Chapters Chapter 1 - First Impressions
The train has arrived to Ponyville at last with Pinkie Pie and the Spellbind Brothers and some other passengers stepping off and then entering the station.
"Home sweet home! Welcome to Ponyville, boys!" Pinkie escorted the Spellbind Brothers out of the train station to the town. There were many ponies enjoying their day in the peaceful town and the Spellbind Brothers were surprised.
"Wow...! So cool!" Gust was so excited to see more of the town.
"Hmm...nice place to me. Perfect place for a nap." Chilly was still sleepy from earlier this morning.
"COOL!" Ashes was just as excited as Gust when arriving. This time without bursting into flames. They were all excited, except for Sparx. He had an expression of dis-comfort.
Pinkie noticed Sparx's expression, "Sparky, what's wrong...? Don't you like it?" Sparx looked around the town and felt nervous.
"Uh...uh...yeah, whatever...." Sparx placed his hood over his head to hide his dis-comfort.
"Hey...! Pinkie...!" They then heard a voice call out to them and see a blue Pegasus with a rainbow-colored mane and tail. She was slender with some slight muscle, and her Cutie Mark was a rainbow-colored lightning bolt. She landed in front of Pinkie and the brothers in epic fashion.
"Rainbow Dash...! It's been a while! How have you been?1 Is everypony alright?! Did you guys miss me?!" she asked quickly. Pinkie joyfully hugged Rainbow Dash after some time.
Rainbow Dash hugged Pinkie back, "Sure we missed you, Pinkie. It's been boring around here." She then turned and noticed the four rather tall ponies standing next to them.
"Hey Pinkie, who...are they?" Rainbow Dash didn't know how to react to such tall, out of place ponies.
"Oh...! They're my new friends! I wanna introduce them to you and everypony at my place! Go and bring them over! Let's go, guys!" Pinkie Pie darted off into Ponyville to her place.
"Hey, wait for us...!" Chilly and the brothers quickly followed Pinkie before she left them behind. Rainbow Dash was really confused, but she decided to do as Pinkie asked and flew off to gather the rest of their friends. Later that day, Pinkie was rapidly preparing a party with all the needed party essentials like cakes, punch, cookies, a welcome banner, and all kinds of other things. She lived in a bakery named Sugar Cube Corner.
"Geez Pinkie, don't you ever take a break...?" Chilly and the brothers watched as Pinkie worked.
"I'm almost done...! You're all going to love it! This party is meant to introduce you to my friends and to welcome you four to Ponyville!" Pinkie had just got the chocolate fountain going. Sparx was starting to drool at the sight of sweets everywhere.
"That blue Pegasus seemed nice. Who was she...?"
"That was Rainbow Dash. She's one of my best friends and she's the best flyer in Equestria!" As Pinkie said, Rainbow Dash has demonstrated many amazing acts on many occasions and has proven to be quite an amazing athlete.
"Wow...! She sounds so awesome!" Gust could only imagine Rainbow Dash being awesome.
Sparx gave an arrogant huff, "Please.... She's not nearly as awesome as me."
"So...you can fly?" Chilly gave Sparx a doubtful look.
"SHUT UP!" Sparx couldn't deny it and hated it.
"Ugh...I'M BORED!" Ashes had his head against the table out of boredom. They then heard the sound of the doorbell being rung with a group of mares and a Dragon walking inside.
"Hey Pinkie, I brought everypony like you a-woah...." Rainbow Dash was the first to walk inside and was amazed at the sight of the newly made party.
"COME IN!" Pinkie had just finished the party preparations and she fired her confetti cannons with music being played.
"What the fu-uh...heck?" Sparx nearly swore in front of a bunch of mares and a Dragon. The group of mares walked inside to join in on the party.
"Oh my word...! Just look at this attire! It's so old and damaged! This must be fixed! Sir, is this made with silk or polyester?!" A white Unicorn with a purple-colored mane and tail ran up to Chilly and began looking at his hood. Her Cutie Mark were a set of three diamonds.
'Wait...what?" Chilly did not know how to react to all that.
"HOLY-! THAT'S A BIG LIZARD!" Ashes darted at the small dragon in excitement.
"Agh...! Who are you?! And I'm a Dragon! Not a lizard...!" The little Dragon was annoyed and disturbed by this sudden outburst by Ashes.
"Now Spike, I'm sure he didn't mean any harm. He just seems...a little excited." The purple mare with a set of wings and a horn stood beside the small Dragon like how a mother would her young. Her Cutie Mark was a big star that was surrounded by many little stars.
"YOU'RE A DRAGON?! THAT'S SO COOL!" Ashes was trying his best not to burst into flames from excitement. Spike and Twilight didn't know how to react to this much excitement.
"Wow Spike, you got another fan. And you just met." Another purple Unicorn with green highlights in her mane and tail walked beside them. Her Cutie Mark was a star followed by a stream of green mist.
"Starlight, don't tease me...!" Spike was both nervous and embarrassed.
"Hi, Miss Rainbow Dash...! My name is Gust Runner Spellbind. Nice to meet you!" He stuck out his hoof to introduce himself.
"Hey, nice to meet you. And don't call me 'Miss'. Just 'Rainbow Dash'. You're a pretty tall colt." Rainbow Dash was still astonished by how tall Gust and his brothers were. Gust gave a nervous laugh.
"Um....hello...." A yellow Pegasus walked up to Sparx shivering like it was freezing cold. She had a pink mane and tail, and her Cutie Mark were three pink butterflies.
"Uh...hey...." Sparx could not feel any more anxious with so many new faces in an unfamiliar location. They just stared at each other without saying another word. It was really awkward.
"C'mon Fluttershy, a'm sure he doesn't bite. Introduce yourselves." An orange Earth Pony walked beside Fluttershy to encourage more conversation. She had a golden mane and tail, and her Cutie Mark were three red apples.
Fluttershy stuttered, "B-But...Applejack, he's s-so...scary...." Fluttershy looked like a tiny frightened animal.
"Ugh...this is killing me!" thought Sparx; he was freaking out as much as Fluttershy was. The party was going somewhat well and nothing got destroyed.
"I'm glad you're all having fun! Allow me to introduce them to you all!" Pinkie Pie then grabbed the Spellbind Brothers and placed them all in one seat.
"I met them at the rock farm with my sisters! This is Chilly Hoof, Glint Sparky, Gust Runner, and Burnt Ashes! They're all brothers and they're my friends!" She introduced them all in that exact order.
"Sup."
"HI!"
"Nice to meet you!"
"Uh...hey." The Spellbind Brothers were excited to meet them. Sparx was still uncomfortable.
"My name is Glint Sparx...!" Sparx was annoyed. The mares and Spike laughed.
"Nice to meet you all. My name is Twilight Sparkle. And this is Spike."
"Hi...! I'm Twilight's assistant!"
"You already met me, Rainbow Dash! I'm awesome!"
"My names Applejack. I run the apple farm that not too far from here. Nice to meet ya."
"i'm.....Fluttershy....." Fluttershy squeaked, still feeling nervous. They could barely hear her.
"I am Rarity, and I would just love to work on your hoods. They are all just begging for a re-work!"
"My name is Starlight Glimmer. I'm Twilight's pupil. Nice to meet you." The introductions were finally done and the party continued. The brothers and Pinkie's friends were getting along well and they enjoyed themselves.
Twilight then walked up to Pinkie, "Pinkie, how did you meet these four...tall ponies? I don't think I've seen any pony as tall as the Princesses." Twilight was curious about these four unfamiliar ponies.
"Oh, me and my sisters found this really big black stone and inside it were these four colorful crystals and when they got broken, Sparky and his brothers came out in a flash of light! Sparky shoots lightning out of his horn, Chilly can make ice, Ash can burst into flames, and Gust can make wind! They don't remember their past, so I brought them here because I thought you could help them since you're so smart! My sisters and I think they've been in that black rock for a very, very, very LOOOOOOOONG time! We sent the black stone to Canterlot to find out what it is and maybe help Sparky and his brothers remember their past!" Pinkie said all of that in one breath and gave a big smile. Her friends were all shocked to hear all that, turned towards the brothers and they really, really, REALLY didn't know how to react to all that.
"My name is Sparx...."
"Let it go, Sparx...."
"Pinkie, I don't think they believe you...." Gust noticed the dis-belief on everpony's faces.
"But it's the truth! You can ask my parents! And my sisters!" Pinkie was persistent in convincing her friends.
"I'm sorry, Pinkie, but that is impossible. Unless they can show us this power you described." Twilight was very skeptic about what Pinkie said.
"You want us to show you?! Really?!" Sparx jumped for the chance to demonstrate his power.
"But bro, we promised not to do that...!" Gust began trying to stop Sparx.
"YEAH! Miss Pie will be mad if we break our promise!" Ashes joined in Gust in stopping Sparx.
"Oh right, they did promise Mom and Dad they would behave...." Pinkie completely forgot about that. Sparx quickly became disappointed.
"Yeah.... Plus, Maud and Limestone would kill us if we did." Chill and his brothers shivered at the thought of that happening.
"Well, then I'll send them a letter to inform them that you did it to fulfill a request. I am the Princess of Friendship and if it's to help you all, then I'm sure they'll understand." What Twilight said quickly caught the brothers' attention.
"REALLY?! CAN YOU SEND ME TO THE SUN?!" Ashes' eyes were burning with excitement.
"You're a Princess?! I'm sorry for not knowing sooner, your Highness!" Gust began bowing his head.
"So you're a Princess, huh? Then you might be really powerful then." Sparx chuckled.
"Sparx, no...." Chill had a little ice hammer at the ready. Their reactions were quite surprising to Twilight and her friends.
"Uh...it's alright, guys. You don't have to call me 'Princess' all the time. And no, I can't send any ponies to the sun...." Twilight was a little embarrassed. Ashes then became depressed. Twilight and her friends didn't know what to make of these four strange ponies, but they didn't seem so bad to them.
"Well....um....it's...nice to...meet you all...." Fluttershy squeaked as she gave them a timid smile.
"I don't know how, but we'll help ya with your memory." Applejack tilted her hat with confidence.
"Yeah! It can't be that hard!" Rainbow Dash was ready for anything.
"And I get to do something with those old rags of clothing." Rarity was still focused on the ragged hoodies.
"I'll help you, Rarity!" Spike jumped at the chance.
"I'd love to see a demonstration of your power soon." Starlight became very interested.
"Great...! I'm glad you're getting along!" Pinkie was very relieved as the party resumed. The Mane 6 and the Spellbind Brothers all continued to enjoy the party without a hitch. What comes afterwards in uncertain.
Pinkie Pie had returned back to Ponyville with her new friends, the Spellbind Brothers, introduced them to her friends, and they all had a party. After the party however, the Spellbind Brothers got more attention than they wanted.
"Go away...! Get out of my face!"
"Sorry ladies, but I'm taken...."
"Pinkie, help...!"
"WHAT IS WITH ALL THESE CRAZY MARES?!!!" The Spellbind Brothers were being surrounded by many single mares who found them attractive. The brothers had no idea how to deal with this so suddenly.
"Hey there, handsome. Are you new? Do you want a tour of Ponyville?" The many mares were smothering the Spellbind Brothers in all the attention.
"Hey...! They're my guests!" Pinkie was annoyed. She couldn't get anywhere near the brothers. The other members of the Mane 6 left early, so they weren't there to help.
"I didn't expect this to happen...." Twilight was surprised. Spike gave a jealous grunt.
"Twilight...! Help them!" Pinkie tried to pull the mares away, but to no avail.
"Chill, can I shock them?!" Sparx was starting to lose his patience.
"Sparx, no...!"
"What do we do, bros?!"
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Things were going out of control.
"Hold on. I got this." Starlight then stepped forward and a light shined from her horn. As the light faded, Sparx was amazed by Starlight's power.
"Wha-what's going on?! I can't move!"
"Starlight, what did you do...?" Twilight was worried.
"I only froze them in place with my magic. It's temporary. Let's go while we can." Starlight then began leaving Sugar Cube Corner. The Spellbind Brothers finally got out of that mess and followed Twilight, Spike, Pinkie, and Starlight to the castle that was located on the outside of town. It was tall and made of stone and crystal.
"Geez...who owns this ugly place?" Sparx wasn't too thrilled at what he was looking at.
"I do...." Twilight was annoyed.
"Don't mind him, miss. He's just dumb...."
"What did you call me?!"
"I think it's pretty."
"IT'S HUGE!!!" They went inside to see the well-decorated entrance leading to the living room. And in the living room, there was a round table with some chairs surrounding it. And above it all was a beautiful chandelier made of tree roots.
"Ok, this is pretty cool...." Sparx quickly changed his tune after seeing it.
"We have extra rooms or all of you while you're visiting. Just...no fighting."
"OK...!"
"No problem...." Afterwards, Spike gave them a tour of the castle. Strangely, the inside seemed a lot bigger than the outside. After that, Twilight and Starlight had the brothers meet them in the library for a magic demonstration.
"Alright guys, I want to see this power Pinkie said you have. Just a little bit." Twilight and Starlight had two magic barriers up in case things got explosive. Spike and Pinkie stood just outside the library, peeking through the door.
'Will they be alright...? What if what you said was right?" Spike was worried things could go wrong.
"Don't worry! They know what they're doing!" Pinkie was very confident in the brothers.
"I'LL GO FIRST!" Ashes quickly stepped up to demonstrate.
"Remember Ash, something small. We don't want anything being burned to the ground." Chilly was a little worried.
"I KNOW...!" Ashes then breathed in just slightly, then he shot a small stream of fire from his mouth. Exactly like a Dragon.
"Wow...!" This surprised Spike the most.
"Impossible...! I've never even heard of an Earth Pony using magic! Much less breathe fire! How did you do that?! Are you part Dragon?! Is this natural?! Or are you using some kind of artefact?!" Twilight pulled out a notepad in a hurry.
"Guess it's my turn next...." Chilly was the second to step up and ice suddenly formed around him like a hut. The room became 20% colder when that happened.
"Incredib-b-ble...! He d-did it with-th-thout any problem...!" Starlight and the others were getting a chill because of the ice.
"Sorry about the cold shoulder." Chilly then magically caused the ice to quickly melt and fade. They all hated his pun.
"To use ice magic so fluently! And without any incantation! Who taught you?! I must know...!" Twilight could hardly keep her excitement contained.
"Uh...can't remember. I've always been able to do that." Chilly couldn't recall. He then dis-spelled the ice. Twilight was disappointed.
"Yeah! Chilly made it snow back home! It was fun!" Pinkie was amazed by the display.
"So Chilly can even manipulate the weather? Interesting." Starlight took note of this.
"My turn...! Whee!" Gust then stretched his abnormally large wings out and began flapping them. Suddenly, some of the books in the library began fluttering about in multiple circular pathways.
"Wow...! That looks like fun! Let's go, Spike!" Pinkie then grabbed Spike and dove into the wind.
"Pinkie, wai-AAGH!" The two began fluttering around with the books.
"Whee...! So much fun!"
"Pinkie?! Spike?!" Twilight and Starlight were not expecting his to happen.
"Gust, cut the wind...!" Chilly then began to focus his magic to gather Pinkie and Spike from the wind.
"Oops...! Sorry!" Gust then folded his wings and the wind stopped, causing all the fluttering books to fall. Chilly was able to safely place Pinkie and Spike back on he ground.
Spike sighed, "Thank Celestia that's over...." He was happy to be back on the ground again.
"Aww...! No fair!" Pinkie was disappointed. Twilight and Starlight were very surprised at what just happened.
"I know Pegasi can make wind, but not like that."
"Not only do those wings give him flight for his large size, but they also give him complete control over wind." Twilight and Starlight were taking notes.
"My turn." Sparx was next, and he was radiating with power and confidence.
"Sparx...not too much." Chilly was even more worried about Sparx showing off than with Ashes. Suddenly, all their manes and tails began standing up on end. The entire room began to glow with electricity.
"Oh no...." Chilly knew this wasn't going to end well.
"WOAH...! WIERD!"
"Bro, calm down...!"
"Uh...Twilight, I think something is wrong with the barriers." Starlight noticed the two barriers starting to shift back and forth.
"Sparx's magic must be causing the barriers to malfunction...!"
"Hey Chill...." Sparx then got up to Chill with an evil look on his face as he stuck his right hoof out.
"Over here, Spike!" Pinkie then grabbed Spike and darted out of the library.
"What's going on?!" Spike was both worried and scared.
"Sparx, wai-" Just before he could finished his sentence, Sparx had touched Chilly just slightly on his left shoulder and the room flashed as the static electricity dispersed from within the library. Afterwards, Pinkie and Spike peeked inside to see if they were all alright. They were all safe, but their manes and tails were ruined.
"Uh...Twilight? Starlight? Are you two alright?" Spike kept his distance with Pinkie. Twilight and Starlight just stood in place without saying anything.
"So...are you impre-" Sparx was then punched by an angry Chilly, Gust, and Ashes.
"THAT HURT, YOU JERK!!!" Ashes burned with anger.
"You did that on purpose...!" Gust lashed his wings about.
"You're dead...." Chilly brought out multiple frozen hammers. The punishment was brutal, but necessary. Pinkie and Spike checked up on Twilight and Starlight to see if they were alright.
"Twilight...? Hello? Say something...!" Spike shook Twilight back to her senses.
"Ah...! What happened? Is everything alright?" Twilight seemed completely fine. Except for her mane and tail.
"Twilight, these four are too dangerous and I think they are insane...." Starlight wrote that down in her burnt notes. This worried Pinkie.
"Uh...they're just excited to see new things after being stuck in a rock for so long!" Pinkie tried to convince them, despite the fact that part of the castle nearly got destroyed.
"Don't worry about Sparx, ladies...." Chilly, Gust, and Ashes were finished punishing Sparx for his reckless behavior.
"Pinkie, do you seriously expect ponies to want to be anywhere near these four? Elemental Magic is forbidden for a reason. And we just saw it." Twilight began fixing her mane and tail.
"And the fact that Ashes and Gust can use magic, even though Earth Ponies and Pegasi can't use magic at all. It's impossible." Starlight was very skeptical about the Spellbind Brothers and their abilities.
"But...they're not bad ponies! They're just...different!" Pinkie was persistent in trying to convince her friends. Twilight and Starlight felt guilty for judging them too harshly, but not without good reason.
"Hey Pinkie, it's cool.... At least you tried. We'll just have to try something else. Let's go, bros."
"Bye...!"
"We're sorry for the trouble...." The Spellbind Brothers began heading out of the castle. Gust dragged the pounded Sparx with his wings.
"Guys, wait a minute...!" Pinkie chased after them.
"Uh...I'll go show them out." Spike left to do so. Twilight and Starlight were the only ones left in the library. They then began placing the books back in their exact places.
"Hey Twilight, don't you think we should give them another chance? They really don't seem so bad...." Starlight had just finished her side of the library.
"Well, maybe.... But how do we do that? You saw what happened. We nearly died just now." Twilight also finished her side of the library. They could still see some leftover static electricity stuck to the crystal wall. They were able to dis-spell the magical static easily. They could then hear screaming from the front of the castle. They rushed over to see Pinkie, Spike, and the Spellbind Brothers keeping the door from opening.
"Pinkie, what are you all doing?! Where is all the screaming coming from?!"
"Twilight, it's those mares again! They're trying to get inside the castle!" They could hear the sound of the crazy mares trying to get inside the castle.
"What did you four do to those mares anywhere?!" Starlight was becoming annoyed.
"We didn't do anything...!" Sparx was back on his hooves helping them keep the mares at bay.
"I got this...!" Chilly then froze the doors shut with his ice. The mares were not getting inside so easily.
"I think we're stuck here until we get used to living with other ponies." It was starting to look like Gust was right.
Twilight sighed, "Alright, we'll let you stay for a little while. But you three will have to learn how to behave yourselves and *stay* behaved." She was quite serious.
"Yes, uh...uh....I had something to say, but I lost it." Sparx was drawing a blank.
"Um...what do you mean?" Spike was confused.
"Oh yeah, they sometimes forget about what they're saying or when they're about to say something. That's why I need your help, Twilight! You too, Starlight! You're the only ones who might help them!" Twilight and Starlight both understood Pinkie's plea, though she couldn't help but still feel uneasy.
"C'mon, Twilight...! I'm sure you and Starlight can do it!" Spike agreed with Pinkie. Twilight and Starlight were still reluctant, but they were convinced.
"We promise to stay out of trouble...!"
"YEAH!"
"We'll behave. Right, Sparx...?" Chilly had a hammer ready.
Sparx gave an annoyed groan, "Yeah, yeah.... Whatever." Now the Spellbind Brothers have been made honorary guests of the Mane 6 and the Princess of Friendship. This will be a visit they will never forget.
Chapter 3 - The Brothers and the CMC part 1
After the Spellbind Brothers demonstrated their elemental powers to Twilight and Starlight, they were given permission to stay in Ponyville for a little while. Twilight and Starlight agreed to help the Spellbind Brothers remember with their amnesia per Pinkie Pie's request. After Twilight got the mares to leave them alone, they gathered around in the library again to make a plan.
"Alright, before we start the process of helping you all recall your memories, we will need time to prepare. Starlight, Spike, and I will be gathering anything that has to do with amnesia and memory-loss. In the meantime, you four should get used to living here in Ponyville and get to know the locals. Behave yourselves and no elements...!" Twilight was quite serious about that last part.
"Alright, alright! We'll behave ourselves...!" Sparx was quite annoyed.
"C'mon, Sparx. We can take it easy for a little while." Chilly began making his way outside.
"I wanna see the town...!" Gust flew out in excitement.
"YEAH!" Ashes followed them leaving burnt hoof-prints on the floor. Twilight gave a stressed sigh. She knew something bad was going to happen somehow.
"It'll be okay, Twilight! I know they'll behave themselves! They're really nice when yo-" Pinkie was then interrupted when the sound of electricity went off in the hallway by the entrance.
"YOU STEPPED ON MY TAIL!!!"
"I'm sorry, Sparx...!"
"KICK HIS ASS, GUST!"
"Guys, no...." Then the sound of ice went off and the screaming was silenced. With what just happened, Twilight, Starlight, and Spike gave doubtful looks at Pinkie.
Pinkie gave a nervous laugh, "I'll keep an eye on them...." She then ran off to keep them out of trouble. Though they were worried, Twilight, Starlight, and Spike began getting everything ready. Pinkie and the Spellbind Brothers began touring the town, looking at the shops, town square, town hall, the nurse's office, the park, and the school. Things were peaceful for a little while, until Sparx began to shiver like he was on ice.
"Hey bro, are you alright...? Do you need another coat?" Gust was worried about Sparx.
"Do you need a hug, Sparky...?"
"I'm not cold...! We're being watched." Sparx could feel the watchful gaze of three un-seen watchers.
"I think you're going crazy...er." Chilly chuckled as he teased Sparx.
"Shut up...!" Sparx was annoyed. He was right about them being watched. Hiding far behind them in an alleyway, there were three little foals watching them.
"What do they look like...?" There was a small Pegasus with an orange coat, a purple mane and coat, and a small pair of wings.
"Kinda dumb lookin'." There was a small Earth Pony with a yellow coat, and a red mane and coat. She was watching the Spellbind Brothers with a pair of binoculars. These three foals had similar Cutie Marks that looked like purple shields.
"They're really tall.... Rarity told me about them. They're supposed to be Pinkie's guests or something." There was a small Unicorn with a white coat and a pink and purple mane and tail. They continued to watch the Spellbind Brothers from afar. Suddeny, Sparx disappeared in a flash of light.
"What the-?! Sparx?! Where'd you go?!" Chilly began searching for his missing brother.
"That purple one is gone!" The three foals lost sight of Sparx and began searching frantically.
"Hey you...! What's the big idea of spying on us?!" Sparx just so happened to be standing right behind the three foals. The three foals freaked out and scattered in an attempt to escape.
"Oh, no you don't!" Sparx then caught them all with his magic and levitated the three over to the others.
"Sparx, what are you doing?!" Chilly and the others finally found Sparx carrying the three foals with his magic.
"I found the ponies who were spying on us."
"WE'RE SORRY...!" The three foals were scared of their capturer.
"Bro, release them...!" Gust panicked since they were making a scene.
"First, who are you three and why were you spying on us?!" Sparx glared at the foals as he demanded answers.
"Sparx, enough!" Chilly then wacked Sparx in the head with an ice hammer. This caused Sparx to drop the foals. The foals were too scared to attempt another escape.
"Applebloom? Scootaloo? Sweetie Bell? What are you three doing...?" Pinkie found the three all huddled up in terror.
"PINKIE...!" The three foals all ran at Pinkie and hid behind her legs in terror.
"SPARX, YOU JERK...!"
"Yeah...! You're scaring them!"
"Shut up...! They shouldn't be spying on us anyway!" Sparx, Gust, and Ashes continued to argue. Then they started fighting.
"Girls, why were you spying on them...?" Pinkie removed the three foals from her legs.
"We're sorry, Pinkie.... We were just curious." The three foals were guilty for their sneaking.
"Our sisters told us about them. We wanted to know if they were nice."
"Yeah...! Rainbow Dash said that yellow one was nice!"
"Oh, they are nice. Really nice...!" Pinkie showed the foals how nice the Spellbind Brothers are, except Chilly had already knocked them all out with an ice hammer.
"You three need to shut up right now...." Chilly had lost his patience, ending the fight on the spot. The sight only frightened the foals even more and Pinkie, for the first time in a long time, she was at her wits end. Afterwards, the group went back Sugar Cube Corner to start over.
"My names Applebloom. I'm Applejack's little sister! Nice to meetcha!" Her shield-like Cutie Mark had an apple in the middle.
"I'm Sweetie Bell! I'm Rarity's little sister! Hi!" Her shield-like Cutie Mark had a music note in the middle.
"And I'm Scootaloo! I'm actually Rainbow Dash's biggest fan!" Her Cutie Mark had a lightning bolt in the middle. They then stood together dramatically.
"And we're...THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!!" They puffed out their chests proudly as they introduced themselves in unison. This amazed the Pinkie and Spellbind Brothers.
"So cool...!"
"WOW...!"
"Huh...nice."
"Tch...whatever." Sparx was not so impressed. He was still annoyed about earlier.
"We heard that they don't have Cutie Marks or their own, so we're here to help them! That's our job in life!" Scootaloo said proudly.
"We'll be sure to help you find your places in life too!" Sweetie Bell was quite excited.
"I'm sure it'll be fun! We just gotta go out and see what you can do!" Applebloom began pulling Sparx's hood in a hurry.
"Excuse me, but I don't think I should trust you little squirts for spying on us." Sparx yanked his hood away from Applebloom.
"Aw c'mon...! It'll be fun!"
"Yeah! Let's go!" Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo joined Applebloom in dragging Sparx out of the house.
"Hey...! Let go!" Sparx was getting yanked outside into Ponyville with the CMC. The three foals were quite persistent.
"ME TOO!" Ashes followed them outside. It became much quieter when they left. Rainbow Dash then entered the room with a confused expression on her face.
"Hey Pinkie, what are those two doing with the Crusaders...?" She sat down next to Chilly.
"Oh, the Crusaders are helping Sparky and Ash find their calling in life. I'm sure they'll have fun." Pinkie then presented Rainbow Dash with a cookie and a glass of milk.
Rainbow Dash then gave an annoyed sigh, "I wish I could have fun right now. I've been working non-stop for two days...." She began eating her cookie.
"Why...? What's going on?" Pinkie joined them at the table.
"Haven't you noticed how cloudy it has been lately? The Weather Factory is freaking out about it. Every Pegasus in Equestria has been trying to get rid of them for the last two days and nothing is working. And the weird part is that the clouds are spreading to every corner of Equestria. I don't know what's going on...." Rainbow Dash finished her cookie and cup of milk.
"Hey...! I can help! I can get rid of the clouds easy!" Gust jumped for the chance to be helpful.
"C'mon Gust, this is the Weather Factory's problem. We should just...chill out." Every pony groaned at Chilly's bad pun.
"OH MY GOD!!!" They then heard the sound of Sparx and Ashes screaming from outside. Without waiting, they rushed out of the house to see Sparx and Ashes being harassed by the mares again.
"What is going on here?" Rainbow Dash was really confused. All the mares surrounded them, asking for a date.
"This happened when we went to Twilight's castle. This is getting annoying...." The mares then noticed Chilly and Gust with Pinkie and Rainbow Dash.
"Oh no.... Later!" Chilly then took off running.
"Bye!" Gust then flew off. The mares then chased after the two in groups.
Scootaloo ran up to Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow Dash, do something...! We can't help them look for their Cutie Marks if these mares keep bothering them!" Sweetie Bell and Applebloom tried to keep the mares at bay, but without success.
"Alright, break it up! These two are guests! You're bothering them!" Rainbow Dash flew over to the mares to stop the ruckus.
"No fair, Rainbow! You're just trying to get a date with them!"
"Yeah! Jut because you're awesome it doesn't mean you should get all the guys!" The mares started complaining.
"What?! Me, date those guys?! Please! I'm too awesome for those boneheads!" Rainbow Dash declared arrogantly.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU BI-?!" Ashes then clamped Sparx's mouth to stop him from swearing.
"Alright, stop it! They are my guests and I won't let you bother them again! Go on! Shoo! Shoo!" Pinkie then joined Rainbow Dash in stopping the mares. The mares reluctantly left Sparx and Ashes alone, ending the ruckus.
"Thanks...." Sparx gave a sigh of relief.
"What is with those ponies?!" Ashes was really confused.
"I'm gonna go look for that yellow guy. He's probably flying away from some mares too...." Rainbow Dash flew off to do so.
"I'll go look for Chilly. See you back at Twilight's castle!" Pinkie bounced away to do so, leaving Sparx and Ashes with the CMC.
"So...now what?"
"Let's go see Rarity! She said she wanted to see your hoods!" Sweetie Bell then yanked Sparx's hood in a hurry. Sparx decided to just let the three foals have their way since they helped get rid of the crazy mares. The craziness has yet to end.
Chapter 4 - The Brothers and the CMC part 2
The CMC are now taking Sparx and Ashes to Rairty's Boutique per the insistence of Sweetie Bell. Ashes followed alongside Applebloom and Scootaloo. They arrived at Rarity's boutique. It was filled with all kinds of clothing ranging from shirts, dresses, boots, and scarves.
"Welcome, dear guests! I am so glad you two could arrive! Please, look around! I have a colt's section right over there!" Rarity was working on a new dress when they arrived. She pointed at the colt's section of the store and went back to working.
"Cool hat...!" Ashes then wore a hat with a feather stuck to it.
"Pfft...you look so dorky!" Sparx laughed as they tried on more hats.
"Oh girls, would you please bring them to my office? I would like to see their hoods right now and maybe design their own attire." Rarity then left for her office.
"OK!" The CMC then grabbed Sparx and Ashes and brought them to Rarity's office like she requested. Rarity sat Sparx and Ashes down and took a close look at their hoods.
"Hmm...goodness. This is certainly unusual. I've never seen this kind of material before. It feels almost like metal, yet it feels so soft and light to the touch. And their both so well-crafted. Not a single thread loose or out of place." Rarity was quite amazed at these strange hoods Sparx and Ashes wore.
"Your brothers, Chilly and Gust, also wear hoods similar to yours, yes?"
"I don't know...."
"Me neither...." Sparx and Ashes didn't understand a word Rarity said.
Rarity cleared her throat, "Well, I might as well assume they do. Would you mind removing them so that I may examine them closely?" Rarity then took out her glasses and measuring tape for her examination. Sparx and Ashes did as she asked and what Rarity and the CMC saw shocked them. From neck to flank in varying sizes, both Sparx and Ashes were covered in scars. Some of them even circled their bodies entirely.
"Sweet Celestia...! You're...! Your bodies...! Girls, look away! Go to the front and watch for customers for me!" Rarity then levitated the CMC out of the office, hoping to not traumatize them.
"What's with you...?"
"Did we do something wrong...?" Sparx and Ashes were both really confused. Rarity felt really uncomfortable looking at their scarred bodies.
"You...do you know that you two...are covered in scars? Just...what happened to you?" Rarity had half a mind to get the first-aid kit. Or call a doctor. Sparx and Ashes looked at each other's bodies.
"Huh...that's something."
"COOL!" Rarity did not know how to do deal with something this...shocking.
"Just...what happened to them? Do their brothers have scars all over their bodies as well? I must tell Pinkie about this!" Rarity thought as she began composing herself.
"Well, I have seen enough of your hoods. I do believe you two should go see more of Ponyville now! You may put your hoods back on and leave with the Crusaders now!" Rarity tried to make herself less suspicious, but was failing.
"Cool."
"OK!" Sparx and Ashes then put their hoods on and began making their way out of the office. The three arrived in the main shopping area where the CMC were watching for any customers.
"Girls, may I see you for a moment. Boys, please wait at the entrance." The CMC walked over to Rarity still shocked at what they saw while Sparx and Ashes did what Rarity asked them to do.
"Now girls, I know you three saw what I saw, and I know you have many questions. Well, so do I and I think I might know where to get the answers. I want you three to keep this a secret. I'm going to close the shop for now while I'm out. Keep an eye on them for as long as you can. Pinkie needs to know about this right now!" Rarity wore a fancy coat as she gave the CMC their instructions. The CMC nodded, trying to contain their shock.
"Alright, run along now. And keep this a secret." Rarity then rushed off to find Pinkie, leaving the CMC to their task. The three foals didn't know how to react to Sparx and Ashes after what they just saw.
"Boys, thank you for the visit! I'll see you later! Ta-tah!" Rarity ran passed Sparx and Ashes as she left her boutique.
"Girls, what do you think we should do with them...? I've never seen so many scars before."
"I don't know, Sweetie Bell.... But Rarity gave us a job to do. And we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders! We can keep a secret, right?!" Scootaloo was confident in their ability to fulfill their job.
"Yeah...! And both Sparx and Ash don't seem too bothered by those scars! Let's just go do what we do best!" They agreed and they ran up to Sparx and Ashes with newly obtained excitement.
"C'mon guys, let's go!" Scootaloo began pulling Sparx's hood again.
"Go where...?" Sparx was getting used to being dragged everywhere.
"Let's just go...!" Ashes joined the CMC in yanking Sparx away in unison. Sparx was getting tired of being dragged everywhere. Meanwhile, Gust and Rainbow Dash were walking around in Ponyville enjoying the cloudy day. Rainbow Dash was able to chase off the mare Pegasi that were chasing Gust.
"Thanks for helping me out back there, Miss Rainbow Dash. I'm not sure why they keep bothering me though...." Gust was quite confused.
"Forget about them. You guys seem pretty popular." Rainbow Dash was also bothered by all that is happening. She frowned at the unusually cloudy sky that blocked out the sunshine.
"Um...is it normal to be that cloudy?" Gust noticed Rainbow Dash looking at the sky. He did find the thick clouds rather odd.
Rainbow Dash yawned, "No.... It's really weird. I had to go to a boring meeting at the Cloudsdale Weather Factory about it. I haven't slept since...." She seemed rather tired.
"Well, maybe I can help! I have big wings! I can get rid of those clouds easy!" Gust stretched his wings out and Rainbow Dash was not expecting such...lengthy wings. She could also feel a slight breeze brush against her mane and tail.
"WOW...! That's so cool!" Scootaloo then arrived to see Rainbow Dash and Gust standing around. She was all alone when she saw them.
"Oh, hey Scoots. Weren't you with your friends?"
"Yeah, but we split up. Sparx and Ash are with Applebloom. Sweetie Bell left to go see that blue-guy. I forgot his name...." Scootaloo fluttered up to Rainbow Dash in excitement.
"You mean Chilly?" Gust then folded his wings back in place.
Scootaloo then jumped up to Gust, "Yeah! Hey, let me see your wings again! They look awesome!" Her eyes sparkled in awe.
"Um...ok." Gust blushed a bit and stretched out his wings again. Another slight breeze came when it happened.
"WOW...! You must be REALLY good at flying! Hey Rainbow Dash, you two should race! I wanna see who is better!" Scootaloo's wings fluttered frantically with excitement.
Rainbow Dash yawned again, "Sorry Scoots, but I'm too sleepy to race. And it's too cloudy to fly.... Maybe Gust here can take care of it."
"I'm on it...!" Gust then flew up into the sky in a flash and into the clouds. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were amazed at how fast he took off.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash...! I need to tell you something! Something really, really important!" Scootaloo whispered in Rainbow Dash's left ear. Rainbow Dash listened to Scootaloo. Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash about the scars they saw on Sparx and Ashes in Rarity's Boutique.
"So you think Gust and Chilly have those same kind of scars too...?" Rainbow Dash was quite surprised to hear about this.
"Yeah...! Rarity told us to keep it a secret though. Not even Sparx and Ash knows where they got those scars! It's so crazy!" Scootaloo was still shocked. Gust then flew back down from the clouds without leaving a dent. Gust's hood fluttered about upon the landing and both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo noticed a few scars on his body. Just like Sparx and Ashes.
"Sorry, Miss Rainbow Dash.... I couldn't get rid of the clouds. They keep coming back after I kick them." Gust was sad about his failure.
"Don't worry about it, Gust. At least you tried. C'mon, let's go to the park. I'm gonna try to get a nap." Rainbow Dash began making her way to the park.
"Ok...! Let's go!" Scootaloo took off running to the park.
"Wait for me!" Gust followed them. Chilly on the other hoof was still being mobbed by many mares. He was keeping them away with an actually cage made of ice. He had his head against a table at a candy store, sleeping.
"C'mon, handsome...! We won't bite!" The mares were still persistent as they tried to squeeze their way through the cold cage.
Chilly opened his eyes with a yawn and said, "Ladies, leave me alone. I already have a sweetheart. Go find another colt...." He then went back to sleep.
"Oh...? What is she like? Is she nice?" The mares stopped their pursuit to listen to his story.
Chilly sighed as he woke back up, "Yeah, she is. She works hard, she takes charge, and she's the only one who can keep me moving. And she's tough as stone." The mares giggled.
"Hey...! Mister Chilly!" Sweetie Bell ran over to Chilly and stopped at the cage.
"Oh...uh...Sweetie Bell, right? What's up?" Chilly took his attention away from the mares for the moment.
"Um...do you want to go see the school? It could be fun." Sweetie Bell was small enough to squeeze through the cold cage and walk up to Chilly.
"Alright, aright.... Ladies, if I may." Chilly then dis-spelled the cage and the mares fell over.
"Gotta go. Later." Chilly then followed Sweetie Bell to the school she and her friends go to. It was a day off for the foals. Sweetie Bell noticed a little scar on Chilly's left front leg as they walked. She knew all four of the Spellbind Brothers had scars on their bodies. Sweetie Bell kept her nervous feeling un-noticeable to Chilly as he gave him the tour. Meanwhile, Rarity arrived at Twilight's castle to tell her what she and the CMC saw. She stepped inside the castle to see Spike walking towards the library carrying a few books.
"Spike dear, is Twilight here. I must speak with her." Rarity took off her scarf and placed it on the nearby coat hanger.
Spike stopped suddenly and dropped the books, "Oh...Rarity! Uh...Twilight is in the library with Starlight right now." Spike looked at Rarity with hearts in his eyes as he began picking up the books.
"We don't have time for this...!" Rarity quickly gathered the books and Spike up with her magic and rushed over to the library. She sees Twilight and Starlight looking through some books and placed Spike gently on the ground.
"Oh, hello Rarity. Do you need something?"
"Twilight, I need to speak with you. It's about the Spellbind Brothers!" Twilight and Starlight then stopped reading when she mentioned them.
"What is it?! Did they hurt anypony?! Did something catch on fire?!" Twilight and Starlight were both really worried.
"Um...no dear. I saw something that you two should know!" Rarity was still very shocked over what she saw at her boutique. This became quite...complicated.
Sparx and Ashes are now spending time with Apple Bloom at her family farm with her big sister, Applejack. She was busy with her appl-bucking and harvesting the apples from her orchard. Apple Bloom was helping her all the while. Sparx and Ashes just watched as they sat against the nearby fence.
"Ugh...this sucks. I had more fun back at the rock farm than in this town. And all we got were crazy mares chasing us and we couldn't defend ourselves." Sparx was really bored and annoyed.
"C'mon, Sparx...! This place isn't so bad. We just got here. We just gotta give this town a chance. The ponies are nice too."
"Yeah...when they're not chasing us for a date. Whatever that is...." Sparx was still un-convinced.
"Hey Mister Sparx, can you help us?!" Apple Bloom called to them as she pointed at an apple at the highest point of one of the apple trees.
"I can knock that little rascal down myself!" Applejack bucked the apple tree again with her strong rear-legs with all her might, but the apple remained in place. This began to frustrate her. Sparx gave an un-enthusiastic sigh and yanked the apple out of it's place with his magic and gently directed it into one of the three baskets.
"Thank you...!" Apple Bloom then grabbed one of the three baskets and carried the apples into the barn.
"Thank you kindly. If my brother were here, he'd have that apple down in on buck." Applejack walked up to Sparx and Ashes, grabbing the nearby towel from the fence to wipe the sweat off her cheeks.
"You got a brother too? What's he like? Where is he?" Ashes looked around the barn and couldn't find any other ponies nearby.
"Big Mac and Granny Smith left for Appleloosa to visit some relatives. They won't be back for a little while. I'd like to introduce you to them." Applejack then grabbed the remaining two baskets of apples and took them inside the barn.
"Hey Sparx...."
"What?"
"Do you think that Twilight-pony can help us? With our memory, I mean?" Ashes was concerned.
"Meh...I don't care, really. Might as well make new ones. Like, I wanna remember all the times the ponies cheered for my greatness. I'm gonna be so awesome, no pony will forget me." Sparx was brimming with confidence.
"Well, I'm gonna stand on the sun! My dream is MORE awesome!" Ashes began burning with confidence.
"Says you...! You know I'm stronger and cooler than you! You got nothing on me!" Sparx began to radiate in electricity.
"No, SAYS YOU!!!" The two began to fight each other over stupid reasons like always. Applejack and Apple Bloom watched as the brothers fought. They could see fire and lightning fly from their fight.
Applejack walked over to them, "Alright, that's enough!" She then pulled out a long rope and lassoed the brothers and stopped their fighting.
"What the-?! What's that for?!"
"Yeah, what's with the rope?!" Ashes and Sparx struggled to break free of the rope.
"You two need to stop that fightin'! There will be no fightin' on this farm!" Applejack kept the two tied up to keep them from fighting. Sparx and Ashes groaned out of disgust.
"Sparx, we heard that you wanted to be awesome. What do you mean by that?" Applejack loosened the rope and freed Sparx and Ashes.
"Uh...well, I just want to be awesome at stuff! I can do anything I set my mind to! Like uh...like this!" Sparx then pointed his horn at one of the apple trees and yanked all of the apples off and dropped them on the ground.
"See?! No problem!" Sparx was proud of his accomplishment. Applejack, not so much.
"Sparx, the apples are all not ripe yet. They haven't even grown to full size yet. You just ruined a batch of perfectly good apples that weren't even ready yet...!" Applejack was quite upset. The apples were all only have the size needed to be harvested. Sparx then felt broken for his failure. Suddenly, the apple tree caught on fire without warning.
"What the hay?! The tree is on fire...!" Apple Bloom panicked at the abrupt start of the fire.
"Oops...I think my magic might have caused that by mistake." Sparx then felt guilty for his mistake.
"Hang on, I got it." Ashes then walked over to the apple tree and the small, still-developing flames began flowing onto Ashes' body and were then absorbed, thus saving the tree. The damage to the tree was very minor.
"WOW...! How did you do that?!" Apple Bloom was amazed by Ashes' ability.
"Oh...uh....I have no idea. Guess I was always able to do that." Ashes felt that it was just natural. Sparx was angry and began heading back to town.
"Hey bro, where ya going?!"
"Anywhere but here!" Sparx' body then turned electrical and he made a great jump back to Ponyville. He looked like a bolt of lightning with thunder crackling. Applejack and Apple Bloom were both quite shocked.
"BRO, WAIT...!!!" Ashes gave chase back to Ponyville, leaving the apple farm.
"Sis, don't you think that was...a little harsh? I mean, Sparx was just helping." Apple Bloom then started gathering the un-ripened apples up in a pile.
"Well...maybe. But if he wants to be awesome at stuff, he better think before he leaps." Applejack joined Apple Bloom in gathering the un-ripened apples. Back in Ponyville, Sparx arrived at the park in his lighting fast jump. He was still upset about his failure.
"SPARKY...!" Pinkie Pie came running towards Sparx in excitement. She then noticed Sparx with an angry look on his face.
"Sparky...? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"That apple-pony with the hat is such a bi-uh...jerk! I just wanted to help her out and be awesome, but she said I ruined her apple tree! And then her tree caught on fire by accident, and then Ashes saved the tree and showed me up! This is the worst!" Sparx was very angry. Electrical energy began radiating from his anger. The ponies then began backing further away from the area out of fear.
"I'm sure Applejack understands. She works really, really hard on that apple orchard and it's her family's pride and joy! Like my family's rock farm! Oh that's right, Twilight wants to see all of you! She said it was super important! We gotta go now!" Pinkie pulled Sparx by his hood towards the castle.
Sparx sighed, "Fine...."
"WAIT FOR ME...!" Ashes was hot on their trail. The three then made their way to Twilight castle. They entered the castle, then into the library to see Gust and Chilly already waiting for them.
"Hey guys...!"
"Took your time, huh...?" They were sitting in two desks out of four that were positioned in a row with a blackboard in front of them.
"What's going on here? What's with the tables...?" They then see Twilight walking inside the library dressed up in teacher's attire, complete with reading glasses, a ruler, an eraser, a pen and pencil, and lots of paper. Spike followed carrying a few books and Starlight pushed a replica pony-skeleton into the room.
"Welcome class. I will be your teacher and I will be in charge of your schooling." Twilight then magically pulled her table in front of the blackboard and placed her supplies down. Spike then placed the books down on the table and gave a sigh of relief. The books looked quite heavy.
"Thank you, Spike. There's a ruby in the kitchen for you." Twilight grabbed one of the books and opened it up. Spike's mouth watered and quickly dashed to the kitchen.
"Schooling...? What the heck is that?" Sparx was confused.
"Miss Twilight is going to teach us about Equestria and stuff!" Gust was excited.
"Teach us...? Like how to get to the sun?!" Ashes quickly became hopeful and sat in one of the desks.
Twilight cleared her throat, "Pinkie has told me that you four are in need of an education. So I am here to provide." Twilight became very serious at the chance to teach.
"Could be fun...."
"I'm ready, teacher!"
"YEAH!" Chilly, Gust, and Ashes were all in agreement. Except for Sparx because he had already left without any of them noticing.
"That was fast.... Sorry about that." Chilly wasn't at all surprised.
Twilight sighed, "It's alright. I knew this would happen. That's why I have my secret weapon. Pinkie, if you would?"
"Okie Dokie Lokie!" Pinkie took off running to find Sparx.
"Good luck, Pinkie!" Starlight waved as Pinkie went out.
"Uh...are you sure that's a good idea? Sparx is not gonna be nice, you know." Gust was quite worried about Pinkie's safety. As well other innocent ponies.
"Chill out, Gust. Sparx may be crazy, but he hurt anypony. Let's start this lesson, shall we?" Chilly turned his attention to Twilight.
"Indeed. And I'm sure Pinkie will be just fine. Trust me." Twilight then turned to the blackboard and began her lesson. Meanwhile, Sparx was just out walking around in Ponyville.
"Screw that schooling crap. That sounds super boring and I am too cool for tha-AGH!!!" Sparx was then tripped over by the Cutie Mark Crusaders and landed on his face.
"Hey Pinkie, we caught him!" Scootaloo and her friends held on tight to Sparx's legs.
"Great job, girls! Now we can take him back to Twilight's lesson!" Pinkie arrived soon after.
"THAT HURT, YOU BRATS!!!" Sparx quickly stood back up on his hooves and yanked the Crusaders off his legs with his magic. His nose bled slightly from the fall. The Crusaders panicked as they were suspended in midair.
"Sparky, stop it! You're not being nice!" Pinkie gave Sparx a pouty face in anger.
"I DO WHAT I WANT!!!" Sparx then dropped the Crusaders and disappeared in a flash of light.
"Sorry Pinkie, we lost him...." Sweetie Bell and her friends got back on their hooves un-harmed.
"No problem, girls. I can take it from here!" Pinkie took off running without the Crusaders. Sparx then appeared out of nowhere in Sweet Apple Acres.
"Teleporting is an awesome spell. Agh...my nose! I'll get those brats for this!" Sparx's nose was still bleeding from earlier.
"Here you go!" Sparx was then given a handkerchief at random.
"Thanks pink po-" Sparx then realized that Pinkie had found him.
"How did you...?"
"Pinkie Sense. My left eyelid twitched. That meant something was going to happen in Applejack's farm." Sparx did not believe a word Pinkie said.
"I'm out!" Sparx then disappeared again. He found himself on the roof of Sugar Cube Corner.
"Heh...that crazy pony will never find me here. It would be the very last place she'll look." Sparx chuckled, feeling like he out-smarted Pinkie Pie.
"Actually, this was the second place I would look." Pinkie stood right next to Sparx from a ladder.
"WHAT THE-?! HOW?!" Sparx couldn't believe Pinkie found him so easily and jumped out of shock.
"My front-right hoof twitched. That meant I was supposed to be at Sugar Cube Corner." Pinkie then got on the roof and approached Sparx.
"GIVE ME A BREAK!!!" Sparx then disappeared again and this time he found himself at the park and quickly hid in a bush.
"I swear, if that crazy mare shows up again, I'm gonna-"
Pinkie suddenly poked her head through the leaves, "Here's Pinkie...!" Sparx then screamed in terror, turned into lightning and then jumped into the clouds. He bounced around the clouds and hid himself in the thick cloud cover. Rainbow Dash just so happened to be sleeping on one of the clouds when Sparx jumped into it.
"What the-?! Who did that?!" Rainbow Dash jumped into the air from the sudden zap.
"Shut up...! I'm trying to hide!" Sparx poked his head out of the cloud in caution.
"How in Equestria are you doing that?! You're not even a Pegasus...!"
"I control lightning! Now go away! I'm hiding from that pink pony!" Sparx then hid back inside the cloud.
"Hi Sparky...! Hi Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie just so happen to arrive in what appeared to be flying machine made of candy canes.
"WHAT ARE YOU???!!!" Sparx then took off in terror. Pinkie followed.
"He's not gonna win this one...." Rainbow Dash knew exactly how Sparx felt. He kept trying to hide from Pinkie over and over again, but Pinkie kept finding him every single time. Despite all this happening, the citizens of Ponyville were used to this. Several failed attempt later, Sparx finally stopped and found himself back in the park again. He was exhausted and nearly spent on magic. Pinkie stood right behind him.
"Alright, that is it...! I didn't want to do this, but I have had enough of this! I'm getting you off my flank now!" Sparx turned towards Pinkie as his horn began sparkling with whatever magic he had left. Pinkie just stood there without moving with a smile on her face. Sparx then unleashed his magic on Pinkie, but it came out as nothing but a puff of smoke.
"Oh crap...." Sparx then collapsed. He had nothing left to fight or run.
"Ugh...I give up. You win.... Have mercy...!"
"Time for school...!" Pinkie then placed Sparx over her shoulders and went inside Twilight's castle. They arrived in the library only to see Twilight exhausted.
"Welcome back, you two. Good job bringing Sparx back." Starlight had a platter of freshly brewed coffee ready for Twilight.
"How's school going...?" Pinkie placed Sparx at his seat in front of the blackboard.
"Chilly is asleep, Ashes doesn't understand the lesson, and Gust is the only one actually taking this seriously." Twilight took a gulp of her coffee to perk herself back up. The lesson was indeed what Twilight described.
"ZZZZ...."
"I don't get it...."
"What's next?! What's next?!"
'Well, at least got Sparx ba-" Starlight and the girls then noticed hat Sparx was sleeping from exhaustion.
"I guess the lesson is over then?" They all agreed with Pinkie since it was starting to get late. A lot has happened in one day and this would be a visit the Spellbind Brothers would not forget.
A few days have gone by since the Spellbind Brothers' first day in Ponyville and it was quite peaceful. Surprisingly, the brothers have been too busy with the school work Twilight has presented with them for the last few days. Twilight Sparkle had extra rooms for each of them in her large castle for their visit. To Pinkie Pie's relief, nothing crazy has happened and the brothers have been behaving themselves. Pinkie Pie was working in Sugar Cube Corner and had just finished writing her letter for her family to read, and then heard the sound of the front door open.
"UUGH...I hate school." Sparx came inside the room and placed his head on one of them tables to rest. He looked like he ran fifty miles instead of schooling.
"Hi Sparky...! How was school today?" Pinkie got a plate of cookies and a glass of milk ready for the tired Sparx and placed them on the table.
Sparx gave an exhausted groan, "I failed another lesson...! That Twilight is killing me with this school crap!" He cried as he ate his cookies and drank his milk.
"Really...? You look fine to me. Doesn't this make 32 failures today?" Pinkie went back to her baking.
"I don't even care anymore...! I'd rather fight monsters all day than do this!" Sparx was feeling both inadequate and depressed. Pinkie had gotten used to this happening in the last few days. The door then flew open again with Rainbow Dash walking through the door this time.
"Pinkie, I need a cup of chocolate...." Rainbow Dash looked about as tired as Sparx was when he walked through the door. She placed her head on top of the front counter in exhaustion.
"Another tough day at the Weather Factory today...?" Pinkie got Rainbow Dash her cup of chocolate milk ready.
"Those guys at the factory are all going crazy...! The blanket of clouds has covered every part of Equestria and nopony knows what's causing it! I've been working even more and it's getting in the way of my Wonderbolts job!" Rainbow Dash finished her cup of milk in two gulps. The door opened again, and this time Twilight and the rest of the brothers came inside.
"I thought you would be here, Sparx." Twilight sat next to Rainbow Dash at the front counter.
"Leave me alone...! I hate school!" Sparx had just finished his cookies and milk.
"Seriously Sparx, you literally ran out cursing a storm. Twilight and I had to magically remove the storm...." Chilly, Gust, and Ashes sat with Sparx at his table.
"Shut up...! I'll curse up a storm if I wanna!"
"It's alright, bro. Maybe the 33rd times the charm."
"I know how you feel, bro. I hate Math too." They tried to comfort Sparx for his failure.
"The subject today was English and he failed that too...." Twilight was quite disappointed with Sparx.
"You know what?! How about you go fu-MMPH?!" Pinkie Pie then quickly placed something inside his mouth and silenced him.
"Here Sparky, eat this. It's sweet and chewy. Just the way you like it." Sparxy began to do so. He enjoyed it for a minute, but then he realized he couldn't stop chewing.
"Pinkie, what did you give to Sparx...?" Chilly and the brothers began to worry.
"Don't worry, Chilly. That was just taffy. It will keep Sparx from cursing again." Sparx was having a hard time trying to chew the taffy down, despite enjoying it.
"Thank you, Pinkie. I needed that.... He leaves the castle screaming every time he fails a lesson. I don't get it. He should be good at something. He's even failed Art class. Art class of all lessons!" Twilight was at her wits end.
"Wow...you're pretty dumb, are you Sparx?" Rainbow Dash laughed. Sparx's horn began radiating out of anger.
"It doesn't make sense either. Chilly is great in English, Science, and Math, Ashes is good at cooking and building, and Gust likes to write and draw. How can Sparx be bad at every subject?!" Twilight gave a tired sigh. Sparx then jumped out his seat and started grunting at them out of anger. The taffy was keeping his mouth shut. He then left the bakery slamming the door.
"Ah...brother! Wait!" Gust chased after Sparx out of worry.
"Jokes aside, that was not cool...."
"Yeah, you big jerks!" They both ran out of Sugar Cube Corner after Sparx. Pinkie, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash felt pretty bad for treating Sparx badly.
"Maybe he can try something else...? Like different kind subject?"
"Pinkie, I've tried teaching Sparx all the standard subjects and the only one he excels in is just Magic. And that is not nearly enough to even pass kindergarten." Twilight then levitated a cupcake towards herself from a nearby tray and began eating it.
"Gust has been asking me about the Weather Factory lately and I keep telling him that we're not looking for new workers right now. Not until those stupid clouds are gone. It's getting annoying...."
"That's what I've been trying to figure out too. Those clouds are definitely not normal. Any Pegasus should be able to just fly up there and kick them away easily. And not even a Pegasus as big as Gust could get rid of them. Applejack has been concerned for her apple orchard since they're not getting any sunlight. We need to figure this out somehow." They all agreed with Twilight. All these clouds covering Equestria would only prove harmful to the population. Meanwhile, the brothers were doing their best to comfort Sparx for his failure.
"C'mon bro, it'll be fine. You're still awesome...."
"Yeah, you need to cool it."
"Chill, cut the jokes already!" Sparx was still depressed from his failures. And his mouth was still full of taffy.
"Hey Sparx...! Glint Sparx!" Starlight Glimmer came running towards Sparx with Spike.
"Hey guys.... What's up?"
"Sparx is having a bad day right now...."
"Hey guys, I'm here to ask Sparx to a different kind of activity."
"She wants a magic contest...!" Sparx then jumped from hearing Spike's words.
"A magic contest...? What for?"
"I've been curious about your powers over the elements, so I want to see just how powerful you all are. And Sparx is the first one to be tested." Sparx made happy grunts since he was still having a hard time with the taffy.
"I think Sparx accepts. But first...Sparx, spit that taffy out. That can't be good for your mouth." Sparx nodded and ran over to a nearby trash can to spit out the taffy.
"Uh...taffy?" Starlight and Spike were both confused. Afterwards, they made their way to the outskirts of Ponyville next to a nearby pond to test out their powers without causing any destruction by mistake.
"Alright Sparx, I want you to hold nothing back. Do whatever kind of spell you know. Think you can do that?" Starlight and Spike kept their distance while they were ready to take notes.
"HELL YEAH!!!" Sparx then explodes in lightning and began bouncing off the ground and into the clouds. Thunder echoed and lightning flashed in Sparx's stress relief. Starlight and Spike were both amazed and scared of what they were witnessing.
"So Starlight, you want Sparx to continue...?" Chilly, Gust, and Ashes sat by to watch the lightning fly. As the watched Sparx's display of magical prowess, they began to notice a strange cloud of dust in the air.
"Hey Starlight, what is Sparx doing? Is that dirt?"
"I don't think that's dirt, Spike. I think that's...iron. Sparx must be charging up the area and the iron is being magnetized. Incredible...!" Starlight quickly wrote this down.
"Uh...you might want to keep watching." Chilly pointed and the iron began to form into spikes and clumps. Sparx was having lots and lots of fun in his display.
"Dude, that is so cool...!"
"You're doing great, bro...!" Sparx kept it up for a couple of hours until he finally used up his magic. He left the area feeling quite relieved and the area full of iron spikes.
"Phew...I needed that. I feel so much better now." Sparx worked up a good sweat after that workout. He then noticed a lot of ponies watching him without him noticing. They cheered from the amazing display.
"Sparx, aren't you forgetting something...?" Chilly pointed at all the iron Sparx left above the ground.
"Ugh...fine." Sparx then began returning the iron back into the earth.
"So...who is next?" Spike was quite amazed with Sparx's performance and was curious to see more.
"Ashes, you're next!"
"YEAH!!!" Ashes rushed passed Sparx and Chilly all covered in flames. He then began spewing fire into the air from his mouth similar to Spike.
"Wow...! He can spit fire just like you, Spike!" Starlight, Spike, and the audience were all amazed at the sight. As this went on, the iron that was above the ground began to melt at a rapid pace. The air began to bend in the heat and the ground began to blacken. Ashes was setting everything around him on fire.
"This is getting out of hoof, Starlight...." Chilly had conjured up a frozen wall in between Ashes and all the ponies.
"You might be right, Chilly. Hey Ash...! You can stop now! It's Chilly's turn!" Ashes kept going. He was having too much fun to even hear Starlight's call.
"I got this...." Chilly then jumped into the air and then breathed a blizzard from his mouth and extinguished the flames in an instant.
"HEY...! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA, CHILLY?! I'M HAVING FUN HERE!" Ashes burned in anger at Chilly's interruption.
Chilly landed, "Sorry Ash, but you're turn is through. Take a chill pill...." He made quick work of the flames. But suddenly, the flames came back.
"SCREW YOU, CHILL!!!" Ashes began to burn in anger.
"Knock it off, Ash...." Chilly then began to clash his ice with the flames. The ponies were beginning to panic at the dangerous sight.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!" Sparx was encouraging it.
"No fighting...!" Starlight was beginning to regret making them use their powers freely.
"Guys...! Stop fighting!" Gust then flapped his great wings and send them both into the small pond. When they splashed, the entire pond froze and then became vapor in an instant. Chilly and Ashes stopped their fighting after their heads cooled down.
"Guys, what were you thinking?! We could've gotten in trouble! And those ponies could've gotten hurt!" Gust flew over to them to scold them.
"Oops...."
"He started it!" The ponies all began to make their way back to their homes, with their excitement turned into fear and caution.
"Guys, are you alright?!" Starlight and Spike ran over to Ashes and Chilly out of worry.
"I'm fine.... I was trying to keep Ashes from being a hot head, but I guess Gust did that for me." Chilly began brushing the water off his hood.
"Shut up, head cold...! It was still my turn and you ruined it!" Ashes' hood steamed from the flames.
"Guys, you need to stop fighting! You're scaring the other ponies!" All the ponies that were watching have already left. The Spellbind Brothers didn't really feel too good about what happened.
"Heh...they just couldn't stand up to my high levels of awesome-ness!" Sparx then gave an arrogant laugh. He felt like he was on top of the world again.
"Sparky...!"
"Starlight...! Spike...!" Twilight and the rest of the Mane 6 came running over to them to check on the commotion.
"Uh-oh.... I think we're in trouble." Chilly and the brothers were all definitely in trouble.
"Pfft...who cares. I'm still awesome."
"Sparx, shut up...." Chilly then whacked Sparx with a icy hammer.
"Spike, are you and Starlight alright?! Are you hurt anywhere?!" Twilight quickly began looking through Spike and Starlight for any wounds.
"Twilight, we're alright...! No pony got hurt!"
"Yeah, we're just fine!" Starlight and Spike were indeed unharmed.
"Spikey-Wikey, I am so relieved...! Who knows what those ruffians could have done to you!" Rarity began squeezing Spike tightly out of worry.
"What the hells a ruffian...?" Sparx and Ashes were both confused.
"Oh dear...! Look at the flowers! They've all been burned! And I can't hear any animals at all!" Fluttershy could only hear silence. Not even the birds were chirping.
"Not just that, sugarcube, but they made a mess of this place! What the hay were you doing out here?!" They all wanted answers for such a disturbance.
"I'm sorry everyone. I asked them to demonstrate their powers at their full capacity and it nearly got out of control.... They almost got into a fight too."
"Starlight, have you gone crazy?! What if some ponies got hurt or worse?! You know that these guys are dangerous! So why did you just let them go all out like that?!" Twilight was quite upset with them. Spike got behind Starlight out of fright.
Twilight then glared at the Spellbind Brothers, "And you four should know better! What would you do if some ponies got hurt because of your powers?! What would you do if other ponies got hurt because you guys got into a fight?! Well?!" The Spellbind Brothers looked down feeling guilty without saying a word.
"Yeah, that is not my problem." Sparx then made his way back into a town.
"What?!" Twilight was beginning to lose her temper.
"Listen up, I may have made a promise not to cause trouble, but I didn't make any promises to never use my powers. If I want to use my powers for anything, I'll use them with or without your permission. Got that? Get used to it." Sparx then left them without another word. Twilight and the others were beginning to lose their patience with Sparx.
"Sparx, that's going too far...!" Chilly ran over to stop Sparx.
"Sarky, wait a minute...!" Pinkie ran beside him.
"Fine...! Be that way! I'm done with you, you failure!" Twilight's outburst echoed throughout the area and Sparx then stopped in his tracks. Those words echoed inside his ears and for some reason he had no idea what was going on.
"Hey Sparx, what's up...?"
"Sparky...?" They noticed Sparx stopping so suddenly and his rather shocked expression. Sparx's heartbeat began to increase and his head began to heat up.
"What the hell...? What is-" Suddenly, dark images began to appear in his mind. A dark figure began to appear visible. His head then began to feel like it was splitting open from the inside. His breathing became heavy as his legs began losing strength.
"Hey bro, what's wrong?!"
"Dude, what's up?!" Gust and Ashes ran over to check up on Sparx as he fell on his rear legs.
"Tch...who cares? That jerk probably knows he-" They all then see Sparx collapse and pass out.
"SPARX!!!" They all ran over to see what was wrong out of shock.
"What the-?!" Twilight and the Mane 6 then ran over to Sparx. As he stayed on the ground, everything went dark. He could hear voices echo in his mind, then they went silent. The dark figure in his mind seemed...familiar to him. Suddenly, he woke up in his bed. It was night time when he woke up.
"BRO!!!" Gust then leapt onto him and hugged him tight. Tears started streaming ot of his eyes from relief.
"DUDE, YOU'RE ALRIGHT!!!" Ashes joined in on the hug.
"Dammit, Sparx.... Don't scare us like that." Chilly was also there. They were all in Sparx's room when he woke up.
"What the hell...? What happened? What time is it?" Sparx was very confused.
"It's 10:42 pm. You've been out cold all day...."
"I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO DIE!"
"DUDE, I WAS SO SCARED!" Gust and Ashes were crying rivers out of joy.
"Ah...He's awake! Spike, get him some water!" Twilight and Starlight walk inside the room feeling relieved. Suddenly, a pink object came flying into the room and clamped onto Sparx alongside Gust and Ashes.
"SPARKY!!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE ALRIGHT!!!" Pinkie Pie was also crying rivers when she heard then news.
"Agh...what the hell, guys?! I'm fine! Enough with the hugs already!" Sparx then began pulling Pinkie, Gust, and Ashes off of him.
"Here, have some water...!"Spie brought the water as directed by Twilight. Sparx levitated the glass of water towards him and drank it whole.
"Sparx, are you alright...?" Twilight was quite concerned for Sparx's health.
"I'm fine.... Tired, but fine." Sparx gave a deep sigh since he was still warm in the head.
"Sparx, what happened to you...? You just collapsed for no reason and scared the life out f us."
"No idea, Starlight. First my head was hurting like hell, then some dark thing showed up, now I'm in bed. That's all." Sparx was quite confused.
"A dark thing...? What does that mean? Can you describe it?"
"Nah...I can't. My head's all fuzzy now." This was all very strange to them. Twilight then became guilty for what had happened. She felt that she might have had said something to have caused this to happened.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Sparky...!" Pinkie continued to hug Sparx.
"Sigh...I'm fine, pink pony. You can stop hugging me now."
"Uh...Sparx?" Twilight walked up to Sparx with her head down in guilt.
"What?"
"I'm sorry for what I said. I should never have been angry at you. You all still need help and I promised to help you all. And now you-"
Hey Twilight, forget about it. Today was just a bad day. There's always tomorrow, right? Besides, I'm too awesome to die." Sparx was still as arrogant as always.
Twilight gave an annoyed sigh, "Of course you are.... Starlight, Spike, let's go. It's late." She began to leave the room for the night.
"Good night, guys!"
"G'night!" Starlight and Spike followed Twilight out of the room.
"I think we should all go to bed too. Are you gonna be alright, Spark...?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. And can you take this crazy pony with you?" Sparx was still being squeezed by Pinkie Pie.
"Nooo...!" Pinkie held on tight to Spike.
"C'mon everypony, we're leaving. It's time for bed." Chilly magically removed Pinkie from Sparx and made their way out.
"See you tomorrow, bro."
"Later." They all left the room. Sparx was alone and was still in a daze from earlier. He tried to get is head back in order and try to figure out what happened to him. So far, he was still unsure what had happened.
"What the hell was all that...? I can't remember anything at all. And what was that dark thing...? Ugh...my head hurts. I'll just sleep it off." Sparx then went back to sleep, hoping tomorrow will be better.
Chapter 7 - Work Day part 1
After the trouble involving the Spellbind Brothers' demonstration of their incredible powers, things quieted down in Ponyville. Sadly, the citizens have been talking about the brothers lately. They have been feeling un-easy ever since then and have become very cautious. A few days have gone by since then, and right now the brothers are working in Applejack's apple orchard, Sweet Apple Acres.
"Uugh...this sucks!" Sparx complained as he made his way to the barn carrying two large baskets full of apples.
"Sparx...get over it. We're not here to mess around and you owe her for picking apples before their time." Chilly followed him with his own baskets full of apples. Meanwhile, Gust and Ashes were helping Applejack and Apple Bloom get the field ready for planting new trees. They pulled the plows while the mares pushed.
"Phew...this is hard. And you make it look so easy, bro." Gust was having a hard time keeping up with his physically stronger brother.
"You need to work on that muscle, little bro!" Ashes kept a steady pace as he plowed the field.
"Sis, maybe Gust isn't cut out for this kind of job." Apple Bloom noticed how winded Gust was and became worried. Applejack also noticed this.
"I guess you're right. Gust, you and Apple Bloom leave the rest to me and Ash here. You two go and help Sparx and Chilly harvest the apples."
"Ok...!"
"Yes ma'am...." Gust took off the gear connected to the plow and the two left the fields.
"Hey Applejack, I got a question."
"What is it?" They continued their work on the field.
"I read in this book Twilight had that said something about a magic tree in a crazy forest." Applejack didn't quite understand what Ashes was talking about at first, but she then remembered something.
"Do you mean the Tree of Harmony? The one in the Everfree Forest?"
"Yeah, that one...! What is that thing anyway?! What's it do?!" Ashes was quite curious.
"Well...I don't really know too much about it, but it's what helps keep peace in Equestria. And it has these magic doohickeys called the Elements of Harmony. My friends and I used to use them to beat all kinds of bad guys in the past."
"DUDE...THAT'S SO COOL! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU GUYS WERE HEROES! WHERE ARE THEY NOW?!" Ashes became very excited that his eyes began burning.
"They're...in the Everfree Forest. You already know that...." Applejack didn't know how to deal with an over-excited pony that can catch on fire.
"I WANNA SEE IT! CAN I GO SEE IT?! HUH?! HUH?!"
"No, you can't! The Everfree Forest is a dangerous place and you could get hurt!" Applejack knew Ashes would just run off without warning.
"BUT I'M STRONG! I CAN BEAT WIERD FOREST EASY!" Ashes was quite confident in his strength.
"I said no! You and your brothers got into enough trouble the other day, and ya'll got work here to do!" Applejack was not going to change her mind so easily. Ashes went back to work feeling disappointed. The flames of excitement were then extinguished. Back at the apple orchard, Apple Bloom and the rest of the brothers were nearly done with the section of the orchard they were told to harvest.
"So Gust, is it true that you and your brothers were in a rock for a long time...? My sister told me what Pinkie told her."
"Yeah, that's right. And we don't remember anything.... We met up with Pinkie and her family, spent some time with them, and now we're here. We're hoping Miss Twilight will help us." Gust used his long wings to gently pick the apples from the branches.
"She's making us do boring school.... Not sure how that is helping us." Sparx said as he magically removed the apples from their branches. He felt quite un-amused.
"Sparx, I said get over it. Whatever Twilight has in mind, I'm sure it'll help us in some way...." He was also using his magic to remove the apples from their branches, but some of them were partly frozen by mistake.
"Who cares about the past?! I got a future at being awesome waiting for me and being stuck here is not helping me get there!"
"The reason why we're here is to teach you how to behave yourself in this day and age.... Which you clearly have a hard time doing so."
"Do they always argue...?" Apple Bloom kept her distance in case they start fighting.
"Yes, they do.... I just hope they don't start fighting each other." Gust was worried since that also happens a lot. They continued to work the day away, and thankfully nothing crazy happened this time. The Spellbind Brothers were about to head back to Ponyville for the night.
"Mighty fine work today, boys. I think ya'll deserve a freshly made apple pie. Tastes great after a hard days work." Applejack presented a basket with a piping-hot apple pie covered in a table cloth.
"We hope you like it...!"
"Thanks, ladies. It smells great...." Chilly magically sent it over to Gust for him to carry it.
"Oh...! I can't wait!" Gust looped his wing around the handle of the basket. His mouth watered.
"I WANNA BIG PIECE...!" Ashes' mouth was watering while his eyes burned.
"As long as it's sweet...." Sparx was also curious of what the pie tasted like.
"Be sure to drop by and we'll have another one ready for you next time. After some hard work, that is." Applejack felt pleased with how the brothers reacted to the pie.
"Sure thing. G'night...." Chilly said with a yawn. The brothers made their goodbyes to Applejack and Apple Bloom as they made their way back to Ponyville.
"I can't wait...! It smells so good!" Sparx was increasingly getting more and more excited over the pie. His mouth watered like a waterfall.
"Take it easy, Sparx. We'll try it when we get back to Twilight's castle...." Chilly then yawned after all that hard work. They then arrived back at Twilight's castle to see Starlight reading a book in the kitchen.
"Hey Starlight...! We did a great job at Applejack's farm today!" Starlight jumped from Gust's outburst, nearly sending her book flying.
"Uh...well done, guys. Nothing bad happened, right?" Starlight then magically re-positioned her book back on the table as she got her composure back.
"Nah...nothing bad happened. We even got a free pie. Pretty sweet, huh?" Chilly and his brothers sat down to eat the pie.
"Well, I guess you four deserve it then. Here are some plates and forks then." Starlight magically brought plates and forks out of the cabinets and presented them to the brothers. She even pulled a knife out for them to use.
"THANKS...! I'M SO READY!" Ashes couldn't wait any longer. His mane began to burn this time.
"Alright, I got this...." Chilly began cutting the pie into four corners for them to share. They all began to eat it and they loved it.
"SO GOOD~!" Ashes couldn't stop eating his piece of the pie.
"It's so sweet, yet it's got some kind of other flavor...! I can't describe it!"
"I think you're looking for 'tangy', Sparx." Starlight said, adding to Sparx's excitement.
"Oh...! So that's what it's called?! Sweet and tangy?! I love it!" Sparx went back to eating in joy.
"This was so worth the hard work~!" Gust couldn't help but smile. The three ate like no tomorrow while Chilly ate a slower pace.
"Hey Starlight, what's that book your reading...?" Chilly stopped eating to look over Starlight's book.
"It's a book on memories and mental theory. Twilight and I have been looking for a way to help you guys remember your past." Starlight presented the book to Chilly. It had many complicating words and images that not even Chilly could understand.
"Where is Twilight anyway...?" Gust and his brothers just now noticed Twilight and Spike weren't around.
"They left to meet with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna today. They won't be back for the next few days." Starlight went back to reading her book.
"WHAT?! THEY LEFT TO MEET THE PRINCESS WITHOUT US?! I WANNA GO TO THE SUN!"
"Yeah...! Maybe the Princess might be able to help us!"
"I wanted to show this Princess who the better magic user i-" They were all disappointed and then they got whacked by frozen hammers each.
"Guys, just stop.... Whatever Twilight and Spike are doing, it probably has nothing to do with us." Chilly then just finished his piece of pie, magically placed the empty plates and forks into the sink, and made his way to his room.
"Besides, it's late and I'm sleepy.... Time for bed." Chilly gave a deep yawn as he made his way out of the kitchen.
"Yeah, I guess so...."
"Whatever...."
"G'NIGHT...!" They all made their way to bed for the night after all that hard work.
Starlight gave a relieved sigh, "Good night." She went back to her studies in hopes of finding something to help the Spellbind Brothers remember their past. The night went by quietly and a new morning came with birds chirping happily. Unfortunately, the thick cloud cover remained in place. The smell of toast and waffles filled the castle and the brother quickly made their way to the living room to see stacks of freshly made toast and waffles with syrup and butter all ready for them.
"DUDE...! THAT LOOKS GREAT!"
"Good morning...!"
"When can we eat?!" Ashes, Gust, and Sparx were all excited for the new morning and for the big breakfast that was prepared for them.
"Good morning, guys. I hope you like what I made. But...where is Chilly?" Starlight and the brothers noticed that Chilly wasn't around.
"Screw that guy...! Let's eat!"
"Sparx, we have to wait! It wouldn't be right without him!"
"CHILL, GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE!" They were beginning to get impatient when Chilly finally made his way to the living room.
Chilly yawned, "Sorry for being late. I was being lazy.... Is it breakfast time?"
"YES!!!" Sparx, Gust, and Ashes were both hungry and angry. Their outburst definitely woke up Chilly. Starlight sighed out of stress since it was too early for yelling. They all sat down to enjoy a hearty breakfast.
"I love syrup." Sparx couldn't stop eating it with his waffles.
"Hey, give me some...!"
"I want some too!" They began fighting over it.
"These brothers of mine, I swear...." Chilly was too sleepy to deal with their crap.
"Now I know how Twilight feels when putting up with them...." Starlight thought as her head and ears began hurting. They then heard the sound of knocking at the front door.
"Who could that be this early in the morning...?" Starlight then left to answer the door. When she did, Rarity was there waiting.
"Good morning, Starlight. I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Rarity looked like she had prepared for a special occasion with freshly applied make-up. All while wearing a fancy coat and hat.
"Oh, not at all. Do you need something? What is with the coat and hat?" Starlight was a bit curious.
"Darling, I merely wanted to look presentable for my visit! I could never go out without looking fabulous!" Rarity stated as she flicked her stylish mane and tail back and forth.
"Of course...." Starlight wasn't at all surprised.
"But that is not why I am here, darling. I wish to acquire the assistance of Pinkie's guests for the day. Are they available by any chance?" Starlight was surprised to hear that from Rarity considering she was also there when the incident occurred. But since she didn't have anything planned for the Spellbind Brothers while Twilight and Spike were out, this would be better than doing nothing. She wasn't sure what Rarity had planned though....
Chapter 8 - Work Day part 2
While Twilight Sparkle and Spike were visiting Canterlot, Starlight is in charge of keeping the Spellbind Brothers out of trouble and their education. Except today Rarity decided to pay a visit. They all sat in the throne room after breakfast to hear what Rarity has to say.
"So Rarity, what is it that you need...? You said you needed their help with something?" Starlight had provided freshly made cup of coffee for Rarity for her visit.
Rarity finished her coffee, "Ah yes, I do. Actually, I only need Chilly and Gust for today. I have already met with Sparx and Ash the other day."
"Um...why?"
"Is it about our hoods again...?" Chilly was expecting it since they first arrived in Ponyville.
"Oh, not just that, dear. I also need you two to help me design clothing for taller ponies. Sweetie Bell told me she and her friends met with a very tall pony in Apploosa some time ago, so I figured you being here could be quite helpful to me just in case."
Starlight was surprised, "I guess you guys aren't the only tall ponies in Equestria after all."
"I'll help...! I wanna see all the funny hats Sparx told me about!" Gust was quite excited to help other ponies more.
"Alright then.... Hope it doesn't take too long. It takes a lot of work being this lazy." Chilly chuckled as he got on his hooves.
"Excellent! This will give us a chance to get to know each other more. Follow me. Starlight, I'll be sure to send them back when I am done. Goodbye." Rarity made her way out with Gust and Chilly right behind her.
"So Starlight, what are we supposed to do then?"
"I WANNA DO SOMETHING!" Sparx and Ashes had nothing to do and Starlight didn't have anything planned for any of them.
"Well...maybe you two should go meet Fluttershy. She's really nice and I'm sure you could get along with her."
"YEAH! LET'S GO!" Ashes took off running out.
"Alright then...." Sparx followed Ashes with very little interest.
"Ash, wait...! You don't know the way!" Starlight ran after Ashes to stop him from getting lost. Meanwhile, Chilly and Gust arrived at Rarity's Boutique and were all amazed by the large selection of clothing.
"Welcome to my shop, boys. Please, look around. I will call you two to my office in a few minutes." Rarity made her way to her office to prepare for designing.
"Oh...look at that!" Gust ran over to the hat section and began putting them on.
"Pfft...wow. She made a hat for everything." Chilly then put a top hat on his head in joining the fun.
"Oh, good morning...!" Sweetie Bell came into the room all excited to see them.
"Hi Sweetie Bell! Hey look, I got a funny hat!" Gust was having fun.
"Hey there, little lady.... So you live here?"
"No, me and Rarity actually live in a house nearby. I help her with her designing sometimes when I'm not crusading. Are you here to help with her work today?"
"Yeah.... She said she needed us to help her make clothing for tall ponies." Chilly then gave a deep yawn.
"Hey, are you feeling alright? You have dark marks under your eyes...." Sweetie Bell was concerned when she noticed.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I just have a hard time sleeping. That's all...."
"But...you sleep all the time." Gust was quite confused.
"Boys, if you would please come up stairs please. I would like to see your measurements." Rarity had measuring tape ready.
"Ok...!" Gust flew up stairs with Chilly right behind him.
"Sweetie Bell, do run along. I will be quite busy today and so will these fine gentlecolts." Rarity was all ready to work.
"Alright. Bye...!" Sweetie Bell then left the boutique to meet with her friends. Rarity, Chilly, and Gust went inside the office for work.
"Now would you two kindly remove your hoods please? I would like to see if they're made from the same material that like your brothers' hoods. I might be able to figure out what this material is this time." Chilly and Gust did as they were told and they too had many scars on their bodies. It was as Rarity figured.
"Uh...thank you! Please, just sit there and wait! I won't take long." Rarity magically gathered their hoods for examining.
Chilly chuckled, "What's the matter? You like what you see?" Rarity's face then blushed red.
"Uh...Miss Rarity, are you feeling alright? Your face is red." Gust was confused.
Rarity cleared her throat, "My face is not red...!"
"Look miss, I know you think I'm hot, but I'm actually cold." Chilly chuckled even more from his pun.
"Chilly, if you please...!" Rarity's became redder.
"Chilly, that joke was awful...!" Gust was annoyed.
"If you blush any more, you'll be red like Ashes." Chilly continued to chuckle at his jokes.
"Chilly...!" Gust was starting to lose his patience.
"I'm glad you could ~address the issue~!" Chilly began laughing.
"OH MY GOD...!" Gust was done with the jokes.
"Is this what Twilight and Starlight must put up with every day?" Rarity thought to herself, feeling annoyed. She finally got to examining the hoods and discovered that the hoods were made from the same unknown material Sparx and Ashes' hoods were made from. After feeling the hoods, she could feel that they were strangely heavy and sturdy. Like armor made from cloth. She could also see some kind of white thread within the yellow and blue threads. It wasn't like any kind of thread she has ever seen before.
"Um...Miss Rarity, are you done yet? It feels cold here." Gust waited patiently the entire time. Chilly was sleeping in his seat.
Rarity's turned to Gust and Chilly, "Of course, darling! I am done with your hoods now!" She quickly returned the hoods to Gust and Chilly after her examination.
"That thread isn't normal. It's too dense and yet it's elastic. I think Twilight and Starlight need to know about this later." Rarity began writing her findings while Chilly and Gust wore their hoods again.
Rarity then pulled out her measuring tape, "Alright, if you two woul-" She then noticed that Chilly and Gust had just put their hoods back on again.
"Um...if you two would...um...take your hoods off...again, if you please...." This was quite awkward.
Chilly chuckled, "Geez Gust, the lady can't take her eyes off us." He began taking his hood off. Rarity blushed bright red.
"Chilly, knock it off...!"
"If you would please keep your jokes to yourself while I check your measurements." Rarity pushed her blushing aside and began measuring. It took a few minutes, and she was able to design around their measurements.
"Alright, now we can begin." Rarity magically pulled out various cloths and threads ready for crafting.
"I may take a little while, so if you two would please be patient while I work."
"Sure thing. Take your time...."
"Yes Miss Rari-" Gust then stopped talking suddenly when he noticed Rarity bring out a sewing needle alongside her supplies. His face went pale when he saw it and his whole body became cold.
Chilly noticed this and asked, "Hey bro, you alright? You look like you seen a ghost...."
Rarity also noticed this and asked, "What's the matter, dear? Do you need something?" Rarity placed the needle on the table. Gust let out fearful whimpers at the sight of the needle. A high-pitched sound rang in his ear and the image of a dark figure with a needle became visible in his mind.
"Gust, what's wrong?! Say something...!" Chilly tried to calm Gust down, but nothing was working.
"Gust please, tell us what's wrong! We can help you!" Rarity accidently knocked over her supplies and the needle fell down with it. It rolled over just slightly and Gust's wings sprouted as he flew out the window screaming in terror.
"GUST...! COME BACK...!" Chilly couldn't stop Gust from his ascension into the dark clouds. He disappeared out of sight.
"Dammit, not again...! What the hell just happened?!"
"I'm not sure...! I was only going to start making clothing!" Rarity felt guilty for what happened, even though they had no idea what caused this. Chilly then noticed the sewing needle on the floor.
"Oh no...! It was your needle! Gust has a fear of needles! Dammit...I gotta go find him!" Chilly then ran out to do so.
"I'll come and help you! I feel it is my responsibility for what happened with your brother...." Rarity began following Chilly to help.
"Alright then.... I saw him fly into the clouds. Maybe that Rainbow friend of yours can help."
"I'll take you to Rainbow Dash! If anypony can fly that fast, she can!" Rarity escort Chilly to where Rainbow Dash usually hangs around. They found her perched on her usual cloud in the park.
"Rainbow Dash...! We need help!" Rarity called to Rainbow Dash to get her attention. She looked down to see Rarity and Chilly underneath her cloud.
Rainbow Dash flew down to them and said, "Hey Rarity...! What's up?"
"Rainbow Dash, something has happened...! It's Gust! He flew up in the clouds and now we can't find him!" Rarity panicked as she explained.
"Wait a minute! Calm down...! What do you mean you can't find him?"
"Gust is in terror right now and he wouldn't listen to me when I called out to him! We need your help to find him!" Chilly was really worried for Gust's safety. Especially after his freak out.
"Alright, alright...! I'll go see if I can find him." Rainbow Dash then flew into the dark clouds with great speed.
"I hope your friend can find my brother. Or better yet, get him down...."
"Don't worry, Chilly. Rainbow Dash is a pony you can trust." All they could do was wait for Rainbow Dash to bring Gust down without any trouble. She searched through the dark clouds and it was like looking for water in a desert.
"Geez...this is so stupid! How can I find him in these clo-Agh!" She was suddenly interrupted by a strong wind that pulled her into the darker part of the clouds.
"What is going on here?!" She tried to regain her balance in the intense zephyr. She then noticed the clouds merging in a circular pattern. Almost like a hurricane. The ponies in Ponyville could see the unsettling winds and began to take cover. Rarity and Chilly were still waiting for Rainbow Dash and Gust to return.
"Gust, don't do anything stupid.... One screw up is bad enough. Any more and I don't know what I'll do...!" Chilly was worried sick.
"Please Chilly, I'm sure Rainbow Dash won't fail us." Even Rarity was beginning to worry. Rainbow then flew into the vortex and entered into the eye of the storm. She could then see Gust cowering on a lone cloud.
"Hey Gust...! What's gotten into you?!" Rainbow Dash flew over to Gust in hopes of getting him to stop.
"NO...! STAY AWAY!" In his panic, Gust sent his wings at Rainbow Dash in self defense. What surprised Rainbow Dash the most was that Gust's wings actually extended at an abnormal length and they sliced through the winds like a knife would to an apple. Rainbow Dash quickly avoided the attacks, but the wings continued their pursuit. As this was happening, the hurricane was beginning to dissipate.
"Gust, what is wrong with you?! I'm trying to help you!" Rainbow Dash tried to get close to Gust, but his wings kept her at bay. Gust was too afraid to hear her words. The mental image of the dark figure and the needles filled his mind that he couldn't control himself. Rainbow Dash was beginning to lose her patience and she began flying so fast that Gust's wings couldn't keep up with her. She quickly got passed the sharpened wings and grabbed hold of Gust, knocking him off his cloud and they both fell downward. They fell through the clouds and both Rarity and Chilly saw them.
"Rainbow Dash...!"
"Gust...!" They ran to try and catch them. They weren't fast enough to do so, but then a stream of magic caught them both and stopped them from falling. It was Starlight that caught them. She gently placed them on the ground with her magic.
"Phew...thanks, Starlight. I thought we were goners." Rainbow Dash was relieved to be on the ground for once. Gust finally snapped out of his freak out and his wings returned to normal.
"Why were you two falling like that? What happened here?" Starlight was very confused.
"Uh...where am I? What was I-OOF!"
"GUST...!" Chilly then grabbed a hold of Gust feeling very relieved.
"Gust dear, I am so sorry for what I did! I had no idea!" Rarity was quite guilty for earlier.
"Um...I'm confused. What was I doing?"
"Wait...you don't remember what happened at the boutique?"
"Uh...I remember wearing some hats, then we were at the office, then I saw that-" Gust then remembered the needle and suddenly he began to freak out again. His wings shivered as they began to sharpen again.
"Everypony get away! His wings can slice through stuff!" Rainbow Dash then got ready for an attack.
"Gust, look at me! Look at me!" Chilly got at Gust's face to get his attention. Gust stopped his wings from shivering and looked at Chilly.
"I'm here now, Gust. The needle is gone. Nothing is going to hurt you. Now just calm down and we can go back to the castle where you'll be safe." Gust nodded slightly and folded his wings. Chilly began escorting him back to Twilight's castle.
"Chilly, I-"
Chilly interrupted, "It's fine, Rarity.... You didn't do anything wrong."
"Chilly, what happened today?" Starlight was quite worried over what just happened.
"I'll tell you when we get back. Hey Rainbow, thanks for getting my brother back...." Chilly left with Gust and Starlight as they head back to Twilight's castle.
"What the hay is up with those guys?" Rainbow Dash was very confused. Yet another crisis occurred in Ponyville.
Chapter 9 - Work Day part 3
Before Chilly and Gust left Twilight's castle to help Rarity with her fashion designing, Sparx and Ashes left with Starlight to visit Fluttershy. But when they got there, they were met with Fluttershy whimpering in fear. She definitely didn't forget about the incident involving the Spellbind Brothers.
"Fluttershy, it's fine. They're not going to hurt you." Starlight was trying to convince Fluttershy that Sparx and Ashes didn't mean any harm, but it wasn't going too well.
"Guys, help me out here...!" Sparx and Ashes were both looking at Fluttershy with rather blank expressions on their faces.
"What's with you two...?" Starlight was confused.
"Is she related to Marble in any way...?"
"DOES MARBLE HAVE A TWIN SISTER?!" They felt like they were talking to Marble again. Afterwards, they went inside Fluttershy's house to enjoy some tea in the living room.
"So you're not actually related to Marble in any way...? You sound a lot like her. You two barely make a noise at all."
"YOU'RE LIKE MARBLE IF SHE WERE A PEGASUS!" They were both surprised by this. Fluttershy was still frightened by them and was silent.
"Ashes, please keep your voice down. And Sparx, be nice. And keep your powers in check." Starlight continued to drink her tea. The visit continued without a single word for about ten minutes and it was getting really awkward. Suddenly, all of Fluttershy's animals came inside the house.
"Oh, I almost forgot...! I have pets to feed!" Fluttershy scrambled from her seat and began feeding her many pets. She brought out the needed feed for her pets which mostly consists of vegetables, bird seed, and even bread.
"She has a lot of pets...!" Ashes kept his voice down as Starlight asked.
"Can't those animals feed themselves...?" Sparx had a bored expression on his face.
"They are her pets, Sparx. Fluttershy takes care of many different kinds of animals." Fluttershy continued to feed her pets while Starlight, Sparx, and Ashes wait. Finally, Fluttershy finished her feeding and rejoined her guests at the living room table.
"Sorry for taking so long. I have so many cute animals to take of, it keeps me so busy." Fluttershy said quietly. She began to drink her tea after her task.
"Huh...so she can speak."
"Sparx, I said be nice." Starlight was beginning to lose her patience with Sparx. Angel Bunny nuzzled against Starlight in affection.
"You take care of all these animals?! That's so cool...! I just burn things!" Ashes was amazed at how well Fluttershy she took care of her pets. Fluttershy blushed from the compliment. Suddenly, her pet bear poked it's head through a nearby window and gave a loud grunt.
"HOLY S#%+!"
"A BEAR?!" Sparx and Ashes jumped back at the sight of a bear showing up. Fluttershy suddenly froze in fear from their outburst. Her pets all scattered in fear.
"Sparx, Ashes, DOWN...!" Starlight was ready to stop them from doing anything crazy. Angel Bunny hid in her mane.
"Stop...! He is my friend!" Fluttershy gave her pet bear a hug in it's defense.
"That is a bear...! A predator! It eats meat! How is that a pet?!"
"DID SHE TAME A BEAR?! FLUTTERSHY IS AWESOME!" Sparx and Ashes kept their distance since bears are predators.
"Sparx, Ashes, calm down! Beary is not going to hurt you and you two will NOT start a fight here!" Per Starlight's orders, Sparx and Ashes cautiously sat back down at the table, keeping their eyes on Fluttershy's pet bear.
"Oh dear, I forgot to bring you your honey...! Please, wait right there!" Fluttershy began searching for a pot of honey for her pet bear.
"Oh no, I'm all out of honey! I need to go get more for Beary! Starlight, could you help me?! I don't want to go into the Everfree Forest alone.... Since it's so scary." Fluttershy shivered at the thought of going in the crazy forest alone. Starlight thought about it for a moment, and then came up with an idea.
"Actually, I think you should have Sparx and Ashes go with you while I stay and look after your pets. You could use the protection." Fluttershy the shuddered at the suggestion.
"Fine.... It's better than doing nothing."
"YEAH! LET'S GO!" Sparx and Ashes got up from their seats and made their way. Fluttershy hesitantly followed them out of the house.
"Behave yourselves, you two!" Starlight was instantly starting to regret her decision. Fluttershy, Sparx, and Ashes made their way into the Everfree Forest and it was quite hectic. There were many strange noises, the trees all looked quite un-friendly, and the clouds were darker than normal.
"Geez, this place is weird. So where do you get this honey from?" Sparx and Ashes followed Fluttershy as her personal escorts.
"It's not too far.... The tree the bees live in is just up ahead." They continued to travel into the forest to find an old tree with some busy bees buzzing about.
"Oh good, we're here...! Please wait right there! I'll be back!" Fluttershy flew over to the tree to gather the honey for her pet bear. Sparx and Ashes began to wait as requested.
Sparx gave a bored sighed, "This is sooooooo boring.... I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather do school work than do this kind of crap."
"I can't wait to get back home and tell Marble about Fluttershy! Their like sisters!" Ashes laughed.
"Pfft...whatever. If I see another Pinkie Pie, I'll go crazy." Sparx cringed at the thought. Suddenly, they then heard the sound of growling approaching them.
"Hey Ash, do you hear that?" Sparx stood on his hooves and began looking around.
"Yeah, I do. Is it an animal?!" Ashes quickly got on his hooves in caution.
"Nah...it sounds bigger and meaner. I think we should leave...now." Sparx could sense something really dangerous nearby.
"Alright, I'm done. We can leave no-" As Fluttershy made her way to Sparx and Ashes, a pair of red eyes shined from behind the trees.
"FLUTTERSHY, BEHIND YOU!" Ashes shouted. Fluttershy turned around to see a Manticore leap out of it's hiding place for an attack. Suddenly, black bars sprouted from underground and stopped the Manticore in it's tracks. Fluttershy was safe, but paralyzed with fear. Manticores are ferocious monsters with the face and body of a lion, the wings of a dragon, and the tail of a scorpion. They're usually found in the deeper parts of the Everfree Forest.
"Get out of there, you idiot!" Sparx then magically yanked Fluttershy away from the Manticore towards them. The Manticore began to break through the bars with it's great strength.
"Fluttershy, get outta here! We'll deal with this thing!" Ashes and Sparx were both ready for a fight. Fluttershy shook off her fear and began to make her way back to her house.
She stopped and said, "Please, be careful...! And don't hurt it!" She then left the area without looking back.
"Don't hurt it, she says.... Yeah, that could be tough." Sparx and Ashes stood their ground. The Manticore broke through the bars and attacked the two. It swiped at them multiple time with it's claws, lashed about with it's scorpion tail, and flew about to catch either Sparx or Ashes. They continued to avoid it's relentless attacks.
"WHAT IS WITH THIS THING?! GO AWAY!" Ashes gave the Manticore a good kick and sent it crashing into a tree. All that did was make it angrier.
"Geez, this guy must have woke up wrong! We don't do something, it could go and attack Fluttershy and Starlight!" Despite Sparx and Ashes efforts, the Manticore wouldn't cease it's attacks. Meanwhile, Fluttershy safely arrived at her house to see Starlight spending time with her pets.
"So how did getting the hone-"
"Starlight, help...! Sparx and Ashes are being attacked by a Manticore!" Fluttershy said while out of breath. Her pets gathered around out of concern.
"A Manticore?! Where are they?!" Starlight then heard the sound of thunder and roaring nearby.
"Never mind...! Stay here! I'll be back!" Starlight ran towards the direction all the noise was coming from.
"Those two better not do anything too crazy...! And they better not be dead!" Starlight was quite worried as she ran. Sparx and Ashes were still fighting the Manticore.
"What is this thing's problem?! We keep hitting and blasting this thing and it wont leave us alone!"
"GET OUTTA HERE, JERK!" The Manticore was the one suffering damage, but suddenly a black mist started emanating from it's body and it's body began to heal of it's wounds. It got back up all ready for more fighting.
"What the hell...?!"
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Sparx and Ashes were shocked to see the Manticore back on it's paws. The Manticore then gave a loud roared that echoed across the forest.
"Agh...! My ears! Ashes, we gotta do something!" Sparx covered his ears due to the loud noises. He then noticed Ashes trembling in fear for some reason.
"Hey Ashes...! What's going on?!" Sparx was confused. Ashes just froze for some reason. His legs trembled, his vision became blurry, and his heart began to beat rapidly. The Manticore slowly made it's way to Ashes to land the killing blow.
"What the hell are doing, Ashes?! Do something!" Sparx then summoned more bars in the Manticore's path, but it broke through without any trouble.
"What the-" Sparx was then smacked by the Manticore's scorpion tail and crashed against a tree. He then collapsed under intense pain. He couldn't move because of such pain.
"Ugh....Ash...run...!" Sparx tried to get back on his hooves, but he could barely get a word out. Ashes remained frozen in fear with the Manticore glaring down at Ashes. Images then began to appear in Ashes' mind, an image of a terrifying monster staring him down with a dark figure smiling down at him from behind the monster. Just before the Manticore could swipe at Ashes, something snapped and flames erupted from Ashes. Ashes screamed in rage and the flames became even larger. The Manticore was completely engulfed in the flames and was quickly reduced to nothing a pile of ash. Sparx was shocked to see such a display of power. But Ashes kept the flames going. His mind was all over the place and he was blinded by rage.
"Ugh...hey, knock it off! You won already...!" Sparx steadily got on his hooves. The flames were starting to get even wilder as Ashes continued to shout in rage.
"Sparx...! What happened?!" Starlight arrived at the area to see what was happening.
"What the hell...do you think happened?! A monster attacked us, Ashes...killed it, and now he's gone crazy...!" Sparx was still in pain from the hit he took earlier. The flames began to spread through the trees.
'We have to stop him before he burns the entire forest...!"
"He won't listen to me...! We need...water or something...!" Sparx was ready for another fight, getting his magic ready. Starlight frantically looked for any water nearby, then she realized that it was very cloudy.
"Sparx, shoot your lightning into the sky!" Starlight pointed at the sky.
"What?! How will tha-"
"Just do it...!" Things were getting desperate as the flames began growing more dangerous. Sparx was confused, but he still shot lightning into the clouds. The lightning hit the dark clouds and thunder started rumbling. As more lightning struck the clouds, more thunder rumbled and rain started falling. The flames were getting extinguished bit by bit as it rained. After a few minutes, the flames were finally extinguished and the forest, while slightly burnt, was saved. Ashes took multiple deep breaths and sat down on his rear-legs from exhaustion.
"Hey Ash, you alright...? Did you let it all out?" Sparx and Starlight walked over to Ashes in caution.
Ashes looked up at Sparx and Starlight and asked, "What happened...? Where's the monster?" He looked around and was very confused.
"Uh...you totally ki-"
"Kicked it's butt and chased it off! You showed it who was stronger!" Starlight interrupted Sparx to keep Ashes from freaking out again.
"Uh...oh! YEAH! THAT UGLY CAT-THING HAS GOT NOTHING ON ME!" Ashes gave a hearty laugh, feeling victorious.
"Dude, what the hell? What's the lie for?" Sparx was annoyed.
"Just...just stop talking, Sparx. Let's just go...." Starlight began to make her way out of the forest and back to Fluttershy's house. They finally arrived to see a very worried Fluttershy pacing back and forth frantically.
"Fluttershy, we're back...! Safe and sound." Fluttershy then grabbed onto Starlight out of worry.
"I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE ALL ALRIGHT!" Fluttershy hugged Starlight tight feeling very relieved.
"Yeah...we're all fine. I'm going back to the castle...." Sparx made his way back to Ponyville. He was very much done with the rest of the day. Even if it was still the early morning.
"Thank you...for saving me...." Fluttershy was grateful. Even her animals were also grateful.
"NO PROBLEM! I'm hungry...!" Ashes then followed Sparx back to Ponyville.
"Fluttershy, I am so sorry for what happened. I'll be sure to make it up to you." Starlight felt guilty for what happened to Fluttershy concerning her safety.
"Oh, it's alright. As long as nopony was hurt." Fluttershy and her animals were all relieved. Fluttershy then noticed the clouds swirling over Ponyville.
Um...what's going on in Ponyville?" Fluttershy pointed at the swirling clouds that looked like a hurricane was being made.
"Oh no.... Now what?!" Starlight ran towards tPonyville to investigate. That was where she met Chilly, Gust, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. What a way to start the day.
Chapter 10 - The Past and the Future
A lot has happened that early morning such as two freak outs, a monster attack, the burning death of said monster, a hurricane nearly occurring in a small town, and a wildfire nearly engulfing an entire forest. The Spellbind Brothers have experienced some rather unpleasant visions in the last couple of days and right now they're sitting in the living room with Starlight looking through some books. They just sat there waiting for her to speak with them over what happened and there was a rather tense atmosphere going on.
"Oh god, this is killing me...! I just want to not deal with any crap for the rest of the day!" thought Sparx, feeling anxious and bored. After what happened in the Everfree Forest with Ashes and the Manticore, he was very much done for the rest of the day.
"Oh geez, I did a bad thing...! Miss Twilight and Miss Starlight is going to be disappointed in me! Maud and the Pie Family are gonna be mad at me...!" Gust felt chills down his spine at the thought of what they'll say or do to him. Especially considering the fact that Maud can kick Sparx's flank with ease.
"Starlight...! What are doing?! I'm bored...!" Ashes was the first to speak up and break the silence. Chilly was asleep the entire time. Starlight then closed the book she was reading and sighed to gather her thoughts.
"Guys, I think I might have figured out what has happened to you in the past. And from what you three have told me, I am almost certain of it." Starlight then pulled out another large book titled, 'History of Equestria' on the cover.
"Ugh...I hate History class." Sparx wasn't thrilled to see the book.
Starlight then opened the book and said, "Adding what Pinkie Pie told us when you first arrived to what you three have told me in your visions, you four were placed in that rock hundreds of years ago. I don't know how long exactly, but I am certain that it was during a time where conflict was always present and monsters ravaged the land. Hence why you all have powers beyond any average ponies."
"I don't get it...." Ashes didn't understand a single word Starlight said.
"Basically, we were made to be this way for fighting...." Chilly woke up with a yawn.
"So it's my destiny to be awesome and powerful? I knew it!" Sparx laughed arrogantly. They all groaned at his arrogance.
"But...why were we in that rock?"
"That, Gust, is what I don't know.... I can imagine that whatever happened to you in the past was meant for the sole purpose of fighting and nothing more. And this 'dark figure' you three brought up must have been the pony who did all this. Including trapping you four in that black rock." Starlight then closed her book after looking through the pages that referred to the distant past.
"So...what now?" Gust and his brothers all looked at Starlight for what could be the solution to their problem.
"Well, I can't say.... I can tell that you four have had some terrible experiences in your pasts. Personally, I think it's a better idea to leave them as forgotten memories and make newer, happier ones. But Twilight may need to know about this as well. So I will be sending a letter to her later. As for you four, you can do what you want as long as you behave." She emphasized the last part of her sentence to show she was quite serious.
"Ok...!"
"YEAH!"
"That's cool...."
"Can we go now...?" The Spellbind Brothers were all ready to leave.
"Yes, you may go now." Starlight began writing a letter to Twilight who was visiting Princess Celestia in Canterlot. The Spellbind Brothers all left the living room. Starlight wrote in her letter all that happened in Ponyville while Twilight and Spike were away and left to have it delivered to Canterlot when she finished. Meanwhile, the Spellbind Brothers left for Ponyville and despite all that happened earlier this morning, the citizens were all doing their daily tasks like always.
"Wow.... I'm surprised these ponies would be anywhere near us after the crap that happened earlier."
"They must be very brave!"
"Or they're all crazy...."
"I'm so hungry...!" Ashes was quite famished after that fight with the Manticore.
"I guess it is about to be lunch time. Lets go see what Pinkie Pie is doing. Maybe we'll get something to eat there...." Chilly and the brothers then made their way to Sugar Cube Corner hoping to get something to eat. When they arrived, they were then greeted with something pink grabbing onto Sparx.
"Agh...what the f-!" Just before Sparx could finish his profanity, his head was encased in ice by Chilly's magic.
"Seriously Sparx, drop that profanity...." Chilly was annoyed.
"WELCOME BACK, GUYS...! I missed you!" Pinkie was quite happy to see them as she hugged Sparx joyfully.
"HI PINKIE...!"
"Sorry for not visiting you more, Miss Pinkie. A lot has happened lately."
"I'm sorry for not visiting you guys! I've been so busy at Sugar Cube Corner in the last few days! Please come in!" Pinkie opened the door into the shop with excitement.
Sparx's head finally broke free of the ice, "CHILLY, YOU BAST-AAGH! MY TONGUE!" Sparx was about the curse up a storm in anger, but Chilly summoned an icy hammer to shut him up and it made Sparx bite his tongue.
"Sparx, shut up...." Chilly had enough of Sparx's crap for one day. They all went inside Sugar Cube Corner to enjoy their visit after a few days of separation.
"Here you go, guys...! I made lots of cookies today! Well, I made a little more by mistake, so you can have the extras!" Pinkie placed a big plate with lots of cookies piled on top of one another.
"SWEET!" Ashes began digging in.
"Hey...! Quit hogging them!"
"I want some too...!" Sparx, Ashes, and Gust began competing for the most number of cookies they could eat. Chilly snuck a few for himself while they fought.
"So Pinkie, think you can tell us about this Princess we heard about? You said she can move the sun...?" Chilly began eating the few cookies he swiped from his gluttonous brothers.
"Oh yeah! Princess Celestia can do that and she's Twilight's teacher! Or she was.... And her sister, Princess Luna, can move the moon! It's so cool!" Pinkie went back to her baking as her job required.
"The moon...? What's that?" Gust stopped eating after getting his fill.
"The moon is the white ball in the sky and it only appears at night! It's so pretty and it provides light in the dark! Princess Luna can also walk through dreams too!"
"NO WAY!" Ashes and the brothers had no idea something like that was possible for any pony.
"Damn...they sound awesome. Maybe more awesome than me." Sparx felt defeated.
"So what will you guys be doing today? Is school out today?"
"Twilight and Spike went off to this Canterlot place to meet with the Princesses.... So we got nothing to do right now." Chilly finished eating his few cookies. Pinkie only looked at him with a concerned expression no her face.
"Chilly, are you alright...? You have dark marks under your eyes." They all looked at Chilly and noticed the dark marks underneath his eyes.
"Heh...sorry. I just have a hard time sleeping.... That's all."
"You sleep all day though, you lazy bum." Sparx finished eating his fair share of cookies.
"DUDE, YOU LOOK SLEEPY AS HELL RIGHT NOW!"
"Do you need to go back to bed, Chilly...?" They were all concerned for Chilly's health.
Chilly gave a tired chuckle, "I'm fine, guys.... A lot has been happening lately. I'm just a little tired." Chilly tried to avoid un-needed attention, but he wasn't very successful. Suddenly, the front door opened the Cutie Mark Crusaders bursting through the door dramatically.
"THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ARE HERE!!!" Their big entrance came with lights, confetti, and music. Pinkie Pie and the brothers didn't know how to react to such an entrance.
"Can we help you girls...?" Pinkie had a plate with muffins ready for the fillies. They sat down to enjoy the muffins.
"We heard from Starlight that the brothers don't have Cutie Marks of their own! So we're here to help them find their special talents!" Scootaloo said while her mouth was full.
"What's a Cutie Mark again...?"
"WHAT?!!! How can you not know what a Cutie Mark is?!!!" Apple Bloom got up at Ashes' face in shock.
"Sorry, kids.... We forgot about that stuff."
"Oh right, Rarity told me they have amnesia." Sweetie Bell and her friends finished their muffins and Pinkie Pie took the plate away when they finished.
"A Cutie Mark is what ponies have on their flanks when they find out what their talents are. See?" Scootaloo showed off her Cutie Mark to the Spellbind Brothers.
"So...it's a tattoo then?" Sparx was un-impressed.
"NO...!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders were all annoyed.
"Alright, let's not fight. You three said you want to help them find their special talents?" Pinkie got them milk to help them wash down the muffins they ate. They all drank the milk whole.
Apple Bloom finished first, "That's right! C'mon guys, it'll be fun!"
Sweetie Bell finished second, "Rarity wanted to make it up to you guys for what happened earlier...whatever it was." Chilly and Gust then felt guilty for what happened since it was actually their fault.
Scootaloo finished last, "Plus, you guys are so cool! Not as cool as Rainbow Dash, but you're all still cool!"
"Hate to disappoint you, but I'm always cool...." Chilly chuckled while everypony else groaned at his pun.
"Can we really have our own Cutie Marks...? I mean, we were only meant to fight." Gust was concerned after what Starlight told them earlier.
"If there is a Cutie Mark worthy of an amazing stallion like myself, I welcome the chance to find it!" Sparx said confidently.
"LET'S DO IT!"
"Who knows, Gust. It's not like we have to fight anyway.... Let's just chill out." Chilly made yet another cringe-worthy pun.
"YAAY!!!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders were excited to help out the Spellbind Brothers find their place in the world. Pinkie then became concerned with what Gust just said. The very idea of a life only meant for fighting only filled her with sadness.
"You know, you're right, bro! We can do anything we want with our new lives! I'm ready!" Gust quickly rose up in excitement. Pinkie gave a sigh of relief knowing they're not lost. Now the Spellbind Brothers have something to do while Twilight and Spike are away in Canterlot. They left Sugar Cube Corner to go and find their special place in life.
"Hey Pinkie, are you coming...?" Gust stopped before he left the room.
Pinkie giggled, "Sorry, but I have work to do. I'll see you guys later!" Pinkie began putting away the plates and glasses.
"Alright. Bye...!" Gust then left to follow his brothers. Pinkie then finished putting away the plates and glasses and then made her way out of Sugar Cube Corner. She placed a sign that said, 'Be back later.' on the front door, promising her return. She then rushed off to Twilight's castle to speak with Starlight. She arrived, knocked on the door, and waited for Starlight to answer.
Starlight answered the door, "Oh Pinkie Pie, I'm glad you're here. I was going to see you."
"Hi Starlight.... I wanted to talk to you about something. It's about what the guys told me." Pinkie was concerned about what she heard at Sugar Cube Corner.
"I see.... Please, come inside. You might need to hear this." They walked inside the castle, made some tea, and sat down in the living room. Starlight told Pinkie Pie about what she found in her findings. Pinkie Pie didn't know what to think.
"So...they came from a time where ponies had to fight? But...why were they in the rock in the first place?"
"I'm still un-sure, Pinkie. This is only based on what I have found, and I am un-sure if it is actual fact. I will need to speak with Twilight about this. I've just sent a letter to her while she's in Canterlot." Starlight then poured herself another cup of tea.
"When we found that black rock in the mine, we sent it to Canterlot to have it looked at. Maybe they know what it is by now." Pinkie then finished her tea.
"Maybe.... I'm also hoping that Princess Celestia might know something since she has lived for over one thousand years. If anypony would have the answer, she would." She was confident in her statement.
"So...do we just wait then?"
"Yes, Pinkie. For now. Where are the brothers right now?"
"They're with the Cutie Mark Crusaders right now! They could be having fun right no-" They then heard the sound of thunder from outside. Without hesitating, they both ran out of the castle to investigate. They arrived at the west side of Ponyville to see the Spellbind Brothers showing off their powers to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"They're so cool...!"
"Chilly's ice magic is so pretty...!"
"Ash is actually on fire...! And Gust's wings go so far!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders were all amazed at what they were witnessing.
"What are you guys doing?!" Starlight was really confused.
"Oh, hi Starlight! We wanted to see how they're doing all that! That element-thing...!"
"Do you three know how dangerous those powers can be?! Those guys can barely control their powers without going crazy!" Starlight then magically pulled the Cutie Mark Crusaders away from the area.
"Um...Starlight." Pinkie became nervous.
"We're standing right here, you...uh...jerk." Sparx and his brothers finished showing off when Starlight and Pinkie arrived. Sparx kept himself from swearing in front of the fillies.
"You need to chill out, Starlight...."
"WHO IS CRAZY HERE?!"
"We can control ourselves just fine...!" The Spellbind Brothers were quite upset from what Starlight just said.
"I'm sorry guys, but it's my job to make sure you four don't set anything on fire, put anything on ice, electrocute everything, or summon a storm by mistake." Starlight was quite serious. Suddenly, her mane and tail then got filled with static and puffed out and she dropped the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Apology accepted."
"Meanie...!"
"JERK!"
"Later...." The Spellbind Brothers left feeling offended.
"Um...I think we'll go home now. Bye!" Scootaloo and her friends left the area to do so.
Pinkie walked up to Starlight, "Starlight, what you said was really mean." She began helping Starlight with her mane and tail.
Starlight sighed, "I know, Pinkie. I know...." They eventually finished getting Starlight's mane and tail to settle and made their way to Twilight's castle. They found the brothers looking through some books in the library.
"Guys, I'm sorry for what I said...." Was guilty for what she said about them.
"Don't worry about it.... You weren't really wrong anyway."
"It felt good to spread my wings again."
"Whatever...."
"HEY STARLIGHT, WHAT'S UP WITH THIS CRAZY BOOK?! SOME OF THE WORDS ARE BLANK!" Ashes was reading a book and he was really confused. Starlight looked at the book and nothing seemed wrong with the book.
"Ash, I don't see any blanks on the page you're reading."
"BUT THEY'RE RIGHT HERE! IT'S THIS WORD! I CAN'T SEE IT!" Ashes pointed at a number of blanks on the page.
"Let me see.... Wait...what the f$%@? What's up with this book?" Sparx also looked at the page Ashes was reading and he saw blanks as well.
"Did the writer mess up or something...?" Gust could also see the blanks on the pages. Starlight and Pinkie were very confused and both looked at the page. There were no blanks on the pages.
"Is it this word...?" Starlight pointed at a word on the page, hoping it was the one the brothers can't read.
"Yeah, that one. Is this a magic book or something?" Sparx looked at the book for any spells.
"Hey Chilly, do you think.... Oh, he's asleep." Pinkie noticed Chilly was out cold.
"No, it's just a story book. This word is called ______." Starlight spoke the word she pointed on the book, but when she spoke it, the brothers didn't hear it.
"Uh...what?"
"WHAT?!"
"Did you say something...?" They were very confused.
"I said the word is called ______." It happened again.
"Starlight, are you screwing with us?" Sparx was getting annoyed.
"No, she isn't...! She said it's called ______!" Even Pinkie spoke the word, but they still didn't hear it.
"WHAT'S WITH THIS BOOK?!" Ashes then got upset and the book caught on fire.
"Ashes...!" Gust then began putting out the flames. While he was successful, the book could not be saved. It was burnt black within seconds.
"That book was limited edition too...." Starlight was trying her best not to yell.
"Uh...I'm sorry, Starlight." Ashes felt very guilty for burning the book.
"It's alright. I'll just use a spell to fix it. As for you guys, you can't hear the word ______, right? Like at all?" Starlight then pulled the burnt book away to fix it later.
"What word is it? Can't you write it on a piece of paper?"
"Yeah, do that Starlight!" Pinkie then quickly brought out a piece of paper and pen for Starlight to write on. Starlight then magically wrote the word on the piece of paper with the pen and then presented it to the brothers.
"Can you guys read it now...?" The brothers looked at the paper and they didn't see a thing.
"Alright Starlight, stop screwing around with us right now." Sparx was getting really annoyed.
"Bro, take it easy...!" Gust began trying to calm Sparx down.
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Ashes was really confused. Even Starlight and Pinkie were confused since Starlight actually wrote down the word on the piece of paper.
Chilly then woke up with a yawn, "What's all the noise for...?"
"Chilly, can you read this word?! Your brothers can't seem to read it and it's so weird!" Pinkie showed the paper to Chilly, hoping he could read it.
Chilly looked at the paper with his tired eyes, "Nope...nothing." He then went back to sleep almost immediately. This was very confusing for Pinkie Pie and Starlight. Yet another mystery to solve.
Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Twilight and Spike had just arrived at the castle of the two ruling monarchs of Equestria, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
"So Twilight, do you think Starlight can handle those four crazy ponies by herself?" Spike was carrying a few bags full of books from the library.
"Don't worry, Spike. I'm sure she'll manage things while we're away. I mean, those guys can't get into too much trouble, right?" If only Twilight knew.... They were just about to meet with the Princesses hoping to find out something about the Spellbind Brothers' past. If anything at all.