Pony Rangers: Element Storm

Chapters

Prelude To The Storm
No "I" In Team
Beauty and the Beach
Looming Thunder
Thunder Strangers Part 1
Thunder Strangers Part 2
Thunder Strangers Part 3
Nowhere to Grow
Return of Thunder Part 1
Return of Thunder Part 2
Return of Thunder Part 3
Return of Thunder Part 4
Bopping Bop-A-Roo
Pork Chopped
The Phoenix's Journey Part 1
The Phoenix's Journey Part 2

Prelude To The Storm

Canterlot was where hundreds, if not thousands of ponies called home. Under the castle of the Princess of the Sun herself, the citizens lived in safe prosperity. One of the key attractions of Canterlot was Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, but that was known to the general public. What one wouldn’t know was there was actually a second school that was kept in secret. You only became a student here if the princess herself saw something in you. This school was kept deep in the mountain region around Canterlot.

And it’s where three students were running very late.

The teenage white unicorn mare named Sweetie Belle trotted along the sandy beach of one of the calm lakes on the mountain. It’s where she would go in her spare time to clear her head, or if she simply wanted to admire the view.

When she wasn’t at the lake she was most likely working the singing lounges to bring in a source of income for her. Granted at the age she was, she didn’t get a whole lot of opportunities. She knew what she was getting into however.

When she was invited into the school her family was more than proud of her, but if she had known it meant being this far from home she might’ve said no. The biggest reason she agreed was her two closest friends had also been invited. It was also those closest two friends she was currently waiting for.

“Come on where are you two?” Sweetie asked herself, throwing another pebble into the lake with her magic.

“Come on Scoots! You can land it today!”

Canterlot may have seen like it was made for the more sophisticated of pony society, but even the younger ponies needed spots here and there to mingle. Once of those spots was the Downtown Skate Park, and it’s here were the teenage pegasus mare named Scootaloo was doing her thing on her trusted scooter.

“Make way for the Queen of the pipe!” Scootaloo said happily as she continued to build up speed on the half pipe. Going up one end, she had enough air to pull off 540 Flair, before speeding up the other side to nail a 1080 tuck, with her hooves off the handle bar. The crowd around her was chanting:

“1260!”

For as long as she rode here, Scootaloo had never pulled off the 1260 degree spin, and stick the landing. The orange pegasus continued to build speed, until she again took to the air right off the half pipe, spinning her scooter around for one spin……two spins…..three spins….and just getting off the half spin needed before her scooter made contact with the ground.

“1260! I did it!!!” Scootaloo shouted happily, several skaters from the group patting her on the back.

“That was awesome Scoots!” One of her stallion friends said as she pulled off her helmet.

“I’ve been trying to land that for months.”

“Wanna try that new rail?” Scootaloo was about to answer until she caught glance at the watch on her friend’s hoof.

“No I can’t! I gotta get to class!” Scootaloo said, quickly taking off her gear.

“Class?” Her friend asked confused.

“Never mind, I’ll catch you later!” The mare quickly hopped on her scooter, moving as quickly as her wings could carry her.

On the other side of Canterlot a teenage earth pony named Applebloom was hanging on to dear life as the bull she was riding was doing its best to buck her off.

“15 more seconds Bloom!” Her friend said behind the wooden fence. Unable to hang on any more, Applebloom let herself fall off into the dirt as so to avoid injury.
When Applebloom came to Canterlot after being invited with her friends, she quickly made the rodeo her go to place to unwind, and to get some reminder of home.

“Ah think we need to redo the saddle, ah couldn’t get the best grip ah could out there.” Applebloom said to her friend as she was taking down notes about her most recent run.

“2 seconds longer though, so it’s progress.” Applebloom was gonna respond, until she remembered something.

“Do you have the time?” She asked frantically.

“Five after, why?”

“Horseapples! Ah’m in so much trouble!” The southern mare began making a beeline up the road.

“Applebloom where are you going?!”

“Ah’ll check on you later! Ah gotta go!”

Sweetie Belle had moved from her spot at the lake to a street near the park in the center of town. Sitting in her motorized wagon, she kept looking down at her watch, growing more and more worried.

“Come on…..come on…..where are you guys?” From down the road behind her she failed to notice her friend Scootaloo come grinding to a stop on her scooter, quickly throwing it in the back before jumping beside her friend.

“Boo!” Scootaloo shouted, trying to scare her friend. “Miss me?”

“Dream on.” Sweetie couldn’t help but smirk at her friend. “Where’s Applebloom?” The two heard the commotion of pigeons taking to the air. Looking, the two saw their earth pony friend running as quickly as she could. “Last as usual.” Sweetie said quietly.

“Not again.” Scootaloo said, shaking her head as Applebloom hopped into the back of the wagon.

“Belts on.” Sweetie said, bucking up as Applebloom stuck her hoof forward.

“Howdy yall.” Scootaloo happily took her hoof and pulled her into the front alongside her and Sweetie. The history these three ponies had could fill many books, and then some. Best friends since fillyhood back in their home village of Ponyville, the three had been through it all together. Collectively the three were known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a name that stuck with them to this day, even though by this point they had all earned their cutie marks. To their delight, they were almost exact matches, with the only difference being the emblem in the middle of the shield on both sides of their flanks. Being together is really what keeps their minds off of being away from home, and if it wasn’t for their friendship, they might not be here in Canterlot at all.

“How can you guys be late every single time?” Sweetie asked as she drove to their location. “I couldn’t be late even if I planned it.”

“Maybe that’s because you’re the reliable one Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo said. The unicorn mare let out a scoff and began laughing.

“What does that mean? ‘The Reliable One’?” Applebloom was laughing with her.

“Look, in any group there are three different types of ponies.”

“That’s right.” Scootaloo said. “The thing about…um….” The pegasus had to pause to gather her thoughts. “Like the Power Ponies!”

“Power Ponies? You’ve been reading too many comics again Scoots.” Sweetie said, rolling her eyes.

“No no, she’s got a point.” Applebloom said pointing to her winged friend. “There’s always the reflective hard worker.”

“Then you have the risk taker.” Scootaloo said, putting a hoof around Applebloom’s shoulder, while pointing at herself. “The adrenaline pony, that of course being me.”

“And then there’s you Sweetie. You’re…..you’re just….you’re the logical one!” Applebloom said, trying to think of the right words. The unicorn couldn’t help but smile at her friends.

“Again, lay off the comic books guys.” Sweetie continued to drive until the road turned into dirt paths. For what had to be half an hour the three drove until Sweetie pulled to a stop just outside a forest.

“Ah don’t know ‘bout you two, but this place creeps me out.” Applebloom admitted.

“At least it’s not the Everfree Forest. Now come on, it’s Physical Element Day, and you know they’re waiting for us.” Scootaloo said, climbing out of the wagon. Her friends quickly joined her before they made their way up the forest trail going deep into the heart of the forest.

The three continued to walk, climbing over several fallen trees and rock until they came to a small pond with a waterfall flowing into it.

“It’s quiet.”

“A little too quiet if you ask me.” The three stepped lightly, being cautious of their surroundings. Scootaloo’s ears perked when she heard something moving quickly behind them. Turning around however, she found nothing there.

“Did you guys hear that?” She asked her friends. Before the two could answer the ground around them began to shake violently, two large cracks forming right in front of them. “Scatter!!!” The pegasus shouted, her and her friends falling on either sides of the cracks. Before the three could recover, they saw a large group of ponies, from all three species, quickly pour into the clearing.

“Stick with the plan!” Sweetie shouted to her friends as Applebloom and Scootaloo quickly regrouped. Then the two groups charged at each other, with three mares quickly avoiding kicks from many hooves. Sweetie Belle was able to jump out of the way of two unicorns, landing on the side of the pond. Using her magic, she leaped onto the surface of the water, running along it to avoid the other two.

Turning back she found the two quickly approaching her with the same spell. Taking a fighting stance, she made the mistake of taking her mind off the spell. The two ponies watched amusingly as Sweetie Belle flailed wildly, before falling into the pond altogether.

Applebloom blocked two kicks to her chest, trying a leg sweep only for her fighters to jump over. Avoiding more physical kicks, she watched as an earth pony stomped his hooves on the ground, causing two large cracks to charge the mare.

“Not good!” Applebloom jumped out of the way, only for one pony to finally land a kick, sending her backwards. “Ok! Two can play at this game!” The mare raised her back hooves and slammed them onto the ground as hard as she could. The others braced themselves as a dust cloud formed, but as it parted, they found that all Applebloom managed to do was get herself stuck halfway into the ground.

Scootaloo flipped into the air to avoid her attackers. Putting a good distance between herself and other pegasus ponies, she and one other pony sized each other up. Without blinking the two quickly took to the air, their wings flapping as hard as they could. The problem with Scootaloo was while her wings were now larger then when she was a filly, they still weren’t much when compared to other pegasi her age.

The two passed within close distance of each other, the student pegasus striking Scootaloo in the back with a wing. Quickly losing control, Scootaloo began flailing as she crashed into the ground, sliding until she came to a stop. Spitting out twigs and leaves, the pegasus mare noticed a larger pony standing in front of her. Slowing looking up, she looked right into the eyes of headmistress of the school, and the princess in charge of all of Equestria, Princess Celestia herself.

“Stand down.” The alicorn called. The various ponies around her did as they were told. “Would somepony please retrieve Sweetie Belle and Applebloom?” Shamefully Scootaloo climbed to her hooves as Sweetie Belle was fished from the pond, and Applebloom was plucked from the ground. The unicorn mare was now soaked head to hoof with water, her mane now a wet curtain in her face. The earth pony mare didn’t fare much better, completely covered with dirt and mud.

“That’s enough for today.” Celestia said to the group. The students bowed to their princess before returning up the paths they came from leading back to their school. The alicorn of the sun then turned her attention to the three mares. “Let’s see…..failing to remain focus when using the water step spell.” She said standing in front of Sweetie Belle, before moving to Applebloom. “Failure to use the earth around you correctly.” Then the alicorn turned to Scootaloo. “Failure to keep in control of flight, and oh yes, tardiness. I believe that makes five this month?” The three ponies could only look at the ground in shame as their teacher gazed at them. “I will expect a visit from you three later, so we may discuss your lack of commitment to your studies.” Celestia calmly turned towards the direction of the school before teleporting away in a flash of light.

“Well…..that wasn’t so bad.” Scootaloo muttered, her friends giving her a annoyed look. The three then began trotting up the trail behind them towards the direction of their school.

“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Applebloom, you three have been students at the academy for nearly a year now, and yet you fail to see the importance of punctuality.” The three students trekked their way up to Celestia’s office, where she was currently giving another lecture to the three. They were used to it by now. “I would suggest you find a way to change that before you return tomorrow. Otherwise I will have no choice but to expel you.”

“Wait, you can’t!” Scootaloo said frantically.

“We’ve worked so hard at this opportunity!” Applebloom said.

“We can’t go back to Ponyville and tell our families we were expel!” Sweetie didn’t want to imagine what her family would say.

“You all have great potential.” Celestia said kindly. “It would be a shame to waste it.” The three mares looked at her helplessly. “Now go. You must have other studies.”

“Yes mam.” The three friends said quietly, giving the princess a quick bow and leaving her office. Celestia sat in silence for a few moments before the other being in the room decided to speak.

“Celestia, I like those three as much as everypony else.” An all too familiar drake by the name of Spike, who was now in his teenage years, no longer having baby fat and being as tall as the mares that just left said. “But to be honest, I don’t know how you put up with them.” Several years back Spike’s closest friend requested that he come up and assist Celestia in any way that he could. The alicorn could only smile.

“Well then Spike, I suppose that’s why I’m the headmistress and you’re the headmistresses assistant.” Celestia then turned back to a parchment behind her, reading the contents closely.

“Any time now?” Spike said, changing the subject.

“I fear we may have a few days at most.”

“Your highness….I know you believe in those three…..but I don’t think they’re who you’re looking for.” Celestia rolled up the parchment.

“Let’s hope I am not mistaken.”

As all of this was happen in Equestria, far above it in the large void known as space, a rather sinister vessel was quickly approaching the planet. The craft was made of the hardest material in the entire galaxy, designed to look like something out of a pony’s worst nightmare. On board the passengers were looking down on the planet.

“Your majesty,” A blue unicorn mane with a silver mare spoke. “Equestria is within our sights.”

“We await your orders.” A larger than normal male bull spoke.

“Shall we begin preparations?” A female griffin asked. The pony they spoke to simply stared down at the planet. The mare was nearly as tall as Celestia, but with her coat being the exact opposite as the Princess of Sun, dark midnight blue. Her eyes with very similar to that of a feline, her mane flowing in an invisible breeze, looking as those it was made out of the stars around them.

This was the pony Celestia feared would return. This was the being known as Nightmare Moon.

“Prepare thyselves at once.” She ordered. “For tomorrow, we raze the planet.”

The next day Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle found themselves sitting in the chairs of the local Cart Repair Shop, where Applebloom worked in order to bring income to herself. The southern mare was currently in the back, examining the axis to a wagon as several alarm clocks sat around her, all set to a certain time.

“What do you think our families would say if we were expelled?” Sweetie asked Scootaloo, looking up from the magazine she was ready.

“Sweetie, we’re not gonna get expelled, alright?” The pegasus said confidently. “We’re gonna be on time, and we’ll start to show the princess that we do care about all of this.” Before Sweetie could say anything the sound of various alarm clocks went off.

“That’s mah que!” Applebloom took off her work clothes, sliding over the counter, quickly joining her friends in rushing out the door, all three quickly scrambling into Sweetie’s cart. “Are we on time?” Sweetie looked at her watch.

“We’re early for once!” Scootaloo and Applebloom slapped hooves as their unicorn friend drove onwards. A few minutes up the road however they came across a pair of elderly ponies with a broken down cart. “Looks like they need help…..” Against her better judgement, Sweetie pulled over to the side of the road.

“Sweetie! No! We don’t have the time!”

“We just can’t leave them here. What if something happened to them?” The unicorn mare argued.

“All I know is that if we’re late then something will definitely happen to us! And it won’t involve fabulous prizes!”

“It’ll take just two minutes Scootaloo.” Applebloom said, pulling a toolbox from the cart. Scootaloo growled to herself, before begrudgingly joining her friends. If the three had been paying attention, they might have noticed the storm clouds rolling in over the mountains….

At the academy gardens Spike was doing his best in trying to make heads and tails of local weather events, like the storm clouds rolling in for example. Celestia was sitting calmly, drinking her herbal tea when she felt it.

“Spike….when I say so, take shelter immediately.”

“Why? She can’t be here already.” The dragon said as thunder boomed overhead. Right before their eyes the clouds over head turned into a dark shade of purple, with the wind picking up. The alicorn of the sun took a deep breath, closing her eyes in concentration.

“The darkness inside you has grown sister….” Spike was confused on who Celestia was addressing, seeing as nopony else was around.

“Tis had time to grow.” A voice stated. Celestia calmly turned on the spot, and looked directly into the eyes of the being responsible for all that was currently happening. For the first time in nearly a thousand years, the alicorn sisters were reunited, but it was not on a happy note.

“It’s been a long time.”

“Army’s take time to grow.” Nightmare responded, before a flash of light lit the area. Spike covered his eyes briefly as the light dissipated. Celestia watched as the unicorn magician named Trixie, the griffon named Gilda, and the bull named Iron Will appeared at her sister’s side, all here with a snide smirk on their face. “And now is the perfect time for revenge.”

“You’ve corrupted them with your dark energy.”

“I have only given them what they want.” Nightmare said calmly. “And that is the chance to right, what has been wronged.” The alicorn of the night then addressed the three. “Raze the grounds. Capture any pony you find.”

“As you wish your majesty.” The three disappeared once more, leaving just the two sisters.

“It doesn’t have to be this way Luna.” Celestia could tell she struck a chord.

“Do not refer to me as such!” Nightmare shouted, using the Royal Canterlot Voice. “The one you know as Luna is dead! And why would now, after all this time be any different?” Celestia knew she would never get through to her sister in this state, leaving her with only one option.

“Only one filled with such hatred and darkness would cast aside who they truly are. I will fulfill my duty to fix that.”

“You will try…” Nightmare Moon said calmly with a smile. “And you will fail!” Spike stayed off to the side as the Nightmare Moon charged her horn, firing a magical shot at Celestia. The alicorn of the sun dodged off to the side, the resulting shot causing a explosion large enough for the various students on the grounds to see. Before Anypony could check on Celestia the light flashed again as Trixie, Iron Will and Gilda stood before the students.

“Putty Patrol!” Trixie unleashed a spell that conjured over a dozen of strange look grey beings that looked like they were crafted out of clay with oddly placed black stripes going along their sides. Now the students we’re realizing something was definitely wrong here, but before any could react the putties charged forward.

“Thank you three so much for your help.” The elder stallion said as Scootaloo loaded their tools back into the wagon.

“Hey it was no problem.”

“We hope you two have a great day.” Sweetie said, climbing back into the driver seat.

“Well…..we’re late…” Applebloom said grimly. “You never know, maybe Celestia forgot what she told us.”

“Applebloom, she’s the princess of Equestria.” Scootaloo said fastening her seatbelt. “I’m pretty sure she doesn’t forget things easily.”

“She probably has bigger things to do then worry about us.”

Celestia was refusing to fight back against her sister, even as Nightmare Moon continued to fire magic beam after magic beam. Each blast caused sparks of energy to scatter over the ground. The younger alicorn powered her horn as she charged forward, Celestia charging her own as the two collided with sparks and lightning crackling all around them.

“Fight back sister!” Nightmare said, throwing several hooves, with Celestia ducking each one. Down on the academy grounds the putties were too much for the fighting students. To make the situation more dire massive magic bolts were being shot down from the evil vessel above the planet, each one causing an explosion that scatter the fighting ponies. Iron Will was striking any pony that fell into his line of sight. Gilda would swipe at any ponies with her claws while Trixie was blasting the area around them with her enhanced magic.

“Trash them all!” The griffon shouted.

“Now Trixie!” Trixie looked at the fighting ponies, striking each one with a magical sphere that quickly shrunk, trapping any pony they captured.

“Enjoy the view.” The unicorn taunted “Up, up and away!” Aiming up each captured pony was launched into the sky, with the intent of holding each one prisoner on the vessel above.

In the gardens the two sisters were evenly matched in combat.

“I have failed you Luna. I have failed you.” Celestia said, panting from the effort she was given to avoid combat. The ground shook as a massive magic bolt was shot down from above, striking the academy building head on. To Celestia’s horror the building quickly began zipping into the sky piece by piece via magical vortex.. Nightmare Moon aimed her next strike….but not at Celestia.

“Let us see how you fare without your little dragon!”

“Spike! No!” Celestia galloped forward, knocking Spike out of the way from the spell, taking the full brunt of it. Like her students before her, she quickly found herself in a shrinking sphere.

“No!” Spike ran at Nightmare Moon, only to be picked up in her magic.

“Consider this a warning.” The alicorn said, holding the dragon nose to nose. “Pass this message on young dragon: anypony who dares stand in my way, will feel my wrath.” Nightmare Moon then promptly flung the young drake through the garden wall, watching it collapse on top of him. She then turned her attention to the captive alicorn. “I will destroy your beloved planet dear sister…..and you are going to watch it burn!” The elder alicorn could only listen as Nightmare Moon cackled evilly before teleporting the two back up to her vessel.

As the villainess alicorn depart, at that very moment Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom made it up the path, and into what looked like to them pure chaos.

“What the heck is going on?!” Scootaloo had to shout to be heard over the school being pulled up.

“Something’s attacking the school!” The gale force wind was too much for the three as more debris rose up.

“Look out!” Sweetie pushed her friends over as pieces of debris flew around them into the magical vortex. The three covered their heads as the vortex finally departed, the sky clearing up along with it.

“Is it over?” Applebloom asked. Scootaloo said up, but there would be absolutely nothing left of the school. What sat before them was now a vast crater.

“It’s all gone….” The pegasus mare said, stunned beyond belief.

“What was that? An earthquake?”

“When was the last time you heard of an earthquake that pulls ponies and buildings into the sky?!” Sweetie asked in disbelief.

Aboard Nightmare Moon’s vessel the various captured ponies were struggling inside their capture spheres.

“Oh would you dumb ponies stop fighting already? You’re giving me a migraine!” Gilda complained.

“Don’t worry about them much longer. Once all the ponies from Celestia’s schools are captured, Equestria will be ours to do as we please.” Trixie gloated.

“Trixie! Gilda! Quiet!” Nightmare Moon ordered as she trotted into the room, her captured sister floating above her. “Or I’ll make sure you join them.”

“Sorry your highness.” Both followers grumbled as Nightmare Moon flicked her hoof at the captured ponies, sending them deeper into the vessel where they wouldn’t be heard.

“Now, where was I?”

“The final phase of your plan to capture Equestria your majesty.”

“Of course.” Nightmare Moon trotted up a set of stairs, taking her seat in her throne. She then floated her sister down to her face. “Now that all of your mighty schools have been silenced, you nothing left standing in my way.” At that moment Iron Will whispered something into Trixie’s ear, causing the unicorn to frown.

“Your majesty…..it seems there are three students unaccounted for.” Trixie said nervously. The alicorn of the night just let out a sigh.

“Why did I think anything would be done right the first time?” She then used her magic to pull the three followers close. “I want you three to make sure that the grounds have been cleared. I want nothing left standing. NOTHING!”

“Who would do something like this?” Sweetie Belle asked as her and her friends climbed down into the crater. Rubble was scattered all over the place, making it next to impossible to tell if anypony made it.

“Are we the only students left?” The southern pony asked.

“Are we the only ones left at all?” The three looked around still in disbelief when Scootaloo’s ears perked. She heard the sound of rocks being shifted. “Who’s that?” She asked, stopping her friends in their place. The pegasus pointed to a pile of rubble as a purple hand poked its way out. “It’s Spike!” Scootaloo quickly galloped forward, beginning the process of digging. “Help me get him out!” Without hesitation Sweetie and Applebloom joined their friend, moving rocks and other pieces of debris off of Spike. When they finally pulled the dragon out, he sent off on a coughing fit.

“Spike, are you ok?” Sweetie asked concerned as Spike started to breathe normally.

“Yeah…..yeah I’m fine.”

“What happened out here?” Scootaloo asked. Before Spike could answer a large magical bolt shot from the sky, exploding on contact with the ground. The impact was powerful enough to knock the four off their feet and hooves.

“What was that just now would be a better question!” Sweetie shouted as the group hurried back up.

“This way!” Spike shouted. “We gotta get out of here!” He pointed at the direction of a large pile of debris on the far side of the crater. Another bolt struck the ground, another explosion going off just behind the four. “Keep running!”

“Sounds like a plan!” Applebloom shouted as more bolts rained down upon them.

“Where the heck are we going?!” Scootaloo shouted as more explosions went off. The four finally arrived at the spot Spike pointed to. He quickly tossed several pieces of rubble, revealing a hidden doorway on the ground.

“Get in!!!” Spike said as the explosions got better with their aim. The dragon pulled the door open, motioning for the group to quickly climb down the steps. Without thinking Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom did as they were told. Once they were in Spike quickly followed, pulling the door shut as an explosion struck where they were just standing.

“What is this place?”

“This is an escape tunnel.” Spike said as the tunnel around them shook. “If we follow it it’ll take us to the bottom of the mountain. From there we’ll make our way towards Ponyville.” The three mares looked at each other, not sure if they heard him right.

“Ponyville, as in our old home?”

“Unless you guys have a better plan.”

“Do you wanna tell us just what’s going on here?” Scootaloo asked, looking the dragon in the eyes. Spike looked at the three collectively.

“Look, all three of you will know the truth once we get to her.”

“Her?” Spike sighed.

“We’re going to back to Twilight’s.”

Back on the vessel Trixie and Iron Will were scanning the ground below them, but couldn’t find any signs of life. That didn’t tell them if they got the three missing students however.

“No signs of life your highness.” Will reported.

“Even if they were foolish to go back they would’ve surely be blasted to bits.” Nightmare Moon stared at the planet below.

“I’ve wait quite some time for this dear sister.” She said, still holding onto the sphere Celestia was trapped in. “For nearly one thousand years I was cast adrift alone out here in the wide regions of space. I’ve dreamt of the day when this moment would be reality.” The alicorn cackled to herself. “How does it feel sister? Being as alone as I was.”

“Your highness.” Gilda had just walked into the room. “The putties are ready for battle.”

“Excellent. Set them loose. Let them bring destruction.”

For what had to be several hours the group of three ponies and one dragon had traversed their way out the escape tunnel, managing to find their way back to Sweetie’s cart. They wouldn’t have had the time to catch a train, or Celestia forbid walk all the way to Ponyville. The four sat in silence for the majority of the ride, even though everyone in a while Scootaloo would try to pry more information out of Spike. Nothing was gonna make the dragon crack.

They had finally passed the sign that told them that their destination was just over the hill.

“Park the cart. We’ll walk from here.” Spike said.

“Still not gonna talk?”

“Look a few more minutes isn’t gonna kill you.” The dragon argued. Sweetie pulled the cart off the road. From there the four made their way over the bridge and into the small village of Ponyville. It had been nearly a year since any of the three mares had step hoof into their home town. They couldn’t imagine being back in a situation like this.

The group quietly made their way up to the library located in the center of town. It would’ve been hard to miss the Golden Oak Library, seeing as it was the only business that was set up inside a tree. Spike took a quick glance around to make sure passing ponies weren’t watching the group, before opening the door.

“Get inside, quickly.” He told the three mares. The friends shared a look, before doing as they were told. Once in, Spike shut the door behind them. “Twilight? It’s me.” He called. The room sat quietly for a moment, until the sound of trotting came down the stairs.

“Well isn’t this a surprise? I didn’t know you we’re due for a visit Spike.” A purple unicorn came out from the stairs. Twilight Sparkles lived in the library, and loved her job running it. She trotted over and gave Spike a hug, who quickly returned it.

“I wish it wasn’t in such short notice Twi.” The pony finally noticed the three teenage mares in the room.

“Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle? Applebloom? You three have grown so much since I last saw you.” Twilight complimented. “But shouldn’t you three be in class right now? Being invited to Celestia’s school isn’t something you just skip off on.

“Yeah….about that Twilight.” Scootaloo said nervously.

“You see its sorta…….gone?” Sweetie said.

“Gone? A whole school just doesn’t disappear.”

“You wanna tell her Spike?” Applebloom asked. Twilight looked at her former assistant.

“Twilight,” The dragon glanced at the three mares, before back to his close friend. “She’s returned.” The look on the unicorn's face couldn’t be replicated if one tried. It was a mixed look of worry and fear.

“Spike, what happened to the princess?”

“……gone.” Twilight trotted to a bookshelf quickly.

“Are these the only three left then?”

“As far as I can tell.”

“Lock the door and put up the closed sign.” Spike did as he was told.

“Excuse me, but can somepony tell us just what’s going on?!” Scootaloo was getting sick and tired of being left out in the dark.

“We watched our school get sucked up into the sky, along with everypony in it!”

“Now we wanna know why!” Twilight turned, not knowing just what to say to the three.

“Would you please follow me?” The unicorn used her magic to pull a book off the shelf, but the moment she did, something happened. The shelf standing next to the three ponies slid to the left, revealing stairs going downwards. Twilight and Spike made their way down the stairs with the three friends looking on in confusion, before they too followed. Twilight stopped at the end of a short hallway, before placing her hoof on a metal panel of some sorts. The panel began glowing, and once the unicorn removed her hoof the room the group was standing in began to light up.

“No way….” Applebloom said as the three looked at the room lit up around the amazed mares. Lab tables were set up along on side of the wall, while on the other side what appeared to be a large computer activated, showing by the minute scans of the entire planet.

“Don’t ask any questions please, because we can’t answer them.” Spike said.

“What? Is this a big secret?”

“Yes Scootaloo, it’s a big secret.”

“And there are times when secrets must be revealed Spike.” Twilight walked over to a large bookcase, pulling out a rolled up parchment. “Have you three heard of the legend of Nightmare Moon?” Judging by the confused looks on their faces, Twilight knew they hadn’t. Using her magic, she unrolled the parchment, and began reading off it.

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.

Over time the two sisters overcame obstacles and challenges that threatened to shatter the balance between all ponies, including turning a creature of pure chaos into stone, locking a demon into the deepest pit of Tartarus, and defeating a creature of pure darkness. Unable to split their duties between maintaining balance and ruling their land, they summoned a group of ponies, each powered with a different element to keep the balance in tact between all.

As time went on the younger sister began to resent her older sister. The darkness and resent in the younger sister’s heart grew, until it could no longer be contained. The darkness overtook her, transforming her into the wicked mare known only as Nightmare Moon. Reluctantly the elder sister and her group of ponies combatted Nightmare Moon, and with their combined powers were able to banish the wicked mare into the furthest and darkest regions of space, where her powers could do no harm to any pony.
With their task completed, the ponies returned their powers to the elder sister. The sister feared that despite their best efforts, one day Nightmare Moon might return. For the sake of pony kind, she sealed the powers away, until the moment when they would be needed the most.

“This was a legend that had been passed down from generation to generation,” Twilight explained. “but all things eventually fade into oblivion, and a legend that shouldn’t have been forgotten faded out of the minds of ponykind.”

“So Celestia’s sister, Nightmare Moon….she’s returned?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yes. And there’s only one thing on the planet that can stop her.” The unicorn turned to Spike. “Bring out the morphers.”

“Twilight you can’t be serious.” Spike said, unable to comprehend what he just heard.

“Spike, we literally have no choice in the matter.”

“But these three?” Spike questioned, pointing to the three mares. “Them?”

“What about us?” Scootaloo said, not looking very happy with that statement.

“I don’t like how that sounded.” Sweetie Belle didn’t look to happy either.

“Spike, now.” Twilight said sternly. The dragon looked like he wanted to argue, but after seeing the look on his friend’s face; he knew he would lose that fight. Spike then walked over to a safe, putting in the combination before pulling out a grand looking box. He then brought the box over to the three.

“Those ponies mentioned in the legend, their powers we thought to be lost in time. But they weren’t.” Twilight explained. “Celestia didn’t seal them away either. She would pass them onto the pony she trusted the most, until they got to me. I know it sounds crazy, but you three will use those powers.”

“How?”

“With these.” Spike then opened the box, revealing three black, red and gold devices. On each device was either a red disc, blue disc, or yellow disc respectively. “These are your Pony Rangers Element Storm Morphers.” The three friends looked floored by the statement.

“Pony……Rangers?” Scootaloo asked in disbelief.

“Celestia thought of the name herself.” Twilight said with a fond smile. “Please, take them.” She insisted. Still not quite understanding what was being asked of them, Scootaloo reached in and took the morpher with the red disc. Sweetie Belle took the one with the blue disc, and Applebloom took the final one with the yellow disc. Twilight then stopped in front of the southern mare.

“Applebloom, child of the earth, true to your heart…..you will embody the powers of the Yellow Element Ranger.” The unicorn then moved to Sweetie Belle as the three put the devices around their hooves.

“Sweetie Belle, fluid and graceful like the water…..you will become the Blue Element Ranger.” Twilight finally stopped in front of Scootaloo.

“And Scootaloo, reaching for the sky…..you will command the powers of the Red Element Ranger.” The unicorn took a step back. “From this point on, you three will be known as The Pony Rangers: Element Storm, protectors of Equestria.” It finally sunk in for Scootaloo.

“Us? The three of us save Equestria?”

“This is heavy.” Applebloom had to take a seat in order to catch her breath.

“I know it’s an awful lot to take in guys, but Celestia would’ve want you to do this.”

“More like they’re the ONLY choice.” Spike muttered, getting a kick to the shins from Twilight.

“So……now what? What exactly do these things do?” Sweetie asked.

“Yeah, where’s the switch?”

“Our heroes Twilight.” Spike said quietly. Before he could get another kick to the shins the computer behind them began beeping wildly.

“Nightmare Moon’s army is back! And it’s making its way towards Canterlot! You three need to use your powers and cut them off!”

“How?”

“To activate your powers all you have to do is say, ‘Element Storm, Ranger Form’ then the morphers will take care of the rest, now go!”

“Keep your eyes open!” Nightmare Moon had the power to create monsters, and she did just that to send down below to lead the Putty Patrol. The blue face monster was to lead the putties all the way to Canterlot, first examining the crater to make absolutely sure the three students had been destroyed. The putties checked every pile of debris and rubble that they could find.

“Hey!” The villains heard a voice calling from the top of the crater. The blue face monster looked up and saw the three missing students arrive at the edge of the crater. “Looking for us?” Scootaloo asked with a smirk.

“Come down here and find out!” The pegasus looked at her friends with a smirk.

“Okay. Element Storm…..what was the rest of it?”

“You didn’t remember?” Sweetie asked in disbelief.

“It was a lot to take in!” If only they knew back at the library Spike was face palming badly right now, he and Twilight watching the events unfold from the computer.

“It’s Ranger Form!” Spike shouted over the communicator each morpher had built in. “Again our heroes Twi. Applebloom looked at the monster and putties below.

“Stand back. Ah’ll show you how it’s done.” Sweetie and Scootaloo did as they were told as the southern mare lifted her morpher.

“Element Storm, Ranger Form! Ha!” The disc on her morpher began to spin rapidly as a small funnel covered the southern pony.

“Power of Earth!” When the funnel dissipated, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were amazed to see their friend now standing in a yellow suit of some sorts complete with an emblem on her chest, her legs covered in silver and the helmet around her face shaped like lion almost.

“Look at you!” Applebloom had to examine herself.

“You two know the drill!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, both nodding.

“Element Storm, Ranger Form! Ha!” Both disc on their morphers began spinning rapidly both doing through the same sequence as their friend.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Water!”

The two ponies looked similar to Applebloom, except Sweetie being cyan blue and her helmet being shaped like a dolphin. Scootaloo was red, and her helmet being shaped like an eagle.

“Pony Rangers: Element Storm!” The three shouted.

“Attack!” The putties charged towards the three.

“Element Swords!” The three rangers pull a sword from over their shoulders, before leaping into battle, splitting up.

“Alright boys step aside!” Scootaloo was able to glide through the air, each slash of her sword striking a putty. “On your left!” She bounced off a tree before flicking her wrist over her morpher, sending blast of magic at the putties in front of her. “It’s all in the wrist!”

“It’s also a handy laser blaster!” Sweetie called, turning her sword. “What’s wrong?” She asked as she blasted several putties while galloping across the lake. “Never send a girl in blue spandex run on water before?”

Applebloom slashed across a group of putties, before slamming her back hooves into the ground, causing it to crack along, striking the putties with more force. “It worked!” She then jammed her sword into the ground, finishing off her putties. The three rangers quickly regrouped as the blue monster lined them up in his sights.

“Impressive, but did you really think that’s all we have?!” The monster sent several lasers at the three, causing sparks to emit from the ponies, and the resulting explosion knocking them off their hooves.

“Let’s see if you like this!” Scootaloo took to the air again, this time take the monster with her.

“Hey! Put me down!”

“If you insist!” Scootaloo then promptly dropped the monster through the treetop. When it rose back up the three struck with a sword slash, sending it screaming flying backwards.

“That’s it!” The monster got back up, just in time for the three rangers to discover their personal weapons.

“Hawk Blaster fired up!”

“Sonic Fin sound off!”

“Flying Hammer ready to roar!” Applebloom swung her hammer over her head. “Eat this!” Slamming her hammer into the ground repeatedly, the monster bounced off the ground, sparks flying out each time.

“Ready for a workout?” Sweetie aimed her Sonic Fin, and began shouting into it. “And 1, and 2, and spin! Work it! That’s it!” The monster was caught in a vocal vortex, spinning repeatedly until Sweetie dropped him.

“Is it hot out here, or is it just you?” Scootaloo asked, aiming her Hawk Blaster, firing a blast of fire right at the monster, damaging it even more.

“Let’s put them together guys!” The three rangers were able to combine their weapons to make one large weapon. “Storm Striker!”

“Oh I’m so scared!”

“Ready?”

“Aim.”

“Fire!” Scootaloo pulled the trigger, launching a massive sphere of energy that collided with the monster. “Thanks for stopping by!” The monster screamed and convulsed, until it finally collapsed and exploding into a giant fireball.

“They did it!” Spike reported happily to Twilight, who couldn’t help but smile at the three. The three rangers stood in place, until they lowered the visors to their helmets.

“Did that really just happened?” The pegasus mare asked.

“Ah’m pretty sure it did.” Applebloom said.

“Now that…….was awesome!” Sweetie said happily, slapping high hooves with her friends.

“Pony Rangers?!” Nightmare Moon shouted in the royal voice at her followers. “Nopony told me there would be Pony Rangers!”

“We didn’t expect any your highness.” Trixie pleaded.

“They won’t be a match for us next time.” Gilda said.

“For your sakes they better not be! Now leave my sight!” The pony and griffon fled the scene as the evil alicorn held up her captive sister. “What other surprises do you have for me? Well sister….I’ll not only take over Equestria, I will also destroy your precious rangers!”

“Did you see us out there?!” The three ponies had returned back to Twilight and Spike, and having removed their helmets they were too busy celebrated.

“We trotted all over those putties and that monster!” Spike only rolled his eyes, deciding to keep his mouth shut so the three could have their moment.

“You did well….this time rangers.” Twilight said, getting the three to quiet down. “But please understand, there will be battles in the future. Nightmare Moon will not rest until all of Equestria belongs to her….or until she is destroyed.” The three ponies quickly regained her composure. “The future is in your hooves Pony Rangers, but for now, celebrate. You earned it.” The three quickly went back into their celebration mode. Twilight and Spike could only smirk at the three, knowing that there might not be days like today.

But that would be later.

No "I" In Team

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom’s entire world these last few days had been turned upside down. They had not only witnessed their school that they have attended for the last year be pulled into the sky, along with everypony in it, they had learned that the evil being behind it all was bent on ruling over Equestria. Then to make it more unbelievable for the three, they were gifted with the power that could save them all……that is if they could ever learn how to fully control them.

The eerie reddish-purple glow was beginning to become unsettling as the three Pony Rangers continued their trek on. They had been sent on a mission to retrieve a parchment that Twilight insisted could help them in future battles. They had no problem going out to go get it, they DID have a problem having one hoof tied to the other.

“Come on you guys.” Scootaloo said, pulling forward ahead of her friends.

“Ow! Scootaloo!” Sweetie was quickly losing feeling in her hoof because of her friend.

“This could take all day.”

“Scootaloo would you stop pulling?! My hoof is totally tweaked!”

“Sorry Sweetie.” The pegasus apologized, but something about her domineer didn’t feel right. “It would be so much faster if we could split up.”

“And much less painful.” The blue Pony Ranger sighed.

“You know this parchment of three thing better be worth it, these cuffs are brutal!” Applebloom’s hoof was killing her as well, but she was much better at hiding it.

“Twilight would not have sent us out here if it wasn’t.” Scootaloo said. As the Element Storm Red Ranger the pegasus mare was made leader of the team, much to her friends minor annoyance, but that’s how their unicorn mentor said it had to be. “It’s gotta be out here somewhere!” She said throwing her hooves up, and inadvertently causing more harm to her friends.

“Just cut my hoof off why don’t you?!”

“What kind of parchment are we talking about anyway?” Applebloom asked.

“I’d take it that if we any kind of parchment….wherever we are, that probably be it.” The southern mare looked around at the reddish sand around them.

“Well there’s one.” She said casually, pointing to a floating piece of open parchment.

“That’s probably it!” Sweetie said.

“Let’s go!” Scootaloo started running towards the parchment, pulling her friends along for the ride.

“Wait Scoots! It says something!” Sweetie pointed out, rubbing her aching hoof. And she was right. Located in the center of the parchment was a large number three, followed by phrase underneath.

“ ‘Stronger as one then three?’ That’s it?” Applebloom asked disappointed. “We would’ve been better off buying fortune cookies!”

“Whatever, let’s just grab it and get out of here.” Sweetie said.

“I’ll get it!” Scootaloo then attempted to leap into the air to grab the parchment. Key word being, attempted. At times it seemed like she was bounded to her friends, so when she tried to leap up, she just pulling her friends up with her and sending all three face planting into the sand.

“Who’s on my back hoof?” The yellow Pony Ranger groaned.

“That wasn’t so effective Scoots.” Sweetie said. The red Pony Ranger growled quietly.

“I can get it myself….” She pulled herself up to grab the parchment, but a large noise surrounding them showed they were no longer alone. Seemingly from out of nowhere a group of Putty Patrollers had surrounded them.

“Putties, party of ten!” Applebloom called. The problem for the three was seeing as they were still cuffed to each other, all they could really do to defend themselves was kick with all their might. Trying to swing her front hoof, all Scootaloo did was yank Sweetie closer.

“Would you stop pulling my leg already?!” The two rangers quickly leaned back as a putty blade came inches from their faces. Both went to punch a putty on their opposite side, put failed because of the cuff. Scootaloo had it worst because she was cuffed to BOTH her friends.

“Don’t pull!” Applebloom shouted, falling to the ground.

“Bloom look out!” Scootaloo pulled her friend away from the putties, flipping over so she could find get in a good fighting position. Her friends quickly rolled over, each landing a kick to put more space between and the putties. The three flipped around more of the putties with Scootaloo attempting a double hoof dropkick, only to be yanked back by her friends and pulling all three to the ground. Two of the putties brought know their blades, but in a moment of pure luck the three rangers raised their hooves, causing the blades to slice the cuffs off their hooves, no longer binding the three together. “You two stay here! I’ll get the parchment!”

“Scootaloo wait!” The red Ranger had already ran forward, spinning her back hoof at two putties, striking them in the chest with her front hooves to put space between them. Scootaloo was mere inches from the parchment now. “Aw yeah!”

“Scoots, wait! Stop!” Sweetie called out. The pegasus mare turned to see her friends being roughed up by the putties, before being thrown onto the ground.

“Scootaloo!”

“Help us!” The putties raised their blades.

“Applebloom! Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo called as the blades were brought down, only to vanish before they could strike. The environment around the three quickly changing to reveal they had not been on a red beach at all. They had never left the HQ that Twilight Sparkles had set up under the tree library she lived in. The Blue and Yellow Pony Ranger lay panting on the floor while Scootaloo looked annoyed. “I almost had it that time!”

“Simulation over.” Spike said, typing several commands into the computer. Twilight could only look at the three with an expression that said ‘really?’ Then she looked at her dragon assistant.

“Results Spike?”

“Well…..it was below average, I’m gonna be honest about that.” The dragon revealed. “It’ll be on the mainframe if you want to relive any of it.”

“No!” The three teenage ponies groaned.

“Girls, you’re lucky it was only a simulation.” Twilight said.

“Twilight why can’t we get this right?” Applebloom asked, rubbing her sore hoof.

“Why do we keep failing?” Twilight could only smile sadly at the three.

“That’s entirely up to you three to figure out. Now, go home and rest up.” Scootaloo visibly tensed at the word home. “Tomorrow we will try again.”

“Come on Sweetie.” Applebloom and her friend began trotting to the stairs, only for Scootaloo to jump in their path.

“Wait, where are you girls going?”

“Home Scootaloo.” Sweetie said like it was obvious.

“No way! Not until we get this right!”

“Twilight said we’ll try tomorrow.”

“And if I don’t get some sleep tomorrow will just be a replay of today.”

“That’s why we gotta keep practicing until we get this right!” Scootaloo insisted.

“Who died and made you princess?” Applebloom asked.

“We need to work until you get it right!”

“Back up there.” Sweetie said, with a grouchy look. “Until we get it right?” She said motioning between herself and the southern mare. Scootaloo frowned, looking at the floor.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“We know what you meant.” Applebloom said, herself and Sweetie heading up the stairs, only to their annoyance to have Scootaloo cut them off.

“This is not school anymore guys.” She said seriously. “And if you’re not will to focus-“

“If you wanna do it by yourself, then by all means help yourself! We’ve had a long day and just wanna go home!” Scootaloo merely stared at her friends, before storming out of the library. Twilight had finally climbed up the stairs, looking on as her friends looked out the door.

“Is everything ok with Scootaloo?” The unicorn asked concerned.

“We’re not sure. She’s just been pushing herself to the limit lately.”

“Have you asked her why?”

“We just figured she was under a lot of pressure.” Applebloom guessed. Twilight looked out the door in the direction the pegasus stormed off in, deep in thought.

In the dark vessel located just above the planet the very being that the Pony Rangers were trying to defeat was staring down at the planet. Nightmare Moon was ready for her next attack. And while all the other captive ponies had been locked away elsewhere on the ship, Celestia still remained encased in her sphere that Nightmare Moon never let out of her sight.

“Oh dear sister, be grateful I still allow for you to control the sun and moon while trapped with me. Would you rather the ponies of Equestria burn?” Celestia had yet to say a word since being held captive, and it was getting on her sister’s nerves. “Trixie! Is the device ready?” Her three followers had been working on a device that would create any monster she wanted to use.

“We believe so your majesty.” The unicorn magician said.

“For our sake you better be right.” Gilda grumbled, earning a glare from Trixie.

“Are they still having problems Will?” The alicorn of the night asked about her followers.

“They are your highness.” The largest of the bunch, Iron Will explained as he ushered in one Putty Patroller

“Then maybe a test run will be needed.” Nightmare Moon took hold of the device the three had created. All she was to do was input any matter in the universe she wanted, and presto! Instant monster. The alicorn pressed several on the device before aiming at the Putty. The device shout out an electrical at the Putty, transforming it on contact. The grey clay being was now a monster made entirely out of metal, with a large magnet for a head.

“Magnetron at your service.” The monster said with a metallic voice, giving a little bow to Nightmare Moon.

“Impressive, but what can you do?” Magnetron stood up and promptly zapped Trixie and Gilda.

“What was that for?” Gilda complained until as if by force she and Trixie collided, unable to separate.

“Undo this immediately!!!!” Trixie shouted, her and Gilda trying to pull themselves free.

“I don’t know, I think you two are better this way.” The alicorn taunted. Then she pointed out the window. “Now…..go level the village known as Ponyville, and don’t come back till the Pony Rangers are no more!”

Even though Twilight didn’t want Spike working hard on their newest update to the Pony Rangers arsenal, the teen drake had been up in the early hours of the day typing away quickly at the computer. He was busy stretching his neck when Twilight trotted into what they referred to as Element Ops.

“Spike how long have you been up?”

“Only an hour or two.” Spike said, not looking at the unicorn. He was too busy looking at the error logo on the monitor. “Grrr….I just can’t get this one piece to fit! If I could just find a way to harness more power from the hydraulic systems.” Twilight could only smile fondly.

“Some kinds of power can’t be found in a computer Spike.”

“Well what other kind is there?” Spike said, Twilight's words actually putting a smirk on his face. When he heard what sounded like trotting coming down the stairs he quickly cleared the project off the screen, as so not to alert the others.

“Mornin’ Spike.” Applebloom greeted as she and Sweetie Belle trotted in.

“Where’s Scootaloo?” Spike asked confused as to why she wasn’t here.

“We don’t know, single hoofedly saving the world?” Sweetie offered. “It must be nice being a one pony army.” Twilight had a whole night to think as to what Scootaloo’s deal was as of late.

“You two are sure you don’t know what’s up with Scootaloo?”

“If we knew we would’ve told you.”

“Ah still think it’s the pressure.”

“Well, that and more.” Twilight explained. The two teenage ponies shared a look. “Look at it like this: you three were given a large responsibility. That would put pressure on any pony, but Scootaloo has that, plus having the pressure of being the leader of the team.” The unicorn said. “And I think there’s one other thing….be honest with me here, do you guys actually know where she lives?” It was beginning to dawn on Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Over a year ago when they were accepted to Celestia’s school Scootaloo was living in the town orphanage.

“No….no we don’t Twilight.”

“Well, Scootaloo will learn that there are others there to help her.”

“That’s just it Twilight! She won’t ask for our help!” Applebloom explained.

“She will, just give her time.”

The whereabouts of the Red Ranger was currently Ponyville, trying her best to clear her head by doing tricks on her scooter.

‘So what if I don’t live anywhere?’ Scootaloo thought to herself. ‘I can’t focus about that right now. I gotta make sure Applebloom and Sweetie Belle are on par with me.’ Grinding her scooter to a stop, Scootaloo sat down on a park bench, making sure she was alone.

“Or maybe it’s just me. I have to save the planet from the ultimate evil, be a leader to a team when I’ve never been leader…..and figure out where I sleep for the night.” ‘I can’t ask for help. I just can’t’

Little did Scootaloo know that while she was sulking by herself, Magnetron had just landed in Ponyville, and he was armed and dangerous. Cackling evilly as it stood on the hillside over the village it could make head count of the ponies walking around.

“I think it’s time to make some connections!” Magnetron aimed its head, letting loose a green blast of electricity down upon the wandering ponies. Any being the blast touched caused the closest ponies to collide with each other, now stuck. As the various ponies tried to pull themselves free, to their horror they then went flying into a larger pile of ponies being stucked together. “I always say…..opposites attract!” Magnetron then zapped the pile once more, this time turning the struggling ponies completely into metal, trapping them into place.

“Now, where are they?”

Scootaloo sat in the park completely unaware of what was going on. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear the approaching sounds of trotting.

“Hello Scootaloo. Haven’t seen you in a while.” The pegasus mare turned, and found the very kind, and shy, face of the pony named Fluttershy standing next to the bench.

“Oh, hi Fluttershy.”

“You look deep in thought.”

“I got a lot on my mind.” Scootaloo admitted. Fluttershy calmly sat next to her friend, knowing sometimes all a pony needed was some kindness.

“Anything you wanna talk about?” Scootaloo thought about the older mares offer, figuring if she couldn’t talk to Fluttershy, she wouldn’t be able to talk to anypony.

“You’re a good boss right?”

“Well, the only time I’m leader is when some of my animals friends need help.”

“So…..how do you do it? What’s the trick?” Scootaloo asked.

“There is no trick Scootaloo.” Fluttershy explained. “I work with them and give them a chance. I look at us more like teammates if anything.” Scootaloo looked at Fluttershy, finding it odd her choice of words.

“But how do you know things won’t get messed up if you don’t do them yourself?”

“I trust the ponies around me, especially my friends.” The Red Ranger thought about her advice for a few moments, then she heard it. She finally heard the screaming.

“PUT ME DOWN!!!”

“What was that?” Fluttershy asked, looking in the direction of the screaming. When Scootaloo turned, she briefly caught several ponies being pulled by some force, along with what looked like metal.

“I gotta go Fluttershy, thanks for the help!” The younger mare began galloping in the directions of the screams. Following the echoes bouncing off the buildings of Ponyville, she came across a second pile of ponies being stucked together by force. Before she could react the pile was turned to metal, much to her surprise. Then from behind the pile came what appeared to her was a metal creature with a large magnet for a head. “So what’s up with this?” Scootaloo asked, taking a fighting stance.

“Enjoying my work?” Magnetron asked.

“Nightmare Moon send you?”

“I thought you looked familiar.” Magnetron said, holding up its hands. “Take…..THIS!” Scootaloo had to roll out of the way of the green blast, bouncing off a wall to spin kick a chunk of metal back, only to take a trashcan lid to the gut. “Do you think your little playmates have the mettle to join us?”

“I can take you myself!”

“You think so?!” Scootaloo had to flip over the ledge of a sidewalk, and down to the ground five feet to avoid a another blast, but the moment she looked up she took several chunks of metal to the face, before one blast exploded around her, covering her in sparks and knocking her to the ground.

“Hey guys? We got a problem here!” Spike said, looking at the monitor. The ponies in the room quickly looked over his shoulder at a live video feed.

“What’s up Spike?”

“It’s Scootaloo! She’s fighting some weird magnet thing.” On the screen Magnetron was busy tossing Scootaloo around like a toy. “I’ve tapped into the Police Surveillance system when I saw the power readings going off the charts.” On screen Scootaloo had just been tossed spine first into a cement wall.

“We’d better help her.” Sweetie said. Applebloom began trotting out, only to her and Sweetie’s surprise have Twilight stop them in their tracks.

“Wait.” She insisted. “I will let you know when it’s time.”

“But Scootaloo-“

“Can handle herself for now. Trust me.”

Magnetron speared Scootaloo right through a boarded up doorway in an old warehouse in town. Scootaloo rolled out of his grasp, kicking up onto her hooves. Blocking several kicks and punches, the mare took to the air with several kicks of her own, only to have each one blocked. Exchanging more blows, Scootaloo was finally able to strike Magnetron in the chest with a flat hoof strike, before putting space between them with her back hooves. The mare needed a few moments to catch her breath; this fight hadn’t been easy.

“Well?” Magnetron took a fighting stance. Scootaloo looked at the morpher on her wrist, knowing it was time.

“You asked for it.” Scootaloo said, raising her hoof.

“Element Storm, Ranger Form! Ha!” She called, going through her morphing sequence, becoming the Red Ranger once more.

“Power of Air!”

“Get ready to be recycled!” Scootaloo taunted.

“What’s the matter Ranger, your friends not sticking with you?”

“Told you! I don’t need ‘em!” Scootaloo shouted.

“Have it your way then! TAKE THIS!” Magnetron aimed, and struck Scootaloo right in the chest with his magnet beam. Flailing wildly, the Red Ranger went flying backwards spine first into a metal cart, sparks exploding off her as she hit the metal. “And this!” Magnetron then pinned a bicycle against her chest. “And this!!!” Finally he pinned a large metal structure beam against Scootaloo, sparks coming off her as the weight began to get to her, forcing her to scream out in pain. “I always find this attractive!” Magnetron summoned its staff, slowly stalking its way towards the trapped ranger.

“I can’t handle this alone!” Scootaloo groaned, hoping somehow the others heard her. “Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! I NEED YOUR HELP!”

“You’re friends aren’t coming!” At Element Ops Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked on helplessly at their friend.

“Now Twilight?!” They asked, growing more concerned by the second. The unicorn nodded.

“Now.”

“Element Storm, Ranger Form! Ha!” Both ponies called.

“Power of Water!”

“Power of Earth!”

One neat perk about their ranger powers was it gifted the three with the gift to get anywhere they need to in a few seconds flat. This came in handy in finding Scootaloo. Right as Magnetron had its staff to deliver the final blow, it was caught off guard by two dropkicks out of nowhere, sending it crashing through a pile of random scrap.

“Are you ok?” Sweetie asked. The metal that had pinned Scootaloo fell to the ground harmlessly, granting the pegasus mare freedom once more.

“Yeah, I’m fine now.” Scootaloo galloped over to her friends, lowering her visor. “You girls came!”

“Of course we did.” Applebloom said, she and Sweetie lowering their visors as well.

“I sorry, I’ve been acting like such a big jerk as of late. It’s just I’ve had so much pressure with everything, I didn’t stop to think of asking for help.”

“Scootaloo, we know you’ll make a great leader. Just don’t ever forget you’re not in this alone.” Sweetie said.

“I know…..and right now you don’t know how glad I am about that.” The three would’ve probably shared a hug if it wasn’t for Magnetron launching another metal beam at them.

“Pardon me but I haven’t finished destroying you yet!” The three rangers lifted their visors back up.

“Dream on metal head!” Applebloom said.

“Element Air Assault!” Scootaloo called, taking to the air, landing a strike on the monsters chest, before repeatedly kicking it with her backs hoof, flinging Magnetron back out into the open air.

“Element Swords!” The three pulled out their weapon, each bringing them down, but on contact the monster let out a hollow laugh.

“That can’t be good.” With one swing the three ponies were knocked backwards in a shower of sparks.

“I am so over this guy….” Scootaloo groaned, pulling herself back up.

“Why not just give up already?” Magnetron summoned its staff back out, firing off metal pellets, each damaging the three more with sparks. “I’m all charged up!” As Magnetron charged its net shot, Scootaloo finally noticed its weak point.

“Look, his energy center!” The weak point was glowing very blatantly on the center of its chest.

“Let’s take it out!”

“Goodbye Rangers! It’s been fun!” The monster fired its charged shot, the three barely able to roll out of the way of a massive fireball.

“Lion Hammer!”

“Sonic Fin!”

“Hawk Blaster!”

“Put ‘em together guys!” The three quickly combined their signature weapons. “And what do we get?”

“Storm Striker!” This time Applebloom was the one in charge of the trigger.

“Take your best shot!” Magnetron gloated.

“With pleasure! Ready!”

“Aim!”

“FIRE!” To the monsters surprise the three rangers aimed the large weapon into the air. The glowing sphere that came firing out grew larger in size until it was about that of a one hundred ton ball. “Bye bye!” The three rangers drove the sphere down, causing Magnetron to exploded with a massive wall of fire.

“We did it!”

“Together!” Scootaloo said looking at her friends. “Like it supposed to be!”

Above the planet in her vessel Nightmare Moon looked as though she was about to pop a vein out of pure fury.

“I......AM NOT…….GOING TO BE DEFEATED BY MERE CHILDREN!!!!” She shouted in the Canterlot voice. Taking a good look at the planet, she charged up a bolt of magic and fired right where the rangers were standing.

The charge of magic struck he site where Magnetron had just been destroyed. The three rangers watched as streaks of power came flying out of the fire, and to their disbelief and horror Magnetron reformed itself, only about the size of a skyscraper.

“Bigger is better!!!” The now giant monster shouted.

“Aw come on!” Scootaloo shouted annoyed.

“What are you gonna do now pathetic Element Rangers?!” Magnetron raised its massive foot….

“Look out!” Sweetie pushed her friends out of the way as Magnetron brought its foots down, barely missing the three. “We’re in trouble guys!”

“Big trouble!”

At Element Ops Spike and Twilight watched on helplessly as Magnetron swatted away at the rangers. The dragon pulled up their little project.

“The program still isn’t sequencing Twilight.” Spike said. “I don’t think they can handle it.” The unicorn looked back at the three struggling ponies, then back to Spike.

“They’re ready Spike. Send the zords.” Spike popped the knuckles in his claws.

“Alright, just a few more seconds to access the holographic portals……..and…..got it!” Spike slammed his fist on the big button in the middle of the computer, before pulling up the communicator. “Rangers! Listen closely! Hidden in a subterranean hangar are three, powerful robotic assault vehicles. Now that Nightmare Moon has raised the stakes, we have no choice but to call upon them.” The dragon explained. “Girls, we’re sending you some big-time backup!” Spike typed in a few more commands before smacking the big button again.

“The Hawk Zord.”

“The Dolphin Zord.”

“And the Lion Zord.”

“They materialize through holographic portals located through-out Equestria, and we’ve adapted them to operate under your command using your inner Element Powers of Air, Water and Earth!” At this very moment the zords were being brought out into Equestria via their holographic disguises. The Hawk Zord was able to fly out of its spot from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord had been cleverly hidden as an Equestria Cruise Ship, and the Lion Zord as a large Roller Coaster at an Equestria Carnival.

“The zords are equipped with an arsenal of state-of-the-art weaponry that you can access by using the power disc located on your morphers.” Twilight had taken over on the communicator. “We’ll be sending you new power disc after you master each skill level.” The caw of the Hawk Zord echoed about the sky as it approached the battle.

“The Hawk Zord is online!” Scootaloo shouted, looking up at the red robot bird.

“That’s right Scootaloo. You will pilot the Hawk Zord.” Spike explained. “Sweetie Belle, use your power of water to command the Dolphin Zord.” The blue sea creature robot was making its way inland, regardless of water or lack of thereof.

“Makes perfect sense to me!” Sweetie said.

“And Applebloom, you’ll have control of the mighty Lion Zord.” The yellow animal zord was stomping its way over the land of Equestria to get to its rightful controller.

“It’s massive!” The southern pony said happily. The three zords now had Magnetron in their sights.

“Let’s do it girls!” Scootaloo called. Using their strength the three Rangers leaped into the air, able to land perfectly in the cockpits of their vehicles. “Check it out girls!”

“These are pretty cool!”

“All right, let’s bring it!”

“Do you think you can stop me with something made of metal? I’M A MAGNET!!!” Magnetron began cackling evilly as it shot streams of fire at the three zords, and much to its irritation the fire just slipped around them harmlessly.

“Let’s fight fire with fire!” Scootaloo called, pressing a button to her right. “Flame Attack!” The entire outer covering of the Hawk Zord became ablaze in fire. Then it began encircling Magnetron in a cover of fire. “Check out there Turbos metal head! I’m all fired up!”

“Surfs up!” Sweetie called. Magnetron turned and against all possibilities a tidal wave of water was being launched right at it. The dolphin zord then sent the monster into the air, bouncing it off its snout like it was a ball and causing the monster to emit sparks. “All washed up!” Sweetie sent Magnetron flying into an open grass field. “She shoots, she scores!”

“How do you like this then?!” From the field came a long magnet arm, catching the dolphin zord in its grasp.

“No! He’s got me!” Sweetie called out.

‘Hang on!” Before Scootaloo could attempt to help her friend she too was caught in a magnet grasp. “Gah! I’m hit!!!”

“Pretty birdy!”

“Hey! Watch the fin!” Magnetron then began slamming the two rangers into the ground repeatedly. “Applebloom!”

“Guess it’s up to me! I’ll pick…..you!” The southern mare picked the first button she saw on her dashboard. The Lion Zord then dug its claws into the ground, its metal mane rotating like a fan. “It’s the Lion Tornado Blast!” A horizontal funnel of wind, dirt and rock began being blown right at Magnetron, damaging it enough to let Sweetie and Scootaloo go. “You gals ok?”

“Sure are! Now let’s show it some real muscle!”

“Great idea!” Applebloom clicked another button. “After-Burners! Fire!” The Lion Zord released its claws from the ground, its back legs lining up before launching itself like a missile at Magnetron. The sheer impact caused the monster to explode in many metal pieces. “That did it!” But to the three rangers horror the metal merely reformed itself.

“Miss me?!” Magnetron shouted.

“You’re beginning to bug me!” Scootaloo shouted.

“Must be its magnetic personality.” Sweetie noted.

“Any ideas?” Applebloom asked. “Cause I got nothing over here.”

“Same.”

“There must be something we can do!” Scootaloo said. On the video screen located in her zord, the Red Ranger watched as Twilight’s face appeared.

“There is something you can do Scootaloo. Think long and hard, and feel what is inside you.” Twilight said. “Your Element Powers will help guide you.” The pegasus mare didn’t know what the heck Twilight was going on about, until she thought.

‘There’s something missing…..what started all this?’ She thought to herself. This all started because of the simulation training…..along with…

“That’s it!” Scootaloo knew the answer. “The Parchment of Three! ‘One has the strength of three!’”

“Worth a shot!”

“Let’s go for it!”

“Here goes nothing then!” Magnetron watched as the jet boosters to the front paws of the Lion Zord slowly lifted it up to a vertical position. Its rear paws then retracted, forming metal feet, along with it back legs extending. The lion head then folded off to the side, extending as well to form an arm. On the opposite side the Dolphin Zord snapped in place to form the other arm. Finally the Hawk Zord shifted until it resembled a metal head, complete with a face that snapped on top of the being.

“Element Storm Megazord: Online!” The three rangers reported.

“Is that supposed to impress me?!” Magnetron cackled. “You megafools! Try this!!!” The monster then launched another fierce attack, but the Megazord walked right through the fire and lightning without a scratch. “What?!”

“What’s next Spike?”

“This is all we got over here, make it count!” Spike slammed the large button again. “Just follow the cues on your prompt screen. The disc will activate the next power level.”

“Ok, girls do what I do!” Scootaloo removed the disc off her morpher, her friends following exactly.

“We’re with you Scootaloo!”“

“Inserting power disc into sphere drive!” All three rangers slipped the disc into a special slot.

“Locked, and drop!” With the turn of a knob, all three power disc sent a signal to the center of the Megazord.

“Power Sphere Activate!” Scootaloo called. “Serpent Sword!” The Element Storm Emblem located on the chest of the Megazord flipped open, allowing a red sphere to fly out, spinning rapidly as the sphere itself opened. Inside was a mini dragon zord that quickly shifted into a sword that the Megazord took hold of.

“Megazord! Multiply!” Right before Magnetron’s eye the Element Storm Megazord multiplied into three Megazord, each armed and dangerous.

“Three against one? That’s not fair!!!”

“Ready! Aim! Fire!” All three rangers called. Each Megazord swung with its sword, each massive slash connecting with Magnetron, each one causing the monster to emit lightning discharge and sparks until, while screaming wildly, it finally collapsed to the ground with a massive explosion, the largest one the rangers have seen yet. The Megazord then reformed into one.

“We did it!” Sweetie called out.

“We sure did!”

“Nice teamwork girls!” Scootaloo said proudly, now sure that she could be a leader after all.

All over Ponyville the ponies that had been trapped in metal piles were finally being returned to their normal selves. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom could only watch from Element Ops proudly.

“Good news, everypony that’s been affected have been returned to normal.” Spike reported.

“So those zords are ours? That’s awesome!” Applebloom said, slapping hooves with her friends.

“Just remember you three, those zords aren’t toys.” Twilight said, getting the threes attention. “I think it’s time you three should know that being a ranger comes with some rules.”

“Couldn’t you have told us that sooner?” Sweetie asked.

“You three were just getting used to it all.” The purple unicorn explained. “Three rules to remember. You must never use your powers for your own personal gain, only escalate the battle when our enemies do, and never give away you identities as the Pony Rangers.”

“Ok, fair enough.” Scootaloo said.

“Now that you three have learned to work as one, the balance of power will always be by your sides. I know you’ve guys have had a long day, so let’s call it a night.”

“Good, cause I’ve tuckered out.” Applebloom yawned.

“We’ll see you guys in the morning.” Sweetie said as she and her southern friend trotted upstairs. Only Scootaloo stayed behind.

“I…take it you know of my situation?” She asked Twilight and Spike. The two shared a look, Spike shrugging as if something didn’t matter to him.

“Well Scootaloo, we do have a guest room here in the library, so we figured you’re more than welcomed to it.” The pegasus mare looked at the older pony, before catching Twilight off guard with a hug.

“Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” She said over and over again. Twilight only smiled, returning the hug.

“You better not be late to training anymore.” Spike joked, earning a hearty laugh from the ponies.

“Graaaaaaahhhh!!!!” Nightmare Moon screamed out, looking at an image of the Ranger’s new Megazord. Due to Magnetron’s defeat Trixie and Gilda were finally separated.

“With all due respect your majesty, I don’t think the rangers will go down that easily.” Iron Will said, being careful with his words as so not to upset her even more.

“Maybe you shouldn’t listen to Trixie next time.” Gilda muttered.

“If you have a problem with the Great and Powerful-“

“SILENCE!!!!” The alicorn shouted in the voice. “I see I have under estimated the Pony Rangers…….no matter. I have ways to defeated them.” She turned to her followers. “Tell me…what do you know about the weather?” This was an odd question for the three.

“How would I know? I’m not a weather pony.” Gilda said.

“Because…..the forecast is in…..” In a corridor just behind the villain the walls began emitting sparks and lightning, before a bright light began flashing violently as two figures appeared in the light, landing in a kneeling position. The followers’ eyes widen as the all too familiar shape of the figures stood to face Nightmare Moon, having no idea that she was capable of this.

“There’s a storm moving in……a Thunder Storm….AND THIS TIME NO PONY WILL STOP ME!!!”

Beauty and the Beach

The Blue Element Force Ranger, Sweetie Belle, was not having a very good day. The thing about it was it was in avertedly her friends fault. The last few days had been tough on her and her two friends, Scootaloo and Applebloom, due to the monster attacks throughout Ponyville, so she had finally made the time to head on down to the beach along the local lake so she could finally take in the sight of it all.

Today the beach was sprinkled here and there with ponies either by themselves or with their families. This was the perfect opportunity to clear her head, but as fate would have it, this is when her bad day would get started.

Sweetie had just finished taking a swim, because she figured why not? Making her way out of the water she looked up the beach, and to her surprise found her close friend and team mate Scootaloo standing around having a conversation with an all too familiar teenage stallion who still wore his propeller hat. The two ponies chatted away briefly before bumping hooves and departing.

“Was that Button Mash?” Sweetie asked as Scootaloo trotted over to her friend. The Red Ranger looked back where she came from and nodded.

“Yep, that was him.”

“What did he want?”

“Ah, just whatever was on his mind. Couldn’t stop talking about you, how cute you are, what your hobbies are. Gag me with stick.” Scootaloo said, making the gag face.

“Whoa, whoa. Rewind. Cute pony we’ve known since we were kids was asking about me?”

“It was so lame.”

“And you let him leave?” Sweetie said, giving Scootaloo a punch to the shoulder.

“What was that for?”

“Did you ever think maybe I wanted to talk to him?” Sweetie asked packing her things to leave for home.

“You’re kidding right?” Seeing the look on her friends face, Scootaloo could tell she wasn’t. “What?”

“This is just proof that sometimes you’re a complete doofus.”

“Seriously, I can go find him right now if it means that much!” Scootaloo said, but Sweetie Belle had already began trotting away to leave. No amount of arguing was gonna fix this for the moment. But little did the two know that they were being watched.

“We could clone her.” Trixie said, looking at Scootaloo from a distance in her binoculars.

“Stick to the plan, it’s gotta be blue.” Gilda said. “So perky…..just makes me want to bury her up to her neck in sand.”

“First you gotta learn how to dig a hole.” Trixie taunted. If it weren’t for the fact that they were out in the public, Gilda would’ve attacked the unicorn there and then. “We got what we need. Let us head back to the ship.”

Since returning to Ponyville, Sweetie Belle decided it would be better to move in with her sister instead of her parents, so she could be closer to Element Ops in the case of an emergency. Her older sister Rarity didn’t mind this, despite not knowing what her little sister does in her spare time now.

Sweetie made sure to wipe her hooves off before trotting through the front door, and much to her annoyance found her two friends waiting for her.

“Hey Sweetie.”

“Hiya Sweetie.”

“Unless it’s about you-know-what at the you-know-where, I don’t feel like talking.” Sweetie said.

“Let me talk to her.” Applebloom said to Scootaloo quietly. “Look, Scootaloo thinks you’re mad at her.”

“Wow, I guess that’s why she wears the red suit.” Sweetie said sarcastically.

“Well, what happened? It didn’t seem like such a big deal to me.” The yellow ranger shrugged. Sweetie scoffed and looked at her incredibly.

“You don’t get it either. I’m a girl. GIRL.”

“Yeah and so are we in case you didn’t notice.” Scootaloo said. “But you don’t strike us as a girl girl. More like a guy girl.” The three heard the front door open, in trotting the owner of the business they were standing in, Rarity, having just come back with the mail.

“My advice to you darlings, stop trying to make it better because it’s only getting worse.”

“At least she gets it.” Sweetie said with a smug smile.

“She’s your sister!”

“Sweetie Belle you have a letter.” Rarity said, floating the letter over to the confused ranger.

“That’s weird, from where?”

“I don’t know, it was found by the door on my way in.” Rarity said. Sweetie opened the envelope and pulled out a booklet of sorts.

“What’s it say?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

“Beach Illustrated saw me at the beach and want me for a photo shoot.” Sweetie explained. “An article about beauties of the beach.”

“Isn’t that the magazine where they have the incredibly gorgeous mares?” Applebloom asked confused.

“Yeah…..so?” Sweetie asked. “I can be in one of those.”

“You certainly can Sweetie.” Rarity said. “Beauty likes yours just doesn’t happen to any pony.”

“Ok, so….we’ll just…go back into silent mode now.” Scootaloo said awkwardly, pulling Applebloom away.

“Are you going to do it?” Rarity asked as her sisters friends trotted out the door.

“I don’t know, I mean I want to show them that I’m not just some dopey tompony.” Sweetie admitted.

“Well I hope that’s a good enough reason for you.” Rarity said. Sweetie looked at the booklet some more, figuring if her sister couldn’t give her a good enough reason, she might know a pony who would.

` ”So is that a good enough reason to do the photo shoot Twilight?” Sweetie excused herself from home to head over to Element Ops, where she figured if the Rangers Mentor Twilight Sparkles didn’t have the answer, no pony would. The purple alicorn had to think of her words carefully.

“Look at it like this Sweetie: your powers flow through you from deep within your being.” Twilight explained. “This inner strength can help you in all situations.”

“You’re no help, you know that?” Sweetie asked with a smirk, the answer not being the one she wanted to hear.

“There’s a difference between helping somepony and deciding for them.” Twilight said, before leaning in to whisper. “Personally when it comes to something like that I’m the last pony you should come to for advice.” The younger mare began laughing at her friend, before gathering her booklet again and heading out the door. She didn’t even bother to acknowledge Spike, who was hard at work on the computer.

“I feel like I’ve been writing code for the last few years instead of a week.” The drake complained. “And I think I’m getting blisters.”

“Spike I can’t thank you enough for all that you done for the past week, because I have a sinking feeling we’re really gonna need it.” Twilight said seriously.

Up aboard on Nightmare Moon’s vessel the evil villains were getting their next plan moving forward.

“Iron Will, is there an update on Trixie and Gilda?” The evil alicorn asked the minotaur, who was looking at a viewing screen of sorts.

“Personally I think their incompetent, insubordinate, badly disguised and overall just plain dangerous.” Iron Will answered honestly.

“Do those two understand we do not have all day?!” Nightmare Moon snapped. “If…no, when they fail, I want you to step in right away.”

“As you wish your majesty, I’ll have a monster and putties on standby” The minotaur excused himself while Nightmare Moon pulled over her captive sisters energy sphere.

“Oh come now dear sister, you are ruining the mood.” The younger alicorn taunted Celestia, who still refused to speak. “I want you to witness all that is about to happen.

“Is this even the right place?” Sweetie asked herself. She had decided to go through with the photoshoot after all, so she followed the directions in the booklet so where, supposedly, it was taking place. All she found when she got there was a parking lot along the beach with only a used RV sitting in it. Outside the RV were cameras set up along with tubs of clothing. She decided to investigate some more, not knowing at that very moment she was being watched by the two figures from Nightmare Moon’s vessel.

“This waiting is getting old.” The first figure said, their voice being altered as so not to give away their identity.

“Chill.” The second figure said. “We have to do this right.”

“I’m with you, bro.” The two looked down at Sweetie Belle one last time before vanishing into thin air, leaving only the sound of thunder behind. The blue ranger didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

“Hello? Anypony here?” At that moment the RV door flew open, and to Sweetie’s surprise out came a blue unicorn dressed to the nines followed by a griffon holding a camera.

“Hello there! Are you the one we sent for?”

“Hi, I’m Sweetie Belle.” The two strangers began examining Sweetie Belle from head to hoof.

“My, aren’t you……ordinary. We’ll have to fix that!” The unicorn quickly pushed Sweetie into the RV while the griffon set up the camera. After about fifteen minutes, and several sets of clothing later, the unicorn ushered Sweetie back out of the RV, and not only did the ranger look like the 70’s threw up on her, she felt really uncomfortable about it.

“This is so…..not me.” Sweetie said, not wanting to ruin the mood of the magazine ponies.

“Trust us, we’ve seen you, okay?” The griffon asked. “Now you just, uh, smile for the camera…”

“Right here?” Sweetie picked a spot to stand in while the unicorn moved the camera.

“Perfect! Now don’t move!” The blue unicorn said. “This won’t hurt a bit…..” Sweetie didn’t like how that sounded at all. It was then she noticed a little plaque on the camera.

“If lost……please return…..to Trixie Lulamoon.” She made out quietly. Where had she heard that name before? It took a moment until she realized who that was. “That name….Twilight warned us about you.”

“Do. Not. Mention. That. Name!!!!!” The unicorn snapped, giving herself and the griffon away.

“Good one Trixie.” Gilda groaned.

“Grrrr…..PUTTIES!” Trixie shouted, using her magic to summon a group of Putty Patrol around the blue ranger. This had been a trap the whole time, and Sweetie had trotted right into it. “Attack!!!” Sweetie took a fighting stance as the putties charged her. Flipping over the wooden rail cutting off the parking lot from the beach, Sweetie ducked under various kicks from the putties, with one of her own striking a putty in the chest. Getting in a few more strikes, Sweetie realized her wardrobe was getting in the way of her fighting. Jabbing more putties with her elbows, one leg sweep attempt ending with a putty grabbing her leg. Three more putties grab her other legs, lifting her into the air.

“Hey stop it! Let me go!” Sweetie complained, trying to shake loose.

“In front of the camera!” Gilda ordered. The putties held the struggling ranger in place while Trixie aimed the camera.

“Ready, aim, and…..say cheese!” The putties jumped out of the way while a red light from the camera quickly engulfed Sweetie Belle. When it sustained away, to her surprise and shock, Sweetie found an exact copy standing right in front of her, complete with the same ridiculous get up.

“Look familiar?” The Sweetie copy droned. Before she could react the red light from the camera engulfed Sweetie Belle again, this time actually pulling her right inside the camera.

“One trapped ranger, completed.” Gilda taunted, giving the camera a little shake.

“What are your orders?” The Sweetie cloned asked without emotion.

“Return to Ponyville and make those two other rangers take you to their base of operations.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Don’t call me ma’am, it sounds wrong.” Trixie said annoyed. The Sweetie clone nodded, before trotting off in the direction of Ponyville. “Now Gilda, we can return to the vessel.”

When Sweetie awoke a few moments later, it took a few moments for her memories of recent events to kick in. Groaning and holding her head, set sat up and found herself sitting in a dark room with a large window within it, pointing out towards the lake.

“What is this place?” She asked herself, getting to her hooves. A light source from above revealed an opening to the outside world, but given her new size there was no way she could reach it. It finally sunk in for her that she was trapped inside the camera. Before she could do anything else the room began to shake. Turning to the window, which would be the camera lens, Sweetie found various Putties looking in at her, as if taunting her.

“Putties? Hey stop that!” Sweetie shouted, struggling to stay up on her hooves. “Let me out of here!” The Putties stopped messing with the camera before leaving its line of sight. “Hey! Where are you going? Let me out!!” No amount of screaming was gonna bring the Putties back. It was time for Sweetie to take matters into her own hoof. After first yanking off the ridiculous, she tried using her morpher to get help.

“Spike! Spike, can you hear me?” She said, not liking the silence that was coming back. “Twilight? Scootaloo? Applebloom? Anypony?!” Sweetie’s heart quickly dropped to the floor. For the first time in her life, Sweetie Belle felt truly alone. All the blue ranger could do was sit in the corner, and try her best not to cry.

“Pass me the wrench Scoots.” Applebloom said from under the wagon. The southern mare had asked her friend to help with wagon duty on the farm, and Scootaloo didn’t see a reason not to help.

“Wrench.”

“Oil can.”

“Here you go.” Scootaloo said, passing the can down.

“Apple.”

“Eat up.” Scootaloo felt somepony tap on her shoulder, but when she looked she got a bit of a shock. “Gah! Sweetie Belle don’t scare me like that!”

“Did you crash in an outlet mall or something?” Applebloom asked, trying her best not to laugh.

“I have to get to Element Ops right away.” Sweetie droned. Scootaloo frowned at Applebloom. Something felt off here.

“You know where it is.”

“And besides, ah got too many wagons here to fix.” Applebloom said from her spot on the ground.

“I really need you girls, I was attacked by Putties.” Applebloom dropped all her repair gear on the ground and quickly got to her hooves. Now Sweetie had their attention.

The real Sweetie Belle meanwhile had tried thinking of anything that would get her out of her current situation, but nothing was coming to mind.

“Oh, why did I think it wasn’t a trap?” She asked herself quietly. “Should’ve listened to Twilight while I had the chance.”

“Look at it like this Sweetie: your powers flow through you from deep within your being.” Twilight’s words were echoing in the mares mind, until she really thought about what she had been told.

“Wait…..” Sweetie looked out the camera lens at the lake. “That’s it!” She quickly got back up on her hooves and closed her eyes, beginning to concentrate hard.

“I summon the Blue Element Powers of Rising Waters.” Beneath her hooves a stream of water began pushing her up. Her escape plan was working.

“Hey gals? We might have to stop for gas somewhere.” Applebloom said, her and her two friends getting in the motorized cart.

“We are not stopping.” Sweetie said, Scootaloo still not liking how she sounded off.

“But what if we don’t make it.”

“We will make it, just drive.” As the three rounded the next curve, a very unwelcoming sight lay ahead.

“Oh no, road work.” Applebloom groaned, looking at a crew of construction ponies currently working on the road. One pony was holding up a stop paddle.

“Do not stop.”

“Sweetie, what can I do here?” Applebloom did not want to break the law. To her and Scootaloo’s surprise Sweetie climbed out of the cart and trotted up to the construction worker.

“What are you doing?! Move it!” She began shouting loudly at the worker.

“Hey, uh, does Sweetie seem a little odd today?” Scootaloo asked Applebloom quietly. To their surprise Sweetie actually began shoving the worker around.

“You’re nothing!!!! Move it now!!!! Now!!!! Now!!!!” Out of fear the worker put the go sign up.

“Yeah….just a bit.” Applebloom said quietly to Scootaloo. As Sweetie began storming back to the cart, she failed to notice Button Mash was waving to her from the other side of the road.

“Sweetie! That was Button!”

“Button who?” Sweetie growled as she buckled up.

“Button Mash! From the beach?” Scootaloo argued.

“I don’t care! Move it!”

“Ok, whats up with you? I thought you wanted to talk to him and----“ Scootaloo wisely went quiet after getting a death glare from Sweetie.

“Can we get there please?!?!?!” Sweetie shouted, causing the ponies ears to ring.

“Drive please.” Scootaloo was now scared.

“Good idea.” Applebloom stepped on the gas.

The real Sweetie Belle was almost high enough to force her way out of the camera. Outside the camera shook wildly until the top popped open, allowing Sweetie to grow back to her normal size.

“I’m coming girls!” Using her rangers powers she was able to move towards Ponyville in an alarming pace, until she stopped in the middle of a roadway, causing a familiar car to slam to a stop.

“Now what?!” The Sweetie in the cart shouted. Scootaloo and Applebloom looked back and forth between the two Sweetie Belles.

“That pony looks just like Sweetie Belle.”

“You think?” The Sweetie in the cart climbed out, finally yanking off the bad cloths.

“Anything you can do….I can do better.” The Sweetie from the cart said smugly.

“Except be a snazzy dresser.”

“Oh you think you’re funny? Bring it on marefriend!” The two Sweeties charged, and began throwing punches and kicks. Scootaloo and Applebloom scrambled out of the cart.

“We gotta help her!” Scootaloo said, only for the southern mare to hold her back.

“Which her?”

“Of course the ranger escaped!” Nightmare Moon snapped at her two female followers. “I would call you two incompetents, but even that would be restating the obvious!” Trixie and Gilda couldn’t make eye contact with the alicorn of the night. “Iron Will please tell me you have been up to something constructive?”

“You’re majesty, I have a contingency plan ready to head out.”

“Send it out while the Rangers are busy.”

On the ground the two Sweetie Belles were evenly matched. Whenever one would throw a hoof the other would catch it, and either punch back or go for a leg sweep. Then the other Sweetie Belle would counter that.

“Ah can’t take it anymore!” Applebloom said.

“Let’s go.” The two mares began galloping towards the fighting Sweetie Belle’s. but much to their surprise a large red monster landed right in front of them, cutting them off from their friend.

“Sweetie Belle is busy I hear you say.” It taunted. “So the Copybot’s come to brighten your day!” Scootaloo and Applebloom have had enough.

“If you wanna do what ah’m thinking of right now…”

“Way ahead of you.” Scootaloo said, giving a nod towards her friend.

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” They both called at the same time.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

Both Rangers sized up the Copybot before making their first move.

“Element Blades!” Scootaloo and Applebloom pulled out their swords, and after jumping into a front flip brought them down on the monster, causing a shower of sparks. As they began their fight with the Copybot, the fight between the two Sweeties was reaching a stand still. The real Sweetie missed with her missile drop kick, allowing the copy to knock her down with a leg sweep, before kicking her in the chest with enough for to send Sweetie smacking into a water fountain.

“Looks like you’ve met your match.” The copy taunted. “Face it sister, you are finished.” Sweetie rubbed her head, before looking at the flowing water, getting an idea on how to win this fight.

“I’d say you’re the one who’s washed up.” The blue ranger groaned, before taking a stream of water with her magic, and blasting the clone directly. The clone screamed wildly as the water knocked it over.

“No! Nooooooo! Help me!!!! I’m melting!!!!” Sweetie watched as the clone thrashed around before melting into a puddle of water.

“Well, I guess you’re not exactly like me after all.” Sweetie said with a smirk, before hearing the Copybot scream out as it went flying over her head and smashing into the ground. Scootaloo and Applebloom came flipping over the fountain and landing right in front of Sweetie Belle. She tapped Scootaloo on the shoulder, causing her and Applebloom to go into a fighting stance. “Girls, it’s me.”

“But how do we know you’re the REAL Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo said, lowering her visor.

“Prove it.” Sweetie just looked at the two unamused.

“ Gabby. Gums.” The two morphed rangers looked at each other, both nodding.

“Yeah that’s her.”

“Only she would bring that up.” At this moment the Copybot kicked up back onto its feet.

“Are you through?” It asked, clearly not amused.

“We can talk about this more later. Right now I think we have something a little bit more important to worry about.” Sweetie said to her friends, lifting her morpher leg.

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!”

“Power of Water!”

The three morphed rangers took a fighting stance. Copybot didn’t look impressed at all as it looked at the three.

“So you beat the copy, whoop-de-do. You rangers will by the time I’m through with you!” The monster then fired several green magic bolts, striking the three ponies in the chest and knocking them off their hooves in a shower of sparks. “It’s over to you, red, yellow and blue.” It said in a rhyme.

“Fine by us!” The three ponies front flipped through the air, bringing their swords down, but catching nothing but open air as the Copybot seemingly vanished.

“Copybot magic, for you it’s so tragic.” The monster reappeared out of thin air.

“I got a little magic of my own.” Sweetie said, putting her sword away. “Blue Ranger Flood Attack!” The ground under herself and the Copybot magically turned to water, causing the two to sink down, but Sweetie wasn’t freaking out like the Copybot was.

“No! I can’t swim! I’ve fallen victim to your watery wake!” For the first time it didn’t speak in a rhyme. While struggling around Sweetie had calmly pulled her sword back out, swimming in quick circles around the monster and striking it each time.

“Copybot sushi anypony?” She taunted. “Element Water Blast!” Using her magic Sweetie was able to causing a stream of water massive enough to send the Copybot back onto dry land, leaving it in massive pain in the progress.

“Lion Hammer!”

“Hawk Blaster!”

“Sonic Fin!” The three rangers regrouped and pulled out their signature weapons. “Put ‘em together!” The three rangers combined their weapons to form their finishing weapon. “Storm Striker!” This time however Sweetie would be the one to pull the trigger.

“Ready?”

“Aim.”

“Fire!” Sweetie squeezed the trigger, firing a massive blue sphere at the Copybot. It could only scream out as the sphere floated into the air, before harmlessly exploding off the ground.

“Ranger’s: One. Monsters: Zip!”

On her vessel Nightmare Moon was not taking the loss of her latest monster well at all. It appeared she would have to take matters into her own hooves.

“Why are all of you standing around like a wagon just ran over your dog?! I will take care of this!” Using her magic, she fired a large magic blast down onto the planet, striking the remains of Copybot, and much to the rangers irritation, caused the monster to go to skyscraper size.

“Look at me! I’m as big as a tree!!!!

“Uh-oh, they grow up so fast.” Scootaloo said.

“Spike! It’s Zord time!” Sweetie said through the communicator on her morpher. The drake rushed over to the computer and slammed down the big button.

“On their way!” The Zords were moved from their underground hanger, and out into the world via the holographic portals. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

“Let’s go!” All three rangers said, leaping into the air so they could land inside the cockpits of their respective zords.

“What’s this?” Copybot finally saw the three Zords moving right at him.

“You grow, we grow! Megazord power up!” Sweetie called. Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

“Element Storm Megazord: Online!”

“Over here! Give this a try!” The Copybot called to them. “Copybot, MULTIPLY!!!” Right before the three ponies eyes the monster began making copies of itself.

“He cloned himself!” Scootaloo said.

“How do we know which one is the real thing?”

“Multi-attack! Give them a whack!” The small group of Copybot’s then charged the Megazord with their weapons out. With the speed they were moving at, along with how many of them there were, the Copybot was able to strike the front, back, and sides of the Megazord all at once, causing the ponies inside to groan as it shook violently, and causing sparks to fly out.

“Spike, we got a serious multiplication problem here!” Applebloom reported.

“Ok, I got something for you guys then.” Spike said, typing away with Twilight watching. “I call it The Megazord Lightning Mode. You can control it by using your inner power, but remember, it can only last for sixty seconds.” The drake warned.

“It takes longer to make microwave popcorn!” Scootaloo complained.

“That’s all the time we’ll need.” Sweetie Belle said confidently. “Ready girls?”

“We’re all over it!”

“Let’s do it.”

“Lightning Megazord, now!” The three pushed a button on their console, and right before them several pieces of the Megazord began folding inward, allowing the machine to be much for nimble and movable.

“We’re a lean, mean fighting machine!” The Megazord began bopping back and forth in its spot, much to the Copybot’s amusement.

“Ants in your pants? That’s quite a dance, but there are so many of me you don’t stand a chance!” All the monsters began firing their green magic bolts, but the Lightning Megazord was able to cart wheel out of the way, before taking to the air to connect with a dropkick to the first Copybot, bouncing off to connect with a second. Hitting a leg sweep to take out two more Copybots, the Megazord stuck another squarely in the chest.

“20 seconds left!” Spike said. The Megazord then extended two sword blades from its arms, twirling in tornado fashion destroying any Copybot it made contact with.

“10……9……8…” The Megazord destroyed three more Copybots. “7…….6…….5…..4……” Only one Copybot remained by this point, so the Megazord crossed with blades and jabbed the monster in the chest, causing a shower of sparks. “3……2……1…..0! Lightning mode power down!” Spike ordered. The parts that had folded inward unfolded, reverting the Element Storm Megazord to its previous state.

“Power disc, ready to rock!” Sweetie said, her and her teammates removing the disc from their morphers, and putting them into the dropper.

“Power disc! Lock, and drop!” All three rangers turned the handle, sending the power to the center of the Megazord. “Power Sphere #1: Serpent Sword!” The yellow sphere opened up, revealing the small dragon zord that shifted until it was in the shape of a sword that the Megazord took hold of.

“One to the power of three!” Scootaloo called as the Element Storm Megazord multiplied till there were three standing. “Megazord Triple Strike!” The three Megazords slashed their weapon from three separate directions, each one making contact. The Copybot began emitting lightning from its body, screaming until it finally collapsed, leaving only a massive explosion behind.

“Game, set, match!” Applebloom cheered as the Megazords reformed until only one remained.

“I guess inner strength was the only thing the Copybot couldn’t copy.” Sweetie noted happily.

“Good job girls!” Twilight said proudly over the intercom as the three rangers began to celebrate another job well done.

A few hours later Sweetie Belle had decided to trot over to Sweet Apple Acres so she could at least apologize to her friends for how she was acting earlier. She didn’t have to wait long, because once she got there she found Scootaloo leaning on a wall outside the barn, with a big smirk on her face.

“What?” Sweetie knew something was off. “What are you smiling about?”

“Nothing, just noticing you’re not completely unbeautiful.” Scootaloo said honestly, weirding Sweetie out actually.

“Gee….thanks.” At that moment Applebloom came trotting out.

“Hiya Sweetie, ah got a pony coming in a moment that needs help with his wagon. Can you do me a favor and go talk to him?”

“Applebloom you do know I don’t work here right?”

“Just go talk to him!” Her two friends said, shoving her to the entrance of the farm.

“Alright, alright! Geez….” Sweetie stood by the entrance until she saw a familiar teenage stallion wearing his propeller hat trotting up the road. The mare blinked in disbelief, before looking back at her friends with the biggest smile on her face. Scootaloo and Applebloom grinned back, both bumping hooves to signify they had made up for earlier in a big way.

Nightmare Moon had called her followers together after the events of the day, and judging by the look on her face she was clearly unhappy with how everything turned out.

“Do you two have any idea of the consequences of your stupidity?!” She shouted at Gilda and Trixie using the royal voice. “Can you even conceive how far back your little romp on the beach almost set my master plan?!”

“No, no we don’t your majesty.” The two grumbled in defeat.

“Leave my sight until I am able to think of the proper punishment for you!” The two females left the alicorns sight, while the two figures from earlier trotted into the room.

“Lucky for you, we’re ready to go.” The first one said, their voice still being altered.

“All the pieces are in place.” The second one said. “Let the games begin.” Nightmare Moon grinned her sharp teeth before laughing evilly.

“Most excellent!”

Looming Thunder

When she wasn’t working in her home of Sweet Apple Acres, or in the rare moment she wasn’t working on ranger duties, Applebloom was more than happy to make her way up to Canterlot in order to help out more with the rodeo business. Today however was going to be a dirty one, as she soon discovered once she got there. The rodeo wasn’t the only feature in this part of Canterlot; it was also home to the dirt biking track that encircled the rodeo.

Today Applebloom was keeping time of the cyclist and making sure their times were up to par with their sponsors and whatnot. With various other workers trotting about all she had to do was keep a hold of the clipboard and mark down when racers crossed the line for the practice race. She was so caught up in keeping an eye on the board; she failed to notice two figures coming to a stop on a hilltop located next to the track.

“You ready?” The figure in crimson red racing gear asked.

“Let’s do this.” The second figure in navy blue racing gear asked. As the lead racer came around the bend on the track, the two figures on their bike floored the accelerator, spinning up grass as they sped off onto the track. Applebloom looked at her stopwatch as the racers came across the line again, then she finally noticed two racers who weren’t supposed to be there. The southern mare kept quietly to herself about it until the two pulled ahead of the lead racer before finishing the race in an even tie.

“Hey, have you seen those two before?” Applebloom asked one of the race organizers.

“They ride like factory pros. I’ve would’ve remembered them before.”

“Least they don’t race the 125’s.” The southern mare teased, before deciding to get to the bottom of this little mystery. She set her time notes down, and trotted over to the two racers as they finally killed the engines on their bikes. “Excuse me but ah don’t recall you two signing up.”

“Relax Applebloom.” The blue racer said, before the pony finally removed their helmet. The pony underneath it was an all too familiar stallion to her.

“Button Mash? Ah didn’t know you raced dirt bikes.”

“Video games aren’t the only hobbies I have. Right bro?” Button asked the racer to his side. The pony finally removed their helmet, reveal a grey teenage pegasus stallion with a wind slicked back black mane.

“The track’s a little soggy for my liking.” Rumble said.

“Rumble? Ah haven’t seen you in ages.” Applebloom admitted.

“Try to keep to myself mostly.” The pegasus said. The southern mare was trying to piece this puzzle together.

“He called you bro, so…”

“Adopted Mash into the family.” Rumble said with a not so friendly smirk.

“Oh, um…that’s cool.” Applebloom decided to drop the rather personal subject matter. “Ah haven’t seen you two up here before, and ah’ve worked here for a while. Where’s your home track?”

“You wouldn’t have heard of it.”

“Easy Rumble.” Button said, trying to ease the tension. “And he wonders why we don’t have any friends.” The earth pony said to Applebloom, getting a smile from her. “Say Apple you look like you would be able to race. Ever consider it?”

“No not really.” The southern mare admitted.

“Long as you don’t get too much air any pony can ride one of these.” Rumble said, patting his bike.

“He’s right, dark and brooding, but right.” Button said. “Why don’t you follow us for a few lessons?” Applebloom looked off into the distance at the clocktower so she could get the time.

“Ah gonna have to make a rain check on that.” She said.

“No worries, next time.” Rumble said, patting her on the shoulder.

“Later then.” Button said, before the two stallions pushed their bikes into a cart for storage. Applebloom looked at the clock again, before putting her things up so she could gallop to the forest. She was running late, again.

The forest where the school that Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom was located had not changed at all these last few weeks. The only difference was the school itself was gone without a trace. Despite all that, it was decided that the forest would make an ideal training spot for the bigger equipment the three would have to use as the Pony Rangers.

“Hey Sweetie Belle!” Applebloom called, her voice echoing off the trees. “Scootaloo! Come on, where are you girls?” The southern mare walked for several moments but wasn’t finding any signs of recent life that was here. “Oh don’t tell me ah missed training again.” The southern mare grumbled to herself. “Come on girls!” A whooshing sound made her ears twitch, causing her to take a fighting stance because as she has learned these last few weeks anything that makes a sound means trouble.

Her instincts proved correct as in multiple directions at once several flashes of light went off, leaving a squad of Patrol Putties in their place. The southern mare watched as the putties quickly encircled her.

“Wasn’t looking for you fellas, but ya’ll do!” Applebloom immediately ducked under the blade swings of two putties, flipping over them and connecting a missile dropkick to their chest, knocking into several other putties. Ducking under, and jumping over mores blade swings connected with an arm drag to one putty, pulling it over her shoulder and onto the ground, before dropping her knees onto its chest, bouncing off into a back flipping into a kick with enough force to send one putty crashing into a tree trunk. As more putties charged forward Applebloom knew it was a numbers game at this point, and she couldn’t defeat all of them as two putties finally managed to grab her and toss her several feet away. As she turned onto her back the dozen plus putties had their blades at her throat. Slowly the putties raised their blades, until a loud noise got their and the pony on the ground attentions. Applebloom turned back onto her stomach and looked at where the sound was coming from. It sounded awfully familiar to her.

From her spot she could see a blur of Red and Blue moving in an astonishing speed. Applebloom recognized the two as her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, already morphed up, and riding what appeared to be red and blue dirt bikes. Right before the two could pass the group of putties that surrounded her, they fired off several laser blasts, hitting all the putties and scattering them along the ground.

“And a perfect strike!” Scootaloo called as the putties began chasing her and Sweetie Belle. Applebloom finally got back onto her hooves, and could only look on in amazement.
“Coming through! Don’t mind us!” Sweetie said as she drifted her bike around the putties, firing several laser shots of her own and causing small fireballs around the putty patrols.

“What in the world…..” Applebloom had the biggest smile on her face as Spike of all the species on Equestria patted her on the shoulder.

“We were wondering when you would show up.” The drake said as they watched the two rangers have a blast against the putties. “You know I told those two not to engage the enemies until the bikes were ready.” Spike said annoyed. “Of course nopony ever listens to the dragon!”

“What are they?”

“Those are your Tsunami Cycles.” Spike explained as the two ducked under a laser shot.

“Sorry! My bad!” Scootaloo called to the two. Sweetie Belle jumped her bike over the two and right into a group of putties, firing away as she went.

“I thought you said these wouldn’t be ready for months?” Applebloom could recall Spike once showing the three the designs for these bikes, but they must’ve slipped her mind.

“So did I.”

“You got something for me?” Applebloom asked excitedly.

“No, should I?”

“You’re joking right?”

“I’m being serious.”

“You’re telling me the earth pony doesn’t get a cool dirt bike while those two do?”

“Alright, alright. Hold your horses, pun intended.” Spike said, lifting the remote he had been carrying with him. From up the dirt path Applebloom could see a rather large metal wagon being pulled by a driverless cart. “Meet your mobile command center Applebloom.” Spike explained as the back door lowered to the ground. “And check this out.” With a push of a button a cycle matching the ones Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were driving came out on its own. “Ok, have it.”

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” Applebloom morphed as she flipped in the air, landing perfectly on the bike.

“Power of Earth!” Without having any knowledge on how to drive a dirt bike, the southern mare peeled out, sending loose dirt flying in several directions as she sped off in the directions of her friends and team mates. As she saw her friends come into view Applebloom couldn’t help but pop a wheelie. “Girls, wait up!” The mare called as she finally pulled alongside her teammates.

“Hey, you made it!” Scootaloo said, over the sound of the Tsunami Cycles.

“These things rock!”

“Putty Alert! Twelve O’clock!” Sweetie called as the group of putties attempted to block access to the dirt road.

“Not gonna be a problem!” Scootaloo popped a wheelie before plowing through the putties, firing her laser as she went. As the putties regrouped Applebloom came speeding off from the left, firing her lasers as well.

“Ah love the lasers!”

“Right back at you!” Sweetie agreed as she fired at the group as well. Scootaloo drove on until a group of putties jumped in front of her.

“Whoa! Brake!” The red ranger hit the brakes to her bike, drifting right into a putty and sending it flying in a shower of sparks. “Bye-bye! Good bike.” She said, patting the top of her cycle.

“Stop on a dime…or a putty!” Applebloom said as she drifted into a another group of putties, covering the villains with dirt, before kicking of her bike to make them back up. As she managed to get air with her cycle one putty jumped up right at her, but it didn’t expect Applebloom to buck it out of the air without taking her hooves out the handlebars. “Nopony messes with mah bike!” As she landed the bike on the ground the three rangers managed to regroup.

“As fun as this is the putties are getting on my nerves.” Sweetie said.

“Really? Cause I’m just warming up!” Scootaloo said.

“Too bad they had to be putties.” Applebloom said as the multiple putties regrouped into one massive group.

“Not for long!” The three then peeled out right at the group of putties, all three firing their laser shots, causing the putties to finally collapse on the ground in defeat.

After dealing with the putties the three ponies finally managed to return to the mobile command center where Spike was waiting for the three to return the not quite finished bikes. Making sure nopony was around to watch them; the three climbed off their bikes and lifted their morphers.

“Power down!” They commanded, which allowed them to de-morph to their normal selves.

“Well, I see you three had fun.” Spike commented as he climbed out of the cart.

“I tell you Spike these bikes work pretty good.” Scootaloo said happily.

“Just so you three know, you were pretty lucky.” Spike said as she examined all three bikes up close. “They still need some fine tuning.” Applebloom dusted herself off as Spike tossed her a disc of some sorts. “These are backups Applebloom. Twilight figured you would be the best to hold on to them.”

“Ok, ah will.”

“Don’t lose them.” Spike said seriously as he began loading the cycles back up.

“So Applebloom….where were you?” Scootaloo finally brought up.

“Oh, ah was helping out at the rodeo in Canterlot. It was track day up there and ah ran into some old friends, guess ah sorta lost track of time. Going to meet back up with them later.”

“Yeah whatever. Just remember what’s important here, ok?” Scootaloo said seriously, something she rarely was.

“Don’t worry. Ah haven’t lost the plot completely.” Applebloom said as she turned to exit the forest. The three were so caught up in their heroic moment of the day that they failed to notice they were being watched. The two figures from Nightmare Moon’s vessel were watching them once more.

“We’ve seen enough. Let’s go.” The first one ordered.

“Let me guess…..your goal to capture the rangers Tsunami Cycle has failed?” Nightmare Moon said to Iron Will, not being surprised at all by the recent failure. For the past weeks it’s as if she had almost grown use to the failure her followers were giving her. The minotaur could only look at the ground as his partners Gilda and Trixie looked on amused.

“It wasn’t my fault your majesty….the putties failed.”

“Iron Will you are beginning to sound like a bad book.” The alicorn of the night noted dully. “Take a break, have a cider or something. Let us see what some fresh blood can do.” On cue the sound of thunder and lightning filled the ship as the two figures appeared in kneel position before rising to their hooves. “Step forward…..Thunder Rangers.”

“Thunder Rangers?” Will asked confused as the two figures stepped into the light. They were both nearly identical to the Element Rangers down below with only a few minor differences. The crimson red ranger’s helmet was in the style of the Rhinoceros Beatle, while the navy blue ranger was styled after a Stag Beatle. Both had gold shoulder gauntlets on their front shoulders, and a deep red staff hung over their shoulders as well.

“Our plan to infiltrate the rangers is on schedule Nightmare Moon.” The red ranger said, their voice still being altered, even though the alicorn knew very well who it was behind the visor.

“I do not care much for schedules, for I am more interested in results.”

“Don’t rush us. We know what we’re doing.” Trixie and Gilda were impressed. Nopony else would dare talk back to Nightmare Moon.

“How dare you speak to her majesty that way!” Iron Will on the other hoof was offended in their bluntness. “Bow and show some respect.”

“Listen, while you’re out there getting that cider bring me a non-fat one-sugar cappuccino.” The blue ranger taunted, getting right up to Will.

“Why you….” The minotaur grabbed the pony by the shoulders, the red crimson ranger pulling out his staff while the blue one stood calmly.

“Enough of this foolishness!” Nightmare Moon ordered. The alicorn left her throne and looked Iron Will right in the eyes. “How many times must I tell you? There is no I in team. Rangers, go. Do what you have to, but remember, I will not wait forever.”

Down below in Ponyville, much to the horror of the various residents the ground began to shake wildly. While ponies began to panic, little did they know this was no earthquake. Somewhere under the ground the newest monster from the villains in space was hard at work digging its way and causing the massive quakes.

“I don’t dig working with others, but this is fun!” The large mole like monster cackled to itself. “Especially when it comes to a power lunch!” The monster then struck a large underground cable, sending a majority of Ponyville into darkness. “Thanks Thunder Rangers!”

“Did you find what’s going on Spike?” Twilight asked as she, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood over the dragon’s shoulder as he typed away on the monitor.

“I don’t know, it’s some kind of subterranean disturbance. Whatever it is, it can’t be good.” Due to the backup generators Element Ops had it was one of the few rooms left in Ponyville that had power. Before the ponies could plan their next room they could feel another quake starting up, causing the room to shake violently and scattering dust everywhere.

“Everypony hang on!” Scootaloo said as the quake finally dissipated. “Ok, ok it stopped.”

“The seismographs are picking up some serious activity.” Spike said as a live camera feed pointed to a dust disturbance on the edge of town. “And there’s your reason why.” The drake said as the mole monster finally popped up from underground.

“That is one massive mole.” Sweetie noted. At that moment Applebloom came galloping full speed down the stairs.

“Sorry gals! Ah got caught up at the rodeo!”

“Better late than never.” Spike said.

“He’s right outside Ponyville!” Twilight said, pinpointing its location.

“We’re on it.” Scootaloo said as she and her friends lined up. “Ready?”

“Ready!”

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” The three shouted, activating their morphing sequence of them being caught in the center of a vortex with their ranger outfit forming over the before the visors on their helmets snapped to a close.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

“What a day…it’s a thankless job leveling a village!” The mole monster cackled to itself before being blasted by several laser shots, causing sparks to erupt off it.

“Hey mole head!” The monster turned and found the three Element Storm Rangers aiming their signature weapons right at it.

“Hey! We don’t dig what you’ve been up to!” Scootaloo shouted.

“Oh yeah? Well I’m guessing by the spandex it’s your job to stop me! Catch me if you can!” Twirling in its spot the mole monster disappeared underground, cackling evilly as it went.

“Where’d he go?” Sweetie asked alarmed.

“Wanna take a guess?” Scootaloo asked as the three armed themselves more.

“Oh no, it could be anywhere!” Applebloom said as the rangers circled around, as so not to be caught off guard. The ground beneath them shook as the mole monster jumped out of the ground, twirling as it did.

“Going up!” As it twirled it was easily able to strike all three rangers, causing sparks to explode off them. “Going down!” Before the three could retaliate it dove right back into the ground.

“Alright then, dig this dirt boy! Element Dirt Dive!” Applebloom leaped into the air in a corkscrew formation before diving into the ground after the mole. Above ground Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle could only watch as two dust trails quickly approached one another.

“Applebloom!”

“Be careful!” The two trails finally collided as Applebloom came flying out in a shower of sparks, flipping end over end until she finally landed flat on her back.

“Now that’s just playing dirty.” The southern pony groaned as her friends quickly helped her back onto her hooves. A few feet in front of the a column of dust rose from the ground as the mole monster appeared before them once more.

“Terramole in the house! Watch and learn rangers; I’m gonna trash your village from the inside out!” Terramole twirled in place once more before disappearing into the ground, leaving a large hole in its wake.

“Hey wait! Get back here!” Scootaloo shouted down into the hole.

“He got away.”

“But he’ll be back.”

Sugar Cube Corner was a very popular place for ponies to gather up and meet with friends to discuss how their day or how life was going. Even though she figured it would be a long shot, but Applebloom figured here would be a good place to try to bring her two new friends into her group of current friends. She was seated at the table in the far back chatting away with Rumble and Button Mash happily as she saw Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle trot in the door.

“Hey gals, you finally made it.” The southern mare said happily to her two best friends. “Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle ah think you remember Rumble and Button Mash?” Button and Sweetie locked eyes, a small blush forming between them as Scootaloo bumped hooves with Rumble.

“How’s it going?”

“Pretty good.” The teenage stallion responded. “Applebloom’s told us a lot about you two.”

“But not everything.” Button said, patting the spot next to him, which Sweetie happily took. Scootaloo looked over to her southern friend and motioned with her head.

“Hey uh, Applebloom got a minute?” The two mares quietly trotted to the other side of the room, Sweetie happily hanging back with the two stallions.

“What’s on yer mind?”

“You were supposed to be back at Element Ops.” Scootaloo said quietly.

“Yeah, ah-ah know. I just ran into these two and we started talking like before….and ah guess ah lost track of time.”

“Twilight’s not happy, she’s doing that thing with her books again.”

“Oh great….” Applebloom knew she was in for it now. “Okay, okay come on girls. Hey guys ah gotta go.” Applebloom grabbed Sweetie Belle and dragged her out the door, much to hers and Button’s annoyance.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later Sweetie.” Scootaloo was right behind her friends till she realized she forgot something back at Sugar Cube Corner, but she didn’t even get through the door when she heard Rumble and Button’s voices. “I tell you bro, Sweetie is fine.”

“Yeah, but I don’t get why she hangs out with two goofs like Applebloom and Scootaloo?”

“I don’t know. Maybe she likes doing charity work.” Rumble cracked a smile and chuckled at his brothers humor. At the door the pegasus mare was not liking what she was hearing one bit.

“98……….99………..100.” Twilight counted as Applebloom finally collapsed with a large pile of books on her back. Her punishment for being late were push up’s, with about her body weight in books on her back for good measure. Spike looked on with a smirk as the unicorn removed the books with her magic. “Maybe now you’ll learn the importance of punctuality.”

“Or at least really firm legs.” Sweetie joked. As she panted for air Applebloom noticed Scootaloo finally trotting down the stairs into Element Ops.

“Applebloom, can I talk to you for a second?” The earth pony mare pulled herself back onto her hooves and trotted over to her friend.

“Ok, look ah’m sorry…”

“Hey, uh, how well do you know Rumble and Button Mash?”

“What do you mean? We’ve known them since school.”

“Yeah, but how well do you REALLY know them? I mean they just come out of nowhere and suddenly they’re your best friends?” Scootaloo asked skeptically.

“Scootaloo, it’s a rodeo thing ok? Ah mean you got your scooter buddies that you hang with and ah have no problem with them do I? And we don’t say a word.” Applebloom smiled before turning to the door. Scootaloo on the other hoof was not amused.

“At least I know what’s important here.” The southern mare stopped in her tracks, and turned back to her friend.

“Run that by me again?” She wasn’t laughing anymore.

“Look, ever since you’ve been hanging out with those guys your priorities are messed up!”

“That’s crazy talk.” Applebloom said. “Sweetie, back me up here.” Instead of her friend backing her up like she expected, Sweetie could only look at the ground. “Oh come on! Listen you two, ah’ll admit ah haven’t been focused as of late-“

“This is not your little rodeo we’re talking about.” Scootaloo said, cutting her off. “We’re talking about the end of the world here! Millions of lives are on our shoulders, do you even get that?” Applebloom didn’t take her eyes off of Scootaloo’s.

“Twilight a little help here?”

“I’m sorry Applebloom, but you can only help yourself. With your actions, not your words.” The elder unicorn said calmly, not wanting to take sides in this little argument. Applebloom was beginning to see that no one was gonna take her side here.

“You know what? Ah don’t need to listen to this!” The southern mare stormed out of Element Ops, leaving her two best friends with conflicted emotions.

The southern mare had not only decided to go back up to Canterlot for her rodeo job, she had finally decided to take Rumble and Button Mash up on their offer to help her learn how to ride one of the many dirt bikes around the track. She figured it would also make for great practice with the Tsunami Cycles.

With the fresh mud and dirt flying up behind her as she drifted around the final corner of the track, getting a healthy amount of air as she sped off past the finish line. Out of the corner of her eye she found Rumble and Button Mash in their riding gear.

“Woo! Ah finally made it that time!” The southern mare greeted as she yanked her helmet off.

“You sure you never ridden before? You looked like a natural out there.” Button complimented.

“Keep that up and you’ll be ready for the 250’s in no time. Remember this moment.” Rumble said, for once having a friendly face on.

“You know, it’s been cool to be around you guys. I mean it’s hard to find ponies willing to get down and dirty like me. Actually be into what you’re into you know?”

“I hear that.” Rumble said, bumping hooves with the southern mare. As Button reached out to do the same, much to the threes surprise the ground beneath them began to shake violently. As the three struggled to stay upright Applebloom saw a dust trail zip right by them under their hooves before the shaking finally knocked the three over.

“What was that?” Button groaned.

“I don’t know, talk about weird huh?” Applebloom said, maybe a little too quickly. The two brothers glanced at each other, but to the mares horror the morpher on her wrist began beeping loudly.

“Hey freaky watch.” Rumble said, yanking Applebloom’s hoof out to look at the morpher. “Does it have a compass on it?”

“Yeah it has a lot of cool stuff on it, but ah’ll have to show you later ah gotta go!”

“Whoa whoa whoa.” Rumble stopped her in her tracks. “How come you always have to bail on us?”

“If you wanna ride like a pro, you have to practice like one.” Button said, standing on the opposite side of the mare.

“Now, let’s see if we could shave a few seconds off your time.”

“Guys, ah would love to but ah really have to go.” Applebloom said apologetically before galloping off over the hill. She hadn’t even noticed that she left her pack behind. Button Mash however did.

“Well well….” The stallion lifted the pack over to his brother, both with wide smirks on their faces.

At Element Ops the two remaining rangers were able to pinpoint Terramole’s location to the rock foundation plant a few miles outside of Ponyville. Scootaloo and Sweetie knew they couldn’t wait for Applebloom to show up, so they had to leave without her. The two had a problem once they arrived at their location however. Terramole was nowhere to be seen.

“Where is he?” Sweetie asked as she and Scootaloo had their Element Blades out. She wouldn’t have to wait long as Terramole popped out of the ground directly behind her, and pulled her down til only the top half of her body was sticking out. “Scootaloo!”

“Let her go!” The red ranger aimed her sword until Terramole yanked her up to her waist in the ground as well. Then the monster lifted the pegasus mare up, beginning to spin her in the air until he tossed the ranger onto the ground. “This guy’s tough.”

“Where’s Applebloom?” Sweetie asked as Terramole leaped out of the ground.

“That airhead? Her ranger days are over!”

“She’s not an airhead.” Scootaloo argued. “Even if she was, only we can call her that.” Little did the three know that just above them the ranger in question was galloping as fast as she could.

“Ah can’t believe ah got caught in traffic! Ah hope ah’m not too late!” As the southern pony got to the edge of the hill she was on she could only watch as Terramole was smashing her friends into each other, sparks flying off them each time they collided. Then for good measure the mole monster blasted the two with a beam of energy, knocking the two Element Storm to the ground. “Hold on girls!” Applebloom called down as she summoned her Lion Hammer. “Back off mole boy!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked up in relief as the yellow Element Storm ranger dove off the rock hill with her hammer out, but as she swung for the mole it retreated back into the ground. “You can’t hide forever.” Applebloom said, testing the ground for the right spot. Then she began smacking the ground with her hammer.

At Element Ops Spike and Twilight watched on as the ranger smacked the ground harder.

“Applebloom cut that way too close.” The drake noted. “I was sure she wasn’t gonna show this time.”

"Then observe Spike. Her actions will show her dedication.” Twilight said calmly. Applebloom finally found the spot she was looking for.

“How’s this for a big bang?” With all her might she brought her hammer colliding into the ground, shaking it with enough force to finally bring Terramole flailing to the surface as it crash landed onto its back. “You girls thinking what ah’m thinking?” Applebloom asked her friends.

“Sonic Fin!”

“Hawk Blaster!”

The three rangers combined their three signature weapons, and aimed it at Terramole, this time Applebloom being the one behind the trigger. “Storm Striker! Fire!” Applebloom aimed the large gun into the air, and launched a yellow sphere that grew in massive size, before bringing it crashing down onto the mole that had been terrorizing Ponyville, forcing Terramole to explode into a fireball.

“Thanks for playing!”

Up above Nightmare Moon and her forces watched on as Terramole had been defeated. Growling, the alicorn of the night turned and glared at her followers.

“Make a mole you said, it will dig Ponyville out from under the rangers you said.” She spat at Trixie and Gilda, before turning and launching another bolt of energy at the ground where Terramole one stood. The remains of Terramole glowed brightly until the rangers could only watch as the monster they just defeated grew to massive heights.

“Can you guess who the mole is now?” It taunted.

“Spike! You know the drill!” Applebloom said into her communicator. Spike slammed his fist on the large button to launch the Element Zords. The Zords were moved from their underground hanger and out into the world via the holographic portals. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

“Let’s go for it gals! Element Zords!” Applebloom said to her friends, before the three once more took to the air, landing perfectly into the cockpits of their respective zords. “Megazord Formation!” Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

“Element Storm Megazord: Online!”

“Time to lay the groundwork!” Terramole taunted as its massive body took to the air, diving into the ground and out of the rangers line of sight. As the three searched for the beast it popped up behind them, striking the Megazord in the back and shaking the drivers inside. Turning to strike back all that resulted was Terramole getting in several more punches before disappearing into the ground once more.

“He’s too fast!” Sweetie reported.

“Ah got an idea. Lightning Megazord, engage!” The Megazord then began losing parts of its armor into the frame work of the giant robot until it was now a lot for bendable and movable. The downside was it would only last for sixty seconds. Before the three could make their first move Terramole popped out of the ground once more behind them.

“Looking for me?” Using its strength it tossed the Lightning Megazord to the ground. The quicker zord pounced back onto its feet and took to the air for a drop kick, but Terramole simply hid in the ground once more, and once more appearing behind the Megazord, and pulling it into the ground up to its waist.

“Again with the digging thing?!” Scootaloo complained.

“It’s a mole Scootaloo, it’s what they do.” Spike reported over the communicator. “Now power down, I got something for you three that might help.” The Megazord quickly dug out of the ground, and once back on its own two feet it quickly regrew its armor, returning to its default stage. “Downloading Power Sphere Four!” Spike reported, slamming his hand on the button once more.

“Ah read you Spike!” Applebloom said as the disc quickly formed in front of her on her dash board. “Got it. Let’s see if we can hit a jackpot. Inserting power disc now!” The yellow ranger slid the disc into the power slot as the handle opened. “Lock, and drop!” The center emblem opened, allowing a yellow sphere to shoot out until it split into two halves, forming what appeared to be a Ram head on a handle.

“Ram Hammer!” The three rangers reported as the zord took hold of the new power up. Terramole did not like the look of the hammer.

“It’s time for me to hit the dirt!” The mole took to the air and vanished into the ground below once more, and out of the rangers line of sight.

“Think again chump!” Applebloom said, bring the Megazord to strike the ground with the hammer with all its might. The ground shook as Terramole came flying out of the ground and crashing once more onto its back. “Hammer time!” The Megazord proceeded to strike Terramole several times with the hammer, each time bringing a shower of sparks, until it charged once last attack. Extending the handle of the hammer, Terramole could only scream as the glowing hammer head was brought crashing down on top of it, causing it to explode into a massive fireball.

“We did it!” Scootaloo celebrated.

“Thanks to you Applebloom!”

“Aw shucks. No worries girls.” The yellow ranger said bashfully from her cockpit.

Several hours would pass before Applebloom was able to report back to the rodeo. After much debating on it, she had made the decision to switch over to working on her dirt bike riding, finding it to be too much fun to pass up. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle cheered her on loudly as she finished her final practice lap, drifting around the corner and accidentally covering her friends with dirt and mud.

“Yeah thanks for the shower.” Sweetie said annoyed as her friend pulled to a stop.

“Whoops, sorry there girls.” Applebloom said, yanking off her helmet to get some fresh air. “So what did you gals think?”

“You looked faster out there.” Scootaloo said honestly. “Hey, where’s Button Mash and Rumble? I figured they be here for you.”

“Ah don’t know. Ah guess they have better things to do than hang out with a goof like me huh?” Scootaloo had finally told her friend what she had overheard the two stallions say back at Sugarcube Corner, and she took it a little hard.

“Hey…..some of the stuff I said before, I didn’t mean you weren’t committed.” Scootaloo said apologetically. Applebloom put on a friendly smirk.

“Ah know.”

“Applebloom you’re a great ranger.” Sweetie commented. “You might be a goof from time to time, but you’re a great ranger.”

“We’re all a little goofy here and there aren’t we?” Applebloom asked as Scootaloo slugged her on the shoulder softly. “So you two get geared up. If we’re gonna be riding these Tsunami Cycles we better be ready for it!” Her two friends began laughing fondly as they made their way over to the changing booth. Little did they know they were being watched, from only mere feet away.

“Have fun while you can.” The Navy Thunder Ranger said threateningly.

“You have no idea what’s coming your way.” The Crimson Thunder Ranger taunted.

Thunder Strangers Part 1

Scootaloo and Applebloom were doing something that they probably shouldn’t have been doing. While the weather in Ponyville for once was absolutely perfect the two Element Storm Rangers were instead in the middle of Element Ops looking over the contents of Spike’s laptop, something that the teenage drake most likely would be very annoyed with. One file in particular caught the two mares’ attention.

“Unbelievable….” The pegasus mare said quietly.

“Ah hear you there Scoots, it’s so amazing it’s just wrong.” Applebloom was practically drooling over the laptop.

“Check out the lines on that baby, the way they move……I can’t believe it!” Scootaloo said loudly. The two were so caught up at the file that they failed to hear somepony walking down the steps into Element Ops, and it was the very last being they wanted to see.

“You better not be doing anything illegal!” Spike snapped when he saw the two ponies on his laptop. The two mares in question looked at each other, stuttering and trying to place it back as they found it.

“No, no, no, no, no.”

“We, uh…..found it like that!” Applebloom tried to fib.

“Let me see.” Spike walked over and yanked the computer away from the two and looked at just what the two were so excited over. He raised an eye at the sight. “The Tsunami Cycles?” He questioned.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo and Applebloom said happily.

“Shouldn’t you two be outside or annoying somepony else?” Spike asked, clearly not amused at the two.

“Ah mean, it was already switched on to this channel so we though-“

“Applebloom, computers don’t have channels.” Spike said, clearing seeing through the mares lie. “And I would appreciate it if you guys didn’t cruise through here without asking me first.”

“What’s the big deal Spike? We didn’t break it.” Scootaloo said in their defense.

“It’s taken me two weeks to make all the right changes to the bikes, I just don’t want anything to-“Before the drake could finish that sentence the laptop began beeping. Spike pressed a few keys, his frown getting bigger and bigger by the minute. “Please tell me this is just a dream.” Right before their eyes the screen went black, with a red error logo taking its place. “I don’t believe this!”

“What? What is it?”

“Spike you’re sweating really, really bad right now. Are you ok?” Applebloom asked.

“It’s frozen! The system’s locked up!” Spike said loudly, quickly making his way over to the main computer in hopes of fixing the problem, but all he found was the same error logo. “The whole systems dead!”

“Yeah, but you backed it up right?” The red ranger asked.

“Of course I did, I must have.” Spike tried typing, but nothing was going through. Then a thought came to him. “Applebloom, you have the back up, I gave it to you on that disc remember?” The southern earth pony thought for a moment, trying remember.

“Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, ah remember. You gave it to me and put it in my saddle-“The pony stopped dead in her tracks when a sudden realization came over her. The picture of her doing what she did flashed in her mind. “I put it in my saddlebag….”

Miles above the planet the one being causing the Element Storm Rangers so much grief down below was admiring her latest prize, all while doing it in sight of her captive sister, the alicorn of the sun Celestia. Nightmare Moon was levitating the backup disc.

“The Element Rangers Greatest Hits.” She cackled. “Are all my favorites on here?”

“If you mean the Tsunami Cycle Serenade, then yes.” The alicorn turned to the one that was speaking, and looked happily at the two Thunder Storm Rangers in front of her.

“I wonder if they know it’s been released a little early.” The crimson ranger taunted.

“I only wish I could be there myself to see the looks on their faces.” Nightmare Moon cackled as she took her spot on her throne, hovering her sister’s sphere closer. “Come now dear sister, do not look so down. Soon those ponies you call rangers will join you up here while I rule your beloved kingdom.”

“Which brings us to our agreement, we have unfinished business.” The crimson ranger pointed out to the evil alicorn.

“Do not worry, evil plans are like fine wine. You must let them sit awhile before uncorking them.”

“They also go bad if you leave them too long.” The navy ranger pointed out. The alicorn only glared at the two.

“They’re not wrong….” Gilda pointed out quietly.

“Shush!” Her reluctant partner Trixie said, not wanting their leader to be any angrier at them. At that moment Iron Will came marching in full force, finally wanting to do something.

“Out of my way!” He ordered, pushing Trixie and Gilda aside. You majesty, I have a plan of attack. If we hit the rangers at the place they call Sugarcube Corner, it’s-“

“Will, Will, Will…..” Nightmare Moon sighed, as if she’s spoke of the matter before. “How many times must I go over this with you? A ranger’s power can only be destroyed when they are at their full ranger form!” She shouted, leaning in until she was nose to nose with the minotaur.

“Of-of course your majesty.”

“Therefore, we must defeat them at the right moment. Otherwise, all of our efforts will be in vain.” The minotaur growled at the realization. “Surely such a powerful follower as you can understand why thou plan is completely ridiculous!” Nightmare Moon continued to lean forward, forcing Iron Will to lean back. By now the minotaur was sweating nervously. “Now that I think of it, you appeared over worked Iron Will. Why not thou take a vacation day?”

“If that is what you wish-“

“That is an order!” Nightmare Moon shouted using the Royal Voice. Will took the moment to finally retreat. “While the rest of us…” The alicorn turned to the Thunder Rangers. “Shall put our heads together to see what plan we can come up with, won’t we?” The alicorn finished by letting out another evil laugh.

“We’re ready.” The thunder rangers commented, all the while Will could only glare at the bunch.

“Take a vacation? I’ll show all of you…”

In Ponyville was a large family owned farm that consisted of only one fruit known to pony-kind: Sweet Apple Acres. Sweet Apple was also where Applebloom lived with her family when her ranger duties weren’t in the way. Most days she was more than happy to help out around the farm, but as her older sister was about to find out, she was doing a great job of tearing the place up.

Applejack, the elder sister of the Apple siblings was trotting towards the barn so she could get some materials that she needed, yet when she pushed the door open to her it looked like a twister had torn its way inside the structure. Tools scattered all over the ground, animal feed was thrown left and right and various other forms of debris littered the barn.

“What in lan sakes is goin’ on in here?” Applejack asked loudly, startling the younger pony who was currently under a overturn wagon. Hitting her head on the wagon, Applebloom finally peaked up.

“Howdy Applejack.” The yellow ranger groaned, rubbing her head.

“Ya’ll understand the idea of cleanin’ right?” The older mare asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Ah know, ah’m sorry. It’s just ah lost my saddlebag, and ah can’t even think bout anything else til ah find it.” Applejack chuckled at her sister, helping the younger mare back on her hooves.

“You’ll find it sugarcube, now go on and enjoy the day.” Applejack shooed her younger sibling out of the barn, shutting the door behind her so she could get to work cleaning the large mess.

Sweetie Belle watched on as Scootaloo built up more speed on her scooter before taking to the air, grinding along the rail before landing perfectly. The pegasus mare then came off a small ramp to grind the same rail the other way, landing that as well.

“There’s Applebloom.” Sweetie noted, seeing the earth pony trot up, deep in though. Scootaloo twisted her scooter around, landing in front of the two.

“Any luck?”

“No, none at all.” The southern mare reported.

“Well, think. Where else have you been?” Sweetie asked. Applebloom thought long and hard, before smacking herself in the head with a spare hoof.

“The track, of course!” Before the mare could gallop off, to their surprise the three morphers began beeping. Taking a glance around to make sure nopony
else was around, Scootaloo pressed the button on her morpher.

“Go for Scootaloo.”

“Girls, me and Spike are tracking a weird energy reading at the quarry.” Twilight’s voice came out from the little speakers on their morphers.

“Putties?”

“We don’t think so, but it would be best if you three rangered up.”

“We’re on it Twi.” Scootaloo calmly placed her scooter off to the side as Sweetie and Applebloom checked their surroundings to make sure nopony would see what they were about to do.

“All clear Scootaloo.”

“Ready?” The pegasus mare asked her friends as they lined up next to her.

“Ready!” In a flash their morphers were ready.

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” The morphing vortex formed around the three, with their ranger outfits snapping over their bodies before once more the visors closed on their helmets.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

With their ranger powers the three Element Storm Rangers were able to make it to the Ponyville Quarry in less than ten seconds flat, but once they arrived something felt very wrong.

“You guys see anything?”

“It’s all clear Scootaloo.” The red ranger pushed a button on her morpher.

“Spike? Twilight? This place is pretty much deserted. There is nothing here.” The ranger reported.

“We’re detecting a heat ready from the Wonderbolt’s Satellite. It’s usually right on about this.” Spike reported. The three rangers were too distracted to realize the cause of the alarm was now standing right above them on the cliff face.

“You ready? Let’s do this!”

“Goodbye Rangers!”

Scootaloo thought she heard something, but when she turned two blast of lightning struck the ground next to her and her friends, making a rather large explosion that knocked them off their hooves.

“Note to self…..never doubt Spike.” Scootaloo moaned.

“You girls ok?” Twilight asked concerned over the communicator. The three teenage mares slowly sat up, pausing when they spotted two crouched figures mere feet from them.

“Spike? Twilight? You seeing this?” Sweetie asked as the two figures slowly rose to their hooves, facing away from the three. At Element Ops Spike and Twilight could see through a video feed on the three ranger helmets, and much to his surprise Spike saw Twilight’s jaw open wide.

“No…..that’s not possible.” The two figures in front of the three were clad in gold shoulder gauntlets on their front shoulders, a red staff hanging across their backs. The only difference between the two was one was Crimson Red, the other was Navy Blue.

“Who are you?” Scootaloo finally asked.

“What’s with the attitude?” Sweetie asked as the three finally made it to their hooves. The two rangers merely stood there in silence.

“Hello? Anypony in there?” Applebloom asked.

“Obviously you didn’t get the memo.” The crimson ranger finally spoke, turning to address the three.

“Old rangers out, new rangers in.” The navy ranger said. Both of their voices were being altered to hide their identities.

“What? You expect us to fight you?” Applebloom asked.

“We’re not giving you a choice.” Before the three could react the two new rangers took off in an alarming speed, faster than the three rangers could react two. Repeatedly the three felt themselves being struck by the staffs on the new rangers back, causing sparks to go flying off them as they yelled out in pain, before finally collapsing as the two rangers merely watched.

“I don’t think they’re in a talking mood.”

“I vote for kicking their wannabe butts!” Sweetie groaned.

“Right with ya.” The three finally made it back up to their hooves.

“Didn’t anypony teach you to play nice?” Scootaloo asked, pulling out her Element Blade before taking to the air, gliding along right at the two.

“We don’t do nice.” The navy ranger calmly said, before taking to the air was well, surprising Scootaloo by drop kicking her out of the air, and sending her flying into a large rock.

“That was brutal….” The red ranger groaned as her friends appeared to take on the Crimson Ranger. The new ranger would merely pushed one out of the way to fight the other, and when the second would return the ranger to send their attack to their partner. Once it had the situation under control it flipped Applebloom to the ground, and held its staff to her neck. “Hold on Bloom!” Scootaloo scurried to her hooves and ran to help her friends.

“What for? Thunderstaff Megapower!” The navy ranger called, extending the weapon on its back, and once the three rangers looked at it the staff was striking all three in the chest, knocking them down once more with sparks.

“They got sticks….” Scootaloo groaned.

“Really big sticks….” Sweetie commented.

“You three want an idea?” The crimson ranger asked. “How about give up?”

Trust us; it will be much less painful that way.” The navy ranger said. From behind her helmet Scootaloo smirked.

“Oh I get it! This is some training thing.”

“Ok Spike, you got us.” Sweetie laughed.

“Uhhh, ah think they’re for real.” Applebloom said, until much to their surprise the two rangers held a hoof up before vanishing in a flash of light.

“What the…..where’d they go?” The Pegasus asked confused.

“Far away if we’re lucky.”

The three rangers had questions, and unfortunately for Twilight back at Element Ops she was the one they were directly the questions at. The mare could only attempt to listen as question after question was fired at her, and to make it worse it was all at once.

“Twilight who were those two?”

“I thought we were the only rangers in Equestria?”

“Why were they trying to destroy us?”

“Does Nightmare Moon have anything to do with this?”

“What do we do if they come back?” Twilight finally had enough and let out a loud whistle.

“One at a time! Thank you.” The older mare said, relieved she could hear her own thoughts.

“Twilight who were those guys?” Scootaloo asked first.

“I have Spike looking into that, but for the moment all we know is that they fight in the style of the Thunder Academy.” The three rangers shared a look.

“Thunder Academy?”

“Celestia had several schools all over Equestria.” Spike spoke from several books. “And most of the time they were kept a secret from each other, mostly to keep the schools from bickering.” Spike flipped through several pages before slamming the book. “I’m afraid the books aren’t telling me anything.”

“But ah thought Nightmare Moon captured all of the other schools.” Applebloom noted.

“Could she have turned them against us? You know, fight fire with fire.” Sweetie suggested, going over a few theories in her head.

“I don’t think so Sweetie Belle. Their fire came from deep within.” The older mare explained. “Not even Nightmare Moon can be driving them to attack with such passion.”

“Look, ah don’t really care what their problem is. All ah know is they almost smoked us!”

“But they didn’t.” Scootaloo said, cutting her friend off before turning back to Twilight. “And I wanna know why.”

“What I wouldn’t give to see the looks on their faces right now.”

“We got them running scared.” On board Nightmare Moon’s vessel the two Thunder Rangers were mighty pleased with themselves after the beating they put on the three down below. “This is gonna be easier than we thought.” As the two trotted along, Iron Will turned the corner and right into their path.

“Yo, Will! What up dog?” The navy ranger taunted. The minotaur growled in annoyance.

“Out of my way Ranger.” But with every step the ranger kept in front of the loyal follower.

“You know, if you wanna dance at least put on some music.” The ranger taunted again, patting Will on the shoulder. The minotaur pushed the hoof aside.

“Why didn’t you destroy the rangers while you had the chance?!”

“You familiar with the term ‘Need to Know Basis’?” The crimson ranger asked, looking the minotaur dead in the eye. “It means we know, and we don’t have to tell you anything.”

“But don’t worry, we’ll call if we change our minds…..or if we need somepony to carry our bags.” The navy ranger was really getting on Will’s nerves.

“You insolent, disrespectful upstart!” Will finally had enough, throwing a large fist at the ranger. The navy ranger merely dodged the first punch, before catching the second one.

“Hey! Ever considered anger management therapy?” The crimson ranger pulled back Will’s fist. “This is going nowhere. We’re supposed to be on the same team.”

“For the time being….” Will growled, reluctantly moving aside for the two Thunder Rangers. The two trotted past the seething minotaur. Once the two were out of hearing range Iron Will closed his fist tight. “I’ll show you two how it’s done.” Deciding that destroying the rangers would be worth disobeying orders, the minotaur used a teleporter to make his way down to the ground.

“Hey ladies we got a signal here!” Spike reported from the computer. “Somethings at the quarry again….always the quarry. What? Is a monster con over there?” Twilight and the three rangers looked at the live video feed.

“Isn’t that one of Nightmare Moon’s follower?”

“The minotaur known as Iron Will.” Twilight reported from memory. “He’ll be a tough foe to take on. Think you three can handle it?”

“It could be a trap for all we know.” Spike noted.

“We’ll be careful.”

“We always are.” Scootaloo joked as the three lined up. “Ready?”

“Ready!” In a flash their morphers were ready once more.

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” The morphing vortex formed around the three, with their ranger outfits snapping over their bodies before once more the visors closed on their helmets.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

At the quarry Iron Will waited patiently for his targets. They had to know he was here, it would only be a matter of time before he would defeat the rangers once and for all. His ears perked when the wind rushed by him as the three rangers landed shortly behind him.

“Nightmare Moon running out of good looking monsters?” Scootaloo taunted, sizing up the minotaur.

“If you want something done right, you do it yourself!” Will pulled out his two massive blades of steel, crossing them to form a large X. “Rangers, come meet your destiny.”

“Element Blades!” The three rangers called, pulling their weapons of choice. It then became a standoff with both sides circling the other, waiting for one side to make the first move.

“Bring it on!”

“You got it!” Scootaloo said, twirling her blade as all three rangers took to the air in a front flip, bringing all three blades down only for Iron Will to block with one of his large swords. Pushing the three back he then struck the rangers with both swords, knocking all three down in a shower of sparks.

“Ok, good idea, bad results!” Applebloom groaned.

“I am so sick of Pony Rangers!” Will shouted as he stalked closer. “Rangers! Rangers! Rangers! That’s all I ever hear anymore!” Letting out a battle cry, Scootaloo got back onto her hooves and charged the minotaur. Will caught the attack with one blade, swinging over the second back. Scootaloo had to duck quickly as her blade became entangled in his. Pulling loose Will jabbed his elbow into the red ranger’s chest, knocking her back as Sweetie and Applebloom helped her up.

“This will teach you to show me some respect!” Swiping his two swords, Iron Will fired several energy charges at the three, knocking them through the air in a large fireball explosion. “And now to finish what those two started!” From up above however Will’s leader was looking on, disapproving of her follower’s actions highly.

“I ask for one simple thing….then I turn my back….and it’s total anarchy!” She shouted using the royal voice, before aiming out at the planet and firing an energy beam. Before Will could finish his attack he found himself frozen as the beam caught him.

“No! Wait!” He screamed as he vanished in a flash of light. The rangers finally pulled themselves up.

“Just what do they want from us?” Sweetie asked looking directly into the sky. All three were caught off guard as miniature explosions when off around them.

“What the?!”Scootaloo looked in the direction the explosions came from. Her heart sunk at the sight of The Thunder Rangers calmly trotting in their direction. “Uh oh girls.” She warned as the two stopped.

“Recognize these?” The crimson ranger asked as the two threw two energy spheres at the ground. After several charges of electricity and a flash of light the three rangers couldn’t believe their eyes. In front of them were dirt bikes….and they looked awfully familiar.

“No way….” Scootaloo said in disbelief. At Element Ops Spike was beside himself.

“They…..those are MY tsunami cycles!” The drake shouted.

“We made a few improvements to them.” The crimson ranger said as he and the navy ranger mounted the cycles. “Ready to ride?”

“Let’s show these posers how its done!” The navy ranger said as the two hit the throttle, speeding off towards Scootaloo and her friends. Before the three could react the two rangers fired at them crimson and navy electric bolts from the cycles themselves, sending the three flying down into the lower parts of the quarry.

Scootaloo quickly got back onto her hooves as the Thunder Rangers drove off in their direction.

“Ready for another lap?” The crimson ranger taunted as he drifted around. Both thunder rangers revved forward before pulling their front wheels up and striking all three in the helmets. Applebloom slid along the ground, seeing stars in her vision. “Nice face plant!” The crimson ranger taunted. Scootaloo and Sweetie groaned as they pulled themselves up, changing their Element Blades into blasters, firing at the crimson ranger. Yet to their horror the ranger merely shrugged it off, firing another electric bolt, knocking the two down painfully once more.

The three rangers quickly regrouped as the two came revving back at them.

“Thunder Energy Blast! Fire!” Both rangers called as their cycles sped forwards, leaving a trail of flames in their wake. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were violently scattered apart as the thunder rangers sped by, leaving a massive fireball in their wake before skidding to a stop.

Scootaloo struggled to pull herself up as the two looked back.

“You smell something burning?” The navy ranger asked.

“Hey, anypony feel like s’mores?” The crimson ranger taunted as the three rangers finally got back onto their hooves, groaning in pain.

“I can’t believe they got Spike’s disc!”

“But how? Who are these guys?” Scootaloo groaned. The thunder rangers finally dismounted off the two cycles.

“This is so easy it’s almost boring.” The navy ranger spoke. “I thought at least they would put up a fight.”

“They never could compete with the Thunder Academy. You and that pony teaching you are lame and pathetic!” The crimson ranger taunted. At Element Ops Spike turned to Twilight.

“Do you hear what they’re saying about you?” The drake asked.

“Yes Spike, but their words don’t worry me in the slightest.” Twilight responded. At the quarry much to their confusion the thunder rangers pulled out their morphers.

“It’s time to finish what we started.” The crimson ranger spoke. “Crimson Thunder Power!”

“Navy Thunder Power!”

“Sky of Wonder!”

“Power of Thunder!” Both rangers held their morphers in the air as bolts of lightning struck the ground repeatedly around them, causing pillars of smoke and flames to erupt. Yet the two stood there unfazed by it.

“That doesn’t look good.” Sweetie said, highly worried at the moment.

“Crimson Insectizoid!” The three rangers felt the ground shake violently when out from the mountain in the distance a large zord barreled right out from the heart of it, scattering chunks of dirt and rock everywhere. The Insectizoid shared the same color scheme as its operator, but unlike the three zords Scootaloo and her friends used this one moved like a fast tank.

“Navy Beetle Zord!” Instead of this zord coming from the heart of a mountain like the one before it this one got massive air by jumping over the mountain entirely. Sharing the same color as the Navy Thunder Ranger this zord ran on six massive off road wheels while a large pincher head sat at the front.

“You gotta be kidding me!”

“They got zords?!

“This is getting ridiculous!”

“Later!” The crimson ranger called as he and his partner took off with their speed, running alongside their respective zords before taking to the air, landing inside the cockpits. Once seated, the rangers moved a guiding system from the side, looking right into it and at their targets. “Once this is over we’ll be the last rangers in all of Equestria! So let’s stay focus!” The ranger pulled the shift back, moving full speed at the three rangers below.

“Beetle Zord’s rough and ready to go!” Scootaloo and her friends didn’t stand a chance against these two now.

“They wanna play rough?! We’ll give them rough!” Scootaloo shouted. “Spike! Hit it!” At Element Ops Spike slammed his fist down on the large button, releasing the Hawk, Lion and Dolphin Zord out into the world. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

“Element Zords!” The three Element Storm Rangers took the air, landing safely inside the cockpit of their zords.

“Let’s show these imposters who’s who and the zord zoo!” Scootaloo said to her team.

“Bottom of the ninth girls! It’s now or never!”

“Ah’m thinking…….now!” This was gonna be the first zord on zord battle the rangers would ever encounter, but if the Thunder Rangers were on the other side this was not gonna be an easy fight to win.

“Here they come. Defense formation.” The crimson ranger ordered. “Engage!” The two zords drifted in opposite directions.

“Let’s bring the heat girls! Hawk Zord, Flame Attack!” The exterior of the red zord engulfed in flames, resembling that of a phoenix more than a hawk. Scootaloo aimed the flaming zord right at the Insectizoid, shaking it with a few fireballs before engulfing it in a cyclone of fire. “Toasty enough for you?” Much to the red ranger’s surprise the crimson zord rolled up and out of the fire.

“Prepare to activate weaponry!” The zord aimed it’s large guns and gantlets at the hawk zord. “Activate!” The zord began firing shot after shot at Scootaloo and her zord. Even though she tried her hardest to out maneuver the shots, the large explosions around her were too much.

“I’m hit! I’m hit! Ahhhh!” Scootaloo screamed out.

“Scootaloo!!!” Sweetie called as the Navy zord got air again, latching its large pinchers over Applebloom’s zord.

“What’s with the bugs?! Ah’m gonna hit it with a blow dryer! Tornado Blast!” The Lion Zord spun its metallic mane at a high speed, whipping up a large gust of wind and dirt. The navy ranger could only hold on as his zord flipped end over end. Applebloom had finally landed a shot on the Thunder Rangers. “Ah’m gonna squash this bug!” The Lion Zord then began taking its large steps towards the flipped over beetle, but the Navy Ranger had a trick up their sleeve.

“Cloaking device, engage!” As Applebloom brought the foot of the Lion Zord down, the Navy Thunder Ranger and their zord seemingly vanished into thin air.

“What the—where did he go?”

“I can’t find him anywhere on my scanners!” Sweetie said, failing to notice a figure moving behind the Dolphin Zord. The Beetle Zord shimmer back to being visible, firing its massive claws and taking hold of Sweetie Belle and her zord. “He’s got me!” The ranger cried out as she was shaken violently in her cockpit.

“Hey! Hooves off the fish!” Applebloom yelled out as the Dolphin Zord was circled around in the air like a lasso.

“Let go of me you dumb bug!” Sweetie threatened. All the while at Element Ops Twilight and Spike could only watch on helplessly as their rangers were being thrown around like rag dolls.

“Get the next power sphere ready Spike.”

“Right on it.” The drake said, typing away furiously. After several more spins in the air Sweetie was finally let go, flying through the air and crashing down next to her friends.

“You alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“Let’s bust out the Megazord on these punks!” Scootaloo said fiercely.

“Form the Megazord now!” The three rangers said at once. “Megazord Formation!” Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

“Finally, a little something from the has-beens.” The crimson ranger noted.

“Let’s turn them into never-weres.”

“Thunder Megazord!” The two thunder zords drove towards each other before taking to the air in a cyclone formation. Blast of lightning came flying off as the Beetle Zord shifted, forming the lower half of the machine. The claw that made up the head latched itself to the Insectizoid as it shifted to form the top half. Both halves finally formed, connecting as the threads from the Insectizoid revved up, now making both arms.

“Thunder Megazord Power Up!”

“What?! That’s impossible!” Scootaloo shouted in disbelief.

“These guys are working on my last nerve!” Sweetie said, agreeing with the red ranger. Both Megazord stomped towards each other, both taking hold of the other until the Thunder Megazord threw its arms up, opening a chance to land several jabs to the Wind Megazord, connecting with several kicks as well. With each attack sparks flew about, shaking up the Element Storm Rangers violently.

“You gals thinking what ah’m thinking?” Applebloom asked as she removed her disc from her morpher. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed suit, inserting the disc into the power drive.

“Serpent Sword! Lock and drop!” Turning the handle, the chest of the Megazord opened up as the Power Sphere came spinning out. The small red dragon zord within the sphere shifted until it formed the trusted blade of the Element Storm Megazord.

“Let’s see how these clones handle this!” Scootaloo said confident. The Megazord charged forward, striking the Thunder Megazord with the blade several times. But despite the sparks they were making, the Thunder Megazord remained unmoving. “This isn’t working! What else can we do?” On the last strike to the surprise of the rangers the enemy Megazord caught the blade.

“Give up yet?” The navy ranger asked as the Megazord forced the sword lower and lower to the ground. Unable to fight back, the Element Storm Megazord took a leg sweep that flipped it into the air and flat onto it’s back.

“Spike! You better have something in the works here!” Applebloom said to Element Ops as the Megazord climbed back onto its feet.

“Give, give, give. That’s all I do.” The teenage dragon muttered.

“Spike!” Twilight scolded.

“Fine, Power Sphere Number 4 on the way!” Spike slammed his fist on the button. On the dash in front of Scootaloo she could see the disc forming in front of her.

“Thanks Spike, just in time.” As Scootaloo reached for the disc, to her utter horror it shrunk, before disappearing all together. “What?! Where’d it go?!”

“Interception at the goal line!” The crimson ranger taunted. As the disc was being sent to the rangers, the two thunder rangers were able to take the disc for themselves. “And the Thunders are running it back for a touchdown!” The crimson ranger calmly slid the disc into the slot next to him. “Activate Power Sphere now! Lock, and drop!” The chest of the Thunder Megazord opened up as a gold and black sphere came spinning out, opening to form a ninja star on an axe handle like zord.

Twilight and Spike back at Element Ops could only watch on in horror as the two Thunder Rangers charged the blade up, striking Scootaloo and her friends with a powerful attack. The Element Storm Megazord shook wildly as sparks scattered everywhere. Charging forward the two rangers struck several more times, each attack weakening the Megazord even more, until it was down on one knee.

“He’s at the 50….the 40…..the 30!” The star spun rapidly until it glowed, charged with the raw power of thunder. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked on helplessly as the blade was lifted, then brought down directly on to them. The Megazord began crackling with electric bolts as within each cockpit the three rangers were showered with sparks.

“Girls!!” Twilight screamed as the Megazord leaned, before collapsing, exploding into a small fireball.

“They’re down!!!” Spike reported as he slammed the button several times, not getting the help he needed. The elder unicorn took the microphone.

“Girls! Girls get up!” Twilight screamed, not getting a response back from the three rangers as fire circled around the down Megazord.

“And now for a little touchdown dance on their heads.” The crimson ranger taunted.

“We’ve knocked out their zords, that’s enough…” The navy ranger argued, actually showing mercy for the three fallen rangers. “For now.” The Thunder Megazord then turned, beginning to walk off into the distance as the Element Storm Megazord sparked wildly.

“Come in Scootaloo.” Spike said into the communicator. “Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle? Applebloom! Pick up!” Within the wreckage of the Megazord Scootaloo slowly came to her senses. The visor to her helmet had been knocked open. Wires and metal beams scattered around her she looked on weakly as Sweetie Belle struggled to pull herself back into her seat. Applebloom struggled to wake up as a metal beam laid onto her back with its heavy weight.

“Girls! Pick up!” Spike and Twilight frantically tried to get some sign of life, while up above on Nightmare Moon’s vessel the alicorn of the night could not be more happy on how everything had turned out.

“Round one is in the books.” The alicorn said to her followers.” With their zords out of the way, it’s only a matter of time!” Nightmare Moon broke out into a laughter that echoed the vessel as she looked down at the rangers. For the first time, they had been defeated……

TO BE CONTINUED.......

Thunder Strangers Part 2

“Any sign of them Spike?” Twilight asked, getting more and more worried as she and her number one assistant surveyed the wreckage of the Megazord from Element Ops.

“I’m not picking up anything Twilight.” The drake said. “Nothing but scorched Equestrian soil and charred Megazord wreckage.” The monitor in front of the two kept scanning over the remains of the Megazord, trying to find any signs of life from within.

Applejack had stopped everything she had been doing when she heard the explosion in the distance. From the forest behind her family farm she could see the black smoke rising into the sky. Something had happened, and she didn’t like it one bit. Her thoughts were interrupted by two engines revving to a stop next to her.

“Rumble? Button Mash? What in tarnation is going on?”

“It’s another attack!” Button said frantically. “We think the rangers are in trouble.”

“Shouldn’t they be able to handle it?”

“It looks like they need some help! Come on!” Rumble said as he and Button got off their riding bikes. The three ponies galloped off in the direction of the smoke that could be seen all the way back in Ponyville. More minutes passed as the three got closer, finally climbing a hill top. Galloping over they saw three teenage mares helping each other walk along, each clearly in pain, and they all looked familiar.

“Over there!” Button shouted as Sweetie helped carried Applebloom along while Scootaloo wobbled about.

“Girls!” Applejack was now worried about their well beings. The three ponies galloped to the injured mares.

“We were riding, and we saw the smoke!” Rumble said as he and Button helped Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom onto their hooves.

“Are you girls ok?” The elder apple sibling asked.

“Yeah, we’re fine.” Scootaloo groaned.

“Was it another monster attack?”

“What? Does that sort of thing happen a lot around here?” Button asked.

“Ever wonder why housing in Ponyville was so cheap?” Scootaloo answered. Applejack was trying to maintain the situation.

“We gotta call somepony! Royal guards! Wonderbolts!”

“Applejack-“The younger sibling said, cutting her older sibling off. “Thanks, but really we’re fine.” She lied blatantly. Just the looks she and her friends were sharing could show it was far from the truth.

“Your majesty, the Thunder Rangers have failed.” Iron Will reported to the alicorn of the night as she and her followers watched the events down below unfold. “Please permit me to attack while the enemy is vulnerable.

“Will! Do you listen to anything I say?!” Nightmare Moon shouted using the royal voice.

“Your majesty?”

“I have not forgotten you disobeying my orders! Have you not been listening at all?! What did I tell you about the Pony Rangers?!”

“Well…..uh..”

“I’ll give you a hint. It’s to do with their powers and how you destroy them.” Will didn’t say the answer. “Anypony? Anypony at all?” The alicorn opened the floor to her other followers.

“It has to been painful?” Trixie answered.

“Wrong answer, but thank you for playing my game!” Nightmare Moon then fired an energy blast under the unicorn.

“What kind of answer was that?” Gilda asked at Trixie.

“To defeat the Pony Rangers,” Nightmare Moon interrupted. “They must be in their ranger form! Now all of you, get out of my sight!”

“Yes your majesty!” Will, Gilda and Trixie quickly fled the room while they could. The alicorn of the night took seat in her throne, hovering the sphere containing her captive elder sibling inside.

“And do not do anything until I tell you!” The alicorn shouted as her followers left, before turning her attention to the sphere. “Dear sister, I value your thoughts on this….speak to me!” Celestia remained silent, angering the younger alicorn.

“Are you girls alright?” Scootaloo asked her friends calmly as she, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle quietly trotted along.

“That was harsh…” Applebloom rubbed her head at the beating they just took. “And ah think my morpher is toast.” The yellow Element Morpher on her hoof was broken in various places, emitting red crackles of electricity.

“I think Spike’s gonna lose it when he finds out we trashed the zords.” Sweetie Belle said as they trotted along in the direction of Element Ops. When they finally arrived Spike took their morphers to examine them.

“Well, you three managed to reduce years of hard work and technological advance into a pile of scrap metal, all in a single afternoon.” Sure enough, Spike was not pleased. “Not to mention what you did to the zords.”

“Spike! That’s enough.” Twilight said sternly. “What happened wasn’t their fault, so now is not the time.” Spike rolled his eyes.

“I’m sorry, your right. But thankfully the auto-retreat allowed the reactors time to reset the holographic portals, so after I engage the self-reconstruct functions all we do is wait.” Spike walked back to his chair in front of the monitor while the rangers looked ashamed.

“Hey, don’t beat yourselves up over this.” Twilight said with a soothing voice.

“Twilight, why didn’t they just finish us off?” Scootaloo asked quietly. “I mean, they had those zords-“

“The Thunder Zords.” Twilight said as she pulled out some documents she had Spike make. “They were created by the same technology that powers your own.”

“And these Thunder Rangers work for Nightmare Moon?” Sweetie asked. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“No more than Will just booking out of there when they showed up.” Applebloom pointed out.

“I suspect that, as with all evil alliances, there is dissension in their ranks.” The elder unicorn mare said. “Dissension that can be used to our advantage when the time is right.”

“You know, ah hope these are under warranty.” Applebloom muttered as she poked and prodded her broken morpher.

“I just feel totally helpless. There’s gotta be something we can do.” Sweetie said quietly.

“For now you have to return to your normal lives.” Twilight said. “If Nightmare Moon suspects anything out of the ordinary it will only give her more power.”

“And be careful.” Spike said, showing concern for the three for the first time today. “They already got the designs for the Tsunami Cycles. Be careful who you trust.”

The three rangers took the situation in their own way. Scootaloo simply trotted away from Element Ops for the day, just wanting to be alone. Applebloom went back to Sweet Apple Acres to try and drown the day out in farm work.

Sweetie Belle was really the only one who went to where other ponies were: she went to the beach in Canterlot to be close to the water. No pony stopped to question why the mare looked so down. The Blue Element Ranger merely sidestepped out of the way as ponies passed by her, enjoying their day. Only two ponies actually tried to stop and talk.

“Hey Sweetie.” Button said as the mare quietly trotted by. “What? No hello? What’s up Button Mash?” The teenage stallion questioned as Rumble looked on amused. Sweetie paused in her tracks. She may have been having a rough time, but she didn’t need to ignore her friends for it.

“Sorry Button.” The mare said with a bemused smirk. “My mind’s just somewhere else at the moment.”

“Yeah, rough day.” Button said, remembering how the mare and her friends were found earlier.

“Yeah.” The three watched as other ponies enjoyed themselves as awkward silence took over. “Thanks again for helping us out back there.” Sweetie said sincerely.

“Listen, don’t mention it.” Button said. Rumble was beginning to look like he wanted to leave.

“I’ll see you around then.” Sweetie said, before turning and trotting off again.

“Yeah, sure thing.” The stallion called. Rumble was now laughing as the mare trotted off.

“Smooth. You’ll have to show me those moves sometimes.” The Pegasus said, patting Button on the shoulder.

Scootaloo couldn’t take the silence anymore. With no idea on what to do she simply trotted over to Sweet Apple Acres and watched on as Applebloom worked on wagons for her next task.

“I don’t wanna tell you how to do your job Bloom, but you oiled down the wheel axis seven times now.” The Pegasus mare said in a bored tone.

“Yeah…. not all there at the moment.”

“None of us are.”

“It’s just, ah can’t stop thinking about why those Thunder Rangers didn’t destroy us while they had the chance.” Applebloom said quietly. Scootaloo looked at the floor as the barn door opened a little.

“Applebloom? Is the cart fixed?” Rumble asked as he poked his head in.

“Just about Rumble. Few more minute’s top.”

“Alright, we’ll be out here.”

“We?”

“Button’s always with me remember?”

“Ha ha, so funny.” A voice said from the other side of the door. Rumble shook his head and went back outside. Applebloom chuckled.

“Ah’m going biking with them later.” She explained to Scootaloo. The Red Element Ranger frowned. “What is it?”

“I don’t know…..but there’s something about those two.” Scootaloo said, thinking back to the advice Spike had given them earlier.

“Don’t be ridiculous Scootaloo. We’ve known Rumble and Button Mash for years.” The earth pony mare said as she wiped some oil from her face. “Right back, gonna tell Rumble the cart’s finish.” Applebloom slide over a table and out the barn door in search of her friends. “Rumble! The carts….” She was cut off in surprise by the two stallions being gone. “Where’d they go?” She asked herself as she heard the faint crackle of thunder off in the distance. “Thunder…….”

“Are the next batch of monsters ready for launch?” Nightmare Moon asked her followers as they prepped for the next few attacks down upon Equestria.

“At the moment, we only have one your majesty.” Trixie said nervously, expecting a bad reaction from the Alicorn of the night.

“Good enough. Prepare it at once!”

“Permission to speak your majesty?” Iron Will asked, coming forward with a slight bow.

“As long as I can vaporize you when you say something stupid.”

“Well….uh.”

“Tis a joke Will. Lighten up.” Nightmare Moon said, rolling her eyes. “Speak.”

“Very amusing.” Will said quietly. “I’ve come to accept my punishment for disobeying your earlier orders.”

“And?” The alicorn knew there would be more to this.

“And I have come to redeem myself. I have a more powerful creature that can lure the rangers in their morphed form right into a trap.” Nightmare Moon thought out her options.

“Alright, let’s put it to the test.”

“As you wish your majesty.”

“But don’t blow it. I was only half kidding about the vaporizing thing.” The alicorn warned her loyal follower.

Iron Will had picked the perfect location to set forth the monster that would redeem him in the eyes of his master: the beach outside the capital of Equestria. While the ponies visiting for the day were distracted with having a good time, none noticed the hillside on the far side of the lake collapsing as the monster exploded from it.

“I’m free!!!” The frog monster cackled as it landed safely on the other shoreline. “Thanks, Will! I owe you one!” Cackling it surveyed its environment. “I’m, so thirsty!” The monster pulled out a pod and threw it into the air over the water. Once high enough the pod exploded, sending several small tadpole like creatures splashing down into the water. “Bottoms up, my little Polytrons!” The creatures eyes flashed, signaling down below to the Polytrons. “Drink up! Drink it all up!!!”

On the other side of the beach Sweetie was finally clearing her head as she took a swim. While she was trying to enjoy herself she couldn’t help but be annoyed by the tide going out. Pausing in the water she felt herself sink lower and lower until she was sitting on the lake floor, minus all the water.

“What the? The water!” She heard several ponies call out confused.

“This cannot be good.” The ranger said to herself quietly.

“Oh my gosh. What is that?!” A mare screamed. Sweetie turned around in time to see the frog creature landed only a few feet from her. At the sight of the monster the pony visitors began screaming and fleeing in panic.

“Ooh! A ranger—how convenient!” The monster taunted as Sweetie took a fighting pose. “Time to make a splash!” As the last pony fled the scene, Sweetie noted it was now just them.

“Element Storm! For- “Sweetie was going through the morphing process when she remembered her morpher was still under repair at Element Ops.

“Better hop to it!” The creature hopped into the air, firing lasers from its eyes at Sweetie. The mare summer saulted out of the way as the frog touched the ground again. “Guess it’s not morphing time after all, is it?” It had finally hit Sweetie that she was gonna have to win this fight without her ranger powers. “Low tide for you!” Crouching forward the frog fired several leech like creatures at the ground around Sweetie Belle’s hooves. The ranger moved before the creatures exploded in a shower of sparks.

“Come closer ranger! You’re not afraid of a few warts are you?” The creature taunted as it stalked closer towards Sweetie. The mare took a fighting pose when the sound of a bike hit her ears.

“Hang on Sweetie! I’m coming!” From over the hill a biker in navy blue riding gear shredded the sand under their tires and they drifted directly into the monster, knocking it over. “Eat beach!” The rider then drifted to a stop in front of the mare.

“Button Mash?” Sweetie asked, getting a look at the stallion behind the helmet.

“Run! I’ll distract him!” Button revved the engines and took off towards the frog monster.

“No! Button wait!” Sweetie tried to warn as the earth pony rider popped a wheelie, over for the monster to leap frog over him. “Watch out!” The mare yelled as the monster fired lasers at the earth pony, striking the back tires and causing Button to tumble over the sand.

“Gotcha!” The monster taunted, only to be caught off guard by Sweetie Belle drop kicking into its back. “That hurt!” The monster charged at Sweetie, who threw her hoof at it, only to be caught. The mare cart wheeled out of the next attack only to be taken down with a leg sweep. The mare rolled as the frog brought its massive foot down in the spot she was just lying in. Landing a few kicks, Sweetie’s momentum was stopped by the monster grabbing her hoof and flipped her head over tail backwards a few feet. Sweetie groaned as she landed flat on her face.

“And now my Polytrons will finish the job!” The creature cackled as Sweetie got back onto her hooves. The monster launched its leech creatures.

“Sweetie!!!” Only for Button to ride in front of the mare at the last second, causing sparks to erupt off his bikes as he tumbled into the sand, not moving as he came to a stop on the ground.

“Button!” Sweetie Belle quickly galloped towards her injured friend as the frog did a little jig.

“So much water, so little time! We’ll catch you later! Bye-bye!” The frog leaped up before disappearing in a flash of light. Sweetie rolled Button onto his back, ripping off his riding helmet. The mare gasped as she saw the leeches sucking away at the earth ponies chest.

“Help!!!” Sweetie screamed as she moved Button onto her back, taking effort as she was not an earth pony. Making sure she wasn’t seen she cheated in movement a little by using her training to help move along quickly to the only place she could think to take Button, Twilight’s Library.

Laying Button Mash onto his back carefully, Sweetie Belle practically broke through the secret door hiding Elements Ops.

“Spike! I need your help upstairs!” She told the drake desperately.

“In a moment Sweetie. I’m almost done repairing the morphers.”

“This is an emergency!!!!” Sweetie shouted, slamming the box with the morphers shut.

“Hey I was working on those!” Spike was now annoyed.

“Button Mash is hurt!”

“And you brought him upstairs? This town has a hospital you know?” Spike said, worried that Element Ops might be discovered.

“I know, I know, but he was hurt because of me!” Sweetie said, tears starting to form. Spike was surprised by the emotion Sweetie was showing. “Please come look at him! It was one of Nightmare Moon’s monsters!” The drake weighed his options.

“Alright, take me to him.” The mare quickly led the dragon back upstairs, where Spike got his first look at Button. “Ooo, he’ll be feeling this for a few days.” He said quietly, poking one of the leeches before breathing a small stream of fire on each one.

“What are you doing?”

“Leeches don’t like fire.” Spike explained as he ripped each leech off one by one.

“What are they?”

“Well, if I had to guess it’s some kind of cybernetic leech.” Spike said, examining one of the leeches. “Looks like they dehydrate the pony body until it just shuts down.”

“Is he going to be ok?” Sweetie asked concerned.

“Button? It looks like he drinks plenty of water, so he’ll be fine.” Spike said, taking the earth ponies pulse. “Although Twilight might flip when she finds out you brought somepony this close to Element Ops.”

“Well, maybe she shouldn’t find out.” Sweetie said with a smirk. Spike chuckled, shaking his head.

“Go get the morphers for me. They should still be in that box I left them in.” Sweetie then surprised Spike by quickly kissing his cheek for all he’s done for her. As the mare trotted over and activated the secret door, both she and Spike failed to notice Button was peeking carefully at her with a mean smirk on his face……

“So, let me get this straight: You left the barn to follow Rumble and Button Mash, but when you got outside they were gone?” Scootaloo asked Applebloom confused as the earth pony tightened a bolt on her motorbike.

“That’s what happened.” Scootaloo though for a moment.

“That’s weird, too weird really.”

“You know what? Maybe….” Applebloom started. “Maybe they’re master illusionists!” The Pegasus held her face in her hooves.

“And here I thought you were on to something Bloom.” The mare muttered as a familiar pony trotted up behind them.

“Hey. You ladies seen Button anywhere?” Rumble asked.

“Not for a while.”

“Gee, second time today he’s just disappeared.” Scootaloo said. Rumble cracked a smirk and trotted off. Applebloom looked at the stallion for the moment.

“See the way he was lookin at you Scoots?” Scootaloo frowned and looked at the departing Pegasus.

“Rumble? Nah, he’s just looking for he brother.”

“Right….” Bloom said in a wise crack tone, getting a soft slug in the shoulder from Scootaloo. While this conversation was going on just a little up the path Sweetie Belle brought her cart to a stop. Button Mash, now awake, sat in the passenger seat.

“Listen, um….thanks back there for what you did.” The earth pony said sincerely. “I mean, I-I don’t know what happened. I guess I just blacked out.”

“You did take a nasty fall off your bike. You’re actually pretty lucky.”

“Don’t feel lucky. I feel like a chump.” Button grumbled. “I try saving you, but you end up saving me instead.”

“It’s no big deal Button.” Sweetie said with a smile as Rumble found the two.

“There you are. Where did you run off to?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.” Button said hopping out of the cart. As she watched the two stallions trot off Sweetie couldn’t help but smile fondly at Button Mash.

Applebloom shook the mud off her riding gear as she pulled her bike to a stop over where her friends were. She might still be new at riding a bike like this, but she was quickly getting good at it.

“How’s it going Sweetie?” Scootaloo asked as she tapped Applebloom’s bike, bored out of her mind.

“Good news, I got our morphers in my saddle bag.”

“Oh yes!” The Pegasus said happily, going quiet when she noticed the brothers trotting back up.

“Sweetie, I just wanna say thanks for taking care of Button back there.” Rumble said, this being the friendliest he’s been towards the three.

“Any time.”

“We owe you one, and we always make good on our promises.”

“Okay, good to know.” Sweetie said with a friendly smile.

“Anyway, we gotta get heading home. Parents, you know how they are.” Button said. This sent a red flag at Scootaloo and Applebloom. As the brothers bid farewell, Sweetie passed over her team mates their morphers.

“Thank Spike the next time you see him. I’m beginning to think he feels under appreciated.”

“Somethings not right.” Scootaloo said.

“Spike didn’t mess the morphers that badly.” Sweetie said as she fastened hers on.

“Not that. We heard those two say they didn’t live with their parents.” Scootaloo said, thinking hard.

“That’s what we heard.” Bloom said as their morphers began beeping.

“I’ve located that frog again. He’s at the river bank in Ponyville. Hurry!” Spike said over the communicator.

“If Spike wants a frog couldn’t he go to the pet store?” Applebloom asked confused as to why Spike would want a frog.

“I’ll explain on the way.” Sweetie said, shaking her head. Scootaloo did a quick glance to make sure they were alone.

“Ready?”

“Ready!”

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” The morphing vortex formed around the three, with their ranger outfits snapping over their bodies before once more the visors closed on their helmets.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

The frog monster wasn’t hard to find. Going along the river bank it was looking for where it was going until the three Element Storm Rangers dropped down in front of it. The three went for their Element Blades when the creature blasted them with charges of purple energy, drawing the three to be stuck to each other. A flash of light blinded them until they realized they had been wrapped in a chain.

“I can’t move!”

“Going up!” The frog cackled “Next floor- housing and sporting goods!” The three rangers struggled as they felt themselves floating into the air. “Hope you can swim!” The chain broke when all three rangers were blasted by a fireball, sending them splashing down into the river below. “I knew they’d make a splash!”

“Going on rewind!” Scootaloo called as to the creatures surprise the rangers flipped out of the water, landing in front of it dry as a bone. “Ok girls, Element Beams!” Pointing their morphers at the creature the rangers spun their power disc, firing off several energy bolts that exploded on contact with the frog. The frog monster cackled before vanishing right in front of their eyes.

“Where’d he go?” Applebloom asked as the three looked around their environment.

“You ladies to the hip-hop?” The three turned and saw the frog bouncing along at them, striking the three as it bounced by, knocking them down in sparks. “Polytrons!” The frog opened it mouth and fired more of its leeches at the rangers. Scootaloo looked as three leeches attached to hers, Sweetie Belle’s and Applebloom’s chest before exploding and sending the three crashing to the ground. “Friendly, aren’t they?” The monster cackled happily.

“This guy is tough.” Sweetie groaned as she helped her friends up. The three rangers pulled out their Element Blades when the crash of thunder echoed the river bed. Before the three could react a navy and crimson lightning bolt struck the ground behind them.

“Uh-oh.” As the smoke cleared the Element Storm Rangers saw the two figures standing upright on four hooves. The Thunder Rangers had arrived.

“Like fighting a giant frog wasn’t bad enough!” Applebloom complained.

“Thunder Staffs!” With a crash of thunder the two rangers pulled their weapons off their backs, extending them to full reach. Twirling them around the two rangers pointed the staffs directly at Scootaloo and her friends. “Attack!” Yelling a battle cry as they charged, the three rangers held out their Element Blades, only to get the surprise of their life. The two Thunder Rangers ignored them completely, and instead charged the frog monster.

“What the?!” Scootaloo watched as the two rangers struck the frog, before twirling around and striking again.

“I thought we were on the same team!!!” The frog screamed as the two rangers lifted it with their staffs and tossed the monster away. “I guess not! Polytrons!” The frog fired its leeches at the two.

“Thunder Shields!” The two rangers rounded their staffs to form a circle with a energy barrier in the middle, completely deflected the leeches back at the frog.

“My precious!!” The leeches exploded in a fireball that sent the frog head over heels before crashing into the ground.

“Thunder Staff! Tornado Star!” The two rangers pulled their staffs into two pieces, forming a t that glowed brightly, tossing at the frog that caused to erupt sparks violently.

“What the heck is going on?!” Scootaloo asked confused, but the Thunder Rangers ignored her question.

“Crimson Blaster!”

“Navy Antler!” The two rangers summoned their own personal weapon that matched them.

“You ready?” The crimson ranger asked.

“You know it.” The navy ranger leaped at the frog, closing the antlers around the waist, lifting the screaming monster in the air as navy bolts lit the monster up. “How about a lift?” The ranger tossed the frog which landed on its massive feet.

“That didn’t hurt!”

“How about this?” The Crimson Ranger fired its blaster at the frog sending it flying back several feet. “Let’s put it together!” The navy ranger clipped the antlers onto the Crimson Blaster. “Thunder Blaster!” The navy ranger crouched as let the blast sit on their shoulder while the Crimson Ranger aimed at the frog.

“Ready when you are.”

“I’m too young to croak!!!” The frog pleaded.

“Fire!” The ranger pulled the trigger, firing a electric sphere that collided with the frog. “Done deal.” As the two rangers turned and walked away calmly the frog screamed violently as energy shot from its body, before falling forward and exploding in a large fireball. Scootaloo and her friends watched as the two trotted in their direction.

“Hey wait!” The two simply kept walking.

“Why did you two just help us?” They didn’t answer Sweetie Belle.

“Hello? Anypony in there?” The two finally stopped.

“We’re even…. Element Rangers.” The crimson ranger said over their shoulder, not even looking the three in the eyes. The two then kept on trotting away.

“Maybe they’re the strong silent types?” Sweetie guessed confused.

“What is with those two?” As the three rangers pondered just what was happening up above in space on her vessel, Nightmare Moon looked at the two rangers disappointed.

“Just as I thought those two had everything under control. I need closers on this vessel, closers!” Aiming at the planet she fired a energy shot that landed where the frog had just been. In a violent flash of light the frog had not only returned, but was now tall.

“I haven’t croaked yet rangers!” It cackled at its new size.

“Spike! Guess what we need?” Scootaloo said in the communicator.

“Don’t tell me.” Spike muttered before slamming his fist on the large button, releasing the completely repaired Hawk, Lion and Dolphin Zord out into the world. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

“Let’s do it!” The three rangers took to the air, landing safely inside the cockpit of their respective zords. “Ready?”

“Ready!”

“Element Storm Megazord!” Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

“Polytrons! The giant frog fired its leeches that latched onto the Megazord. The frog flashed it eyes, detonating the leeches that rocked the Megazord violently, shaking the operators inside.

“We’re getting schooled out here!” Applebloom reported.

“Spike, anything you can send our way?” Sweetie asked over the communicator. Spike thought for a minute.

“Uhhh….” Spike then snapped his claws. “Try the Ram Hammer!”

“What do you think girls?” Scootaloo asked, getting both approval as a response. On the console in front of the yellow ranger the disc slot flashed as the disc appeared in front of her.

“Power Disc Received! Lock….and drop!” Applebloom said placing the disc in the power slot, before turning the handle. The chest of the Megazord opened up as the yellow sphere came spinning out, opening up to form the Ram Hammer.

“Aw, you had to go there didn’t you?” The frog asked before firing more polytrons.

“Bring it on frog face! Scootaloo taunted as the Megazord swiped the hammer several times, each time sending wave after wave of Polytrons back at the frog. As each Polytron returned to the frog each one also exploded until the frog was finally knocked over.

“Is he down for good?” Applebloom asked.

“Just resting! What else you got?!” The frog taunted as it climbed back up.

“Ready…”

“Aim…”

“Hammer!” Charging all the energy that they could into the hammer, the three rangers extended the hammer as far as it could, striking the screaming frog in a large energy blast. The Megazord looked the other way as the frog convulsed, before finally collapsing for good in a large explosion.

“Rangers 1! Frog, zip!”

“You think Rumble and Button Mash are lying about their parent situation?” Sweetie asked her friends as they trotted down the steps into Element Ops to report back to Twilight and Spike. Scootaloo had explained what she thought was up to Sweetie on the trip here.

“Ah think those two are hiding something.” Applebloom noted.

“I mean, why? What’s there to hide from us?”

“Why don’t you find out?” As the three enter, a voice greeted them, and it was not one they were expecting. To their shock and horror, they saw the two Thunder Rangers not only invaded Element Ops, but had also taken Spike hostage.

“Whoa whoa whoa!” Scootaloo said as she and her friends took a fighting pose, not daring to take her eyes off the two. “Let him go.” The drake looked roughed up, but otherwise unharmed. Twilight was nowhere to be seen. The two rangers looked at the three in silence.

“How did you get in here?” Applebloom asked, but no response. Scootaloo had enough. These two had dared to invade their safe spot and wouldn’t even answer their questions.

“Ok, enough of the games, enough of the silent treatment! Stop hiding behind the helmet! Who are you?!” She shouted. The two rangers slowly looked at each other before giving a single nod.

“Guess we owe you that much.” The crimson ranger said. In a familiar flash of light the two Thunder Rangers finally demorphed. Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle stood in shock before the two ponies. They had ideas on who the two could have been, but they were not prepared.

Before them stood two stallions their own age. One grey Pegasus with a slick back mane, one brown earth pony with messy mane, not even wearing his trademark hat. Only a few hours ago they looked friendly, now they just had scowls on their faces.

“Rumble?” Scootaloo asked confused. The Pegasus glared at her.

“Button Mash?” Sweetie asked in disbelief. The pony stared right at the unicorn, showing no signs of remorse.

“But….how? Why?” Applebloom asked. “How did you get in here?”

“Ask her.” Rumble referred to Sweetie in a cold voice. Sweetie though on how this was her fault, until she remembered earlier in the day. She had saved Button….and brought him to the library.

“You lied to me…” Sweetie said, feeling betrayed.

“Sorry I had to use you like that Sweetie Belle.” Button said coldly, but with an apologetic look on his face. “I didn’t want to use you like that. Nothing personal towards you…..it’s just business.” Sweetie, as hurt as she was, put on a strong face as the two tightened their grip on Spike.

“If you hurt him, I will hunt you both down.” Sweetie said with as much emotion as she could.

“Bah, you can have him.” Rumbled pushed Spike over to Scootaloo and Applebloom. The two ponies raced forward and caught their friend. “We got what we wanted.” As Rumble backed towards his brother he pointed a hoof at the three mares. “Our issue isn’t with you three. Stay out of our way.” As he lined up with Button the two threw their hooves down, disappearing in a flash of smoke and light.

Scootaloo helped Spike into his chair slowly.

“Spike, what did they want? What did they take?” She asked frantically. The drake looked her in the eyes, before looking at the floor, tears forming in his eyes at how helpless he felt.

“……Twilight……they took Twilight….”

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Thunder Strangers Part 3

The mood up above on Nightmare Moon’s vessel was one that had yet to be displayed: the alicorn of the night was in a really good mood. This surprised her followers, since the last time Nightmare Moon was in anything resembling a good mood is when this all started.

“If I may ask you highness, why the good mood?” Trixie asked her master. The alicorn let out a laugh.

“Because for once, all is going according to plan!” The alicorn explained. “The Thunder Rangers have done everything they have said, exactly as the plan goes!”

“Your majesty,” Iron Will said, stepping forward with a frown on his muzzle. “I feel that until the Thunder Rangers return and the world is under our control, we shouldn’t celebrate just yet.”

“Iron Will, allow me to show you something.” Nightmare Moon said calmly, motioning her follower closer. With a wave of her hoof an image appeared of Rumble and Button Mash down below calmly trotting through a forest, one that looked familiar.

“The Everfree Forest?”

“One thing I have learned is you do not just wake up one day and decide to take over a planet.” The alicorn explained. “There are steps that must be taken. Observe, Step 1: capture your enemy’s leader.” The alicorn tapped her hoof at the moving image, showing an energy sphere on Rumble’s back. Taking a closer look Will could see a shrunken purple unicorn trapped inside: Twilight Sparkle. “Done. Step 2: wipe out the rest of their army. That is where you come in. Step 3: get rid of anything that stands in our way.” The alicorn changed the image to Ponyville. “That we will all do together.” The alicorn turned to her other followers. “Well? Any questions?” Nopony answered, but they were all feeling Nightmare Moon’s good mood.

“Then off to it!”

“See? I knew there was something about Rumble and Button Mash!” Scootaloo said as she and her friends frantically searched for Twilight on the Element Ops computer.

“Well, you don’t need to say, ‘Ah told ya so’ okay?” Applebloom said. “Ah fee; bad enough as it is.” Spike kept his eyes on the monitor until he found something promising.

“Got them.” A purple blip appeared on a map of Equestria. “That energy sphere contains Twilight.”

“How did she get in there?”

“Before they could capture her she encased herself in it for protection.” The drake explained. “Nothing’s gonna be able to crack it, and it will let us follow her anywhere within a twenty-five mile radius, but she’s about to go out of range.”

“Why are they in the Everfree Forest?” Applebloom asked.

“I got it! The Castle of The Two Sisters!” Sweetie had been searching through Twilight’s various books and scrolls in an attempt to find any clues on where the Thunder Rangers could be going, or what they planned to do with Twilight.

“Of course!”

“Isn’t that where the ghost are?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s also where the Spirit Cave is.” Spike explained. “Under the castle is a cave that house the Gem of Souls.”

“And It’s also the only thing in Equestria powerful enough to break the energy sphere around Twilight.” Sweetie read from a book.

“That’s gotta be what the Thunders are after.”

“Then that’s where we’re going.” Scootaloo said firmly, to her friends agreement.”

The Everfree Forest was not a place most ponies would dare enter, even with the company of friends or family. With sunlight barely able to pierce the canopy above, Rumble and Button Mash had to move carefully so they wouldn’t get lost or separated. They didn’t fear the creatures within, because they knew they had the skills to handle it. The two trotted along until they heard a low wail echo out, stopping them in their tracks.

“I don’t know about you bro, but this place gives me the creeps.” Button said.

“Right with you there.”

“You two should be afraid.” Twilight said, sounding muffled from inside her sphere. “There are spirits of the darkest warriors Equestria had ever known in this forest.” Rumble held the sphere up to look at Twilight.

“Thought a mare of science didn’t believe in ghost.” The ranger taunted. “And what did I say about keeping quiet?”

“You need to learn that revenge isn’t the answer. Especially on a pony that hasn’t done anything to you!” Rumble stopped trotting again.

“You destroyed our parents!” He shouted, shaking the sphere to rattle Twilight.

“Parents who adopted and gave us life! You deserve everything you’re gonna get.” Button warned dangerously.

To track down and rescue Twilight, it was gonna take everything the Element Storm Rangers had at their disposal to do so. Spike broke out Mobile Ops once more so the three would be able to use the Tsunami Cycles. All three were morphed, visors down, ready to go. It would be all hooves on deck.

“Tracking systems are online.” Spike reported. “The Thunders haven’t left Everfree yet.” Applebloom was pacing around like she needed something. “Bloom, you should’ve gone before we left.”

“Its not that.” The yellow ranger said. “Ah’m just freaking out here.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were going over the cycles to make sure they were in tip top shape, but the red rangers couldn’t help but notice how quiet the blue ranger was being.

“You ok Sweetie?” Scootaloo asked, not getting an answer back. “Look, it wasn’t your fault.”

“Then who’s was it?” The ranger asked quietly.

“You were just doing what you thought was right.” Scootaloo said softly. “It could’ve happened to any one of us.” Sweetie smiled at her friend as the three rangers mounted their cycles.

“This is as far as I can go girls. The Everfree is too tight for Mobile Ops.” Spike explained, before looking at all three. “The rest is up to you three…..please…..find Twilight.”

“We’re not coming back without her!” Scootaloo said firmly. “Visors up!” The rangers lowered their visors to cover their face as they revved the engines of the cycles. Spike pressed a button that lowered the ramp to the back to Mobile Ops. Once the ramp touched the ground, Scootaloo punched the throttle. Speeding off, all three rangers peeled out of the trailer that was Mobile Ops, disappearing into the thick forest.

“Hold on Twilight, they’re coming.” Spike said softly.

“Are we there yet?” Button asked as he and Rumble came to a clearing in the forest.

“Almost there.” Rumble said as the wail they heard earlier returned, putting the two on high alert.

“Did you hear that?” Button asked as the wail intensified, bouncing off the trees. The two brothers looked around, trying to pinpoint the source of the wail when in the middle of the clearing several pony figures made themselves visible. The two ponies took a fighting stance as the grey moaning ponies encircled the two. These were the spirits of the Everfree; ponies doomed to trot within forever.

“Maybe she was on to something.” Rumble calmly lowered Twilight’s sphere at the base of a tree, as so not to lose her later. The mare watched as the two stallions slowly held up their morphers as the spirits locked eyes on them.

“Ready?”

“Ready!” Both rangers pointed their morphers down.

“Thunderstorm! Ranger Form! Ha!” Lifting their morphers, then two slammed a button on the underside, each morpher opening to show their power disc. Their gold gauntlets latched to their forehooves and shoulders as their helmets launched into the air. When the two helmets latched perfectly to the two stallions the rest of their ranger form appeared as they let out a charge of crimson and navy lightning into the sky.

“Power of Thunder!” Both rangers called out. The first spirit lunged at Rumble with a spinning heel kick. The crimson ranger slid underneath the spirit able to connect a punch with the spirit behind it before turning its arm backwards, flipping it to the ground. Button flipped over two spirits, jabbing an elbow at one behind him. One spirit brought its hoof down onto the rangers shoulder, only for the navy ranger to catch it and flipping it backwards, spinning his back legs outwards with a leg sweep, taking down multiple spirits.

Rumble avoided a leg sweep, twirling in the air to connect with a side take down, snatching up Twilight’s sphere in the process. Keeping a hoof on the ground the ranger kicked his legs up, taking more spirits down, but they just kept getting back up, moaning and groaning still.

“They just keep coming!” Rumble said, avoiding a punch before taking one in the ribs, knocking him back into Button. Both rangers ducked under a kick before a swarm of spirits piled on them. “What now?”

“How about putting me down?!” Twilight said as her sphere shook. More spirits charged forward, only to be knock down in a surprise explosion of sparks. The thunder rangers looked as laser beams down the spirits down.

“What the?”

“Coming through!” Scootaloo shouted. The Element Rangers had arrived. The three mares fired more charges as they skid to a stop in front of the Thunder Rangers.

“Um, who do we fight?” Applebloom asked as the spirits rose back to their hooves.

“Anything not wearing a primary color!” Sweetie said as the spirits charged all five rangers. The blue ranger was tackled off her cycle as Scootaloo exchanged blows while still mounted on hers. Applebloom drifted the bike around, knocking spirits over and Rumble and Button Mash continued their fight as well.

“Stay close!” Rumble said to his brother as he flipped a spirit over.

“This is crazy!” Scootaloo flipped over her handle bars, locking her back legs around a spirit and turning them over. Rumble kicked his legs out until spirits piled on him, with him holding the sphere in the air.

“Ah’ll take that!” Applebloom said, riding by on her cycle and snatching Twilight away. “You ok?” She asked as she drifted to a stop.

“Not for long!” Flipping over the southern mare Button Mash took the sphere away once more, only to be tackled by spirits as he landed. “No wait!” He quickly tossed Twilight over Applebloom’s head and back to the hooves of Rumble.

“I got her!” Meanwhile Sweetie had been pinned down, only to be freed by Scootaloo. All rangers kept throwing kicks and punches at the spirits (sometimes at each other) until they were in a circle, facing out as they became surrounded.

“These guys are fearless!”

“They’re dead. It’s not like they have a lot to lose.” Sweetie pointed out.

“So that would be the glass half-empty right?”

“Back off!” Rumble shouted as a spirit tried to take Twilight away. All five rangers put up their fighting stance.

“Anypony have a bright idea?” Button asked, opening the floor for suggestions. Scootaloo had one, and it was crazy.

“Temporary truce?” She asked Rumble, off to her side. The stallion thought about it for a moment as the spirits numbers grew larger.

“….only for now!” For the first time, all five rangers began to work as one team. Rumble and Scootaloo began exchanging blows with several ghouls while Button, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle rolled off to the side in their own battle. As she watched on from her energy sphere Twilight could only be amazed by the two sides working as one team.

For the two red rangers whenever a spirit would attack one the other would catch the attack and strike back harder. Scootaloo rolled directly over the spine of one ghoul, taking its eyes off of Rumble who directed a kick into its chest. One ghoul pounced only to be caught in a head scissors by Scootaloo and twisted to the ground.

Up above Nightmare Moon was watching the fight, and she was not liking what she saw. Growling, she turned to Will.

“Just get down there, now!”

“Yes your highness!”

The two blue rangers flipped over a group of spirits, taking one down with a double leg sweep as Applebloom took to the air, taking several down with a dropkick. Flipping backwards as Button and Sweetie slid into place, flipping two ghouls over their shoulders as Applebloom cartwheeled over the two. As Sweetie and Applebloom took out more spirits with another double leg sweep, Button landed a well-placed back hoof under a ghouls chin. The three then connected a triple kick, knocking several spirits down. The three watched as the spirits vanished in a puff of smoke.

“That takes care of them.” Button said satisfied. Over with the red rangers Scootaloo and Rumble were throwing punches in every direction. Every punch met its target, with ghouls being knocked over one by one. The two missed their last target with their punch just over its head, so they instead brought their elbows down on top of it, knocking the groaning spirit down.

“That’s the last of them.” Scootaloo said as the spirits vanished.

“That was great team work.” Twilight said from her sphere, hopeful that this meant something.

“We make a great team!” Applebloom said, patting Button on the back. The ranger looked at the farm pony’s hoof, then slowly over to her.

“Yeah about that….” The navy ranger took the hoof and twisted it awkwardly, kicking Sweetie Belle away in the process. Before Scootaloo could react Rumble planted a elbow into her chest before flipping her over and stomping a hoof down.

“Truce over.” Rumble said, leaning in close to the down ranger before rejoining his brother. “Let’s get out of here.” Button nodded, and using the same abilities the three mares had took off in amazing speed.

“They’re getting away!”

“Oh no they’re not!” Scootaloo got back up onto her hooves, taking off after the two Thunder Rangers with her friends close behind her. Taking to the air Scootaloo landed in front of the stallions as Sweetie and Applebloom caught up. Rumble merely kicked the Pegasus out of the way in a clash of sparks as the yellow ranger helped her friend up.

“Why are you doing this?!”

“Simple: revenge.” Rumble answered. Before any other attack could be made the rangers began to shake with the ground.

“Now what?” Sweetie asked as the ground shook violently. “Is it an earthquake?”

“No, it’s that!” Applebloom pointed as a large green Megazord like machine slowly grew to correct size as large columns of red smoke billowed out from it. Inside the cockpit Iron Will chuckled to himself as he looked down at the confused rangers. This was his backup plan, and he was making sure it did not fail.

“Is that….Will?” Scootaloo asked confused.

“Who gave him keys to a zord?” Applebloom asked as the Thunder Rangers turned to each other.

“That’ll keep them busy for a bit.” Rumble said as he and Button dashed off again.

“Girls! They’re getting away!” Spike said over the communications from Mobile Ops. Scootaloo looked back and forth helplessly. Did they chase off after Twilight, or stay and fight Will.

“You two go after them. I’ll take care of Will.” Sweetie said, not taking her eyes off the large zord.

“Are you sure?”

“Go! Twilight needs us!”

“Let’s move Bloom!” Scootaloo and Applebloom promptly took off after the two Thunder Rangers, leaving Sweetie Belle alone with Iron Will.

“Spike, how about the zords?”

“On the way Sweetie!” Spike said, slamming his fist on the large button. The Zords were moved from their underground hanger, and out into the world via the holographic portals. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

“Here goes nothing!” Sweetie said as she took to the air, landing inside her zord. Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head. “Spike, a little help here?” Sweetie asked, knowing she couldn’t move the Megazord by herself.

“I’m sending a power disk. It’ll allow you to control the Megazord by yourself.” Spike said as the disk appeared in front of Sweetie.

Down below Applebloom and Scootaloo were closing in on the Thunder Rangers.

“Give me that ball!” Applebloom screamed as he leaped into the air at the two. Rumble stopped and turned towards the mare as Button leaped up as well.

“Don’t even try it!” The navy ranger said as he kicked the yellow ranger out of the air, landing on her back. Scootaloo kicked at Rumble, who blocked the first kick, catching the second one allowing Button to kicked her back further. “Oh no you don’t.” Rumble turned to dash away, forgetting Applebloom on the ground, who was able to flip the Thunder Ranger over.

“Heads up!” Rumble tossed Twilight over to his brother. Button placed the sphere in between himself and Scootaloo’s kick, shaking the mare inside around in pain.

“Oh! I’m so sorry Twilight!”

“I’m fine.” Button Mash rolled his eyes and tossed the sphere back towards Rumble, only for it to be intercepted by Applebloom, placing a kick into the chest of the surprised Thunder Ranger. The Pegasus placed one of his own; allowing Button to roll over Applebloom’s back, taking the sphere with him.

“It’s mine!”

“You ok?” Scootaloo asked, helping her friend up.

“Ah’m fine! Ah just wish ah knew what they meant by revenge.”

“Let’s find out!” Scootaloo said as they charged the Thunder Rangers.

At the Megazord battle Sweetie and Will were in the middle of a standoff. Will charged up the two blades coming out the the zords arms.

“Prepare to be sorry that you ever met me….” The minotaur growled before unleashing the charge right at the lone ranger in the Megazord.

“So that’s how its gonna be eh?” Sweetie groaned as the Megazord shook. “Blizzard Power!” The Megazord reached to its shoulder where the lion head was, and pulled a long rip cord, spinning the metal mane until it began firing ice charges. The blue ranger then aimed directly at the follower of Nightmare Moon until the zord went crashing down in sparks and small explosion. “That’s what I call chilling!”

Down below Scootaloo snatched the sphere away from Button, rolling away from a kick.

“Applebloom!” Scootaloo tossed the sphere towards her friend, only for Rumble to send Twilight up into the air screaming with a well-timed kick. All four rangers leaped into the air, each getting a hoof on the sphere. The four rangers landed, each kicking each other away and losing the sphere.

“Twilight!” Applebloom reached for the sphere as it rolled away, getting stuck on a rock. The two Element Rangers looked on at the Megazord battle as Will slashed with one arm, then the other before knocking Sweetie Belle down violently with a double arm slash.

“You ok Sweetie?”

“I’m fine. It’s gonna take a lot more to keep me down!” The blue ranger said, getting the Megazord back onto its feet.

“Will! Sweetie’s gonna school you!” Scootaloo shouted, supporting her team mate.

“Recess is over then!” Rumble said as he and his brother pulled out their Thunder Staffs.

“Element Blades!” The two Element Rangers pulled out their swords, before all four Rangers charged into battle. Button Mash and Applebloom collided their respective weapons several times in sparks of energy while also landing a few shots here and there.

“You’re really starting to bug me!” The yellow ranger complained. Scootaloo was firing off energy bolts from her blade; Rumble either rolling out of the way or deflecting it with his staff until he deflected one blast right into Scootaloo’s chest, knocking her down in sparks.

“This is really getting old….” At the Megazord battle Will fired a constant beam of energy at Sweetie Belle, shaking the ranger in her cockpit.

“Looks like you could use a little lift.” With the beam of energy the minotaur lifted the Megazord into the air before dropping the machine onto its back in a explosion of sparks, stomping forward to continue the on slough. The minotaur lifted a blade arm and jabbed it down onto the dolphin zord.

“Sweetie!” Scootaloo and Applebloom took their eyes off their fight to see if their friend was alright. Big mistake as the Thunder Rangers charged forward and with a slash of their Thunder Staffs knocked the two rangers over.

“Are we having fun yet?” Rumble taunted as he pulled out his blaster. “Because I am!” Firing off multiple shots the following fireball explosion sent Scootaloo and Applebloom flipping into the air before crashing down on the ground in pain.

“…..you’re friend destroyed our parents.” Button said calmly as he trotted over, taking Twilight back into his hooves.

“And now it’s payback time.” Rumble taunted as he and Button Mash began calmly to trot off in the direction of the Castle of the Two Sisters.

“They can’t be right….” Applebloom groaned, struggling to get back onto her hooves.

“It’s a lie…” Scootaloo said, using her blade to try to prop herself up.

“It’s over!” Will taunted as he stood over the fallen Megazord. “Admit it.” From inside her cockpit Sweetie’s visor on her helmet had come open as she tried to regain control. Will lowered his zord arms, and calmly lifted The Megazord up. For the second time in mere days, everything seem bleak for the rangers. “You failed.” Scootaloo could only look on helplessly at her friend. Several things were going through the rangers minds at this point.

“..please…..find Twilight.”

“We’re not coming back without her!”

Scootaloo began growling.

“I promised him….we weren’t coming back without Twilight….” The ranger growled as she slowly stood up. “And we aren’t through yet!” She charged at Applebloom who lifted the Pegasus up, spinning in place for a few rotations before throwing her friend in the direction of the stallions trotting off. Blade in hoof Scootaloo glided towards Rumble.

“Hey Thunder head!!!” Rumble turned, being completely caught off guard as Scootaloo kicked him into the air, slashing with her blade several times with sparks flying off him. Rumble groaned out as he flipped into the air badly, crashing onto the ground as Scootaloo caught Twilight.

“Rumble!” Button dashed forward to see if his brother was ok.

“I got her! Let’s go!” Scootaloo said as she and Applebloom dashed off. Sweetie looked as the two galloped off, turning her attention back to Will.

“Ok Will, you asked for it!” Using whatever the Megazord had left Sweetie was able to create some space by pushing Will’s zord back several spaces.

“Who do you think you are?!”

“I’m a big fish with a big attitude! Dolphin Blast!” Raising the dolphin arm the Megazord fired off several shots, causing small explosions on the enemy zord. “A Megazord is nothing without a few accessories. Power Sphere Five!” Sweetie pulled the disc in place, letting it drop and forming the grey sphere from out of the chest of the Megazord. The sphere opened up and formed a small grey lion. “Power Sphere Six!” The center opened again as a blue sphere came flying out, opening to form a blue turtle. The two mini zords latched on to each other, forming a gantlet gun like weapon. “Turbine Combo!” The lion shoulder revved up, powering up the weapon. The barrel began rotating quickly before unleashing a barrage of energy blast directly at Iron Will and his zord.

The zord began to spark, smoke and shake violently before falling forward in a large explosion. Unfortunately for the rangers Will evacuated the zord before it could be destroyed. Sweetie began celebrating to herself before departing the Megazord to rejoin her friends.

Applebloom and Scootaloo sprinted through the Everfree Forest, until they finally stopped for some air.

“I think we lost them…” The red ranger said, panting for air.

“Thank goodness.” Twilight said from her sphere.

“You’re alright now Twilight.” Scootaloo said happily, patting Applebloom on the back.

“Girls!” The two looked as Sweetie Belle came galloping into view. “Alright, you got her.”

“Nice work handling Will.” The earth pony said, patting Sweetie on the back.

“Um girls?” Twilight was looking over their shoulders from her sphere, and they were no longer alone.

“Mind if I cut in?!” Button said, leaping into view while striking Sweetie and Applebloom with his Thunder Staff.

“Not again!” Twilight complained as her sphere was knocked away from Scootaloo as Button began clashing his staff with Scootaloo’s blade.

“Thunderstorm Canon!” Rumble said as he put his and his brother signature weapon together, aiming down the sights at the fighting ponies. “Come on Button, get out of the way…”

“I cant!” The earth pony shouted as he kept striking the mares with his staff, knocking them down in sparks. “Take your shot! I’ll be fine!” Rumble debated if he should do this, making his decision by taking aim.

“Girls! We gotta move!” Applebloom pointed out.

“Scootaloo! Come on!”

“I’m a little busy here!” Scootaloo argued as her blade was tangled in battle with Button.

“Do it Rumble!!!!” The Pegasus took another moment to think, before pulling the trigger. The energy shot grew in size before firing directly at the four. The explosion was powerful to not only knock the four down, but was able to send Twilight’s energy sphere flying in Rumble directions. Groaning in pain as she went bouncing, Rumble calmly stopped the ball with his hoof, before picking her up.

“Miss me?”

“Not again….” The unicorn groaned, dizzy after her trip.

“Button? You alright?” Rumble called as the earth pony stood up. Groaning in pain and with smoke coming off his body, the Navy ranger limped over to his brother.

“I’m alright…..let’s go.” Rumble paused to look at the fallen Element Rangers, who were groaning in terrible pain. He locked his sights on Scootaloo who was able to roll onto her stomach.

“Last warning….stay out of our business.” The stallion said calmly as he and his brother trotted off in the direction they needed to go in.

“No…….stop…..” Scootaloo moaned weakly, losing enough strength that forced her and her friends to dimorph.

“Come back….” Sweetie called feebly after the two, knowing full well this might be the last time they ever see Twilight. The three were trying to hold in their emotions, with mixed results.

“You girls ok?” Applebloom groaned.

“No…..but I’m not through yet….”Scootaloo tried to push herself onto her hooves, only to collapse on the ground again. “Twilight needs us….” Gritting her teeth the Pegasus mare was finally able to push herself up in a standing position.

“Right behind you Scoots….” Applebloom fought the pain, helping Sweetie onto her hooves as well before the three slowly limped off in the direction of the two. They had to hurry, or else they would break Twilight’s sphere, and possibly destroy her.

Up ahead Rumble and Button Mash had demorphed as they approached the old rope bridge separating them from the long deserted castle.

“The cave is somewhere under the castle.” The Pegasus said. “We find the gem, then we end her.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Button said, agreeing.

“Please…..considering what you’re about to do.” Twilight said shaken, almost to the point of pleading them to reconsider their actions. “There are powerful forces here that Nopony can fathom.”

“Quiet you.” Rumble said, smacking the sphere lightly. “You’re gonna get what you deserve. The gem of souls will take of you.”

After making progress their limps turned into a unsteady trot.

“Button and Rumble can’t be right about Twilight…can they?” Sweetie asked uncertained.

“No way! Twilight may be a lot of things to certain ponies, but she’s the last pony I can think of that would actually commit what they say she did.” Scootaloo argued. “She taught us decency, respect, virtue!”

“We know that Scoots.” Applebloom said, rubbing her sore head. “Ah just don’t know what to do.”

“I do…” Scootaloo stopped in her tracks as the Castle of the Two Sisters came into frame. Crossing the rope bridge one at a time so it didn’t break under them, the three entered the ancient doors that once housed Celestia and her sister, before she became Nightmare Moon. “We need to find a way down below.”

“Ah heard their might’ve been a way down from the throne room.” The earth pony said as the three carefully trekked their way to the old throne room. Located behind the spot where Celestia’s throne would sat was a rickety set of stairs descending into pitch black darkness. Once more descending one at a time the three Element Rangers had finally arrived at the Spirit Caves. Hopefully they weren’t too late.

Up ahead the three noticed an eerie green glow coming from a narrow opening. Trekking on ahead Scootaloo carefully slid into the opening…

“Nononono stop!!!” She pleaded as she saw Rumble holding a green rock over his head, aimed at Twilight’s sphere. “Put it down!”

“Twilight didn’t do anything!” Sweetie said

“Just please lower rock?” Applebloom asked. Rumble gritted his teeth as Button Mash shook his head.

“Why does she mean so much to you?” The Pegasus asked annoyed. “We came to enact something she had coming for a long time.”

“You know Twilight!” Scootaloo argued. “She’s a library! Does that sound like someone that could commit murder?!”

“Nightmare Moon told us everything!” Button said loudly, silencing the three mares. “She witnessed the whole thing! Twilight destroyed our parents!”

“And you believed her?!”

“Why shouldn’t we?”

“Newsflash, Nightmare Moon isn’t exactly one of the good ponies out there!” Scootaloo argued. Rumble was conflicted. Looking at Button he made his decision.

“….We’re done talking.” Rumble raised the stone into the air, ready to strike.

“NOOOOOO!!!!” The Element Rangers screamed, charging forward to stop him, until a voice stopped all five ponies in their tracks.

“…..put it down Rumble.” The ponies looked as a figure slowly emerged from the shadows with another following closely behind. It was a grown Pegasus stallion and mare. The stallion had a dark grey coat with a black mane, while the mare had a purplish coat and messy grey mane. She also had Rumble’s eyes. The two Thunder Rangers eyes went wide in disbelief as Rumble’s lip began to quiver slightly.

“M-mom….dad?”

“How…how are you…”

“This is the Spirit Cave, we’ll be here for all eternity.” Rumble’s father said softly.

“….because of her?” Button asked, motioning to Twilight.

“No Button…” the mare said with a sad smile. “The one named Twilight Sparkle is innocent in all of this. She is not responsible for what happened to us.”

“Then….who is?” Rumble asked confused.

“The one they call….Nightmare Moon.” The two then slowly began to fade.

“Wait….wait! Come back!” Rumble shouted.

“We will always be watching you….make us proud….” The two finally disappeared from sight as the two stallions looked on heartbroken.

“Come back…..”

“Awww, tis a tragic sight. I might even shed a tear.” A new voice said. The three Element Rangers quickly turned to see a new figure entering the cave. She was a large midnight black alicorn with her starry mane flowing behind her. She was the one they had to defeat at all cost.

“It’s her…” Scootaloo said in shock.

“The Pony Rangers…..we meet at last.” Nightmare Moon taunted. “My ears were burning, were you talking about me by any chance?”

“It was you all along…..you framed Twilight for the death of their parents!” Sweetie said.

“Are you a quick one?” The alicorn taunted.

“We can finish this here and now!” Applebloom said, ready for a fight.

“Tis a good suggestion, but now is not the time. I simply want the unicorn.”

“Keep dreaming.” Scootaloo said defensively.

“If you want Twilight you’ll have to go through us first!” The alicorn thought for a moment.

“So be it!” The alicorn of the night charged her horn and fired a massive energy charge at the three. Scootaloo and her friends braced for himself when something happened that they didn’t expect. Rumble flipped over the three and blocked the attack with the Gem of Souls.

“YOU LIED TO US!!!” The Pegasus shouted in anger as the attack bounced back towards the alicorn. Nightmare Moon glowed brightly before disappearing in a violent flash of light. Silence filled the cave for several moments.

“What happened?”

“I stopped her attack with the Gem…..but…” Rumble turned and showed the three mares that the gem was now in several pieces.

“Ah think that’s bad.” Applebloom noted.

“For better or for worse the Gem cannot be destroyed.” Twilight said as her sphere began to crack. The rangers covered their eyes as the sphere exploded, allowing the unicorn to regrow to her normal size. “Ahhh….feels good to be out of there.”

“But what happened to Nightmare Moon?” Scootaloo asked.

“I’m sorry, but she isn’t gone.” Twilight explained. “She’ll be back, and more desperate than ever.”

“And we’ll be waiting.” Scootaloo said before turning to Rumble. “You know, we have a much better chance of taking on Nightmare Moon with your guys help. We’re willing to look past all that’s happened. What do you say?” The red ranger held her hoof out to Rumble. The stallion looked at it for several moments before looking at Scootaloo with sad eyes. He then slowly shook his head before he and Button Mash departed from the cave. “Guys…”

“Let them go Scootaloo. They’ve had a very rough day.” Twilight said, feeling the two stallions pain.

To save time from walking out the older unicorn mare had to group stay close together before teleporting out, and back to mobile ops, where she was quickly engulfed in a hug from Spike.

“Are you ok?!”

“I’m fine Spike, really I am. And I have something for you to do.” The mare hovered over the shattered remains of the Gem.

“It can’t be destroyed.”

“But you can send it wherever you like.” Spike though for a moment before getting what she meant. Taking a deep breath the drake let out a colume of flames, causing the shards to disappear to where ever he sent them.

“Bottom of the ocean.”

“Good, now the Gem of Souls can’t hurt anypony again.” Twilight said as the rangers loaded up for the trip home.

“She’s not through with us….is she?” Scootaloo asked.

“Nightmare Moon? No, and far from it I’m afraid.”

As the Element Rangers began their trek home, several miles away two lonely stallions were trotting along the river going out of Ponyville. Both had loaded up their saddle bags, almost as if they didn’t plan on returning.

“So how long do we plan on being gone?” Button asked.

“Why? Do you have a reason to come back?”

“….we both do.”

Nowhere to Grow

The sun had long set over the skies of Equestria, bringing about the night. Most ponies wouldve taken this as a sign to call it in for the day and get ready to enter dream lan, but in Ponyville three ponies weren't getting the message.

Scootaloo grinded along on her scooter, determined to pull off the best tricks she had under her belt. While she was doing this Applebloom was looking through the glow of the night vision lens of Spike's camera, which they 'borrowed' from the young drake.

"This is your best work yet Scootaloo." Applebloom complemented as the young pegasus mare grinded around a light post. From her wagon Sweetie Belle was looking on, not very impressed.

"Can we go now please?" She asked, annoyed they were still out here. "I gotta help Rarity run the shop tomorrow and Twilight's gonna freak if she knew we we're out this late."

"Come on Sweetie! Just five more minutes?" Scootaloo begged, not wanting to turn it in for the night. "I nearly had it that time!"

"Not to mention what Spikes going to say when he finds out you took his camera."

"We're only borrowing it." Applebloom defended, turning the camera back to her pegasus friend. "Keep going Scoots!" The pegasus mare steadied her scooter when her surprise and annoyance Applebloom lowered the camera.

"Keep filming!"

"What? You want those putties in the background ruining it?" Scootaloo quickly looked to where her friend was filming, seeing a group of putties heading into the darkness of night.

"Sweetie come on!" The unicorn quickly climbed out of her wagon and ran after Scootaloo. "Applebloom!" The earth pony chased after the two, camera still in hoof.

"Look at it this way! This will be great for the video!" Applebloom said, looking for the positive. The putties the three were chasing after had leaped over a wall of hedges, before digging away at the ground with little gardening shovels. Once little holes were dug the putties dropped what appeared to be large seeds into the ground.

"Perfect...." A pair of glowing eyes were watching the minions from the hedges. The putties kept digging away until they were interrupted.

"Hey!" The putties looked up to three Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom standing over head. "Heard there was a late night gardening party."

"And you didnt invite us?"

"Mind if we crash it?" Scootaloo taunted. The putties made a fighting stance before running off. The pegasus mare had seen enough. "You girls ready?"

“Ready!” In a flash their morphers were ready.

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” The morphing vortex formed around the three, with their ranger outfits snapping over their bodies before once more the visors closed on their helmets.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

Using their abilities the three rangers we're able to what seemed like teleporting around the putties, striking as they did before finally coming to a stop and engaging the putties in combat.

"Dont they know its getting late for this?" Sweetie asked as she kicked away at the putties around her, catching blows and landing several of her own.

"I dont think they care!" Applebloom landed a spinning heel kick before rolling into a putty.

"Let's make this quick!" But as Scootaloo dealt with her putties she failed to notice a vine wrapping around one of her back hooves. "What the?" The red ranger was yanked to the ground and pulled away from her friends and team mates as a plant monster yanked her up, tying her in vines.

"Well look what I got!"

"Watch the suit pal!"

"The names Flora Vendicis!"

"Cool name. Parents mustve loved you!" Scootaloo taunted, breaking free from the vines. She then launched a punch at the plant when it simply teleported behind her. "Huh?" She attempted the same tactic only for it to teleport away again. "Knock that off!" This went on until the monster teleported in front the ranger, firing a laser blast that knocked Scootaloo back in a shower of sparks.

"Scootaloo!" Sweetie and Applebloom helped Scootaloo back onto her hooves.

"Hope you dont have allergies." Flora taunted before purring loudly. She then lifted her viny hands before unleashing a cloud of pollen that exploded on contact with the rangers, knocking them down.

"This flowers nothing to sneeze at." Scootaloo groaned.

"Time to make like a plant, and leave!" Flora turned in place before vanishing right in front of the rangers.

"Wait! Come back!" The three scrambled up, right as their morphers went off.

"Oh rangers. Twilight would like to have a word with you." Spike's said over the communicator. Their hearts sank.

"Busted."

The three rangers made the walk of shame to Ranger HQ under Twilight's library. Once there they could tell Twilight did not look happy, and for that matter neither did Spike.

"Can't believe we got beat up by celery." Applebloom moaned as Spike snatched back his camera.

"Maybe it's because you three dont get enough sleep."

"I'll ask why you three were out late later. Did the monster drop anything?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, a bunch of seeds."

"Give them to me." Scootaloo did as told. "We'll talk about your punishment later."

"Hate to be in your scooter hooves." Spike joked.

"Dont you have books to dust off or something?" Scootaloo asked annoyed.

"Since when is Nightmare Moon into gardening?" Sweetie asked.

"Well there are plants that will grow and thrive in the night, I dont believe these are them." Twilight noted, poking one of the seeds with her hoof. She would instantly regret that as the seed emitted a green vapor, and a terrible smell. "Oh dear Celestia..."

"It reeks!" Scootaloo said as the other began holding their noses.

"Smells like Applebloom after training." Sweetie teased.

"You're not wrong."

"Twilight what are they?"

"I'm not entirely sure. But I know somepony who will know." Twilight stated. "Dr. Firefly is an old family friend who's making a stop in Ponyville. He specializes in exotic plants so if any pony will know what these are, its him. So, in the morning you'll visit him in his botanical laboratory."

"Why don't I go?" Spike asked, a bit miffed he was being overlooked. "It may need somepony who actually has a clue about botany."

"Dude, just so you know, we can handle a little plant." Scootaloo teased, patting Spike on the chest.

"Scoot knock it off."

"That's enough." Twilight said sternly. "You two return home." She said looking at Sweetie and Applebloom. "You return to your room." She said to Scootaloo. "And be careful. This might be dangerous." The three rangers began making their way out, Spike behind them. "And Spike..." This stopped the young drake. "Be careful how you choose to get involved."

"Twilight I can help." Spike said, annoyed they were having this talk, again.

"And you always do."

"No I mean really help! I'm tired of just sitting around, twiddling my claws and doing nothing!" Twilight kept her stern look on the young dragon, letting out a sigh.

"Spike, I'm sorry but I have my reasons. So I want you here, no ifs ands or buts." Spike opened his mouth to argue, but decided to let the whole thing go. Sulking, he walked out the entrance to Element Ops, leaving Twilight alone with her thoughts. Shaking her head she trotted over to the shelf full of books, scrolls and parchments. She looked at the various photos of herself at a younger age, along with a still hatchling Spike. The paused on a photo that didnt have her in it. Instead it had Celestia, a pink dragon and a purple egg with green spots. "He's acting just like her.....just like you said he would..." She said quietly to the Celestia in the photo.

Despite Twilight's instructions to not get involved under any circumstances Spike have had enough of not doing anything. So when the morning came he headed out ahead of the rangers. Twilight wouldnt suspect anything as the drake usually went out on walks to gather his thoughts. This time however he walked off to the greenhouse that had been set up on the edge of Ponyville overlooking the creek. Seeds in claw he walked inside.

"Hello? Dr. Firefly?" Spike asked as he examined the unusual plants around him. He turned when he heard the sounds of trotting. Behind him he found a charcoal gray unicorn with a red and orange color mane and tail. Behind his thick glasses the blue eyes of Dr. Firefly examined Spike.

"I assume Twilight sent you?" The unicorn chuckled. "Always sending her #1 assistant. Come in!" Spike helped himself, the warm environment not bothering him at all. "So, what does Miss Sparkle need now?"

"Do you know what these are?" Spike held out the seeds. Dr. Firefly lifted them closely with his magic, adjusting his glasses. "Ohhhh, and where in Equestria did you come across these?"

"You know what they are?"

"Of course, its the seed of the Supema Plant. Very rare, from the same family as the venus fly trap....only with a slightly more aggressive nature." Spike didnt like the sound of that.

"How aggressive?" He asked.

"Fully grown this plant is capable of devouring everything in its path."

"Well, then I think we have a problem here." Spike said, now concerned.

"Oh don't worry Spike, they're harmless. Unless you fertilize them in a special mineral water that provides a kick, so to speak."

"Where do you get this special water?"

"Oh its usually found in springs located at the base of some mountains. Like the mountain Canterlot sits on for example."

"You're talking about Magic Springs?"

"Yes!" Dr. Firefly said, pleased that someone understood botany. "I'm experimenting with the water, but the trek is too dangerous for one pony to take. Besides, I got giant corns to worry about." Spike finally noticed the large ears of corn growing behind the unicorn.

"Impressive. Well I better be off then." Spike excused himself out the door, now knowing where he was going to go. He had to get some of the mineral water from the Magic Spring. If anything it might provide a way to defeat the plants, if that time came. But as he was making his way out, pack over his shoulder he failed to notice a cart pulling up. The occupants did not fail to notice him.

"Hey...is that Spike?" Scootaloo asked.

"Since when did he leave Element Ops?"

"Should we call Twilight?" Scootaloo shook her head.

"No. I'll follow him and see whats he up to. You girls go talk to the plant guy."

"Sounds like a plan." Sweetie agreed. Scootaloo exited the cart and made off after the dragon. Applebloom and Sweetie helped themselves into the greenhouse. While they were expecting one doctor, they were not however expecting two. "Umm, excuse me? We're looking for a Dr. Firefly?" The two doctors, one griffon and blue unicorn turned to the two rangers.

"Well um, Dr. Firefly's a bit tied up right now but we can help. I'm Dr. Treehugger." The griffon muttered. "And this is Dr..."

"Root! Flora Root!" The unicorn shook their hooves vigorously. Something seemed off here to Applebloom.

"Sooo...whats that plant?" She pointed to the large yellow flower behind the doctors.

"Oh its used for perfume...want a sniff?" The unicorn asked, no longer smiling. Sweetie's eyes widen.

"Wait! I know you two! You're-" The plant then covered the two rangers in a green mist. Their vision began to blur out before the two collapsed.

"Nighty night, sleep tight, dont let the baddies take over your world cause you're too tired to fight." Trixie taunted. Gilda rolled her eyes.

"Look, dont talk, ever."

"Nightmare Moon told me you two were worthless." Flora Vendicis said from the comfort of the plants. "Dispose of them two while I attend to my babies." She purred as she looked at more seeds, sitting in the very mineral bath they needed to grow. "This is a beautiful plant to grow my botanical bombshell. Once those other fools return with the rest of the mineral water I'll fertilize all the runts in Equestria!"

Unaware of the danger that was happening back in Ponyville Spike finally arrived at the base of the mountain where Canterlot sat. Judging by the plants and the thickness of them the spring had to be close. As the drake pushed his way through the plants he failed to notice how effectively Scootaloo was trailing him.

"What are you up to?" She asked herself quietly as she spied on Spike fishing for water from a branch over the spring.

"That should be enough." Spike said to himself as he fished the bottle back up and placing it inside of his pack. Smirking contently to himself, he lost the smirk when the swarm of Putties surrounded him. As two putties leaped at him he made the long jump to the shore, making it with plenty of room to spare. The putties collided and fell into the spring below. The putties surrounded Spike on land, but they werent expecting him to fight back.

Spike caught and dodged several punches, trading back with punches and landing elbow shots. Ducking under a overhead kick he swept the legs out from two putties, twirling around and tackling another putting down before trading blows with a third. Knocking one down with a well placed kick to the chest he twisted the arm of another one, bring it to the ground. Scootaloo finally caught up to Spike, spying at him from a treetop.

"What the.....Spike?" She asked herself confused as the drake continue to fight back. Two putties were coming from behind when Scootaloo finally took them down with a drop kick, rolling over to Spike and standing back to back with him.

"What are you doing here?" Spike asked.

"Great question. Why dont you go first?" Scootaloo countered as the two split and took down one putty as a team. Scootaloo began landing chest kicks, over head kicks and leg sweeps as Spike continued trading blows. One putty made a break for the spring, a bottle in hand.

"They're going for the water! We gotta stop them!" Spike charged after the putty as Scootaloo continued her battle, leg sweeping one putty off a fallen branch. Spike finally caught the putty, and taking the bottle he twisted the putties arm, twirling it over and crashing into a tree. Knowing when its time to give up the putties made a hasty retreat. Scootaloo gather her breath before rejoining Spike.

"What was that all about?" She asked, before realizing something. "And since when did you learn to fight?"

"I spent years at Celestia's Academy. Do the math."

"Hey relax, I'm just surprised thats all." Scootaloo said impressed. "Didnt know you had it in you." She said, slugging Spike's shoulder softly.

"There's a lot you dont know about me Scootaloo." Spike said, no longer in a good mood.

"Yeah and who's fault is that?" Scootaloo asked, getting the message loud and clear. Spike glared for a moment before rubbing his eyes.

"I gotta get this sample back to Dr. Firefly."

"So what are you gonna tell Twilight about...you know?"

"Don't worry. I'll handle Twilight." Spike said, just wanting to leave.

"Whoa boy, nopony handles Twilight. You should know that better then anypony." The red ranger teased. Spike simply shook his head and began walking away. "Hey she just cares about you Spike ok? She doesnt want you getting hurt."

"Well as you can see she has nothing to worry about!" Spike snapped. Scootaloo to a step back in defense. The young drake blew a puff of smoke out of his nostrils and went about his way. The red ranger had a sinking feeling this wouldnt be the last time this would be brought up, but that was between Spike and Twilight.

In the greenhouse Sweetie Belle finally began to stir from her slumber. Opening her groggy eyes she discovered her front hooves were tied via vines above her head. Applebloom was in the same spot, only still out cold.

"Bloom....Applebloom wake up." Sweetie said, nudging her teammate. The yellow ranger groaned before finally opening her eyes. "Whats happening?" Sweetie asked, getting worried.

"This is what happens when you play with your food." Applebloom commented, trying to break the vines. Sweetie struggled with the vines until she had an idea.

"Hang on, I think I can get us out of here." She closed her eyes and concentrated. With the sunlight coming in through the windows a small stream of water slowly rose until it met the suns rays. A beam of light reflected off the water, making contact with the vines and slowly burning them away.

"Oh! Hot! Hot! Ow!" Applebloom said, the rays accidently burning them as well.

"Sorry." Sweetie giggled. "Need to make a few adjustments."

Spike made the trek back to Element Ops with seeds and mineral water tucked away in his pack. If he was lucky he could get in and out without Twilight making much of a fuss, if any at all. But there were days he learned when luck simply wasnt on his side; today being one of them. As he walked down the stairs he found Twilight sitting in his chair, looking very disappointed.

"Well, glad you see you made it back alright." Spike could hear the disappointment in her voice. He placed the seeds and mineral water aside on a side table.

"I made it alright."

"You deliberately went against my orders by going off on your own! Do you know how disappointed in you I am?" Twilight asked, rising to her hooves. Spike turned and looked her in the eyes. "I'm very disappointed in you Spike."

"How did you know I went to the doctor?" He asked. Twilight smirked.

"You may have spent a few years helping Celestia at her Academy, but I was her personal student, and your guardian. Not a good combination is it?" Twilight trotted over and looked deeply into her assistant. "Spike, I knew this day would come. Celestia told me its in your blood." Spike couldnt look at her.

"Look, I have nothing against Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle or Applebloom. They've come a long way but I know I can help." While the two were discussing matters they both failed to notice one of the seeds sprouted a vine that was sucking up the mineral water. "Not just help in here but out there!"

"....as a Pony Ranger perhaps?" Twilight guessed. The look on Spike's face told her she was right.

"....yeah, as a Pony Ranger."

"Spike you can be the bravest Ranger of them all."

"Then why didnt you choose me?!" Spike snapped, raising his voice.

"Spike....I can't. When you were just an egg Celestia made a promise. She asked me to carry on with that promise." The young drake looked confused.

"A promise? With who?"

"....your mother." Spike was finally able to look at Twilight. "When your mother was heavily wounded by dragon hunters she gave her only egg to her closest friend: Princess Celestia. She made the princess promise to protect you from harm before she died. When I hatched you Celestia instructed me to carry out with the promise. Spike your mother knew too well a Rangers life is one filled with constant danger."

"Twilight Celestia made that promise when I was a helpless egg."

"There is nothing more powerful and sacret then a promise to a friend." Twilight argued.

"My mother wouldve wanted this for me! She wouldve wanted me to fulfill my potential!"

"But unfortunately we'll never know that Spike. I'm sorry, I really am but my decision is final." Spike finally had enough and stormed out of Element Ops. Twilight could only look on sadly. She knew his heart was in the right place but she had a promise to fulfill. Little did the two know the seeds were beginning to sprout....

"Almost....there.....got it!" The vines finally fell away, freeing the hooves of Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.

"Come on! We gotta tell Twilight about the plant problem!" The two kept low in order to avoid detection from any more hostile plants when a loud grunting nose from the other room caught their attentions. Carefully the two opened the door to find a gray pony dangling from the ceiling upside down. "This has to be Dr. Firefly."

"Just figured that out?"

"No its on his name badge." Applebloom pointed out.

"Just help me get him down." The earth pony looked for anything that could help when she appeared with a pair of hedge clipper, and aimed for the top vine. "No not there!" With a quick snip Dr. Firefly fell head first to the floor.

"Oh! I am so sorry!" Applebloom apologized. The doctor swept himself off.

"Forget that! A terrible creature is growing the Supema Plant in my basement!"

"Go get help!" The two rangers quickly found the way down into Dr. Fireflys basement. Slowly making their way down to avoid falling into a trap, they had to cover their noses. "Ugh, its that smell again."

"Looks like some kind of nursery." Sweetie said, looking at the large plant growing out.

"What could be growing in this water?"

"Those are my flower children!" The two rangers turned to see Flora standing on the top of the stairs in. "So you might wanna back off before I put my petals to your metal! Can you dig it?"

"Applebloom!" The ranger looked down to see vines trying to grab her and Sweetie Belle. Trying to avoid the vines the two raised their morphers.

"Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!"

As the vines entangled the two their element blades were no match for the plants.

"Get off me!" Applebloom struggled to fight back. As the two swung away they were lifted off the ground.

"Time to pollinate the entire population! Grow babies grow!" The plant finally sprouted upwards, crashing right through the ceiling and into the open sky. The enormous plant began swinging the two rangers around helplessly. From Element Ops Spike and Twilight were finally noticing the issue.

"Call for Scootaloo."

"But I can help them!"

"Spike...send Scootaloo." Twilight warned. Spike growled, but pulled up Scootaloo on the com system.

"Scootaloo come in!" Scootaloo was visiting the local market when her morpher went off.

"Whats wrong?"

"The others need you now!"

"I'm on it." Quickly ducking behind a pile of crates to make sure she was being watched she raised her morpher.

"Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!" The morphing vortex surrounded the red ranger as her outfit snapped into place.

Fully morphed she ran as quickly as she could to the large plant out in the distance. "Girls!" She yelled as she arrived.

"About time!"

"Can you lend us a hoof?"

"Hang on! Hawk Blaster!" Pulling out her signature weapon she fired off a beam of energy but to her shock and surprise it didnt even make a dent. "Thats not possible..." A large vine then struck her, sending her crashing down in a shower of sparks. "Spike! I need some help!"

"Scootaloo's down." Spike began typing when a vine wrapped around Twilight, yanking her up into the air. The seed in Element Ops had finally sprouted. "Twilight!" Spike launched from his chair and began fighting the vines, but every time he would cut one away another would simply grow. "Ugh! Until Scootaloo takes down the main plant we cant do anything!" Having to turn away from the flailing and screaming Twilight Spike began wildly typing away. "Scootaloo!" He swatted a vine away. "I've been working on a program to increase the strength of your Element Blades! Prepare to download!" Spike slammed his hand on the large button as Scootaloo summoned her sword.

"Element Blade! Power Up!" The blade emitted a slight glow as Scootaloo swiped at a vine, finally bringing it down. "Time to cut down some weeds!" She began swinging wildly at the vines, hacking away at anything that moved towards her. With a path cleared the red ranger took to the air and with one well place swipe the large flower overlooking the greenhouse exploded. Scootaloo landed gracefully as Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were dropped from their entanglement. Spike looked to see Twilight flopping to the floor. The drake let out a sigh of relief.

"Great job Scootaloo! Everypony ok there?"

"Yeah Spike. We're fine, thanks to you."

"Why you!" The three rangers looked to see Flora Vendicis overlooking the three. "You killed my babies! Let's end this down!"

"No problem!" The two sides began circling each other until the three rangers pulled out their swords. Not only did they not make a dent, Flora was able to flip the three over in a shower of sparks. Scootaloo scrambled up over for a vine to wrap around her waist.

"You really get wrapped up in your work!" The monster taunted. Scootaloo tried rolling away but couldnt break free as she was launched into her team mates in a shower of sparks. "I'm a flora you cant ignora!" FLora unleashed a cloud of pollen that exploded on contact with the three. When the smoke cleared the three rangers were missing. "I guess that worked better then expected." Sweetie Belle and Applebloom swung in on vines, landing hard shots with their blades. Scootaloo came flying in, taking Flora with her with a well placed kick to her chest as the ranger hacked away with her blade.

"It's a sword and a weed wacker all in one!" Scootaloo taunted. Flora collapsed against a wall, smoking in pain.

"Let's put them together!" Applebloom said as the three rangers combined their signature weapons.

"Storm Striker!" The three rangers took aim with Scootaloo at the helm.

"Whoa....what a night...."Flora groaned weakly as she rose to her feet.

"FIRE!" The weapon charged up its energy before firing a large energy sphere directly at Flora. The monster screamed as the blast connected before collapsing in a large explosion. From up above the villains were looking on in discontent.

"Oh well, another one bites the dust." Gilda commented.

"Who's idea was it to use weeds?!" Nightmare Moon snapped as Gilda and Iron Will instantly pointed at Trixie.

"Hers!"

"Wait a minute!"

"I'll deal with you later...." The alicorn of the night growled, before pointing at the planet below and firing a spell at the remains of Flora. The monster glowed before growing to a massive size.

"Thats some fertilizer!"

"I knew it was too easy....Spike! We need the zords!"

"Coming up!" The Zords were moved from their underground hanger and out into the world via the holographic portals. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

"Let's go!" The three rangers took to the air, landing directly in the cockpits of their respective zords. “Megazord Formation!” Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

"This wont take long. Lightning Mode!" Scootaloo said, pushing the correct button to trim down the megazord, but they would only have this for sixty seconds.

"You dont scare me!" Flora taunted.

"Maybe this will! Rim Attack!" The Megazord extended two blades from each arm, then held them in a way to make it look like a wheel. The Megazord took to the air as a track was layed out in front of it. "Ready! The Megazord rolled down the track as a blade wheel, colliding directly with Flora, rolling her over and launching her into the air and sending her crashing into the ground.

"Power down to battle mode!" The Megazord regrew the parts it had shed a moment ago in order to return to its default mode. "Let's wack this weed once and for all! Prism Flurry!" The Megazord pulled a large rip cord to spin the mane of the lion head on its shoulder. Pointing at the plant it began firing a barrage of energy spheres that each exploded on contact.

"I'm not liking this anymore!" Flora screamed.

"Power disc!" Scootaloo removed the disc from her morpher. "Locked, and dropped!" The chest of the Megazord opened, forming a red sphere that had the number one. "Power Sphere activate! Serpent Sword!" The sphere opened as a small serpent zord flew out and formed into a sword. "Megazord Multiply!" The MEgazord split into three copies of itself. "Serpent Sword! Triple Strike!" All three rangers called. Each Megazord swung with its sword, each massive slash connecting with Flora, each one causing the monster to emit lightning discharge and sparks until, while screaming wildly, it finally collapsed to the ground with a massive explosion. As the rangers celebrated the Megazord reformed into one. The three then leaped from their cockpits and landed on top of the Megazord, admiring the view.

The three returned to Element Ops in a great mood, but quickly lost those moods when they looked at Twilight.

"Are you still mad at us?" Scootaloo asked.

"Come on Twilight we would have never found those seeds if we weren't out late." Sweetie argued. The older unicorn looked at the three with a stern expression.

"I have taken that into consideration. However, breaking rules cant go unpunished. So everypony, ten mile jog please." The three rangers looked very annoyed as Spike smirked.

"What? Ten miles!"

"Its cold out!"

"Are you kidding me?!" The three groaned as they made their way out to accept their punishments. Spike chuckled to himself, until he noticed the look Twilight was giving him.

"What?" Twilight smirked.

"I said everypony Spike. That means you as well."

"Me? What did I do?" Spike asked confused.

"Besides sneaking out, fighting putties and disobeying my orders."

"How old does somepony have to be until they can do whatever they want?" Spike groaned. Twilight kept her smirk.

"Nopony has lived that long Spike. Now go. When you return we'll discuss your future training." Spike was nearly at the door when those words sunk in. He turned back to his guardian.

"Training? But what about the promise?"

"There are other ways besides that of a Ranger Spike." The smile on Spikes face grew as realization grew. He made his way out to catch up with the rangers. Twilight smiled, knowing she at least would make him happy, without breaking the promise.

Return of Thunder Part 1

It was one of those rare moments for the three teenage mares that made up Element Storm: having any off time of the sorts. While they didnt know exactly where Scootaloo was spending her off time Sweetie was deciding to spend it with Applebloom at Rodeo/Dirt Track. Usually when she had some off time the yellow ranger was spending it getting better with the dirt bike, having been exposed to it thanks to two missing stallions.

Sweetie and Applebloom looked at the monitor showing recent race highlights, most of them consisting of her improving skills. The blue ranger couldnt help but be impressed with her friends improvement.

“Do you know how good your beginning to look out there Bloom?”

“Yeah, but ah’m still getting better.”

“Think you wanna make it a full time thing?”

“You been when we’re not doing you know what?” The earth pony mare teased. “Ah don’t know really. Ah mean yeah I could do it but ah might wanna settle at the farm.”

“Close to family and all that. I get it Applebloom.” Sweetie said, nodding her head.

“What about you?”

“Me? Rarity thinks I can give the fashion industry a go but thats not my thing. I like being close to the water, and of course there’s my singing.” Sweetie said.

“Voice of an angel there.” Applebloom complemented. The two rangers turned back to the monitors. After a few more minutes of showing the yellow ranger it began showing recent footage of two stallions, one of which made Sweetie sighed quietly. Applebloom caught her friends mood change. “You’re still thinking of him aint you?”

“....yeah. Wish he and his brother would come back.”

“Ah don’t know. After all thats happened-”

“Ponies can change Bloom. But the only way we’ll know is if….wait, that’s it!” Sweetie snatched a riding helmet from a table not too far from the two and made a beeline for Applebloom’s racing bike.

“Whoa whoa whoa whoa!”

“What? I’m just gonna borrow your bike.” Sweetie explained like it was obvious.

“No, you see how it usually works is you ask me first, I pretend to think about it, then tell you the only way ah’m letting you ride mah bike is if you tied me down and torture me!”

“Please don’t make it come to that.” The unicorn mare said.

“What? You think this is gonna make Button Mash come back?”

“I miss him ok? And riding makes me feel like he’s still around.” Sweetie started. “And since Spike has the Tsunami Cycles under lock and key, this is the closest thing I can find.” Applebloom started stuttering, trying to find any reason to argue when Sweetie came her pouty face. “Please?”

“Grrr….fine!” The ranger handed the keys over. “But if you so much as bend the bars or break the shifter off-”

“I’ll fix it ok Mom?” Sweetie said sarcastically. “But I’ll be gentle with it.” Applebloom sadly watched as Sweetie Belle rolled her bike off the track and into the nearby forest.

Several miles away from Ponyville lay the Desert of Sorrows, where very few ponies were willing to go because you needed the fortitude and will power to make it along with harsh and dry dunes. There only a hoof full of ponies in all of Equestria that would make it through safely without any change to them. Two of those ponies we’re walking on the highest dune. Two ponies who were still searching just what to do with their lives after recent events.

“Are you sure she said here?”

“Yeah, maybe she got lost. I mean she isnt the brightest of the bunch.”

The two ponies in question were adoptive brothers Rumble and Button Mash, or as the three mares in Ponyville knew them as: The Thunder Rangers. Because just like them the two stallions were gifted with the powers to morph. The two rangers waited until the air in front of them began to ripple before a blue unicorn mare appeared in front of the two.

“Ah, you came just as Trixie commanded!” Trixie said, pleased that they listened. “Now to get down to- hot hot hot hot hot!” The temperature of the sand finally struck the pony who hadnt actually been down to Equestria in quite some time. The two brothers smirked as she began hopping from hoof to hoof.

“Told you she wasnt the brightest.” Button said as Trixie slipped and slid all the way down the dune, with the two rangers trailing behind her. Coughing the follower of Nightmare Moon finally came to a stop.

“Trixie thinks she has sand up her nose.” The unicorn groaned as Rumble and Button Mash finally caught up to her.

“Alright get up!” Rumble said, lifting Trixie up.

“Yeah, we came like you asked.”

“This better be worth the hike.” Trixie had a smirk on her face.

“Oh believe the Great and Powerful Trixie when she says it will be!” The two stallions rolled their eyes. “You see boys, Trixie has made a life altering decision that will affect the power balance of the universe!”

“Meaning?” Button asked confused.

“Trixie has decided to leave Nightmare Moon’s army!”

“Leave? And what? Help Twilight and the other rangers?” Rumble asked. Trixie made a scowl at the mention of the ranger mentor, but kept calm.

“You know, defect, turn over a new leaf! Go to the light side!”

“Who said the light side will want you?” Rumble asked.

“Because bitter ex-followers have all sorts of information, plus classified files, secret passwords, you know what Trixie means.” The two brothers looked at each other.

“Like how to get on Nightmare Moon’s ship?” Button asked.

“Possibly…..” Trixie said, practically dangling the bait in front of them.

“Whats in it for you?”

“Like Trixie stated, she’s bitter and wants payback for all the nasty statements and treatment she has received!” Rumble and Button looked at each other, deep in thought. If she was being truthful, then this could be the big break the others were looking for.

It had been a few hours since Sweetie and left with Applebloom’s bike, and no word from her since. This was not only beginning to make the yellow ranger nervous about if anything had happened, although it was more for the bike then Sweetie Belle. As the earth pony went about her work Scootaloo decided to finally make an appearance.

“You look like something has you worked up.” The red ranger pointed out. Applebloom sighed.

“Yeah, ah’m worried about my bike being brought back in one piece.”

“Did a racer take it out?”

“No ah let Sweetie Belle make off with my prized bike.”

“Sweetie Belle? You never even let me ride that thing!” Scootaloo complained.

“But she hits harder than you.” Scootaloo opened her mouth to argue, but couldnt find the counterargument.

“Good point.”

"Woooooohoooo!!!" Sweetie screamed out in excitement as she came tearing off a dirt hill into the wooded region. The bike shredded any dirt it came into contact with, and with the speed she was picking up she was genuinely having a good time. She could see why Applebloom had a good time doing this, but it simply wasnt her thing. Gaining air as she ramped off a large hill she almost didnt notice she was no longer alone.

Sweetie heard the revving of an engine as another rider came launching off the hill behind her, decked out in navy blue riding gear. The blue ranger didnt know if this was who she was looking for or if Nightmare Moon didnt send out one of her goons to get her while she was all alone.

"Let's see how you handle getting a little wet." Sweetie said to herself as she turned into a shallow creek. But to her surprise the rider kept right up with her, even popping a wheelie as they got closer to Sweetie. Trying to muster as much speed as she could from Applebloom's bike the blue ranger tried to widen the gap between her and the mystery rider. Yet no matter what she did the rider was having no problem keeping up. "Whoever you are you're good at this." Sweetie's next trick was the swerve back and forth in an attempt to throw the rider loose, but once more the rider was able to match her movements to a tee. "Ok, time to take this into the woods." Sweetie ramped off a trail leaving the creek and riding straight into the woods. For a moment she thought she had lost the rider when the navy blue dirt biker landed directly behind her. Swerving in and out of the trees Sweetie was beginning to run out of ideas when she realized her mistake: never take your eyes off the road.

Sweetie slammed into a fallen tree, flipping her screaming off the bike and tumbling down the dirt and the rider followed behind her, passing Applebloom's now smoking bike. Groaning as she finally came to a stop Sweetie looked up to see the rider pulling up beside her. "Whats the deal with tailing me jerk?" The blue ranger pulled herself up as the rider finally pulled off their helmet.

"Good to see you too Sweetie Belle." Button Mash said with a smirk. The mare gasped, knowing that her plan had somehow worked, and that she had also forgotten all about it.

"Button!" Sweetie then slugged the stallions shoulder. "You freaked me out back there! I thought you were one of Nightmare Moon's goons."

"Since when did they ride dirt bikes?" Button teased.

"You never know. So where have you been anyway?" Sweetie asked. "You never called, never wrote anything....you also never said goodbye after the cave." Button frowned, looking down at his hooves. "Oh right, touchy subject. Sorry."

"Thats alright Sweetie Belle. But with that said you missed me didnt you?"

"No, I didnt miss you." Sweetie said, trying to hide her blushing face.

"Yeah you totally missed me. I can tell!" The earth pony teased.

"I'm not talking to you any more. And I might never talk to you again." Sweetie said sternly.

"Oh yeah? Even if I had a way to get onto Nightmare Moon's vessel?" The unicorn mare looked directly at Button. The time for joking was over.

"I don't buy it." Scootaloo said. Sweetie rushed back to Ponyville where she had to tell the others the news Button Mash had brought to her. After returning Applebloom's bike, much to the yellow rangers dismay, the three had regrouped in Element Ops along with Spike and Twilight Sparkle. The others let Sweetie's announcement sink in. It sounded almost too good to be true. "Why would Trixie all of a sudden turn good?"

"I have to agree with Scootaloo on this." Twilight said. "It sounds awfully convenient."

"Look, Rumble and Button Mash said they were going to check it out." Sweetie Belle said. "Even if they can get onto her ship they wont attack until they can bring us in for backup." Applebloom nodded.

"Good, then that gives us time."

"Time for what?"

"For you to fix my bike! Ms. Free style no hoof landing!" Scootaloo began laughing.

"It wasnt that bad ok?" Sweetie said, trying to defend herself. "I just took a little spill." Spike was now laughing with Scootaloo. Twilight was smirking.

"Sweetie the fender is facing BACKWARDS."

"Ok ok I'll fix it!"

Ping ponging their way thanks to their Ranger Powers Rumble and Button Mash landed safely onto Nightmare Moon's vessel. Taking in their surroundings not much had changed since they were last here. Although to them it was a little too quiet for their liking.

"Hello boys!" Trixie said, appearing behind them, only for the two rangers to flip her over and to the ground out of reflex. "Ouch! Rude you know?"

"That's what you get for sneaking up on ponies." Rumble said as he lifted the unicorn mare up onto her hooves.

"You really need to work on you entrances." Button said, rolling his eyes as Trixie placed her hat back onto her head.

"Follow me, and keep quiet." The former follower said quietly. "She's resting on her throne." The two stallions followed quietly behind the mare as they entered the throne room. On the large throne in the middle of the room sat the alicorn of the night, enemy to all that was good and sworn enemy to the Pony Rangers: Nightmare Moon. The alicorn had her head down, her chest slowly rising up and down. The two rangers noticed a sphere containing her older sister and ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia, was next to her throne.

"She keeps a scroll to undo all the spheres next to her throne." Trixie said quietly.

"Ok, we'll take it from here." Rumble said. The two quietly approached the throne. They could hear slight snoring coming from the alicorn. "Almost there.....just a bit further." Rumble could make out the scroll they needed to undo all of this. He carefully reached forward when to their horror Nightmare Moon looked directly at them.

"Surprise!!!!" Rumble and Button Mash took a fighting stance as a swarm of putties instantly pounced them. They had walked right into a trap setup by Trixie of all ponies. The alicorn of the night laughed evilly at the two rangers attempted at fighting free, but the numbers game was simply too much for Rumble and Button Mash to handle. The putties lifted Rumble and tossed him under a spotlight. Button flipped out of his putties, quickly helping Rumble up.

"That's the best you got?" The earth pony asked as he and Rumble took a fighting stance.

"No, but this is. NOW!" Nightmare Moon snapped at Trixie who slammed her hoof down onto a large button. A beam zapped down onto the two rangers, freezing them where they stood.

"Haha! Got you both!" Trixie said happily as the other followers Iron Will and Gilda arrived to see what the commotion was all about. Nightmare Moon rose from her throne and got nose to nose with the frozen rangers.

"Tis a pity, but I have four letters for you: DNTA. Do Not Trust Anypony!" The alicorn cackled.

"You're majesty, whats going on?" Will asked. The alicorn snapped towards the two.

"While you two have been slacking off lately, miss Lulamoon here actually did something correct for once in her life."

"Thank you your highness." Trixie said, before she turned to Rumble and Button Mash. "Heeeellllooo? Hello in there? What? Cat got your tongue?" The unicorn teased. "That will show you never underestimate the Great and Powerful Trrrriiixxxiiieee!"

"I applaud you Trixie." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "Or should I call thou, General Trixie?" Trixies eyes widen as Will and Gilda frowned.

"A promotion?! You're majesty Trixie is honored!"

"Don't let it go to your head Trixie." Gilda growled.

"At least she understands what I want around here." Nightmare Moon growled back, silencing the griffon. "Now then Miss Lulamoon, the rest of your plan."

"Ummm, the rest of my plan?" Trixie said nervously. She hadnt thought this far ahead.

"Oh this outta be good." Gilda said quietly to Iron Will.

"General, do not keep your princess waiting." The alicorn warned.

"Ummm, well.....uh....maybe...." Trixie looked at her comrades.

"Don't look at us....GENERAL." Will said, spitting the last word.

"Ummm....fill them with candy and make them into pinatas?" The alicorn didnt look amused one bit at that statement. "Ok, scratch that. Ummm....ok. We erase their memories, no! We give them new memories! Use a spell to plant false memories in their heads. We can make them think the Element Rangers are their sworn enemies!" Trixie said happily.

"Thats your plan?" Gilda asked. "Those two have failed us enough. Why not just send them drifting into space! I swear sometimes I wonder why we didnt just brain wash Twilight-

"Dont say HER name around me!!!" Trixie snapped, getting nose to beak with the griffon. "Trixie will prove she is superior to Twilight Sparkle! So as general I'm ordering this plan to happen!"

"Why thats the dumbest-"

"I like it." Nightmare Moon said, silencing the griffon again. "Tis clean, simple and to the point. Plus, does thou not enjoy seeing the rangers fight amongst thyselves?" The alicorn asked. "Make it happen General." Trixie looked smugged at Gilda and Will, the griffon simply storming off before she did something she was gonna regret later.

Applebloom went back on her way to the dirt track in order to get back to work, and begin fixing her bike after Sweetie somehow talked her way out of fixing it. She was not however expecting to see two certain stallions talking to one of the ponies in charge of the rodeo.

"Yeah, we'll see you around sometimes." Rumble said, bumping hooves with the pony.

"Definately." Button said happily. The pony in charge trotted past the yellow ranger, so Bloom decided to see what was up.

"Havent seen you two in a while." Applebloom greeted happily, only to notice the two rangers looked...off. "What? We're not mad at you."

"Look we'll see you later." Rumble said, trying to excuse him and his brother.

"What wrong?"

"It's nothing ok Applebloom?" Button said, no longer looking friendly. The two stallions pushed past the yellow ranger, leaving her standing there confused.

"But- wait! Don't we have some things we need to talk about!" Applebloom called after the two. Something wasnt right and she knew it. Excusing herself once more the mare made the trek back down to Ponyville. The others had to know about it. Passing her way past the citizens of the village she entered the library and opened the passage down into Element Ops where Sweetie and Scootaloo were currently sparing while Spike and Twilight observed.

"Howdy Applebloom." The red ranger said in a fake southern accent.

"Hey ah bumped into Rumble and Button Mash at the track, and something was off about them."

"Off how?" Sweetie asked as she blocked a chop from the pegasus mare. "They havent told me how the plan went but I trust them."

"You might wanna rethink that." Applebloom said. "It was like deja vu all over again."

"Technically thats impossible Applebloom." Spike said, not looking up from the computer.

"Whatever yall say Spike but it was like our little adventure at the Cave never even happened." Scootaloo stopped sparing with Sweetie at this statement.

"But...I thought we were cool with them." Sweetie said confused.

"Since when have those two been reliable?" The red ranger asked, earning a glare from the teenage unicorn.

"Uhh girls? speaking a reliable we got a problem here." Spike said as he pulled up a live video feed. The screen showed a crowd of innocent ponies running from a monster attacking near a power station that provided power to various points of Equestria.

"Out of my way!" The monster, a large snail like being, taunted at the fearful ponies.

"Looks like somepony got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning." Spike noted.

"Where does Nightmare Moon find these guys?"

"You wanna say it, or want me to?" Sweetie said with a smirk as she and her friends lined up.

"Girls ready?"

"Ready!" In a flash their morphers were ready.

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!” The morphing vortex formed around the three, with their ranger outfits snapping over their bodies before once more the visors closed on their helmets, before finally assuming a fighting pose

“Power of Air!”

“Earth!”

“Water!”

Using their abilities to ping pong their way to the monster sighting something seem off to the three rangers instantly. All the innocent ponies had cleared out of the area, but the monster was nowhere to be seen. The three mares pulled out their Element Blades in defense.

"I don't see anything." Scootaloo said cautiously.

"I hate to bring it up, but thats how this always start." Sweetie said. As the three rangers paced they finally noticed the smoke beginning to roll in.

"Smog alert!" Applebloom coughed at the order emitting from the smoke. "Ah don't see anything!"

"Hey alien!" Scootaloo called as the smoke got thicker. A laugher cackled from the smoke as something struck the three mares in sequence, knocking them over with smarks emitting off them.

"I rest my case..." Sweetie groaned.

"Well, if it isnt the world famous Pony Rangers." From the smoke the monster, the large snail being they saw earlier, slowly emerged from the smoke. "Toxipod the name, and destroying you is my game. Has any pony ever told you that you look taller in the papers?"

"Any pony ever told you that you look uglier in person?" Applebloom taunted as she helped her friends back onto their hooves.

"What is this? Attack of the giant snails?"

"Not a problem!" Scootaloo took a fighting stance, her friends following suit as Toxipod cackled.

"Is it me you should be worried about?" The three failed to notice they werent the only rangers in the area anymore. From above two morphed stallions were watching intently, and they were ready to strike.

"There they are." Button noted.

"Show time." Rumble aimed and fired off a charge of crimson lighting that caught the Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom completely off guard, and sending them painfully to the ground.

"What the?!" Scootaloo looked where the charge came from, and didnt like what she saw.

"Hey! Remember us?" The navy ranger taunted.

"You guys?!"

"What are you doing?!" The two brothers looked at each other, then nodded. The two rangers jumped from their post, summoned their Thunder Staffs, then charged at the confused mares.

"Wait! Stop!" Rumble collided with Sweetie and Applebloom while Scootaloo had to duck and strike against Button, staffs and swords colliding. "Button! Stop this!" The navy ranger had switched his staff for his signture weapon.

"Not until you're destroyed! Navy Antler!" Scootaloo took the blows from the striking antler, sending her flying, but she used the momentum to bounce off a beam, flying right back at Button with Element Blade out to strike.

"I don't wanna fight you!" But as she swung Button blocked the blade and clamped her midsection with the antler.

"Not giving you a choice!" The ranger took to the air, ramming Scootaloo hard against a wall with sparks coming off. Sweetie and Applebloom tried to keep up with Rumble in combat but for every attack they had the stallions struck back harder. Applebloom caught the staff, then right before the crimson rangers eyes split into two yellow rangers.

"Time to split!"

"You're tricks won't fool me!"

"Ran-Ger-Power!" The two Appleblooms flipped in the air, bringing their blades down onto Rumble who to her surprise simply collapsed, leaving his ranger suit behind. "Uh-oh, that ain't good."

"Where'd he go?!" A large stomp gave her the answer. Applebloom looked up at a giant Rumble.

"Hey down low Applebloom!" The large ranger then pressed a hoof down on top of the ranger, leaving her with an imprint on the ground.

"Ouch....ah'm ok...not a problem...." Rumble shrank to normal size.

"Heh, I'm just getting warmed up."

"Maybe you need a shower to cool off!" Sweetie summoned her magic to launch a charge a water at the ranger.

"Thunder Shield!" Only for Rumble to reflect it back, soaking the blue ranger to the bone and bowling her over. All she could do was clutch her side and groan in pain.

"Sweetie! You ok?" Scootaloo asked in a panic as she and Applebloom pulled their friend up as the two stallions slowly stalked toward them. Rumble had summoned his signature weapon, the Crimson Blaster, and was ready to fire.

"Let's finish this!" Button taunted.

"Crimson Blaster!" Rumble began firing, each shot hitting its mark, causing sparks to come off the ground and striking the three mares. The three took to the air, landing on a ledge.

"Any ideas?!

"Yeah! Run!" The three mares took off running through the plant as Toxipod cut off Rumble and Button Mash.

"Hold it! I'm just getting gassed up!" The snail creature then transformed into a cloud of toxic vapor, then drifted off after the rangers.

"Let's get this over with!"

"Right!" As the two stallions took off Button froze in place, clutching his head in pain. "Ooowww! Whats wrong with me?!

"Whats the matter?" Rumble asked, concerned for his brother.

"I don't know!" The navy ranger sunk lower on the ground in pain as the crimson ranger came back.

"They're getting away!"

"I can't!" As Button struggled with whatever was wrong with him the three mares kept galloping off, trying to put distance between them, the Thunder Rangers and Toxipod. Looking over their shoulders as they galloped they could see the horrible smelling smog getting closer.

"Where are we going?!" Applebloom asked as they kept going around corners.

"Away from that horrible stench!"

"Works for me!"

"You cant run away from my furious fumes rangers!" Toxipod's voice taunted. The three mares turned the corner, only to hit a dead end in the form of a railing. The smog struck the rangers, filling them with the horrible smell before somewhere within Toxipod struck the three, sending the three screaming out as they tumbled over the railing and crashing to the ground. "This gas is a total blast! Wouldnt you agree Rangers?" The snail monster taunted.

"This guys stinking up my whole day." The pegasus mare groaned.

"I think he needs smog checked." Sweetie helped her friends up onto their hooves.

"Yall got that right." Scootaloo had an idea come to her mind.

"Alright, lets air the guy out with a little wind.

"You think wind can defeat me?" Toxipod cackled.

"Well why dont you come down here and find out!" Scootaloo taunted, shaking her flank at the monster to mock it.

"What? You too chicken?" Sweetie blew a raspberry at Toxipod while the southern earth mare began balking and clucking like a chicken. The snail began turning red in anger.

"Oh you are so asking for it!" Toxipod leaped over the rail, landing in front of the rangers before unleashing another wave of toxic smelling smog.

"Ever heard of a breath mint? Let's do it girls!" The three rangers stood back to back, before standing upright and locking their front hooves together. "Spin cycle!" The three rangers began rapidly spinning in increasing speeds, blowing the smog away in droves right back at Toxipod while also thrashing it with debris.

"Hey no fair! I'm suppose to trash you!"

"Element Blade Power Up!" Scootaloo's blade glowed intensely as energy flowed into the sword. Swinging it around while leaving a flash where ever it swung the ranger brought it down, sending Toxipod flying out of the building and back in to the open air. "Put them together girls: Storm Striker!" The three rangers summoned, then combined their signature weapons to form their large blaster. Sweetie and Applebloom held the blaster up with Scootaloo at the helm.

"Uh-oh...."

"FIRE!" The weapon charged up its energy before firing a large energy sphere directly at Toxipod, making direct contact.
"You need to go!" The rangers turned away as the monster screamed out with bolts of energy emitting from it before collapsing in a large explosion. From up above Nightmare Moon looked on, annoyed at another monster defeat.

"Typical....where Will keeps finding these creatures I will never know. Oh well....live and learn. GROW!" The alicorn turned towards the planet and fired down a beam of energy, colliding where Toxipod once stood.

"I told you, I'm fine." Button argued with his brother, unaware what was happening.

"Great, lets go." Rumble turned to find the others when he stopped his brother in his tracks. "Hold it."

"Whats that?" The two noticed the energy before Toxipod regrew where it was defeated.

"OH yeah!!!!!" The large monster roared out as the three mares stepped back.

"A large alien, what a surprise!"

"Spike, you thinking what I'm thinking." Scootaloo asked in the communicator.

"I'm thinking, Megazord!" The drake slammed his hand down onto the large button. The Zords were moved from their underground hanger and out into the world via the holographic portals. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

"Let's do it!" The three rangers took to the air, landing directly in the cockpits of their respective zords. “Megazord Formation!” Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

"You're about to get shell shocked!" Toxipod taunted before withdrawing into the large shell on its back. The shell began rapidly spinning before launching at the Megazord, colliding repeatedly and shaking the occupants within. The snail cackled as it reappeared from its shell.

"Light Megazord Power Up!"

"Right!" Scootaloo pushed the correct button to trim down the megazord, but they would only have this for sixty seconds, but they would be much quicker. The Megazord bobbed in place, sizing up Toxipod.

"You want some more?!" The monster regrew into its shell again before rapidly spinning once more.

"Rim Attack!" The Megazord extended two blades from each arm, then held them in a way to make it look like a wheel. The Megazord took to the air as a track was layed out in front of it. "Ready! The Megazord rolled down the track as a blade wheel, colliding directly with Toxipod's shell in midair, sending the monster crashing down below in a large explosion. "Lightning Mode Power Down!" The Megazord regrew the parts it had shed a moment ago in order to return to its default mode. "We got him on the ropes!" Scootaloo said, before a loud rumbling caught their attention. From the hillside a large navy color zord ramped over and into their view.

"Miss us?" Button taunted. The hill collapsed as the Crimson Insectizoid came driving right through it.

"Cause we missed you!"

"Oh great, the bugs are back." Scootaloo groaned, remembering the last time they saw these zords. Rumble drifted to the left, before brining his zord to a stop.

"Hey, whats the matter?" Button asked.

"I don't know...I feel weird..." Rumble groaned. The navy ranger pulled back on his controls, bringing his zord to a stop. "Wait, why are we fighting?"

"I feel it too bro."

"Where am I?" Rumble asked in confusion. From her vessel Nightmare Moon frowned.

"Trixie, why are they stopping?" The alicorned growled at her general. The unicorn laughed nervously.

"Don't worry your highness, Trixie will fix this." The mare pressed a button down, firing a large energy beam down onto the two Thunder Zords. The two rangers within began glowing red before straightening up.

"What was I thinking?! Let's crush them!" Rumble shouted.

"Right behind you!" Toxipod finally rose back onto its feet, getting the attention of the female rangers.

"Power Sphere! Locked, and dropped!" The chest of the Megazord opened, forming a red sphere that had the number one. "Power Sphere activate! Serpent Sword!" The sphere opened as a small serpent zord flew out and formed into a sword. "Megazord Multiply!" The Megazord split into three copies of itself. "Serpent Sword! Triple Strike!" All three rangers called. Each Megazord swung with its sword, each massive slash connecting with the large snail. The monster screamed out as large amounts of energy emitted off it before collapsing in a very large explosion.

"The snails escargot!" Rumble taunted.

"Time for no mercy!" The two thunder rangers pulled their views over their eyes.

"Thunder Megazord Online!" The two thunder zords drove towards each other before taking to the air in a cyclone formation. Blast of lightning came flying off as the Beetle Zord shifted, forming the lower half of the machine. The claw that made up the head latched itself to the Insectizoid as it shifted to form the top half. Both halves finally formed, connecting as the threads from the Insectizoid revved up, now making both arms.

"Power Sphere! Lock, and drop!” The chest of the Thunder Megazord opened up as a gold and black sphere came spinning out, opening to form a ninja star on an axe handle like zord. The two zords began hacking away with the mares still armed with their serpent sword. The two megazords caught each attack, stuck in a stand still. But while this was happening nopony noticed a certain unicorn mare down below.

"Whoa!" Trixie stepped back as large amounts of energy pulsed off the megazords." Hah! Trixie's plan is working as planned. Trixie hopes you all enjoy that beach, cause thats where you're going!!!" Trixie aimed at what remained of Toxipod, before blasting it with the most powerful spell she knew. The shell floated into the air, glowing bright orange before exploding. The shockwave struck both Megazords, causing them to glow orange as well with both emitting large sparks.

"Hey whats going on?!" From within Scootaloo and her friends struggled before fading out.

"Not us!!" The same thing happened to Rumble and Button Mash.

"Trixie guess that she forgot to tell you the next part of her plan!" From Element Ops alarms began beeping wildly. Spike and Twilight looked over the monitor trying to find an answer.

"Whats wrong?"

"Megazords going offline...no ponies on board!" Spike said as both Megazords slumped over.

"Can you find the rangers?" Twilight asked, growing concerned something mightve happened. Spike ran a scan over both the Megazords, only to his horror to come up negative.

"Nothing! It's like they just vanished into thin air, like they were never even there!"

"Keep looking Spike! We have to find the girls!"

"I'm on it!" The teenage drake began running scans over the area, and Equestria if needed. They had to find what became of the rangers. From her vessel Trixie laughed smugly at the results.

"Now THAT is an evil plan!" Nightmare Moon complemented. "I hope thou were paying attention!" The alicorn of the night growed at Gilda and Iron Will.

"But....but....of course your highness." Will muttered out and he and Gilda glared at the unicorn mare. They were about ready to strangle the mare if needed, but they couldnt in front of their ruler.

Scootaloo felt water hit her face, the sound of waves ringing out around her. The mare struggled to open her eyes, finally doing so to find herself on a rocky beach, along the coast to be exact.

"Ow....my head..." The ranger groaned as she pulled herself away from the coming tide. "Girls are you...girls?" The pegasus ranger looked around to find herself alone, and demorphed. The last thing she remembered was being in a Megazord battle with the Thunders....then what happened? Being careful to avoid the yellow fumes coming out of the ground, a sign of magma activity underneath her Scootaloo began climbing up the nearest hill. "Hello? Girls?!" She called out, with no pony responding. Once on top of the hill her heart sank as she saw nothing but ocean surrounding the island she stood on.

"WHERE AM I?!?!" Scootaloo screamed out, only for her voice to echo out...

Return of Thunder Part 2

It wasnt often the ponies of Equestria were thrown for a loop, but right now was one of those moments. The fog rolled in, swallowing multiple cities as it spread through Equestria. The only city that seemed spared was Canterlot, and that was for the reason of being up on a mountain. While fog wasnt that big of an issues, it was what it brought that was.

"It doesnt happen very often but a massive cold front is beginning to sweep its way through parts of Equestria." The news reporter stated as Twilight and Spike looked on. "While the weather officials of Cloudsdale do not appear to have an explanation for the weather, they have concluded that the temperature will continue to drop."

"No kidding...." Twilight shivered, huddled in her winter clothing and a blanket. "How are you holding up Spike?"

"Glad to be a dragon right about now." Spike teased, his internal heating keeping him nice and toasty.

"Oh laugh it up but if it gets colder you'll start feeling it." Twilight teased back. "Have you had any luck in finding the rangers?"

"No nothing." Spike looked back at the monitor. "Its like they just vanished off the face of Equestria, another dimension even!"

"An all too very real possibility." Twilight said gravely. "Keep trying Spike."

"I'm not giving up on them yet." The drake said, typing away at the controls.

Sweetie Belle felt the rays of the sun hitting her face, followed by the sounds of the ocean just nearby. The ranger slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the sunlight hitting her. Slowly she sat up, clutching her throbbing head.

"Oooohhhh....what hit me?" Sweetie groaned as she looked around for her friends. Just off to her left she saw Applebloom slowly coming around. "Bloom....you ok?" The blue ranger pulled herself up on jelly legs and stumbled over to her friend, helping her up as well.

"Ow....feels like ah got ran over by the Megazord." The earth mare groaned.

"You and me both.....where's Scootaloo?"

"Up here girls!" The two rangers looked up to see Scootaloo slowly descending from a hill. "I hiked up the hill to see where we are. We're on an island with water on all sides."

"An island?"

"No land or ponies for as far as I can see." Scootaloo said grimly, noticing Applebloom lifting her morpher. "Don't bother, I already tried. We can't reach Spike or Twilight."

"The last thing ah remember was we were dueling Megazords with Rumble and Button Mash." The yellow ranger said, rubbing her head.

"Yeah, don't remind me." Scootaloo said, sending Sweetie a glare.

"What? There has to be an explanation for all this."

"Sweetie at this point I think everythings really clear."

"And what does that mean?"

"Sweetie! These two have been back in our lives for what, a month now? Yeah we were friends with them when we were just fillies but how many times havent they tried to take us out!" Scootaloo argued.

"You didnt see Button the other day!" Sweetie argued, shoving Scootaloo away. "Something mustve happened when they went aboard Nightmare Moon's vessal."

"When you're ready to face reality, come find me." The red ranger said, getting nose to nose with her friend, before turning to walk off. "I gotta find a way out of here." The two mares watched their friend and leader trot off.

"We could always trade her in for a new ranger." Applebloom joked. "Maybe a gold one."

"Wait a minute!" Sweetie galloped off after her friend with Applebloom not far behind. "Have you considered maybe theres a reason for all of this?" Scootaloo turned to answer when a streak of navy caught her attention.

"Did you girls see that?" Bloom asked.

"I did." Scootaloo looked into the forest and saw a flash of crimson.

"Over there!" The three flipped over the foliage and galloped into the woods, trying to track down who they knew were making those streaks. Weaving and bobbing through the trees the three rangers leaped over a fallen log, flipped over a creek and more as they kept galloping. Scootaloo was beginning to lose her breath. "Wait, hold up!" She and her friends finally came to a stop with the red ranger looking through the tree line, knowing that at any moment there was a very real chance of an ambush. "I know I saw them here."

"Good eye Scootaloo." As him they just appeared from thin air the two Thunder Rangers, Rumble and his brother Button Mash, were leaning against the tree in front of them with a cocky look on there faces. "And I do mean that." Button said.

"Ever wondered what would happen if three of Celestia's students fought two students of Thunder? Who would win?"
Rumble asked with a smirk.

"No pony would." Sweetie reasoned. "The only way we can win is if we worked together."

"Which ah though we were doing."

"Guess you thought wrong." Button said, dropping his smirk.

"I'll tell you three what: we'll even be nice enough to give you a head start if you wanna run." Rumble taunted. Scootaloo's blood was beginning to boil.

"I'm sorry Sweetie Belle, but whatevers up with these two we're not gonna fix by letting them stomp us."

"I have no intention of letting them stomp us." Sweetie said, not taking her eye off Button. The two sides stood in silence, sending glares at the other side and waiting for the other to make the first move. The two sides of rangers then snapped into fighting stances, circling each other.

"We don't wanna fight you!" Applebloom tried to reason.

"But you give us no choice!" Scootaloo said loudly.

"Enough talk!" The two sides stood still for a moment, then charged. Scootaloo and Rumble began exchanging blows, their front legs making contact with the other. The mare ducked under a leg kick, trying to land one of her own only for it to be caught. Scootaloo flipped out of Rumbles grasp, bringing her front leg down only for Rumble to block and roll out of harms way. The two rangers went for a leaping spin kick, each meeting the others back hoof. Rumble flipped into a kick, only for Scootaloo to back flip to safety and sliding into a leg sweep takedown only for the stallion to flip over.

Rumble finally landed a overhead kick, bringing Scootaloo down only for the mare to push herself in, corkscrewing upwards. The two rangers punched collided in a shockwave from the energy coming off them, sending Scootaloo into a tree which she used to bounce off of, connecting with Rumble in a another punch with a shockwave and smoke coming off.

"Not this time!" Scootaloo came down from the air, grabbing Rumble and throwing him over her shoulders and down to the ground, dropping a leg kick that the stallion rolled away from. As the two fought Button caught a punch from both Sweetie and Applebloom, bending their legs up awkwardly before breaking it up. While the stallion held on to the yellow ranger he connected a kick that sent Sweetie skidding backwards before lifting Blooms leg higher.

"Stop it!" Sweetie charged forward only for Button to flip Applebloom over. The blue ranger tried a leg kick only for Button to catch it, landing an elbow to Sweeties midsection. The stallion flipped over Applebloom to bring his hoof down only for the yellow ranger to roll out of harms way. Applebloom was able to block several punches and kicks launched at her as Button ducked under a strike from Sweetie. At once the unicorn and earth pony mares went with a overhead kick and leg sweep, only for Button to dodge both expertly. The stallion rolled out of another attack, taking to the air to kick both rangers away. Applebloom began to growl.

"Bring it!" As the three fought Scootaloo and Rumble were locked in a stand still, blocking each other attacks perfectly as if they knew exactly what the other was about to do. The mare flipped backwards, landing a kick that sent Rumble stumbling back, only for the stallion to hit a leg sweep that brought the mare down. The two rangers looked deeply at the other, not willing to let the other win before using their powers to ping pong away. Button ducked under Sweetie before flipping Applebloom over his shoulder.

"Try to keep up!" Button used his powers to chase after the dueling red rangers.

"You ok?"

"We gotta catch them!" The two remaining rangers used their powers to ping pong after the others. All five rangers landed back on the beach. Rumble and Button Mash stood opposite to Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.

"Are we having fun yet?" Scootaloo growled.

"No, so let's fix that." Rumble taunted as he and Button stood straight. “Thunderstorm! Ranger Form! Ha!” Lifting their morphers, then two slammed a button on the underside. Their gold gauntlets latched to their forehooves and shoulders as their helmets launched into the air. When the two helmets latched perfectly to the two stallions the rest of their ranger form appeared as they let out a charge of crimson and navy lightning into the sky.

“Power of Thunder!”

"Saw that coming." Scootaloo growled. "You girls ready?"

"Ready!" In a flash their morphers were out and ready to go.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

"Hiyah!" The three rangers pulled out their blades while the the stallions pulled out their staffs. Then it turned into another tense standoff.

"Oh it is so on!" Button snapped.

"You're right Scootaloo, they're not gonna listen to reason!" Sweetie said.

"If its them or us, ah choose us!"

"Thank you, someponies finally listening to me." The three mares then charged at their counterparts, the battling resuming its course. Scootaloo and Rumble exchanged strike with their weapons, until Rumble got the upper hand and sent Scootaloo flying up onto a ledge.

"Hawk Blaster!" Scootaloo began firing off shots that Rumble was easily able to deflect with his staff.

"My blasters bigger! Horn Breaker!" Rumble began firing directly at the pegasus mare, each shot connecting and dropping Scootaloo off the ledge and to the ground. Sweetie and Applebloom hacked and slashed at Button, but even with it being two on one the stallion was able to match their strikes move by move before separating the two with swipes that brought sparks off them. The earth mare rolled and recomposed herself.

"Element Beams!" Her blade began rapidly firing beams only for Button to match each one with his staff, several reflecting to Sweetie and knocking her down. "Sweetie!!"

"I'm ok!"

"Your aim sucks Applebloom but I'm not shocked, are you?!" Button whipped back and fired off a navy charge of electricity, lifting the mare off the ground and whirling her around like a being trapped in a lasso.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whhooooaaa!" Button finally dropped the charge and sent the mare flying into the ocean.

From up above in her vessel the alicorn of the night, Nightmare Moon, was watching this battle intently.

"I do hate to admit it Trixie but their good." Nightmare Moon turned to her general. "Moody, but good."

"Thank you your majesty."

"How much longer until thou finishes the job?"

"It shouldnt take much longer your highness." Nightmare Moon was about to sit on her throne, but paused. Something felt off to her.

"Tis anypony else cold?" The alicorn turned and found a group of her putties shivering as a group. "Explain Trixie."

"Well your highness the islands emergence has caused a massive cold front that swallowing the planet. Unfortunately Trixie didnt expect it to also affect your glorious vessel."

"I like the cold as much as the next fool but tis a little much at the moment." Will arrived with a giant wrench.

"Your majesty I'm attempting to fix the heating as we speak. Should be a matter of minutes."

"It better be. What good is destroying the Pony Rangers if we all have been turned into Ice Sculptures?!"

Snowfall had begun to affect Ponyville, and the ponies living in it. The citizens had began walking in groups to beat the cold, all while dressed up in winter clothing. The fact that annoyed everypony was it was currently Summer. If the temperature got any colder it would begin to affect pony life. It was getting to the point where Spike was now wearing a hat, scarf and gloves while Twilight had to start a fire in Element Ops in a feeble attempt to beat the cold.

"This is getting ridiculous. It's never been this cold in Equestria." Spike shivered. "Its broken every record in history ever since the pegasi of Cloudsdale kept record!"

"At this rate I might have to start burning the tax books." Twilight shivered, feeling the cold worse then her assistant.

"I'd turn the heat up to help but it might burn out the computers."

"We only have one option Spike: we have to find the Rangers." The unicorn mare shivered.

"I'm on it."

Rumble fired away with his Horn Breaker, rocking the three ranger mares and sending them collapsing in sparks. The two stallions cackled away at their suffering.

"You gotta stop this..." Scootaloo groaned.

"Say goodbye Rangers!" Rumble aimed down the sights.

"Look!" The red ranger mare pulled herself up. "I know you have some serious emotional problems you're dealing with!"

"Ever consider group therapy?" Applebloom asked. Rumble actually began lowering his blaster.

"Ummmm....." The stallion sounded confused.

"This is getting old!" Sweetie groaned.

"Ah like dirt as much as the next pony-"

"Too bad it doesnt show in your riding Bloom." Button taunted, causing the mare to stomp in frustration.

"Yall did not just bag on mah riding!!!" Applebloom charged forward, clashing her blade with Button duel wielding his staff and Navy Antler. But while the two fought Rumble was hesitating.

"Wait.....why are we fighting them?" The stallion asked himself as Button clamped the Antler around the yellow rangers midsection and crashing her to the ground.

"Want any more?!?!"

"Hang on....isnt Applebloom our friend?" Rumble asked his brother as memories of their child hood came flashing back to his mind. The few times they would play in the orchard all the way to meeting her again on the dirt track and introducing her to biking. "Button, this is wrong!" The stallion looked back at his brother.

"What the hay are you talking about Rumble?!"

"Element Beams!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle took their chance while Button took his eyes off them, rapid firing beams of red and blue energy directly at Button Mash, sending him crashing right into his brother and knocking both stallions off their hooves. Applebloom rejoined her friends, and the three rangers were no longer taking any chances. "Storm Striker!" The three rangers summoned, then combined their signature weapons to form their large blaster. Sweetie and Applebloom held the blaster up with Scootaloo at the helm, aiming to knock some sense into the Thunder Rangers. "Ready? FIRE!" The weapon charged up its energy before firing a large energy sphere directly at Rumble and Button Mash, making direct contact, and bowling the two rangers over in a large explosion. The three mares flipped through the air and brought their blades directly down onto the Thunder Rangers, and sending the two flat on their backs into the muddy water around them.

For the first time, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had defeated Rumble and Button Mash.

"Now stay down!" Sweetie snapped at the two.

"Can we get out of here?" Applebloom asked, worried that the two might continue to fight.

"I'm soooo over theses two!" Scootaloo snapped.

"Trixie, there appears to be a fatal flaw with thy plan. The Thunder Rangers grow weaker as their memories grow stronger. I would hate to be thee if they remember." Nightmare Moon glared at her general, who was now growing worried.

"Umm, don't worry your highness! Trixie had another plan, its....ummmm...well..." The unicorn began stuttering.

"Well?!" The alicorn screamed using the Royal Shout.

"Let's hear it Trixie." Gilda growled, shivering as Iron Will fought to get the heater working before they all froze. Trixielooked about wildly before a light bulb went off in her mind. The unicorn motioned the alicorn to bend down and began whispering her plan into her ear. The alicorns smirk grew wider every second. "If I have to deal one more second with the general I'm gonna hurt somepony." The griffon growled.

"You and me both." The minotaur grunted as the heater sparked. Nightmare Moon stood up and looked at her followers.

"Gilda! Prepare the beam! Iron Will! Get that heater working!"

Rumble and Button Mash groaned in pain, clutching their heads as they slowly pulled themselves up. Scootaloo and her friends slowly advanced forward, Element Blades out and pointing forward. The three were taking no chance anymore.

"Careful girls." The pegasus mare warned as Button stumbled.

"Ooohhh, my head...." The two finally got back onto their hooves, their visors open and showing their faces in the helmet for the first time to the three. The mares opened their visors as well as the two stallions looked confused at the three.

"Where are we?" Rumble said confused. "Are you ok Button?"

"Yeah...yeah I'm fine." Button really noticed the three for the first time in hours. "What are you girls doing here?" Her asked the three, clutching his head.

"You guys ok?" Scootaloo asked, showing concern.

"What happened?" Rumble asked, rubbing his head.

"They seem themselves Scoots." Sweetie noted. The Red Ranger shrugged, knowing it could very well be a trap. While the five were attempting to figure out just what had been going on the last few hours a blue unicorn mare appeared on the cliff overlooking the group.

"Hey you down there!" The five looked up to see Trixie yelling down at them. "Yeah you in the bug suits!"

"She better not be talking about us." Rumble growled as his and Buttons visors snapped closed.

"Yeah Trixie is talking about you!" The mare yelled, her voice echoing out. "Trixie has worked too hard for a couple of bugs to ruin her glorious plan now!!!" The ground behind Scootaloo and her friends exploded in a large fireball, instantly getting their attention as their visors closed. "Super Toxipod!" The snail creature appeared, only it looked very different. Now with a darker color scheme and a black cloak on its back, the snail cackled loudly.

"You can't keep a good snail down! Did you miss me?" Super Toxipod asked as its eyes began glowing red.

"Watch out!!!" Scootaloo screamed at the other four rangers as the snail launched a massive explosion, separating the two sides as they scrambled for safety from the blast. "Didn't we already fight this guy!?"

"But he smells even worse!" Sweetie groaned as the monster cackled.

"Everything about me is worse!"

"Aw now what does he want?" Applebloom groaned.

"Want?! I want to sink this island with you on it! I want to cause a weather condition that'll drop the temperature of all of Equestria one hundred below zero! To make it simple for you, I want payback!!!" Super Toxipod fired off yellow beams of energy, each one meeting its mark with Scootaloo and her friends, dropping them to the ground in sparks and pain. As if the situation couldnt get any more dire the three found themselves being attacked by a group of putties.

"How did they get here?!" Scootaloo yelled as she and her friends went into combat, hack and slashing away to fend the putties off. Rumble and Button had regrouped and made a choice.

"We gotta help them."

"Right behind you Rumble." The two pulled out their Thunder Staffs only for Trixie to appear right in front of the two, blocking them off from the fight going on.

"Oh no you don't!" Trixie growled. "Listen to Trixie crimson ranger. Your brother....has betrayed you!"

"Thats crazy!" Rumble snapped, not knowing they were being watched from up above. Nightmare Moon and Gilda were watching the group.

"And.....now!!!" The alicorn ordered. Gilda slammed a button down, firing a large beam directly down onto Equestria. The crimson ranger looked up at the sky as the beam came directly at them.

"Button move!" The pegasus stallion shoved his brother out of the path of the beam, taking the full brunt of the impact, yelling out in pain as a red glow over took him before fading out.

"Rumble! Are you ok?" Button asked, worried for his brother.

"I think so. I feel.....weird...." Rumble groaned as Trixie started calmly trotting at them.

"Allow Trixie to enlighten you! You cannot trust your brother anymore Crimson Ranger! He has convinced the Element Rangers to join up with him and destroy you!" Rumble began growling, shaking his head.

"What are you babbling about? I'd die before turning on Rumble! You're the one with the evil plan!" Button snapped, pointing his staff at the unicorn.

"Tell him the truth!" Trixie yelled as Rumble slowly turned toward Button, growling in anger. "The ranger deserves to know you've betrayed him, and your poor lost parents!"

"Rumble don't listen to her! You know me! She's telling us nothing but lies!" Button pleaded with his brother before turning back to Trixie. "You're trying to destroy us all!"

"....my own....brother?" Rumble screamed out at his brought his staff up and struck the surprised Navy Ranger, knocking Button over.

"Have you lost your mind?!" The stallion asked.

"You don't deserve to call yourself a Thunder Ranger!" Rumble yelled, slowly stalking towards the fallen pony. "Traitor!!!!" The crimson ranger charged forward, swinging at his own brother with his Thunder Staff. Button bobbed and weaved out of the way, refusing to fight Rumble. Dodging more attacks Button was able to catch the staff under his legs.

"Don't you remember anything thats happened?!" Button pleaded.

"I remember you sold me out to those tramps you call rangers!" Rumble pulled his staff free and began striking his brother, not holding back at all. Scootaloo and her friends continued to fight against the putties in the meanwhile, doing everything they can to get out of this fight. The pegasus mare then noticed the fighting brothers.

"Now they're fighting each other!"

"Thats crazy!" Sweetie said, knocking more putties down.

"Why do you yall gotta be so crabby?" Applebloom asked Super Toxipod, locked in combat and way to close to the smell. The monster growled and tossed the yellow ranger a good few feet and send her rolling.

"You ok?" Scootaloo asked as she and Sweetie helped the earth pony mare up. A billow of steam shot out of the ground behind the three. "What is that?"

"That rangers is Toxic Steam!" Super Toxipod taunted. "The island is sinking fast! Soon all of Equestria will be one giant snow cone, and theres nothing you can do about it!"

"Wanna bet?" Scootaloo asked, she and her friends armed with their blades. One putty ran forward only to get sidestepped and sending it face first into the steam. The putty thrashed until it stood up snarling with green goo stuck to its face. Then putty charged wildly and began slashing away at the other putties. "Now what?"

"I get it! Its fighting because of the steam!" Sweetie observed. Super Toxipod stomped over and struck the mad putty down.

"Whats taking so long?!" Trixie yelled to the monster while Rumble continued to fight wildly against his brother. "Finish off those rangers so we can take control of all of Equestria! It'll be a cold new world!"

"Of course General!" Super Toxipod summoned a staff of his own with a shell on the end. The monster charged at the mares while Rumble took the defensely Button Mash to the ground. Pressing one hoof down onto the fallen stallion Rumble pointed his staff at Button's neck.

"Now you'll pay traitor!"

"Rumble stop!" Scootaloo screamed as Super Toxipod knocked her and her friends over.

"Don't do it!!!" Sweetie pleaded.

"You brought this on yourself Button." Rumble growled. The earth pony coughed.

"You're not thinking straight." Button pleaded. "You got hit with that beam remember?"

"More lies!" Trixie screamed at Rumble, but the ranger started to hesitate.

"But I.....he...."

"Rumble, please look in your heart." Button pleaded. "You know this isnt you." The staff began shaking in Rumbles hoof when a column of toxic steam shot from the ground, striking Rumble directly in the face. Button rolled away and looked on in horror as Rumble began screaming and thrashing about in the steam. "Get out of there!"

"Whats happening to me?!?!" Rumble screamed as the green goo covered his helmet.

"The steam got him!"

"Right in the face..."

"This went from bad to worse!" The three mares pulled themselves up as Rumble fell to his knees. Button looked on helplessly as his brother growled loudly as he got up.

"This is the end Button..." Rumble charged forward like a mad pony. Sweetie and Applebloom galloped forward to stop this from going any further. Scootaloo tried to join them only for the snail to cut her off. Button blocked a over head staff shot from Rumble. Then Sweetie and Applebloom tackled Rumble down.

"Dont hurt him!" Button said.

"We're not trying to hurt him!" Sweetie said as she and her friend struggled to hold Rumble.

"We're trying to hold him long enough to-" Applebloom was cut off by Rumble shaking loose and striking the mares away with his staff.

"No stop!" Button pleaded, throwing himself on his brother as the ranger continued to engage with a fight with the unicorn and earth pony mare. "Rumble you're stronger than this!" Rumble responded by striking Button repeatedly, spraying sparks in every direction as each shot landed. The helpless stallion was lifted by the end of Rumbles staff, being tossed through the air and crash landing on the rocky beach. The mad stallion brought his staff down, looking to end his brother. Button still had enough strength to block the strike. "Rumble...please remember everything we've been through!"

"Get off him!!!" Scootaloo tackled Rumble off his brother with a strong shoulder tackle. The stallion went rolling wildly as Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom put themselves between Button and his mad brother. "This has gone far enough! Smoke Screen!" A cloud of red, yellow and blue smoke covered where the four rangers were, and when it cleared it was like they had simply vanished.

"Come back! I'm not through with you!!!!" Rumble bellowed.

This wasn't part of the plan!" Trixie said, worried everything she was working for was falling apart. While the villains schemed out their next plan, and while Rumble stumbled off wildly like a crazy pony, Scootaloo and her friends were able to drag the weaken Navy Ranger to a cave along the coast. The mares had demorphed a few minutes eariler, and they couldnt help but notice the tide was beginning to come in. The island was sinking alright.

"This looks like a safe spot." Scootaloo said, lowering herself so Sweetie and Applebloom could help remove Button from her back. The stallion groaned as his body touched the sand.

"Button please say something." Sweetie pleaded as the ranger lay unmoving. The three mares grew worried until bolts of lightning began crackling off the stallion until before their eyes the ranger demorphed. Button clutched his head, groaning and moaning in pain. The stallion opened his eyes and flinched at the three mares he saw. "Button its ok! You're safe!" Scootaloo and Applebloom had to briefly hold him down until the ranger relaxed.

The situation at Ponyville and Element Ops for that matter was getting more desperate by the hour as the cold continue to settle in. Twilight couldnt stop shivering by this point.

"Bad news Twi. The temperature keeps dropping one degree every hour." Spike said, doing his best to not to shiver.

"I-i-i-if its get any....co-co-colder....Equestria wont be able to s-s-substain l-l-li-life." The older mare shivered. Spike wrapped himself around his closest friend doing his best to keep her warm.

"Some good news. I've been able to trace all this to an island in the South Equestria Sea." The teenage drake explained. "Its a volcanic formation thats sinking at the same rate at the temperature dropping."

"So the island and the w-w-w-weather are connected."

"Yeah....and I don't know anyway to stop it." Spike said grimly, blowing his breath on to the fire to build it up.

"I fear the islands appearance and the rangers d-d-d-dis-disappearance are not a r-r-r-random e-e-event" Twilight shivered.

"Finally, thou got the heater going Iron Will." Nightmare Moon said happily, taking her place on her throne. "Now what about the little island get together?"

"It appears that the Element Rangers and the Navy Thunder Ranger have formed an alliance." The minotaur explained to his ruler. The alicorn of the night growled, glaring at the sphere containing her silent older sister.

"I hate alliances...where is Trixie?"

"Looking for the rangers as we speak."

"And how long til the island sinks?" The alicorn asked.

"In a matter of hours your majesty."

"Good, when it sinks we will said goodbye to the rangers and Trixie as well!" Nightmare Moon said, pleased for once." I was getting tired of thou constant whining anyway....."

Button Mash stared out into the ocean for what seemed like hours. He and Rumble had been gifted with their ranger powers and this was how they've been using them the last few hours? How could they ever face the others? He wouldn't have to wait long though as Scootaloo and her friends were able to track the ranger down.

"You ok Button?" Scootaloo asked. The stallion stood quietly before turning to the three. The three mares could see the sadness in his eyes.

"Rumble's one of the only family I have. He's always been there for me, and now he needs my help." The ranger said, being unable to look the three in the eyes. "For the first time in our lives he needs me....and I'm not gonna let him down....I can't let him down." Sweetie calmly trotted over and made him look her in the eyes.

"We'll do whatever we can to help." The mare said with a soft smile. Button looked at her before turning to the red ranger.

"Scootaloo, that wasnt us back there. I want you to know that."

"I know." Scootaloo said calmly as she and Applebloom trotted over. "I know that now when I shouldve known." The mare then held out a hoof which Sweetie and Applebloom quietly covered with theirs. "You're not alone in this Button. We're gonna find Rumble, and we're gonna fix him. I promise you that." The three mares smiled at Button Mash with friendly smiles. Button only looked at the three, before slowly raising his hoof, and after a moment of hesitation placed it on top of theirs.

"....thank you."

Return of Thunder Part 3

While the big freeze continue to affect most (if not all) of Equestria a few ponies were able to thrive because of it. Most of the ponies just happened to belong in the fashion business. In Ponyville Sweetie Belle's older sister Rarity was up to her neck in business as the snow and cold continue to rise.

"Please darlings if we can keep a single file line I can check you out in orderly fashion." The unicorn said as she bundled herself up.

"Excuse me do you have boots in a bigger size?" A pony asked her.

"I'm sorry but those are my last ones."

"But I can barely fit in these!" Rarity looked around for a solution, and she found it. The mare floated over a pair of boots she was making for Sweetie's friend and teammate Applebloom."

"Riding Boots! They'll keep you warm and they look stylish too!" The pony looked over them before nodding. "Great! I'll meet you up front." Rarity began pushing through the crowd. "Sweetie if you werent my sister I would fire you for not showing up...." The mare muttered to herself.

On the island that was slowly sinking into the ocean four ponies were slowing down as they trotted, signs of exhaustion hitting. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Button Mash were panting and starting to shiver when it was just warm a few hours eariler.

"Hey is it just me or is it getting chilly out here?" Applebloom asked.

"I would say its just you, but its getting cold out here that's for sure." Scootaloo panted. Sweetie groaned as she rubbed her hooves.

"I would really like to know why we can morph just fine, but can't reach Element Ops. Spike and Twilight are probably getting worried sick about us.

"Twilight maybe, ah don't know so much Spike." Applebloom teased, getting a chuckle out of the group.

"They might be able to do something if they knew where we are."

"Vertical Island." Button said calmly, causing the three mares to stop moving and looked right at him. The ranger noticed the looks he was getting. "What?"

"Do you have anything else you wanna share with the class?" Scootaloo asked, glaring at the stallion. Button thought about it before shaking his head.

"You don't wanna know."

"Try us." Sweetie dared. The navy ranger looked at her before sighing.

"I heard Nightmare Moon talking with her followers about this island, before she sent me and Rumble back to Equestria."

"....and?" Scootaloo said, wanting an answer.

"This island doesnt exist on any map. It rises from the sea every two hundred or so years." Button explained.

"And then what?" Applebloom asked.

"Well thats the harsh part." The stallion explained. Sweetie was quickly able to put two and two together, and it didnt look good.

"You're telling us this island is gonna sink back into the ocean with us on it?!"

"Told you that you didnt wanna know." Button said with a slight smirk. Scootaloo didnt find anything funny about the situation.

"Ok...ok we need to get to higher ground. Then we can figure out more from there."

Back at Element Ops while the teenage drake and unicorn mare struggled to keep warm the computer started beeping madly as it pulled up a thermal reading of the island Spike was studying eariler.

"Systems picked up something." Spike shivered as he zoomed in. His eyes widen at the results. "Found them!"

"Are you s-s-sure?" Twilight shivered.

"It has to be! I followed the tracking system via heat readings."

"Thats g-g-g-good then."

"Not exactly." Spike said grimly. "They are on a island thats sinking rapidly into the ocean.....and they're not alone..."

On a part of the island filled with jaded rocks, boulders and stones of all kinds a lone figure stumbled around madly. Rumble growled and panted wildly as he stumbled about, still in his morph form and still looking for Button Mash. Trudging on through more toxic steam the ranger swung blindly with his Thunder Staff.

"Button where are you?!?!" The thunder ranger screamed. "Must destroy Button Mash!!!" Unknown to the ranger he was being followed by a unicorn mare.

"That's right fool....lead Trixie right to them." The follower of Nightmare Moon cackled quietly.

"MUST DESTROY BUTTON!!!!"

The four rangers slowly trotted on, climbing the highest point they could find. The four helped each other reach the peak of the island that overlooked all sides. Applebloom finally collapsed from her sore legs.

"We can rest for awhile." Scootaloo panted.

"Anypony else worried we havent seen Rumble for a few hours?" The yellow ranger asked.

"Not me. I can get use to him not kicking out flanks." Scootaloo groaned, noticing the glare the earth pony stallion was giving him. "No offense Button but the guy doesnt play well with others." Button groaned.

"Look, Rumble's a great ranger. One day you'll be thankful he has his powers."

"Sure, the day he stops using them on us." Sweetie rolled her eyes at Scootaloo before scooting closer to Button.

"How did you get them anyway?" The mare asked.

"What?"

"You're powers. You never told us how any of it happened." Button chuckled.

"You never told me how you three got yours."

"Nightmare Moon pulled our school into the sky and everypony with it, including Celestia. Twilight gifted us the powers as a way to fight her." Scootaloo explained.

"Although Spike would say we were the only choices." Applebloom said, poking away at the dirt with a stick.

"Ever stop to think maybe thats how it was suppose to be?" Button asked.

"No need to get deep on us." Scootaloo teased. "Come on, how'd you get them?"

"Sure you wanna know? It's a long story."

"It's that or watch Applebloom poke at the dirt all day." Applebloom looked at the stick in her hooves before tossing it off the cliff. Button smirked before looking at the three, sitting across from the mares.

"My mom, my birth mom, passed away when I was just out of elementary school. Rumble's family took me in without a moment's thought. From then on they were my family: Rumble, our older brother Thunderlane and their parents. Our parents went to an academy a lot like the one you go to, except they learned in the ways of Thunder. And then....one day they died. We were never told how, only that it was in battle. Rumble took it the hardest, but Thunderlane was there to pick us up, and make sure we were still a family." Button explained. "Our parents taught Thunderlane all the ways to fight as a Thunder, and when me and Rumble were older he taught us. For a while it felt like we belonged somewhere. The both of us excelled in our training, until Thunderlane felt we couldnt learn anymore from him. So he sent us to the Thunder Academy to learn more....but not before gifting us with these." The earth pony looked at the morpher on his hoof.

"The morphers were passed down to our parents for protection. Then they passed them to Thunderlane who felt like we were the ones who would know what to do with them.

"Like how Celestia trusted Twilight with our morphers." Sweetie said, noting the similarities.

"At the academy it felt like we were being groomed for something as we continued to train, but we didn't know for what. Our last day was our final training day before the master was ready to graduate us from students to Masters...."

"...then she came didnt she?" Scootaloo asked, referencing Nightmare Moon. Button closed his eyes as if it were a painful memory.

"The putties and her followers were everywhere. It was the first time we ever morphed, but even that wasnt enough to save us, or the school. Like yours it was pulled up, and Rumble and me being trapped in those spheres like the others-"

"When you go in one of those ball things whats it feel like?" Applebloom asked, cutting Button off. "Is it weird? Does it feel cool like going off of-"

"Not the point Applebloom." Scootaloo said.

"Oh right, no continue." The ranger apologized. Button looked at her before chuckling. He could get use to this.

"Once on Nightmare Moon's vessel she was surprised to have two rangers in her captivity. However she decided it would be best to use us for her needs. Thats when she told us the lie about out parents, and how Twilight had everything to do with it."

"Thats when you went medieval on us." Scootaloo teased.

"Let's not go there again." Sweetie groaned.

"You gotta understand that Rumble's a good pony. He's loyal to the very end, no matter how that end comes. Some would consider that a good trait to have." Button explained.

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"What trait would you have?" Scootaloo asked.

"I don't know. I guess I'm good at making people laugh when they need it." The mare thought about it, but let the stallion continue his thoughts.

"But if Rumble believes somepony has wronged him in any way he wont rest until they're even."

"Button we get that but why is he taking out on us?" Applebloom asked.

"Trixie used some kind of mind altering spell on us to make us think you were out enemies."

"How come you got over it?" Button smiled.

"Cause I had more help figuring who my friends were." Sweetie Belle had heard enough. Scooting closer she put a hoof around Button.

"Then that's what Rumble needs. Come on, we need to find him." Button and Scootaloo rosed back to their hooves, determined to help set the Thunder Ranger straight. Applebloom rubbed her hooves before Scootaloo dragged her away to begin searching.

Rumble groaned in agony as he pulled and clutched his way up the lonely trail. Trixie was following close behind, rolling her eyes at how weak the pony before her was becoming.

"Whats...happened to me?" The stallion groaned.

"Do we have to go over this again?" Trixie stopped the stallion by trotting in front of him. "Your brother betrayed you to the other rangers. Say it! Your brother betrayed you!"

"...Button betrayed me...." Rumble growled.

"Thats right! Button Mash bad, Trixie good! Now pull yourself together!" Trixie lifted the stallion up and gave him another dose of the toxic steam to the face. Rumble stumbled backwards, Thunderstaff still out.

"No more rangers!!!!" The pegasus laughed madly, slipping closer to the point of no return. The mad ranger galloped off to continue his hunt. Trixie laughed to herself before getting a small headache, as thought somepony was reaching out to her.

"General? Oh General?" Nightmare Moon said in her head.

"Good to hear from you your majesty."

"I wish to applaud you on the good work so far. So to reward you I am sending thee some extra muscle."

"Do I know him?"

"You know him alright. He's the one with the giant snail on his back and the clammed face." Super Toxipod laughed at the description of him from the alicorn. "No go, and do not make me regret putting my trust in thee."

"I won't your highness!"

Scootaloo, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Button Mash had to hold their noses closed as they trotted through a rocky field with yellow steam emitting from the ground.

"This island stinks..." The earth pony mare groaned. Button was watching his step when he heard the sounds of a pony groaning and yelling pain. Up ahead he saw his mad brother rolling down a sand dune uncontrollably.

"Girls check it out!" The three saw Rumble stumble back onto his hooves, not noticing the four yet.

"Button!!!!! BUTTON!!!!" Rumble howled wildly. The four ponies took a step towards the ranger when a blasted stopped them in their tracks. As the steam cleared Super Toxipod was slowly stalking towards them, cackling evilly.

"You ponies better bail, cause I'm one bad snail!"

"If you're a snail why do you look more like a crab?" Applebloom taunted.

"Crab, snail, whatever!" The monster fired off more explosive charges that the four avoided back flipping backwards to safety.

"Button, you can leave him to us and chase after Rumble, or you can give us a hoof." Scootaloo suggested. Button looked past the monster, wanting so badly to chase after his brother, but knew what he had to do.

"I'm with you three." Button said, standing with the Element Rangers for the first time. The four rangers took a fighting stance, facing off with Super Toxipod.

"You guys ready then?"

"Ready!" In a flash the two sets of morphers were out.

"Element Storm!"

"Thunder Storm!"

"Ranger Form! Ha!" The morphing vortex formed around the mares while a pair of golden gauntlets clamped to Buttons forehooves and shoulders as their helmets launched into the air. His helmet landed perfect on his head while the mares outfits snapped to their bodies. All four visors snapped shut in sync.

"Power of Air!"

"Earth!

"Water!"

"Power of Thunder!"

"Hyah!" The four rangers squared off with Super Toxipod. Scootaloo and her friends pulled out their Element Blades while Button summoned his weapon: Horn Breaker.

"I can take you all!" The snail charged forward.

"Dream on! Shadow Battle!" Button called. Super Toxipod was overtaken by darkness, unable to see as each ranger delivered a direct strike to the creature. When one ranger struck another would be there to give more damage. The darkness finally cleared with Button having his weapon clamped around Super Toxipods waist, sending off charges of navy energy. "Where's Rumble?!"

"Why do you care?! You'll never get off this island!"

"Nevers a long time dude!" Button lifted the creature over his head and gave it a decent toss. Super Toxipod thrashed in pain as Scootaloo and her friends combined their weapons.

"Storm Striker!" The three mares aimed down the sights as the snail got back onto its feet. "Ready?"

"Aim."

"Fire!" The weapon charged up its energy before firing a large energy sphere that collided head on with the creature. Super Toxipod screamed in agony before collapsing in a fiery explosion. Each ranger looked on before regrouping.

"Everypony ok?"

"Where's Rumble?" Button asked, looking for his brother. "Rumble! Where are you?" The stallion called out. He got his answer as the mad ranger stumbled out from the rising tide.

"There you are!!!!" Rumble charged blindly forward.

"Wait stop!" Scootaloo and her friends tried to stop the ranger only to be shoved aside.

"Rumble wait!" Rumble began striking the earth stallion with his Thunderstaff, sending sparks off his brother. Button caught the last attack under his hoof and pulled Rumble close. "Snap out of it! Nightmare Moon did something to you!"

"Liar!!!" Rumble lifted Button up, striking the pony out of the air and sending him crashing to the rocks beneath him.

"Girls, Button needs us!" Scootaloo said as she and her friends got back up. The three were instead cut off by Trixie.

"Not so fast! Trixie wants to play!" The mare charged forward as Rumble hacked away at Button, who still refused to fight back.

"Rumble you gotta trust me!"

"Why should I?!" Rumble kicked Buttons legs from underneath him and pressed his staff against the ponies throat, while Trixie caught the three Element Blades before returning the charge and taking Scootaloo, Sweetie and Applebloom down.

"She's nothing to laugh at!" Scootaloo groaned as Rumble pushed down on his brother.

"Rumble please..." Button pleaded.

"You betrayed me!" The mad ranger growled. "And you'll pay for your betrayal!"

"Trixie and Nightmare Moon....they betrayed us!" Button pleaded. "Think Rumble! Think!" Rumble pushed down as memories began filling his head. The ranger cocked his head as his vision began turning red.

"That's the best you got?" The earth pony asked as he and Rumble took a fighting stance.

"No, but this is. NOW!" Nightmare Moon snapped at Trixie who slammed her hoof down onto a large button. A beam zapped down onto the two rangers, freezing them where they stood.

Rumble growled out in agony, in his insane state his saw Button beneath him unmorphed as more visions began filling his head.

“Wait….wait! Come back!” Rumble shouted as his parents began to fade.

“We will always be watching you….make us proud….” The two finally disappeared from sight as the two stallions looked on heartbroken.

“Come back…..”

"Think Rumble think!" Button pleaded, his voice echoing in Rumble head as, in his mind, the two flickered between morphed and unmorphed. The stallion shook his head wildly, growling madly. "You're under some kind of spell! Fight it!"

"Gah! You're confusing me! No more tricks!" Rumble raised his staff over his head.

"No!" Button pleaded, barely dodging the strike and flipping Rumble off him. Both rangers climbed back onto their hooves as Rumble summoned his weapon: Stag Breaker. "You're my brother!" Button pleaded, trying to make Rumble come to his senses.

"I HAVE NO BROTHER!!!!" Rumble shouted with all his might, firing directly at Button and connecting with each shot. The stallion rolled on the sand in pain, growling back at Rumble.

"Alright, enough is enough!" Button pulled himself up. "Thunderstaff!" Rumble bellowed out as he charged forward. "Time for some tough love!" The ranger blocked Rumbles first attack, ducking under to land two strikes to the pegasi's midsection. Button landed a overhead shot that brought the mad ranger crashing down before jamming his staff at his throat. "Now you're gonna listen, and listen good!" Rumble looked up wildly as his eyesight saw him and Button unmorphed. "Rumble!" Button pushed the stallions head against the ground. "Your name is Rumble, remember?!" The earth pony's voice bounced in the stallions head. "You're my brother! Shake it off!"

"No....no you're lying to me!"

"I'm your brother! Those are your friends!" Button turned his brothers head towards the fighting mares. "They want to help you like I do!" Rumble looked longingly at the three.

"My friends.....?" Memories of their foalhoods popped into his head. The times the five would play in the apple orchard. The time he had the cutie mark camp rebel against cutie marks. Saying goodbye when they all graduated elementary school in Ponyville. "No...you're lying!!!!" Rumble flipped Button off him, climbing back to his hooves while clutching his head. "Whats wrong with me?!?!?!?!" The pony screamed into the sky as more memories came flooding back. Welcoming Button into his family, their parents dying, Thunderlane teaching the two what he knew, gifting their morphers, the Thunder Academy, all the way til earlier in the day. "Its all coming back...." Rumble moaned weakly, standing straight up before finally demorphing in front of Button. Shaking as a tear streaked down his face the stallion looked at his brother. "I remember everything....." Rumbles eyes rolled up before finally collapsing.

"Rumble!!!" Button demorphed and dashed towards his fallen brother. The stallion began shaking his brother in an attempt to wake him.

"Oh no you don't!" Trixie said, aiming a spell at the two.

"Oh yes he does!" Scootaloo said as she and her friends flipped at the mare. "Ran-Ger-Power!" The three brought their blades down on Trixie, knocking her clean off her hooves. "Element Blades Powered Up!" Scootaloo landed a strong strike, knocking Trixie down in a mini explosion and defeating her in the proces. "Had enough?!"

"I'll be back rangers! Trixie isnt through with you!" The mare exclaimed before vanishing in front of the three.

"And we'll be ready! Power down!" The three demorphed and rushed towards the two brothers. Rumble head hung limply as Button shook him repeatedly, trying to wake him. "Is he ok?" Scootaloo asked, very worried about Rumbles well being.

"Rumble! Come on man stay with me!!!" Button screamed as Rumble finally opened his eyes, making a gagging sound while Button shook him.

"Button...I need to breath at some point here..." The pegasus choked out. Button laughed heartily, pulling his brother in for a well needed hug.

"Thought I lost you there."

"I'm fine bro." Rumble slowly sat up and looked at Scootaloo and her friends with a quizzical look.

"Well he's back to being Rumble." Sweetie noted.

"Good Rumble or bad Rumble?" Applebloom asked. Scootaloo looked directly into Rumble.

"...do you know who we are?" The mare asked, worried another fight might break out. Rumble looked at the sand deep in thought, before looking directly into Scootaloo's eyes.

"Yeah....you're my friends." Scootaloo smiled kindly before extending her hoof. Rumble took it and was pulled back onto his hooves. Before the five could plan what to do next to their surprise Scootaloo's morpher began beeping.

"ZZZTTT-ear me? Can you girls hear me?" Spike's voice came through. The drake had finally patched through to their morphers.

"That you Spike?"

"No its the phone company. You're late on your bill." The drake joked. Rumble looked at the morpher confused.

"Is he always like this?"

"You'll get use to it." Scootaloo said.

"Are you girls o-o-o-ok?" Twilight asked.

"We're fine Twilight."

"Are the Thunder Rangers with you?"

"They're right here."

"I need to s-s-s-peak with them when you return." The mare instructed, still shivering from the growing cold.

"Which brings us to the big problem. You're on an island thats minutes away from sinking fully into the ocean. We need to get you off now!"

"Ummm, what about a teleport?" Applebloom asked.

"You're too far for it to be effective."

"What about the zords?" Button asked.

"Good idea B-B-Button." Twilight said, shivering to herself.

"Both Megazords are on the way! I just need to check to see if they can withstand the pressure from the ocean."

"We'll be ready Spike." Scootaloo said into her morpher before turning to the others. "Lets do it."

"Wait!" Rumble said loudly, bring the others to a halt.

"Now what?"

"I just.....I just wanna say thank you for sticking out for me back there." Rumble said sincerely. "I don't know came over me back there, but it means a lot to me." Scootaloo smiled kindly, trotting over and placing a hoof on his shoulder.

"It's ok Rumble. Thats what friends do"

"How can you be ok with calling me your friend? After everything I've done?"

"Because we know where your heart lies." Scootaloo said. "Now we can talk more about this later. Follow me everypony before this turns into a group hug." The red ranger began trotting away with her friends close behind, and after a moment the Thunder Rangers fell in line behind the three mares.

"Well would you look at that?" Nightmare Moon growled as Trixie nealt before her. "They have become one happy super hero family. The problem is Trixie, they are escaping!"

"Your highness its just a setback. If you allow Trixie one more chance she can-"

"Can what?" The alicorn of the night shouted using the royal voice. "Hand control of my vessel over?" The alicorn looked down below at the planet. "If that creature of yours fails me, that is it for you!" The ruler of the night fired down at the remains of Super Toxipod, causing the snail to grow to massive heights.

"Go big or go home!" The creature roared as the five rangers took a stance.

"Girls ready?"

"Ready!" Scootaloo turned to the brothers.

"Guys ready?" The two looked up at the monster before looking at Scootaloo.

"Ready." With the five ponies lined up, for the first time the Rangers morphed as a team.

"Element Storm!"

"Thunder Storm!"

"Ranger Form! Ha!" The morphing vortex formed around the mares while a pair of golden gauntlets clamped to stallions forehooves and shoulders as their helmets launched into the air. Rumble's and Button Mash's helmets landed perfect on their heads while the mares outfits snapped to their bodies. All five visors closed together as a group.

"Ranger Power!" The five called out as one as a small burst of energy exploded behind them.

"How about those zords Spike?" Scootaloo asked.

"On the way!" Spike responded, slamming his hand on the large button.

"Let's do this guys!" The five rangers took to the air, landing directly in each of their respective cockpits of their respective zords.

“Megazord Formation!” The Zords were moved from their underground hanger and out into the world via the holographic portals. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel. Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

"Hey Rangers! You'll be sorry you ever crossed my snail trail!" The monster cackled before unleashing a wave of fire. Catching the ground underneath them ablaze both Megazords shook with sparks coming off and shaking in occupants with in.

"Where's the ac in this thing?" Sweetie groaned as the heat rose.

"Getting Zebra Land hot in here!" Applebloom moaned.

"Hey! You two alright?" Scootaloo called over to the Thunders.

"We're fine!"

"We can take the heat!"

"Let's take them for a little spin then!" Scootaloo smirked before both Megazords rapidly began spinning in place. The sheerwinds coming off the zrods were enough to extinguish the flames, much to Super Toxipods surprise.

"Spin Blade! Lock, and drop!" Rumble called, putting the correct power disc and dropping it. The chest of the Thunder Megazord opened up as a gold and black sphere came spinning out, opening to form a ninja star on an axe handle like zord.

"Lightning Mode engage!" Scootaloo commanded, pushing the correct button to trim down the megazord, but they would only have this for sixty seconds, but they would be much quicker. The Megazord bobbed in place, sizing up the creature before it with blades out on each arm.

"Rangers! Battle Ready!" All five rangers called as the snail charged forward for combat. The creature brought its staff down only for it to be knocked away by the Thunders. The Thunder Megazord then landed several hard strikes with the Spin Blade.

"Quit it!" The Thunder Megazord stopped only for the Lightning Megazord to hop off it and deliver a drop kick that rocked Super Toxipod. Bouncing off the Megazord once more the Megazord brought its two blades down in an X formation that did the final touch.

"Time to come out of your shell!" The tow Megazords looked on as the creature screamed out before finally collapsing in front of them in a large explosion that rocked the sinking island. "Now thats what I call crab meat."

"We're going home everypony!" Button said happily as both Megazord began wading out into the ocean. As the water rose up to the structures midsections the island finally began to drop rapidly once more back into the ocean behind them. The five werent gonna miss it one bit.

To the bafflement of most ponies, especially the weather ponies of Cloudsdale, as suddenly as the cold came and grasped most of Equestria it had disappeared almost as quickly, leaving most of the melted snow as puddles of water and mud. As the ponies in Ponyville shed their cold clothing for another day most went back on with their lives. Sweetie Belle arrived at her sisters Boutique with Rumble and Button Mash in tow to see how bad things were. Rarity was packing away boxes upon boxes of clothing when she noticed her younger sister.

"Well look who the cat dragged in." The older mare complained. Sweetie could take a hint.

"Rarity I can explained. I was kinda stuck in the middle of nowhere-"

"It wasnt her fault Rarity." Rumble cut in. The older mare looked at the two stallions.

"Oh hello darlings. Havent seen you two in ages."

"But she was helping us out with something." Button explained.

"Well that doesnt surprise me. Sweetie's generous like that but you couldnt call? Send a letter? Something?"

"If there was anyway to be here I wouldve." Sweetie pleaded.

"Sweetie Belle's telling the truth Rarity."

"Thanks to that weather I'm behind with maintaining the Boutique. And if you're gonna keep disappearing I'll need more hooves around here." Rarity complained. A lightbulb went off in Sweeties mind.

"They'll help you out!" Sweetie said, putting a hoof around the two brothers.

"We'll what?"

"Excuse me?" The two said surprised and confused. Rarity sized the two up then nodded.

"Excellent! Minimum wage and you start right now. I need help putting these boxes away." Rarity motioned to the piles of boxes.

"Umm, actually we need to do something really quick...." Sweetie said with a grimace. "I'm sorry but it'll be a half hour at most! We'll be right back!"

"I didnt agree to work here." Rumble said quietly as Sweetie pushed the stallions out the door. Rarity rolled her eyes with a smirk.

"Was I like that when I was her age?"

The five rangers regrouped at Element Ops with the much warmer Twilight Sparkle and Spike. After smoothing out any issues with ponies that might be missing them Scootaloo had hoped it would be time to bring in the Thunders as part of the time. Their answer wasnt what she had in mind.

"Wait wait wait. Let me get this straight. After all we've been through you two just wanna....walk away from being rangers?" Scootaloo asked the brothers confused.

"We're fine with staying in Ponyville for the moment to gather our thoughts but we have to Scoot." Rumble said.

"Nightmare Moon wont rest until she destroys the two of us." Button said grimly.

"Join the club." Applebloom countered.

"And we don't deserve to fight alongside you after everything we've done." The pegasus stallion said. "The dishonor we've brought among ourselves-"

"Can only be undone if you fight with us, as a team." Sweetie argued.

"We also wont risk anything happening to you three because of us." Rumble was determined to win this argument. "Its the three of you, not us, whos standing between Equestria and Nightmare Moon. Millions of innocent ponies count on you."

"You don't think we think about that everyday?" Scootaloo said. "You told us your older brother gifted you those morphers because he thought you would know what to do with them. Did you think this would be it?"

"Scootaloo's right boys." Twilight cut in, trotting over to the two teenage stallions. "You've been given a gift and its your responsibility to use that gift. Thunderlane knew the Thunder Powers were meant for you." The older unicorn stepped back. "But, I cant force you to do this."

"So what do you guys say? Are you in or not?" Scootaloo said, putting her hooves over Sweetie and Applebloom. The brothers looked at each other, clearly conflicted on what was the right and wrong thing to do.

"But it wasn't Trixies fault your majesty!" Trixie pleaded to her ruler on the vessel above Equestria. "Please give Trixie another chance-"

"No more chances!" The alicorn of the night snapped. "As of this moment you are no longer my General!"

"Not a demotion!"

"More than that Miss Lulamoon. You are hereby banished from my vessel to wander Equestria! If you are not out of my sight in the next five minutes I shall deal with thee personally!" Nightmare Moon shouted using the royal voice. Trixie fell dumbfounded as Gilda and Iron Will looked on with the biggest smirks on their faces.

"B-b-b-b-ut where will Trixie go? What will she do?" The mare said with tears forming.

"How about far away and self destruct?" Nightmare Moon offered. "When I return if I see thy presence here I will be the last thing thee shall see alive!!!" The alicorn stormed off to vent off her frustration at another failed planned while her two remaining followers fell in behind her. Trixie shook for a moment before getting back on to her hooves, growing loudly as she did.

"Some pony must pay for this humiliation....and that some pony is the Thunder Rangers!!!!"

Return of Thunder Part 4

It would be a few extra days but most ponies in Equestria were finally able to move past the recent big freeze. While the weather ponies of Cloudsdale were unable to explain just what had caused it, or why it disappeared as quickly as it came, most ponies were more than glad to put it behind them and move on. Carts were back on the streets of Ponyville selling their products, young colts and fillies were enjoying the great summer days they would have in their foalhoods, and life in general was back to normal. One business that was happy to be back to normal was ran by a white unicorn mare, who was currently watching two teenage stallions carry large boxes inside.

"This is the last of the new fabric Rarity." Rumble groaned under the weight of the heavy box, his brother not faring much better. Rarity looked on pleased.

"And in record time boys. Simply take them to the back, I'll sort them later." The fashion ponies said to her two employees. "Keep up the great work you two." The two rangers struggled to make the trip to the back room, relieved to finally drop the boxes down.

"Give me a monster any day." Button joked, earning a slug from his brother. The two stallions trotted out to see two of their friends trotting in.

"Enjoying the work force guys?" Sweetie asked as the two sides exchanged hoof bumps.

"Delivery day aside its a cool gig." Rumble smirked.

"Thanks for the hookup Sweetie."

"What does Rarity make you do anyway?" Applebloom asked.

"Just move stuff around and take orders." The earth pony stallion explained. "But hey we get plenty of freedom, we owe you one."

"You know if you boys wanna make up for me getting you a job I know how." Sweetie said, hoping the two had made a decision. The four looked to see if Rarity was around before continuing.

"If you're talking about morphers and Megazords we're still thinking about it." Rumble admitted., deflating the two mares a bit.

"Ah know the whole librarian being your mentor thing and working under a tree thing is a bit to take in but once you get past all that its not out of the norm for us." Applebloom said, making it sound simple. Rumble scoffed with a smirk on his face.

"What planet is that not out of the norm?"

"Look girls, its nothing to do with Twilight." Button explained. "We're grateful she's forgiven us fully for trying to destroy her....but this is a huge decision for us. But we wont keep you girls hanging, alright?" The two mares begrudgingly nodded.

"Alright."

"Alright we'll see you later." Rumble nodded before the two rangers trotted out the door.

"Yall still up for riding later?" Applebloom asked before they left.

"After work Bloom. Meet us at the beach."

"Later then." The mares watched the two stallions trot out the door to continue their work, hoping the two would make the right decision.

As the two stallions questioned their eventual decision miles above the planet the large midnight black vessel that harbored the rangers enemies floated lazily by. The ruler of the vessel was trotting about, noting something was off to her.

"Iron Will! Gilda! Comeforth at once!" Nightmare Moon commanded. The remaining two followers came from their locations on the vessel and stood before their ruler. "Why does it seem so...quiet?"

"Maybe because you banished the washout magician." Gilda said rolling her eyes.

"Why does that sound familiar?"

"She means Trixie your highness." The minotaur explained.

"Did I not wipe her from existence?"

"No your highness you banished her to Equestria." The griffon said, rolling her eyes.

"I should have destroyed her while I had the chance. Not doing that usually comes back to haunt me." The alicorn said before taking her place on her throne. To their surprise the moment she sat her flank down the alarms began going off around them. "What is the meaning of this foolishness?" The alicorn shouted using the voice.

"We have a an intruder in the scroll room!" Iron Will said, pulling out his two large swords.

"Deal with them at once!" The minotaur stormed off towards the scroll room, where the alicorn of the night kept her most dangerous scrolls. While it was tempting to use them on their enemies the scrolls were simply too powerful to control, even for Nightmare Moon. As he got closer he heard a familiar voice coming from within.

"Come to mama...banish me will they? With this Trixie will finally get some respect around her!"

"Unhand the scroll Trixie!" Will barged into the room and found to his surprise Trixie with a large scroll floating with her magic.

"Why don't you make me?"

"Her majesty will not show you mercy a second time! Come with me at once!" The minotaur slashed with his swords only for the unicorn to dodge the attack.

"Trixie would love to Iron Will but she has plans, BIG plans! See you later!" With a puff of smoke the unicorn vanished before the still loyal follower of Nightmare Moon.

"You will pay for this Trixie!" Iron Will growled

At Element Ops Spike and Twilight were having a field day. While the two still hadnt come to a decision on what to do the Thunder Rangers had provided the two full schematics to their megazord. At the moment while the two were seeing what made it tick Sweetie was watching on behind them while Scootaloo was practicing her scooter tricks right on the floor.

"I'm confused. Was there a sign that said scooter park outside the secret entrance?" Spike asked, sending the pegasus mare a dirty look.

"Sorry Spike." Sweetie giggled at her friends expense. The teenage drake turned back to the monitor.

"Somepony knew what they were doing when they built this. The technology is amazing." Spike complemented.

"Don't drool over it." Scootaloo teased, getting a smirk out of the drake.

"Now all we need is somepony to drive them." Sweetie noted. The group knew there were only two ponies who could.

"Rumble and Button Mash have to follow their own path, whatever that path may be. We can't force them into this." Twilight said.

"But it would be nice to have some extra hooves against Nightmare Moon." Scootaloo said. The monitor began beeping with Spike looking on confused.

"That's weird."

"What? Finally find something you cant figure out?" Scootaloo teased.

"No. I've scanned the Thunder Megazord for damage and I found this non functional retrofit."

"Can you repeat that in Ponish?" Sweetie asked.

"It means one piece doesnt have a purpose, but its important to the overall structure to the Megazord. I would love to know what the deal is?"

"Would that count as not knowing what it is?" Scootaloo teased again. Spike rolled his eyes and pushed the mare away.

Two riders in Crimson and Navy riding gear shredded off the dunes of the Ponyville Beach, gaining some air that impressed the two. The two riders kept trading the lead back and forth with one riding skimming the waves of the water on the outskirts of town. Button and Rumble were having the times of their life at the moment as they came skidding to a stop, sending sand flying through the air.

"Woo! I can definitely chill here for a while Rumble!" Button panted, pleased with the riding choice.

"So thats a vote for staying?" Rumble asked. The earth pony looked at him before looking back out towards the water.

"I mean it seems like after everything we've been through it would be nice to just find a place to settle. Almost as if theres a reason for it." The pegasus slugged his brother in the shoulder.

"Don't go all zen on me." The crimson ranger teased.

"And you know the others want us to stay."

"Are you just saying that cause you have a thing for Sweetie?" Rumble teased again, getting a slug in the shoulder from his brother.

"You're one to talk. Don't think I don't notice how you look at Scootaloo sometimes." Button teased back.

"Alright alright so I like her. Wanna tell all of Equestria?" The pegasus admitted, getting a smirk out of the earth pony. "So have we made up our minds?"

"We both know its the right thing to do." Button reasoned. The two brothers looked at each other in thought when the arrival of another pony caught their attentions, and that wasnt a good thing.

"To ranger, or not to ranger? What a stupid question." Trixie scoffed as she appeared almost from thin air.

"You know its rude to break in during a private conversation?" Rumble asked.

"What do you want anyway?" Button asked, fed up with the unicorn in front of them. Trixie put on a mock look of surprise while placing a hoof on her chest.

"What does Trixie want? She thought nopony would ever ask! Trixie wants revenge on Nightmare Moon from banishing her from her presence! She wants revenge on the most insufferable pony thats ever crossed my path, Twilight Sparkle, for ruining her career! She wants revenge on those oh so annoying mares you two losers pine for, and most of all Trixie wants revenge against the two of you!!!!" Trixie charged up a powerful magic strike and fired directly at the two. The rangers were barely able to dodge the attack, but their bikes were so fortunate as the attack caused both to explode in a large fireball. Rumble's blood began boiling as he watched their bikes burn and smoke.

"Now you've done it!" The two brother regrouped, not taking their eyes off the mare before they had morphers ready to go.

"Thunder Storm! Ranger Form! Ha!" Lifting their morphers, then two slammed a button on the underside. Their gold gauntlets latched to their forehooves and shoulders as their helmets launched into the air. When the two helmets latched perfectly to the two stallions the rest of their ranger form appeared as they let out a charge of crimson and navy lightning into the sky.

“Power of Thunder!” The two brothers took a fighting stance, but something struck them as odd. Trixie didnt look nervous at all.

"And for my first trick, allow Trixie to give you a hoof!" The unicorn then took off her hat and pointed the opening at the two stallions. Before the two could react streams of energy shot out and latched around the two while air was beginning to be sucked in. The two rangers struggled in vain as they were dragged right into Trixie's hat, ending when the pleased magician put her hat back on top of her head. "Two Thunder Rangers on ice. Who's the evil mare now?" The mare asked herself as she began cackling madly.

Nightmare Moon patience was growing thin as she waited for Iron Will to return from and breakin and report just what was going on. Tapping her hoof impatiently the minotaur finally arrived.

"Your highness we have a situation." Will reported. "The banished Trixie remained on board long enough to make off with a scroll."

"What ever happened to thee having good news and bad news?" The alicorn groaned.

"Should I send the putties out after her?"

"No." Will raised an eyebrow at the answer. "If, and only if, she somehow defeats the rangers Trixie will be doing us a favor. And if the rangers defeat Trixie then they will be doing us a favor. Let them thin the herd so to speak." Nightmare Moon said with an evil smirk.

Trixie trotted deep into the one place where she thought she wouldn't be bothered by anypony: the Everfree Forest. The mare trotted on until she came to a small clearly that satsified her needs. Trixie sat on her flank and closed her eyes as she began to meditate.

"Dark spirits of the Everfree...give me your powers!" The mare began tapping her hat. "Thats right my pretty, don't go anywhere." Inside the hat Rumble and Button Mash took in their surroundings as purple fog hovered around them.

"Nice look." Button said cautiously. Before the two could react them felt something or somepony strike them repeatedly in such a speed they could even make eye contact. Sparks showered off the two as they collapsed on the ground before the landscape around them changed. Now they were by the river in the middle of the night with Trixie standing over them with a nasty smirk.

"Your powers are no good here Rangers." The magician taunted. "Welcome to the Land of Shadows. An alternate realm where only night exist and your greatest fears are very real. But don't worry, you'll both get use to it after a couple hundred years!" Button growled.

"Sorry but we don't plan on staying!"

"Hold up." Rumble held his brother back. "We gotta be careful here. This is her house. She has home field advantage."

"Thats oh so right little ranger. And you'll never escape! But after Trixie captures the other rangers you'll least have some company!" Rumble's blood began boiling.

"Not gonna happen!"

"You'll learn to respect the Great and Powerful Trixie or you'll suffer a fate worse than death!" Trixie moved forward with blinding speed and repeatedly struck down the helpless rangers.

Applebloom popped a wheelie on her racing bike as she tore through the sands of Ponyville Beach. She knew the stallions were right in that today was an absolute beautiful day for riding. Whenever she caught up to the brothers she would thank them for inviting her, and maybe while she was at it try to convince them again that helping them was the right thing to do in their battle with the Alicorn of the Night. What she wasnt expecting was to find the smoldering remains of their bikes scattered on the beach.

"What in tarnation?" The yellow ranger asked quietly as she pulled her helmet off. Something was very off here, and she knew it. "Girls, meet in Element Ops. We might have a problem."

"Ok while Rumble and Button Mash might not be the most reliable ponies in Equestria toasting their bikes is something they would never do." Scootaloo reasoned. The three mares had regrouped in Element Ops with Spike and Twilight while trying to make sense of what was happening.

"I smell a rat." Sweetie said.

"I think you're right girls." Twilight said grimly. "Foul play is most likely here."

"And it probably has something to do with her." Spike said from his seat at the monitor. The mares looked over his shoulders and found blue unicorn mare in the middle of the screen as a video feed caught her deep in meditation. "I'm guessing she's not there for the scenery."

"Trixie."

"Her again?"

"After their latest failure I have a feeling she isnt in Nightmare Moon's best graces at the moment, which makes her more dangerous." Twilight warned.

"She especially has something against you Twi." Applebloom pointed out. The older mare closed her eyes and sighed.

"Trixie blames me for ruining her career when she first performed in Ponyville. She won't rest until she does away with me."

"Well she's gonna have to go through us first!" Scootaloo said as her friends lined up. "Ready?"

"Ready!" In a flash their morphers were ready.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

The only thing that was gonna get the three rangers through the Everfree Forest in enough time to save the Thunder Rangers were the Tsunami Cycles. The back of the trailer housing them vehicles lowered as the red, blue and yellow bikes came peeling out. Over taking the trailer the rangers wheelied as their speed carried them away in a flash.

Trixie kept to her thoughts as within her hat she was having a fine time keeping the Thunder Rangers busy before the sounds of engines pulled her out of her meditation. As the sound got louder and closer the mare simply smirked, not at all worried.

"Right on time...." The unicorn purred. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom came skidding to a stop directly in front of Trixie. To them, she was no longer a minor annoyance, but now a serious threat.

"Where are they?!" Scootaloo yelled at Trixie. "Where are our friends?!"

"Why don't you join them? There's plenty of room inside." Trixie taunted, tapping her hat.

"Thanks but we'll pass!"

"Oh boo hoo.....boo hoo....Trixie's feelings are hurt, but not surprised. So how about some new playmates? Putty Patrol!" The unicorn ordered as the foot soldiers of Nightmare Moon appeared before the three rangers in a flash of light.

"Element Blades!" The rangers pulled their signature swords from behind them and took a battle stance.

"Attack!"

"Bring it!" The two sides charged at each other. Scootaloo began to plow through her putties, hacking and slashing away at anything that tried to attack her with each of her strikes finding their targets. Applebloom blocked several putty attacks before sweeping a few down with a leg sweep before striking upwards with her blade. Sweetie flipped over and over to avoid attacks while being skilled enough to strike mid flip. Trixie didnt look concerned as she looked on.

"The more the merrier Trixie always said!" Stomping her hoof more putties appeared around the rangers. Applebloom did her best to strike the putties down before two of them grabbed her from behind to keep her from attacking.

"Watch the suit!" The ranger warned as more putties began grabbing her. Scootaloo was pinned down under a dog pile of putties, keeping her blade up in a way to protect herself.

"I can't move!"

"I'll handle this!" Sweetie said as she summoned her signature weapon: The Sonic Fin. The mare flipped into the air before landing perfectly in a tree top. "Hey putties!" Sweetie shouted into her weapon. "Wave bye bye now!" The putties foolishly waved before the blast from the megaphone weapon vaporized them instantly, freeing Applebloom and Scootaloo.

"Good think Sweetie!"

"Whoop de doo..." Trixie said, not impressed.

"Storm Striker!" The three mares combined their signature weapons to form their final attack weapon and aimed down the sights.

"Strike this!" With her horn glowing Trixie stomped down with her hoof. Scootaloo and her friends had only a split second to move before a tree came crashing down right where they were standing.

"You girls ok?" Scootaloo asked as they took a breath of nervous air.

"Ah think so Scoot." Applebloom said as their morphers went off.

"Girls! I think I figured it out!" Spike said over the communicator. "To free the Thunder Rangers all you have to do is knock Trixie's hat off her head!"

"Thanks for the tip Spike!" Scootaloo said as the three mares flipped through the air over Trixie's next attack. "Ran-Ger-Power!" The three mares came out of their flip and brought their blades down, striking the magicians hat off in a shower of sparks.

"Not my hat!!!" Trixie screamed as energy came blowing out of the fabric, knocking her off her hooves while two crimson and navy figures came ping ponging out, landing in an open field.

"Huh?" Rumble asked in confusion. "We're back."

"That was just weird." Button commented, shaking her head in confusion.

"Hey there they are!" The two turned and saw Scootaloo and her friends galloping towards them. "You guys ok?"

"We're fine, thanks to you three." Rumble said, right before Trixie came landing before the five rangers. A little scuffed up her hat was placed firmly back on her head.

"Trixie has had about just enough of you brats and your teamwork!" The mare shouted in pure frustration. "Let's end this once and for all!!!!"

"You guys ready?" Scootaloo asked the Thunders.

"Oh yeah!"

"Element Rangers!" Scootaloo and her friends struck a fighting pose. "Hiyah!"

"Thunder Rangers! Hiyah!" Rumble and Button Mash struck a fighting pose of their own. The purpose was to throw Trixie off and trick her into attack first.

"Oh save Trixie the speech and poses!" The mare charged up a electrical attack and fired directly at the five, just as they thought she would. The ground exploded before the five from the attack but when the smoke cleared only their costumes remained. "Trixie hates it when they do that." The mare looked for the five, but couldnt see them anywhere.

"Ahhhh!" Applebloom shouted as she brought her Lion Hammer down on Trixie, bowling her over in sparks as Sweetie and Rumble came galloping forward with the mare firing off her Element Beams and the stallion firing off his Horn Breaker. Each charge met their mark as Trixie went flailing through the air, landing on her shakey hooves when Button caught her by surprise when he clamped his Navy Antler around her midsection and let off as much energy as he could muster before sending the mare flying through the air in pain.

"Is that the best you got?" Trixie groaned as she pulled herself up.

"Air Attack!" Scootaloo came flying through the air as she struck Trixie with her blade repeatedly. The unicorn groaned out as she collapsed in sparks. The five rangers regrouped, knowing they had her right where they wanted her.

"Let's do it!" Rumble said.

"Put them together guys!" Scootaloo and her friend combined their weapons while the brother combined theirs. "Storm Striker!"

"Thunder Cannon!" The two sides took aim as Trixie quickly got back onto her hooves.

"Wait!!!"

"Oh what now?" Scootaloo asked in annoyance. Trixie responded with an evil smirk.

"Trixie wants to perform a puppet show..."

"Excuse us?" Sweetie asked in confusion.

"Trixie will be the puppeteer, and you'll be her puppets!" The mare fired off several tendrils of energy that latched around the three mares in surprise. Then to the stallions shock and horror the thrashing mares were pulled all the way over to Trixie and re-aimed the Storm Striker at them.

"Hey whats going on?!"

"Ah can't move!" The three mares struggled as they were frozen in place as Trixie cackled.

"Trixie's pulling the strings now! Now do what she does..." Trixie commanded Scootaloo, motioning to firing the weapon. Scootaloo felt her hoof closing on the trigger.

"No! I won't!" The mare struggled with all her might, but this was a tough battle. Rumble looked on conflicted until he aimed his and Buttons weapon.

"Trixie is going down!"

"Rumble, if you hit the girls you could strip them of their powers." Button said to his brother, now worried for the safety of the others.

"Button we don't have any choice!"

"He has a point Navy Ranger. Either you blast them, or they'll blast you!" Trixie cackled. Scootaloo screamed out as she struggled.

"Rumble!!! Go for it!! We can't hold her off!!!"

"Can you do it?" Button asked as Rumble slowly lowered their weapon.

"....no. I can't risk it!" The pegasus tossed their weapon down onto the ground as Trixie struck them with a charge of her own, bowling the two over in a shower of sparks.

"What a shame...now time to blast your friends girls!" Trixie had the three aim the Storm Striker at the fallen rangers. Scootaloo's heart sank as she felt her hoof slowly close in on the trigger, when the six ponies heard a shout from somepony they all didn't expect.

"Let them go Trixie!" The mare in question eyes widen in anger as she slowly looked at the hill behind them. There stood Twilight Sparkle, glaring down at the group.

"You...."

"Let them go!"

"How about they blast you instead?!" The three mares were forced to take aim as Twilight slowly trotted towards them.

"Let. Them. Go." The mare ordered. Trixie growled, before to their surprise pushing the three mares to the ground.

"Trixie will deal with you personally..." The mare said, blasting the three mares and sending them colliding with the Thunder Rangers.

"So is this how far you've fallen?" Twilight questioned. "Do you know how you look?"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie has not fallen! She has risen to such a point that even Nightmare Moon can't match it!!" The magician screeched. Twilight shook her head, knowing Trixie's sanity was sinking.

"Do you hate me that badly you would go to this far? What happened to the mare I first saw in Ponyville?" Trixie's eyes shrank before she growled viciously.

"You ruined my life!!!! You had to upstage be that day that no pony, and I mean no pony, wanted anything to do with Trixie!!! I wandered Equestria looking for a purpose and Nightmare Moon gave me that purpose! All I had to do was serve her in conquering Equestria and she would give me the ability to take my revenge against you! Then you had to get those three tramps you call Element Rangers to stop us at every turn! Once I destroy all of you I will conquer Equestria on my own! AND NO PONY WILL STOP ME!!!!!" Twilight looked sadly at the mare.

"I have only one thing to say to you Trixie.....I'm sorry...." Trixie froze in her tracks.

"You dare apologize at this point-"

"You didn't let me finish." Twilight said cutting her off. "I'm sorry for what has to be done....NOW!"

"Storm Striker!"

"Thunder Cannon!" Trixie turned in shock to see the rangers had regrouped with their weapons aimed at her directly. "FIRE!" Both weapons fired off energy spheres that orbit around the other before colliding with the mare, blasting her through the air in a large fireball explosion. The five rangers galloped to Twilight as she held a sad expression.

"Thanks for the help Twilight." Rumble said.

"Sorry we had to do this." Scootaloo apologized. The unicorn only looked away before the five turned to trot off when a figure moved.

"Where do you think....you're going? Trixie....isn't done yet!!!" To their horror the mare with burnt patches to her mane, tail, cloak and hat slowly rose to her hooves. "And the greatest magician always saves her best tricks for last!" Laughly madly to herself she pulled out the scroll she had stolen from Nightmare Moon's Vessel. "Scroll of Empowerment!!!" Trixie threw the scroll into the air as it unrolled with mythical text appearing before the six. Then to their surprise and horror Trixe began to slowly grow in massive size. "And ponies said Trixie would never make it big!!!"

"Twilight you might wanna get outta here." Scootaloo warned as the mare teleported away to Element Ops. "Spike! We need the Megazords!"

"They're on their way.....now if I could just figure what this part does?" The drake questioned as he slammed the large button down. From the hillside a large navy color zord ramped over and into their view. The hill collapsed as the Crimson Insectizoid came driving right through it. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

"Lets go guys!" The five rangers took to the air and each landed perfectly in their respective cockpits. "Element Megazord Online!" Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head.

"Thunder Megazord Formation!" The two thunder zords drove towards each other before taking to the air in a cyclone formation. Blast of lightning came flying off as the Beetle Zord shifted, forming the lower half of the machine. The claw that made up the head latched itself to the Insectizoid as it shifted to form the top half. Both halves finally formed, connecting as the threads from the Insectizoid revved up, now making both arms.

"Things are about to get a bit sticky for you rangers!" Trixie galloped forward as the Thunder Megazord charged up a Lightning Punch, but to their surprise Trixie caught it and landed a hard kick that knocked the Megazord Over. The large mare raised her hoof only to be blasted by the Element Megazord with their Lion Blaster. Even a strike from the Serpent Sword didnt faze Trixie.

"Any ideas?" Scootaloo asked the fallen rangers.

"I got one!" Button said as he put a power disc in place. "Locked, and dropped!" The power sphere weapon opened and formed their Spin Blade Weapon. The Megazord got back onto its large feet as the two structures surrounded the mare.

"How about a little spin?!" Trixie cackled as she began spinning rapidly in place and striking the two Megazords with her hat and shaking the rangers violently as they both went crashing down. From Element Ops Spike and Twilight looked on helplessly as the drake continued to try to figure out the mystery piece.

"It has to do something..." The Element Megazord got back up and charged the mare in combat.

"Sweetie! You know the drill!"

"Oh yeah! Power Disc! Locked and dropped!" The power sphere opened for a attachment to their lion blaster, forming a little gatling blaster. "Fire!"

"Bring it on!!!" Even with the added strength from the Lion Zord that helped form the Megazord Trixie was able to catch each energy charge in her hat and send them flying back and exploding on the Megazord that began to smoke with damage. The Thunder Megazord regrouped with the others as a column of flames came firing out of Trixie's hat, knocking both Megazords over violently. Spike was beginning to run out of ideas to help the others when the monitor began beeping. The scans had come up positively for the mystery piece.

"I know what it does!" The drake shouted in excitement, rapidly typing in a command. "Rangers! That mystery piece I've been talking about? I've figured out what it does! Check this out!" The drake slammed the button down, sending a brand new power disc to both Scootaloo and Rumble.

"Thanks Spike, but how about filling us in on the big secret?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yeah, whats it do?" Rumble asked as he looked over the new disc.

"You have to activate those at the same time to form the Mini Zord. And it comes with a surprise!" Spike said with a smirk.

"You ready Rumble?"

"Let's do this!" Trixie frowned as both Megazords climbed back on their large feet.

"Back for more huh?"

"Power Disc!" Both Rumble and Scootaloo called out. "Locked, and dropped!" Both megazords opened up as two similar spheres began circling each other. One sphere was gold while the other was silver. Both spheres opened up as two halves of a smaller zord fused together. The zord, a dark blue color with a crescent moon on its chest hovered over the battle.

"Whoa..." The fives rangers each said in amazement.

"I am Mini Zord!" The zord called out as the rangers looked on from their cockpits. "Thunder Megazord!" It pointed at the stallions. "And Element Megazord!" It pointed at the mares. "Combine!"

"Let's do it everypony!" Scootaloo called as the head of their megazord rose off as its arms folded before the whole body turned around in place with the head of the Lion Zord latching onto the chest with its mane spinning in place. The chest of the Thunder Megazord opened as the Megazord itself split down the middle as pieces rearranged themselves to form the new arms. The Element Megazord drifted into the middle as the arms and feet clamped into place before the Mini Zord itself folded into the new head piece and hands. The Dolphin Zord and Insectizoid heads clamped onto the new Megazord's shoulders as both heads opened up to form gatling cannons on the shoulders. The fists clashed together as a charge of energy exploded around the megazord as the ground around it altered.

"Thunderstorm Megazord Online!!!" The five rangers called out. Spike was pumping the air and he and Twilight looked on from Element Ops in amazement. It was time for the forces of the Elements and Thunder to unite as one team.

"How do you like us now Trixie?!" Scootaloo taunted from the head while the others controlled the arms and legs respectively.

"The bigger you are the harder to fall!" Trixie cackled before firing off energy charges that bounced off the Megazord without even making a dent. Trixie growled as she launched her hat that the Rangers effortlessly caught, and vaporished before the mare. "My hat!!!"

"Aw don't cry!" Sweetie said.

"Your mama will make a new one!" Applebloom taunted.

"Ready Rumble?" Scootaloo asked. The pegasus in question had the biggest smirk under his helmet.

"Ready!" The Megazord began moving forward with its tread feet.

"Oh so thats how its gonna be?!" Trixie fired off more energy only for Button to throw a punch that floored Trixie off her hooves.

"This thing rocks!" Button said happily from his cockpit.

"No doubt!" Rumble agreed with his brother as Trixie slowly pulled herself up. The Mini Zord appeared on the screen before the five rangers.

"Use the Thunder Lion Cannon! It'll will be your best defense!"

"Well you heard him everypony." Scootaloo said as each ranger pushed the same button command. "Thunder Lion Cannon! Activate!" The Megazord pulled a large rip cord from its chest, rapidly charging its lion chest piece with such force that the resulting blast from the chest piece plus the added boost from the shoulder cannons could be felt by Twilight and Spike back in Element Ops. Trixie's scream echoed out as she was quickly swallowed by the blast and very large explosion, the largest the rangers had set off. But much to the rangers surprise as the smoke cleared Trixie was still standing, and stumbling forward.

"You....just couldn't let Trixie have this one..." The mare weeped as large burst of energy flew off her. "You just couldn't let Trixie win for once!" Memories off all her past defeats began flooding into her mind as more energy flew off. "Why can't....Trixie win?!" The large mare finally stopped. "Why can't she.....beat....Twilight....." Trixies eyes rolled up before she finally fell backwards in a large explosion. From their Megazord the five rangers knew they should be celebrating bringing down one of Nightmare Moons followers, but they all couldnt help but feel even a little sorry for Trixie.

"I'm going down there." Scootaloo told the others as she leaped from the Megazord and down to the burning ground below. A split second later the others were standing behind her, overlooking the results of their battle.

"Anypony see her?" Rumble asked. Button spotted a down figure out in the distance.

"Over there!" The five galloped a good distance to where they found Trixie Lulamoon on the ground, and not moving. Sweetie slowly placed a hoof on the fallen mares chest.

"I feel a pulse. She's alive." The five rangers jumped back as a dark charge of energy burst from her chest and flew up into the sky. "What was that?!"

"We can talk later, help me with her!" Scootaloo bent down and slowly began rolling the unconscious mare on her back. The others helped Scootaloo lift Trixie onto her back as the five demorphed, and slowly began the trek back into town.

"Your majesty, the rangers have defeated Trixie." Gilda reported to the alicorn of the night who sat on her throne, glaring into the sphere that contained her older sister and alicorn of the day: Princess Celestia.

"Those rangers of yours dear sister are getting stronger. Perhaps I haven't been taking them seriously enough..." Nightmare Moon said as the dark energy appeared in front of her before zapping into her. "If Trixie has survived her battle she has been set free of my gift. Though I hardly doubt she will draw breath much longer."

"What do you want us to do your highness?" Iron Will asked.

"We wait. Trixie's replacement will be here shortly enough..."

When they had returned to Ponyville Scootaloo and the others quickly rushed Trixie to the hospital. According to the doctors treating her she was alive, but in what appeared to be a coma. They didn't know when Trixie would awaken, or if she ever would. The five made the slow trot to Rarity's Boutique where they quietly regrouped in the back room.

"We won, so why do I feel bad?" Sweetie asked quietly.

"Trixie mightve been evil, but only because Nightmare Moon made her that way." Scootaloo reasoned. "She might not even remember any of whats happened when she wakes up."

"If she wakes up." Rumble said grimly. The five sat in silence before Rarity appeared in the doorway.

"Oh there you boys are. Somepony has been waiting for you two to come back from your ride to talk to you." Rarity explained to their confusion. "They work with a racing company and want you two to perform with them."

"That would mean leaving Ponyville..." Rumble said quietly.

"Go for it you two." Scootaloo said with a kind smile. "You don't get chances like this."

"But you girls-"

"We can handle ourselves." Applebloom said putting a hoof around her two friends. "And we'll still be friends right?" The brothers looked at the mares before slowly trotting out the door. When the three mares left the backroom they found the stallions gone. "Ah'm gonna miss them."

"But Twilight's right. We can't force them into this." Sweetie said as they began their trek back to Element Ops. Twilight and Spike were waiting for the three. The teenage rangers filled the two in on Trixie's condition.

"There'll be many days like this girls." Twilight explained. "When it feels like doing the right thing is wrong. When Trixie comes out of her coma I'll be there for her. What she needs more than anything at the moment, is a friend."

"And we'll be there with you Twilight." Scootaloo said confidently when the sound of trotting came from the stairway into Element Ops. To their surprise Rumble and Button Mash and trotted down to them. "Here to say goodbye?"

"Nah. We appreciated their offer, but we had to turn them down." The pegasus explained, much to the others surprise.

"You said no? But that would get you away from here and Nightmare Moon!"

"We have something more important to do." Button explained as he and his brother turned to Twilight. Staring at her with smiles on their faces they both gave a small bow.

"If you'll have us, we would be more than honored to fight along Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom." The teenage mares eyes widen in surprise as Twilight studied the two before smiling back.

"Well, if you don't mind accepting my teachings and agreeing to a few rules that even these three have to abide by as Rangers I would have no problem accepting you. But that isn't my call to make. That falls to the leader of the team: Scootaloo." The red ranger looked surprised as all eyes fell on her, before she trotted to the front of the stallions. Smiling at her friends who nodded she held out her hoof.

"Welcome to Element Storm." The two brothers took her hoof without a moment's hesitation while the others broke out into cheers before piling on them. Spike laughed as the stallions struggled to get the mares off them while Twilight looked at the five friends happily. Three had become Five, and Nightmare Moon now had more problems to deal with.

Night had fallen in Ponyville. The group had gone out to celebrate the addition of Rumble and Button Mash to the team. Spike had modify their morphers slightly so they could tap into the communicator system and reach Element Ops when needed. As the five ponies and dragon celebrated at Sugarcube Corner Twilight quietly went back to her library. Making sure she was indeed alone the older mare descended into Element Ops and pulled out a scroll that was sealed to the point only she could open it. Sitting at the large monitor she was quietly listen to recordings that the morphers picked up while jotting down notes.

"You gotta understand that Rumble's a good pony. He's loyal to the very end, no matter how that end comes. Some would consider that a good trait to have."

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"What trait would you have?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm good at making people laugh when they need it."

Next to a drawing of Rumbles and Buttons faces on the parchment Twilight quietly wrote with a quill.

"Loyalty......Laughter." Listening in to later recordings she jotted down next to a drawing of Sweetie Belle. "Generosity...Apple Bloom....honesty." Twilight paused when she got to the drawing of Scootaloo. "Kindness." Then she looked at the six line with a figure covered in scribbles. "Where's the spark that'll bring them together?" She asked herself quietly.

Bopping Bop-A-Roo

Author's Note

Warning: The following chapter contains shipping. You have been warned :raritywink:

Bopping Bop-A-Roo

The sun shined down on yet another beautiful day in Equestria. The waves brushed over the local sandy beach as further up three ponies were busy with something that was to be done in private. Two ponies bounced off each other and landed on the sand. Scootaloo and Rumble sized each other up before flipping through the air past each other, landing and sizing each other up again. Growling the two rangers finally charged and began exchanging blows.

The teenage stallion caught a jumping leg kick, ducking down from an overhead kick before he and the teenage mare began blocking each other’s shots. Off to the side the only adult of the group, Twilight Sparkle, watched on as the two rangers continued to spar. Scootaloo caught a punch from Rumble, able to push the Thunder Ranger back slightly in the sand. Rumble ducked under another kick, spinning quickly only for his shot to be blocked. The two rangers continued blocking each other, refusing to let the other gain the advantage.

Scootaloo rolled backwards over the beach, avoiding a kick from Rumble. Growling the mare spun over head and finally landed a kick directly into the stallion’s chest, causing the ranger to stumble back.

“Ever hear of cutting your losses?” The red ranger taunted with a smirk.

“Huh?” Scootaloo charged forward but was cut off guard by Rumble sweeping a hoof, causing Scootaloo to flip and land back first onto the sand. The crimson ranger quickly took hold of one of the mare’s front hoof and twisted behind her back.

“What losses?” Rumble taunted with a smirk of his own. Scootaloo reached out and yank at the stallions back hoof, causing the ranger to come crashing down into the sand. The Pegasus mare was now out for blood. Charging forward Scootaloo and Rumble began blocking each other’s shots again, but with more determination behind Scootaloo’s attacks. The two held each other, locked in place before the thunder ranger was able to knock the element ranger back with a punch to the chest. Rumble shook his other hoof, the one blocking attacks, in pain. “I thought we were just sparring!”

“Hey if you can’t keep up I can go find a fillyscout for you to fight.”

“Hah, such a comedian Scoots…” Rumble growled. The two charged each other again but came skidding to a stop as Twilight teleported between them.

“That’s enough.” The elder mare said, smacking the two in the heads with her hoof and dropping them both to the ground. “I see you two still haven’t gotten this rivalry out of your systems yet.” The two rangers groaned as they sat up. “We agreed that the Element Rangers and the Thunder Rangers need to work together as one. Correct?” Twilight quizzed the two.

“Yes, a competitive spirit is healthy-“Scootaloo started, having heard this speech before.

“-as long as you don’t compromise honor and friendship.” Rumble finished, much to the mare’s annoyance.

“I was right in the middle of saying that!” The two rangers got up and locked each other again, only for another smack from Twilight to bring them both back down.

“If you two are gonna work together as leader and second in command-“

“Whoa hang on! I thought Sweetie was my second!” Scootaloo argued.

“She WAS. I spoke with the others and they agreed that Rumble would be a better fit for the role in case you aren’t around.” Twilight explained, getting a smirk from the stallion in question.

“You can keep up with me right?” The two rangers looked ready to go at it once again until Twilight intervened.

“Ok the two of you: wing-ups. Now.” The unicorn ordered. The two teenage Pegasus looked ready to argue this, until Twilight put her hoof back in the air. Knowing full well she would indeed strike them again the two rangers dropped onto their stomach’s and began pushing themselves up and down with the strength of their wings alone. While Scootaloo may have had less flying experience than Rumble, she was going fine keeping up with the Thunder Ranger.

Twilight smiled, thinking the two were past their competitive streak. She found herself sadly mistaken as the two locked eyes and began pushing themselves harder and harder, trying to outlast the other. Their teacher rolled her eyes.

“And just as I thought you two were past this.”

“Ok a little higher…..just a smidge…..perfect!” Applebloom said to her friend as Sweetie Belle finished putting the last bright yellow banner in place outside the Apple Family barn.

“How’s it look?”

“Looks great!” Sweetie dropped her magic, allowing the banner to hang in its spot of the side of the barn. The two looked over the banner that said ‘Ponyville Trek’. “If this trek had anything water related in it I would wash anyone away!”

“Oh, that would be fair. You in a water sport.” Applebloom joked as her older sister trotted over and inspected the banner.

“Great work you two. Now check this out.” The elder earth pony lead the two to a diagram map she had made up, outlining the whole trek. “Now, the trek starts on the opposite side of Ponyville. The racers will start with either a scooter or skateboard, their choice. Once they clear that point they’ll take a gallop to the moto track you finished up sugar cube.” Applejack said to her younger sibling. “Once they clear that its another gallop to the rock wall out behind the barn. First pony to the top, wins.” The older pony wiped her forehead with her trademark Stetson hat. “Either of you two enterin?”

“Nah uh. After last time ah’m not getting on a scooter again. I still got the bruises.” Applebloom said, shaking her heads while Sweetie Belle snickered the memory. Applejack chuckled to herself as two familiar Pegasus landed from the sky next to them. “Hiya Scootaloo, Rumble.” The yellow ranger greeted.

“Hey Applejack, you got an entry form for my scooter challenged friend here?” Scootaloo taunted, getting a small shove from the teenage Pegasus stallion.

“Individual, or are yall going in it as a team?” Applejack asked.

“Us? Together?” Rumble asked with a smirk.

“You got a better chance seeing me in a tutu.”

“Ah don’t know. You two sure argue like a couple.” Applebloom taunted, getting glares from her two Pegasus friends while Sweetie struggled not to laugh.

“Just checkin’.” Applejack hoofed over a signup form to the grey Pegasus. “Well, yer the second signup Rumble.”

“Who’s the first?” Rumble asked out of curiosity. The three mares looked at each other, and then back to the Pegasus ranger standing next to him. The thunder ranger let out an annoyed sigh as Scootaloo brushed his shoulder off.

“You’re toast dirt pony.” The red ranger taunted.

“Ah take offense to that!” Applebloom complained as Scootaloo began trotting off with a smirk, only for Rumble to cut her off.

“Hang on, you hear that?” Rumble asked, holding a hoof into the wind. “It sounds like….your hopes and dreams coming crashing down.”

“Very funny.” Scootaloo said sarcastically as the two trotted off.

“You were on to something about the arguing couple Applebloom.” Sweetie joked as she and her friend watched the two leave.

“They couldn’t be more obvious.”

Meanwhile above the planet a vessel circled around. The leader of this vessel, Nightmare Moon, The Alicorn of the Night, was doing her best to not look bored as one of her followers, a large minotaur by the name of Iron Will, was pitching the next monster to her. The monster, a kangaroo like creature, was punching away wildly at a punching bag.

“Bangers and bash my futuristic ruler! If you wanna defeat the rangers you have to lose the slab!”

“Does anypony have any idea at all what it’s saying?” Nightmare Moon asked annoyed.

“My pump tastic wheel of pain will give the rangers a bop wild pounding!” The creature declared.

“Where do you find these guys Will?” Gilda, the second follower of the night asked.

“I can’t control what the monster machine will spit out when I put a putty in!” Will defended. “And it’s not like we have a lot of options with Trixie gone.”

“Do not worry about Miss Lulamoon. Her replacement shall be here in time.” The black alicorn explained. “But please give me one reason to use this….”

“Bop-A-Roo you’re highness!” The kangaroo said, before the wheel on its chest began beeping before it stopped on a picture of a tidal wave. It turned, and then blasted Gilda with a stream of water, knocking the griffon over.

“Why you little!” Gilda sputtered.

“Enough!” Nightmare Moon ordered before rising to her hooves. She shot a glare at the energy sphere containing her older sister before looking the Bop-A-Roo up and down. “You will do for now.” The monster began jabbing at the air with its spiked boxing gloves, spouting out more nonsense as the soaked griffon and alicorn rolled their eyes.

Mud went flinging through the air. With the fuel scented air and the sounds of the dirt bikes Applebloom was finding herself right at home. She couldn’t say as much about her friend, however. Scootaloo was looking over a red bike they were using as she struggled to put on her riding gear.

“Remember to balance yerself on the bike Scoot!” The yellow ranger said loudly in order to be heard. “Not too far forward, not too far back….hey! Are you even listenin’?” Applebloom asked, giving Scootaloo a tap to the head.

“Yeah yeah yeah, I heard you. Applebloom, if I can ride my Tsunami Cycle just fine then a bike shouldn’t be that hard.”

“Yer power’s are the reason you can ride the cycle.” The earth pony argued.

“All you need to do is tell me how to beat Rumble, ok?” Scootaloo said.

“Scootaloo have you seen him ride? If he wasn’t a ranger he could make a go of it full time.” Applebloom reasoned. The Pegasus rolled her eyes and slipped her riding helmet on.

“Whatever.” Scootaloo kicked the starter and revved the bike up. Applebloom snickered and took a step back. “Here I go!” The red ranger hit the throttle hard, but because she didn’t listen to her friends advice sped off forward with no control. Struggling with the bike, Scootaloo crashed into a wall of hay bales and went flipping over the handle bars. Wincing at how much that had to her Applebloom galloped over to help.

Not that far from the two Rumble finished strapping on a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Since he knew there was no way he could beat Scootaloo on her scooter, he decided to go with a skateboard instead. Standing on the board, he ducked forward to ride down a ramp. But due to his inexperience the board came out from under him and sending him landing hard on the pavement below. Button Mash winced but held back his laughter.

“So, what do you call that one?” He asked as he pulled Rumble up.

“I’m just loose that’s all.”

“So’s your board.” Button teased his brother. Rumble growled.

“Look, I gotta beat Scootaloo! I don’t care what I have to do!” Button took a defensive step back.

“Hey whatevers going on between you two is your business. But you guys got to start working more like a team instead of all of this.” Rumble retrieved his board and went back to the top of the ramp he was training on.

“Whatever.” The crimson ranger kicked off on his board but soon met the pavement again, his legs bending in ways they weren’t meant to be bent. Button held a hoof out to his brother.

“You might also want to get a stunt double.” The navy ranger teased.

With the hot sun shining down on her back, Scootaloo jogged at her own pace to build up her cardio, ignoring that ranger duty along gave her that. Thanks to the sweat running down her the red ranger’s fuchsia color mane clung to her forehead. Making it to the top of two flights of stairs and taking a left, she was both surprised and annoyed as Rumble came from the other way, jogging beside her now. Like her the sweat was causing his mane to loose its windswept form.

“Thought I smelled something.” Scootaloo taunted.

“It’s called defeat! By the way, since this trail is opened to the public, no ranger tricks.” Rumble warned. The Pegasus mare growled and increased her pace so she could keep up. But they two rangers weren’t expecting to see a monster as they rounded the corner.

“Land differious you two!” Bop-A-Roo taunted as the surprised rangers took their fighting stances. “You can tall my bodacious self the Boxing Bop-A-Roo!” The two pegasi looked at each other, both very confused. “A bouncing baddie with bodacious bombastitiy!” The monster turned it’s spiked glove and fired off a charge of energy, catching the two off guard and flooring them both. “Check me out! I’m the prognivicator of powerful punches!”

“Do you have any idea what this guys’ saying?” Scootaloo asked Rumble, still very confused.

“Forget it, it’s time to morph!” Rumble had his morpher ready to go. “Thunderstorm! Ran-“

“Whoa whoa whoa!” Scootaloo said loudly, forcing Rumble to stop. “I’m in charge here remember? I say when we can morph!” Rumble took a step forward and got snout to snout with the mare.

“Going to do something if I don’t listen?” The Bop-A-Roo fired off another charge, forcing the two to push each other back to avoid the charge. Scootaloo growled.

“Ok, now it’s morphin’ time!” The two rangers had their morphers ready.

“Element Storm!”

“Thunder Storm!”

“Ranger Form! HA!” The morphing vortex formed around the Scootaloo while a pair of golden gauntlets clamped to Rumble’s forehooves and shoulders as this helmet launched into the air. The stallion’s helmet landed perfect on his heads while his friends’ outfit snapped to her body. Both rangers visors closed at the same time.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Thunder!”

Scootaloo pulled out her Element Blade while Rumble summoned his Thunder Staff. Both rangers kept their distance from the monster, not quite sure what to expect from it.

“Did you miss the memo? Zoo’s that way!” The red ranger taunted.

“I’m flabbergasted!”

“I’ll get him!” Rumble shouted.

“No I will!” Both rangers flipped through the air and brought their weapons down, striking the Bop-A-Roo and forcing it to stumble back with sparks. The wheel on its chest began spinning and beeping until it landed on a picture of a burning house.

“Ensuing Flames!” The monster unleashed a column of flames that resulted in a large explosion, sending Scootaloo and Rumble flipping and screaming through the air before they came crashing down. “Bodacious and banglorius!”

“I’m getting tired of trying to understand this guy…” Rumble groaned.

“I’m just getting tired!” Scootaloo pulled out her Hawk Blaster and began firing. “Bye bye Bop-A-Roo!” The shots exploded off the monsters face. Then it’s chest wheel began spinning again, landing on lightning bolts.

“Have you met my banglorious wheel of bombdifferist fun!?” Scootaloo aimed again, only Rumble to knock her blaster away with his staff.

“No! You already tried that remember?”

“What are you doing?! I’ll handle it!” Scootaloo shouted, getting back in Rumble’s face.

“Blundering bickering rangers! Ready to get blasted?!” The Bop-A-Roo let off a stream on lightning, completely flooring Scootaloo, yet Rumble was able to defend himself with his staff. Holding off the charge the ranger began stepping forward.

“Let me handle this, thunder style!” Rumble groaned, pushing forward under the strain of the attack until he was close enough. “Thunder Staff full power!” The charge from the monsters attack had powered up the rangers weapon. Letting the charge back and swinging with an upward motion Rumble was able to cause several burst of energy and smoke to emit from the monster as he shouldered his weapon.

“He who rumbles and runs away….lives to brawl another day!” The monster declared before making a break for it. Scootaloo pulled herself up after struggling.

“Hey wait a minute!” But she knew it was no good to chase after the monster. Scootaloo slowly turned and glared at Rumble from under her visor.

“What?” The stallion challenged.

“You let him get away! I would’ve pounded that guy!”

“Or he would’ve pounded you.” The two rangers stood helmet to helmet before they heard the sound of galloping.

“There they are!” In their morphed forms Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Button Mash finally found the two rangers. “Spike told us something was going on! You two ok?”

“I’m fine Sweetie, but I’ve had it up to here with this guy!” Scootaloo complained, pointing at Rumble.

“Look, you want to make something of it?” Rumble challenged, getting a glare from his partner. Scootaloo’s blood was now boiling at this point. The three other rangers could sense this was going south fast as the two continued to smack talk the other.

“Ok guys, that’s enough. Save it for when that thing comes back.” Button warned.

“We’re supposed to be a team now, remember?” Applebloom asked, but the two rangers didn’t dare take an eye off the other. They each slowly took a step back, making their friends think they weren’t going to do this. Then Scootaloo and Rumble let out a yell and charged at one another, their blade and staff out and ready for battle.

“Guys stop it!!!!” Sweetie yelled as she and the other two ran to get in between the bickering rangers, only to be tossed out of the way. Scootaloo swung with her blade, only for Rumble to block each strike. Their weapons locked together, drawing the two growling rangers helmet to helmet. Then they tossed their weapons aside and began exchanging blows.

“Knock it off!” Button tried to pull the two apart, only for the two to sweep high and low, flooring the navy ranger before tossing him aside. Then they went back to their fight. Scootaloo would try a leg sweep, only for Rumble to flip over, catching the red ranger’s front hoof. Twisting it he caused the Pegasus mare to flip back, but wasn’t expecting Scootaloo to land and twist his back leg forward instead.

“Cut it out you two!!” Applebloom tried her luck in breaking the two apart, only for her to be tossed over to her friends. Then to the threes horror the two fighting rangers glowed, and pinged ponged away. “Great, those two could be anywhere now!” Button popped his neck as he got up.

“You know, if they weren’t trying to kill each other you’d think they have a lot more in common.”

“This cruise crawcasious!” Up above the planet on Nightmare Moon’s vessel the Bop-A-Roo had safely returned, and was proceeding to annoy the alicorn of the night and her followers, even the one who made him.

“Can somepony get this fool to cease bouncing? It is making me nauseous.” Nightmare Moon complained.

“With pleasure….” Gilda walked over and slashed at the back of the monster, causing sparks to come flying off.

“I do hereby apologize your nightly monificence!” The alicorn glared at Iron Will.

“Thou would send a mumble mouth marsupial to battle the Defenders of Equestria.” Nightmare Moon complained. “However, I do look at the ‘bright’ side.” The alicorn said, spitting out the word bright. “It did survive the battle with the rangers. Maybe we should send it back. But with something…..more. Iron Will, oblige me.”

“As you wish your majesty.” Iron Will pulled out a scroll, opening it and pointing it at the Bop-A-Roo. A burst of magic struck the monster, causing its boxing gloves to grow larger, black, and with more spikes embedded in it.

“Gargantuan gloves for a monster brew ha ha!”

Their lungs burned as Scootaloo and Rumble galloped as fast as their legs could carry them. Every time one would get the lead, the other would find a burst of energy from within to catch back up. The two glared at each other as they continued to race neck and neck until they burst out of the forest they were running in, and out along the wet beach.

“Are those two still going at it?” Button Mash asked as he, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Spike and Twilight watched on from Element Ops.

“We got a monster kangaroo out causing chaos and those two are playing follow the leader!” The blue ranger complained. Spike only shrugged. He didn’t have a whole lot to say about the situation, but Twilight did.

“Give them time.”

“But how much time Twilight? When are they going to get it through their thick skulls?”

“They both have to learn that the best quality of being a leader is to understand when to be a follower.” The elder unicorn explained.

“You know, for a librarian, yer awfully deep Twilight.” Applebloom commented. Back to the racing rangers Scootaloo and Rumble were pushing themselves harder and harder, even using their wings to try to gain the advantage. Now racing in Ponyville, not caring they were still morphed, the two found themselves racing along the river. Finally having enough Scootaloo lunged sideway at Rumble, sending the two screaming into the river below them.

Once they hit the water the two were forced to dimorph, but Scootaloo found herself out of breath from their run, and struggling to reach for the surface. It was a known fact that when a Pegasus was submerged in water their wings became waterlogged, rendering them unable to fly until they dried out. About to take a breath of water Scootaloo saw a grey hoof wrap around hers, yanking her to the surface and onto the wet riverbed.

Rumble and Scootaloo laid on the riverbed for several minutes, panting away as they tried to recover from their run.

“….good….run there….Rumble.” The red ranger panted.

“Did you….just give me….props?” The teenage stallion asked, breathing in big gulps of air.

“Guess I…..did…” Scootaloo panted. The two stared at each other for the longest time, before slowly they chuckled. Little by little their chuckling turned into full laughter as they pulled themselves up into a sitting position. “What the heck are we even doing?”

“Trying to one up each other I guess.” The two finally stopped laughing and sat there in silence, taking in the flow of the river. “I bet you the others are worried about us.” Rumble said quietly.

“Or they’re placing their bets on how long it takes us to….” Scootaloo stopped. Rumble looked at her with a smirk.

“Want to finish that?” Scootaloo sighed and looked back at him.

“You been getting it from them too eh?”

“…yeah. Funny, I gave Button the treatment about him and Sweetie Belle, but I don’t see them fighting each other.” Scootaloo giggled at this.

“So, me and you? As partners? A team even?” Rumble looked back towards the water and sat in silence.

“It’s only ever been me and Button Mash for the longest time. No Twilight, no mare problems, nopony to answer to except us.” Scootaloo looked at him, before scooting closer to the sand and to the stallions surprise rested her head on his shoulder.

“You got us now Rumble. Not just me; you got Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Spike and Twilight. We all look out for each other because it’s the right thing to do.” Rumble took all of this in before resting his chin on top of her head.

“I hear you Scootaloo. And I think I get it finally.”

“Me too.” The two pegasi moved and looked into each others eyes with a smile. “We should probably dry off and find the others.” The two got back onto their hooves, only to almost fall back down as the ground shook beneath them. Climbing up the riverbank the two saw a familiar looking monster arriving down in Ponyville. “Want take a guess?” Scootaloo asked.

“I don’t want to take any chances.” Both rangers stood firm with their morphers ready.

“Element Storm!”

“Thunder Storm!”

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Thunder!” The two pegasi hurried up the dirt paths of Ponyville in search of the Bop-A-Roo.

“I think he went somewhere over here.” Scootaloo trotted around a corner and came skidding back to Rumble. “That’s it alright.” The red ranger peeked around the corner and noted the monster punching its larger fist together. “And it got an upgrade. We need the others.”

“On it.” Rumble lifted his morpher. “Spike? Are the others with you? The kangaroo clown is back for round two. We need some help!” The drake rolled in his chair over to the monitor.

“You two kissed and make up yet?” Spike teased.

“Oh haha very funny.” Scootaloo said sarcastically. From Element Ops Sweetie laughed at the two.

“Tell them we’re on our way Spike.” The blue ranger said as she, Button Mash and Applebloom lined up.

“Ready?”

“Ready!”

“Element Storm!”

“Thunder Storm!”

“Ranger Form! HA!” The familiar morphing vortex formed around the mares while a pair of golden gauntlets clamped to Button Mash’s forehooves and shoulders as his helmet launched into the air. The stallion’s helmet landed perfect on his head while his friends’ outfit snapped to their bodies. The three rangers visors all closed at the same time.

“Power of Water!”

“Power of Thunder!”

“Power of Earth!”

In a flash the five rangers stood together as a team, taking their fighting stances as the Bop-A-Roo sized the group of ponies up.

“Ready for a beating from the maniacal mad marsupial?!”

“What did it say?” Sweetie asked, confused.

“We’ve been trying to figure that out.” Scootaloo said.

“A convenient congregation of combustible annihilation!” The wheel on the monsters chest began spinning again, once more landing on the burning house. Glowing a bright purple, the Bop-A-Roo fired off a larger burst of flames, sending the five rangers crashing to the ground. “Ah ha! Equestrian fried rangers!” Slowly pulling herself up the smoking red ranger looked on, growing frustrated.

“I’ve had enough of this! Put them together guys!” Scootaloo and her friends combined their weapons while the brothers combined theirs. "Storm Striker!"

"Thunder Blaster!"

“Fire!” Both Scootaloo and Rumble shouted. Both weapons unleashed their charges, intertwining with one another before combining for one large blast. The Bop-A-Roo cowered, but before the attack could finish it off a shimmering wall appeared in front of it. “What the?!” The blast from the rebound off the shimmering wall and struck the rangers, sending them flailing around in sparks and pain.

“Some kind of shield….”Rumble noted before two familiar figures landed right beside the Bop-A-Roo. One was a griffon, the other was a large minotaur with two large swords.

“Her majesty sends a little message to you five brats: us.” Gilda taunted as she flexed her claws.

“Great, the whole families here.” Scootaloo groaned as the Bop-A-Roo punched her square in the chest, sending her flying back. Sweetie had to jump over Will’s sword to avoid being hacked into pieces. Applebloom pulled out her Element Blade and began exchanging sword blows with the minotaur. Both she and Sweetie flipped over another strike before Will struck the unicorn in the chest with his large elbow, sending the ranger staggering.

Scootaloo suffered more strikes at the large spiked hands of the monster, knocking her down, yet she was able to roll away before it could bring its large foot down on top of her. Applebloom was sent staggering as Will landed sword strikes against her, before being pinned up against a wall.

“Give it up why don’t ya?!” The ranger complained before being tossed around like a toy. Gilda caught a strike from Rumble’s staff before slashing at his chest, flipping the ranger over. The griffon ducked under a strike from Button Mash. Then she caught every punch the ranger threw and returned several of her own, knocking the earth pony off his hooves.

“Keep a close eye on the birdie ranger boy.” In an instant Gilda vanished in a blur of speed, rapidly slashing and clawing away at the navy ranger, causing large amounts of sparks and energy to come flying off Button. “Thought you dweebs were better than this.” The griffon ducked under another strike from Rumble and his staff, jumping up and balancing on the tip of it. Spinning on one leg the griffon floored Rumble and sent him crashing over to his brother.

Scootaloo took to the air and brought her Element Blade down on the Bop-A-Roo, but the monster smacked the attack away with its large gloves and struck Scootaloo again in the chest. Rolling onto her back the ranger weakly held up her morpher.

“Spike, whats the deal with this guy?” At Element Ops the drake was going over the readings on the monster.

“Bop-A-Roo can only destroyed by deflecting its own energy back onto itself.” Another strike from Gilda sent Rumble flying and crashing a short distance from Scootaloo. “You ok?”

“Any ideas Scoot?” Rumble asked weakly.

“Spike! Is there anyway for me and Rumble to combine our energy? Would that be enough to send the beam back?” The red ranger asked as her friend came crawling over.

“We can give it a go. Spike, can you draw the power from me?”

“I’ll try.” The teenage drake began typing wildly at the keyboard before slamming down on the button. “I’m channeling it directly into your Element Blade Scootaloo!” Rumble pointed a hoof at his friends blade as a burst of energy came out of him, striking the sword and causing it to glow and spark wildly.

“Hope this works!” Scootaloo pulled herself up as the monster began bouncing around.

“I got the red ranger on the ropes!”

“You’re the one that’s going down for the count!” The monster fired off a charge of energy that Scootaloo blocked with her blade, much like Rumble did with his staff earlier in the day. Clutching the blade and struggling to hold it the pegasus mare let the blade fill with energy.

“Element Blade! Thunder Power!!!!” The monster charged forward, only for Scootaloo to unleash a large strike of energy, completely flooring the Bop-A-Roo.

“Ready?!” Applebloom asked a she and her friends combined their weapons again. Rumble and Button Mash did the same with theirs.

“Totally!”

“Not so fast!” Gilda pulled out a scroll, forming another shimmering shield between her, Iron Will, and the struggling Bop-A-Roo. “Your little squirt guns cant get through this.”

“That looks pretty strong guys.” Sweetie noted.

“What now?” Scootaloo asked. Rumble looked between the two blasters, before a crazy idea came to his head.

“What if we combine all our weapons?” The red ranger thought it over, before nodding.

“That might work!” As if they were meant to be put together the end of the Thunder Cannon attached perfectly to the end of the Storm Striker. Rumble and Button Mash knelt down and held the larger weapon over their shoulders while Sweetie and Applebloom held up the front. Scootaloo took hold of the trigger.

“Thunderstorm Cannon!!!!” The five rangers called out. Gilda and Iron Will backed up nervously.

“I say we beat it!”

“Don’t need to tell me!” In a flash the two followers vanished, leaving only the Bop-A-Roo.

“My buddies have bailed on me!”

“FULL POWER!!!” The cannon glowed as energy filled up inside before Scootaloo pulled the trigger. A blast that was twice as large as any of their single weapon shots came roaring out, tearing through the shield like it was tissue paper and exploding on the Bop-A-Roo. The monster screamed out as it sparked before exploding in a large fireball.

“Yeah!”

All right!”

“Woo hoo!” The five rangers began celebrating their latest victory as Spike and Twilight watched on from Element Ops.

“I have to admit, I’m pleasantly surprised.” Spike said with a smirk.

“You underestimated the power of their leadership.” The elder unicorn said.

From up above the planet on Nightmare Moon’s vessel the Alicorn of the Night only sighed in disappointment.

“Giveth me one reason not to send you back down there Will?”

“Umm…” The minotaur had nothing to say.

“I have heard enough then.” The alicorn aimed at the planet and fired off a large charge of energy, striking the remains of the Bop-A-Roo. The remained glowed before regrowing into a much larger version of the monster.

“I’m a bigggggggg boppa!”The rangers took a step back, knowing what came next.

“Spike! It’s zord time!” Scootaloo said into the communicator.

“On their way!” Spike slammed the button. From the hillside a large navy color zord ramped over and into their view. The hill collapsed as the Crimson Insectizoid came driving right through it. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head. The two thunder zords drove towards each other before taking to the air in a cyclone formation. Blast of lightning came flying off as the Beetle Zord shifted, forming the lower half of the machine. The claw that made up the head latched itself to the Insectizoid as it shifted to form the top half. Both halves finally formed, connecting as the threads from the Insectizoid revved up, now making both arms.

Both chest of the megazords opened, both sending out the red power sphere that formed The Serpent Sword.

“I’m feeling pumped up!!!” The Bop-A-Roo came charging forward, with the two megazords moving to meet it head on. Both giant machines brought their swords down, only for the monster to stop the strikes with its now massive gloves. “Doubly denied!” As both Megazords stumbled back the Bop-A-Roo started bouncing again. “I’m a hot, hopping, king of fun!” Spinning its arm like it was winding up a fastball the monster shot out a large fireball punch, sending both Megazords crashing down.

“Scootaloo! Rumble! Call the minizord!” Spike said as he pressed the button, sending the correct power disc to the two rangers.

“Ready Rumble?”

“Oh yeah!” Both rangers put the power disc in the slot.

“Locked, and dropped!” Both rangers turned the disc at the same time. Both Megazords opened as two similar spheres began circling each other. One sphere was gold while the other was silver. Both spheres opened as two halves of a smaller zord fused together. The zord, a dark blue color with a crescent moon on its chest hovered over the battle.

“I am Minizord! Thunderstorm Megazord formation, engage!” The head of their Megazord rose off as its arms folded before the whole body turned around in place with the head of the Lion Zord latching onto the chest with its mane spinning in place. The chest of the Thunder Megazord opened as the Megazord itself split down the middle as pieces rearranged themselves to form the new arms.

The Element Megazord drifted into the middle as the arms and feet clamped into place before the Mini Zord itself folded into the new head piece and hands. The Dolphin Zord and Insectizoid heads clamped onto the new Megazord's shoulders as both heads opened to form gatling cannons on the shoulders. The fists clashed together as a charge of energy exploded around the megazord as the ground around it altered.

“Thunder Lion Cannon! Fire!!!” The Megazord pulled a ripcord from its chest, rapidly charging its lion chest piece with such force that the resulting blast from the chest piece plus the added boost from the shoulder cannons struck the Bop-A-Roo, causing it to scream out before it exploded once and for all.

“At the very least we do not have to put up with that monotonous marsupial any longer. It was beginning to give me a headache.” Nightmare Moon complained from her throne. Iron Will and Gilda stood by, trying to think of the next plan of attack against the rangers. “Trying to think are thee? Do not bother.”

“And why is that your highness?” Will asked.

“I doubt that thy could come up with any good plans of attack at the moment.” Nightmare Moon said, before giving a sinister smirk. “But I know of somepony who just might.” The vessel began shaking and letting out burst of energy as a blinding light covered the three before dissipating. When they could see again Gilda and Iron Will saw a pony kneeling at Nightmare Moon’s throne. “I want the two of you to meet Trixie’s replacement: Sunset Shimmer.” The unicorn got onto her hooves, a mean look in her eyes at she glared at Will and Gilda.

“It’s a true honor your majesty.” Sunset said.

With the number 43 hanging over her front and back Scootaloo took in the cheering crowd as she kicked away hard on her trademark scooter. Her friends cheered her on, Rumble watching with the number 11 on him. The red ranger took to the air as she landed four spins on her scooter, handing off the next part of the contest to her partner.

Further ahead on the course in his riding gear and looking like a champion Rumble rode on ahead of other racers as the crowd and his friends cheered on. Scootaloo herself was loud cheering as the crimson ranger flew off the dirt track and came sliding down, extending their lead further.

"Rumble's ripping it up yall!" Applebloom said happily, bumping hooves with Scootaloo. In the last part of the trek both Scootaloo and Rumble ran side by side, having gained a large enough lead that they knew there was no possible way they could lose. Once they reached Sweet Apple Acres the two suited up, and began climbing up the rock wall that was built for the competition. Both ponies climbed at an even pace, and when they saw the finish bar they had to touch in order to win both Scootaloo and Rumble bumped hooves, before touching the bar at the same time.

The crowd and their friends cheered loudly as both descended down to the ground where Applejack was waiting with their trophy.

"And they've done it! The winners of this years Ponyville Trek are Scootaloo and Rumble!" Both pegasi held the trophy over their heads as a pair of medals were put around their necks.

"Way to go guys!" Sweetie said as her and the others got to the two ponies.

"Are you guys finally over this?" Applebloom asked. Both pegasi laughed.

"I think we've finally put this rivalry past us." Scootaloo said happily.

"You two decided on anything else?" Button Mash asked with a knowing smirk. His two friends leaned in with their bodyweights being fifty percent smirks by this point. The two pegasi blushed lightly before looking at each other.

"Remember what we talked about earlier Rumble? About being partners, a team and all that?" Rumble chuckled.

"We finally learned something at the time." Both pegasi looked at each other before bumping hooves again.

"But, do you think.....we can be more?" Scootaloo asked, actually sounding nervous. Rumble looked at her in thought before smiling and putting a hoof around the red rangers neck.

"Wouldnt want to be with anypony else Scoot." The two pegasi nuzzled while their friends cheered on before dog piling on the two, causing all five friends to laugh happily.

Pork Chopped

Author's Note

Hey there! So sorry about the delay of this chapter! I had it 99% typed out several months back and for whatever reason forgot about it until this morning!

Pork Chopped

At Element Ops two of the five Pony Rangers were undergoing their most difficult form of training yet. The two rangers, Scootaloo and Applebloom, gasped and pulled as they crawled underneath a table, taking a cable with them. Their sweaty manes clung to their faces. Both rangers gasped for air.

“This is so brutal…” Applebloom moaned, passing the line to her friend.

“I’m right there with you Bloom.” Scootaloo panted. From her seat Twilight looked over at the two.

“Problem down there?”

“Nah, we got it Twi.” Applebloom pulled herself from under the table, reaching back to pull the red ranger and cable with it.

“Those who fail to install the cable before the science fiction marathon must deal with the wrath of a very unhappy librarian.”

“What are you going to do? Give them a late fee?” Applebloom asked, getting a thunk on the head from Scootaloo.

“She was joking Bloom.” The Pegasus mare plugged in the cable the two of them had stretched out and dragged from upstairs in the library to down below in Element Ops. “And we’re live!” The monitor in front of Twilight lit up, showing several channels at once.

“A little low tech don’t yall think? Spike’s got a thousand channels on the computer.”

“How many times do we gotta go over this?” The drake in question asked as he walked in the room. “The satellite surveillance is not a home theater.” On the other side of the room Button Mash and Sweetie Belle were in the middle of their sparring match. The navy ranger caught a leg sweep, jumping back and attempting a high jump kick, only for the blue ranger to roll under it.

“I’m taking it a little easy on you this time I think.” Button teased.

“Don’t let the mane and sibling fool you. You’re going down!” Sweetie said with a smirk. Button punched forward, only for Sweetie Belle to catch it, flipping Button over onto a cable pile. The others looked over as Button got back onto his hooves, but his punching hoof was now tangle in the cable. Charging forward the ranger yanked the cable out of the wall, causing it to smoke and causing it to shut off Twilight’s monitor.

Sweetie tried to hold in her giggles as Button trotted over to the group in horror.

“Well that worked out perfectly.” Spike said sarcastically.

“Twilight I’m so sorry! Let me fix it-“

“I got it Button Mash.” The drake said, smacking the earth pony’s hoof away. The ranger slowly backed away before Twilight could get any madder.

“I’m heading out to the park for a ride. You guys want to come?” Scootaloo asked. “I got to practice for my demo tomorrow.”

“Oh, I was going to walk Button Mash over to meet up with Rumble.” Sweetie said, not wanting to disappoint her friend.

“Well you’re still coming tomorrow right? Three o’clock?”

“Wouldn’t miss it!” Sweetie said, bumping hooves with one of her best friends.

After leaving Element Ops Sweetie Belle and Rumble trotted up the road to her home and his place of work, Rarity’s Boutique. After all five rangers got off Vertical Island the blue ranger was able to help setup the job for the two Thunder Rangers. Really all they had to do for Rarity was move boxes around, unload deliveries when they came in and setup the new window displays when that time of the month came.

Shortly after the two rangers arrived Sweetie found herself laying around as Button Mash and Rarity discussed orders on a clipboard.

“I think we’ll have to order some new ponnequins Button darling.” Rarity said.

“Yeah some of the older ones could use replacing.” As the two discussed this a familiar pony came out from the back room and tapped Button on the shoulder.

“I got them!” Rumble said, holding up little booklets.

“Awesome man!” Rarity left the two brothers alone as Sweetie finally got up.

“What are those?”

“Tickets to the Martial Arts Film Festival!” Rumble said happily, open the booklet for the mare. “Showing Fist of Fire 2.”

“Huh. Looking to pick up a few pointers for Scootaloo then?” Sweetie teased, get a slight shove from her Pegasus friend.

“Yeah haha.”

“Hey wait Sweetie.” Button stopped the mare from leaving. “You uh, wanna come? If you’re not doing anything?” The unicorn looked at her crush before smiling.

“Sure. I love those old kung-fu movies.” Rumble groaned slightly but kept it in.

“Great! Meet us at the theater tomorrow. How’s three o’clock sound?”

“I’ll see you boys there.” Button gave her the booklet before trotting out the door.

“Great, better hope Scootaloo isn’t the jealous type.” Rumble groaned, getting a laugh out of Sweetie before he followed after his brother out the door. Rarity trotter out from the back and looked at the booklet over Sweetie Belle’s shoulder.

“So you’re not going to go to Scootaloo’s Demo Sweetie? She’s been talking about it all week.” The older sibling pointed out. It slowly dawned on the blue ranger that she had a problem.

“The demos tomorrow?” She asked, her heart sinking.

“Sweetie Belle did you forget something very important for one of your closest friends?”

“Oh no….what am I going to do?” Sweetie groaned as she walked out the door. Rarity shook her head sadly and went to the back of her shop. The two failed to notice a mare was just outside the business listening in to their conversation. The mare began chuckling evilly as her eye color returned to their normal shade.

“At last! Some information we can actually us to our advantage!” The alicorn of the night, Nightmare Moon, said in a good mood for once aboard her vessel. Her newest follower, Sunset Shimmer, had returned from her scouting trip from Equestria below.

“They never even realized I was there.” The unicorn said happily as Gilda rolled her eyes.

“Now the question is….what to do with it?”

“You never told us yet what her majesty said was in for you for coming up here.” Sunset turned to her quickly.

“That has already been taken care of.” Gilda looked confused until she saw the newest follower looking at the sphere containing the Ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia.

“You got it out for sunbutt?”

“Enough of this chatter!” Nightmare Moon ordered. “Iron Will! What monster did the machine make for us today?” The final follower, a large minotaur by the name of Iron Will stood under a spot light with a ceiling microphone in his cloven hoof.

“Weighing in at ten tons of terror, one of the most dangerous creatures in Equestria! Put your hooves together for the Prince of Sausage! The Sultan of Pork! The-“

“We get it!” The three females said annoyed. Will let out a awkward cough.

“-yes, introducing, General Trayf!” The alicorn sighed annoyed.

“Iron Will do not quit thy day job.” The minotaur growled, before moving to the side as a large pig monster came stomping in.

“Hooooooog power! You want the rangers destroyed? I’m the perfect hog to cook their bacon!”

“Aren’t ponies vegetarians?” Gilda asked, not impressed by the monster.

“I will allow him his chance. They’re all yours General.” Nightmare Moon said with a sinister smile.

“Thank you!” Trayf cackled out madly, snorting like a pig as well.

The sun rose into the sky the next day: the day of Scootaloo’s demo up in Canterlot. Ponies from all over Equestria were arriving at the capital to watch the events of the day. The red ranger wouldn’t be the only one who would be performing, as hundreds of other ponies like her were signed up, all ready to show case what they were made of and what they can do.

While competitors waited for their opportunity to ride there were ponies busy entertaining the masses. A few ponies the three rangers passed were break dancing, rather well, and spinning on their heads. Applebloom let out an impressed whistle.

“Don’t think ah can do that.” The mare joked to her friends.

“How come you didn’t have Rumble or Button come?” Sweetie asked her friend, who was strapping on her helmet.

“Rumble had that little martial arts festival of theirs planned for weeks. I didn’t want to break his heart by dragging him here.” Scootaloo admitted. “But he said he’s here in spirit.” The orange Pegasus tapped her chest in the spot where her heart was found. The unicorn smiled at how sweet that sounded. Then she looked at a clock that had been setup to tell time for the ponies in the crowd. She was running late.

“You’re up next mam.” A worker pony said to Scootaloo.

“Thanks.” The ranger said nervously.

“Whatcha got up yer sleeve today Scoot?” Applebloom asked.

“I’m going for the 180 fakie backside rail slide.”

“You never land that.”

“I know, but todays a good a time as any. What do you think Sweetie?” The two friends turned to their other friend, seeing that she wasn’t paying attention at all. “Sweetie!”

“Huh? Yeah, slide that fake rail.” Sweetie said weakly. Her two friends looked at each other.

“You ok? You’re kinda out of it.” Scootaloo noted.

“Mmm hmm. “

“You don’t seem like yerself.” Applebloom said, before leaning over to her Pegasus friend. “Maybe it’s that thing with the clone Sweetie Belle again.”

“You think?” Scootaloo asked, buying the idea while their friend rolled her eyes.

“Girls, really I’m fine. Go on Scootaloo. Make me proud!” Sweetie said with a supportive smile. Scootaloo bumped hooves with the two of them before kicking off on her scooter.

“And next on the street course we have Scootaloo from Ponyville!” A announcer said as the teenage mare hit a ramp, catching air and sliding down a rail.

“You got this Scoot!” Applebloom cheered while Sweetie backed away slowly, and booked it when she felt neither of her friends were looking. Brushing her way past the crowd the unicorn burst past a tent, picking up unnatural speed before using her powers to ping pong away. One unicorn noticed, and growled as she pulled out a radio.

“She wasn’t suppose to leave….griffon? We have a problem.” Sunset Shimmer said. “The blue ranger has flown the coop.” Down in Ponyville outside the theater house a disguised griffon behind the ticket booth growled.

“I take offense to that and what do you wanna do about it? Take care of her later?” In front of her at the door Rumble and Button Mash were goofing off when a flash of blue light covered the area before Sweetie came to a stop and trotted over to the brother.

“Hey guys!”

“Wait, I got eyes on blue.” Gilda said to Sunset.

“Starting to get worried there Sweetie. Thought you might’ve got attacked by putties or something.” Button joked as the three trotted in and up to the snack counter. A large pony in a chicken costume clucked and danced around them, giving the three a weird feeling. Behind the counter a griffon had buckets of popcorn ready to go.

“Hey you guys bought the tickets, so I’ll buy then snacks.” The unicorn said.

“Left overs from last weeks sci-fi festive.” The griffon explained, shoving a bucket into her hooves. Sweetie reached for the bits she carried when the griffon shook her head. “On the house!”

“….thanks?” The ranger looked at the time. “Uhhh, save me a seat I’ll be right back!” Sweetie shoved the bucket into Rumble’s hooves and galloped out the door, much to the brothers confusion and even though they didn’t know it much to the griffons irritation.

“I guess we’ll be in the front seats?” Button asked confused as he and Rumble trotted into the theater. Gilda pulled out her radio again.

“I got two thunders in the building, but blues bounced again. Keep an eye open in case she shows up.” Ping ponging along the roads and builds Sweetie came skidding to a stop back at the demo, right as Scootaloo hit a ramp wrong and came crashing down on her back.

“Ooooo…..” Applebloom winced as a panting Sweetie stepped up behind her, applauding.

“Way to go Scootaloo!”

“Umm, Sweetie? She just crashed big time.” The yellow ranger pointed out.

“Oh um….better luck next time Scoots.” The panting red ranger yanked off her helmet in frustration.

“I almost had it that time.”

“Hey you look thirsty! I’ll get us some drinks be right back!” Sweetie galloped off past the tents again as her friends raised their eyebrows.

“Whats up with her?” Sweetie used her powers once more to get out of Canterlot quickly. “Sweetie Belle, wait!!!” Scootaloo and Applebloom galloped past the tents in time to see their friend leave.

“Uhh, did ah miss the lesson where we’re allowed to do that in public?” The farm pony asked confused.

“I guess we both did.” Scootaloo knew something was wrong. Before the two could make their next move the all too familiar sounds of putties caught their attention. The two turned and found a squad of putties with a unicorn leading them.

“Hello rangers.”

“Haven’t seen you before! Nightmare Moon’s latest lackey?” Scootaloo asked as she and Applebloom took their fighting stances.

“Believe me, you’ll be seeing me around a lot more so remember my name: Sunset Shimmer.” The unicorn said before turning to the putties. “Attack!” The monsters charged forward, meeting the two rangers in hoof to hoof combat. Scootaloo ducked under a putties kick, rolling over and blocking a strike before spin kicking one putty away. The ranger proceeded to catch a punch before deflecting another attack with her elbow.

Applebloom kicked a putty away, rolling into a lawn chair, taking it with her and using it to keep putties back. Thinking ahead she backed the legs of the chair into putty, reaching back to yank its leg causing it, the chair, and Applebloom to fall on top of it, squishing the minion. The yellow ranger jumped onto the chair, flipping over another putty to deliver a drop kick, sending it crashing into the chair and onto the ground.

The Pegasus mare caught several punches from the putty she was fighting, twisting its arm so she could strike it in the chest. She then grabbed the putty and tossed it through a table that had been setup. Scootaloo rolled back, taking a lawn chair with her and kicking right into a putty, causing it to stumble backwards.

Applebloom ducked under a strike, kicking a chair out from under one putty and sending it into the head of another. Scootaloo flipped one putty onto another, ducking under more over head shots before landing a leg sweep takedown. The yellow ranger was shoved into a lawn chair by one of the putties, but she was able to block its next attack before rolling out and throwing the chair into the back of another putty. The ranger kicked back onto her hooves, side stepping a putty that went over a table.

Scootaloo ducked and landed a roundhouse kick that floored the final putty. Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes at the moaning putties and the rangers still in their fighting stances.

“We’ll meet again girls. I got a griffon to help.” The unicorn taunted before teleporting away, vaporizing the putties. Panting the two rangers bumped hooves in their victory.

In the dark theater Rumble and Button Mash were having a great time watching the stallion on the screen fight his way out of his latest situation. Even as pony after pony tried to bring him down through exaggerated fighting he would still come out on top. The earth pony kept looking back for any signs of Sweetie Belle. He also kept looking at the other ponies in the room along with the dancing chicken from earlier and couldn’t shake that feeling that something was off.

“Wonder where Sweetie is?” Button asked as the chicken came over.

“Need fresh popcorn there lads?”

“Nah, we’re good.” Rumble said, eating another hoof full of the delicious buttery snack. Button rolled his eyes at his brother and ate a bigger hoof full. “Dude, you going to eat the whole bucket?”

“Thinking about it.” Both brothers reached into the bucket at the same time, when to their shock and confusion a light blasted out of the bucket, sticking their hooves in place before the two were zapped into the bucket. Sweetie Belle, panting from her run all day, finally trotted into the theater, looking for her two friends.

“Guys?” She said quietly so she wouldn’t disrupt the movie. “Hello? Button? Rumble?”

“Sweetie Belle!!!!” The unicorn looked around confused, wondering where her friend was calling her from. It sounded like an echo to her. “Sweetie Belle in here!!!” The ranger trotted over to the bucket confused, gasping at what she saw. Inside she found her now tiny friends waving frantically, standing in a pool of yellow liquid. “Don’t eat the popcorn!!!” Rumble shouted before falling back into the pool with leftover popcorn floating around him and his brother.

“Rumble? Button Mash? How did you guys get in there?” Sweetie asked, only for the chicken to shush her. “Oh, sorry its just my friends are now stuck in a popcorn bucket and I have to save them.” She said with a sweet smile. If she didn’t think something was wrong before, she did when the chicken started cackling evilly.

“Save them?! You gonna join them!” The chicken ripped off its outfit, revealing to Sweetie Belle he was in fact General Trayf. “Its showtime!” The ponies in the room began ripping off their disguises, revealing they were all putties. It was all a trap, and the three rangers fell for it hook line and sinker. “Get her!!!” Sweetie gingerly picked up the bucket with her friends inside and kicked a putty away as it charged her. Catching one arm she flipped the putty over into the seats for drop kicking another way.

The problem Sweetie was going to have was the lack of room in the theater, and the fact she had to guard her friends closely. She didn’t know it, but her fighting was matching what was going on the screen behind her perfectly. Jumping on top of a seat she punched a putty repeatedly before flipping it over onto another putty. One putty was able to kick her from behind, flipping her onto her spine. The putty reached down and easily took the bucket from her.

“Hahaha! Intermission!” The general said, taking the bucket. “See you in the next act!” To her horror in a flash of light the monster and the putties vanished, taking her friends with her.

“No! Rumble! Button Mash!” The ranger called after in vein.

In the bucket meanwhile the two brothers were trying their best to take in the current situation, while covered in whatever the liquid was.

“Any idea what this stuff is?” Rumble groaned as he pulled some out of his mane.

“No idea, but let’s get out of it.” Button said as he and his brother lined up.

“Thunderstorm! Ranger Form! HA!” The two hit the button on the bottom side of their morphers, but their hearts dropped into their stomachs in horror when nothing happened. “That’s not good….”

Sweetie Belle took the walk of shame back to Element Ops. The unicorn knew she would not only be for a lecture from her friends and Twilight for breaking a very important rule, she would get a scolding for losing their friends to who knows where. Sweetie placed her hoof on the scanner in the library, opening the secret passage that led into their HQ, where sure enough Twilight, Applebloom and Scootaloo were waiting.

“So hows the movie going?” Scootaloo asked, hitting close to home. Sweetie could only look at the floor.

“You know about the guys?”

“Saw the whole thing sugarcube.” Applebloom said sternly.

“Sweetie Belle, come here.” Twilight ordered. The student could only do as she was told, trotting shamefully to her mentor. “Sweetie, do you remember what the rules I gave you when I took the three of you in as students and rangers?” The older unicorn asked.

“Never give away my identity. Never escalate the battle before our enemy does…and-“

“Never use your powers for personal gain.” Twilight finished. “Sweetie Belle this is a very serious rule break, not to mention you let your friends down.”

“I’m sorry about Rumble and Button-“

“I wasn’t talking about them.” The unicorn said, looking back at Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle finally got the message.

“Scoot….Scootaloo I’m so sorry.” The ranger said, tears beginning to form. “If I had just stayed at your demo none of this would’ve happened!” Twilight trotted over and put a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

“Or, you would’ve been captured as well. Nopony can predict the future, that’s why we have rules for the present. Spike? Do you have a reading on this creature?” Spike was typing away at the main computer when it began beeping rapidly.

“I got a hotspot on the peek of Canterlot Mountain. You’ll likely find him, and the guys, there.” Sweetie wiped the tears from her eyes as Scootaloo and Applebloom took spots next to her.

“Ready?”

“Ready!”

“Element Storm! Ranger Form! HA!” The morphing vortex formed around the three, with their ranger outfits snapping over their bodies before once more the visors closed on their helmets.

“Power of Water!”

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

Using their powers to move along faster than what was possible for the average pony the three rangers made their way quickly to the peak of Canterlot Mountain. It wasn’t know to anyone outside of Princess Celestia’s inner circle but the peak was a special place to her, with a platform to view out as far as the eye can see. Finding Trayf making itself at home caused the teenage mares blood to boil.

“I got an appetite for destruction, and this town’s the main course!” It taunted as the three rangers came to a stop. “About time you got here.”

“Where are they?!” Sweetie shouted.

“Where are our friends?!” Scootaloo said, readying herself for a fight, only for the pig to laugh.

“If you ever want to find your pals, all you have to do is follow my curly tail!” From behind the monster a portal designed after its armor appeared, opening, and going to who knows where. “Come on rangers! Come and get me!!!” The general laughed evilly before jumping into the portal.

“We got to go after him!” Sweetie said.

“Through that thing?” Applebloom said nervously. Their morphers began beeping before they could make their next move.

“Slow down for a moment girls.” Spike said over the communicator. “Twilight and I have a lock on the portal door. The bad news is it’ll only hold for about….15 minutes max, maybe.”

“We’ll call you if we need help.” Scootaloo said.

“Sorry girls. Once you’re in there we’ll have no way to contact you. You’ll be all on your own.” The red ranger looked at the portal, filled with determination to save their friends.

“Then we’ll have to work fast! Ready?” Her friends nodded. Charging forward the three took a leap and jumped directly into the portal. After a series of blinding light’s, the three found themselves flailing and screaming as they fell out of the sky and hit what appeared to be the rocky ground below. Collecting themselves Scootaloo hit the ground in frustration. “Another rock quarry?!” The three picked themselves as the mad general laughed at them.

“Welcome to my sty! Hope you like it because you’ll never be leaving!!!”

Inside their bucket prison Rumble had Button on top of his shoulders reaching towards the top. While the Pegasus would have flown, unfortunately the yellow liquid had waterlogged his wings, rendering him grounded.

“A little bit more!” Button groaned as he reached desperately towards the top. His brother stood on his back hooves to try to give the ranger more height. “I almost…whoa whoa whoa whoa!” The earth pony toppled backwards and went splashing back down below, covering Rumble as well.

“It’s no use!” The crimson ranger complained as Button began growling.

“The worst part is it’s not even butter….” Reaching wits end the ranger began kicking around. “We’re going to be destroyed by artificial flavoring!!!” Slipping the earth pony went flailing down as his brother watched on helpless, until Button stood back up, drenched head to hoof but holding something. “Hang on a moment….” Rumble looked at what Button Mash was holding, beginning to laugh madly at what it was.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“The un-popped kernels at the bottom of the bucket! Maybe we can pop ourselves out of here!” It wasn’t much, but it was a plan.

“Unless the charge blasts us and bakes us first.”

“You got another suggestion?!” Rumble shook his head, pulling his brother onto his hooves. The two rangers put their front hooves together and concentrated. Slowly, charges of crimson energy and navy energy began flowing out of the two and causing the flavoring around them to boil.

“It’s getting hot in here….” Button said, sweating dripping down his head.

“Keep going its working!”

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom flipped through the air with their Element Blades, only for the pig to swat the yellow and blue ranger aside and catching the red rangers strike. Trayf flipped the pegasus mare over, kicking her off to the side and back to her teammates.

“Is that all you got?!”

“We want our friend!” Scootaloo said as she and her two friends regrouped.

“They went out to get popcorn!” The pig pulled out his large sword. “You look tried rangers! Why not take a load off?!” The monster struck the ground, forming a larger version of his weapon to sprout from the ground and striking the three hard, forcing them crashing back down to the ground. “It’s all about the snout!” Copies of the monsters snout began floating around the three, striking repeatedly and causing small burst of energy to blast off. “Do you finally submit to the power of the pig?!”

“In your dreams!” Scootaloo shouted, slowly pulling herself and her friends back onto their hooves.

“The only thing powerful about you is your smell!”

“Ever heard of soap?!” Applebloom taunted.

“Ah put a lid on it!” Trayf formed a large version of the lid that would close the portal and trap them all in this zone forever and launched it at the three. However, Scootaloo had enough.

“This ones mine!” Sweetie Belle and Applebloom linked their hooves together, launching Scootaloo off them. The pegasus took to the air and landed on the lid, turning it around and flying it back to its creator. “Here! This belongs to you!” The ranger flipped off backwards as the lid made contact and exploded, forming a large fireball behind the pig and sending it flying through the air.

“Storm Striker!!!” The three rangers combined their signature weapons and aimed it at the dazed monster. “Time to stick a fork in this pork! FIRE!!!” Scootaloo pulled on the trigger, charging a large blast that went flying directly at General Trayf. The three rangers turned away with their weapons as the monster crackled with energy before collapsing in a large explosion. The portal opened above them in the sky.

“Lets get out of here!” The three used their powers to fling themselves up and out, back through the portal and landing in Canterlot. Their visors opened up as they looked around their surroundings.

“We got rid of him, but what about Rumble and Button Mash?” Applebloom asked. Meanwhile in their bucket prison the pressure was built up to the point of bursting. Hoping for the best the two brothers gave it all they had as the kernels finally popped, sending them flying up, screaming, and by some chance landing in front of their friends. Groaning the two tried to pull themselves up before one finally sludge of flavoring fell out of the sky and covering them both. The three mares tried to hold in their laughter.

“Well, found them.” Scootaloo said with a grin.

“You guys ok? You both reek.” Sweetie said, trying to wipe the two off.

“Artificial butter flavoring…” Rumble groaned.

“Yeah no cuddle time till you get cleaned up.” The red ranger teased her coltfriend. But before they could all leave for the day a large burst of energy exploded behind them, causing a familiar pig to grow large and mean.

“Did you think you could destroy me in my own dimension?!” The large General Trayf shouted as the five took a fighting stance.

“Well we were kinda hoping….” Applebloom admitted as the three mare’s visors closed.

“Hope you like your pig extra big!” The five turned and found Sunset Shimmer with a group of Putties. The unicorn smirked at the five before stepping back to allow the putties to do their thing. Rumble put a gooey hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“You girls go for the zords. We’ll keep these guys busy.” The pegasus said, him and his brother wanting to take out their frustrations.

“You got it!” The three mares ran towards the now enlarged monster while the stallions and the putties charged at each other. Rumble jumped up and kicked a putty in the chest before rolling under a strike, finally spinning on his front gooey hoof and kicking any putty that got too close. Button flipped backwards as one putty almost landed a strike before grabbing the next attack, twisting the arm to flip the putty before driving his front hooves down. “Spike! Are you seeing this?” Scootaloo asked over the comms.

“Seeing and believing; zords are on their way!” The drake slammed his hand down on the large button. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

The three Element Rangers leap into their respected cockpits, but before they could form the Megazord General Trayf blasted with a large burst of wind, separating the three zords in a shower of sparks. Rumble rolled forward to avoid a putty attack, leaving a trail of artificial butter that the next putty slipped backwards on. Button locked up with a putty before pushing back and leaving goo on its face.

“Flame Attack!” The Hawk Zord engulfed itself in flame as it flew towards it target, making several passes that stumbled the large pig.

“Water Wall!” The Dolphin Zord swam forward with a large tidal wave of water behind it, propelling forward with more force as it struck the monster squarely in the chest.

“Now to Spin Dry!” The Lion Zord planted its feet into the ground as its mechanical mane spun rapidly, unleashing a large blast of air that shot it forward, completely taking the monster off its feet. Back on the ground Rumble cartwheeled away from a putty, flipping backwards and striking as he went. Turning to face his enemies with a cocky smirk the pegasus flicked his hoof at them, telling them to bring it. The group of putties charged only to slip and slide on the puddle of goo the two fighting rangers have been leaving. Sunset Shimmer groaned and rolled her eyes at the pathetic attempt.

“Element Megazord!” Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head. Back on the ground Button had been smearing the faces of the putties with fake buttery goo before drop kicking one after another. The brother regrouped over the fallen putties and took a fighting stance at the older unicorn.

“Sorry boys, maybe some other time.” Sunset taunted before teleporting away in a flash. In the Megazord Scootaloo and her friends were trying to figure out how to keep General Trayf down for count when the comms started beeping.

“Girls, I’m still detecting a large energy reading off him.” Spike explained. “Try combining the Turtle Mace with the Ram Hammer. That should be more than enough.”

“What do you girls think?” The red ranger asked.

“Ah’ll take care of the Ram Hammer!” Applebloom said, sliding a power disc into the slot. “Locked, and dropped!” The chest of the meagzord opened as a large yellow sphere formed, opening to reveal the Ram Hammer.

“And I got the Turtle Mace!” Sweetie turned the knob with the power disc ready as the megazord formed the blue power sphere, opening to reveal the Turtle Mace. The two weapons nodded at one other before the drill bit of the hammer appeared. The handle of the mace slide under the hammer, combining to make a new weapon for the megazord.

“And this little pig is going home!” The monster taunted while the megazord bounced the spiked sphere on their weapon, before flinging it forward, striking the monster with a large shower of sparks before General Trayf finally fell forward in a large explosion.

Up above the planet in Nightmare Moon’s vessel the group of evil were gathered around, looking at the outcome of the battle.

“Well, the rangers defeated another monster.” Gilda said with disdain.

“And I blame General Trayf.” Iron Will conceded.

“As do I. But tis not a problem. He will never fail us again.” The alicorn of the night cackled. Sunset Shimmer simply looked down at the planet in silence. For a moment she might have had doubts on agreeing to this whole scheme after seeing what level of incompetency she was dealing it.

Back in Ponyville under the Golden Oak Library Sweetie Belle was hard at work, serving out her punishment. Groaning at how much floor she had left to cover she hovered the mop out of the bucket, slopping the floor with water.

“Some old fashion mop work will suffice for a punishment.” Twilight said, over-looking the younger unicorn.

“Try being around Rarity and say old fashion.” Sweetie groaned, getting a smirk from her mentor. The doors open as Button Mash came trotting in with two movies tickets.

“Hey Cinderella, drop the mop and come on. I got two actual tickets to the martial arts film festival, and this time we’ll wont invite the pig.” The earth pony joked. Sweetie was about to do just that until Twilight cleared her throat, shaking her head at the two.

“Button I’d love to but I cant.” Sweetie said disappointed

“Ah, paying your debt to society.” Button responded, disappointed himself.

“I deserve it though. I should’ve told you and Rumble I already had plans.”

“We’ve would’ve understood.” Button said, looking at the floor. “I mean, I’m not so good with dates myself…” The two rangers avoided looking at each other, feeling the room beginning to heat up a tad bit.

“Oh look I missed a spot.” The unicorn said, breaking the tension. “I’d better go clean it!” Sweetie trotted over to continue to punishment. Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle at the two rangers.

“Yeah….but what am I gonna do with these tickets?” Button asked himself.

The pony on screen was fighting to the best of his ability to get out of the situation he was in. Make fighting calls as he ducked under another enemy the pony leaped up and struck one in the head. In his seat Button Mash was cheering loudly, fitting right in with the ponies in the theater.

“Why do I always get invited to the things I have no clue about?” His guest, Twilight Sparkle, complained, smirking at the ranger. She may not have known anything about martial art films, but she deeply enjoyed bonding with her students.

“You like studying right?” Button teased, looking at Twilight then back at the popcorn bucket he was quickly going through.” Oh sorry, want some?”

“No thanks.” Twilight’s horn started glowing before a very large bucket of popcorn appeared in her lap. “Brought my own.” Button laughed as the two went back to enjoying their movie.

The Phoenix's Journey Part 1

Celestia’s sun lit up another beautiful day in Equestria, lighting up the days of several happy ponies, especially those of Ponyville. But under the library 5 ponies stood in a circle, watching their teacher set up some kind of demonstration. Sweetie cocked her eye, turning to Scootaloo who shrugged. Applebloom let out a big breath of air while Button shook his head.

“Yeah right.”

“No way, theres no way she does this.” Rumble said certainly.

“Ah don’t know Rumble. Twilight’s pretty tough for a librarian.” The yellow ranger noted.

“Have some respect for her please.” Scootaloo said quietly, getting her team to be quiet. Twilight floated over the last piece of her demo: a large hunk of marble stone.

“Now, watch closely rangers.” Twilight said calmly, before closing her eyes in concentration. Before the five could react the elder unicorn’s hoof shot downward, making contact and smashing the slab into two pieces.

“Whoa!”

“Didn’t see that coming!”

“Radical!”

“You were saying?” Sweetie smirked, looking at Rumble who looked dumbstruck.

“Ok I stand corrected, but how-“

“Former student of Celestia’s. Do the math.” Spike teased from the other side of the room at the large computer.

“That, but also the power doesn’t come from the body. It comes from the mind.” Sweetie said. Twilight patted the blue ranger on the shoulder.

“Correct.”

“Right, I’m up!” Rumble said confidently.

“You sure about that bro?” Button teased.

“Look if she can do it…..I’m gonna give it my best shot.” Rumble said, his determination fading slightly. Scootaloo strained under the weight of the new slab as she put it into place. The crimson ranger calmed trotted forward, clearing his head and focusing on the slab. Taking deep breaths Rumble brought his hoof down…

*Thunk*

Only for it to collide with the slab, shooting pain up his hoof and leg. His friends couldn’t help but laugh at Rumble’s failure.

“Looks like its Twilight: 1. Thunder Ranger: Zip.” Scootaloo teased.

“Ok then babe, you give it a try.” The thunder ranger challenged to his fillyfriend. The red ranger scoffed and had her coltfriend move out of the way. From his computer Spike was beginning to watch with interest. The teenage Pegasus trotted forward, building up her energy before bringing her hoof down….

*Thunk*

But felt the same pain shoot up her hoof and let as she screamed out in agony. Sweetie set herself up to give it a shot, but quickly felt the same pain as her friends. Button Mash took the cake however as he tried to break the slab-

*Thunk*

With his head. Clutching his head as his friends collapsed in laughter the ranger groaned in agony.

Meanwhile up above the planet floated a vessel that contained some of the most evil beings in Equestria, lead by the meanest of the lot, the Alicorn of the Night, Nightmare Moon. However instead of focusing on their next course of action an argument had broken out instead.

“You know in the few weeks I’ve been up here I’ve seen nothing but amateur level here.” Sunset Shimmer said directly at Gilda.

“Look Shimmer if you have a problem with me say it to my beak!”

“Fine.” Sunset trotted over and stood snout to beak with the griffon. “I have a problem with you.”

“You wanna take this outside?!”

“Its space out there birdbrain!”

“Ladies!” Nightmare Moon shouted from her throne, before rising to her hooves. “I choose thee because you have key factors for conquering Equestria. And while I have not said it before, I do respect both of your opinions on this vessel.” Gilda and Sunset looked at each other confused before being caught off guard by a familiar evil cackle, coming from behind them.

Oh the look on thy faces!” Nightmare Moon cackled as the alicorn in front of the two shimmered into a monster.

“Ladies, meet Madtropolis.” Iron Will introduced. “He has the power to create illusions and can be other beings.”

“Just a little thing I do! It kills at barbeques!” The monster taunted. Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes now.

“Tis a nice party trick will but it does not scream world domination.”

“Wait your majesty! There’s more!” The minotaur said as the monster held up a large metal sphere with a dial lid on top.

“With this, I can capture the rangers energy! Leaving Equestria completely defenseless!” Madtropolis declared. The alicorn of the night nodded with approval.

“At last we are getting somewhere….”

Back at Element Ops the five teenage rangers were rubbing their sore hooves while Twilight continue with her lecture. Spike in the meantime had to clean the slabs of marble up.

“The five of you have come quite far.” The elder unicorn said. “But you still have quite some way to go.”

“Yeah but Twilight you were trained by Celestia herself.” Applebloom said. “Kinda hard to keep up with that.”

“Heeeeyah!” The six ponies turned and to their amazement say Spike chop the slab of marble into tiny pieces.

“What? No way!” Scootaloo said, dumbfounded.

“What?” Spike asked confused, standing back up.

“Ok, how did you do that?” Rumble asked with a smirk.

“Oh! He used some kind of laser beam! That’s it!” Scootaloo declared, causing spike to frown greatly, looking rather ticked off.

“No wait! Yall switched the bricks! Ah saw that in a stunt show once!” Applebloom declared.

“Oh switch eh?” Spike lifted a slab and chucked at the yellow ranger, who almost collapsed under its weight.

“Ok, its real…” Applebloom groaned.

“Guys its so obvious: he’s a dragon. Marbles probably like clay to him.” Button concluded. The drake stared long and hard at the five.

“You still don’t get it do you?”

Get what?” Scootaloo asked confused.

“Just because somepony isn’t a ranger doesn’t make them completely useless!” Twilight frowned, knowing where this conversation was going. “Forget this. I’m going to get some air.” The drake turned and stormed out of Element Ops, not before punching a hole in the wall before leaving. Scootaloo, Applebloom, Rumble and Button Mash looked confused as Sweetie Belle quickly chased after her friend.

“Not again.” Twilight said quietly.

“Is he mad at us?”

“Bloom he’s always mad at us!” Scootaloo complained.

“Did we say something wrong?” Button asked confused.

“I’m sorry guys but there’s a lot more to this.” The elder unicorn said as her students turned to her. Outside Spike made his way to the local pond and started skipping stones into the water, just wanting to be alone with his thoughts. He didn’t get that as Sweetie Belle quietly trotted over to him.

“You alright?” The blue ranger asked concerned.

“…yeah.” Spike said. He couldn’t stay mad at Sweetie Belle. “Just tired of the lack of respect I get from the others.”

“Spike we all respect and care for you deeply. You’re like family to us.” Sweetie said softly. “Everything we can do is because of what you’re able to do.

“Its not enough though. I want to be part of it!” Spike said longingly. Sweetie nodded, looking out into the pond. She knew what this was all about finally.

“You want to be a ranger?” Spike didn’t say anything, but she knew she was right. “Have you tried talking to Twilight about this?”

“I have. She’s said absolutely not.” The drake said, depressed.

“Why?” Spike turned to the ranger. At Element Ops Twilight explained everything to the others.

“You’re keeping a promise Celestia made to Spikes mother? When he was just an egg, that’s why you wont let him become a ranger?” Scootaloo asked.

“Do any of you have something you’d like to say then?” Twilight asked, opening the floor.

“Ah do, and ah’m sorry Twilight but that’s weak.” Applebloom said honestly.

“I appreciate your honestly Bloom.”

“Twilight you always tell us to follow our own paths in life right?”

“Yes, but as a guardian there are greater things to consider.” Twilight said. “Spike’s like a little brother to me, but in a lot of ways he’s like my own son. Its far more complicated than you think.”

“Seems easy to me.” Button said. “You need to trust him.”

“Spikes the most together of all of us. If anypony would make a great ranger it would be him.” Rumble argued. Twilight sighed.

“Maybe I have been too overprotective of him. Could you leave me alone for a bit?” The unicorn asked. Her four remaining students bowed and quietly trotted up the stairs and out of Element Ops. Twilight turned at looked sadly at a photo of Celestia and a pink dragon who was holding a purple egg.

Sweetie Belle listened quietly as spike explained Twilight’s reasoning to her.

“Spike…Twilight just wants what’s best for you.” The ranger explained softly.

“I know that…” The drake begrudgingly conceded.

“You have to tell her how you really feel. Make her understand how important this is to you.” Sweetie explained, placing a hoof on Spike’s shoulder. “She’s the most reasonable pony I’ve ever known. Go talk to her.” Spike looked out at the water before chuckling.

“Alright, but if she doesn’t listen, I’m telling her it was your idea.”

“Oh sure, send me up the river.” The mare joked. Skipping the last stone he held the two turned to return to Elements Ops when the water behind them on the shoreline exploded. Turning round the two found Gilda and Sunset Shimmer, plus a hoard of Putty Patrols along with Madtropolis.

“We hate to ruin this greeting card moment.” Gilda said.

“But we’re here to destroy you.” Sunset taunted casually. “Attack!!!” Madtropolis fired off energy beams at the two equestrians, forcing them to roll away from the exploding cascade of sparks and sand. Rubbing his back from the landing Spike climbed back onto his feet in a fighting stance.

“This isn’t your fight drake. Don’t make us rough you up some more.” Gilda taunted as four ponies came ping ponging to a stop next to Sweetie Belle.

“Ah heard of cities coming alive but that’s just plain silly.” Applebloom noted, looking at the cityscape on top of Madtropolis head.

“Everypony’s a comedian! Now are you gonna morph or do I have to beg?!” The monster taunted.

“You asked for it.” Scootaloo growled, not seeing the smirk on Sunset’s face. “You guys ready?”

“Ready!” In a flash the five rangers had their morphers ready.

"Element Storm!"

"Thunder Storm!"

“Power of Air!”

“Earth!”

“Water!”

“Power of Thunder!”

The five rangers took a fighting stance as Madtropolis ordered the Putties to attack. “Spike! Get out of here!” Scootaloo shouted.

“No way! I can fight!” Spike said, determined to not run away. The monster dropped down, striking Button right off his hooves while Rumble had to duck under a strike. The putties however didn’t attack the rangers, instead going after Spike while Gilda and Sunset watched on. The drake caught the first punch with his, roundhouse striking a putty as it got to close before rolling back to make some space. Madtropolis struck Applebloom on the head with the large sphere container it was holding before bowling over Sweetie and Scootaloo with little effort.

Spike took hold of a putty, jumping to kick another only to be caught like a rat in a trap. The two putties flipped the drake over, dropping him on his head before the group pounced, pinning spike down with nowhere to go.

“Spike!!!” Before his friends could come to the rescue Sunset fired off a massive charge, sending the five ponies off their hooves in a large explosion.

“Now for the ‘drain’ event!” Madtropolis opened the sphere and aimed it at the five rangers. Spike looked on in horror as a suction of energy overtook his friends. He could do nothing as the color slowly began to fade out from the five.

“Try to resist guys!” Scootaloo said through gritted teeth.

“I can’t! It’s too strong!” Rumble shouted, before the five now gray rangers collapsed in a heap, demorphing before they hit the ground.

“That outta do it!” Madtropolis placed the lid back on the container as Scootaloo tried weakly to get back on her hooves to fight. She and her friends looked like the lightest breeze would blow them over. The color from their manes and coats were also faded.

“Awww, you brats look a little pale. Have you tried getting out more?” The evil unicorn taunted.

“Pleasure doing business with you Power Losers, but we got to go!” Gilda taunted before the evil forces vanished in a flash on lightning, taking the putties with them.

“Girls! Guys!” Spike yelled as he quickly sprinted over to the weakened rangers. “Are you ok?”

“Not so loud Spike…..” Applebloom groaned, holding her ears against her head.

“Did anypony get the number of the wagon that hit us?” Button groaned, his head flopping around.

“We need to get you all back to Ops! Now!” Spike helped Scootaloo up as the group slowly traveled back to Element Ops.

The red ranger could barely sit up as Spike ran a scanner over his friend, a deeply concerned look on his face as Twilight watched the results on the monitor.

“Augh that monster drove us into the ground…..what happened out there Spike?” Scootaloo asked weakly. The teenage drake had to make sure she didn’t collapse from her spot.

“Madtropolis drained you all of your Ranger Energy Force.” Spike said. “If you guys go out and fight again…..there’s a good chance you won’t come back.” He said grimly.

“That’s harsh…” Sweetie groaned from the floor, next to the other rangers.

“This is grave news I’m afraid. We have to find a way to retrieve your powers at once.” The elder unicorn said. A live video feed popped onto the screen, showing the monster in question cackling away from some warehouse with the sphere containing their powers inside.

“Alright its go time…” Scootaloo barely made it to her hooves before Spike had to hold her up.

“Scootaloo you can barely stand!”

“I’m not going to sit here with that freak on the loose…” The ranger said determined gritting her teeth as she made it to her hooves.

“We aren’t either.” Rumble said as he and the others leaned on one another just to stay on their hooves.

“Alright, but at least let me increase your energy through your morphers.” Spike typed away and slammed the large button, causing the five morphers to glow brightly. “It won’t last however, so please be safe guys.”

“We’ll watch from here if you need us to pull you back.” Twilight said, deeply concerned but knowing she couldn’t talk them out of this. The energy boost restored their colors to them as the five shook off any confusion they had.

Madtropolis cackled as the fuse he light on the container slowly ticked away. Once it exploded the power within would be destroyed forever, making it impossible for the rangers to retrieve them.

“Now to blast these ranger powers out of existence!” The monster cackled, until something zipped back, taking the sphere away. Madtropolis turned and saw the group of rangers, once again morphed. Scootaloo yanked the fuse out before it could go any further.

“Sorry! But we’re here to snuff out your plans!”

“Hey that’s mine! I stole those from you fair and square!” Madtropolis fired off a charge, scattering the five apart as Scootaloo flipped over the attack and towards the monster. Sliding under the villain the Pegasus mare ran as hard her legs could go as Madtropolis’s eyes flashed red. As Scootaloo ran several firey explosions went off around her, knocking her off her hooves, However she was attempt to return fire with her Hawk Blaster, landing several shots that Madtropolis simply shrugged off.

“That’s not good….” The red ranger moaned. Then the monster faded out before her eyes. As Scootaloo quickly searched the monster shimmered back into view behind her, throwing her off her hooves and onto the cold concrete. The Pegasus mare weakly clung to the sphere as her morpher began beeping.

“Scootaloo come in! You have to conserve energy!” Spike said over the communicator.

“Easier said than done…” Scootaloo groaned as Madtropolis slowly made his way towards here.

“Now give that back to me!”

“I’m taking my ball and going home!” To her surprise Madtropolis laughed.

“That’s what you think!” Before her once more the monster faded out as darkness overtook Scootaloo, leaving her in a foggy realm.

“I got a bad feeling about this…..” Madtropolis had brought Scootaloo to the Realm of Nightmares, where everything was very real. The ranger spin around to see a screaming Madtropolis charging towards her.

“Element Blade!” Scootaloo ducked under an attack and repeatedly struck Madtropolis before to her horror she saw two male figures collapse before her. “Oh no!” The ranger quickly helped Button Mash and Rumble back up. “I’m so sorry! I thought I was fighting Madtropolis!”

“So did we!” Button groaned.

“This place to crazy. Watch your back.” Rumble warned as Sweetie Belle and Applebloom appeared from the fog with their weapons in tow.

“Yer toast Madtropolis!” The yellow ranger fired away, striking the three over and over before they collapsed in a shower of sparks.

“Sweetie! Bloom! What are you doing?!” Scootaloo barely blocked a blade attack from Sweetie Belle.

“You don’t fool me! You’re done for!”

“Sweetie Belle its me! Scootaloo!!!” The red ranger groaned as she was slashed with the Element Blade. Button Mash and Rumble brought the two down as what they were seeing faded away.

“Was that yall?”

“I don’t know what to believe here!” The five regrouped as Madtropolis appeared before them.

“Nopony knows whats real and whats not in the Realm of Nightmares!”

“I’ve had enough of your mindgames Madtropolis!” Scootaloo warned, clinging to the sphere with their powers.

“Aww you’re no fun! I’m just getting started! Come on!!!!!” The monster vanished before them again as Scootaloo turned and saw her friends turn into Madtropolis.

“Not this again!” One of the Madtropolis charged forward and struck her off her hooves in a shower of sparks. “That one has to be him!!!” Scootaloo struck with her blade, finding out to her horror she attacked Applebloom instead. “Bloom! I…I….I don’t what to do!!!!” Scootaloo was beginning to panic when she heard a calming voice from inside her head.

“Scootaloo listen.”

“Twilight? Is that you?!”

“You need to trust your heart, for your eyes are deceiving you. Concentrate on your inner self, because it with tell you what is real, and what is not.” Twilight said calmly. The red ranger stood calm and collective; the words of her mentor relaxing her.

“I’ll try Twilight.” The visor of her helmet opened as Scootaloo closed her eyes, listening intently. Four Madtropolis shimmer into existence around her, cackling madly. The red ranger waited for her moment, listening for what she needed. “Got you.” Scootaloo said quietly, before quickly turning as firing at the Madtropolis behind her with the Hawk Blaster. The monster screamed out as sparks flew off it. The darkness around them began to clear as the five found themselves back in the warehouse. The five rangers weakly regrouped as Scootaloo noticed their colors fading.

“You guys ok?”

“I can’t take much more!” Sweetie Belle moaned.

“I think the power boost is wearing off Scoots.” Rumble groaned, shaking his head to clear his vision. Scootaloo tried to reach her coltfriend before she collapsed onto the ground.

“Scootaloo!” The five began clutching their heads and moaning as they began to crash from the lack of ranger power. As the five writhed on the ground the large shimmer head of Madtropolis came into existence and blasted the rangers with a large lightning attack. The five rangers screamed out in pain as the monster appeared before them.

“Now for the last time, give that back!” Scootaloo gritted her teeth as she pulled herself up.

“Let me get this straight: you think I’m going to hoof this over with all our powers in it? Not gonna happen!” Her friends quickly regrouped beside her. “Come on guys!” As a last ditch effort the group combined their signature weapons. Rumble and Button Mash knelt down and held the larger weapon over their shoulders while Sweetie and Applebloom held up the front. Scootaloo took hold of the trigger.

“Thunderstorm Cannon!!!!” The five rangers called out. Madtropolis cackled.

“Oh yeah?! But which one is the real me?!” Before their eyes multiple copies of the monster began shimmering into existence, too many to keep count of.

“One way to find out! FULL POWER!!!” The cannon glowed as energy filled up inside before Scootaloo pulled the trigger. “Fire!!!!!” The energy blast shot out of the cannon, flying forward at lightning speed before it collided with the real Madtropolis. The monster screamed out as sparks and lightning began discharging from it before it finally collapsed in a large fiery explosion.

From up above on her vessel the alicorn of the night could only sigh in disappointment.

“Tis seems that I need to look more into urban growth.” Nightmare Moon turned as shot a large energy blast at the spot Madtropolis was defeated, striking its remains before it grew to giant size, standing well above the rangers.

“I’m ripping the skies!!!!” The monster cackled as Scootaloo passed the sphere to Applebloom.

“Do it Scoots!” The Pegasus mare struck the sphere with her blade but watched as it harmless bounced off.

“I cant open it!”

“We don’t have time to figure it out! We have to stop him!” Rumble roared as the monster struck with a massive charge of energy.

“Spike! We need the Megazord!”

“You wont last through a zord fight you guys!” Spike said over the communicator, growing more worried by the moment.

“Just do it!!!” Scootaloo shouted, determined to fight as long as she and her friends could.

“All right…but we need that sphere back at Element Ops.” Spike explained. “Twilight and I have been working on a experimental teleport system…..I just hope its ready….” Uncertained what would happen Spike typed away and pressed the large button. Before them the sphere vanished from Scootaloo grasp, appearing on the monitor in Elements
Ops. Spike watched on nervously as the sphere began shimmering in front of him.

From the hillside a large navy color zord ramped over and into their view. The hill collapsed as the Crimson Insectizoid came driving right through it. The Hawk Zord flew out from its location from under Cloudsdale, the Dolphin Zord emerged from its disguise as an Equestria Cruise ship, and finally the Lion Zord left its spot from a carnival where it was disguised as a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel.

Once more the Lion Zord shifted until it formed the legs, chest piece and the left arm, while the Dolphin Zord clipped into place as the right arm before finally the Hawk Zord shifted as well, clipping into place as the head. The two thunder
zords drove towards each other before taking to the air in a cyclone formation. Blast of lightning came flying off as the Beetle Zord shifted, forming the lower half of the machine. The claw that made up the head latched itself to the
Insectizoid as it shifted to form the top half. Both halves finally formed, connecting as the threads from the Insectizoid revved up, now making both arms.

“Two Megazords to make my day!!” Madtropolis cackled before rocking both Megazords with a surge of electricity, shaking the already woozy rangers inside with sparks.

“We need to give all we got guys…” Scootaloo groaned, her vision becoming blurry. At Element Ops Spike was typing away wildly.

“Ok…I think I got a lock!” Slamming the button, the sphere containing the five rangers power shimmered in front of him, physically arriving and out of harms way. “Got it! Rangers, I got the sphere! I’m sending you some protection, but its all you can handle right now.” Spike typed away. Within the Element Storm Megazord a power disc appeared before a groggy Scootaloo.

“We’ll take what we can get Spike…..power disc, locked and dropped!” The ranger inserted the disc into the slot and turned the handle. The chest of the Megazord opened as the red sphere 09 formed, opening to reveal quite a large red sheet. “A scarf…. you sent us a scarf?!” Scootaloo said in disbelief.

“Just go with it!!!”

“Alright if you say so.” Feeling silly the three mares had the Megazord throw the scarf, watching it repeatedly strike Madtropolis, rocking the monster in sparks. When it returned Scootaloo waved the scarf, causing the two Megazords to vanish. The monster cackled.

“It’s going to take more than a giant hankie to fool me!!” Madtropolis fired off another large burst of energy, igniting the ground under where the two Megazords should’ve been. With the flames too much to handle the two Megazords shimmered back into existence.

“The heat…..its too much to handle!!!” Scootaloo screamed.

“We can’t fight it!” Rumble groaned as the Megazords shook wildly. At Element Ops Spike and Twilight could only watch on in horror as with the lack of energy the five rangers went tumbling out of the sky, being ejected from the Megazords. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Rumble and Button Mash could barely do anything as the last of their boosted powers vanished, causing all five to demorph.

“Say goodbye rangers!” Madtropolis cackled, standing victoriously over the five fallen ponies, who were all struggling to stand and even staying awake. Spike keep slamming the button, only for nothing to happen.

“Guys! Girls! Get up!” The drake pleaded. “They’re out of energy Twilight!”

“Spike, I’m sorry but there’s little we can do from here.” Twilight said softly, still in shock from what she was seeing.

“Don’t tell me you’re giving up?” Spike clutched his head and though of every outcome. “Maybe we can….or we could……augh! Something!!!” Twilight paused.

“Well….there once was a power source that could’ve helped us, but there’s little we can do…”

“Twilight now’s not the time for riddles. If you know something you have to tell me.” Spike pleaded. From up above on her vessel the evil forces that followed in Nightmare Moons wake watched on as their biggest headache was mere moments away from being defeated.

“Dear sister look down upon thy choose heroes. Tis a pity that I need to destroy them like so…” The younger alicorn taunted as Sunset held the sphere containing the alicorn of the day, Princess Celestia inside.

“Bye bye rangers, we’ll miss you. Not!” Gilda taunted.

“Although Iron Will would it kill you to smile?” Nightmare Moon asked as the minotaur of the group sighed, content with seeing what he was seeing. The older unicorn thought for a moment, before shaking her head at the teenage drake.

“Twilight please. If you know something that can help us-“

“Spike there isn’t anything to discuss. We cant dwell on what has long been lost to time.” Twilight explained. The drake groan and held his head, until something dawned on him.

“Time……The Parchment of Time!!!!” Spike quickly leaped to his feet and sprinted to the bookshelf behind them. Within a purple flash however Twilight teleported in front of him to cut him off.

“Spike, no! We cant disrupted the order of time.”

“Twilight if I don’t do something we won’t have anytime left! Look at them!!” Spike said desperately, pointing back to the monitor.

“Spike……Twilight……help…..” Scootaloo’s weak voice came over the monitor as she and her friends struggled with great effort to stand.

“I have to go back in time and find the one thing that will help us!”

“I can’t and won’t let you Spike!”

“Why not?!” Twilight looked dead into Spike’s eyes with a glare.

“Why are you so desperate to get involved? With your little outburst this morning I thought you would be overjoyed at them losing their powers!”

“This isn’t about that Twilight!” Spike pleaded.

“Then what?! What is it about then Spike!” The drake turned back, watching the monitor helplessly. He had one last plead to give.

“Cause they’re my friends Twilight…. any one of them would do this if I was in their hooves.” The drake said softly. The unicorn mare took in what spike said, thinking deeply, turning back to the scroll of time.

“…..the spark that’ll bring them together….” Twilight said quietly so that even spike couldn’t hear. She turned back to the drake with a sad look. “Are you sure about this?”

“It’s risk I’m willing to take Twilight.” The unicorn looked away, unable to meet Spike’s eyes before finally relenting and stepping to the side. “…thank you!” Spike said, snatching up the powerful parchment. Carefully unfolding the old
parchment the spell glowed brightly before flying right out of Spike’s claws. On the monitor and all around the world time came to a halt. Madtropolis was locked in a frozen state, its giant hand about to smash the rangers up. Up above the evil forces noticed what was happening.

“Uhhh, why did Madtropolis freeze up like that?” Gilda asked confused.

“I smell a rat!” Will growled.

“I believe thou is correct…..what are you up to Twilight Sparkle?” Nightmare Moon asked, her moon growing worse by the minute. Inside Element Ops had been filled with a wind coming from the portal the Parchment of Time has opened.

“Are you sure there isn’t another way?” Twilight said loudly so she can be heard over the parchment.

“I can’t think of anything more desperate than this! Can you?”

“No I can’t. Time here with be frozen until the writing on the parchment fades. If you haven’t returned before it does…..you’ll be trapped in the past forever….” Twilight said, looking at Spike with deep concern.

“I’m coming back alright?” Spike promised.

“If Celestia was here she would say you have your mothers kind heart. But I know you have my stubborn head.” Twilight said. The drake smiled at the sentiment before turning to the parchment. Taking a deep breath the drake leaped into the spell, vanishing along with the parchment.

“…be safe please…..” Twilight pleaded quietly.

Two seconds in and Spike was already in trouble. Screaming and turning the drake went flying through the time vortex. He didn’t consider how he was going to get to the time he needed to. Looking around him he could see events from the past happening. For what felt like forever Spike tumbled until a bright flash engulfed him. Then he felt himself slamming into the ground.

Groaning, Spike picked himself up and took in his surroundings.

“Did it work?” He asked himself. “It looks like I’ve outside the academy…” A gust of wind blew dirt and leaves around him as the sound of hooves clicking on the ground came from behind him. Slowly turning spike found himself with a taller
than average pony. What he found most striking was the horn and wings the pony had. The alicorn before him was wearing the academy uniform he was quite familiar with, but the figures face was hidden.

“You are trespassing…..” The figure growled. From the voice Spike knew they were female. “Thee will tell me the password or I will be forced to strike thee down!”

The Phoenix's Journey Part 2

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