Break the Walls Down

Chapters

Chapter 2 - The Other Side
Chapter 3 - Castle Escape
Chapter 4 - Catch Me If You Can
Chapter 5 - New Faces, New Places
Chapter 7 - In Plain Sight
Chapter 8 - Call to Action
Chapter 9 - Know Your Enemy
Chapter 10 - Rage Against the Machines
Chapter 11 - Second First Impressions
Chapter 12 - Settling In
Chapter 13 - Dark Intrigue
Chapter 14 - A New Day
Chapter 15 - Changing of the Guard
Chapter 16 - Friendly Neighborhood Hedgehog
Chapter 17 - The Show That Broke the Pony's Back
Chapter 1 - Hello and Goodbye
Chapter 6 - Rolling Around at the Speed of Sound

Chapter 2 - The Other Side

===================================
6:26 PM

Robotropolis Citadel: Command Center

Eggman’s deranged laughter echoed across the walls of his fortress. He’d done it. At long last he’d finally done it. His decades-long nemesis Sonic the Hedgehog was gone. Whisked away through an endless void in space. Now, there was nothing that could stand in his way. The world was now his for the taking.

When his laughter finally subsided, the doctor quickly stepped towards the main control panel and clicked a few buttons. The force field deactivated with a quick hiss. Edges of metal rose up around him as his Egg Mobile lifted him into the air. With another press of a button, he sent a command out over the audio. “All Badniks, assemble to fleet stations! We move to take Metropolis immediately!”

Shutting off the signal, Eggman reveled in his victory. Grasping a fist as an intensely wicked grin broke across his face. His conquest of Mobius would finally begin. “Today Sonic, tomorrow the world!”

Eggman was so swept up in the joy of his victory, he almost failed to notice the sound of static crackling behind him. Turning, the glory the doctor reveled in quickly turned to frightened alarm. The miniature black hole that had spirited away his arch enemy had not disappeared. It still hung in midair, pulsing and sparking with energy. The control panel suddenly flashed red as an electronic voice from the computer sounded. “WARNING! WARNING! OVERLOAD IMMINENT! ENERGY CONTAINMENT BREACH!”

The Emeralds shone brightly within their casing, as the malfunctioning device emitted yellow sparks of electricity. The power too great for them to contain, the glass starting to crack. The Egg Mobile’s propulsion systems started giving in to the vortex’s suction, the floating pod and its driver slowly being sucked towards the wormhole.

“What?!” Wide eyed, Eggman rapidly hit buttons trying to shut down the process. His pod drifted ever closer to the powerful vacuum. But there was just too much energy to stop it now. Much like Sonic before him, he and his Egg Mobile were pulled headlong into the void. “Nooooooooooo!”

Both hero and villain were now sucked away to parts unknown. And as the room shook and metal pieces tore from the floor and walls and flew off into the growing wormhole, all of Mobius could be next.

=============================
6:30 PM

Robotropolis: At the city’s edge

The Robotropolis citadel imploded. The tower was simply pulled in on itself with great force. Steel cables and bolted beams were ripped and crushed like tinfoil as the growing black vacuum absorbed them, drawing in all matter caught in its ever increasing gravitational pull. The wormhole slowly engulfed the head-shaped command bridge, then half of the entire citadel. Soon buildings and rubble of the city itself began tearing out of the ground, being sucked into oblivion by the out of control tear in space. The reverberations from the gravitational anomaly could be felt throughout the entire city as the black hole pulsed and crackled with energy.

From a distant ledge overlooking Robotropolis, a figure that had arrived mere moments ago watched as half the city was torn asunder and sucked away. And the impulsive hedgehog that had taken off ahead of everyone was nowhere to be seen. He spoke lowly to himself in a soft breath: “Sonic, what have you gotten yourself into this time..?”

Suddenly the giant hole pulsed and warped, ceasing to grow any larger. For a few uncertain moments it remained its current, yet still enormous size. Then the wormhole began to shrink. Metal scraps and slabs of earth from the steel city around it fell from midair as the gravitational pull on them weakened. The rift was closing.

The figure’s left hand flexed briefly, hesitating as if a crucial decision had to be made in the next split second. Ultimately he clenched his first. His objective was clear.

A yellow streak tore through the city as he headed straight for the warp which was now less than half its original size. The closer he got, the smaller the tear seemed to shrink. By time he got within ten meters it was barely six feet tall, and closing fast.

He might not make it…

He put all his leg strength into a leap to propel himself forward, stretched out towards the now three foot hole, and…

Foop! His body disappeared through the hole right before it closed.

=============================================
6:40 PM

Ponyville Outskirts: Rainbow Dash’s Cloudominium

Rainbow Dash lay stretched out on a cloud overlooking the small town of Ponyville. Yet another day had come and gone, and the regular bustle of the residents died down into the evening. The athletic Pegasus laid on her belly and stretched out her wings as she thought about the events she had been through recently.

Just a few short days ago, tailing Spike on his “quest of self-discovery” had led to a crazy adventure through the dragon lands. Along with Twilight and Rarity, the journey had taken them all the way to some volcanic spot in the mountains. They’d seen their friend put through weird initiations by a group of teenage dragons that made the place their hangout spot during the migration. In the end they had rescued their friend from the drakes, barely managing to escape. It sure was a crazy time. But in the days that followed Rainbow Dash found herself looking back on the whole excursion with a strange sense of longing. In hindsight, it had been a breath of excitement for the young mare. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more she found herself craving exciting outings like the one they had.

She let out a breathy sigh looking out over the horizon at Celestia’s setting sun. For some reason she couldn’t quite put her hoof one, Rainbow Dash had felt a growing sense of apathy within her in recent weeks. She never exhibited these feelings in front of other ponies of course, keeping them concealed behind her usual bravado. Only in her most private moments like these was she unable to distract herself. Lately life seemed a little… boring. Repetitive. That big word Twilight used the other day that started with an ‘m’. As she lounged there on the tuft of cloud, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but think that there was something… missing from her life. I mean, sure she hadn’t done too shabby for herself. One of the best flyers in all Equestria. A national hero. All with six of the best friends a mare could ask for? Nothing to sniff at, for sure.

But Rainbow Dash couldn’t deny she wanted more in her life. She needed speed. Adventure. Unpredictability! It was the whole reason she wanted to join the Wonderbolts. So she could fly with the best, be recognized as the best, and satiate her thirst for something bigger. Something beyond the ordinary life most ponies enjoyed.

And right now, it didn’t seem like she was any closer to achieving it. What did she even do all day when she wasn’t flying and napping? Push around clouds while waiting for her lifelong dream of joining the Wonderbolts to finally come true? Even when it came to that, the dream to which she placed all her hopes and aspirations, the average days waiting for it seemed to just drag on sometimes.

This couldn’t be all she was meant for… could it?

Sure, she and her friends were called on to save the day more than once now. But Rainbow Dash still felt like she needed more. Sighing again, she looked up towards the darkening sky, trying to push the thoughts out of her head. Luna’s twinkling stars were getting a little clearer by now.

Maybe she could talk to Twilight about it tomorrow. She was smart, she could probably help her sort this all out.

=====================
6:41 PM

Golden Oaks Library

A sweeping broom scratched back and forth across the wooden floor as Spike went about tidying up the library. He never thought he would be so happy to be back doing chores for Twilight. After getting pushed around and mocked for half a day by a bunch of teenage dragons, gaining their acceptance via belly flop into lava, and dramatically escaping them after refusing to smash a phoenix egg, Spike had had more than enough adventure for quite a while.

And the cyan Pegasus just outside of town wasn’t the only one whose mind kept going back to their little excursion.

Ever since he stormed off from the trench leaving the girls behind, Spike began to see just how little he knew about his own species. And in some ways, how he didn’t even know himself. This identity crisis had lead him to seek out others of his kind. And when it was all said and done… he hadn’t liked what he’d seen…

“Spike!”

Twilight’s voice called him from his daydream, his head snapping up. “Huh? Y-Yeah, what is it Twilight?”

The purple unicorn entered down the stairs carrying a yellow-covered book. Her typical busy-bee expression plastered plainly on her face. “Have you finished the floor? Make another note for tomorrow’s checklist to stop by Pinkie Pie. I have to return her recipe book for lemon loaf lattice. You know how she is about having her things back on time!” she said, gesturing her hoof excitedly before pacing over to a nearby shelf to scan for her scroll.

Spike just groaned under his breath. Same old Twilight. “Yeah, sure…”

Her young ward’s tone didn’t escape her notice. Turning her head she came back over to him, her face now mixed with concern. “Spike? Is something wrong?” She placed a hoof on his shoulder. “If there’s something bothering you, you know you can talk about it.”

The young dragon sighed. “I dunno Twilight… it’s just… well…” he began, looking up at her. “When I left to go find out more about myself... to see what it really meant to be a dragon, I thought I’d find something big and important when I got there! I thought other dragons would be… I don’t know, that they’d have something grander to them, you know? I thought they’d be proud, majestic, noble. But all I found was… a bunch of jerks and bullies? Is… is that really all there is to my kind?”

He drew in on himself and hung his head, sitting and curling his arms around his legs. “I wanted to be more than a lame dragon… but I didn’t think the only other option was a cruel one…”

Twilight looked at her ward with a saddened and remorseful look. Her ears drooped against her head, as for once, she felt powerless to do much. The origin of her young assistant was one aspect of him not even she could answer, let alone fully understand.

A pang of guilt overtook her when he said ‘lame dragon.’ This was her fault as well. She was forced to admit to herself during that journey that she and the others pushed him to this with their teasing. That weighed on her heart ever since then. She should have known better. Of course he would be sensitive about such a topic. And she let her friends egg him on to the point that he left them behind. Her ward, her assistant, her oldest friend… and she failed to support him like she should have. And almost lost him for it.

“Spike…” Twilight sat down while folding her legs beneath her, touching her side to his back and gently leaning her head against his. “I don’t know… I only wish I had the answers you’re looking for. But, what I do know is that you don’t have to be defined by the rest of the dragons. What you found might not have been… ideal. But what you are doesn’t have to determine who you are. You’re your own dragon. What you are doesn’t determine who you are. You’re who you choose to be. No matter what you saw from those other jerky dragons.”

The little dragon’s eyes remained downcast while she spoke, her words rolling around in his mind. Eventually the pistachio colored orbs flickered back to her and he smiled gratefully, his spirits somewhat brightened. “Thanks Twilight. I needed that.”

“Of course, Spike,” she said with her own smile, nuzzling him. “Hey, I know! How about I make us some hot cocoa and we can read another one of your comics together?”

Spike’s face instantly changed to a bright smile. “All right! I can show you the brand new Renewal series, updating the origin story of Fili-Second!”

Twilight chuckled at his nerdish rambling and trotted off to the shelf on the opposite side of the library. As Twilight left, Spike briefly returned to his own thoughts. In spite of her attempt to cheer him up, Spike couldn’t help but feel a little unsatisfied with her answer. It seemed too… dismissive of other dragons. Surely those rowdy teenagers and the aggressive brute he’d encountered in the Everfree Forest couldn’t be all there was to his species… could it?

Spike had no idea. But then and there, he made a silent promise to himself. To carry himself with decency, integrity, and honor. He would never let himself be overcome with greed or selfish abandon like what he saw. He would his own personal code of being duty-bound and chivalrous, holding himself up as an exemplary dragon. His own ‘dragon code.’

If there were no other better dragons, then he would be a better dragon.

================
6:46 PM

Canterlot Castle

A small blue jolt sparked in midair above the royal castle in Canterlot. Then another. Then another. The sparks grew larger and converged until a small mass of crackling blue bolts hung in the middle of the air. Soon the sparks of blue lightning soon generated into mass of twisting electric energy. The air around the sparking mass distorted, rippling like a disturbed surface of water. As if gravity and space itself was being bent and contorted by some mysterious force. Then an indescribable sound of pulsing energy as a small black hole suddenly opened expanded from the generated lightning. The hole grew bigger, widening into a large circular void hanging horizontally in the royal castle’s air space.

====================
6:47 PM

Golden Oaks Library

“Twilight? Did you… feel something?” Spike said, his ears flickering and head lifting as a strange vibration rolled down his spine.

“Hmm? What do you mean, Spike?” The unicorn looked over with a puzzled expression. “Feel what?”

“Mmm… nothing. Probably just my imagination. Now, where’s that hot cocoa, again?” he asked gleefully.

Twilight chuckled. “Coming right up, Number One Assistant.”

=============================================
6:47

Ponyville Outskirts: Rainbow Dash’s Cloudominium

A strong gust of wind blew through Rainbow Dash’s mane.

“Huh?”

Her ears perked up and she raised her head. The gust seemed to come from nowhere, and she could have sworn she felt some kind of vibration crawl down her back. She turned her head in the direction it came from: east, towards Canterlot Castle. That’s when her keen eyes glimpsed some strange blue lights coming from Canterlot. She squinted her eyes and peered out towards the royal castle. “What’s that?”

=================
6:47 PM

Canterlot Castle

There was a sound. Faint at first, that grew louder and louder by the second.

“…aaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

A blue screaming mass came plummeting out of the wormhole. Sonic could do nothing to stop himself as he plummeted through the air. It was a long drop from midway in the sky to the ground. With his body turning and his arms flailing and spinning in circles, he could only watch the ground get closer and closer until—

SLAM! The hedgehog landed face first in the ground. His body and legs jerked still behind him for a few seconds upon impact, creating the comedic image of him nearly completely upside down with his face in the dirt. Another second and the rest of him would collapse onto the ground too. Picking his face out of the ground and pushing himself up to his knees, Sonic held his head with a pained groan. “Augh… why is it always the face..?”

He picked himself up off the ground, still rubbing his head and trying to shake the cobwebs from his dazed vision. Suddenly a bright light shined onto him, impairing his still recovering sight. Grimacing he held out his palm to shield his eyes, attempting to get his bearings. “Ah! Hey, shut that off, would ya?”

When Sonic could finally open his eyes, they immediately widened, for a very unfriendly sight greeted him. He was surrounded by what appeared to be eight white miniature horses, slightly taller than he was, wearing gold plated armor. Strangely enough they also had wings on their backs. A fact that Sonic would be more focused on if not for the very stern glares they were all directing towards him. And the long, sharpened spears about half of them were carrying.

After another moment of warily glancing around at them, he noticed that source of light was coming from somewhere above him. Looking up, he was greeted by the sight of another horse creature, flapping a pair of large wings and casting light down on him from a horn on top of her head. This one was much larger than the soldier looking ones surrounding him, with a dark blue coat and an ethereal mane that sparkled like the stars in the sky. The glare she directed at him made the looks the guards gave pale by comparison. Her voice exploded in a thunderous volume that made the nearby windows reverberate from its force.

“HALT, INTRUDER!”

Sonic got the feeling he was going to be in for a long night.

Author's Note

Aaaaand DONE, and we are properly on our way now. Sonic's already got a not so welcome party greeting him, expect the action to pick up next chapter. So glad to finally have this one out. Had a little setback with getting the story published on Christmas, what with the first chapter not having any ties to the MLPverse. No such problems anymore.

Let me know your comments and constructive criticism in the section below. SSD signing off.

Chapter 3 - Castle Escape

=========================
Canterlot Castle: Luna’s Tower

Five minutes ago

“...in... ce... una?”
“...rincess Luna?”
“Princess Luna!”

“H-Huh?” Cyan eyes fluttered open as the Princess of the Night was abruptly roused from here trance. The blue aura around her horn vanished, the spell that allowed her to walk through the dream world ceasing as the physical realm came back into existence around her. She shook her head for a moment to clear her sight, the interruption of her spell leaving cobwebs in her vision akin to suddenly being roused from sleep.

Shifting to her right, she looked over her shoulder to the white-coated pegasi guard behind her. “For what reason have you disturbed me from my duties, corporal?”

He bowed swiftly as Luna addressed him. “Pardon your highness. I wouldn’t have done so if it weren’t absolutely necessary. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we have an emergency,” he said hurriedly, pointing a hoof upwards in the opposite direction.

Luna quirked an eyebrow before turning her head up and out beyond her balcony. Her jaw promptly fell open at what she saw. “What in Equestria..?” A large, circular black rift stretched over the air, hanging just on the other side of the castle grounds. In hindsight, she couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed this cosmic fluke of an anomaly sooner.

“Corporal... what is this?” Luna asked.

The guard could only shake his head. “No idea, your highness. It appeared out of nowhere just a few minutes ago. We’ve set up loose formations along the balconies, at a set distance from it. Don’t want to risk anypony getting too close.”

Another guard suddenly came galloping in through her chamber door. It was another pegasus stallion, this one with a tangelo coat, and a mane and tail colored in alternating shades of moderate blue. His deeper toned voice called for the diarch’s attention. “Your Highness!” Skidding to a stop, he gave a short bow of his head and continued. “An intruder has been spotted on castle grounds! The east courtyard!”

Luna’s eyes widened, a hushed gasp escaping her throat. That was where her sister’s tower was. All traces of surprise disappeared from her face, her expression hardening into a ready, steely-eyed resolve. No harm would come to her sister. Not on her watch.

She turned and pointed to the white pegasi guard. “Take a squad and move to intercept, immediately! Block their escape and await my arrival. I shall join you momentarily. Have the rest of the patrols hold their positions along the scaffolds.” As the white-furred guard bowed and left with haste, she turned her attention to the orange pegasus. “Sir Spearhead, hurry to the south district and alert your captain. Bring him quickly! I will take no chances with my sister’s safety.”

“Yes Princess Luna!” Spearhead responded. With a quick bow of his own he turned on his hooves and sprinted out to carry out her orders.

As they departed, Luna quickly stepped through the balcony door and back into her chamber. Letting out a deep breath to steady herself, she looked above to the shadowed ceiling. “Umbra!”

Up above in the shadows, a pair of slit-pupil eyes opened up. Their jade glow stood out brightly against the darkness of the tower’s ceiling. The body they belonged too motioned slightly, becoming clear enough to see the upside down form of a pony hanging from a horizontal beam by its tail. It suddenly dropped down from the roof, falling halfway to the floor before a pair of bat-like wings opened up from its back. The thin stretches of skin caught the air, slowing its descent until the figure touched gently to the ground.

A bat pony clad in a stylized form of Night Guard armor stood before Luna. Her coat was grayish violet, accented by an array of light greenish gray patterns. The green streaks splayed across her stomach, chest, neck, eyelids, ear tips, and even her muzzle. The flesh of her fingered wings were similarly green. Her blackish mane was accented by streaks of grayish azure and dark blue violet, and tied into a single bun. Several pointed strands sticking out the back, the mare’s naturally spiky mane resisting the neat style. Unlike the standard Night Guards, her armor heavily resembled Luna herself with its shades of dark and vibrant blues. The chest piece was adorned by a solid white crescent moon. She bent a knee and bowed her head before before the younger diarch. “My liege?”

Luna cast a serious eye down upon her own captain. “Gather your brother and a platoon of the Night Guard from the west tower. You and Night Flare set up a vantage point fifty yards beyond the castle grounds. Have the rest of the guards rendezvous with Captain Armor. I want extra precautions in place should this intruder prove troublesome.”

The bat pony’s eyes narrowed with fierce determination. She had no intention of failing. “At once, princess.” With another flap of her leathery wings she propelled herself off the ground, past Luna and through the doorway, soaring off into the evening sky.

With all orders given, Luna again walked out to the edge of her balcony overlooking the castle. Down below she could already see the group of guards making their way towards Celestia’s tower. Stretching out her wings, she took to the air with a single wingbeat, lifting off the floor and gliding towards the opposite courtyard. No sooner did she take off did the mysterious warp begin to close. Soon it closed and faded out of existence altogether.

Luna’s mind raced. What was this strange phenomenon? And how exactly did it relate to this intruder? Whatever it was, she intended to find out.

By the time she arrived in the east courtyard’s airspace, she found a group of gold-clad guards moving in on the foot of the tower, all their sights honed straight ahead. Directing her eyes to their line of vision, she could make out an odd looking life form just ahead of the group. Her horn glowed as she activated a spell, casting an illuminating beam almost like a spotlight down on the intruder for a better look. Upon doing so, her eyes widened for the umpteenth time in this short evening.

It was some kind of anthropomorphic creature. Blue furred with quills on its head, with peach colored arms and belly and a thin black nose. From where she could see it also wore shoes and a pair of white gloves, raising one of its covered hands to shield its eyes from her light. In all Luna’s years, it still had to be one of the strangest creatures she had ever seen. Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the odd mammal as she lowered herself down. Intending to take immediate control of the situation, she bellowed in her now rarely used royal Canterlot voice.

“HALT, INTRUDER!”

========================
Canterlot Castle: Inner Ward

Now

Now the Princess of the Night glared down the strange two-legged creature with a piercing look, each beat of her dark wings descending her lower, like a dark angel summoned down to deliver judgment. She landed gracefully and folded her wings closed, her gaze as cold and unabiding as the black of a starless night sky. This thing, whatever it was, was not only the likely cause behind that unnatural surge of power that had split the sky, but burst unexpectedly into Celestia’s courtyard. While it hadn’t made any aggressive moves as of now, it was still no doubt connected to the evening’s strange event. And if this thing endangered her ponies or her sister in anyway, she would offer no reprieve.

“I know not what you are or what you are doing here creature, but I have questions for you. As I imagine my sister will when she awakens. Come quietly, and I will ensure you will be treated with at least some modicum of respect.” She snapped her wings out horizontally from her body to signal to the guards, who fanned out to her sides and stepped towards him.

Sonic looked on a bit anxiously, flexing his fingers in tension. The look the princess was giving him right now made his skin crawl. ’Yikes, if looks could kill... doubt I’m gonna catch any kind of a break from miss sourpuss there.’ So he looked to the guards as they got closer. “Come on, guys. Can’t we talk about this like reasonable... er, mammals?” he said to the approaching pegasi.

One on the left end raised an eyebrow. The pair in the middle glanced at each other for a moment in brief contemplation. But it didn’t last and they hardened their eyes on him again, continuing their march towards the hedgehog.

Sonic shrugged. “Eh, worth a shot.”

ZOOM! In the next moment the hedgehog was a speeding blue bullet rocketing towards the line of approaching guards. In the second they took to register his movements he was already a single step in front of one in the middle, jumping and narrowly front flipping over the armored pony.

When his feet hit the ground just a few feet from Luna, he dropped his body low and slid across the ground. Using his left hand for balance, he skid on the soles of his feet and his palm. Luna’s previously hard gaze widened from shock, only reacting enough to look downward as the blue hedgehog slid towards her. In that split second the two locked eyes, the hedgehog looking up at her with a cocksure smirk. He tapped his right and middle finger on his forehead, giving her a cheeky two-fingered salute before he disappeared from view underneath her, zooming between alicorn’s legs and off into the distance with a gust of wind.

The startling speed of what had just occurred and the blast of air between her legs caused Luna to let out a surprised whinny, her folded wings snapping up involuntarily. Her ethereal mane and tail blew roughly from the air current the alien’s dash created. Surprise and embarrassment quickly turned into righteous fury as the dream walking princess turned on her heel, her teeth grit in a scowl with a hint of dusty red staining the dark blue fur of her cheeks. “After him!”

The guards galloped after the escaping hedgehog. As they dashed past her and down the pathway out of the courtyard, Luna’s eyes narrowed as she pondered what had just transpired before her. One minute she had had this mysterious intruder surrounded, and in the next he was long gone. He’d slipped right past her and the guards in the blink of an eye. Made it look easy.

’I never imagined this being could be so... fast. They will never catch him at this rate. Let us hope my contingency fairs better...’ With a flap of her wings, she took to the air to pursue.

Sonic shot through the streets of Canterlot, his feet spinning underneath him as he looked from side to side at the city around him. ’I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore...’

The situation didn’t look good for the blue hero. He was alone, and judging from that earlier snafu, in unfriendly territory. First priority had to be getting out of here and getting out of here fast. Unfortunately for Sonic, he was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn’t notice the faint whistling of something flying through the air.

Suddenly, and without warning, something snared around his ankles mid stride. “Whoa!” He tumbled face first into the ground, rolling head over heels for a few feet before eventually grinding to a stop. Groaning he put a palm to his head and looked down toward his feet. Thin black cord and rounded metal balls of a bolas had wrapped tightly around his legs. Strangely, the opposite end of the typically throwing weapon’s cord was attached to the upper shaft of an arrow.

“I’d stay still if I were you,” said a voice to his right.

Turning his head Sonic saw yet another hovering in mid air a few meters away. A male from the sound of him. He had a moderate cerise coat, with a black mane and tail highlighted with orange ends. His hair looked a little spikier than the few he’d seen, but it was a little hard to tell from the dark purple jacket that he wore, the hood up and covering his head. His left hoof held a bow, a quiver strapped to his right side by his flank. He smirked at his seemingly subdued quarry.

“Gotta say, you’re pretty quick on your feet.” The pegasus tilted his head, looking over the downed hedgehog with an inquisitive look. “...For an overgrown rodent.” He raised his bow, gesturing to the hedgehog’s tied feet. “Like the trick arrows? Made ‘em myself. Come in real handy bagging ne’er do wells like you.” Then he gave an upwards nod directed somewhere behind Sonic. “He’s all yours, sis.”

An impact tremor of something landing on the ground suddenly came from behind the speedy Mobian. His head craned up as he took in the sight of the dark colored mare that had just dropped down. She spread her bat-like wings out wide and high in an intimidating manner as she stepped towards Sonic. Her right forehoof reached over her chest and drew the saber from the sheath that hung on her left side. Not once did she break eye contact with Sonic, her jade eyes zoned in on him a look so intense it made his skin crawl.

‘Man, are all the horse girls around here so scary?’

The mare stopped about two feet from where he lay. She held her saber aloft with a bend in her leg, pointing the curve of the blade at him. “You’ll be coming with us, creature.” She cast a stink eye up towards the other pony. “And why aren’t you in uniform, Night Flare?”

Night Flare, as he was apparently called, cracked a little smile. “You mean that clunky, gap-filled armor? I wasn’t really feelin’ it.”

When he saw Umbra’s glare harden, he rolled his eyes. “Oh, gimme a break, sis. I grew up in Somnambula way before your batty behind came along, remember? It’s cold up here for a southerner. And that armor isn’t exactly doing any favors. So how ‘bout you cut me some slack, Captain Bossy?” he replied, his nonchalant manner clearly agitating the mare even further.

“Luna, preserve me...”

Sonic softly chuckled at the two siblings’ bickering. “Trouble at home?”

His smile quickly disappeared when the tip of Umbra’s blade pointed in his face. “Eesh, tough crowd...” he said, sweat dropping. Nothing quite like the business end of a saber to kill the mood.

“Keep your thoughts to yourself, rat.” The bat pony’s slit jade eyes burned on him with a withering glare. “You’ve invaded the royal palace and caused havoc among our ranks. The princess will have questions for you, and until they’re answered, the only place you’re going to be is in a cell.”

Sonic crinkled his brow at the comment, slowly lowering his palms to the ground on either side of his body. He always got annoyed when people called him that. Ever since that one jerky genie in that story book.

“I’d listen to her if I were you,” came another glib comment from Night Flare. “Make her mad and she just might feast on your blood.”

A tick mark popped on Umbra’s forehead, turning her attention away from Sonic to glare back up at him. “So help me Night Flare, keep your big mouth shut or I will personally throw you in the dungeon with him!”

And there was Sonic’s door. The arrow guy may have gotten his legs tied up, but he was far from useless. With a sudden push to lift himself off the ground and a twist, he spun his lower body around and lashed out with his legs. The strike caught the distracted Night Guard captain by surprise, kicking the sword up out of her hoof and eliciting a surprised draw of breath from the bat pony.

“Sorry, I don’t do bars and chains. Not even after the second or third date.”

And he wasn’t done yet. Even though his legs were bound, he could still move most of his body. He pivoted his spin on his right hand until he was in just the right position, then let himself drop forward to tuck into a spin dash.

Umbra’s eyes went wide with shock, but there was no time; the barely-a-foot of distance between her and Sonic too short for her to defend or escape. In the blink of an eye, the spinning blue ball that was her target collided with her armored chest. The impact sent her flying backwards into a wall of shrubbery. All sight of her was lost in the cracking and bending of the green branches. The back of her head struck hard against a particularly thick branch, bouncing off the back of her helmet and knocking her almost unconscious.

Rebounding out of his spin, Sonic uncurled to land on his butt. A metallic ‘thunk’ to his right made him glance over. The bat pony’s saber had finished its return trip and had embedded itself in the ground right next to him. Out of the corner of his eye he caught something moving, looking up just in time to see Night Flare—no longer smiling, and with another arrow pulled back and ready to loose.

Sonic’s eyes went wide with alarm. As the pegasus released his bowstring and the arrow whistled through the air, he reached for the closest thing he could find: Umbra’s sword. Grasping the hilt with his right hand, he turned and brandished the brandished with the flat of the blade against his palm.

Ting! The pointed arrowhead bounced off the blade from his successful block.

“Whew! Talk about getting the point.”

Sonic glanced up at the archer, the grimace on the pony’s face showing annoyance at his failed shot, along with a hint of vengeful anger for his KO’d sister. The Mobian cut the wires around his legs and kipped up to his feet, dropping the sword. He ducked as two more arrows whizzed over his head, before whooshing off the way he was headed before the flying furry roadblocks showed up.

Glancing to his right, he was pleasantly surprised to see the hooded pegasus matching his speed, maintaining a set distance. “Well, well. Pretty quick for a flying donkey,” Sonic said with a smirk, returning Night Flare’s earlier taunt back to him.

The pegasus chuckled. “Glad you approve. I do aim to please.” The pegasus performed a sudden aerial twist, turning left and rolling like a barrel, maneuvering himself behind Sonic so that the two were lined up perfectly. He pulled a trio of arrows back in his bowstring, their arrowheads giving off a faint purple shine. “And speaking of aim...”

He fired, the trio of arrows whistling through the air towards their target. Sonic saw them coming out of the corner of his eye as a wide turn came up on the road. He sped flawlessly along the turn, his body leaning slightly to compensate and his fingers brushing along the brick of the adjacent building while he went.

Thinking he’d cleared this volley as well, he looked back over his shoulder, expecting to see the hooded pegasus still tailing him. Instead he was greeted onlu by the trio of arrows still flying after him.

’Heat-seeker arrows? That’s a new one. But... how well can they follow along?’

Looking ahead, Sonic saw a set of neighboring buildings. Just what he needed. He headed straight for the row of structures, decelerating a little to bring the arrows in closer. The side of the building was fast approaching, and the sharp projectiles were inching nearer and nearer to his back.

‘Almost there...’

At the last possible second, his foot caught the building’s wall and he zoomed straight up the side. Three ‘thunks’ into the side signified the arrows missed.

“Hah! Eat my dust, arrow boy!” he whooped. He caught the edge of the roof with his hand and flipped up over the edge.

His glee was replaced with surprised alarm. Night Flare there waiting, his bow aimed perfectly at the midair hedgehog, the readied arrow tipped with some type of cylinder-shaped capsule. “Eat this, furball.”

The bowstring snapped. The arrow flew. Sonic’s eyes widened with a burst of panic. He couldn’t dodge in midair; not at this range. He could only watch as the odd looking cylinder tip briefly glowed purple—

BANG!

The arrowhead exploded and Sonic’s body was sent flying towards the rooftop behind him. He hit the tile roughly and skidded several feet along the rooftop. The pony hovered overhead with a satisfied smirk on his face, striking up more conversation. “You know, I actually like the shoes. But the gloves are kinda tacky.”

The slightly crispy hedgehog found his way back to his feet, brushing the dust off his arm. “Well, that’s a riot. Fashion advice from the guy wearing purple.”

Night Flare frowned. “It’s indigo.”

“What was that?” Sonic lifted up one hand to his ear and leaned his head towards him, sporting a snarky smile. “I can’t hear you! Your purple is too loud!”

He had to make a quick swipe of his hand to catch another arrow before it hit him in the face. The annoyed pegasus pulled arrow after arrow from his quiver, firing them at the hedgehog in quick succession. He hovered right as he loosed them, continually changing his firing position, keeping Sonic on his toes.

The Blue Blur dodged them with relative ease, blurring in and out of sight around the roof, standing straight and confident with his arms crossed. Somersaulting backwards to another rooftop to dodge the next set of arrows, he gave a mocking gesture to Night Flare, sticking his tongue out and pulling his eyelid down at the pony.

Ducking another pair of arrows, Sonic revved up his feet to dash and leap off the roof and throw a high kick out at Night Flare. But the pony just let his body sprawl back and flapped his wings to propel himself down. Sonic went sailing over him, missing. As he landed on the adjacent rooftop he swerved for a U-turn, two more arrows piercing the tile behind him as he circled back. Racing towards the edge and jumping off, he curled up and launched himself towards Night Flare for a homing attack.

The distance Night Flare maintained between them however was enough to compensate for the Mobian’s speed. As the blue ball of spikes streaked towards him, he already had another explosive arrow drawn back, loosing it right towards the incoming hedgehog, again resulting in a small explosion that sent Sonic crashing to the opposite roof.

“You’re gonna have to do better than that!” Night Flare called, pulling back and firing another shot at Sonic even before he touched the rooftop.

It took a very fast roll to the left for Sonic to avoid the incoming arrow—but it had been exceedingly close. Kipping up, looking out at his opponent with a half frown.

‘This is no good. He's keeping all the space between us that he needs. He can dodge everything I throw at him, and those arrows are getting closer.’ He glanced around, spotting a hatch door formation sticking up out of the flat of one rooftop just a few buildings over. That gave him an idea.

‘Let’s see if I can take a page out of fly boy’s book.’ He shot off towards the distant rooftop, hopping over the gaps between houses while Night Flare gave chase.

Lining himself up behind Sonic for a straight shot, Night Flare pulled another explosive arrow back and took aim. This one would have some extra ‘oomph’ to it. More than enough to put the blue furball down for the count, or so he was counting on. “Now when I called you a rodent, I wasn’t implying that you’re a hairy, smelly, ugly—”

Just as he fired the arrow, Sonic jumped forward and planted his feet on the side of the building, propelling himself off and back towards the pony. He caught the arrow a millisecond before it hit him and threw it back at Night Flare with just as much force.

Night Flare’s eyes briefly widened before the resulting explosion shook the nearby buildings. He was sent tumbling out of resulting smoke cloud, plummeting backwards and crashing through a window with a grunt. A pair of very girlish shrieks also came from the inside of the room.

Landing back on the ground, Sonic called up to the window with his palm at the side of his mouth. “Nice banter, kid! Try getting some skills to back it up!” He shot off down the road, grinning with satisfaction at putting the pesky flier out of commission.

With his feet spinning underneath him and a dust cloud trailing behind him, the speeding hedgehog flew through Canterlot’s streets. It wasn’t long before he could see a wide hint of green in the distance. He smiled with hope. The city’s edge was drawing near. He was almost home free.

Until a rose colored laser shot at him from somewhere on his left. The surprised hedgehog jumped over the beam, screeching to a rough stop as he landed. The laser fired again, burning a long line in the concrete in front of him.

“Ugh, what now?” Looking to his left, he saw another pony approaching. He was tall and broader than the others he’d seen so far, with white fur and blueish tones in his mane, as well as more visible blue hooves. He also wore another unique armor, purple and gold with a star-marked shield on the chest.

“You know, this whole ‘pony challenger arcade’ thing is gettin’ real old, real fast,” said the mildly nettled hedgehog.

The stallion just glowered at him. “You’re not going anywhere, trespasser. You may have escaped all of the others, but you won’t get past me,” Shining Armor said threateningly, his horn alighting once more as he charged up another attack. “This is the end of the line, rat.”

“That’s hedgehog, ya mook!” Sonic revved his feet and zoomed in a loop as the unicorn shot a barrage of purple laser bolts at him. He jumped up to avoid a long laser and curled, shooting towards the pony in a blue streak of light with a homing attack, only to be stopped mid flight when a purple, bubble-like shield appeared between him and Shining Armor. Sonic’s spinning form ground against the magic barrier for a few seconds before his momentum bounced him off, up and over so that he landed behind the unicorn.

Sonic was beyond fed up with this now. The strange magic these talking horses had was getting to be a real pain. “That’s it, time to bail.”

Sideflipping another set of energy bolts from Shining Armor, he bolted for the edge of the city the moment he caught his footing.

BONK!

And ran full speed straight into a very hard solid mass.

Pulling his smooshed cheek of the surface, he groaned and put a hand to his face. He looked up to see It an almost transparent barrier in the same color as that horse soldier’s head beam. The sound of more hoofsteps behind him made him roll his head in frustration, turning around. ‘Speaking of whom...’

The unicorn stood there, his horn glowing. The shield he had put up covered nearly the entire block, with both of them inside. And he wasn’t alone. About a dozen more ponies with batty wings and dark armor began landing in rows at the unicorn’s side.

‘Great, the cavalry’s here,’ Sonic bemoaned in his head. ‘Anything else they wanna throw at me?’

His thoughts were answered when a familiar form dropped heavily in front of Shining Armor. It was the bat pony from earlier. And she did not look happy in the slightest. Her lips were curled in a snarl and her eyes glared atomic explosions at the Mobian.

A fresh bead of sweat ran down Sonic's forehead. ’Sorry I asked...’ He took a half step back, looking all around his bubble shaped prison. No way in, no way out. The thing covered the entire street.

Wait... just street? I wonder then...

His inner monologue was interrupted when the tall white unicorn stepped forward. “This is your last chance, stranger! Now give yourself up before you get hurt!”

Umbra on the other hand was in no more mood for warnings. “To Tarturus with that. He had his chance.” Venom dripped from her voice as she drew her sword and flourished it, about to signal the other bat-winged stallions to move in.

Sonic backed up just a little bit more. He could feel the cool of the barrier against his fingers. Well, no time like the present to test his little theory. He looked at Shining Armor. “Nice purple party piece, Private Pointy-Head. But here’s a tip.” He jumped up into the air. “Next time you learn how to make a fancy shield...”

He curled and spun rapidly, dropping back down. To the surprise of everypony, his body pierced into the ground upon coming back down, burrowing into it. Only to pop out on the other side of the barrier moments later. “...make sure it covers all your blind spots!”

While the rest of the ponies stood surprised, Umbra reacted first, turning to shout at Shining Armor. “Drop the shield!”

But it was too late. Sonic wagged his finger at the crowd of ponies before taking a hunched runner’s stance. “Well, it’s been fun, but I’ve gotta dash! Toodles!” And in a flash he was gone, whooshing off away from the city and leaving the flabbergasted ponies in his dust.

The purple wall of Shining Armor’s spell finished falling as he galloped a few feeble meters after the escaping hedgehog. But he quickly realized that it was pointless. He stamped his hoof to the ground with a frustrated exclamation. He watched the last of the dust cloud fade away, his lip pursed and his teeth grit as he hung his head, irritation and shame buring in his gut.

The other members of the Royal Guard displayed similar looks of shock, and disappointment. But none of them matched the utter outrage on Umbra’s face. A low growl emanated from the back of her throat, her teeth bared and grinding together. She turned back and pointed her blade at the rest of the patrol. “All Night Guards form up! I want a search party ready five minutes ago! We’re going after that thing!”

“Belay that order.”

The ponies quickly turned their attention upwards towards the familiar voice. Luna came down and landed before Umbra, prompting her to sheath her saber and bow her head low. Her ears flattened against her head, wholly ashamed of her failure.

“Forgive me, princess... I failed you... Please, let me pursue! I’ll take a twelve-pony squad and—”

The dark blue alicorn simply raised a hoof to quiet her. “At ease, Captain Umbra. Send the guards back to their posts.” She looked over her shoulder at Shining Armor. “As you were, Captain Armor.”

The unicorn blinked in slight surprise, shocked to see her taking this failure so well. Umbra on the other hand was more vocal in her discontent, looking to the diarch with a confused expression. “But, princess! What about the intruder?”

“That is not your burden anymore, Captain Armor.” As the guards dispersed, she walked back down the road.

Umbra came up beside her, matching the moon goddess’s pace. “...Are we just giving up, your majesty?” Umbra asked.

“Adapting, dear Umbra.” The dream walker’s cyan eyes narrowed in contemplation. “Whatever this... strange creature is, it possesses unique speed and abilities. We must match him in kind.”

“Your Highness..?” Umbra furrowed her brow, not quite understanding.

Luna stopped for a moment, gazing out past the city in which the hedgehog had run. “Bring me a scroll, Umbra.”

Sonic looked back over his shoulder as he made tracks away from the city. It didn’t look like any of those pastel horses were following him. Though he doubted any of them could keep up if he really tried. Feeling he was finally in the clear, he looked around to take in more of his surroundings. He was currently heading down the path of a mountain. In the distance were deep forests, towering mountains, and green pastures as far as the eye could see. But it was nothing like Mobius. Leading the hyperactive hedgehog to oh so poignantly voice the entirety of his thought process in one, simple question:

“Where in the cosmos am I?!”

========================
7:06 PM

Wonderbolt Headquarters

Galloping hoofsteps clopped loudly across the tiled floor. A pegasus mare with bushy dark blue hair, green eyes and a whitish coat bolted through the hallway. A rolled up scroll was clenched in her teeth. High Winds rushed towards the captain’s office as fast as her hooves could carry her. There was a ‘Urgent’ labeled message straight from Canterlot, emblazoned with Princess Luna’s mark. She had to get it delivered as fast as possible.

She finally reached her destination, throwing the door opened and jutting to a halt inside the room. The scroll fell from her mouth as she gasped, breathing heavily to get much needed oxygen back into her lungs.

“Whew... whew... Spi... S-Spitfi...”

The chair on the other side of the desk, which had been facing away from her, slowly turned around. There in it, wearing her medal-adorned jacket and typical dark shades, sat Spitfire—Captain of the Wonderbolts.

Before High Winds could sputter on, she raised a hoof to stop her. She pointed to the white mare’s left at a set of water bottles. High Winds grabbed one and opened it, drinking several big gulps of water. When she was finished she let out another big gasp, steadying her breath.

The captain rested her elbows on the table, hooves together. “You were saying?”

High Winds grabbed the scroll back up and approached the desk, extending the roll of paper forward. “Message from Canterlot! It’s urgent!”

Raising an eyebrow, Spitfire reached over the desk with her wing and took the scroll. Bringing it to her hooves, she unfurled it and read. As her eyes ran back and forth over the page, she pulled her sunglasses down an inch. When her eyes came to a stop, she placed the scroll firmly down on the table. “Get the team ready. I want six of our best on the runway, now.”

“Yes ma’am!” High Winds acknowledged before galloping off.

Spitfire turned back around in her chair, standing up and trotting to the window. She gave a long look out into the evening sky beyond the academy, and an ardent smirk broke across her face. “Today just got a lot more interesting.”

================================================================
Artwork:

Umbra

Night Flare

Author's Note

Kept you waiting, huh? Apologies to my watchers, who I'm pleasantly surprised to see have been following this the way they have. Life has been kicking my butt from one end to the other these past few months with how busy it's been. Nor did I realize this chapter would end up being as long as it was. Sorry to take so long. If all goes well the next one will be out much sooner.

So we've got a few surprises this chapter. Our boy Sonic has made chumps out of a couple of our fair princess of the night's personal guard and is now on the run from the law. I'm certain that won't have any long lasting effects at all. And Luna has the right idea. You wanna catch a speedster, you send a team of speedsters. Watch out Sonic, there's a fiery pegasus gunning for your blue hide.

Hope you enjoyed. See you next time.

Chapter 4 - Catch Me If You Can

================================
7:12 PM

Wonderbolt Headquarters: Barracks

Blue and yellow spandex pulled tightly around Spitfire’s leg. The front zipper closed the tight uniform snugly against her chest, and her wings stretched out dynamically through the suit’s two holes as she got dressed for the mission. She pulled her flight suit’s mask over her head, shaking out her frizzy mane.

A knocking on the wall suddenly interrupted her concentration, along with a boyish voice calling her.

“Hey, boss?”

Spitfire didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was, her expression barely changing.

“I thought I told High Winds to round up our best and await orders. What are you doing here, Soarin?”

The male pegasus just a few feet to her right entered, taking a few steps towards her.

“Oh, I got the order. I just thought there was something more important to check on first.”

“Uh-huh…” Spitfire mused, fishing her goggles out of her locker. A small smirk came to her face while she shuffled the headgear in her hoof. “You sure you actually got the message? Or are you just goofing off with nothing better to do ‘cause she didn’t pick you?” she said, a hint of teasing snark in her voice. “Maybe you’d be back at the top of your game if you’d lay off all the apple pies.”

”Spitfire.”

Soarin’s serious tone finally gave her pause. She turned to face the pale blue stallion just as he put a hoof on her right shoulder.

“Seriously, what’s going on? I don’t think you’ve ever ordered us to formation this late before. I know you work us all hard, but you’re not a slave driver. Is something wrong?” he asked, a concerned expression on his face.

Spitfire couldn’t help from softening. He was worried about her. Adorable. She offered a small smile and briefly rested her hoof against his foreleg to ease his worry.

“Trust me Soarin, it’s nothing that we can’t handle. I’ll explain everything in a few minutes.” That teasing smirk came back as she finished. “So don’t go all mushy on me now, Clipper. I need you for this.”

His worries dispelled, Soarin smiled back at his captain. “Just keeping you grounded, Cap’.”

“Yeah, yeah. Now get to the runway, on the double!”

He gave a salute, still smiling. “Yes ma’am!”

Taking off out of the barracks, Spitfire was once again left alone with her thoughts. With her serious demeanor now brightened with a spark of assurance, she strapped her goggles on over her forehead. She let out a steady breath, readying herself.

“Let’s get to it.”

===============================
7:18 PM

Wonderbolt Headquarters: Runway

The gathered team of five pegasi were present on the grassy edge of the runway, all dressed in similar blue and yellow-striped uniforms. They either remained stationary on the grassy patch, or warmed up in place preparation for the mission ahead. One stallion with a bushy, brilliant orange and light brownish gray mane was doing wing push-ups. Another stallion with a fluffy, white and gray mane and a grayish coat was loosening up his wings. He’d extend one at a time and reach them over to the opposite side of his body, as far as they would go, alternating wings after a ten or so second stretch.

High Winds sat talking to another mare with a light arctic blue coat. Her whitish, partially-pointed mane’s size and volume made any of the others look tame by comparison. A final mare stood a few away from the pair, this one with a pale, light grayish olive coat. Her mane was colored with alternating light brilliant and very pale arctic blue. Her forelegs were outstretched in front of her with her head lowered, her back legs straight and hindquarters reared up as she stretched her legs and glutes.

Soarin came gliding back to the group, catching the attention of High Winds and the blue mare. The latter of which paused her conversation to step out to greet him with a friendly smirk.

“Welcome back, Soar. Thought you weren’t gonna make it for awhile there,” she said, prodding a playful elbow into his side.

Soarin just chuckled. “Don’t worry Flatfoot, I wouldn’t leave you guys hangin’. Just checking on a friend is all.”

Fleetfoot sniggered. “Sure, sure. As long as you’ve got your head in the game. Can’t have you getting sidetracked out there.”

Before they could continue talking, a loud shout rang out over the runway.

“ATTENTION!”

Faster than the blink of an eye, the six pegasi zipped into a straight line along the edge of the runway, standing up tall. Their captain had finally arrived on scene. The yellow pegasus marched across their view and turned to face them.

“Look alive, you pigeons! We have a situation! So listen up and listen good, ‘cause I’m only gonna say this once!”

Her eyes gazed over the row of her faithful Bolts. Not a hint of waver or hesitation. Good.

“There’s been an incident at Canterlot Castle. A strange blue creature appeared out of nowhere, right in the middle of the princess’s courtyard. It engaged several of the guards before escaping.”

Soft inhales of breath were heard from a few of the lined up pegasi.

“We have a report straight from Princess Luna herself. It was last seen heading east of Canterlot, directly towards Rambling Rock Ridge. Our orders are to to find this thing, whatever it is, and bring it in!” Her strong orange eyes narrowed. ”By any means necessary.

She scanned the faces of her fellow Wonderbolts as she continued. “This mission will be extremely uncertain. We have next to no information on whatever it is that popped up on the grid in Canterlot. We don’t know what it is, or where it comes from. The only thing we know for sure from the princess’s report is it was quick enough to evade capture.”

She paused, letting her crew take in that fact for a moment.

“That in mind, if anyone wants to back out, I understand. If you don’t think you can handle whatever’s waiting for us out there, just take one step back.”

A sense of anxiousness hung over the six ponies. There was an unmistakable tone of daring to their captain’s command. Almost a test. Which of them were brave enough to bite the bullet? But at the same time, the concern for the unusual nature of their mission was genuine. Would they rise to the challenge?

Soarin would be the one to take the lead. He stomped a hoof down and flexed out his wings assertively. There was no way he was going to chicken out and leave his team. He would see this through to whatever the way ahead would find.

His display appeared to give the others the inspiration they needed. Following Soarin’s lead, the rest of the team snapped their wings out as well. A show of solidarity that drew a smile to their captain’s face.

‘That’s what I like to see.’ She opened up her own wings and pulled her goggles down over her eyes. “Let’s ride!”

And with one powerful flap of her wings, Spitfire went rocketing up into the air, with her team following suit right behind her.

As her Wonderbolts moved into a V formation with her in the lead, Spitfire gave a subtle smile. The mystery and intrigue of what might be waiting for her sent small shivers of excitement down her spine. She licked her lips, focusing ahead.

“Time to go hunting.”

===================
7:47 PM

Rambling Rock Ridge

The evening wind whistled, blowing softly across the cliffs of Rambling Rock Ridge. With no civilization for miles in any direction, the gray cliffs of the rocky landscape were an exceptionally quiet place, and very bare, with almost no vegetation. The only thing of note as far as the eye could see was a single, moderately tall pine tree. Only sparsely covered in green needles, but with large, strong branches that grew out parallel from the pine’s trunk.

It was on one of these wider branches that Sonic sat with an unsettled look on his face.

“Man, talk about a crazy Monday...”

The hedgehog tilted his head up, staring off into the starlit sky. Its differences from his own were obvious. The sky itself had more of a violet color to it. Even the moon looked different. He just continued to sit on the branch he’d been perched on for a good while now, letting his thoughts wander.

The adrenaline from the chaos back at the castle had worn off long ago, leaving him to ponder his current fate in silence. His usual, confident state of mind now colored with a blend of uncertainty as he mulled over everything that had happened in the last hour.

One moment he was facing off with Eggman, ready to thwart his evil plans like he always did, the next he was tumbling helplessly through time and space. And the trip had been far from a pleasant one. The unstable space inside that wormhole stretched and distorted his body like no one’s business. It felt like the thing had nearly pulled him inside out along the way, right before he was unceremoniously dumped on his face, only to be greeted with an aggressive army of technicolor equine gunning for him mere seconds afterwards.

‘Huh… Eggman said that gizmo of his could make a tear in time and space. Just like last time. So, if the coloring book horses are anything to go by, it probably means... I’ve gone and landed in a totally different dimension! ...Again.’

Except this time, Sonic realized, he was considerably worse off. He looked down at the ground in contemplation, seemingly realizing just how alone he was right now. He had no friends there to help or vouch for him. He had no idea where in whatever-this-place-was-called he was. And if that run in with the armored guards from earlier was anything to go by, he was already at the top of someone’s most wanted list.

His eyes closed in contemplation, as one single vexing question reverberated through his thoughts:

‘How am I gonna get back home?’

It seemed grim for the speedster. But his never-say-die attitude eventually shone its way back to the surface. He stood up on his tree branch, managing a smile as he looked out into the beyond. “Well, sitting around moping won’t change anything. I’ll work things out one way or another.” Jumping down from the tree to the ground, Sonic looked out over the terrain. “Now, where to go from here?”

The Wonderbolts cruised through the darkened skies. They were just entering the airspace near Rambling Rock Ridge. They had kept only a moderate altitude so that they might spot anything on the ground on their way, but so far there hadn’t been any sightings. Spitfire began giving the rest of them the rundown as they approached the ridge.

“All right team, you know the drill! Branch out and cover the entire scope of the ridge! I want updates once the entire perimeter has been circled! Everyone else, leave no inch of the area unchecked! Keep your eyes peeled for the target!”

Misty Fly rolled her eyes, mumbling snidely to herself. “How are we even supposed to find anything out here in this dark?”

Spitfire turned to her left to look at her. “We’ve trained for night operations. A loop or two over the perimeter and back, and we’ll have had enough time to adjust. Plus, if this thing is as fast as her highness says, then it should make a trail for us to follow if our flight spooks it. So buck up and keep your eyes peeled!”

Misty Fly wrinkled her nose and faced forward again, a few doubts still lingering in her mind, but resigning to the situation all the same.

Spitfire continued as the team drew closer to the target area. “All right team, fan out! And radio in the second you spot anything!”

”Yes ma’am!”

The seven Wonderbolts split from their V-shaped pattern and slanted off in different directions, with Spitfire taking the direct route through the middle of the eroded structure. Each of them kept their heads on a swivel, scanning the landscape beneath them for any traces of the invader.

Minutes ticked away as the ponies scanned the ground for any traces of life. But there was no word so far. No sight of their mysterious intruder.

As Spitfire circled back over the base of the wide canyon, she couldn’t help but think to herself that maybe Misty Fly had a point. Visibility was hardly the best at this time of night. It wasn’t like whatever this creature was went around holding up a bright neon sign reading ‘Here I am, come capture me!’ And if he could freely move about, he might already be long gone from where Luna had estimated him to be. But the captain wasn’t about to be deterred. She began planning the next steps of the operation to herself in her head.

‘If we strike out here, we’ll just divide up into two groups. Spreading out further will help us cover more possible ground. We’ll go in opposite directions from each half of the ravine and–’

Her inner monologue was interrupted by Soarin’s voice echoing through her radio earpiece.

“I have a visual! East side, far right! Just south of the tall tree!”

She looked over her right shoulder towards the long cliff. Her eyes followed the uneven slope of the ridge until she spotted the tree. “Good eye, Clipper,” she said with a small smile. “Everypony, regroup and prepare to go in for a landing!”

Spitfire made a U-turn and streaked back in the direction she had flown. It was time to meet this mysterious blue creature firsthoof.

“Now then, let’s go say hello.”

Sonic’s left ear gave an involuntary twitch.

“Hmm?”

He looked upwards as the faint sound of something almost like a jet drew his attention. Squinting his eyes, he could make out small flying shapes heading his way. Soon he could make them out as more of this place’s resident horses.

“Looks like the second half of the welcoming committee.” He folded his arms and waited for the latest group of horse inhabitants to make their arrival.

The flying ponies flew over him before looping with an upwards turn. They curved upside down and into a straight downward dive from right above him. With solid impacts the Wonderbolts landed one at a time in a ring around the hedgehog, surrounding him.

Sonic glanced around at his new flight suit-wearing pony pursuers, cracking an amused smile to himself at their fashion choice before addressing them.

“Evening, fellas. Do we have a problem here?”

“That depends,” came the response from Spitfire, a clear tone of suspicion in her voice. She took a couple steps out from the rest of the team towards him, and lifted her goggles up onto her forehead so she could get a better look at the “mysterious creature,” giving him a once-over.

He was every bit as strange looking as Luna had described. Spiked quills protruding from his head and back. Blue fur covering everywhere on its body except for his arms and a round peach spot that she assumed was his belly. His face featured a muzzle and a thin black nose. He was taller than Spitfire expected too. Taller than her, but still about an inch short of the average stallion. His legs and arms were very thin, sporting a pair of gloves and red and white buckled shoes, respectively. An odd specimen indeed.

“We’re searching for some kind of rat-looking thing that invaded our capital of Canterlot, and threatened our troops, along with the princess. Stands on two legs. Blue. Looks like a walking pincushion. Heard of him?” she said sarcastically, her eyes full of hostility and mistrust.

Sonic’s expression went flat. ‘Really? Canterlot? Man, I hope these kind of puns aren’t gonna be a thing around here.’

Naming qualms aside, he was again annoyed for someone calling him that for the umpteenth time since he got here.

“Hedgehog. Hedge-HOG. Seriously, have none of you bite-size horses ever seen a hedgehog before?”

Spitfire arched an eyebrow at his response, not looking very amused.

“And for the record,” Sonic continued, raising a finger, “it was less of an ‘invasion’, and more of ‘I was just dumped here against my will.’ You guys are the ones who went all SWAT team on me before I could even get my bearings,” he said defensively.

“Likely story,” said Spitfire, clearly not convinced. “I’d ask who you are and how you gave our royal guard so much trouble, but that’s not my job. All you need to know is that we’re here to bring you in. The Princesses can decide what they want to do with you after that.”

Sonic rolled his eyes. “If you say so.” He rested a fist on his hip and nonchalantly scratched his ear, looking rather uninterested overall. “So, who exactly are you Fantastic Four wannabes supposed to be?”

The yellow pegasus glared at his remark. “You’re looking at the Wonderbolts, pincushion. The most elite flying team there is. So just make this easy and give yourself up. Otherwise, we’ll have to rough you up.”

The blue hedgehog raised an eyebrow, a little intrigued. A cheeky smile came to his face. “Elite flyers, huh? Sounds real impressive. You might actually scare me if you weren’t dressed like an 80s rock band.”

Spitfire’s look grew even more annoyed. The rest of the Wonderbolts also gave displeased frowns, insulted. All except for Soarin, who couldn’t help from snickering at the hedgehog’s banter, bringing a hoof over his mouth to stifle his laughter. Only when Fleetfoot gave him a subtle elbow jab to the ribs and an accompanying glare did he clear his throat and regain his composure.

“That smart mouth isn’t help you now, hedgehog. There’s no way you’re gonna get away from us.”

“Uh-huh...” Sonic glanced around in either direction. Then he noticed something off to the right: a broken off log just a few yards behind the white-haired Wonderbolt. Perfect.

To Spitfire and rest of them, it looked like he was just ignoring them, which only angered the captain further. Looking back at her team, she made a quick gesture towards Sonic with her head. “All right team, let’s tag and bag him.”

Silver Zoom was the first to try. “I’ve got him, captain!” Breaking formation, he burst off straight for Sonic, expecting an easy catch.

Oh, how mistaken he would be.

Without missing a beat, Sonic jumped up right before Silver Zoom could grab him, stepping on his back and using the momentum to propel himself up and over the row of ponies with a side flip. As the shocked pegasi looked on, he came back down and landed right on the log. The force of his landing dislodged the loosely placed piece of wood from its resting place, and he immediately started to slide down the the gravelly stone run.

He gave the Wonderbolts a mocking wave as he slid away.

“Thanks, but no thanks! I’ve had enough games of tag for one night. See ya later!”

Spitfire grit her teeth, whipping her head expectantly at the rest of the team. “Don’t just stand there, after him!”

Snapping back to attention, the Wonderbolts took off after the escaping hedgehog. Their captain followed suite right behind them.

The chase was on.

Sonic balanced himself as his makeshift board slid rapidly down the slope of the ravine, the log creating a persistent rattling as the wood passed over the rocks and pebbles. Smirking with excitement, he drifted back and forth as he surfed down the ridge.

It wasn’t long until he noticed the Wonderbolts gaining on him. Fire Streak zoned in from behind, a yard or two above him in the air, while Fleetfoot came in on his left. Sonic glanced at the approaching blue mare, returning her aggressive look with a competitive smile.

“Ooh! Sorta-fast flying ponies. Almost looks like a challenge.”

Apparently further incensed by his taunting, she suddenly swiped right with every intent of knocking the him from his log. But Sonic was quicker, jumping sideways and off the log to avoid her.

“Almost.”

As the piece of a broken tree tumbled away behind him, he hit the ground running, matching his previous sliding pace for a few moments before accelerating ahead down the mountain.

The Wonderbolts responded in kind, boosting after him, determined not to lose their target. Reactions to his alleged quickness first hand ranged from annoyance to mild surprise for most of them.

“Huh. Pretty fast for a little guy,” Soarin remarked.

Spitfire called out another order to the group. “Stay focused! Keep formation and don’t let him out of your sights!”

Up ahead, Sonic could see some obstacles coming up in his path in the form of rock formations: several free-standing peaks that jutted out from the mostly flat slide.

Spitfire could see them too, planning their next move out in her head. ‘Those oughtta slow him down a bit. We can sweep in from the middle and the sides with the Delta maneuver, and take him down right now.’

But of course, these would hardly prove to be obstacles for the Blue Blur.

Sonic revved up for another quick burst of speed. He zoomed towards the first rocky tower and leaped through the air, quickly bringing his palms out to quickly push off the top of the stone formation as he passed it over. Flying through the air, he spread his arms out and straightened his legs.

Another tall rock formation loomed in front of him as he shot forward. The hedgehog curled and rotated in mid air so that his feet faced the oncoming cliff, landing against it and pushing off so he bounded to the side of another jagged formation. Then another. And another. Sonic whizzed like a ricocheting blue pinball across the Wonderbolts’ sight lines as he jumped from column to column.

His final leap saw him land back down on solid ground. He could make out large stone arch about twenty yards ahead, and closing fast. But seeing it only made him crack a bigger smile.

‘For me? Don’t mind if I do!’

Spitfire could only watch in surprise as her initial plan to surround the hedgehog was now shot. She and the rest of the Wonderbolts were in awe by what they’d seen so far. None of them had expected such a showing from the alien. His displays of speed and acrobatics were a spectacle to watch.

Luckily, she saw another roadblock up ahead. This part of the ravine was coming to an end. This half of the ridge only went for another thirty or so feet after the stone arch the hedgehog was headed towards. Then it turned into a cliff with a sheer drop down who knows how many feet to the bottom of the ridge. She called to the others again.

“Split half and half and get ready to come in from either side! He’s got nowhere to go once his road ends! We’ll corner him right as soon as... he… stops…?”

Spitfire’s eyes slowly widened as she watched Sonic. He wasn’t slowing down at all.

The Mobian raced towards the rock formation, heading straight for the right side of the arch. A second later he was dashing up the curved stone of the rock arch, going upside down in the structure’s natural loop and blasting off its upward ledge, flying off into the air...

...and over the edge of the cliff.

Sonic, of course, thought nothing of it. He spread his arms and legs out for hang time as he sailed over the rocky valley, grinning as the air whipped through his quills. Moments like these always got his blood bumping. There was nothing he loved more. The breakneck speed, the thrill of someone to match it with... oh, what a rush!

Spitfire and the other ponies however nearly had their eyes bugging out of their heads. An almost choked gasp escaped the yellow-furred captain’s throat at the sight of the seemingly suicidal maneuver.

‘Is he cracked?! He’ll never survive that!’

But before she could scream for one of them to help her catch the alien before he plummeted to his death, Sonic curled into a ball again and began to spin himself. Down, down, down he fell, the pegasi doing their best to try and catch up to him. But it seemed their moment of stunned shock put them just a few too many wing beats behind. They wouldn’t be able to get to him before he hit the ground, and presumably broke every bone in his body.

Down he went, faster and faster, the ground getting closer and closer with each passing second. The Wonderbolts looked on in horror as the curled blue mass of the hedgehog was about to become an ugly red stain on the surface…

...until he wasn’t. The moment Sonic’s body touched the ground, he launched straight into a rolling dash across the bottom of the ravine. Completely unharmed.

The Wonderbolts could only stare gobsmacked at impossible scene they’d just witnessed. They hovered in midair with their mouths open in shock.

Soarin was the first one to break the silence.

“Well, I’m impressed.”

Another stink eye from Fleetfoot turned the casual smile he was sporting into a more apologetic one, the stallion reeling back slightly.

High Winds just stared, looking completely flabbergasted. “How did he… Is that… Is that even possible?!”

Spitfire grimaced before shouting her next order. “Silver Zoom! Fire Streak! Fleetfoot! You three head east and come in from the ridge’s end point! You’ll be the backup to cut off his escape! Everyone else, with me!”

She flew beyond the edge of the cliff, the designated half of the Wonderbolts nodding to each other and following while the other squad flew off to the left of the other ponies.

Down at the bottom of the ridge, Sonic untucked from his ball form and sprang back to his feet, skidding along the ground until coming to a stop. He dusted off his hands in a satisfied manner, thinking he was in the clear.

“Phew. Well, that was fun.”

“Glad you enjoyed it. ‘Cause your joyride’s about to come to an end.”

Looking behind him to see where the voice had come from, Sonic saw Spitfire and the other three pegasi behind her. He smirked, almost happy he hadn’t lost them so easily.

“So you circus ponies still wanna play, huh? All right, let’s see if you can keep up!” He dashed off to his right, leaving a small dust cloud in his wake.

The four-pony flight team were quick to respond, bursting off the ground after him. The chase now turned into a level run through the ravine.

Sonic’s feet carried him rapidly through the gravel, casting a brief glance over his shoulder to throw another barb at his pursuers. “Come on, Dunder-bolts! At least try to make this interesting!” Boosting his speed, the hedgehog whizzed ahead even faster than before.

“He’s accelerating! Take diamond formation! Pick up the pace!” shouted Spitfire.

”Roger!”

Following her command, Misty Fly dropped back towards the rear of the group. Spitfire and Soarin, each with two ponies lined up in a row. Misty Fly took her position forty five degrees behind Spitfire and High Winds.

The team of flyers nodded, started getting closer to the racing Mobian, splitting apart into two and coming in from his sides. Sonic spied them approaching out of the corner of his eye, grinning. “Well well, finally decided to catch up, eh?”

Soarin moved forward past Sonic on his left, Spitfire following shortly behind and staying parallel to the hedgehog as her partner got into position. High Winds matched her placement on Sonic’s right, Misty Fly came in behind him, and Soarin swerved in front of him. True to the order’s name, the ponies formed a diamond pattern around the Blue Blur. Misty Fly moved up into the air, getting ready to dive-bomb Sonic from behind.

“Oh no, at this rate I’ll be caught!” Sonic said, thickly laying on a tone of false worry, before quickly laughing it off. “Hah, yeah right!”

When Misty Fly came diving at his back, Sonic phased out and disappeared, leaving her to catch nothing but empty air. She look around mid flight, utterly baffled at where he’d vanished to.

“What the– where did he go?!”

The bottom of two sneakers planted into her back, making her grunt. The reappearing hedgehog bouncing off her back and into the air in front of the team. He turned midair to face the airponies, a cocksure grin plastered on his face.

“Catch me if you can!” He twisted around to land forward and went zooming on ahead.

Misty Fly looked particularly upset at being stepped on. “Why that little… He’s making us look like chumps!” she cried in indignation.

Spitfire’s expression burned on the blue speedster. This cocky alien was making her venerable team of flyers look like a bunch of third-rate newbies. She would NOT tolerate it. “Flap those wings, Bolts! Stick to form and give it everything you’ve got! Get him!”

“Yes ma’am!”

The airponies put all their strength and effort into their flapping wings, staying tightly locked in their diamond-shaped pattern. A trail of scattered topsoil blew behind them from how fast they were going.

From his lead position, Soarin licked his slightly drying lip. He could feel some dampness of sweat in his suit on the side of his neck. Chasing this blue ball of spikes had been a heck of a challenge, but now they’d be going a hundred percent. It was time to get this guy. His wings were in overdrive, propelling him forward at a demanding pace of more than six beats per second as he flew with all his might. As he blazed forward with his faithful team behind him, he expected to see the blue alien coming back into their sights for an easy catch any second now.

Only for his eyes to go wide in shock.

“What the...!”

Five yards in front the airponies was Sonic, looking at them with a smug smile.

With his arms crossed.

Running backwards.

Soarin and the rest of the Wonderbolts were left dumbfounded at the act of sheer impossibility that was currently staring them in the face.

“H-How can he–! That’s impossible!!” shouted High Winds.

“He’s... He’s just playing around with us!” Misty Fly growled, outraged. “What IS this thing?!”

Sonic brought one arm up and wagged a finger at the Wonderbolts without once breaking his stride. “You’re quick, Wonderbolts! But you’re not fast!”

Spitfire was seething at his antics. Furious at their inability to catch one stupid looking rodent, even more so at the fact that he seemed to consider the whole thing one big game. The sheer nerve of this alien made her blood boil. But as much as her belly burned at the wisecracking rodent making light of them, she held in her anger.

He was still about to get his comeuppance.

That was when Sonic appeared to notice something not adding up in the number of Wonderbolts chasing him. “Hey, weren’t there more of y–”

THUD!

Sonic suddenly let out a pained cry as something very hard and solid hit him square in the back. He was knocked off his feet and hit the ground hard, tumbling for several yards before coming to a rough stop. Groaning, he lifted his face out of the dirt. Looking behind him, he saw that blue pony with the white mane from before giving him a very wry smile. Clearly she was the one responsible. She was joined by the two other stallions from before.

‘Augh… cheap shot…’

As he pulled himself to his feet, all seven ponies again landed on the ground and formed a circle around him. They had him completely surrounded with nowhere to run. No way to escape.

The fiery captain’s gaze bore into him. She’d seen how quick he was. Now as the others engaged him in direct combat, she would analyze his fighting methods. Let the others wear him down and open him up. Wait for a misstep, and then take him down.

Sonic turned around, glancing around the group before fixing his eyes on Spitfire and Fleetfoot with a serious look. “You guys sure you wanna ride this train?”

Fleetfoot pawed her hoof on the ground in response, offering him no quarter. It was perfectly clear what was about to happen. The only way he was leaving was through them.

With the gauntlet thrown, Sonic stepped slightly back with one foot, curled a fist at his hip, and stretched out an arm to point at her. “Okay, bring it on!”

And then the real fight began.

Soarin, Fire Streak, and Misty Fly were the first to try. They launched from opposing ends of the circle formation, shooting towards Sonic to tackle him down.

Sonic reacted with a quick series of jumps, vaulting over each of the oncoming pegasi. From the corner of his eye he saw Fleetfoot speeding towards him from his right. Stepping slightly back to avoid her, he grabbed her by the tail as she passed, prompting a look of shock from the blue pegasus.

“In the back? Not cool, Cloud Hair.”

He spun like a top on one leg, twirling Fleetfoot round and round in a tornado of blue and white. After a few seconds he let go of the screaming pegasus, sending her hurtling through the air and colliding with Silver Zoom. Both ponies crashed hard into the ground with swirls in their eyes.

The next two Sonic saw coming his way were the pair of High Winds and Misty Fly. The white mare took the lead with her pale olive-coated partner floating a few feet above her. Sonic boosted towards her with a quick burst of speed, stretching and reaching one hand out as he soared just over her, and landing with his hand on her back by time she could react. Pivoting on his palm, he twisted his body around and struck Misty Fly with a kick right underneath the chin.

Misty Fly was knocked up and away with a grunt, and Sonic sprung off of High Wind’s back to miss the swipe she took at him, landing back down on the ground.

Sonic’s ears pricked up as he heard something cutting through the air above him, prompting him to backflip away. He just barely avoided the two other stallions smashing their rear hooves into the ground where he stood mere moments ago. They were quick to chase after him, coming at him from both sides.

The one with orange and gray hair threw a barrage of quick boxing-style punches at him, the hedgehog bobbing and weaving from side to side to avoid. When Soarin slid in behind him to throw a low sweeping kick at his legs, Sonic parried Fire Streak’s incoming right jab away with his palm and jumped, misdirecting the gray pony’s momentum away from him and dodging the kick. In the same motion he twisted his body around and threw a back kick that smacked Fire Streak directly in the back of the head, knocking him away. Continuing to twist, Sonic stretched his opposite leg up and came down with an axe kick aimed for the crown of Soarin’s head. The stallion jumped backwards to avoid the strike, aided by a flap of his wings.

For what felt like dozenth time that night, Spitfire was left staring with her mouth agape at what her eyes beheld. Once again the Wonderbolts were being outpaced, outmatched, and now outfought by the speedy blue rodent.

‘This guy fights better than most of the royal guards I’ve seen in years! Who IS he?! Where did he come from?!’

While she mentally warred with herself, Sonic and Soarin were locked up. Each of them blocking one of the other’s thrown punches simultaneously, left legs planted backwards for support and right legs forward and bent as they pushed against one another.

“Gotta admit, hedgehog… you’re pretty tough. No wonder the guards had so much trouble with you,” Soarin complimented him with an excited smile.

Sonic cracked a little grin in return. “Heh, thanks. You’re pretty good yourself.”

Suddenly he let go of Soarin’s hoof and slipped his extended right arm inside his guard. Throwing both arms out to open him up, Sonic then followed with a backflip kick that caught Soarin right on the chin and sent him soaring up and backwards.

“Pretty good. But not good enough!”

Landing back on his feet, Sonic turned on his heel ready to make tracks, only to find that the other Wonderbolts had recovered and had again boxed him in. He hissed his teeth in slight aggravation. All of these equines were flesh and blood like him, and didn’t seem particularly evil, so he’d been trying to pull his punches since he got here. Maybe now after failing to catch him all night they’d be more receptive to the diplomatic approach?

“All right, look Doom Patrol. Aside from the whole ‘trying to bash my face in’ thing, I know you’re just doing what you’re told. So how about you call it quits now and I’ll let you off easy?”

Spitfire however was having none of it, almost offended at the offer. “TAKE HIM DOWN!”

As the Bolts flew in around him, Sonic readied himself in a semi-crouching stance.

“All right. Just remember, I gave you an out.”

He tucked and curled initiate his Spin Dash. Whatever puzzlement the Wonderbolts might have felt at the odd sight was quickly discarded as they lunged for the hedgehog.

Closer, closer, and closer…

FWOOSH!

Sonic shot off the ground like a bullet. His spinning form scored a direct hit to Misty Fly’s chest. Immediately after hitting her he ricocheted off and sprung like a bouncy ball, smashing from Wonderbolt to ground to Wonderbolt in a wild frenzy of speed. In the span of mere seconds he’d scored multiple hits to each of the pegasi.

The elite flyers fell like dominoes.

Spitfire stared speechlessly as her team lay there, groaning and twitching in the dirt. She almost missed the gust of air and low screeching sound of someone sliding behind her. Then she felt a hand slap her right on her rear end, causing her to jump in surprise and her wings to shoot up as she let out a very uncharacteristic squeak.

“Sorry cap’n, but I’ve gotta run! I’ll play with you some other time!”

As the Blue Blur shot off away from Rambling Rock Ridge and into the distance behind her, Spitfire just stood there for a moment in shock at what he had just said and done. A faint red shade was visible on her yellow face, and as the second ticked by it quickly intensified as embarrassment turned to rage. Her teeth bared into a furious snarl, and her eyes practically burned with hate for the hedgehog. The normally calm and composed captain suddenly went jetting after him with an anger-filled shriek, a brilliant gold streak left in her wake.

Sonic dashed along the path ahead. With the rocky canyon behind him, there was nothing left but a flat out run through grassland. He spared a passing glance over his shoulder to, almost certain he would have left the air team in the dust after that last attack.

Upon seeing the red-with-anger Wonderbolt captain gaining on him, a tiny chill of fear crawled up his spine. ‘Yikes!’

Turning back around he pressed on ahead. The pair zoomed over a small river and through a thicket of trees, coming out to another green path with railroad tracks leading ahead.

Spitfire flapped her wings as fast as they could go, revenge on her mind and anger in her heart as she chased after the Mobian. The building irritation of the entire night’s events had finally hit breaking point with his last thoughtless taunt. Nothing mattered mattered now except catching the damned hedgehog.

Soarin’s voice suddenly called over her earpiece again.

“Spitfire! Where are you?” he called, concern clear in his voice. “Don’t go after him alone! Wait for us, we can regroup and–”

“NO!” she definitively cut him off. “All of you stay back. I don’t want you nearby right now... I’m going for the Burnout.”

There were a few moments of shocked pause over the radio.

“W-What?! Spitfire, do you not remember what happened last time you used your talent?! You can’t be serious!”

“I’m deadly serious, Soarin.” she said, her voice steeled with conviction. “I cannot... and will not let him get away with making fools out of us! I have to catch him!”

“Even at the risk of turning the place into a wasteland?”

Silence was the only response.

Knowing any attempts to get her to fall back were futile now, Soarin could only sigh. “Good luck, captain. And please… come back safe.”

As the call dropped, Spitfire brought all her focus and attention to the blue hedgehog racing barely ten yards in front of her.

Beneath her flight suit, a subtle gold light began to glow on her flank. The shine from her flank grew, and an outline of the yellowish light softly glowed around her entire body. Small wisps of orange fire began spurting from random spots on her body. Her leg, her back, her tail, tiny flames began popping out from all over her as her speed began to increase.

Finally, the light and fire burst into something clearly visible, forming a burning ball of heat around Spitfire’s body. Thin, barely visible traces of a mach cone generated around her along with the fire, signifying her speed increasing even further.

This was the peak of Spitfire’s potential. A closely guarded secret, channeling this burning energy allowed her to nearly reach the speed of sound. She streaked through the air like a flaming comet, gaining on the hedgehog.

Her eyes narrowed in fierce determination as she started to close in, an almost predatory grin crossing her face. The flaming glow and burning sound eventually drew Sonic’s attention, and he turned around to look wide-eyed at the flaming pony.

‘You’re mine, hedgehog! There’s maybe one other pony that can beat me at this speed. The only way you could possibly get away now is to go supersonic!’ she thought, already savoring her victory.

Her view locked in on his face as he… smiled? And then gave her a thumbs up? Yes, that was exactly what he did right before turning his back on her.

Before another bout of righteous indignation could swell in her mind, her eyes glanced down and noticed Sonic’s legs. They spinning so fast that they were only visible as a twirling blue and red wheel underneath his body. What in Equestria was he—

BOOOOOM!

He suddenly went blasting off ahead of her in a streaking, blue burst of light. The resulting shock wave rattled Spitfire as she stared with wide eyes. It was unmistakable what she had just witnessed:

‘A sonic boom?!’

She could hardly believe her eyes. This alien creature’s speed was somehow on a level even she couldn’t reach. Somehow, someway, this blue, thin-legged rodent was—

“Faster than the speed of sound...”

Looking behind, the bright light that was the Wonderbolt captain quickly shrank from Sonic’s view as he left her in the dust. He faced forward, ready to take a victory lap or two around the hemisphere.

And then he saw a sharply inclined hill barely twenty feet in front of him. Far too close for him to stop himself.

‘Uh-oh...’

Sonic went up the hill’s bend and off, shooting through the air like a supersonic rocket.

“Whoooooooooaaaaaaaaaa!!”

He soared uncontrollably over the mountain and forest-covered landscape. When the blue trail of light finally started to fade and his speed decreasing, he was dropping and falling towards the nearby coastal city.

As the blue light streaked across the sky, Spitfire’s shock eroded into melancholy acceptance. Her mission had failed. Her target lost. The fire around her began fading away and her speed dropped rapidly, slowing until she came to a steady flutter and landed softly back on the ground. The captain stared off into the night, a strange mixture of dismay and wonder swirling through her head, she thought to herself:

“Just who is this hedgehog...?”

Soarin’s voice then cut in over the radio, bringing her out of her stupor.

“Come in! Spitfire, come in!”

Ear flicking, Spitfire adjusted the piece in her ear and responded. “I’m here,” she said, taking a long breath of air. “Mission failed… target escaped. Repeat… the target has escaped.”

There were a few moments of awkward silence as both ponies came to grips with the situation. Soarin eventually replied.

“...What now?”

She let a tired exhale out through her nostrils. “Get back to HQ. We report to Canterlot first thing tomorrow morning. The princesses will want to know about this.”

“Roger.”

==========================
10:37 PM

Southwest edge of Equestria

Consciousness slowly crept back into Dr. Eggman’s head. His eyes slowly straining and opening, the sting of soreness shooting down his back. With a pained groan he gingerly lifted himself off the ground to sit upright, softly massaging his throbbing temples.

“Oh, my gears and starters… what happened last night?”

When his vision finally, returned he was greeted by the sight of desert dunes as far as the eye could see. The sand was also littered with heaps of metal that were once his Robotropolis citadel.

“Ah, good evening Doctor!”

“Bah!”

Orbot’s electronic voice interrupting his thoughts made him jump. His other equally annoying minion Cubot floated in the background behind his red co-worker, currently trying and failing to pull one of his detached arms out from under a steel beam.

“Welcome back to the land of the living. For awhile there was starting to think you had finally cracked your yolk.”

Eggman glared at him. “Don’t sass me, you mechanical moron!” Lifting himself to his feet, he dusted himself off. “Give me a status report!”

“Well,” Orbot began, “it would appear that the wormhole you made with the device to get rid of Sonic backfired. It pulled you in, along with approximately half of Robotropolis, and now we appear to be stranded in an alternate dimension with no idea where we are.” he said in a rather smart-alecky tone.

“I already know THAT, you bolt-brained buffoon! I meant about our available forces! I want a list of every operational unit that survived the trip!”

To this, Orbot reached to the ground and picked up a rectangular handheld device and held it out. “Already done, your maliciousness. I took the liberty while you were hard at work napping.”

Snatching the handheld from his sassy subordinate with a grumble, Eggman pressed a few buttons as images popped up inside a grid. He dragged a finger up the screen to scroll down, assessing what he had to work with.

“Hmm...”

For what it was worth, his army had come off in pretty good shape. The base itself had been utterly torn apart by the rift’s gravity. But several airships, an entire legion off Egg Pawns, and several other specialized units were practically unscathed. About half of the Egg Fleet was also accounted for. Only about a third of it was currently operational, but the rest wasn’t catastrophically damaged. Repairs could be completed within a week. Two tops. And he had the metal from about half of his original city base to work with, not counting what he could acquire from this new location.

As he paced to his left, scanning through the wreckage, he noticed something else. Two familiar containment units. One rectangular, dark blue one, and another black with yellow stripes roughly the size of a shipping container. His prized invention and other recently upgraded models had also made it through the crash.

Overall, it was a sizeable haul.

Of course, there was a certain inevitability that crossed Eggman’s mind. One persistent, insufferable blot on the escutcheon of his life.

Sonic.

After all, the doctor had used the device with the sole intention of whisking the infuriating hedgehog away. If he too had been drawn into the warp, and had survived...

’Then it’s more than likely that he survived too...’ he thought, a vein throbbing in his forehead

As he paced through the mess of broken machinery, a brief twinkle of light to the left caught his attention. A bluish glow coming from inside a small sand dune, just a few meters away. The portly genius’s eyes widened. He recognized that glow. He marched over and knelt down to dig and brush away at the sand. Reaching inside, his hand came into contact with a hard, familiar shape, which he grabbed and pulled free with a heave.

Eggman now held the cyan Chaos Emerald in his hand. A nefarious grin broke across his face.

He whipped around and pointed at Orbot. “Set all ground units to work building our new base! And get a dozen Flappers in the air! I want to know everything about where we are by daybreak!”

Orbot saluted and hovered off to get to work—right after assisting his yellow partner—and left Eggman alone.

Slipping the Emerald into his pocket, the mad scientist stepped back through the shifting sand and scattered metal debris. He found his way to his slightly tattered command chair and sat, pressing his fingers together. His wicked mind already delving into what he could accomplish in this new world, he muttered softly to himself:

“Now then, where to begin?”

Author's Note

Man, what a hassle. This one ended up being a lot of work. Good action scenes always seems to take up more word length than simple dialogue. Hope my own personal inspection was enough to catch anything glaring, I was eager to get this next one out.

And one flight-team-embarrassment later, our favorite hedgehog has once again given the ponies the slip, and is headed who knows where. He seems to be getting a knack of ticking off Equestria's military. I doubt the Bolts and Spitfire are gonna live that one down. And it seems old Egghead is back and already has the wheels turning for more evil plotting.

I wonder if anyone can catch all the tiny references. Outside the overall chase inspiration for this chapter, that one should be fairly obvious.

Leave me your thoughts, and stay tuned for more.

Chapter 5 - New Faces, New Places

============
10:56 AM

Baltimare

The streets of Baltimare were bustling. Ponies lively went about their daily activities, carrying on about their jobs and errands. Others simply conversed on the sidewalk.

And today, the local grapevine had a new inclusion to its usual gossip.

On a street corner just south of the Bronco-Seltzer Tower, a trio of ponies were speaking to each other. Two mares—an orchid unicorn and a white pegasus—along with a blue Earth pony stallion stood together while other ponies passed them by, deeply engaged in conversation about the matter.

“Hey, have you heard? About the alien?”

“Alien? What alien?”

“You mean you don’t know? There was an alien invasion in Canterlot last night!”

“What?”

“Pfft, really? Alien invasion? Get outta here.”

“No, it’s true! They’re saying that some weird blue thing showed up out of nowhere and tried to kidnap Princess Celestia.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously! I heard it blew up several buildings on a rampage through the city.”

“Whoa...”

“Oh come on, you’re not really believing that, are you? Ponies love blowing things out of proportion. It’s probably just some exaggerated gossip.”

“Oh yeah? Is it ‘exaggerated gossip’ that put one of Princess Luna’s top guards on the shelf?”

“...Come again?”

“You heard right. Story goes that a lieutenant ended up in the infirmary. Whatever this thing was, it took out one of her best, eluded the rest of the guards, including Captain Shining Armor himself, and then just disappeared.”

“Sweet Celestia...”

“Oh, that’s nothing! I hear Princess Luna called in the Wonderbolts to track it down. Even they couldn’t catch the thing!”

“W-What?! Are you kidding?!”

“Nope. We’ve got a real menace on our hooves this time. From what I hear, the upper crusts and the guards have already got a name made out for the thing. They’re calling it the Blue De–”

“GANGWAY!!”

All the ponies lining the streets abruptly snapped their heads in the other direction to see a gray pegasus with black and yellow hair barreling towards them. With startled whinnies they dove for cover as the winged stallion whooshed by.

The pony zipped through the streets, his beating wings carrying him just a few feet off the ground. His bushy mane flapped in the wind behind him, and the saddlebags strapped across his torso jostled with the force. The ponies in his path who saw him coming quickly got out of the way, and he shouted out warnings to any who didn’t.

“One side! Coming through! Hot stuff! Watch it!”

He winded through the streets until the greenery of the town’s main park came into view. At the edge, just before the downward grassy slope, was a concrete stairway that curved down. He grinned eagerly as he spotted the thin black shape of the stair railing.

Lifting just a little bit higher, he straightened up right as the rail was coming and hit with his back hooves, grinding down the looping metal curve with ease.

“Woohoo!”

He leaned and curved as the stair railing turned, his hooves making a shrill grate against the metal as he went, and his whole performance continually startling the ponies walking up and down the steps.

“Heads up! Thrash-Meister coming through here!”

At the bottom of the loop he jumped off and spread his wings to continue flying just above the ground through park, flapping and soaring faster and faster over the greenery.

Up ahead he could make out two shapes steadily bouncing with a trot along the dirt path going. He always loved going through here around this time; it was when all the cute joggers went on their runs. His grin turned completely giddy as he sped towards them.

Two mares trotted unsuspectingly along their usual route. The first was a pale yellow pegasus with straight, short brown hair that hung off one side of her face. Her glasses-wearing unicorn partner that followed just a couple feet behind her was an unusually tall specimen. Her grayish sap green coat splashed with even darker shades on her back, flank and shoulders. She sported whitish spots along her back as well, and her dark scarlet mane and tail were long and billowing.

Only when it was too late did the two ponies finally noticed the speeding gray bullet heading in their direction.

“S’cuse me ladies!”

He went streaking between the pair of mares, sending their manes and tails blowing in his wake. He craned his head around for a glance at their frames, his smile growing even bigger with a hint of naughtiness to it. “Ah, always a great view around this hour,” he said to himself. The green one had an especially lovely rear view.

Continuing on he veered upwards, flying just over the very tip of the large pagoda in the middle of the park. A few moments later he crossed over the barricade of trees, signaling the end of the park grounds. He could see his bayside house just beyond the way.

Another minute of flight, and the pegasus was nearly to the front of bayside building. Gliding down to the front mailbox, he slowed with a few flaps and hovered for a moment before finally touching down concrete path.

“Ah… home sweet home!”

No sooner did he walk up the pathway and nearly make it to the front door did he hear some commotion coming from around back. With a curious tilt of his head, he stepped around the right of the house and headed for the back. He could hear a pair of voices:

“Do you always have to shout about everything?”

“Don’t change the subject! What is that thing, and what is it doing in our backyard?!”

“First, I don’t know. This is a new one for me. And second, I only just got here a couple hours ago. I thought you two would be watching the house last night. Evidently, you didn’t. I assume you were off on another one of your nightly escapades instead of properly looking after things, as usual?”

“That’s not important! And you should have gotten rid of him!”

The pony reached the back end of the house in another few steps and turned around the corner. A blue dragon sat on the patio, a few feet away from the rear wall on the patio, just underneath the awning hanging overhead. Red spines running in a line down his back and tail, as well as a similarly colored crest on his head, decorated his primarily light blue scales. Tan scales lined down his throat, chest, and underside. Similar tan markings framed the underside of his eyes. He sat with his legs crossed and eyes closed, resting the palms of his claws on his knees, like he was meditating.

In between him and the wooden outdoor table was a griffon. He had the head of a hawk, brown colored with tall feathers that pointed out from the back of his head, and one that hung out like a forelock from the top of his forehead. His coat was that of a tiger’s, rough orange and black-striped. Ruffled feathers and curled fists showed obvious anger at something.

He rolled his eyes. How typical. “So, our resident hothead Gristle is shouting about something? Must be a day that ends in Y.”

Said griffon turned his head away from the sitting dragon to give him a dirty look, a tick mark on his forehead and his eyes comedically blank white. “And where have you been, Skyboom?! You were supposed to be here more than an hour ago!” he shouted, wings spreading in his ire.

The gray-furred pegasus folded his wings against his barrel and gave his griffon roommate a giddy smile. “Ah, not much. Just taking a little scenic stroll through Saddleson Park. Gotta just slow down sometimes and take in all the natural wonders, y’know?”

His reply prompted the Indian-style sitting dragon to crack and eye open at his pegasus friend. “And by ‘scenic route’ and ‘natural wonders’, I assume you mean doing bothersome fly-bys and oogling the female joggers, right?”

Skyboom lurched tellingly at the dragon’s accusation, his breath catching as a soft ‘guh’ escaped his throat. “W-What are you talking about, Ultimo? Me? Do that? No way…” he said unconvincingly, rubbing the back his head with a nervous chuckle. Clearing his throat, he brought the conversation back to what he overheard from them before. “So, uh… what exactly were you guys yelling about?”

Gristle, still looking irritated, pointed with his right hand towards the extension of the house opposite from where Skyboom stood. “THAT!”

Following his finger, Skyboom looked over towards the opposite side of the yard. When his eyes met what Gristle was pointing to, his ears drooped down in surprise and his mouth fell open with a wide-eyed stare.

The prone form of Sonic the Hedgehog lay collapsed on his back in the trio’s back yard. A trail of disturbed ground could be seen stretching for several yards to where the Mobian currently lay, indicating that he’d hit the ground and roughly tumbled for quite a ways before coming to his current resting place. As he laid there with his arms outstretched, the steady rise and fall of his chest the only clear sign he was still alive, Skyboom gaped at the bizarre blue creature.

“What in Equestria is that?! And how did it get in our backyard?”

Rising to his feet, Ultimo stretched his wings and regarded the pegasus. “Well, in that order: I have no idea. I don’t think I’ve come across something quite like him before. Closest I’ve ever seen were some ghoulish looking things way south of the border. And even they didn’t look like that.”

The tiger griffon immediately butted in with another loud retort. “Which begs the question why you decided to let it lounge about in our yard at all!”

Ultimo let out an annoyed breath. “One: there’s no reason for dragging someone off while they’re unconscious. It’s rude. And probably illegal. Two: if you bothered using those ‘keen griffon senses’ you’re always going on about, you’d see that there’s no need to mess with him.” The dragon pointed to the trail of disturbed dirt leading to where their guest was. “Judging from the rough path there, just getting here took a lot out of him. He hasn’t moved since I got back here hours ago. As far as I’m concerned, he’s not doing any harm.”

While Gristle continued to adamantly protest about their guest, Skyboom stood where he was, eyes gleaming inquisitively at the prone being as he scratched his chin in thought.

The dragon cut off any more of his striped roommate’s complaint with an exasperated huff of smoke from his nose. “Well, if you have such a problem, then just hang out until he wakes up. With all three of us here he can’t make too much trouble.”

Gristle only continued to oppose him, not satisfied with the answer in the slightest. The two went on arguing, Ultimo having no luck appeasing the grumpy griffon. Neither of them noticed their other roommate slowly tiptoeing towards the Mobian.

Sonic fidgeted and grunted uncomfortably in his sleep. His brow furrowed, low, murmured words escaping his lips. “N-No, stop… You’re pure evil… Why are you coloring my arms…?”

With a sudden jolt he awoke from his nightmare, stirring and opening his eyes. Slowly he became aware of his surroundings, the sky coming back into view. Gripping at the earth beneath him, he was able to feel grass between his fingers. A welcome change from sailing blindly through the air at supersonic speeds. The throbbing in his back and head made him groan as he shakily pushed his back off the ground to sit upright, groaning as he rubbed his temples. “Man… hope I won’t have to do that again any time soon…”

When he finally opened his eyes fully, baby blue stared back at his green ones. The head of a gray pony was inches from his face.

“Hi!”

“Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!”

“Waaaaaaahhhhhhhh!”

Startled, Skyboom jumped up and awkwardly fell back onto his rump, scrambling backwards.

The sudden burst of adrenaline evaporated Sonic’s grogginess and pain. He kipped up into a loose fighting stance to brace himself for what he thought in his snap judgement was another attack. “All right, you coloring book donkeys! Come and get… some…”

Upon realizing there were no more uniformed pony troopers trying to subdue him, his bold declarations died in his throat. He awkwardly glanced at the new trio of creatures before him, each of them returning his gaze with equal looks of surprise and alarm.

Gristle had jumped up onto the table in a crouch, his claws flexing out and biting into the wood, ready to pounce like an animal defending his territory. But before he could do anything, Ultimo stepped forward with a hand raised in slight greeting to diffuse the situation. “Easy there, stranger. You’re in no danger here.”

His gentle tone seemed sincere enough to the hedgehog. After a moment or two of checking him over, he stood up straighter and slightly lowered his guard. “Huh… well, you get your props for being the best first impression anyone’s given me since I got here,” said Sonic, rolling out some of the kinks in his sore shoulder.

“Seems as if you’ve had quite the adventure getting here,” said Ultimo.

The corner of Sonic’s mouth lifted in a half smile. “You don’t know the half of it buddy. So, any chance you could tell me where I am at the moment?”

“Taking up space in our backyard, that’s where you are,” Gristle replied rudely.

Ultimo turned to glare at Gristle, his crudeness finally bringing him to the end of his patience. “That’s enough, Gristle,” he said, leveling the griffon with a glare that said ‘Act like a jerk one more time and see what happens.’ His tone left no room for argument. “Show some respect.”

Gristle cringed at his roommate’s commanding tone of voice, shrinking a bit and looking away sullenly as he grumbled to himself. While that was happening Skyboom again walked right up to the hedgehog, looking him over. The proximity started to make Sonic a little uncomfortable.

“You’re kind of staring into my soul, horse boy. Can I help you with something?”

“As a matter of fact you can.” Skyboom stared Sonic straight in the face. “You see, I’ve been hearing about this crazy rumor going around town today. About some big hoopla going down in Canterlot. Something about a weird looking rodent on two legs that turned the whole place into a tizzy. Supposedly, it dropped in from out of nowhere while Princess Celestia was sleeping, squared off with Princess Luna and the royal guard and whipped their flanks. And then did the same thing to the Wonderbolts before vanishing into the night.”

As the eyes of Skyboom’s two roommates behind him grew wider, Sonic became more and more nervous that another fight was about to break out. His fingers flexed instinctively and he started to take a half step back, readying himself to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

Until a beaming smile split across the pegasus’s face. “Dude, that was awesome! Give it up top!” he said ecstatically, raising up his hoof.

Sonic stood there a moment and blinked, bewildered by the unexpected turn of the conversation. But he quickly relaxed and offered the pony a grin, high-fiving him back.

“Seriously, though! Word’s been circling all morning! Is it true? First they say you whipped Princess Luna’s captain and lieutenant’s tails all over Canterlot! Than you run circles around the coolest flyers ever, the Wonderbolts? That’s epic, dude!”

Sonic chuckled and scratched his ear. The sudden praise was pretty flattering. “Ah, what can I say? I’m just that good.”

Ultimo then cut in, his demeanor less friendly than it had been a moment ago. “Attacking Canterlot?”

Sonic stiffened, holding up his hands in a non-threatening way. “Hey, I didn’t ‘attack’ anyone! I ended up there by complete accident, and then the stormtroopers came down on me. I just wanted out of there. I don’t do well with prison cells. Especially for things I know I haven’t done.”

Ultimo thoughtfully scanned the blue Mobian, trying to get a read on him. His posture, his tone of voice, and especially his eyes. As intently as he peered, he couldn’t glean anything from Sonic’s look that gave the impression he was lying, enough so to make him relax. “I suppose there are always two sides to every story. But it’ll be better for you to get that cleared up as soon as possible.”

The lighter mood returning, Skyboom beamed at Sonic quizzically. “So, what are you supposed to be exactly? Some kind of giant porcupine?”

“Porcupine?!” Sonic exclaimed, offended. “Heck no! I’m a hedgehog.” He ran his hand through his quills somewhat haughtily and gave the pony a thumbs up. “And prooouuud of it!”

In the background, Gristle scoffed under his breath at the hedgehog’s cocky attitude. Ultimo simply watched the two converse, studying the Mobian all the while. Skyboom nodded in recognition at his newly met acquaintance. “Cool beans! I like your style, Blue. What do they call you?”

The Blue Blur cordially held out a hand to him. “The name’s Sonic.”

The pegasus reciprocated, placing his hoof in his hand. Sonic felt him ‘grip’ somehow – finding it very puzzling how a creature with only a hoof could do such a thing – as he shook it.

“I’m Skyboom! And my friends here are Gristle and Ultimo,” he said, gesturing respectively to the striped griffon and blue dragon.

At this point Gristle finally decided to join the interaction. With a flap of his wings he came off the table top and landed in front of Sonic, giving the hedgehog a scrutinizing look. “So… a stringy thing like you took on the Canterlot guard and the Wonderbolts? I’ll believe that when I see it,” he said skeptically.

Sonic quirked an eyebrow as he gauged the griffon, his mouth curving into a cheeky smile. “Well, considering how infamous I apparently am around here, that might happen sooner than you think, Tony the tiger bird.”

The griffon’s eyes again and took on a comedic whiteness, narrowing with displeasure at his comment. “Was that a wise crack, rodent boy?! You wanna fight?!”

Skyboom cut between the two with a chuckle. “Ah, don’t let ol’ Gristle get to you. He’s just a grump sometimes.”

Sonic snickered. He liked this particular colorful horse.

“Hey, as long as you’re here, wanna join us for lunch? We got pizza!” he announced, reaching a hoof into one of the backs strapped over his barrel and pulling out a square cardboard box, from which came the unmistakable aroma of pizza. “Wasn’t expecting another mouth today, but there’s plenty to go around.”

Sonic’s demeanor lit up at the mention of food. He barely realized how hungry he was, not having had a bite since he was back on Mobius before this whole dilemma began. “Well, I mean… that’s nice of you to offer, but are you sure it’s cool? I already crashed your space, I don’t wanna impose any more than I have.”

Then Ultimo, who had been mostly quiet up until that point, stepped forward, giving Sonic an assuaging smile. “Think nothing of it. You seem to have had a difficult enough time. The least we could do is offer someone in need a bite to eat,” he said politely.

Gristle, still not too taken with the new arrival just yet, folded his arms and looked off in another direction. “Meh… if they’re all right with it, I guess it’s okay with me too.”

Sonic couldn’t help smile wider at the kind insistence. After being chased like a criminal since the moment he dropped into this weird place, it was finally nice to have some friendly company. And a hot meal to boot. “Living things not trying to bash my head in, and offering free food? Today must be my lucky day. That’s really cool of you Scales, horse boy.”

“Ah it’s nothing,” Skyboom replied with a pleasant smile, only breaking his smile to correct Sonic’s word usage. “But it’s uh, pony.”

The hedgehog shrugged casually and went over to the table just as Gristle opened the first box, revealing a scrumptious looking pie of cheese pizza. The cheesy aroma wafted up to Sonic’s nose. It was enough to make his mouth water. “Mmmmmm~”

Gristle had a similar look of brimming hunger on his face, and reached for the first slice.

“Wait!”

Skyboom’s sudden shout startled the group, who looked at him.

“A moment to reflect.”

Gristle suddenly ‘ah’d’ affirmatively, and Ultimo nodded with an amused smile. Together with their pony roommate they leaned in over the pie and gave a long, deep smell of their meal, and then leaned back with gratified sighs.

“Aaaaahh~”

The gray pony grinned. “All right, let’s dig in!”

Ultimo took a piece for himself, handing a paper plate to Sonic, who took it with a gracious expression. Gristle’s mouth was already stuffed to the brim and chewing with puffed cheeks.

“So, where do you come from, hedgehog?” Said Ultimo, taking a seat at the table in front of his own plate. “Even as well travelled as I am, I’ve never seen a creature that looks like you before.”

Sonic paused for a second. He wasn’t exactly sure how to begin explaining the whole ‘ripped through the fabric of time and space’ and ‘alternate dimension’ thing at the moment. So he settled for a simple answer. “Somewhere very, very far away,” he said, taking a bite of his slice. His eyebrow raised before his face slipped into a content smile. He didn’t know what these horses used to cook this side of the multiverse, but this pizza was delicious. “But here’s a better question. Where exactly am I now?”

Skyboom piped up. “Glad you asked! You, my spiky blue friend, are in Baltimare! Best city this side of Equestria!”

Sonic’s face fell into a dull expression. ‘I was afraid of this. These horse puns ARE a thing around here…’

“E… questria?” He asked, rolling the unfamiliar name around in his mouth.

“Wow, you really are from way out nowhere, aren’t you?” Skyboom remarked, his words somewhat muffled through his full mouth. “We’ve got all the best stuff here in Baltimare! Awesome weather, great view of the ocean, best mares this side of Canterlot.” That last part came with a small snicker. “In fact, they say that sometimes down at the old Horseshoe Bay Lighthouse, you can sometimes see this especially gorgeous one–”

Ultimo’s tail lightly smacked the pony upside the head, enough to rouse him from his mare-centric rambling. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Ehehe… my bad.”

Sonic half smiled. “Charming. But if we’re being honest, I don’t know a single thing about this place, country, whatever it is. Would someone mind filling me in on the big picture?”

Ultimo nodded. “Certainly.” Finishing what was in his mouth, the blue dragon took a seat on the table bench next to Sonic, and began to recite a condensed version of the history of Equestria. “More than a thousand years ago, long before the kingdom now called Equestria existed, there were three different tribes of ponies. Pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies. In this distant past, the three groups were splintered. Divided by fear, suspicion, and hatred for one another. And wherever these three warring factions went, inhospitable blizzards followed.”

“Eesh, not cool,” Sonic muttered.

“Eventually the three tribes sought new land to call home. It wasn’t until they all met again in this new land that it was discovered the freezing weather was being caused by Windigos. Malevolent, ghostly creatures feeding on their hate for one another. Only when the ponies finally came together in friendship and harmony were they able to produce a magic powerful enough to drive the Windigos back to whence they came. Since then, Princess Celestia and Princes Luna have ruled over the land together.”

Sonic blinked at that. Ancient, wicked monsters and super powerful, emotion-based magic? It sounded like something right out of a children’s story book. But then again, he’d seen stranger.

“Celestia and Luna?” he asked, raising a brow curiously.

“They’re the royal alicorn sisters,” Skyboom interjected. “They’ve got traits of all three kinds of ponies. Really tall, with horns and wings”

Sonic grimaced uncomfortably as memories of the tall and dark pony from the castle came back to him. “I think I’ve met one of them…”

Unfazed by his comment, Skyboom continued. “They’re totally regal, and beautiful, and awesome! Not only are they in charge of the kingdom, they’re in charge of the night and day! Celestia raises the sun to begin every morning. And Luna, her younger sister, brings the night by raising the moon.”

Sonic did a double take. “Wait wait wait, timeout. You’ve got a pair of sisters responsible for making day and night?”

“That’s correct,” said Ultimo, as soon as he finished swallowing another bite of pizza. “Under their power and guidance, they created a place of peace and harmony for its inhabitants, and Equestria has enjoyed relative peace for most of its existence as a result.”

Sonic gave a low whistle. “Color me impressed.”

Truly, he couldn’t help but admire what these two noble sisters had apparently managed to maintain here. Mobius had been and for the most part still was a very content world. But ever since Eggman came into the picture, it seemed that there were battles for the fate of the world every third week. Now, here was a place that had supposedly maintained a peaceful rule for almost a millennium. Quite the feat indeed.

Skyboom suddenly spoke up again. “Anyway! Since I’m off the clock early today, we can all get to work on the next piece! How we lookin’, Gristle?”

The griffon smirked confidently back at him. “Ah, please. I’ve got these chords down like the back of my claw. Here, I’ll show you,” he said before pacing over to the back door and going into the house.

Sonic blinked. “Chords?”

Before he could get his answer, Gristle returned carrying two long black cases by their handles, as well as a set of drumsticks in his right hand. He laid the cases down on the patio, then haphazardly tossed the drumsticks right towards the pegasus’s head. “Catch!”

In a split second, Skyboom’s eyes widened in a sudden reaction of fight or flight. Almost instinctively, he leaned to his right to let one of the sticks pass by his head and caught it with his right hoof, and catching the other with his left before it hit him in the face.

The movement didn’t escape Sonic’s notice. ‘Good reflexes.’

Regaining his focus, Skyboom frowned at his roommate. “DUDE! Not cool!”

Gristle shrugged nonchalantly in response. “Oops.”

“Jerk… now like I was saying, we can finally get back to practice.” Trotting over to the wall, he came to some sort of object with a tarp draped over it. He pulled it off to reveal a shiny set of drums, looking at them gleefully. “Hello babies. Daddy missed you.” He flapped over the drum set and plopped himself in the seat.

Gristle opened one of the cases and took out a red split-headed guitar, smiling down at it, and drumming his claws eagerly on the body. Ultimo meanwhile returned from inside with a keyboard in claw, along with its accompanying stand.

“Well, how about that? Didn’t know we had some rockers in the house,” Sonic remarked.

“You better believe it!” Skyboom responded, before turning to the griffon again. “All right Gristle, gimme a low steady strum. Make those tunes nice and deep. Ultimo, lead me in with a quick dash of classic piano!”

The two were a little puzzled at the instructions, but went along anyway and took up their seats next to and on the table bench. Skyboom opened with the drums, and the impromptu song began.

After about ten seconds of letting the methodical beat go, Skyboom started to sing.

♪“Here I come, rougher than the rest of them!”♪
♪“The best of them, tougher than leath–”♪

“NO!”

Gristle suddenly cut off the music with a harsh single note, causing the others to jolt in their seats.

“H-Hey man, what’s the deal?” Skyboom complained.

Gristle stared at him with a look that couldn’t have been surlier if he tried. “That was just… That is so painfully retro it physically hurts me. And what is that, a rap number? What do you think this is?”

“Oh, come on! It couldn’t have been that bad! The guys down at the pizza joint thought it was charming.”

“Hmph, maybe to overly nostalgic tryhards.”

Skyboom stuck his tongue out at his striped roommate.

Sonic cracked a sudden smile and stood up, his interest thoroughly peaked. And not just because of the vaguely familiar tune. “You know, I do a little guitar myself. Maybe I could give it a whirl?”

The three creatures turned and looked at him, surprised.

Gristle gave a disbelieving scoff. “Really? You?” he asked cynically.

“Did I stutter?” said Sonic, planting a fist on his hip.

Gristle eyed him for a few more seconds before responding. “All right then, Spikes. If you think you’re all that,” using his back paw, he slid the other black case to Sonic’s feet, “why don’t you show us what you’ve got?”

Sonic looked down at the case and back at Gristle, smirking confidently. “I’d be glad to.”

Leaning down and opening the case, he was greeted by a beautifully made orange-red guitar with a vaguely Fling V design. Except it had ruffled, almost feathered extensions on its body. And its head had the shape of a bird spreading its wings. Picking it up, Sonic marveled over it for a moment. It was a thing of beauty.

Gristle sat up with his arms folded and waited with a snide smile. ‘This oughta be entertaining,’ he thought. He wasn’t expecting much.

And then Sonic started to play.

The three Equestrian roommates stopped and stared as he rocked on the guitar. He played the solo seamlessly, every strum hitting the right pitch with perfect accuracy. With a slight delay on the penultimate note and one final strum, he brought the song to a close.

Once he finished he glanced at Gristle with a wry expression. ‘How do you like me now?’

Gristle’s expression finally lightened as he let out a chuckle. “All right, Spikes. You’ve made your point. Guess there’s a little more to you than I thought.”

Sonic just smiled, rubbing underneath his nose.

“Well, come on, don’t stop there! More, more!” said Skyboom.

“All right then… let’s try this. Gimme about ten or so seconds, then take it away with the drums. Start easy, but get ready to pick up the pace. You just try to keep up, Stripes.”

The others nodded, Gristle shooting back a sportive grin, and Sonic started playing again.

A low, deeper strum held for a few seconds, and then the Sonic really started to strum. This one didn’t start as swift, but built quickly. It had power, energy, and reckless abandon. Especially when Sonic’s fingers really started blazing over the strings.

The others were getting just as into it as he was. Skyboom quickly licked his lips between his massive grin, matching the hedgehog’s dancing fingers with perfectly synchronized drum beats.

When the final riff came to an end, the other creatures were left in awe.

“That! Was! Awesome!” Skyboom exclaimed, absolutely giddy.

Gristle was similarly pleased. “Not too shabby, ‘hog. Think you got my heart beating a few ticks faster with that one.”

“It’s a gift,” Sonic replied.

“I’ll bet some extra distortion here and there would make that one even better…” Skyboom pondered.

Ultimo smiled. “You’ve got some real talent there, Sonic. We could sure use someone as good as you as a replacement lead. Ever since–”

A round of more sullen faces was suddenly shared by the three Equestrians.

“Well… ever since we lost our last one.”

Sonic noticed the sudden change in mood, looking between the three of them. “Something happen?”

Skyboom’s ears fell flat and he looked down, and Gristle looked off to the side with a sour expression on his face, leaving Ultimo to answer him. “Let’s just say we had a bit of an unexpected falling out with one of our old friends.”

The blue hedgehog rubbed the back of his head. “You flatter me. But, I don’t really think that would work out so well. Having to go back home would probably put a damper on your whole ‘making it big’ thing.”

Ultimo smiled weakly. “Fair enough.”

He set the guitar back down in its case and locked it up, stepping out from the center of the yard. “Well boys it’s been fun, but I think I gotta be hitting the road now.”

“You’re going already?” Skyboom lamented, setting down his drumsticks and walking over to him, looking crestfallen.

Sonic offered him a sorry smile. “Sorry pal. I’d stay if I could, but I’ve got some major things to do. Places to see, and return trips to try and make. Besides, I’ve still got at least three different kinds of jackboots on the prowl for me. Wouldn’t want you getting in trouble over me.”

Ultimo couldn’t help smile. He sure was a stand-up guy.

“Aw… all right. Don’t be afraid to stop by if you’re ever in the neighborhood again,” said the gray pony.

“Sounds cool.” Sonic clasped his hoof again for a handshake and bid the others a farewell wave. “See you later, guys.”

Just as he started to bounce on the balls of his feet and stretch in preparation for his exit, Ultimo moved towards the back door, calling out to him as he headed inside. “Hang on, Sonic.”

His call made Sonic stop and look over his shoulder. “Hm?”

He came back through the door with two small blue sacks in his hand. “Take these before you go.”

The dragon tossed the bags towards Sonic. As he caught them, there was a metallic jungle that made the hedgehog give a questioning look. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Those are bits. Our currency here in Equestria. You can use it to buy food and anything else you might need. There’s twenty-five in each, fifty in total. Should be enough to keep you going for a good while.” Ultimo smiled pleasantly. “You seem like a good guy. You shouldn’t have to be on the run out there empty-handed.”

Sonic’s face slowly broke into a wide smile. “Dude, you are a lifesaver! I promise I won’t forget this!” he said gratefully, tucking the bags away and giving the three of them a thumbs up. “Wish me luck, boys. Take it easy!” And off he went, dashing away down the stretch of land curving out towards the bay.

That was when Gristle decided to give his two cents. “You just went and gave him all those bits? We put in some good work for those.”

Skyboom leaned in which a snarky smile. “Really breaking the ‘greedy griffon’ stereotype there, Gristle.”

“Shove it, Skyboom!”

Coming to a halt at partially green rock ledge on the edge of the bay, Sonic looked over the quaint scenery and weighed his options. ‘All right, I’ve got a full stomach and full pockets. Guess the only thing to do now is pick a direction to head in.’ He placed his hand above his eyes and looked out. Nothing but crystal blue ocean stretched for miles. The sight of it made Sonic’s face turn an uncomfortable dark blue. ‘Oh, sweet Chaos… So… much… water…’

Looking to the east, he could see a lush forest on the edge of Baltimare. Faint spikes of buildings stretched out in the distance beyond that. Another city. It seemed a much more viable option at the moment.

Until he remembered he had at least two different branches of military hunting for him. Memories of his pony pursuers, particularly the two flying, dark-colored mares from the castle grounds, and that flaming flight team leader crept back into his head. He was in no mood for another game of extreme pony tag. “On second thought… I think I’ll take my chances at sea,” he mused. Time away from horse society for a while sounded good.

Allowing himself a measured breath, he ducked and began to spin his feet. A bold grin spread across his face. “New venture, here I come!”

SHOOM!

He went blasting off the shoreline and over the surface of the water, off to whatever awaited him.

============
11:53 AM

Ponyville

Over in Ponyville, this particular bright day on the green grass featured a black and white game board with an array of different pieces set up on a low table. On either side of it sat two colts. The first looked studious and attentive. The other was far less happy about the current situation.

“Pipsqueak, when you said you had a new game we could try out, this isn’t what I had in mind,” Button Mash groaned.

“Come now, Button. If you can spend six hours at that arcade machine, you can play chess with me for a little.”

Button lifted his chin, looking at him morosely. “It doesn’t help when you’ve already beat me three times…” he moaned, leaning his a cheek into his hoof. “I barely know the rules of this dumb game. Where’d you even learn to play this?”

“My nana would always have board games on a shelf in her basement. My other young relatives and I would always play them together when we visited. Now come on, it’s your move,” he said, motioning his hoof in a circle.

Nearby, Spike sat on top of the white split rail fence adjacent the path leading from the school house. He bounced a small red bouncy ball up and down against the ground from where he sat, an antsy expression on his face. “Aw come on, come on… he should have been here by now.”

Before he could continue to wonder what the holdup was, a young colt with a light brilliant orange coat and bushy, moderate azure hair galloped into view and stopped in front of him. He panted hard with his head low, as if he’d just run halfway across Ponyville.

“Well, it’s about time, Base! I’ve been waiting here for almost twenty minutes! You know I’ve got errands to run with Twilight in the afternoon. I’ve only got so much time to spare in the morning!”

First Base could only smile apologetically between his heavy breaths. “Whew… sorry… whew… about that, Spike,” he said, sucking in a big gulp of air as he composed himself. “We were just having brunch with my big brother. He just finished his basic training to be in the royal guard. Now he’s gonna be a full-fledged member instead of just a cadet! And he’s only home for a few days before his real service starts. I just wanted to hang out with him as much as I could before he went back to Canterlot today.”

Hearing the explanation, Spike’s expression softened. The thought of getting to spend time with a rarely-seen older sibling tugged at his heartstrings. “Ah, well at least you’re here now.” Then he grew an excited look on his face. “Did you bring it?”

The colt smiled back at him. “Of course!” He held out his hoof to show a rubber, bright yellow bouncy ball about the size of Spike’s palm.

“Nice bouncy ball,” Spike said cheerfully, showing off his own. “I got this one last week with my last comic book.”

First Base gave the dragon a cheeky look. “Kind of small and dinky, isn’t it?”

Spike frowned. “Hey, size isn’t everything. Don’t you know the smaller ones bounce higher?” The corner of his mouth lifted into a challenging smirk. “How ‘bout we see which one’s better!”

First Base matched his expression, swishing his tail eagerly. “You’re on!”

Button focused in on the board, contemplating his next move. Being the much less experienced player, Pipsqueak had allowed him to be white so he could go first. Each of them had only made move so far, Button moving one of his pawns a single space to F3, and Pipsqueak followed with a pawn to E5.

Button rubbed his chin. During the last game he had taken quite a few of Pip’s pieces with a “hit and run” method targeting the flanks, mostly using the bishops and rooks. So, he would try in that vein again. He picked up his second-furthest-right pawn and moved it two spaces ahead to G4.

Pipsqueak gave a sly grin. He lifted his queen and moved diagonally it all the way to the side of the board to H4, giving a closed-eyed smile. “Checkmate!”

Button’s eyes widened, a strained gasp of shock coming from his throat. After a few moments of choked stammering, he threw his hooves up in anger. “Son of a goat!”

“Button!” Pipsqueak scolded. “Language!”

The colt only moaned, pressing his hooves into his face. “This bites! How did you beat me in just two moves?!”

Pip offered a sympathizing look to his friend. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Button. You were doing really well the last couple of games. You just made yourself a bit mentally tired, so you forgot to give your king proper protection and left an opening. It was really just dumb luck that you moved where you did.”

“I don’t think I’m cut out for this… I’d rather stick to my Joy Boy. That’s easier,” he said, looking dejected.

“Perish the thought, Button Mash. Don’t give up so easily. Even if you don’t win, it’s always important to learn from your mistakes. It’s how you get better,” Pipsqueak said encouragingly. Then he gestured to the board again. “Want to play one more time? Fifth time’s the charm?”

Before Button could answer him, their game table was suddenly knocked over. The board flipped and tumbled to the ground, and the chess pieces scattered everywhere, surprising both of them. A voice sarcastically cut in. “Ooooops.”

Pipsqueak turned to the source; his brows knitted together in anger. “Diamond Tiara! What did you do that for?!”

The offending pink filly regarded the two with a snooty sneer. She was flanked as always by her partner in crimes against decency, Silverspoon. “Hello there, losers,” Diamond Tiara snarked.

First Base and Spike stood side by side. Both boys glanced at each other with competitive faces, ready to go.

“All right, we’ll go on three,” Spike said eagerly.

Base held his hoof up high, with Spike matching his movement.

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three!”

Shouting the last one together, they threw their balls down at the ground as hard as they could, causing the round rubber toys to leap high into the air, barely visible as tiny specks.

“Which is it?!”

“Which one’s higher?!”

They looked up frantically at to see where in the air the bouncy calls had reached, both anxiously hoping theirs would be the winner.

“Can you see ‘em, Spike? Can you?”

Spike pursed his lips. “Not yet…”

“Don’t you have anything better to do than harass us?” Pipsqueak complained at the two spoiled fillies.

Diamond Tiara just flipped her mane in an uncaring manner. “Of course I do. I just felt like gracing you little hayseeds with my presence. Since everypony else is off on that silly little field trip to that dirty old settler pony town…” she scorned, her nose wrinkling at the mention of the location. “You should feel privileged.”

“All we feel is assaulted,” said Pipsqueak

Button Mash looked angrily at the two fillies. “Give us a break! Why don’t you go do things with your own friends?” Then his lip curved into a half smile. “Oh, wait a minute… you probably don’t have any.”

The two fillies suddenly looked very offended. Diamond Tiara whirled on him, her expression burning. “What. Did. You. Say?!”

However, Button wasn’t backing down. He stood his ground, and continued to call out the insufferable pink tyrant. “You heard me! Maybe if you weren’t such a jerk, maybe ponies would actually like you two! Heh, I’ll bet everypony is glad they don’t have to put up with you on the field trip!”

“How… dare you?!” Diamond Tiara shouted, her face twisting with her growing rage. Silver Spoon said nothing, but stood glaring indignantly at the boys.

Then Pipsqueak spoke up again. “Just you wait, Diamond Tiara. One of these days your bad attitude is gonna get you exactly what you deserve.”

Diamond stomped a hoof forward, looming over the shorter Pipsqueak. “Oh, yeah? And what’s that?”

Bonk!

Bing!

Without warning, the two red and yellow bouncy balls finally came down from their return trip and landed right on Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon’s heads.

“Ahhhhhh!”

“Oooouuuucccchhh!”

The fillies let out pained whimpers, hooves immediately going to their heads to rub the sore spots as the balls rolled on the ground.

At that moment Spike and First base came running over. “There they are!” Spike knelt down and picked them both up in his claws, neither him nor Base appearing to notice the ironic justice their toys had just served up to the two snot-nosed fillies. Pipsqueak and Button pressed their lips together with their cheeks puffing out, fighting to contain their laughter.

“Whoa, they really don’t lie,” said Spike. “They were so far up I lost track of them.”

First Base was quick to retort. “I think mine was the winner.”

“No way! Let’s settle it with a rematch!”

“Bring it!”

“You stupid boys!”

The sudden shouts made both of them look over. Diamond and Silver Spoon stared at them angrily, their narrowed eyes pricking with traces of tears.

The boys just stared confused at the two.

“…Huh?” came Base’s intelligible reply.

Without another word Diamond Tiara jerked her head away and went galloping away to the left, Silver Spoon following close behind. “My father will hear about this!” Diamond cried, just before they both disappeared out of view.

Spike and Base could only stare after them, baffled.

“What was all that about?”

“Beats me.”

Button trotted over, his face wide with joy. “Nice going, guys! You scared them away!”

Spike just tilted his head with a questioning look, still oblivious. Pipsqueak, who had just finished picking up the board and scattered chess pieces, joined them. “Hello Spike, First Base!” he said cheerfully.

His entry caused First Base to raise a confused eyebrow at him. “Pipsqueak? What are you doing here? I thought you’d be on the class field trip to Appleoosa?”

The skewbald colt shook his head. “Afraid not. My parents and I just got back from visiting Trottingham for a week, so I couldn’t make it. We didn’t get back in until four o’clock yesterday,” he explained.

“So what’cha doing?” asked Button.

Spike held up the two rubber balls enthusiastically. “We’re having a contest. We’re trying to see which bouncy ball can go higher.”

Pipsqueak wagged his tail, eager to join in on the fun. “Can we watch? We can be your judges.”

“Sure!” Spike replied with a smile. “The more the merrier.”

Taking his ball back from the little dragon, First Base stood a few feet apart from Spike and faced him. “Now we’ll have someone else to watch me win!”

“Hah! We’ll just see about that.”

The two stanced while Pipsqueak and Button made the call.

“Ready…”

“Go!”

Another hard downward throw and the balls rocketed into the air once again. Placing their hooves and claws above their eyes to block out the sun, they all watched for the first sign of the balls. Again they had gone way high up beyond their sight. But after a minute, Button pointed up and exclaimed, “Hey, here they come!”

Sure enough the tiny dots of the bouncy balls came falling down. Seemingly evenly paced.

But then a shape cut across their sightline. A gray pegasus mare with a light blonde mane and bubbles on her flank casually flying around abruptly passed underneath the falling spheres. Spike’s red ball landed smack on top of her hindquarters and sprang off in a wide arch. While the mare jumped and looked around, blushing as she sought the source of whatever had just spanked her, Spike looked on horrified as his ball began to head towards town.

“Hey! My ball!”

His contest forgotten, the panicked dragon went running after his escaping toy, leaving the slightly regretful group of colts behind.

=================
12:09 PM

The Dragon Lands

The middle of nowhere.

It wasn’t the magical dimension of ponies as a whole. It wasn’t the rocky mountain he’d been chased through. It wasn’t even the unwilling airdrop into the nest of Equestrian military.

Now, Sonic was certain, he was in the middle of nowhere.

All around him was an empty, desolate, rocky wasteland. He had spent a good twenty minutes roaming up and down this part of the landscape, and there was nothing. Not a soul to be found. It was seemingly surrounded by nothing but desolate crags and ashen skies. Not even tumbleweeds seemed to drift about.

‘Sheesh… talk about a bleak place. Nothing but rocks and ash around here. Heck, even Sand Hill was nicer to look at.’ He absentmindedly kicked a flat stone and sent it skipping across the rough ground. “Half surprised there’s no green giant in a white cape and turban out here in this wasteland.”

Seeing nothing worthwhile to do here and no one potentially helpful, Sonic shook out his leg and was about to make tracks due east, when a voice interrupted him.

“Well, well, well. What have we got here?”

The sound of wings flapping and several impactful thuds of something heavy landing on the ground preceded the voice. Turning his head around, Sonic suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu. More than a half dozen dragons, not so different in size from Ultimo, gathered behind him.

At the head of the group was a red, long-snouted one. The way this one looked at him and carried himself screamed ‘bully’ in Sonic’s head. His face immediately hardened.

One of the others, a white male with tall reddish spines on his head came up beside Garble and prodded him in the side with his elbow. “Look at this weirdo, Garble. What do you think it is?”

Garble as he was apparently called, grinned meanly. “I dunno. Looks like a freaky little hedgehog that lost his way.”

Sonic went flat-faced. ‘It’s pretty sad when the dragon version of Ogre is the only one so far to get my species right.’

“Actually, Yoshi, I know exactly where I need to be. Far away from wherever you jokers are.” With a flippant wave of his hand, Sonic started marching away without even looking at them.

His choice in the matter was unfortunately taken from him when Garble suddenly landed in front of him. The dragon’s jaw was clenched angrily. “Hold on one second there, you little blue squirt! Was that disrespect I heard? Do you not know where you are?”

“A bad car insurance commercial?” Sonic quipped.

Not understanding enough to respond back or not caring, Garble monologued on. “You’re in the Dragonlands! Home of… er, well, dragons!” He seethed, flexing out his wings. “We’re the biggest, strongest, baddest creatures in all Equestria! Griffons don’t mess with us, and all those puny little ponies shake like little babies at the sight of us! You know what that means? It means everyone around here shows us respect! If they know what’s good for ‘em.” He crossed his arms and bared his teeth in a wicked smile. “So whaddya think about that?”

“I think Vincent Tong deserves better,” Sonic answered, completely uninterested. “Now if it’s all the same to you, I’m busy. I’ve had a rough couple of days, and I don’t feel like hanging around for whatever this is.” He turned on his heel and started to walk away. He didn’t get more than a few feet before Garble landed before him again.

“You’re not going anywhere, pinhead!” he growled. “I don’t appreciate your attitude. So I think me and the boys are gonna have to teach you a little respect. Dragon style.”

The dragons began to close in around Sonic in a ring, blocking his way out and grinning fiercely. The hedgehog just groaned and massaged his temples. ‘Here we go again...’ He turned about to the reptilian teenagers. “Okay, look fellas. It’s been a really rough twenty-four hours. I’m really not in the mood to deal with you wild Charizards right now. So here’s the deal: you back off right now, and I don’t introduce your faces to the dirt.”

His remark only seemed to anger them further. They growled, swishing their tails and cracking their knuckles. A couple snorted smoke from their nostrils.

Resigned to his fate, Sonic exhaled and tightened a fist. His eyes narrowed on Garble, singling him out.

“Okay. You asked for it.”

================================================================

Artwork:

Skyboom

Gristle

Ultimo

Dragon Chaser

Gentle Heart

Author's Note

And so, the real adventure starts now.

Thanks you to my good friends DragonChaser and Faith-Wolff for letting me guest star their OCs. Dragon Chaser and Gentle Heart belong to them. And a big thanks to Bok for proofreading this chapter for me.

Chapter 7 - In Plain Sight

=====================
12:29 PM

Southern desert region

Turning wheels rattled over the straight metal rails as the Friendship Express rolled through the bone-dry desert. Inside, the school children chattered jovially to each other, the experience of their field trip still giving them a fresh bout of excitement. In one booth, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all sat together.

“What a great time!” Sweetie Belle chimed. “We finally got to see somewhere cool outside Ponyville!”

“Plus, no Diamond Tiara around to cramp our style,” Scootaloo added, prompting laughter from the other two fillies. The trio gave a celebratory triple high hoof.

“And best of all, I got a great souvenir!” Apple Bloom beamed, her newly acquired gift from Silver Star perched proudly on her head. That is, until it slipped down, covering her eyes.

“Don’t you think that’s a little big for you, Apple Bloom?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Apple Bloom readjusted it, unconcerned. “Ah, it’s nothin’! I’ll grow into it.”

As the three kept talking, Cheerilee stood up and raised her voice over the chatter to address the class. “All right, my little ponies! So tell me, did you enjoy your field trip?”

The class responded with a resounding, “Yes Ms. Cheerilee!”

She smiled. “I’m very glad. Let’s take a moment to thank Apple Bloom for her– um, ‘initiative’ in recommending this trip to be organized. I think I speak for everypony when I say it was well worth it.”

The young ponies responded with a round of applause and cheers. Apple Bloom smiled sheepishly, her cheeks coloring a soft tint of pink from her teacher and class’s praise.

“You’re certainly lucky to be able to see a part of Equestria so different from what you’re used to,” Cheerilee continued, “and it’s just as important that you take a lesson from what you’ve seen these past two days.”

While the rest of the class hung on Cheerilee’s words, Apple Bloom quietly groaned to herself. She knew the ‘boring teacherly lecture voice’ when she heard it. Uninterested in listening to anymore classroom boiler, she leaned her cheek on her hoof and turned to gaze out the window.

“So, who can tell me the most important thing you’ve learned from your trip to Appleloosa?” Cheerilee asked. A few hooves went up.

“Buffalo smell kind of funny?”

“Appleoosa pies are even better than Ponyville ones?”

“I don’t like sand!”

Cheerilee’s struck a vacant stare on the last foal, Lickety Split, for a long moment. All the while resisting the urge to facehoof. She took a calming breath and continued.

“Perhaps I should fill in some of the blanks… The important thing to take from this is that Equestria is full of all kinds of remarkable creatures, each with their own unique customs and ways of life.” She paced a few steps through the train car, looking around at the young ponies. “And one day, it will be up to you as responsible citizens to meet and engage with them courteously and respectfully for the betterment of Equestria.”

The colts and fillies murmured in agreement. Apple Bloom, however, was still lost in her own world, her eyes wandering over the dry landscape rushing by outside the window.

That is until she noticed something. Something in the distance. She squinted, trying to make it out. And her expression gradually morphed into one of surprise, her eyes widening and mouth opening. She half turned her head to call back to her teacher.

“Um… Ms. Cheerilee?”

Cheerilee looked over her shoulder at the filly. “Yes, Apple Bloom?”

“What kind’a creature has blue fur, a spiky head, and runs really really fast?”

Cheerilee cocked her head, looked utterly confused. The rest of the class turned in her direction, baffled by the odd question.

“Apple Bloom, what in Celestia’s name are you on about?” asked Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle responded with similar confusion. “That has to be the weirdest riddle I’ve ever heard.”

“It’s no riddle! Look!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, pointing out the window.

Following her hoof, the other two Crusaders scooted closer to the window to see what she was looking at. When they saw it, their mouths fell open. Barely fifteen feet away was the blue form of Sonic running alongside the train.

“What in Equestria is that?!” Scootaloo nearly shouted, wings fluttering.

The other foals flocked to the windows on their side of the train, trying to get a better view. The sight of the Mobian brought stares and gasps from the passengers. Lickety Split scampered between the Crusaders’ seats and perched his head up to the window, his face filling with astonishment.

“It’s a… It’s a… Ms. Cheerilee, what is it?”

Cheerilee, who’d made her way over to the seat directly behind the crusaders’, peered out the window with a perplexed look on her face. “I… do not know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a creature like that before.”

A pink haired earth pony a few rows back gazed out at Sonic with amazement, starting to speak in her soft voice. “I think I know what he is, he’s a—”

“It’s gotta be a new, rare species of super evolved squirrel!”

“Maybe it’s a giant porcupine that got his fur dyed?”

“Or maybe it’s a thylacine!”

“A what?”

The chatter of the class drowned her out, and she shrunk in on herself a bit, awkwardly rubbing her hooves together.

“Maybe it’s a hedgehog,” Sweetie Belle interrupted the rest of them, looking thoughtfully at Sonic while rubbing her chin. “The thin nose, the quills, the spines on his back? I’m not sure about most of him, but those parts look a lot like a hedgehog if I ever saw one.”

Again, Lily tried to speak. “That’s what I was going to—”

“That’s ridiculous!” Scootaloo declared, cutting the filly off, who looked away dejectedly. “What kind of hedgehog has such a big head and stands on two legs? And wears gloves? No real creature could look like that! That’d be totally stupid. It’s gotta be some weird, mutated freak of magic or something.”

“Or maybe it’s some twisted, evil creature that escaped from Tarturus…” Twist shivered.

“I dunno,” Apple Bloom commented, “Don’t look like anything bad to me.”

“Well, look at him go!” Lickety Split piped up again, knocking on the glass. “He’s as fast as a speeding train!”

Outside the train Sonic’s ear twitched, catching the colt’s tapping, and he looked to his right at the train windows. A good portion of the young ponies suddenly held their breath.

“He heard you…” Snips said shakily, shrinking his head down so that only his eyes peered over the glass.

The ponies stared nervously back at the alien. Sonic, however, smiled and made a sudden swerve towards the train. In a few seconds he was right beside tracks, mere feet away from the windows. Cheerilee and the students awkwardly held his gaze, waiting, wondering what this strange creature might do. Thankfully, their fears were allayed when Sonic flashed them a peace sign.

Lickety Split laughed. “Cool! Do some tricks, do some tricks!”

Evidently, the blue Mobian could make that out through the window too. Flashing a confirming grin, he did a couple of jumps, twists, and midair poses, eliciting ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the audience of school children.

“First buffalo, now this? I’m seein’ a whole lotta creatures I ain’t never seen before these past two days!” Apple Bloom bubbled.

All the students started bunching up into the seats on the left side of the train, until all the sections nearest Sonic were crowded with eager little ponies clambering for a better view, cheering on the show.

“Awesome!”

“So cool!”

Scootaloo, however, didn’t look all that impressed. “Big deal. I could do that too,” she scoffed.

As the others clambered for a better view, pushing started breaking out between some of them. One retaliatory shove from a purple-haired unicorn filly sent Snips tumbling backwards from off his seat.

“Don’t push!” Cheerilee chided, going over to help him.

Apple Bloom was also feeling just as cramped. A bunch of foals had all but swamped the window space, and Lickety Split’s elbow kept stabbing into her ribs. “I can’t see a thing like this!” she complained.

Finally getting fed up, she squeezed herself out of the mass of ponies and into the aisle. Sweetie Belle was also there, shaking out her mane, which the other rushing ponies had messed up. Apple Bloom headed immediately down the aisle towards the door at the other side of the car.

“Apple Bloom, where do you think you’re going?”

“To get a better look, o’ course!” she said back. Silver Star’s big hat slipped down over her eyes again, forcing her to adjust it before she opened the door.

“Apple Bloom, wait!” Sweetie Belle called, but her friend slipped through the door and left her behind. She scampered after her, leaving Scootaloo as the lone crusader left in the car.

Scootaloo hissed her teeth, not particularly keen on the idea of getting involved in all this. But inevitably, she groaned and trudged out of her seat, running along after them.

Meanwhile, Snips was up on his hooves again thanks to some help from Cheerilee. “That hurt…” he moaned, climbing back up to his seat. “Thanks Ms. Cheerilee.”

“Just be more careful, Snips,” she cautioned.

“I will. I’d hate to have to go through that again—”

Suddenly, and without warning, there was a powerful rumbling. A tremor shook the ground, making the Friendship Express rattle and rock. Snips immediately stumbled backwards and fell out of his chair again, landing awkwardly on the back of his neck and hitting his head on the floor. The student’s cheering went mute, replaced by panicked gasps and screams.

Cheerilee was stunned. ‘An earthquake? Out here in the desert? But there aren’t any fault lines for miles!’ She took hold of edge of the nearest seatback and shouted out to the class, “Everypony keep your heads down and hold on tight!”

The foals ducked down and grabbed their seatbacks, the train sides, each other, and any steady surface they could find as they held on for dear life. The loud, violent shaking of the train warped the windows and slid the small ponies around in their booths. A few in the back of the train whimpered, fearing certain doom.

And then, strangely, as quickly as it came, the earthquake was gone. Again everything was still. The train, quiet, save for Snips groaning on the floor while he held the back of his head. One by one ponies gingerly lifted their heads up when they thought it was safe.

Lickety Split was the one to break the silence: “What was that?”

Apple Bloom quickly made her way across the gangway connection and into the conveniently empty second train car. Her run was only slowed by the sudden tremor that rocked the train. But she was able to grab onto the edge of a booth, and quickly resumed running once it passed, barely even phased by the tremor. She wasn’t about to miss a close-up view of this weird-looking, two-legged thing. Her hooves carried her across the car, through the opposite door, and into the second open platform car led only by the engine. She stood herself up on the edge of the car with her hooves on the railing, leaning over the side.

“Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle’s call came from behind her, the young unicorn having finally caught up with her. “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked. Scootaloo followed through the door behind her a moment later.

“Ain’t it obvious?” Apple Bloom replied, looking at her. “Y’all saw how quick that blue thingy was. We wait up here, we’ll have the best view in the house!”

“That’s not the point. I don’t think we’re allowed to be up here,” Sweetie Belle stressed. “Especially without even telling Ms. Cheerilee.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s just one freaky-looking furball.”

Apple Bloom turned to her in disbelief. “You outta your mind, Scootaloo? When’s the next time you’ll be able to say you saw somethin’ like this?” She looked back out to the arid wasteland around them. “Now just wait and see. With how that big thing was hightailin’ it, I bet you’ll be able to see him any… Look, here he comes!”

Sure enough, Sonic’s blue body came creeping up into view a few yards from the side of the car. Sweetie Belle’s, cautious yet intrigued, stood up next to Apple Bloom against the car railing to look.

“Wowza…” she marveled.

Only reluctantly and with much chagrin did Scootaloo finally give in too, joining them on the ledge.

As Sonic crossed in front of their view, Apple Bloom took the direct approach and waved eagerly. “Hi, mister blue thing!”

But as she called out, she leaned just a bit too far outside the railing. The whipping air outside the rolling train caught under the brim of her loose hat and blew it right off her head, throwing her souvenir into the wind. The little filly couldn’t do anything except reach out helplessly, pangs of loss and distress instantly flooding her.

“My hat! No!”

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo grabbed her as she lunged, keeping her inside the train car.

“Are you crazy, Apple Bloom?!” Scootaloo shouted as she held on tightly to her friend’s barrel. “You’ll break every bone in your body!”

“But that was a gift from Sheriff Silver Star!” Apple Bloom cried, her voice high and tight with despair. “I was supposed to take care of it! We gotta go back!”

“We can’t stop now, Apple Bloom!” said Sweetie Belle. “We’re in the middle of the desert, there’s no way we can reverse! You’ve just gotta let it go!”

“Noooo!”

The commotion made Sonic look over. He saw the three fussing fillies, and the hat tossing in the wind, and quickly deduced their plight. In an instant he ceased his run, braking and sliding on his heels, and running back in the opposite direction.

All three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders paused when they saw the hedgehog suddenly reverse.

“What’s it doing?” Scootaloo asked out loud.

“I don’t know,” Sweetie Belle began. She squinted as she looked out in the direction he had went, only for her eyes to widen a moment later. “But I think we’re about to find out!”

A blue streak shot past the train, a low trail of dust and debris kicking up in front of it as it came far faster than what they’d seen before. And it was heading right for them.

“Hit the deck!” Scootaloo shouted.

All three of them threw themselves down, covered their heads, and squeezed their eyes shut. A blast of air ‘whooshed’ in front of the open car frame, sprinkles of dust peppering the wood floor around them. And then, there was nothing. Nothing outside the familiar, persistent huffing of the train’s engine.

Sweetie Belle was the first one to crack her eyes open. When she lifted her head up and saw what was waiting, shock overtook her face. She shook her friends’ shoulders frantically. “Girls! Look!”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom opened their eyes, and were surprised to see Sonic running right next to them, mere inches from the railing’s edge. A good-natured smile on his face, and Apple Bloom’s hat in his hands.

“Lose something?” He extended his arms, offering it back to the fillies.

Apple Bloom’s expression turned from shock to joy. “My hat!” She reached out and took back her precious cargo, giving the hedgehog the biggest smile she could manage. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

Sonic grinned. “No problem.” And then he accelerated and went zooming off ahead, easily outpacing the train.

“Whoa! Did you see that?” Sweetie Belle remarked, looking out over the railing after him. “He’s fast!”

“And he saved my hat!” Apple Bloom cheered, snuggling her muzzle into her souvenir. “Oh, thank Celestia! I’ll never lose you again!”

While Apple Bloom rejoiced over getting her gift back, Sweetie Belle nudged Scootaloo in the ribs with her elbow, smirking. “So, what do you think of that ‘freaky-looking furball’ now?” she gibed.

Scootaloo pursed her lip, avoiding eye contact. “All right… maybe this wasn’t that much of a letdown.”

Apple Bloom continued to celebrate to herself. “This! Is! Amazing! A cross-Equestria visit, a great present from the sheriff, and I got to meet a cool looking critter face to face? There’s no way this day could possibly get any better!”

“Ahem.”

Somepony clearing their throat made each of the fillies flinch. They slowly turned, and there stood Ms. Cheerilee, staring down at the three of them with a most unhappy look on her face.

Sweetie Belle gulped. “I don’t think you knew how right you were, Apple Bloom…”

================
12:33 PM

Edge of Ponyville

Twilight trotted along the dirt path leading out and away from Ponyville’s central hub, saddlebags strapped to her sides. Her faithful dragon assistant had rejoined her and now rode on her back while they went about their daily errands.

“All right Spike, let’s go over the list of things for today once more. You have it?”

Spike confidently pulled out the rolled up list. “Got it right here.”

“Excellent! Now let’s review: return Pinkie Pie’s recipe book?”

“Check.”

“Order a new set of parchment and quills? …Again?”

“Check.”

“Help Cheerilee move the posters, new pulley, and the two spare curtains for the show this weekend?”

“Check, check, and double check.”

“Well then, it looks like we’re right on schedule.”

She then peered back at Spike, her pleasant tone breaking a bit as she frowned at him. “Or at least we would be if you hadn’t been so late. Seriously, Spike. You were fifteen whole minutes late today! That’s even more than what I usually factor in for your typical three to five and a half minutes! What kept you?”

Spike scratched a claw into his cheek with a meek expression. “Sorry about that, Twilight. First Base and I had a little accident when we were playing earlier. Almost lost my ball in town. But it’s all right, a nice stranger helped me out,” he said with a smile.

Twilight arched a brow. “Nice stranger?”

“Mhm. Tall, kind of red, carries a funny looking umbrella.”

Twilight looked up in thought. “Hmm, doesn’t sound like anypony I’ve ever seen before. And you outta be more responsible with your things, Spike.”

“I’m not a baby, Twilight,” Spike said, crossing his arms and doing his best to ignore the fact that the pretty mare from before had told him the exact same thing.

“In any case, what’s next on the checklist?”

Looking back to the list, Spike read off the next item. “Drop off a copy of the next Daring Do book at Rainbow Dash’s place.” He paused, looking up. “Speaking of which, we’re here!”

Sure enough, Rainbow Dash’s floating cloud house was right in front of them. With a shine of her horn, Twilight teleported the two of them off the ground and up to the front door. Twilight had aptly remembered to cast the cloud walking spell on both Spike and herself before they got here. She raised her hoof and knocked on the door.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight pushed the door open and stepped inside, looking around. “Rainbow Dash, it’s me!”

“And me too!” Spike added.

“I’ve got that next copy of Daring Do you asked for! Are you home? Rainbow Dash?”

As Spike hopped down off her back, Twilight turned about as the two looked and listened for their rainbow-maned friend.

Spike looked left and right before giving a shrug. “Guess she isn’t here.”

Hardly a second after the words left his mouth, a multi-colored blur whooshed across his sight line at a high velocity, flying into the house from a window on the right and crashing into Twilight with a thud. Rainbow Dash had ended up awkwardly splayed on Twilight’s back, laying backwards on top of her with her haunches on the mare’s shoulders. The whole thing gave Spike a serious sense of déjà vu to when they first met the brash pegasus.

“Never mind.”

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned, blowing the hair of her pegasus friend’s tail out of her face. “Hello, Rainbow Dash.”

Glancing back, Rainbow chuckled sheepishly. “Sorry about that, Twilight.” She flapped her wings and lifted herself off of her and into the air. “I was just doing my mane.”

The two looked at Rainbow Dash as if she’d grown a second set of wings.

“Doing… your mane?” asked Spike, confused.

“Yup! I always start the day with a few flybys through some clouds. No better way to style!” Rainbow responded, giving her mane a flip.

Twilight rolled her eyes with a small smile. Only Rainbow Dash would high speed flying into a grooming practice. Lighting her horn again, she opened her saddle bag and drew out a book.

“Anyway, we came by to give you that book you asked me about last week. The next volume of the Daring Do series,” she said, presenting it to her.

Rainbow’s face lit up with excitement. “Awesome!” She grabbed the book and did a loop in the air before straightening herself up. “Daring Do and the Eternal Flower,” she read excitedly off the cover.

“I think you’ll really enjoy it,” Twilight grinned, starting to go into gushing nerd mode. “In it, she has to work her way from an event hosted by the Equestrian Botanical Society with her— oops, heh, I shouldn’t spoil it for you. You’ve just got to read it yourself.”

Rainbow smiled brightly in anticipation. It sounded like all the things she loved about Daring Do. Secret treasures, epic adventures, mortal peril.

And then she suddenly felt a lot less happy. Her giddy expression shifted for a moment, becoming sullen.

It was everything she wished she had.

“Y-Yeah, it uh… looks great!” She drooped back down onto the floor, her face and he tone faltering. “I’m sure it’ll be a… real blast.”

Twilight didn’t notice the shift in attitude, distracted as she was with her excited rambling. She trailed off into a monologue about A.K. Yearling’s creative genius, and wondering what sort of exotic places the author had seen that inspired such fascinating locations in her writing.

Spike, however, was a bit more perceptive, noticing Rainbow’s odd change in behavior. He lifted an eyebrow, studying her. Something was definitely off. But what? Was it the book? No, it couldn’t be that. She’d been jumping for joy not ten seconds ago. Had to be something else. It seemed like Twilight’s talking had made her remember something. So, what was so upsetting? What could manage to shake the brave and bold Rainbow Dash so much?

Just as he started to open his mouth to ask her, he felt something in the pit of his stomach, his eyes widening. He grabbed his mouth, making a retching sound. The other two both looked at him questioningly.

“Spike? What’s the matter?” Rainbow asked.

Her answer came when Spike belched a green burst of fire, which materialized into a scroll.

Twilight blinked in surprise. “A letter?” Picking up the scroll with her magic, she unfurled it and lifted it to her face, reading it.

“What is it Twilight?” Spike asked, once he was recovered from the unexpected expulsion from his gut.

Twilight’s eyes quickly ran back and forth across the page, before widening as alarm overtook her face. “It’s an urgent message from Princess Celestia… She wants the six of us in Canterlot at once!”

Chapter 8 - Call to Action

==========================================
Southern edge of Equestria – Eggman’s desert base

90 minutes ago

Across a large stretch of the barren landscape, a grim technological metropolis was being built from the ground up. Rocky ground was now covered over by steel sheets that soaked up waves of heat from the blistering sun. Coarse desert sand rolled in the breeze, rattling against skyward-reaching towers. Clanking steps of robots, mechanical growls and hums of gears and conveyor belts, and ear-ringing crackles of welding torches soldering steel beams together all mixed in a vociferous clamor; the usual stillness of the desert replaced with the harsh racket of production. Unfinished smokestacks framed a circular structure, their imposing masses stretching up, both around and through the unfinished dome wall.

Together, these individual parts constituted a singular mechanical aberration. An unnatural blemish; a man-made blight defying the land’s natural state. A forewarning of the disease that soon would spread across all Equestria.

Amid the construction, Eggman’s two most talkative minions floated about, directing traffic. “Hurry, hurry! Move it along! Straighten up that line!” Cubot shouted to the row of Motobugs revving along in front of him.

Orbot drifted back and forth across the open space, pointing an assortment of different Badniks to their stations. “Buzz Bombers, please maintain an altitude of at least twenty-five feet. That means you, BT-7! 4040, get back to the east side of the foundry for weapons check! Steer clear of the cables, GMB-5! And would someone bolt down that exhaust column before it—”

There was a loud snap of breaking metal. A tower ten yards ahead of Orbot had tilted on its unsecured foundation, broke under its own weight, and fell. All nearby Badniks ran for cover.

All except for one straggler. One slow-witted Cop Speeder casually floating along. By some defect of coding, it failed to register the hasty retreat of its Badnik brethren as danger. It stopped and looked around at the fleeing robots in confusion. Only when it noticed a growing shadow darkening the space around it did it finally turn around. The last thing it ever saw was the black color of metal before the steel tower crashed down, crushing it and hitting the ground with a thunderous slam that echoed throughout the entire base.

“…breaks.”

Orbot floated there, awkwardly looking at the crash site. His cubical partner slowly came over to join him. If machines could sweat, they both would be.

Cubot broke the tense silence with a comment. “Do you think the doc is going to notice?”

“He noticed.”

The two minions flinched, turning slowly to the ominous voice behind them. A familiar flying pod floated above. Eggman’s glower made chills crawl up their nonexistent spines.

Irritation broiled in the doctor’s gut. For hours he’d been pouring over the collected transmissions from his dispatched Flappers. Video recordings. Images. All the information that his scout robots had collected so far on this “Equestria,” as the locals called it.

Stomach-turning, all-encompassing disgust didn’t quite do justice to his feelings towards this place.

A peaceful, noxiously bright land inhabited by adorable, multi-colored equines? The very thought was nauseating. Imagine, the great Doctor Eggman, the most brilliant mind on all of Mobius, forced to share a place in the cosmos with such a weak, inferior species? The nerve of it all! Fate had played a cruel joke on the doctor. One that he found no humor in. One that he sought to extract himself from post-haste; and his underling’s foul-ups only sprinkled more fuel on the fire of his incensed mood.

“O-Oh, hi there boss…” Cubot shivered.

Orbot tried his best to salvage the situation. “Greetings, doctor. We were just in the middle of getting everything ready when there was a teensy weensy little accident and—”

“SILENCE!”

The two quieted instantly.

“I figured I’d find you two idiots to mucking things up,” Eggman growled. His Eggmobile lowered close to the ground, and he hopped out. “It’s bad enough being confined to this insufferable place. But I will not have your usual incompetence delaying my plans.” Reaching into the Eggmobile’s cockpit, he removed a two-foot-tall, blue and gray mechanical ball and dropped it on the ground in front of him. “So I’ve designed something far more capable for the job.”

He snapped his fingers. A center light on the orb’s side lit up in red, beeping. Its entire mass began to change shape. It opened up and expanded, plates shifting into place on the growing mass to form a body. It produced extensions for limbs, and the remnants of the orb shape became its head. Orbot and Cubot nervously backed. Eggman remained, watching as it took form before him.

Soon a new robot stood in place of the steel sphere, straightening itself as the last of its outside covers meshed into place. It faced Eggman and spoke in a polite tone, “Classification: New-Age Eggman Empire Docketing Android reporting for duty.”

Eggman adjusted his glasses, admiring his newest creation with pride. “Lug heads, meet the latest addition to the Eggman Empire. Codename: NEEDA. Perfectly designed to be everything you scrap-for-brains are not,” he gloated. “Focused. Efficient. The perfect organizer for all my units and resources. And your replacement.”

Cubot looked as crestfallen as a mostly featureless bot could. “But boss… what about us?”

Scowling, Eggman pointed towards the fallen beam. “YOU can go and clean up this mess! Surely even a couple of blundering failures like you can manage that without incident?”

Cubot hung his head and floated off, despondent.

“There is no need to be hurtful,” Orbot remarked before following after him.

Eggman turned back to his new metal minion and crossed his arms over his chest. “NEEDA, bring up the layout of the invasion force.”

“Yes, Lord Eggman.” The new robot held out his metal hand with his palm up. The circular node in the middle of his palm took on a bright blue glow. A cone of light shined from its hand, producing a holographic rendering of various ships and Badniks – everything to be deployed for the coming assault. “As you’ve commanded, two battleships and three accompanying dropships are at the ready, each fully armed and outfitted. Combined, they can easily carry a battalion worth of troops. These, of course, consist of the standard mix of ground and air units, as well as four Super Badniks. EH model, to be exact. Additionally, your personal airship is fully fueled and ready to depart.”

“And the other unit?”

“EG-918 is en route, sir. Current ETA: one hour forty-three minutes.”

The doctor’s lip curved menacingly. “Excellent. Have container SA-7 brought to my carrier. Mobilize the army and prepare all ships for launch. We leave immediately.”

The droid nodded. “As you wish, sir.”

As NEEDA departed, Eggman stepped over to the side of his floating pod. He gazed past the towers, beyond his metallic base, out to the horizon where the faint traces of green pastures were visible. Somewhere out there among the four-legged rabble was their capital – a quaint little city resting on the side of a mountain.

Even thinking about that grated the doctor’s nerves. Honestly, having the seat of your nation’s power dangling precariously off the edge of a mountain? Of all the architecturally asinine decisions. These fools were practically asking to be crushed. He could already see himself holding their little city in the palm of his hand. His reconnaissance drones had shown him all he needed to know.

The capital itself was very poorly guarded. Relatively few “soldiers”—Eggman could barely even refer to the ponies in armored regalia by the word with a straight face—patrolled the perimeter. There were no siege-like weapons to speak of; no cannons, not even any firearms. The pitiful excuse of an army didn’t wield anything beyond dated weaponry from the Dark Ages. The sheer lack of most things resembling modern technology was astounding. There wasn’t even a wall, the most basic of all defensive concepts. His forces could march on the city virtually unchallenged. With their lackluster warriors and laughable defenses, subjugating these ponies would be all too easy. And once he had swept away any possible resistance, locating the Chaos Emeralds and leaving this wretched place behind would come all the sooner. It was only a matter of time.

The doctor chuckled darkly and stroked his mustache. At the very least, this would be amusing. “Now then, I believe it’s time I introduced myself.”

==========
1:02 PM

Ponyville

Rainbow Dash flew quickly through the air. Rooftops whizzed mere feet under her body as she propelled herself through the air towards the train station. At this pace, she’d beat the others there with plenty of time to spare. It was only natural that she hurry. Urgent letters from Celestia demanded quick responses. She was pretty sure everypony could have gotten there quicker if she found and carried each of them to the train station herself. Sadly, ever since the girdle incident, the girls had expressly forbidden her from bursting into ponies’ homes and whisking them away to places without notice.

Before she could dwell on that any longer, she could see her destination coming up. She curved downward, sinking steadily closer to the ground; closing in on the station, but not decreasing speed. Right before she would come skidding in, she flapped up and made a pair of loops, slowing herself down for a steady stop just above the wood floorboards. She closed her eyes and swished her mane in pride. “Perfect.”

An unexpected but familiar voice added its own two bits. “If you ask me, it could use a little more control. You come in way too hot.”

Rainbow’s eyes popped open. She looked to her left, and found, “Spike?”

Sure enough, the little purple dragon sat waiting on the station bench. “Hey there, Dash. You’re early.”

Getting over her initial surprise of him beating her there, she replied, “Well, duh! No time to sit around lollygagging, the princess is calling. Where’s Twilight?”

“On her way. Went to get Rarity,” Spike said, hopping down from his seat. “After about ten extra minutes of getting worked up on what the princess could want, what to bring, you know. The usual stuff.”

The pegasus shared a laugh with him. “Classic Twilight.”

As Spike took a few steps towards her, the floorboard beneath him unexpectedly cracked and broke, a square piece of the wood giving way beneath him. “Whoa!” He fell to his knee, catching himself as his other leg sank through the broken space.

“Oh crud, you all right dude?” Rainbow trotted closer, offering him her hoof.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just caught me off guard.” Taking her hoof and hoisting himself up, he pulled his foot out and shook it off, glaring at the hole. “Man, these planks have been getting more rickety by the day. Mayor Mare really needs to have this place refurbished. That’s a serious accident waiting to happen.” Regaining his balance, he turned his attention back to Rainbow. “Anyway, did you give the others the message?”

“In record time!” she beamed proudly. But then her expression turned puzzled. “Come to think of it, what are you doing here? The princess only called for the six of us.”

“Maybe, but I decided to come along too,” Spike asserted.

“Is Twilight gonna be okay with that?”

“I don’t know for sure that she wouldn’t be okay with it.”

Rainbow blew air between her lips. “Solid argument.”

Spike frowned. “Look, I wanna help too. Celestia’s letter made it sound like there’s trouble brewing again. With all the wild and crazy stuff we’ve had to deal with since Twilight and I got to Ponyville, it never hurts to have a little backup.” He paused a moment and turned his head away, a hint of bitterness from their most recent memory together coloring his expression. “Even a ‘lame dragon’ can be useful.”

His choice of words didn’t register with Rainbow at first. When it did, shame flooded through her. “Y-Yeah…” Her body slumped. She rubbed the back of her head with a hiss of regret. “Hey… sorry about that.”

Spike looked back up at her, then shrugged. He wasn’t one to hold a grudge. “It’s all right.”

There was an awkward silence, neither quite sure how to continue from that topic. Spike eventually broke it by clearing his throat.

“So, anyway… what was that about back there?”

Rainbow blinked. “What was what about?”

“Back at your place,” he clarified. “You seemed kind of… well, mopey towards the end there. It was only for a second, but I still noticed.”

Rainbow froze.

“So, did you wanna—”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” she blurted out a little too quickly. “Who’s mopey? Me? No way! Why would I be mopey? Nothing’s bothering me!”

Spike blinked. “So something is bothering you?”

“Of course not!” Rainbow almost shouted. “Didn’t I just say there wasn’t? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with me! Why would you even think that? I didn’t say that!”

“…But you did just—”

“Nope! No way! Nothing out of the ordinary going on here! Nuh-uh! Same old me, nothing weird to see here!” she stressed, a weak chuckle capping off her short rant.

Spike’s expression turned flat as quickly as his patience evaporated. “Rainbow Dash, I’ve seen more convincing lies from Applejack,” he deadpanned.

Rainbow’s false smile disappeared. Pausing, Spike inhaled and lifted a claw to his chest, lowering it in sequence with his exhale, letting his tension to fizzle away. Best to approach the situation calmly. “So really, what’s going on?”

Rainbow crossed her hooves and turned away. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“You’ll feel better if you do,” Spike offered.

Rainbow made a dismissive noise. “Pfft, whatever.”

Spike internally grumbled at the stubborn pegasus. No way she was going to be upfront about it. This was Rainbow Dash, after all. He’d need another approach. After a moment of thought, he turned his back to her and audibly sighed.

“Well, if you don’t feel like talking to me about it, I guess there’s nothing I can do.”

Rainbow let out a soft ‘whew’ of relief.

“Buuuuuut,” he continued, “if that’s the case, maybe I’d better tell the others, huh? Sounds like they’d be better dealing with it than I can.”

Behind his back, Rainbow’s eyes widened.

“Mmm, I’m sure Fluttershy would be concerned. She’d be worrying and doting on you the whole train ride. Matter of fact, I’m sure Pinkie Pie would be gung-ho on solving what’s got you down too. Probably with a long list of Pinkie promises and ‘cheer up’ plans and—”

“All right, all right! Stop!”

Spike smirked. Too easy.

Groaning, Rainbow Dash let herself drift down to the wood floor. She avoided eye contact, shyly rubbing one leg with her hoof.

“So what’s eating you, Rainbow?” Spike asked as he turned back to her, genuine concern in his voice.

“Well, it’s… I mean… Ugh, this is harder to put in words than I thought.”

“Just speak from the heart, Dash. I won’t judge.”

Her eyes flickered back to him, the pegasus still fighting her hesitation. The gradual acceptance of deciding to talk to Twilight about this, from just last night no less, was nowhere to be found. Apparently, thinking about asking for help and actually doing it were two entirely different things for her. After some time, she took a breath, beginning to slowly find the right words. “Have you… have you ever felt like you wanted more out of your life?”

Spike scanned her face thoughtfully. “More? Like what exactly?”

She fidgeted. “Like… like you wanna do something big with yourself. Something most ponies never could. Things you’re positive you can. Like you were born for it, it’s something you feel in your bones. But somehow… it doesn’t look like you’ll ever get the chance to do any of those things.”

Spike was quiet for a moment, thinking of the best way to respond. “Let’s try answering that question with another question. Why does the… ahem, ‘resident daredevil, future Captain of the Wonderbolts, and coolest, awesomest, and radicalest pony around’, feel like that?”

Rainbow chuckled softly. A direct quote. “I guess… it just seems like that’s the way things are going. I mean…” She made a vague hoof gesture, looking out forlornly into space. “I’ve got the speed and the skills to fly with the best right now. But what do I get to do with it all? Same old boring, everyday stuff.” She breathed. “Sure we’ve got the rare ‘save Equestria’ quest every once in a while, but… it honestly doesn’t feel like enough. I… I want something more.”

She smiled weakly at Spike. “It’s funny…the best time I’ve had recently was when the three of us went tailing you into dragon territory. Now that was cool. But now?” She dropped her head, choosing to stare at the ground, ears drooping. “It feels like I’m just stuck out here in this little town, pushing clouds around all day… Where’s the excitement in that?”

Spike rubbed his chin, letting her words sink in. “So, you’re saying that you want more of a thrill? And the way things are now isn’t giving that?”

She nodded.

“Well, I don’t know if this is the answer you’re looking for. But lately I’ve found that how you choose to see things can make all the difference,” he offered. “For example, you could say that things are too boring or not fulfilling enough for you.” He walked beside her, placing a claw on her shoulder. “Or, you could look at what you do have. Like a nice home, and friends that love and appreciate you.”

The pegasus spared him a glance.

“Trust me, I get it. Sometimes it might feel like you’re missing something. You wake up and wonder if you’re supposed to do something different… or be someone else.” For a second he dropped his gaze, a wistful look in his eye. “Heck, you might even go and try to find something new yourself. Even if it’s just to see what it’s like. But at the end of the day, when you’re finished going through the motions, I think you’ll find out you aren’t missing a thing,” he finished warmly.

Rainbow Dash looked down, her face unreadable. Silence held the air for a long moment. Eventually, her fixed expression cracked into a playful smirk. “You’re getting pretty good at those sappy speeches.”

“I prefer to call them ‘inspirational’,” Spike smiled. “And I live with Twilight. You pick up a thing or two writing all those letters to Celestia.”

“Heh, guess so.” She extended her hoof to him. “Thanks, bud.”

“No problem, Dash,” Spike replied, making a fist and giving her a bump. He turned his head down the road and saw a familiar yellow and pink. “Hey, look who’s coming.”

Following his gaze, Rainbow saw Fluttershy approaching. The yellow mare came trotting daintily up the station stairs to them. “Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. Hello Spike.”

“Sup, Fluttershy?” Rainbow replied. Spike offered a short wave.

“I’m so sorry if I took too long. I was on my way back from the Everfree Forest with a few of my animal friends when Twilight teleported over. It… startled me a bit.”

Spike and Rainbow shared a glance, snickering at the mental picture.

Then Rainbow paused and gave a questioning look. “Wait, hang on a second. Really, Fluttershy? You? In the Everfree Forest?”

The timid mare blushed lightly. “Oh, well… not actually in it. Just near it,” she explained. “There’s this spot I sometimes like to go. But I came as quickly as I could. I’m… not late, am I?”

“Nah, you’re good,” Spike answered. “Dash and I were just talking.”

“Oh, that’s a relief,” she breathed. “Um, about what? …I-If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

Rainbow stiffened. “Um…”

“Dash and was saying she was a little worried about the notice we got,” Spike spoke up in her place. “Princess Celestia did make it sound pretty serious. But we talked it out, and we’ll do our best to help out with whatever’s going on. Just like usual.” He gave Rainbow a wink, which she returned with a thankful smile.

“Oh, I see. That’s very helpful of you, Spike,” Fluttershy said happily. “And good for you, Rainbow Dash. It’s always important to talk about our feelings.”

Spike glanced at Rainbow again, wiggling his eyebrows in an ‘I told you so’ kind of way. The blue pegasus rolled her eyes, although she still sported a little smile. “Yeah we know,” he agreed, “can’t have things bogging us down. Especially when Celestia’s calling us in. Gotta have our wits about us for any surprises.”

A pink blur abruptly shot out of the broken space in the floorboards. “Surprise!”

“Aahh!” All three friends shouted in alarm. Spike jumped a foot off the ground. Rainbow instinctively flapped up into the air, hitting her head on the overhang. Fluttershy fell over, unconscious.

Spike’s head snapped toward on the source. “Pinkie! Are you trying to give us a heart attack?!”

Said pink pony responded quite nonchalantly. “Heart Attack? Eh, I’m more of a Confident kind of girl as far as Songbird Serenade singles go. Not a bad album, though. I’d give it a seven out of ten.”

Spike stared at her, baffled. He didn’t even want to begin to try and decipher the mare’s logic. He looked back and forth between her and the gap she had popped out of. “Where were you even…? How did you…? WHY were you…? Oh, forget it…” he groaned, massaging his temples.

Pinkie quirked her head, oblivious. “You feeling all right Spike? Maybe you should see a doctor.”

“More like a shrink…” he snarked.

Pinkie’s eyes lit up. “You wanna shrink? That sounds like fun! You could go swimming in a bowl of cereal! Or nacho dip! Ooh, or you could do the waltz with a bee!”

Rainbow Dash, rubbing her head with pained noises, floated back down to the ground. “Pinkie Pie, you are so random.” She then started shaking Fluttershy in an attempt to wake her up.

Suddenly, Pinkie’s whole body broke out into uncontrollable shaking. The shivers were so strong that they briefly lifted her off the ground.

Rainbow looked utterly confused. “Uh… what was that?”

“I think I know…”Spike said with a sense of foreboding.

Fluttershy started to come to, her eyes fluttering open. “Mmm… h-huh? What happened?” she murmured as Rainbow helped her up.

“Another doozy?” Pinkie Pie thought out loud. Even she looked surprised by what just occurred.

Rainbow turned to Spike. “Doozy?”

“It’s a ‘Pinkie Sense’ thing,” Spike elaborated. “Only the second time we’ve ever seen it. It happens for super-out-of-the-ordinary kind of stuff. Last time it went off like this was when Twilight finally started believing it worked at all.”

“I remember…” Fluttershy croaked. “I was moving some crowded frogs over to Froggy Bottom Bog, and we were attacked by a hydra…”

Rainbow’s eyes shifted back to Pinkie. “And now…?”

“I’ve got noooooo idea,” she responded. “All I can tell is this one felt even bigger and doozier than the last one!”

“Fantastic…” Spike muttered.

Another bout of shivers coursed through Pinkie Pie’s body. When she was still again, she took on a thinking posture. “And it feels like… whatever this doozy is will happen when we all get to Canterlot!”

The dragon and the two pegasi looked at each other. “Y-You don’t think this has something to do with why Princess Celestia has summoned us… do you?” Fluttershy stammered, rising fear evident in her voice.

Spike puffed air through his nose. “Considering our luck with over-the-top fiascos, I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet.”

“Oooohhh! I’m extra extra, EXTRA excited!” Pinkie squealed, hopping up and down. “We’re gonna get to see something super-duper stupendous again! What do you think it’ll be this time? A mysterious gem? Some magic cards? Three giant dragons? A bugbear? Crystal balls? A ghostly specter? Oatmeal?”

Everyone stared at her incredulously.

“Oatmeal?”

Spike cocked his head at Rainbow Dash. “Of all the things she just said, that’s the one you question?”

Pinkie then gave a big gasp “Wait wait wait! Maybe, just maybe… it might even be…” She quickly looked from side to side. “A skeleton war!”

Fluttershy’s pupils shrank in fear. “S-S-Sk-Skeleton war…?”

Both Rainbow and Spike looked a hundred and ten percent done. The former dropped back on her haunches, letting out an exasperated breath. “I give up…” Spike moaned.

It was then that Applejack came galloping in to join them. “Howdy, y’all! Got the message.”

Pinkie Pie sprung over cheerfully. “Hi Applejack! It’s a good thing you’re here! We were talking about how to get ready for the skeleton war!”

Applejack tilted her head. “Uh, the what now?”

Spike facepalmed. Shifting his attention elsewhere, he saw a papercolt next to a stack of newspapers a couple of yards from where they stood. Choosing to avoid any more craziness until they got to Canterlot, he started walking off to go grab a copy of today’s paper.

As he did so, Rarity and Twilight also came rushing onto the scene together. “Oh goodness, so sorry darlings! I came as soon as I heard!” Rarity announced.

Rainbow snickered. “That’s what she said!”

Twilight and Applejack rolled their eyes, while Rarity let out an indignant huff. “Honestly, Rainbow Dash. Must you be so crude?”

The arrival of his crush gave Spike a sudden case of the butterflies, a faint blush adorning his cheeks. “Uh, h-hey Rarity.”

“Why hello, Spikey Wikey,” she greeted, smiling graciously.

Twilight did a double-take. “Wait, Spike? What are you doing here?”

“To help with whatever the letter is about, of course.”

The bookworm, unsurprisingly, was having none of that. “Oh, no you’re not! This is an emergency summons from Princess Celestia! For all we know she could be calling on us to deal with another threat endangering all of Equestria! What if it’s another escaped ancient villain? It’s far too dangerous for a baby dragon. Now you carry yourself home this instant, young drake!” she demanded, pointing back towards town.

“Aw, come on Twilight!” Spike complained, throwing his arms up. “You guys are always going off on dangerous missions, and last time the bad guy almost got the better of you. What if you need help again?” He folded his arms, standing his ground. “And I’m not a baby.”

“You know Twilight, he might have a point,” Rainbow interjected, coming to his defense. She and Spike exchanged a brief look.

Twilight appeared shocked by her words. “R-Rainbow Dash?! What are you saying?!”

Rarity glanced between the two before speaking. “Twilight, darling, maybe you should listen. What’s the harm in bringing him along? After all, it is just a meeting.”

“But… but… he’s a child! What if something dangerous were to happen?!”

“Didn’t he go all the way to the Dragon Lands by himself?” Rainbow Dash noted. “And he was fine. …Mostly.”

“As he was when he valiantly defended me from those brutish Diamond Dogs,” Rarity added, rubbing the top of his head appreciatively, making the little dragon smile. “Come now, Twilight. I know you’re just trying to protect him, but I believe he’s proven he can handle himself.”

“They’re not wrong, Twi,” Applejack advised, joining in. “Don’t forget who it also was that put you into gear when that Ursa came ‘round. Way I see it, the little feller’s been helpin’ us outta jams all the while. And he’s gettin’ less little by the day. Coddlin’ him ain’t gonna do him a lick of good.”

Pinkie Pie was the next to chime in. “Besides, it’s not like he’s all by himself. He’ll have all of us watching out for him. We’ll stick to him like scales on a dragon!” she grinned, softly slapping Spike on the back.

“Um, Twilight,” Fluttershy mumbled meekly, just loud enough to get the unicorn’s attention. “If Spike wants to be helpful, then…maybe you should let him… I mean, if that’s all right with you.”

Twilight was at a loss. She looked between her five friends. She wanted to deny it. She wanted to ignore their points and send him straight home; where he would be safe and protected.

Protection.

Her thoughts went back to the previous night. That’s what it came back to. Her mistake. Her regret. She’d failed to protect him. She had to make up for it. She had to do the right thing now. She wasn’t wrong for that, was she?

But…

Her gaze trailed down to the purple dragon who looked back at her, his eyes pleading. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, her friends were right. All of their evidence was hard to refute. He had helped all of them out quite a bit, to the extent he could; even in a perilous situation or two. Twilight’s mind weighed on all these things. The guilt of failing to live up to her standards for caring for Spike; the pain in her heart when she believed he would leave her behind; the reality that her young charge was and wished to continue to be useful to all of them. After another moment of contemplation, she closed her eyes with a sigh.

“You’re right.” She opened them again, looking at her assistant. “Okay, Spike,” she relented. “You can come. You’re just as important to these things as the rest of us.”

Spike smiled gratefully, springing forward to hug her. “Thanks, Twilight!” He gave her a quick squeeze and headed back to the edge of the station, hopping off the ledge to continue on his way to get that paper.

“So now that we got all that out of the way,” Rainbow interjected, “what do you think the big deal is that the princess is calling about?”

“I haven’t the slightest clue,” Rarity commented. “But if memory serves, the last time we were all brought together like this was to do away with that odious draconequis,” she rasped, disdainfully recalling the encounter with their most recent foe.

“Thinkin’ it really is another Equestria-threatenin’ bad guy on the loose?” asked Applejack.

“I’m telling you, it’s gotta be the skeleton war!” Pinkie insisted.

Fluttershy hid behind Applejack at the subject being brought up again, trembling.

“For the last time, Pinkie, there is no skeleton war!” scolded Rainbow.

The party pony pouted. “Aww.”

“Hold on a minute, let’s not get carried away,” Twilight assured. “Just because we’re being called together again doesn’t mean it has to be over some big disaster. Maybe Princess Celestia just wants to share her appreciation for us.” She started to drift into a monologue. “Maybe it’s to invite us to another event in Canterlot. Or to congratulate us again for continuing to help keep Equestria safe and peaceful.”

“Or maybe…” Spike’s voice made the six mares turn to him. He’d returned, now with a copy of the Ponyville Chronicle in claw, and was staring with wide eyes at the front page. “It’s this!” He turned the paper around for the mares to see. They gathered around him for a closer look. Five out of six blanched when they read the headline.

Blue Demon Attacks Canterlot

Below the title was a darkened artist’s rendering showing a side view of something they had never seen before—a creature with an oddly large head, pointed fur, and large eyes.

“Canterlot was attacked?!” Rarity gaped.

“B-By a… d-d-demon?” Fluttershy quivered, eyes full of fright.

Spike flipped the paper back around and began reading the article aloud. “Yesterday, at approximately six o’clock at night, the streets of Canterlot were beset by an unknown alien creature. As was first reported by the Canterlot Chronicle, witnesses have described the mysterious being as blue bipedal mammal now being referred to among Canterlot’s citizenry as the Blue Demon.”

Most of the mares had fearful, wide-eyed looks. There were two exceptions—Pinkie Pie, who wore an oddly wide smile, and Rainbow Dash, whose expression was visibly hardening with each word Spike read.

“Question! What does bipedal mean?” Pinkie chirped.

“It means a creature that walks on two legs,” Twilight answered. “Like a kangaroo or a minotaur.”

“Oh, okay. …Second question! We talking the ‘huge, terrifying, punch you to pieces and summon a giant dragon made of the flames of Tartarus to eat your soul’ kind, or the ‘plucky, fun-sized, mostly harmless without somepony to read their magic spell book’ kind? ‘Cause those second ones are kind of adorable.”

Spike continued. “The creature appeared in Celestia’s courtyard in the dead of night—”

“It went after Princess Celestia?!” Twilight cried, fear for her mentor’s well-being overtaking her.

“Okay… maybe he’s not the adorable kind,” Pinkie added glumly.

“In the dead of night,” Spike repeated irritably, “stopped only by the quick action of a contingent of the royal guard led by Princess Luna.”

“All right, princess!” Rainbow cheered.

“The creature engaged them, leaving a path of destruction in its wake as it rampaged across the city. Among those to directly confront the intruder was Lieutenant Night Flare of Princess Luna’s division of the guard, who has since been hospitalized with minor injuries.”

The mares gasped. Somepony had been hurt?

“It then proceeded to evade reinforcements before escaping without a trace. The events have thrown Canterlot’s citizens into a state of panic. When approached for questions, Princess Luna responded that an additional operation had been ordered to locate the attacker. However, results have yet to be confirmed. Princess Celestia was unavailable for comment.”

“That’s it!” Rainbow Dash said hotly. “That’s gotta be why the princess called us! To catch this vicious monster that’s on the loose out there!”

“I have to agree,” Rarity concurred. “It hardly seems like a coincidence for this all to happen in so short a time.”

Twilight took the paper from Spike with her magic, reading it over again fretfully. “I was hoping we’d seen the last of any vicious monsters out to plague Equestria for at least a little while longer… but it looks like you may be right.” Returning it to him, her mind wracked over this worrying development.

Before the group’s discussion could continue, they heard the nearing chugging of a train. The Friendship Express had arrived at last. Its pace slowed to a crawl before it finally rocked and came to a stop. The chimney blew a loud whistle with an accompanying billow of smoke, and the doors opened. A few fillies and colts exited, followed by Ms. Cheerilee. She stood at the side of the car door and ushered out a long line comprising the rest of her students. “That’s it, one by one everypony! Make sure you have all your belongings!” As she guided the young ponies off, Spike was the first one to come over to greet her. She waved upon noticing him. “Oh, hi there Spike!”

“Hey, Cheerilee! How was the trip to Appleloosa?”

Her smile slipped. “I think…‘eventful’ is the right word,” she said uneasily.

As Spike started to ask what she meant, Snips came walking out the doorway holding a bag of ice to the back of his head.

“Oh, my aching head…” he groaned.

Spike arched a brow. “What happened to Snips?” By now, the other six mares were also making their way over.

“Well—”

Cheerilee was cut by a trio of bodies that came barreling through Snips and the other foals in their way. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo rushed up to their sisters plus Rainbow Dash, gushing.

“Sis! Sis! Y’all are never gonna believe what happened!”

“We saw the buffalo!”

“I almost beat one in a hoof race too!”

“And then we saw something else!”

“A weird spiny thing!”

“It did tricks for the class! And it even saved my hat!”

“But before that, there was an earthquake!”

“Woooaaah there y’all, slow down a ‘sec.” Applejack raised a calming hoof. “Did I hear somethin’ about an earthquake?”

“Earthquake?” The response came from Twilight. “That can’t be. The entire southern region is a completely inactive flatland. There shouldn’t be any fault lines until at least Macintosh Hills,” she claimed, sounding like she was reciting straight from one of her many textbooks.

But Cheerilee was quick to reply. “They’re telling the truth. I have no idea how, but there was a huge tremor on the way back.”

“Which made me fall out of my chair and hit my head!” Snips complained.

Twilight rubbed her chin in thought. “How peculiar…”

“And that’s not all!” Scootaloo piped up. “We saw this weird creature running beside the train!”

Rarity blinked. “Weird creature?”

Sweetie Belle nodded. “It was blue, had spines on its head and its back, and wore these funny-looking white gloves on its paws.”

“And it could run as fast as the train!” said Lickety Split.

“Heck, it outran the train!” added Apple Bloom.

As Twilight’s eyes widened, Applejack turned to Cheerilee. “This true, Cheerilee?”

Cheerilee confirmed with a nod. “Every word.”

Before another word could be said, Twilight’s horn glowed, and she took the newspaper out of Spike’s grip. Floating it in front of herself, she spread the front cover out for Cheerilee and the other foals to see.

“Did the creature look like this?”

The crusaders, Cheerilee, and a few other students that could fit close enough to see all responded with a resounding:

“Yes!”

The six heroines exchanged uneasy looks.

Sweetie Belle, studying the picture with a hoof on her chin, commented further. “Well… almost. This picture’s a little dark and vague. But the eyes and head are pretty spot on.”

In the next second, she was locked in a hug from Rarity, her older sister squeezing around her head like a vice. “Oh, my poor, innocent little Sweetie Belle! Thank goodness you’re unharmed!” she wailed dramatically, failing to pick up on Sweetie’s muffled cries for air.

Scootaloo kept reading, shock spreading across her face. “Demon attacks… destruction… royal guard in the hospital?! For real?!”

“But that can’t be!” Apple Bloom said with disbelief. “We saw him up close and personal! There wasn’t nothin’ bad about him! He was even nice enough to get me my hat back when I lost it!”

That got Twilight’s attention. “Are you absolutely sure? It didn’t do anything to hurt you?” she inquired.

“No way! He didn’t harm a hair on any of our heads!” Apple Bloom insisted.

While pondering over this new information, Rarity finally noticed her sister’s face turning blue from lack of oxygen. She quickly let her go, apologizing while the smaller unicorn gasped for air. “He wasn’t…” Sweetie wheezed, slowly catching her breath. “He wasn’t anything like that article’s saying. He was perfectly nice. Nothing like a ‘demon’, that’s for sure. Not from what we saw.

“Sorry sugarcube, but I’d say the evidence is right there in black and white,” Applejack countered. “Just ‘cause that critter didn’t decide to go after you fillies don’t mean it ain’t been causin’ trouble elsewhere.”

“Besides,” Rarity added, “this is straight from the Canterlot Chronicle. There’s no news source more credible than them. If they say this two-legged monster is a menace, then it simply must be so.”

Sweetie Belle’s brow furrowed. She was torn. A “rampaging monster” didn’t sound anything like the spiky blue runner she’d seen. He was nothing but pleasant when she and the class saw him. Upbeat and friendly. But the older ponies did have a point. Her own experience didn’t account for his other apparent actions. They couldn’t both be true, could they? “But…”

“Yeah, well so what?!” Apple Bloom’s shout cut off her response.“That don’t mean a thing! Who cares what a bunch a’ snobby Canterlot stiffs say? Don’cha know not to believe everything you read in the paper?”

Rarity balked at the filly’s words. “What–! You–! That’s–! Why, I NEVER!” She took a dynamic step up in front of Apple Bloom. “I will have you know that the Canterlot Chronicle is THE most reputable paper in all of Equestria! There is nothing more reliable than the word from one of their mouths! And furthermore–”

“Girls, that’s enough!” Twilight stepped between the two. “Rarity, we don’t have time to sit around and argue about it. We need to get to Canterlot ASAP. I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this when we meet with the princess.”

Rarity ‘hmph’d and turned up her nose. Apple Bloom stuck her tongue out at the fashionista.

“And as you three, you’re going to get left behind.” Twilight pointed to where the line of other students was already leaving.

Cheerilee beckoned them from the front. “Come along now, my little ponies!”

Yelping, the three fillies sprinted after the class. Apple Bloom gave one last look over her shoulder as they left. “You’ll see he’s a good critter! Just wait ‘til you get a good look at ‘im yourself! You’ll see!” Their departure left the mares and dragon alone at the train station. Rarity muttered to herself about uncultured fillies under her breath.

“All aboard for Canterlot!” The call from the conductor brought them back to the moment.

“Come on y’all, we better move it along,” Applejack urged, “shouldn’t keep the princesses waiting any longer.”

“Aw yeah! Off to save Equestria once again!” Rainbow enthusiastically flapped up off the ground and did a midair kick, floating down to quickly scurry into the train past Applejack. The farm pony rolled her eyes with a small smile and trotted in after her.

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike all followed suit. Only Twilight hesitated, stopping for a moment to look out towards the purple-hued mountains where their destination rested, softly uttering some final words to herself.

“Whatever happens, I just hope we’re prepared. Who knows what kind of horrible monster is out there waiting for us.”

=============================
12:49 PM

Manehattan: Equestria Daily HQ

“DOOOOOOOOOOOOSS!”

A long, brash shout reverberated through the confines of the newspaper office. The ponies situated about the office all cringed, breathing uncomfortable sighs at the familiar ringing. One stallion at a corner desk put a hoof to his forehead. “I swear, it gets worse every day with this guy…”

The stallion’s grumbling was followed by the clopping of hoofsteps swiftly going past his aisle, making their way past desks, cubicles, and other office staff. They carried all the way to the main office at the opposite end of the floor. A unicorn with a coat of grayish-yellow and mane of interchanging shades of dark and light grayish purple entered through a wide set of glass double doors. She wore a pair of black-framed glasses, and a checkered sweater colored with various dark blues. She marched directly up to a large desk that sat before her. “You bellowed, boss?”

The portly, brown Earth pony pacing and gesticulating behind the desk wheeled on her. “Doss! Where in Equestria is my coffee ?! Where were you when I called you ninety seconds ago! And WHERE is your mess-head of an understudy?!!”

The unicorn merely adjusted her glasses, rattling off answers without missing a beat. “Still on its way after you yelled at the new intern for only getting three sugars instead of five, it’s only been thirty seconds, and she’s been standing right in front of you for the last minute.” She finished by pointing to her left. Low and behold, there was Wallflower, looking a mix of uncomfortable and annoyed.

“Blush! How many times have I told you not to sneak around like that?!” Bloviate shouted.

The green mare huffed through her nose. “I wasn’t ‘sneaking,’ Mr. Bloviate.”

“Anyway, I got a bone to pick with you! Come ‘ere!” The stallion pulled open a desk drawer and retrieved a folder. As Wallflower stepped closer, he opened and slammed it down in front of her, revealing several pictures of trees and other greenery. “What is this crap you’re giving me?! When I gave you this shot as one of our freelance photographers, it was to bring in pictures of important topics!”

“That’s what I’m trying to do, sir.”

“Yeah? Well, there IS no try! There’s ‘do,’ and then there’s ‘bucking up royal,’ and you are bucking up royal! I pay you to bring me the biggest hot button issues affecting our beautiful city! Not for a bunch of weeds!”

Wallflower’s face turned sour at that remark. “Some ponies would say the park falling into such a poor state is an important issue.”

“Don’t give me any of your excuses!” he cut her off, smacking his hoof on the desk. “Nopony is going to find the next big scoop buried in some dinky old garden!”

Wallflower looked away bitterly. “They’re not dinky…”

“And how many times do I have to tell you to quit that muttering?! Can’t hear a Celestia-damned thing you’re saying!”

Her expression grew darker. “Maybe you’d hear better if your head wasn’t shoved so far up you own—”

“Now what was I saying before? …Oh yeah, that’s right! Doss, come with me. You too, Blush!”

Grabbing a newspaper from off the corner of his desk, the rotund stallion stomped past the two mares. Dossier spared Wallflower a glance. “You’re late today, garden gnome.”

Wallflower met her supervisor’s eyes, responding in her typical drab tone. “Don’t blame me. Couldn’t get further than 16th and Yearling. Cops must have had at least two or three blocks closed down. Had to take the back route across Cloven Street.”

“Oh yeah, I think I heard a blurb of that going around.” She adopted a faint grin. “That is, between all the typical Mr. B-isms. What for?”

“I don’t know the details. Some thief on the run, or something.”

Dossier pursed her lip. “Shutting down so much for a measly purse snatcher? Sounds kind of excessive.”

Wallflower shrugged. “Not my call.”

Dossier thought on it a couple of seconds longer. “Well, I’m sure we’ll get hear all about it before the day’s out. Let’s go see what the ‘Emperor of the Universe’ wants.” The pair went through the doors after their boss, walking side by side.

Bloviate made his way to the center of the busy newspaper office and raised his voice loud enough for the entire floor to hear him.

“Listen up, ponies! I want the lot of you to see something!” He held up the copy of the Canterlot Chronicle’s morning paper, complete with the cover image of the “Blue Demon” for all to see. The other ponies turned their heads from their work. Several stood up, coming closer for a better view. “You see this? Do you know what it is?”

Before the staff could begin to form an answer, he bellowed again. “UNACCEPTABLE, that’s what it is! Some freak of nature shows up out of the blue in the middle of the night and serves the royal guard their flanks! The biggest story to come around since the return of Nightmare Moon literally drops right out of the sky, and WHO snatches it up? Those hacks at the Canterlot Chronicle?! And they’ve even got a moniker for the thing already?! I will! Not! HAVE IT!”

The ponies flinched under the volume of his shouts. A few quietly mumbled to each other about this new development. Wallflower, however, took one look at the cover page and gasped.

“The good news is, nopony’s got a solid claim on the thing. All anypony has is word of mouth. Not even a clear picture. Y’know what that means, don’t you fillies and gentlecolts?”

Every single staff member shared a look with the pony standing next to them. They could guess what was coming.

“It means free real estate!” Bloviate slapped the paper down on another worker’s desktop. “It means our demon is still up for grabs. And it means the hottest scoop in all of Equestria will belong to whichever lucky photographer can snap that perfect shot! Being the first one to get the dirt on this thing is exactly what we need to remind this town why my paper is the top dog around here!” he rather selfishly proclaimed. “Which is why until further notice, this is our priority one! I want leads! Locations! Witnesses! Interview every last sentient creature in Equestria if you have to! Someone has to have seen where this thing went!” He held out a hoof and steadily moved it from left to right in front of him, motioning to illustrate his imagined headline. “When I read ‘Alien Invader Caught In Action’ on page one, I also wanna see ‘exclusive Equestria Daily photo’ in the byline!”

The office murmured collectively, coming to grips with the new order. Dossier cracked a half smile and leaned over to talk into the neighboring Wallflower’s ear. “Isn’t this a real turn of events. We get an overnight invasion and Mr. ‘BS’ wants to turn it into his next pet project. Typical, huh?”

Whatever response she was hoping to get from the younger mare never came. Instead, Wallflower wordlessly walked away from her and towards Bloviate. Dossier raised an eyebrow. That was odd. Almost as odd as the triumphant smirk plastered on Wallflower’s face. “...Blush?”

Bloviate looked right and left around the office. The distinct lack of movement erased his previously enthusiastic expression. “Well, what are you jackoffs standin’ around for?! Get back to work!” His yell sent the ponies scurrying back to their stations. “Find me my headline! And make it snappy! Whoever brings me a page-one-worthy picture of this Blue Demon will be worth their weight in gold!”

“Mr. Bloviate.”

“Eh?” The brown stallion turned around to see Wallflower. His face became scornful. “What, Blush?! What do you want?”

The green mare remained calm and poised. Her smile never faltered. “Actually sir, I’ve got exactly what you want.”

Bloviate scoffed. “Is that a fact? Well, if it ain’t my coffee, I don’t wanna hear it. And if it’s any more of your Celestia-forsaken weeds, I really don’t wanna hear it!”

Wallflower didn’t bat an eye. “No, boss.”

Without breaking eye contact, she reached a hoof into the neck of her sweater. She was going to savor every second of this. She withdrew her hoof and pulled out a single photograph, holding it up for Bloviate to see. In seconds, Bloviates’ faced morphed from smug and impatient to staring bug-eyed with his mouth hanging open. It was priceless. In her hoof, Wallflower held the picture she had taken earlier – a crisp, full profile image of Sonic the Hedgehog posing and winking for the camera. The perfect cover photo.

“I’ve got your page one.”

=====================
12:55 PM

Eastern Macintosh Hills

A soothing breeze flowed across the tops of Macintosh Hills. The rolling peaks were a quiet and peaceful place. Climbing high above sea level, their altitude granted them pleasantly soft, nearly constant winds from the neighboring flatlands. The cool, isolated environment made the location the perfect rest stop for one blue hedgehog.

Sonic lay on his back, one leg crossed over the opposite knee with his hands behind his head. His eyes were closed and he wore a relaxed smile, enjoying the warm sun and gentle wind without a care in the world.

He’d had an exciting couple of hours since leaving his new pals in Baltimare. After he’d ventured from the charred hangout spot for those dragons and the desert where he’d encountered the buffalo and train full of mini ponies, he’d just picked a direction – west in this case – and coasted. The run that followed had taken him through a long and winding woodland, and between two tall mountains. One loopback through another mountain range, a couple of deep gorges, and a gorgeous valley with clouds that rained rainbows – a place he made a mental note to check out again if he got the chance – and he’d ended up here.

It made for some interesting sightseeing, to say the least.

Sonic yawned and stretched, opening his eyes and sitting up for a view of the scenery from his hilltop. Arid desert lay on one side of the hilly divide, green forest on the other. “Gotta say, I could think of worse places to be stranded in. It’s actually pretty nice around here.”

Granted, no amount of sightseeing by itself would help in getting him back home. He knew that. But even in bad spots, stopping to enjoy the little things never hurt anyone. Sonic turned his gaze up to the cloud-filled sky. Even the clouds in this world were especially pleasant and fluffy. He let his mind wander as he gazed, seeing what shapes he could make out from the white tufts to pass the time.

The first one he picked out looked like a shark, round with a piece coming out of the top that resembled a fin. Then came one in a perfect heart shape. Another looked like a tiny bird flapping its wings. And then the next–

‘Wait.’ Sonic paused. That wasn’t right.

He snapped his head back in that other cloud’s direction. Squinting, he could make out movement. ’Okay, definitely not a cloud.’ Something was flying up there; a first for what he’d seen in this place. And to be this visible from so far up, it had to be big. What was it?

The hedgehog was determined to find out. He hopped up and dashed over the slopes of the hills, making his way as close as he could to whatever that thing was. He ultimately came to rest on the tallest hill this side of the range. He squinted and put his hand up to shield his eyes from the sun, peering hard to see what that thing was. From there he was at last able to make out what was flying through the clouds: a giant, shiny blue wasp.

Sonic instantly recognized it. That was no insect. It was a jumbo-sized variant of a Buzz Bomber—a battleship. It could mean only one thing:

“Eggman.” The hedgehog’s jaw tensed, his fist squeezed into a tight ball. “So, Señor Nose Hair got pulled over here too.” Keeping his eye on the ship, he saw it pivot, making a slight curve to adjust its flight path. “Hmm…” He double-checked the sun’s place in the sky, situating his own position to get a sense of the airship’s, along with its current travel path. ‘Seems to be heading north… northeast after that change in direction.’ He turned his gaze to his right, towards the Bomber’s anticipated flight path. ‘Which should end up taking it…’

The hedgehog drew a sharp breath, his eyes suddenly widening. At the very edge of his visibility, he could see a familiar tall mountain.

Canterlot.

Eggman was heading towards the capital.

Sonic didn’t even have to think of what the doctor’s arrival would mean for the ponies there. He knew it all too well. Eggman’s forces would devastate the city. He’d turn the populous into guinea pigs to power his army and raze everything else to the ground. Sonic wasn’t sure what kind of defenses or other tricks these ponies might have had up their sleeves, but if it was anything like what he himself encountered last night, they didn’t have a prayer.

If the madman had his way, innocents would die.

But there was another problem. An inescapable truth that tugged at the back of Sonic’s mind. After last night, these Equestrians would definitely not be on his side. Intervening would mean going right back into the same nest of hornets that currently had him listed as public enemy number one. Throw Eggman into the mix, and he’d be smack dab in the middle of two hostile forces – one wanting him in chains, and the other dead.

Sonic closed his eyes, breathing in and out. It all boiled down to a choice: sit by and do nothing as Eggman invaded, or leap into the fray and risk his neck on two fronts to defend the ponies who considered him an enemy. He had to decide.

It took him all of ten seconds.

His lip curled into that famous smirk. Bright green eyes opened, glinting with confidence and daring. “Oh, well. A hedgehog’s gotta do what a hedgehog’s gotta do.”

He backed up a few paces, and without another thought, ran and leaped over the curving slope of the hill. He hit the ground running, instantly bursting ahead. As the wind rushed past his face, he glanced again to the giant metal hornet up in the sky. He knew what he had to do. He set his sights on Canterlot, focusing on nothing else but the race to the city.

All that mattered now was getting there in time.

================================================================

Artwork:

Dossier

Bloviate

Author's Note

This has been FAR too long coming. Haven't had any real freedom for months. It's only in the last month and a half that I was finally able to complete this. Hope it's been worth the wait. What comes next will be even more so.

*Edit: Just one more character illustration missing now. Big thanks to DragonChaser123 and Niban-Destikim for continuing to do great commissions for me. Although I've just noticed Twilight has been done with wings. :twilightblush: Expect that to be fixed eventually.

Side note, I've actually gone back and redone some of the dialogue from Chapter 1. I felt it needed some improvement for overall quality, and some tie ins for future things.

And going forward, I also wanted to mark some ages for our main cast as of this place in the story's canon, just to give some specifics for what I'll be working with.

Twilight: 19
Rainbow Dash: 20
Applejack: 20
Rarity: 21
Fluttershy: 20
Pinkie Pie: 19
Spike: 13
Sonic: 20

Chapter 9 - Know Your Enemy

==================
2:12 PM

Canterlot: Barracks

The afternoon air carried a cooling breeze through the section of Canterlot devoted to the royal guard; a fairly large, walled-off space close in proximity to Princess Celestia’s eastern courtyard. A large collection of ponies, young in age and various in species, walked in a disorganized bunch across the barracks’ practice field. Each was adorned in shiny new sets of gold armor. They were the newest batch of recruits, freshly graduated from the Royal Guard Academy.

Today had been the morning of their commencement ceremony, where they were sworn in by a several higher-ranking officers, and recognized by a personal appearance from Celestia herself. It had been a nerve-wracking affair; but now, their tenure as officially recognized members of the Royal Guard would begin.

At the head of the meandering mass of ponies were three pegasi. A lemon-coated, cobalt-maned stallion walked side by side with another with an aquamarine coat and chestnut hair. A light orange stallion with a blue, windswept mane paced to the rear of them.

“Couldn’t we have waited ‘til after Celestia raised the sun to prep for the ceremony?” Drizzle Hoof said with a yawn. “I hate getting up early in the morning.”

“I’d get used to that if I were you, Drizzle,” Flash Sentry said from behind. “Try to at least stay awake until we get to the barracks.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Flash.”

“On the bright side, lunch is just a hop skip and a jump away!” River Mouth said eagerly.

Drizzle Hoof also grinned at the mention of food. “Glad for that. I’m so hungry I could eat a house.”

“Yeah? I’m so hungry I could eat a whole castle,” River replied.

“Oh yeah? Well, I’m so hungry I could eat a whole spaceship!” said Drizzle.

River stared oddly at him. “What’s a spaceship?”

“…I have no idea.”

Flash Sentry shot River a dirty look. “I don’t see how you’re still hungry, Big Mouth, considering you swiped my muffin at breakfast when I left to get some juice.”

River looked crossly back at Drizzle Hoof, who avoided eye contact while whistling not-so-innocently. “Snitch.”

“One of these days that bottomless pit you call a stomach is going to get you into trouble,” said Flash.

“Oh relax, Flash. Don’t you know what they say? Life is just an interruption between meals.” River Mouth swung back around and looked to the cafeteria entrance on the other side of the courtyard. “And speaking of which, I think I’ll go get a head start on lunch!” He opened his wings and pushed himself off the ground for a smooth flight forward, a ravenous glint in his eye.

“YOU!”

A booming shout made River Mouth falter mid-flight. He was quick to spot the source—ten yards ahead, and closing in on him fast. His forward glide turned into a haphazard, backward flutter to the ground as he retreated, his pupils shrinking with fear. A big, light gray stallion barreled towards him, only slowing his flight when he came within a few feet of the frightened private.

“Why are you leaving your brothers behind, maggot?!” Sergeant Boomer bellowed. “The food’s gonna be there in the cafeteria when you make it there! Are you trying to start with me?!”

“No, sir!” River said frantically.

“You better not be! Now go hold the door for your brothers!”

“Yes, sir!”

“And I swear to Celestia, if I see you skipping in front of anypony, I will beat the shit out of your asshole and stuff it in your mouth!” Boomer shouted after River as he scurried towards the cafeteria door. Then the drill sergeant swung to the others. “As for the rest of you, straighten up that line! Get those hooves even!” The young recruits swiftly and fearfully aligned into proper formation, their hoofsteps becoming rhythmic, synchronized beats against the ground, while Boomer began calling out in a military-style cadence. “Left! Left! Left, right, left! Left! Left! Left, right, le— no running!”

“Note to self…” Drizzle Hoof trembled, “do not get on Sergeant Boomer’s bad side.”

Flash nodded trepidatiously in agreement.

The group filed off the green track, under a beam-supported awning that covered a paved walkway that circled the practice ground’s perimeter, and through the cafeteria entrance now held open by River Mouth.

A short distance away, through an archway entrance of the adjacent building, muffled sounds of discomfort could be heard from outside the closed door of the infirmary. On the inside, Night Flare sat on one of the chairs. His eyes were noticeably bloodshot, with dark circles of fatigue sitting underneath them, indicating a lack of sleep. Currently wrapping gauze around his head was a medical guard—a light amber unicorn with a mane and tail of alternating shades of pink.

Life Line sighed at her patient. “You just can’t seem to stay out of messes, can you Night Flare?”

The corner of his mouth turned up. “A mild concussion is nothing. What I had the misfortune of bearing witness to after the concussion, that was the real horror.”

“That chase shouldn’t have dragged on long enough for either one to happen,” Life Line said, cutting the bandage and clipping it into place with a pin. “What happened, Mr. ‘I Don’t Miss’? Couldn’t hit your mark when it counted?” she smirked.

“Wasn’t trying to,” said Night Flare. “The order was to subdue and capture. Besides, I didn’t get much in the way of threatening vibes from this guy.”

Life Line raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t he knock out your sister?”

Night Flare shrugged. “In any case, the princess wanted…” he paused to yawn, “answers. We couldn’t have gotten any if I put an arrow in his head or blew him to smithereens.” He winced as Life Line secured bandage. “And was that a diss at my aim? You weren’t there to catch this rodent’s moves. He was quicker than any non-flyer I’ve ever seen. Come on, how often do I miss a target?”

“Hopefully not as often as you set the barracks on fire.”

“Hey! It wasn’t the entire barracks,” Night Flare said adamantly. “It was only two tables and one of the walls. And it wasn’t my fault. How was I to know one little patch of overlapping wires would cause such a quick buildup? Nopony in their right mind would think it could make an explosion that big.” He huffed, choosing to stare at the wall. “I swear, you do one thing wrong and some ponies never let you—” he winced again with a pained grunt, “forget it…”

Life Line rolled her eyes with a half chuckle. “Hold still.”She focused and ignited her purple aura of light. Leaning in, she touched her horn to Night Flare’s head, her magic flowing into him at the point of contact. The pegasus felt his body relax, closing his eyes and taking a cleansing breath. Her luminous energy felt rich and cooling, soothing his injury and taking away his pain. When her work was complete, Life Line lifted away and ceased her spell.

“There. That should help with the worst of it. Try not to make any sudden moves or you’ll aggravate it.” Reaching into one of her red-cross-emblazoned saddlebags, she withdrew a small glass bottle full of round red pills. She unsealed the top, poured four of them into her hoof, and offered them to Night Flare. “Take two of these every three hours. If you feel it starting to hurt again before tonight, come and see me.”

Night Flare eyed the small tablets, smirking playfully. “You sure it’s safe? According to every movie I’ve ever watched, nothing good ever comes from swallowing a red pill.”

“Just take them, you goof.” She tried to sound mad, but couldn’t help the smile that formed on her lips.

With a light-hearted chuckle, Night Flare took them, popping two into his mouth and swallowing. “You’re amazing, you know that?” he said appreciatively.

Life Line suppressed a giggle. “I wouldn’t go that far. A master healer would have you totally fixed already. But thanks.”

“Smart, cute, and humble. You’ll make a charming wife for sure,” he grinned.

“Oh, shut up.” She gave him a gentle punch in the shoulder.

A knock on the door broke their conversation. It opened, and through it stepped a white-furred pegasus member of the Day Guard. He had noticeable scrapes on his chin and forehead, the latter of which he was forced to wipe with his hoof as a flesh trickle of blood fell down his forehead.

“Oh, Flinthoof…” Life Line called his name uneasily. “What happened? And please tell me it doesn’t involve a ladder or table this time.”

Flinthoof hissed his teeth. “If we should be so lucky.”

Life Line tilted her head. “We?”

Another identical guard stepped through the door to stand at Flinthoof’s left. This one had his hoof pressed against his neck, and had a noticeably bruised lip.

“Banner?” Life Line’s surprise doubled; then tripled when yet another guardstallion with a gash across his cheek and a black eye came in on Flinthoof’s right. “Hard Rock? You too? What is going on here? What happened to you all?”

Night Flare, now completely serious, looked over the set of privates. “Where are you three coming from right now?”

Flinthoof glanced to the stallions on either side of him, and then said, “The training room.”

The crease in Life Line’s forehead held for several moments as she scanned them; analyzed them; noted their shifty silence, and their repeated subtle glances toward Night Flare. Finally, recognition dawned on her face—as did anger. “Umbra?”

“Umbra,” Flinthoof said. Hard Rock and Banner nodded in confirmation.

Night Flare gave an exasperated sigh, closing his eyes and putting a hoof to his bandaged head. “Ah shit, here we go again…”

A few seconds later Night Flare heard the door slam. When he opened his eyes, Life Line was gone. ‘Uh-oh.’ He slid off his chair. “You guys wait here,” he said curtly to the stallions before shuffling past them, exiting hurriedly to catch up with Life Line. He had a feeling that things were about to blow up big time.

An assortment of sounds echoed into another one of the barracks’ hallways. Rapid-paced hoofsteps clacking on a wooden floor, sharp smacks of flesh hitting flesh, grunts of exertion and pain, and occasionally, the heavy thud of a body hitting the ground, eventually followed by a female voice shouting: “Next!”

From the south end of the corridor, a pair of pegasus guards came from around the corner—a larger-bodied white stallion, and a light bluish-gray mare, currently on patrol duty for their assigned section of the barracks. As they approached the training room door, yet another private gingerly exited. This one sported a set of bruises on his chest and forelegs, and a cut on the left side of his head over his eyebrow. The mare gave an uncomfortable glance at him as he left, then eyed the door as the sounds of combat continued.

“How often again does this happen?” Guardian Angel asked her accompanying corporal.

Breakaway made a non-committal sound. “It’s only the third time.” Both of them cringed at what sounded very much like the hard crack of a hoof against a chin, another hard slam to the floor, and another shout for the next pony. “…This week.”

“It’s Tuesday!”

“Did I stutter?”

Inside the practice room, an apprehensive-looking Glideway stood towards the room’s center, a few feet from a white line that split the room in two. His three squadmates stood side by side to the left of the door. Their armor sat in neat piles in a row towards the back of the room, so the red marks covering two of the three spectators’ sides and forelegs were clearly visible. One touched his chin, trying to soothe the souvenir from the uppercut he’d just received. The last one, furthest from the door and as of yet untouched, watched with dread at his soon-to-be fate.

Opposite from Glideway, at an equal distance from the divide, Umbra was poised in a low crouch. The tired gray bags under her eyes were defied by the burning intensity within them. Then she pounced.

Leaping forward with her wings outstretched, she curled her right hoof back and threw a twisting punch at her opponent. Glideway jumped backward to avoid her strike, only to barely duck a follow up back roundhouse kick aimed at his head. Both of them stood up on two legs as Umbra pursued him relentlessly. Even at his larger size, Glideway rapidly found himself on the retreat as he struggled to block and evade the captain’s fast and pinpoint-accurate punches. Even blocking—as well as Umbra’s parries that warded off his own occasional counterstrikes—brought pain to his forelegs. Then, in a dynamic display, Umbra flapped herself off the ground, twisted around, and brought an axe kick down at the Glideway’s head. The heavy impact broke the private’s guard and knocked him off balance, leaving him wide open to an aerial side kick that caught him full in the chest. He grunted as he flew through the air, and landed awkwardly on his side, right on top of his right wing.

“Aaaahh!” Glideway cried loud enough to make his fellow privates gasp and cringe. A couple of them started to move as if to go and help him. Gingerly, he shifted so his side and wing were off the ground. He grasped where the joint met his back, hissing as pain shot through him.

“It’s only a wing,” Umbra said, staring down at him coldly. “Get up.”

“H-Hang on a second!” Glideway pleaded. “It might be broken!”

“You’d know if it were broken. Now get up and fight.”

“CAPTAIN UMBRA!”

Umbra’s eyes came off the white pegasus in front of her, her head rotating slightly. Behind her, Life Line and Night Flare had entered the room. Neither were pleased by what they saw. The former had only a slightly miffed expression on her face, but smoldering fury in her eyes.

“What exactly is going on here?” Life Line demanded.

The Night Guard captain didn’t even move. “Training.”

“Training?” Night Flare remarked disapprovingly. “I’ve seen Phi Psi Omega initiations less extreme than this.”

Umbra snorted to herself. “The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle.”

“They’ve bled quite enough thanks to you,” said Life Line, the line carrying no small amount of bite.

“Which only confirms their weakness,” Umbra retorted. Still without facing the two, she walked forward to where her armor lay on a shelf across the room. Her most recent sparring partner scuttled out her way and back to safety in between the three remaining members of his unit.

As she strapped her armor back on, Umbra continued. “I thought an impromptu session would enable me to assess each of them. To allow me to find which specific weak point enabled last night’s target to so easily escape the vanguard. Now I know the entire unit is to blame. A hive of incompetence and degradation.”

“That’s not what Princess Luna says,” Life Line said harshly, finally losing her remaining patience at Umbra’s callous rebuke. Umbra tensed slightly at the invocation of night princess’s name. “She was there too and made no such assessment. Unless you think you know better than her Majesty. Furthermore, as captain of the Night Guard, while you may have command over deployment and battle scenarios, you have no authority to discipline guards outside your division.” Life Line’s lip twisted. “But this barbarism doesn’t have anything to do with them, does it? It’s nothing but a misguided distraction from your own failure.”

Umbra finally turned her head to meet Life Line’s gaze, her jade eyes like daggers. “I don’t like your tone.”

“And I don’t like the bloody mess you’ve left of my squadron, so we’re even.”

The white-coated privates took a few cautious away from the pair. Night Flare said nothing, merely watching, an unsettled look on his face.

“Might I remind you, Captain,” Life Line went on, “you were the commanding officer during last night’s operation. You led the squad that last encountered our mystery creature. You had the last opportunity to prevent its escape, and you quite clearly dropped the ball.”

Umbra now turned fully around with an ever-darkening menace.

“I’d say that makes you just as responsible for losing the target as anypony. The only reason these privates are here suffering your torments is your need to take your anger out on those who can’t defend themselves. What would Princess Celestia and Princess Luna say to that?”

Umbra strode towards the medic, spreading out her wings. She stopped barely a foot away. For about five seconds the two mares glared at each other.

“You’re a bold mare, I’ll give you that,” Umbra said at last. She gestured to the row of battered Day Guards with a nudge of her head. “Certainly bolder than this lot. But I wonder if you’re wise enough to know your place, Sergeant.”

Life Line stood her ground against the shorter mare, not drawing back an inch. “My ‘place’ is anywhere my fellow ponies are in danger.” A deliberate pause. “Captain.”

Dead silence filled the room. The two mares stood unmoving, their gazes locked. Night Flare and the slack-jawed privates watched, waiting for what would happen next.

To everypony’s surprise, Umbra blinked first. She closed her eyes and wings with a dismissive huff, stepped around Life Line and walked past her. “Fine. Go lick your pups’ wounds. For whatever good it will do them.”

Life Line didn’t take her eyes off the thestral until she disappeared out the door.

There was a long pause as the Day Guards, including Life Line herself, released breaths they didn’t realize they were holding. Down at the end, Lucky Break gave a ‘phew’ of relief, silently thanking Celestia for sparing him.

“Wow, Double L. You’ve got guts,” Night Flare said, coming closer to her. “I don’t think I’ve seen anypony around here step to Umbra like that before.”

“They ought to,” Life Line sniffed, staring out the door a few seconds longer. “I don’t care if the Night Guard has to put up with her, I won’t let her terrorize my friends.” She turned back to Night Flare. “I can’t imagine being related to that shrew, blood or otherwise. Captain Armor will hear about this for sure.”

Night Flare rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry for the trouble. She’s a work in progress.”

“Hmph, more like a piece of work.”

Night Flare showed the bottom of his hoof in a weak gesture. Then he stepped over to the other pegasi guards. “Let this be a valuable lesson to you, boys. You have three essential rules to follow as Royal Guards: one, defend the ponies of Equestria. Two, protect the princesses with your lives. And three, and this one is very important, never anger the tiny bat.” The guardstallions managed to laugh despite their mostly sorry state. “Seriously though, you boys all right?”

“I… think so,” Glideway replied, wincing as he touched his chest, which now showed the beginnings of a bruise. “Augh, she hits a lot harder than I thought she could.”

“That’s my sister for you. A lower-case individual with upper-case moves.” Night Flare motioned to them. “You’re dismissed. Whoever needs patching up, follow Sergeant Life Line back to the infirmary. She’ll take care of you.”

“Yeah, ‘cause apparently that’s my main job now,” the unicorn joked. “Cleaning up your mess for the sixth time.”

“Fifth time. This one’s completely my sister’s doing, it doesn’t count. Now, why don’t you run along, Sergeant.”

She saluted with a cheeky smile. “Yes sir, Lieutenant.”

Motioning for the others to follow her, Life Line led the other guards out the door and to the left. Night Flare stopped in the door’s archway to watch them depart for a brief period. Then he turned right, looking down the opposite stretch of the hall. He could still make out the moving trace of Night Guard armor.

Inhaling and exhaling, he used his wings to push off the ground and followed the retreating shape of his sister. Within a minute he had caught up to her, landing gently a few feet behind her. “So, did you get everything out of your system?”

Umbra’s ears flattened against her head. “What do you want?” she hissed, again refusing to face him.

Night Flare shook his head, smiling faintly. “So cold. Is that how you talk to your poor, wounded brother?”

“Who has nopony to blame for his wounds but himself.”

“Oh, my mistake. I just assumed the supposed best young fighter in the Royal Guard had things under control,” he added sarcastically. “Couldn’t you keep him pinned?”

Umbra stopped and glared darkly at her brother. “Couldn’t you hit a shot? If you hadn’t broken my focus with your inane chatter, that thing would never have gotten away. And of course, having to count on you just ends up making things worse. Tch… ‘never miss’ my tailbone,” she scowled. “The second a real scenario comes, your aim proves to be as inaccurate and unreliable as those toys you’re always messing around with. Maybe if you spent less time tinkering and more time practicing, your arrows might actually hit their mark.”

“Y’know, you don’t have to be so hurtful all the time,” Night Flare frowned. “Way I remember it, my ‘toys’ had him down before you were anywhere close. Maybe your focus just needs more focus.

Umbra huffed through her nose. “Trinkets and parlor tricks are no substitution for skill.”

“But a little versatility goes a long way,” Night Flare countered. “If you were to run into a bad guy you couldn’t beat by just swinging your hooves and sword at ‘til he went down, you’d be in trouble without a few more tricks up your sleeve.”

“I don’t deal in hypotheticals,” Umbra said derisively. “The world is vexing enough as it is.”

Night Flare could only shake his head. “Whatever. Don’t forget we’ve got that meeting with Celestia in twenty.”

“I’ll be there. There’s no need for you to worry.” With that, Umbra made a sharp left and proceeded down the next corridor.

As she walked away, Night Flare made one last call to her back. “Isn’t that what family is for?”

He saw Umbra’s gait falter. Saw her head turn the thinnest of margins. But ultimately, she said nothing, continuing on her way in silence. With a dispirited sigh, Night Flare turned on his heel and headed back towards the medical bay.

Umbra came out from the building’s interior and into the northeast corner of the barracks’ practice field. She came to a stop near to where another platoon of guards led by Boomer drilled their formations. Not that Umbra noticed them. She was deaf to the world. Her mind was a swirl of emotions: irritation; frustration; and buried deep beneath it all, perhaps the slightest hint of contrition. But with a deep breath, she forced that last more bothersome feeling down. A skill she was exceedingly talented at.

With a clearer mind, she directed her gaze over and beyond the guard quarters’ walled border: the royal palace. She opened her wings and was about to take flight when a familiar set of colors caught the corner of her eye. Peering to her right, she saw somepony she recognized, and her mood hardened again.

Another stallion duo headed across the border of the barracks’ courtyard. A black and white pinto Earth pony who looked to be in his thirties, and a twenty-something gray pegasus with blue and white hair who followed behind. The younger Cloud Zapper looked around the base with a proud grin. It wasn’t his first day by any means, but he still couldn’t help the rush of excitement and joy that filled his chest every time he took this place in. His mere presence here was a culmination of years of dreaming and hard work.

“Taking in the sights, newbie?”

Cloud Zapper jerked out of his stupor. “S-Sorry, sergeant!” he said anxiously.

Roancoat laughed under his breath. “No need to be so uptight, private. Not with me. Our guys and girls try to make things a little bit more livable. It’s hard enough just dealing with our unit’s captain.”

“Yes, sir! And, I’ve gotta say, I appreciate you taking the time to show me the ropes these first few months. I mean, we’re not even in the same unit… or division, for that matter.”

“Think nothing of it,” said Roancoat. “We’re all brothers and sisters in arms here. Militia, Aerial, Mystic, Inquisitor, the division doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we’ve all got the same responsibility to Equestria.” He glanced sideways at Cloud Zapper, a small smile tugging at his features. “Besides, I was once a rookie too. Heh, you should have seen it. A fresh face straight out of Manehattan with no clue how to function around here. I know how it feels.”

He faced forward as they kept walking. Not long after, he saw a familiar stallion up coming up in front of them. “Ah, and there’s the lieutenant now. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

Up ahead, a dusty beige Earth pony sat on the concrete that bordered the grass. His armor was removed, most of it sitting in a neat pile next to him. He held his helmet steady in front of him, polishing it with a hoof-sized brush.

Roancoat called out to him as he and Cloud Zapper neared. “Hey Grit, there’s somepony I want you to meet.”

Cloud Zapper looked at the burly pony in slight awe. Without his armor, the young pegasus could see solidly defined muscles ripple under this pony’s coat as he brushed the helmet. The stallion paused his brushing to glance at the pair.

Roancoat extended his hoof a few inches towards the stallion.“Rookie, allow me to introduce Lieutenant Grit Vigil. Grit, this here’s Cloud Zapper. One of the new guys.”

“That right?” Grit asked, his voice a low and gravelly pitch. “New blood for us?”

“N-No, sir!” Cloud Zapper responded shakily at first. Meeting members of the Inquisitors was always unnerving. Their more secretive nature and clandestine work made them the stuff of fantastic urban legend even among their fellow guards, and Grit Vigil was renowned as one of their best. “I’m part of the Militia. First Sergeant Roancoat has just been helping me get around since I began.”

Grit’s lip twitched into what might have been a smile. “Really? Well, you’ll be better off with him than Vainglory, at least.”

His comment was met with a loud guffaw from Roancoat. “Lieutenant! You shouldn’t talk about higher officers like that in front of the newbies, our captain’s idiosyncrasies aside.”

“Idiot-syncrasies is more like it,” Grit scoffed. Cloud Zapper snickered, but kept quiet as the two continued their back-and-forth. “That coward would rather send us to do the real work while he sits comfortably in Canterlot soaking up the credit.”

“All the more reason we’re so grateful to have a platoon leader as involved as you.”

Grit shrugged his shoulder. “It’s what our boys deserve. Vainglory’s useless. Only knows how to lead from behind. What kind of officer would I be if I did the same?”

A biting voice abruptly cut in. “An absentee one sounds accurate.”

The three stallions turned to see Umbra standing before them, her wings outstretched. Cloud Zapper’s eyes held a mix of puzzlement and alarm; Grit’s were narrowed in clear displeasure.

“Captain Umbra. To what do we owe the pleasure?” Roancoat said carefully.

“Nothing pleasurable about this debacle, I assure you.” Umbra locked her gaze solely on Grit. “You spoke of leading from behind, Lieutenant? According to last night’s schedule, your unit was supposed to be on site reinforcing the perimeter. Yet you were nowhere to be found. May I ask why?”

The stocky Earth pony regarded Umbra with an apathetic look in his eye. “Business in Manehattan.”

“Is that so?” Umbra said sarcastically. “Gallivanting off to the east side while your princesses are threatened? Seems to me there’s mounting evidence that having so many Inquisitors running all over Equestria is a waste of ponypower. When I find your captain, I’ll be sure to address his foolishness in letting his subordinates so frequently run off on wanton escapades.”

“Respectfully, Captain,” Roancoat intervened, “our outing was approved well in advance by Celestia herself. We were doing our jobs, same as you.” He allowed a brief moment of silence before continuing. “There’s been an uptick in theft, assault, and other criminal incidents over there. Apparently, the police department had a recent shortage of staff and was in need of assistance. At least until they can fill enough places to get things back under control. There’s no need for hostility. When it comes down to it, our duties are to all Equestria, aren’t they?”

“And what do you think would become of Equestria if its leaders are left unguarded?” Umbra countered. “Insignificant thugs on the east coast are no imminent threat. Your place should be here, defending the capital, not wasting time and resources poking your snouts into little street disputes that are of no consequence to us.”

“Everything in Equestria is of consequence to us.” This time Grit spoke. His eyes were steel. His voice was low, but held undeniable conviction. “Doesn’t matter where it comes from. What we don’t take care of today will come back to haunt us tomorrow. You wanna talk about threats? There are threats everywhere. Behind every corner, in every back alley, under every rock. And you won’t find them staying cooped up here with your nose three feet up Luna’s ass.”

Umbra burned with fury at the comment, squeezing her teeth squeezing so tightly together her jaw clicked, but remained silent nonetheless.

“That’s the difference between you and us. You stay here hanging upside down, waiting around until our enemies are at our gate. We go out there, find them, and deal with them. No matter how far outside Canterlot’s walls they come from.”

A tense silence hung in there for several long seconds. “So you say,” Umbra finally said. She turned away to leave them—but not before directing one last aside at Grit. “A word of advice, Lieutenant. You’ll find more often than not that our biggest threats aren’t from the outside, but from inside.”

“Let me have it!”

“Catch, Able!”

“I want a turn!”

“Comin’ high, bro!”

“Hey!”

An intersection bordering one of downtown Canterlot’s many commercial areas was in a stir. Not from the ordinary bustle of business ponies rushing to appointments, or entourages of wealthy elites traipsing about, basking in presumed reverence of every individual within their circle, but from a set of young foals. Two short-haired, beige unicorn colts, stood on each of the street, throwing a hoofball back and forth. They were completely identical, the only difference being their eyes, haircuts, and choice in hats—each was black, and either a red or green that matched their eyes. Between them was a similarly colored filly, with curly golden locks, a pink bow in her hair, and cheeks puffed in exasperation.

On a bench at the street corner, the hoofrest of which had a pink balloon tied to it, another identical another colt sat totally enraptured in the pages of a comic book. He paid no mind to the others’ commotion.

“Able! Gable! Cut it out!” Honey Sweet complained. “My turn started five minutes ago! That’s not fair!”

Gable, in his green hat, replied: “All’s fair in the crazy game of life, Honey Sweet. If you can’t win…” Standing up with the ball in his hoof, he brought it back and lobbed it as hard as he could, “you shouldn’t play!”

Able scuttled backward as the ball went high. As it came down, he stood on his hind legs, eyeing the ball with expectant glee. “I got it… I got it… I go— awk!”

And he was promptly cut off by an unexpected, full speed tackle from Honey Sweet. With his head turned to the sky, Able never noticed the filly running as fast as she could towards him until she slammed full force into his middle, tackling him to the ground. She hit him so hard his hooves left the ground and he went sideways in the air. Gable cringed. Even a passing stallion did a double-take in their direction.

The hoofball landed unceremoniously on the pavement and rolled to a stop. Honey Sweet skipped over and picked it up, looking very pleased with herself. “I win!” she singsonged, sticking her tongue out at the boys.

Gable came over to his groaning brother. “When did that become part of the rules?” he said bemusedly to Honey Sweet. “This was supposed to be Monkey In The Middle, not EHL Sunday.”

“Guess I made a monkey out of you.” Honey Sweet joked. “All’s fair, remember?”

“You… eh, I walked right into that one, didn’t I?”

“Honey Sweet!”

The two swung around. A reddish-pink with a light blue, high-standing mane and a diamond around her neck and in each ear stood on the sidewalk outside one of the nearby buildings, calling querulously. “Honey Sweet! You leave those ruffians and come here this instant, young filly!”

A now pensive Honey Sweet faced back to Gable and his now standing brother. “Looks like I have to go now.” She trotted over to the bench where the third colt was. “Thanks for watching my balloon for me, Fable.”

The blue-and-black-hatted colt looked up from his comic book. “It was nothing, Honey,” he said pleasantly. “See you in class tomorrow.”

Honey Sweet untied her balloon’s string from the bench and bid Fable farewell before scurrying towards her mother.

“It’s about time, Honey Sweet,” Floribunda said hurriedly when her daughter arrived. “Now, come along. I have a meeting to attend in an hour, and you have a rehearsal. You’ve wasted more than enough time with those miscreants.”

The filly’s eyes cast downward. She couldn’t understand why her mother disliked her friends. “Yes, mama…”

Grabbing her daughter by the hoof, Floribunda practically dragged her across Thoroughbred Way through an increasingly traffic-heavy section of the district. Within a few minutes, Honey Sweet couldn’t even see more than a few feet in front of her, so congested was the street at this hour. “One side, you saboteurs!” Pushing herself and her child past a wall of obstructively slow ponies, Floribunda’s sudden yank caused Honey Sweet to knock roughly into one of their sides and lose her grip on her balloon.

Honey Sweet gasped, whirling around as it drifted higher and higher. “Mama, wait!”

“Honey Sweet, I do not want to hear any noise until we get to the school. Ugh, that darn, slow stylist. That will be the last time I entrust myself to a new pony.”

“But mama, my balloon!”

“Not now, young mare. You can get another balloon this evening when your father gets home.”

Honey Sweet’s eyes began to water. “But…!”

Ignoring her daughter’s pleas, Floribunda tugged her along without stopping. As her balloon drifted away behind them, a pained Honey Sweet became unable to watch and hung her head, scrunching her eyes shut. A single tear fell down her cheek.

Floribunda tightened her grasp on Honey Sweet’s hoof as she crossed the street. They would have to take the next left on Groom Street, and then it would just be a direct walk to School for Gifted Unicorns. As she approached the corner, she glimpsed somepony coming into her path in her peripheral vision. She tried to angle past them, but the pony stepped directly in front of her.

“Stand aside, you miserable—!” Words suddenly failed her. She saw not a set of eyes, but a gold-armored chest. She looked up—and found herself even more lost for words. Honey Sweet peered out from her mother’s side and had to crane her head nearly ninety degrees to get a view of the stranger’s face.

“Excuse me.” The depth of the pony’s voice made Honey Sweet’s little ears tremble. A powerful foreleg curled out towards her, and in it was her balloon. “Is this yours?”

Honey Sweet’s face lit up. “Oh, wow!” She took it back, beaming. “Thank you, mister!”

“You’re quite welcome.” Floribunda shivered when the stallion’s dark blue eyes set on her again. “Be good to your child, ma’am. Those small moments will be all she remembers when everything else fades away.” He politely inclined his head and stepped out of their way. “Have a nice day.” He went off along his way, leaving the mother and daughter behind.

Floribunda’s head hesitantly turned to follow the armored pony for a moment longer. “W-Well now…” Clearing her throat, she looked back down at Honey Sweet. “Let’s hurry along now, shall we?”

Honey Sweet didn’t answer. She was too busy celebrating, grinning happily and rubbing her cheek into her balloon. Instead of repeating herself, Floribunda simply watched her daughter for a minute. She drew her lower lip between her teeth, remorse pricking at her heart. “Um, sweetie… how would you like to get some ice cream after your rehearsal?”

Honey Sweet was suddenly overjoyed. “Really?!” She threw her hooves around her mother’s neck and hugged her tightly. “Thanks, mama!”

Floribunda softly smiled. “Of course, dear. Now, come. Let’s not be late.”

==================
2:27 PM

Friendship Express

Soft chatter filled the inside of the Friendship Express as it rolled up the mountain towards Canterlot. There were relatively few passengers, which allowed the seven heroic youths inside to converse fervidly among themselves about their coming duty—and other things, as well.

“I still can’t believe that sister of yours, Applejack,” Rarity remarked in an exceedingly snooty way. “To say such a thing about the dedicated ponies of the Canterlot Chronicle… so crass. That paper caters only to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, and their halls are lined with nothing but the most diligent, honest of reporters. I hope not all of you more… erm, ‘rustic’ folk are so unworldly. Perhaps you might even consider a subscription.”

“Us ‘rustic’ folk are all well and good ‘far as the important things, thank you very much,” Applejack retorted. “And you sure you’re one to talk, miss ‘I dream of Canterlot fame and fortune’?” She arched a brow, smirking. “Sound’s just a few bushels short of impartial to me.”

Rarity opened her mouth, paused, then looked away with a scowl. “Hmph, ‘impartial.’ Fancy word for a farmer.”

“Ya pick up a thing or two hangin’ around upper-crust wannabes.” Applejack had to hold in a laugh at the face Rarity made.

A couple of booths down Spike sat next to Rainbow Dash. “It sure feels like it’s been lively for us around here lately,” he said matter-of-factly. “This is what? The third big crisis we’ve had to help settle in barely a moon?”

“Fourth!” yelped Pinkie Pie. “If you count the dragon. Buuuut who’s counting?”

“I say bring it on!” Rainbow Dash said eagerly, knocking her hooves together. “I’ve been dying for some more action!”

“Hah, you would.” Spike glanced from side to side to make sure no one was within earshot. This next conversation was for him and Rainbow Dash alone. “By the way, thanks for sticking up for me with Twilight.”

Rainbow gave a carefree shrug. “No biggie. Just returning the favor.”

Spike responded with a smile—which slipped as he peered to the other side of the train. “You know, I’m glad you’re eager for whatever the princess has for us and everything, but I’m a little less sure about somepony else.” He directed Rainbow Dash to the other side of the aisle with a point of his claw.

Rainbow followed it to find Fluttershy, legs curled tightly underneath her and wings fidgeting in place. Rainbow sighed knowingly. The girl looked frightened. ‘But when doesn’t she look frightened?’ she thought. She flapped herself out of her seat and floated over to where her fellow pegasus sat. “Hey, Fluttershy!”

The mare jumped with a squeak. She took a second to right herself, then said, “O-Oh, Rainbow Dash. You—”

“Startled you? Gee, who’da thought?” Rainbow chuckled. A more sympathetic look then found its way to her features. “Are you good over here?”

Fluttershy blinked. “Um… what exactly do you mean?”

“I think she means you seem kind of jittery,” said Spike, waddling over to join her booth. “Not to mention you’ve been pretty quiet since we left Ponyville. Even before we left, as a matter of fact.”

“Well… I, um…” Fluttershy avoided eye contact, hiding half her face behind her mane. But the source of her newest anxiety was pretty easy to determine.

“Is it ‘cause of the paper? This ‘Demon’ they’re talking about?” Spike asked.

Fluttershy’s visible eye shifted to him, then back to the floor; but she eventually nodded.

“Hey, there’s no need to worry,” Spike said reassuringly. “I know this sort of stuff might still be kinda scary, but we’ve been down this road before, right?”

Rainbow swerved around to Fluttershy’s other side. “Yeah! And we’ve totally handled it every time. Nightmare Moon, busted! Discord, stoned! Heck, you even stared down a dragon so hard you made him cry! All by yourself! You’re all kinds of awesome too when you need to be.”

Fluttershy smiled timidly and blushed at the compliment, loosely toying with a strand of her mane. She started when something touched her back; when she turned, a supporting look from Rarity greeted her.

“There’s no need to fret, darling. This is certainly not our first rodeo,” she smirked slyly in Applejack’s direction, “so to speak.” The farm pony gave her an indignant, half-lidded look, blowing upwards on her mane.

“And we’ll overcome it the same way we always have.” Twilight said as she joined them around the booth. “Together.”

Fluttershy slowly swept her gaze around the circle of her friends. She was still a bit frightful. But their warm, confident faces brought ease to her unsteady heart. “Okay… together.”

Right on cue, the train rocked to a stop. Its whistle blew loudly, marking their arrival in Canterlot.

The trip to the palace was a relatively short one. The mares kept up a brisk pace, knowing time was of the essence. In no time they were inside and trotting through the castle’s corridors, seeing their destination, the door to the throne room, just ahead. As they neared it, a voice called out.

“So, the cavalry’s here. Figures the princesses were waiting for you girls.” To the right of the doorway and a ways down the hall, the group saw Night Flare and Life Line—the latter of which now wore his quiver on his thigh and his bow at his side—making their way their way over.

“Only natural. We are big shot heroes and all that,” Rainbow bragged.

Life Line giggled. “Of course. Good to finally meet you the saviors of Equestria person.”

Before the conversation could continue any further, the pleasant mood promptly disappeared as the throne room door burst open. The tall, well-dressed, agitated form of Prince Blueblood stomped through, throwing his head over his shoulder back in the direction of the throne room. “And you make certain to tell Aunt Celestia that we will discuss this in depth later!” He stomped away, his heavy hoofsteps rapping on the castle floor as the others watched him leave.

“What an unexpected, unwanted surprise…” Rarity practically growled.

“Hey, wasn’t that Prince Blueblood?” Pinkie queried.

“Yup. You can tell from the impact tremors,” Night Flare joked, tapping his hoof on the floor. “The ground itself shakes under the weight of his ego; one of only two things in Equestria capable of such a feat.” A generous round of laughter ensued.

Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof after him in a questioning manner. “What was his deal, anyway?”

“Still ‘mildly annoyed’ over last night, I imagine,” Life Line answered. “Some unfortunate grunt smashed through his window during the whole invasion fiasco. He’s been ranting and raving between the castle and Canterlot Daily HQ since morning, demanding justice for the, and I quote, ‘mortifying smirch upon his royal honor.’”

“What could make him angry enough to go to the press?” asked Twilight.

“Nothing he didn’t deserve, I’m sure,” Rarity said spitefully, still glaring in the direction in which Blueblood had left.

Life Line looked more and more like she was struggling to keep a straight face. “Evidently, the prince was with company at the time.”

There were several reactions. Rainbow Dash busted out laughing. Applejack lowered her hat, trying to conceal her snickering. Fluttershy flushed red, averting her eyes. Rarity continued to smirk down the hall, now practically radiating vindictive pleasure. Twilight, however, was confused. “So, he… had a friend over?” She canted her head. “Like, a sleepover?”

“But not much sleeping going on!” Rainbow managed to get out between laughs.

“You don’t get out much, do you, nerd girl?” Night Flare said wryly to Twilight.

She grimaced, somewhat offended. “E-Excuse me?!”

“Teehee, I like this guy!” Pinkie chortled.

Twilight growled. Spike also had to muffle giggles, shirking away to hide behind Pinkie Pie as she glared. Before the miffed unicorn could fire back, Rarity came up to her side and touched her. “Um, darling, I believe he meant…” She gave a ‘come hither’ gesture and leaned in close, whispering into to Twilight’s ear.

Twilight’s face went from cross to quizzical. It held for a few seconds. Then her eyes went wide as quickly as she turned beet red, much to everypony’s amusement. “O-Oh…”

“Hey, what’s going on? What was it?” Spike asked curiously.

Pinkie patted his shoulder. “Sorry, no can say, Spike. Grown-up ponies—or dragons—only.” Spike folded his arms and grumbled.

“Hey, hold up a minute,” said Applejack. “How do y’all know so much about all that?”

“I’m sorry, we haven’t been properly introduced, have we?” Night Flare gestured to the unicorn beside him with his wing. “This here is our resident light mage, Life Line. I’m Night Flare. Or, translated in Old Ponish, ‘some unfortunate grunt.’”

Once again, Rainbow floated upside-down, cracking up. “Y-You mean… that was you? Bahaha! Oh man, that’s hilarious!”

“I’m glad my stunning failure brings somepony joy in all this. It’s a small comfort.” Night Flare cracked an uneven smile. “Forget my run in with the Demon, the resulting concussion, or having to not sleep most of the night for fear of going into a coma. Being unlucky enough to see his princeliness hilt-deep in some blonde floozy, that’s the real nightmare.”

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash’s laughing fit cut short, something clicking in her mind. “Wait a minute!” She zoomed right up to Night Flare. “So, if you’re the guy from the paper, that means you saw it! The Blue Demon! That monster they’re talking about! You saw it, right?”

Night Flare nodded. “Scar to prove it and everything.” He rubbed a primary feather across his bandaged head.

Rainbow Dash continued to pepper him with questions. “What was it like? How did it get past you? Do you know where it came from? Where was the princess when—”

Her verbal barrage stopped only when Applejack pulled her backward by the tail. “Whoa there, sugarcube, bring it down a notch. You’re suffocatin’ the poor stallion.” While Rainbow made a disgruntled noise, Applejack looked back to the male pegasus. “Either way, nice to be makin’ your acquaintance, Lieutenant Night Flare sir.”

“Please, just Night Flare. And it’s our pleasure to meet the great heroines of Equestria.” He smiled at Twilight. “Hope you didn’t take offense, Twilight. I was just messing around. It’s what I do.”

Twilight scrunched up her face in a little pout. “None taken… I think.”

Fluttershy, who had yet to speak until now, piped up. “Um, maybe we should go inside now? I mean… the princess is waiting…”

“Right,” Life Line agreed. “Come on Night Flare, let’s go get this report over with. Then you’re going back for some rest.”

Night Flare blew through his lips. “Whatever you say, ‘mom.’”

“Tch, I could never be your mother. I would have disowned that sister of yours long ago.”

“Oof, the sass.”

The others followed Night Flare and Life Line inside. Only three other ponies awaited them inside; two gray-furred unicorn guardstallions, stationed at the throne’s staircase, and Umbra, standing sternly to the right of the walkway a short distance ahead. The bat pony stood motionless, ignoring the new arrivals. But that didn’t stop her from drawing at least one pair of eyes. Rainbow Dash quirked her head as she looked over the young captain, voicing her thoughts to her friends. “Whoa, check out that pony over there. Those are some weird colors,” she said unthinkingly.

Umbra’s ear twitched. Her already dour expression turned even more so, and she fixed the pegasus with a glare. “You think you of all ponies are one talk about colors, you chromatic assault on my eyes? Or is thinking just not your strong suit?”

Rainbow’s features showed displeasure and bewilderment; as if that was the last thing she expected to hear. “…What did you just say?”

“Hard of hearing too?” Umbra said caustically. “Are all Cloudsdale pegasi so dull-witted, or are you just special?”

In a split second Rainbow was up in Umbra’s face, teeth grit. “What’d you say, bat girl?! You wanna go?!”

“Rainbow Dash!” A bright magenta aura surrounded her, and Twilight pulled her friend back from the guardsmare. “Stop that! Don’t you know who that is?!” she whispered harshly.

“Yeah! A pint-size bat pony that needs to get pressed into guano!”

“Get a hold of yourself!” Twilight scolded. “That’s Umbra! Captain of Princess Luna’s division of the Royal Guard! She commands the entire Night Guard and answers directly to Princess Luna herself! In other words, not a pony you can go picking fights with!”

Rainbow looked at Twilight incredulously, then again at Umbra. The mare looked even younger than Pinkie Pie, yet she was a captain of the Royal Guard? “Seriously? That little shrimp?

“It’s true,” said Twilight. “She’s the youngest pony to ever come out of the E.U.P.G. Academy, graduating at the top of her class. In record time!” Her words drew some ‘oohs’ from a couple of the other Element bearers.

“I see you’ve done your homework, Twilight Sparkle,” Umbra said flatly. “At least one of Equestria’s so-called chosen heroes is partially competent.”

Ignoring Rainbow’s grumbles, Twilight grinned. “Why thank you, I do try to— Wait, partially?”

“All right, sis, that’s enough,” Night Flare spoke up. “Lay off, already.”

Umbra huffed, but said nothing more as she turned away.

“Hmph. Well, I’ve never heard of her,” Rainbow said tartly. “How have you, Twilight?”

“Oh, my BBBFF told me when I still lived in Canterlot.”

All five of the Ponyville mares now stared at Twilight. “Your what?”

“Twily!”

A new voice drew the group’s attention to the from the throne room entrance. A tall stallion with a white coat and blue mane and adorned in purple and gold armor had arrived, smiling gleefully.

“Shining Armor!” A joyous Twilight ran and leapt to the newly arrived stallion, capturing him in a tight hug. “Oh, I’ve missed you so much!”

“Same here, kid. It’s great to see ya!”

Rainbow Dash gave a low whistle. “Whoa. Who’s the hunk?”

“Indeed,” Rarity agreed, fanning herself with a hoof.

“Yeah, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie added as she sprung over. “Aren’tcha gonna introduce us?”

Twilight lifted her head off the shoulder of the stallion’s shoulder. “Oh! Of course.” She stepped to his side and placed a hoof on his side. “Girls, this is Shining Armor. Captain of the Royal Guard, and my BBBFF.”

The girls exchanged some rather confused looks.

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever,” Spike clarified.

“Ooooooh!”

“Well, I’ll be. I didn’t know you had a brother, Twi,” Applejack said, approaching Shining Armor and offering out a hoof. “Pleasure to meet you, Captain Armor. Any relative of Twilight’s is practically family.”

Shining Armor shook it firmly. “You’re too kind. Good to know Twilight has such good friends.”

“So, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked.

“Reporting to the princess. And escorting our guests here for the same thing.” He turned to his side and pointed towards the door. The next ponies to enter stunned the group, none more so than Rainbow Dash, which she loudly vocalized.

“Soarin?! Spitfire?!”

Said stallion waved to her, walking side by side with the Wonderbolts Captain. “Hey there, Dash. Been a while.”

Spitfire gave an upwards nod of her head. “How you doin’, kid?”

Rainbow flapped down to the ground in front of them. “You two are in Canterlot?”

“Not just us.” Spitfire gestured behind them with her head. The team of Fleetfoot, High Winds, Fire Streak, Silver Zoom, and Misty Fly all filed through in short order.

“Oh my, the Wonderbolts too?” said Rarity.

“What are you guys all doing here?” Rainbow asked, doubly surprised.

“Give it a minute,” Soarin replied. “You’re about to hear all about it.”

As if by signal, Princess Celestia herself finally arrived, flanked by her dutiful assistant Raven Inkwell. A pen and piece of paper hung in the air before her, aglow in her golden aura. She hurriedly scribbled something on it, rolled it up, and handed it to her aide. “See to it that this is delivered, Raven. Post haste.”

“At once, Your Highness.” Without another word, Raven was gone, back through the door and down the hall.

The remaining ponies genuflected as Celestia entered and passed them; save for Umbra, who merely inclined her head. Once at the foot of the steps leading to her throne, she about-faced and spoke.

“Raise your heads, my little ponies.”

As they righted themselves, Twilight hastened to her mentor, anxiety pouring out from her. “Princess Celestia, we came as soon as we got your summons! We saw the headline in the paper! Is it true? Is there–”

A raised hoof from Celestia stopped her. “Steady, my faithful student. There will be time for explanations. Let us first wait for my sister. In any case, I’m happy that you’ve come.” Her eyes followed a line across the faces of the other five mares… then flickered downward, hanging on Spike. An eyebrow lifted.

Spike suddenly felt a pang of nervousness. Back in Ponyville, he had been adamant about helping his friends; but here, under the mother of Equestria’s gaze, his resolve wavered. Twilight appeared to sense what was happening, and was about to start on her own anxiety-driven diatribe explaining why Spike’s was here despite not being asked for, until Celestia’s unreadable expression was replaced by a calming smile.

“All of you.”

Twilight and Spike both exhaled softly in relief. The latter smiled back appreciatively, happy that he was welcome too. There was an abrupt pop of blue light, and Princess Luna appeared. Umbra was the first to bend the knee and bow, followed by the others. Luna and Celestia exchanged a look and nodded. “Now then,” Celestia began, a new stern in her voice, “we have important matters to discuss.”

“Beg pardon, Princess, but what’s with all the extra company?” Applejack inquired.

“Yeah,” Rainbow added. “The guards I get, but why are the Wonderbolts here?”

“They are all needed to accurately tell the tale of last night’s disturbance, good Rainbow Dash,” Luna answered.”

“Is this about the creature, Your Majesties?” Rarity asked. “The one they’re calling the Blue Demon?”

Celestia nodded gravely. “Indeed. I had hoped to keep news of what took place here confidential… at least for a while. To avoid a panic before we fully understood the situation. But thanks to a certain somepony’s impulsiveness,” a noticeable measure of irritation slipped through the sun goddess’s legendary poise with the last word, “I’m afraid the media has now gotten hold of last night’s events. By now it’s spread like wildfire from Fillydelphia to Vanhoover, and everywhere in between.” She paused to rub her temple. “But... no use fretting over that now. What’s done is done. Now that all necessary parties are gathered, I’d like to hear just what happened here last night.”

“As would I.” There was a new voice—a powerful baritone that rolled like thunder. It made the entire room looked to the throne room entrance.

Twilight’s mouth dropped open.

An absolute unit of a stallion stood in the doorway. He was massive, even taller than Luna. At first glance, he could almost be mistaken for a horse. His graying mane and thick, scruffy beard indicated a stallion getting on in his years, but his sinewy physique belied his age, his frame quite obviously thick with muscle beneath the gold and light orange armor that adorned his body. Fixed to his chest plate was a medal in the image of the sun, a mirror match of Celestia’s personal emblem.

Shining Armor stood as straight as possible. “Attention!” Every other guard and Wonderbolts went rigid straight and saluted, holding their positions as the unicorn tread forward.

“Whoa… and I thought Twilight’s brother was built,” Rainbow Dash said under her breath in wide-eyed awe.

“Who is that…?” Fluttershy asked in a hushed voice.

“I have no idea,” Pinkie Pie murmured. “…Why are we whispering?”

As the guardstallion approached, Celestia stepped forward to meet him. They stopped about two feet apart, meeting each other’s eyes.

“Princess Celestia.”

“General Gatekeeper.”

Rainbow tilted her head. “Did she say general?”

“Ooh,” Pinkie uttered. “Is he an important pony too?”

Twilight breathed in frustration. “Really, girls? You don’t know?! That’s the supreme commander of the entire Equestrian military! Not to mention their most veteran member! Of all the currently enlisted royal guards, he’s served the longest at forty whole years!”

Awe passed across the others’ faces. Applejack tipped her hat. “Whoa, nelly. We’re gettin’ all the top dogs today, huh?”

Celestia craned her neck forward, her eyes narrowing as she seemed to focus on something around Gatekeeper’s head. After a moment, she smirked. “Did you change your shampoo? You did, didn’t you?”

The stocky unicorn returned her smile. “Herbal Essence, Your Majesty.”

“I thought so. Your mane looks bouncier than usual.”

“I do like to look good for you.”

“And I appreciate it.”

“Oh, sweet Celestia, that voice… just take me now!” Rarity swooned, letting herself tip sideways into Applejack, who looked less than amused.

Celestia spared the general another moment’s attention before recovering her serious demeanor and returning to her place with the other ponies. “Now, on to the matter at hoof. Sister?”

Luna nodded, then directed her gaze to the heroines. “T’was yesterday in the early evening when I was interrupted from my nightly duties by one of our guards. When I regained consciousness, I awoke to a most outlandish sight: a black hole in the sky, rippling and crackling with lightning, just a short way beyond my spire.”

Rainbow Dash gasped to herself. So that was the source of strange lights she had seen coming from Canterlot last night?

“Come to think of it,” Spike said “I got this weirdest chill last night too. It was like standing right in front of a speaker on max volume.”

Twilight looked at him. “You did?”

Celestia weighed her thoughts a moment. “It isn’t uncommon for powerful magic or other energy to emit wavelengths,” she explained. “Reverberations from a strong enough source can often be widely felt, and a dragon’s senses do greatly exceed a pony’s.”

Spike pondered on that, silently wondering what else he might be capable of.

“Immediately afterwards,” Luna continued, “Sergeant Spearhead alerted me that there was an intruder on castle grounds. I ordered a platoon of my own division to assemble as a second line of defense, then went to joining the initial squad on the ground.” Luna paused and closed her eyes, as if recalling something too fantastic to believe. “What I found was like nothing I had ever seen before… a strange creature that stood on two legs. Most of its body was blue, except for its tan arms and abdomen. It had large quills all along its head and back, and… oddly enough, wore white gloves on its paws and shoes of some sort on its feet.”

“The Demon?” Twilight asked.

Luna confirmed with a bob of her head. “Sadly, barely a moment after I commanded the guards to apprehend it, it fled. Gone in an instant.”

Rarity spoke up in shock. “It was able to escape from you so easily?”

The younger diarch pressed her lips together, looking at the floor. “Ashamed as I am to admit it…” She lifted her head to the six mares. “The creature’s speed was blinding. By the time any of us reacted, it had blown past us, fleeing south towards the city. That was the last I saw of it.”

Celestia listened with focused interest. “I see… Who was the next to encounter it?”

Umbra stepped forward. “That would be us, Your Highness. Captain Umbra and Lieutenant Night Flare, reporting.”

Celestia regarded the young bat pony. “Proceed, Captain.”

Half turning her head in her brother’s direction, Umbra whispered stiffly, “Let me do the talking.” Night Flare merely rolled his eyes.

“I contacted my unit with word of the intruder not long after receiving Princess Luna’s instructions,” Umbra said. “While our reserves prepped for its drop point further south, both the lieutenant and myself moved to intercept. Visual was confirmed of the target moving southwest down Tribune Lane two minutes later. The lieutenant was able to bring it down by binding its legs with one of his unique arrows.” She paused to glare back at Night Flare. “However, due to an unfortunate miscommunication between the lieutenant and I, the target was able to take advantage of an opening and temporarily incapacitate me.” She looked down in shame. “I… have no knowledge of anything that happened between then and linking up with the rest of my unit and Captain Armor.”

Silently digesting the information for a few moments, Celestia shifted her attention to Night Flare. “Lieutenant Night Flare. Is the captain’s description of the events accurate?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” answered Night Flare. “The rodent and I tangled for a good while after Umbra here took the L.” Night Flare heard Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and at least one of the present Day Guards snicker. He also swore he could almost hear his sister’s blood pressure rising. Both brought him a small amount of joy. “I chased him through Praetor Street and over a few rooftops. I had him on the ropes, but then he, get this, caught one of my explosive arrows out of the air and sent it back at me. That marked the end of my night as far as that’s concerned.” He chuckled ruefully. “But I’m sure your nephew’s already told you all about that. Hehe—” Another throb of pain in his head cut him short. “Ow…”

“Thank you for your report, Lieutenant. And do tend to that injury when our business here is complete,” Celestia said caringly. He answered her with a salute. Celestia then directed her gaze to her own captain of the guard. “Shining Armor, you were among the last to see this Blue Demon, correct?”

The stallion took a step forward. “Yes, Your Highness. I made contact less than half a click from the main entrance. He was everything Princess Luna and our Night Guard officers have described. I briefly engaged him and managed to seal him inside a force field with myself and reinforcements brought by Captain Umbra.” A wave of disappointment clouded Shining Armor’s features. “But… he was able to escape underneath it by tunneling through the ground.” He hung his head, only glancing up when something touched his shoulder. He looked up to see a concerned Twilight resting her hoof on him. That alone was enough to brighten his face a little.

The other Ponyvillians exchanged looks. “He can outrun the guards and dig through the ground?” Spike said in awe.

“What kinda varmint are we dealin’ with here?” Applejack thought out loud.

“According to him, a hedgehog.”

The room’s attention now went to Spitfire. Luna’s brow furrowed. “A… hedgehog?”

Celestia blinked. “Can you elaborate, Captain Spitfire?”

“Yes ma’am. My team and I got the message from Princess Luna just after nineteen hundred hours,” she recounted. “Following her instructions, we headed due south, arriving at the Rambling Rock Ridge area about forty minutes later. It was there we encountered this… ‘Blue Demon.’”

“And spoke to him, apparently,” Celestia commented. “What were you able to learn?”

“Not much. Like I said, he says he’s a hedgehog. Also claimed that he was dropped into Canterlot against his will. I didn’t buy it, of course.”

Both alicorns exchanged glances at that last piece of information. Celestia’s face was the same as ever; Luna’s now carried a new uneasiness.

Pinkie Pie held a newspaper she got from who-knows-where, staring hard at the cover image. “Eh… I guess I can see it. A little bit.”

Spitfire’s words also raised some eyebrows among the Ponyville group. Maybe, possibly, the first seeds of doubt over the whole situation were finding root in a few of the heroines.

Rainbow Dash, however, was not one of them. “Yeah right! This freak tears up Canterlot and then conveniently says it was an accident? Does he think we were born yesterday?” she barked.

Celestia now had a perplexed glint in her eye. “Did you find out anything else?”

Spitfire clicked her tongue. “Only that he’s a mouthy little thing. Discussion didn’t get us anywhere beyond that, so we moved in to apprehend. He… evaded us, and we pursued.”

The focus the Ponyvillians had on Spitfire seemed to double. Now the alleged hedgehog could even elude the best flyers in Equestria?

“He wasn’t just fast,” Soarin commented. “He had serious hops too. He was clearing rock towers and jumping between boulders with ease. We even saw him treat one huge arch like a derby loop. I didn’t even think that was possible.”

“We chased him all the way to the edge of the ridge,” Spitfire continued. “Thought we had him corned, but then he up and jumped off the cliff.”

“What?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Whaaaaaaaat?!” Pinkie concurred.

Spitfire snorted. “That’s about the look I had on my face at the time. After that, I was pretty sure he was roadkill. But then he did this thing… he made himself into a ball and started… spinning. And I mean fast. So fast that by the time he hit the ground, he just shot forward. No crash whatsoever. There was barely even an impact.” She shook her head, as if she still had trouble believing it. “Then he just kept going. Treated a one-thousand-foot drop like a hop off the couch.”

Fleetfoot stepped forward. “Half the team split with me once we were clear of the cliff. We went another way to cut him off, and we even got him surrounded. But when we engaged…” Fleetfoot turned away, appearing as if there was something on the wall worth glaring at, “things didn’t go very well.”

“What do you mean?” Umbra pressed.

“She means running fast wasn’t even the beginning of what this thing could do,” said Spitfire. “I’ve been around the block, and I haven’t seen a whole lot of guys, pony or otherwise, with moves like that. I’m not sure if he’s really a demon or not, but he sure as hell fights like one.”

“The whole time we’d get inches away, only for him to dodge and hit us back even harder,” Fire Streak added.

“I can vouch for that,” said Soarin, rubbing his jaw. “Misty Fly and I still have a loose tooth or two from those kicks.”

“We tried to swarm him all at once and take him down quick,” Spitfire said, “but then he did that rolling-into-a-ball thing again. One second he was spinning on the ground, the next he’s shooting around like a damn rubber ball.” She grimaced. “My whole team… taken down in a second. It was so fast the only thing I saw were a few flashes of light.”

Pinkie Pie and Spike murmured some inaudible words to each other. An increasingly worried Fluttershy nudged into Applejack’s side. Rainbow Dash appeared more and more cross as the tale went on.

“You’ve got a good eye, boss,” Soarin chuckled. “I only saw one. The one that hit me in the face, that is.”

A brief smile touched Spitfire’s lips, and she continued. “With my team incapacitated, I had no choice but to go after him alone. As bad as things seemed, I had one more trick that I thought for sure I could catch him with.”

Spike scampered up inquisitively. “What is it?”

Spitfire looked down to him with a small smirk.“Sorry, kid. Wonderbolt secret.” She resisted laughing at Spike’s disappointed frown. “But I can tell you that using it can get me going really, really fast.” She motioned her head to Rainbow. “Almost as fast as Dash there when she does her sonic rainboom.”

Spike ‘ooh’d in wonder, and Rainbow Dash beamed at the praise.

“I was gaining on him. I was so close I could see the whites of his eyes.” She closed her eyes, her jaw tightening. “I thought after the first two attempts I had seen everything he was capable of… Turns out I was wrong.”

Luna’s forehead creased. “What happened, Captain?”

Spitfire opened her eyes. “A sonic boom, Your Highness. Out of nowhere, the hedgehog went so fast he broke the sound barrier.”

Nearly everyone in the room audibly gasped. Even the Wonderbotls—except for Soarin, the only one she had told since it happened—were flabbergasted. Even Gatekeeper and Celestia were visibly surprised.

“Hold on an apple-pickin’ minute!” Applejack exclaimed. “Are you sayin’ this mystery critter that’s not even a pegasus… or pony of any kind for that matter, can do a sonic rainboom?! Just like Rainbow Dash?!”

Spitfire shook her head. “No rainbow. Just the boom.” She faced Celestia. “Whatever this thing was, it can go supersonic in the blink of an eye. Even going at my absolute top speed, he dusted me.”

The room was stunned at the revelation. Shock and astonishment of varying degrees permeated the guards, princesses, and most of the Ponyvillians. As for Rainbow Dash, Spitfire’s final remark struck the most negative chord of anything she had heard so far. Disbelief mixed with a growing anger. Her mouth slightly parted, her upper lip curling and nostrils flaring into the prelude of an offended snarl.

“And you know the worst part? The entire time, he treated the whole thing like a game. Like it was all just for kicks…” Spitfire lowered her head, her face tightening. “I’m sorry, Your Majesties. You were counting on us… on me. When all else failed, you depended on us to get the job done… and we let you down.” Similar looks of shame were shared by the other Wonderbolts.

“No.” Shining Armor stepped forward, taking off his helmet. “If anypony’s to blame here, it’s me. I was the last line of defense for Canterlot. Its protection was my duty… I’m the one who failed.”

“Shiny, you can’t blame yourself for this,” Twilight said in a sad voice. “Nopony could have known what this creature could do. It’s not your fault.”

“But it is my responsibility. If I had been more diligent, the Wonderbolts wouldn’t have even been necessary. I should have been able to stop him myself.” He closed his eyes, grimacing as his ears dropped. “But I failed… and now it’s led to all this. Ponies all across Equestria are in fear because I couldn’t do my job.”

“Self-pity doesn’t suit you, Captain Armor.” For the first time since the meeting had begun, Gatekeeper spoke. The words from his lips rolled like thunder even at a moderate volume. “Nor is it deserved. Your sister is right. You were up against an unknown enemy with undetermined abilities. Until the final moments with Captain Spitfire at a much later time, nopony in all Equestria had any clue to the full range of the target’s capabilities. You used your training, worked with what you had, and at the end of the day nopony was seriously hurt. Sometimes that is victory enough.”

He swung to the Night Guard siblings and Wonderbolts. “That goes for the rest of you. From what I’ve heard today, you should all be commended for your bravery and quick thinking. While you may not have captured the target, your actions most certainly prevented any immediate harm from coming to our ponies. That alone is worthy of pride. The citizens of Equestria have your thanks.” He saluted them. “As do I.”

The guards and Wonderbolts returned the gesture, standing tall, and looking considerably more high-spirited. The girls and Spike couldn’t help but admire the old warhorse’s surprising charisma. Even Luna seemed impressed.

Shining Armor failed to find words at first. But he would regain his composure, following his fellow military ponies in salute. “You honor me with your praise, General.”

“Oldest lesson of command, Captain: never let victories go to your head, or failures go to your heart.” Gatekeeper gave a friendly glance toward Twilight. “And for the record, Ms. Sparkle, it’s thirty-nine years, eight months, and sixteen days.”

Twilight grinned sheepishly and blushed.

The old unicorn then turned to Celestia. “Anything to add, Your Highness?”

“I couldn’t have said better myself, General.” She allowed herself a brief smile before turning to the others, her becoming serious. “Nonetheless, we mustn’t let our reality be clouded. For now this Blue Demon runs freely, and the ponies of Equestria fear for their safety. We must find this creature and deal with it.”

She paused, taking a breath, allowing both the others in the room and herself to collect their thoughts. “Unfortunately, tracking it down may prove difficult. There have been multiple sightings throughout the morning. Manehattan, Tall Tale, Baltimare. Reports have come in from several cities from ponies that claim to have seen the creature or heard loud echoes nearby, presumably from the sonic booms this ‘hedgehog’ can create.”

“Ooh! And Appleoosa too!” Pinkie Pie squealed, hopping up and down in place. “Cheerilee’s class said they saw him on the way back from their field trip!”

“Ain’t the best at keepin’ a low profile, is he?” Applejack mused.

“The difficulty is in how quickly it can apparently travel,” said Luna. “To reach from one end of Equestria to another in just a few hours… Also, the sightings themselves are fleeting. Ponies are only able to get a glimpse of the monstrosity before it’s gone again.”

“He does know we’re after him,” added Spitfire. “No doubt he’s making himself scarce to avoid detection.”

“But it is odd,” Shining Armor pondered, stroking his chin. “The best way to do that would be to avoid populous areas altogether. If he made sure to stay away from cities and towns, we probably wouldn’t have most of those reports.”

“He’s probably terrified…” Fluttershy said meekly. “Being chased around in the middle of the night… all the fighting… If that happened to me, I’d probably run away without looking where I was going too. Just to get away from it all…”

“I don’t think so,” Night Flare interjected. “This isn’t an animal or some mindless monster we’re dealing with. He’s a thinking, sapient being like the rest of us. Besides, of all the things I saw from rodent boy last night, fear wasn’t one of them.”

Umbra’s head turned a few degrees. “Is that admiration I hear, Lieutenant?” Her voice lowered in pitch; perhaps a warning.

“Analysis, sis. You heard the Bolts. Our hedgehog here seems to be kind of a thrill-seeker. Running scared doesn’t seem to fit the guy’s profile.”

“So, what then?” Spitfire asked in a wry tone. “You think he just decided to go on a cross-country joyride?”

Night Flare could only shrug.

“More like showing off!” blurted Rainbow Dash. “First he gets away, now he wants to rub it in everypony’s faces!”

“Actually, Captain Armor might be onto something.” Everypony’s heads turned towards Gatekeeper. “Let’s assess everything our demon has done up until now: he appears out of nowhere in Canterlot. He runs. He says he’s not meant to be here. At every encounter with ponies, his first instinct is to retreat.

“Princess Luna mentioned a huge black vortex above Canterlot. The description of its appearance and emanation, and the creature’s consistent responses to Equestrian forces leads me to conclude that this hole was some kind of portal. A warp from a distant location, not unlike certain spells we ponies are capable of casting ourselves. I believe Captain Armor was correct. This isn’t the behavior of an enemy trying to avoid detection; rather, that of a creature that’s lost and trying to find a way home.”

Various emotions danced across the others’ faces. If all that information was indeed correct, there was one other significant conclusion to it.

“So you think the hedgehog was telling the truth.” Spitfire voiced the unspoken thought on everyone’s mind, her tone skeptical.

“I can’t be certain, but it would explain a great deal of his behavior.”

The ponies thought it over in silence. A few had to concede that the reasoning was sound. Others were less than convinced.

“Regardless of the creature’s intentions, it is pertinent that we take action,” Celestia intoned. “If it continues to roam with impunity, it’s only a matter of time until another confrontation ensues, and somepony else gets hurt. Or worse.”

Twilight could sense where this was going. “Which is why you summoned us, right, Princess?”

“Yes, my faithful student. It seems once again your fellow ponies need your help. As the saviors of Equestria, and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, I ask now that you help us to find this Blue Demon before any more harm comes to pass.”

Rainbow Dash was the first to answer the call. “Leave it to us, Princess!”

Suppressing a giggle at her friend’s enthusiasm, Twilight said: “Right. You can count on us, Princess Celestia.”

“Don’t worry Your Highness, we’ll find that critter!”

“Here here!”

“Okey dokey lokey!”

“Um… okay.”

As the others voiced their agreement, Night Flare and Shining Armor looked on with smiles. The former out of respect for the courage them all, the latter out of pride for the boldness and initiative of his little sister. ‘She’s growing up right in front of me,’ Shining Armor thought.

“Thank you, all of you,” Celestia said gratefully. Her eyes then fall shut, and she exhaled softly through her nose. “But I’m afraid that may not be the end of it.”

“More…?” Fluttershy quivered.

Calling on her magic, Celestia brought out the scroll Raven had given to her earlier, unrolling and scanning it. “A string of other strange phenomena has been noticed. Ponies have described large, floating rings mysteriously appearing throughout the land. Even more peculiar, sources have described earthquakes where none should be possible. First the word came from our operatives stationed near Somnambula, then further north.”

Confusion reigned among the guards, but Twilight and the others showed sudden realization. “We heard that too!” said Spike. “Cheerilee said one hit the train on their way back from Appleloosa!”

“Which places it at an even further distance away from our previous reports,” Luna remarked perturbedly. “It is most troubling...”

“Do you believe they’re related to the Demon’s appearance, Princess?” Shining Armor asked Celestia.

“I can’t say.” Celestia squinted at the parchment. “The closeness of it all is quite the coincidence… but whether or not they’re related is anypony’s guess. Even so, we must first focus on finding this alien. The most recent news indicates–”

The throne room door burst open, surprising everypony. A guard galloped in, sliding to a stop in front of them. “Princess Celestia! We have a situation!”

Next to one of the many establishments on Restaurant Row, Able, Fable, and Gable had their faces pressed close to a wooden fence that sealed off the rest of the alley. They peered through the gaps, gazing with rapt attention at the spinning gold ring that floated in midair a few feet away.

“Whoa…” Fable marveled. “What do you think it is?”

“No idea,” said an equally perplexed Gable.

To the left of them, Able wasn’t content to merely admire the discovery from a distance; instead, he was now trying to paw and grip his way over the thinly-spaced boards of the fence.

“Able, what do you think you’re doing?” Gable questioned.

“Trying to get over this thing to get a better view, what’s it look like?”

Fable suddenly didn’t like the way things were going and took a few steps back. Gable shook his head at his brother’s antics. “How many times do we have to go through this, Able? You’re not gonna be able to climb something like that, I don’t know why you keep trying.”

“That’s ‘cause you’re close-minded!” Able snapped back. Gripping the edges of two separate posts, he awkwardly started ascending the fence. “I just gotta get my hoof between the little…” He pawed his right back leg between the thin spaces, and then angled it, seeking any traction he could use for leverage. Somehow his hoof stayed in place. The climb was ungraceful and slow, but sure enough, he was able to work his way up and get his front half over the top of the fence. “There, you see what I’m doing? My name’s Able ‘cause I’m able to do everything I put my mind to while you haters just sit there and watch!”

He punctuated his last word with a push off the top of the fence with his rear hooves and a graceful land on the street below. Unexpectedly, however, the force of his pushing off the wood made the entire fence wobble and dislodge from its loose formation and fall backward—right on top of Gable, who was buried underneath a cascade of clattering wood.

Not even looking back, Able trotted up to the spinning, levitating gold ring. He stared in wordless awe as Fable came up to join him. Never in his—admittedly short—life had he seen anything like it. He slowly lifted a hoof up, wanting to feel it.

“Able, I don’t know if you should touch it,” Fable warned.

“Oh, you worry too much.”

The instant Able touched the strange ring, he got goosebumps. The ring was smooth. Cool to the touch. But more, it seemed to radiate some kind of subtle, indescribable force. Gable could feel something emanating from the shimmering object, and it sent small shivers down his spine.

Fable watched cautiously. “Well? How is it?”

Able pursed his lips. “Cool. And… tingly?”

By now, Gable had plodded over. He was just about to start tearing Able a new one when he suddenly noticed a distinct lack of sun where there was prior. “Uh… did it get dark all of a sudden?”

His brothers quickly became aware of the same darkness. The three looked up and out to the opposite end of the alley and saw that they were standing a shadow. Something big was looming in the sky above; and that something was coming closer.

Fable gulped. “Guys… I think we better go home now.”

Nothing else needed to be said. The three colts turned on their heels and scampered back the way they came.

A mysterious dirigible floated through the air above Canterlot. Its reinforced, gunmetal-gray gondola was armed with a set of three cannons on each of its sides, and hung from metal trappings that both stretched around suspended it from a large red balloon. Emblazoned on each side of the balloon, a bizarre, toothy face colored white. It moved ominously over the streets and towards the castle. Ponies below stopped and stared; some pointing up towards it, some retreating indoors, all gripped with a new sense of fear at what it could mean. The airship drifted continuously north—straight for Canterlot Castle.

Over at the palace, Princesses Celestia and Luna moved briskly through the entryway, the seven Ponyville residents and sibling Night Guard officers close behind. The two alicorns stopped on the edge of the balcony. A team of pegasi and Earth pony guards were already positioned: three in front of the ground floor doorway, two hovering over the walkway, and two additional pairs on each of the second-floor entrance, protecting the princesses’ sides. Twilight, Spike and the others stared up with nervous at the approaching ship.

“What in Equestria is going on now?” Rarity muttered.

Fluttershy shrank backward, pressing into the sides of her friends. “I don’t like this…”

“Don’t lose your nerve, sugarcube.” Applejack patted the frightened mare’s shoulder. “We’ve got the princesses and everypony else here. It’ll be all right.”

Gatekeeper came from behind and stepped up to the front of the group’s right next to Celestia. His gaze trained on the airship, now a hundred feet away and closing, for a brief moment before he turned to meet Celestia’s eye. She nodded to him, and then he quickly strode behind her, to the opposite end of the balcony and down the stairs.

There was a metallic hiss. A large hatch on the bottom of the dirigible’s gondola slid open. Out from it lowered what the ponies observed to be a sort of round, metal half-orb. As the odd contraption levitated down to the castle, they realized it was a vessel of type. And it had a passenger.

The Egg Mobile stopped about twenty-five feet from the second-floor balcony, still high over the ponies’ heads. When it did, Dr. Eggman stood up to take in the view of the creatures beneath him, allowing them to do the same. The sight of this clothed, nearly-hairless, ape-like creature was a shock to the Equestrians. Not knowing what to think, they said nothing as the scientist’s mouth curved up in a slightly unnerving way.

Turning his attention to Celestia, he brought left arm across his chest and gave a short bow. “A pleasure to meet you at last, Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

Celestia’s brow twitched. This odd being knew her name? Not impossible, given the venerable kingdom and legacy she had spent this past millennia building. But still…

Catching her sister’s eye, Celestia motioned for her to remain put. A beat of her large wings carried her up off the balcony and down to the bottom of the stairs where she landed gracefully, stepping forward to meet this visitor. “It seems my reputation precedes me. But I’m afraid I know nothing of you. Perhaps you could enlighten us, stranger?”

“And we would appreciate if you were swift about it,” Luna added curtly. “You’ve come at a rather inopportune time, and we have scant time for showmanship.”

Eggman regarded her. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to take up more of your valuable time, Princess… Luna, correct?” The younger diarch’s eyes thinned. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Eggman, the world’s most brilliant scientific mind! And I—”

A bout of giggles interrupted the doctor’s monologue. Pinkie Pie lay on her back, holding her stomach, and shaking with laughter. “Tee hee hahaha! H-He said… he’s an E-Eggman! Hahahahaha! That’s the funniest name I’ve ever heard! Ohoho, I can’t! My tummy hurts! Ahahahaha!”

“SILENCE!” Eggman suddenly snapped. “You insufferable nitwit! You dare to mock me?! I’ll have you drawn and quartered in a–” Realization seemed to come back to the doctor mid-rant. He cleared his throat and composed himself. “Ahem, pardon me.”

The royal sisters traded looks.

“As I was saying… my name is Dr. Eggman,” a hoof in the mouth from Applejack stifled any more of Pinkie Pie’s cackles, “and I have come before you today on a matter of great importance.”

“May I ask where it is that you come from?” Celestia asked.

“The ‘where’ is unimportant, Your Majesty. Nothing to concern yourself with,” said Eggman, adjusting his glasses. “The ‘why’ is far more pressing. I can confirm what you’ve already deduced: I am not of your land, nor of any you’ve ever encountered. My home lies far, far away from here. It so happens that I’ve stumbled across your quaint little nation by complete accident.”

Her head tilted slightly. “By accident, you say?”

“Yes. More to the point, in the process I’ve lost several extremely valuable pieces of my property.”

“...And what exactly would you ask of me, doctor?”

Eggman smiled. “Actually, Your Highness, my request is quite simple: that you do nothing.”

Celestia frowned. “Nothing?”

“Precisely. All I ask is that you allow me and my… ‘cohorts’ to scour your land in search of my missing items. Once I reacquire what it is I seek, I will be on my merry way, and you will likely never see me again.”

Celestia’s eyes hung on the doctor for a moment before she spoke. “Perhaps we can assist you in locating this property of yours. It could make your search go more quickly and smoothly.”

“That will be unnecessary, dear Princess. These items are of a very particular nature. Only I have the means to locate them, and I assure you I can do so in no time at all.” Celestia didn’t immediately respond, mulling over the doctor’s request; considering every aspect of his arrival as well as his words.

“So then, I trust you find my terms simple enough?” Eggman said. “Give me leave to find what I’m looking so that I may resume my usual business. Once I’ve recovered what I seek, my underlings and I will depart your fair land. Make no attempts to resist or interfere, and any… collateral damage will be minimal. Otherwise…”

Celestia’s magenta eyes narrowed “Otherwise…?”

Eggman showed his teeth in a grim smile. “Otherwise the Eggman Empire will grind your nation into dust.”

Several mouths dropped open. A number of the ponies didn’t actually think they heard that right; the sheer audacity of it. Twilight and her friends wore looks of shock. Night Flare tensed, reaching a wing out to rest it on his bow. Umbra lifted her right hoof off the ground, feeling a fresh awareness of the saber hanging on her left side. But none of their reactions paled in comparison to Luna’s. Her’s was a look of complete outrage—with the emphasis on rage.

“So, Your Highness? What do you say?”

Luna bared her teeth in a snarl. “You DARE?!” Her folded wings snapped up vertically—a wordless signal. Umbra responded immediately, drawing her sword in a flash. Night Flare pulled his bow out of its clip on his belt, stood to two legs and notched an arrow. The other guards angled their spears towards Eggman’s floating vehicle.

Celestia swung her head around. “Peace, Luna!” she shouted, unfurling her own wings, the gesture directing the guards to hold.

“But sister…!” Luna tried to say.

“I will handle this.” Celestia’s voice was firm, yet calm. She faced back to Eggman. “You have made your point, doctor.”

Eggman laughed, practically oozing a menacing arrogance. “Wonderful! Now that we have an understanding, I can move on to more important—”

“Now I will make mine.”

Surprised and annoyed at being cut off mid-sentence again, Eggman looked back down at Celestia with a questioning grunt.

Celestia’s wings flapped once before they resumed their tall display, adding a measure of height and grandness to her image. “I have ruled Equestria for a long time, Dr. Eggman. And I have lived for even longer still. I’ve seen the dawning and conclusions of entire eras of history. I’ve watched countries freeze and cities burn. I’ve seen entire civilizations rise like the morning sun and fall like the dark of night. And in that time, I have also met a great many different beings.”

She smiled gently and allowed her eyes to close, her tone softening as centuries’ worth of feelings, comrades, and memories passed through her mind. “Many were kind and respectable creatures, be them my subjects or not. A number of them were one-time vagrants and threats who sought to do ill against our kind, but were shown something better, and ultimately became friends. And some…”

The smile vanished, and when she next spoke, her voice held an inauspicious edge. “Some were little more than black-hearted fiends. Vile tormentors whose only desire was to steal, kill, and destroy. Scourges that cared nothing for the land or lives they would ruin, all in the name of banditry, conquest, or mere entertainment.”

She paused, letting her words hang in the air. Her eyes opened and she looked intently up at Eggman. “You arrive in my city with a massive warship in tow—an act blatantly meant to intimidate. You carry yourself with an unquestionable air of superiority and maliciousness. And you casually threaten all those who call Equestria home, demonstrating you have no qualms about harming others to achieve your own selfish goals.”

A smirk slowly grew on Eggman’s face.

“It is clear to me you have a twisted mind and a wicked heart.” Her eyelids shut. “You ask what I say to your offer?” In an instant, a golden corona of power flared to life around her horn. When her eyes opened again, they revealed only pupil-less glows of white. “ONLY THIS!”

A single wingbeat took her several meters into the air. With a sweep of her head, she fired a blast of yellow energy easily a foot in diameter towards Eggman, which collided with his floating pod. It jerked backward, but still Celestia did not relent. “I will allow NO ONE to harm my ponies! Equestria will NEVER submit! Least of all to a petty tyrant like YOU! Not as long as there is still breath in my body!” Her righteous anger fed her power. The yellow laser intensified until it was as bright as the sun she raised every morning, forcing those below to shield their eyes from the glare.

But then, through the light, both Celestia and the onlookers noticed something: Eggman’s vehicle wasn’t moving.

That’s when they saw it—a circular, almost see-through barrier surrounded the Egg Mobile. To the amazement of all, it had completely stopped Celestia’s attack. The concentrated beam of magic carrying every bit of their almighty ruler’s will to protect her subjects, that no mere mortal should have been able to stand up against, was easily repelled, the only result being the wispy trails of gold that danced off the point of impact and shimmered away into nothingness.

Behind the protective sphere, Eggman was unharmed.

He adjusted his dark glasses with a grin, mocking Celestia as if her best efforts were nothing but a cheap light show. The blast then rippled strangely at the point of contact with the barrier before exploding out in a powerful backlash, back towards its source. Celestia had time only for a weak gasp; a pained cry followed as the reflected wave of her own power struck her out of the air. She plummeted down and hit the ground, her body bouncing and rolling to a rough stop in the dirt. For a painfully long moment, she there lay on her side, unmoving.

Silence. Dead, disbelieving silence gripped the air after Celestia’s fall. It shattered with a set of screams, first from Luna, then many others.

“Celestia!”

“Princess!”

Celestia never heard them. All she could hear was a high pitched ringing noise that drowned out everything around her. She might have hit her head, she realized belatedly. Lifting her head, the world around her was a disorienting mess of twisted blurs. With all the strength she could muster, she tried to gather herself, tried to push herself back to her hooves. She succeeded in getting one of her front hooves underneath her, only steady enough to slightly lift her chest. As her surroundings started coming back to her, the first thing she could make out was Eggman’s laughter.

“Your past glories blind you to your present reality, Princess,” he said cruelly. “You fail to see that the most powerful being in the world stands before you. Allow me to correct your oversight.” With the press of a button, six masses fell from the Egg Balloon’s still open hatch. Six robots dropped down in front of the castle steps: four Egg Pawns, and two Flappers that hovered in midair, all with guns leveled at the ponies.

“I advise you and the other beasts of burden to not make any sudden moves, little moon horse,” Eggman said to Luna. With a snap of his fingers, one of the bots shifted its weapon and fired several shots at the staircase’s stone pedestal. It exploded into dust, frightening most of the ponies above. “Unless you’re certain those plush-looking bodies of yours are many times stronger than stone.”

Luna and the guards glowered at the madman. Umbra squeezed the grip of her saber so tightly it shook. If only he was a little closer…

The others weren’t faring any better. Spike hugged onto Twilight’s leg. Rarity hid behind Applejack, who along with Rainbow Dash did her best to keep a brave face. Fluttershy shrunk to the floor, shaking like a leaf.

Twilight racked her brain, panic at the threat warring with the desire to help her friends and teacher. But a solution eluded her. What were these things? That… whatever it was that just shot out from one of their arms? It was impossibly fast. One second part of the stairway had been there, the next it was destroyed. How were they supposed to get past that? Any spell she’d try to cast wouldn’t be quick enough. What move could she, could any of them make that wouldn’t result in their immediate end?

Celestia still pushed against the ground, her body trembling with the effort. The blast hadn’t injured her, but it had taken all of her strength. But at least she had regained her senses.

“I have to say, ‘Your Highness,’ I’m a bit disappointed,” Eggman said. “I offer you an olive branch and you knock it from my hand? I expected more diplomacy from a bunch of weak-willed farm animals.” His taunting drew further hateful glares from below. “But because I’m feeling particularly generous, I’m willing to give you one more chance. You will guarantee that none of your little toy soldiers or any of the other insignificant equine you rule over will interfere with my goal.” A malicious grin spread across his features. “Unless you’d like some corpses to pile up on your conscience.”

There was the sound of the robots cocking their weapons. The spear-holding guards tensed, and the six mares shrank back. Horror overcame Celestia.

“So, Your Majesty? What will your answer be?”

Celestia’s teeth squeezed together. She’d tried to strike this foe down right away to defend her subjects. Tried, and failed. Now the lives of her sister, her loyal guards, and the guardians of Equestria hung by a thread. As much as it turned her stomach… she had to appease this villain. At least until her ponies were out of harm’s way. She opened her mouth to respond.

“NO WAY!”

It took a moment for Celestia to realize the words she heard weren’t her own. The confused Equestrians lifted their heads and ears, right before a round shape illuminated in blue light flashed across their lines of sight. It struck all six of Eggman’s robots in quick succession, flipping off the last airborne Flapper in a high vault and landing in a crouch in front of Celestia.

The bystanders were awestruck as Sonic rose to his feet in full view. He stared right at Eggman, putting himself directly between his archenemy and Celestia. The elder princess stared at his back, her mouth slightly agape, and her eyes twinkling with a multitude of emotions and thoughts.

“Did y’all see that?” Applejack said quietly. “He just took out all six of ‘em… in the blink of an eye!”

Twilight stared with wide eyes. “Shining?” she breathed. “Is that…?”

“It’s him,” Shining Armor answered in a harsh whisper. “That’s the creature.”

The girls gasped.

‘That’s him?’ Twilight thought. ‘That’s the monster that attacked Canterlot?’

Rainbow Dash’s face was tight as she stared intently and sourly at the blue hedgehog. This stringy thing took down the Wonderbolts? He didn’t look like anything special to her.

Fluttershy placed a hoof over her mouth. Even Pinkie was unusually silent, only a soft ‘ooh’ escaping her lips as they all watched the confrontation unfold.

“You’ve got terrible manners, Egghead,” Sonic said, his tone carrying its typical snark. “Dropping in uninvited? Threatening the hosts? Wrecking the décor? You make a lousy house guest.”

Eggman growled. “I knew you were still alive, you miserable rodent.”

“And I knew it was only a matter of time before you made your move.” Sonic’s smile slipped. “Was making Mobius miserable not enough for you? You had to go and drag another innocent world into your delusions of grandeur?”

Eggman huffed scornfully. “Oh, please. These pathetic ponies are barely a step above livestock. Turning them into the next batteries for my army would be too good for them.”

Sonic scowled. “Different dimension, same zero respect for life,” he said with disgust. “They’re not yours to terrorize any more than the citizens of Mobius are.”

“Everything is mine to do whatever I please with, hedgehog. If I were to decide to turn this primitive collection of pastures into my new industrial capital, it would be their privilege to serve a small part in my empire’s further elevation.” Eggman fixed the ponies below with a contemptuous stare. “But then again, that would be too good for them. This antiquated backwater would make a better landfill than it would a seat for my throne.”

Some of the insulted ponies showed anger at his words. Most showed fear.

“You’ve got eggs for brains if you think I’m gonna let that happen!” Sonic declared, raising a tightly-squeezed fist. His words turned several of the ponies’ heads. Many of their expressions now held puzzlement; an almost hopeful uncertainty. As if they were suddenly looking at him in a whole new light. Sonic half-stepped his right foot backwards at an angle, readying himself in a loose stance. “So, let’s just skip ahead to the part where I reintroduce my soles to your wide butt.”

Eggman scoffed. “You might be disappointed in the results.” He adjusted his glasses, a foreboding smile coming to his face. “You know, I hadn’t originally planned to waste my army’s ammo or energy on these frail little equines. I was simply going to cow them into doing my bidding with a show of force. But since you’re here now… why not have a little early access!”

He slammed his hand down on another button on the Egg Mobile’s control panel. Two small, circular panels on either side of the pod’s front-mounted lamp slid open. A pair of gun barrels extended forth, aiming directly at Sonic.

Alarm flooded Sonic’s face with a sudden realization—the downed alicorn behind him was directly in the line of fire. Speed was of the essence. Quicker than the blink of an eye, Sonic spun around and—with an ease that surprised the much larger Celestia—scooped her up in his arms, gunshots ringing and bullets flying even as he reached for her. He shot to the right and carried her out of harm’s way just in time, a couple of rounds of the Egg Mobile’s gunfire passing through the end of her ethereal tail.

“Get down!” Most of the ponies didn’t have to wait for Night Flare’s cry to dive for cover. In a split second, Luna cast a barrier around her two officers and the seven young heroes behind her, shielding them from the spray of bullets that buffeted her sphere of blue energy.

“He’s got the princess!” Rainbow yelled, watching Sonic fly off with Celestia.

Again Eggman growled, cursing his foe’s reflexes. “You can run, hedgehog, but you can’t hide. Not with what I’m about to bring to bare.”

“Are you MAD?!” Eggman turned his gaze back down to the voice. It was Luna. “Do you realize the gravity of what you’ve just done?! Attacking a princess of Equestria is considered an act of war!”

“Then welcome to the front lines, ‘Your Majesty,’” Eggman jeered. His Egg Mobile turned right and started to float up and away.

Rainbow Dash, seeing him escaping, sprang into action. “Oh, no you don’t!” Before anyone could stop her, she blasted straight for the doctor. Only to be met with the impenetrable wall and shocking force of the shield that protected him. Painful electric bolts coursed through her body and she was sent spiraling away.

“Not particularly bright, are you?” Eggman sneered. He continued unimpeded towards his airship, leaving the ponies behind. Now was the time. With a face full of dark intent, he pressed another switch on the control panel. “Game start.”

Sonic zoomed through the streets. His usual blue trail now had some additional sparkle from Celestia’s flowing mane and tail. In seconds, he’d carried her nearly a mile away from where Eggman had tried to end both their lives, coming to the top of a small hill overlooking the Canterlot suburbs.

To say that Celestia was surprised was an understatement. Being swept off her hooves like a distressed damsel for the first time in many, many centuries was quite the unexpected occurrence; though, not an unpleasant one.

“There we go, this should be far enough.” Sonic shifted the larger alicorn so she could stand, not releasing her until all four hooves were on the ground. “You should be safe out here, Your Highness. Sorry for the rough ride.”

Celestia look him over with an odd expression, but ultimately smiled. “Thank you.”

Sonic returned it with one of his own, rubbing his nose in trademark fashion.

The happy moment was ended when an explosion rang out from behind them. Both of them snapped their heads in the direction of the sound. Celestia drew a worried breath—the orange glow of flames and accompanying column of smoke was visible towards the center of Canterlot. Above it, she could make out what looked like a giant, shiny blue wasp high above downtown. The vague shapes of dozens of more robots descended from the giant battleship.

“Here they come,” said Sonic. “You have to get your ponies off the streets. Hunker down and keep yourselves out of harm’s way. Leave the robots and Fat-man to me.” He crouched back and made ready to take off towards the army of automatons.

“Wait.”

Celestia’s voice halted him mid-step, causing him to look back over his shoulder. The alicorn was gazing down at him with a scrutinizing look.

Celestia, for her part, wasn’t quite sure what to think of the so-called Blue Demon anymore. With all that happened, she was certain he’d be miles away from any semblance of Equestrian authority. Coming back to the scene of his alleged crimes alone seemed irrational. But not only had he returned, he’d seemingly done so to oppose another who sought to do them harm. And rescuing her? It went against every piece of logic that identified him as a threat. Even so, some uncertainties remained. “Who are you? Why have you come to Equestria?”

Sonic started to answer, but was cut off by the sound of laser fire in the distance. Explanations would have to wait. “Let’s hold off on all that ‘til later. Right now, there’s a city to save.”

Those were his last words before he burst off towards downtown, a familiar fire burning in his heart. “Time to do that hero thing!”

================================================================

Artwork:

Drizzle Hoof

River Mouth

Boomer

Life Line

Cloud Zapper

Roancoat

Grit Vigil

Able, Fable, and Gable

Honey Sweet

Floribunda

Gatekeeper

Author's Note

Holy crap, that's a lot of words. 😩 I had no idea it would stretch this long, but there was a whole lot that I wanted to happen to set things up. Small notice, a bunch of artwork for the secondary characters is still in the works. They'll be coming out sooner or later.

Disclaimer: Cloud Zapper belongs to Cloudzapper8, River Mouth and Drizzle Hoof belong to Raugos. Life Line's design comes from Silver Quill's old A Princess' Tears comic series. Big thanks to these guys for allowing me to use their OCs to expand the Royal Guard.

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals. And happy New Year to all.

Chapter 10 - Rage Against the Machines

=============
Canterlot:

Minutes ago

Tension grew in the streets. Nervous ponies watched from a distance at the dirigible ominously floating before Canterlot castle, and royal guards briskly shuffled back and forth through the air and across the roads.

Within a mile of the city’s main entrance, in one of the primary barracks, was Cloud Zapper, faced away from the closed door, a sword in his hoof. He held it pointing up, staring intently at his crystal-clear reflection in the blade.

The smooth brown leather of the longsword’s grip was split evenly by a golden ring, ending with a half-oval gold pommel. Its gold crossguard curved gently upward, the center point dotted by an upturned, almost-teardrop-shaped piece on each side. Sunlight ran down the blade, making it shine.

Cloud Zapper closed his eyes, breathing deeply. “Be worthy, Cloud.”

The door suddenly burst open to a shouting voice: “Private Zapper!”

Jerked from his thoughts, the startled colt spun around to see a white mare with a blue mane, her stern eyes drilling into him. “What are you standing around for?! We’re expecting word from High Command at any moment! Move it, on the double!”

“Y-Yes, Lieutenant Aegis!” With some fumbling, Cloud Zapper slid the sword back into its scabbard. Clutching it to his side with his wing, he briskly followed Aegis out the door.

As the pair made their way down the street, Cloud Zapper saw other members of the Militia rush to and fro, directing the citizens in similar fashion. Under the polished stern typical of the Royal Guard, there was something else in their faces. An anxiousness he hadn't seen in his fellow guardsponies until now. But then again, when was the last time an unknown ship loomed over the their heads?

Returning his focus ahead, Cloud Zapper saw somepony who made his throat tighten. Gatekeeper marched in their direction. Cloud Zapper noted the air of quiet confidence to the general. Despite the ever-mounting air of uncertainty and worry growing in the civilians and even some of the guards around him, he maintained the visage of a cool and consummate professional. Cloud Zapper fell in at Aegis’ side as they reached him.

“Lieutenant Aegis, reporting!” Aegis said, coming to attention and saluting. Cloud Zapper silently mirrored her.

Gatekeeper nodded to her. “At ease.” His eyes lingered on Cloud Zapper a moment before he addressed Aegis. “Is your first sergeant unavailable, Lieutenant Aegis?”

“Currently overseeing troop placement, general,” Aegis answered. “Private Zapper is one of the unit’s best flyers. Quite fast at delivering messages, so I prefer to keep him nearby.”

The corner of Gatekeeper’s lip curved up. “I see. How is your progress?”

“Well underway, sir. As per your instructions, we started evacuations as soon as our sentries spotted the unknown ship approaching. Sectors three through six have almost entirely cleared out, but sectors one, two, and seven are experiencing delays. School areas, sir, and more overall congestion. It’s slowing down civilian movement.”

The conversation was interrupted by a peagasus guardsmare with a pale turquoise coat flying in, landing beside the three and saluting Gatekeeper. “Third Private Guardian Angel reporting in, general! Update from Commander Dawn Stride.”

Gatekeeper inclined his head. “Proceed.”

“The command center is nearly up and running. The Mystics and our backup garrison within the castle are armed and ready.”

“Good.” Gatekeeper turned, looking out to Eggman’s airship in the distance. “Tell Commander Dawn Stride that she’s to maintain her squadron’s current position. The Mystics’ core directive is to defend the castle. Keep the bulk of her division within the palace walls.”

“At once!” Guardian Angel replied before flying back the way she came.

“Captain Stilleto has two platoons stationed within half a click of the enemy’s position,” said Aegis. “Do we have the go-ahead to engage?”

The general paused a moment before answering, “No.”

Aegis let her puzzlement show. “…‘No,’ sir?”

Gatekeeper’s head was lifted to the skies above Canterlot, his eyes riveted on a thick, spread-out set of clouds hanging due east of their position. “We’ll need as many medics as possible, with no less than two dozen at the main underground junction beneath the castle grounds. All units closest to the city’s edge are to hold their current position. We also need a full accounting of the number of ponies in the city, with particular attention to how many are in the districts closest to the unknown vessel.”

“Yes, sir…” said Aegis, frowning.

Cloud Zapper decided to risk chiming in. “Permission to speak, general?”

“Permission granted.”

The young pegasus weighed his words carefully, trying to ignore the ‘What are you doing?’ stare Aegis was giving him. “Um, if I could be so bold, sir… do you not also want us to get an accurate scope of the enemy’s numbers too?

The aged unicorn’s focus stayed on the clouds for a moment longer before he spoke. “Our first priority isn’t the number of enemies, but the number of ponies we have to protect.” His dusty blue eyes met Cloud Zapper's. “Don’t you think so?”

In that moment, the towering unicorn seemed to stand that much taller. Cloud Zapper snapped to a salute and stood as straight as possible. “Y-Yes, sir!”

A small smile tugged the corner of Gatekeeper’s lip before he returned his gaze to the clouds. “Private Zapper, let’s see if the lieutenant’s faith in you is well placed. Report to your colonel immediately. All battle units are to move back to sectors one and two, away from sector seven.”

“If I may ask, sir,” said Aegis, “do you suspect the enemy will not attack us there?”

She saw Gatekeeper’s navy eyes squint. “It seems we’re about to find out.”

If either Aegis or Cloud Zapper had questions, they were soon answered. Through the clouds came a giant mass—a battleship in the shape of a blue wasp. Muted gasps escaped their lips as it descended towards the city towards sector seven, the very center of Canterlot. Just as Gatekeeper had predicted.

Within moments, uncanny figures they could only assume as hostile forces began dropping from the wasp ship’s abdomen section. The attack had begun.

A sudden source of light pulled Aegis’ attention from the air. A circular swirl of gold light opened up in front of her. ‘Portal magic,’ she realized. She looked back and realized it was Gatekeeper, his glowing horn marking the invocation.

“With all speed, Private Zapper,” Gatekeeper said, a solid emphasis in his voice. “Lieutenant Aegis, return to your unit immediately. It’s time.”

Without another word, Aegis took off back towards her station, and Cloud Zapper galloped through the portal.

Gatekeeper let the portal fade away, then used another spell to summon two objects. The first was, summoned his golden-gilded helmet, fitted with curved extensions rising from the top, inlaid with the etchings of antlers. The second was a two-hoofed greatsword too long to be worn at his side, its guard featuring symmetrical curved extensions that also resembled a stag’s horns. He set his helm prepared himself. “Now it begins.”

============
Canterlot:

Now

Heavy, clanking steps heralded the army of Egg Pawns that marched through the Canterlot streets, orange armor and polished weapons glinting in the light of the sun.

To the ordinary citizens, there was no time to question what these faceless abominations were. No time to consider what cruel twist of fate brought this soulless horde to bear upon their home and community.

There was only time to scream. And run.

And so they did.

Not unlike any herd of frightened animals, the ponies turned tail on the invaders and fled, galloping as fast as their hooves could carry them in the opposite direction of the approaching automatons.

Egg Pawns leveled arms in the direction of the retreating Equestrians. Metal fingers retracted into their limbs to form the neat holes of arm cannons; neon-blasts of energy hammered out. The laserfire whizzed past the fleeing Equestrians, missing bodies and heads by inches, slamming into structures, toppling or blowing apart whatever they struck.

More of the metal minions filled the streets, spreading out in every direction. One carrying a bazooka over its shoulder took aim and fired. With a deafening blast, the rocket cut through the air at an angle across Tribune Lane, travelling thirty yards before crashing through the window of the renowned donut shop. Fire and rubble in equal measure erupted from the windows, scattering shattered glass and leaving the establishment in wreckage.

The blast knocked several ponies in close proximity to the ground. A pair of Egg Pawns grabbed two by the withers. Above, teams of Flappers carried Capsules suspended from cables, descending and lowering the large containment units to the ground before dispersing. The door of one Capsule dropped open as the Pawns approached with their struggling captives and unconcernedly tossed them inside. The panel locked and sealed, trapping the Equestrians within and leaving to resumed the hunt with the rest of its cadre.

One pair of ponies—a gray-purple unicorn stallion and a lavender Earth mare with tall, puffy hair—veered down an alley on the right in their attempt to escape. A trio of Moto Bugs greeted them, brandishing their bladed arms.

Ponet and Lyrica Lilac screamed, turning on their heels and racing back the way they came. They only got about five meters before they found themselves floating off the ground. A purple and light blue robot hovered above them. Its UFO-like body and set of two long arms that ended in spiked disc shapes almost made it resemble a jellyfish. The Klagen held the pair between its arms, the ring-shaped waves of a tractor beam keeping them suspended.

More Klagens neared from the opposite direction, preceded by a bevy Moto Bugs. Whatever groups of ponies had tried to stay together broke apart and scattered; increasingly desperate to evade the swifter wheeled Badniks, they were easily snatched from the ground by the jelly-fish like drones.

Lyrica grabbed helplessly onto Ponet’s leg, screaming desparately “Somepony, please help us!”

Their captor paid the mare’s wails no mind, levitating towards the other side of the street where another newly-arrived Capsule sat.

A blue beam of energy abruptly shot through the Klagen’s single eye. The floating robot lurched and wavered, sparks geysering from the smoking hole. Its tractor beam deactivated, dropping the ponies. A deep blue aura enveloped the couple and the robot, restraining the Klagen’s flailing body while gently lowering Ponet and Lyrica to the ground.

The two watched as Princess Luna stepped past them, her eyes fixed on the artificial army with a look of righteous fury. With a jerk of her head, Luna threw the damaged Klagen with tremendous force towards a set of Badniks to the left. It spun and smashed into a group, destroying six of its brethren.

“Flee, my subjects!” Luna called to Ponet and Lyrica. “Flee to safety!”

The two did just that, racing towards the castle.

Luna’s face hardened and she swung back to face her enemies. Dozens of Egg Pawns and Moto Bugs closed in around her. She pawed the ground, teeth bared as her horn glowed bright enough to illuminate a better part of the city block.

One of the nearing Egg Pawns reached out to grab her—a pair of arrows through its hand halted the attempt. The minion looked at its hand, then to its left from where the shots had come. The last thing its photoreceptors perceived was the tip of a sword that stabbed through the center of its face, and the angry scowl of the bat pony that wielded it.

Umbra kicked her rear hooves into the Egg Pawn, knocking it over and backflipping away. ‘Their armor’s strong’, she noted, ‘and their bodies are heavy.’ Even with all the momentum from her flying charge, it had been difficult to make that stab. As her greaves smacked the ground, she held her stance, hesitating. Hacking recklessly at these things would be pointless, and run the risk of damaging her sword.

She swept her eyes to the left, sighting another Egg Pawn that had raised its arm cannon in Luna’s direction. A springing leap born of pure instinct brought her to the droid in an instant. A fierce, downward crosscut almost severed its arm at the elbow, and a hard kick put the Badnik on its back. ‘But their joints and thinner sections of their limbs are vulnerable.’

A beat of her wings brought her backwards, landing directly between the squadron of Badniks and Luna. She faced her body parallel to her princess, shielding her. Her sword pointed threateningly at the soulless army, her lips pulled back in a snarl. “You won’t even touch the princess.”

Four Pawns came forward, only to be blasted aside by a magenta beam of magic that sent them clattering across the cobbled street. The caster, Shining Armor, twenty feet from their position, reared up on his hind legs and raised his still-glowing horn to the sky. His magic aura doubled in both size and brightness; both preparation, and a signal.

“CHAAARGE!”

A chorus of shouts responded to his call—a battle cry that shook Tribune Lane.

Dozens of royal guards poured in behind him and swept forward to meet the invaders. Their captain led the charge, shooting beams at every robot in sight.

Two squads of sixteen total pegasi swooped from above, loosing spears that found their marks on seven Egg Pawns, two Moto Bugs, and three Klagens. Only four of the Egg Pawns fell, the strikes to their shoulders and limbs not enough to take them out; but it did leave them vulnerable to the vanguard of lance-wielding Earth ponies that ran a good chunk of the mechanical squadron through.

Like a well oiled machine, the Royal Guard rolled into action, pressing back the enemy. Teams of two came to the aid of civilians, escorting them off the road. One pair of guards brought their followers to the edge of the sidewalk between buildings. While one pony watched the rear, the other unpinned his medal and pressed it to the ground in front of the alley.

A spot of color flickered on the concrete, and a slab of the ground rose up at an angle, revealing stairways that lead underground.

“Inside, quickly!”

The civilians wasted no time in following their escorts down the stairway and into the catacombs, leaving the chaos of the battle behind. The other guard teams repeated the process throughout the street, swiftly filing the Canterlot citizenry down the escape routes.

Recovering from the Royal Guards’ initial wave of attack, the Egg Pawns returned fire, their plasma shots lighting the air and blasting apart the surroundings. The display of weaponry and the plumes of fire shook the guards’ morale. Advancing units slowed to a stop, surprised and alarmed at the strange, dangerous enemy force.

“Don’t let up, troops!” Shining Armor’s voice brought the hesitant back to the moment. “Push them back!” Their captain’s words steeled them against the uncertainty. They shook the fear away, drew their weapons and rushed forward.

“All units in sector six,” Shining Armor shouted over the melee, firing another beam at a wily Moto Bug, “close-range weapons only! Unicorns, check your fire! We’ve got civilians mixed with bad guys! Fly units, your priority orders are search and rescue! Get our ponies off the streets!” He barely ducked a plasma burst fired back at him. It had been so narrow a miss he could smell the plume on his helmet burning. “And watch out for their projectiles!”

A platoon of pegasi guards flew overhead and veered left and right to carry out the order while the remaining troops engaged the Badnik army, weapons ready as the two sides clashed. Hooves kicked out at grasping metal hands. Ponies dove for cover as bullets and lasers whizzed through the air. Swords and spears clashed against steel shells.

One lone Earth stallion, having abandoned his lance in the unmoving remains of an Egg Pawn, drew his sword and faced off with another of the steel golems. He dodged the Badnik’s punches and clothesline-like arm sweeps, retaliating with hacks and slashes, but found himself unable to do significant damage to its hard body. His cuts left mostly shallow scratches that occasionally sparked, at worst.

Growing frustrated, the stallion sidestepped a hammer blow that cracked the pavement, darted behind the Egg Pawn, and delivered a hard buck to its back, knocking his more cumbersome foe onto its face. He reared up, and summoning all his might, drove his sword down into the thing’s back with a shout. The Egg Pawn flailed and sparked. Its movements grew sluggish, and four seconds later, it went completely limp.

The young private Greenbay allowed himself a pleased smile; it faded when he found himself unable to pry his sword from the defeated enemy’s body. He pulled, strained and groaned, trying to free his weapon.

He didn’t see the lance-wielding Egg Pawn coming up behind him. Only when its foot kicked a loose fragment on the ground did he turn his head; only when the Egg Pawn had its weapon raised high for a fatal blow did he realize the danger.

Greenbay saw his life flash before his eyes. The Badnik’s lance swung down… and collided with the magenta hue of a force field cast by Shining Armor. Surprised, Greenbay let go of his stuck sword and fell back onto his haunches.

Coming to stand beside Greenbay, Shining squeezed his jaw, grunting as he held back the Badnik’s pressing strike. “Watch your six, Private!”

Greenbay swallowed, partly relieved to have been saved, partly mortified at having his captain bear witness to his negligence. “Y-Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!”

While he continued to hold back this new Egg Pawn, Shining Armor used his magic to, with some difficulty, remove Greenbay’s sword from the previous one’s remains and return it to him.

An arrow suddenly whizzed from somewhere out of view and struck the lance-wielding robot in its arm joint; it sparked and went slack. Taking the opportunity, Shining dropped the shield, spun around and kicked hard with both legs, putting the Badnik on its back several feet away.

Some twenty feet up the road, Night Flare lowered his bow. His shots confirmed what he saw his sister pull off moments before. “All units be advised,” he said into the communication apparatus in his hood, “these things have tough armor, but it’s weakest at the limb joints. Make them your point of attack.” He approached Shining Armor, regarding the slain Badnik. “They won’t be too threatening without any arms or legs.”

Shining Armor glanced in Night Flare’s direction. He had to give Night Flare his perks, able as he was to land those accurate shots while still suffering a concussion. “Nice shot, Lieutenant.”

Night Flare chuckled. “I can still handle the small fry.” His gaze shifted, taking on a touch of concern. “But you’re gonna have to take the lead on that one.” He pointed a hoof past Shining’s shoulder.

Shining turned around and sighted a new Badnik approaching. It looked much like the other orange Egg Pawns; this one however was gold in color with a pointed crest on its head. The long javelin and heavy spiked shield it carried made Greenbay gulp.

Glaring it down, Shining lowering his head. His rose-colored aura formed again, the ethereal magic deepening and solidifying. A long point extended from his horn. The rest spread around his head until it formed a solid construct—a mask-like cover for his head and face, and an elongated javelin more than three feet in length stretching out from his horn.

The ‘unicorn fencing spell,’ as it was commonly called. A magical armament for close combat.

The Egg Knight smacked its javelin on the front of its shield, and prepared to charge.

“Captain Armor!”

Before anypony could make a move, a pair of white and brown pegasi stallions—who Shining Armor recognized as his squadmates Spearhead and Stalwart—charged in front of them and attacked the Egg Knight.

As Stalwart brought his sword to bear from the front, striking repeatedly at the robot’s pike arm, Spearhead swung wide to attack the Badnik’s flank. But the Egg Knight burst forward, ramming Spearhead with its spiked shield. The pegasus went down screaming, blood seeping from two wide gashes in his armor at the side and shoulder.

Stalwart, stunned by the sight, caught the broad side of the Badnik’s lance to the side of his head. He staggered, almost looking drunk, until he crumpled to floor.

Shining Armor gasped. “Stalwart! Spearhead!”

Turning, the Egg Knight reacquired its first target and bulled towards him.

Night Flare drew three explosive arrows and shot them in quick succession directly at the robot’s face. The Egg Knight merely raised its shield. The trio of explosions did nothing to stop its charge, forcing the three ponies to dodge out of the way. But by using its shield to guard itself, it created a momentary blindspot.

Shining Armor, incensed at seeing his squad members wounded, was quick to take advantage of it. Darting to the right of his foe, the unicorn stabbed out with his magic at an opening. The Badnik shifted enough to miss the full force of the lunge. Shining’s pointed construct missed, only managing to cut off a piece its right shoulder. Shining sidestepped a shield bash, but failed to guard against another sweeping blow from the robot’s lance that caught him full in the side. His magic dissipated as he was sent tumbling. Only another set of arrows fired by Night Flare kept the robot from going in for the kill.

As the archer reached for another arrow, a familiar twinge of pain made him grab his head. “Damn, not now…!” The effects of his concussion lingered; he couldn’t follow up.

Shining Armor pushed himself back to his hooves, ignoring the scrapes to his knees and shins. Luckily, his armor had protected him from any real damage. Reactivating his fencing spell, he ducked the Egg Knight’s next swipe and parried a set of thrusts. He kept his position and attacks honed on its right side, where its defenses were weakest. Timely arrows from Night Flare kept its troublesome shield-bearing arm occupied, forcing the robot to block them, keeping it from bringing the more dangerous weapon to bear.

The battle continued in the same rhythm: duck, parry, parry, sidestep, thrust, repeat. Shining began to realize that the automatons, while dangerous, seemed limited in their tactics and attacks. It was as if they could only execute a preprogrammed set of attacks and movements, with little ability for improvisation. The repetitive sequences could leave them open.

Glancing over to his ally’s face, he could tell Night Flare understood that too.

When his foe’s next set of strikes came, Shining deflected the first two as he had, but lifted his head to catch the third in a block, holding fast against the droid’s lance. Inevitably, predictably, his foe turned his attention to the left to guard against Night Flare’s arrow with its shield.

At that instant, Shining shifted his weight backward, and with two graceful moves, hooked the Egg Knight’s pike right out of its hand and flinging it through the air. Seizing on the opening, he lunged forward with all his force. His magic javelin struck the left side of the Egg Knight’s chest cavity, piercing all the way out its back.

The robot stood motionless and the captain savored his victory.

Then it caught him about the throat in a steel fist.

Shining Armor gave a choked gasp of shock, only able to briefly wonder how the thing could survive as the Egg Knight raised its shield to bash his skull in.

But then Greenbay sprang in behind the Badnik. With a two-hoofed grip, he jumped up and swung his sword as hard as he could at its left arm, severing it at the elbow. Its shield fell to the ground along with the arm that still clutched it.

The Badnik looked at its dismembered arm and shield on the floor, then to the sparking stump that remained. Its grip on Shining’s throat went slack and it fidgeted oddly, apparently unable to compute the chain of events. Without a second thought, the unicorn turned and planted his back hooves into the robot’s chest, knocking it onto its back, where it stayed flailing.

Shining held his throat, sucking in much-needed air in the small moment of rest. He spared Greenbay a glance. “Thanks for the… assist, Private,” he said, his breath ragged and irregular.

The stocky Earth pony merely smiled and saluted.

“Waaaahahahahaaaaaaaa!”

A new source of commotion drew their eyes. The panicked mass of white and purple that was Rarity galloped madly through the now guard-occupied stretch of Tribune Lane, a group of four RhinoBots chasing her as she wailed. “Will somepony PLEASE help meeheeheeheeeeeee!”

An arrow arched through the air and struck the ground behind Rarity as she ran—blue, with a crystalline appearance. Within moments, the ground was coated over with ice, spreading out from the arrow’s landing point. Rarity’s wheeled pursuers rolled right over it, wobbling and falling with heavy thuds onto their sides. The frozen floor had left them helpless.

Night Flare cracked a smile. “Caution to all rampaging robots: slippery road ahead.” Again he cringed mid-laugh, bringing up a hoof to massage his aching head.

Life Line and the seven other residents of Ponyville came rushing forward, gathering near Shining Armor and Night Flare. Rarity raced to her friends and threw her hooves around the first available pony—that being Applejack.

As the slightly disgruntled farm pony and her friends tried to calm the blubbering fashinoista, Life Line immediately went up to Night Flare, who was in noticeable pain. Her face scrunched up in disapproval. “I told you. I told you not to overdo it!” she scolded, jabbing a hoof in his face. “What were you thinking rushing out ahead with Umbra and the others?! What if you’d caused a hemorrhage?! You know you’re in absolutely no shape to fight!”

A sparking pop of blue behind them marked the appearance of Luna. “I agree with the Sergeant, sir Night Flare,” she said to the archer. The Wonderbolts came in from behind her, hovering above her. “You have served admirably, but you are in no suitable condition for a battle such as this. Return to the palace and seek medical assistance.”

Night Flare’s expression soured. “I don’t like the idea of sitting on the sidelines while we’re under siege, your Highness.”

“And you will endanger more than yourself if you refuse to rest,” Luna countered. “If you wish to be of assistance, pass along your observations of the enemy to command. Whatever information we can glean concerning their forces will be paramount if we are to survive this day.”

Night Flare clicked his teeth. He looked over the battle unfolding in the distance, analyzing. He glanced up, his eyes hanging on some clouds that had drifted lower in the sky. “In that case, maybe there’s one more thing I can assist with here.”

Following his gaze, it didn’t take Luna long to understand her lieutenant’s idea. Lifting herself ten feet in the air with a single wingbeat, she made her voice echo with the full volume of her Royal Canterlot voice. “FALL BACK! ALL SQUADRONS FALL BACK BEHIND FIRST STREET!”

As quickly as possible, every individual and team of guards broke off their respective skirmishes and retreated.

Night Flare swung to Spitfire. “Captain, bring down that set of clouds for me!”

Spitfire met his eyes and nodded. She zipped up, Soarin and Fleetfoot following. The trio climbed into Canterlot’s airspace and reached the clouds in seconds. The Buzz Bomber transport’s descent from behind its cloud cover had brought some small vestiges of its hiding place down to the lower altitudes. Fleetfoot and Soarin banked to both sides of the three clouds, gathering them while Spitfire took the one at the front. They gathered the white clumps together into a larger mass before positioning themselves over it, bracing their hooves on the cloud and carrying it back down towards the street.

Nightflare snatched another ice arrow from his quiver. He notched it, took careful aim and fired directly at the cloud. “Incoming!”

His shout signaled the three Wonderbolts to break off as the arrow struck home into the fluffy mass. In seconds the cloud started to freeze and expand. Sharp, uneven spikes emerged from its entire surface area until it was a huge, solid mass protruding jagged edges in every direction. Its weightless hover became a slow descent, and then a rapid plummet towards.

The craggy iceberg slammed into the Second Street intersection with a loud crash, crushing many Badniks beneath it.

Luna smirked. Her lieutenant’s quick thinking had reduced the immediate enemy’s numbers, and the wall of ice now blocked off the entire lane of Velites Avenue. Their approach was cut off.

‘For now…’

She swung to Shining Armor, determined to make the time she had bought them count. “Captain Armor, the western district has been completely overrun. You and your troops retake it. Push back these aberrations. Do not allow them to breach the castle. Should anything get past Second Street, turn them back or turn them to scrap iron.”

The unicorn gave a firm nod. “Aye aye, Princess!”

Before he could leave, Twilight rushed over and threw her hooves around him in a firm hug. “Please be careful out there, Shiny…”

He patted her back and offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, sis. We’ll have these overgrown dolls wrapped up before you can say ‘ladybugs awake.’” He whirled, ushering his medic. “Life Line, let’s go!” As the mare fell in close behind her departing captain, he raised his voice over the area. “Company, form up! We’re moving out! I want a headcount five minutes ago!”

Rainbow Dash glanced over at Twilight. “Ladybugs awake?”

Twilight blushed. “It’s an inside thing… T-There’s no time right now, I’ll tell you later!”

Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Spitfire returned and landed in front of the group. Luna faced Spitfire and said, “Captain Spitfire, you and your team are to assist in the rescue of any civilians still in harm’s way. Be swift, and be mindful of foes in the skies.”

“Understood!” Spitfire spread her wings and took to the air with the rest of the Wonderbolts.

“How can we help, your Highness?” said Twilight.

Luna looked at her sternly. “An unknown and powerful enemy has appeared before us. We must counter it with our full capabilities, and our most powerful means of defense. You and the other Bearers are to retrieve the Elements of Harmony. Return with them to the castle and we shall use them to drive this infernal horde from our city.”

“What about the demon?” piped Rainbow. “And Princess Celestia? They’re both somewhere in the middle of all this, with that thing doing who knows what to her! We can’t just leave her behind!”

Luna tensed her jaw, keeping a firm grip on her emotions. “My sister can take care of herself for the time being. There are more pressing matters to deal with now than one creature. The safety of Canterlot… nay, of all of Equestria may hang on today’s outcome.”

She fixed her gaze to the path ahead. The Badniks were already breaking through the ice. She stepped forward, away from the group. “Quickly, friends! Retrieve the Elements! Our guards shall cover you on the way to the tower! There’s not a moment to lose!”

“But Princess, what about you?” Spike asked worryingly, looking as reluctant to leave her behind as the mares.

“Worry not, young drake,” Luna assured. “I will be just fine. Leave these unsightly ghouls to me. Now, go!”

Her last word carried a finality that spurred the hesitant seven of them to action. Twilight scooped up Spike with her magic and placed him on her back as they all galloped off.

All except for Rarity, who was smacking one of the downed RhinoBots with a broken off piece of rubble. “Take that, you ruffian! And that! And that, I say!”

“RARITY!”

Jolting at her friends’ combined shout, she cleared her throat with a blush and quickly went along after them.

The center of the ice wall exploded into mist and fragments, and the Badniks advanced through the gap. As the horde approached, Luna half turned and shouted for the guards to stay back.

Closing her eyes, she focused her magic. A small orb of white light formed in front of her. The orb grew and took on a linear shape, small extensions branching outward at the lower half of its mass. Moments later it was fully formed and the light disappeared, revealing an ornate broadsword. Its dark gray handle was inlaid with a spiral groove, its base ending in a silver, egg-shaped pommel. The upper area above the grip curved inward, then back out into an oval rain-guard; from this extended a pair of small dark blue wings that formed the crossguard. The gleaming blade tapered towards its middle, burgeoning into a wider and heavier tip. It was a stellar work of craftsmanship. As beautiful as it was deadly, specifically designed for battlefield combat.

Luna levitated the sword before her face and let her eyes drift over it, a touch of melancholy in her expression. She appeared to study it not unlike one would the face of a friend long thought gone, but whose return was a presage to inevitable violence.

The ground ahead rumbled. The smaller robots parted to avoid being crushed as an enormous Moto Bug two stories tall rolled towards Luna. Its head-mounted, double-barreled cannon trained on her; its blue photoreceptors shone menacingly.

A hard luster filled Luna’s eyes. Cyan orbs gleamed like polished steel. Without an ounce of fear, she stepped forth to meet the monstrosity. She swept her broadsword out to her side. Power gathered within her, matching the steady growth of volume in her voice.

“You come to my home. Threaten my subjects. Hurt MY sister?!”

The cobalt glow around her horn flared into a raging flame-like aura. The blade of her weapon also glowed, radiating energy of the same blue color.

“By all my stars in heaven… I SAY THEE, NAY!”

Luna arched her sword above her head and chopped it straight down in one dynamic stroke. From it came a crescent blade of pure magic as large as the Moto Bug. The blue wave cut the air, one of the tips leaving a foot-deep furrow in the ground as it flew towards the Badnik. It sliced through the steel mass like a hot knife through butter and continued on into the distance, destroying any and all Badniks in its path. The giant Moto Bug fell apart into two even pieces, cleaved in half.

Angling her blade before her, Luna lowered her head into an aggressive stance. The mindlessly-obedient army advanced on her. With a cry, she leapt into the fray, sword held high for the attack.

As the Princess of the Night threw herself into battle, the remaining collection of Day Guards watched in awe. “Holy shit…” Greenbay remarked, staring at the two halves of the giant Moto Bug.

While the Day Guards looked on or continued to move about the impromptu encampment, Night Flare galloped past the ranks towards castle. The quicker he got to the command post, the quicker he could pass along information on their enemy, and hopefully help them all survive this mess.

Suddenly, he jerked to a stop, as if realizing something for the first time. He turned his head left and right. “…Where’s my sister?”

Gilded Avenue was in flames.

Tongues of fire swirled atop the buildings, leaping from one rooftop to the next. Homes and outlets, their structural foundations made fragile by the blazes raging within, collapsed under their own weight, throwing up billowing clouds of ash and debris. This once beautiful suburb where Canterlot’s elite made their roost now looked like something akin to Hell.

In the abandoned streets, Eggman’s mechanical army roamed unfettered. Camerons—turtle-like robots with powerful back-mounted cannons—lumbered about. Red-bodied, yellow-beaked Egg Walkers resembling ostriches stalked around them. The metallic birds jumped through the remains of melted windows in search of targets to capture and launched missiles from their beaks at yet untouched homes, touching off even more loud bursts of fire.

As the squadron proceeded along its programmed route, the foremost Egg Walkers registered a new target approaching from dead ahead.

Celestia looked upon the scene with revulsion. Countless moons of work, many more of content and peaceful living, lost. Her capital was besieged. Once again her ponies faced the threat of a malicious invading force.

This would not stand.

But there was one thing Celestia could take comfort in; one single solace that brought slight relief from the turmoil roiling around her. For the first time in nearly four decades, she would face an enemy on the field of battle. Enemies not of flesh and blood. Enemies without pause, without pain, without souls. Enemies she needn’t hold back against.

Finally, a chance to cut loose.

All poise and grace, the First Princess of Equestria strode forward.

The wave of Eggman’s forces—forty Egg Walkers, and six Camerons—immediately went into offensive measures. The metal ostriches let out distorted trills and charged. From above, a group of more than fifty Buzz Bombers and Balkiries swooped down towards her.

Three of the ground-stationed Camerons targeted Celestia and fired, loosing green bullets of energy from their cannons.

Celestia didn’t even break stride as one of the bolts exploded twelve feet in front of her, the only change being the whipping billow of her mane and tail and the dust she felt sprinkle onto her chest. The second round flew past her right shoulder, missing by five feet and slamming into the ground four yards behind her.

But the last shot was right on target.

Celestia simply lit her horn. With a casual flick of her head, she turned the shot aside. She felt the heat as it flew past her left; heard the blast as it blew a hole in the street eight yards back. She brushed the specks of debris off her chest with her wing and eyed the robot horde.

“My turn.”

A simple upward gesture of her horn lifted the entire Badnik army off the ground, directly into the path of the incoming flyers. Explosions riddled the sky as the robots smashed into each other. Metal hunks bits of broken parts showered down onto the road.

As the smoke cleared, Celestia could make out two larger objects in the distance. As they drew closer, she perceived them as airships of a sort. Their rounded hulls and bulging eyes gave them the appearance of blowfish. A hatch from the bottom-center of the foremost ship’s hull swung open; another troop of Egg Pawns came marching out, descending two by two down onto the street.

Celestia frowned. That wouldn’t do.

With a thought, her golden aura took hold of the Egg Pawns and lifted them off the ground and back up through the hatch from which they came, shutting the door behind them. Fixing on the transport, Celestia drew on the depths of her power and extended her grasp over the entire dropship, stopping its approach cold. She looked past it to the second ship still high in the air and froze it as well. With a gesture of her head, she pushed the closest transport up and backwards at the same time she compelled the one behind it to fall forward. The two ships closed and crashed together.

Imploding metal ruptured the power cores of each ship, and another set of explosions rocked the area. Celestia had to glance away from the bright, erupting fire. More remains of ship and robot alike scattered along the ground as the harsh flare faded.

Celestia gazed ruefully at the steel fragments that lay across the suburb and at the lacerated chest cavity of an Egg Walker that lay a few feet in front of her. Marvels of technological wonder made only to fulfill a selfish desire. She shook her head with a disappointed sigh. “What a waste.”

“Attention all units! Attention all units!”

Celestia’s head perked up as a familiar voice sounded in her mind—Commander Dawn Stride. It seemed the telepathic communication spell was up and running. Later than she thought it would be…

“We’re losing ground in sector three! Repeat, we are losing ground in sector three! They need help over there!”

Celestia looked west, her next destination was confirmed. She focused her magic and prepared to warp herself to that position.

Cheep cheep!

Celestia paused at the peculiar noise that caught her ear. She turned her head back to look around, scanning the road, the sidewalk, the burned-out remains of this district’s buildings. But there was nothing there. “Perhaps it was my imagination…” She shook her head and made ready to teleport again.

Cheep! Cheep cheep!

Okay, now she was sure she heard something. She turned around fully and stepped forward, looking from side to side for the source of the sound. “Hello? If someone is there, please show yourself,” she said urgently.

It wasn’t until her hoof accidentally knocked into the cracked torso of one of the Egg Walkers did the sound repeat itself, this time more frantically. Cheep cheep cheep!

Surprised, Celestia bent her head down to inspect the scrap closer. What was left of the Badnik’s body sported a huge crack. Quirking a brow, she used her magic to carefully pull the metal body apart, slowly widening the crack. When it was fully opened, her eyes went wide. “What in Equestria…?”

To one panicked mare—a bluish gray unicorn with deep navy hair—it was all she could do not to join in the chaotic chorus of screams around her. As her heart hammered, her legs carrying her as fast as she could will them, all she cared about was finding an escape.

From the corner of her eye, she kept close watch on her sister, Sunshine Smiles. Too close, in fact. She never saw the danger ahead.

Emerging from an alley several blocks away, a Cameron tromped into the open and fired its cannon. The wave of plasma shot across the street, between other ponies that threw themselves to the ground, or stopped and slid enough to miss the laser. Moonlight Raven never saw it coming until green flashed before her eyes. The bolt struck a building to her left and her world went spinning.

At first Moonlight didn’t understand the garbled sound in her ears; the almost welcoming lassitude behind her eyes; the bitter, salty taste on her tongue. Slowly, she noticed she couldn’t quite move one of her back legs. She felt the ground against her cheek; recognized of the taste of her own blood.

Then the pain hit.

It took every ounce of her will to choke back a scream.

There was the muffled sound of somepony calling her name. She knew that voice, yet for whatever reason, couldn’t remember who it belonged to. She tried to stand, but an odd heaviness prevented her; a weight, and a particularly sharp pain in the center of her back.

The weight lifted and she heard wood and stone clatter on the floor next to her. A hoof took her by the chin and turned her face upward. She saw Sunshine’s face. Oh yes, she must have been the one to scream.

Her sister’s hair was messy. An ugly bruise was forming on her dirt-covered right cheek. There were tears in her eyes. Had Moonlight been able to conjure the thought at the moment, she might have understood that she must have looked to be in even worse shape than Sunshine to trigger such a reaction.

“Don’t worry, Mooney,” Sunshine said, her clipped and shaky voice betraying her rising anxiety. “You’re gonna be fine. Everything’s gonna be just fine. We’re gonna get to the safe zone, find you a doctor, and—”

A gun-toting Egg Pawn suddenly appeared before them. The two could only look up helplessly at the mech and its eerie, unnatural smile. Sunshine whimpered in abject terror as the Badnik leveled its arm at them, and the black hole of its cannon alighting with neon blue.

In that moment, Moonlight understood they were both about to die.

With what little strength she had, she turned her sister’s tear-soaked face away from the robot, hiding Sunshine’s face in neck. She wrapped her hooves around Sunshine and held her tight; a final comfort in their last moments. At least, in the end, they’d have each other.

But the end never came.

There was no pain of a death blow, no plasma that would burn through skin and flesh and bone; only a strong gust of wind that came as if from nowhere, and the clangor of metal being torn apart.

Sunshine and Moonlight lifted their heads and opened their eyes. They didn’t see their executioner. Only a street littered with broken metal parts that used to be the army of menacing robots. The ponies around them looked as perplexed as they were.

Eventually, Moonlight found the strength to utter, “What… just happened?”

Surrounded by a horde of enemies, Cloud Zapper fought for his life.

More than his life. Every thrust of his blade, every whirl of tempered steel was a strike in defense of peace, of the rights of ponies everywhere to live freely and without the threat of harm.

He was fighting for the home he loved. For Equestria itself. Not least of all, for the pride that had been passed down to him.

But it wasn’t pride that the normally-spirited colt felt now. In this moment, as he fought with all his might against the invaders, he felt something else entirely. It welled in his gut and crawled slowly, forebodingly up his spine as more and more metal monstrosities swarmed from all directions.

Fear.

Fear for his fellow guards who faced this mysterious force alongside him; fear for the besieged citizens of Canterlot; fear for the small group of frightened ponies holed up in an inn not; fear that all his passion and training wouldn’t be enough to save his home—or himself.

It had all happened so fast. Just as the general had predicted, another ship resembling a giant blue wasp emerged from the clouds that had been concealing it. It descended over his unit’s position and poured out the swarm of living iron statues. They came like a wave, overwhelming his cadre and flooding through the streets.

Like the other guards, Cloud Zapper heard the telepathic message from command outlining the weak spots on these robots’ bodies. But even as his blade separated limbs from torsos and left sparking gapes in steel shells, there were just too many. For each he cut down, two more took its place.

The battle left a swath of destruction; two tall major building complexes ahead of Cloud Zapper’s position were now piles of rubble. His unit had been driven far from their original location. Now his comrades were defeated and captured, held prisoner in the enemy’s strange containers. The entire unit wiped out, save for him. So many of these golems filled the streets he couldn’t even see the capsules holding his friends anymore.

Minutes ago they received word of a contingent of the Inquisitors that was supposed to been coming to bolster their position, but they were nowhere to be found. A particularly frequent number of explosions and laserfire from the southwest led him to assume their backup had been pinned down.

So here he stood, alone against an army of Badniks, covered in sweat and dust. His armor was marked by several pockmarks where laser shots had hit their mark. Despite the lingering pain, despite all odds, still he fought. Taking off the leg of another Egg Pawn, he glared resolutely at the looming army.

He would protect Equestria—with his life.

Using his natural agility, Cloud Zapper circled around the grasping hands of the next set of Egg Pawns, hacking at their legs. As the pair went down, a cluster of laser bolts forced him to spring away. A loud blast went off; panic lanced Cloud Zapper’s heart. His wings carried him up off the ground moments before the missile from a bazooka whizzed past his previous spot, traveling and exploding somewhere off to his right. Cloud Zapper had seen one of those weapons nearly incinerate half a dozen ponies when it struck the nearby ground. He dreaded what would be left of him if he took a direct hit.

Cloud Zapper sighted a slowly-crawling Caterkiller several meters behind the shooters. Deciding he’d prefer whatever the worm Badnik had in store to the gun-touting Egg Pawns, he went for it instead. Sailing in a loop over shooting Egg Pawns, he curved down towards the Caterkiller and cut across the snarling Badnik’s face. As it flailed, sparks fountaining from the gash, Cloud Zapper whirled around in midair and bucked its towering frame toward the four gunners. All but one were crushed underneath the Caterkiller.

More lasers streaked his way and Cloud Zapper swerved to avoid them; he wasn’t quick enough. One shot caught him near the base of his left wing. He went down with a cry, his sword falling away as he hit the street.

Squeezing his teeth together, fighting through the pain, Cloud Zapper willed himself up. His left wing hung limply at his side; he could barely move it. Another burned circle marked the point of shot below his wing.

From the air, a pair of Flappers flew in from behind Cloud Zapper and targeted him. Breaking formation, they swung to opposite sides of his position on the street, banked suddenly, then converged on Cloud Zapper, raining down streams of electric plasma. The colt darted right and backwards to avoid the electric streams, lunging for his sword as two Egg Pawns charged. He grabbed it in his teeth with barely enough time to duck under the first’s haymaker and counter with a cut that sliced apart its knee. He spun to face the other, but a swing from its lance struck his blade so hard it jarred the sword from his mouth. It spun away through the air and pierced into the ground five yards away.

His body hit ground. Reflexively, his hoof grasped his aching jaw. He tasted iron in his mouth. It was all he could do to scramble behind fallen pieces of a destroyed structure for cover as more Egg Pawns fired at him. The Flappers took station above the others and the ground units moved in.

Cloud Zapper swallowed, his nostrils flaring in hard breaths. A cold dread crept up his spine; grim realization this might be it. But against fear, pain, and the sounds of chaos around him, he gathered his courage and stood. This was his duty. His destiny. And he’d follow it all the way to the end.

But first, he’d need his sword.

When the sound of gunfire pounding his cover stopped, he made his move. He leaped from behind the rubble, screamed a battle cry and charged. If nothing else, he would go down fighting.

But as if from nowhere, a streaking shape blasted through one of the Flappers, a blue ray of light trailing the air behind it. The shape hit the ground, swerved back around and sprang into the air to similarly take out the other Flapper at speeds so great they were both destroyed before Cloud Zapper realized what had happened.

The spinning blue ball hopped to the top of a hill of crumbled architecture, bounced once on the peak, then landed into the unfurled shape of a creature that stood with its back to Cloud Zapper and the Badniks. With a quick pivot Sonic faced the robots below with a straightened pose, smiling with an index finger held upright, wagging it at the Badniks.

Only belatedly did the stunned colt recognize him.

The Egg Pawns immediately forgot about the pony. Their unnatural voices intoned in unison, “Hedgehog: priority one!”

Sonic chuckled. “Isn’t it great to be wanted?” A jump took him off the rubble and into the air above the gang of robots. Curling his body, he dropped down with a slam that burst apart a third of them in one swift motion. A blinding series of homing attacks quickly turned what remained into bulks of scrap metal scattered about the road.

Cloud Zapper stared in baffled awe as the strange biped that so easily wiped out strode towards him. His shock doubled when Sonic offered a hand out to him with an accompanying friendly smile.

“Up and at ‘em, kid. There’s a whole lot more where those came from. You hurt?”

His previously shocked face warmed. He took Sonic’s hand, standing with the hedgehog’s help. “I… I think I can still move.” He cringed from the new pain in his chest, but still managed a smile. “Thanks a lot. I seriously thought I was done for.”

Sonic smiled in return, rubbing his nose.

The sound of weapons firing made both of them look down the road. Sonic’s face hardened. He recognized those particular types of Badniks menacing the distant ponies. They would need help. Sonic noticed Cloud Zapper’s sword stuck in the ground just as the young stallion was making his way towards it. It took him a second to get there first.

“Mind if I borrow that?” He pulled it out of the ground and was gone before he could hear a reply, leaving Cloud Zapper feebly reaching out after him with a bewildered expression.

“H-Hey!”

Half a mile away, the mixed numbers of the Militia and Inquisitors fought like hell against Eggman’s forces. Pegasi swooped from above and Egg Pawns fell, polearms sticking out of their sparking forms. Earth ponies pulled together the bodies of fallen Badniks into piles, wincing as bullets rattled against the steel carcasses and whizzed over their heads. Unicorns took cover behind the makeshift barricades and returned fire with beams of magic, their cohorts of other species doing so so with crossbows.

Mixed into the guards were panicked civilians. A number of tunnel entrances along the street had been destroyed or blocked by fallen rubble or Badniks, forcing some to linger in the street, doing everything they could to keep far away from the combat.

One Earth stallion wore a helm that covered his entire face, featureless except for the openings for his eyes. His armor was replete with marks of battle; dents, gashes, and singed spots from laserfire decorated the gold plating. He stood among the robotic remains of his foes, his hoof vised around a war hammer. It was shorter than the average polearm, only about three feet in length; compact and sturdy, designed for easy carriage and greater maneuverability while not sacrificing blunt effectiveness.

Four Egg Pawns converged on the stallion, pikes in hand. Left and right he laid about, caving in the first robot’s chest, tearing through the leg of a second. As he parried an attack from the third, the fourth jabbed its lance straight into the pony’s masked face. His helmet went skittering across the ground. Grit Vigil staggered for half a heartbeat before spinning and slamming his war hammer into the Egg Pawn’s face, feeling the impact in his hooves as metal crunched through metal. He wrenched it free, oil erupting from the gash as the Badnik fell.

Grit sprang backwards to dodge the final Egg Pawn’s lance, running to retrieve his weapon. He grabbed it just in time to shunt aside the incoming lance thrust and jabbed the Pawn in the face with the butt of his hammer. As the droid stumbled back, he buried the weapon’s spike in its face.

“Squad 2, flank the ranged ones!” he shouted. “Stick close to the melee ones! Don’t let the shooters catch you in the open!”

Another Egg Pawn four yards away leveled its blaster at him. In a moment of sheer instinct, Grit grabbed the still-standing corpse of his most recent foe and swiveled behind it for cover. The robot rattled as laser bolts rapped against its back. Grit tensely held his non-living shield in place, silently hoping it would hold long enough to keep him alive.

His hope was answered; the juddering let up. Wasting no time, Grit turned and bucked the dead Egg Pawn with all his strength. He was galloping forward even as it sailed through the air and crashed into its compatriot. The still-functioning Egg Pawn flailed and pushed, trying to get the inert unit off. The first fall of Grit’s hammer removed its gun hand. The second crushed in its face.

Grit loosed a heavy grunt as he stood still, breathing deeply to slow his pounding heart. Incidentally, his eye was drawn to the firearm lying on the ground by the Badnik’s limp fingers.

At the corner of Canterlot Theater, Life Line administered medical aid to a pegasus stallion who’d been shot down. A round of enemy machine gun fire had caught him in the wing. Her steady hoof and assuring words managed to keep the agonizing private steady enough for her to begin dressing the strange wound.

“Easy, there. You’re gonna be all right.” The bleeding finally stopped enough for her to cease her healing spell and wrap a piece of gauze around his wing’s radius. Her magic couldn’t completely mend the shattered bone, but she had stopped the bleeding enough to secure the wound.

A shout issued from somewhere around the corner, followed by a harsh metallic thud. Roancoat came sliding across the ground into the alley with the pair.

“Look out!” The private cried, pointing fearfully at the trio of Egg Pawns approaching from behind.

Turning to face them, Life Line stepped forward fearlessly. She quickly cast a ray of magic onto the ground behind her, just in front of Roancoat and the wounded private.

“Surrender, organic,” the foremost Egg Pawn droned. “You will bow to the Eggman Empire.”

Life Life moved suddenly, ducking and sliding between the legs of the first Egg Pawn and slammed her hooves into its back, knocking it onto its face. She spun around the second one’s grab and struck with hard, pin-point-accurate blows to its elbow and knee, staggering the droid. The third swung at her, but she skillfully parried the blow, ducked between its legs and reared to full height, lifting the robot and sending it up and over her. It flipped through the air and crashed into the second Egg Pawn, both joining the first on the floor.

They wouldn’t be getting up. They flailed vainly, stuck to the ground by a sticky pink substance; a gum-like trap lain by Life Line. The unicorn turned half turned, scowling at the helpless mechs. “Not today.”

The two stallions marveled at her work. “Wow, Sarge… That was incredible!” said the private.

Roancoat nodded agreement. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a medic with moves like that.”

Life Line smirked. “You’ll find I’m almost as good at making wounds as I am at mending them.”

Their small reprieve ended quickly; more Egg Pawns advanced on their location.

“Think you’ve got enough fancy moves for the both of us?” Roancoat asked.

Before Life Line could answer, flashing red lines of laser bolts speared through the four approaching Badniks, dropping them. It was Grit, raised on two legs, the liberated gun of a fallen Egg Pawn in hood, pumping shot after shot into the steel assailants.

“Over here, freaks!” Grit let off another burst of shots, ducking and sprinting as the mechs returned fire and gave chase. He galloped left, leaping over a pile of scrap metal and rolling into the space between two buildings to avoid the shots. The pursuing Badniks soon filled the alley’s entrance, taking stalking steps towards the lieutenant.

Girt backed up slowly. They had him cornered. No way to escape.

Or, that’s what he wanted them to think.

“Now!”

On Grit’s signal, a pair of pegasi appeared from the rooftops and dove down into the alley. Grit stood to his hind legs, allowing his fellow Inquisitors to scoop him up off the ground and carry him up and over the Egg Pawns’ heads.

The bots wheeled around, only to see a trio of unicorns waiting behind them. The two mares and one stallion let loose blasts of magic, shooting the walls to either side of the Badniks. The walls burst apart and collapsed, burying the robots in a cascade of bricks and mortar.

As Grit’s squad members placed him back on the ground, the Earth pony loosed an aggravated noise. “How many more of these things are there?!”

A burst of plasma flew between their heads, close enough that Grit could feel its heat. Dozens of Egg Pawns and Egg Knights pushed forward, their superior-ranged arm cannons and thick shields forcing the guards to give ground.

“Too many, sir!” The stallion answered, pulling more fallen robots into the makeshift barricade that shielded them. A plasma bolt grazed his helmet and he jolted back. The pair of unicorn mares took position behind the steel corpses, answering the enemy laserfire with beams of their own.

Life Line, Roancoat, and Ripcord came dashing in on the left, the latter a step slower than the other two, joining the rest of Grit’s team at their cover spot. Anxiety was painted on their faces. Roancoat cringed as a plasma burst rocked their cover. “We can’t keep this up! We’re being overrun!”

A cry of pain came from above. A pegasi mare came careening down from the air, crashing roughly to the ground a few yards behind the group. Her body shuddered painfully as she tried to move. “M-Medic!”

Life Line was in motion before the mare called for help, arrived to her in seconds. Tending to her, she saw the left side of the mare’s armor had an ugly singed mark. The armor had partially melted, and she could see blood. ‘It barely protected her,’ she realized. An inch in any other direction and the result may have been fatal. And if the melted steel seeped in too deep…

Grit put his stomach to the floor as beams whizzed mere feet over his head. He rumbled a curse under his breath. Things just kept getting worse. But he’d be damned if he didn’t go down fighting. He rose and was taking aim with his commandeered weapon when a blue blur flashed from right to left through the rows of Badniks.

To the surprise of all the guards, Sonic slid in from the left in front of the ponies, his back to them. Two seconds later, every Badnik hand that held a weapon fell away, sliced cleanly off.

Sonic glanced down at the sword he held, weighing it in his hand. He was amazed. It was so light, yet it cut through the robots’ heavy armor like it was nothing.

He looked back to the ponies and shouted, “Try it now!” Then he whooshed away, extending his sword arm as he dove at a new line of Badniks with a Spin Attack, wheeling through them like a veritable cyclone of steel-flashing death.

The ponies looked at the now handless robots before them.

The robots shrank backward.

The ponies smiled ominously.

“Take them!” Girt bellowed. He bounded over the mound of slaughtered Badniks, leading the newly-spirited guards into a charge. Grit ducked under a punch from an Egg Pawn and swept it onto its back with a single-leg takedown, jumping on top of the prone droid and pumping laser bolts into it until it stopped moving. His comrades descended on the crowd of their now defenseless enemies, reducing them to piles of inert scraps in a quick and feverish manner.

The last of the retreating robots were at last struck down. Cheers rose up from the guards.

“Finally,” Life Line breathed, “a ray of hope.”

Sonic came rushing in again, coming to a stop in front of Grit, Life Line, and Roancoat. The latter and a few of the other guards readied their weapons.

“There’s more bots coming in from the south,” Sonic said, ignoring the hostile looks. “You’ve got some bystanders trapped in a wrecked motel and one guy holding his own in front of it. Get down there and help him out.”

The ponies didn’t move, regarding Sonic with vigilant uncertainty.

“And why should we take orders from you?” one suspiciously asked.

Sonic may have been about to reply when somepony gave a shout. “Heads up!”

From the west, two Cannon Flappers approached from the air. Ponies had to dive and scatter to avoid the rounds launched from their under-hanging cannon barrels.

Sonic hurled his borrowed sword like a javelin. It flashed through the air and pierced one of the Flappers between the eyes. He jumped and used a Homing Attack to strike down the other, vaulting backwards and landing on top of the first. Pulling the blade free, he drove it deep into the Badnik once more and leaped off. He landed on the ground exactly two seconds before the ruined Flappers did.

The entire incident was over in less than ten seconds.

Sonic shot the cynical guard a look, bounced on the balls of his feet for a second, and dashed off.

The ponies gathered themselves again, watching the hedgehog fade into the distance. Five seconds later, Grit Vigil broke the silence.

“Squads Two and Three, head south! Back up our guy and get any other ponies below ground. I want a team of unicorns for extraction. Militia, use these dead… ‘bots’ to make barricades at every block going north and south from 23rd to 27th Street. I want this place ready for the next wave!”

He swung to Roancoat. “I’m leaving you with Bravo Squad. Put some sentries on the roofs and set up a perimeter to at least 28th.

Roancoat smirked. “You say that like you’re going anywhere without me.”

They stood and looked at each other for a moment. But Grit gave in, smiling thinly. “Get things cleaned up here, then rendezvous at the motel.”

Roancoat nodded and raised his voice to directed the remaining squads. “You heard the lieutenant! Bravo Squad, eyes in the sky! Militia, fortify the area! Get us ready before the next wave hits! And somepony get those tunnel doors clear!”

Grit strode forward and the two Inquisitor squads formed up behind him. The stallion that had challenged Sonic, with some hesitation, obeyed the order and went to join the rest of his Militia unit.

“All medics, report in front of the theater!” Life Line’s voice issued over the crowd. “Reds and yellows, to me! Anypony who can’t fight, get below ground!”

The two squads obeyed and followed after Grit’s team. The remaining guards swiftly went to work moving the scraps of Badniks and solidifying their position, recovering weapons and linking back up with their own squad members. Pairs heaved at the Badnik corpses blocking the tunnel doorways, reopening the entrances began to be unblocked one by one.

A sentry atop a roof corner suddenly called out, “Enemies to the west!”

“Oh, for bucks sake…” Life Line groaned.

“Not to worry! The cavalry has arrived!”

A new voice turned the ponies’ heads. A tall and brawny unicorn arrived on the scene, a rectangular greatshield fixed to the front of his armor and a squadron of Militia ponies at his back.

“Impeccable timing, Lieutenant Rush Wrecker,” Life Line greeted him. “Where’s Captain Stilleto?”

“Handling things in sector five,” the tall unicorn replied. “She sent us to back you up.”

“Wasn’t sector five totally flooded with these things?” one medic stallion remarked. “She sent you here while she takes them all on alone?”

“Trust me, Private,” Life Line said with a knowing smile, “it’s not the captain you should be worried about.”

“All right, that’s enough jaw flappin’!” Drawing a flanged mace from his belt, Rush Wrecker held it high and hollered to his troops. “Come on, boys! Let’s give ‘em Hell!”

A chorus of shouts went up behind him and the unit charged. Rush Wrecker was the first to meet the robots, blasting them with punishing strikes from his mace. “FEEL MY WRATH, ROBOTIC SCUM!”

Life Line and her medic partner watched with morbid fascination. The latter gave a half-hearted chuckle. “Spirited bunch, aren’t they, sarge?”

Life Line shook her head. “You have no idea…”

Back near the motel, Cloud Zapper was currently being squeezed by a crying mare. A tall pink unicorn had managed to pull herself out of the partially-collapsed inn. One of her hind legs was bleeding, her mane was a mess, and her coat was covered in spots of dirt. She clung tightly to the young private, sobbing uncontrollably.

“T-This is awful!” Top Tier moaned. “We’re all gonna diiieee!”

It was more than a little awkward for Cloud Zapper. “Um… No we’re not, ma’am,” he offered, patting her back. “It’s all going to be okay. There, there.”

With a gust of motion, Sonic arrived back in front of the two ponies. “Backup will be getting here any minute.” He pointed at the almost-flattened building. “Are there any more guys in there?”

It took a second for Cloud Zapper to find his tongue, looking uneasily between the hedgehog and the heiress glued to his neck. “Y-Yes, but they’re in a basement underneath all this. I don’t think anypony’s hurt, but they can’t get out.”

Top Tier’s crying subsided enough for her to perk her head up. Her eyes bugged when she saw Sonic.

“Keep them calm and don’t have anyone else move,” Sonic said. “Don’t want any more of this thing coming down on their heads.” He glanced at Top Tier, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Play nice with your dashing savior, ‘kay?”

Both ponies blushed.

Sonic spun Cloud Zapper’s sword to a reverse grip and held it out to him. “I believe this is yours.”

Cloud Zapper’s face brightened. He eased out of Top Tier’s grip and accepted it back.

“She’s a real beauty,” said Sonic. “Cuts so well it makes it easy. Terribly well balanced, too.”

Pride swelled in Cloud Zapper’s heart. “Yeah, she’s… really special.”

“You take good care of her. Now, I’d love to hang around, but there’s a couple hundred more evil tin cans to smash.” Sonic dabbed two fingers at the ponies and got ready to make tracks.

“Hold on!”

Sonic hesitated at Cloud Zapper’s voice, turning back. Him and Top Tier were looking at him strangely.

“Everypony’s talking about you… the Blue Demon. They said you attacked us. That you tried to kidnap Princess Celestia. Yet, here you are… helping us fight.” The young pegasus swallowed, steeling his nerves. “I wanna hear it from you! Are you friend or foe to Equestria?”

Sonic held his gaze for three seconds before smiling. “You’ll have to decide that for yourself.” And then he was gone, leaving the two ponies alone.

High above the road, on top of the nearest building, Celestia watched.

For all the violence and pandemonium that beset the streets of Canterlot, one soul remained blissfully unaware of it all.

A white unicorn strolled blithely down Glamour Avenue. She wore a pair of white and turquoise headphones, bobbing her head to the rhythm in her ears, totally deaf to chaos. Every step along her path, every swish of her spiky cobalt-and-cyan-striped tail was in sync to the beat. She strolled along without a care in the world, singing to herself.

“♪Buh duuuh, I’m howling at the moon, and sleeping in the middle of a summer afternoon. Buh buuuh, whatever did we do to make you take our world awaaaay? Duh duuuh, are we your prey alone alone, or are we just a stepping stone for taking back the throne? Duh duuuh, we won't take it anymore, so take your tyranny awaaaay.♪”

Vinyl made a mental note to give Neon his props for this latest release. It had been a hit with audiences. Catchy, too.

She was jolted out of her reverie when a pony shoved past her. Her headphones were knocked sideways, her purple sunglasses almost jerked off her nose, and very nearly fell over. Once she regained her balance, rearranged her shades and put her headphones down around her neck, she turned back to shout after the pony.

“Hey, keep your eyes on the road, would ya?!”

She wasn’t expecting a bunch of terrified shouts to answer her from the front, nor the stampede of ponies of all ages and sizes that went barreling past her. Bringing up the rear was a wrinkly elderly mare, her spring green eyes full of fright as she fled past the DJ. “Ruuun! Everypony run for your lives! It’s the rise of the machines!”

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. “What’s got their tails in a twist?”

An impact tremor strong enough to shake her body an inch off the ground answered. Vinyl turned to the sight of an Egg Hammer towering over her.

And now she was painfully aware of the very real danger she was in. Her glasses slid down, showing her magenta pupils, shrunken with fear. She gulped as the enormous robot stared down at her menacingly, cautiously stepping backwards. “Uh… easy there… Nice huge, terrifying, big-hammer-having golem…”

The Super Badnik took another thunderous step forward and Vinyl fell back on her haunches, shivering. She’d suddenly wished she’d joined the crowd in running away. As the Badnik lifted its hammer, she covered her head and squeezed her eyes shut, hoping it would be quick. ‘Sorry Tavi, you’ll have to have movie night without me!’

But instead of the snuffing crash of a giant hammer, Vinyl felt a strong pair of limbs scoop her up off the ground, and rush of air whistling through her ears and mane.

Confused, she opened her eyes to the weirdest thing she’d seen all month. A blue and peach face with a thin black nose and sparkling emerald eyes looked down at her. The figure wore a smile that was distinctively boyish.

“Well, that could have ended badly. You all right?”

It took a few seconds for Vinyl to realize she was just staring with her mouth slack. She caught herself and nodded.

“Good.” Sonic placed her down gently. Turning his attention back to the Egg Hammer, his grin grew a touch fiercer. “Follow those other guys to safety. I’ve got dibs on the Hammer Bro.”

As he ran back towards the bot, Vinyl lingered for a few moments. Her eyes fixed on Sonic as he went, her lips curving into a wolfish grin. “Mmm… hello, good lookin’.”

The Egg Hammer primed for battle as Sonic rushed it. The blue hero flexed his fingers, grinning in anticipation. “Breaking out the Super Badniks, huh? You’re really going’ all out for this, aren’tcha doc?”

The mech brought its hammer crashing down with a blow strong enough to send up a billow of dust. When it cleared, Sonic sat atop the hammer’s up-facing side with a cheeky smirk. “Missed me,” he singsonged.

The hammer lifted and Sonic rolled backwards, landing on his feet. The Super Badnik reeled back and took another swing at him. Sonic moved as a blur to the other side of the street, avoiding it. Leaning his hand on a fire hydrant, he faked a yawn and looked at his fingers. “Try again, big guy!”

He dodged a horizontal swing with a backwards leap, flipping at the arch of his jump. “Over here!”

He tucked into a ball and spun, shooting forward as he hit the ground and springing at the Egg Hammer’s chest. To its credit, the giant robot deflected his attack with its weapon’s handle. Sonic bounced off and over the Super Badnik, landing behind it in the center of the road. “C’mon, you can do better than that! Swing, batta-batta-batta—”

A set of crashes issued from the other direction.

“—swing?”

Three more Egg Hammers stomped from around the surrounding street corners. The four giants encircled Sonic, rearing back to crush him.

“…Yeah, okay, this one’s on me.”

All four hammers smashed down, the combined impact making everything within a hundred feet shake.

A few blocks away, a manhole cover pushed out from where it lay, and Sonic emerged. “Hedgehog. Noun. A burrowing animal.” He hopped out and dusted himself off. “That was a lucky break. Now, where am I exactly?” Looking about, he found himself in an alley. And judging from the fainter sounds of the giant footsteps, he was a considerable distance from the four Egg Hammers.

He was about to head back on the open road to continue the fight when faint sound caught his ear. A soft, subtle sound; like the wind catching a loose cloth. Then something metallic; a quick, sharp hiss.

Sonic’s eyes widened. That one he recognized—sword!

He jumped and rolled forward just in time to avoid the saber that pierced the spot where he’d been standing. Catching himself in a kneeling stance, Sonic whirled to face his attacker.

Who he saw surprised him.

Umbra’s eyes brimmed with rage and ill intent. She flourished her sword in a sweeping motion, its straight blade glinting dangerously. “You’re mine, hedgehog!”

On Royal Avenue, the battle had taken a turn for the worse.

The shattered remnants of Ironhide Company were in full retreat. This particular unit of the Militia was mostly comprised Earth ponies, primarily meant for close-quarters combat. Even with the information broadcasted of where to target the two-legged robots that made up most of the army, the automatons proved difficult opponents. Spears were broken. Swords stuck in metal limbs and joints, leaving their wielders open. Even with a deployment of unicorns from the Mystics division sent in to assist, their armored foes had pushed the cadre to the breaking point.

Then the heavy artillery had come out—the choices were run or die.

What now amounted to less than a single full platoon was forced to flee north on Royal Avenue. Lasers chased the ponies as they fell back to their cover spot: a raised three-foot stone wall that stretched across the road. Little more than two blocks now stood between the approaching army and the castle wall—the last line of defense.

A pair of stallions bounded over the wall. Their captain, green coat and orange mane, turned back long enough to hurl a spear at the coming robots, not bothering to watch it land as he dove behind it as well. Laser bolts punched into the stone he’d just been on the other side of. Beside him was a young unicorn mare, belly to the ground, shivering in fright. Another explosion rocked the ground so hard half the remaining guards lost their footing.

“Sturdy Pike to command!” the captain said into his helm as fragments of stone pelted him. “The enemy has broken our line! We can’t hold them back, we need reinforcements!” He grabbed another spear and hurled it at the approaching line. It ended its distal arc by embedding itself in the shield of a Solid Pawn. The Badink’s marched with unimpeded synchronization with its rank, gray and orange metal filling the street from sidewalk to sidewalk.

“Private Firma, what are you doing?!” Sturdy shouted at the unicorn beside him. “Pull yourself together! Fight!”

Petra Firma barely met his gaze. Her mouth moved, but made no noise.

The row of Solid Pawns separated, making a space through the middle of their ranks. A giant, spiked ball rolled through. A gray robot with an armor visor and spikes on its head and shoulders balanced on top, juggling bombs as it rolled towards the ponies.

There were shouts of warning and frantic calls to retreat. Sturdy Pike yanked Petra by the hoof and ran, the pair getting just far enough to avoid being incinerated by the blast that blew the wall open and set the road ablaze. A nearby fountain with a statute of an alicorn’s likeness was destroyed, water pouring over the street.

Sturdy dragged himself up, his ears ringing. The situation seemed hopeless. He never saw the Egg Bommer’s next attack until he turned. The bomb fell right towards him.

But it stopped midway, hanging in mid air and shining with a pink-white aura. The projectile went hurtling back to its source. The string of fireballs that followed reduced the Bommer and a large chunk of the Solid Pawns behind it to slag.

Sturdy Pike turned to the sound of hoofsteps, and his expression became one of stunned realization. “Commander Dawn Stride!”

A lithe, cream-colored unicorn mare, her mane a mix of pink and blue, stood over him. “Allow me to lend a hoof, Captain.” She snapped to Petra. “Private Firma! Bring up another wall! Give us more cover!”

Petra didn’t respond, still shaking on the ground.

“PETRA!”

Dawn Stride’s shout finally made her open her glassy eyes. The Mystics commander’s face held fire, but also compassion. “I need you. Your fellow guards need you. Do not abandon us.”

Something in her voice loosened the veil of fear that choked the younger mare. With some hesitation, she rose to her hooves. “Y-Yes, ma’am!”

Dawn Stride nodded and activated her comm. “Squads 3 and 4, fall in behind my position. Take cover behind the barrier and wait for my signal. Squad 7, that battle meditation should have been going yesterday. S Company, take position and stand by. Hold your fire until I give the word.”

Just then, a Solid Pawn fired its gun. A laser bolt whizzed through the air towards the back of Dawn Stride’s head. Before Firma could scream a warning, Dawn Stride leaned her head to the side without even looking back. The burning plasma sailed past her helmet and struck the upper wall of nearby home.

Dawn Stride turned to face the army, grim purpose in her eyes. “Private Firma, get that wall up on the double,” she ordered before marching forward, alone.

Petra look worriedly after her for a few seconds before gathering herself and sparking up her horn. She raised her head, grunting from exertion. The ground in front of her cracked and a slab of rock rose up in front of her. Covering the entire road and twice the height of the first, it completely hid her and everything else from view, leaving only the commander and the enemy.

Dawn Stride sighted the water flowing over the street from the shattered fountain. Igniting her magic, she lifted it off the ground, drawing it to her as a swirling torrent. The torrential stream wrapped around Dawn Stride’s body, hovering in the air before an exertion of her will sent it out at the robot army in one huge deluge, catching the Egg Pawns up in the wave.

At that moment, a fresh feeling of energy washed over Dawn Stride. She smiled. Her Mystics’ battle meditation—a spell that allowed an individual or group of unicorns to give strength to the bodies, minds, and spirits of those around them—was now active. Smiling, the Mystics commander cast another spell, unleashing a stream of lightning into the water. With Squad 7 bolstering her intent, the electric current fried the robots all the way through to their delicate circuitry. Dawn Stride waited until their smoking bodies ceased to move before she dropped them.

But the battle was far from over. She could more Egg Pawns heading her way; and they weren’t the only ones. From above, a wave of Buzz Bombers descended. The wasp robots aimed their stinger-mounted blasters at Dawn Stride and fired.

The commander scarcely reacted, moving calmly forward, stepping from side to side around the bolts as if they were in slow motion—as if she knew exactly where and when they would land.

Behind her, she sensed several familiar signatures. She felt Firma’s energy flare. A space in the wall of rock opened up, and the eighteen unicorn mares of Squads 2 and 3 filed in behind her.

‘Perfect timing.’ Dawn Stride knew their counteroffensive wouldn’t work on that many enemies over so wide a space. They had to thin their numbers—starting with the air units. She swung her head to the ponies behind her. “Phoenix maneuver!”

In perfect coordination, three of the Mystics drew out three round, flat objects inlaid with carved symbols—charms. They sparked and produced burning flames as they hit the ground. Their next evoked spell manipulated the flames and made them grow. The fire came alive, swirling and coalescing, taking on the winged shape of a phoenix.

Dawn Stride sat and focused her own use of battle meditation to further empower the spell. The burning bird construct, already having a ten-foot wingspan, grew large enough to encompass nearly the entire space between the buildings. With shriek, it flew into the Buzz Bombers, engulfing them all in its mass of bright fire. They all fell from the sky, their smoking and melted husks clanging as they hit the ground.

Still, the Solid Pawns marched forward, bearing down on the forward group of Mystics with their gunfire. “Fall back!” Dawn Stride ordered. “Drive them back to First Street!”

Her Mystics quickly withdrew behind the rock barrier. Their commander let off a few more beams at the Badniks before following suit, Firma shutting the gap as she passed through and joining in the retreat.

It wasn’t long before the Solid Pawns blasted through the stone wall. As they filtered through, four of the Mystics unit plus Dawn Stride pooled their energy into a force field covering the pony-filled stretch of the road. The other Mystics charged their magic as lasers pounded against the barrier.

Dawn Stride focused all her will on helping her team to maintain the spell. “Hold… Hold… Wait for it…” When the last Solid Pawn moved past the intersection and the entire group was between the nearest buildings, she gave the order. “Now!”

The adjacent windows flew open and the unicorns of Squads 2 and 3 sprung their ambush, showering beams down onto the robots. In the same moment, Dawn Stride and her squad dropped the force field and opened fire. The Mystics were so augmented by their allies’ battle meditation, caught the Solid Pawns with so many bolts of magic, that the Badniks’ shields, shells and all were left skewered and quartered by the volleys.

As the last one fell and the firing ceased, Dawn Stride swept her gaze across the battlefield until she was sure she detected no motion. “That looks like the last of them. Well done.”

As the Mystics and Militia celebrated, a new voice came issued in her ear. “This is B Company calling any available reinforcements! We’ve lost position in sector two! The enemy’s heading straight up Mane Street!”

Dawn Stride felt her throat tighten. That would take them straight to the castle. She quickly put her hoof to the side of her helmet, linking into the communication spell running through all the guard’s helmets. “Aerial units, stand by! We’ll prepare an ordinance to—”

“Belay that order,” a sturdy baritone said over the comm line. “I’ll go myself.”

Sonic yelped as half a meter of steel almost took off his foot. He sidestepped a thrust that would have pierced his heart, and ducked a slash that would have opened his throat. “Hey, cool your jets a second!”

His pleas fell on deaf ears. Umbra bore down him with all the relentless fury of a rabid predator hatred staining her face. She slashed at him with a double stroke at him, left and right. Sonic ducked the first cut and jumped away to clear the second, flipping and landing with enough distance between them.

“Y’know, I’m not trying to kick your butt, but you’re really acting like you want me to.”

“Shut up!” She lunged at him again, a backhanded crosscut aimed for his chest. “I’ve always succeeded in my missions,” Umbra rumbled, shaking with rage. “I’ve never failed my princess… until YOU!”

Dodging another swing at his face, Sonic gave a half-hearted push kick to her side, shoving her away and hopping back another five feet. He wasn’t so much trying to fight her as trying to keep space between them for long enough to get through to her. “Hey bat girl, I don’t know if you haven’t noticed, but I’m not who you need to be worrying about right now! The doc and his robots is gonna tear this whole place apart!”

Umbra bared her fangs. “That hairless ape and his golems change nothing, and your cheap distractions aren’t going to save you this time. By order of Princess Luna, you are an enemy of the state. Our garrison will deal with the invaders, and I’ll deal with you.”

“You’re off your belfry if you think you can beat him on your own! And I haven’t done a thing to any of you!”

“Do you think I’m a fool?!” Umbra barked. “You infiltrated our city! Broke into Celestia’s personal courtyard!”

“By accident!” Sonic yelled back. “I already told the fly team, none of that was any of my choice! I was sucked into this place of pastel horses by one of Egg-brain’s traps!”

“Which still didn’t stop you from you willfully avoiding custody and injuring several ponies,” Umbra countered.

“I told you I don’t do well with cells and chains! What would you do if first thing out of a wormhole a bunch of jackboots tried to lock you up?”

“Irrelevant.” Umbra’s voice deepened into finality. “Your position is dubious at best. As far as the princess is concerned, you are still a threat.” A shadow fell over her eyes. “To say nothing of the fact you humiliated me.” She angled the tip of her sword to point at Sonic’s face. “I’m taking you in. In one piece, or several.”

Umbra lunged forward, her wings carrying her and her saber raised high for an overhead cleave. But Sonic’s patience had run out. Faster than the blink of an eye, he closed the distance between them and slammed a sidekick into Umbra’s chest before the blow came even close to falling. The hit loosed Umbra’s sword from her hoof, sending her through the air and driving her back into the stone wall behind her. Holding the pose, leg still extended, Sonic reached up and caught the falling sword.

Umbra panted haggardly to replace the air driven from her lungs, cursing under her breath. Twice now that thing had disarmed her; twice he’d struck her quicker than she could even see. Chest hot with anger, Umbra snapped her face up, only to perceive the flash of her own blade driving into the wall, inches from her left cheek.

She froze. A sudden, brief cold gripped her heart. She glanced left and saw her reflection in the steel. That could have been her head. Her eyes shifted forward and met the fierce expression of the hedgehog standing over her.

“Since you seem to have a hard time listening,” Sonic said sharply, “maybe this will get the point across: if I really wanted to mess you up, I could have done it every step of the way before now.” He let his words marinate a few more seconds, then pulled back, also pulling her sword from the wall. He rested the back of the blade on his shoulder, holding it ready just in case Umbra tried to pull a fast one. “Like I said, you’ve got bigger worries than me. I’m not the one who’s trying to do you harm.” He pointed his left index finger out towards the streets. “They are.”

Umbra’s stubbornly held his gaze for a long moment. Finally, she followed his hand and looked out at Canterlot. She saw the crumbled remains of buildings and multiple columns of black smoke rising into the air. She smelled the tinge of burning wood; heard the explosions and screams and tremors of the giant mechs roaming about.

The anger in her face ebbed. Her eyes unfocused, as if reliving unpleasant memories through the fire and destruction before her. Then her mind came back, and she looked back at Sonic sourly. “And I’m supposed to believe all of you showing up here at once is just a coincidence?” Her voice was full of suspicion and mistrust. “You clearly know that hairless creature. You could just as easily be his accomplice.”

Sonic resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Yeah, cause trying to shoot your own ‘accomplice’ dead in front of a captive audience makes so much sense.”

Umbra suppressed a scoff.

“I’m not your enemy, bat girl. You wanna throw down, that’s fine with me. But I can’t fight Egg-breath’s army and you at the same time. You’ve seen what his contraptions did. What they can do. You guys can’t beat them on your own, and I can think of a few thousand lives that’ll be in danger while you’re busy chasing a grudge.” He took on a disapproving look. “What would your princess think of that?”

An unreadable expression swept Umbra’s face. She didn’t reply.

Sonic lightly tossed Umbra’s sword, caught it in a reverse grip, and stabbed it into the ground in front of her. “Clock’s ticking, cap’n. Either stay here wasting time, or help me save lives. Your call.” He turned around and dashed off, leaving the Night Guard captain behind.

Umbra stayed where she was for a long while, staring at her reflection in the blade. She grit her teeth as the thoughts and emotions warred in her mind; the duty of the oath she swore to Princess Luna, the shame of her first ever failure, the grave reality of the invading force.

She had a choice to make—one ironically clarified by the same being that had humiliated her.

Before she could make a move, a platoon of bat ponies suddenly landed around her. A male with silver eyes and a spear with both a straight and crescent blade stood at the lead. “Captain Umbra,” he greeted in crisp acknowledgement.

Umbra regarded him. “Sergeant Dusk. I didn’t call any backup.”

“Lieutenant Night Flare did, ma’am,” Dusk replied. “His orders were to rendezvous with you and await your command.”

Umbra clicked her tongue. He would.

“We’re needed out there, Captain. What’s our next move?”

Umbra was silent for another long moment. Her eyes closed in tense thought. Then they opened and she picked up her sword.

Sonic didn’t look back as he ran. The ground rushed by beneath his feet, a blur of motion as he bee-lined for the closest Egg Hammer. The towering mech loomed in front of a two-story home with the image of an hourglass on its front. More important was the blue-and-white-maned unicorn Sonic could see trapped on the rooftop. A swarm of Egg Pawns battled with guards in the surrounding area, keeping them cut off and unable to help.

On the opposite end of the rooftop, Minuette was shaking like a leaf, screaming as the giant robot reached to try and grab her. She made every effort to keep as far away from the giant steel golem as possible. Growing tired of the fruitless effort, the Super Badnik lifted its enormous hammer swung it through the side of her home. Wood, bricks, and dust erupted in a billow over the street. The impact jarred the mare’s body so hard she fell over the side of the collapsing rooftop. Minuette shrieked and covered her eyes, not daring to look at the upward-rushing ground.

But Sonic shot over the crowd of bots and bodies, flying through the air and catching her in the nick of time. He slid on the soles of his shoes as he hit the ground and came to a short stop.

Now aware of the lack of plummeting or fatal collision with the ground, Minuette lifted her head. “I… I’m alive!” She looked to her savior through teary eyes. “Thank you! You saved my life!”

Sonic flashed her a smile. “It’s what I do.”

The ground shook as the Egg Hammer took a step towards the two, cocking back its weapon for another strike. Sonic held Minuette more firmly and readied himself. “Hang on tight!”

The robot swung again, but the thunderous blow hit only the ground as Sonic leaped high. Ignoring Minuette’s squealing, he landed back on the upward-turned side of the big hammer and sprinted up along the handle, jumping up to and then off Super Badnik’s shoulder to the street behind it before it could respond.

Breaking into run, he carried Minuette about forty feet westward. Catching view of a team of guards, he skidded to a stop in front of them and plopped his passenger down in front of the surprised ponies.

“Get this gal somewhere safe. Cool? Cool!” He zipped away before the trio could even speak or fully register what just happened.

Meanwhile, the Egg Hammer had lumbered further east, and the Egg Pawns had advanced in the opposite direction, forcing back the guards. As the group was overwhelmed, their sergeant called for a retreat, but the order came too late for one Earth pony stallion who was knocked to the ground by the blunt side of an Egg Pawn’s lance. It lined up its weapon was for a finishing strike and lunged.

Dropping from seemingly nowhere, Sonic landed on top of the lance, driving the tip of the forward-thrusting weapon down. The javelin put a shallow canyon in the ground, stopping inches from the stallion’s torso instead of piercing through his armor and ribcage.

He glanced at the lance, then back to the robot. “Point.”

A swift kick knocked it from the Egg Pawn’s hand. “Set.”

And a dropkick sent the droid rolling down the street. “Match.”

He kipped up from the ground and looked over his shoulder at the stunned guardstallion, nodding in the other direction. The pony got the message and scrambled off the floor, following the order to fall back with the others.

Now it was just Sonic and a street full of hostile robots. Just the way he liked it.

“Priority one: destroy—”

“Yeah, yeah, ‘destroy Sonic the Hedgehog.’” In a burst of speed he charged into the Badniks, carving through them with kicks and Spin Attacks. The guards looked over their shoulders at the melee as they fled.

“Holy crap, did you see that?!”

“This is better than any movie in the history of ever!”

Several blocks to the west, the streets were emptying out. Organized planning and quick movement on the part of the Royal Guard had gotten most of Canterlot’s citizens out of the danger zone. By now the southern most districts were completely evacuated. From the southern main entrance to downtown, nearly all of the civilians had been evacuated.

Floribunda was not one of them.

She galloped down the crater-ridden road of Quaestor Avenue as fast as her hooves could carry. With every step she sank deeper into the morass of panic and despair that choked her mind.

“Honey Sweet! Honey Sweet!”

One moment her daughter and her were entering the School for Gifted Unicorns’ for her recital, the next a horde of frightening machine-like beings descended on them.

She couldn’t remember all what happened; it came in flashes through her mind. The monsters blasting their way into the building. Ponies running. Screaming. In the onrush that followed, Honey Sweet’s hoof was pulled from her grip. The last thing she saw of her daughter was her fear-stricken face, the high-pitched squeak of her voice as she cried out for her mother the last thing she heard her say.

By some miracle, Floribunda had avoided capture. She prayed the same was true for her daughter, sprinting through the empty, burning district to find her.

“Honey Sweet, where are you?! Can you hear me?!”

Something inside one of the passing homes blew up. It fell towards the street, collapsing on its side, throwing a blinding wave of dust. Floribunda squeezed her eyes shut as it swept over her, ambling forward.

“Mama!”

Floribunda gasped. It was her daughter’s voice. Faint, but nearby. She lifted her head, trying to peer through the eddying cloud. “Honey Sweet! Are you there?!”

She slipped on a loose piece of broken glass, scraping her foreleg on the pavement. Ignoring the spike of pain, she pressed on as fast as she could, following the rising sounds of crying. “Honey Sweet? Honey Sweet!”

Floribunda turned left at the next corner, and there she was, curled up in the middle of the road. She was only a few yards away, but a burning pile of rubble separated them.

“Honey Sweet!”

The filly raised her head, trying to blink away her tears. “Mama, help me!”

“Don’t you worry, baby! I’m coming!” Scanning the ground frantically, Floribunda sighted a hooked piece of metal debris. Grabbing it, she tried to dig a path through the heap to her daughter. Her success was slow and minimal.

Honey Sweet hugged herself. A spark of hope steadied her heart. Her mother would get her out of here, and they’d both be free from this nightmare. Then she felt the earth shake rhythmically beneath her, and the sound of huge footsteps.

She turned. The sight of an approaching Egg Hammer swallowed up that spark in an tsunami of dread.

“Run away, Honey!” Floribunda wailed, the tears coming as a cascade, her heart about to beat out of her chest as she dug frantically at the pile. “Run! Now!”

But her cries fell on deaf ears. Honey Sweet sat rooted in place, staring up at the enormous mech and trembling, too frightened to move. As the robot prepared to flatten her, the filly squeezed her eyes shut, vainly covered her head with her hooves and screamed. “MAAAMAAAAA!”

The Egg Hammer brought two-tons of steel crashing down hard enough to put a crater in the ground and shake the entire block. The bone-splitting noise of the impact and the proceeding storm of dust drowned out Floribunda’s mournful shrieks. The Super Badnik raised its hammer again to inspect the pulverized remains.

But there was nothing underneath.

Floribunda, now a twisted jumble of grief and confusion, heard the sound of a thud and a soft scraping to her right. She looked and saw Sonic thirty feet away on the same length of the split-intersection holding Honey Sweet safely in his arms.

“Phew! Talk about cutting it close.” Sonic looked at the filly he’d rescued. For a moment she gazed up at him, stupefied. When the shock wore off and she realized she was safe, she started crying out of sheer relief.

“Don’t worry, kid,” Sonic said, ruffling her mane. “No one with flesh and blood’s getting hurt on my watch.” Another tremor crash shook the ground as the Egg Hammer turned, having not yet spotted the hedgehog. He aimed a frown in its direction. “Except for the jerk with the ‘stache.”

A tearful Floribunda was overjoyed. Unthinkingly, she called out. “Honey!”

The Egg Hammer’s frame paused and rotated. Its photoreceptors fixed on her. Floridunad’s joy turned to horror. In seconds, before she could get any reasonable distance away, the big Badnik was in motion. With surprising speed, it stomped through the rubble blocking the path and cornered her against an apartment complex in a few bounding steps. It raised its hammer and Floribunda prepared for the end.

Abruptly, a small rock hit the Egg Hammer in the face. Puzzled, it turned its head in the thrown stone’s direction. It noticed a small pony with a red hat in the second-floor window of a depot.

“Hey, you overgrown windup doll!” Able shouted. “Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”

Turning completely around, the Egg Hammer focused on Able and moved towards him.

“…Which… it just occurs… isn’t me.”

When the robot got within three steps distance, Able jumped out of the window, catching footing on the outstretched branch of a tree. Another quick hop took him to the ground. He had to make another wild leap before the Super Badnik’s hammer caved in an entire vertical section of the building with a swing of its hammer. He bolted down the sidewalk and the Egg Hammer marched after him. Right into position.

“Now, guys!”

On signal, Gable and Fable popped out from the sides of another second-floor window, paint cans in hoof. As the Egg Hammer passed, they threw the can’s contents at it. Sloshes of purple and white paint flew out, covering the Egg Hammer’s head and upper body. The mech halted its charge, stumbling as it tried and failed to wipe the intrusive chemicals from its photoreceptors.

Gable grinned. “Nailed it!”

Excitement turned to fear as the Super Badnik’s hammer grazed the building, shaking the room.

“Now, let’s get outta here before we get hammered like nails!” Fable quavered.

Without pause, the two jumped out of the window one by one, landing softly in an awning below them and quickly clambering down to street level. They joined Able and sprinted to where Floribunda was. Fable grabbed her by the hoof. “Come on, run!” The shocked Floribunda didn’t have time to form words as she was pulled along. As the Egg Hammer flailed, it struck the ground with its weapon. The shockwave rattled the earth, and a pieces of a decimated structure broke off, falling towards them.

“Heads up!” cried Gable.

A blue streak flashed over their heads and smashed the debris to pieces before it touched them. Sonic landed on his feet and turned to the four, setting Honey Sweet down. The filly stumbled about on her tiny hooves, dizzy spirals in her eyes. “Stop the ride, mama… I wanna get off…”

“Honey!” Floribunda ran to her, squeezing her child in a tight hug.

“She’ll be just fine,” Sonic said, giving Floribunda a cheeky look. “Now move it or lose it, Duchess. You’re not pretty enough to save twice.”

Slightly hysterical, Floribunda looked at him, grateful tears smearing lines mascara down her face. “Bless you, stranger… Bless you!”

Smiling, Sonic glanced at the triplets. “I saw what you did, kids. Gutsy move.” He nodded his approval. “Now, get out of here. Leave the rest of the hero-ing to the professional.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice!” piped Fable.

As the group galloped away, Gable turned back to call over his shoulder, “Kick his butt, blue guy!”

Sonic turned his attention to the Egg Hammer. “That’s the plan.” As the Super Badnik wandered down the road, still trying to clear its vision, he dropped to all fours and started to spin.

Rainbow Dash peered down from fifty feet above the ground. She could see the forms of her six friends, visible to her as small, brightly-colored masses. Her eyes swiveled back and forth, taking in the battlefield Canterlot had become. The scene was pure chaos.

She welcomed it. This was just what she needed to kill her boredom.

Ahead, she spotted a Badnik resembling a dragonfly drifted into her line of sight. Grinning, she picked up speed and flew towards it, stretching out her hind leg for a karate kick. “Hyaaaaaa!”

Her hoof struck the Dragonfly on the crown of its head. A peel not unlike a giant bell rang out. The Dragongly veered off its course, crashing into the side of an apartment building. Two seconds later, was hovering in place and clutching her leg.

“Owww!” She whined in pain, rolling around in mid air. “My hoof!” In hindsight, maybe kicking something made completely of metal hadn’t been the smartest move.

She had little time to reflect on her blunder. Four Buzz Bombers zeroed in on her. She saw them coming, angling out of the way of a laser blast in the nick of time with a yelp. Powering through the pain in her hoof, she took off through the sky, the Buzz Bombers chasing close behind.

“Okay… so much for that idea.” She glimpsed around to the surrounding structures as she flew “Time to improvise!”

She pumped her wings, racing through the air like a jet as she took the Buzz Bombers on a high-speed chase. She veered around a turn and turned up, sailing over the towers and rooftops. “Come on, Dash,” she mumbled. “It’s just like the race through Ghastly Gorge.”

Peering back from the corner of her eye, she spied the Buzz Bombers on her tail, taking note of their positions. Looking forward, she sighted a pair of close-together towers in the distance. She flapped her wings harder, taking the robots faster and faster towards it. At the last moment she tucked her wings and slipped through the small gap, avoiding the towers. An explosion told her one of the Buzz Bombers wasn’t so lucky.

She caught the thin tip of a passing tower with her hooves and used it to swing back around, blasting past the other wasp robots. “What’s the matter! Can’t keep up?”

Rainbow waited for the metal wasps to turn back around to follow her. To her surprise, a small, barely-visible projectile of some kind shot one of them in the head and it went down, crashing onto a roof. But she didn’t have time to think about where they came from. She had to swoop and spin to avoid another set of lasers, yelping as one of them singed some end strands of her tail.

“Hey! Watch the merchandise!”

When the final two Buzz Bombers got within twenty-five feet, she went into a hard nosedive. The wind whipped through her mane as the ground rushed towards her. She pulled up, curving enough to avoid crashing—but it had been close. She heard a clang behind her and looked back to see smoke and sparks sputtering from one of the Badnik’s abdomens. It hadn’t been able to make that tight turn.

Seeing her chance, Rainbow Dash twisted around and shot up into the sky at a forty five degree angle as fast as she could, then came down directly above the Badniks. Putting all of her force into a two-hoofed stomp, she slammed her hind legs against the damaged Buzz Bomber, making it crash into the one flying below it. The two bots spun out of control and ploughed into the road below, destroyed on impact.

Rainbow panted, adrenaline roaring through her. Her heart pounded in her ears. Her hind hooves were numb, but they didn’t inhibit the wide grin that lit up her face. “Aw yeah, that’s right! In your stupid face!” Savoring the moment, she went into a mid-air victory dance. “Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh! Yeah, I’m coolest! Nah, you can’t touch this! Nuh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh!”

She was so caught up in her celebration, she never noticed danger approaching until a she heard the heavy thud of a footstep right behind her. She stopped chanting and turned, but it was too late. The paint-smeared Egg Hammer had its weapon raised for a swing.

Rainbow’s breath caught in her throat; cold reality seized her. The blow would break so many of her bones. It’d be a miracle if she survived.

But then there was a crash; the sound of another impact. One that made the Egg Hammer jerk in place. A millisecond later, a round, rapidly-spinning mass of blue burst out from the Super Badnik’s chest cavity. The Egg Hammer was left with a large sparking hole in its center. It stayed stationary for another two seconds, then pitched forward onto its face with a heavy slam.

Sonic unfurled from his curled form and landed on his feet, pausing a moment to look at the blue pegasus. “Watch your back, bluebird!” he called over his shoulder before dashing down the road to the right.

Rainbow’s jaw worked, but no words came out. She stayed where she was as quick play of events gelled. She’d let her guard down. She’d almost died. And worst of all, that alien criminal had been the one to save her. That last realization burned more of a fire in her gut than her near-death experience. Her teeth pressed together, a growl forming in her throat.

She was about to chase after him when a scream came from up ahead. She looked across the way and saw an Egg Pawn with a pony in its hands, moving towards a waiting capsule.

She had to choose: go after the alien, or rescue her fellow ponies.

She growled to herself, hesitating for only a moment to cast one last look in the direction Sonic had run. “You got lucky…” Then she dove for the robot.

Sonic walked away from a group of exploding Badniks, nonchalantly brushing dust off his shoulder. He shot a cursory glance at the wreckage behind him, then faced around to the scores of robots before him.

“A hundred down, a thousand more to go.”

As he got ready to charge, a shadow crossed overhead. Four armored bat ponies swooped down on the Egg Pawns at the front of the group, raking them with their bladed gauntlets. Two more groups came in fast at the Badniks’ flanks.

Among them, Sonic spotted Umbra, dropping in behind an Egg Pawn and slashing the back of its knees. Quick as a cat, she darted forward. As she passed another droid she whipped her sword in a low sweep that hewed through its leg, dropping it. Her saber swung in diagonal arcs, severing the vital components of several Egg Pawns’ arms. Kicks as fierce as they were precise beat back the automatons, allowing her fellow Night Guard to swarm over their damaged quarry.

Sonic had to admit, he was impressed. The colorful bat girl moved like a panther, and that straight sword seemed an extension of herself. Jumping and somersaulting away to give himself some breathing room, he landed at Umbra’s back. He glanced back at her, giving a low, approving whistle. “Well okay, Sarah Connor. Not bad at all.”

“Stay focused, hedgehog,” she responded curtly.

Smirking, Sonic jumped high for a set of Homing Attacks, taking out another string of Badniks. Four more Egg Pawns swarmed him as he landed. Dropping low onto his hands to dodge their pikes, he pivoted onto his back and spun in a rapid break-dancing-style wheel, slamming his attackers with hard kicks across arms, legs, and torsos that sent them scattering.

Umbra jumped over the lance that thrust at her, slicing its wielder’s arm as she flipped over and landed behind it. Out of the blue, a second lance struck across the face. Her helmet went flying and she hit the ground. Right as the Egg Pawn raised its pike for a killing blow, Sonic shot across the battlefield swift as the wind and sent it sailing away with a flying kick.

“Don’t slow down now, bat girl!” he called puckishly before rushing to his next target.

Hissing a curse to herself, Umbra rose. Ignoring the blood coloring her lips and chin, she sidestepped the reaching arm of another Egg Pawn and twisted left into a reverse sweep that sliced through its knee joint. Another lance aimed at her right side; Umbra let her wings carry her over it, taking a reverse grip on her sword and driving the blade down through the robot’s eye.

The rest of Umbra’s teammates were making short work of their enemies. Dusk’s spear impaled a Caterkiller’s head. The blades on several members’ hooves slashed at every pair of mechanical eyes in sight, leaving the blind robots vulnerable to coordinated attacks by other pairs.

Sonic watched them work with a satisfied expression. It seemed like they had things handled here. He turned to the captain as another Egg Pawn fell to her blade. “There’s still the Super Badniks and the drop ships to take care of. You guys handle the small fry, I’ll take go to take care of them.”

Umbra jade eyes fixed sternly on him. “I still don’t trust you.”

To her annoyance, Sonic only showed a smile. “Wasn’t asking you to.”

Snorting as he went rushing off, Umbra steeled her grip on her saber and threw herself back into the fight.

Applejack slammed her hind hooves into the back off an Egg Pawn, clearing the path out of an alleyway. “This way, y’all!” The rest of her friends minus Rainbow Dash filed out.

Twilight gulped as she lead the group quickly along the sidewalk, her heart beating like a drum. The pandemonium engulfing everything

But she couldn’t falter now. They had to succeed. The princesses were counting on them. Fixing her eyes ahead, she make out a trace of Canterlot Tower’ pointed yellow top.

“We’re almost to the Tower! Just a little further!”

“Twilight darling, look out!”

Rarity’s warning came a second before Applejack tackled Twilight out of the way of an Egg Pawn’s lance. The robot lifted its pike from the cracked ground and turned towards Fluttershy and Rarity, bearing down on the two screaming ponies.

Spike threw himself between his friends and the Badnik, sucking in air and loosing a burst of green fire into the Egg Pawn’s face. It staggered back, swiping an arm about, which gave Twilight enough time to recover and seize it in a telekinetic grip. With a sound of effort, she chucked the robot across the street. It smashed into the wall hard enough for bricks to collapse onto it where it stayed, buried and flailing upside down.

“Nice toss, Twilight,” said Applejack. “And quick thinkin’ there, Spike.”

“My hero!” Rarity cooed, rewarding the little dragon with a smooch on the cheek.

Spike blushed, chuckling. “I-It was nothing.”

“Come on,” Twilight urged, “we’ve gotta get to the Elements of Harmony before—”

Fluttershy let out a shriek. A small army of Badniks had found them, cutting off their escape from all sides.

“—we’re surrounded…”

As the robots closed in, Rainbow Dash abruptly returned, dropping down at the head of the group next to Twilight. She pawed the ground, ready for action. “Come and get some, you freaks!”

Just as violence seemed imminent, an array of multi-colored beams rained down from the sky onto the Badniks. Royal Guard unicorns leaped down from the backs of the pegasi that carried them, landing amid the robots and going on the attack. They took down several of the Egg Pawns in the time it took for the robots to realize what was happening. As the Badniks turned to engage them, a team of Earth ponies swept in from around the corners, putting themselves between the Egg Pawns and the Ponyvillians.

Fifteen seconds later, all of the Badniks lay defeated.

Surprised by the sudden turn of events, the six stood still as a the pinto first sergeant and masked lieutenant of Bravo Squad approached. The latter removed his helmet as they neared.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Grit Vigil said, nodding acknowledgement. He gestured to himself and his pinto partner. “Lieutenant Grit Vigil, First Sergeant Roancoat. We’ve been sent to escort you to Canterlot Tower.”

Twilight released the lung full of air she didn’t realize she was holding. “Thank you, Lieutenant… you couldn’t have come at a better time.”

“Indeed,” Rarity purred, giving Roancoat a onceover. Roancoat, for his part, merely gave an amused smile.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash, accompanied by shouts. Another Egg Hammer stomped from around the corner. The Super Badnik fixed its sights on the ponies, turning towards them.

Pinkie Pie trotted out to the front. “Okay, everypony. Follow my lead.” She then proceeded to scream and run for her life.

Grit slid his helmet back on and drew his war hammer. “Scatter! Weapons free!”

The Equestrians darted in different directions as the mech stomped forward. Unaffected by crossbow bolts and sword cuts that peppered its frame, it’s huge leg fell towards Applejack.

“Whoa, Nelly!” The mare had to dive wildly to keep from getting crushed underneath the Super Banik’s foot.

A moment later, The Egg Hammer was suddenly hit by a barrage of strikes across its body, accompanied by what appeared to be a rainbow hurricane. “No! Body! Hurts! My! Friends!” Rainbow Dash struck the bot again and again, but her blows had little effect. A sweep of the Super Badnik’s arm sent her sailing away.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight cried as Rainbow crashed through a door. As she motioned to go after her friend, the Egg Hammer turned its gaze on her.

Anger flared in Twilight, her horn sparking. Staring down the bot, she channeled her magic and blasted it with a barrage of magenta beams. The mech raised an arm to defend itself, stepping back under the pressure. Applejack joined in on the fray and bucked hard at its legs. Rainbow Dash came roaring back, using a sledgehammer she’d picked up from somewhere to strike the Egg Hammer again and again on the head.

Twilight upped the ante, intensifying the magical blasts. “Fall down, fall down, fall down!”

The nearby royal guards rose, watching in amazement as the three heroes pushed the Super Badnik back.

“Protect the Elements!” shouted Roancoat.

The Inquisitors joined the renewed attack on the metal titan, launching spears, crossbow bolts and magical rays of their own. Grit pulled out the gun he had taken and sprayed the Egg Hammer with laserfire unti it was empty, but still the mech would not fall. Another swing of its hammer turned aside the entire volley and tore the ground asunder. Nearly all the Inquisitors were scattered across the road. The blow grazed Rainbow, who hit the ground and rolled to a stop in front of Twilight and Spike.

“No!” Enraged, Grit snagged another Egg Pawn’s gun off the ground and broke into a gallop, firing at Egg Hammer’s head.

Fluttershy clutched herself, trying to suppress her rising terror. “Nothing’s working…!”

“If we don’t take that thing down, it’ll devastate the main force,” said Roancoat.

Rainbow Dash got up, flaring out her wings. “Then… we keep trying!” But she cringed, the pain keeping her from doing so.

“Look out!”

The hammer fell again. Rainbow and Roancoat sprang away in the nick of time. Twilight reappeared in a purple spark on the other side of the block, Spike clutched against her chest and Fluttershy beside her. The Egg Hammer stomped after Grit as he continued to shoot at it.

Spike clambered down from her grip. Fluttershy, too scared to watch anymore, flattened against the ground and hid her head beneath her wings.

“What are we supposed to do…?” Twilight said into the wind. “How do we stop it?!” Panic rose in her chest. She started to hyperventilate.

“Aim for the head!”

Twilight paused at the sudden distant voice. She looked about, trying to find its source. A tug on her brought her attention to Spike. He was gazing at something and pointing up. Twilight followed his claw and was surprised to see Sonic standing on the edge of the roof, waving his arm.

She hesitated; at least until another Egg Hammer strike shook the ground. Twilight saw Grit lift of his hooves and go down hard.

“Come on!” Spike implored. “What have we got to lose?!”

Grit kept firing as the bot bore down on him, but after one round the gun clicked. Empty.

And in that instant, Twilight decided to act. A flex of her magic froze the Super Badnik mid-windup, preventing it from crushing Grit. “Rainbow Dash!” she cried out, straining as the Egg Hammer trembled, resisting her hold. She could hardly believe how strong it was. “Get him… out of there!”

Within seconds, a multi-colored streak came and whisked Grit out of the way and dropped him back on the sidewalk with Roancoat.

“A-Applejack! The knees!”

Quick on the uptake, Applejack galloped behind the Egg Hammer, jumped and kicked it as hard as she could in the back of its knee joint. The robot’s leg buckled.

Roancoat caught on to the plan. Saying to his lieutenant that he’d be borrowing it, he grabbed Grit’s hammer from its holster and raced after Applejack, shouting to his unit, “Bring it down!”

He leaped and hit the same spot with Grit’s weapon. Several consecutive charging strikes from pegasi Inquisitors finally brought the Super Badnik down to its knees. The unicorns cast glowing ropes of energy, snaring it by the shoulders as Earth ponies helped them pull. More pegasi capitalized and pushed down on the Egg Hammer’s back until it collapsed on its hands and knees.

With the Egg Hammer finally restrained, Twilight released her freezing spell. She closed her eyes and focused, pooling her energy, focusing all of it into a single point in her horn. Her aura grew steadily brighter, more powerful.

The Egg Hammer fought against the guards’ hold. Its jerking movements pulled a couple unicorns off the ground and pushed away a pegasus at its back. Roancoat’s hooves slid across the ground as he to hold on to his squadmate’s coil. “Keep it together, boys!”

Spike anxiously swiveled his head back and forth from Twilight and the Egg Hammer, fidgeting in place and pulling on his ears. “Hurry, Twilight! They can’t hold that thing forever!”

Twilight made a sound of exertion, straining to keep the sheer amount of power under control. The light around her horn was so big and bright now that it almost eclipsed her face. “Almost… there…!”

With one dynamic movement, the Egg Hammer forced itself upright. The pegasi pushing against its back went careening away, and half the guards lassoing it were pulled off their hooves and slung across the road.

But they’d given Twilight all the time she needed. The glow of her magic was so bright it almost hid her from view. She lowered her head, and with a shout, fired the full-power blast directly at the Egg Hammer.

Magical energy disintegrated polymer alloy, burning through the mech and continuing off into the sky to explode into a beautiful shower of sparks. The Egg Hammer, its head gone and half of its upper torso melted through, remained still for several moments, then dropped to its knees. Its hammer slipped from its grip, and the Super Badnik fell forward and slammed to the ground, function ceased.

Twilight wobbled, a silly-looking smile spreading across her face. “There we go… Easy… peasy…” With a groan of both fatigue and relief, she fell to the ground and promptly lost consciousness.

Sonic stood on the roof’s edge, watching the magical fireworks display. The Equestrians’ triumphant shouts warmed him. He’d held himself back as they fought the Egg Hammer, ready to intervene if necessary, but still wanting to see what these ponies were capable of.

He was pleasantly surprised. Even with his small intervention, the average creature taking down a Super Badnik was no small feat. ‘Maybe I sold these ponies a little too short,’ he considered as he stepped and dropped off the roof.

He landed in a narrow alley. As he stepped out and rounded the corner, he unexpectedly found himself muzzle-to-barrel with the business end of a gun.

A lone Egg Pawn had stumbled upon him. It had caught him completely off guard.

“Target acquired. Eliminate target.”

Sonic was too stunned to react; to even move. The droid’s finger curled towards the trigger.

And then a hoof tapped it on the shoulder.

The Badnik and the hedgehog turned their heads, observing a small, wrapped gift box sitting on the ground a few feet away. That was when the strangest thing Sonic had seen since coming to Equestria happened: a sentient blob of cotton candy popped out of the gift box, riding on top of a baby-blue cannon.

“Surprise!”

Sonic wasn’t exactly sure what happened next. He heard a weird “squeak” and saw the cannon fire a mass of something that blasted the Egg Pawn through the side of the building beside them.

Sonic cautiously leaned over to view through the almost cartoonish, Egg-Pawn-shaped hole in the wall. It lay in a heap inside, sparking and moving its limbs weakly. It was covered in a sticky pink substance that seemed to glue it in place.

“Bubble gum cake batter!” Pinkie Pie chirped, holding out a pink-frosted cupcake the size of a melon. “Wanna try? They’re fresh!”

Sonic just… stared.

“Oh well, more for me!” She popped the cupcake in her mouth and gobbled it up happily.

This one, Sonic thought, didn’t seem like she was playing with a full deck. But she had saved his neck, so he supposed he should be grateful. He smiled with some effort. “Cool trick. You should do parties.”

“Thanks!” Pinkie said. “And I already do!”

He scratched the back of his head. He sighted another mass of robots down the road. Looking at the pink pony’s cannon, he got an idea. “Hey, could I ask for a favor?”

Pinkie looked him over, putting a hoof to her chin as she thought about it. “Hmm… Sure! Whadda ya need, Mr. Needlemouse?”

The nickname made Sonic crook a brow, but he chose not to make an issue of it. “What’s the highest setting on that cannon there?”

Twilight awoke to the sounds of her friends’ voices. The stress of those terrifying moments and the drain of such a powerful spell had taken everything out of her. Her legs still felt like jelly. But at least the danger had passed for now.

She opened her eyes to see her friends standing around her, worried for her health and amazed at what she’d done all at once.

“That was amazing, Twilight!” Spike gushed.

“Indeed, darling,” Rarity concurred. “You continue to surpass all expectations.”

Applejack motioned them back a bit. “Easy, sugarcube. Don’t crowd the girl. Let her catch her breath.” She took Twilight’s hoof to help her up. “Gotta say though, you really came through with that flashy spell, Twi. Can barely believe how much ability you’ve got sometimes.”

“I… couldn’t have done it… without you girls,” Twilight replied, panting.

“Yeah, did you see that thing?” Rainbow bubbled, barely able to contain herself. “It was all ‘Ruuuuh!’ And I was like ‘Yaaaa!’ And then you were like ‘Shooooom!’”

“Impressive work, all of you,” Roancoat said as he joined them. “You’ve done Equestria proud. We’re honored to defend her by your side.”

Rarity giggled. “Oh Sergeant, you’re too kind.”

Abruptly, the distant sound of a familiar cannon sound rang out.

“Uh… everypony heard that, right?” asked Rainbow.

Rarity frowned. “If I’m not mistaken… I believe that was Pinkie Pie’s party cannon.”

Applejack’s head pivoted left and right. “Say, where is Pinkie Pie?”

In a sudden defiance of physics, said pink pony popped out from underneath Applejack’s hat. “Present!”

Her friends gave her funny looks as Grit Vigil neared the group. Another guard also trotted over, reporting to the lieutenant that the area was secured.

“Troops to the south also confirm that the sector is clear,” said Roancoat. “We’re beating them back.”

“Good,” Grit replied. “Easier to do our job. Let’s get a move on now, ladies.”

The group was in motion to the tower right away, the members of Bravo Squad sprinting along with them.

Gatekeeper hacked his way through the Badniks like a one-pony army. Moto Bugs, Egg Pawns, Caterkillers. It didn’t matter what type of robot he faced; one after another met swift ends by the general’s greatsword. He cut the last one down and wheeled, angling his blade towards the next wave. Six yards away and closing.

Light suddenly flashed over Gatekeeper’s head. A chain of explosions set off among the Badnik ranks. Plumes of fire the color of a newborn star leaped into the air, painting the area with a blue glow.

Gatekeeper registered hoofsteps and glimpsed to his right. The pony who now stood beside him wore black and gold armor. Golden greaves fitted each leg, and a medal of two swords crossed over a blue and white flame adorned her chest. She was taller and more slender than the average mare, with bright amber eyes, a light blue coat, and pale cyan hair, her tail tied in a thick braid.

“Afternoon, general,” she greeted with a warm smile.

Gatekeeper returned the look. “I was hoping to see you today, Colonel Fotia.”

The pleasantries were interrupted by the clanking of their nearing enemies. Fotia faced them and summoned her magic, her horn generating a bright blue aura. The glow soon changed, grew thicker, emitting flickering wisps. Fotia thrust her head out unleashed a torrent of blue fire that burned over the robots. Moving her head from side to side, she swept the stream of super-hot flames over every Badnik in sight.

The attack proved effective. Half the robots caught in attack fell. Her fire couldn’t immediately burn through their steel hides, but the heat could melt their delicate electrical wiring.

“Hold your fire, Colonel,” Gatekeeper interrupted, gesturing to their blue-hot frames. “Their metal bodies conduct heat. For every one you slay, you make another more dangerous.”

Annoyance flitted across Fotia’s face. “Fine.” With a steady draw, her curved longsword sang from its sheath. “The medieval approach it is.”

Gatekeeper rested his own blade over his shoulder. “Been awhile since we did this. Still up for it?”

Fotia smirked, flourishing her weapon. “Just try to keep up, old goat.”

Gatekeeper exhaled a laugh. “The older the oak, the stronger the wood.”

Fotia moved first, breaking into a gallop to take the fight to the Badniks. Her blade flickered left and right in intricate patterns almost too quick to see, carving deftly through her opponents, leaving limbs strewn about the floor and deep, sparking gashes in their bodies. She worked her away around the robots with expert twirls, vaulting over a spear thrust and slicing through the attacking Egg Knight’s back as she came down.

Gatekeeper strode into robots’ midst, his enormous blade flashing left and right. The weight of the weapon seemed nothing to him. He employed his fearsome power and long reach to beat back entire waves of robots, cleaving Egg Pawns in two with carefree ease.

A cannon shot rang out; only reflexes born of years of training enabled Fotia and Gatekeeper to leap apart and away in time. The ensuing explosion consumed at least eight Badniks caught in its range and put a smoking hole ten feet across in the street.

Swinging their heads around, the two sighted a six-wheeled tank. It was mostly gray. Blue circles on its shapes protruded spikes, and were outlined by orange lines. A robot with a dark face and round, red and yellow torso sat in the uncovered driver seat, operating the large, front-mounted cannon that leaked smoke.

“Colonel, take out that cannon!” Gatekeeper raised his right hoof to physically grip his sword. “Leave these to me.”

The mare nodded, taking off towards the tank.

An under-hoofed Gatekeeper’s sword sent one Egg Pawn through the air and crashing into its cohorts. A thrust of his long blade pierced all the way out the next one’s back. Rearing up, he kicked it away with his front hooves and pulled his sword free, holding it straight out in front and spinning in a complete circle. Six more Egg Pawns fell to his blade. The general grabbed the dead scraps with his magic and hurled them back into the crowd.

Another Egg Knight came at him from the right, stabbing out with its lance, and a bird-like Egg Walker rushed at his left flank, jaws snapping. Gatekeeper side stepped the first, smacking its legs with the flat of his sword to trip it onto its face, and beheaded the Egg Walker with a sweeping horizontal cut. He turned, stood to two legs and sank his blade to the hilt in the Egg Egg Knight. Two Moto Bugs wheeled to Gatekeeper’s turned back; he knocked them away with a buck of his hind legs. Pulling his sword free, he took a defensive stance as the horde fell on him again.

Fotia galloped straight for the Egg Bomber Tank, weaving through Badniks and skillfully avoiding attacks. Egg Pawns took aim with their laser guns and fired; she leaped and ducked so that the bots only succeeded in shooting each other. At thirty feet she could make out the tank clearly. She saw the Eggrobo piloting the tank look directly at her; saw its hands work the controls, making the wheels turn and aim its cannon barrel towards her. Fotia was determined not to let it get off another shot.

She powered up her magic, this time launching, glowing, blue-white fireballs at the tank’s pilot. They flew with impressive speech and exploded in bright flashes like firecrackers upon reaching their target. The Eggrobo raised an arm in front of its face, stunned from the blinding spell.

The distraction bought Fotia enough time to get within range. She drew her short sword, jumped onto the shoulders of an Egg Pawn and used it as a springboard to leap high into the air. Igniting her smaller blade with a concentration of blue flames hot enough to make the air ripple, she hurled it at the Eggrobo. The blue-glowing blade pierced the robot’s face; it fell from its seat to the ground just as Fotia reached the tank.

Coating her longsword in fire, Fotia climbed to the Bomber Tank’s cockpit and stabbed her blade into the control board. She let it burn its way free of the sparking panel and jumped over it, slicing through the cannon barrel. As she landed, the barrel hit the ground with a loud peal. The tank was now fully disabled.

The sound of clashing steel reached her ears. Time to rejoin the general.

Bolting back the way she came, Fotia saw three Egg Knights attacking Gatekeeper. But try as they might, Gatekeeper warded off every strike. As he released a wave of magic that pushed the robots back, Fotia came vaulting over him. The colonel twisted her hips in midair, coiled her hind legs, and snapped her hoof out to drive a heavy kick into one Egg Knight’s face. Spinning off the force of her first kick, her hooves struck the other two, and she landed gracefully as their backs hit the floor.

Gatekeeper regarded her. “I didn’t teach you that.”

Fotia glanced back at him. “No.” Her horn alit, and she reached out to snare a rising Egg Knight and two Egg Pawns. A move of her head pulled them off their feet and towards her. Her blade flashed twice and the robots joined their companions on the floor with a fresh set of cuts. “But you did teach me that.”

Gatekeeper smiled like a proud father. “You were my best student.”

The ground rumbled under their hooves. From the north and south, a giant Motobug and a third Egg Hammer loomed.

“Two big ones coming in, three and six o’clock,” alerted Gatekeeper.

“I see them.” Fotia flourished her weapon, the blade singing as it ignited in blue flames.

Gatekeeper’s eyes lingered on the burning sword. “Since when do you carry an Uru blade?”

“Two years ago. Timberwolf incident. Fillydelphia outskirts.” Fotia swept her gaze back and forth to each of the giant Badniks. “Any preference?”

Gatekeeper considered. “The ladybug.”

“As you wish.” Steadying herself with a breath, Fotia paced towards the Egg Hammer.

From the west, the Egg Pawns stepped aside to let the giant Moto Bug pass through their ranks. Its glowing blue eyes fixed on Gatekeeper. Atop its head, another Egg Pawn aimed a mounted machine gun turret at the general. Gatekeeper ignited his horn, and as the turret opened fired, a rift opened in front of him, absorbing the hail of bullets. A twitch of his will opened another hole on his right, redirecting the Moto Bug’s barrage at the smaller Badniks and drenching the eastern street in gunfire.

Only big one remained now. It brandished its bladed arms and rolled towards Gatekeeper. The general manifested another portal behind himself, stepping back and disappearing into it. As the Moto Bug stopped to search for its vanished target, Gatekeeper reappeared from another portal that opened up behind it. He raised his greatsword and channeled magic into it. The steel shone and a twenty-foot-long blade the color of the sun flared out. With one powerful crosscut, Gatekeeper bisected the Motobug, Its upper half fell to ground, crushing its Egg Pawn gunner beneath it.

In the distance, Fotia wasn’t having as much luck with the Egg Hammer. Its crushing strength and uncanny speed kept her on the defensive, constantly trying to stay out of range of the fall of its hammer. The Super Badnik’s tough alloy armor seemed unaffected by her fire spells. The most she could do was dance around its blows, shooting fire between her dodges. While failing to harm the Egg Hammer, this method at least kept her alive.

That is, until she dodged one low swing grazed a microsecond too slow, and the giant mallet clipped her left foreleg. Fotia slid roughly, muttering a curse. Somehow she stayed on her hooves even as pain stabbed through her; but now her she couldn’t even put weight on her leg.

The Egg Hammer, faster than ever, followed up with an overhand slam dodge. This one she couldn’t dodge.

“Damn!”

Golden light flashed over Fotia, and there was a loud crash. It took her a couple seconds to recognized the shape—one Gatekeeper’s portals. Stepping out from under it, she witnessed the Super Badnik standing still, the top half of its hammer vanished through the yellow and black hole. The hammer’s face was smashed into the top of the robot’s head, extending out from another warp gate that hung in the air behind it. Its fingers loosed and dropped the mallet. It fell to the ground and lay still.

As Gatekeeper approached, the colonel offered a grateful nod.

Again their rest was short lived. Metallic clanking drew their eyes to the south. Another mass of robots a hundred yards out approached.

“They’ve brought in reinforcements,” Fotia said, wincing as she moved.

Gatekeeper stabbed his sword into ground. “Then so will we.”

Casting his magic, he opened another portal behind them. As if on cue, fresh rows of Militia guards—Fotia’s own 51st Battalion—emerged through the warp, ready for battle. Gatekeeper directed one of the arriving unit’s medics to tend to Fotia. As the stallion took Fotia aside and tended to her injured leg, the general drew his weapon from the ground and held it forth.

“Attack!”

Charging forward with the Militia at his back, Gatekeeper swung his sword in an arc that felled five Badniks at once. The Royal Guards gave their general wide berth as they joined the fray, fighting with all they had against their enemies. Spears, swords, and offensive spells were unleashed in impassioned fervor.

Gun-weielding Egg Pawns let loose with their blasters on the company’s exposed flank; in a spark of light, Celestia appeared between the shots and her guards. At the speed of thought, she summoned a wall of yellow energy to absorb the bolts, then retaliated with a streaming beam of power that cut down the robots.

Luna swooped down from somewhere above, beheading an Egg Walker and landing in one swift motion. She smote five more as she spun around bullets, hewing them apart as she sprang over pikes and flamethrowers. As Luna beheld the scores of Badniks surging towards the ponies, she swung around and caught sight of Celestia on the other side of the battlefield.

“Sister!”

A shared glance brought comprehension. Moving as one, the alicorns leaped to the middle of the street at the front of their army. Pooling their energy, they unleashed it at once as a unified shockwave of blue and yellow, scattering dozens of robots like leaves in a hurricane.

The thinning Baniks numbers gave a respite. The outer units of the 51st and the princesses destroyed most of what remained. But as the guards caught their breath, a familiar pod floated into the airspace above.

“Don’t get too excited, troglodytes!” came Eggman’s voice. “Those were the easy ones!” He pressed two buttons on the Egg Mobile’s control board. Balls of light gathered in the space below his floating pod, and more than thirty Rollers, Caterkillers, and Buzz Bombers materialized.

The front line of guards hesitated. Some took cautious steps back.

“I must admit, you beasts of burden have more fight in you than I anticipated.” Eggman said contemptuously, running a finger through his moustache. “I’m almost impressed. But no matter. Before this hour is through, you will all kneel before your new master.”

Fotia appeared back at the front of the ranks, sword in hoof. “Never!” She waved her it to motion to her troops. “Thunder Javelin!”

Given new resolve at their colonel’s presence, the guardsponies responded. The unicorns making up third of the vanguard quickly moved to the front of the ranks. With their magic they produced electric currents and shaped them into six-foot-long, spear-like forms.

“Fire!”

On command, the soldiers shot the sparking constructs into the robots. The spells pierced through ten, sending out shocks that disabled many more. But even as half of the initial group fell, the Badniks kept coming.

Pulling her sword free of her most recent opponent, Luna let her frustration show. “Ugh! Is there no end to these abominations?!”

Crushing an Egg Walker’s head under her hooves, Celestia came to her sister’s side. “Hold fast, Luna.”

Eggman looked down on the unfolding melee, suppressing a grimace. It turned out these ponies didn’t fall quite as easily as he expected. This area, and others he’d observed as the battle raged, had become either contested or were already back into pony control. But he shook off any concern. He still had enough powerful units to make due. And when his ace in the hole arrived…

Tthe invisible barrier around the Egg Mobile suddenly flashed to life in a white gleam. Three crossbow bolts bounced off of it.

“What?” Eggman turned to the direction of the shots. One undamaged building still stood in the distance; a tall shop with three yellow-topped spires and towers. There was faint movement in one of the towers’ windows.

“Ha! Nice try.” Drawing a laser gun from below his ship’s control board, Eggman aimed for the spire and pulled the trigger. A magenta beam shot across the air. It traveled into the tower’s window and the entire upper portion exploded in fire. The rear wall was blown out and the spire collapsed.

Taking a moment to admire his grim handiwork, a flash of blue flames around the pod’s barrier drew Eggman’s attention to the ground. Fotia glared up at him, fire swirling around her horn.

He scoffed. “You think you your little fireworks display is any threat to me? Let me show you real firepower.” Eggman brought his pod about, moving the Egg Mobile away from the street and activating his communication relay. “Battleship two, into position. Bring your main cannon to bear.”

Fotia’s swift swordplay put two more Egg Pawns on the ground. She reared up on her hind legs, holding her flaming blade high like a gleaming torch. “Push them back!” The Militia surged forward, fighting with all their strength, all their valor. One bot after another continued to fall until the force went into a hasty retreat.

Gatekeeper observed as the Badniks pulled back. Fotia paused as she passed by him. “We can keep going, sir! We have them on the run!” But Gatekeeper’s hoof stopped her before she went any further.

“They’re not retreating.” The general’s expression was grave. His gaze was directed to the air. “They’re clearing the way.”

Fotia frowned, looking up. The Buzz Bomber ship was positioning overhead, angling its abdomen-mounted cannon to point towards them. Panicked realization seized her.

Eggman listened to the cries to retreat for just a moment, and then gave the order: “Vaporize them.”

In the instant before the ship fired, Celestia and Luna appeared at the front of the guards, casting their magic to put a combined force field over the street. The huge plasma blast hammered out and met the barrier. There was a ground-heaving blast and sweltering wind. Most of the ponies were hurled to the ground. The princesses strained against the force, using all their might to protect their subjects from certain doom as the scorching blast wave melted windows and devastated walls. But they had moved seconds too late; the spell hadn’t fully formed. As the ground beneath them cracked, so did the force field. It shattered, and the violent torrent of heat and pain consumed Mane Street.

Celestia’s world spun. A jumbled conglomerate of disjointed sounds echoed in her ears. Eventually the universe came back to her. She lifted her head and beheld the aftermath.

Her sister lay a few yards away beside a bush. Her movements were faint. The moon-adorned ornament around her neck was gone, and dark red smeared the blue fur of her chest.

Behind them, the bodies of their loyal guards littered the streets. Some barely moved, in obvious pain. Some appeared not to move at all.

“It burns you, doesn’t it?”

That arrogant voice ignited an inferno in Celestia’s heart. The thundering footsteps of an Egg Hammer marching towards her and a Blowfish Transporter appearing distinctly in the background were almost lost on her as she fixed her sights on Eggman.

“For a millennia you’ve sat on high, having dominion over your own little microcosm. You allowed yourself to think you were the masters of your fate. To believe that you have power. Only to be reminded what real power is.”

Celestia’s glare held the fury of a thousand burning suns.

“It’s almost a shame. You may have even stood a chance if your methods weren’t so woefully primitive,” Eggman went on, shaking his head. “I mean, honestly. Armaments centuries out of date. Total lack of strategically-placed defensive weapons. Not even anything as basic as an outer wall. Utterly pitiful.

“To say nothing of the poor choice of rock you’ve built your capital upon. I’m curious, whose ill-advised decision was it to build your nation’s capital into the side of a mountain? Truly, this one city is a monument to all your failings, as a rulers and a species. Tasteless, suboptimal, and so architecturally unsound. All it would take is one impact of sufficient magnitude, and the whole thing would come crashing down.”

There was a dangerous gleam in Eggman’s eye. “Maybe I’ll do just that after I’ve crushed you. Teach the rest of your puny race the price of defiance.”

The Super Badnik’s hammer fell towards Celestia. It halted a two-thirds of the way through its swing before she could act, illumined in blue magic.

Luna held the bot in her telekinetic grip, her face smoking with fury. “OVER MY DEAD BODY!” A flex of her will lifted the Egg Hammer off the ground. Her magic aura spread out to envelop the entire robot. Eggman watched in disbelief as Luna compressed the mech, crushing twelve tons of steel alloy like paper.

With a surge of power, Luna hurled the mangled ball of metal through the air. It flew upwards until it slammed into the Blowfish Transporter. The violent collision struck deep enough into the dropship to hit the power core, setting off yet another searing blast that rocked the city, consuming the final ship and Egg Hammer.

The Princess of the Night turned her glared on Eggman, the torrid wind of her handiwork whipping her ethereal mane like the angry tail of a ferocious beast. “You think you are the first with dreams of conquest to threaten this land? Hardly! You are but another petty tyrant destined only to become a meager footnote in the annals of history! You will fail, you will fall, and Equestria will forget ever having been made to endure your noxious presence!”

A golden hue extended over the guards as Celestia cast her Aura of Vitality, healing and reinvigorating them. Her loyal soldiers began to rise.

“I’ll die before I let Equestria fall to the likes of you!” Fotia said, drawing both her blades.

Spurred by their leaders words of defiance, the other guards joined, their resolve firmed.

“You think a few tin cans and a light show will scare us?!”

“This is our home! You won’t get it without a fight!”

“I don’t care how many crummy places you’ve conquered, you’re not getting this one!”

As the ponies’ voices rose up in tandem, Eggman’s mouth tightened. Color rose in his face. “Obstinate horses!” He swept his hand to signal to his army. “Destroy them!”

Celestia came close to her sister as the next wave approached. “Cover me.” With a nod from Luna, she disappeared in a golden pop of sparks.

Luna held her broadsword in front of her, pointing it at the army. Her eyes glowed white, and blue constructs in the shape of her sword formed around her, shooting away into the robots. The barrage of magic blades kept the full force of the Egg Pawns at bay while the guards tangled with those that avoided the spell.

Eggman measured the situation. He hadn’t checked on the display of the invasions progress for quite awhile. Taking away what the damage the hedgehog would likely have done by now, this particular area was far less inundated with Badniks he’d figured it would be. He gave a light shrug. Probably a few more scattered pockets of resistance slowing progress. Nothing to be concerned about. But just to be on the safe side, he again turned on communications to thee bridge of his Buzz Bomber ship.

“Battleship two, circle about to the west and fire again,” he ordered grinning confidently. With his Badniks in full combat with the equines, this next bombardment would wipe out them too. But it would be a small price to pay for eliminating this bothersome group. Perhaps one of their feeble rulers too. He waited eagerly for the battleship’s next cannon blast to destroy them all.

And waited. And waited. But nothing happened.

Annoyed, he slammed the control button again. “Command bridge, did you hear me? I said fire!” Still, no response. “What’s going on up there?!”

Swinging around, Egmman saw that Buzz Bomber ship was indeed shifting. But not the way he ordered. It was slanting left. Sinking lower. Then he noticed two things: first, the ship was glowing in golden light; second, a figure now stood on the edge of a roof fifty feet from his position.

Luna unleashed a shockwave of blue power that separated what remained of the Badniks from her guards. Her breath was coming harder now. Sweat ran down into her eyes. This battle was beginning to tax her energy. Looking over her shoulder, she saw similar among the Militia. The 51st looked weary. Some were injured. Even with Celestia’s invigorating spell, they couldn’t keep up this pace for much longer.

Then she noticed a few of their heads turn upwards. Their eyes widened, exclaiming and pointing into the air. When she looked to see, a thin smile graced her lips.

Celestia was pulling the battleship out of the sky. The ship groaned and shrieked with terrible sounds, bending and smoking under her power. Her magic crushed its wings into gnarled shapes, denying resistance as the Solar Princess willed it to fall. It turned as it careened downwards, forcefully repositioning it to come down belly first, away from nearby structures.

Luna sighted Celestia on the vantage point. Even she was surprised at her older sister’s herculean display of might. But she also knew manipulating such a target required as much control as it did strength. If the huge ship crashed at too great a velocity, it could go sliding through miles of homes and businesses—worse, too hard an impact could even risk upsetting the magic barriers shielding the underground tunnels where Canterlot’s citizens now took refuge.

“Slowly, Tia. Slowly…”

As the battleship’s head dipped below the top of Canterlot’s tallest buildings, Gatekeeper’s voice echoed: “Brace yourselves!”

Metal mandibles touched ground first, splitting a ten-foot line into the street before joined by the rest of the ship’s massive bulk. It slammed the ground with the force of a localized earthquake. Even with the distance, the sheer force of the impact was felt by everypony.

The base of a half-destroyed spire suddenly cracked and fell towards Gatekeeper, but Luna caught it with her magic before it crushed him, dropping the chunk safely on the ground away from him.

Metal split the earth with a terrible sound as the giant wasp scrapped along the road, plowing forward even as Celestia heaved with all her might to halt it. Crumpled wings tore gashes into sidewalks and ground-level windows. The side of its abdomen blew a huge corner out of the Canterlot library.

Celestia’s horn shone brighter as she willed the ship to stop. It neared the train station even as its speed reduced. Slower, slower it dragged, the mandibles carving through pavement and dirt, meeting and pushing through the wood flooring. Then, mercifully, the ship came to a stop, the eye of the wasp head touching the purple roofing’s edge with a soft tap.

Celestia breathed relief and released her aura. Moving the huge ship with nothing but her mind had made her draw deeper into the well of her power than she had in many, many years. All her muscles ached. In spite of it, despite her wings groaning in protest, she lifted herself off her perch, descending with the grace befitting a princess to the place she previously stood.

Her eyes opened and fixed on Eggman, who looked back at her with a mixture of shock and anger.

“I told you, doctor. Equestria will never submit.”

Spitfire zoomed through the air, a small purple filly in her hooves. The terrified little pegasus clutched tightly to her, shaking and whimpering with fear.

Spitfire hardly noticed it. She had bigger problems—like the two Buzz Bombers on her heels. She swooped lower, the wasp Badniks following along. She spotted a Cameron forty yards ahead. Watching her pursuers from the corner of her eye, she dove towards it.

“What are you doing?!” came the filly’s frightened shout.

Spitfire smiled confidently. “Saving our hides.”

At the last moment, she spun herself out of the way. The Cameron’s cannon blast sailed past her and consumed both Buzz Bombers in following blast of heat.

Their destination in sight, Spitfire dipped and came to a stop right at the tunnel entrance where Soarin and a pair of worried looking ponies—the girl’s parents—waited.

“Violet!” Cardinal Point cried.

“Mom!” Violet Spark wriggled out of Spitfire’s grip and ran to hug her mother.

“No time to celebrate!” Spitfire shouted. “Go, go, go!”

Cardinal Point thanked them both and scrambled down the catacomb entrance with her daughter. Once they were out of sight, the door lowered itself closed, sealing the way in.

“What’s the status on friendlies, Clipper?” Spitfire asked.

“Almoner Avenue to 32nd Street is all accounted for,” Soarin replied. “Now we’ve just gotta focus on saving our own skins.” His eyes caught movement behind her. “Behind you!”

Both were fifteen feet in the air by time the shot from another Cameron whizzed underneath. Ahead, more Balkyries were incoming. “Break!” On Spitfire’s call, the two zoomed away in opposite directions, and the Balkyries split into two groups of four chasing each.

Spitfire jetted forward, spinning and looping to outfly the aerial robots. But no matter how she curved and wheeled, she couldn’t shake them. She spoke into her radio as she looped backwards. “I’m gonna need some help here! Four bogies on my tail, I can’t ‘em off me!”

“Captain!” She head Fleetfoot’s voice issue into her ear. “Bank left on your next corner! Bring ‘em right down 29th, and don’t slow down!”

She glanced anxiously back at the robots. She didn’t know the plan, but she’d trust her second-in-command. Six seconds later, she made the turn onto 12th Street. She saw Fleetfoot eighty yards ahead, her own set of Balkyries on her tail.

“You in the mood for chicken, Captain?”

A fierce grin lit Spitfire’s face. “Fried or baked?”

Both mares picked up speed, as did their chasers. The space between them ate away. Fifty yards. Thirty-five. Twenty. At ten yards distance, both mares veered right, whizzing past each other and nimbly through the hordes of their chasers. A set of fireballs from the not-so-nimble Badniks slamming into each other followed in their wake.

The pair looped and landed down on the street. “Perfect as always!” Fleetfoot beamed. The two bumped hooves, only for Fleetfoot to cringe at a jolt of pain in her hind leg. She looked back, sighting a singed spot on her right thigh. “Or, maybe not…”

Soarin, Misty Fly, and the other Wonderbolts came to join the two. There were smiles and pats on the back until their captain realized something.

“…Where is Fire Streak?”

The group tensed.

“I thought he was with you guys,” said Soarin.

Swallowing, Spitfire cued up her headpiece. “Hot Top, come in!” No response. “Hot Top, report! Do you read me?” Still nothing.

High Winds gulped. “You don’t think…”

“We have incoming!” Fleetfoot warned, pointing to a set of eight RhinoBots approaching from the right.

“Sweet bleeding Luna… How many of these things are there?!” Silver Zoom complained.

“Stay focused, Cotton Grass,” said Spitfire. She took a breath, steeling herself before turning to Fleetfoot. “Flatfoot, go with him up top. You’re our eyes in the sky. Take it easy on that leg of yours. I want everypony making it home in one piece.”

Fleetfoot grimaced, clearly unhappy at having to sit things out with a teammate missing, but didn’t argue. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Clipper, Dizzy, with me. Everypony else, find Fire Streak.” The slip of nickname usage betrayed Spitfire’s worry for their teammate. “The three of us will hold this spot until our backup gets here.”

“If they get here,” Misty Fly grumbled.

Spitfire either didn’t hear the comment, or chose to ignore it. “You got that, Clipper?”

Soarin didn’t reply.

“…Clipper! Do you read me?” She wheeled around and was surprised to find him staring off into space.

“Uh, Captain…” Soarin began, a strange uncertainty lacing his voice, “did Canterlot get a second, fast-moving, comet-looking sun?”

Spitfire’s brow knitted. “Clipper, what the hay are you… on…” Following Soarin’s gaze, her words petered and eyes widened at the sight of a blue mass sailing through the air towards them at something resembling terminal velocity.

“Hit the floor!”

The Wonderbolts dove for cover exactly two seconds before the blue object came screaming through like a cannon ball, tearing through the Rhinotanks so fast that the chain of explosions only came after it slammed through another wall.

The pegasi steadily rose and peered at the landing site.

“What the heck was that?!” exclaimed Fleetfoot.

Cautiously, the team stepped and hovered closer to the smoking hole. Stone fragments and dust rolled out from the breach as something came forward. Out of the smoking hole stumbled Sonic, holding his head and looking dazed. “Oy… Did anyone get the number of that bus…?”

“You!”

Shaking his head to clear his sight, Sonic became aware of the Wonderbolts now blocking his path, and the less-than-pleased looks in their eyes. He sighed. “And the familiar faces just keep comin’…”

Spitfire lowered her head aggressively, her hoof pawing the ground. Sonic raised his hands, showing his palms. “Easy there, Phoenix Force. I’m not looking for a fight.”

“Should have thought of that before you decided to show your face here again,” Spitfire growled.

With most of the Bolts’ attention on Sonic, only High Winds saw a lone Balkiry coming in hot from the south road—with Soarin directly in its sights. “Soarin, look out!”

The Badnik was only ten feet away before Soarin saw the danger coming. No one could react quick enough—no one but Sonic. With a well-timed Homing Attack, he deflecting it away in the nick of time and landed smoothly.

“Well, that could have ended poorly.” Dusting off his shoulder, he eyed the small army converging from down the street. “And still a bajillion to go.” Glancing at the Wonderbolts, he jabbed his thumb in the direction of the robots. “Mind if I take it from here?”

The pegasi stared at him, baffled.

“You… What… Why…”

“Yes, those are words,” Sonic said in response to Spitfire’s stammers, stretching out his legs with side lunges. “Which I’ll take to mean ‘no.’”

Spitfire finally found her voice. “What’s your game, hedgehog?!” she demanded.

“Kind of a long list,” Sonic quipped. “No time to get into it now.” He rolled his shoulders and bounced on the balls of his feet, warming up like an athlete prepping for the next burst.

“Quit messing around!” She growled, stomping her hoof. “What. Are. You doing here?”

“Trashing robots. You haven’t noticed?”

“…Why? Why are you helping us? You’re a criminal! We tried to capture you! You smacked my team around!”

Sonic nonchalantly waved a hand back and forth. “That was yesterday. Come on, keep up.”

Spitfire was too baffled to respond before the hedgehog went into motion. None of this made sense.

Her mind was drawn back to his exchange with that ‘Dr. Eggman’ creep at the start of all this, which. She had watched it from just out of view with the rest of her team. She ran every interaction she’d had with the hedgehog, every word he’d ever said to her back in her mind. All of it hinted to a rather uncomfortable realization.

She watched as Sonic made short work of the robots. Jumping over, kicking, tearing through them with that spinning maneuver. Another thought touched her mind: the sheer ease of how he dismantled these oversized steel puppets; the same foes that had her and her fellow Equestrians on the ropes. And there was a single crystallizing moment where Spitfire understood just how much the hedgehog had been holding back against them.

If he could do that to these steel golems, then if he really wanted, what could he have done to the guards? To her team? To her?

It would have been so much easier for him to put them in the ground. But he didn’t. And now, in spite of all the attempts to capture him, vilifying reports, and ill will, he was here. Saving their hides.

Soarin came to stand beside her. “So… still think the general’s theory was so crazy?”

Silence was Spitfire’s reply. She looked at the ground, chewing the inside of her mouth.

Five more Badniks came at Sonic. Rollers. Blue, armadillo-like robots that could perform a high-speed rolling maneuver their creator likely took from the Blue Blur himself. They shifted into their spherical forms and barreled at him in a line. A Spin Dash of his own wiped them out them out in short order. He smirked over his shoulder at the wreckage.

“Ha! Accept no imitations.”

A shout of distress from above drew his attention. A Wonderbolt he recognized—the one with orange and white in his mane—had been caught by a Klagen that was now flying away with its quarry. Moving like the wind, Sonic rushed in their direction with enough speed to let him jump to and run along the side of the connected buildings on his right, taking himself high enough to leap off and destroy the Klagen with a Homing Attack, freeing Fire Streak.

Bursting into in an aura of blue as he landed, his forward charge took out fourteen more Moto Bugs and Rhinotanks. Seven more Homing Attacks quicker than an eye blink destroyed just as many Egg Walkers. Ahead, three Caterkillers flanked a set of Camerons, with another horde of more than fifty Egg Pawns at their backs. Sonic dodged around the Camerons’ cannon shots, blasting straight towards the massive horde.

Having met up with their rescued teammate, the Wonderbolts gaped at what he was doing.

“He’s going straight for that entire squadron!” Silver Zoom exclaimed.

Misty Fly snorted.“He’s lost it. He’s got no chance against that many at once.”

Exactly one step away from the forward-most Badnik, Sonic braked and veered off, running in a continuous circle around the mechanical turtles and caterpillars. He was so fast, he was only visible to the Wonderbolts as a faint blue streak.

“Take this!”

His breakneck speed produced a whirlwind that lifted the Caterkillers and Camerons into the air and flung them around violently. The blue cyclone grew in size, its twisting vortex moving around and sucking the rest of the Badniks off the ground. It thrashed them about, hurling into the distance, into buildings, and into ground. Many slammed into each while wrapped up in the tornado, smashed to pieces even before they hit the ground.

Then as quickly as it came, the twister was gone.

The Wonderbolts dumfounded. Sonic now stood alone in the middle of the street, surrounded by the broken scraps of what used to be the robot army, appearing admire his handiwork. Cautiously, they made their way towards him.

Soarin, putting himself at the front of the group, gave a low whistle of approval. “Nice.”

Sonic half turned, regarding him with a brief smile. He decided this guy was his favorite among the team of flyers. “Thanks, but it won’t be enough.” He pointed up to the bigger wasp-like mech up in the sky. “As long as that battleship is there, more of these guys are gonna keep pouring out faster than any of us can smash ‘em.”

“That thing is huge!” High Winds gasped. “How are we supposed to stop it?”

“I can take care of that,” said Sonic, “but I’m gonna need your help.”

All of the Wonderbolts looked at him with varying emotions.

“And what makes you think you’re gonna get it?” Misty Fly said with an edge of spite.

Sonic huffed in exasperation. He was getting a little tired of having this conversation with every pony he met. “You guys do see the place getting torn apart, right?” He gestured broadly to the city around them. An explosion from a stray missile, close enough to make the entire team jolt, underlined his point. “All you have to do is get me up there. I’ll handle the rest.”

Misty Fly’s eyes narrowed. “And we’re supposed to just trust you?”

“Only long enough to save your home.”

Spitfire stayed silent. She stared at Sonic from where she hovered. Her trust for the hedgehog was negligible at best. But she couldn’t deny the dire straits they were in right now. He’d already shown he could take out these invaders with ease. Not to mention his actions appeared to refute most of their initial suspicions. Still…

She looked over to Soarin, who nodded emphatically. She pressed her lips together, hesitated for a moment, then let out a deep sigh. Time to be the captain. Lowering herself down to the ground, she looked the hedgehog right in the eye. “What’s your name, Quills?”

“It’s Sonic.”

Spitfire gazed at him for another long moment, seeming to take his measure. Then she very calmly walked up to him…

…and smacked him upside the head.

“Ow!” He cringed, instinctively grasping the sore spot. “What that heck…!”

“That’s for making us look like idiots.” She followed up by slugging him in the gut with all her strength. The air left Sonic’s lungs. He barely managed to stay standing, hunching over and holding his stomach. “That’s for not keeping those grubby paws to yourself.”

Sonic couldn’t manage words for a minute; only weak exhalations and groans of pain. Finally, mercifully, his lungs remembered how to function. When he had a breath and the pain lessened enough, he lifted his head, a scathing remark on his lips. “Oh, now that’s just—!”

To his surprise, Spitfire had turned, giving him her side. She had her wings splayed, looking at him expectantly. “Well, what’re you waitin’ for?” she smirked. “We’ve got a job to do. Hop on.”

Sonic stared incredulously for a moment. He forced an exhale and shook his head, muttering something about ‘crazy ponies’ to himself. He braced a hand on Spitfire’s withers then hopped onto her back.

Spitfire flexed her wings as she let his weight settle in. She was surprised how light he was. “Hang on tight.” She shot a look back at him. “And you better not try any more funny business!”

Sonic smiled thinly. “Don’t worry. I’m not sure you four-legged girls are my type.”

Spitfire laughed with effort before propelling off the ground and taking flight. Soarin and Fleetfoot were at her sides in a second.

Sonic held her mane tightly as they climbed up and up into the sky. In virtually no time, they were coming in to the battleship’s underside that still continued to rain down Badniks.

“All right, hedgehog! You’re up!”

Taking his cue from Spitfire, Sonic propped himself up to on her back, knees bent. As she swerved underneath the giant Buzz Bomber’s abdomen, he leaped up in a spinning ball through one of the ship’s open hatches.

He landed in a crouch among the scores of Egg Pawns, grinning like a madman. “Heeeeere’s Sonic!”

Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Spitfire quickly reconvened with the rest of the Wonderbolts below. They stayed hovering in the airspace around the rooftops, watching with tense anticipation. Before long, a series of explosions wracked the wasp-shaped ship from the inside.

“Yeah, that’s showing ‘em!” Soarin whooped.

Fleetfoot seemed to realize something. She turned to Spitfire. “Hey Captain, how did he say he was gonna get down?”

Spitfire stiffened. “He… didn’t.”

A much bigger explosion suddenly ripped through the battleship, tearing it apart and engulfing it in one last brilliant ball of light. Burning wreckage went everywhere as the Wonderbolts now watched with alarmed confusion at what became of the hedgehog.

Then they spotted a spiky, blue and black ball falling down through the air. It bounced off top of the nearest building, springing off the shrinking rooftops as it neared the ground. The flight team made their in its direction and met ground level just as the blackened form of Sonic rolled into the street and unfurled into a seated position. He was covered in soot, and patches of his fur and quills were slightly charred, but he was okay.

“That was soooo much fuuun, guys…” he said, his eyes loopy spirals.

Spitfire and most of the other Bolts chuckled. She approached and offered out her hoof. “You sure are something, ‘hog.”

“I have been told.” Sonic took it, standing up with her help and dusting himself off. “Anyway… that should make the rest of the job a whole lot easier. I’ll go mop up what’s left of Egghead’s forces. You guys check if there’s anyone left to rescue and head back to whatever safe cover you have. Tell your princess with the multi-colored hair the rest is on me.” And then went whisking away.

Fleetfoot pursed her lip as she watched him go. “What do you make of the Blue Demon now, Captain?”

Spitfire didn’t respond immediately. “…A little more than before.” She looked about, skimming the demolished dregs of the battleship. “I’ll say this, I’m glad he cares more about smashing them than us.”

Misty Fly grimaced. “For now.”

Celestia kept her eyes trained on Eggman. The doctor was seething, furious at the battleship’s destruction. Disaster had been averted, and now one of his strongest weapon had been neutralized.

But not without cost. Celestia’s breath came harder. The sheer effort of tearing the ship from the sky had drained her significantly. She glanced at Luna; her coat was slick with sweat, looking even more tired than she was. Her loyal gaurds were at their limit, and there were still more robots…

“Your Highness.” Gatekeeper’s voice brought her back. The old stallion stood beside her, calm as ever. “Word came in from Commander Gale Force. They’re ready.”

The news firmed Celestia’s next decision. “Evacuate everypony back to the palace. Luna and I will cover your retreat.”

Nodding, Gatekeeper about faced and sparked his horn. At the rear of the squadron, the golden circle of another warp opened across the entire street. “Fall back! All troops, fall back!” The guards obeyed as quickly as physically possible. Those slowed from injury were helped onto the backs of the healthy who carried them through the gate.

Eggman laughed. “There, you see? In the end, you run like the frightened little animals you are!”

Luna growled, stepping forward and raising her sword, but Celestia reached a foreleg in front of her. “Do not let him bait you, sister. Come.”

Luna had to bite her tongue to keep from snapping, but she relented. She about faced and flew towards their waiting exist and Celestia followed suit, the pair gliding over the guards’ heads and through the portal.

As the tail end of the 51st vanished through the warp, Gatekeeper alone remained. He put a hoof to his helm and gave the order. “Gatekeeper to Gale Force: bring the rain.” When the princesses and the last few ponies passed through portal, Gatekeeper did as well, and the magic winked out of existence.

Badniks advanced through the empty street, their master floating overhead in his pod, cackling. “That’s right! Flee! Cower before the might of the Eggman Empire! Prostrate yourselves before me, and I may yet show you an inkling of—”

A sudden shadow from overhead made Eggman look up. “—mercy?”

High above, a mass of figures blotted out the sun. An entire company of Aerial guards swooped over Mane Street, the formation condensing narrowly enough to fit the small airspace between the rooftop edges over the entire street. Eggman suddenly perceived something—a great many things—falling towards him.

His throat tightened. Dive bombers!

With a panicked noise, he slapped a control on his Egg Mobile seconds before a plethora of objects collided into his pod’s protective barrier. Thick metal pikes more than two feet long, with vaned tails and jagged tips. Flechettes. They rained down on Eggman and everything within the three square blocks of his position, accurately confining within the buildings for maximum accuracy.

When the light of day returned, when the pounding finally stopped, Eggman poked his head out from the Egg Mobile’s floor. The pod and himself had been protected from the barrage by the shield generator.

His army didn’t fair nearly as well. The fletchettes had pounded and bored through the Badniks as easily as they did the paved floor. The pikes lined the pavement like freshly-sprouted grass. The remains of his army were barely visible among the metal stalks.

Eggman’s hand tightened into a shaking fist. His teeth grinded together. “You worthless equines… You dare deface my glorious creations?! You dare to defy me?! You—!” He breathed, tightening the grip on his anger. “You’re going to pay for that insult with your pathetic lives. This feeble resistance changes nothing! I still have an entire battalion with which to destroy you all!”

Behind him, a familiar voice spoke. “Yeah, about that.”

Eggman stiffened. He swung around in his pod to see Sonic standing below. The hedgehog stood one foot on the disembodied head of a Caterkiller, his crossed arms leaning on top of his raised knee, and a smug look plastered on his face. “You might wanna check again, egg-for-brains.”

Not liking his archenemy’s tone, Eggman forewent a reply and punched in a few buttons on the Egg Mobile’s controls. When the reading of his army layout popped up, his jaw fell open. Nearly all Badniks were offline. A small handful of Flappers, one backup group of Egg Pawns, and his specialized units remained. Everything else had been destroyed.

“What?!” He grabbed his head, appalled. “How?! How is this possible?!”

Sonic chuckled. “Guess you didn’t know your enemy as well as you thought.”

Outrage burned in the mad scientist. He slammed another button a subsequent row of lights appeared below. His last batch of Egg Pawn reinforcements warped onto the scene. “All remaining units concentrate on the hedgehog! Bring me his head, or it’s the furnace for all of you!”

The space inside the walls of Canterlot Castle had quickly filled with royal guards. The most seriously injured were placed on makeshift beds under tents, receiving treatment. Those still able to move shuffled, maintaining the area as their commanding officers ordered them about.

The royal sisters stepped towards the command center, a canopy situated over a large table that projected holographic images of the city. It was here that the guards could monitor and direct the wide battle. Gatekeeper and Dawn Stride stood at the head of the table, joined by a few officers from the various Royal Guard divisions, including Shining Armor, Fotia, and Night Flare. The Aerial commander, Gale Force, glided in and touched down at the holotable’s edge right as Celestia and Luna reached them.

“What’s our status, Commander Dawn Stride?” said Celestia.

“The enemy force has largely been destroyed,” Dawn Stride answered crisply. “But it hasn’t come without cost. There’s extensive damage throughout the city, particularly in downtown of the middle district. And our own forces took quite the beating. The 51st of the Militia vanguard got the worst of it.”

“I can attest to that…” Shining Armor commented, massaging his sore shoulder.

“Casualties…?” Luna asked with a hint of dread.

“Lots of injuries throughout. A hooffull are in critical condition. But by the grace of Harmony, nopony’s died.”

The two shared a sigh of relief.

“Let us ensure it stays that way,” said Celestia. She looked at Gatekeeper. “General?”

“Not to worry, your Highness,” Gatekeeper said, his tone indicating he was comfortably ahead of her. “All available medics have been gathered, and the castle wall has been fortified with additional troops.”

“Princess Celestia!”

Hearing a familiar voice, Celestia turned to see Twilight sprinting towards her. Not far behind were her friends, accompanied by Grit Vigil and the rest of Bravo Squad.

Smiling, Celestia lowered her neck as her student came to her, sharing a warm embrace. “Oh Twilight, I’m relieved to see you’re safe.” After their embrace, Celestia looked to the Inquisitors. “Well done, Lieutenant.”

Grit saluted and motioned to his team. The Inquisitors wordlessly followed him and departed.

“What happened?” Twilight asked Celestia after their embrace. “Where did the dem—” she caught herself before she finished the word, “that creature take you?”

Rainbow zoomed up to her. “Yeah! What did that freak do to you?!”

Celestia shook her head. “Nothing that you didn’t see yourselves.”

Luna frowned. “Did he say anything to you?”

“Only for the rest of us to stay out of danger. He insisted on dealing with this ‘Eggman’ himself.”

Puzzlement showed across the ponies’ faces.

“I… don’t understand,” said Rarity. “What does that mean?”

“I suspect it means we’ve been very mistaken about this whole ordeal,” Celestia intoned. “But there’s no time to dwell on it now.”

Noticing her brother, Twilight’s face light up and she cantered towards him. “Shining Armor!” She was ready to throw herself onto him, but Night Flare stepped between them.

“Maybe save the hugs for later,” he said. “The captain’s not feeling too hot right now.”

Twilight paused. Then she saw her brother’s armor scraped and singed in places, as well as the scattered bruises and bandages across his body. Her ears flattened. “Shiny, you’re hurt!”

“Who, me?” Shining chuckled. “This is nothing. One hot bath and some painkiller and I’ll be good to go.”

His brave front earned a laugh from Night Flare and a small smile from Fotia.

Luna stepped up quickly. “Commander Dawn Stride, what’s the progress on withdrawal?”

“All forces have been brought into the safe zones,” Dawn Stride answered. But then she noticed something—a set of yellow dots on the display hanging in the air above downtown. “No, wait. The Wonderbolts are still out there.”

“Well, isn’t that ironic. The supposedly brisk flying team holding things up?”

The group’s attention shifted to the new voice. Another guardstallion approached the table. He was a tall and lanky unicorn dressed in red and gold armor.

“Captain Vainglory,” Celestia said by way of greeting. “Your team performed excellently finding and escorting my student and her friends. You’re all to be commended.”

“‘Always loyal,’ your Majesty,” Vainglory said with a bow of the head. “The Inquisitor way.” He turned his eye to the table. “Now, what’s this about Captain Spitfire and her slipshod crew slowing things down?”

Rainbow took umbrage with the captain’s unthinking choice of words. “Hey! The Wonderbolts are not slow!” She would have charged straight at Vainglory if not for Applejack grabbing her by the tail.

“Easy, Rainbow Dash!” Applejack said, yanking her down to the ground. “Simmer down, girl. How many guards are you gonna go startin’ things with today?”

While Rainbow grumbled, Dawn Stride igniting her horn, adjusting and redirecting the communication spell broadcast through all the defense personnel to come through the table itself. “Captain Spitfire, this is Commander Dawn Stride from central command. Do you read me?”

Spitfire’s voice issued from holotable. “Copy, Commander. We’re about a hundred yards from the enemy leader’s position.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Vainglory snapped. “Stop wasting time and get after the last ship!”

“Negative,” Spitfire responded. “I think our boy in blue has it covered.”

Her words drew odd looks from the ponies.

“Repeat, Captain?” said Luna. “You have the Demon in your sights? Where is he?”

“Less than fifty yards due south of that Eggman creep.” Everypony could hear the grin on her lips. “He is kicking all kinds of ass down there.”

As the others exchanged puzzled looks, Dawn Stride invoked a scrying spell. A funnel of faint light rose up from the table, creating a circular window projecting an image. The image showed a clear view of the street. All of them had a clear and crisp view of Sonic handling what remained of the Badnik forces. The Equestrians watched him punch, kick, and Spin Dash his way through the few Egg Pawns that were left.

“Yeah, I’d say the blue guy’s got this covered,” Night Flare commented. “Maybe we can all just sit back and watch while he finishes up.”

“Absurd!” Vainglory barked scornfully. “We’re to entrust our own security to an alien criminal? Your judgment is hardly befitting an officer, Lieutenant Night Flare.” He turned to Celestia. “Your Majesty, this is our opportunity to end this. I strongly suggest launching a strike against the enemy flagship.”

Shining Armor carefully raised his hoof. “I’m all for doing what it takes, but our guys are pushed to their limit. We can’t manage another forward assault.”

Vainglory snorted. “Don’t have the stomach for war, boy?”

Shining Armor gave a small jolt, taken aback at the callous remark. Shock quickly sparked into anger.

“Is there truly a need for that, Captain Vainglory?” Dawn Stride put in before Shining could retort. “Captain Armor has a point. Our available forces are already stretched thin. There are more wounded than able-bodied, we don’t have the numbers.”

“We don’t need an entire battalion,” Vainglory insisted. “One team for a surgical strike will be all that’s necessary. From your own reports, Commander Dawn Stride, we know the enemy minions have a weakness to high-output, lightning-based spells. While those freaks are focused on each other, we have the perfect opportunity to strike back with an assault from the Aerial division, which has been mostly uninvolved in the battle. Your Mystics can prepare a cloud to use, and they can deliver the payload.”

Dawn Stride paused to watch the image of Sonic using a Spin Attack to split an Egg Pawn in two. “And you would suggest sending our ponies do as such even as our guest appears to have things well in hoof?”

Vainglory shook his head. “Of all ponies, I wouldn’t expect to hear such things from you, Commander.” He eyed the image of Sonic and Eggman, his lip twisting. “Those abominations have invaded us, ravaged our city, and put the lives of countless ponies in jeopardy. This cannot be allowed to stand! We of the Royal Guard have a duty to this nation. We must demonstrate our ability to defend it for all Equestria to see.”

“I agree with Captain Vainglory,” Gale Force said. “We can’t trust that thing.” She faced Celestia and Luna. “We’re at your call, your Majesties. Only give us the word.”

Celestia’s lip firmed in thought. She glanced to Gatekeeper for corroboration. The general had a hoof to his beard, as if weighing heavily on the idea, but he gave no clear indication of being for or against it.

“It may be prudent to err on the side of caution,” Luna suggested.

For a long moment, Celestia gazed at the holotable. Then, she inclined her head to Gale Force. “Very well, Commander. You may proceed.”

Gale Force nodded and cued into her helmet. “Captain Wild Shine, bring a squad to rendezvous at the command center. We’ve got an ordinance for you.”

Eggman scowled as Sonic finished off the final Egg Pawns, the last dregs of his army exploding into a black cloud. “Bah! Where the devil is EG-918?!” He hit a button to cue his Badnik comm channel. “All remaining Flapper squadrons, full retreat to the south!” He knew a few Flappers wouldn’t be any match for Sonic. No sense wasting them here.

He didn’t have much left, but it was all he needed to destroy his nemesis once and for all.

Sonic stepped through the smoke towards his nemesis. Once again it was just him and the doctor. “It’s over, Eggman! Your transports are trashed and your Badniks are busted. You’ve got nothing left.”

Eggman’s jaw clenched. He may have been about to respond when something on the left caught his eye. His grim expression was replaced by a small smile. “I still have enough left for this.” He pressed the comms button again. “Flapper squadron two, change course. Attack direction west.”

Sonic frowned. ‘What’s he up to now?’ Peering over his shoulder, he saw something unexpected: a team flying royal guards flying overhead, pushing a cloud and heading straight for him and Eggman.

‘What are they doing? I told the princess to pull them back!’

Then Sonic saw the Flappers in the distance. What looked like twenty of them flew as one mass in a south direction away from the city. But then half the group changed direction, now coming towards him and Eggman.

They were going to intercept the ponies.

Sonic moved without thinking, making his way to and up the side of a building. He shouted out, “Take out those flyers!”

The ponies heard his call. A mare at the head of the group in green and gold armor swiveled her head around and caught sight of the Flappers. Her eyes widened and she broke formation, bee-lining for the squadron.

From her side, Wild Shine unfurled her signature mace. The spiked metal ball crackled with white electricity, and she unleashed her wrath on the Flappers. One by one, with shouts and heavy swings, she sent the robots crashing to the ground.

Only one got past her. She banked left to chase after it, but a beam fired from Eggman’s gun shot her down. She shrieked in pain, her body crashing onto a roof.

Almost swearing, Sonic streaked across the side of an apartment. The last Flapper was just about to reach its target. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the hedgehog leaped through the air.

The Badnik passed over the cloud.

His streaking form smashed through it.

Half a second too slow.

A stream of electricity shot down into the guards’ cloud. White-hot lightning crackled off of it in waves, its white mass darkening ominously. One of the ponies could barely scream ‘look out’ before a storm of deadly bolts erupted from the cloud in every direction.

By pure force of will, Wild Shine appeared in front of her team and raised her mace in defense. The bolts that came in her direction struck the spiked ball of her mace instead of her, drawn in and absorbed by her weapon in a spectacle of dancing lightning. The desperate move shielded her and some of the others.

But it didn’t completely save them. The captain was driven back hard against a wall by the force. Jagged lines of energy caught half her squad, cutting zigzag lines and punching burning holes into the surroundings. Stone and glass exploded. Ponies screamed, their flesh turning temporarily translucent as the lightning ripped through their bodies. A pegasi’s physiology awarded them a certain tolerance for electricity, but amplified by the Baniks’ laser, it was beyond what they could withstand.

Wild Shine heard the screams, but she didn’t see the rest. She couldn’t see anything beyond the harsh glow of her mace’s as energy poured into it. For agonizingly long moments she held her mace fast against the force of the lightning, until finally the stream relented.

After what seemed like an age, the blinding white in Wild Shine’s vision faded, the world around her slowly swimming back into focus, blurred shapes sharpening until she could see again. She looked upon the scene with horror. What she could see of her squad resembled little more than charred corpses strewn throughout the road. The Egg Balloon lowered from its previous safe height, casting a shadow across the team.

And through it, the madman responsible laughed.

A shout of hate, raw and jagged, burst from Wild Shine’s throat. She charged, fully prepared to take to the air and paint the cobble with Eggman’s brain. She only got a few steps before Sonic appeared at her side, restraining her.

“Hold it!” Sonic had to keep a tight grip to hold the raging captain back. “You’re playing right into his hands if you rush in there!”

“Let go of me!” Wild Shine screamed. “Let me go! I’ll tear that bastard apart!”

“Save that energy for helping your team!”

Wild Shine went still. Her head jerked in the direction her squadmates. The five on the ground were moving now. A couple of them were trying to stand. The other four had shown up from wherever they had escaped to, trying to help the injured.

“Get them out of here before it’s too late!” Sonic implored. “No more of you have to get hurt today!”

Wild Shine trembled through noisy breaths. Seconds seemed like hours as a storm raged in her mind. Somehow, she came back to herself, and she grew steady enough that Sonic let her go. She rushed to where her squad lay. The unharmed squad members gathered the ones that couldn’t fly onto their backs. Wild Shine took up two.

Her wings spread, but she made one more quick turn to Sonic. “Make him suffer.”

Sonic watched as they spread their wings, heading back in the direction of the castle. Then turned a burning eye on the doctor. “You’re gonna pay for that, Eggman.”

“Bold pronouncements as always,” the villain scoffed. “They didn’t end so well for you last time, did they?”

Sonic’s fist clenched at his side. “Nothing left for you to hide behind this time.”

“I hide from nothing, rodent,” Eggman ground out. “Come on, then! Let’s settle this once and for all! Just you and me!”

Sonic grinned. That he’d be happy to oblige. He burst forward.

He only got halfway to Eggman when a hard boot planted into his cheek and sent him tumbling across the ground. Catching himself, he jerked his head up to Eggman. With a malicious smile, the doctor showed him his hand. “Had my fingers crossed.”

Scowling, Sonic heard a clank behind him, rising and turning to face his new attacker. The sight made his eyes stretch wide. “Shadow?!”

The form of his rival standing before him left Sonic stunned. But as he stared, he noticed something was off. ‘Wait…’ On closer inspection, he noticed the Shadow before him had yellow stripes atop his quills instead of red. He also appeared to lack a mouth. Two more sounds of impact came from behind him; another pair of yellow-striped ‘Shadows’ dropped in to the right and left. “What the…?”

As he sized up the trio, a glint from above caught his eye. Atop the structure, a shiny, chrome-colored being with his rival’s likeness looked down on him. Then he saw another. And another. Another. The left hand of each was replaced with a gun. The quills, wrists, and boots of these four sported different colors: blue, orange, green, and pink. The lookalikes lined the structures around Sonic, perched atop the buildings like birds of prey. Their cold, unfeeling eyes bored into him with the promise of ill intent.

“Ah yes, it occurs you never had the chance to see these models for yourself,” Eggman said, pushing up his glasses. “Allow me to introduce the instruments of your demise: the Shadow Androids!”

Sonic looked back and forth, bringing up his guard. He loosed what could have been a laugh. “That’s really the best you can do, Egg-breath? More rip-offs?”

“Improvements!” Eggman declared confidently, stroking his moustache. “What was once an entire legion has been streamlined and optimized into the seven units you see before you. With some redesign, a few modifications, and perhaps ironing out a glitch or two, they’ve now been brought to optimal efficiency.

“All seven have been fitted with beyond-advanced processing units.” He made a motion of his hand to the silver Androids. “The latter four have been upgraded with weapon systems with you in mind.” Then he gestured to the yellow-striped ones. “The three models around you have been particularly programmed with an emphasis on close-quarters-combat. Nearly identical to their progenitor in terms of physical attributes and capabilities. The perfect killing machines. I’m eager to see how they perform against you.”

Sonic didn’t falter an inch. “All right then, let’s test ‘em out!”

Picking the android in front of him, Sonic closed the distance between them in a burst of speed and slammed his fist into its gut. It jerked from the force, bringing a smile to his face. It promptly disappeared as his eyes shifted down. The android had caught his fist, stopping him cold. Against Sonic’s effort, it slowly forced his fist down and away in a display of strength, then retaliated with a sharp left hook to the jaw. Sonic was knocked off his feet sent skidding on his back. He managed to turn his backward slide into a roll that ended him on one knee.

Eggman smiled, satisfied that at the early results. Just then, his attention was drawn to a light on the Egg Mobile’s control panel winking with a repeating chime. “Well, it’s about time.”

Back on the ground, the yellow Shadow Androids again encircled Sonic in dark blurs of movement, two in front at the left and right, one behind. The other four took up new positions on the high ground of ledges, low rooftops, and one jumping down to stand atop a pile of rubble.

Sonic’s face firmed as he looked around at the deadly droids with new eyes. He pulled himself up, wiping a small trail of blood from his lip. “All right… so they’re a little tougher than I thought. A little dicey, but still doable. Matter of fact, kind of underwhelming for a final boss.”

As he picked the next android to go for, all of Ducal Boulevard started to shake. It almost made him lose his balance. “W-Whoa! What’s that?!”

In the tunnels underneath Canterlot, ponies gasped and shrieked as the walls trembled. Dust sprinkled down from above, making some fear that the ceiling would cave in on their very heads, while royal guards urged them not panic.

In one corner of the underground section, a group of them nervously around.

“Something strange is going on…” Donut Joe said, swallowing.

Another stallion stepped away as sand sprinkled down over his head. “Uh, this place is reinforced, right?”

“It’s supposed to be,” Moonlight Raven croaked, glancing around ponderously through her heavy bandages. Sunshine Smiles held her hoof tightly, whimpering.

Violet Spark shivered, huddling against her parents. “Mom, dad, I’m scared! What’s happening?!”

Cardinal Point held her tighter. “Don’t worry, dear. It’s going to be okay, everything is going to be okay…”

From the deepest depths of the catacombs to the furthest city limit, all of Canterlot shook like a leaf. Houses and establishments rocked on their foundations. The tremor even reached the palace command center where as the Ponyvillians, princesses and officers held on for dear life.

Spike grabbed onto a nearby column to keep from falling over. “What is going on now?!”

“IIIIIIIII doooooooon’t knoooooooow!” answered Pinkie, vibrating across the floor in a manner not entirely due to the earthquake.

“There isn’t a fault line within a hundred miles of here!” Vainglory said over the clamor. “Whatever this is, it’s no natural occurrence!”

Luna’s eyes widened, something dawning in her mind. “Celestia! The earthquakes from this morning—”

“Were not earthquakes at all,” Celestia finished grimly. “They were a trail. And the trail ends here in Canterlot.”

The rumbling grew stronger. Then, in the center of the city’s middle level, the ground bucked. Ponies turned their eyes towards downtown. Pavement cracked. Wide fissures split the road, and the ground fell away, briefly forming a deep crater, before erupting upward with explosive force. Chunks of earth and clouds of dust went flying. Eyes bulged and jaws dropped as something enormous crawled up from beneath the city.

Sonic swallowed. A shadow loomed over him. From the dust emerged a giant robot that dwarfed even the Egg Hammers with its size. It was four-legged, square-faced, with a thick tail that still reached down into the tunnel it had emerged from.

“Actually, little spikeball,” said Eggman, “this is the final boss.” His pod lowered into the machine’s head-positioned cockpit, and a sphere of reinforced glass slid up around him, completing the docking sequence. “Behold my latest masterpiece: the Egg Gila!”

The metal titan’s eyes flashed to life and it roared; a terrible, unnatural scream that rattled entire buildings.

“One of these days, I’m gonna stop shooting my mouth off…” Sonic mumbled. He tensed as the Shadow Androids assumed battle stances.

“You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?” Eggman asked, his voice full of mockery.

Sonic took a breath, brushed his thumb across his nose and smirked. “Y’know, for a second there… yeah. I kinda did.”

A forward thrust of Eggman’s hand preceded his command: “Kill him!”

And the eight hedgehogs moved at once.

==============================
3:21 PM

Manehattan: Equestria Daily HQ

“What do you mean you won’t run it?!”

Bloviate’s voice rattled the office. Most of the other newspaper ponies stayed zoned in on their work, wisely choosing to avoid looking in his direction. A few brave souls dared to peer over at the war of words raging between Dossier and Bloviate j just outside the latter’s office.

“It’d be premature, boss.”

“Pre- Premature?!” The editor-in-chief’s shouts got loud enough to pop eardrums. “Are you out of your mind, Doss?! Are you out of your skull?! An army of metal who-knows-whats kicks in our front door, Canterlot is going up in flames, and our demon is right smack dab in the middle of it! And you think running a story on the little blue devil is ‘premature’?!”

“Exactly.”

“…Doss, you have exactly ten-point-three seconds to tell me something I understand before you’re sent to report on yeti business in the Frozen North!”

Ever the beacon of composure, Dawn Stride reached behind and pulled a folder off of her desk. She drew five newspapers out and laid them on the counter before Bloviate. “‘Blue Demon Attacks Canterlot.’ ‘Monster Runs Loose Across Equestria.’ ‘Creature from Tartarus Escapes Custody – Royal Guards to Blame?’ ‘New Monster Terrorizes Equestria.’”

“Do you have a point besides reading off from the competition, Doss?” Bloviate barked impatiently.

Dossier waited for him to pause before she went on. “Canterlot Chronicle, Applewood Reporter, Daily Corral, Fillydelphia Gazette. From the moment our two-legged star showed up, every major paper in the country has been running the same thing: ‘Blue Monster Bad.’”

She stepped to the side of a room to where a television was set up on a round table and turned it on. The Equestria News Network was playing an intense report live from Canterlot, with footage of Egg Pawns and the Royal Guard locked in combat rolling on the screen.

“But according to sources, including our own, that army has been battling against the guards arrived in Canterlot before our alien. There was no sign of him before those giant puppets started to tear the place apart, and we have eyewitness accounts of him and the guards fighting alongside each other.” As if to make her point, a guardstallion on the TV was knocked down and almost impaled by an Egg Pawn’s lance when Sonic landed on top of it from out of nowhere, saving the stallion’s life. “Just like that.”

More of the staff stole glimpses at the two. Some watched the TV broadcast with interested focus. Bloviate still appeared less than moved. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, either our demon enjoys warzone death matches in hostile territory, or we don’t have the full story. Running what we have now would give an incomplete picture.”

“Don’t be stupid, Doss!” Bloviate marched to the TV and jabbed his hoof at the screen. “You know what that is? That is a happy accident at best, and a shallow PR attempt at worst. You think it’s any coincidence that all these freaks showed up at the same time? I don’t care who got here a couple hours earlier, the only thing that matters is what’s going on now! And right now, Splash also has it on good authority that demon boy and the invader’s head honcho were chatting it up in broad daylight. I’m telling you, they are all in this together!”

“There’s no proof of that, sir,” Dossier challenged.

“There’s all the proof we need! And every minute we don’t spend capitalizing on that is a minute the ponies of Equestria go without knowing truth about these menaces! Trust me when I tell you that freaks like these are all cut from the same cloth!” He took a swig of his coffee. “Our boys in gold are out there fighting for their lives, and you wanna hold back on the thing that started all their trouble to begin with!”

“Mr. Bloviate.” There was the faintest hint of edge in Dossier’s voice. “You just explained how the conversation between our ‘demon’ and the invader’s leader started. Funny you don’t recall the part of how it ended: with him saving Princess Celestia from getting shot.”

For once, Bloviate didn’t immediately fire back.

“Not only did our alien save Celestia, you, me, and everypony here just watched him save the life of another guard. That directly contradicts the crux of what every news organization has claimed about him so far. We who provide Equestria with its information have a responsibility to make sure that information is accurate. More than anything, we have a duty to avoid the two most crippling flaws of our industry: sensationalism and laziness. Jumping on the blue menace bandwagon would be easy. Taking a dive for sales and ratings would be easy.” Dossier’s hoof extended to the newspapers on the counter. “But judging from what’s happening right now, there’s the very real possibility it would be as misplaced, and ultimately, inaccurate as every headline I read off.”

She paused, letting her words settle before she dropped her final point. “Do you want us to be remembered as just another set of chumps who got it wrong by jumping the gun?”

The entire office was dead silent. Bloviate looked like he was fuming in place. At some point, he said, “You’ve got one hour. One! If you and Splash don’t bring me something that’ll hold the top spot for a whole month, it’s gonna be both your flanks!”

Dossier rolled her eyes when he turned his back. “You’re truly generous, Mr. B.”

The other office ponies gradually stopped their gaping and eased back into their work. Wallflower, standing nearby, carefully slinked over. “Um…. Wow. That was… something.”

Dossier’s lip curved up. “My lawyer mother would always say there are three sides to every story: your opinion, the other guy’s opinion, and the truth. Your opinion should always try to match the truth.”

“Maybe… but now you’re on the hook if the truth doesn’t end up being what you think. Is it smart to take that risk?”

“There’s nothing to risk,” Dossier said evenly. “I’m sure there’s more to this whole thing.”

Wallflower pursed her lip. “What makes you so sure?”

“Reporter’s instinct. You pick it up over time.” Dossier gazed back at the TV. “We’ll see if they were right soon enough.”

Wallflower joined her in watching the war playing out on screen. “I hope they are for your sake, Dossier.”

==============
3:32 PM

Canterlot

Gunfire, explosions, and colored streaks played across the holotable’s display as the Equestrians watched the battle unfold. More and more nearby guards flocked to the command center to see. Some pegasi flew up to try and get a view from the sky.

“Unreal,” a Mystic mare whispered. “This is totally unreal…”

“Shouldn’t we be in there too?” a pegasus stallion asked.

Night Flare raised an eyebrow at him. “You honestly think we could keep up with them?”

“…Fair point.”

The Ponyville residents watched with rapt attention. “My word…” Rarity muttered.

Applejack leaned her head sideways to Pinkie Pie. “This it, Pinkie? That there doozie you were talkin’ about?”

Pinkie put her hoof to her chin. “Hmm…” Another wave of powerful shudders shook her. “Nope, not it.”

If Twilight’s mouth would have gaped open any wider, she could have swallowed a Parasprite. “This… isn’t the doozie? What in all of creation could be doozier than THIS?!”

Spike gulped. “Why do I have a sinking feeling we’re gonna find out sooner than later?”

Luna stepped away from the table, peering out at the Egg Balloon. “The fiend’s airship still flies. We can use the remaining Aerial units to—”

“No,” Celestia interrupted firmly.

Luna blinked. Had she misheard? “…‘No’? What do you mean ‘no’?”

“No other guards are to engage the enemy,” the older alicorn affirmed. “We will let our stranger face them on his own terms from here forward.”

Everpony stared at Celestia. Luna looked at her older sister as if she had lost her mind. “Of all the… Do you understand what you’re saying, Celestia?!”

“What I now understand is that this goes far beyond us.”

Twilight blinked, frowning. “What do you mean, Princess?”

Celestia watched the eight lines of movement rip by the holoscreen’s projection before she answered. “This blue stranger knew what this ‘Eggman’ was capable of. What he intended for us. It’s clear to me now that the battle playing out before our eyes is only a small part of a war that’s raged longer than any of us could know. Time and again we’ve tried to intervene, and each attempt has ended with our ponies hurt and the problem no closer to being solved. Let us interfere no longer.”

Looks of varying uncertainty were shared among the other Equestrians. Of them all, Luna showed the most discontent. “You would truly have us sit by and do nothing, Celestia?”

“We have done our part, Luna. The citizens are safe and most of the invading army has been defeated. Now we allow fate to play its hand.” Her face adopted an unreadable look. Let them fight.”

Sonic flew through the streets like a rocket. The Shadow Androids burned after him on their hover shoes, the three yellows closing in at his sides and rear.

Sonic eyed them. These bots were fast. But he was willing to bet he was faster. Smirking, he pulled ahead of them with a burst of speed.

The units registered their target escaping and employed countermeasures. The orange and green Androids leaped from the rooftops, locked onto their target and fired a set of missiles. Sonic continued racing down Baroque Street as the projectiles closed. The road ahead split into two diversions, a row of structures lining the two-way path.

Sonic saw his chance. He jumped towards the wall, bouncing back the opposite way and using the one of the missiles like a springboard to keep going. As he curled and spun, the explosion behind him blowing him forward with added momentum, and he threw axe kick at the foremost android that dropped like a sledgehammer.

The Android raised its arms in an X, catching the heavy blow, and Sonic backflipped away. He sensed movement from behind as he landed; he reacted, swiping with a backfist. The second Yellow caught it and squeezed tight, restraining him for the split second it took for the third to drive its knee into his gut.

The blow drove the air from Sonic’s lungs. His assailant stepped out of the way for Yellow #1 to crack him across the jaw with a left hook. The grip on his hand released; a diving kick sent him screaming away. He didn’t feel solid ground again until he crashed through a brick wall.

Two seconds later, he came roaring back faster than any of the Yellows could react and slammed his knee into one’s eye. The force took it off its feet and it went skittering across the ground.

Sonic swung a roundhouse kick at Yellow #2’s head; it ducked and darted back. Yellow #3 burst in with a haymaker; Sonic blocked it. A fierce exchange of parried blows too quick for normal eyes followed. The Android leaped over a hook kick and backflipped away. Sonic didn’t get to press attack; the blue and pink gunners descended and opened fire, forcing him zigzag around a stream of bullets.

The green one suddenly dropped in from behind, bashing the blue hedgehog over the head with its heavy cannon arm. Sonic’s face almost hit the concrete, but he rolled with the impact, ending in a crouch. Green leveled its cannon at him. He instinctively jumped away; it didn’t fire. Only followed him with its soulless red eyes.

Sonic didn’t understand until a cold hand grabbed him his neck from behind, suspending him off the ground. Before he could think to react, two Yellows were all over him. His ribs, his chest, his jaw. Multiple blows rained down on him in the blink of an eye. He felt a grip around his ankle, the sensation of flying through the air, and the painful crack of another wall that brought him to a stop.

Sonic opened his eyes, groaning. The Yellows approached slowly. He noticed the middle one’s left eye was marred by an ugly crack that sparked randomly. Must have been the one he hit before. He pulled himself out of the side of the Equestrian barracks, shaking off the dust.

He had to admit, these Androids were tough. They could take a hit and give it back just as hard. Their tactics had cunning beyond any ordinary Badnik. And their coordinated movements seemed overwhelming.

‘This is gonna be tougher than I thought…’

Orange and Green leveled their cannon arms at him; alarm spurred knee-jerk movement. He hurtled out of the way before missiles consumed the entire barracks in a surge of flame. Rubble and Equestrian armament was thrown in all directions, and a thick plume of smoke spread over the nearby area. The yellow trio spread out and advanced, surveying for their target.

Sonic appeared from the cloud behind one of them, holding a Royal Guard’s sword and ready to take off the Android’s head. ‘You’re mine!’

The blade sliced through the air, but the Android ducked in a flash, dodging the strike.

A kick drove into Sonic’s ribs before he could vocalize his surprise. It sent him sprawling, hard cobble scraping his side. Catching himself and snapping to his feet, Sonic stared at the robot.

‘How in Chaos’ name did he dodge that?! I know he didn’t see me coming!’

His ears caught a sound; racing footsteps. From the left came the scarred Yellow #1, sweeping a kick at his feet. Sonic jumped over and it took a reverse-handed grip on the sword, ready to pin the doppelganger to the floor. A Spin Attack from the Yellow #3 caught him in the back before he could. Pain shot him and again he was spent sliding across the ground, dropping the sword. A boot kicked him hard in the side and he went rolling all the way to the next intersection.

Cringing, gripping his tender ribs, Sonic struggled to right himself. His face lifted to the three black and yellow assailants. Something was wrong. They weren’t just fierce fighters, it was more than that. Their attacks were synchronized. Almost simultaneous. But how?

As he raised his head, a glint of light caught his eye. He squinted in its direction.

Then he saw it. The orange and silver android stood fifteen yards away, watching him.

A set of buildings imploded into dust and the Egg Gila emerged in front of him, a block’s distance away. “Oh, did I not mention the Shadow Androids’ linked photoreceptive matrix?” Eggman’s voice gloated through the Gila’s intercom. “Their field of vision is connected and shared. What one sees, all of them can see. Sneak attacks won’t work as long as even one spots you in time.”

Sonic hissed his teeth. “Terrific…”

Yellow #1 bulled towards him. As Sonic raised his guard, it vaulted over him, Yellow #2 filling the empty space in a flash. He could barely guard the hard right punch. Another low kick from #1 swept out his back foot, and a back kick from #3 took him off the ground and sent him colliding into a street light hard enough to break it. His knees met concrete a moment before glass bulbs shattered against it.

Pure instinct made him lift his head. He saw the blue Android in time to throw himself sideways, out of the way of its automatic gunfire. He rolled, bullets missing him by inches. Missiles fired. His legs reacted. Fire consumed the block.

With ground-shaking steps, the Egg Gila came through the column of smoke and flame, an unnatural shriek bellowing from its mouth as went after the hedgehog, now fifty feet from where the blast had been.

As quick as he could, Sonic ran and leaped to side of a nearby building, bounding off and sailing overhead, high enough to avoid the Gila’s charge. But as he bounced off its back, its long tail cracked like a whip. He was sent flying through several buildings.

The Equestrians collectively gasped and cringed as they watched what happened.

“Ooh…” Pinkie moaned. “That really looked like it hurt.”

Rarity held a hoof to her lips. “It’s over…”

“Hold on!” Spike protested desperately. “We don’t know that!”

Celestia subtly chewed her lip. She swung to Dawn Stride. “Find out, Commander.”

Obeying, Dawn Stride shifted the scrying spell. The image of the Egg Gila melted away, replaced by a view of the inside of some ramshackle building. Sonic lay on his back, half covered in what looked like ruined remains of costumes. His eyes were closed and he wasn’t moving. For a moment, the Equestrians feared the worst.

“Wait!” said Night Flare, pointing. “Look.”

Sonic’s body twitched. His eyes opened, and he slowly lifted himself off the ground.

“I’ll give the hedgehog this,” Spitfire half laughed, “he can take one hell of a beating.”

Twilight gulped. “But will that be enough to stop those things?”

“Okay… at what point… did I lose control here?” Sonic thought out loud, sitting up gingerly. His… everything hurt. His back was the worst. And there was a ringing in his ear.

“Up and at ‘em, Sonic… Day’s not gonna save itself.” Ignoring his body’s complaints, he pushed off the floor and to his feet, checking himself over. “Nothing missing… nothing broken, somehow… and not seeing any stars. Just a whole lot of ‘ouch.’ Small mercies.”

He walked to his entry point and peered outside. He’d landed in a second story of a big building. Judging from the big purple marquee out front, it was some kind of theater.

No sooner did Sonic hop down from the broken-open second floor did the Shadow Androids appear before him, Yellows on ground level, the four silver ones on the opposite roof. Grumbling something not-so-family-friendly, he slowly to the left. He moved cautiously, hoping not to trigger the next attack just yet.

Behind him, Eggman’s mechanical lizard turned the block corner, cutting off his escape. “You’re looking a bit ruffled, friend,” came the doctor’s contemptuous voice. “And here I thought this might still be a challenge.”

Sonic half turned to the Gila, spitting on the ground. “Don’t let the bruises fool you, Eggman. I’m just getting warmed up.”

The Shadow Androids moved in, darting along the narrow part of the road overlooked by the purple canopy—right where Sonic wanted them. He shot up, moving as a streak of light, bouncing from the left wall to theater marquee and back down at the Yellow on the right. His flying kick sent it careening into the forward-standing doppelganger.

Yellow #1 lunged, intending to drive its fist through the hedgehog’s head. An instant later it stood motionless, arm outstretched, its target gone.

It whipped around. Sonic stood several feet behind, arms crossed with a confident smile. The scarred Android shot forward to attack. Again, Sonic disappeared a moment before its punch made contact. It kicked for his head; Sonic caught it.

“So, Eggman built you guys to be as tough as Shadow, huh?” He spun like a top, twirling the robot a dozen times in a second and hurling it through the air at the pink gunner perched above. “Good thing I’ve got the edge in speed.”

Pink ducked out the way and sprang from the roof, gunfire hammering out. Sonic dodged backwards through an alley and escaped.

“After him!” Eggman shouted.

All four silver Androids pursued. Emerging onto the next street, there was no sight of their target. They stalked the block, searching. Hunting.

Pink passed the front door of another establishment. The door exploded; a blue comet careened into Pink, putting it through the wall on the other street side.

Blue whirled and let bullets fly. They followed the target’s dash into a store, punching through windows and walls. Orange and Green held forth their blasters and blew the shop apart with a triple shot of missiles. They approached the burning heap, before abruptly leaping away to dodge a blue Homing Attack from above.

Sonic hissed his teeth, running for cover as bullets from Blue and the recovered Pink chased him. One of them must have seen him coming from the second floor. He zoomed up the walls, catching the edge of a balcony, flipping to the ledge and jumping. Gunfire nipped at his heels every step of the way. He landed on the roof; the gunner Androids joined him seconds later, firing after him in a bounding chase across rooftops.

Then the green Android appeared ahead of him, buoyed by its propulsion shoes, and fired.

“Ah!” Instinctively, Sonic ducked into a ball. the rocket passing a mere foot over him. Pink and Blue had to weave around the ensuing blast, and Sonic’s spinning form careened into Green, sending it to the ground while he smashed through the windowpane of another establishment.

In moments, the gunners dropped down in front of the café and unloaded their guns into it. Bullets sprayed across every veritable inch of the place. Tables, chairs, walls, display cases, even the hanging shingle adorned with a heart-stamped teacup was shredded apart.

When the pair finally seemed satisfied, they ceased fire and stepped into the shop, guns held ready. Their metal boots stepped over broken glass, behind the register, over the small floor rug as they hunted for Sonic. But they found nothing. Calculating that he might have escaped through a back entrance, they quickly made their way out.

After they were gone, the small rug lifted up and turned over as a trap door flipped open from beneath it. Sonic poked his head out from the small cellar, breathing a sigh of relief. “Lost ‘em.” He lifted himself out, staying low and scanning the outside street. None of the Androids appeared to be nearby.

And then it suddenly got a lot darker outside. He noticed a fast-moving shadow zip across the sidewalk.

“…Nertz.”

The Egg Gila crashed down head-first through the tea shop, completely flattening the entire building, everything in it, and two more adjacent structures as the momentum from its running leap made it to slide. A sweep of its claw and tail destroyed another set of stores for good measure.

From the cockpit, Eggman surveyed the wreckage for a body. He spotted the hedgehog against collapsed against the side of a wrecked wall. He wasn’t sure whether to be disappointed or not. “You’re looking tired, hedgehog,” he jeered. His mech stalked towards Sonic, snarling balefully.

Sonic pushed himself up with a deep breath. “Just need… a second to catch my breath.”

“Hold still. You’ll never have to take another!”

Another giant steel claw came crashing down, missing Sonic as he jumped. Landing on the Gila’s leg, he darted up its body to the head.

“Maybe I’ve been aiming at the wrong bot!” It took him one second to land several Homing Attacks on the Egg Gila’s shielded canopy, rattling Eggman. To the villain’s horror, the reinforced glass cracked.

“Annoying little gnat!” Eggman grabbed a lever and twisted. The Gila immediately went into a roll, destroying another two blocks worth of structures.

This time, the doctor sincerely hoped Sonic would be crushed underneath.

More and more royal guards gathered to balconies and edges of the castle. They stared out at the raging metal behemoth and the destruction left in its wake in awe and terror. Those watching the crisp projection at the holotable looked just as grim.

“Our beautiful city…” Luna said in a despondent whisper.

“Will Canterlot even survive this?” one of the officers asked aloud.

The only one who seemed unaffected was Pinkie Pie. Inexplicably dressed in a cheerleading outfit, she danced and shook her pom-poms as the image of Sonic trading blows with two of the Shadow Androids played in the scrying spell. “Rock ‘em, sock ‘em, knock ‘em mean! Smash those bots to smithereens!”

Everyone looked at her, probably asking themselves if the she was touched in the head.

“You can’t think of a single more productive thing to do right now?!” Shining Armor asked fiercely.

Pinkie gave him an odd look. “Can you?”

Shining opened his mouth and raised his hoof like he was about to retort. But as he thought about it, no answer came. He closed his mouth, rubbed his chin in thought, then huffed. “You win this round…”

Pinkie pumped her hoof in victory.

The battle between the eight hedgehogs grew more intense with each second. Every blow and counterblow was responded in turn. Flesh and metal blazed at almost invisible speeds.

Eventually, the momentum began to shift.

Through the exchanges, Sonic realized the Shadow Androids had a flaw. As deadly as they were in close combat, they were still machines. And like nearly all Eggman’s machines, they had sequences. Patterns. And Sonic had started to pick up on theirs.

Initial attacks from the Yellows almost always began in the same way. Fierce frontal barrages from the first, followed by a calculated trip or knockdown by the second meant to break his footing; both diversions meant to open him up for the third to strike him from behind or at an exposed flank. By slipping from one side to the other, keeping the doppelgangers in front of him, and occasionally flipping over their heads, he could put the fight on his terms instead of theirs. Fight them in turn rather than all at once.

The Yellows also had another tell. They’d flip or jump backwards to give their gunner counterparts room to shoot at him without getting caught in the crossfire. By timing his movements with their own, he would know when to break off his attacks and evade. The bullets and missiles were getting easier to dodge.

It wasn’t perfect. Every so often they did something unexpected to throw him off. More than once he’d almost gotten shot, and he still hadn’t manage to get another solid hit on any of the Yellows since breaking the first one’s eye. But he was getting closer. He could feel it. He just had to keep playing it smart. Anticipate and disrupt their patterns. Use their strength against them.

As he vaulted over a kick from Yellow #2, kicked off its head, and shot forward with another Homing Attack that laid out Orange, a suspicion in his mind was confirmed. However Eggman had designed these Androids, the silver shooters were far more prone to physical attacks. Maybe they lacked the same close combat programming as the Yellows. Their response to offense was only to get distance and shoot more, always needing backup when facing him alone.

One that Blue wouldn’t have.

He’d gotten out sight again; waited behind the wall of a blown out shop as they searched. When the blue gunner wandered too close, he jumped out and seizing it from behind in a hold, tying its left arm behind its back and wrapping his free limb around its gun arm. It struggled and pulled and tried to hit him however it could, but Sonic held fast.

Blue sprayed more bullets in desperation—just as Sonic wanted. With his body weight and arms he redirected the gunfire at the other incoming Androids, forcing them to duck and flip to avoid being shot. Then he jumped up, the Blue still in his grip, spinning several times in midair, releasing and hurling it away before he touched back down. It crashed somewhere behind him.

Sonic glanced back to check if Blue was down when he noticed the wall in front of him take on a odd bluish shine—indicative of a strong source of light to his back.

Without even turning to perceive the danger, Sonic threw himself to the right just quick enough to miss the laser that vaporized the ground he’d stood on. It continued on through the wall and half-a-dozen streets worth of buildings. A deafening blast and fireball rising up in Canterlot’s lower section punctuated the attack.

Swinging around, Sonic saw the Egg Gila facing him. Smoke leaked from between its bared teeth. “Hmph, there must be a few glitches in the mainframe,” Eggman growled. “That should have taken 3.2 less seconds to fire.”

Sonic rose, dusting off his shoulder. “A bad craftsman always blames his tools. And yes, that includes tools of destruction.”

There was an odd moment of pause before Eggman responded. “Oh… so you need something better, do you?”

Something about the doctor’s tone gave Sonic a sinking feeling in his stomach.

“Well, if that wasn’t enough for you…” Eggman raised lifted his right hand, holding up familiar cyan gem. Sonic’s breath caught in his throat. A Chaos Emerald! “Let’s kick things up a notch.”

Eggman pulled a lever on the underside of the control panel. A square space on the console opened up, revealing a new slot. He pressed the Chaos Emerald into it

The Egg Gila roared, shifting its position until its head and tail lined up directly with its spine. Locks on the back of each foot dug into the ground to brace it. Its jaws opened and a barrel extended from its mouth, and three pointed poles extended from each side of its head, almost giving the impression of a frill. As the engines whined, particles of light began to collect around the barrel’s tip.

As the scene played out, looks of confusion spread among the ponies gathered around the holotable. Questions of what this was and what the metal monster was doing spread among them. No one seemed to have an answer.

But Spike had an entirely different reaction. The little dragon was hunched over, shuddering uncontrollably. “Twilight…!”

Everypony looked concerned at the little dragon. Rarity rubbed her hoof across his back, trying to soothe his sudden ailment. Twilight was at his side in a moment. “Spike? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know!” His voice was high and tight. “It feels like I’m standing on top of a speaker turned up to eleven! What’s happening?!”

Celestia leaned her head in at the projection of the Egg Gila’s head, squinting. “It must be that strange glow. What kind of power is that…?” It wasn’t until she glanced at Dawn Stride that she began to fear.

The steadfast, professional commander of the Mystics looked horrified. “No… He can’t… That’s way too much energy! It’s enough to send all of Canterlot tumbling off the mountain!”

Everyone gasped.

“He couldn’t!” Rarity squeaked. “He wouldn’t! …Would he?”

Rainbow Dash whipped around and flew up into the air. Holding her hoof above her eyes, she stared out at the white light near the Egg Gila’s head, watching it grow brighter and brighter. She saw the electric crackles around the monster’s mouth. She had unsettling flashbacks to the previous night.

Even so, she barely believed what Dawn Stride had claimed. She had to be exaggerating. “There’s no way… right?”

Sonic ran.

He uttered no words. Not one more joke or wisecrack escaped his lips. For the first time since he got to Canterlot, he was devoid of humor.

He just moved. Past broken and leveled edifices. Up the sides of homes. Across roofs and up further still to the top of the tallest structure he could find. From here, he could see the eastern edge of Canterlot less than a quarter mile away. The rolling green hills of the surrounding landscape stretched out before his eyes.

He turned back to face Eggman’s monstrosity. Whatever damage this new weapon could do, he could at least divert it away from the city from here. Ignoring the quick beats of his heart, he sank into a ready stance, and waited.

Seconds that seemed to last eternity ticked by. Bolts of power crackled between the support extensions on the Gila’s neck. The light from the charging weapon grew so bright that it resembled a star.

Inside the cockpit, the control chimed and an electronic voice spoke. “Power laser energy level: 100%.”

Malicious intent lit Eggman’s face. “Get a load of this.” He pressed another button and the cannon fired.

Ponies would go on to describe the event with an array of colorful metaphors. A glow brighter than the sun. A ghastly pulsating radiance. A star of historic power, among others. One expert called it a light that bored its way into you. A sight seen with more than the eye, that stayed in your vision long after it passed.

It would live in infamy. The day the very foundations of Equestria itself were rocked to the core.

From her place in the air over the palace, Rainbow Dash had a perfect view as the white stream of power spewed from the Egg Gila’s Mouth. She watched as the beam streaked over Canterlot, bathing the entire city in light. It vaporized the targeted building and continued out over the city’s eastern edge. Only when it was more than a mile clear of the cliff edge did it curve downward and make impact in the forest below.

No scrying spell was needed to observe what followed.

The explosion could be seen for miles. The fierce light more blinding than the laser itself forced Rainbow Dash to cover her eyes. Seconds later, a shockwave ripped through the city. The terrible sound eclipsed any thunder crack, blowing Rainbow through the air. She tumbled head over hooves, screaming. She hardly perceived the hard thud of flesh on flesh.

It was like the end of the world.

When the ground stopped shaking and the dust finally settled, Rainbow perceived sounds of distress and pain. She opened her eyes and saw a stallion she didn’t know lying on the ground in front of her. Maybe the pony the shockwave had thrown her into, maybe not. She saw her friends and other guards strewn across the platform, struggling to get up.

A voice spoke out. It was Luna’s. “Is… Is everypony okay?”

Spike was on his back, claws held to both sides of his head. “My ears aren’t…”

Pushing up to her hooves, Rainbow looked around. The castle interior was in shambles. Walls were cracked. Windows were shattered. Dust and scattered objects littered the floor. Everything else had suffered extensive damage.

Seeing her friends were at okay, Rainbow checked back over to where that beam had landed. Her mouth fell open and she stared out city edge in abject horror.

Celestia’s voice came as stunned whisper. “By the Elders…”

Miles upon miles of the landscape outside of Canterlot had been destroyed. An entire swath of green forest was now nothing more than charred field. Hills no longer existed, completely flattened. On the peripheral edges of the blast area, skeletal trees burned with intense flames.

“No… way…” For once, even Rainbow Dash was lost for words.

Fluttershy was in pieces. “The forest… All those animals…” She slumped to the floor, her eyes brimming with tears. “G-Gone…!”

“Commander Gale Force! Aerial squads to the blast zone!” Celestia’s impassioned voice jolted everypony to attention. “Put out the fires before they spread!”

Gale Force took a moment to come out of the shock, but found her nerve. “Y-Yes, ma’am!” Cuing into her helm, Dawn Stride called for three platoons of her division, taking off to join in the effort.

That done, Celestia pivoted to Dawn Stride. “Damage report?”

Dawn Stride gulped and expanded the holotable’s view of Canterlot. “It… doesn’t look like there’s any. The shockwave shook things up, but that’s about all.”

“Just got word on the troops underground,” Shining Armor spoke up. “Scared the citizens something fierce, but nopony is hurt. The shields still hold.”

Applejack swallowed hard. “So, uh… what happens the next time that thing goes off?”

Sonic was splayed across another roof several blocks away. Propped up on his elbows, he stared out at the burning aftermath, a hollow look on his face. “Eggman… what have you done?”

He heard the earth-shaking stomp that signaled the Egg Gila’s approach. Hesitation burned away; his eyes flashed angrily. Springing up, he whipped around towards the approaching mech, leaping from the roof to the street. His gaze stayed firmly on the round cockpit in the center of its head. It stopped at a hundred yards, and the Shadow Androids took position on the structures around it.

“Lucky dodge, hedgehog,” Eggman said from inside the Gila. “But I assure you, your luck is about to run out.” His fingers ran over a few buttons, restarting the targeting system. “The rest of the Chaos Emeralds might be lost for the time being, but I’ll only need one to finish you.”

The Egg Gila howled. The engines of its primary weapon began to whine.

Sonic stood his ground. “You’re wasting your time, Eggman. You couldn’t even hit me with that thing when I had my back turned. That gun might be big, but it’s way too slow.”

Eggman pushed up his glasses. “Perhaps…” His eyes shifted, and an unnerving smile spread across his face. “But I don’t believe that matters at the moment. Take a look behind you.”

Sonic frowned and looked over his shoulder. His blood went cold.

About eighty feet away, there was a half-collapsed storefront. He could see the shapes of panicked ponies inside, banging on the one visible window, before more rubble fell and blocked it.

“You can avoid this next attack if you want,” said Eggman, “but if you do, those little equines there will be reduced to atoms.”

Sonic’s glared at Eggman, his fist squeezing so hard his knuckles popped. “Why, you rotten piece of…!”

Eggman drew himself erect with a haughty air. “I told Celestia that if she stood in my way, I would return her kingdom to the dirt. Prepare yourself to join them.”

The Egg Gila’s jaws again opened again and it began to charge.

Sonic’s mind raced. Not enough time to get them all out of there before it fired. Looked around frantically, he spied the blue and yellow uniforms Wonderbolts hanging in the air.

“HEY!” He jumped up and down, waving his arms. That seemed to get their attention. “Get them out of there! Now!” he shouted, pointing at the toppled building.

The Wonderbolts seemed to get the message. Within seconds they were jetting down towards the trapped ponies. Knowing they now had help, Sonic turned back to the Egg Gila. Particles of light were gathering around the end of its cannon.

He weighed his options. Drawing Eggman’s attention elsewhere probably wouldn’t work, not with those Shadow Androids waiting in the wings. Even without them, it wouldn’t matter. Eggman would see right through the bait. Maybe even vaporize them anyway, just to spite him.

He had no choice. He had to face the next shot head on. And there was only one move in his arsenal that would give him the slimmest chance of surviving. He just hoped it would still work all the way in another dimension.

Crouching and balling himself up, Sonic went into a rapid Spin Dash. But this time, he didn’t release it; he kept spinning round and round. Smalls orbs of cyan light began materializing in the air around him and coalescing into him.

Eggman looked at the cannon’s reading. Power laser energy level: 68%.

Spitfire heaved away another piece of rock out of the way. Her team was worked fast, finally clearing enough debris to form a small opening out of the flattened building. The only thing that could reach through the crack was the small, grasping foreleg of a young foal.

“Come on, boys!” Fleetfoot shouted. “Push!” Her, Fire Streak and Silver Zoom finally succeeded in pushing a large slab enough for one of the ponies inside to slip through. A filly with a bright orange mane and flowing, white and tangelo hair squeezed through the thin opening right before another mass of debris caved in, blocking off the moments-old escape.

“Dammit!” Fleetfoot swore.

Soarin heaved up another big stone and tossed it away. “We’ve gotta keep digging!”

Realizing the futility, Spitfire tuned her headset. “Spitfire to command! We’ve got ponies trapped under a collapsed store, and we’re staring down the end of that dragon-looking thing’s cannon! We can’t get all this stuff away before it fires again! We need help! Now!”

Tense moments of struggle passed before a spark of light answered their call. Celestia stood before them. “And you shall have it.”

With casual ease she lifted the near ton of crumbled stone and wood with her magic, clearing way for the ponies inside. Among the first to scramble out were a weeping Floribunda and terrified Honey Sweet, followed by Able, Fable and Gable. Next came a distressed Silver Frames, a dirt-covered Citrus Blush, and a panicked North Point.

High Winds counted as they came. “Seven, eight, nine… is that everypony?”

“Wait!” cried Citrus Blush. “Where’s Cayenne?!”

“I’m here!” a final voice called. A yellow-coated unicorn with a tangelo mane came out, limping badly. One of her hind legs looked severely swollen. “Augh… my leg…”

Fortunately, Celestia was on the job. She lowered her horn and cast a healing spell.

Sonic’s rotating form was now entirely bathed in light, the energy of the gathering orbs reaching their zenith.

Eggman observed from the Gila’s cockpit. “So, meeting me head-to-head to give the ungulates time to escape, eh Sonic?” He shook his head. “A stratagem as predictable as it is pointless. You’d have more success stopping a water cannon with a mesh door. But if you think you can block the raw power of a Chaos Emerald alone, you’re more than welcome to try!”

Power laser energy level: 93%.

At last Sonic came out of the spin, shining from head to toe in a teal light. He raised his head to the Egg Gila without a trace of fear.

Energy level: 98%

Eggman held his hand over the trigger, fingers twitching with anticipation. “And now, my favorite part of the game…”

Sonic took an angle half step back, readying himself. “Ready…”

100%

“Sudden death!”

“Go!”

Two streams of light blasted toward each other. The collision sent twisting bolts of energy in all directions.

Only when her subjects wound was healed did Celestia look back towards the two bright flashes, watching the clash with the same awed trepidation as her subjects.

“Oh, your Majesty,” Cayenne said with relief, “you have my eternal thanks!”

Celestia’s eyes didn’t turn from the clash. “Your gratitude may be misplaced, my little pony.” Without another word, she teleported them all away.

Twilight and her friends didn’t even acknowledge when Celestia, the Wonderbolts, and the rescued ponies zapped in behind them. Their eyes were glued to Dawn Stride’s display.

Sonic had taken the Egg Gila’s power laser head-on. His legs were a blur. He held his arms out in an X shape, guarding himself. The strange aura that surrounded his body appeared to have saved him from instant incineration.

“Holy crap…” Night Flare uttered. “That attack blew up half the forest, and he stopped it with his bare paws.”

Applejack gulped. “Anypony else feeling a might bit out of their league right now?”

No one answered. Not until Twilight uttered something in a horrified voice. “He’s being pushed back…”

Sure enough, Sonic began to lose ground. He slid further and further backwards under the laser’s force. Strain was plain across his face.

“That thing’s too strong!” Spike exclaimed. “He can’t hold it back much longer!” He swung to Twilight. “Twilight, we have to do something!”

The six heroines stared at him.

“Darling,” Rarity began, “I understand, really… but what are we supposed to do against that?”

Twilight looked around frantically before her eyes settled on the necklace around Rarity’s neck. “The Elements…” She looked at the hologram, racking her brain. “Maybe… Maybe we can use them to protect him! If we act fast, we might be able to stop that beam.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash blurted. “You wanna use the Elements of Harmony to help that thing?! Have you lost it?!”

Celestia raised a hoof. “Even Luna and I may not be able to stop a blast that size from harming the city.” There was a subtle urgency in her voice. “Assisting him may be our best chance at defeating that beast.”

Rainbow Dash was unconvinced. “And then what, Princess? Even if he does beat that egg creep, what’s to stop him from coming after us as soon he’s finished? We’d just be making it easier for him!”

“I agree wholeheartedly with Miss Dash,” Vainglory said. “Handing over our most powerful means of defense to a disreputable cretin? It’s madness.”

Rarity pursed her lip. “Rainbow Dash does raise a valid point…”

“Would you open your eyes?!” Spike’s sudden outburst surprised them all. “He helped us! He’s still helping us! He came all the way back here just to keep that maniac from hurting us! He even helped us take down that giant thing with the hammer! I don’t care what kind of demon everypony’s calling him, he’s out there fighting for all of our lives right now! We can’t just let him die like this, we’ve gotta save him!”

The little dragon seemed close to tears. Rainbow and Rarity recoiled and a silence fell over the group. Then Applejack stepped forward and broke it.

“It’s true… I saw it with my own two eyes. Us, the guards, we were all taking a lickin’ from that there hammer giant. We wouldn’t have beaten it if it weren’t for the blue fella telling Twilight how. And y’all saw him save us and Celestia at the start of all this.” She took of her hat, a reflective look in her eye. “Maybe… we all got the wrong idea about our so-called Blue Demon.’”

“He wasn’t mean when I saw him either,” Pinkie Pie added. “Doesn’t seem like a bad guy to me.”

Rainbow threw her hooves into the air. “Oh, come on! So we’re supposed to just hand the strongest magic in Equestria to him and hope for the best?!”

“If that blast goes through, it won’t just incinerate him,” Dawn Stride emphasized. “Whatever’s left of Canterlot will take its final resting place at the bottom of the mountain. Thousands will die.” Her gaze swept the rest of the group. “Including most of us.”

Several ponies swallowed hard.

Gatekeeper’s rich voice spoke up. “When you’re surrounded by fighting, sometimes you have to choose sides. From everything I’ve witnessed, I will gladly take the Blue Demon over this Dr. Eggman.”

“We don’t have to give him the Elements’ magic,” Twilight said after a moment, more to Rainbow than anyone else. “All we have to do is protect him and Canterlot from that blast, then let him finish the rest of the fight.”

The other heroines seemed adequately convinced. All eyes turned on Rainbow Dash, the last holdout. She had a look of consummate displeasure, but the writing was on the wall. Choosing a spot in the corner to glare at, she muttered a response. “…Fine.”

Sonic pushed with every ounce of strength he had. But he was fighting a losing battle against a weapon channeling the near limitless power of a Chaos Emerald. He’d done the only thing he could think of to save those ponies. But now, it didn’t even look like he’d be able to save himself.

His aura was giving out under the cannon’s unstoppable force. His gloves began to shred and burn, his arms singing and bleeding.

“Ah… No good…!”

Eggman leaned over the image on his screen, his face screwed up in malevolent delight. The day he had long waited for was here. The hedgehog would die, by his own two hands, right here in front of him.

“You lose, hedgehog!”

Twilight glanced over both her shoulders to her friends, all of them gathering in a row on the balcony’s edge. “Is everypony ready?”

“Ready Freddy!” chirped Pinkie Pie.

Applejack tensed her shoulders. “All set, sugarcube.”

“Ready…” Fluttershy murmured.

“Go ahead, darling,” said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash snorted unenthusiastically. “Let’s get this over with…”

Twilight turned her focused to the bright light in the center of the city. “Then let’s do this!” She shut her eyes and called on her magic, reaching out with her mind to tap into the Elements’ power.

One by one they each levitated off the ground, the gems within their necklaces and crown glowing radiantly. Reaching a critical level of concentration, Twilight's eyes lit up with pure magical power, and a blast reminiscent of a sonic rainboom erupted from the gathered ponies. The rainbow beam of energy arced into the sky and dove down into the middle of Canterlot, straight to Sonic.

Sonic opened his eyes as a strange came over him. An odd flux of color looped around his body. “What… is this?” The pounding in his heart began to slow. A small shine came to his pupils. He felt his pain and stress lessen. These bands of light… they were cool. Soothing.

He didn’t understand what was happening. He was still locked in a life-and-death battle, and he was definitely a lot closer to the latter than the former. Yet as this strange energy flowed through him, none of that seemed to matter.

He felt… calm. Refreshed. At peace.

The Gila’s power laser warped and crackled. Without warning, the energy shot upwards in a dramatic burst, a column of white light extending upwards into infinity

Eggman reeled back from the explosion’s light. His genius engine of destruction even impressed himself. “I did it! At long last! The hedgehog is no more!”

A ping of his control board interrupted his celebrating. “Activity confirmed in blast epicenter,” the robotic voice said.

Eggman eyes bugged. “What?!” He slapped the controls, cuing the viewing screen to zoom and enhance. As the laser faded away, his mouth dropped open.

At the center of the blast zone stood Sonic. His eyes were closed, his head bowed. His left hand, raised to the sky with an open palm, slowly fell to his side. His quills appeared to stand stood more rigid than before. A crystalline aura with hues of pink and white emanated around his body. As the hedgehog stood straight, his most striking change was reavled to be in his expression. The look on his face was one of deadly seriousness, and shining silver replaced the green of his eyes.

Eggman frowned, his mind replaying recent events, calculating odds, reaching conclusions. The flash of light… there was no shockwave or fire in the aftermath. That was no explosion. The beam had been… redirected somehow?

The ponies watching through the scrying spell were completely blown away. No one had any clue what they were looking at.

“Sister…” Luna started. “This aura. Is it…?”

Celestia gave a slow, solemn nod. “The power of the Elements of Harmony. But in a form nothing I’ve seen before…”

As the six Ponyvillians returned and beheld the aftermath, Rainbow Dash wheeled on her friend. “Twilight! What did you do?!”

“I… I-I don’t know!” Twilight stammered. “This isn’t what I was trying to do at all! The Elements’ magic was only supposed shield him! But he’s absorbed it all somehow!”

Suddenly, Pinkie started spazzing in a bunch of random contortions until she finally stopped. She looked across her frame before gasping. “That’s it! This is it! That’s the doozie!”

Everypony stared at her.

“So… what does it mean?” asked Spike. “What happens now?”

No one had an answer.

Eggman's fist pounded on his pod’s control board. “I will kill you as many times as it takes! Power laser, begin energy recycle! Shadow Androids, what are you waiting for?! Kill him now!”

Sonic vanished. No blurring, no streak of blue light. One moment he was there, the next he was gone.

The green Shadow Android’s head burst apart. Alloy shell and circuitry crumpled under the force of a flying kick from Sonic, who’d appeared in their midst. He moved so fast the other Androids didn’t notice him until the husk of their brother hit the ground several yards back.

As Sonic flipped backwards off the force of his kick, the Androids moved on him. Orange was the next to attack, leveling its rocket arm and firing. Sonic hardly acknowledged it. He moved fluidly, confidently, with terrific speed, spinning around the rocket and closing on Orange. He threw a punch that Orange met with its left fist. The explosive impact removed the android’s entire arm and a chunk of its upper body.

Sonic vanished again; a Yellow android’s boot crushed into the dirt he once stood on. It snapped its head to the left, its marred eye sighting the hero ten yards across the way. Its rocket boots blazed a trail of fire as it burst after him.

When it got within two yards, Sonic moved with a godly display of speed, appearing behind it in an instant. In the next, an invisible blow drove the metal copy into the ground.

Sonic raised his hand, gazing at his right palm, then across his left arm. Perhaps he didn’t recognize himself, appraising the new power that flowed through him.

Or perhaps it was the power itself appraising its new vessel.

Yellow #1 was slow to rise. Turning to Sonic, its face was even more damaged, some of the circuitry around its busted eye now exposed.

“Remarkable,” Celestia breathed as she watched the scene.

Night Flare stepped close to the table’s edge. “Before, it was all he could to just to keep up with those things… now he dances around them and takes down two with a single blow.”

“His fighting style has completely changed,” Fotia observed. “He isn’t just faster. Nothing is wasted in his movements. I can’t even sense his transitions.”

“Indeed,” Gatekeeper echoed. “He was already an impressive warrior, but it seems the Elements’ magic has taken him to a completely different level.”

As the Equestrians looked on and murmured among themselves, Rainbow Dash remained silent. Her teeth clenched tightly. She was watching it with her own eyes, but the hedgehog’s actions felt unreal.

Who was this guy?

Yellows #2 and #3 raced across the sides of buildings, leaping down at Sonic for another attack. Sonic merely raised his hands towards them. Their punches stopped cold an inch from his palms, blocked by some invisible force. An outward flex of his fingers produced an even greater force that blew them both away.

“G-1 and G-2!” Eggman’s projected voice boomed. “Don’t just stand there! Light him up!”

The two remaining silver Androids appeared on the middling ledges of the structures around Sonic. At once, they targeted him and opened fire.

Sonic didn’t even glance at them. He calmly turned around and walked forward. The gunners’ onslaught rained down from both sides, coming within inches, but not a single round touched him. As if he could sense and anticipate every shot without thinking or fear. His gaze stayed focused on the Yellows as he walked forward through the storm of bullets, appearing not to care about the barrage. A stray bullet shot toward his face; he backhanded it away without even looking.

Eggman couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Impotent rage bubbled in him like a kettle close to boiling point. “What are you lugbrains aiming at?! Kill him! KILL THE HEDGEHOG!”

The gunners ceased their fire and all three Yellows darted in from different directions. Sonic stood motionless, fists balled and arms at his until the moment the three Androids unleashed their assault.

Then, when the first punch nearly reached his face, he moved.

The Yellows assaulted him from all fronts. Their strikes, movements, and combos were executed perfectly, yet none of their blows touched Sonic. He dodged and parried their blows with perfect ease. The Androids attempted their mixes of feints and distractions, but Sonic had answer for every lunge and strike. He glided across the battlefield as the Androids whirled around him in a cyclone of kicks and punches, appearing so relaxed that it looked like he was dancing.

A low kick swung for Sonic’s ankle; he casually lifted his foot out of the way at the same time he blocked a chop aimed at his neck. He leaned his neck to the left, letting a punch aimed for the back of his head fly harmlessly over his shoulder. His elbow slammed into that Android’s gut. As it slid back, he suddenly burst into the air, avoiding a pair of kicks from the other two. All three quickly followed him, their rocket boots letting them fly up after the hero. They came at him from every conceivable angle.

And still they could not touch him.

To the Equestrians, even with the hedgehogs’ movements clear and sharp like a high-definition plasma TV, the speed was blinding. There seemed to be dozens of strikes per second.

“Land sakes,” Applejack murmured. “They’re all so fast… its makin’ me dizzy just trying to keep track of ‘em.”

Fotia observed the combat closely, appearing to have an easier time of it than most. “His movements are so fluid… like art in motion. Before he struggled, but now he can even fight all three of those skilled doubles evenly.”

“More than evenly,” said Gatekeeper. “He’s already won.”

Several faces turned to the general, evincing confusion.

“Look closely. Every time the hedgehog avoids one of those things’ attacks, he retaliates with a faster, sharper, and more accurate blow. It’s only a matter of time before he defeats them.”

As the others watched, they began to see that Gatekeeper was indeed correct. Sonic blocked the Yellow #1 as he dodged the other two, his counterattack further marring its eye before it could get its guard up. A pivot and a kick. A duck and punch. More and more, Sonic executed his offense and defense in the same motion. The Androids could no longer keep pace.

“That’s amazing!” Spike cheered, hopping up and down. “They’re no match for him now!”

Night Flare smiled. “Like I said before, the blue guy has this covered.”

Luna was dumbfounded. “But how? He’s not even an Equestrian, let alone a pony! He is he able to channel the magic of the Elements of Harmony? Such a thing is impossible!”

Through the chattering of the others, and the continued extemporaneous dances and cheers from Pinkie Pie, few noticed Shining Armor leave his place at the the table, his face set firm with displeasure. He swiftly made his way to the closest entrance to the tunnels to prepare his unit. No matter how this fight ended, it wouldn't stop him from doing its job.

Sonic flexed himself straight and roared. A blast of power released from his entire body drove all three Yellows to the ground. Three vicious impacts sent up just as many plumes of dirt.

From atop a vantage point, Blue sighted Sonic and lined him up for a shot. The hedgehog instantly appeared right in front of it, his back to the Android. It briefly evinced surprise before the back of Sonic’s fist smashed into its face, careening it through a thick wall.

Sonic looked over his shoulder and saw the trio of Yellows charging. He thrust out his fist and a pressurized blast of air fired out. The shockwave caught up two Yellows, blowing them away with the force of a small explosion. Yellow #1 eye managed to see the attack coming and sidestep it, but as it closed on Sonic, the hero disappeared again.

His fist tore open the Android’s mouthless jaw. It flew backwards, only for Sonic to reappear behind it in a crouch, driving an upwards kick into its back that sent it airborne. The last thing the robot’s photoreceptors perceived in its last seconds was Sonic’s form waiting above, curled in a ball and spinning rapidly as it neared.

The axe kick that crushed into its head was too fast to be seen.

Yellow #1 slammed back down to the ground almost instantly, the sound of its crash akin to a bomb. It lay motionless on the ground, debris eddying around the crash site, its head split in two.

Sonic was in already in motion, flying towards the Pink as it futilely tried to shoot him down. A barrage of Spin Attacks from ten directions at once reduced it to a heap of shredded metal.

Within seconds, the two remaining Yellows reappeared and rushed him from behind. The split second #2 got within range, a wheel kick from Sonic bisected it at the hip.

That small moment gave Yellow #3 time to close the distance. With all its force, it threw a punch intended to cave in Sonic’s face.

It barely grazed his quills; Sonic ducked, responding with a punch so fierce his arm plunged straight through the Android’s gut. For a moment, both stood stone-still. Sonic withdrew his fist, rising to his feet as the final Yellow Android fell. For another even longer moment, he regarded the ruined copy in silence.

By sudden instinct, he shifted to his right. Bullets whizzed avoiding bullets fired at his back. He turned to see the Blue on the ground. It dragged inch by inch, aiming its shaking gun arm at Sonic, striving to fulfill its programming even with its dying spark.

Eggman squeezed his head between his hands. “How can this be?! How is he doing this?!” His fingers punched at the controls. “What is that?! Tell me what that light is!”

The AI’s voice spoke up: “Unique energy signature detected. Tracing.”

An arrow popped up on the side of the screen, blinking and pointing left. Frowning, Eggman controlled the Gila to turn. The arrow disappeared as his sightline lined up with the Canterlot Castle, showing a flashing dot of a source somewhere within its walls.

“Zoom and enhance!”

Several cuts later and the edge of the palace wall appeared in the display’s footage. It showed six of the ponies he vaguely recalled from before gathered together on the edge, both princesses and a small reptile behind them. The display highlighted the five necklaces and crown the mares wore in red, isolating the images and moving them to the right.

“Similarity to hedgehog’s new radiation: 100% match,” said the AI.

Veins pulsed in Eggman’s head. It was their fault. Those pathetic, weak creatures continued to defy him. “You… you…!” His hand slammed down on another button. “Lock on to those measly ungulates and fire!”

The AI chimed again. “Error: Power laser energy level only 38%.”

“Then divert power from the rest of the Gila!”

Shaking the ground with a footstep, the Egg Gila roared. Gears and pistons from all over its body whirred as it faced towards Canterlot Castle. It firmed its feet and opened its mouth, and began to power up. Pops of blue sparks flickered from random points on its body as it firmed its feet. It opened its mouth, its frill-like support poles and cannon extending, particles starting to collect.

Energy level: 45%

47%

52%

The Gila’s system overloaded. The control board burst with sparks, making Eggman reel back and shield his eyes.

100%.

At the castle’s base, Night Flare was the first to realize the danger. “He’s aiming this way!”

But there was no time.

Eggman’s fist slammed the firing mechanism. “DIE!”

As Sonic crushed the final green Android’s head under his boot, the Egg Gila fired. He whipped around to see the beam streak towards the palace.

The ponies looked on in horror at the onrushing stream of death.

“Twilight!” Applejack shouted desperately. “The Elements!”

“It’s too late!”

Far too late. Twilight perceived the voices of ponies behind them. Vaguely heard their hooves strike the ground as they fled. Saw the translucent blue and yellow of Celestia and Luna who’d appeared in their midst, trying to form a barrier in time. It didn’t matter. The spell wouldn't be half way finished before the beam destroyed the platform, the palace, half of the mountain, and all of them along with it.

But a streak of light even faster than the laser outstripped it, getting to them first. In front of the ponies appeared Sonic, floating mere feet away from where they stood at the wall’s edge.

The beam closed fast. Sonic merely stared it down.

He held out his right hand. The beam made contact.

And stopped firmly.

The laser, with all its city-destroying power, fueled by the infinite vista of energy from a Chaos Emerald and several times the size of Sonic’s body, stopped dead in its tracks. The wind roared, power warped and flared, zigzags of the lethal energy crackled about, but the beam would go no further, stopped by an invisible barrier in front of Sonic’s open palm.

The Equestrians could to little more than look on, mesmerized.

Sonic’s white-gloved hand squeezed into a fist, and to the never-ending shock of his audience, he flew straight into the beam. He passed through the wave of lethal energy without harm, the energy effortlessly giving way before him as he closed rapidly on the point of origin.

A moment later, a pink-white streak shot through the Gila’s head. The stream of power firing from its mouth sputtered and died. The mech roared, a small explosion lighting up the inside its mouth.

Then it happened again, from its neck. Then its chest. Then the rest of its limbs.

Sonic landed on Mane Street in a crouch. As a more and more fireballs erupted from its failing body, the Egg Gila gave on last ear-piercing roar before the entire robot exploded. Canterlot shook for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

Sonic stood to his feet. The energy around him, as if knowing the task was complete, slowly faded away. His quills hung normally, and the light disappeared from his eyes. He’d won.

He raised and looked at his left hand, now holding a cyan gem. The Chaos Emerald was in his possession.

Sonic closed his eyes, allowing himself a deep, calming breath. “It’s over.”

“This isn’t over, hedgehog!”

Sonic’s eyes snapped open as he registered Eggman’s voice. He looked up to see the Egg Mobile flying away jitterily, a large slash torn in its front by his coup de grâce.

Eggman hung over the side of the sputtering pod, apoplectic with rage. “You’ll pay for this! This entire world will pay for your defiance! I promise you this isn’t over! We’ll meet again!”

Sonic smirked as the Egg Mobile receded from view. “And I'll kick your butt again. Banter, rinse, repeat.”

He looked again to the emerald clutched in his hand, his face reflective. He thought about what Eggman said before. ‘If this one is here…’

The clacking of hoofsteps derailed train of thought. He looked about to see a platoon of Royal Guards forming a cordon around him. Sonic forced an exhale, tucking the Chaos Emerald into his quills. “We’re still doing this, huh?”

Shining Armor marched to the front of his platoon, eyeing Sonic with a hard gaze. “Don’t move, Demon! We’ve still got business to settle with you.”

Tired as he was, Sonic managed a cheeky smirk. “What’s the, matter Pointy-Head? Still mad that I left you in the dust?”

Shining Armor grit his teeth. “Why, you arrogant little—!”

“Stand down, Shining Armor.”

Sonic and Shining Armor’s heads swung to behind the young captain. His platoon lowered their heads and parted as Princess Celestia made her way towards the pair. By now, more ponies had begun to slip out onto the street. Twilight and the others drew nearer, staying some ways behind with Luna. Hidden staircases opened up, allowing Canterlot residents to slowly file back out, looking on as things unfolded.

“But, Princess…!” Shining Armor tried to say.

Celestia raised her hoof to silence him. “You’ve done enough, Captain. Leave this to me.” She stepped past him and strode towards Sonic.

Sonic swallowed as the approached. ‘Princess…’ His eyes flicked to her wings, horn, and crown. This must have been the other royal sister he’d heard about. ‘Celestia’, if he recalled. He also recalled how his last meeting with Equestrian royalty had gone poorly. He tensed his legs and flexed his hands, ready to move.

But he noticed something much different about her presence compared to Luna’s. Her gait had a calm, fluid grace to it. Her body language held confidence. Poise. And her eyes… they showed the most tranquil expression he’d ever seen; the perfect image of a wise, motherly sage. It made Sonic relax his guard.

Celestia stopped a few feet in front of him. For a long moment, the two faced each other. A pin drop could have been heard in the silence, all eyes on the hedgehog and the alicorn.

Then Celestia smiled. “Words cannot express my gratitude, stranger,” she said into the stillness. “If not for your brave actions, Canterlot would almost certainly have fallen today. You’ve shown tremendous courage in the face of danger and uncertainty, and as a result, saved countless lives. Including my own.” If everyone present wasn’t already stunned, Celestia blew them all out of the water by bending a knee and bowing her head to Sonic. “Equestria can never repay the debt it owes you.

Shock was plain across all faces—none more so than Sonic. He half expected her to have him thrown into a cell again. The last thing he had expected was to have the all-powerful ruler of Equestria bowing down to him. It was… a little overwhelming.

“Uh… don’t worry about it Your Highness,” he said, showing one of his palms. “Stopping that wacko doc and his hostile takeovers is something I do at least every third week.”

Celestia lifted her head. “Is it now?” There was a definite playfulness in her voice. “So you have a penchant for saving the day?”

Sonic chuckled, scratching his ear. “Oh, I know my way around a robot army or two. All part of the hero’s job description.”

The entirety of the other ponies plus one dragon remained speechless. To say the turn of events was unexpected was a gross understatement. Everyone watched the scene with a mix of amazement and intrigue.

Well, almost everyone.

Rainbow Dash felt her jaw tense. What was going on here? Why was the princess bowing down to this freak? Now she was striking up small talk? Growling to herself, she decided to to take matters into her own hooves. She zoomed up to the hedgehog and got right in his face.

“Alright, enough fooling around! It’s time you answered some questions! Who…and what, are you?!” She demanded, glancing over him now that she had an up-close view.

He seemed even more bizarre than anything shed heard or seen before. Cobalt blue fur with matching quills on his head and back, peach-colored stomach and forelimbs, a thin black nose on a peach muzzle, and emerald-green eyes that put even Applejack’s to shame. And what was with the shoes and gloves?

Sonic drew back, momentarily taken aback by the pegasus’s sudden outburst. Straightening himself out, he smiled, crossed his left leg over his right, rested his right fist on his hip, and pointed at himself with his thumb.

“I’m Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog!”

================================================================

Artwork:

Fotia

Author's Note

It's done! 😭 You don't know what I had to do to keep this deadline. But finally, finally I've progressed! Oh sweet merciful heavens, it feels good-

I sincerely hope you all enjoyed the climactic finish to this first arc. If you've liked what's come so far, I'd greatly appreciate you tipping me with a coffee so it'll be easier for me to create extra things related to this story.

Also big credit to Anzel for letting me use their organization and ranking layout for the Royal Guards. It was an enormous help. And as always, your feedback is more than welcome. Thank you sticking with me until now.

-SSD

Chapter 11 - Second First Impressions

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 12 - Settling In

==================
4:28 PM

Friendship Express

Laying back across the pair of train seats, Sonic let out a relaxed sigh. He stretched his arms up towards the ceiling and rested his hands behind his head, a sense of warm contentment settling over him for the first time since arriving to this dimension. This whole runaway fugitive ordeal had been getting to him more than he’d realized. It would be nice to put that more chaotic leg of this adventure behind him, and finally be able to kick back.

“Well, ain’t you lookin’ snug like a bug in a rug.”

Sonic opened one eye to see Applejack standing in front of his booth. “Been a crazy day,” he said, crossing one leg over his knee. “I think I deserve to take it easy for awhile.”

The farm pony’s eyebrow lifted. “Glad you’re takin’ everything in stride. I reckon some ponies would be a lot less relaxed, knowing what we’re in for with that mad doctor.”

“Well, I’m no pony,” Sonic replied casually. He closed his eyes and eased back into the cushioned seat. “Anyway, I wouldn’t worry too much about ol’ Egg-face. You’ve got me on your side, after all.”

Applejack snorted, unable to help the small smile forming across her lips. “Someone’s confident.”

Sonic smiled too. “It helps that I always win.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine with Sonic here,” Twilight interjected from the seat across from the pair. Despite her words, her voice was unusually high. “I mean, there’s no need for anypony to panic or anything. So what if we’re dealing with a madman who can create armies made completely out of metal… and weapons of mass destruction that can wipe out entire cities… that can even fend off the magic of the princesses…”

With each new sentence, Twilight looked and sounded more and more stressed.

Applejack cast her friend a concerned look. “Uh… Twi?”

“I said there’s no need to panic!” Twilight shouted. Her eye twitched. “Why are you panicking, Applejack?! Nopony panic!”

A splash of water was unexpectedly dunked on her head, soaking her from horn to tail. Leaning over the top of her seatback was Pinkie Pie, holding a freshly empty bucket.

Magically moving her wet mane out of her eyes, the slightly miffed Twilight glanced in her pink friend’s direction. “Thank you, Pinkie…”

“No problemo!” Pinkie chirped. She hopped down into the middle of the aisle.

Appearing a little less high-strung now, Twilight allowed herself a deep breath. Casting a quick spell was all she needed to dry herself. She shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts, glancing at the others around her. “Sorry. I was… This is all just a little overwhelming.”

“I get the feeling,” Applejack said, “but this is no time to go losing our heads.”

Rarity left her seat behind Sonic’s to come beside Twilight. “I understand today has been… ahem, stressful, darling. But it will be just fine. We beat that horrid doctor today and we’ll do it again, whenever or wherever he shows himself.” She had the courtesy to spare Sonic an amicable look. “With Sonic’s help, of course.”

Sitting back down, Applejack fixed Rarity with an especially smug look. “Yeah. ‘With Sonic’s help.’ Guess it’s a good thing he ain’t no dangerous menace after all, huh?”

Rarity stiffened. She cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact with Applejack. “W-Why, yes… That would be unfortunate.”

The farm pony’s smirk got even wider. “Mhm. Turns out them high-falutin Canterlot stiffs ain’t as all-knowin’ as someponies around here think, huh?”

Rarity puffed up her lip, finding something outside the window to frown at. “Honestly, Applejack, now you’re just being petty.”

The two’s back and forth brought Sonic back to his tense exchange with that one reporter. From the ‘Canterlot Chronicle,’ she had said? He grimaced, snorting to himself. As far as he was concerned, the less ponies like her he had to deal with, the better.

While Rarity and and Applejack kept bickering, Sonic’s attention drifted to the puffy mass of Pinkie Pie’s wagging tail, the pink pony still standing in front of his booth. A faint scent wafted over his nose. ‘Is that… cotton candy?’

Pinkie turned her head backwards to look at him. “Cotton candy? Oh! You must smell the new shampoo I’m using.”

Sonic nodded. “Oh, that explains it.” A few seconds later, he jolted in surprise. “Wait a minute! I didn’t say… How did you…?”

“Hmmmmmmm?” Pinkie spun around and leaned in, looking equal parts inquisitive and oblivious.

A tug on the back of his quills brought Sonic out of his train of thought. He looked over his shoulder to see Spike hanging over the top of his seatback.

“It’s Pinkie Pie, don’t question it. Trust me, that’s a rabbit hole you’ll never find your way out of.”

Sonic decided to take his word for it. “Noted.” Coming to the conclusion he wasn’t going to get much quiet time with the train chatter, Sonic sat up and stretched his arms out with a yawn. Glancing down the length of the train car, he noticed Fluttershy keeping to herself a couple booths down.

“They yellow girl doesn’t say much, does she?” he asked Spike.

The little dragon turned his head in her direction. “Fluttershy? Yeah, she’s usually pretty quiet around strangers.”

Sonic gave a light-hearted grunt. “With a name like that? Color me surprised.”

Spike chuckled. “She’ll come around. She just needs some time to get to know you, is all.”

Sonic decided to just accept that for now. Turning to look across his aisle, he said, “Hey. Twilight, was it?”

Twilight perked, facing him. “Yes?”

“So you really think you and Rarity’s tinkerer can whip up something to track the Emeralds with?”

Twilight’s lips pressed together. She seemed to be wrestling with how to explain it. “Well, in all honesty… it might not be that simple. Tailoring any spell or measuring device to something from a completely different reality… I mean, it’s not like there’s an encyclopedia on multidimensional theoretical physics.”

“Celestia knows she would have read it by now if there was,” Spike joked, to Sonic’s amusement and Twilight’s chagrin.

“The point is…” Twilight said more forcefully, “we don’t exactly know how Equestrian tools will react to otherworldly energies. Or even if they can.”

Her words appeared to put a damper on the group’s positivity.

“But certain principles of energy should be consistent!” she added, trying to keep their hopes up. “Probably… Anyway, we still have an Emerald of our own to work with. It may take time and a lot of tests to learn its ins and outs, but if we’re lucky we can make something workable out of it.”

Sonic cracked a smirk. “Cool. Then maybe I can take it easy while you girls save the day through the sheer power of nerd.”

Laughter ensued from the Ponyvillians; minus the pouting Twilight.

And somepony else. From the corner of her eye, Applejack noticed another of the group not joining in on the conversation.

Rainbow Dash sat a few rows down from the others, tucked against a window seat. Her front hooves were crossed over her chest. She looked considerably cross.

Applejack made a face; that looked like trouble. Sliding up from her booth, she paced over to the colorful pegasus. “What’s got you lookin’ more sour than a jug of vinegar, RD?”

Rainbow’s frowned deepened. “I don’t like this.”

Applejack lifted her eyebrow again. “You’ll have to be a little more specific. Being under attack by them Badnik things? That crazy doctor bein’ on the loose?” she asked deliberately.

“I mean going along with him,” Rainbow spat, throwing a glare in Sonic’s direction.

Applejack glanced from her friend to Sonic, then back again. “You got somethin’ against the hedgehog?”

Rainbow gave her a look of disbelief. “Are you serious? Has everypony just decided to forgot about everything that creep did?”

AJ expression flattened. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “We’ve been over this, Rainbow Dash. None of that stuff was like we thought it was.”

“Says him! And you’re so quick to believe it?” There was accusation in her voice. “You thought the exact same thing this morning!”

Applejack hesitated for exactly one second. “Yes, I did. But I’m also mare enough to admit when I’m wrong. Are you?”

Rainbow Dash growled in frustration. “How can all of you buy into that guy so easy?”

“He was good enough for Princess Celestia,” Applejack countered. “You think you know better than her?”

This time, Rainbow didn’t have a retort.

“I can also tell when a fella’s lying,” Applejack went on. “And that boy ain’t no liar. Besides, I’d say he’s more than made up for any mess he made. He came all the way back to Canterlot when the place was devolvin’ into a war zone to pull our hides out of the fire. He saved all our lives. Twice.” The corner of her lip curled upwards. “Three times, for some of us.”

Rainbow’s brow wrinkled. “Three?”

“Don’t think I didn’t catch that whole deal with you and that other hammer bot. It would have mashed you flatter than a flapjack if Sonic hadn’t been there lookin’ out for you.”

Scowling, Rainbow firmed jaw and refused to look her friend in the eye.

Applejack sighed deeply. “Look, I’m pretty sure I can figure the real reason you’re so dead set against the guy. But ya need to get over it. You saw what it was like out there today. If that’s what Equestria is in for, we’re gonna need all the help we can get. Same goes for him. We’re all in this together.” Her stare hardened. “And you can’t be sabotagin’ our best shot at gettin’ through this just ‘cause you’re feelin’ jealous.”

“I AM NOT—!” Rainbow barely managed to stop her shout, the scattered train riders turning odd looks in her direction. In a more controlled and quiet voice, she restated, “I am not jealous.”

Applejack looked thoroughly unconvinced, but decided not to push it further. “Then you better keep a lid on all the spite. For now, the hedgehog is here to stay. I suggest you get comfortable with the idea.”

With that, she turned and walked back to her seat, leaving Rainbow Dash to stew.

================
4:47 PM

Canterlot Castle

Deeper inside Canterlot castle lay a decorative room dedicated to meetings for the officers of the Royal Guard. Various coats of arms and artwork hung on the walls. Several weapons, decorative and battle-worn alike also framed the walls, and sat atop tables in glass cases.

Five ponies occupied the room. Umbra, Captain of the Night Guard, stood stone-faced beside a wall. Her helmet was missing; recovered from the battlefield, but damaged from a blow from an Egg Pawn’s lance and needing repairs. Four other ponies were seated at the round table in the center of the room.

The short-haired commander of the Mystics, Dawn Stride, sat peacefully; patiently; almost appearing to meditate in her seat.

Across from her was an Earth stallion in his late thirties, with a gray coat and grayish cyan mane, armored in shades of white, blue, and brown. Bold Strike, commander of the Militia.

To his left sat a pegasus mare a few years his senior: Gale Force, commander of the Aerial division. Her light blue coat was covered by gold and grey armor. Part of her long, magenta mane was tied in a bun, the rest still flowing down her neck. She tapped her hoof repeatedly against her helmet that rested on the table, discontent in her reddish eyes.

And finally was a the oldest pony currently in the room: Commander Hardline, head of the Inquisitors. He was a rust-coated Earth stallion with large bags under his eyes. His armor was a mix of green and beige.

Eventually, Gale Force’s incessant tapping drew Hardline out of his thoughts. He looked over to her, cracking half a smile. “You seem unsettled, Gale.”

The pegasus’ head turned, her face tight and eyes narrow. “‘Unsettled...’” She parroted the words with equal parts sarcasm and gravity. “We just took the biggest hit to our defenses in a generation. Our capital lies practically in ruin. And at this very moment, the madman responsible for it all is out there right now plotting how to do it again. So yes, Hardline, I am quite unsettled.”

“Easy now, Gale,” Bold Strike said. “We won today, didn’t we?”

Gale Force hissed her teeth. “Not on our own.” The words came out bitter, lingering in the air. “Even then, we barely managed to stave off this assault. We don’t have the numbers to hold the enemy back if another attack like that comes soon. We’re simply not ready for this kind of war.”

“We will be.”

The officers heads swerved towards the door. Celestia had just entered the conference room, Luna and Gatekeeper striding alongside her. The three of them took places around the table.

“The general has informed me what we do have a number of other troops in the reserves,” Celestia said when the commanders raised their bowed heads. “Isn’t that correct, Commander Gale Force?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” said Gale Force, a touch more deference in her voice, “but those are the inactive reserves. Almost none of them have seen actual combat. Meanwhile, that obese freak of nature and his metal monsters could reappear any day.”

“Which is why I plan to issue an immediate proclamation for new recruits to join the Royal Guard,” said Celestia. “The call will go out across all Equestria for those who would volunteer to serve.”

Luna nodded with affirmation. “Our subjects are steadfast and loyal with a deep love for their kingdom. I’m certain we’ll find no dearth of volunteers.”

“Respectfully, Your Majesty,” Gale Force said, “fresh faces will do us little good on the battlefield. And training them will take time. Something we may have in short supply.”

“Then we will make the most of the time we have,” said Celestia. “I’ve already ordered the preparation of a number of new military bases to be set up across Equestria. The existing ones will also be expanded to accommodate the new influx of troops.” She turned to the Bold Strike. “Commander Bold Strike, your family has long produced the most skilled warriors this kingdom has had to offer. Your divisions will be chief among those to be redistributed throughout the bases to train our recruits.”

Bold Strike inclined his head. “By your command, Your Highness.”

Gale Force huffed. “Whatever good that will do us.”

“Doubting the young blood, Gale?” Gatekeeper’s rich voice spoke up, addressing her. “You don’t think they’re up to the challenge?”

“Maybe when you and I were young, General,” Gale Force said. “But this generation…” She shook her heard. “They’re not the same. Too soft. No discipline or drive. No desire to better themselves.”

It was Luna who spoke next. “Perhaps you underestimate them.” She turned her head to the left.

Gale Force followed her gaze, and found Umbra looking at her. The thestral’s expression was frigid. She held the stare for a couple seconds before turning away, snorting to herself.

“We need to also consider new means of attack from this point forward,” Bold Strike said. “Those metal golems don’t go down easily. No ordinary sword and shield will be enough for the average pony.”

“But we’ve seen they have weaknesses,” Dawn Stride pointed out. “Gaps in the armor and weaker joints. Vulnerable points to target.”

“And judging from Commander Dawn Stride’s encounters, a vulnerability to certain spells.” Hardline said. “Our magic will be the best weapon against those things. The squadrons to join the front lines will need as many strong spell casters as possible, especially those with affinities for electric magic. I recommend pressing interdivision transfers from now. We need to be able to bring the best of the Mystics where they’re needed, and have well-balanced battalions.”

Gatekeeper stroked his beard thoughtfully. “We can also put the scraps of the destroyed army to good use. Weld what’s left of them them together, and we’ll have the adequate practice dummies for the units to train against. Perfect to grow our knowledge of the enemy.”

Celestia nodded. “Very resourceful, old friend.”

“Yes…” said Luna. Her eyes drifted down, flickering in apparent thought of her own.

“And that’s not out only source of information,” said Bold Strike, giving a small smirk. “When can we have our hedgehog visitor come in to advise us? He seems to have plenty of experience fighting these things.”

Celestia also smiled. “I’m certain he would be open to the idea. But I believe we can allow him at least a short time to rest.”

The Militia commander gave an amused, sideways bob of his head. “Fair enough.”

“For now,” said Gatekeeper, “we have to ensure all the divisions are properly armed and organized. Preparation before the next attack is our top priority” He turned to Hardline. “As is finding the doctor.”

“Already being done,” Hardline replied. “One of our teams is already tailing that maniac’s flying pod. Last report has him heading due south.”

Luna lightly stamped her hoof in approval. “Excellent, Commander. If fortune is with us, we’ll soon learn the location of that infernal villain’s hiding place. Then we can put a quick and decisive end to this war.” A thought suddenly occurred to Luna. “In fact… Commander Dawn Stride,” she said as she looked to the head Mystics officer, “what of the scrying magic available to you and your division? Might you be able to divine his location?”

Dawn Stride grimaced. “I’m afraid it’s not that easy, Highness. Even with my strength of magic, I can only extend the spell a distance equal from here to the edge of Canterlot. Any more would take the combined effort from at least several other Mystics. And to continue such intense spell casting around the clock to search… I don’t think I have to remind Your Majesties of the potential consequences of magical overexertion.”

Luna’s lip tightened, memories of old Equestria passing through her mind. “Indeed.”

“Patience, sister,” said Celestia. “Let us heed Sonic’s warning.”

Sensing that the meeting was drawing to a close, Umbra wasted no time in coming forward. “Then by your leave, Your Majesties, I’ll return to the Night Guard quarters to start my own preparations.”

“Your enthusiasm is appreciated, Umbra,” said Luna. “But stay a moment longer. There is another pressing detail to take care of.”

There was something in her princess’s tone that gave Umbra pause. “Detail?”

“You have things to answer for, Captain,” Dawn Stride answered with stern firmness.

The door opened again. Umbra turned to see Fotia, Shining Armor, and Life Line entering the room. Only as she noticed the looks of hostility from the two Militia ponies did understanding begin to dawn.

“Captain Umbra.” Solid Strike spoke from the commander’s table, his voice flat and cold. “Captain Armor and Sergeant Life Line have come forward with claims of misconduct. Allegations of cruelty and maltreatment.”

Umbra tried to speak up. “Commanders, I—”

But Dawn Stride lifted a hoof to interrupt her. “A moment, Captain. You will have your chance to be heard.”

Umbra’s body stance stiffened, but she remained silent.

Bold Strike continued. “Captain Armor has reported that you were responsible for conducting a training session with several privates from his company, during which your behavior was far from becoming of an officer.” The Militia commander turned to Shining Armor. “Is that correct, Captain?”

Shining Armor took two steps forward. “Yes, Commander. Sergeant Life Line’s report was quite particular, and I saw them all for myself.” He turned his glare on Umbra. “Her idea of a training exercise left almost the whole unit in need of medical attention.”

Solid Strike took a moment before directing his gaze to Umbra. “Captain Umbra, do you have any response?”

Umbra’s wings fidgeted her sides. “My actions were warranted, sir.”

“Warranted?!” Shining Armor barked. “You call sending an entire squad to the med bay warranted?!”

“Peace, Captain,” Dawn Stride said. As Shining Armor calmed himself, the Mystics commander directed her attention to Life Line. “Sergeant Life Line, you detailed your treatment of these guards?”

“I did,” said Life Line. She locked eyes with Umbra, her heated gaze never once leaving the bat pony. “A number of lacerations, multiple contusions, and one very badly sprained wing. All suffered at the captain’s hooves.”

“Would you still call it an exaggeration?” Solid Strike asked, his words a sarcastic bite.

“I certainly would not.” This time it was Luna who spoke, her voice drawing the attention of all. She wore a look of thorough disapproval as she dressed Umbra down. “Such behavior would not be expected of any royal guard, let alone the commanding officer of my Night division.”

Umbra grew ever stiffer, unable to keep eye contact with her princess.

“Aggression is for the enemy,” said Dawn Stride, “not those by your side.”

Gale Force snorted. “Hurting your subordinates over your wounded pride? Seems to me Her Majesty misjudged when she made you a captain.”

Umbra took a short breath to calm herself before she replied. “I did what I believed was necessary after last night’s incursion. We faced the prospect of Your Majesties’ personal grounds being infiltrated the first time in however many moons. As far as we knew at the time, anyway. I believed it necessary to uncover exactly what weakness allowed our target to escape and correct it. I was simply doing my duty.”

“By beating one of my squads to a bloody pulp?” Shining Armor growled.

Umbra turned a stony look in his direction. “You don’t think we faced far worse in the streets today? If your shinies aren’t prepared to handle real combat, they might as well pack up and go home. They’re not worthy to be royal guards if they can’t handle a few scuffs.”

Shining bared his teeth. “Maybe you’d like some to match!”

“ENOUGH!” Celestia’s shout—carrying the volume of her Royal Canterlot voice—silenced the two young captains. The room went quiet, the alicorn’s echo still reverberating off the walls.

Celestia shifted her gaze from Shining Armor to Umbra. With measured steps, she approached the bat pony, moving to stand within a few paces of her. “You are a dedicated soldier, Captain Umbra,” she said, her face and voice softening some. “A skilled and a disciplined warrior. Especially for one so young. But that does not change the fact, as Captain Armor has pointed out, you have no authority to enact any discipline on members outside your own division. And even if you did, your actions against your fellow guards today were out of line.”

“Minor injuries in combat practice are inevitable, Your Majesty,” Umbra insisted.

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “My apologies. I hadn’t realized hospitalizing fellow guards were accepted practice when you were recruited.”

This time Umbra said nothing.

“And that’s not all.” This time it was Gatekeeper who spoke, his powerful voice drawing the attention of all. He looked down the table to his left. “Commander Dawn Stride?”

Dawn Stride’s eyes closed, a small exhalation coming from her nose. Perhaps reluctance? “Towards the start of today’s battle, I was approached by Lieutenant Night Flare. Apparently, Captain Umbra went missing not long after the attack began. We located her on the tactical, engaging the hedgehog.”

“Alone?” asked Celestia.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And Lieutenant Night Flare didn’t indicate that she gave any notice of this?”

Dawn Stride shook her head. “No, ma’am. Quite the opposite.”

“Deserting the ponies under your command to seek out personal glory,” Gale Force said acidly. “Clear misbehavior before the enemy.”

More and more, Umbra wished she had her helmet to cocoon herself in.

After a moment of stiff silence, Gatekeeper again spoke. “I trust now you understand the gravity of your situation, Captain Umbra. On top of your actions with Captain Armor’s young privates, you also chose to go after the hedgehog, without orders, in the middle of an invasion, while choosing to inform no one.” The old stallion’s countenance was like a stone cliff, his voice like rolling thunder. “You abandoned your comrades in the heat of battle to pursue your own personal agenda. As long as you wear that armor, disregard of your comrades’ wellbeing, or anyone’s wellbeing will not be tolerated. Do I make myself clear?”

Umbra felt herself shrinking under the weight of the general’s words and presence. “…Yes, sir.”

“I know I voiced my concerns about our available troops,” Gale Force added, “but I believe the captain could use some time away from anything resembling a battlefield.”

“Fully agreed,” said Celestia. She turned her head to regard Fotia. “Colonel Fotia?”

Fotia stepped forward. “Your Majesty?”

“You will take command of the guards’ preparation here in Canterlot, both for existing troops and new recruits.” She looked at Umbra. “Captain Umbra, you will serve directly under the colonel. Since you seem to be so keen on our guardsponies’ combat readiness, you will have a direct hoof in the effort. Until further notice, their training will be your first and only priority. Colonel Fotia will supervise you to ensure that there are no further incidents.”

Umbra felt something tighten inside her chest. “Your Majesty, I mustprotest. I’m needed elsewhere.”

“I wholeheartedly disagree,” Celestia replied evenly. “From my eyes, you appear to be rather uninterested in the collaborative efforts necessary for the Royal Guard to function. Am I to trust an officer who injures and disregards those under her command with the safety and security of this kingdom?”

Umbra had no answer.

“Dark times loom,” Celestia intoned, gazing briefly out the windowpane to the city and countryside below. “I sense our peaceful nation is about to erupt in violence. It is paramount that those who would defend these lands stay unified in the effort. This concerns the survival of all of us, not merely your personal ambitions, Captain Umbra.” She let her words hang for three more seconds. “Until you prove yourself worthy, you will remain here in Canterlot and oversee our newcomers’ preparation.”

Stunned, Umbra gazed blankly at the floor. Just like that, her life had been completely upended. Her position, so painstakingly earned, after so much blood, sweat, and tears was gone. Snatched away by yet another cruel twist of fate. War loomed on the horizon. Her princess’s kingdom needed to be defended. Battles would have to be fought, command taken. And instead of fighting on the front lines, having the chance redeem herself, she was to play the role of assistant teacher to wet-behind-the-ear cadets; consigned to a purgatory of glorified babysitting. A career path solidly guaranteed to go nowhere. It may as well have been the end of her world.

Where had it all gone so wrong?

============
5:37 PM

Ponyville

The Friendship Express had just reached its destination, slowing and rocking to a steady stop at the Ponyville train station. The few other passengers on board filtered out, hurrying along for their personal business. Sonic stepped out through the doors, the other seven heroes behind him.

Pinkie bounded out to the front of the group and struck a pose. “Welcome to Ponyville! Friendliest town in all of Equestria!”

There was utter silence from the empty train station. A rogue breeze comedically blew a tumbleweed across the wood deck.

“Yeah, I’m really feeling the love,” Sonic commented, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“I’m sure they’ll come around,” Twilight put in, some anxiousness in her forced smile. “They just need a chance to get to know you.”

Pinkie Pie suddenly brightened. “Ooh, ooh! I know what will do the trick!”

“Here it comes…” Spike said dryly.

Standing up on her hind legs, Pinkie threw her hooves up, and with a squeaking explosion of confetti to punctuate, declared, “Aaaaaaaa party!”

Sonic took a few perplexed seconds to find his voice. “A… party?”

“Yeah!” Pinkie replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “A Let’s-All-Welcome-The-Super-Cool-Hero-Who-Saved-The-Day-to-Ponyville party. Duuuuuuh!”

There was another thousand-yard stare from Sonic.

“Pinkie throws parties for everypon— um, everyone new in town,” Twilight explained. “I should know.”

“And you won’t find anyone better at it!” Spike added.

Pinkie puffed her chest up with pride. “They don’t call me Party Thrower Extraordinaire for nothing!”

Sonic half smiled. “That a fact?” He walked over to the train station bench and sat down, closing his eyes. He wanted to rest just a little longer. “Doesn’t sound half bad. We haven’t had any shindigs back home in awhile. Well, not counting my birthday party.”

A loud gasp suddenly came from behind Sonic, surprising the hedgehog. He popped his eyes open to find Pinkie sticking out from behind the top of the bench and staring into his soul. “It was your birthday?!”

The baffled Sonic whipped his head from Pinkie Pie to the group and back several times. When did she get there? How did she get there?! “Uh, yeah… It was just a few weeks ago.”

Cue an even longer gasp from Pinkie. “That’s it! Now I HAVE to throw you one! Ooh, it’ll be a double whammy Let’s-All-Welcome-The-Super-Cool-Hero-Who-Saved-The-Day-to-Ponyville-And-Belated-Birthday party!”

The sheer determination in her eyes started to make Sonic nervous.

“Just you wait, Sonic the Hedgehog! I’m gonna give you a welcome bash so great that everypony in town is going to love you!” She smacked one hoof into the sole of the other. “There’s no time to lose, to the Pinkie Cave!” And she disappeared behind the chair.

Sonic, dumbstruck, stared at the empty space previously occupied by the pink mare. He checked behind the bench half expecting her to be there giggling, but found nothing. “What… just happened?” he asked the others.

“Oh, just something of a Ponyville tradition,” a new voice said.

Sonic turned his head to the right turned to see an official-looking mare approaching. She had grayish hair and a dull brown coat, and sported glasses.

Applejack raised a greeting hoof. “Howdy, Mayor!”

The older mare bobbed her head in acknowledgement. “Good afternoon, Applejack. Everypony.” With a bright smile and a formal demeanor, she addressed the Mobian in their midst. “Sonic the Hedgehog, I presume?”

Sonic rubbed a finger on his nose. “Word gets around fast, huh?”

“When you’re in the right circles,” she replied. Her hoof came up to touch the poff of her ascot. “I am Mayor Mare. It is my great pleasure to officially welcome you to Ponyville. Princess Celestia sends her regards.” A subtle smirk passed over the Mayor Mare’s. “And it looks like you’ll be seeing Ms. Pie again in the very near future.”

Sonic felt a sudden sense of trepidation. “Uhhhh…”

The mayor’s amusement was hidden behind a well-practiced smile. It was obvious she was trying to contain her mirth. “Oh, it’s nothing at all to worry about, Mr. Sonic.” She turned to face sideways. “In any case, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to where you’ll be staying.”

“Not wasting any time, huh?” Sonic said merrily. He turned to the five remaining mares and dragon. “Guess this is where we split up for now. Be seeing ya.”

A snort came from Rainbow. “‘Bout time.” She took off quickly through the sky.

Sonic frowned after the pegasus’ disappearing form. “What’s her deal?”

Twilight was quick to put in a mitigating word. “Oh, I’m sure it’s just Rainbow Dash being Rainbow Dash. She’ll get over it.”

A look of doubt crossed Sonic’s face, but he ultimately shrugged his shoulders. “If you say so.”

“Tata, darling!” Rarity called with a wave. “And do remember to stop by my boutique. It’s the tall, decorative building on the west side of town. It’s right by the town hall, you can’t miss it.”

“Will do!” Sonic said, waving a last goodbye over his shoulder. Mayor Mare turned to lead the way, and the two headed off.

Mayor Mare and Sonic walked side by side through Stirrup street. The mayor hummed a happy tune as she went. Sonic looked around the townhouses as they passed along. Almost all of them were two stories, adorned with wooden shutters and what almost looked like hay-themed roof thatches. They were very traditional in their construction; no bricks, no mortar, just the simplest of materials. It reminded him of a lot of the smaller villages back on Mobius.

And as he looked out towards that town, Sonic started to notice he was getting attention. Ponies along the streets stopped and stared. Wide-eyed gapes and less-than-subtle pointing hooves were aimed in his direction.

Sonic scoffed under his breath. “Looks like I’m fitting in about as well as a zebra at a lion convention.”

“You’ll have to forgive them,” Mayor Mare said with a soft chuckle. “Here in Ponyville, we’re more used to the occasional odd event or character than most. But every once in awhile something still surprises us.” She aimed an amused look at Sonic. “And you have to admit, you’ve been quite the surprise.”

Sonic snorted to himself. Wasn’t that the truth? It’d been one surprise after another ever since he’d been dropped into Equestria. The last twenty-four hours had been a veritable whirlwind of unexpected events. It was a lot, even for him.

“Don’t fret,” Mayor Mare said, offering him a sympathetic expression. “I’m sure you’ll fit right in with a little time.”

With effort, Sonic smiled and nodded before changing the topic. “You know, with it being so far out in the woods, I wasn’t expecting this place to be so big and bustling.”

“Yes, we’re quite proud of it,” Mayor Mare said with another proud smile. “Ponyville was settled here many, many moons ago by the Apple Family when they settled here on land granted to them by Princess Celestia.”

Sonic briefly wondered how much time a ‘moon’ was supposed to mean. But he didn’t comment on it, asking instead, “I’m guessing orange cowgirl with the hat didn’t get her name by coincidence?”

“You would guess right,” Mayor Mare said, sounding amused. “Applejack’s grandmother was among the first of the Apples to settle in the valley that would become our fair town. It was her family who planted the apple orchards that became the backbone of our economy, which they still maintain to this day. Thanks to the cooperation between the Apple family and the Rich family, Ponyville has grown into the bustling township it is known as today.”

As the mayor gave her brief summary of Ponyville’s history, Sonic let his eyes wander over the passing countryside. Trees of numerous shapes and colors dotted the landscape, the soft chirps of birdsong gave a calming serenade. A cool, gentle wind swept across as they moved; Sonic took a deep breath of the sweet-scented air, his quills shifting in the wind.

It was a beautiful, peaceful place. One worth protecting.

“A question if I may, Mr. Sonic?” Mayor Mares said.

“Shoot. And please, just Sonic.”

“As you wish,” she acknowledged. “I’ve heard of some of your own tales as well. Those of you and this Dr. Eggman.” There was a new soberness in her voice that didn’t escape Sonic’s notice. “You’ve been fighting him for a long time?”

“About as long as I can remember,” he replied. “I make it my business to stop him from hurting others.”

“Even us,” she pointed out. “Even when we may not have deserved it.”

Sonic’s eyes shifted over at to the mayor. “‘Deserved’ has never had anything to do with it. Life’s to be enjoyed, and we should all get to enjoy it. Without any self-absorbed egomaniac getting in the way.”

Mayor Mare seemed to consider his words. “So, is it an obligation, then? Do you feel like it’s your responsibility to do what you do?”

Sonic shook his head. “Nothing not that complicated. I don’t stand up to jerks like him because I have to. I do it ‘cause I want to.”

For a few more seconds, the gray-haired mare looked silently at him, an odd expression on her face. “I… must admit, that wasn’t what the answer I was expecting.”

Sonic closed his eyes and shrugged. “What can I say? I like to keep it simple.”

At this, the mayor gave a small smile, chuckling. “You’re a very interesting creature, Sonic the Hedgehog.”

Sonic smiled too. “I have been told.”

As their conversation petered out, Sonic became more cognizant of his surroundings. Without him even noticing, the idyllic countryside view had shifted into the denser edge of a woodland. Another breeze caused the branches from the trees around him to shake, their green leaves rustling. Looking over his shoulder, Sonic realized they were quite a ways off from the town’s outskirts, Ponyville itself now a blurred splash of color on the horizon.

Even the road they had been following had turned into a beaten dirt path that looped almost casually through the greenery. Finally, a small outcropping of oaks opened up into a clearing.

“And, here we are!”

Sonic couldn’t help from wincing with dismay at what greeted him. The location was nice enough, but it didn’t quite make up for the run-down, two-story cabin that sat waiting in the middle of the clearing. Patches of hay were missing from the roof, exposing aged roof tiles. What passed for windows had planks nailed across them. The plants framing the cabin’s front side and across the yard were overrun. Even the mailbox was practically falling off its post.

Mayor Mare’s face and body language indicated that his reaction hadn’t gone unnoticed. “I’m sorry, Sonic… This was the only available space we had available on such short notice. I’m afraid all our other residences are occupied. It was a fine little place back in the day, but we haven’t been able to find a steady tenant since the last owner left.”

Sonic’s neck bent forward, his frown deepening. “When was that? Late Triassic?”

Mayor Mare shifted uncomfortably. After taking a moment to compose herself, she said, “Oh, only a few years… I think.” Her tone wasn’t extremely convincing. But she worked a professional smile back onto her face. “Still, it could turn out quite nice with a little elbow grease.”

She reached for and turned the doorknob—only for the entire door itself to fall forward, hitting the ground in front of them with a sharp crack.

Clearing her throat, the mayor withheld a reply stepped carefully inside the cabin. Sonic shuffled in behind her; and his mouth dropped open.

The inside was so dilapidated that it put the outside to shame. Aged and weathered floorboards. A half-broken desk. Cracked molding covered the walls. Peeling paint splotched here and there. Cobwebs all but smothered the fireplace. One of the windows had a draft Sonic could feel even now. A staircase to the second floor wasn’t in one complete piece anymore. The bed… couldn’t even be called a bed. Just a raggedy pillow on top of a pile of hay.

“More like a truckload of elbow grease,” Sonic said dryly.

Mayor Mare attempted to redirect things. “Um… aside from your location, your living expenses will be fully covered by the royal treasury. Additionally, you’ll receive a weekly stipend for your personal use during your stay here. Seeing how this place is in need of…” She cast her eyes around the room, as if the right word would be hidden in any of the nooks or cobwebs. “renovation, so to speak, I have a few places I can recommend to you.”

That, Sonic supposed, could help. He rubbed the back of his head. “It’s a start… Sorry, I shouldn’t be ungrateful. It’s just…” he gave another glance around the room, “well, you know. I don’t mean to look a gift—”

“Please refrain from any equine-related puns, mister hedgehog,” Mayor Mare interrupted, a smile on her face, but warning in her eyes.

Sonic quieted, rubbing the underside of his nose with a meek grin. Sounded like Celestia had also mentioned his propensity for jokes to the mayor.

“Well, then, these are your keys.” Mayor Mare set the key tab on top of the dusty night stand.

Which promptly collapsed, unable to support even a single key.

For a few awkward seconds, all was quiet.

“So then… I’ll leave you to adjust to your new surroundings. If you have any questions, feel free to ask myself or any of the staff at Town Hall. That aside, you are now officially Ponyville’s newest resident!”

Despite all the hiccups about the living space, Sonic found comfort in that. He had a place of his own. A home away from home, generously offered by the ponies he’d risked his life for. That, more than anything else, warmed his heart. Made him feel a little more welcome. A little less alien.

“Thanks for everything, Mayor. I’ll be in touch.” He lifted and waved his hand as the mayor bid him goodnight and exited the cabin.

Glancing back at the shambled excuse he currently had for a bed, Sonic decided against it. He walked out the front door and took notice of the tree growing off to the side of the cabin.

It looked like fate would make an honest hedgehog out of him. He paced over to the base of the tree, sat himself down, and leaned back against the bark. Easing back, he couldn't help from yawning. All the excitement and peril of the day had taken more out of him than he thought.

He looked out to the horizon, the lowering sun starting to paint the clouds red and orange. What a time it had been. But now, for the first time since coming to this world of magic and ponies, he could rest easy. As the warmth of the evening sun soaked into him, his eyes drifted shut.

Equestria Daily

Silencing Critics: Heroic Hedgehog Defends Canterlot

Equestria’s fiercest battle in moons is over. The invading enemy force that stormed Canterlot mere hours ago has been routed, capping off what may be the most chaotic twenty-four hours in recent history.

Earlier today, the clear and peaceful clear Wednesday day afternoon was darkened by the shadows of arriving airships, foreign in design and origin. Their commander: the alien mastermind declaring himself as Doctor Eggman. Descending on the royal palace, it was his command that unleashed a mass of strange metal beasts—now being labeled as robots or “Badniks”—upon the unsuspecting capital, menacing the Canterlot citizens, the Elements of Harmony, and even the Royal Sisters.

But as it seemed the worst may come to pass, the ponies of Equestria would receive help from the most unexpected of sources: a blue, spiny, two-legged creature calling himself Sonic the Hedgehog.

It was this same Sonic who has been the subject of a great many reports over the last news cycle. This same Sonic who it seems nearly all of Equestria had labeled as a monster and a menace. This same Sonic who was unceremoniously labeled with the title of Blue Demon. That monster returned to the scene of his alleged crime, not to harm, but to help. That menace stood directly between the invaders and a wounded Princess Celestia. That demon looked into the face of an overwhelming force, and where others would turn tail and run, stood his ground with a confident smirk.

Equestria cried out for a savior. And thus, the demon descends on the winds of chaos to bring judgment down upon the wicked.

As the hedgehog took the fight to the robots, the invading force clashed against the companies of Royal Guards serving as the city’s garrison. In the unfolding chaos, a number of separate battles emerged, ultimately devolving down to a one-on-eight death match between the blue hedgehog and artificial dark mirrors of him, with the added hazard of a titan-sized mechanical dragon. The ensuing battle between the hedgehog and the forces of evil proved too fierce for even a city to contain, a counterattack from the giant metal monster leaving a large portion of the forest beyond Canterlot completely incinerated.

But the combined efforts of the blue hedgehog, the Royal Guard, the princesses, and even the Elements of Harmony proved enough to wipe out the enemy army. Holding fast against all the evil Dr. Eggman could throw at them, the intrepid defenders of Equestria stood firm and were victorious.

And as the dust settled, in the center of it all, bathed in the magic of the Elements of Harmony themselves was the blue hedgehog. Where once was an ominous shadow, now stood a shining beacon of hope. A brilliant star that fell from the sky, here to light our darkest hour. Not a black-hearted evil, but a brave-hearted hero who has left an indelible impression on Equestria.

“Today has seen our troops execute the largest defense of our capital in a generation,” Princess Celestia said in a statement. “They have fought with unmatched courage, professionalism and resolve.”

But that fight, according to the hedgehog himself, isn’t over yet. Dr. Eggman managed to escape the battle, vowing to return to finish what he started. War looms on the horizon. Flesh and blood defenders on one side, unfeeling machines on the other. We have entered a battle for the soul of a nation. A war of blood and steel. But in this author’s view, the ponies of Equestria can rest easy knowing that we will not face it alone.

Welcome to Equestria, Sonic the Hedgehog.

By Dossier, Wallflower Blush and Chill Breeze contributing.
July 10, 1001 AC

===================================================================================
Artwork:

Umbra (armored, missing helmet)

Author's Note

At last, it returns. Thank you all for sticking by through thick and thin. There are still some hardships going on in my circles with a certain person's passing. It would continue to mean the world to me if you could give me a bit of support by dropping a coffee or two.

As always, leave your thoughts and comments below. I'll continue to enjoy bringing you all the things my imagination has cooking. Let's see how my pace will be in the near future.

-SSD

Chapter 13 - Dark Intrigue

=========================
6:22 PM

Southern edge of Equestria

Trailing puffs of smoke sputtered from the Eggmobile’s torn open front, the ship jittering randomly as it floated along. The damage suffered in the final moments of the battle at Canterlot hours before had led to several hours of unsteady travel. But now its destination was at least coming into view.

The new base of the Eggman Empire—a dark metal dome stretching close to a mile across the barren landscape. Two front-positioned, red-glowing circles on its front, and curved smokestacks that stretched from underneath them and reached upwards to the sky gave resemblance to its creator's face. The metal tubes leaked noxious smoke, a smell of polluted air permeating the airspace.

The smell was of little comfort to Eggman. His ship continued its tottering descent towards the front of the base, its shadow falling over the other Badniks continuing to work around the metal structure. It got within ten feet of the entrance before the struggling engine finally gave out, giving a final sputter of smoke and sparks before it went dead, dropping fifteen feet to the ground with a crash.

Snarling, Eggman pulled himself out. He glowered at the broken pod, giving it an angry kick.

Orbot and Cubot floated over to meet their creator. NEEDA trailed a few meters behind them.

“Heeeeey, boss,” said Orbot. “So, how was the big conquest of the little pony’s city?”

The only response from Eggman was an unintelligible grunt as he stomped past them. Cubot decided to comment after him. “You alright, boss? You look angry.”

Eggman whirled. “A BLIND, DEAF, COMATOSE LOBOTOMY PATIENT COULD SEE THAT I AM ANGRY!”

The two sycophantic robots cowered, shrinking into their respective ball and cube forms. Glaring at the two for another moment, Eggman straightened and looked around the base’s airspace. “NEEDA, what’s the latest location of Flapper squadrons one and three?” he demanded as the docketing robot approached.

“Traveling southeast over the flatlands, as you ordered,” the droids replied crisply. “Tracking puts them several hours away from home base.”

“Both groups will rendezvous back here,” Eggman said, walking past NEEDA. “But first, find an inhabited settlement nearest their position. I don’t care which, just send them there first.”

Lines of blue streaked sideways across NEEDA’s photoreceptors, acknowledging and preparing to send out the order. “And what are they to do when they reach, sir?”

The command was brusque and callous: “Bomb it. Let the charred ruins show those pitiful equines the cost of their victory.”

Cubot appeared surprised. “You mean that huge invasion force lost to a bunch of colorful ponies?”

“I suppose they weren’t so pitiful after all,” Orbot commented. “Perhaps if you’d done a little more reconnaissance before moving—”

A pair of rocks thrown by Eggman hit both chattering robots. “Blithering grease traps! When I want your opinions, I’ll hammer them out of you!” Orbot and Cubot retreated. Making bitter sounds of revulsion, Eggman turned back to his newest droid. “Continue, NEEDA.”

NEEDA proceeded smoothly. “Everything is running on schedule, Lord Eggman. Construction of the new base is complete and systems are operating at full capacity. Per your orders, the entire area within fifty miles has been scanned for life forms. No significant signatures were detected.”

“Good,” Eggman said gruffly. “At least something is going according to plan. I don’t need any more surprises.”

As if the universe itself was determined to give the doctor no quarter today, the earth suddenly began to shake. Amid alarmed beeps and clattering metal, a crack suddenly split the ground in front of the base, growing larger and larger.

A huge shape burst up from the ground. Long and snake like, covered in purple scales. The apparent creature shifted to show its head. Pink in color, with lines of jagged red trailing from its beady black eyes; eyes that observed the human and robots below with the primal anger of a predator whose territory had been trespassed upon.

It was Orbot who commented: “Well… there’s a surprise.”

The tatzlwurm shrieked, its three-sectioned head opening and revealing a set of brown tentacles that thrashed angrily. A sudden lash of its long body sent several Egg Pawns flying, one of them crashing the ground right next to NEEDA, narrowly missing the smaller automaton.

Orbot and Cubot were the first to beeline in the opposite direction of the angry predator. The remaining Badniks around the base, unprogrammed for war, similarly fled.

Eggman, by contrast, stood eerily still as his creations retreated past him. Adjusting his glasses, he walked towards the rampaging beast.

The tatzlwurm appeared to notice him, inclining its neck to fix the doctor with its black-eyed gaze. It curled its neck into an S shape, readying to strike, and loosing another roar.

Eggman decided it would be the last thing the insolent creature ever did. From somewhere on his waist he drew out a spare black and gray pistol, aimed it at the tatzlwurm’s open mouth, and pulled the trigger. Blue energy vaporized scaly hide and disintegrated flesh and sheered bone, and the tatzlwurm’s cries quieted. Smoke curled from the foot-wide hole in its gaping mouth, light shining through from the back of its head. Its body curled, head bending backwards, and the tatzlwurm collapsed with a ground-shaking thud.

The doctor stood quietly, hardly noticing the light clanks of the other Badniks returning to survey the scene, studying the head of the dead creature that now lay at his feet. “NEEDA?”

The tone with which his master spoke stirred a sudden caution in NEEDA’s subroutine. “Yes, Lord Eggman?”

The doctor’s head half turned. “Did you not just say that the entire area was scanned for life forms?”

“That’s correct, sir,” the droid responded. “However, upon consideration, all scans were directed outwards at the base’s surrounding area. I appeared to have neglected to consider below the surface.” NEEDA paused, running odds and calculating. “It is more than probable that the nearby vibrations of the Egg Gila burrowing through the ground disturbed the creature in its subterranean lair, and it followed the resulting trail back here. I assume full responsibility for the error. I am sorry.

Eggman turned fully around, towering over his new organizer. “NEEDA…”

Orbot and Cubot, who’d reappeared after the tatzlwurm’s death, had come back out to watch the aftermath. “Now he’s in for it…” quivered Cubot.

“Apology accepted,” came Eggman’s surprisingly calm reply. “Just make another check below the surface as well.” He cocked his head, genuinely looking concerned. “Are your systems functioning properly? I wouldn’t expect you to miss something like that.”

“Why isn’t he ever that patient with us?” Cubot complained quietly.

“They are, my lord,” said NEEDA. “But, admittedly, the intake and cataloguing of the sheer amount of data in this dimension has been a bit trying on the processors.”

Eggman nodded. “Understandable. Connect directly to the servers, use more of the system’s databanks to help compensate.”

NEEDA nodded. “Will do, sir. Perhaps I simply… NEEDA vacation?”

Eggman stared deadpan at the droid.

“I’m so sorr—“

Another blue laser blast put a burning hole in NEEDA’s torso. The robot exploded into chunks of frayed meal, his head rolling along the ground.

The barrel of Eggman’s gun leaked smoke as he slapped it back on his waistband. He put a hand to his forehead, massaging his temples. “I’m surrounded by defective circuitry…” he moaned. Then he whirled on Cubot and Orbot. “You two! Clean this up! And get that massive excuse of an eel out of my sight!”

“Yes, boss!” the pair announced in unison, pulling out a broom and dustpan respectively, and floating along past him.

Grumbling, Eggman stomped towards the center of his new base. The network of pipelines and chimneys on the outer regions were still in progress. But the dome had been completely finished. An animated stride through a long hallway, up an elevator, and through a giant sliding steel door brought him to the command center. At the end of a dark room, an egg-shaped chair in front of an array of lit screens awaited him.

Reaching and dropping into the seat, Eggman spun to face the screens.

The day had proven disastrous. Not only were his Badniks soundly defeated by a bunch of puny equines, not only was Sonic still alive, but worst of all the Chaos Emerald had been lost to the insufferable hedgehog. In this expedition to recover all seven of the miracle gems, the advantage had now clearly swung to his hated enemy.

He had to recover from this setback—post haste.

Before he could further ruminate on solutions to this debacle, something cold touched the side of his neck. Eggman opened his eyes to see the curved steel of a blade extending past him on the right.

“Be still or die,” a ghostly voice said. It was male, deep and distorted.

A fresh haze of anger dropped over Eggman’s vision. His right hand twitched, feeling freshly aware of the handgun hanging at his waist. “Miserable little creature! You dare to enter the seat of the Eggman Empire uninvited?! You’ll never get out of here alive!”

“I think I will,” the voice replied, cold and even. “Otherwise the location of this base will be leaked all across Equestria.”

Eggman tensed. His own voice went low and dark. “What?”

“Your army is destroyed,” the voice continued, “as well as your ships. Anything you could create to aid in your escape will not carry you far before the princesses’ commanders reach here, and none of what remains could defeat a fully equipped Equestrian force.” The blade angled up against the doctor’s skin. “And that’s if anything were left after the hedgehog was done.”

Growling with impotent rage, Eggman’s fist squeezed so hard the skin beneath his glove turned white. But loathe as he was to admit it, this figure was correct. Swallowing anger, he posed the next pressing question: “What do you want?”

The voice was quiet for three seconds. “You seek to recover the relics of your home dimension. The Chaos Emeralds.”

Behind his glasses, Eggman’s eyes widened. Impossible. No interloper should have that kind of knowledge. “How do you know that?”

“Irrelevant,” came the voice’s dismissive answer. “Your only concern is that the rulers of Equestria and their subordinates will continue to stand in your way.”

A harsh scoffed left Eggman’s mouth. “Trifles! Specks on the windshield I’ll soon sweep away.”

To which the voice said, “You deceive yourself. You will fail, just as you failed today.” Eggman’s angered sound went ignored. “You did not know your opponent. You underestimated their strength. Now your army lies in ruin, and the hedgehog has allied them to his side. Even as we speak they conspire against you. You are in the land of your enemy, without soldiers or resources. To face them now would seal your doom.”

“Spare me the dissertation,” Eggman spat. “I don’t know how you managed to track me here, but if you wanted to cut my throat, you would have done so. You know of the Chaos Emeralds, then you must also know exactly who I am. You want something.” Malice and hubris made its way into his voice. “So then, shall we get down to business?”

Silence reigned for five more seconds. Then the blade slowly withdrew from the doctor’s neck. “Pride hardly suits the defeated, human.”

“Enough about me,” said Eggman, reaching a hand up to adjust his glasses. The other slid to his waist. “Let’s talk about… you!” In one swift move, he snatched a pistol from underneath the control panel, sprang from his chair and whirled—finding an empty space. The gun barrel only pointed at shadows.

“All you need know is what I offer.” The voice was like a phantom, echoing from across the entire room. “The knowledge necessary to defeat your enemies.”

Eggman hissed his teeth, looking left and right. “And by ‘I’, I assume you mean ‘we’?”

When the voice didn’t immediately respond, Eggman pushed. “Please. You expect me to believe that a singular life form in this pitiful speck of the multiverse witnessed my operations first hand, learned the most exclusive information of my home dimension, and infiltrated my base of operations single-handedly? Don’t insult my intelligence. There’s no way a flea like you could do all that on your own.” He scoffed. “So your masters sent their lapdog to parlay with the great Doctor Eggman?”

“Mind your words, human,” the voice warned, the words coming slightly clipped. “Our plans only require your mind and hands. Your tongue is disposable.”

Eggman smirked in satisfaction. No shot was yet fired, but he’d clearly hit a nerve. He slowly swept the gun’s sight barrel over the shadows, looking for any trace of the intruder. “In any case, what deludes you into believing I’d trust anything you have to say?”

“You doubt our sincerity,” the voice said. “Allow me to demonstrate it.”

A few feet in front of where Eggman stood, there was a sudden burst of smoke. As it cleared, a three-foot-long wooden chest sat before him. He stared at it; contemplated; then hugged and cautiously approached. Looking around the room one more time, he knelt down in front of it. Now that he was this close, an unpleasant odor suddenly tickled Eggman’s nose. Taking one hand off the pistol, he flipped the top open.

What he saw inside again made his eyes widen. He straightened, as if to put distance between him and the four objects resting in the chest.

“Those are the heads of the royal sisters’ agents that have been tracking you from the moment you left Canterlot,” the voice said. “Serve us well, and you will be free to conduct your affairs without their interference.”

Eggman wasn’t sure whether to be impressed with this morbidly effective display, or angry at the word ‘serve’ being directed at him in any fashion. The genius Doctor Eggman, bowing to the wishes of some lower life form? The thought alone was ridiculous. However…

A protracted moment of silence was broken by Eggman’s chuckling; full-blown laughter followed. He stood, putting away his weapon. “Well, aren’t’ you amusing?” His raised a hand to adjust his glasses. “However, as you so succinctly pointed out, I am regrettably low on soldiers and resources at the moment. Enacting even my own plans for this world will take time, let alone assisting with yours.”

“Then let us expedite the process.”

There was a tap behind Eggman. Turning, he saw something small and black resting on his computer panel. Frowning, he walked back over until he stood beside the chair, and saw it was a drive.

“On that you will find information on every facet of this land,” the voice said. “Terrain details, production sources, population overviews. Nearly everything you would ever need to know about Equestria. You will also find marked locations of ores and other natural resources to rebuild your armies.”

Eggman returned to the panel and picked up the drive, turning it about in his hand.

“There are also those within Equestria and beyond that may prove beneficial to your cause. We are familiar with many them, and can provide you with their whereabouts.” The voice paused. “In time.”

Eggman snorted. So that was the game? A small taste of knowledge to first gain his cooperation. In this antiquated backwater of a dimension, that might even pass for cunning. “I presume you aren’t doing this out of the goodness of your heart. What exactly do you want in exchange?”

“Use of your technology for our own plans.”

Something then floated in front of Eggman’s sight from his right – another drive, orange in color.

“Look at it.”

Pursing his lips, Eggman plucked the drive out of the air, then sat and plugged it into his computer. Two seconds of booting up later, a window appeared on the screen showing a single file. It was titled Miracle.

Keying his computer, Eggman opened it. His eyebrows lifted at what he saw: page after page of detailed scientific readouts. Reports and analysis on pony biology, theoretical physiology, existing Equestrian potions with notes on physical attributes, and experimental chemical formulas. And if he was reading this correctly…

“What you see is our furthest progress to date,” the voice said. “But what currently exists remains unstable. Unfit for use.”

“And you’re simply not smart enough to figure it out,” Eggman put in, his voice thick with hubris. “So you need my brilliance to complete your little science project.”

There was silence for two more seconds until Eggman laughed again. “Quite the wild-eyed ambitions you have there.” Steepling his fingers, he leaned back in his chair. “Before I make my decision, there’s just one small question I’d like answered.” He turned about in his chair, scanning the darkness again. “Why have you chosen to aid me?”

“Equestria is a shared enemy,” the voice said curtly. “Your success is our success.”

Eggman’s smile grew broad with grim intrigue. “Is it?” He spun the chair around, turning back to the display. “Very well, I accept your offer.”

Four seconds later, the voice spoke a final time. “I will return in a fortnite to observe your progress. Do not disappoint us.”

Eggman made what sounded like an insulted grunt. “I’ll have it completed in half the time.” He lifted an arm out to the side, flicking his hand dismissively. “Now, run along back to your master.”

He paused, waiting for the inevitable retort to come. None ever did.

As the moment passed, Eggman pressed a few keys on the computer console to bring up another window—an image from Canterlot, captured by the Egg Gila in its final moments.

On the ledge of the castle’s uppermost plaza were six young mares. Five of them were adorned with gold necklaces, the purple one in the middle with a crown. The ones his system had tagged as the source of that unusual power. He looked across the forms of meddlers who had prevented him from destroying his hated enemy—who had cost him his victory.

And the spark of his anger flickered.

“I warned them… I gave them a chance to end this peacefully.” His steepled fingers interlocked, his hands gripping tightly together. “Now I’ll give them fire and blood.”

Author's Note

And the plot thickens. Looks like Sonic and the Equestrians will have more to contend with than just Eggman. How will this shadowy force affect the coming conflict? Only time will tell.

-SSD

Chapter 14 - A New Day

===============
9:12 AM

Ponyville

A teal-furred, green-haired, bipedal pony figure raced across a verdant landscape, serenaded by a chipper tune that seemed to come from the land itself. It stopped for nothing, clearly a creature on a mission. A set of three monstrous worms, each bigger than the was, stood blocking its path. Alerted to the nearing presence, the first worm glared with fierce blue eyes and lunged for the figure.

The attack was easily dodged by the pony’s backward jump. Then the pony threw out its hooves, shooting out a conjured bolt of lightning that zapped the giant worm into smoky oblivion. The only thing left in its place was a green apple. Grabbing it up and continuing, the pony leaped over the second worm’s lunge, now grabbing a floating zap apple out of the air. As it landed, it moved so fast it left trails of color behind it, leaping and stomping down on the two remaining worms to send them to the same fate as the first.

With those minor obstacles out of the way, the pony dashed towards the edge of the cliff. The precipice lingered over a dark abyss. Posted overhead was a sign pointing down, ominously marked with a skull.

Without hesitation, the pony leaped off the edge, plummeting down until it landed on a rock slab. The once green landscape was replaced by a battlefield, the pony now standing on a rock slab in the middle of a lake of molten lava. The music shifted, the joyful, energetic tune morphing into a sinister, foreboding melody. Up from the lava of fire emerged Lavan—a golem made entirely of magma and red-hot stone. His eyes glowed with a fiery intensity, fire rising out from each.

A voice spoke two words that flashed across the screen: “Final boss!”

A fireball formed in the golem’s hand. The pony leaped, the mass of flame searing the air where it had just stood. It landed on the second rock foothold, close enough to reach Lavan, and started to pummel him with punches. Its hooves slowly chipped off a tiny bit of the golem’s 100-point health bar.

Lavan roared, raising his fist to smash the pony, who jumped back just in time to avoid the crushing blow. The pony landed, eyes never leaving its enemy, ready to continue the fight.

Button Mash was in the zone, his eyes narrowed in focus, his hooves maneuvering on the controls of his favorite arcade machine with practiced ease. He’d navigated pixilated obstacles and defeated countless enemies before the sun had even risen. After four hours and ten minutes, he’d made it to the end of the final level with three lives to spare—a personal best. Now it was just him and Lavan. The stakes were high, and victory was within reach. The colt held his breath, ready to go all in against the lava monster.

“Button! Button!”

The sudden, unexpected shouting of his name made Button Mash jolt. The split-second faltering of his focus caused him to mistime a jump. His character was engulfed by a fireball, collapsing into a heap of ash.

“Noooooo!” Button Mash cried out. He whipped around to glare at the newly arrived pony. “BASE!”

First Base, out of breath and wide-eyed, looked at him apologetically. “Sorry, Button…” he said between gasps, “but I had to tell you as soon as I could!”

“Not now, Base!” Button Mash retorted, his attention back on the game. He had two lives left and wasn’t about to waste them. Pressing the start button for a resurrection, he jumped his briefly invincible character through another incoming fireball to land close to Lavan and hit him with more punches. But each attack took only a single point off the monster’s health.

“But Button, you don’t understand!” First Base insisted, bouncing on his hooves. “There were giant metal monsters in Canterlot! There was fighting everywhere!”

“I don’t have time for more of your tall tales, Base! Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?” Button ground out. He made his character duck to avoid another thrown fireball. Pressing the magic button, he shot a lightning bolt at Lavan’s leg. It did five times the damage as a punch, but still left the golem with over eighty percent of its health remaining.

First Base’s exuberance only seemed to intensify. “But it’s true! It’s been going around all morning! And they say Blue Demon everypony’s talking about was there too!”

Button Mash turned from the game just long enough to give his friend a disbelieving look. “‘Blue Demon’? Yeah, right. You’re gonna have to be a little more creative than that, Base.” A new sound from the screen drew Button back into the game. Lavan had raised both arms and was starting to flash. Small chunks of rock lifted from his teal character’s foothold to float in the air. He panicked. This must have been it, the boss’s ultimate, unavoidable attack. Nopony else who played the game had ever figured out a proven way around it. But some rumors said that staying all the way to the left of the screen and repeatedly hitting the jump button could protect you. With no other ideas, Button did just that.

Only for his character to die once again, burned away in a wave of lava that washed over the almost the entire left half of the screen. The floating stones set back into place, and the boss laughed a deep, mocking laugh.

Button slammed his hooves to the machine in frustration. “Dangit!” So much for the rumors.

“Honestly, Button!” First Base exasperated. “How can you play games while Equestria turns into complete chaos?”

“Easy,” grumbled Button. He held his hooves to his head, staring at the screen in frustration. It was hopeless. He was down to his last life, and this final boss seemed unbeatable. His attacks could barely hurt it. Even with his magic meter almost full, he couldn’t fire enough spells to bring its health down to zero. “Ugh, this sucks! Who’s the brainiac that gave him something that unfair?!”

A new voice suddenly joined in. “Mind if I give it a try?”

Button snorted, turning to say something to the newcomer when his eyes widened in surprise along with First Base’s. Standing next to them was a two-legged, blue-furred hedgehog the likes of which they’d never seen before. Only First Base, slowly connecting his overheard tales to the being in front of them, had the sudden spark of realization.

“Uh… sure?” Button stammered, a mix of doubt and surprise in his voice. He watched as Sonic restarted the game and took hold of the arcade machine’s controls, noticing the tattered gloves on his hands. But that appeared to mean little as the stranger began to work the controls with practiced ease and precision.

Sonic deftly jumped and ducked the player character around Lava’s attacks, landing several strings of hits when the openings came. The lava golem lifted his arms once again and began to flash, the stone pieces rising into the air again.

Button Mash gulped. The unavoidable attack was coming. His glimmer of hope was about to be snuffed out, along with his last life. But with a swift tap of the button and maneuver of the joystick, Sonic made the character hop up onto one of the floating rocks, jumping up the series of stone platforms, going as high as possible so that the incoming wave of lava passed by without coming close to the pixilated hero.

“Rushing in and getting your hits in doesn’t always work,” Sonic said with carefree confidence, keeping his eyes on the screen. “Keep an eye on your environment. Sometimes you can use the stuff around you to get out of a pinch. And hit the weak spots for massive damage. Almost every boss has one. And when in doubt…” he grinned, lifting a finger over the magic button, “go for the head!”

As Sonic pressed the button, the character launched another magic bolt at Lavan’s face. When it struck, the golem’s head lit up with a yellow spark, turning bone white. A third of its total health dropped away.

Button’s eyes shone. Sonic stepped away, gesturing with a smile for him to have at it. Springing into action, Button hit the magic button to make the character fire every last bolt of magic his meter allowed. The shock animation left the lava boss stunned and unable to resist as the lightning attacks brought its health all the way down to zero.

Lavan’s mouth fell open, and its flaming eyes went out. “Nooooooooo!” he bellowed, his molten body falling apart and collapsing back into the volcanic pit from whence it came.

A jingling, upbeat tune played as a fade-to-white transition took the player character to the middle of a beautiful green field, surrounded by friendly faces and critters in a village square. The announcer declared: “Game over! Hark and rejoice, for the evil Lavan is dead, and peace has been restored to the town!”

“Yes!” Button Mash whooped, pumping a hoof and jumping around with glee. “Yes! Yesyesyesyesyesyes! I finally did it!” He looked at Sonic with unadulterated joy. “Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!”

Rubbing a finger on his nose, Sonic smiled. “No problem. It’s usually obvious. Almost always the head or the eyes.” He raised an open hand to bid them goodbye as he turned. “You kids take care, now. I’ve got an errand to run.”

Leaving one stunned and one celebrating colt behind, Sonic allowed himself a moment of pride. “Still got it the master hands.” He glanced at said hands. “Which… will look much better in some less raggedy gloves. Time to pay Ms. Clothing Gimmick a visit.”

Putting some pep in his step, Sonic whizzed away, almost instantly putting the arcade far behind. Dashing through the streets at close to 100 mph, he thought back. ‘Now, what did she say…? West side, by the town hall…’

It didn’t take long for him to catch sight of an elaborate building coming up at the end of the road. Skidding to a stop, he paused to take in the view. In contrast to the rather humble-looking homes that surrounded it, Rarity's shop stood out with elegance and luxurious splendor. Every detail was carefully calculated. The decorative blue, purple, and yellows practically shouted out its uniqueness to the world.

Sonic snorted to himself, thinking about Rarity’s words with an amused smile. ‘I doubt there’s a creature alive who could miss that.” He walked up to the door and was about to knock when an indignant shout came from inside.

“I am telling you, I don’t need it!”

A voice Sonic recognized as Rarity’s responded. “Now, now, Mr. Firebrand. A commanding officer simply must maintain his appearance. You can’t represent Her Majesty’s Royal Guard looking shabby, can you?”

“I represent them just fine! Ack, you’re choking me!”

“Beauty is pain, darling.”

“Then I’d rather be ugly!”

Deciding he’d stood there long enough, Sonic pushed the door open. Stepping inside to the jingling of the door’s bell, a peculiar sight met his eyes.

Standing on a short platform in the middle of the boutique was a young red unicorn stallion with a yellow, windswept mane. He wore a black jacket, the collar of a green shirt showing over its top button. He looked decidedly unhappy, tail flicking and face screwed up in irritation as Rarity forcibly tried to hook an oversized green bowtie into place around his neck.

“Lieutenant, please! It will accent your mane beautifully!” Rarity cooed, her blue-hued magic continuing to try and secure the offending accessory.

But Firebrand had other ideas. “I didn’t ask to accessorize, Rarity!” he snapped, using his own yellow aura to rip himself free of it. The bowtie fluttered to the ground as he snatched a folded-up uniform from her desk and made a beeline for the door. “Thanks for the work, just send me the bill. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”

He abruptly stopped as he came face to face with Sonic. For a long moment, the boutique was awkwardly quiet as the two strangers assessed each other, their eyes narrowing in mutual scrutiny.

Firebrand broke the silence with all the subtlety of a train wreck on a boat. “Shouldn’t you be wrapped in sports tape?”

Sonic crossed his arms over his chest, lifting an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you still be in the sun?”

Firebrand opened his mouth, hesitated, put a hoof to his chin, and ultimately just scrunched up his face. “Shaddap.” He stomped his way past the blue hedgehog to the exit.

Sonic brought a hand to the side of his mouth, jokingly calling after him as he disappeared through the doorway. “Hey, don’t trot away mad! I’m only joshing you!”

A long, suffering groan carried over the air as the stallion left.

A few more awkward seconds passed before Rarity cleared her throat. “My apologies. That was a particularly… ‘testy’ customer.” Gathering herself, she adopted a more professional demeanor. “Welcome, dear Sonic, to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique.

Sonic glanced around, taking in the inside view of the place. “Gotta hand it to you, it sure looks the part.”

“My pride and joy,” Rarity tittered. “The decorator I hired was among the best in Canterlot. Every aspect of the interior design is unique to Carousel Boutique. And it took quite a lot of planning and hard work to arrange everything. I assure the highest quality designs for entirely reasonable prices.

Her smile broadened. “But enough about me, let’s talk about you. I believe you were in need of some new gloves?”

With a half smile, Sonic raised his hands and the all-but shredded gloves still on them. “That is why I’m here.”

“Then let us begin!” Rarity pulled out some white silk fabric from a drawer, unrolling it on her work desk. “Would you mind placing your—” Words suddenly failed her, her brow furrowing as she looked at Sonic’s hands. “Your, um… paws?”

“Hands,” Sonic clarified.

“Ah, yes.” She cleared her throat. “Would you be a dear and place your hands flat on the fabric? I need to take your measurements.”

Sonic did as she said, taking off his ruined gloves and putting his bare hands down on the silk.

Rarity retrieved a measuring tape and began taking measurements around Sonic’s hands. She took note of the size and length of his fingers, as well as the width of his wrists.

After a moment, she stood and took a step back, a thoughtful look on her face. She’d never tailored a pair of gloves like this before. But she was up for the challenge.

Rarity set to work immediately, humming to herself as she cut the fabric to create the pattern. She tried every step of the process, from cutting the fabric to sewing the pieces together, paying attention to the measurements, making sure the fit was just right. She was meticulous in her work, even adding a few extra bits of fabric to make the gloves as durable as they were breathable and flexible. The process took quite a bit of time, but Rarity was a perfectionist. Taking the time to make something truly unique for this very special client was important to her. And when she finished, she had one of the nicest pairs of gloves that even Canterlot had ever seen.

“And, voilà!” her pronouncement came as she levitated the finished gloves from her work desk and trotted over to Sonic.

They were as fine a pair as Sonic had ever seen.

The hedgehog gave a long, astonished whistle, peering at the new gloves under the boutique’s light. “They look amazing! How did you manage to get the stitching so precise?”

“Oh, it’s merely a matter of precise measuring and practice,” Rarity replied with her trademark poise and elegance. “I’ve worked with fabrics for years and have designed countless projects. It’s an honor to have a complete a challenge for Equestria’s heroic guest.”

Sonic chuckled as he pulled them on, flexing his fingers in them. They felt so soft, even better than the old ones. “You’ve outdone yourself. I can’t thank you enough.”

Rarity smiled warmly, a proud glint in her eyes as she regarded the new gloves. “Oh, it was my pleasure. These kinds of projects are why I started my business in the first place.” Rarity paused for a moment. “If you ever need a more specialized piece, do let me know. I’m always happy to create something one-of-a-kind for you.”

Sonic flashed Rarity a grin and winked. “You’re too kind. Anyway, I’ll be on my way now. Got a big day ahead of me. It was great meeting you!”

Rarity smiled back, relieved that the encounter with Equestria’s newest hero had been nothing but civilized and courteous. “The pleasure is mine, dear. So, you'll be here with us for a while, then. What are you going to do now?”

Sonic answered casually. “I guess I’ll explore around a little. I got a look at some of the things around the country yesterday, it’d be great to see more.”

Rarity blinked, surprise coloring her features. Did she hear that right? Around the country? But then she smiled to herself. With how fast the hedgehog had demonstrated to be, it was no wonder he could make cruising all about Equestria a simple day trip. “Is your life always this exciting, darling?”

“If I can help it,” he confirmed with a laugh. Then he turned to leave, waving behind his back. “Thanks again!”

“Do come back soon!” she called with a wave as he went through the door.

Once outside, Sonic took a deep breath as he stepped away from the boutique, taking in the soothing breeze and warm sun. As he breathed out, he could feel all his muscles relaxing, as though all the accumulated stress and worries from the day before had vanished.

He dashed his way to the top of a nearby hill. Looking around, he couldn't help but marvel at the land’s beauty. Ponyville lay surrounded by valleys, hills, and forests stretched out before him under the warm glow of the morning sun. It was a calming sight, one he could spend ages admiring.

Sonic smiled. Whatever direction he took, he felt sure that the sights and sounds of Equestria would fill his time with adventure and wonder. And with a stretch, he ran towards the morning light, excited for whatever adventure this new day would bring.

===============
9:49 AM

Sire’s Hollow

In the quaint town of Sire’s Hollow, there stood a peculiar shop that most townsfolk tended to avoid. A glance through the windows would show a space filled with curiosities that shimmered and seemed to whisper secrets to those who dared peer inside. It was known only as The Mystic's Trove, and its reputation for housing the rare and arcane was matched only by the mystery of its proprietor.

The door of a dimly lit shop swung open. A four-legged figure strode inside, closing the door behind it. A hooded cloak concealed the visitor’s features, casting a shadow that mingled with the dim light of the shop’s interior.

“You took longer than I expected,” a voice said.

The figure cleared its throat, and a female voice replied. “Yes, well... things got a bit messy." With a swift motion, the cloaked figure lowered its hood, revealing a female unicorn. Her coat was gray, her black mane accented by bright pink highlights, and she had powerful blue eyes. “But I got what I needed.” She reached under her cloak and unveiled a small, oddly-colored cube.

“Ooh.” The voice sounded intrigued. “You must have had to beat an old lady with a stick to get your hooves on one of those.”

The mare chuckled softly. “Something like that. It was far from simple and involved dealing with two different factions, but the end result was worth it.” She gazed at the cube, turning it about in her cloven hoof. “It should serve as a useful tool going forward.”

The voice paused a moment, as if considering something new, then continued. “Things proceeded much as you predicted. Your old mentor and her pets were victorious.” Amusement touched the voice’s next words. “With some help from our blue visitor.”

A mix of pride and barely-disguised surprise lit the mare’s face at the verification. She’d gotten it right on the nose. “The cards never lie,” she answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

“And to think, all it cost you was Her Royal Highness’s good graces and the only other place you could have called home.”

The mares face froze, the smile on her face fading and replaced with a stony glare. “I did what had to be done.” She spoke in a cold voice.

“Of course, of course," the voice said, sounding a touch more apologetic than usual.

The unicorn frowned, the cold anger dissipated into mild annoyance. Setting her cloak and the recovered artifact aside, she levitated a purple crystal ball and its gold ring stand from off the item-filled glass counter. Striding with it to a nearby table, her horn alit with dark light as she cast a scrying spell.

The purple haze inside the orb glowed and shifted until it cast a and pulled up the image. First it showed a blue light streaking across the Equestrian grasslands. Then it shifted again for a closer view of Sonic’s form.

A dark shape grew behind the mare, casting a shadow as it watched over her shoulder. “I have to admit, the little pincushion surprised me. He doesn't look like much.”

“He’s a wild card,” the unicorn said simply, continuing to watch the Sonic’s image in the crystal ball. “You never know what he might do.”

“A good chunk of Equestria still feels the same way, I’m sure,” the voice commented, the implication in its tone not sounding too positive.

The mare gave a wry smile. “They’ll come around. I’ve foreseen it.”

“Like you're hoping they do for you?” Again the voice was poking uncomfortably close to the edge.

“You’re pushing my buttons today,” the mare said stiffly. She watched Sonic’s movements on the scrying orb in silence for several moments. “I don't need anypony’s gratitude. This is for the greater good.”

“And that’s what I like about you, Ollie,” the dark shape sniggered.

The mare grimaced. She hated when he called her that. “Oh, shut up, Fred.”

Artwork:

Firebrand

Author's Note

And just in time for the new year! Not only a new chapter I decided to split, but a special introduction I got approval for... good lord, who knows how many years ago makes it worth it. Can't believe its taken me this long to progress to this point. But anyway, we can finally welcome an important new addition to the Broken Walls Universe.

Well, two for those in the know.

Disclaimer, Firebrand belongs to The Fiery Joker, aka joshscorcher.

Happy New Year, everyone.

-SSD

Chapter 15 - Changing of the Guard

===============
8:12 AM

Canterlot

Earlier that morning in the Royal Guard designated section of Canterlot Castle, the mess hall was filled with the bustling of new recruits, their voices echoing through the cavernous room as they shuffled through lines for food or talked over shared meals. The pegasus trio of Flash Sentry, Drizzle Hoof and River Mouth sat together at one end of one of the long tables. Along with them were fellow privates Ear along with table, their attention focused on Drizzle's animated storytelling.

“And that’s when I slipped out to the palace wall to get a closer look at the action. I had a birds-eye view from the top of the wall of the Mystics taking it to those giant metal puppets. Blasting them to bits!” Drizzle Hoof said, dramatically gesticulating with his hooves. “And you should have seen Commander Dawn Stride out there! All the magic she was whipping around. Water, fire, the whole shebang!”

Flash Sentry, sitting across from Drizzle, looked awed by the story. River Mouth, sitting next to him, had eyes only for the plate of food he was currently devouring. “Wow,” said Flash, “that sure sounds like something.”

“Oh, that’s nothing! Then there was that famous captain of Coeurl Company. She took out dozens of those—” He paused, thinking. “What are they calling ‘em… robots? Yeah, that’s it. She was carving up dozens of those robots all by herself!”

A snort came from the Earth mare sitting to Drizzle’s left. She leaned back in her seat against the wall, her brow furrowing skeptically. “Oh, come on. One mare did all that by herself? You saw it?”

Drizzle paused, his mouth opening and closing as he considered his answer. “Well... okay, I didn't exactly see it. But I heard about it from a couple of Coeurl guards. And I saw what was left of them during clean up. The whole west side was covered with diced-up parts, like something went through ‘em like a hot knife through butter. The place looked like a scrap heap.”

“Not saying much, considering the whole city looks like a scrap heap,” the Earth mare, Swivel Step, said.

As Flash opened his mouth to respond, River Mouth bit into his sandwich so hard that a spurt of mustard shot out from the side into the” “Ugh! River!” Flash shot River a look of disgust, picking up a napkin to wipe himself clean. “Can you at least try and eat with your mouth closed?”

River, caught off guard, swallowed his mouthful of food and gave a sheepish smile, his ears pinning back in embarrassment. “Sorry about that, Flash…” he apologized, wiping his mouth with the back of his hoof. He shot a glance at Drizzle before returning his attention to his meal.

Then Drizzle suddenly spotted somepony out of the corner of his eye. He flashed a surprised smile, raising his hoof and calling out. “Hey, Stiff!”

The group looked as brown pegasus approached the table side by side with Cloud Zapper. Both held their meal trays with a wing. “Well, well, River Mouth. Never thought I’d see you here of all places.”

Drizzle grinned even harder, his eyes shining with a youthful enthusiasm. “Can’t let you hog all the glory.”

“You guys know each other?” asked Flash as the pair took their seats.

“Unfortunately,” the brown newcomer joked. “We went to school together back in Cloudsdale. Name’s Stiff Breeze.” He nodded to his teammate. “This is Cloud Zapper.”

The table of pegasi shot friendly nods Cloud Zapper’s way, who gave a quick wave back.

“So anyway,” Drizzle Hood went on, “I was just trying to tell Swivel here about Coerul Company's captain. They say she took out a whole swarm of those metal monsters all on her own.”

“And I’m telling you that’s impossible.” Swivel Step rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with scorn. “Taking out just one of those things would be hard enough, let alone a whole squadron.”

“Don’t be so sure about that,” said the voice of a green Earth stallion, coming to join his squadmates Cloud Zapper and Stiff Breeze at the table. “Sorry to interrupt. I’m Greenbay.” He nodded to Stiff Breeze and Cloud Zapper. “We’re with the 51st Sentinel Company.”

Flash perked. “Shining Armor’s unit?”

“Yeah,” Greenbay confirmed before continuing. “You rookies haven’t seen Captain Stiletto during our group sparring sessions. Believe me, she’s the real deal.”

Drizzle brightened, happy to have somepony in the know backing him up.

Swivel Step wrinkled her nose, remaining skeptical. “I seriously doubt one pony could take on so many of those monsters by themselves, no matter who they are. Sounds like somepony’s blowing smoke.”

Flash Sentry’s brow furrowed with recognition. “Stiletto? As in the Stiletto family?” he asked Greenbay.

Greenbay nodded. “That's the one.”

“Who are they?” River Mouth asked while he chewed his newest mouthful.

A charming voice suddenly chimed in. “You mean you don’t know?”

Heads turned to a red-furred, pink-maned unicorn mare came striding up to the table on the left. Only her left eye was visible, the front of her flowing main hanging over the right side of her face.

“You’ll have to excuse us ignorant commoners,” Swivel Step said with a bit of sarcasm. She already didn’t like the vibe of this approaching mare. “And who are you supposed to be?”

“Hey, Swivel, come on now. Don’t be rude.” River seemed especially keen on taking up for the charming stranger.

The unicorn’s bright orange eye flicked to Swivel, glinting playfully. “Oh dear, don't mind me…” Her voice almost purred as she leaned down beside the table. “My name’s Sizzle Pop. I’m part of the Mystics division. I couldn't help but overhear your little conversation.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Drizzle Hoof added pleasantly. “Most of us are brand new. Nice to meet you, Sizzle.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Sizzle said smoothly. Drizzle took a minute to give quick name introductions to the others at the table.

River Mouth swallowed his next bite and asked, “So you know about this so-called Stiletto family?”

“Most in Canterlot do,” Sizzle replied. “Some ancestor of theirs was a famous swordstallion back in the day. Now the family runs the biggest fencing school this side of Equestria. Several of them are even officers throughout the Royal Guard. Very wealthy, very influential.”

“Very condescending,” Flash added, some scorn making its way into his voice.

“Oh? Someone gave you some ‘rich privilege’ trouble along the way, huh?” Sizzle laughed gently. “Well, I'm afraid I can't help much in that department. I'm a rich brat myself.” The unicorn smiled widely, playfully waving a hoof. “But then, so are you, aren’t you Mr. Sentry?”

Without ever meeting Flash before, she seemed to know of his decorated family history. Flash eyed her carefully. “Somepony sure knows their stuff.”

“I'll admit, I'm a bit of a gossip.” The unicorn tittered and gave her mane a playful shake. “Can't help myself.”

“Bet you can’t…” Swivel mumbled under her breath.

“But Captain Sangra’s isn’t like that,” Greenbay put in. “She’s nothing like those elitist pricks.”

Cloud Zapper made a disapproving face. “You shouldn't talk about our superiors that way, Greenbay.”

“Well, there’s always exceptions to every rule.” Sizzle shot another quick grin. “From what I hear, she’s considered the black sheep of the family.”

“Why’s that?” River Mouth asked, his brows rising in interest.

“Too ‘unrefined’, so say the other Stilettos,” Sizzle said. “She’s the rough and rambunctious type. Would rather get in a mud fight on the streets than make any attempts at class. She has quite the rebellious streak.”

“She sounds like quite the mare,” Cloud Zapper commented with interest.

Sizzle chuckled. “Indeed she is.” There was a glitter in her eyes as her gaze turned to the blue-and-white-haired colt. "And you must be Cloud Zapper.”

Surprise showed in the young stallion’s face. “You know me?”

“Word gets around fast,” Sizzle said, her voice purring sweetly. Her eye swept over the younger pegasus before her. “You've been the talk of the barracks. The Inquisitors said they found you around piles of those metal monsters. You must be quite the fighter.”

Cloud Zapper blushed, suddenly feeling a little awkward under her gaze. “I just did my duty, that’s all.”

Sizzle couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped her, her orange eye sparkling. “A modest soldier, I see. Nothing wrong with that... it suits you.” With a playful swipe, she gently tugged at his mane

Swivel Step cringed and leaned herself away. She could barely believe what she was seeing. This mare had just met Cloud and was practically fawning over him? “Well, as you can see, there aren’t any unicorns here,” she said brusquely. “So we won’t be seeing much of a Mystic.”

“Not necessarily.” Sizzle’s eye narrowed slightly. She maintained her cheerful and flirty demeanor, but Swivel’s words sounded something like an attack. “I guess you haven’t heard. A big push for inter-division transfers is coming up soon. Plenty of openings for anypony wanting to shake things up.”

Cloud Zapper tilted his head. “So you’re planning on joining the Militia?”

Sizzle’s expression brightened as she gave a soft laugh. “Oh, no. I'm more interested in the Aerial division.”

That came as a surprise. Along with pulling and escorting the princess’s carriages, the Aerial Guard flew and operated the royal airships. Historically, it was a division reserved specifically for pegasi, as the Mystics were exclusive to unicorns. Only the Militia and Inquisitors had always been available to all races.

Swivel seemed less than amused. “The deck of an airship sounds like a weird choice for a unicorn.”

“Shows what you know,” Sizzle replied with a hint of haughty sass. “The high command is looking to change up their approach after seeing what Doctor Eggman and his metal golems can do. Story goes they’re looking to make more airships, and outfit them with weapons that pack more of a punch.”

Swivel frowned. “What kind of weapons?”

“The magically operated kind,” Sizzle answered with a smirk. “So they’ll need a steady set of unicorns for each ship.”

Stiff Breeze looked mildly amused. “Got your eyes on the skies, huh?”

“You've gotta be smart with where you place your chips,” said Sizzle.

“Then I guess Drizzle and I might be seeing you after all,” said River Mouth. “That’s where we’re headed.”

Flash Sentry raised a brow, his ears pinning back in slight disapproval. “Really, guys?”

“Oh, don’t give that look, Flash,” Drizzle huffed. “You know I love flying.”

“Not to mention it’s one of the most prestigious spots,” River Mouth added. “They’ve got some of the best perks.”

“Suit yourself,” Flash muttered. “I wanna be on the ground, in the fight. Not flying over it.”

“Aerial is a smart choice,” Sizzle commented. “They don't get as banged up on the front lines as much as the ones on the ground. And the tactical advantage won’t be anything to sniff at.”

“Whatever helps us beat those things,” Cloud Zapper spoke up. “Anyway, it’s also nice to know we’ll have someone else helping us out in this fight.”

Several heads turned in Cloud Zapper’s direction. His statement had just broached the now widespread topic of discussion that was Equestria’s other alien visitor.

Sizzle was the first one to address it. “You mean the demon?”

“His name is Sonic,” Cloud Zapper said, surprisingly firm in the hedgehog’s defense.

The other stallions leaned in to listen more closely, their focus sharpening on the exchange. Sizzle smirked, clearly finding the colt’s defensiveness fascinating. “You two buddies or something?”

“He saved my life yesterday,” Cloud Zapper said.

The ponies shared looks of surprise; Stiff Breeze in particular. This was the first time he had heard about this from his squadmate. Sizzle’s smirk softened into a small smile as she tilted her head.

“When?” River Mouth asked. “Where?”

“It was on 3rd Street, by the collapsed Grandeur Suite motel,” Cloud Zapper explained. “My whole unit got overwhelmed by a horde of those… er, robots.”

Stiff Breeze seemed to nod along. He’d been captured and thrown into one of those big metal containers too before reinforcements had come along to free him.

“I was on my own, thinking it might be the end. Then he came out of nowhere...” Cloud Zapper sounded awed as he recounted what he’d seen. “Took them all down in a flash.”

Drizzle Hoof’s ears perked up. “In a flash?” He seemed to be picturing it in his mind.

“I can vouch for that,” Greenbay added. “I was with the squads further west when one of those giant ones with the hammer and its escorts were wreaking havoc. I saw him stop one of my team from getting a lance through his chest. The guy moves like the wind.”

Flash Sentry stared without blinking. An alien hedgehog joining the Equestrian forces in a fight against an unknown invader? It was a bizarrely fascinating prospect. “So he just decided to fight alongside the guards? Just like that?”

“You haven’t seen the news or the paper?” said Greenbay. “Him and that Eggman guy who led those robot things have beef.”

“Beef?” Flash repeated, raising an eyebrow curiously. “What kind of beef?”

Sizzle couldn’t help but chuckle. The thought of two mysterious invaders having a personal quarrel seemed to amuse her.

“According to him, Equestria’s not the first place Eggman has tried to take over,” Greenbay said. “Wherever they’re both from, the blue guy seems to make a hobby out of ruining his day.”

That got a few chuckles from around the table.

Swivel Step frowned. She had heard of this “Sonic” in yesterday’s latest paper. Following the wild speculations and accusations from just about every other press in the country, Equestria Daily had released its own piece after the battle. In stark contrast to all the rest, the Manehattan-based paper sang the hedgehog’s praises as a heroic defender. She’d also seen the main story on Equestria News Network that had been rolling since yesterday, where Sonic himself had answered a string of questions on the entire matter directly to reporters. Even so… “And we can trust him?”

“He's on our side,” Cloud Zapper said firmly as if the words were clear fact.

“And how can we be sure that’ll always be the case?” Swivel challenged.

Flash watched the exchange with tense interest. It seemed that the table’s opinion of this hedgehog was mixed; a fair amount of skepticism from Swivel, and admiration from Cloud Zapper. Sizzle appeared to find the topic amusing, watching the pair go back and forth while keeping out of the discussion. This hedgehog was making for a fascinating study.

“He kept me and my buddies alive,” Greenbay put in. “That's good enough for me.”

Greenbay’s comment seemed to give the others pause in consideration, though Swivel still seemed to have a trace of doubt. She remained silent, waiting for somepony else at the table to share their thoughts.

“He sounds like quite the impressive character,” Sizzle said with a smile.

“Sure does,” River agreed. “If we’re lucky, maybe we’ll get to meet him ourselves.”

Drizzle gave a half smile. “Maybe.” And then Drizzle happened to notice the clock. “Whoops, looks like it's getting about that time. We need to head to the training courtyard.”

The privates nodded in agreement. Swivel Step was the first to stand, her mane and hooves settling as she looked forward to the upcoming exercise. Flash and the others followed suit.

“Good luck, boys and girls,” Sizzle purred. “From what I hear, you’ll need it.” And then she turned and strutted away.

“Uh... what do you think she means by that?” asked Flash.

“Who knows?” Swivel said with a snort. “She probably just likes to come off as cool. Not even sure she means half the stuff she says.” In Swivel's mind, that flirty mare was trouble.

The young privates began their stride from the mess hall and made their way outside. Between making their way around the palace pathways, getting to the courtyard, and forming up with the collection of other recruits, the whole process took no more than ten minutes. The morning sun was just rising over the horizon as they milled about in the rows of other pony recruits.

“Attention!” Sergeant Boomer bellowed in classic military cadence, a signal for all the troops to straighten up and salute.

The squad members, as well as the others gathered, did just that. The drill sergeant began to inspect the various recruits on each physical detail, ensuring everypony had their armored uniforms up to code and their appearance properly maintained.

And the call was for another reason: a high-ranking officer had just arrived.

At the head of the group, in black and gold armor, came a tall, thin, blue unicorn mare. Colonel Fotia strode across to the center of the field in front of the group, turning to peer over the group of new privates. “At ease,” she said, her voice calm, cool, and relatively soothing for a hardened higher-up officer.

The squadron members lowered their hooves and relaxed their positions, though their bodies remained straight as they focused on the new unicorn that stood in their sights. Flash and most of the others were intrigued; Cloud Zapper, however, instantly recognized her.

“My name is Fotia,” the mare said. Her reputation preceded her: the commanding officer of the Militia’s 51st Battalion. One of the highest-ranking officers in the entire Royal Guard. Her voice was crisp and clear, but never harsh. “But you’ll call me Colonel or ma’am. Understood?”

Everypony responded to the colonel with a firm “Yes, ma’am!”. Flash Sentry’s ears perked up, finding her speech to be rather calm and soothing compared to what he was used to from the rough and strict Sergeant Boomer. Everypony’s eyes were now focused on the colonel, all their ears listening closely to hear what she had to say.

“Allow me to make something crystal clear for anypony who’s unaware: we have a new enemy. Yesterday's attack on Canterlot was repelled, but the mastermind behind it will return.” Fotia’s gaze hardened imperceptibly. “War has come to Equestria's doorstep.”

Flash felt an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach. War. Notwithstanding his brave words in front of his squad, that was the one thing he’d been trying to avoid thinking about since yesterday. Something, he was willing to bet, neither he nor any of his fellow recruits ever dreamed they’d experience in their lifetimes, let alone right out of the Academy. Despite his attempts to push the thoughts to the back of his mind, the colonel’s harsh reminders brought them bubbling back to the surface. He wasn’t alone. The words sent a wave of uneasiness over the entire group. River Mouth’s ears lowered, his expression anxious by the time the colonel had finished her statement.

After a thousand years of peace, Equestria would now face war.

“Their Majesties have placed me in charge of your training,” Fotia said further. “It will be my duty to see that you‘re properly prepared for the battles to come. I intend to fulfill it.”

Even though the news about the coming battles that all their lives were about to be intertwined with made the air heavy, there was a quiet buzz around the young soldiers as they heard the colonel’s statement. “Fotia the Blue Flame” had earned quite the reputation over her years of service, especially after yesterday’s battle. The training was going to be intense, and from the sounds of it, not just physically but mentally as well. The new privates perked up, their bodies tensing as they anticipated the upcoming physical strain of the exercises ahead.

“And for that purpose, I will have another officer assisting me,” Fotia said, her voice remaining firm and clear. Both she and Boomer turned their heads to the right.

From somewhere in that direction, a shape suddenly glided down into view, landing a few feet to Fotia’s right. This pony was shorter than average. The leathery wings distinguished her as a bat pony, and the blue-shaded variety of an officer’s armor she was clad in marked her as a member of the Night Guard—the division directly under the command of Princess Luna. The chest piece of her armor and the forehead center of her helmet featured emblems in the shape of a crescent moon, as if to proudly display that very fact. But the helmet had been modified, including a piece that hung over and covered the wearer's face like a mask, concealing all but the eyes.

The entire group’s focus fell to the new officer. Flash’s eyebrows rose. He’d never seen one up close before, but he’d heard enough to know the presence of thestrals was a given in the Night Guard. But there were long-standing rumors of their aggressive, almost predatory nature, and outright viciousness in battle. Even with that in mind, this one seemed… different. The lavender and pale green colors on the visible parts of her wings and body. That masked helmet seemed custom-built just as much to intimidate as it was to protect. And those eyes… Flash looked at the slit pupils inside the jade orbs staring out from the helm and a shiver went up his back. His ears involuntarily lowered in submission and he couldn’t help but glance away.

“This is Captain Umbra,” said Fotia, introducing the lead officer of the entire Night Guard. “She’s one of the most gifted young fighters in all the Royal Guard. I expect you'll learn much from her.”

Flash was a little taken aback by the fact. He’d expected the lead officer of an entire division to be an older, grizzled veteran. He didn’t know much about the captain, but one could only presume that being chosen for such a rank would be a big responsibility, with all the high expectations that came with it. It spoke volumes of her capabilities. He gave the Night Guard captain another glance. The sheer air of menace the young mare carried was almost frightening. It made even the most intimidating drill sergeant look like a gentle kitten by comparison. Like she could bring down virtually any soldier on the spot, and was almost waiting for an excuse to do just that to any who dared to cross her.

‘Celestia knows what she’s going to be like as an instructor,’ Flash thought to himself, glancing around. Judging from the others’ faces, they all had the same thought.

“Now then,” Fotia said at last, “let us begin.”

Artwork:

Umbra (updated helmet)

Author's Note

And there we have it. Now all major levels of Equestrian society are rolling ahead with the prep as they await Eggman’s next appearance. Let’s hope they can handle what lies ahead. Leave your thoughts and opinions below, you know I love hearing from you guys.

-SSD

Chapter 16 - Friendly Neighborhood Hedgehog

============================
11:46 A.M.

Ponyville – Sweet Apple Acres

In front of her barn, Applejack wiped the sweat from her brow as she gazed out over the sprawling apple orchard in the distance. The morning sun beat down on her, casting a warm glow across the ripe, red apples that dangled from the branches. She took a deep breath, relishing the familiar scent of the orchard, a comforting mix of earth, fruit, and sunshine.

She’d had a productive morning so far, collecting the eggs, watering the vegetable fields, and making some much-needed patches to the holes in one of the fences. Now, after a quick break, she could get started on the orchard.

Amidst the soft sounds and rustles of farm animals, a sudden sound pierced the calm. A faint whirring noise, growing louder by the second, drew Applejack’s attention. On the horizon and drawing closer was a glowing blue light, streaking over the hills and through the trees on a curling path towards her.

The blue streak got twenty feet from where she stood and slowed quickly, resolving into the familiar form of Sonic. He glanced around at the farm before his eyes finally caught Applejack, smiling with that trademark spirited charm he was quickly becoming known for. “‘Sup, cowgirl?” Sonic greeted the farm pony with a lifted palm, walking towards her with an easy tread.

His grin and spry energy were contagious. Applejack couldn’t help but return it with a smile of her own. “Howdy, sugarhog. Wasn't expectin’ you to come moseyin’ along.”

“Just out for a stroll,” Sonic replied in a carefree way. That new nickname appeared to tickle him. “Hehe, ‘sugarhog.’” He liked it.

Applejack’s smile broadened as she brushed her hair out of her eyes. “Glad ya think it's funny. But I’ll warn ya, I’ve got a whole bunch of work to do, so this ain’t the best time for a chat.”

“I’ll bet.” Sonic glanced around the farm and the wide apple orchard surrounding it, taking in the sights of the natural landscape. “Nice place you’ve got here.”

“Why, thank you, sugarhog.” Applejack turned so that she was facing the fruit-laden apple trees instead of him. “Me and the family have worked real hard to get this place to be what it is.”

“So I’ve heard,” said Sonic. “The mayor told me a little about it while getting me settled in yesterday. Your grandma and co helped start the whole place?”

“That’s right,” Applejack answered. “Granny Smith is what you’d call one of the founders of the farm. She’s been part of it for so long that a lot of ponies don’t even remember the time before Granny was around. Lots of others helped out along the way, but it wouldn’ta been possible without tough ol’ Granny Smith runnin’ the show.”

“Even helping kick start the whole town itself,” said Sonic. “You must all be proud.”

“We sure are! It’s pretty crazy when you think about it. Before our small town was just some tiny place that barely anybody knew existed. But in just a few generations, Sweet Apple Acres made Ponyville grow so much that every corner of Equestria knows about it. ‘Course, I couldn’t handle all this on my own. There’s also my big brother, Big Macintosh. And my little sister, Apple Bloom.” Applejack smirked at Sonic. “I hear you’ve already met her.”

Sonic blinked and tilted his head, looking puzzled.

Suppressing her urge to laugh at his expression, Applejack clarified. “Teenie lil’ thing. Yellow coat, red hair, pink bow? Says you got her hat back for her when she lost it on the train ride home?”

Sonic’s eyes brightened with recognition. “Ohhhh, so that was her.”

Applejack smiled even wider. “Sure is. Apple Bloom’s the youngest in the family. She has a real soft spot for you, ya know.”

“Glad I made some good impressions around here,” Sonic said as he scratched his ear, a self-deprecating tone in his voice.

“Oh, don’t worry. After protectin’ the place, you made a lot of good impressions,” Applejack assured. “Some ponies may have been a tad nervous at first…” She gave a soft sigh. “Myself included, if I’m bein’ honest. But I’m grateful for what you did for us. You ain’t so bad.” She smirked, playfully nudging Sonic in the arm.

“Thanks,” Sonic said with a mildly amused snort.

“But enough about all that,” said Applejack. “Like I said before, I’ve got a long list of chores to get done. Oh! And here comes Big Mac.”

Coming towards him with the sound of heavy hooves rapping on the dirt floor, a tall and burly red stallion approached, stopping next to Applejack. He gazed down at Sonic with a neutral, if slightly guarded expression, but he didn’t seem too unfriendly.

“Sonic the Hedgehog, meet Big Macintosh,” Applejack said to introduce the pair.

Sonic could see why they called him Big Macintosh. This pony was huge. “Hey, Big Macintosh. Nice to meet you.”

“Eyyup.” Big Macintosh nodded to Sonic. The stallion remained calm, though his eyes seemed to be taking Sonic’s every detail in.

‘Well, that was a short answer,’ Sonic thought, resting a hand on his hip. “Applejack tells me you’re her brother?”

“Eyyup,” Big Mac replied, nodding his head in the same reserved way.

“I see. You like working the farm?”

“Eyyup,” Big Mac said flatly, not offering much more than one-word answers.

Sonic tilted his head. “Huh. Well, important to enjoy what you do.”

The big stallion stood there, expression unchanged. “Eyyup.”

Sonic adopted a playful smirk. “You’re a regular chatterbox, aren’tcha Big Macintosh?”

The stallion let out a snort and rolled his eyes. He obviously wasn’t a fan of the playful teasing, but it didn’t seem like he was too bothered by it either. “Eyyup.”

“I can see y’all got loads to talk about,” Applejack commented, amused. “Big Mac’s a bit of a simple one. Not great at expressin’ himself, but a good stallion. Best part is the quiet. Never talks about nothin’ that ain’t important. No drama.”

“The strong, silent type.” Sonic’s smile grew a bit more. “I can appreciate it.”

“Eyyup,” Big Mac answered.

Applejack chuckled at her brother’s one-word response, but she was a bit touched at how he seemed to genuinely appreciate Sonic’s understanding of his character. “See what I mean? Simple but kind. Now come on, the two of us gotta get back to work. We’ve got a whole south field of apple trees to clear out. With any luck, we can get at least a third done by the end of the day.”

Sonic gazed at the trees for a moment; then a thought came to mind. “Maybe I could lend a hand?”

Applejack paused, her mouth opening in surprise. She and Big Mac glanced at each other. “You sure, sugarhog?” Applejack asked curiously, sounding a bit doubtful but more than willing to accept. It would be a pretty big help if he could offer any. “What’d ya have in mind?”

Sonic smirked again.

With the three of them working together, along with Sonic’s quickness, it hadn’t taken long to set up all the necessary buckets under the trees at the south field. At Sonic’s insistence, Applejack and Big Mac had placed them under all the field’s trees instead of just the third they planned on working on throughout the week. Though they weren't sure why.

“All right, everything in place?” Sonic asked Applejack.

“Yeah, everything’s set,” Applejack replied somewhat incredulously. Both she and her brother were still confused about what the hedgehog was cooking up. “Whatcha got up your sleeve, sugarhog?” she asked carefully, still not quite sure how much work he could do on his own.

Sonic’s face alit with that confident grin. “Just watch.”

He suddenly ducked down to curl himself into a ball and started to spin rapidly in place, charging up his trademark Spin Dash. Applejack and Big Mac watched in bewilderment at the strange and sudden motion.

The spinning began to speed up exponentially. It was now growing so fast that it was impossible to keep up with the motion, and they could feel themselves growing a bit dizzy just watching. "Uh, should we…?" Applejack started.

But before she could finish, Sonic shot off. He whizzed back and forth through the field, knocking into and bouncing between the tree trunks like a giant living pinball. The apples of each one he struck were sent tumbling from their branches down perfectly into the waiting buckets. It didn’t even take a full minute for the entire south field to be lined with full buckets, completely cleared and ready to be harvested.

Almost a week’s worth of work for the Apple Family, done in less than sixty seconds.

Sonic’s spinning blue form came wheeling back towards them, and he suddenly unfurled and his feet slapped down to sit on the ground in front of them. He shook his head clear, a little dizzy, but looking fine. “Whew… How’s that?”

Applejack and Big Mac were speechless. Their mouths hung open, and their eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. “That…” It took a moment for Applejack to find her voice. “That was something else, sugarhog!” she exclaimed, shaking her head in total amazement.

Big Macintosh just stood there staring at Sonic for another moment, then nodded his head once and gave an approving smile. “Eeyup.” Even he sounded impressed.

“You’re a fast one, ain’tcha?” Applejack smiled at Sonic.

“Speed is my game," Sonic replied with a smooth smile, rising and dusting himself off.

“I can’t believe how much work you just saved us!” Applejack said with delight. “We’ve gotta give you something as thanks. How about you stop inside for some brunch?”

Sonic brightened at the prospect of food. "Well, if you’re offering. And if I’m not imposing."

“Nah, it’s the least we can do!” Applejack said with a wave of her hood. “We’ve got a ton left over from this mornin’. Come on, I’ll getcha some."

Who was Sonic to say no?

A short time later, Sonic was greeted by a smorgasbord of homemade hoods. Apple pie, apple fritters, apple dumplings… It all looked amazing! Not long after that, his stomach was stuffed to capacity. He made a very satisfied sound as he sat at the table. “Ahhhhh… Thanks a bunch for the grub, AJ. had no idea you could do so many things with apples. And that cider… I bet that stuff could make dirt taste good!”

Applejack smiled proudly at his enthusiastic expression. “Glad ya liked it! We’ve all got our strengths around here. I guess you could say we know a couple of things about apples. And these are just a few examples of what we can do with apples.” As Sonic got up and started to head out, Applejack remembered something. “By the way, sugarhog. If you’ve got the time, Apple Bloom wanted to thank you in person for the hat thing. Swing by the west side of the orchard around four o’clock. There’s a treehouse where she and her little friends like to hang out. Ya can’t miss it.”

“Will do.” He lifted his hand to wave farewell. “Thanks again. I’ll see you around!”

Applejack waved back, smiling warmly at the hedgehog’s goodbye. "Don't be a stranger, now!

As the day stretched on, it was an equally bright afternoon for the rest of Ponyville. A gentle breeze cooled the hides of ponies up and about their daily activities.

One such pony was famed new age musician and party animal, DJ Pon-3. Otherwise known as Vinyl Scratch.

Known for her love of music and her unique sense of style, Vinyl strolled down the bustling street, her hooves tapping out a rhythm on the ground as she went. Her signature sunglasses reflected the sunlight as she made her way towards her home. Her headphones hung around her neck; she didn’t need music right now.

A noticeable skip was in her step as she walked, her usual confident swagger replaced by a giddy bounce. Vinyl’s usually cool and collected demeanor was replaced by an uncharacteristic warmth and excitement. She couldn’t contain the smile that graced her face, the telltale sign that something extraordinary had come along to brighten her day. A chance encounter in Canterlot had set Vinyl’s heart aflutter; a serendipitous twist of fate that had left Vinyl feeling like she was walking on air.

Inside the equally divided home, Octavia Melody had the landline phone up to her ear, her face screwed up as she tapped her hoof on the floorboards. This was the third time today she’d tried to reach her boyfriend Caramel. Finally, he picked up.

“Yo, Tavi!” Vinyl called in greeting, interrupting the phone call.

Octavia winced at the interruption. It was so often a struggle to get Vinyl to settle down a bit. “Darn, not now, Vinyl. I’m on the phone.”

Vinyl took it in stride, chuckling. “My bad, my bad.” She set down her things and made herself at home on her half of the house.

Octavia had her lips pressed together as she continued the conversation with her boyfriend. Only her half of the conversation was audible. “Yes, I understand it's been… trying. I've just had so many recitals lined up.” Octavia paused as Caramel responded. “Yes, I know, but you know how important my recitals are to me.” She paused again. “No, but—” Octavia rolled her eyes. “Well, if you wanted to spend time with me, you could always come to one of them again.” Octavia’s face turned suddenly indignant a few seconds later. “And is there a problem with that?”

Vinyl raised an eyebrow at what she was hearing from her roommate. Things didn't exactly sound as sunny as Fillydelphia over there.

Octavia would go silent as Caramel responded, clearly getting more and more annoyed by the moment. Then she let out a shaky breath. “All right, all right…” Then she frowned. “Are you well? You sound a bit out of breath.”

A few seconds of silence.

“Well, if you’re sure.” Octavia cleared her throat. “So then, why don’t we go somewhere on Friday to make up for lost time? I hear the new comedy club is quite enjoyable.”

After a few more seconds, she blinked. “Already? Well… okay, then I’ll see you Friday.”

Barely two seconds passed before she blinked, looking at the phone with a mildly stunned expression. Caramel had just hung up after saying he had to go. How peculiar…

“You good, Tavi?” Vinyl spoke up from the other side, a touch of concern in her voice.

Octavia sighed, hanging up the phone. She rubbed her forehead with her hoof and shook her head. “Oh, just… having a few issues with Caramel. He didn’t even say goodbye… This is so unlike him.” She shook the thoughts away. “But I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Vinyl pursed her lip, stepping closer. For quite a while now, she’d observed some things from her roommate’s relationship that had been a little concerning. And Octavia didn’t seem to be aware of how she’d been contributing to the problem, usually brushing them off. But she felt the need to give her input, gently starting to respond. “Well… can you blame the guy for being frustrated? You haven’t exactly done a whole lot besides high tail it to Canterlot for those cello performances lately.”

The remark and its truth bothered Octavia. There was another long pause as she sighed and leaned back on the couch. “Well, I suppose you may have a point there. But I mean… I’m trying to make a name for myself here. And they rarely let just anypony play at Canterlot’s biggest venues. Besides, I've always invited him to come!”

“Uh-huh…” Vinyl replied carefully. “And how often do you guys go out for something he wants to do together?”

Octavia thought for a moment. “Well, we… Um…” She pursed her lips, realizing that maybe Vinyl raised a valid point. Apart from her recitals and the odd concert, she wasn’t what most ponies would describe as outgoing. And she had some very specific tastes. Octavia considered herself a classy mare. But there was nothing wrong with having standards, was there?

“In any case, we’ll be doing something different on Friday. It’ll be fine.” Octavia picked up the newspaper from a small table, reading the headline and article titled Blue Demon Attacks Canterlot. Her face made up into a disturbed look. “Ugh… how dreadful.”

Vinyl regained her smile as she saw the headline and cover image, observing that was in fact yesterday’s paper, before heading to the fridge to grab a drink.

Looking for something else to take her mind off things, Octavia turned on the TV. When she did, ENN would be playing a newsreel recapping the attack on Canterlot by the army of metal invaders. Octavia blinked and turned the volume up, her eyes glued to the TV screen. She balked as she watched the reporter and captured footage of the attack. “What the devil?!” She threw her gaze to the unicorn as she returned. “Vinyl, you were just there! Are you all right?! Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“Ah, it’s good, it’s good,” Vinyl said easily with a wave of her hoof. “There was one little scare, but I’m all honkey dory. Don't even sweat it, Octy.”

Octavia narrowed her eyes at Vinyl with a somewhat puzzled gaze. Her unicorn friend was typically rather nonchalant about most things, but this seemed extreme even for her. The cellist scoffed. “Oh, yes. Giant metal monsters are destroying everything in sight, and you tell me it’s only some ‘little scare’… Well, I’m happy you’re all right.” The Earth mare looked across the captured new footage. Suddenly appearing on the screen, weaving between the robots and the guards, was a two-legged, blue-furred, spiky-headed figure that started fighting back against the invading robots. Octavia’s eyes widened. As she looked from yesterday’s paper to the screen, the news reporter identified the figure as the previously labeled the Blue Demon that had appeared in Canterlot last night. At the bottom-center of the screen beneath his image appeared a newly identified name for the figure: Sonic the Hedgehog.

“As a matter of fact,” Vinyl added, “I met someone yesterday.”

Octavia’s eyes widened, immediately snapping back to Vinyl. Her ears perked up to attention. She knew that tone, that smile. They were the ones the DJ always had when she’d found somepony she was interested in. “Oh? Do tell,” Octavia pressed, her eyes lighting up at the idea of a new romance for her friend. “Who is this wonderful fellow? Do I know him?”

“Oh…” Smiling slyly, Vinyl shifted her attention back to the TV, a smile widening across her face. “He's new in town.”

Octavia’s eyes followed Vinyl’s gaze to the TV, the blue alien figure now in the full camera view. She frowned, looked at the unicorn, then back at the TV. Her mouth dropped open. No… Vinyl couldn’t really be suggesting… She turned to her roommate in abject disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

Vinyl just continued to grin at the screen. “As a heart attack, Octy.”

Octavia was utterly speechless at the admission. She couldn’t even fathom it. And the fact that the DJ was completely unphased by the notion was even more shocking. What happened yesterday?! The cellist stared blankly for several seconds, her mind swirling before she finally found her voice. “Y-You met… You’re interested… in that guy?! The monster who tried to kidnap Celestia?!”

Vinyl turned from the screen back to the Earth pony, pouting a bit. “Watch a little longer, would ya? He didn’t try to kidnap anypony. It was all a misunderstanding. And he’s no monster.” The unicorn looked at the TV again, where Sonic was shown on the captured footage narrowly saving Minuette as she fell from a rooftop. The camera view changed, showing the hedgehog stopping another guard from getting speared by a Badnik’s lance before taking an impressive fight to the army of robots. “Just look at him go. Does that look like a monster to you?”

Octavia watched the footage, seeing more of the blue stranger’s heroic actions for herself. As shocking as it sounded, Vinyl appeared to be right. Amid the attacking robots, the hedgehog was doing pretty well battling back, protecting ponies from harm, and fighting for the city’s freedom. Could it be true? From what little she’d gleaned about last night from the paper, he certainly seemed responsible for the initial incursion. But now? There was a look of conflicting emotions on Octavia’s face as she stared at the news footage. “Well…” She still had her doubts, but…

As a set of four giant, purple, hammer-wielding robots stomped into camera view to menace the speedy blue alien, Vinyl gave further comment, nodding towards the TV. “He also saved me from getting crushed by one of those big guys.”

Octavia turned to Vinyl again, her mouth dropping for what felt like the umpteenth time. “He did?” Her gaze went back to the screen, watching more of the video. Slowly, there was a subtle shift in Octavia’s expression. The shock of her learning her best friend’s account was starting to give a bit of way to something else; something resembling interest. The way Vinyl described this “Sonic” being so heroic, saving lives, including her own was… oddly admirable. Her face held a new look of intrigue. “Well… I suppose that was quite courageous of him,” Octavia admitted. The cellist shifted her gaze from the TV back to Vinyl, frowning. “Wait. Does he know about your…” she flinched as she considered her next word, still finding the idea rather disturbing, “‘interest’?”

“Not yet.” Vinyl’s smile deepened as she peered at the screen. “But he wiiiill,” she singsonged.

Octavia was a bit caught off guard by the way Vinyl said that last sentence, and even more by the not-so-subtle hint of flirtatiousness that escaped her. “What do you mean?”

“We’ve got a new neighbor,” Vinyl answered, her eyes only for the TV as Sonic was shown talking to Celestia in the Canterlot streets while the news anchors debated the prospect of his presence in Equestria. “He’s gonna be sticking around Ponyville until all the metal monster hubbub is wrapped up.” Vinyl’s eyes narrowed, her pupils seeming to glitter. “Maybe I’ll go… introduce myself.”

Time seemed to slow down for her roommate, Octavia being completely taken aback. Vinyl was dead serious. She was actually going to try and charm this so-called Blue Demon?! And from the sound of it, soon?! “Hold on a second! Do you even really know this… creature? Or anything about him? Where he’s from? His background?”

“There’s time for all that,” Vinyl replied casually, still focused on the footage. “I can take things niiiiice and slow.” Her smile curled up higher, teeth showing with excitement as she chuckled. “Unless that's not his style.”

Octavia could barely believe what she was hearing anymore. Vinyl had never been one to be subtle about her “interests,” but this was truly a new level of straightforward. But just how risky could this Sonic be? And why was her friend so enamored with him? The whole thing was making Octavia feel rather anxious. “He's not even a pony,” Octavia pointed out strongly.

Vinyl blew air between her lips, her tail flicking. “Ah, so what? I don’t discriminate.”

Octavia gasped softly, again stunned by her friend’s admission. “You… But doesn’t that—” She paused, thinking about how to phrase it; words failed her. Octavia wasn’t usually one to judge Vinyl, but she was starting to feel uneasy about this Sonic character now. Not only was he not Equestrian, he was a whole different species. It was her understanding that most creatures outside of Equestria were typically dangerous and not to be approached lightly.

The whole thing seemed downright unnatural.

Octavia started to say something else, then caught herself, realizing this wasn’t exactly her concern. But that still didn't ease her mind at all. Why was Vinyl so interested in this alien in the first place?

“Besides…” Vinyl’s tone grew suddenly licentious. Her eyes specifically focused on Sonic’s gloved hands. “Just imagine what he could do with those little wrigglers.”

Octavia’s jaw just about hit the floor. Despite herself, she also shifted her attention to the hedgehog’s gloved extremities. With the way Vinyl was talking…

Absolutely not, absolutely not, absolutely not—

Octavia suddenly felt a bit nauseous. No. She was not entertaining such impropriety. Not even a thought! It would be ludicrous. “You're unbelievable…” Octavia muttered, putting her face in her hooves.

“I just know what I like,” her friend retorted. As the TV displayed Sonic leaving Canterlot and approaching the camera view alongside the Elements of Harmony and Spike, Vinyl’s grin turned wolfish. Her tongue licked over her teeth. “And mama like.”

Octavia shuddered at Vinyl’s comment. She didn’t like where this was going. Not one little bit. “Ugh… I never thought you would go this far, but I really shouldn’t be surprised. You do have some questionable tastes.” She looked at the TV, her brow furrowing in discontent. “I still think you’re mad. He could be dangerous. Just look at how he was cutting down those golems.”

Vinyl was only half listening to her best friend at this point, and from the look on her face, conjuring up some rather unholy scenarios in her head involving herself and the hedgehog. “Oh, cut me down…”

Octavia cringed, her skin crawling. Vinyl’s vivid imagination was starting to get just a smidge disgusting; not to mention incredibly uncomfortable. “Vinyl, stop it, seriously. You’re freaking me out with all this.”

On the outer edge of Sweet Apple Acres, a small clubhouse was built into the top of one of the apple trees. Small planks of wood formed a quaintly designed little structure among the branches. Two out of three Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, chatted with each other at the treehouse’s folding entrance ramp.

In the distance away from it, the third was coming in fast. Scootaloo zoomed at top speed on her scooter, zipping her way through the orchard as she made for the clubhouse. With her wings buzzing to power her along, the speed and wind rushing through her mane never failed to bring joy to her heart. The rush was exhilarating, and she had the skill down to a tee.

Abruptly, a vaguely familiar voice came from alongside her: “Nice moves, kid.”

Scootaloo jolted in surprise at the sudden greeting, almost losing her balance. She turned left to see the blue hedgehog her class had seen on the train, and then again the paper! He was running alongside her—backwards—matching her pace with surprising ease. And then casually started pulling past her.

Scootaloo's ears shot up in surprise; then pinned back in indignation. She wasn't going to let this blue stranger one-up her like this. She sped up to catch up to the hedgehog, even managing to surpass him briefly; but Sonic was at her side again, almost effortlessly.

She suddenly remembered just how fast this creature was.

Scootaloo narrowed her eyes and sped up even faster, hoping to put some distance between her and the blue stranger. It was frustrating that he could so easily match and outpace her like this; but maybe just a little thrilling too.

Sweetie Belle, singing a soft tune to herself alongside Apple Bloom as they cleaned up the small piano at the bottom of the clubhouse’s tree, looked right to see the pair speeding towards them. Her eyes widened; they weren’t stopping. “Incoming!” She threw herself at Apple Bloom, tackling her and diving into the bushes in the same motion.

Ten feet from the clubhouse stairs, Sonic braked and slid right along with Scootaloo, coming to a perfect stop alongside her. He stood and silently looked back over at the orange filly, his emerald eyes twinkling with soft joy.

The little contest and even perfect break at the end left Scootaloo mildly stunned. She continued to share looks with Sonic. Slowly, her expression changed from surprise and frustration to a soft blush and weak smile. Even though she was embarrassed to admit it, that was pretty thrilling. Even though she hadn’t actually won against the hedgehog, the simple challenge had been exhilarating. Scootaloo took a breath and let it out. “Okay, fine… That was fun,” she admitted sheepishly.

Sonic’s smile only brightened, and he rubbed his nose with an index finger.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom finally crawled out of the bushes, taking in the scene of the two racers. Sweetie Belle stared in surprise between the two, not quite sure what to make of it all. Apple Bloom, however, lit up like a light at the sight of the Mobian. “It’s you! You’re here!”

Sonic’s gaze shifted to Apple Bloom, his smile never fading. “Yeah, it’s me. Apple Bloom, right?”

Apple Bloom’s was ecstatic. “You know my name?!”

“Your big sis mentioned you,” Sonic said lightly. “Said you wanted to see me?”

Apple Bloom nodded her head rapidly with a big grin on her face, almost jumping up and down with excitement. She couldn’t believe that the blue hero had come to visit her. “Uh-huh! I wanted to say thank you again for gettin’ me my new hat back!” she chirped in her bright, country drawl. “Ooh, I knew all those nasty things they were saying about ya in the paper weren’t true! I just knew it!” Apple Bloom had known it all along. She didn’t care one bit that he was different-looking. He was still good and friendly, which was what mattered most to her. And now with the rest of Equestria being forced to eat crow, she felt beyond vindicated. She smirked with indignation and pumped her hoof. “In your face, Rarity!”

Sonic chuckled softly, scratching a finger on his cheek. The little country filly’s spunk was pretty adorable.

“Oh, these are my friends!” Apple Bloom added, nodding to the other two crusaders in turn. “Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”

“Sonic the Hedgehog,” he replied, lifting an open hand at the other two. He noted their physical appearances, remembering what Twilight had mentioned on the train about the three pony species: pegasi, unicorns, and Earth ponies.

Sweetie Belle nodded slowly in greeting. She’d been as intrigued as the others watching his speed and air tricks from the train on the journey back from Appleloosa, but meeting him in person was another thing.

Scootaloo took a deep breath and let it out. The competitive little pegasus still felt flustered from being on the cusp of winning their race, but found it in her to let it go for now. “Nice to meetcha, Sonic.”

“You sure are fast,” Sweetie Belle remarked, the memory of the hedgehog outrunning the Friendship Express surfacing in her mind.

“It's a gift,” Sonic replied proudly.

“So you’re gonna be sticking around Ponyville for a while?” Scootaloo asked, stepping close to the hedgehog. Apple Bloom had been going on and on about her sister’s recounting of everything that had happened yesterday and Sonic’s current situation. But she wanted to get an answer from the hedgehog himself.

“Looks that way,” Sonic answered. “I’ve gotta do a few things and crack a giant talking egg. So this’ll just be my little home away from home while it all plays out.”

Apple Bloom looked very happy to hear that. “Great! That means we can hang out whenever we want!”

Sonic smiled at her. Applejack hadn’t been exaggerating. Then he looked up at the clubhouse for the first time. “What have you girls got going on here?”

Apple Bloom grinned at the question. “This is the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse!" she explained with a point. “Did the painting and tidying up myself.”

“It's our secret base where the three of us come to be together and make plans and hang out and all that kinda stuff,” said Sweetie Belle.

“All on a journey to find our cutie marks!” said Scootaloo.

Sonic admired the handiwork for a moment. He seemed impressed at Apple Bloom for what she’d pulled off with the style and decoration. Then his face turned puzzled. “Uh, cutie what now?”

The three of them giggled at the hedgehog’s question. It was such a uniquely ponyish word. “Cutie marks!” Apple Bloom explained. “It's what makes everypony unique. Everypony's got their own different one.”

“It's a symbol you get as a mark of maturity," Sweetie Belle added. “It represents your special talent.”

“Your destiny!” Scootaloo jumped in now, her face glowing with a little more excitement than before. “And we’re trying to figure out ours.”

Sonic put his hand to his chin, mulling the concept over. He’d noticed how most ponies had those marks on them, but didn’t think it was anything so significant. “Huh, so that’s it. And here I thought everyone just got tattoos on their rumps as a fashion statement.”

All three fillies burst out laughing at the hedgehog’s rather blunt and humorous interpretation. Scootaloo snorted as she giggled, which made her laugh even harder. “He said rump…”

“No, no!” Sweetie Belle said, still smiling a little. “It’s much more special than that! A cutie mark is different for every pony, and it appears when you discover the talent connected to it. Like, you might get a mark of being a great inventor. Or the mark of being a farmer and growing great crops."

“Hey, I wonder what your cutie mark would be if you were a pony!” Apple Bloom thought aloud, looking at Sonic with interest.

Sonic cracked a smile. “Well, I doubt it’d be a stop sign.”

The girls laughed again.

“But anyway,” Apple Bloom said, “we were just gettin’ ready to practice. There’s another talent show comin’ up for foals tomorrow.”

“Last time, we did a musical,” said Sweetie Belle, recounting their previous attempt. “We even won a comedy prize! But… no cutie mark.”

“But this time I know we’ll do it!” Scootaloo declared. “This time I’ll handle the set and props.”

“And I’ll be our dancing star!” Sweetie Belle added.

“And I can be the main singer!” Apple Bloom finished.

Sonic suppressed a laugh. Their energy was adorably infectious. Deciding to take five for a while, he flopped himself down in front of a tree and leaned back against its trunk. He decided to watch the trio do their thing for a bit to kill time.

It barely took fifteen minutes of watching the practice and listening to their advice to one another for Sonic to put a few things together. This planned performance of theirs probably wasn’t going to go the way that hoped; not with their current direction. So he decided to give some input. “Hey uh, girls? Just a thought.”

The three fillies looked over to Sonic, not quite sure what he was about to say. Sweetie Belle was already raising an eyebrow, waiting to hear what Sonic could suggest.

Sonic went one by one, starting with Apple Bloom. “AB, you seem to have the decoration know-how. Why don't you be the one to handle props and costumes?”

The yellow filly’s eyes sparkled. “Really?” she asked, sounding surprised. “Ya think I can do that?”

Sonic smiled and nodded. Then he turned to the orange pegasus. "Scoot, you’re the athlete. Why don't you just try your hand— er, hoof, at the dancing part?"

Scootaloo paused, her expression turning thoughtful. "Maybe…” Then a smile came to her lips. “Maybe that’s not such a bad idea."

Finally, he looked and Sweetie Belle. “And Sweetie, have you heard your voice? You've got a real set of pipes. If there’s anyone who should be doing the singing, it's you.”

Sweetie Belle's ears perked up with pride at the compliment. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Sonic assured her. “Sometimes it’s good to make things easy for yourself. Focus on what you do well and I’m sure you'll knock ‘em out of the park tomorrow.”

The three girls grinned at Sonic’s approval, beaming with joy at his encouragement.

“Well, then we better get crackin’!” Apple Bloom smiled brightly as she spoke. “We've got a talent show to win!”

Then Sweetie Belle suddenly blinked, pausing to scratch her chin. “Hmmmm…” Then a lightbulb went off in her head. As her older sister would say, ideeeaaaaaa!

“Could you excuse us for one minute, Sonic?” Sweetie Belle said with a sly little look in her eye. Then she pulled Apple Bloom and Scootaloo into a huddle off to the side. “Girls! I just had the best idea ever!” she said in an excited whisper.

The other two fillies perked up with curiosity, suddenly very interested in finding out what the clever little unicorn was thinking. “What is it?” Scootaloo asked.

“I know that look,” Apple Bloom said with a smirk of her own. “You got another genius plan in mind?”

“What if,” Sweetie Belle continued, “and follow me on this, what if we made our new musical with Sonic as our theme?”

Apple Bloom radiated excitement, the idea of incorporating their new friend in this way appealing greatly to her. “Oh, my gosh! Sweetie Belle, you're a genius! That's a fantastic idea!”

“Are you sure that would work, Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked, a little reluctant.

“We already know how great he is,” said Sweetie Belle, continuing to make her case. “He saved Canterlot, our sisters and their friends love him, and he’s got some serious moves! If we put some of that into our act, we’ll get first prize and cutie marks for sure!”

Scootaloo seemed to weigh it in her mind. “I dunno…”

Sweetie Belle’s brain was already in overdrive. She knew she just needed to get Scootaloo on board. So with her typical shrewdness, she appealed to the thrill-seeking pegasus’ ego. “Just think about all the cool moves he must have been whipping out in Canterlot against those monsters. Imagine how great you’d look pulling off some tricks like that in front of everypony.”

"Hmmmm…" Scootaloo seemed to think over the whole thing for a long moment, taking it all in. She had to admit, it sounded pretty cool to her when she thought about it. "All right, fine… I guess we can try it out,” she relented. “But what kind of tricks?”

“That's what we’re gonna find out.” Sweetie Belle’s eyes narrowed, her smile growing ever more scheming. The group broke their huddle and returned to where the blue hedgehog stood waiting. “Hey, Sonic? I don’t suppose you would mind telling us a some more about how you fought those bad guys in Canterlot? And maybe even a little bit about where you come from, things you’ve seen and done?” Sweetie Belle asked, making an extra cute face and batting her eyes.

Sonic raised an eyebrow. This little unicorn was up to something. But he shrugged, deciding to indulge her. “Ah, why not? I've got some time.”

Sweetie Belle’s grin grew wider. “Great!” The purple-haired filly looked briefly at her two friends, then back up at him as the three girls got comfortable. “So let’s hear it, Mr. Sonic the Hedgehog! Tell us your story.”

Sonic stayed with the three fillies for a long while, recounting a whole host of tales from his past. He talked about his home, his favorite adventures, and many battles against Eggman; including the invasion of Canterlot mere days ago. Apple Bloom would often interrupt with ecstatic cheers and questions, while Sweetie kept things on course, asking for some specific details about the things he did and how he fought those nasty robots. Scootaloo seemed entertained, though she tried to hide how much.

The hedgehog talked about a few of his favorite spots back on Mobius, about his friends, rivals, and more. He even mentioned the moniker that most knew him as back home: The Fastest Thing Alive.

Sweetie Belle seemed to take particular interest in that name.

The trio sat there, soaking in every single one of his stories. They were truly enthralled by their new friend’s tales. Even Scootaloo couldn't help herself from nodding along, while Sweetie Belle was smiling at all the right parts, asking little questions here and there to make sure she was keeping up.

After the stories were told and questions had been answered, Sweetie Belle gave a little grin. “So in all your travels and adventures, is there any one place out of the bunch you’d say is your favorite? Your own special little spot?”

“Hmm…” Sonic paused, looking up in thought. “Well, if I had to choose…”

He gave his answer and a pretty vivid description of the locale. And Sweetie Belle officially had everything she needed. The trio smiled and waved goodbye to Sonic as he went on about his way.

With Sweetie Belle’s mind swimming with new ideas, new inspiration, and all manner of exciting possibilities, she faced her two partners in crusading. “All right, girls! We’ve got a lot of work to do, but it’ll all be worth it. Tomorrow, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are gonna bring the house down!”

The three cheered and did a triple high hoof. “Yeah!”

Author's Note

And another one belted out. I’ll be honest, there was one tiny little piece from the big Canterlot battle I’m surprised no one commented on. I assume it’ll be hard to miss now. :raritywink: Hope you all enjoy.

-SSD

Chapter 17 - The Show That Broke the Pony's Back

Click.

“…and so we see, the city of Canterlot owes its peace to Sonic the Hedge—”

Click.

“What we should really be considering is what exactly this Sonic the Hedgehog means for the future of Eques—”

Click.

“He was just so fast! We all would have been toast if it weren’t for Sonic—”

“Ugh!” Rainbow Dash loosed a loud, frustrated groan as she once again jabbed the remote with her hoof, this time to turn the TV off. The foyer of her cloudominium fell into silence.

The Element of Loyalty was not a happy mare. She heard the gossip everywhere she went, heard his name on every channel. Sonic this, Sonic that. She couldn’t get away from that hedgehog!

“Some hero,” Rainbow grumbled. “Shows up out of nowhere, turns Equestria upside-down, and now everypony’s acting like he’s the greatest thing since cider season.” Her wings twitched with irritation. “What’s so great about that spiky show-off anyway? He’s all,” she swept her mane to imitate the hedgehog’s quills and made her voice into a crude mimicry of his voice, “‘Ooh, look at me! I’m a big blue pincushion with tacky shoes that looks like something out of a Stepony Queen novel!’”

Shaking her mane back to normal, Rainbow snorted and folded her forelegs, sinking into the couch with a frown. It baffled her how quickly everypony had changed their minds about the alien. One minute, the hedgehog was an invading monster. The next, he was a celebrated hero. How could they all have just given him a pass like that?

Applejack’s words from days prior, about the hedgehog saving their lives—and her own more than once—sprang unbidden to her mind, further souring her expression. It wasn’t like he’d done that much. They could have handled that Egg-face creep and his metal monsters, and she certainly didn’t need his help. If anything, the whole mess was probably his fault to begin with. Rainbow gave a huff. Ponies could be so fickle. Had they all forgotten everything he did to Canterlot? To the guards? To the Wonderbolts?

Rainbow bristled at her last thought, an uncomfortable heat forming in her chest. Somehow, even her idols had been caught off guard by that spiky pest during his first chaotic appearance. How could the most amazing flyers in all of Equestria fail to keep up with one weird-looking alien? “Probably just got lucky,” she muttered.

And to make matters worse, Celestia, in all her boundless wisdom, had decided to stick him right in the middle of Ponyville for them all to babysit. She couldn’t even go about her home without the constant reminder that she shared it with that cocky freak. And now he had all her friends wrapped around his gloved little paws with that flimsy nice guy routine. Well, she wasn’t buying it. No matter how many ponies he won over, she wasn’t going to be fooled. He’d slip up eventually, and when he did…

“Bah!” Rainbow shook her head vigorously, trying to dislodge the bothersome thoughts about Sonic. “Forget that lame-o.” She pushed herself up from the couch and to her hooves. She needed to clear her mind, and for her, there was only one way to do it: flying.

Rainbow trotted across the floor to her front door, pushing through to the outside and shutting it behind her. She took a deep breath of air, turning her gaze up. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, just waiting to be soared through. She stretched her wings wide, feeling the breeze against her feathers.

A grin crept across Rainbow’s face as she skipped on her hooves, excitement bubbling up inside her. “Time to show the sky who’s boss!”

With that declaration, Rainbow launched herself into the air. She flew up and up, the wind wrapping its familiar embrace around her. Each wingbeat carried her higher, the trees and objects on the ground below shrinking into little dots. Once she hit her stride, Rainbow Dash let her instincts take over. She twisted and spun through the open sky, performing loops and barrel rolls with effortless grace. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, matching the beat of her wings. She weaved between clouds, kicking off them like springboards, and raced with the sunbeams that peeked through the gaps.

She loved the feeling of freedom that flying brought her, the wind rushing past her and the sun warming her back. It was better than breathing. As she zipped through the air, the worries and stresses clouding her mind faded away. The little issues of the day, especially from the hedgehog, felt like specks of dust far beneath her. Up here, she was untouchable. A master of her domain.

With a burst of energy, Rainbow Dash ascended higher, pushing herself to fly faster than she ever had before. She felt alive, every muscle in her body working in perfect harmony. The world below was a blur, and for a brief moment, she felt invincible. It was just her, the sky, and the thrill of the flight.

After a series of dizzying spins, she pulled up into a sharp dive, the ground rushing toward her. At the last moment, she spread her wings wide, catching the air and pulling up with a triumphant shout. “Aw, yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!” She climbed back up, feeling lighter than air, and allowed herself a moment of laughter. In this precious moment, she couldn’t be bothered by thoughts of that annoying hedgehog. Up here, she was Rainbow Dash. The fastest flier in Equestria. A daring adventurer who could conquer anything life threw at her. And that was all that mattered.

Hearty laughter carried over the cozy, book-filled interior of the Golden Oaks Library. The blue hedgehog that was its source lounged comfortably on the center desk, a hand over his stomach. Spike stood in front of him, his story pausing amid the laughs.

“She…” Sonic gasped, searching for the air to speak. “She brainwashed half the town into fighting over her childhood doll ‘cause she didn’t have a friendship lesson to write about?”

“I know, right?” Spike sniggered. “I tried to tell her it wasn’t a big deal, that Celestia would understand, but nope!”

The subject of their discussion was the only one not sharing in the merriment. Twilight stood by one of the shelves across from the dragon and hedgehog, nose in a book in a vain attempt to ignore the pair. Her pink-tinged cheeks and scrunched face betrayed that the memory still stung.

“Oh, don’t look like that, Twi,” Sonic grinned. “It’s funny!”

The unicorn snapped her book shut and whipped around with a sharp look. “It is not!” she whined, stomping her hoof. “It’s embarrassing!”

Spike laughed again. “Yeah, Twilight can be a pretty poor sport about her mess-ups.”

Twilight’s gaze narrowed further as she focused on Spike. “Oh, you’re one to talk about mess-ups, mister big and greedy.”

The little drake winced, rubbing the back of his head. “Hey, that was an accident! Sort of.”

Sonic leaned back against the desk’s raised center with a chuckle, putting his hands behind his head. “Sounds like you guys get into a lot of crazy and silly stuff around here.”

Twilight gave a small grumble, flicking her tail. “I guess you could say that.”

“Speaking of crazy and silly,” Spike went on, “you should have seen this other time Apple Bloom gave herself Cutie Pox!”

Sonic’s brow arched. “You’ll have to fill me in a little. I’ve heard of marks, but not the pox.”

Twilight gave a knowing sigh. Once her scaly assistant got into a groove, there was little stopping him. “It’s a rare and very contagious disease,” she chimed in, her tone taking on an educational air. “It makes a pony break out in random cutie marks, forcing them to perform the talents that come with them.”

“You should have seen her,” said Spike, spreading his arms. “She was tap-dancing, sculpting, fencing. One after the other, nonstop.”

Sonic gave a hum of displeasure. “Sounds unpleasant.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” said Twilight. “The poor thing was exhausted.”

“I’m surprised she didn’t instantly pass out when it finally wore off,” Spike added.

Sonic shifted in his seat. “Glad everything worked out in the end. How’d she even end up with something like that?”

“There’s this magical flower called the Heart’s Desire,” Twilight elaborated. “It’s supposed to make your greatest wish come true. She made a potion out of it to try and give herself a cutie mark.”

“Guess that’s why they say be careful what you wish for,” Spike commented.

Sonic couldn’t help another laugh. “I saw AB and her two little friends yesterday. They were pretty fired up about getting those marks of theirs, but I wouldn’t have guessed she’d go that far. I mean, an enchanted flower? Giving herself an ancient disease? Talk about desperate.”

“The CMC would do just about anything to get their marks at this point,” Spike chuckled. “They’ve been trying pretty much since we’ve known them.”

“Finding your purpose is like a blessing here in Equestria,” said Twilight, smiling softly with memory. “I still remember how happy I was when I got mine.”

A warm look came over Sonic’s features, his mind going back to the energetic trio. Finding one’s calling in life was a special thing. Doubly so, it seemed, for a society of ponies who had it granted by magic and wore its symbol for all to see. “Sounds like a pretty big deal for you guys,” Sonic said. “So her cutie pox wore off all on its own?”

“It can, but there’s no telling how long it would take,” Twilight clarified. “Fortunately, we had Zecora around to make a cure.”

Sonic’s head cocked sideways. “Zecora?”

“She’s our zebra friend that Apple Bloom took the Heart’s Desire from,” Twilight told him. “She knows just about everything when it comes to herbs, plants and magical ailments.”

“And she likes to talk in rhyme,” added Spike.

Amusement prickled Sonic, the corner of his lip turning up. “That so? She sounds like a real character.”

“She’s certainly unique,” Twilight smiled, “but her remedies never fail, and she’s very pleasant. Who knows what we’d do without her.” She paused, suddenly looking self-conscious. “Though, we didn’t always think so.”

The change in demeanor caught Sonic’s attention. “Whadda ya mean by that?”

“Everypony in town used to think she was some kind of evil enchantress,” said Spike. “There were all these rumors that she’d curse you and gobble you up in a stew and stuff.” The little dragon snorted. “Pinkie Pie even threw together a whole song about it.”

“And it wasn’t a very good one, either,” Twilight frowned, shaking her head as if to keep the horrible earworm from filling her brain again.

Sonic’s expression turned wry. “Seriously? Even the brave, bold saviors of Equestria were scared of one little zebra?”

Twilight’s cheeks went pink as her confidence stumbled. “I guess the girls’ opinions got to me after a while,” she stammered. “Nopony’s perfect, right?”

Sonic looked at Spike. “So what exactly had everyone so spooked?”

Spike thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Honestly, it was kind of arbitrary. No one knew what she was about, and they’d never see her except for when she came around once a month to shop.”

“Zebras aren’t native to Equestria,” said Twilight. “They come from a land far beyond our borders. She’s the only one we’ve ever seen. And I think everypony was especially put off by how she lives in Everfree Forest.”

“Everfree Forest?” Sonic echoed. “Do you mean the woods right next to Ponyville?”

“That’s the place,” Spike confirmed. “It’s a real hike just to get to Zecora’s hut.”

“It’s practically off-limits to the townsfolk,” said Twilight. “Everfree is full of dangerous plant and animal life. More than that, it doesn’t function like the rest of Equestria. Animals care for themselves, and the plants grow and clouds move all on their own without any intervention.”

Sonic stared at Twilight until she was finished. After a few beats, his smirk returned. “You ponies seem to live in your own little bubble. ‘Cause in every other place I’ve been to, that’s just how things work.”

Twilight paused, considering his words with a curious look. “Really? How fascinating. Equestrian ponies typically tend to the land and help it thrive, and even help maintain a lot of the animals, but the creatures of Everfree seem to have their own way of doing things. I’m not sure how Zecora manages to live so easily there. It’s such a strange thing for the rest of us.”

Sonic’s brow wrinkled. “And you’re telling me everyone treated her like a black sheep just ‘cause she looked and acted a little different?” He snorted. “So much for the friendliest town in Equestria.”

Spike suddenly looked a little guilty. “I mean, when you say it like that…”

Twilight’s face fell a bit, her ears flattening. “I admit, not our best moment,” she sighed. “But we’re all on good terms now. It was a lesson for everypony about judging a book by its cover.” She sheepishly pawed her hoof on the ground. “Maybe some of us can be quick to startle when odd new things come around.”

A sardonic look crossed Sonic’s face as he gestured to himself. “Case in point.”

Twilight felt her face heat again. She glanced away, ignoring Spike’s stifled laugh. “Hey, you can’t blame us for being on edge, considering how you arrived in Equestria. Breaking through a whole dimension, the lightning and a giant vortex right over the castle? Who wouldn’t be shaken up?”

“Eh, fair enough,” Sonic conceded, adjusting in his seat and gazing thoughtfully at the ceiling. “So you guys have an untamed forest that runs on normal-world logic?” He smirked. “Sounds like a fun place.”

Spike and Twilight stared at him. “You call that fun?” Spike said incredulously.

“Sonic, don’t be foolish!” Twilight scolded. “Ponies avoid the Everfree Forest for a reason. It’s full of timberwolves, parasprites—”

“Cockatrices, manticores, Ursa Minors and Majors,” Spike continued.

“The point is it’s no laughing matter!” Twilight said sharply. “Least of all somewhere to go for a relaxing walk through the woods!”

“I’m sure I’ve seen worse,” Sonic said flippantly, waving off their concern.

“You’re not taking this seriously,” Twilight groused, her brows bunching.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Sonic smirked, already imagining a breakneck-speed stroll through the enchanted forest. “And hey, if your zebra pal can make it work, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

The nonchalant bravery earned a laugh from Spike. “You like to live dangerously, don’t you, Sonic?”

“What’s life without a little thrill?” Sonic replied, flashing his pearly whites.

“Boys,” Twilight muttered, shaking her head. “Alright, go ahead and go out there if you want. But don’t blame me if something happens to you.”

“I’ll put it on the list.” Hopping down from the table, Sonic rolled his shoulders and stretched out his arms. “Hey, what time is it?”

Checking the clock, Spike responded, “It’s almost three. What, got somewhere to go?”

“Not right now, but Apple Bloom said something about a talent show later today.”

“Oh, yes!” Twilight said, her demeanor brightening. “The Ponyville school is having its biannual event. All the foals always put on the most adorable shows.”

“The three mark-eteers did look pumped,” said Sonic. “I’m just gonna hit the road, kill a few hours until it’s show time.”

“Alright, have fun,” Twilight called. “And don’t be late! You’ll be in for a real treat.”

“Try not to go too fast and miss all the cool stuff!” Spike waved.

“I’ll make sure to enjoy the view,” Sonic called back, waving over his shoulder. He pushed the library door open, bent his knees, and zoomed off in a blue streak.

For a moment, the Equestrian pair watched the door swing back and forth off the wind force of the hedgehog’s exit. “That guy never stops, does he?” Spike observed.

“He’s certainly energetic,” Twilight giggled. “I think he’s just someone who loves to explore. Someone who tackles each new day with a bundle of energy. Like the world is his playground.”

As they stood there together, Spike couldn’t help but admire Sonic more. The way he dashed through life with such exuberance and confidence resonated with him. He was adventurous, passionate and fearless; the qualities of a hero. All the things he aspired to be. “He’s a pretty good guy,” Spike decided, his smile broadening.

“Yes, he is,” Twilight nodded. “I think the girls are really coming around to him.”

Spike was about to agree when a thought rose in his mind. One very stark exception. “Well… not all of them.” He looked at Twilight with a frown. “Have you noticed the way Rainbow Dash is with him? She’s been kinda…” Spike paused, pondering the right word, before eventually deciding on, “standoffish.”

“I’m sure it’s just Rainbow being Rainbow,” Twilight shrugged, heading over to one of the bookshelves. “She’ll warm up to him eventually.”

Spike’s lips pinched together. Twilight could be a little unaware and unassuming when it came to relationships, but he wasn’t convinced. There’d been a new tension about the brash pegasus, a sourness that reared its head whenever Sonic was involved, but he wasn’t sure what it stemmed from. In the end, he only shrugged, hoping that it didn’t end badly for them all. “I hope you’re right, Twilight.”

There was a soft, pink glow over Ponyville by the time its residents gathered on the road outside the quaint little school house. Excitement buzzed through the crowd. The school talent show was about to begin. On stage, a colorful curtain hid the hustle and bustle of last-minute preparations.

Behind it, Scootaloo paced nervously, her wings fluttering with anticipation. “C’mon, you’ve got this,” she whispered to herself, trying to shake off the jitters. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had practiced and practiced. Now it was time to shine. But what if something went wrong, like last time?

“Hey, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle’s voice called as she and Apple Bloom appeared behind their friend. “You look a little tense.

“And you ain’t even dressed yet!” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Everything okay?”

Scootaloo turned to her fellow crusaders and sighed. “I just don’t wanna mess up. What if we don’t get our cutie marks?”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Sweetie Belle said reassuringly. “Remember all those amazing tricks you did on your scooter? You’re incredible at that! Just think of this as another way to show everyone what you can do.”

Scootaloo shifted on her hooves, letting the other’s words sink in. If there was one thing she knew well, it was her wings and her wheels. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“‘Course she’s right!” Apple Bloom beamed. “We’ve got all Ponyville waiting to see what we can do, and we’re gonna give ‘em a show they won’t forget!”

“And even if we don’t get our cutie marks tonight,” Sweetie Belle added, “we’ll have the best time trying!”

A smile made its way back to Scootaloo’s face. “You guys are the best. Okay, let’s do this.”

The three friends shared a determined look and bumped hooves, a promise of camaraderie and shared dreams. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were ready to dazzle the crowd and maybe, just maybe, discover their true talents.

Scootaloo took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart. It would all work out. But there was still one thing unaccounted for. Edging closer to the curtain, she poked her head out to scan the crowd. Her eyes darted around, searching for a familiar rainbow mane.

“Heya, squirt!” a sporty voice called from the side.

Scootaloo pulled back behind the curtain and whipped right. When she saw the speaker, her heart leaped. “Rainbow Dash!” she squeaked. “You came! You really came!”

Said Element of Loyalty glided in gracefully, landing softly on the stage. Her presence seemed to light up the area. “Yeah, I made sure to clear my schedule,” Rainbow chuckled.

“I’m so glad,” Scootaloo gushed. “We’ve been planning this for so long. Another chance to finally earn our cutie marks.” She fidgeted in place. “Honestly, I’m still a little nervous.”

“No need to be,” said Rainbow, giving the filly a playful nudge, “I know how much you and the girls have been practicing. You’re totally gonna rock this!”

Feeling her tension ease at her hero’s words, Scootaloo stood a little taller, her worries melting away like snow under the spring sun. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash. That means so much coming from you.”

“Just give it your best,” Rainbow smirked. “I’ll be right out there cheering you on. And don’t forget to have fun out there.”

The younger pegasus nodded vigorously, her spirits soaring even higher. “I will! We’re gonna give it our all!”

As Rainbow lifted off to head back to her spot, Scootaloo felt a rush of determination. With her idol rooting for her, she knew she could face anything.

“Two minutes to curtain time!” Cheerilee’s voice announced.

The orange filly turned back to the stage at the call where Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom waited. “Ready?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo grinned, her eyes brimming with renewed confidence. “Ready!”

Rainbow Dash settled into a spot at the front of the crowd, a warm wave of excitement washing over her. The wide road outside the Ponyville Schoolhouse was alive with the chatter of the townsfolk, each as eager as she was to see the performances.

As Rainbow let her eyes sweep over the other ponies in attendance, her gaze landed on familiar faces across the way. Rarity, Twilight and Applejack were making their way through the audience to find spots. Her wings fluttered, but just as she prepared to lift off and join them, the warmth went cold.

Sonic was here. The blue hedgehog strode alongside her friends, coming to stand between Applejack and Rarity and chatting with both.

“Ugh, why does he have to be here?” Rainbow muttered, her features tightening. Just what she needed. Why couldn’t that blue pest just leave her alone? With some effort, she pushed thoughts of the Mobian out of her mind. “Come on, Dash, don’t let him ruin this,” she whispered to herself. “This is about Scootaloo and her friends, not that spiky-headed showoff.” She settled in, focusing on the stage as Cheerilee’s voice echoed over the square, calling for the first act to take the stage.

It was finally show time.

Kicking things off was a pair of unicorns performing a dazzling light display. They twirled their horns, sending colorful beams of magic swirling into the sky, creating shapes of stars and hearts that sparkled against the sunset backdrop. The audience gasped and cheered. Even Rainbow clapped her hooves at the display.

Next up was the group of Lickety Split, Sugar Stix, Mango Dash and Tornado Bolt forming a dance troupe. They galloped and flew in perfect sync, a lively tune filling the air as the audience clapped along.

The performances continued, each more impressive than the last. A young filly named Dinky Doo amazed everyone with her ventriloquist skills, making her stuffed dragon seem to come to life, cracking jokes that had the audience rolling with laughter. After that, shy little Featherweight took the stage with a surprise juggling routine. He started off wobbly, tossing a few colorful balls into the air with trembling hooves, but soon found his rhythm. The crowd cheered him on and with each successful toss, Featherweight grew more confident. Rainbow watched, smiling as he soaked up the applause and finished his act with a bow.

Then Cheerilee’s voice filled the air again. “And now, for our final act of the evening, please welcome the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Rainbow felt a rush of anticipation. The air crackled with energy. Everypony was eager to see what the three fillies had in store.

As the curtain lifted, the stage was transformed into a vibrant paradise filled with bright greenery and palm trees. Short mountains rose in the background while blue paper simulating lakes sparkled under the stage lights. A waterfall set piece stood off to the right. Most thrilling of all was a loop-de-loop that took center stage.

Seated at the left corner was Sweetie Belle, her hooves poised over the keys of a piano. She glanced back over her shoulder and nodded.

Suddenly, a blue and orange shape whizzed out onto stage. Spinning dramatically, it stopped in the center to reveal Scootaloo, striking a pose. She wore a costume with limbs that ended just above her hooves. It was blue with a peace underside, with curved points on the back and hood imitating quills.

Surprised murmurs rose from the crowd. Rainbow Dash’s mouth dropped open.

With a determined look in her eye, Scootaloo vibrated her wings and took off around the stage, her scooter gliding effortlessly over the wooden floor. As she went into the long-practiced motions, Sweetie Belle started playing a lively, catchy tune on the piano. After a couple of stanzas, the little unicorn started to sing.

♪ “Blue streak speeds by
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog
♪ Too fast for the naked eye
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog

♪ Sonic! He can really move! Sonic! He’s got an attitude! Sonic! He’s the fastest thing alive!”

Sweetie Belle’s voice rang out over the melody, her singing harmonizing beautifully with the vibrant piano accompaniment. Scootaloo executed a series of tricks as Sweetie Belle’s voice rang out; flips and spins that showcased her agility and speed. The crowd cheered, their excitement building with each daring move, everybody joining in the exuberance.

Everybody but one.

♪ “Look out when he storms through
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog
♪ Don’t doubt what he can do
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog

♪ Sonic! He can really move! Sonic! He’s got an attitude! Sonic! He’s the fastest thing alive!”

Scootaloo zoomed and circled through the makeshift obstacle course. She zipped through the loop-de-loop, expertly navigating the curve and shooting out the other side with a triumphant shout. The audience was eating it up, the young pegasus’ glee soaring higher with every cheer.

As the song continued, the Cutie Mark Crusaders worked in perfect harmony. Sweetie Belle played with passion while Apple Bloom joined in as backup, clapping her hooves rhythmically to the beat. Scootaloo flipped and spun on her scooter to the gasps and whoops of their elated audience. The stage radiated joy, the energy infectious.

♪ “Sonic! He can really move! Sonic! He’s got an attitude! Sonic! He’s the fastest thing alive! He’s the fastest thing alive! He’s the fastest thing aliiiiiiive!”

As Sweetie Belle hit the final high note, Scootaloo executed one last trick—a daring somersault midway through the loop-de-loop. Landing perfectly on her scooter as it completed the ramp’s curve, she spun to stop for one last pose. The audience erupted into a deafening roar, wings flapping and hooves pounding.

Amid the adulation, one pony stayed stock still. Rainbow Dash stared at the stage, as speechless as she’d been throughout. Of all the possible things, the girls had to do a song about him? Even the Cutie Mark Crusaders, even Scootaloo was a fan of that hedgehog now? And the rest of the ponies drank it up like freshly squeezed cider. She slowly turned right, catching sight of her friends and Sonic again. Applejack was smirking at the blue alien, who sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Just the sight of him made that heat in Rainbow’s chest start to simmer again.

As the applause settled, Cheerilee and Spike stepped out onto the stage, the former’s smile wide and proud. “Fillies and gentlecolts, let’s give another big round of applause to all our participants!” The audience stomped in approval again as the foals came out to gather on the left of the stage. “I’m so proud of all our young ponies tonight. Now, it’s time for the awards!”

The anxious school ponies shifted in place. The Crusaders exchanged looks with each other. This was it.

“Our first award,” Cheerilee announced, “goes to Dinky Doo for Best Comedy Act!”

“Yay, Dinky!” a gray-coated, blonde-haired pegasus whooped.

Dinky shyly came forward, lowering her head to accept a jester-hat-shaped medal from Spike. She smiled sincerely out at the crowd and her most supportive figure, then returned behind the curtain.

“Next, we have the award for Best Magic Act,” Cheerilee continued. “And this one goes to our very own dynamic duo, Rainberry and Ruby Pinch!”

The two unicorn fillies bounced up to their teacher as the audience cheered, grinning from ear to ear as they accepted the medals. “Thanks, everypony!” they exclaimed in unison. “We love magic!”

“And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” Cheerilee said, building up the suspense. “Our last award for Best Musical performance goes to… the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

The crowd went wild. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom jumped up and down, squealing with joy. The trio rushed to the front of the stage, their hearts racing as Spike presented all three of them with their gold medals in the shape of musical notes.

“We did it, we did it!” Scootaloo burst, hopping in place as her wings buzzed.

“I knew it would work!” Sweetie Belle beamed, her chest swelling. They’d worked hard, supported each other, and finally earned a well-deserved recognition.

“And you know the only way this could be better?” Apple Bloom prompted.

Sweetie Belle’s glee mirrored her friend’s. They both looked down expectantly at their flanks. Triumph faded into disappointment. “No cutie mark,” Sweetie Belle said gloomily.

“Again?” Apple Bloom lamented.

Scootaloo tugged off her costume. Her eyes held a spark of hope, or denial, that she would be different. It blew out when she also found a blank flank under the cloth.

“You all did an incredible job tonight,” Cheerilee told the trio. “I’m so proud of each of you. Remember, the real prize is the fun and friendship you’ve built together.”

The words were of limited comfort to the Crusaders. After all their practice and high hopes, despite telling themselves much the same before the show’s start, failing to earn their cutie marks threw a damper on the celebration. They walked down the stage ramp and into the mingling crowd of ponies. Applejack, Rarity, Twilight and Sonic came to meet them.

“My word, darlings!” Rarity piped. “That was a wonderful show you put on.”

“Not to mention topical,” added Twilight.

“Y’all really brought the house down,” Applejack grinned.

The three fillies’ smiles returned, if faintly. “Thanks, everypony,” said Scootaloo. “We put a lot into it, and we tried our best.”

“But still no cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle groaned.

“Everything was going right,” Apple Bloom grumbled, kicking her hoof in the dirt. “I thought for sure we had it this time.”

“Hey, don’t sweat it, girls,” said Sonic, his voice as warm and encouraging as his expression. “Nobody wins everything every time. It’s not just where you’re going, it’s how you enjoy the trip getting there. Keep your chins up and keep trying. You’ll get it one day.”

The three fillies perked up as they listened to the hedgehog. Their dulled spirits lightened, finding comfort in his words. “I guess you’re right,” said Scootaloo. “It is kind of a bummer… but it was still fun.”

And we’ve still got plenty of chances left,” Sweetie Belle piped up.

“Yeah!” Applebloom chirped. “We won’t give up until we finally earn our cutie marks!”

Rarity stepped over to Sweetie Belle, wrapping one foreleg around her sister’s shoulders. “That’s the spirit, girls. You should be very proud of yourselves. That was a show I don’t think anypony will forget.”

“I know I won’t!” The voice of Spike came from the right as the small dragon finally made it over to join them. “It was totally awesome! That had to be the best act all night!”

The Crusaders blushed and giggled, basking in the praise. “It was a pretty big hit, wasn’t it?” said Scootaloo.

“I knew it would be,” Sweetie Belle beamed triumphantly.

“Speakin’ o’ which,” Applejack said, looking slyly at Sonic, “I’m guessing someone gave ‘em a few ideas?”

Sonic innocently lifted both palms. “Hey, don’t look at me. All I did was tell them to change up the rolls a little. Get Sweetie on the singing, AB on the props, and Scoot on the action. Wasn’t hard to see who was good with what.”

“That’s fair,” Twilight agreed. “I thought the same thing last time they performed.”

“It was my idea!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, hopping in place.

Sonic looked at the little unicorn, his lips crinkling beneath a raised eyebrow. “So that’s why you wanted to hear about my adventures?”

“Uh-huh!” Apple Bloom jumped in. “With all that awesome stuff you can do, we knew it’d be just what we needed to win the big prize!”

Scootaloo shifted in place and swished her mane, trying to suppress her growing appreciation for the Blue Blur. “Yeah, it turned out pretty okay.”

“Just okay, huh?” Sweetie Belle smirked, bumping up into her friend’s side. “Come on, admit it. You were having the time of your life out there.”

The orange pegasus blushed, her tail flicking. “C-Cut it out, don’t be weird!” Her bashfulness only made the others laugh.

“It was a surprise, to be sure,” Rarity tittered. “It seems you’re gaining new admirers by the day, Sonic.”

Sonic rubbed his nose and gave a closed-eye smile. “What can I say? I’ve got that magnetic personality.” The group chuckled again at the remark.

“That was very creative of you, Sweetie Belle,” said Twilight. “You came up with all that, the design, costume and song just from Sonic’s stories?”

“Well,” Sonic’s voice weighed in before Sweetie could answer, “actually, that last part’s on me. Back on Mobius, I’m kind of known as the Fastest Thing Alive.”

“That’s it!”

The merriment was abruptly broken up by a loud shout. By the time the hedgehog, ponies, and dragon turned, a flash of color moved across the field. Sonic flinched backward as Rainbow Dash suddenly got right in his face. “…Huh?” was all the Blue Blur could manage.

Rainbow’s cerise eyes were like daggers, her expression fierce as she bore down on the hedgehog. She could feel the eyes of the whole venue on her, but she hardly cared. “I could put up with the popularity,” she said, her lips twisting into a scowl. “I could put up with everypony magically forgetting all the chaos you caused and thinking you’re some kind of bigshot. I can even deal with that smug attitude most of the time.”

Sonic’s expression cooled, surprise fading into something unreadable. The surrounding were ponies bewildered. Applejack’s expression sharpened, the farm pony trying futilely to intervene. “Rainbow Dash—!”

“But ‘Fastest Thing Alive’?!” Rainbow ground out through clenched teeth. “No. No way! That’s where I draw the line!”

The air was thick with tension. The Cutie Mark Crusaders huddled together, their worried eyes darting between Sonic and Rainbow. Twilight and Rarity exchanged nervous glances, their flying friend’s face resembling a brewing storm.

“You think you’re such hot stuff,” Rainbow ranted, her voice rising with passion. “You come in, scare everypony half to death, then go strutting around like you own the place. This isn’t even your world and you act like you’re the best thing since sliced bread!” She dropped down to the ground right in front of him, her wings splaying out and her tail lifting aggressively. “Well, it’s about time you got the ego check you’ve deserved since you got here! And I’m just the pony to do it!”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the scene. The onlookers seemed scared to move, to speak, to even breathe as their weather manager glared up at the town’s newest guest. After several long seconds, Sonic finally broke the stillness. “What did you have in mind?”

Rainbow’s hoof pawed the ground, a sharp glint flickering in her eyes. “A race. You and me. Winner takes all. The undisputed Fastest Thing Alive!”

One of Sonic’s eyebrows lifted. A few gasps were heard, whispers spreading among the ponies. The only pegasus in history to perform the legendary Sonic Rainboom, arguably the fastest pony in Equestria, going head-to-head with the elusive, interdimensional alien? A new buzz hummed through the air as the Element of Loyalty squared off with the Blue Blur.

“So what’ll it be?” Rainbow challenged, her gaze burning into Sonic’s. “You got the guts, or not?”

Author's Note

You knew it was coming at some point. Now, the gauntlet is thrown. The next obstacle clear. Sonic vs Rainbow Dash is headed our way. Leave your thoughts and thanks for following.

–SSD

Chapter 1 - Hello and Goodbye

The planet Mobius. A world far, far away in the distant stars. Covered with sprawling green valleys, arid deserts, twisting underground catacombs, and ancient temples that floated in the sky. And populated by not only human beings, but all manner of unique, anthropomorphic creatures. Truly a wonder of a world. On the outside, one might call it a paradise. Peaceful and beautiful. But like many things, despite its serene looking surface, it wasn’t without its dangers.

Far beyond the natural wilderness, there lay a dark city. Stretching as long and far as the eye could see. Dark and gritty. Thick with the iron tinge of machinery and the ever present odor of pollution. It was essentially a city of factories, continuously billowing toxic fumes into the sky. Refuse created from its endless production of robots and weapons designed for conquest.

At the center of this mechanical monstrosity of a city stood a tower. A single dark blue structure topped with an oval-shaped dome that appeared to resemble a rotund human being. The curved roofing was red with a triangle-shaped, yellow and black striped design decorating the front like a vest. The head of the dome was wider, outlined with radar antenna, round windows, and striped white panels on front that gave the visage of a human head. Complete with a nose, eyes, teeth, and a large mustache. The kind of structure that reeked of pretentiousness and vanity.

Both traits of the mastermind of this technological terror. The would-be conqueror of Mobius: Ivo Robotnik. Otherwise known as Dr. Eggman. A brilliant, but unhinged scientist who had but one goal – to subjugate the entire planet of Mobius, and to turn it into his own mechanical empire. The single greatest threat to all inhabitants of this world. For years the mad doctor had worked to bring all he saw under his rule. Not the least of which included building terrible war machines, using innocent animals as living batteries for his army of robots, and transforming the members of the populace themselves into soulless automatons to carry out his will. He would have conquered the planet many times by now.

If it weren’t for one person.

Suddenly, the outskirts of the dank city echoed with a thunderous noise.

BOOOOM!

A sonic boom echoed through the eastern section of Robotropolis. One at a time, the many surveillance cameras spread throughout the city picked up a similar image. Something would quickly blast by their screens. Too quick for the cameras to make out a concrete image. The disturbance was only visible as a blue blur quickly racing past their lenses. Of course, this could only mean one thing:

He was here.

Alarms blared. Steel panels on the ground lifted up to reveal hatches, as round single-eyed drones wheeled out into defensive positions. Soulless red lenses scanned out over the area, searching for the target. It wasn’t long before the speeding azure bullet was detected in the distance. And it was closing in fast. As the blue streak blasted towards their position, their targeting grids scanned and locked on as they began firing the mounted guns. But their bullets couldn’t hit the bogey.

They were just too slow.

Seconds later, explosions riddled the pathway, throwing up smoke and fire. What were previously the robotic drones became broken bits of flaming, fractured metal as the high speed object tore through them.

Well, object wasn’t exactly accurate.

A sound akin to wheels suddenly braking on asphalt echoed as the thing that ripped through the metal robots came to a screeching halt. As the clouds of smoke finally settled, a figure became visible. He stood on two legs and his body was almost completely covered in blue fur. Peach skin covered his arms and the round of his stomach. His face featured a peach muzzle and a long, thin black nose. Six rows of quills fell down the back of his head, and two peach-filled blue ears stood on top. He had bright emerald eyes that beamed like brilliant gemstones. And his face sported a cocky smirk that oozed the persona of reckless abandon and a devil-may-care attitude.

There stood the world famous hero of Mobius – Sonic the Hedgehog.

Turning from the heap of destroyed robots left in his wake, Sonic faced down the wide stretching road to the citadel as the alarms continued to wail. From here he could already see the swarms other Badniks heading towards his position. He could make out shades of red lightly bobbing up and down in the distance. Egg Pawns no doubt. And up above them, blueish tints floating in the air, more quickly became visible as like giant blue wasps with yellow antennae. Buzz Bombers. The waves of robots headed towards him as a mechanical voice boomed over a PA system.

“PRIORITY ONE: HEDGEHOG ALERT! REINFORCEMENTS TO THE CENTRAL SQUARE IMMEDIATELY!”

The hedgehog smirked in anticipation, rolling his shoulder. Word from the rest of his freedom-fighting friends was that Eggman was once again up to no good. After joining forces with the alternate versions of himself and Tails, Sonic successfully rescued his friends. It was a wild adventure traveling through time and space, revisiting familiar places, and facing off with old enemies from his past. He and his younger counterpart ultimately defeated the monster called the Time Eater and both versions of the evil scientist, once again scrambling the evil doctor’s plans. All just in time for Sonic’s birthday celebration.

But they had let their guard down; let themselves relax for too long. So much so that the mad genius had managed to escape from the white, timeless dimension he had been trapped in. The doctor was even able to collect all seven of the Chaos Emeralds from right under their noses. That meant time was short to stop whatever nefarious plan the good doctor was cooking up this time.

But hey, when you’re the Fastest Thing Alive, you’ve got all the time in the world. As far as he thought anyway.

With his destination ahead and only a few dozen Badniks in the way, the hedgehog set his right foot backwards and bent his knees into a loose stance, readying himself to take off.

“All right, Sonic. Maximum effort.”

And in a flash he was gone, booming off towards the army.

===================================
6:12 PM

Robotropolis Citadel: Command Center

Up in the highest, widely spaced room of the tower, a multitude of figures and calculations buzzed across a large plasma screen. A few meters in the background was another large machine and control panel. The top of the piece of equipment had a large glass cylinder built into it built with a glass cylinder. Inside the container was a console that held seven, brilliant cut gemstones, each of the sparkling jewels in a different color. Sure enough the seven Chaos Emeralds were in his possession.

Standing before the panel of buttons and devices stood the doctor himself. He gave knowing frown at what the cameras relayed to him. He wasn’t surprised in the least. From the moment he heard that boom in the distance, he knew it was his hated adversary. His mind just couldn’t fathom it. He could build the most amazing things and plot a hundred steps ahead. He was destined to conquer the world and lead it into a glorious new era.

But then one insipid, blue-furred speedster continued to defy him. All the building, calculating, and planning in the world was never enough to do away with the meddling Mobian. A vein lightly pulsed in his forehead, anger swelling within him as the mere thought of the accursed hedgehog sent a storm of emotions swirling beneath a still surface. Humiliation. Hatred. Loathing. Years of failure and indignity at that rodent’s hands. He had more than enough time to think about all these things while trapped in that insufferable dimension with his past self.

Well no longer. For now, Eggman was devising a way to rid himself of his hated enemy for good.

Boom!

And right on schedule. That sounded like the hedgehog beginning to take apart the first wave of the citadel’s defenses. Eggman’s fingers again started typing away on the panel. The program was ready. Once the launch was initiated, he would have that blasted rodent right where he wanted him.

Boom!

Another blast reverberated through the walls. This one louder than before. He was getting closer. Everything was nearly in place. Analytics were done and the final output was determined. One more flip of a switch, and–

BOOM!

The wall behind Eggman exploded with a blast of smoke. Sure enough, his blue nemesis stepped through the cloud with look of purpose on his face.

“Hold it right there, Eggman!”

Steadily looking over his shoulder, the mad genius looked toward his old enemy. Everything was falling together perfectly. Despite his previous growing anger, his face couldn’t help but break out into his usual wicked smile. This was the day. The day he would finally end it all. With a cruel smile, he stepped forward.

“Welcome, hedgehog. I've been expecting you.”

Sonic cast his eyes to the left of Eggman, fixing on his device, and the Emeralds inside. Tails had been right after all. Returning his gaze to his archenemy, he said: “Hatching up another evil scheme so soon, Doc? You think you'd learn to take a vacation.” His lip curved into his usual cocky smile “When you wake up twenty minutes from now in a pile of scrap metal with nothing but smashed dreams and a splitting headache, give it a try.”

Eggman huffed, running a gloved finger through his mustache. “That obnoxious wit is surpassed only by your overconfidence.”

“Helps that I always win.”

Forcing agitation down, Eggman sneered. “Then come get me, if you dare.”

Sonic smirked before curling his body forward into a ball. He spun, revving against the metal floor with his trademark Spin Dash. Friction-generated smoke peeled behind him and traces of blue light generated around his body, before he blasted forward and straight for Eggman.

The doctor simply awaited his opponent’s imminent arrival, still and unflinching .

Now at maximum speed, Sonic’s curled body sprung off the ground, aiming for a devastating blow to the villain.

SMASH!

Before he could reach the doctor, Sonic crashed into a transparent barrier, stopping him in his tracks and preventing him from getting any closer. His spinning form ground against the energy field, producing white-lit sparks .

He pushed forward with all his might, but in the end he was thrown back, landing hard on his rear and skidding roughly across the metal floor. The hedgehog shook his slightly throbbing head, attempting to get his bearings again with a half surprised, half pained groan.

“What the..?”

Eggman laughed from inside his square-shaped wall of protection. The force field confined him, the control panel, and the machine harnessing the Chaos Emeralds.

“Sonic, Sonic, Sonic. So pathetically predictable.”

Stepping forward to the edge of the barrier, he gave it a few knocks for demonstration. “Impressed? It’s a high density energy field, powered directly from the radiation emitted by the Chaos Emeralds. You can kick, spin, and headbutt all you like, you won’t get through it.”

Sonic stood up again and dusted himself off. “Heh, so that’s the big master plan now, Doc? Hide out in your little safe zone like a wuss? Hope I give up out of complete boredom?” Sonic mocked, resting a fist on his hip. “Pretty anticlimactic, don’t you think?”

Eggman, however, just grinned. “Hardly, you moronic hedgehog. That is only the first step.”

The doctor began to pace back and forth in front of the force field, mere feet away from Sonic.

“I’ve had lots of time to think about the steps for this next project. You know. In that endless dimension you left me trapped in. But low and behold, a random portal eventually opened and allowed my escape. From there, I set about developing my latest work of genius. “It was a long, complicated process. Countless computer simulations, probability scenarios, tireless repetitions of different quantum analyses… nothing your feeble little mind could comprehend, of course. I just want you know how hard it was. And more importantly, how rewarding the end result will be.”

Sonic looked on, scowling at Eggman. The doctor’s pacing began to slow as he glowered at Sonic behind his dark glasses.

“You see Sonic, we’ve been doing this little run around of ours for longer than either of us can remember. How many times have you stepped forth to oppose me? How many of my brilliant schemes have you undone? How many humiliating defeats have I suffered at your hands? In short, I have grown quite weary of your constant interference. But… one thing appears to be quite clear. I… cannot defeat you. You’ve destroyed, smashed, and pulverized nearly everything I’ve sent your way over the years. For some reason, none of my genius inventions have ever been enough.”

His pace came to a stop and he turned his back on Sonic. “As much as it burns my soul to admit… I. Can’t. Beat you.”

Sonic for his worth was flabbergasted. His stare got more wide-eyed and quizzical with every second of Eggman’s monologue. The arrogant scientist, the one person on Mobius with a bigger ego than him, admitting defeat? And why did this speech bring some strange sense of deja vu? It was too surprising for Sonic to even muster a witty retort. He just stood there watching. Listening.

“So then, there’s only one option left.” Eggman proceeded to pull a lever and press a big red button on the control panel, immediately putting Sonic on guard. “If I can’t defeat you, I’ll just have to send you away. Forever.”

SHAM!
SHAM!

In an instant, the walls of the room were covered by thick and shiny red panels of metal slamming down from gaps in the roof and folding in on each other, solidifying into a solid mass that contained the entire room. Sonic whirled his head around, recognizing them easily. They were reinforced alloys that Eggman used in some of his higher end creations. Even he and Knuckles had a hard time breaking them.

He was trapped.

And that’s when the sound of crackling static caught his ears. “Huh?” He turned to see pulses of blue electricity sparking in a small circle in midair about twenty feet away. In the next moment, an indescribable sound was heard as a black wormhole began to open up there in front of him as his eyes widened. And it began to grow. “What’s that?”

Safe behind the force field, Eggman gave a smug look. “That Sonic, is a dimensional rift. A small tear in the fabric of time and space itself. And I will use it to send you to your doom.”

Gasping, the hedgehog turned around to glare at his arch enemy through the barrier.

“In all honesty, I have no idea where it will send you. Perhaps to a world where the inhabitants have mutated into hideous creatures of the night. Perhaps to a frozen, uninhabited world where you’ll slowly starve to death… if you don’t freeze first. Maybe you’ll warp right into extreme heat of a supernova. Or the cold, endless vacuum of space. Whatever the case may be, you will be gone, oh perpetual thorn in my side. Never again to interfere in my plans.”

The wormhole behind Sonic grew even larger. It soon began to create a vortex of wind that threatened to pull Sonic off his feet and suck him in. He ducked low trying to brace himself against the suction, grabbing at the edge of a panel in the floor. “You won’t get away with this, Eggman!” he cried out defiantly.

“Oh poor, deluded Sonic. I already have,” smiled the doctor, as he looked Sonic right in his eyes. “And once you’re gone, there will be nothing and no one left to stand in my way. I’ll conquer the entire world, and destroy all who stand in my way. My rule shall be uncontested. Your friends will suffer. They will either serve me as my roboticized minions, or they will die. And there will be nothing you can do to stop me. Carry that agony with you to oblivion.”

The vortex behind him became too much for Sonic to hold on. He slid along the floor towards it, his sneakers screeching on the metal floor. Until finally he could hold on no longer and was pulled off his feet, reaching out his hand desperately at the last familiar view he had, crying out as he was finally pulled into the dark void.

“Noooooooooooo!”

Eggman turned his back to his old foe. A mad grin split across his face as an unbridled sense of triumph welled up inside him. Today marked a black day for all the denizens of Mobius, and the beginning of a glorious era of the Eggman Empire.

He had done it.

His hated enemy was gone.

He had won.

“Farewell, Sonic the Hedgehog.”

Author's Note

Has Eggman finally won? Is this truly the end for our spiky blue hero? Find out next time on BREAK THE WALLS DOOOOOOWN!

...Lol, I watched way too much DBZ as a kid.

Aaaaand, done. Man this has been a long time coming. You get a cookie for each little reference you can catch. Feedback and constructive criticism is welcomed. Special thanks to my good friend on DeviantArt, BroDogz, for the commission.

My other sites where I'll be posting this story and related materials are here.
DeviantArt
Fanfiction.net

Chapter 6 - Rolling Around at the Speed of Sound

==============
11:57 PM

Manehattan

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

A pair of dull brown eyes slowly opened, the harsh, repetitive buzzing of an alarm clock rousing the pony from her slumber. The mare sat up in her bed. A long, unkempt mess of a mane hung in her face. Blowing the green strands out of her eyes, she numbly glanced around.

Her room, dimly lit from the traces of light that cracked through the blinds, was of course the same as it always was. The same room. The same alarm clock. The same door to her bathroom. The same striped sweater dangling over the chair where she had randomly discarded it the night before, not having the drive or care to put it in the laundry basket.

Another day had come. Another unremarkable day that seemed to blur together with all the others. Each one as monotonous and stagnant as the one before it. She kicked her sheets away, slid out of bed, exited her room, and walked down the stairs.

When she turned the corner at the bottom of the staircase, she found an empty kitchen, save for the half empty cup of coffee that had been left on the right of the sink. Coming closer, she saw a sheet of paper taped to the bottom of an overhanging cabinet. A note was scribbled onto it:

Dear Wallflower,

Had to run out for a town hall meeting today. Your father also has a conference and probably won’t be home until late. Breakfast is in the fridge, help yourself.

Mom

Not even a single mention of remembering the supposed plans for today. A melancholy sigh escaped her lips. Why was she not surprised? She didn’t even bother with whatever leftovers may have been in the fridge to warm up. Instead she just grabbed an apple from the basket of fruit on the counter, took a bite, and headed back upstairs. Up she climbed, grabbing a towel from the linen closet across from her room, stepping back through her door, around her bed, and into her bathroom.

I mean, why would anyone remember? Why would her own family put in a little more effort to pay attention to her today?

It was only her birthday.

Twenty minutes later, Wallflower trudged listlessly down the straightway road of Yearling Lane. The commotion of the lively city ponies around her went practically unnoticed, drowned out by her own internal haze. Completely oblivious to the flower stand, newspaper booth, and fruit shake vendor she passed along the way. A camera dangled from a strap around her neck, swaying steadily with her every step.

If she had been given the choice, she would still be in her comfy bed. Now it wasn’t that she disliked her job as a freelance photographer. But after this morning, she wasn’t looking forward to the whole ‘interaction with other ponies’ thing right now. The thought of having to drag herself to work for what was sure to amount to a short and very loud briefing didn’t exactly do wonders for her mood. Unfortunately, one does not simply ignore a direct call from the publisher of the Equestria Daily. She had been called in for an update, and there was no getting out of it. Alas, the Manehattan news cycle machine seemed to know no off day. Or at least that’s what her supervisor would always say.

So here she was. Plodding to work, on the weekend, on her birthday no less, to more than likely get yelled at by her boss. As she walked past a large puddle on the street beside her, a sarcastic thought popped into her head:

‘What else could go wrong today?’

The irony gods must have been listening.

On her left, some shape shot past her at so high a velocity, it sent a wave of water from the big puddle it had went through splashing over her, soaking Wallflower from tip to tail.

Shock. Disgust. Disbelief. They all worked to light a spark of anger in Wallflower. Before she even had time to vocalize, there was a jarring set of beeps that made her look down.

The small bulb on her camera back of her camera was flashing red while the whole thing made a series of odd, discombobulated noises, clearly signifying a malfunction. Wallflower’s mouth opened with dismay. She couldn’t believe it. Some idiot had not only just carelessly soaked her from tip to tail—they had broken her only camera. Her only means of income was shot.

Her jaw tightened and teeth grit together, the fire of anger burning its way to the surface. All of her frustration, unsaid feelings and stress finally boiled over as she raised her head and screamed to the heavens:

“CAN’T ANY OF YOU JUST GIVE ME A BREAK FOR ONE DAMN DAY?!”

She fell to her haunches, dropped her chest to the floor, buried her face in her hooves and wept. Months on years of repressed negative feelings spilled over into racking, uncontrollable sobs. The startled turned heads caused by her outburst, and the increasingly uncomfortable bystanders stepping away from her were lost on her ears. The dam of feelings long unacknowledged had finally burst, unleashed in one emotional deluge.

Wallflower wasn’t sure how long she sat there crying. Only that at some point, when the sounds of her own bawling no longer drowned out the world around her, she could sense someone standing in front of her. Stirring with anger again, she tore her hooves away and swerved her head up, ready to scream at the pony to leave her alone.

The last thing she expected to see was the gloved hand of a blue creature offering her a towel.

“Sorry about that, girly. You all right?”

Sonic looked down at the soaked green pony, his face filled with pity. He hadn’t meant to get her wet. And he sure didn’t intend to be the proverbial final straw on the camel of her mood. Even as far as he’d made it after he hit the puddle, her shout was loud enough to catch his attention and draw him back to take a look. …From a safe distance, initially.

Wallflower’s first thought was pure, stupefied awe at the outlandish looking creature standing before her. When she finally had the sense to snap out of her trance, her second was only slight annoyance, her burst of emotion tempered by his thoughtful act.

“Um… y-yeah, I guess…” She took the towel from him and wiped her face and hair in it. A myriad of reactions ran through her head. Mostly confusion and annoyance for this blue… thing. Not to mention her still present, albeit dulled anger at her camera being ruined.

As she cleaned herself off, Sonic looked the mare up and down. He seemed to notice the broken device. Feeling bad, he looked past her, back in the direction he had come. Once his eyes found his target, he smiled and disappeared in a rush of air.

Feeling the gust, a perplexed Wallflower gave her hair a few last cleansing ruffles with the towel and uncovered her face. Imagine her surprise when she saw the hedgehog standing there, as if he had never moved. But now had a pretty white flower in hand, holding it out to her with a charming smile.

“Sorry again about the water works, Greenie. Didn’t mean to ruin you day,” he said in a sympathizing tone.

For a moment, Wallflower just stared, completely taken aback by the act. Eventually, she slowly unfurled a hoof and took the lily. Its pleasant aroma tickled her nose as she looked at its pretty white petals. She couldn’t help smile, her cheeks turning a light shade of red.

The hedgehog softly scratched his chin. He still felt like there was more he could do. “Oh!” He suddenly snapped his fingers, remembering something. Wallflower watched as he reached up into his quills and pulled out a small sack, tossing it to the pony. She squeaked as she awkwardly caught it, and was surprised at the metallic jingle she heard from inside.

“What… What’s this?” she asked.

Sonic just smiled. “A friend of mine says you guys use those for money, right? Hope that covers it.”

Once again Wallflower found herself lost for words. The kind gesture, and the ease with which he seemed so willing to make it, was flabbergasting. Such things were practically unheard of in the City of Everpony For Themselves. In mere minutes he’d acknowledged her, apologized, extended an olive branch, and was now offering to fix what he’d broken. Kindness that Wallflower rarely saw. Her eyes again grew glossy, though this time from joy. Any immediate questions of who or what he was were forgotten.

Before Sonic could carry on, something from out the corner of his eye drew his attention. Glancing across the street, he saw a few random ponies whispering to each other, their eyes fixed on him. A passing dark purple stallion with puffy blonde hair and red, heart-shaped glasses went wide eyed as Sonic made eye contact, vague recognition dawning on his face before he galloped in the opposite direction.

The reality of his fugitive situation came rushing back. Sonic suddenly felt the need to be somewhere else. Anywhere else.

“Aaaand I think that’s my cue. Later, Greenie,” he said, getting ready to make tracks.

Confusion mixed with Wallflower’s overwhelming sense of elation. And in a moment of pure photographer’s instinct, she reacted. She had to save this. If even for her own personal contentment. She quickly held out her hoof and shouted, “Wait!”

Sonic faltered midstep, looking over his shoulder at her with a quizzical expression.

Wallflower looked here and there at the storefronts around her. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip through her hooves. She had to see. ‘Hooftips Salon… Globo Gym… Aha!’ Her eyes set on the familiar logo of Perfect Purchase. The camera equipment store. Without another word she bolted across the street and through its door.

Sonic stood there a moment, awkwardly scratching his head. The looks and murmurs from other ponies were getting more and more widespread. Luckily he didn’t have to wait long as Wallflower came bursting out of the store and back in front of him, a brand new camera in hoof. She looked at him nervously.

“Can… Can I…?”

Realizing what she wanted, Sonic chuckled. “Make sure you get my good side.” He leaned against a fire hydrant, gave a thumbs up, and posed for her.

Wallflower’s whole face lit up. She aimed the camera at him and, click! With a soft flash, the photo printed out.

And just in time too. Sonic then noticed the glasses-wearing stallion was back. And he’d brought what looked like a female, orange-maned police officer.

Sonic immediately sweat dropped. “Uh-oh, it’s the fuzz. Time to juice!” He spun his feet underneath him and began to charge up to dash out of there.

“H-Hold on! I still have so many questions!” she cried desperately. But it was too late. He sped away, her voice falling on deaf ears.

Wallflower and several other ponies shielded their eyes from the sudden gust of wind left in his wake. She glanced up at the trail of fading dust, then back to the photo in her hoof. A genuine, happy smile grew across her face. But a question still lingered on her mind.

“Who was that blue guy…?”

===========
12:02 PM

Ponyville

“Come back!”

Spike bounded through the marketplace, hot on the trail of his runaway red ball. Surrounding ponies looked on in bewilderment as he chased it, the rubber toy bounced in long, wide arcs through the street. It bounded over ponies and past a sales booth with a wheelbarrow full of carrots, Spike chasing after it as fast as his little legs could carry him.

Coming down from a particularly high bounce, the ball hit the corner of a rooftop and shot off at a sudden angle. It flew through the air towards a flying row of mover ponies, and hit the lead mare directly in the nose. Parasol’s sudden stop to instinctively hold her sore snout caused Sunshower to bump face first into her rump, unbalancing the heavy package on her back. It tilted off and plummeted down—

—right into the carrot-filled wheelbarrow. Crushing a lot of its content, collapsing it, and causing the rest of the orange cargo to roll away

“My carrots!” screamed the vendor.

Spike was so focused on retrieving his runaway toy, he would have been blind to the bedlam left in his wake – if he hadn’t run atop the spilling vegetables and slipped. The unsuspecting little dragon wasn’t aware of the hazard until he was sideways in the air. He fell flat on his back, grunting as a bolt of pain shout through his left shoulder. He grasped it, gingerly sitting up.

His ball flew over an adjacent house, coming down towards the back of a pony carrying an umbrella. Just when it got within a few feet of its carrier, the pony flipped her umbrella upside down, gracefully catching the ricocheting rubber in the curve of the parasol. The pony picked up the small red toy and examined it, her lip curling into an amused smile.

“Children. Always with their toys.”

Barely a minute later, Spike came scampering around the corner, looking around frantically for any trace of his toy. But it seemed to be fruitless. Thanks to those stupid carrots, he had lost sight of it completely. And now, seemingly had no hope of finding it. Anxiety started to build as he raced here and there, his head spinning back and forth in search of it.

“No no no no! It took me a million tries at the gumball machine to get that! Where is it—”

His worry was halted when he bumped into something, falling onto his backside for the second time that day. As he sat up and rubbed his head, a velvet voice addressed him.

“Is this what you’re looking for, young dragon?”

Opening his eyes, Spike saw a clothed hoof holding out his rubber toy to him.

“My ball!” Spike rejoiced, taking it back and hugging it to his cheek. “I’ll never lose you again! Oh, I can’t thank you enough!” he said, finally looking up at this good Samaritan.

Standing before him was a mare he had never seen before. Her unusually tall height was the first thing that struck him. The next was her attire. The black kimono that wrapped around most of her body featured red edges on the sleeves and collar, the ends of which were decorated with orange and white orchid patterns. Two separate fabrics, a larger pink one with dangling trimmings and a thinner red piece, made up the obi that held the robe in place. A round tuft of white cotton decorated the back of the sash.

Her coat was burgundy. Her black hair was tied in a neat top knot. Her eyes, a dullish brown. And they carried a subtle intensity that was balanced by the gentle tenderness of her smile.

For a moment, Spike couldn’t help but think how attractive this older mare was.

At some point he realized he was staring and shook his head, coming back to reality. “Hey, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in Ponyville. Are you new in town?”

The mare gave a small giggle. “In a manner of speaking. I recently learned an old friend had taken up residence here. I thought I might pay him a visit during my short travel away from home,” she explained. Her eyes cast across his body, holding on his left side for just a moment. “You should be more careful with your things, little dragon, lest your capers land you in a worse situation than a sore shoulder.”

Spike sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, shifting said shoulder. She had a good eye. “Sorry about that… I guess our game got a little out of control. I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Wonderful. Now, don’t you have somewhere to be, little dragon? I imagine Ms. Sparkle is waiting for you.”

Alarm flashed across Spike’s face. “Aw nuts, you’re right! I’m gonna be late!” He turned on his heels and raced away, waving a hand to her as he left. “Thanks again, miss!”

The mare’s gaze followed the retreating dragon, a soft smile upon her face. “You’re quite welcome, little one.” She turned back down the road towards the center of town, and continued on her way.

As Spike hustled through Ponyville, he inwardly cheered at his good fortune of getting his ball back. He looked at the shiny red rubber ecstatically.

“Man, I was really worried for a minute there. It’s a good thing I ran into that nice lady. She really—”

His thoughts suddenly ground to a halt; his run slowed to a stop, several questions suddenly bubbling up. “Wait a minute… How did she know I was supposed to meet with Twilight?”

Come to think of it, he had left in such a hurry he had forgotten to ask her name. He would have mulled all these questions over longer if not for his schedule. “Eh, questions for later. I gotta go. Don't wanna keep Twilight waiting any longer than I already have.” Putting the matter aside, he hurried down the street towards the library.

============
12:13 PM

Appleloosa

“All aboard!” called the conductor. The engine of the Friendship Express huffed and sputtered, smoke spouting from its chimney as it gave a shrill whistle. A long line of fillies and colts shuffled onto the train one by one. Cheerilee brought up the rear, counting each of them in her head.

The class trip to Appleloosa had gone off without a hitch. The idea had first come to her from the excited recounting of Apple Bloom. A story of their six local heroines and their adventure involving the settler ponies and a herd of buffalo that roamed the desert region had traveled back to her through the young farm pony. After days of instance, class after class of the professed need to see a buffalo with her own eyes, Cheerilee decided that perhaps a field trip to the desert town could offer a valuable lesson on cooperation with others. She wouldn’t have the rewarding overnight stay be ruined with a hapless foal being left behind.

“Come along now! Everypony on the train! Single file!” she called, ushering the students along.

Braeburn and Sheriff Silverstar stood nearby. Braeburn was smiling cheerfully, waving goodbye to the departing school children. Silverstar stood apart from him, watchful and steady. Both stallions had volunteered to help chaperone the class during their stay, and now were there to see the youngsters off.

“This was awesome!” said Scootaloo with an excited flutter of her wings. “I can’t believe I got to see a real life buffalo! Maybe next time I can bring my scooter. I’ll win the next race for sure!”

Sweetie Belle smiled up at Braeburn. “Thanks for having us, Braeburn,” she said brightly. “It was great to see what you built for yourselves down here.”

“Well shucks, you’re mighty welcome little filly. And y’all are welcome to come back any time. Just all part of the hospitality that is Aaaaaappleloosa!” he exclaimed, rearing up and throwing his hooves into the air with the last word.

Scootaloo cringed, looking at Sweetie Belle. “Does he always have to say it like that?”

Sweetie Belle could only shrug.

Applebloom came over to Silverstar, looking up inquisitively at the older stallion. “Say, Sheriff Silverstar. Did it all really happen like that? Your big fight with them buffalo?” she asked.

“‘Fraid so, little one,” Silverstar answered somewhat somberly. “We all got so caught up in having things our way, we never stopped to consider how we could accommodate each other. How maybe we take this little land of ours, and build something new. Something better. And to do it together. Heh, can’t believe it took us nearly gettin’ our entire home and me myself flattened for us to realize that.”

“Whoowee… Well, at least everything turned out all right in the end.”

“Yeah, seems we were just lucky like that. You youngins make sure if you ever find yourselves in such a pickle, you start it off better than we did.”

“I will, Sheriff Silverstar!” Applebloom beamed. “Maybe then they’ll make me a sheriff! First sheriff of Ponyville!”

Silverstar chuckled. “That so? Well then, I suppose you’ll need something to make it official.”

With that, he took off his hat and placed it on the little filly’s head.

Apple Bloom’s eyes practically sparkled with joy. In a bout of excitement, she hopped and hugged the older stallion around his front leg. “Thanks a bunch, Sheriff!”

“You’re quite welcome, little Apple,” he said, patting her head with a smile.

“Girls!” Cheerilee called to the Crusaders from the doorway of train car, beckoning them with a waving hoof. “On the train, pronto!”

The trio gave a last group farewell to the old stallion. “Bye Sheriff Silverstar!” They scampered to the train, past their teacher and through the door. Cheerilee bid a final wave to the two Appleloosans before the door shut and the train chugged out of the station.

“Look alive, Sheriff. That there’s gonna be your own one of these days,” Braeburn joked.

Silverstar laughed lightly. “I hope I live to see the day.”

About ten miles from Appleloosa, the dry ground of the desert began to shake. A sun bathing Gila monster raised its head before scurrying back into its burrow. Seconds later, dozens of heavy hooves suddenly trampled overhead.

A herd of buffalo steamrolled over the barren flat, the sound of their pounding hoof beats like rolling thunder.

Leading the charge was a young female buffalo. Her small stature and brighter colors were a glaring contrast to the stampeding behemoths behind her, her tangelo coat and light orange hair a shaft of gold in a rushing wave of dark bodies. Onward they charged, perfectly synchronized. Among their many hoof beats, their hearts beat steady and together as one.

Towards the back of the herd, one of them briefly looked to his right to survey their surroundings. And immediately did a double take. Two others joined him in his slack-jawed staring when they noticed the swift blue biped running next to them.

Sonic raised his hand and gave a short wave. “‘Sup?”

Accelerating, he entered further into the herd of bison, weaving back and forth between the surprised bovine as he mad his way forward. Soon enough he had passed nearly all of them and made his way to the front, running right alongside the female in the lead. He gave the astonished young buffalo a wink before speeding up, outpacing her with each stride.

Little Strongheart was as surprised at the sudden addition to their stampede as the rest of the herd. But astonishment soon gave way to competitive interest. Smiling, she pushed herself faster, pulling away from the thundering hooves behind her. In no time at all she was neck and neck with the hedgehog.

Sonic glanced over, noticing her smirk and returning it. “Well, well. Quick little thing, arent’cha?” he complimented. “You might be the fastest runner on four hooves I’ve seen so far. But lemme show you some real speed!”

Without a moment’s notice he swerved behind Strongheart and scooped her right off the ground, holding her by the stomach over his head. Before she could make even a peep of shock or protest, he blasted forward in a streak of blue, leaving a whipping trail of dust in his wake. Strongheart could only stare wide-eyed as she was taken along for the high speed ride. Her fur, cheeks, and feathered headband whipped in the wind like petals in a storm. She couldn't even close her eyes, so intense was the air current.

Her bullet train of a ride at last came to an end as a deafening screech of the hedgehog’s feet squealing to a stop filled her ears. When they had finally come to a complete stop on the top of a tall ledge, Sonic gently put her down.

“Oh… my…” Strongheart said shakily, her legs still wobbly and shaking from the whole ordeal.

“Hehe, too much?” Sonic jibed.

She looked at him. Then out over the charming desert landscape that the cliff overlooked. Then back at him. Then she threw herself at him in an excited hug.

“Wow! That was… and you were so… I mean… wow!”

Sonic blinked, initially caught off guard by the glomp, but quickly loosened up and patted her back with a soft laugh.

The little buffalo abruptly stopped burying her face into his chest. She sniffed a few times, then pushed herself away from him, retching.

“Bleh! Why do you smell like charcoal?”

“Eh, no important reason. Just a minor lizard problem,” he said, rubbing his nose. “Anyway, glad you enjoyed the ride. This isn’t too far for you to find your way back, is it?” he asked.

Little Strongheart shook her head. “Oh no, we buffalo know just about every inch of these lands. Getting back to my herd should be easy enough.”

“Good to know. Anyway, nice meeting you, feather cap. See you around!” He gave her a quick salute, and then dashed away in the direction of the sun.

Strongheart waved as he sped off. “Take care, Quilled Windrunner!”

Back in the Dragon Lands, a contorted, writhing mess of teenage dragons lay in a pile. Bruised, groaning, and in definite pain. The especially charred and smoking ground around them evidenced the fire-filled fracas that had just taken place. On the very bottom of the heap of muscle and scales, Garble’s head stuck out from under a fat one’s belly.

“Hate that hedgehog…”

================================================================
Artwork:

Wallflower Blush

The Mystery Mare

Author's Note

Poor Wallflower. Talk about one bad day, huh? Oh well, and least ol' blue boy was there to cheer her up after that little faux pas. And the sightings of the freaky fast fugitive continue to increase. How will this effect public opinion going forward? We'll be finding out soon enough. Hope you enjoyed, and do leave your critiques and questions, they're very welcomed.

A big thanks to Niban-Destikim for the commission.

Disclaimer, the design for Wallflower's pony form isn't mine. It belongs to Suramii.