny Flare asked. “Great, everyone’s been really nice, especially these six.” Twilight said turning to Sunset and the Humane Five. “That’s so nice to hear.” Sour Sweet said in a happy tone. “I wish I’d made friends with you sooner.” She then said in a bitter and regretful tone. “So what have you all been up to lately?” Indigo Zap asked. “We’re getting ready to perform a musical number at our school’s evening carnival which is in less than weeks.” Rainbow Dash answered proudly. “Would you girls like to come?” Fluttershy asked. “That sounds like it’s going to be so much fun.” Indigo said with excitement. “I don’t think it’ll be that much fun.” said a cold and bitter voice. Everyone turned to see that the voice was none other than Abacus Cinch, the principal of Crystal Prep, and she did not look happy to see them. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the café went from happy and cheerful to bitter and unpleasant. “Principal Cinch?!” Twilight said in surprise while the others shoot glares at Cinch, she never expected to see her old school’s principal again, and for good reason. “What are you doing here?” “I happened to be in the neighborhood and noticed five of my top students entering this place, so I decided to make sure they weren’t getting into any trouble.” Cinch said shooting an intimidating glare at the Shadowbolts who turned their heads to avoid making eye contact. “Don’t worry, they’re just fine.” Sunset assured coming to the aid of the five Crystal Prep girls while glaring at their principal. Cinch’s very presence was ruining the mood and she wanted her to leave. “Well just remember, Crystal Prep still has its reputation to uphold. Even though they say the last Friendship Games ended in a tie, the truth is Crystal Prep’s Shadowbolts were, without a doubt, the winners. But since I’m the only one who knows the truth, I have to make doubly sure that our great school does not fall behind. However, some students haven’t been as dedicated as others, but seeing them associating with CHS, this is highly unthinkable.” Rainbow Dash had had enough; she hated it when Crystal Prep looked down on her school, but for Cinch to talk as if CP students befriending CHS students was like getting close to hazardous toxic waste was the last straw. “Now look here you-!” “Good day, everyone.” said a slender, red-haired police woman in a jolly tone interrupting Rainbow. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything important. I’d like to ask if any of you have seen any suspicious characters around town lately.” Everyone stared at the cop for a moment before they all shook their heads at the same time. “Okay, just checking. I’m gonna go buy myself a latte.” And the cop happily walked over to the counter to buy her drink. “Well, I’d better be off.” Cinch said realizing the mood was ruined. “I have an important meeting with the twins.” “The twins?” Twilight asked, she didn’t know any twins of great importance at her old school. “Two identical twin brothers who say they’re owners of a big corporation.” Sugarcoat answered. “Yes, I met them recently, and they’ve offered Crystal Prep some financial aid to help us get back on top, where we belong.” Cinch finished for Sugarcoat. “I must say, Twilight Sparkle, I’m rather disappointed to see you as a CHS student when you had a much greater future ahead of you at Crystal Prep. The good one do always leave.” And with that, Cinch left the café leaving the mood of the meeting between the two groups rather dull. “Well, goodbye everyone. Remember if you see any suspicious people, please let me know.” The police woman said to the teenage girls in a jolly tone, supposedly not noticing their unhappy expressions, and left the café. “How can you stand having a woman like that for a principal?” Rarity asked the Shadowbolts in an appalling tone. “Believe it or not, she’s actually better than the last one we had.” Lemon Zest answered. “So, are you still coming to the carnival?” Fluttershy asked hoping she wasn’t offending anyone. “Are you kidding, we’d never turn down a rare and fun opportunity like this.” Sour Sweet said in a kindly and positive tone. “What about Cinch?” Twilight asked concerned. “What about Cinch?” Sour Sweet answered her in a resentful and rhetorical tone. “Twilight, I’m excited to hear you sing. I’m starting to get tired of hear my old songs constantly.” Lemon Zest said to her former prep mate while Indigo Zap gave her a thumbs up. “Thanks girls, I hope to see all of you there.” Twilight said in a happy, heartfelt tone. Things in her life just kept getting better. “We’re all going to have a great time, and there’s nothing, not even Cinch, that can possibly mess this up.” Sunny Flare said reassuringly. All the other girls nodded in agreement and continued to enjoy themselves at the café. Meanwhile, the redheaded police woman was walking down the sidewalk drinking her latte. Then she turned her head a couple times to make sure no one was watching her. Then her jolly exterior turned to one of seriousness as she threw her drink in a trash can she passed by and pressed something on her wristwatch. “Agent Scarlett to base.” She whispered into the watch, which had a built-in communicator. “Come in, do you read me?” “This is Dial-Tone, I read you loud and clear.” said a voice from the wristwatch. “I have definitely confirmed Cobra activity in this area, heading back to base to give a full report.” “Alright, we’ll see you there. Yo Joe!” With that, the cop, who went by the name Scarlett, turned off the communicator on her watch and proceeded on her way. There was something fishy going on in this town and she was determined to report it to her comrades, whoever they were. Chapter 4It was nighttime in a desert, a Black Hawk helicopter was flying through the night air, and its destination was known only to its passengers. The helicopter flew past a few large rock formations and landed on the sandy ground behind them. A passenger stepped out of the copter, the person was dressed in dark colored desert gear that covered the person’s entire body. The mysterious individual walked over to what looked like a large cactus standing near the copter, opened a secret compartment door on the fake cactus revealing a set of buttons and switches, pressed a few buttons, and closed the secret door of the fake cactus. Suddenly, the ground started shaking, and then the ground beneath the mysterious person and the copter started sinking into the ground. Turns out the ground was a secret elevator leading into a secret underground base. As the elevator went deeper and deeper into the base, the mysterious individual started removing the protective desert gear. The person was revealed to be Scarlett, the woman who had posed as a cop, her new outfit consisted of a gray bodysuit, a tan leotard over that with a red shoulder pad on her right shoulder, and tan boots and gloves. Turns out Scarlett, aka Shana M. O’Hara, was actually a counter intelligence agent for G.I. Joe, a top secret elite covert special mission unit operating under the command of the United States Military. When the elevator finally reached the bottom of the base, Scarlett was greeted by two men. One had dark skin and was dressed as a HALO jumper (Rip Cord, aka Wallace A. Weems, airborne infantry). The other had lighter skin, brown hair and beard, dressed in high-tech communications equipment, and chewing bubble gum (Breaker, aka Alvin R. Kibbey, communications officer). “Welcome back Agent Scarlett.” Rip Cord said greeting his fellow teammate. “How did your assignment go?” “It went well, Rip Cord.” Scarlett replied. “I’ve gathered some vital information that I believe all the other Joes would like to see.” “Then I’ll notify the commanding officers and we’ll all gather in the briefing room.” Breaker said after popping a bubble from his gum. Then the three went off to inform everyone in the base. A few minutes later, military personnel were scrambling to make their way to the briefing room. One personnel member knocked on a door he almost passed by. When there was no answer, he opened it anyway. The room was almost completely dark with just a few candles lit. In the middle of the room was a man sitting in a meditative posture. The poor lighting of the room made it really hard to make out a lot of the man’s physical features; his entire face was covered in shadow. But from what could be made out, he was wearing a dark skintight bodysuit. Sitting on the floor in front of him was a black face mask with a visor and a katana sword. “Um, just to let you know, all G.I. Joe personnel are being called to the briefing room.” the personnel member said to the shadowy man before closing the door and leaving. Although he made no verbal acknowledgement of what the guy said, anyone who knew this man knew he had good hearing. The shadowy man broke out of his meditative trance, put on his mask and sheathed his sword. The briefing room was filled with a lot of very unique-looking military personnel. A tall, dark-skinned man with a black mustache and goatee wearing a green, sleeveless camouflage vest, light grey pants, and black boots and gloves (Roadblock, aka Marvin F. Hinton, heavy weapons trooper) was having a friendly conversation with a short, light-skinned younger-looking man wearing a dark green bandanna, a green short-sleeved shirt, black pants, boots, and gloves (Tunnel Rat, aka Nicky Lee, explosives expert) when the mysterious man from the dark room suddenly appeared before them. He was covered from head to toe in a black skintight suit, belts of grenades and knives on his arms and legs, a grey grill visor over his eyes, and a katana hung over his back (Snake-Eyes, silent ninja master from the Arashikage clan, has a personal grudge against Storm Shadow). “Snake-Eyes, you scared us there for a second.” Tunnel Rat said to his silent comrade who bowed his head respectfully. “Did you hear?” Roadblock asked the dark ninja. “Scarlett’s returned and she has some intel that’ll probably give us the means to take those rotten Cobras down.” The chattering in the room stopped when a man walked to the front of the briefing screen and stood before them. The man had blonde hair, a beige shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a gold eagle badge on his right chest, green pants, brown boots, and a tiny scar over his left eye (Duke, aka Conrad S. Hauser, first sergeant and second-in-command of G.I. Joe, he was a man that so many Joes trusted and followed loyally). “All Joes present?” Duke asked the crowd. Everyone in the room called to Duke to let him know they were there. “Good, then let’s begin the briefing. Agent Scarlett has returned from her secret mission and says she has some interesting intel that she would like to present to us. Agent Scarlett.” Duke called Scarlett to take his place and present what she found. “Thanks Duke.” She said to her commanding officer, then turned to face the crowd. “During my undercover work in an urban town, I uncovered a few things you all might be interested in. Dataframe, if you please.” She called to her technical expert comrade who took a chip out of her cellphone and inserted it into a device attached to a projector that projected an image of an urban town onto the screen behind her. “I’ve heard rumors of strange occurrences happening in this town.” Then the picture of the town changed to a picture of Canterlot High. “Mainly around this high school.” The next image was a picture of Principal Cinch shaking hands with one of two identical-looking men were business suits. The man Cinch was shaking hands with had a scar on his left cheek, the only thing that distinguished him from the other. “I’m pretty sure those two are the Crimson Twins, Xamot and Tomax, which confirms possible Cobra activity in the area. From what I’ve gathered, this woman right here is the principal of Crystal Prep, one of two well-known high schools in that town. Needless to say, the schools are bitter rivals and don’t get along.” “Why do you think a couple Cobra agents might be interested in some high school that has no big connections to the government?” asked a black-haired man wearing a black beret, a black shirt with belts of ammo running horizontally on both sides, green and brown camouflage pants, black boots, and brown gloves (Flint, aka Dashiell R. Faireborn, warrant officer and third-in-command of G.I. Joe). “I’m not sure.” Scarlett answered. “But I have a theory that one of the two schools might have something to do with the strange rumors.” “Well, whatever it is, it’s got Cobra’s interest and that’s not good.” Said a gruff, muscular mustached man wearing a green hat, light green and blue camouflage pants, grey boots, and a light-colored sleeveless open vest that exposed a Marine tattoo on his chest (Gung-Ho, aka Ettienne R. LaFitte, gruff and tough member from the US Marine Corps). “Indeed.” Duke said stepping back onto the stage. “Thank you, Agent Scarlett.” The red-haired woman gave him a respectful salute and walked off the stage. “Now I know that there somethings that we have to fully understand which will make this operation a lot more difficult. But we do know that something in this town has caught Cobra’s attention and has drawn them there. As the United States’ most top secret counter-terrorist team, the President is counting on us to uphold the peace and stability of the country and the world. Tomorrow, some of you will be assigned to work undercover at that town. Try to gather as much information as you can without drawing any suspicion from the enemy. Remember civilian lives are at stake here, we need to know exactly what we’re dealing with before we can act. Dismissed.” “Yo Joe!” the people in the room shouted as they saluted him and started clearing out except for Duke and an older man with dark brown hair and wearing a green military uniform decorated with all sorts of medals (General Hawk, aka Clayton M. Abernathy, the current commander-in-chief of the G.I. Joe Team, a very wise and noble decorated officer and one of G.I. Joe’s original members who has recruited so many recruits into the force to uphold national security). “A stirring speech, Duke.” Hawk complimented. “You’re by far one of G.I. Joe’s and America’s finest soldiers.” “Thank you, sir.” Duke replied. “What do you make of this?” “Well sir, we have definite proof of Cobra activity. I will handpick the Joes who will be going undercover. There are so many innocent lives, young lives, that will be at risk. We need to exercise caution.” “Is something wrong, Duke?” Hawk asked noticing Duke had a concerned expression on his face. “Cobra Commander’s up to something. Knowing him, he’s probably hatching something extremely sinister in nature no doubt. But the question is: why would he be interested in a couple high schools in a small American town? What do they have that he wants?”
PrologueEquestria Girls: Sunset Shimmer, the head bully of Canterlot High turned megalomaniacal she-demon, and her newly transformed demonic henchmen, Snips and Snails, had hypnotized the student body of Canterlot High into becoming their teenage slave army which they planned to use to conquer Equestria. “Spoiler alert.” The demonic Sunset turned to the heroes: Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. “I was bluffing when I said I was going to destroy the portal. I don’t want to rule this pathetic little high school; I want Equestria! And with my own teenage army behind me, I am going to get it!” “No, you’re not!” Twilight declared defiantly. “Oh, please! What exactly do you think you’re going to do to stop me? I have magic, and you have nothing!” “She has us!” Rainbow Dash defiantly announced with the other four girls by her side. Twilight gave a big smile, she was so happy to have such good friends backing her up. Sunset growled when the five girls joined their friend’s side. But she brushed it off and laughed wickedly. “Gee, the gang really is all back together again.” She mockingly cackled. She had to stop for a moment to wipe a single tear from her eye because she was laughing so hard. Then she held out her hands and a ball of fire started forming between them. “Now step aside! Twilight has tried to interfere with my plans one too many times already! She needs to be dealt with!” and then she hurled the massive fireball right at the purple-colored girl. Just before the fireball hit, all five friends huddled around Twilight protectively in an attempt to shield her from the attack. Sunset cackled when the fireball made contact, it looked like she had won, but then she looked again. “What!?” A pink force field surrounded the six girls, none of them had a single scratch. The five friends released Twilight from their grasp and stared at each other bewildered. After a moment they cast each other happy smiles that they were alright. “The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!” Twilight said pointing to the crown on Sunset’s head. Just then, a beam of magic flowed from the crown toward the girls and they all started levitating in the air. Each one of them could feel the magic flowing through their bodies and transforming them. Honesty! Applejack’s human ears transformed into pony ears and she grew a long ponytail from her hair. Kindness! Fluttershy’s ears also turned into pony ears, yellow feathery wings appeared on her back, and a long pink ponytail emerged from her hair. Laughter! Pinkie Pie also gained pony ears and a tail just like Applejack. Generosity! Rarity, like Pinkie and AJ, received the ears and tail of a pony. Loyalty! Rainbow Dash received ears, wings, and a tail just like Fluttershy. Magic! Twilight Sparkle felt herself being blessed with the ears, wings, and tail of her native species. “Together with a crown, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine, but it is a power you don’t have the ability to control! The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: the magic of friendship!” With that, Twilight and her friends join hands in a heart-shaped formation and a burst of rainbow-colored energy shot right at Sunset Shimmer. “No! What is happening?!” Sunset screamed in panic as the rainbow engulfed her entire body. “Here and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all!” Twilight said as another beam of energy shot at Flash Sentry and passed on to all the other students releasing everyone from mind control until it finally engulfed Snips and Snails. Finally, a blinding light emitted from the six girls for one big final act. When the light had dispersed and everything became visible again. The girls still had their ears, wings, and tails but now there was a big crater in front of the destroyed entrance of the school, and inside the crater was a defeated Sunset Shimmer turned back to normal. As the girls rose to their feet and walked over to help their defeated foe, little did they know was that their skirmish had been watched. Hiding up in a tree on the other side of the road across from the high school sat a man clad in a dark camouflage outfit. He spied on the entire event through binoculars with a built in camera. His real name was unknown to everyone, but he went by the alias: Firefly. He was a mercenary working for Cobra, a shadowy and evil terrorist organization bent on world domination, as a spy and saboteur. His superiors recently assigned him to spy on a small province where reports of strange occurrences, large groups of people suddenly erupting in fights and arguments, had happened. After witnessing what just transpired in front of this small high school, he found that almost anything was now possible. “Well, this was an interesting transaction.” Firefly said to himself as he hopped out of the tree and started walking down the sidewalk. “I think I might need to increase my stay here a few more days.” Rainbow Rocks: Six moons after the Fall Formal incident at Canterlot High, a trio of devious sirens in human form called the Dazzlings had used the school’s Battle of the Bands event as an opportunity to turn everyone at the school against one another so they could feed off of their negative emotions to regain their full power and gain control over the world. However, the Rainbooms: Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie pie, and Twilight Sparkle, were unaffected by the corruptive singing of the Dazzlings and were working to create a counter spell for their magic. Now it was the main event of the Battle of the Bands, the Dazzlings performed on stage while the Rainbooms, with some help from Vinyl Scratch, performed on a small hill. By now the Dazzlings had absorbed enough negative energy to create astral projections of their true forms which flew around trying to take the Rainbooms down. Each band blasted magical sound waves against one another, but eventually the sirens overpowered the Rainbooms. However, a now reformed Sunset Shimmer decided it was her time to step up and show everyone that she could be one of the heroes. With Sunset by their side, the Rainbooms combine the magic inside them and form it into a giant astral form of an Alicorn in the clouds that blasts the sirens, destroying their projections and the gem pendants that powered their singing. With their true nature revealed and their pendants destroyed the Dazzlings were unable to sing and manipulate the other students who proceed to boo them off stage and cheer for the Rainbooms and Sunset. Unbeknownst to everyone, another person had been observing the entire spectacle. Atop another hill in the distance, Firefly stood watching everything with his binoculars. “Things just keep getting more and more interesting around here.” He said to himself. He felt that his mission was nearing its end. Friendship Games: Sometime after the Band of the Bands, it was now time for the Friendship Games, a sporting competition held every four years between Canterlot High and its rival school Crystal Prep. For a long time the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts have been the proud reigning champions of the games, but since their victories in the Fall Formal and Battle of the Bands, the Canterlot Wondercolts developed some new determination and confidence that this time they could finally beat their bitter rivals. However, things became a lot more complicated when Sunset Shimmer and the Humane Five found out that the human version of their beloved friend, Twilight Sparkle, was a reluctant member of the Shadowbolts and had built a spectrometer: a device that detects and steal magic, something the human Twilight did not intend. Even with most of their magic accidentally stolen, the Wondercolts had become evenly matched with the Shadowbolts. Now everyone was gathered at the front of Canterlot High for the final event of the competition: capture the flag. However, Crystal Prep’s despicable principal, Cinch, finds out about the magic her prized student, Twilight, has stored in her spectrometer and with help from the other Shadowbolts pressure Twilight into releasing it in order to win the games. However, the result caused the magic to consume Twilight and turn her into a power-crazed being known as ‘Midnight Sparkle’ who decided to destroy the human world so she could travel to Equestria to learn more about magic. She had begun tearing open dimensional rifts leading to Equestria. Despite Sunset’s pleas for her to stop, Midnight Sparkle continued ripping holes in the dimensional fabric and endangering several students from both schools in the process. Realizing the danger they all shared, the Shadowbolts and Wondercolts decide to put aside their differences and help save their fellow students from this disaster. Sunset, having found the device that Twilight used to accidentally steal magic, realized that what happened to her long ago was now happening to Twilight. “This isn’t the way!” Sunset pleaded. “I know you feel powerful right now, like you can have everything you want! I’ve been where you are, I’ve made the same mistake you’re making! I put on a crown and, just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained! I thought it could get me everything I wanted!” “Oh, you’re wrong.” Midnight Sparkle retorted. “Unlike you, I can have everything I want!” “No, you can’t. Even with all that magic and power, you’ll still be alone! True magic comes from honesty! Loyalty! Laughter! Generosity! Kindness! I understand you, Twilight, and I want to show you the most important magic of all…” Then with the spectrometer, Sunset drew what little magic the Humane Five had left, and then she threw the device on the ground destroying it and releasing their magic which transformed her into a glowing angelic version of herself called ‘Daydream Shimmer.’ “…the Magic of Friendship!” Daydream Shimmer’s first act was to seal all the dimensional rifts, save for the huge one on the ground. Midnight Sparkle and Daydream Shimmer blasted huge energy beams at one another, at first it looked as if they were both equally matched until Midnight Sparkle started getting the upper hand. Just then Spike, Twilight’s puppy who had gained the ability to talk, ran forward in an attempt to get her to stop. “Twilight!” Spike called desperately to her. Midnight Sparkle looked down at the puppy who had pleading eyes. “Spike?” For a moment, Twilight snapped out of her corrupted trance. Seeing the opportunity, Daydream Shimmer blasted everything she had at Midnight Sparkle. “Noooo!” She screamed as she was engulfed in a blinding bright light. When the bright light disappeared, the last dimensional rift was closed and both girls had returned to normal. “I’m so sorry…” Twilight tearfully apologized. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…” “I know.” Sunset replied in an understanding and empathetic tone. “And going by my own experiences, they’ll forgive you.” She took Twilight’s hands and gave her a reassuring smile. Spike barked with happiness and jumped on his beloved owner. Twilight giggled as he licked her face and gave her her glasses. However, not everything was as right as it seemed. Standing on the roof of the school unnoticed was Firefly. Once again he had watched and recorded the entire thing with the camera in his binoculars. “Everything has turned out as I expected.” He chuckled sinisterly to himself as he put his binoculars away. After many weeks of infiltrating and spying, he felt that he had gotten everything he needed and his mission was finally done. “I think it’s time to return to base. The Commander will want to see this. Hail Cobra.” And with that he disappeared into the night.
Chapter 1It had been a few days since the Friendship Games; everyone at Canterlot High was satisfied. The Canterlot Wondercolts had lost three games to the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts in the past but the last games ended with both sides winning, they had proven that they had become just as good as their rivals. They also got a new transfer student out the whole thing as well, which was none other than the human version of their good friend and hero, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight walked down the hallways of her new school, some students waved and said “Hi Twilight” as she passed them. It was nice to receive nice greetings from her new fellow students, things she never got from the Crystal Prep students, but she still wasn’t quite used to it. Occasionally, she would accidentally bump into a couple students and apologize. But instead of getting angry faces like she used to get at her old school, she would receive friendly faces as if telling her that she didn’t need to apologize so much. Finally, she potted a familiar face that made her smile. “Hi Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer greeted. “Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight ran right up to greet her friend. “Sorry, hope I’m not too late.” “You’re just in time actually.” Sunset said and led her into the band room. Inside, the other five friends were all waiting excitedly for her to arrive. They had called a meeting during break for everyone to meet in the band room to discuss something important. “Twilight, you’re here!” Pinkie Pie squealed with excitement as she gave her new friend a big welcoming hug. For a moment, Twilight felt some air being squeezed out of her lungs, but eventually Pinkie released her from her bear hug and she gave the pink energetic girl a warm smile. “So what did you all want to talk about here?” Twilight asked the group. “This.” Rainbow Dash held up a poster which read ‘Canterlot High Evening Carnival.’ “The Canterlot Evening Carnival?” “Sounds fun, doesn’t it?” Pinkie asked excitedly. “The Rainbooms have volunteered to perform for the carnival.” Applejack explained. “The carnival’s in three weeks.” Rarity added. “We’ve been practicing our instruments for it.” Rainbow said while adjusting her guitar. “We were wondering if you’d like to help Sunset with vocalization.” Fluttershy said. “What do you say? Would you like to join?” Sunset asked. “It’ll be fun and a great way to gain more popularity with the other students.” Twilight was surprised, honored, and a little hesitant by this offer. It did sound fun but she had never sung before in front of a live audience. What if she messed up? The band might be humiliated. On the other hand, she was a pretty good singer, she’d sung to herself quite often when she was alone at Crystal Prep. “I’d like to see that.” Spike said sticking his head out of his mistress’s backpack. “I think it’s a splendid idea.” said a voice from behind Twilight. She turned around to find Principal Celestia standing in the doorway of the band room. “Principal Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise and anxiously tried straightening up and dusting off her clothes to try and look presentable for the principal of the school. “I didn’t know you were there.” “I believe it would be a great benefit to, not only your friends, but to you as well. I know your life at Crystal Prep wasn’t very exciting but I think if you take some time off from your studies and books and take part in activities with your friends.” In just a few days Twilight had already developed a great deal of respect for Principal Celestia. She was like a second mother to her; so wise and caring. Twilight thought for a moment, and then she smiled indicating that she had come to a decision. “Okay, I’ll do it.” The other girls cheered with excitement while their principal gave a warm smile of satisfaction. “Here are the lyrics.” Sunset handed Twilight some papers. “See you at band practice tomorrow.” “You too.” Later on that day, Twilight had ridden the bus home and when her family was all sitting at the dining table having supper she decided to tell them the exciting news. “So what happened today, Twily?” asked Shining Armor, her older brother. “Something exciting.” Twilight announced. “My friends asked me to perform with them at the school’s evening carnival, and I accepted.” Everyone at the table stopped eating and started telling how excited and pleased they were to hear that. “That’s great, Twilight.” said Night Light, Twilight’s father. “My little girl is going to make so many people happy.” Twilight Velvet, Twilight’s mother, said wiping a tear of pride from her eye. “It’s in three weeks and I’m going to be Sunset Shimmer’s vocalist partner.” Twilight told them. “Just a few days at your new school and you’re already being asked to participate in fun activities by your friends.” Shining Armor congratulated his little sister. “I know, isn’t it amazing.” Spike said joining in the family conversation. “Twily, if you’re going to perform at that carnival, then I’ll be there to watch you sing along with your friends.” “Really?” Twilight asked excitedly. “You’ll be there, BBBFF?” “My kid sister is finally doing something that she’s happy about with other people her age. You couldn’t drag me away from that. I’ve got to tell Cadence about this, I know she’ll love to see you sing as well. After all, you do have a beautiful singing voice.” Twilight felt even better with the decision she made now that she also had the support of her family. “I love all of you. I will be practicing my lines everyday till the day comes. I believe it will be a day to remember.”
Chapter 2It was nighttime at the boat harbor. A man dressed like a sea captain stood behind the counter of his shop waiting for customers to come in. Then a man wearing a long dark raincoat stepped in. He had the hood of his coat up making it hard to see his face. “Ahoy there matey.” The sea captain called to the man in a playful sailor-like accent. “Are ye here lookin’ to buy a boat for some seafarin’?” The hooded man approached the counter. “As a matter of fact, I am.” “Well, we’ve got all sorts of sturdy vessels around here capable of crossin’ the great blue.” “Actually, I was wondering if you a special kind of vessel.” Then the man pulled a small card out of his pocket and showed it to the sea captain. The card had a red symbol that looked like the head of a cobra snake and under it was a few numbers. Suddenly, the sea captain’s jolly exterior turned to serious one. He looked around the shop to make sure no one else was inside or outside. “I think I might have what you’re looking for.” And he led the strange man through a door and down a few stairs into a secret room where in an open hole in the floor was a strange looking one-man submarine with the same red snake symbol floating in the sea water. “Is this what you were looking for?” asked the sea captain. “Yes it is.” The man said taking off the hood of his raincoat revealing himself to be none other than Firefly. “Well, better be shovin’ off now.” The sea captain said as he made his way back up to his shop. “Hail Cobra!” he whispered to Firefly before he left. When the captain was gone, Firefly hopped into his mini sub, hit a few buttons and flipped a few switches, and then the sub dove into the water and was off. After an hour and a half of traveling in open ocean, the sub entered a huge mist. Suddenly, the sub’s navigation instruments shut down. It was able to travel but not know where it was going. Firefly wasn’t nervous though, he pulled a compass out of his pocket. “The navigation instruments have shut down. That means I’ve entered the emp field and I must be getting close. Have to thank Mindbender for that. Now I just need to remember what directions to take.” After a half hour of navigating with a compass, Firefly saw a very familiar site through the window of his sub. “I’m here.” He said to himself as he entered a dark underwater cave. He drove the sub up towards the surface where he found himself in a submarine docking bay hidden in the cave. As he exited his sub, he was immediately greeted with a group of soldiers wearing blue uniforms with the red snake symbol, black masks that covered their noses and mouths, and armed with rifles which they pointed at their newcomer. “Halt!” the squad leader shouted at Firefly. “It’s me, Firefly.” He said raising his hands to show he wasn’t a danger to them. “What’s the passcode?” the squad leader asked. “All hail Cobra, the great snake rules forever.” “Welcome back, Firefly.” And the squad of soldiers lowered their weapons. They lead Firefly out of the cave and to a black armored vehicle sitting on a dirt road. They all hopped into the vehicle and drove off into a large forest. They drove through the forest for about a half hour till they came to a huge mountain base. The entrance of the mountain base was carved to look like a giant cobra head. “The Commander has been expecting you.” The squad leader said as the doors opened up allowing them to enter. They drove through a room where other armored vehicles and big double-barreled tanks, called H.I.S.S. tanks, were all lined up in rows on both sides of the room. Soon they came to an elevator at the end of the room. Firefly dismounted from his ride and made his way toward the elevator. He pressed the up button on the control panel and after a moment the elevator doors opened. He entered the elevator, pressed a button and then the elevator doors closed. After going up several floors, the elevator eventually stopped and the doors opened to reveal a long hallway leading to the entrance of another room at the end. Firefly exited the elevator and began walking down the hallway. Behind him standing on both sides of the elevator doors were two guards clad in red uniforms, each holding a rifle. These were called the Crimson Guard, the organization’s most elite security force. Firefly walked down to the end of the hallway until he found himself in another room. It was a huge throne room. There were five huge monitor screens: two on opposite walls and one hanging from the ceiling facing the throne. Below each wall monitor was a small pit were operators, Tele-Vipers, operated computer screens. Between the Tele-Viper pits and monitor screens was a runway with a long red carpet leading from the room’s main entrance to the big golden throne shaped like the head of a cobra snake with ruby red eyes. Standing on both sides of the throne were some strange-looking individuals. On the right side was tall muscular man wearing a dark military uniform and a shiny iron mask (Destro, aka James McCullen XXIV: the owner of the M.A.R.S. weapons manufacturing company, and the weapons supplier of Cobra), a woman with long black hair, glasses, and wearing a tight black leather suit (the Baroness, aka Anastasia DeCobray: a European aristocrat who joined Cobra as its director of intelligence), a man clad in a white ninja outfit (Storm Shadow, aka Tommy Arashikage: a ninja from the Arashikage clan believed to had murdered his master and uncle, he now serves as Cobra’s ninja master), and a man with black armor, a mechanical right arm, and a patch over his left eye (Major Sebastian Bludd: known as one of the deadliest and lowest mercenaries in the world who will do anything if the pay is good). On the left side of the throne was a man wearing dark armor and a hood over his head that almost hid his face with the exception of his nose, mouth, and glowing yellow eyes (Zartan: a master spy and assassin who leads a mercenary and biker gang known as the Dreadnoks. A genetic mutation gave him the ability to change his skin color to blend in with the environment like a chameleon) and two men who looked exactly the same except for a scar across the latter’s left cheek (Tomax and Xamot: twin brothers who served as the commanders of the Crimson Guard and the corporate face of Cobra). And between these people, sitting on the golden snake throne, was a man wearing a blue dictator uniform, a blue helmet, and a featureless mirror mask that covered his entire face (Cobra Commander: the mysterious founder and leader of Cobra. Feared, power-hungry, psychopathic, and ruthless with no regard for human life, he has dedicated everything to conquering the entire world). “Welcome back, Firefly.” Cobra Commander said in a chilling hissing voice, makes perfect sense that the leader of a snake themed organization should sound like a snake. “We will discuss the details of your assignment in a moment.” He waved Firefly to join Zartan, Tomax, and Xamot. “Bring in the prisoners!” The throne room’s main doors opened and in came a group of Crimson Guards escorting two prisoners: a vicious-looking man dressed in golden armor, a green cape, and a golden helmet shaped like the head of a snake, and a bald, mustached man wearing a monocle, purple pants, no shirt, and a black cape (Dr. Mindbender: a mad scientist responsible for creating many technological and biological weapons of Cobra). “You dare do this to ME?!” shouted the golden armored man. “I AM Serpentor, the one true Emperor of Cobra, release me at once!” “It is you who would dare to usurp MY leadership of Cobra.” The Commander hissed back at him. “You and your creator!” the Commander turned his attention toward the quivering Mindbender. “Fool! I was created with the DNA of many of Earth’s greatest conquerors: Caesar, Napoleon, Attila, Alexander, Hannibal, Genghis Khan. I was created to succeed where you failed so many times!” “And yet, I am the one still in charge.” “I AM your master! And you will DO as I say! THIS I COM-!” But before Serpentor could finish, Cobra Commander pressed a button on the right arm of his throne. The two ruby eyes on his throne started glowing bright red. Suddenly, two beams shot from the eyes and instantly turned the Cobra Emperor into a pile of ash. The guards who had brought in the prisoner narrowly avoided the beams themselves. Mindbender stared trembling at the pile of dust that he had once considered his greatest creation. He could only wonder what the Commander had in store for him. Bludd and Tomax had shocked and disturbed expressions. Destro, Baroness, Storm Shadow, and Firefly looked unfazed as if they expected that to happen. Zartan and Xamot looked quite pleased with what had just transpired. Xamot held out his hand to his brother as if expecting him to give him something. Tomax reluctantly pulled a wad of cash out of his pocket and handed it to his brother who smiled triumphantly. “You have no idea how old that got.” Cobra Commander hissed. Then he turned his attention to Mindbender who looked like he was about to wet himself. “Did you really think this thing would serve as a true leader of Cobra, Mindbender?” “Please, Commander.” Mindbender pleaded. “It was nothing personal. I was doing it for the cause of Cobra.” “And you thought by creating a man made up of many long dead warlords and REPLACING ME with him would serve this organization better. He may have had the wisdom of ancient rulers, but he had nothing of a modern one. Give me one good reason why I should let you live.” “I was a fool to think anyone else could lead Cobra better than you! Let me live and I will devote my brilliant intelligence to assist the goals of Cobra and its Commander! Please give me another chance!” The whole room went silent for a moment, as the Commander pondered what to do with this treacherous scientist. “Very well, you may continue to serve as my chief of science.” Mindbender let out a sigh of relief. Tomax smiled smugly and held out his hand to Xamot who angrily took out another wad of cash and handed it to his brother. Then Cobra Commander spoke “But if I ever suspect you of treason again, you will wish you had never been born!” “Sir?” asked one of the Crimson Guards. “What about the other prisoners?” “Throw them in the Snake Pit; all traitors must be made examples of. And bring someone in to clean that up.” the Commander said pointing to the pile of ash. With that the guards left the room to carry out the command. Mindbender immediately took his place with Zartan, Tomax, and Xamot. Then the Commander rose from his throne to give a speech to everyone in the room. “Let this serve as an example to all who dare to even think of taking over my command. There have been rumors of me being a weak and cowardly leader. Well I think it’s time to dash those rumors once and for all. There will be no more plotting behind my back, there will be no more mistakes, there will none of your CRAP! NONE OF IT!” the Commander sat back in his throne. “Serve me well and I will give you the world. Betray me and I will WIPE you from the face of the Earth!” Then Cobra Commander turned his attention to Firefly. “Now that we have that out of the way, I believe Firefly has something he would like to report from his latest assignment.” “Indeed, Commander.” Firefly said walking down into the closest Tele-Viper pit and handing a flash drive to one of the Vipers. “I think you all will find what I have to show you quite magical.” The Viper plugged the flash drive into a computer, typed a few keys, and soon each monitor was showing what Firefly had recorded with his binoculars. Images of teenage girls fighting demons with strange powers played on the screens. Everyone was staring in awe at what they were seeing. How could this be possible? Teenage girls with unimaginable powers! “How is this possible?” Destro asked. “These high school girls I have kept my eye on for some time possess a power unlike anyone has seen before.” Firefly explained. “They call it magic and they have done their best to hide it from most of the world. Or so they thought.” “Am I supposed to believe that magic actually exists?!” Cobra Commander said as he watched the screen obsessively. “A power that can give one the means to achieve anything they desire.” Mindbender pondered with excitement. “That is something worth researching. I must have one!” “Commander, just imagine the possibilities we would have if we had magic on our side.” Baroness suggested. “With such power nothing would be able to stand against Cobra. Not even G.I. Joe!” “Hold on a moment, let me show you something.” Firefly told a Tele-Viper to pause the video at a certain point. It stopped at an image of a purple haired and skinned girl holding a strange device in her hands. “This girl was able to build a device that not only detects magic but also steals it. I’m sure she might have the blueprints to this device somewhere at her school.” “What is your decision, Commander?” Destro asked his leader. Everyone waited to hear their leader’s final decision. First thing they heard was a small sinister chuckle. “With magic under our control, Cobra will finally be unstoppable! It’s time to begin Operation: Alakazam! Find those magic-wielding girls and bring them to me alive, I want to know how their magic works. And be sure to bring the blueprints for that magic-detecting device, Cobra will make better use of it. Now Go!” “Right away, Commander.” Everyone said together. “At last, the world will be MINE!” Cobra Commander’s evil laughter echoed throughout the entire base as if he was the devil himself.
Chapter 3Things at Canterlot High were hopping. Everyone was excited and getting ready for the upcoming carnival, particularly the Rainbooms. They had been using every long available break during classes to rehearse. “Wow, you’re sounding really good, Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer commented. “Your voice is spectacular, darling.” Rarity said. “Thanks, just a little more practice and I think it’ll sound almost perfect.” Twilight Sparkle replied. “Sugarcube, ah know you’ll do just fine at the carnival.” Applejack said in a reassuring tone. Twilight smiled, she had never had such supportive friends in her life besides Dean Cadence, her family, and her dog. School was now out for the day, and the seven friends made their way to Sugarcube Café. After they had purchased their drinks from Mrs. Cake, they all sat down at a table to discuss what else they needed to do to be ready for the carnival and enjoy each other’s company. “Wow, you all seem really happy today.” A voice came from behind Twilight. Everyone turned to see some rather unexpected visitors with pleasant smiles, the Shadowbolts from Crystal Prep: Sour Sweet, Sunny Flare, Sugarcoat, Lemon Zest, and Indigo Zap. “Hi girls, we didn’t expect to see you here.” Twilight politely greeted her former prep mates. Ever since the last Friendship Games, Twilight has been on much better terms with the Shadowbolts. “We heard you girls like to hangout here often, so we thought we pay this place a visit.” answered Lemon Zest. “I have to admit, this place doesn’t look as bad as I thought.” Sugarcoat said in impressment while looking at the interior of the café. In the past, she never considered hanging out at a common place like this, but trying it for the first time was a new and comforting experience. “So how have things been at Canterlot, Twilight?” Sunny Flare asked. “Great, everyone’s been really nice, especially these six.” Twilight said turning to Sunset and the Humane Five. “That’s so nice to hear.” Sour Sweet said in a happy tone. “I wish I’d made friends with you sooner.” She then said in a bitter and regretful tone. “So what have you all been up to lately?” Indigo Zap asked. “We’re getting ready to perform a musical number at our school’s evening carnival which is in less than weeks.” Rainbow Dash answered proudly. “Would you girls like to come?” Fluttershy asked. “That sounds like it’s going to be so much fun.” Indigo said with excitement. “I don’t think it’ll be that much fun.” said a cold and bitter voice. Everyone turned to see that the voice was none other than Abacus Cinch, the principal of Crystal Prep, and she did not look happy to see them. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the café went from happy and cheerful to bitter and unpleasant. “Principal Cinch?!” Twilight said in surprise while the others shoot glares at Cinch, she never expected to see her old school’s principal again, and for good reason. “What are you doing here?” “I happened to be in the neighborhood and noticed five of my top students entering this place, so I decided to make sure they weren’t getting into any trouble.” Cinch said shooting an intimidating glare at the Shadowbolts who turned their heads to avoid making eye contact. “Don’t worry, they’re just fine.” Sunset assured coming to the aid of the five Crystal Prep girls while glaring at their principal. Cinch’s very presence was ruining the mood and she wanted her to leave. “Well just remember, Crystal Prep still has its reputation to uphold. Even though they say the last Friendship Games ended in a tie, the truth is Crystal Prep’s Shadowbolts were, without a doubt, the winners. But since I’m the only one who knows the truth, I have to make doubly sure that our great school does not fall behind. However, some students haven’t been as dedicated as others, but seeing them associating with CHS, this is highly unthinkable.” Rainbow Dash had had enough; she hated it when Crystal Prep looked down on her school, but for Cinch to talk as if CP students befriending CHS students was like getting close to hazardous toxic waste was the last straw. “Now look here you-!” “Good day, everyone.” said a slender, red-haired police woman in a jolly tone interrupting Rainbow. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything important. I’d like to ask if any of you have seen any suspicious characters around town lately.” Everyone stared at the cop for a moment before they all shook their heads at the same time. “Okay, just checking. I’m gonna go buy myself a latte.” And the cop happily walked over to the counter to buy her drink. “Well, I’d better be off.” Cinch said realizing the mood was ruined. “I have an important meeting with the twins.” “The twins?” Twilight asked, she didn’t know any twins of great importance at her old school. “Two identical twin brothers who say they’re owners of a big corporation.” Sugarcoat answered. “Yes, I met them recently, and they’ve offered Crystal Prep some financial aid to help us get back on top, where we belong.” Cinch finished for Sugarcoat. “I must say, Twilight Sparkle, I’m rather disappointed to see you as a CHS student when you had a much greater future ahead of you at Crystal Prep. The good one do always leave.” And with that, Cinch left the café leaving the mood of the meeting between the two groups rather dull. “Well, goodbye everyone. Remember if you see any suspicious people, please let me know.” The police woman said to the teenage girls in a jolly tone, supposedly not noticing their unhappy expressions, and left the café. “How can you stand having a woman like that for a principal?” Rarity asked the Shadowbolts in an appalling tone. “Believe it or not, she’s actually better than the last one we had.” Lemon Zest answered. “So, are you still coming to the carnival?” Fluttershy asked hoping she wasn’t offending anyone. “Are you kidding, we’d never turn down a rare and fun opportunity like this.” Sour Sweet said in a kindly and positive tone. “What about Cinch?” Twilight asked concerned. “What about Cinch?” Sour Sweet answered her in a resentful and rhetorical tone. “Twilight, I’m excited to hear you sing. I’m starting to get tired of hear my old songs constantly.” Lemon Zest said to her former prep mate while Indigo Zap gave her a thumbs up. “Thanks girls, I hope to see all of you there.” Twilight said in a happy, heartfelt tone. Things in her life just kept getting better. “We’re all going to have a great time, and there’s nothing, not even Cinch, that can possibly mess this up.” Sunny Flare said reassuringly. All the other girls nodded in agreement and continued to enjoy themselves at the café. Meanwhile, the redheaded police woman was walking down the sidewalk drinking her latte. Then she turned her head a couple times to make sure no one was watching her. Then her jolly exterior turned to one of seriousness as she threw her drink in a trash can she passed by and pressed something on her wristwatch. “Agent Scarlett to base.” She whispered into the watch, which had a built-in communicator. “Come in, do you read me?” “This is Dial-Tone, I read you loud and clear.” said a voice from the wristwatch. “I have definitely confirmed Cobra activity in this area, heading back to base to give a full report.” “Alright, we’ll see you there. Yo Joe!” With that, the cop, who went by the name Scarlett, turned off the communicator on her watch and proceeded on her way. There was something fishy going on in this town and she was determined to report it to her comrades, whoever they were.
Chapter 4It was nighttime in a desert, a Black Hawk helicopter was flying through the night air, and its destination was known only to its passengers. The helicopter flew past a few large rock formations and landed on the sandy ground behind them. A passenger stepped out of the copter, the person was dressed in dark colored desert gear that covered the person’s entire body. The mysterious individual walked over to what looked like a large cactus standing near the copter, opened a secret compartment door on the fake cactus revealing a set of buttons and switches, pressed a few buttons, and closed the secret door of the fake cactus. Suddenly, the ground started shaking, and then the ground beneath the mysterious person and the copter started sinking into the ground. Turns out the ground was a secret elevator leading into a secret underground base. As the elevator went deeper and deeper into the base, the mysterious individual started removing the protective desert gear. The person was revealed to be Scarlett, the woman who had posed as a cop, her new outfit consisted of a gray bodysuit, a tan leotard over that with a red shoulder pad on her right shoulder, and tan boots and gloves. Turns out Scarlett, aka Shana M. O’Hara, was actually a counter intelligence agent for G.I. Joe, a top secret elite covert special mission unit operating under the command of the United States Military. When the elevator finally reached the bottom of the base, Scarlett was greeted by two men. One had dark skin and was dressed as a HALO jumper (Rip Cord, aka Wallace A. Weems, airborne infantry). The other had lighter skin, brown hair and beard, dressed in high-tech communications equipment, and chewing bubble gum (Breaker, aka Alvin R. Kibbey, communications officer). “Welcome back Agent Scarlett.” Rip Cord said greeting his fellow teammate. “How did your assignment go?” “It went well, Rip Cord.” Scarlett replied. “I’ve gathered some vital information that I believe all the other Joes would like to see.” “Then I’ll notify the commanding officers and we’ll all gather in the briefing room.” Breaker said after popping a bubble from his gum. Then the three went off to inform everyone in the base. A few minutes later, military personnel were scrambling to make their way to the briefing room. One personnel member knocked on a door he almost passed by. When there was no answer, he opened it anyway. The room was almost completely dark with just a few candles lit. In the middle of the room was a man sitting in a meditative posture. The poor lighting of the room made it really hard to make out a lot of the man’s physical features; his entire face was covered in shadow. But from what could be made out, he was wearing a dark skintight bodysuit. Sitting on the floor in front of him was a black face mask with a visor and a katana sword. “Um, just to let you know, all G.I. Joe personnel are being called to the briefing room.” the personnel member said to the shadowy man before closing the door and leaving. Although he made no verbal acknowledgement of what the guy said, anyone who knew this man knew he had good hearing. The shadowy man broke out of his meditative trance, put on his mask and sheathed his sword. The briefing room was filled with a lot of very unique-looking military personnel. A tall, dark-skinned man with a black mustache and goatee wearing a green, sleeveless camouflage vest, light grey pants, and black boots and gloves (Roadblock, aka Marvin F. Hinton, heavy weapons trooper) was having a friendly conversation with a short, light-skinned younger-looking man wearing a dark green bandanna, a green short-sleeved shirt, black pants, boots, and gloves (Tunnel Rat, aka Nicky Lee, explosives expert) when the mysterious man from the dark room suddenly appeared before them. He was covered from head to toe in a black skintight suit, belts of grenades and knives on his arms and legs, a grey grill visor over his eyes, and a katana hung over his back (Snake-Eyes, silent ninja master from the Arashikage clan, has a personal grudge against Storm Shadow). “Snake-Eyes, you scared us there for a second.” Tunnel Rat said to his silent comrade who bowed his head respectfully. “Did you hear?” Roadblock asked the dark ninja. “Scarlett’s returned and she has some intel that’ll probably give us the means to take those rotten Cobras down.” The chattering in the room stopped when a man walked to the front of the briefing screen and stood before them. The man had blonde hair, a beige shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a gold eagle badge on his right chest, green pants, brown boots, and a tiny scar over his left eye (Duke, aka Conrad S. Hauser, first sergeant and second-in-command of G.I. Joe, he was a man that so many Joes trusted and followed loyally). “All Joes present?” Duke asked the crowd. Everyone in the room called to Duke to let him know they were there. “Good, then let’s begin the briefing. Agent Scarlett has returned from her secret mission and says she has some interesting intel that she would like to present to us. Agent Scarlett.” Duke called Scarlett to take his place and present what she found. “Thanks Duke.” She said to her commanding officer, then turned to face the crowd. “During my undercover work in an urban town, I uncovered a few things you all might be interested in. Dataframe, if you please.” She called to her technical expert comrade who took a chip out of her cellphone and inserted it into a device attached to a projector that projected an image of an urban town onto the screen behind her. “I’ve heard rumors of strange occurrences happening in this town.” Then the picture of the town changed to a picture of Canterlot High. “Mainly around this high school.” The next image was a picture of Principal Cinch shaking hands with one of two identical-looking men were business suits. The man Cinch was shaking hands with had a scar on his left cheek, the only thing that distinguished him from the other. “I’m pretty sure those two are the Crimson Twins, Xamot and Tomax, which confirms possible Cobra activity in the area. From what I’ve gathered, this woman right here is the principal of Crystal Prep, one of two well-known high schools in that town. Needless to say, the schools are bitter rivals and don’t get along.” “Why do you think a couple Cobra agents might be interested in some high school that has no big connections to the government?” asked a black-haired man wearing a black beret, a black shirt with belts of ammo running horizontally on both sides, green and brown camouflage pants, black boots, and brown gloves (Flint, aka Dashiell R. Faireborn, warrant officer and third-in-command of G.I. Joe). “I’m not sure.” Scarlett answered. “But I have a theory that one of the two schools might have something to do with the strange rumors.” “Well, whatever it is, it’s got Cobra’s interest and that’s not good.” Said a gruff, muscular mustached man wearing a green hat, light green and blue camouflage pants, grey boots, and a light-colored sleeveless open vest that exposed a Marine tattoo on his chest (Gung-Ho, aka Ettienne R. LaFitte, gruff and tough member from the US Marine Corps). “Indeed.” Duke said stepping back onto the stage. “Thank you, Agent Scarlett.” The red-haired woman gave him a respectful salute and walked off the stage. “Now I know that there somethings that we have to fully understand which will make this operation a lot more difficult. But we do know that something in this town has caught Cobra’s attention and has drawn them there. As the United States’ most top secret counter-terrorist team, the President is counting on us to uphold the peace and stability of the country and the world. Tomorrow, some of you will be assigned to work undercover at that town. Try to gather as much information as you can without drawing any suspicion from the enemy. Remember civilian lives are at stake here, we need to know exactly what we’re dealing with before we can act. Dismissed.” “Yo Joe!” the people in the room shouted as they saluted him and started clearing out except for Duke and an older man with dark brown hair and wearing a green military uniform decorated with all sorts of medals (General Hawk, aka Clayton M. Abernathy, the current commander-in-chief of the G.I. Joe Team, a very wise and noble decorated officer and one of G.I. Joe’s original members who has recruited so many recruits into the force to uphold national security). “A stirring speech, Duke.” Hawk complimented. “You’re by far one of G.I. Joe’s and America’s finest soldiers.” “Thank you, sir.” Duke replied. “What do you make of this?” “Well sir, we have definite proof of Cobra activity. I will handpick the Joes who will be going undercover. There are so many innocent lives, young lives, that will be at risk. We need to exercise caution.” “Is something wrong, Duke?” Hawk asked noticing Duke had a concerned expression on his face. “Cobra Commander’s up to something. Knowing him, he’s probably hatching something extremely sinister in nature no doubt. But the question is: why would he be interested in a couple high schools in a small American town? What do they have that he wants?”
