My Little Pony: The Movie Deleted Scenesby EnergeticRiderChaptersOne awesome song is not enoughDon’t need chaos at the festival?Sabotage instead of just hiding!ReconnaissanceAmbushTeleportation out of the South ForestHow It Should Have EndedYou can't reason with Storm KingStarlight and Trixie on the runOne awesome song is not enough“Hey, scallywags, it's time to be awesome!” cried Captain Celaeno, as Rainbow Dash and the rest were finishing their song. “Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!” voices of parrot crew and ponies were sounding in unison. Rainbow Dash was proud of herself. She not only helped cool pirates… that is swashbuckling treasure hunters crew to remember, who they are, but also made new friends. New allies, who could help ponies on their quest. “Now, set the course on the Skull Island!” commanded Celaeno. “What?!” stumbled Dash, who was already going to celebrate new buddies with a sonic rainboom. “Aren’t you going to help us reach mount Aris?” “Why? We are not delivery service anymore. We are pirate crew again! And we have a lot of treasure hunting catch up to do. Smuggler cove at Skull Island is the best place to start. Sure they would have some maps and rumors about promising places.” explained Celaeno. “Also we have to get rid of Storm King’s merchandise, preferably for a hefty price.” “But… But we helped you to remember your way. Returned your awesomeness! What about gratitude?” “You only did that so we won’t toss you overboard.” Celaeno pushed the leaver and airship started to descend to catch a better wind. “Calm down Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight gloomy. “This is not Equestria and apparently just one song is not enough to get things right.” “I refuse to believe that!” Rainbow was never good at quitting. “It’s all sailors’ tradition to stick together. And we all are against the Storm King. If you don’t help us, you’ll regret it for the rest of your lives.” “Don’t push you luck, pony!” Celaeno angrily glared right into eyes of Dash, who was hovering right beside her. “I’m still deciding if you’re worthy of my crew or we should just sell you.” “What? Again?” “Rainbow!” hissed Twilight, but pegasus wouldn’t listen. “You shouldn’t underestimate us.” in one swoop Rainbow Dash circled Celaeno and got hold of the stirring wheel. “Bet, we could be more awesome and more daring crew than you ever be!” “That’s it! I’m gonna teach you a lesson.” before Dash could even blink a saber was already in Celaeno’s hand. “Stop this instant!” cried Twilight and sent a spell to paralyze Celaeno and Dash. However, Celaeno instantly turned around and literally slashed magic charge in half. “You know, there was one perk in working with Storm King’s merchandise. We got ourselves some magic-proof weaponry.” Before ponies realized they found themselves surrounded. Except for Rainbow Dash, who shot upwards. “Not so daring now?” laughed Celaeno. “Flee away, little pony!” But Rainbow Dash wasn’t fleeing. She flew around the ship, gaining speed. And just at the moment when pirates saw her again, she passed the sound barrier, creating her sonic rainboom. “What is that?” Celaeno and her crew were bewildered by the sight. And before Celaeno realized a speeding pegasus rushed to her and snatched captain’s saber with her teeth. “Not bad,” admitted Celaeno staring at her empty hand. “Ah knof” answered Dash. “But if you want to impress me, you need to be more, then one trick pony.” Celaeno dashed towards a pile of crates. Rainbow Dash threw herself at her, but parrot captain ducked and pony missed. When Rainbow Dash turned herself around, Celaeno was already holding a crowbar. “I don’t need a real blade to teach a lesson to the likes of you!” she explained. “Now, little pony show what you’ve got!” Celaeno lunged and two weapons clashed several times. “I admit, you are pretty good,” said Celaeno after her every strike was parried. “Let’s see, how...” before Celaeno finished there was a loud crack and the airship tilted. “We descended too low!” one of the pirates, Mullet, was the first who got, what was happening. Airship skimmed treetops with a lot of jolting. Making use of the distraction five surrounded ponies broke out the pirate’s circle. Learning from past mistake Twilight didn’t try magic on them, but instead made the deck covered with ice. “Level the ship. Now!” cried Celaeno. However pirates were too far from airship controls. And they couldn’t move quickly enough on the jolting ice. Another hard jolt sent Celaeno herself on all four. Rainbow Dash didn’t waste the time – she flew to the altitude control lever and pulled it, putting blade aside. Turned out that the lever was rather tight and it took Dash several seconds, before it moved and the ship started to ascend. When Rainbow Dash finished, she turned to see how Celaeno was doing. Captain was standing right beside pegasus with her saber reclaimed. Dash couldn’t even say a word. “Ok. I admit it. You are more capable, than you look.” Celaeno sheathed her saber. “And I’m grateful that you saved my ship.” “Well, I was actually saving my friends. It just happens that we were on the same ship.” while Rainbow Dash was saying this, Twilight pressed her hoof to her face. “So, you probably shouldn’t be thankful for that.” “I know. But as you’ve said, we are on the same ship. And we should help each other. Otherwise, we end up under the Storm King again.” “So, are you going to help us reach Mount Aris?” “Yes.” “See, Twilight? A song, a sword-fight and a sonic rainboom were enough after all.” “I wish you would do everything without sonic rainboom.” “Why?” Don’t need chaos at the festival?Six ponies were trotting through the forest. “Hey, Fluttershy!” “Yes, Applejack?” “It just came to me. We could ask Discord to help us travel to those Hippos Queen. Could you call him or something?” “I’m afraid, I can’t. And anyway, he is not around now.” “Why?” It was morning. This time Fluttershy’s tea party with Discord has got really long. “Celestia is rising the sun, already?” wondered Discord. “I can’t believe that the whole night has passed!” “I guess, we were carried away discussing the Friendship Festival,” answered Fluttershy and yawned. “So, I probably should get going. After all, you also take part in preparations. A bird chorus and everything. It would be no good if you were distracted for the lack of sleep. But I promise, to come and cheer you up. After all, it’s a festival for all the ponies in Equestria. I would like to show them some of my new routines.” Discord snapped his fingers and in the center of the room appeared four Discords, dancing Swan Lake ballet. “E-e-eh… That’s not it.” he snapped fingers again and now there was a cannon, which one Discord was loading with another Discord. When Discord #3 was sitting in the cannon, Discord #2 pulled a helmet from behind his back. “Safety first.” he reminded to Discord #3 and tried to put a helmet on him, but couldn’t do it, because of horns. “Um. Discord ” called Fluttershy the original draconequus. “What, my dear?” Discord was watching his two copies, curious what solution they come up with. “I completely forgot, that Twilight wanted to ask you something.” Discord cannon-loader, at last, had an idea. He just made two holes in the helmet for horns and put in on the head of Discord cannon-ball. “So?” asked the Discord in the chair. “I mean, she wanted me, to ask you.” “Ok, I’m listening.” answered Discord, while Discord ignited the cannon’s fuse. “Well.” Fluttershy hum and hawed for a bit. “You know, that Twilight is a perfectionist. And how she becomes nervous when something is not going as planned.” Discord made a small “uhu” sound, while still watching the burning fuse. “So, she wanted to ask you,” Fluttershy said again. Discord produced the remote and put his pals with the cannon on pause. “Sorry, that was just too intense.” he turned to Fluttershy. “You seem a little tense too. What exactly was Twilight’s request?” “Well, do you remember, how you turned Ponyville in a Chaos Capital of the World?” “That was years ago! Don’t tell me that she is still holding a grudge about my little scheme.” “I don’t think so. But do you remember that on Grand Galloping Gala you brought a goo that filled the whole palace? And you yourself nearly sent TreeHugger to another dimension?” “I’m starting to see, where this is going.” said Discord grumpy. “Ok, Fluttershy no need to hold back now.” “Well, Twilight wanted me to ask you...” “Not to come?” “It’s not that. She just wants the opening of the festival to be perfect and according to plan. There will be a party the following night and you are welcome there.” “How generous and thoughtful of her.” replied Discord sulky. “I’m sorry, that I had to ask you this. But you know that sometimes we need to get hold of ourselves.” “Yes, yes. But she could, I don’t know… allow me to come if I promise not to use my chaos magic.” “I know. But remember, the last time you tried restrain your use of chaos magic? You did it so hard that nearly erased yourself!” “I suppose.” Discord snapped his fingers and his copies with cannon disappeared. “Well, it’s your loss, if you don’t want me to participate.” “I’m sure, you can wait a little bit for a party.” “You know what? I don’t even need to wait.” Discord jumped from his chair, his sulkiness seemed forgotten. “I just travel forward in time! So I’ll appear at your festival afterparty and then you will tell me, how perfect was Friendship Festival opening without any disruptions on my part!” “Oh.” Fluttershy was thinking really hard if there was some catch in Discord’s proposition. After all, while he valued newfound friends, Discord still could do some nasty stuff if felt offended. But she couldn’t come up with any possible problem that such “fast forward” could cause. “So, what do you say?” asked Discord enthusiastically. “If you think, that’s the best way, I don’t mind.” “Ok. See you after the perfect and not interrupted by anybody Friendship Festival!” Discord made a farewell bow, snapped his fingers and disappeared. “Wow. That went easier than I expected.” “So, why?” asked Applejack again. “What?” Applejack's voice pulled Fluttershy from her memories. “Why you say Discord is not around now?” “That’s a long story.” Fluttershy and Twilight quickly replied in unison. Author's Note I actually was thinking. What if instead of traveling forward in time, Discord went back? Found storm creatures' island, made one of them a power-hungry tyrant with his mind-bending magic. So setting in motion the events of the movie. But probably it's just too far. It's like Q creating Borg to harass Picard. However, makes sense for Discord (or Q) to pull such trick just out of grudge. Sabotage instead of just hiding!“Storm guards! They must be looking for you!” cried Captain Celaeno. “Secure the rigging! Lock down the cargo! Everyone, prepare to be boarded!” “If Tempest is with them the fight would be hard,” said Twilight Sparkle, trying to make out who was on the deck of the airship, that approached them. “Tempest Shadow?! Storm King’s second in command?” there was a slight tremble in Celaeno’s voice. “We don’t have a chance against that monster!” babbled Lix Spitter. “He could easily destroy the whole airship in one moment!” “Yeah,” added Mullet. “I’ve heard that this dragon decimated the best squadron of hippogriffs by himself. “Actually, Tempest Shadow is a unicorn pony,” Twilight corrected pirates. “WHAT?!” that was a cry of every pirate, who heard her. “But she is pretty powerful, I grant you that.” “Whatever she is, Mullet is right – for all the time Tempest served Storm King, no one ever escaped her.” said captain Celaeno darkly. “You are part of our crew now and we won’t abandon you. But we can’t hope to win against Storm King’s elite.” Storm guard airship hooted the second time. It was almost in the harpooning range. “Do we really need to fight?” asked Fluttershy. “Yes!” exclaimed Twilight. “I mean, no. I mean we can just hide. It’s a chance.” “Are you sure about that?” asked Celaeno. “I think...” Then was the third hoot from Storm guard ship and next moment a cannon fired. The grappling hook pierced a side of the pirates’ ship and the deck jerked when pursuers began to pull the chain. “There is no time!” cried Twilight and opened the hatch with telekinesis. All ponies and Spike descended to the cargo hold. There was still some distance between the airships, but at that moment three shadows flew across the gap and landed on Celaeno’s deck. Two storm creatures and a pony between them. When Celaeno looked at Tempest Shadow her feathers moved. The broken horn sparked and captain practically felt it’s powerful aura. Also Tempest’s eyes. When Celaeno saw this unicorn’s glare she believed every single rumor about her to be true. Yes, that mare definitely was someone who should be reckoned with. “Ahem! Sorry,” began Celaeno. “Who are you?” “I’m Tempest Shadow. You probably heard of me. Since you work for the Storm King.” “Yes. Yes. We transport his merchandise. And we had actually gone off course. so now are trying to make up lost time.” “And that’s why you didn’t stop?” “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Celaeno tried her most apologetic tone. “Did we trespass some restricted area? We didn’t know. Can we just pretend that nothing like this happened?” “Of cause,” said Tempest in her best-assuring tone. “After we inspect your cargo hold.” “What?” Celaeno tried to express surprise, but she instinctively grasped the hilt of her saber. Storm Guard airship, at last, came along to the port side. A gangway landed on the deck and two more storm creatures came aboard Celaeno’s ship. One of them dragged a cat. Abyssinian to be precise. Capper – Celaeno knew him, though she would prefer not to. He was one of the Klugetown most capable swindlers and once his scheme nearly left her without her ship. “We pursuing six, I mean seven fugitives.” Tempest’s voice returned Celaeno from her unpleasant memories to even more unpleasant present. “Six ponies and a little dragon.” She looked Celaeno straight in the eye. “Have you seen them?” Celaeno gulped. “Or maybe you happen to see some unusual lights about half an hour ago? It was really bright and came from the direction, you’re coming from.” “Yes. Yes. There was something like a rainbow. I was wondering what it was. But I haven’t seen any pony today.” Celaeno took a breath. “Except you, I mean.” “You do realize that if you were to shelter fugitives, the Storm King would be quite... explosive.” Meanwhile, in the cargo hold, six ponies and a dragon were desperately searching for a place to hide. But no place looked safe enough. “Why haven’t you thought that Tempest will search the ship anyway?” asked Applejack while trying to open one of the boxes. “I thought, but I hoped that we find something here. You know, that I’m not that good at improvisation.” “I know, what should we do!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash and looked into the hole that grappling hook made. “What? Wait! It’s too dangerous.” But Rainbow already flew through the hole. Twilight grunted, but there was nothing she could do. “Ok. Everypony, let’s go.” and Twilight flew next. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Spike one by one carefully stepped onto the chain and walked towards Storm Guard ship covered by the gangway. “Please, could you let me out of it!” that was Capper. “It wasn’t my fault that those ponies tricked me. They really told me that they were going to Black Skull Island.” “Well, there is only one way to be sure, they won’t do that again.” “I...” began Celaeno, holding hilt of her saber again. “I hope, you won’t object the orders of your superior.” Tempest’s cold tone was enough to make everyone understand – that was the last warning. “Oh, this is inteeense!” only now Celaeno noticed a small creature standing beside two goons that brought Capper. Suddenly the deck jolted. Then it started to tilt more and more. Everyone looked at Storm Guard ship, as it was going up. “What?!” cried Tempest. She couldn’t see what was happening below the deck of her ship, but she knew that it was six ponies responsible. And she was entirely correct. Ponies traversed the chain without problems but were spotted by guards. There was no way Mane Six could go back and they were forced to fight. They used tight space of the airship as an advantage – storm creatures were too bulky to catch them. Twilight tried her magic, but the result was even more disastrous than in the Canterlot. Magical ricochet damaged ship’s controls and it started to lift up. “Quickly, move this ship up too!” as experienced air-sailor Celaeno was the first to grasp the situation. “Before they turn us over.” But the deck was already half vertical. Tempest jumped to reach her ship, but Celaeno blocked her way. “No, you don’t.” cried the parrot captain, unsheathing her blade. “I knew it! You betrayed Storm King’s trust!” maliciously scolded Tempest. “Ha! Like there was trust to betray! He just made us serve him!” Celaeno tried several slashes, but it was too hard not to miss as they both were sliding on inclined deck. “But now I’ll show you what pirates are capable of!” “Not much, without a ship.” grinned Tempest and concentrated all her magic, making broken horn spark with charges. Next moment she unleashed the literal lightning storm. It destroyed several crates, that hadn’t fallen from the ship already, broke a mast into half and made several holes in the deck. And despite the impression that all the lightnings were striking chaotically, Tempest was perfectly aware what she wanted to hit. One of the lightning burned the ship’s engine and another one was supposed to burn Celaeno herself. Good thing for Celaeno, her saber was magic resistant. She was able to block the charge, but the current was so strong that it ripped the blade from her hand. “Ok, captain. Time to go down with your ship!” now Celaeno was defenseless and Tempest jumped right through her. Next moment the unicorn was already standing on the side of Celaeno’s airship, while parrot captain and her crew were just hanging on the rigging. For a second Tempest thought to finish them right now. But suddenly the grappling hook that was holding two ships together slid from all the stir. Celaeno's ship started to tilt back into normal position and Tempest's vessel was quickly ascending. Now there was simply no time for pirates. Tempest couldn’t allow ponies escape. She jumped and grabbed chain with her teeth. Damn! If her horn was whole she could just TK herself up. But now she had to climb using her hooves and mouth. However, Tempest had used to overcome such difficulties long ago. “Oh, no.” that was Spike. He was hiding in one of the portholes and was the first to see who’s coming on board. “Guys!” he cried. “Tempest is coming here!” Guys were actually quite successful in avoiding capture, partially thanks to all the rocking that made storm creatures dizzy. But Tempest could easily turn the tide. “What do we do now?” asked Applejack, who just made attempt to buck one of the creatures, but with little effect. “Ok. I have a plan!” exclaimed Twilight. “Are you sure?” said Rainbow Dash. “Yes, this time it will work. Trust me. I thought it through. Just come to me everyone.” while saying this Twilight grabbed an empty crate, rope, and a Storm King’s banner and magically moved them to her. “Ok, we all here,” commented Spike, as it took only a couple of seconds for everyone to stand near Twilight. “What no-o-o-ow…” he finished his question already falling. “Sorry, but those ponies escaped,” answered Grubber. “They pulled this crazy trick with falling into the loading hatch. And making a balloon. I saw that with my own eyes.” “And why you didn’t stop them?” Tempest’s voice was so cold and calm that Grubber knew, with the wrong answer he will follow the ponies. Only without a balloon. “I was doing my best. I ran to our ship as soon as all this thing has started! I mean, I knew at once that it was all depending on me! And with my command we almost captured them.” he saw clearly that Tempest is not impressed. “Look, what I’ve snatched before they went down!” Grubber showed her a map. “Mount Aris. Now I see.” “Too bad that our controls were damaged before I got to the ship. If they weren’t we could just catch them even before they would reach this mount.” “Than what are you waiting?! Fix it!!!” Reconnaissance“What do you want from me?” exclaimed Mrs. Cake. Two storm creatures brought her to the kitchen. Their words were indistinguishable for her. Yet, when one creature put some boxes with food ingredients on the table pointed at a plate with remains of some bakery, it all became clear enough. “Ah, you want me to make food for you?” Mrs. Cake than remembered how poorly were treated other ponies outside. Songbird Serenade was even put in a cage. “Can’t you do it yourself? I refuse to feed arm that invaded our capital and turned our princesses to stone!” One of the storm creatures growled and next moment drove a spear into the table right in front of her. Mrs. Cake swallowed. Suddenly there was some cracks and noise outside. One of the creatures ran out. Then there was scream and again some noise. Second storm creature followed the first, leaving Mrs. Cake alone. “Oh dear.” whispered pony. And in the next moment, Starlight Glimmer appeared in front of her in a flash. “Oh, it’s you." Mrs. Cake was a little confused. " Twilight’s friend. I remember you helped Pinkie with baking.” “Starlight,” whispered Starlight Glimmer. “My name is Starlight Glimmer. Trixie will distract those two for a while, but we don’t have much time. What do those things want from you?” “To feed them. I suppose they are very hungry – it was a very long day.” “Of cause. Celestia and Luna are turned into obsidian statues, so there is no one to move the sun.” “Are you going to save us?” “I’m afraid I can’t. If I’ll try to pull you or some pony out the castle that will alarm the creatures. So this is just reconnaissance.” “Reco-what?” “Trixie and I are trying to learn, how many creatures are here, what are they doing and if they have some weakness.” “Oh, I see.” There was a scream in the street. “Oh, that’s Trixie’s signal that time’s up. Don’t worry, we are working on a plan. Tell everypony, you meet that they are not abandoned.” Starlight teleported away just in time. Next moment both creatures returned to the kitchen. One of them growled and shook it’s spear again. “Ok, I’ll see what I can do,” answered Mrs. Cake, pulling some of the ingredients. “And could you find me some help? Unicorn or two? I just need to tell them. How to bake of cause.” Ambush“Ok, they are almost at the spot!” said Starlight Glimmer, while watching in binoculars. “Signal the others.” Sweetie Belle, who was one of the ponies at Starlight’s lookout, pulled the rope with her teeth several times. Empty cans on the other ends of “communication net” rattled. But of cause Starlight, Sweetie Bell and several Royal Guards couldn’t hear it in their camouflaged platform. That was the whole point of this contraption. Otherwise, they could just use magic blasts, but they would definitely be seen from the airship. And that wouldn’t do. They needed that airship come to them unalarmed. “Oh, I can’t wait!” Scootaloo was trotting in place. She was in another spot and was excited to hear the rattle signal. “Now we will get them at last!” “Wait!” answered Spitfire. "We should wait for a third rattle, remember? We can’t risk to scare them off." She was in charge of pegasi part of the ambush. Luckily the whole Wonderbalts team evaded capture, but Spitfire herself felt ashamed that they couldn’t do anything about princesses’ capture. “Oh, yes. I remember,” replied Scoo, trying to calm herself down. “Nuts! At last, we are actually doing something. After all this waiting!” “I think, that we are lucky, that those gray creatures stayed in Canterlot and haven’t come here. They captured all the princesses, remember?” “But it was some spell! And we were not prepared.” “Yes. And that’s why it’s good that we had time to prepare ourselves and assemble Royal Guard. Now we need to infiltrate the castle and save the princesses.” Now, there was a rattle again. “Now, ready!” Spitfire turned to several Royal Guard stallions. “Remember, Starlight and Trixie will just damage the ship so it has to land. We have to deal with the creatures, but the ship should remain intact.” She looked into the sky, where an airship was flying towards Canterlot from the south. It was following the same route as others airships, so in a few seconds, it already was exactly above Trixie’s spot. There was a third rattle of “communication system” and a moment later several large firecrackers were in the sky. It was Trixie’s idea – to damage the ship, using rockets, since most of Storm King’s equipment was magic-proof. They had only one shot at this, so the risk that magic would be deflected by ship’s armor was not an option. One of the firecrackers exploded right near the engine completely destroying propeller. The airship tumbled to the left and started to lose altitude. It was going directly to the third spot, where the main regimen of Royal Guard was waiting for them. “Excellent. Now go!” exclaimed Spitfire. Wonderbolts launched themselves into the air. They circled the airship just as it was low enough to crash into trees. Royal Guards were rushing to it too. Starlight was also on her way. She held two makeshift spears with her telekinesis. The moment airship touched the ground, it’s hatch opened. Everypony was ready for battle with the gray creatures. Now they were prepared for anything and ready to kick some gray hide. “STOP!!!” cried blue pegasus, who flew from airship’s hatch. “Rainbow Dash?!” exclaimed Starlight, stuck in astonishment. “What the hay are you doing here?” that was Applejack, who also appeared from airship’s hatch. “Ambushing one of the Storm King’s airship, so we could use it to infiltrate Canterlot and save princesses,” answered Starlight. “What are you doing?” “Actually the same thing, darling.” Rarity went out the airship with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. “We, well… borrowed one airship, that was passing by near Mount Aris.” “How?” “We had a little help,” answered Rainbow Dash. “Let me introduce you.” From the darkness of the hatch appeared an Abyssinian. Just like in the “Races beyond Equestria” that Starlight read once – he was tall and walked on two legs like minotaurs, but his appearance was catlike. “This is Capper.” “Greetings to everyone.” he made a large bow. After Capper went to the ground, another creature flew through the hatch. She was half-pony, half-griffin. In her claws, she was holding two large buckets. “Hi, everyone! Where is the nearest river? Oh, never mind.” and she flew into the sky. “This was Skystar, princess of the hippogriffs,” explained Rarity. “Though she doesn’t shun any hard work. And she is a great help helping Rainbow to intercept this airship.” The last, who came out of the airship was a bird. Parrot, only she was also tall and walked the same way as Abyssinian. “And Captain Celaeno,” Rainbow Dash introduced her new best buddy. “Coolest pirate… I mean treasure hunter in the skies South of Equestria.” “Hi. I’m afraid, my crew is busy now, putting out the fire, you made.” said captain. “After all that I’ve seen, I’m even surprised that Storm King was able to capture your city.” “We were caught by surprise,” answered Trixie, who was dying to have a word. “Too bad that we damaged your ship. Now we will lose time, making repairs,” said Starlight. “I’m afraid, time is what we don’t have.” Applejack’s tone became serious. “Twilight was captured. We don’t exactly know what Tempest needed her for, but she should already be in the castle by now.” “But how we pass into the Canterlot without a skyship?” now Spitfire was also concerned, pretty much like everypony else. “What if we just bake a cake and say that Storm King ordered it for a party?” asked Pinkie Pie as usually out of a blue. “Pinkie!” exclaimed Applejack. “Actually this might work,” said Trixie. “Starlight and I peeked into the castle.” She saw a surprised look of Mane Five. “Ha! With my help, she was able to sneak all around the Canterlot unnoticed.” “And I agree with Trixie,” continued Starlight. “Storm King’s army waits for provisions. It would be suspicious if ponies would bring it, of course. But if that would be someone not from around here.” “Good plan.” replied Celaeno. “But wouldn’t it take a lot of time to bake the cake?” “Oh, don’t you worry,” answered Pinkie. “With my skills it’ll be ready in a blink of an eye.” Teleportation out of the South ForestAuthor's Note Based on the artwork from "The Art of My Little Pony: The Movie" and the fact that events of the Movie take place after Season 7. Teleportation out of the South Forest Six ponies and a dragon walked through the forest. Trees around were really gigantic. In fact, the road they were on was not a road, but a huge vine. Ponies could even hardly see the ground in the darkness and vapors below. “Where does this creepy place end?” asked Rarity no one in particular. “By the looks of it, this forest extends for days of traversing. We already spent hours on the road and I’m already exhausted.” “We are walking through these woods less than half an hour.” corrected her Twilight. “And before that, we made through the most of Equestria by train,” added Applejack. “By the way, haven’t you called this forest “A wonder of charm and beauty”?” “Yes, all this exotic flora and giant mushrooms create a truly marvelous landscape. And those luminous things are very charming,” answered Rarity. “But that giant centipede that we had only just drove off was neither cute nor friendly.” “I think that we just crossed its territory or something,” replied Twilight. “By all accounts, centipedes are not eating ponies.” “Yeah, unless they are bigger than a cart.” gave a voice Rainbow Dash. “I probably fly up now and look around.” And without even waiting for a reply she soared upwards. “I’m still not used to so many animals I’m unable to connect with,” said Fluttershy as a giant dragonfly flew by. “But at least your stare worked on that centipede,” answered Pinkie and continued to look around. A hollow in the tree looked promising. “Hey, guys!” it was Rainbow Dash, who already returned from the top of the forest. “I couldn’t see the south border of the forest, but there are some glowing and sparks not far from here. That way.” She pointed with her hoof in a south-west direction. “Maybe we could investigate.” “Yes, what if somepony uses magic there, they could help us.” agreed Rarity. “Or at least give some directions. And it wouldn’t hurt to make a slight detour.” After another half-hour, they were at the spot. There was indeed a pulsating glow that was even more bright and coming from below. With caution, ponies proceeded. When they descended enough, rocks appeared out of the vapors. And those were not natural rocks. They were some kind of obelisks, rising from the borders of a circle. And the glow was coming from the middle of it. “What do you think it is?” asked Applejack. “Obviously it’s some magical structure,” answered Twilight. “But I’ve never heard or read about something built here. In fact, the only pony, who was in these parts was Star Swirl the Bearded. But he never mentioned something like this.” Meanwhile, ponies went all the way down to the surface. It was practically no ground down there, only water and just a few tussocks that none of them would consider trustworthy. Luckily there was a stone platform between the obelisks and a branch they were going along was passing near enough to jump there. “Hey, look!” exclaimed Rainbow Dasy, who already flew through the circle and found a pile of crates and sacks. “It’s a message here. “Property of South Forest Expedition. For any information contact Star Swirl the Bearded.” Looks like he was indeed exploring these parts.” “Yeah. Too bad there is no way to call him and ask,” said Applejack just before she jumped from the branch to the stone platform. “Or maybe there is,” exclaimed Twilight. “Because this is megascope.” She pointed at an intricate construct of metal strings with a large gem in the middle. And that gem was exactly the source of the glowing they saw. And it gave all it’s light up, like some sort of beacon. “And what is this megascope do?” “Exactly that. It allows to communicate through magic over great distances,” answered Twilight, who already started to check the contraption. “It requires a lot of energy and controlling the projection is not an easy fit. But I think I could manage this.” She touched the megascope and suddenly an image appeared just among the metal ribs of the device. To everypony surprise, it was Princess Celestia. “Hello? Star Swirl, are you there? I know that you said something about undertaking that you and other Pillars have to do in private, but it’s ten days since Luna and I heard of you. We are starting to worry. I don’t know if you went to your research site in South Forest or somewhere else. Anyway if you get this message, please tell us if you are all right or need any help.” The image vanished and the glowing of the megascope stopped. “Ok,” said Rarity breaking the silence. “Apparently we just stumbled upon Star Swirl’s video mail.” “Yeah,” added Rainbow Dash. “Like thousand years old mail. But can we contact him now? By the way, since he has returned from Limbo with all the Pillars folk they could definitely help us to fight the Storm King.” Twilight was walking around the megascope waving her horn. “I’m trying, but the description in the book was a bit sketchy. I can’t find how to establish a direct connection. Oh, wait!” An image appeared again. This time however it was rather hazy. “And a jar of pickles please.” a voice was coming from the device. “What a? A-A-A!” Everypony jumped on hearing that scream. “Hey!” that was the voice again. “Is it… Is someone messing with my megascope?” “Mister Star Swirl. It’s us! Twilight Sparkle. And my friends.” “Wait a second.” a voice muffled, then the image of Star Swirl the Bearded became clear. “What are you doing with my megascope?” “We had to flee Canterlot,” said Pinkie Pie. “After an army of Storm King’s creatures attacked us and Tempest Shadow turned all princesses except Twilight into obsidian statues. But before that Celestia said that we should search for Queen of Hyppos in the lands south of Equestria.” Star Swirl the Bearded stood with his jaw dropped for a few second. “I think that we need someplace private,” he said and his image went out of focus. “Private?” asked Rainbow Dash looking around. “I was at the grocery when you’ve contacted me,” explained Starswirl and his image returned to normal. “Ok, now I’ve teleported to my room. So, you were saying that Canterlot had been captured?” “Yes. And we are going to the lands south of Equestria to find that Queen, Celestia mentioned,” explained Twilight. “Can you help us find some means of transportation?” “And meanwhile,” added Ranibow Dash. “You could assemble Pillars so they can help us fight Storm King’s army.” “Of course,” answered Star Swirl. “But it will take time. I mean gathering the Pillars. We went to different ends of Equestria. You know, being trapped in Limbo for millennium we have a lot of catching up to do.” “And what about going through this forest?” suddenly Twilight became very concerned. “Now, that I think about it, those Storm King’s creatures heard what Celestia said. They could already organize pursuit party. Can you think of something that will allow us to travel fast.” “I don’t know. Being here, I just can’t give you anything. Even if I had built some contraption...” Star Swirl lapsed into silence. “Wait! You can use the megascope!” “How? It’s just a communication device.” “Well, it still used to connect two points over distance. And I actually made a spell that would allow it to transport physical objects.” “That’s great!” “Only I never tested it. It could be dangerous.” “Oh, I’m sure that spell, made by you is reliable enough,” being excited Twilight completely forgot the circumstances of her becoming a princess. “And with those Storm King’s creatures on our tail, we have to take the risk.” After half an hour of tweaking and scribbling (Star Swirl was unable to recall some details, so Twilight had to “fill the blanks”) the megascope was tuned for transportation. “If I remember the map of Equestria correctly we should land near the border of the Cloud Sea,” explained Twilight. “There a lot of trade routes there and we should easily find someone who at least heard about any Queen who lives in those parts.” “We are ready!” cried Rainbow Dash, who was standing in the magic circle as all other ponies. “Energizing!” announced Twilight and magical light embraced her and her friends. There were two seconds of dizziness and suddenly all of them were in the air. “A-A-A! Uhm!” luckily they were only a few meters above the ground and sand dune soften the fall. “Sorry, I think I miscalculated adjustment to altitude,” said Twilight. “Well, better to appear above the ground than below.” replied Applejack. “Where are we anyway?” “I think it’s the desert near the Cloud Sea. We just need to go south. I’m sure that it’s no more than half hour walk.” How It Should Have EndedAuthor's Note Unlike previous scenes that were to explain or refine the story of My Little Pony: The Movie (and add some neat action sequences), this is more like a set of wild random ideas. They offer completely wild turn of events and I’m not sure if I would like to see them in the movie. Still “Deleted Scenes” would feel incomplete without those HISHE scenarios. How It Should Have Ended “Ooh! I bet those are the clowns I ordered!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. The airship that emerged from black cloud seconds later was indeed pinkish and cheerfully painted. It stopped just at the Canterlot central plaza bounds and descended. Then it’s hatch opened and gangway was automatically brought down. “Those clowns should drive more carefully,” grumbled Twilight. “They nearly crushed decor towers.” And then everypony was stiffened in astonishment as from the hatch strange gray creatures began to jump out. Upon landing they formed two lines, standing in some strange poses. And that was quite amusing since they were not dressed in ordinary clown outfits but in some weird colored armor and tiki masks. “Yes!” cried Pinkie “Definitely clowns, that I ordered.” Suddenly there was a loud horn sound. “Ponieth of Equethtria,” started a voice, definitely enhanced by magical loudspeaker. “We come on behalf of the fear… I mean friendship and stuff to make your festival truly unforgettable!” The gray creatures in colorful outfits began to dance very strange dance. Though it was funny and resembled walk-like-Egyptian-pony, the creatures didn’t move in unison. Or maybe they just failed to do so. “Now, put your hooveth together for Amathing and Magical Teeempesht!” with the last word a shadow burst through the hatch and flew almost to the center of the plaza. When she landed, everypony saw that Tempest was definitely a pony. However she was wearing an overall, that was painted in a same strange manner as creatures costumes. And her head was covered by a unicorn mask. But she obviously was a real unicorn. Otherwise, she just couldn’t make a lightning that flew into the sky and exploded like the most awesome fireworks. Then Tempest made several backflips and as if she was a stage magician pulled four green balls out of nowhere and started juggling them. “Wo-o-ow!” sighed everypony with amazement, when amazing acrobat made another lightning-fireworks without interrupting her juggling. “Yes, it is pretty cool,” said Rainbow Dash with a slight hint of jealousy in her voice. “It’s almost as good as my Sonic Rain...” Before Dash finished the word, suddenly all four green balls Tempest was juggling flew about the plaza. Two of them landed at the hooves of three princesses. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were standing together, like everypony else bewildered with Tempest’s show. And before they were even able to understand what was happening, obsidian crystals grew from the green balls, encasing them. Another green ball stroked directly in Twilight’s muzzle. Even without magic that hit would probably knock her out. But instead, Princess of Friendship was standing as a dark statue. “Now!” cried, Tempest. “Get them all!” Creatures stopped dancing and rushed to attack. In a few minutes, everything was over. Most ponies were captured, a few escaped. But with all four princesses in her possession Tempest wouldn’t have to worry even if they would form some force to counterattack or call upon Equestrian allies. In less than a day everything will be over. “Thee? My plan worked.” proudly said Grubber. “Oh,” Tempest removed her mask and put a hoof to her face. “I don’t know what is more unbelievable – that we had actually pulled that off or that you had convinced me to become a laughing-stock in the first place!” “Yeah, we had thome flaws. Thtorm throopers dancing was off beath.” “And those paintings on their armor looked completely weird.” “Oh, but I liked thothe. Anyway, you capthured all four printhesses in few seconds! Imagine if you arriveth in full force, as you wanthed to? Whath if they were able to puth of a fight? Whath if one of the printhsses escaped and we had to chase her beyond the borthers of Equethtria?” “Ok, fine! Maybe putting on that ridiculous show was worth it.” “So, now we jus call Storm King? And he would get his Sthuff of Sacona powered up and restore your horn.” “Open up your eyes Grubber! He will turn on me the moment he would get that magical power. No. I will take the Stuff from him, get magic myself and then force him to restore my horn.” “Yeah, that would probably be smarter sthrathegy,” agreed Grubber. Mane Six was standing before Dragon Lord’s Throne. Princess Ember was looking at them with a smirk. She really enjoyed it. Probably too much for someone, who was supposed to be a friend. “So, you want me to free Equestria from that Storm King’s army?” she asked at last. “Well, we are allies after all.” answered Twilight. “Listen, Ember,” said Spike. “For dragons, it’s not a big deal to defeat some big hairy goons. With fire and everything. Also, you won’t be alone. We want to call for Thorax with his changelings and maybe yaks.” “No.” Ember interrupted him. “What?” exclaimed all ponies and dragon in unison. “As you’ve said, for dragons it would be a piece of cake to defeat those creatures. So if we do it, we will do it without any help.” “Are you sure?” asked Twilight. “Yes. After all, you came to us first. Isn’t that because you are so confident in dragon abilities yourselves? Neither changelings nor yaks would rival our fighting skills.” “Well, yes.” “But of course we won’t do it for free.” “Ok,” For saving our princesses we are ready to pay any price,” replied Twilight Sparkle. And that’s how Storm King’s army was defeated and for next seven years, all gems mined in Equestria were bound to go to the dragons. Twilight felt that they need to leave Capper’s apartment as soon as possible. She opened the door. And suddenly backed from it. Just at the doorstep was standing a short green-skinned guy. He was in a very rich-looking suit and his hat concealed part of his face, making him look mysterious and attractive. “Here's Anno!” exclaimed the guy with a laugh. And despite his all attractive appearance that laugh made Twilight to shiver. And how he looked at her... “These ponies better shoot rainbow lasers out their eyes if they're gonna settle your debt!” said the guy to Capper. “But they will be a fine addition to my collection anyway. Let's load 'em up!” All six ponies gasped. “You were... You were going to sell us?” exclaimed Rarity. “I knew it!” cried Twilight angrily. “We gotta get outta here!” She was trying to decide if they better go for a door through Capper’s weird business partner or for the window when she saw Tempest Shadow. With an escort of two Strom King’s creatures, she came to the doorway. “He-h. Silly little ponies.” “Tempest!” “Trusting strangers? Big mistake. Big...” “Huge!” butted in Grubber, who was also following Tempest. “Hoo-hoo! My goodness! Well, look at you! With your scary broken horn and scowly eyes.” Anno turned to Tempest and petted her cheeks. “You are soo edgy. Want to be my waifu?” “What now?!” Tempest stood in stupor totally forgetting to zap this insolent weirdo and chase her prey. “I bet you do shoot lightnings out of your eyes. Or horn.” the greenish guy continued to pet Tempest and looked straight into her eyes. However attractive this greenish guy was, his manners were really annoying. She began to power her horn again. And at that moment Twilight, who was the last pony climbing out of the window, knew what she has to do. The chance of success was minuscule, but she had to try. Any direct attack spell would be repelled by Tempest’s armor, but that Anno guy wasn’t protected. There were mere seconds in Twilight disposal and she called to all her mental training to recreate that spell, she had cast on her Smarty Pants doll making it irresistible. And she made it just in time. “You soo way better than ordinary ponies.” continued Anno, oblivious to the Twilight’s spell cast on him. And his words, combined with affection spell broke Tempest’s concentration, so energy discharge from her horn instead of frying Anno went all over the place just slightly hurting him. “I know. I already captured three alicorn princesses. I’m the second-in-command in Storm King’s army.” and despite her anger Tempest was compelled by the spell to appeal that stranger. “What can you offer me?” “Just all this town and it’s trade. Marry me!” “Wow!” said Gruber “Thorm King couldn’th thrump thath offer.” “So you just saw me for the first time and already like me so much that you offer to spend the rest of our life together?” “Yes *cough*,” Anno’s clothes smoked a little after discharge. “It was love at the first sight.” “Ok. I will be your waifu then.” And they lived happily ever after. Even overthrew Storm King, but that’s entirely another story. Ponies and hippogriffs together were ascending to the surface. “Ya know... one small thing...” princess Skystar lightly shoved Pinkie Pie who was swimming beside her and whispered. “Can make a really big difference!” “Yeah! Imagine that,” and Pinkie, in turn, shoved Twilight. “If I left you alone in the throne room, you could make some really stupid thing, like trying to steal that Pearl.” “How could you…” Twilight stopped short, because she was going to say “possibly know”, but it was definitely what she won’t say in Queen Novo’s presence. “How could you think that!” Before Pinkie could answer they came out on the surface of the ocean. “Ok, everyone. Transform and fly out!” said Queen Novo and raised the Pearl. It’s magical aura embraced six ponies, their dragon and hippogriff elite guard that Novo took with them to the surface. And all of them transformed from sea creatures into their true forms. Within a few moments, pegasi and hippogriffs were in the air. Novo’s guards also took three ponies and Spike, who were unable to fly, out of the water. Spreading their wings a small army began it’s flight to Canterlot. To save Celestia, Luna, and Cadence – three princesses turned into obsidian statues. With the power of the Pearl Twilight was sure they could turn them back to normal and if the huge gray creatures would stand in their way, Novo would use transformation powers to turn them into something harmless. However, Twilight and Novo plan never came to fruition. Just then their majestic squadron reached the shore a lightning struck. And not from the sky but from the ground. It hit straight into Queen of the Hippogriffs. Numb from the shock Novo dropped the Pearl out of her newly remade claws. And at that moment she saw three airships in the sky. They were coming out of the clouds fast. It was a trap and Twilight with her new allies came right into it. Rainbow Dash was the first to come to her senses. She swooped down to catch the Pearl, but several flashes of lightning stroke in her direction. Pegasus barely dodged them and then saw Tempest Shadow. It was her who made shots with her unstable magical horn. And before Dash could make another swoop the Pearl reached the ground where Storm Creatures caught it with a safety net. Tempest’s plan worked perfectly. Moments later she was with the creatures and the Pearl was in her hooves. “Everyone! Hold right there.” she cried through Grubber’s megaphone. “Or I will use Pearl’s power to transform you all into something that can not fly!” “How she could learn Pearl’s magic?” asked Twilight. “I don’t know,” answered Princes Skystar. And as if Tempest have heard the question, she cried. “Just in case if you think that I'm bluffing and don’t know how to use the Pearl properly.” she made a dramatic pause. “I don’t. But if my spell goes wrong it wouldn’t be my problem. Now! Descend.” “I told you that we risk too much,” said Queen Novo when hyppogriffs and ponies were just above the ground. “I told you that if we go out of hiding, the Pearl could fall into the Storm King’s clutches. But no-o-one listened. Pf! I’m merely a queen after all.” “Cut the chatter,” said Tempest angrily. “I only need the princess. And with this pearl, I can restore my horn myself. I don’t need the Storm King anymore.” “And then I used the magical Pearl to infuse Stuff of Sacanas into my horn,” explained pony with an elegant crystal nested in her forehead. “With it, I not only got my magic stabilized, but also received powers from all four princesses. And became sole ruler of Equestria after disposing of the Storm King.” She slightly turned her head to show both ponies who were sitting at the cafe table the item of her pride. And then sipped cocktail through her straw. “Epic story indeed,” said regally looking colt on her right who was wearing a white cape and a crown resembling M letter. “Though your last feat with taking on the whole squad of hyppogriffs made you seem a bit overpowered.” Coffee in colts mug got cool so he heated it up with his heat-glance. “Why? It’s not that I pulled all that energy out of the blue. I waited for hours for those ponies.” “I think Maximus missed the point here,” said mare on the left, who was wearing a purplish-dark costume with a cape and wide-brimmed hat. “After you got your horn and everything, you basically usurped the throne from the righteous rulers. This effectively makes you a villain. Why had you come to a cafe for superheroes?” “Listen. The world is not just black and white.” answered crystal horn mare. “Yes, I became ruler by force, but then I made many positive reforms, changes for the better.” “Such as?” “For starters, I improved Equestria defenses. I increased numbers of Wonderbolt. They now have a Strike Force and Patrol Division to watch over the borders. Each major city now has a garrison of troops. And I personally trained the Royal Guard – now their fighting skills are much higher.” “So you made Equestria militaristic superpower?” “Of course. We ponies need to protect ourselves.” leader of Equestria stomped her hoof on the table. “Success of my attack on Canterlot is the hardest proof of all. But with enough ponies not only able but also prepared to fight there is no chance that someone pulls off such assault on Equestria ever again.” “And what about diplomacy? Old Equestria always relied on the power of friendship and you can say all you want, that made it rather far.” “You mean their so-called allies?” smirked crystal-horned pony. “The dragons by the way only had more respect for us after seeing new military might. And those weakling changelings agreed to deal with us anyway. And did I mentioned that with the help of Star Swirl the Bearded I also redirected a lot of resources to studies of magic? Not only it made our magical defense impenetrable, but in thirty years we made more progress in other areas than in a thousand years!” “Wait. Star Swirl the Bearded as the head of Pillars? He was OK with you on the throne?” “Of course. After I explained to him that my goal is solely the good and prosperity of Equestria, he agreed to help me. In fact, it was he, who devised a spell to fuse crystal into my horn. Carrying that stuff was really inconvenient.” “Or maybe he didn’t have much choice? You had the power of all alicorns at your command.” “Listen. I made Equestria the most powerful and prosperous land in history! Due to my reforms, we had thirty years of peace and progress. I’m now practically goddess with my powers tied to Tree of Harmony able to travel between dimensions.” “But why come to our dimension then?” asked Mare Do Well. “Yes,” added Maximus. “Since your power is tied to Tree of Harmony in your world, here you are no more powerful than an ordinary unicorn.” “Even as an ordinary unicorn I could kick your butt!” chucked mare. “Doubt it,” answered Maximus. “Even Power Ponies in their prime had though time with me.” “Power Ponies?” Queen of New Equestria looked surprised. “Weren’t they a team of heroes in your world?” “Yes. And back then I was a villain,” answered Maximus. “But I was reformed since then.” “Let me guess,” buttered in Mare Do Well. “In your world villains don't reform. And Pillars of Equestria can’t manage with maintaining your “peace and progress” so you decided to get some heroes to fight those who undermine your regime. He-he. So much for your Utopia, Queen Berrytwist!” “No. I’ve said, everyone is fine with me! Even that Glim… whatever, who was a pupil of Princess of Friendship came to terms with my rule. Everyone is happy!” “I suppose everyone, except you?” a pony in his forties came to the table. “What?” exclaimed Berrytwist. “Who are you? Were you eavesdropping?” “My name is Hummdrumm.” answered colt. “ Or at least used to be. I was Power Ponies’ sidekick back in the day. And now I’m retired. Built this cafe for superheroes.” “Nice career choice,” replied Berrytwist, still looking at the colt with suspicion. “Yes. And I also happen to understand a lot about friendship problems,” said Hummdrumm. “Let me guess. With all your success there was no one in your kingdom you could share it.” “It’s...” Berrytwist fell silent. “The one who rules is always alone. But I do so much good. That’s most important.” “Do you believe that? From your story, it sounds like others abandoned you, and that’s why you wanted to restore your horn so badly.” Hummdrumm sat at the table with Berrytwist, Maximus and Mare Do Well. “You wanted others to accept you, but now you are as lonely as before getting your horn.” “Ha! Nice speech,” Berrytwist made a bit forced laugh. “Where had you learn all that? From filly stories?” “Something like that. There was a movie that I watched as a filly. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was somehow connected to events in your world. Just like comics in your world connected to ours.” Hummdrumm scratched his head with a hoof. “Let me remember. It was a pony, who became a benevolent but ruthless Queen. She made her land prosper, but still many of her subjects were unhappy. In the end, while she was distracted, some other pony, who knew time travel spell went back in time and changed the past.” “Ha-ha-ha! That’s ridiculous!” laughed Berrytwist. “There is no such thing as time travel. Star Swirl and Starlight Glimmer would have told me.” “Would they?” Now a shade of worry fell on Berrytwist’s face. Her crystal horn made a spark and small portal, a window to her home dimension opened. She hastily looked into it. For about a minute she was motionless. Then closed the “window” and turned to her company. “So it appears that I stuck here.” she sipped her cocktail trying to hide her distress and almost succeeded. “If I understand correctly, returning to my home dimension with changed timeline will erase me. Well, at least this me.” Four ponies were sitting still for about a minute. Only a Mare Do Well took an apple and sucked it dry. “I am a batpony!” answered she to others weird glances. At last Berrytwist shook her mane. “So. Are you hiring new superponies to fight crime? Or I can work in this cafe for a while.” You can't reason with Storm King“Bidding's good. I like bidding!” said the Storm King and only then noticed a purple alicorn in the cage. “Um, what are you supposed to be? “I'm the Princess of Friendship!” answered Twilight Sparkle “Oh. That's nice.” Storm King turned to Tempest. “Why is this one still moving?” “She and her friends put up a bit of a fight, but she's alone now. She won't be a problem.” “Please,” called Twilight. “Can we just talk things out?” “What?” Storm King turned back to his prisoner. “I just want to ask you, why do you need our magic?” Twilight tried her best to keep Storm King’s attention. “Maybe we could just help you to do what you want.” “What I want? Ha-ha! I want to HAVE your magic. So I wouldn’t need TO ASK anyone for anything. Get it?” “But it would be so much better to have someone whom you can rely on. Sometimes magic can’t help you, but friends can.” “Aww. That’s so cute,” answered Storm King in a sweet voice, then shouted angrily. “OnlyI don't like cute! Doesn't really go with my whole "big bad powerful magic guy" thing, does it?! Deliver the punchline, Tempest, because this has gotta be a joke!" Author's Note Personally, I just think that it's against MLP:FiM spirit for Twilight not even try to talk to Storm King. With failing to convince him, or course. But still revealing a sliver of his motives in the process. Starlight and Trixie on the run“Trixie! Stop!” cried Starlight Glimmer, but her unicorn friend, it seemed, didn’t listen. Starlight had to stop her by telekinesis. “Starlight!” “Trixie, we ran from Canterlot far enough.” “And are you sure, those big gray whatever don’t chase us?” “Sure!” replied Starlight angrily. They were in the middle of a meadow and beyond it, there were just rather low hills. Anyone, who would take time to look back would see that there is no pursuit. In fact, if Trixie would take time to think, she should have been more worried about them being in the open and spotted by one of the airships. “Ok then.” Trixie stopped to catch her breath. Starlight was nervous. What if they indeed spotted? She noticed a large tree on the top of the hill ahead. That’ll do. She concentrated and teleported Trixie and herself under that tree. “Good thinking Starlight,” exclaimed Trixie in approval, as if it wasn’s Starlight, who actually teleported them from Canterlot plaza into the bushes below the walls of the castle. “We still have a bit to go, before we reach Poniville.” “Poniville? Why should we go there? Do you think that Twilight and her sidekicks run to their castle?” “I don’t know. But at least we can warn Royal Guard.?” “Guards? What would they do there?” “Trixie! Have you paid any attention?” Starlight had too many things on her mind to suppress annoyance. “Twilight didn’t want Royal Guards to make ponies at the festival feel troubled. So she sent them away. To Ponyville.” “Yes. Of cause I knew that. But shouldn’t we try to reach, I don’t know, some more powerful allies? Like dragons. Or changelings?” “Do you remember what happened when we visited Thorax and forced to fight the Maulwofth?” “Yes. You probably right, with their current training swarm wouldn’t be much of a help. But what about dragons? You told me, their ruler Ember was quite fond of our land.” “I still not sure if she would help us. And if she would, she probably will ask something in return. It’s not in a dragon custom to do something out of generosity.” “Too bad. I hope Twilight is ok. I saw her fall into the waterfall, but for the pony like her with magic and everything it’s nothing. Right?” “Yes. Yes. I think she already devised some plan to save us. She always knows what she is doing.”
One awesome song is not enough“Hey, scallywags, it's time to be awesome!” cried Captain Celaeno, as Rainbow Dash and the rest were finishing their song. “Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!” voices of parrot crew and ponies were sounding in unison. Rainbow Dash was proud of herself. She not only helped cool pirates… that is swashbuckling treasure hunters crew to remember, who they are, but also made new friends. New allies, who could help ponies on their quest. “Now, set the course on the Skull Island!” commanded Celaeno. “What?!” stumbled Dash, who was already going to celebrate new buddies with a sonic rainboom. “Aren’t you going to help us reach mount Aris?” “Why? We are not delivery service anymore. We are pirate crew again! And we have a lot of treasure hunting catch up to do. Smuggler cove at Skull Island is the best place to start. Sure they would have some maps and rumors about promising places.” explained Celaeno. “Also we have to get rid of Storm King’s merchandise, preferably for a hefty price.” “But… But we helped you to remember your way. Returned your awesomeness! What about gratitude?” “You only did that so we won’t toss you overboard.” Celaeno pushed the leaver and airship started to descend to catch a better wind. “Calm down Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight gloomy. “This is not Equestria and apparently just one song is not enough to get things right.” “I refuse to believe that!” Rainbow was never good at quitting. “It’s all sailors’ tradition to stick together. And we all are against the Storm King. If you don’t help us, you’ll regret it for the rest of your lives.” “Don’t push you luck, pony!” Celaeno angrily glared right into eyes of Dash, who was hovering right beside her. “I’m still deciding if you’re worthy of my crew or we should just sell you.” “What? Again?” “Rainbow!” hissed Twilight, but pegasus wouldn’t listen. “You shouldn’t underestimate us.” in one swoop Rainbow Dash circled Celaeno and got hold of the stirring wheel. “Bet, we could be more awesome and more daring crew than you ever be!” “That’s it! I’m gonna teach you a lesson.” before Dash could even blink a saber was already in Celaeno’s hand. “Stop this instant!” cried Twilight and sent a spell to paralyze Celaeno and Dash. However, Celaeno instantly turned around and literally slashed magic charge in half. “You know, there was one perk in working with Storm King’s merchandise. We got ourselves some magic-proof weaponry.” Before ponies realized they found themselves surrounded. Except for Rainbow Dash, who shot upwards. “Not so daring now?” laughed Celaeno. “Flee away, little pony!” But Rainbow Dash wasn’t fleeing. She flew around the ship, gaining speed. And just at the moment when pirates saw her again, she passed the sound barrier, creating her sonic rainboom. “What is that?” Celaeno and her crew were bewildered by the sight. And before Celaeno realized a speeding pegasus rushed to her and snatched captain’s saber with her teeth. “Not bad,” admitted Celaeno staring at her empty hand. “Ah knof” answered Dash. “But if you want to impress me, you need to be more, then one trick pony.” Celaeno dashed towards a pile of crates. Rainbow Dash threw herself at her, but parrot captain ducked and pony missed. When Rainbow Dash turned herself around, Celaeno was already holding a crowbar. “I don’t need a real blade to teach a lesson to the likes of you!” she explained. “Now, little pony show what you’ve got!” Celaeno lunged and two weapons clashed several times. “I admit, you are pretty good,” said Celaeno after her every strike was parried. “Let’s see, how...” before Celaeno finished there was a loud crack and the airship tilted. “We descended too low!” one of the pirates, Mullet, was the first who got, what was happening. Airship skimmed treetops with a lot of jolting. Making use of the distraction five surrounded ponies broke out the pirate’s circle. Learning from past mistake Twilight didn’t try magic on them, but instead made the deck covered with ice. “Level the ship. Now!” cried Celaeno. However pirates were too far from airship controls. And they couldn’t move quickly enough on the jolting ice. Another hard jolt sent Celaeno herself on all four. Rainbow Dash didn’t waste the time – she flew to the altitude control lever and pulled it, putting blade aside. Turned out that the lever was rather tight and it took Dash several seconds, before it moved and the ship started to ascend. When Rainbow Dash finished, she turned to see how Celaeno was doing. Captain was standing right beside pegasus with her saber reclaimed. Dash couldn’t even say a word. “Ok. I admit it. You are more capable, than you look.” Celaeno sheathed her saber. “And I’m grateful that you saved my ship.” “Well, I was actually saving my friends. It just happens that we were on the same ship.” while Rainbow Dash was saying this, Twilight pressed her hoof to her face. “So, you probably shouldn’t be thankful for that.” “I know. But as you’ve said, we are on the same ship. And we should help each other. Otherwise, we end up under the Storm King again.” “So, are you going to help us reach Mount Aris?” “Yes.” “See, Twilight? A song, a sword-fight and a sonic rainboom were enough after all.” “I wish you would do everything without sonic rainboom.” “Why?”
Don’t need chaos at the festival?Six ponies were trotting through the forest. “Hey, Fluttershy!” “Yes, Applejack?” “It just came to me. We could ask Discord to help us travel to those Hippos Queen. Could you call him or something?” “I’m afraid, I can’t. And anyway, he is not around now.” “Why?” It was morning. This time Fluttershy’s tea party with Discord has got really long. “Celestia is rising the sun, already?” wondered Discord. “I can’t believe that the whole night has passed!” “I guess, we were carried away discussing the Friendship Festival,” answered Fluttershy and yawned. “So, I probably should get going. After all, you also take part in preparations. A bird chorus and everything. It would be no good if you were distracted for the lack of sleep. But I promise, to come and cheer you up. After all, it’s a festival for all the ponies in Equestria. I would like to show them some of my new routines.” Discord snapped his fingers and in the center of the room appeared four Discords, dancing Swan Lake ballet. “E-e-eh… That’s not it.” he snapped fingers again and now there was a cannon, which one Discord was loading with another Discord. When Discord #3 was sitting in the cannon, Discord #2 pulled a helmet from behind his back. “Safety first.” he reminded to Discord #3 and tried to put a helmet on him, but couldn’t do it, because of horns. “Um. Discord ” called Fluttershy the original draconequus. “What, my dear?” Discord was watching his two copies, curious what solution they come up with. “I completely forgot, that Twilight wanted to ask you something.” Discord cannon-loader, at last, had an idea. He just made two holes in the helmet for horns and put in on the head of Discord cannon-ball. “So?” asked the Discord in the chair. “I mean, she wanted me, to ask you.” “Ok, I’m listening.” answered Discord, while Discord ignited the cannon’s fuse. “Well.” Fluttershy hum and hawed for a bit. “You know, that Twilight is a perfectionist. And how she becomes nervous when something is not going as planned.” Discord made a small “uhu” sound, while still watching the burning fuse. “So, she wanted to ask you,” Fluttershy said again. Discord produced the remote and put his pals with the cannon on pause. “Sorry, that was just too intense.” he turned to Fluttershy. “You seem a little tense too. What exactly was Twilight’s request?” “Well, do you remember, how you turned Ponyville in a Chaos Capital of the World?” “That was years ago! Don’t tell me that she is still holding a grudge about my little scheme.” “I don’t think so. But do you remember that on Grand Galloping Gala you brought a goo that filled the whole palace? And you yourself nearly sent TreeHugger to another dimension?” “I’m starting to see, where this is going.” said Discord grumpy. “Ok, Fluttershy no need to hold back now.” “Well, Twilight wanted me to ask you...” “Not to come?” “It’s not that. She just wants the opening of the festival to be perfect and according to plan. There will be a party the following night and you are welcome there.” “How generous and thoughtful of her.” replied Discord sulky. “I’m sorry, that I had to ask you this. But you know that sometimes we need to get hold of ourselves.” “Yes, yes. But she could, I don’t know… allow me to come if I promise not to use my chaos magic.” “I know. But remember, the last time you tried restrain your use of chaos magic? You did it so hard that nearly erased yourself!” “I suppose.” Discord snapped his fingers and his copies with cannon disappeared. “Well, it’s your loss, if you don’t want me to participate.” “I’m sure, you can wait a little bit for a party.” “You know what? I don’t even need to wait.” Discord jumped from his chair, his sulkiness seemed forgotten. “I just travel forward in time! So I’ll appear at your festival afterparty and then you will tell me, how perfect was Friendship Festival opening without any disruptions on my part!” “Oh.” Fluttershy was thinking really hard if there was some catch in Discord’s proposition. After all, while he valued newfound friends, Discord still could do some nasty stuff if felt offended. But she couldn’t come up with any possible problem that such “fast forward” could cause. “So, what do you say?” asked Discord enthusiastically. “If you think, that’s the best way, I don’t mind.” “Ok. See you after the perfect and not interrupted by anybody Friendship Festival!” Discord made a farewell bow, snapped his fingers and disappeared. “Wow. That went easier than I expected.” “So, why?” asked Applejack again. “What?” Applejack's voice pulled Fluttershy from her memories. “Why you say Discord is not around now?” “That’s a long story.” Fluttershy and Twilight quickly replied in unison. Author's Note I actually was thinking. What if instead of traveling forward in time, Discord went back? Found storm creatures' island, made one of them a power-hungry tyrant with his mind-bending magic. So setting in motion the events of the movie. But probably it's just too far. It's like Q creating Borg to harass Picard. However, makes sense for Discord (or Q) to pull such trick just out of grudge.
Sabotage instead of just hiding!“Storm guards! They must be looking for you!” cried Captain Celaeno. “Secure the rigging! Lock down the cargo! Everyone, prepare to be boarded!” “If Tempest is with them the fight would be hard,” said Twilight Sparkle, trying to make out who was on the deck of the airship, that approached them. “Tempest Shadow?! Storm King’s second in command?” there was a slight tremble in Celaeno’s voice. “We don’t have a chance against that monster!” babbled Lix Spitter. “He could easily destroy the whole airship in one moment!” “Yeah,” added Mullet. “I’ve heard that this dragon decimated the best squadron of hippogriffs by himself. “Actually, Tempest Shadow is a unicorn pony,” Twilight corrected pirates. “WHAT?!” that was a cry of every pirate, who heard her. “But she is pretty powerful, I grant you that.” “Whatever she is, Mullet is right – for all the time Tempest served Storm King, no one ever escaped her.” said captain Celaeno darkly. “You are part of our crew now and we won’t abandon you. But we can’t hope to win against Storm King’s elite.” Storm guard airship hooted the second time. It was almost in the harpooning range. “Do we really need to fight?” asked Fluttershy. “Yes!” exclaimed Twilight. “I mean, no. I mean we can just hide. It’s a chance.” “Are you sure about that?” asked Celaeno. “I think...” Then was the third hoot from Storm guard ship and next moment a cannon fired. The grappling hook pierced a side of the pirates’ ship and the deck jerked when pursuers began to pull the chain. “There is no time!” cried Twilight and opened the hatch with telekinesis. All ponies and Spike descended to the cargo hold. There was still some distance between the airships, but at that moment three shadows flew across the gap and landed on Celaeno’s deck. Two storm creatures and a pony between them. When Celaeno looked at Tempest Shadow her feathers moved. The broken horn sparked and captain practically felt it’s powerful aura. Also Tempest’s eyes. When Celaeno saw this unicorn’s glare she believed every single rumor about her to be true. Yes, that mare definitely was someone who should be reckoned with. “Ahem! Sorry,” began Celaeno. “Who are you?” “I’m Tempest Shadow. You probably heard of me. Since you work for the Storm King.” “Yes. Yes. We transport his merchandise. And we had actually gone off course. so now are trying to make up lost time.” “And that’s why you didn’t stop?” “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Celaeno tried her most apologetic tone. “Did we trespass some restricted area? We didn’t know. Can we just pretend that nothing like this happened?” “Of cause,” said Tempest in her best-assuring tone. “After we inspect your cargo hold.” “What?” Celaeno tried to express surprise, but she instinctively grasped the hilt of her saber. Storm Guard airship, at last, came along to the port side. A gangway landed on the deck and two more storm creatures came aboard Celaeno’s ship. One of them dragged a cat. Abyssinian to be precise. Capper – Celaeno knew him, though she would prefer not to. He was one of the Klugetown most capable swindlers and once his scheme nearly left her without her ship. “We pursuing six, I mean seven fugitives.” Tempest’s voice returned Celaeno from her unpleasant memories to even more unpleasant present. “Six ponies and a little dragon.” She looked Celaeno straight in the eye. “Have you seen them?” Celaeno gulped. “Or maybe you happen to see some unusual lights about half an hour ago? It was really bright and came from the direction, you’re coming from.” “Yes. Yes. There was something like a rainbow. I was wondering what it was. But I haven’t seen any pony today.” Celaeno took a breath. “Except you, I mean.” “You do realize that if you were to shelter fugitives, the Storm King would be quite... explosive.” Meanwhile, in the cargo hold, six ponies and a dragon were desperately searching for a place to hide. But no place looked safe enough. “Why haven’t you thought that Tempest will search the ship anyway?” asked Applejack while trying to open one of the boxes. “I thought, but I hoped that we find something here. You know, that I’m not that good at improvisation.” “I know, what should we do!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash and looked into the hole that grappling hook made. “What? Wait! It’s too dangerous.” But Rainbow already flew through the hole. Twilight grunted, but there was nothing she could do. “Ok. Everypony, let’s go.” and Twilight flew next. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Spike one by one carefully stepped onto the chain and walked towards Storm Guard ship covered by the gangway. “Please, could you let me out of it!” that was Capper. “It wasn’t my fault that those ponies tricked me. They really told me that they were going to Black Skull Island.” “Well, there is only one way to be sure, they won’t do that again.” “I...” began Celaeno, holding hilt of her saber again. “I hope, you won’t object the orders of your superior.” Tempest’s cold tone was enough to make everyone understand – that was the last warning. “Oh, this is inteeense!” only now Celaeno noticed a small creature standing beside two goons that brought Capper. Suddenly the deck jolted. Then it started to tilt more and more. Everyone looked at Storm Guard ship, as it was going up. “What?!” cried Tempest. She couldn’t see what was happening below the deck of her ship, but she knew that it was six ponies responsible. And she was entirely correct. Ponies traversed the chain without problems but were spotted by guards. There was no way Mane Six could go back and they were forced to fight. They used tight space of the airship as an advantage – storm creatures were too bulky to catch them. Twilight tried her magic, but the result was even more disastrous than in the Canterlot. Magical ricochet damaged ship’s controls and it started to lift up. “Quickly, move this ship up too!” as experienced air-sailor Celaeno was the first to grasp the situation. “Before they turn us over.” But the deck was already half vertical. Tempest jumped to reach her ship, but Celaeno blocked her way. “No, you don’t.” cried the parrot captain, unsheathing her blade. “I knew it! You betrayed Storm King’s trust!” maliciously scolded Tempest. “Ha! Like there was trust to betray! He just made us serve him!” Celaeno tried several slashes, but it was too hard not to miss as they both were sliding on inclined deck. “But now I’ll show you what pirates are capable of!” “Not much, without a ship.” grinned Tempest and concentrated all her magic, making broken horn spark with charges. Next moment she unleashed the literal lightning storm. It destroyed several crates, that hadn’t fallen from the ship already, broke a mast into half and made several holes in the deck. And despite the impression that all the lightnings were striking chaotically, Tempest was perfectly aware what she wanted to hit. One of the lightning burned the ship’s engine and another one was supposed to burn Celaeno herself. Good thing for Celaeno, her saber was magic resistant. She was able to block the charge, but the current was so strong that it ripped the blade from her hand. “Ok, captain. Time to go down with your ship!” now Celaeno was defenseless and Tempest jumped right through her. Next moment the unicorn was already standing on the side of Celaeno’s airship, while parrot captain and her crew were just hanging on the rigging. For a second Tempest thought to finish them right now. But suddenly the grappling hook that was holding two ships together slid from all the stir. Celaeno's ship started to tilt back into normal position and Tempest's vessel was quickly ascending. Now there was simply no time for pirates. Tempest couldn’t allow ponies escape. She jumped and grabbed chain with her teeth. Damn! If her horn was whole she could just TK herself up. But now she had to climb using her hooves and mouth. However, Tempest had used to overcome such difficulties long ago. “Oh, no.” that was Spike. He was hiding in one of the portholes and was the first to see who’s coming on board. “Guys!” he cried. “Tempest is coming here!” Guys were actually quite successful in avoiding capture, partially thanks to all the rocking that made storm creatures dizzy. But Tempest could easily turn the tide. “What do we do now?” asked Applejack, who just made attempt to buck one of the creatures, but with little effect. “Ok. I have a plan!” exclaimed Twilight. “Are you sure?” said Rainbow Dash. “Yes, this time it will work. Trust me. I thought it through. Just come to me everyone.” while saying this Twilight grabbed an empty crate, rope, and a Storm King’s banner and magically moved them to her. “Ok, we all here,” commented Spike, as it took only a couple of seconds for everyone to stand near Twilight. “What no-o-o-ow…” he finished his question already falling. “Sorry, but those ponies escaped,” answered Grubber. “They pulled this crazy trick with falling into the loading hatch. And making a balloon. I saw that with my own eyes.” “And why you didn’t stop them?” Tempest’s voice was so cold and calm that Grubber knew, with the wrong answer he will follow the ponies. Only without a balloon. “I was doing my best. I ran to our ship as soon as all this thing has started! I mean, I knew at once that it was all depending on me! And with my command we almost captured them.” he saw clearly that Tempest is not impressed. “Look, what I’ve snatched before they went down!” Grubber showed her a map. “Mount Aris. Now I see.” “Too bad that our controls were damaged before I got to the ship. If they weren’t we could just catch them even before they would reach this mount.” “Than what are you waiting?! Fix it!!!”
Reconnaissance“What do you want from me?” exclaimed Mrs. Cake. Two storm creatures brought her to the kitchen. Their words were indistinguishable for her. Yet, when one creature put some boxes with food ingredients on the table pointed at a plate with remains of some bakery, it all became clear enough. “Ah, you want me to make food for you?” Mrs. Cake than remembered how poorly were treated other ponies outside. Songbird Serenade was even put in a cage. “Can’t you do it yourself? I refuse to feed arm that invaded our capital and turned our princesses to stone!” One of the storm creatures growled and next moment drove a spear into the table right in front of her. Mrs. Cake swallowed. Suddenly there was some cracks and noise outside. One of the creatures ran out. Then there was scream and again some noise. Second storm creature followed the first, leaving Mrs. Cake alone. “Oh dear.” whispered pony. And in the next moment, Starlight Glimmer appeared in front of her in a flash. “Oh, it’s you." Mrs. Cake was a little confused. " Twilight’s friend. I remember you helped Pinkie with baking.” “Starlight,” whispered Starlight Glimmer. “My name is Starlight Glimmer. Trixie will distract those two for a while, but we don’t have much time. What do those things want from you?” “To feed them. I suppose they are very hungry – it was a very long day.” “Of cause. Celestia and Luna are turned into obsidian statues, so there is no one to move the sun.” “Are you going to save us?” “I’m afraid I can’t. If I’ll try to pull you or some pony out the castle that will alarm the creatures. So this is just reconnaissance.” “Reco-what?” “Trixie and I are trying to learn, how many creatures are here, what are they doing and if they have some weakness.” “Oh, I see.” There was a scream in the street. “Oh, that’s Trixie’s signal that time’s up. Don’t worry, we are working on a plan. Tell everypony, you meet that they are not abandoned.” Starlight teleported away just in time. Next moment both creatures returned to the kitchen. One of them growled and shook it’s spear again. “Ok, I’ll see what I can do,” answered Mrs. Cake, pulling some of the ingredients. “And could you find me some help? Unicorn or two? I just need to tell them. How to bake of cause.”
Ambush“Ok, they are almost at the spot!” said Starlight Glimmer, while watching in binoculars. “Signal the others.” Sweetie Belle, who was one of the ponies at Starlight’s lookout, pulled the rope with her teeth several times. Empty cans on the other ends of “communication net” rattled. But of cause Starlight, Sweetie Bell and several Royal Guards couldn’t hear it in their camouflaged platform. That was the whole point of this contraption. Otherwise, they could just use magic blasts, but they would definitely be seen from the airship. And that wouldn’t do. They needed that airship come to them unalarmed. “Oh, I can’t wait!” Scootaloo was trotting in place. She was in another spot and was excited to hear the rattle signal. “Now we will get them at last!” “Wait!” answered Spitfire. "We should wait for a third rattle, remember? We can’t risk to scare them off." She was in charge of pegasi part of the ambush. Luckily the whole Wonderbalts team evaded capture, but Spitfire herself felt ashamed that they couldn’t do anything about princesses’ capture. “Oh, yes. I remember,” replied Scoo, trying to calm herself down. “Nuts! At last, we are actually doing something. After all this waiting!” “I think, that we are lucky, that those gray creatures stayed in Canterlot and haven’t come here. They captured all the princesses, remember?” “But it was some spell! And we were not prepared.” “Yes. And that’s why it’s good that we had time to prepare ourselves and assemble Royal Guard. Now we need to infiltrate the castle and save the princesses.” Now, there was a rattle again. “Now, ready!” Spitfire turned to several Royal Guard stallions. “Remember, Starlight and Trixie will just damage the ship so it has to land. We have to deal with the creatures, but the ship should remain intact.” She looked into the sky, where an airship was flying towards Canterlot from the south. It was following the same route as others airships, so in a few seconds, it already was exactly above Trixie’s spot. There was a third rattle of “communication system” and a moment later several large firecrackers were in the sky. It was Trixie’s idea – to damage the ship, using rockets, since most of Storm King’s equipment was magic-proof. They had only one shot at this, so the risk that magic would be deflected by ship’s armor was not an option. One of the firecrackers exploded right near the engine completely destroying propeller. The airship tumbled to the left and started to lose altitude. It was going directly to the third spot, where the main regimen of Royal Guard was waiting for them. “Excellent. Now go!” exclaimed Spitfire. Wonderbolts launched themselves into the air. They circled the airship just as it was low enough to crash into trees. Royal Guards were rushing to it too. Starlight was also on her way. She held two makeshift spears with her telekinesis. The moment airship touched the ground, it’s hatch opened. Everypony was ready for battle with the gray creatures. Now they were prepared for anything and ready to kick some gray hide. “STOP!!!” cried blue pegasus, who flew from airship’s hatch. “Rainbow Dash?!” exclaimed Starlight, stuck in astonishment. “What the hay are you doing here?” that was Applejack, who also appeared from airship’s hatch. “Ambushing one of the Storm King’s airship, so we could use it to infiltrate Canterlot and save princesses,” answered Starlight. “What are you doing?” “Actually the same thing, darling.” Rarity went out the airship with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. “We, well… borrowed one airship, that was passing by near Mount Aris.” “How?” “We had a little help,” answered Rainbow Dash. “Let me introduce you.” From the darkness of the hatch appeared an Abyssinian. Just like in the “Races beyond Equestria” that Starlight read once – he was tall and walked on two legs like minotaurs, but his appearance was catlike. “This is Capper.” “Greetings to everyone.” he made a large bow. After Capper went to the ground, another creature flew through the hatch. She was half-pony, half-griffin. In her claws, she was holding two large buckets. “Hi, everyone! Where is the nearest river? Oh, never mind.” and she flew into the sky. “This was Skystar, princess of the hippogriffs,” explained Rarity. “Though she doesn’t shun any hard work. And she is a great help helping Rainbow to intercept this airship.” The last, who came out of the airship was a bird. Parrot, only she was also tall and walked the same way as Abyssinian. “And Captain Celaeno,” Rainbow Dash introduced her new best buddy. “Coolest pirate… I mean treasure hunter in the skies South of Equestria.” “Hi. I’m afraid, my crew is busy now, putting out the fire, you made.” said captain. “After all that I’ve seen, I’m even surprised that Storm King was able to capture your city.” “We were caught by surprise,” answered Trixie, who was dying to have a word. “Too bad that we damaged your ship. Now we will lose time, making repairs,” said Starlight. “I’m afraid, time is what we don’t have.” Applejack’s tone became serious. “Twilight was captured. We don’t exactly know what Tempest needed her for, but she should already be in the castle by now.” “But how we pass into the Canterlot without a skyship?” now Spitfire was also concerned, pretty much like everypony else. “What if we just bake a cake and say that Storm King ordered it for a party?” asked Pinkie Pie as usually out of a blue. “Pinkie!” exclaimed Applejack. “Actually this might work,” said Trixie. “Starlight and I peeked into the castle.” She saw a surprised look of Mane Five. “Ha! With my help, she was able to sneak all around the Canterlot unnoticed.” “And I agree with Trixie,” continued Starlight. “Storm King’s army waits for provisions. It would be suspicious if ponies would bring it, of course. But if that would be someone not from around here.” “Good plan.” replied Celaeno. “But wouldn’t it take a lot of time to bake the cake?” “Oh, don’t you worry,” answered Pinkie. “With my skills it’ll be ready in a blink of an eye.”
Teleportation out of the South ForestAuthor's Note Based on the artwork from "The Art of My Little Pony: The Movie" and the fact that events of the Movie take place after Season 7. Teleportation out of the South Forest Six ponies and a dragon walked through the forest. Trees around were really gigantic. In fact, the road they were on was not a road, but a huge vine. Ponies could even hardly see the ground in the darkness and vapors below. “Where does this creepy place end?” asked Rarity no one in particular. “By the looks of it, this forest extends for days of traversing. We already spent hours on the road and I’m already exhausted.” “We are walking through these woods less than half an hour.” corrected her Twilight. “And before that, we made through the most of Equestria by train,” added Applejack. “By the way, haven’t you called this forest “A wonder of charm and beauty”?” “Yes, all this exotic flora and giant mushrooms create a truly marvelous landscape. And those luminous things are very charming,” answered Rarity. “But that giant centipede that we had only just drove off was neither cute nor friendly.” “I think that we just crossed its territory or something,” replied Twilight. “By all accounts, centipedes are not eating ponies.” “Yeah, unless they are bigger than a cart.” gave a voice Rainbow Dash. “I probably fly up now and look around.” And without even waiting for a reply she soared upwards. “I’m still not used to so many animals I’m unable to connect with,” said Fluttershy as a giant dragonfly flew by. “But at least your stare worked on that centipede,” answered Pinkie and continued to look around. A hollow in the tree looked promising. “Hey, guys!” it was Rainbow Dash, who already returned from the top of the forest. “I couldn’t see the south border of the forest, but there are some glowing and sparks not far from here. That way.” She pointed with her hoof in a south-west direction. “Maybe we could investigate.” “Yes, what if somepony uses magic there, they could help us.” agreed Rarity. “Or at least give some directions. And it wouldn’t hurt to make a slight detour.” After another half-hour, they were at the spot. There was indeed a pulsating glow that was even more bright and coming from below. With caution, ponies proceeded. When they descended enough, rocks appeared out of the vapors. And those were not natural rocks. They were some kind of obelisks, rising from the borders of a circle. And the glow was coming from the middle of it. “What do you think it is?” asked Applejack. “Obviously it’s some magical structure,” answered Twilight. “But I’ve never heard or read about something built here. In fact, the only pony, who was in these parts was Star Swirl the Bearded. But he never mentioned something like this.” Meanwhile, ponies went all the way down to the surface. It was practically no ground down there, only water and just a few tussocks that none of them would consider trustworthy. Luckily there was a stone platform between the obelisks and a branch they were going along was passing near enough to jump there. “Hey, look!” exclaimed Rainbow Dasy, who already flew through the circle and found a pile of crates and sacks. “It’s a message here. “Property of South Forest Expedition. For any information contact Star Swirl the Bearded.” Looks like he was indeed exploring these parts.” “Yeah. Too bad there is no way to call him and ask,” said Applejack just before she jumped from the branch to the stone platform. “Or maybe there is,” exclaimed Twilight. “Because this is megascope.” She pointed at an intricate construct of metal strings with a large gem in the middle. And that gem was exactly the source of the glowing they saw. And it gave all it’s light up, like some sort of beacon. “And what is this megascope do?” “Exactly that. It allows to communicate through magic over great distances,” answered Twilight, who already started to check the contraption. “It requires a lot of energy and controlling the projection is not an easy fit. But I think I could manage this.” She touched the megascope and suddenly an image appeared just among the metal ribs of the device. To everypony surprise, it was Princess Celestia. “Hello? Star Swirl, are you there? I know that you said something about undertaking that you and other Pillars have to do in private, but it’s ten days since Luna and I heard of you. We are starting to worry. I don’t know if you went to your research site in South Forest or somewhere else. Anyway if you get this message, please tell us if you are all right or need any help.” The image vanished and the glowing of the megascope stopped. “Ok,” said Rarity breaking the silence. “Apparently we just stumbled upon Star Swirl’s video mail.” “Yeah,” added Rainbow Dash. “Like thousand years old mail. But can we contact him now? By the way, since he has returned from Limbo with all the Pillars folk they could definitely help us to fight the Storm King.” Twilight was walking around the megascope waving her horn. “I’m trying, but the description in the book was a bit sketchy. I can’t find how to establish a direct connection. Oh, wait!” An image appeared again. This time however it was rather hazy. “And a jar of pickles please.” a voice was coming from the device. “What a? A-A-A!” Everypony jumped on hearing that scream. “Hey!” that was the voice again. “Is it… Is someone messing with my megascope?” “Mister Star Swirl. It’s us! Twilight Sparkle. And my friends.” “Wait a second.” a voice muffled, then the image of Star Swirl the Bearded became clear. “What are you doing with my megascope?” “We had to flee Canterlot,” said Pinkie Pie. “After an army of Storm King’s creatures attacked us and Tempest Shadow turned all princesses except Twilight into obsidian statues. But before that Celestia said that we should search for Queen of Hyppos in the lands south of Equestria.” Star Swirl the Bearded stood with his jaw dropped for a few second. “I think that we need someplace private,” he said and his image went out of focus. “Private?” asked Rainbow Dash looking around. “I was at the grocery when you’ve contacted me,” explained Starswirl and his image returned to normal. “Ok, now I’ve teleported to my room. So, you were saying that Canterlot had been captured?” “Yes. And we are going to the lands south of Equestria to find that Queen, Celestia mentioned,” explained Twilight. “Can you help us find some means of transportation?” “And meanwhile,” added Ranibow Dash. “You could assemble Pillars so they can help us fight Storm King’s army.” “Of course,” answered Star Swirl. “But it will take time. I mean gathering the Pillars. We went to different ends of Equestria. You know, being trapped in Limbo for millennium we have a lot of catching up to do.” “And what about going through this forest?” suddenly Twilight became very concerned. “Now, that I think about it, those Storm King’s creatures heard what Celestia said. They could already organize pursuit party. Can you think of something that will allow us to travel fast.” “I don’t know. Being here, I just can’t give you anything. Even if I had built some contraption...” Star Swirl lapsed into silence. “Wait! You can use the megascope!” “How? It’s just a communication device.” “Well, it still used to connect two points over distance. And I actually made a spell that would allow it to transport physical objects.” “That’s great!” “Only I never tested it. It could be dangerous.” “Oh, I’m sure that spell, made by you is reliable enough,” being excited Twilight completely forgot the circumstances of her becoming a princess. “And with those Storm King’s creatures on our tail, we have to take the risk.” After half an hour of tweaking and scribbling (Star Swirl was unable to recall some details, so Twilight had to “fill the blanks”) the megascope was tuned for transportation. “If I remember the map of Equestria correctly we should land near the border of the Cloud Sea,” explained Twilight. “There a lot of trade routes there and we should easily find someone who at least heard about any Queen who lives in those parts.” “We are ready!” cried Rainbow Dash, who was standing in the magic circle as all other ponies. “Energizing!” announced Twilight and magical light embraced her and her friends. There were two seconds of dizziness and suddenly all of them were in the air. “A-A-A! Uhm!” luckily they were only a few meters above the ground and sand dune soften the fall. “Sorry, I think I miscalculated adjustment to altitude,” said Twilight. “Well, better to appear above the ground than below.” replied Applejack. “Where are we anyway?” “I think it’s the desert near the Cloud Sea. We just need to go south. I’m sure that it’s no more than half hour walk.”
How It Should Have EndedAuthor's Note Unlike previous scenes that were to explain or refine the story of My Little Pony: The Movie (and add some neat action sequences), this is more like a set of wild random ideas. They offer completely wild turn of events and I’m not sure if I would like to see them in the movie. Still “Deleted Scenes” would feel incomplete without those HISHE scenarios. How It Should Have Ended “Ooh! I bet those are the clowns I ordered!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. The airship that emerged from black cloud seconds later was indeed pinkish and cheerfully painted. It stopped just at the Canterlot central plaza bounds and descended. Then it’s hatch opened and gangway was automatically brought down. “Those clowns should drive more carefully,” grumbled Twilight. “They nearly crushed decor towers.” And then everypony was stiffened in astonishment as from the hatch strange gray creatures began to jump out. Upon landing they formed two lines, standing in some strange poses. And that was quite amusing since they were not dressed in ordinary clown outfits but in some weird colored armor and tiki masks. “Yes!” cried Pinkie “Definitely clowns, that I ordered.” Suddenly there was a loud horn sound. “Ponieth of Equethtria,” started a voice, definitely enhanced by magical loudspeaker. “We come on behalf of the fear… I mean friendship and stuff to make your festival truly unforgettable!” The gray creatures in colorful outfits began to dance very strange dance. Though it was funny and resembled walk-like-Egyptian-pony, the creatures didn’t move in unison. Or maybe they just failed to do so. “Now, put your hooveth together for Amathing and Magical Teeempesht!” with the last word a shadow burst through the hatch and flew almost to the center of the plaza. When she landed, everypony saw that Tempest was definitely a pony. However she was wearing an overall, that was painted in a same strange manner as creatures costumes. And her head was covered by a unicorn mask. But she obviously was a real unicorn. Otherwise, she just couldn’t make a lightning that flew into the sky and exploded like the most awesome fireworks. Then Tempest made several backflips and as if she was a stage magician pulled four green balls out of nowhere and started juggling them. “Wo-o-ow!” sighed everypony with amazement, when amazing acrobat made another lightning-fireworks without interrupting her juggling. “Yes, it is pretty cool,” said Rainbow Dash with a slight hint of jealousy in her voice. “It’s almost as good as my Sonic Rain...” Before Dash finished the word, suddenly all four green balls Tempest was juggling flew about the plaza. Two of them landed at the hooves of three princesses. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were standing together, like everypony else bewildered with Tempest’s show. And before they were even able to understand what was happening, obsidian crystals grew from the green balls, encasing them. Another green ball stroked directly in Twilight’s muzzle. Even without magic that hit would probably knock her out. But instead, Princess of Friendship was standing as a dark statue. “Now!” cried, Tempest. “Get them all!” Creatures stopped dancing and rushed to attack. In a few minutes, everything was over. Most ponies were captured, a few escaped. But with all four princesses in her possession Tempest wouldn’t have to worry even if they would form some force to counterattack or call upon Equestrian allies. In less than a day everything will be over. “Thee? My plan worked.” proudly said Grubber. “Oh,” Tempest removed her mask and put a hoof to her face. “I don’t know what is more unbelievable – that we had actually pulled that off or that you had convinced me to become a laughing-stock in the first place!” “Yeah, we had thome flaws. Thtorm throopers dancing was off beath.” “And those paintings on their armor looked completely weird.” “Oh, but I liked thothe. Anyway, you capthured all four printhesses in few seconds! Imagine if you arriveth in full force, as you wanthed to? Whath if they were able to puth of a fight? Whath if one of the printhsses escaped and we had to chase her beyond the borthers of Equethtria?” “Ok, fine! Maybe putting on that ridiculous show was worth it.” “So, now we jus call Storm King? And he would get his Sthuff of Sacona powered up and restore your horn.” “Open up your eyes Grubber! He will turn on me the moment he would get that magical power. No. I will take the Stuff from him, get magic myself and then force him to restore my horn.” “Yeah, that would probably be smarter sthrathegy,” agreed Grubber. Mane Six was standing before Dragon Lord’s Throne. Princess Ember was looking at them with a smirk. She really enjoyed it. Probably too much for someone, who was supposed to be a friend. “So, you want me to free Equestria from that Storm King’s army?” she asked at last. “Well, we are allies after all.” answered Twilight. “Listen, Ember,” said Spike. “For dragons, it’s not a big deal to defeat some big hairy goons. With fire and everything. Also, you won’t be alone. We want to call for Thorax with his changelings and maybe yaks.” “No.” Ember interrupted him. “What?” exclaimed all ponies and dragon in unison. “As you’ve said, for dragons it would be a piece of cake to defeat those creatures. So if we do it, we will do it without any help.” “Are you sure?” asked Twilight. “Yes. After all, you came to us first. Isn’t that because you are so confident in dragon abilities yourselves? Neither changelings nor yaks would rival our fighting skills.” “Well, yes.” “But of course we won’t do it for free.” “Ok,” For saving our princesses we are ready to pay any price,” replied Twilight Sparkle. And that’s how Storm King’s army was defeated and for next seven years, all gems mined in Equestria were bound to go to the dragons. Twilight felt that they need to leave Capper’s apartment as soon as possible. She opened the door. And suddenly backed from it. Just at the doorstep was standing a short green-skinned guy. He was in a very rich-looking suit and his hat concealed part of his face, making him look mysterious and attractive. “Here's Anno!” exclaimed the guy with a laugh. And despite his all attractive appearance that laugh made Twilight to shiver. And how he looked at her... “These ponies better shoot rainbow lasers out their eyes if they're gonna settle your debt!” said the guy to Capper. “But they will be a fine addition to my collection anyway. Let's load 'em up!” All six ponies gasped. “You were... You were going to sell us?” exclaimed Rarity. “I knew it!” cried Twilight angrily. “We gotta get outta here!” She was trying to decide if they better go for a door through Capper’s weird business partner or for the window when she saw Tempest Shadow. With an escort of two Strom King’s creatures, she came to the doorway. “He-h. Silly little ponies.” “Tempest!” “Trusting strangers? Big mistake. Big...” “Huge!” butted in Grubber, who was also following Tempest. “Hoo-hoo! My goodness! Well, look at you! With your scary broken horn and scowly eyes.” Anno turned to Tempest and petted her cheeks. “You are soo edgy. Want to be my waifu?” “What now?!” Tempest stood in stupor totally forgetting to zap this insolent weirdo and chase her prey. “I bet you do shoot lightnings out of your eyes. Or horn.” the greenish guy continued to pet Tempest and looked straight into her eyes. However attractive this greenish guy was, his manners were really annoying. She began to power her horn again. And at that moment Twilight, who was the last pony climbing out of the window, knew what she has to do. The chance of success was minuscule, but she had to try. Any direct attack spell would be repelled by Tempest’s armor, but that Anno guy wasn’t protected. There were mere seconds in Twilight disposal and she called to all her mental training to recreate that spell, she had cast on her Smarty Pants doll making it irresistible. And she made it just in time. “You soo way better than ordinary ponies.” continued Anno, oblivious to the Twilight’s spell cast on him. And his words, combined with affection spell broke Tempest’s concentration, so energy discharge from her horn instead of frying Anno went all over the place just slightly hurting him. “I know. I already captured three alicorn princesses. I’m the second-in-command in Storm King’s army.” and despite her anger Tempest was compelled by the spell to appeal that stranger. “What can you offer me?” “Just all this town and it’s trade. Marry me!” “Wow!” said Gruber “Thorm King couldn’th thrump thath offer.” “So you just saw me for the first time and already like me so much that you offer to spend the rest of our life together?” “Yes *cough*,” Anno’s clothes smoked a little after discharge. “It was love at the first sight.” “Ok. I will be your waifu then.” And they lived happily ever after. Even overthrew Storm King, but that’s entirely another story. Ponies and hippogriffs together were ascending to the surface. “Ya know... one small thing...” princess Skystar lightly shoved Pinkie Pie who was swimming beside her and whispered. “Can make a really big difference!” “Yeah! Imagine that,” and Pinkie, in turn, shoved Twilight. “If I left you alone in the throne room, you could make some really stupid thing, like trying to steal that Pearl.” “How could you…” Twilight stopped short, because she was going to say “possibly know”, but it was definitely what she won’t say in Queen Novo’s presence. “How could you think that!” Before Pinkie could answer they came out on the surface of the ocean. “Ok, everyone. Transform and fly out!” said Queen Novo and raised the Pearl. It’s magical aura embraced six ponies, their dragon and hippogriff elite guard that Novo took with them to the surface. And all of them transformed from sea creatures into their true forms. Within a few moments, pegasi and hippogriffs were in the air. Novo’s guards also took three ponies and Spike, who were unable to fly, out of the water. Spreading their wings a small army began it’s flight to Canterlot. To save Celestia, Luna, and Cadence – three princesses turned into obsidian statues. With the power of the Pearl Twilight was sure they could turn them back to normal and if the huge gray creatures would stand in their way, Novo would use transformation powers to turn them into something harmless. However, Twilight and Novo plan never came to fruition. Just then their majestic squadron reached the shore a lightning struck. And not from the sky but from the ground. It hit straight into Queen of the Hippogriffs. Numb from the shock Novo dropped the Pearl out of her newly remade claws. And at that moment she saw three airships in the sky. They were coming out of the clouds fast. It was a trap and Twilight with her new allies came right into it. Rainbow Dash was the first to come to her senses. She swooped down to catch the Pearl, but several flashes of lightning stroke in her direction. Pegasus barely dodged them and then saw Tempest Shadow. It was her who made shots with her unstable magical horn. And before Dash could make another swoop the Pearl reached the ground where Storm Creatures caught it with a safety net. Tempest’s plan worked perfectly. Moments later she was with the creatures and the Pearl was in her hooves. “Everyone! Hold right there.” she cried through Grubber’s megaphone. “Or I will use Pearl’s power to transform you all into something that can not fly!” “How she could learn Pearl’s magic?” asked Twilight. “I don’t know,” answered Princes Skystar. And as if Tempest have heard the question, she cried. “Just in case if you think that I'm bluffing and don’t know how to use the Pearl properly.” she made a dramatic pause. “I don’t. But if my spell goes wrong it wouldn’t be my problem. Now! Descend.” “I told you that we risk too much,” said Queen Novo when hyppogriffs and ponies were just above the ground. “I told you that if we go out of hiding, the Pearl could fall into the Storm King’s clutches. But no-o-one listened. Pf! I’m merely a queen after all.” “Cut the chatter,” said Tempest angrily. “I only need the princess. And with this pearl, I can restore my horn myself. I don’t need the Storm King anymore.” “And then I used the magical Pearl to infuse Stuff of Sacanas into my horn,” explained pony with an elegant crystal nested in her forehead. “With it, I not only got my magic stabilized, but also received powers from all four princesses. And became sole ruler of Equestria after disposing of the Storm King.” She slightly turned her head to show both ponies who were sitting at the cafe table the item of her pride. And then sipped cocktail through her straw. “Epic story indeed,” said regally looking colt on her right who was wearing a white cape and a crown resembling M letter. “Though your last feat with taking on the whole squad of hyppogriffs made you seem a bit overpowered.” Coffee in colts mug got cool so he heated it up with his heat-glance. “Why? It’s not that I pulled all that energy out of the blue. I waited for hours for those ponies.” “I think Maximus missed the point here,” said mare on the left, who was wearing a purplish-dark costume with a cape and wide-brimmed hat. “After you got your horn and everything, you basically usurped the throne from the righteous rulers. This effectively makes you a villain. Why had you come to a cafe for superheroes?” “Listen. The world is not just black and white.” answered crystal horn mare. “Yes, I became ruler by force, but then I made many positive reforms, changes for the better.” “Such as?” “For starters, I improved Equestria defenses. I increased numbers of Wonderbolt. They now have a Strike Force and Patrol Division to watch over the borders. Each major city now has a garrison of troops. And I personally trained the Royal Guard – now their fighting skills are much higher.” “So you made Equestria militaristic superpower?” “Of course. We ponies need to protect ourselves.” leader of Equestria stomped her hoof on the table. “Success of my attack on Canterlot is the hardest proof of all. But with enough ponies not only able but also prepared to fight there is no chance that someone pulls off such assault on Equestria ever again.” “And what about diplomacy? Old Equestria always relied on the power of friendship and you can say all you want, that made it rather far.” “You mean their so-called allies?” smirked crystal-horned pony. “The dragons by the way only had more respect for us after seeing new military might. And those weakling changelings agreed to deal with us anyway. And did I mentioned that with the help of Star Swirl the Bearded I also redirected a lot of resources to studies of magic? Not only it made our magical defense impenetrable, but in thirty years we made more progress in other areas than in a thousand years!” “Wait. Star Swirl the Bearded as the head of Pillars? He was OK with you on the throne?” “Of course. After I explained to him that my goal is solely the good and prosperity of Equestria, he agreed to help me. In fact, it was he, who devised a spell to fuse crystal into my horn. Carrying that stuff was really inconvenient.” “Or maybe he didn’t have much choice? You had the power of all alicorns at your command.” “Listen. I made Equestria the most powerful and prosperous land in history! Due to my reforms, we had thirty years of peace and progress. I’m now practically goddess with my powers tied to Tree of Harmony able to travel between dimensions.” “But why come to our dimension then?” asked Mare Do Well. “Yes,” added Maximus. “Since your power is tied to Tree of Harmony in your world, here you are no more powerful than an ordinary unicorn.” “Even as an ordinary unicorn I could kick your butt!” chucked mare. “Doubt it,” answered Maximus. “Even Power Ponies in their prime had though time with me.” “Power Ponies?” Queen of New Equestria looked surprised. “Weren’t they a team of heroes in your world?” “Yes. And back then I was a villain,” answered Maximus. “But I was reformed since then.” “Let me guess,” buttered in Mare Do Well. “In your world villains don't reform. And Pillars of Equestria can’t manage with maintaining your “peace and progress” so you decided to get some heroes to fight those who undermine your regime. He-he. So much for your Utopia, Queen Berrytwist!” “No. I’ve said, everyone is fine with me! Even that Glim… whatever, who was a pupil of Princess of Friendship came to terms with my rule. Everyone is happy!” “I suppose everyone, except you?” a pony in his forties came to the table. “What?” exclaimed Berrytwist. “Who are you? Were you eavesdropping?” “My name is Hummdrumm.” answered colt. “ Or at least used to be. I was Power Ponies’ sidekick back in the day. And now I’m retired. Built this cafe for superheroes.” “Nice career choice,” replied Berrytwist, still looking at the colt with suspicion. “Yes. And I also happen to understand a lot about friendship problems,” said Hummdrumm. “Let me guess. With all your success there was no one in your kingdom you could share it.” “It’s...” Berrytwist fell silent. “The one who rules is always alone. But I do so much good. That’s most important.” “Do you believe that? From your story, it sounds like others abandoned you, and that’s why you wanted to restore your horn so badly.” Hummdrumm sat at the table with Berrytwist, Maximus and Mare Do Well. “You wanted others to accept you, but now you are as lonely as before getting your horn.” “Ha! Nice speech,” Berrytwist made a bit forced laugh. “Where had you learn all that? From filly stories?” “Something like that. There was a movie that I watched as a filly. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was somehow connected to events in your world. Just like comics in your world connected to ours.” Hummdrumm scratched his head with a hoof. “Let me remember. It was a pony, who became a benevolent but ruthless Queen. She made her land prosper, but still many of her subjects were unhappy. In the end, while she was distracted, some other pony, who knew time travel spell went back in time and changed the past.” “Ha-ha-ha! That’s ridiculous!” laughed Berrytwist. “There is no such thing as time travel. Star Swirl and Starlight Glimmer would have told me.” “Would they?” Now a shade of worry fell on Berrytwist’s face. Her crystal horn made a spark and small portal, a window to her home dimension opened. She hastily looked into it. For about a minute she was motionless. Then closed the “window” and turned to her company. “So it appears that I stuck here.” she sipped her cocktail trying to hide her distress and almost succeeded. “If I understand correctly, returning to my home dimension with changed timeline will erase me. Well, at least this me.” Four ponies were sitting still for about a minute. Only a Mare Do Well took an apple and sucked it dry. “I am a batpony!” answered she to others weird glances. At last Berrytwist shook her mane. “So. Are you hiring new superponies to fight crime? Or I can work in this cafe for a while.”
You can't reason with Storm King“Bidding's good. I like bidding!” said the Storm King and only then noticed a purple alicorn in the cage. “Um, what are you supposed to be? “I'm the Princess of Friendship!” answered Twilight Sparkle “Oh. That's nice.” Storm King turned to Tempest. “Why is this one still moving?” “She and her friends put up a bit of a fight, but she's alone now. She won't be a problem.” “Please,” called Twilight. “Can we just talk things out?” “What?” Storm King turned back to his prisoner. “I just want to ask you, why do you need our magic?” Twilight tried her best to keep Storm King’s attention. “Maybe we could just help you to do what you want.” “What I want? Ha-ha! I want to HAVE your magic. So I wouldn’t need TO ASK anyone for anything. Get it?” “But it would be so much better to have someone whom you can rely on. Sometimes magic can’t help you, but friends can.” “Aww. That’s so cute,” answered Storm King in a sweet voice, then shouted angrily. “OnlyI don't like cute! Doesn't really go with my whole "big bad powerful magic guy" thing, does it?! Deliver the punchline, Tempest, because this has gotta be a joke!" Author's Note Personally, I just think that it's against MLP:FiM spirit for Twilight not even try to talk to Storm King. With failing to convince him, or course. But still revealing a sliver of his motives in the process.
Starlight and Trixie on the run“Trixie! Stop!” cried Starlight Glimmer, but her unicorn friend, it seemed, didn’t listen. Starlight had to stop her by telekinesis. “Starlight!” “Trixie, we ran from Canterlot far enough.” “And are you sure, those big gray whatever don’t chase us?” “Sure!” replied Starlight angrily. They were in the middle of a meadow and beyond it, there were just rather low hills. Anyone, who would take time to look back would see that there is no pursuit. In fact, if Trixie would take time to think, she should have been more worried about them being in the open and spotted by one of the airships. “Ok then.” Trixie stopped to catch her breath. Starlight was nervous. What if they indeed spotted? She noticed a large tree on the top of the hill ahead. That’ll do. She concentrated and teleported Trixie and herself under that tree. “Good thinking Starlight,” exclaimed Trixie in approval, as if it wasn’s Starlight, who actually teleported them from Canterlot plaza into the bushes below the walls of the castle. “We still have a bit to go, before we reach Poniville.” “Poniville? Why should we go there? Do you think that Twilight and her sidekicks run to their castle?” “I don’t know. But at least we can warn Royal Guard.?” “Guards? What would they do there?” “Trixie! Have you paid any attention?” Starlight had too many things on her mind to suppress annoyance. “Twilight didn’t want Royal Guards to make ponies at the festival feel troubled. So she sent them away. To Ponyville.” “Yes. Of cause I knew that. But shouldn’t we try to reach, I don’t know, some more powerful allies? Like dragons. Or changelings?” “Do you remember what happened when we visited Thorax and forced to fight the Maulwofth?” “Yes. You probably right, with their current training swarm wouldn’t be much of a help. But what about dragons? You told me, their ruler Ember was quite fond of our land.” “I still not sure if she would help us. And if she would, she probably will ask something in return. It’s not in a dragon custom to do something out of generosity.” “Too bad. I hope Twilight is ok. I saw her fall into the waterfall, but for the pony like her with magic and everything it’s nothing. Right?” “Yes. Yes. I think she already devised some plan to save us. She always knows what she is doing.”
