My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic Season VIII

by DakariKingMykan

Rating: teen
Tags: Anthro, Main 6, Original Character, Spike, Science Fiction, Violence, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 132275

The ponies face an evil that demands strength, and a computer virus program terrorizing the electronic systems

-Due to the temperamental outbursts of a pony with a bad attitude, a terrible evil has been unleashed, and it seeks to eliminate those it deems weak so that only the strong may live and rule

-A poor sported pony makes a pact with a viral computer program to cause trouble with United Equestria's electronic systems

-Confidence within Starfleet cadets is shaken, which prompts Lightning to take on a personal pupil of his own in attempt to save Starfleet's image

-Several of the team members are expecting their firstborns.

Published 2018-09-15 20:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-02-07 03:27:11 UTC

Episode 2: Strength of Evil: Part 2

Author's Note

Wow! Almost 30 downvotes for just ONE ep. (Most definitely caused by my butthurt haters looking for trouble and making losers of themselves... as usual)

What a bunch of soreheads

Episode 2: Strength of Evil: Part 2

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

Queen Mowaza of the Planet Ainzul attended a conference on United Equestria where she revealed the history of the evil Stammadon that had been imprisoned in a box for thousands of years, but after a series of violent outbursts by Striker, Stammadon was freed and returned to Ainzul to begin again what he had started, ten-thousand years ago!

EPISODE TWO

Stammadon sat on his throne, looking at all the walls around him. There were stone carvings on each and every stone plate, carvings of monsters and beasts that once served him.

“Our armies have been sealed within the walls.” he hissed to his minions “Like me, they may have worn down over the ages, but they shall be instrumental in our conquest for power.”

Rai Shi stepped forward, “Master, just give the order, and we shall release our armies upon the entire planet.”

“That will not be necessary.” said Stammadon “One is all that we’ll to conquer this pitiful planet. Now that the people of Ainzul are no longer a fighting race, it shouldn’t be easy to bring them to their knees.”

Lightning and friends had worked vigorously to finish their plans to travel to Ainzul and evacuate the good people that lived there.

Krysta had summoned forth as many of her warping fairies from United Equestria as she could. “Now you all have your instructions. Make me and Starfleet proud.”

The fairies bowed to their queen and stood by to wait further orders.

“Good job, Krysta.” said Lightning “We’ve got to get Ainzul very soon. Who knows what Stammadon may do to the people?”

“According to Mowaza,” said Starla “Stammadon feeds on fear and negativity to gain strength. It gives him power and makes it easy for him to crush his enemies.”

Rainbow Dash shuddered at such a thought, “I can hardly wait to get there and stomp him a new one.”

Everyone wanted to get going as soon as possible, but Buddy Rose, Rhymey and Spike were all worried…!

Even if their wives droids could be fixed in time, they couldn’t really go on the mission as it wasn’t possible for the signals to reach that far out into space.

“I don’t think I can just go off and leave Rarity like this.” said Spike.

The ponies felt the same way he did about their own wives.

“Spike, we’re going to need all hands on this one.” said Buddy.

Rhymey agreed,

“We are Starfleet, for better or for worst,
No matter how we feel, our duties come first.”

All the other ponies knew and understood this, but the trio were still very heartfelt and Krysta offered to teleport them all to their homes to at least tell their wives of what was happening. Lightning approved of this, “But hurry back. We really have to get going.” he wasn’t try to be bossy or insensitive. He was really worried about Ainzul.

The guys agreed, and they were whisked off by Krysta’s magic.

Lightning then held his head in frustration, and wiped his mane from under his cap.

“You alright?” asked Applejack.

“I’m Just frustrated.” said Lightning “We’re always having to leave our families and loves ones to rush into danger like this. I know it’s the way it’s always been and we HAVE to do it, but I worry.

We’re the best at what we do, but that doesn’t make us invincible, and what if some of us don’t make it back.”

Dyno stepped forth “It sounds like you’re thinking more like a father than a commander.” he said. Myte agreed “Our father once told us, “It is every parent’s dilemma to balance work and family; to decide which requires the most attention.” and he’s General of a whole planet.”

“Wow! That’s really deep.” said Pinkie Pie.

Starla approached her husband. It actually melted her heart to see him showing deep concern, but she hated to see him falling to bits. “You know, we’re family too; you, me and our baby. It gives us reason to do this.”

Lightning smiled lovingly at her, and remembering their son, “We have time, let’s go see him.” So they went off to the royal daycare.

Elsewhere, the other three were bidding farewell to their wives.

Spike kissed Rarity deeply and passionately, and he took a moment to look down at her bloated belly, and gave it a soft rub. “Rarity, I hate to just leave you like this.” He said for the umpteenth time, and his wife sighed “Spike, do you think I’d feel any different were it the other way around?”

“I know, but…”

“No buts!” she suddenly snapped, either from a mood swing from her pregnancy or to hammer it into him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell, but you have a duty to Starfleet, just as I do and would if it weren’t for my being here.

Go, Spike, go and help those who need you more than I do now. I’ll be just fine.”

Sweetie Belle came in, “I’ll take care of her, Spike. Don’t worry.”

Spike and Rarity both felt a little awkward about that, but were both grateful for her services.

Spike then kissed his wife once more, and headed for the door.

“Spike…” Rarity called to him.

He stopped looked back at her.

“…Come back alive.”

Spike nodded bravely at her, and then he was gone.

The same thing was happening at Sweet Apple Acres, Buddy told Tree Hugger what was going on, and he left her in the care of Applejack’s family and DD.

“I really wish I was part of the force!” said DD “Then I could go instead of you.”

Buddy chuckled “Well, you’re not, DD, but you’re helping me and Tree Hugger a lot you know.”

Tree Hugger smiled as she sat in a rocking chair, and she patted DD’s head, and then she looked up at her husband, “Be careful, hon. That’s all I’m saying; be careful.”

Buddy nodded bravely, and then flew out the window.

Tree Hugger’s stomach then gave a huge growl, “Whoa, my vibes just turned hollow in the pits.”

Applebloom raised an eyebrow, “Translation please?”

“She’s hungry.” said DD.

“I think I know just the feast to rustle up.” said Pear Butter.

Bright Mac licked his lips, “You just make some for all of us, Buttercup.”

As for Fluttershy, she was weeping, not because Rhymey was leaving, but just her mood swings kicking in.

It still hurt Rhymey anyway,

“Oh, Fluttershy,
Please don’t cry,
You know it brings a tear to my eye.”

“I know…” Fluttershy wept “I… I just can’t stop.”

She cried even harder, and her tears were practically cascading and splashing on everything like downpours. Angel even grabbed a little umbrella for himself.

“Good luck on the mission!” cried Fluttershy “I love you.”

“…I love you too.” rhymed Rhymey, and he decided to leave before all his wife’s weeping would make it harder to go.

Rhymey snapped himself to his senses and flew off.

Once the team regrouped at the palace, Lightning and Starla were sharing one final moment with their baby, Shining Light; hugging him and Starla said to him “Don’t worry, honey… we’ll be home soon.”

“We love you very much.” Lightning added, and he pecked his son tenderly on the head. The baby cooed softly, but then he began to cry when Starla passed him to Celestia to care for.

“Don’t worry, he’s in good hands.” Celestia said to the parents.

Starla hated to walk away from her baby, but now it was time to head on out into space.

“I’ve already sent word to our refuge planet.” Grand Ruler informed the team “Everything is set to evacuate Ainzul. It’s all up to you now.

Good luck, My Brave Ponies.”

The ponies bowed to their majesties, and they and the army of warping fairies were ready as Krysta created the portal.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning, and everyone jumped into the portal, and set off across the magical pathway.

Meanwhile…

“The time has come,” Stammadon said as he stood before a carving a monster on the wall, and he raised his hands casting magic into the carving, “Torron; mighty beast of my army, I give you life once more. Awake…!”

The carving on the wall then vanished in an eerie wave of black and red sparkling lights, and the monster appeared. He looked like a huge anthropomorphic bull, with huge sharp horns atop his head. As if his muscles alone weren’t intimidating enough, he could charge straight through walls, and by stomping his feet he could create massive earthquakes.

“Yeah!” he thundered “It feel great to be back!”

He gave his foot a huge stomp which shook the temple.

“Wow!” cried Kara Shi “Looks like he’s still got it.”

En Shi approached the monster, “Come with us, we’ve got work to do.”

Torron snickered wickedly.

Lightning and the others had already arrived on the planet and were flying through the air, across there dusk colored skies.

“Wow, that sunset sure is beautiful.” said Pinkie Pie.

“It’s ain’t sunset, Pinkie,” said Applejack “The sky is always this color in the daytime here. I read it up in the planet’s history data.”

As they all soared towards the royal palace of Mowaza, everyone noted how beautiful the planet really was down below; all the forests, countryside, the quaint little villages and all the creatures living simple lives.

Soon, they all arrived at the royal palace, and set down at the foot of the long stairway leading upward, to do things the civil way.

“Starfleet…” Lightning said to the gaurds “This is a matter of intergalactic security. We must speak with your regent on behalf of Queen Mowaza.”

He showed them all a pass he had gotten from the queen before the team left United Equestria.

“You may pass.” the guards said, and the team was allowed up the stairs and into the large, oriented palace. “Boy, Rarity would love to see this place.” said Spike.

Some of the others chuckled.

Lightning told Krysta and her fairies to wait outside, “This shouldn’t take too long.”

The fairies agreed and remained outside.

Soon, the team entered the palace throne room, where a young tigress, orange in color and wearing royal robes sat on the throne. “I am Princess Balia, daughter of Mowaza and currently ruling in my mother’s absence.”

The team bowed respectfully.

“Why have you come here, and where is my mother?” asked Balia.

Pinkie Pie took in a huge breath to go on one of her long, quick sentences again, but Applejack hushed her, as there was no time for that, and Lightning stepped forth. “Your highness, we haven’t much time so I will come to the point: We have come to evacuate this planet, to transfer you and every inhabitant to one of Starfleet’s refuge worlds.”

Balia looked ready to burst out laughing, “Leave Ainzul? Surely joke. Why should I and my fellow creatures leave our lustrous lands?”

Starla stepped beside Lightning, “Look, we know this may sound difficult to believe, but you must listen to us.

…Stammadon has returned.”

The entire room went silent, many of the guard shuddered at the mention of that name.

“I do not understand.” said Balia “How can he have returned? My mother told me that the great evil was sealed away for over ten-thousand years.”

“We can explain all this later, your highness,” said Lightning “Right now it’s imperative that you heed our warning and help us evacuate your world while we still can.”

Starla agreed “Your mother agreed to Starfleet’s treaty, and we have every right to help you all.”

Balia was aware of the treaty, “You have proof of signature?”

The team suddenly realized that in all the commotion, and due to Mowaza being injured in the process, she never had a chance to sign the treaty. Without this signature, even having Mowaza’s pass with them was not enough to give them any claims, any rights whatsoever.

“Your highness, in spite of no signature, your mother would agree with us were she here.” protested Lightning “We must evacuate this planet… now!”

Balia had heard enough “I see no proof of what you say being necessary, but know that we are a peaceful race now, and wish to do no harm to anyone. We have no reason to leave this world.”

“Look, you’ve got to listen to us!” said Rainbow “If you don’t evacuate now while you can, you may not get the chance.”

“Major Rainbow Dash!” snapped Lightning, hushing her, “The princess has spoken. There’s no sense in arguing.”

The entire team gawked at him with shock. He would never just give in that easily. “Let’s go guys.” and he turned to walk out the big doors, and the others reluctantly followed him out.

One of the guards couldn’t help but question the princess, “What if what they say is true, highness?”

Balia seemed unfazed “I was taught to believe not in simple words, but only when proof is shown, and I have seen none.

If I were to simply believe the words that everyone told me, I would be subjected to unscrupulous beings, taken advantage of. I would never make queen in such a way.”

The regrouped with the fairies outside, and once they all got far away from the palace, Lightning revealed his intentions to try and convince the people themselves of the danger.

Artie chuckled, “I knew it-- I knew you wouldn’t just give up that easily.”

Lightning nodded, “I’m not about to let these creatures be subject to evil about to shake them up.”

Talking of shaking, that’s when an earthquake hit, “What’s going on?” asked Buddy.

Dyno and Myte, being the expert geologists could feel the shaking of the ground beneath their feet. “This no ordinary quake…” said Dyno.

Myte put his ear to the ground, and he could hear a soft thud, followed by another. “Something’s causing this. It’s like huge footsteps.”

Lightning clenched his fists, “This is it! He’s making his move!”

The team all rushed off into the air as fast as they could fly…

…while in the nearest village, the people felt the quakes. Adults were trying to hold their balance, children were scared, and items in stands jiggled until the felt off the tables they stood.

The quake suddenly stopped as soon as it came, leaving the villagers confused.

“It’s passed.”

“Thank goodness it’s over now.”

But then a sinister voice laughed at them, “This isn’t over, it’s just begun!”

A woman screamed at the sight of Torron, and the villagers began to panic, much to Torron’s delight, “That’s right, scream your little heads of. It only makes me stronger!” He wasn’t kidding; his body was glowing with a red aura as the fear was converted to energy.

He raised his huge foot, “SUPER SHAKER” and stomped the ground hard, making a massive quake much harder than before, causing many of the people to fall off their feet. The ground was even starting to split open causing the buildings and structures to shift, on the verge of toppling over.

Torron was ready to stomp his way through the village, when…

“STOP RIGHT THERE!!” Lightning shouted as he and the others all leapt down from the skies.

“Hey, you’re not Ainzulians.” growled Torron “Well, either way you can suffer as much as they will.”

Rhymey chuckled,

“Doesn’t know who we are, does he.
Then we’ll just have to show… shall we?”

Lightning nodded, “Let’s go…!” he shouted to the team, and they all transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

“Dragon Power!”

The Ainzulians gazed in awe at what they saw, having never seen Starfleet in action before but only hearing of it.

The monster had never seen or heard of Starfleet before, and he growled in concern at the sight of the team.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” said Lightning, then he looked over at Rainbow, Pinkie and Applejack, “You girls help Krysta and the fairies get the evacuation in order, and Spike, you go with them but stay transformed. We’ll handle this big brute.”

The girls and Spike saluted and dashed off to begin.

Starla scanned the monster with her visor. Naturally, never seeing this type monster form ten-thousand years ago, there was no data to decipher him, but the vital signs showed he was indeed a living being, and not artificial, meaning they could capture him instead of destroy him.

“Watch out!” Starla “His strength levels are pretty high. We’re going to have to weaken him a lot to try and capture him.”

“We still outnumber him!” said Buddy “I think we can take it.”

Torron only snickered, “Suit yourself then. I could actually use a good fight after all these ages. I’ll stomp you to bits!”

He charged forth with such speed for a bulky guy forcing the ponies to scatter.

Lightning skidded to a halt and then sprung himself at the monster to kick him hard in the chest.

BAM!! Right on target, but the monster was barely knocked back a few paces, and Lightning back-flipped off of him. “My turn…” thundered Torron, and his legs began to glow brightly, “STOMPING SHOCKWAVE!”

POW!! He stomped his foot hard making the ground shake, but sending a thundering shockwave straight for Lightning which he dodged by leaping up high making the blast miss him and strike a tree, blowing it to pieces.

“Oh, sure he just HAS to have super powers too!” grumbled Lightning.

The other space ponies came soaring in, “Blast him!” shouted Starla, and she and all the others fired magical beams from their horns like ray-guns, and the monster just took every hit like they meant nothing.

“That barely scratched him!” cried Buddy.

Torron laughed, “Stammadon only chose the strongest of the strong to join his forces.

Then again, you all seem pretty strong. Why don’t you come with us?”

“As if we’d do that!” snapped Dyno.

“Si, we’ll never join the forces of evil.” added Myte.

“Oh well…” hissed Torros, “BOSS RUSH” and he rushed forth with his horns glowing, “Look out!” shouted Artie, and everyone leapt out of the way as Torron passed them, even still, the burning waves from his speeding rush struck them all anyway and knocked them all along the ground.

“What’s wrong, had enough?” teased Torron.

“We can’t give into this slime.
We must stall him to give the girls time.” shouted Rhymey.

While the space ponies all held the monster back, Krysta had already instructed her fairies to create portals to the civilians could start to evacuate.

“Okay, everyone lineup…!” Krysta hollered “Start marching through, and don’t stop until you reach the other side.”

All the inhabitants of the village began to march through the portals in lines, and rocketed off into space along the pathways, arriving safely on the Refuge Planet where the Starfleet Outpost forces were ready to take them all in and keep them safe.

Spike acted as head crowd control, “Don’t shove!” he ordered “One at a time, one at a time!”

While he and the fairies dealt with the lineups, Pinkie, Applejack and Rainbow were rounding up everyone within the village limits to guide them all to the portals.

“This way…!” Rainbow hollered as she directed a long crowd of villagers “Come on, keep moving!”

“This way, everybody follow me!” Pinkie said, almost merrily even, as if she were playing Follow-The-Leader… which in a way she was. “Follow me! That’s it…”

Applejack almost felt like she was herding sheep, “Come on, y’all, this way! You’re almost there.”

All four groups met up together and then all headed up the streets. The portals were just around the next bend, when they turned the corner, four powerful creatures-- The Four Shis-- were standing in their way.

“Going somewhere?” Rai Shi snickered.

“And just who are you four?” sneered Applejack.

Tan Shi extended her claws, “The loyal servants and lead fighters of Stammadon, and you’ve got a lot of nerve trespassing on our world.” She growled like the tiger she was which frightened the peaceful civilians.

“No, no! Don’t give in!” said Pinkie “That’s what Stammadon wants.”

“That’s right…” hissed En-Shi, “The more you fear, the stronger we get.” She then leapt up high, and her large blue mane extended, “HAIL STORM!” Out from her mane fell a hoard of ice pellets and shards that bombarded all around the civilians, frightening them even more.

Spike and Krysta could see the slight hail storm from where they stood.

“What’s going on over there?” Krysta wondered.

Spike didn’t like the looks of the storm one bit. “I better check this out. Can you handle yourself here?”

Krysta nodded, and with that, Spike flew off.

The girls were outraged, “Oh, it is on!” growled Rainbow.

Kara Shi snickered as he held up his little sword, “This is going to be fun.”

“Pinkie Pie…” Applejack whispered “We gotta get these folks outta here. R.D and I will keep these brutes occupied, you escort the folks out.”

Pinkie nodded and stayed behind as the other two dashed off towards the four minions.

Rainbow bounded straight at En Shi to get the hail to stop falling, but Tan Shi leapt right up and shoved her hard to the ground in a tiger pounce. She was ready to claw at her, down came her arm, when Applejack lassoed her paw, “Think again, kitty cat!”

Tan Shi growled and used her other claw the snap the ropes, but this gave Rainbow the chance to wriggle her fist loose and she punched the tigress hard in the face, sending her flying, but she landed on her feet. “You’re stronger than you look.” Tan hissed.

“You don’t the half of it!” said Applejack.

Rai Shi stepped forth, “We shall see,” and he looked ready to brawl.

While those two dealt with the Shis…

“Shh…” Pinkie said to the crowd “Follow me this way.” She lead them all back from whence they came to take another pass to the portals, but the Shis could obviously see for themselves…

“Stop them!” shouted Tan Shi.

“I got this.” hissed Kara Shi, and he rushed forth, at super speed, and struck Pinkie hard making sparks fly, and he then retreated the other way striking the ground making more sparks fly, scaring the civilians even more.

Kara Shi laughed, while Pinkie growled like a furious bull, “Why you…!” and before she could finish her rant, Kara Shi zipped right up to her, and punched her hard up into the air. He was surprisingly strong for a little guy.

Pinkie punched for him, but Kara Shi dodged and struck her hard again.

Pinkie kicked at him, and he dodged against and struck her. He was just too fast for her to keep up as easily.

“Here I come!” shouted Kara Shi, and he leapt up high holding his sword, ready to strike, when suddenly, Spike came in and head-butt him hard with his knight’s helmet, and sent the little shrimp crashing to the ground.

“Spike!” cried Pinkie.

“You okay?” Spike asked, and Pinkie nodded.

“Good timing, Spike.” Rainbow called.

“Ye-ha! Now we got them four-on-four.” cheered Applejack, but she suddenly ate those words as Rai Shi grabbed her wrist and held her up off the ground. He glared at her and sneered “Whom has whom?”

“Applejack!” Spike cried as he tried to rush in to help her, but was intercepted by En Shi. “TSUNAMI” she shouted and unleashed a huge tidal wave of water, magically form out of nowhere. The wave was several feet high, and several more feet long.

SPLOSH!! Spike was hit by the huge wave and washed far up the street, and he crashed hard into a stone wall, and seemingly felt flat on the ground.

“Spike!!” cried Applejack, and she fussed about trying to break free or attack her captor, but Rai Shi snickered at her, “Your Kung-Fu is not strong. Applejack shuddered in fear which he used to power his attack.

“FIST OF FORCE!” His fist glowed brightly as he channeled his inner strength into it and POW… jabbed Applejack hard in the chest, sending her straight into, Rainbow Dash, and the two crashed into Pinkie, and all three of them just lay flay on the ground.

The civilians were more frightened than ever, and the four Shis laughed. “That was easier than I thought.” chirped En Shi.

Tan Shi agreed and glared at the civilians, further increasing their fear, “You are all next.”

Suddenly, there was another earth tremor, obviously cause by Torron. “Speaking of next, I think our monster’s made short meat out of those other creatures.” said Kara Shi.

“SUPER SHAKER” Torron shouted as he stomped his foot shaking the ground again, forcing the space ponies to all leap up into the air. “We’ll be safer up here.” said Artie.

“Think again…!” sneered the monster. He bent down by his knees and sprung up high in the air. “Whoa! He can jump too!” cried Starla.

Torron’s two might legs glowed, “STOMPING SHOCKWAVE” and rather than his usual attack, he simply clapped his feet together, making a huge sonic blast behind him that thrust him forth like a rocket, straight at the flying ponies.

“BOSS RUSH” and he crashed right past all the fighters sending them all plummeting below, crashing and making huge clouds of dust.

Torron landed with a strong thud on his feet and laughed, “They up a good fight. Now, I’ve got a planet to conquer.”

He was about to charge off when he heard Lightning call him through the smoke, “We’re not through with you yet.”

“Huh…?!” Torron gawked at the clearing dust and saw all the ponies were still standing. A little bruised maybe, but looking fine and ready for more. “But… how are you--?!”

The space ponies had been faking him out all along, as a little test of his strength and abilities. “Now that you’re finished blowing steam…” said Lightning, and he and the others charged up their inner powers to boost their strengths, shrouding themselves in thin glows of colored aura.

Torron growled angrily, he rushed forth, but everyone zipped out of the way, and he missed them entirely.

Lightning came in from the side and punched the monster hard in the face and sending him skidding across the field.

“That’s it!” growled Torron, “Now I’m going to get tough! STOMPING SHOCKWAVE!”

He stomped the ground hard, but strangely the tremor wasn’t as violent as any previous quakes, and the shockwaves didn’t spread too far and fast, much to his confusion, “What the--?!”

Rhymey snickered at him,

“You’ve been fighting us for so long,
You used up your energy which made you strong.”

Buddy agreed “We, on the other hand, still have plenty of steam left because we were holding back.”

Torron realized he had been played for a fool. This only enraged him more and he wouldn’t give in so easily. So he continued to fight with the ponies, but just as promised, the ponies were now fighting stronger than ever.

“BOSS RUSH” Torron charged forth.

Artie flew in from above, “PAINT SLUDGE!” and magically fired blobs of sticky colored goop at the creature’s big face, covering his eyes, “I… I can’t see!” he whined as he frantically rubbed the sludge away.

“Now’s our chance!” said Lightning “Blast him!”

One-by-one, each of the ponies rushed in and shot the monster hard with their attacks,

Lightning rushed forth and rammed several strong punches into the monster’s face, chest, and gut.

“PULSAR LASER”

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMB”

“DRILL QUILL”

“BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS”

The barrage of attacks struck the beast all around. Sparks and explosions flew like crazy and Torron rolled along the ground. “I’ll get you for this, you little shrimps!” he thundered, but with the sludge removed from his eyes, he saw Lightning pointing his capture blaster straight at him, “Actually… WE’VE got YOU. You’re under arrest!”

Before Torron could respond or do anything, “FIRE…!” Lightning shot him hard with a huge blast.

KAPOW!! The monster roared and growled as he fell over forward and exploded, which wasn’t a real explosion but just a transformation effect. When the illusion of the explosion cleared, the monster was shrunk down and imprisoned in a clear blue sphere.

The space ponies all stood together proudly, but the job wasn’t finished yet. The planet still had to be evacuated before anything else bad happened!

Rai Shi, Tan Shi, and En Shi approached the trembling civilians. “Your trembling will only make your demise the more satisfying.” En Shi hissed.

“From now on only the strongest creatures shall rule this planet.” said Rai Shi.

Suddenly, Kara Shi noticed “Um… guys…”

“Not now!” growled Tan Shi.

“You really should look at this!”

His comrades all looked and couldn’t believe their eyes…! The girls and Spike were up on their feet and standing together. A little bit bruised maybe, but they looked up and ready for more.

“You are still standing?!” Rai Shi asked in shock.

“Thought you had us beat, didn’t you?” teased Pinkie.

“We face tough guys like you all the time.” said Rainbow. “We were just letting you guys knock yourselves out to see what you’re made of.”

“Now that we’ve seen y’all in action, let’s get serious!” sneered Applejack.

“All right…!” Spike hissed as he extended his dragon claws “I’ve been waiting for a little more action.”

They and the Shis growled at one another, looking ready to brawl some more, but suddenly Stammadon’s voice was heard, echoing across the lands, “Shis… that’s enough. Return to me at once. We have matters to discuss.”

The Shis were confused. “Master, you cannot be serious.” called Tan Shi.

“Enough!” said Rai Shi, and he glared at the fighters and civilians, “You have not seen the last of us.”

All four of the Shi’s then slammed the ground, creating huge flashes and clouds of smoke, and they were all gone-- vanished into thin air.

“They’re gone!” cried Pinkie.

“Oh, rats!” Spike sarcastically groaned “I was looking forward to a good beat down.”

“Come on,” said Applejack “Let’s get the rest of these folks outta’ here.”

Rainbow agreed, and soon the villagers were all brought to the portals and transported to safety.

While Lightning and the others returned to the palace to reveal to Princess Balia their capturing of the monster. “Now do you believe us?” Lightning asked.

“I believe you.” replied Balia “We must evacuate at once. I will help you.”

With her help, soon the rest of the entire planet was evacuated. Every village now stood empty, the royal palace was evacuated.

The team, their mission completed, headed back to United Equestria just in time as daylight broke out. All of them were feeling rather exhausted, but they were given royal congratulations by their majesties upon their return.

“I received word from the Starfleet Refuge Outpost,” said Grand Ruler “All the inhabitants of Ainzul are safe and well. Thanks to your efforts, and Princess Balia apologizes once more for initially disbelieving you.”

The team was gratefully honored, “Is Queen Mowaza okay?” asked Spike.

“She’s gone.” replied Celestia.

The team gasped, but Celestia quickly corrected, “She’s fine, she left a while before you returned. She had a good night’s rest and her injuries were treated well. She felt it was best she leave to be with her people at once.”

“But she did sign the treaty,” Grand Ruler said holding up the signed document. Then he held up a letter, “She also had time to write you all this before she left, which I shall read to you.” He cleared his throat and quoted from the letter...

“Words can barely express my gratitude for your gracious hospitality, but I cannot see how to extend any apologies for all the danger I have now put my people and yours in.

The battle against Stammadon will be long and hard, and it will be some time before my people and I may return to our planet, but know that we are well, we believe in you, Starfleet, and I am proud to have signed the alliance agreement.

Until we speak again…

…Queen Mowaza.

PS: I will be having a small talk with my daughter about listening to what others have to say.”

Lightning sighed, “Looks like we’ve got a long road ahead of us.”

The others all agreed.

Back on Planet Ainzul, Stammadon’s wicked temple on the mountains was suddenly surrounded by thick darkness that made the temple disappear from sight, like a protective barrier.

The Four Shi’s understood now,

“So that is why you called us back.” said Rai Shi, and Stammadon concurred, “The fear we have collected is enough to conceal our location. The rest we shall use to power our army for our next task.”

“If I may inquire, which next task?” asked Tan Shi.

Stammadon growled softly, “This Starfleet seems to be a strong force, much better than anything getting fear from those wimpy Ainzulians ever would be.

…They shall be our primary target now.”

“Hey, yeah, that is a great idea.” chirped Kara Shi.

“By absorbing their fears and power, we can grow stronger than ever before.” added En Shi.

“Yes…” hissed Stammadon, and he turned round to face his minions, revealing himself to in fact be Striker-- Stammadon had possessed his body-- Striker looked a little more buff, paler, and his eyes were glazed with red and yellow. “Soon, they and any worlds beyond will feel my awesome strength.”

He let out a ferocious ROAR, and let loose a small shockwave that shook the temple softly, followed by sinister laughter.

(Promo)

In our next episode: A disgruntled computer programmer causes trouble in the New Crystal Empire, and more so when she is then met by a powerful and rouge computer program from a world contained inside computer systems, granting her power to tamper with electronic systems anywhere.

How can Starfleet deal with corrupted computer systems?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “It came from Cyberspace”)

Episode 3: It Came from Cyberspace

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Episode 4: Brain Storming

Author's Note

Wow... so many downvotes after so few chapters; such immaturity.

Episode 4: Brain Storming

EPISODE FOUR

Early one morning, the sun rose, and birds were tweeting, but in the royal palace grounds in New Canterlot, the royals knights and Starfleet cadets were already up and starting their training.

“CHAAAAAAAAAAARGE…!!” Captain Shaina shouted, and the cadets all rushed forth to attack their dummy targets while dodging light blasts shot at them.

“Steady on!

Dodge the blasts!

Hit your targets clean in the middle!”

Among the swarm of cadets, was a light bluish grey Earth Pony stallion. He had a short mane with two toned streaks of darker grey. Painted on his beige armor was a picture of his cutiemark; a black belt with golden stars around it.

As he trained he kept telling himself within, “Come on, Swift Star, you can do this! You can do this!”

Suddenly, Swift and all the cadets began to fumble from trying too hard, or lack of confidence. They all ran into each other, got hit by the blasts, and a few cadets went sailing up over the walls.

“NO!! NO… NO!!!” cried Shaina.

All the cadets lay about, groaning and moaning, and as usual many of them felt there was no point. “We’ll never be as strong as Lightning Dawn is.” they complained.

Captain Shaina wouldn’t hear a word of this. “I am getting really tired of all this whining! You’re not here to try to be like Commander Lightning, you’re here because you want to help protect this planet.

So get whatever fool thoughts you have out of your minds and get back to training!”

The cadets complied, but still didn’t feel it would make a difference, especially not to Swift, “I came in first place in all my judo classes, and I can’t make the Starfleet grade! Even my cousin, Striker couldn’t make it, and they expelled him!” he sighed softly and he thought of Lightning and his team and how incredibly powerful they were, and how he longed to be as good as they were, but now he really didn’t think it possible anymore.

“I might as well think of quitting.”

Shaina sighed, fearing this couldn’t go on much longer; the cadets always doubting themselves and failing to meet expectations and make the grade.

She feared if something wasn’t done soon, Starfleet and the royal guard would come to a serious disaster in future.

Lightning and his team had been awake much earlier, and were up on the moon catching up on some special training which they had been at for many months.

During their previous battles with the wicked treasure hunter, Sienna, the coating around her monstrous starship was a strong alloy that could deflect enemy fire and serve a great form of protection and strength boosting.

Sienna’s ship had long since crashed on the moon and was converted into a Starfleet lunar base, and it’s alloy coating had been polymerized to designed newer, considerably stronger battle wear for Starfleet to use.

Unfortunately, the armor was discovered to be far too heavy to be of too much use, even for a fighter’s current strength, and this could not be fixed without damaging the armor.

For many months, Lightning and his team had been training up on the moon under the low gravity to build up their own strengths to make better use of the Super Armor, and the training was greatly beginning show its results!

At first, the team could hardly stand upright or move about too well with the armor donned.
Now, they were able to perform all their best moves with greater ease.

Lightning leapt up high, and a load of boulders were catapulted straight at him, and he skillfully punched, kicked and even head-butt those huge rocks, shattering them into pebbles with his great strength.

His friends were down below testing similar skills; fighting against enchanted puppet clones of monsters, and skillfully wiping them out without much effort.

Rainbow was even testing how fast she could go by deactivating her super armor, and flying around the moon hundreds of times in just a few seconds. “Whoa! I wish the Wonderbolts could see me now.” she gloated.

Others were testing out their weapons and combat skills. Rhymey was fencing with Spike. The two swordsmen thrust and jabbed their practice blades. Even though Rhymey was still much stronger than Spike, both their skills were proving to be immensely increased with their new speeds.

Spike even managed to strike Rhymey a couple of times off guard too.

“This is fantastic!” said Spike “I wish Rarity were here to see this.”

Sadly, his distraction allowed Rhymey to strike him hard.

“Do not be distracted now,
Keep up the pace and how.”

Spike agreed and they both continued their sparing.

Pinkie Pie chopped a huge rock to bits with one hit.

Applejack lifted up a small mountain in her arms, while Buddy pushed a much larger mountain, several yards away from where it once stood. They both winked at one another.

Starla stood in one place, with Dyno and Myte staring her down from a distance. She motioned with her hands for them to “Do it!”

The Twins dashed froth straight at her, leapt up high, meeting each other overhead and joining hands, “BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS!”

They bombarded Starla all around with their flames, and she just stood there taking every hit… and not feeling a thing. Not even a slight tingle, not even her mane nor her tail got so much as singed!

Starla then let out huge ROAR, and her magical aura burst out, enveloping her body. The force was so massive it made the ground shake and all the others stopped to gawk in awe at her.

Starla fired a huge magical blast out into space, and it detonated in a bright flash much to the amazement of the others.

“Wow! Starla’s getting real tough.” Artie said as he crushed a rock in his bare hand.

Starla calmed down and caught her breath. Lightning landed near her, “Looking cool, honey.”

She pecked him on the mouth for that “Thank you, dear. To be honest, I’m a bit amazed myself I did that.”

Lightning then called the training period closed “Let’s head home.” he called to the others. He really wanted to get home to check on Shining Light, whom he and Starla left in Krysta’s care.

Rhymey, Buddy and Spike wanted to get home to their own wives and check up on them as well. Rarity and Fluttershy were the only team members not present, they couldn’t be while pregnant, and their drones had no reason to train either.

Everyone packed up their gear and rocketed off to the planet below.

Meanwhile, on Planet Ainzul…

Stammadon, in Striker’s body, had called his minions forth.

“You called for us, master.” said Rai Shi.

“Yes.” hissed Stammadon “Everything is all set. Thanks to the power we’ve managed to harness from the fearful and dark emotions, I’ve established contacting-points with the planet United Equestria. We’ll be able to send our armies there to gather more fear to make us stronger.”

Kara Shi was cackling with glee “Just let me at them all! I’ll make them cry their little eyes off… then I’ll CUT their eyes out!”

He began to go hyper, jumping off stone columns, slicing his sword around, and accidently cut off a banner, falling with it to the ground, much to the disdain of Tan Shi who rolled her eyes.

Tan Shi then asked Stammadon, “When do we begin, sir?”

“Immediately.” replied Stammadon “I’ve already selected and freed the monster for the job… Stratos!”

The monster came forth: He seemed a normal sized humanoid, with blue skin, thick armor, a solid monstrous mask over his face, and on his back he wore a special pack that was connected by thick wirings to his wristbands.

“Ahh, I remember him.” said En Shi “You have the power to manipulate and control weather.”

Stratos snickered, “Yes! A good strong wing and a thundering rain ought to strike up some fear.” He then turned to face Stammadon “As you wish, my lord, I’ll get you what you desire.”

“You had better.” sneered Stammadon “And if Starfleet should interfere, you know what to do.”

Stratos nodded “No one shall stand up to the storms I can conjure.”

Rai Shi grumbled to himself, “His confidence is strong, but we shall see if his actions can equal that.”

When Lightning and Starla got home with their baby, Lightning wrote out his report to send to the royal palace.

“Progress report:

Our training over the months is proving beneficial. Not only are getting better at using the new Super Mode Armor, but even without it, our strengths, speeds and powers have increased immensely.

The downside is we can only seem to use the Super Armor in low gravity fields. Intensive training must be carried out before we can use the power in normal circumstances.

I recommend that this armor only be distributed to higher ranking officers that can handle the intense training and excruciating weight of the Super Armor.”

With the letter finished, he gave it to Krysta to deliver to the palace. “Catch you guys later.” Krysta said, and she was off.

Lightning then sighed “Well, that’s problem number one solved.”

He had been very concerned with the reports he had been receiving from the Starfleet training academies, about the cadets failing due to their lack of confidence. Some cadets even dropped out of training and left the academy altogether.

“This is awful.” Lightning said “With Stammadon coming after us, we need all the help we can get. He’s not like other enemies we’ve seen. Why, he was around thousands years before Grand Ruler was even born.”

Starla came over to him, holding the baby in her arms “I know how you feel. I’m worried to. I wish there was something we could do to show the cadets they’re going about this wrong.

They don’t have to be as strong as we are. Every Starfleet officer is as good and just as important as the next.”

Lightning held his wife close and they embraced softly. He agreed with what she said completely, but he had no idea how to make the cadets listen. “Lecturing them won’t be enough; the instructors have already tried that.

There’s got to be a way to show them; to prove they can be just as great fighters.”

Their trails of thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Shining Light crying from the nursery.

Mom and Dad went to check on their son, and found out he had soiled his diaper. They changed it quickly, and soon the baby was cooing and giggling again.

“Aww, who’s a happy colt.” cooed Starla. “Who is… who’s happy?”

Lightning smiled down at his little son, and he wondered how the other expecting parents were that moment.

Spike was cuddling up with Rarity, softly stroking her belly and singing to the baby,

“Cuz you’re daddy’s girl or boy.
Daddy’s girl or boy.”

Rarity smiled lovingly. “You’ll be a great father, darling.”

“You think so?” Spike asked “I mean, after all, I grew up kind of fast, and one thing Twilight never taught me was parenting.” He stopped and fell silent, taking a moment to remember Twilight. Rarity did too and they both wished she could be there.

“I’m sure she would have loved to see the baby too.” said Rarity “We’ll both just do our best to raise it.”

Her husband agreed.

Meanwhile, Buddy was tending to his garden while Tree Hugger was meditating in shade of a big tree. “Oooouuuuummmmm… Oooouuuuummmmm… Oooouuuuummmmm…”

Suddenly she stopped as she felt a slight kick in her belly, “Oooh, cool it, kid.” she said soothingly “I dig your grooves, but I need to keep cool and calm like the sonic waves.”

Buddy could only smile lovingly as he watched his wife meditate, which distracted him so much that he accidently planted his gardening gloves, and overly watered them.

Applejack couldn’t help but giggle at him, but she understood why he was out of it, and she walked over to him. “You’re real excited, aren’t ya?”

“Why shouldn’t I be?” he said, and then he teased her “Maybe you’ll feel like this when you have kids of your own.”

Applejack gave him a playful look, “Don’t even joke about a thing like that.” she smiled and then got back to work, and Buddy got back to his own work too. “Hey… where are my gloves?”

Fluttershy and Rhymey were doing their own chores. Though Fluttershy couldn’t train or fight in battles in her condition, she could still do her normal work and get around, as long as she was looked out for.

As Fluttershy feed the animals, she dropped a pail of feed that scattered all over the ground. “Oh, dear!” she groaned, and she bent down to try to clean it up, and suddenly felt she was stuck half way down due to her heavy belly. “Help, please…!” she called whenever she needed a hand up.

Rhymey dashed to his wife in a heartbeat, and slowly helped her back upright.

“Up we go,
nice and slow.”

Fluttershy sighed, “Thanks, honey…” then she looked down and stroked her belly “I can’t wait to have this baby. I just hope things can be peaceful.” She referred to the fact that the planet was now in danger again from evil forces.

Rhymey felt the same way, and he assured her,

“Stammadon may strong, that’s true,
But we are growing stronger too.

No matter who or what will come our way,
We’ll fight to the end and make their day!”

His wife nodded bravely, but then she gasped as she felt a slight kick.

Rhymey stiffened with excitement and worry. He always got very jumpy and overly-excited whenever Fluttershy felt even the slightest of movement.

“It’s okay… I’m fine.” Fluttershy said “It won’t be for another couple of months.”

Her husband sighed.

Suddenly, sky began to grow darker as thick storm clouds covered the area so quickly, without the aid of the Pegasi. “What’s happening?” asked Fluttershy.

Rhymey looked at the clouds and heard thunder roaring as the winds started to pick up.

“It wasn’t supposed to rain at all.
That’s what it said on the weather call.”

The clouds soon covered the entire area, and everyone looked up in confusion.

Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall, and the temperature dropped a little.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were flying in the sky on patrol when they saw the storm break out. “What’s going on?” asked Rainbow “I don’t remember there being any report of a storm today.”

Pinkie suddenly got that strange feeling, and her entire body twitched like crazy. “That’s my Pinkie Sense; there’s a doozy happening down there.”

Down below, the storm was getting worse, and all the ponies and creatures were rushing in panic as they dashed for the nearest shelter they could.

The winds were getting stronger and blowing all sorts of things around-- paper, fallen branches, even an unfinished painting that Artie was chasing that blew away from him while he was painting in the park.

“Hey, Artie…!” called Dyno as he and Myte came walking in against the wind.

The men grouped together.

“What happened?” asked Artie.

“We don’t know.” said Myte “We were digging in our mine and then we heard a loud noise like thunder. We came out and saw this storm.”

Dyno nodded, “But just ten minutes ago it was perfectly clear.”

Suddenly, they heard the sound of sinister laughter. They looked up and saw Stratos standing on a rooftop, “Looks like some people are having some bad weather.”

The men growled, “So you’re causing all this!” sneered Artie.

Stratos snickered and then motioned behind him at his glowing pack that was spewing out magical particles that created and intensified the storm. Then he looked down at the panicking ponies all scrambling to get home or someplace safe. “Listen to those screams, how lovely they are… and every ounce of that fear is being harnessed for Stammadon to increase his power.”

The men were growing crosser “I think I’ve heard enough of this guy.” said Dyno.

“Si! Let’s put out this storm chaser.”

Artie agreed, and he and the twins transformed together, “STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“Hey, guys…!” Rainbow called from above as she and Pinkie, already transformed, soared down from the clouds and landing near the men.

“Let’s take this creep!” said Artie. The others agreed and tried to dash forth, but the winds were pretty strong making it hard to focus.

Stratos was also no pushover! He zipped out of the way just before any of the fighters could hit him.

“Over here…!” Stratos called to them. The team turned to face him. “THUNDER BOLTS” Stratos made strong lightning bolts strike all around them making small explosions and sparks all over.

“That does it!” growled Rainbow “I’ll show you some weather! SONIC RAINBOOM!”

She thrusted straight for him with a trail of rainbow light behind her, but Stratos leapt up high forcing Rainbow to skid to a halt and then zip up after him.

“Let’s help her!” called Artie, and he and the others leapt up high to attack the monster. Still the storm made it hard to concentrate, with all that wind blowing at them and the rains splashing on their visors, but thanks to their intensive training on the moon, they were able to put up a good fight.

“COLOR KICK” Artie leapt up high and kicked Stratos hard.

“My turn!” called Pinke “HIIIIIIII-YA!!” she aimed a strong punch at the monster, but he swiftly grabbed her fist in his hand, “Nice try! Or should I say… ICE try!”

His pack began to glow and Pinkie was blasted by a frigid wind that blew her back hard and froze her against a tree “Whoa! That’s freezer-burn!” she cried.

“Hang on, Chica!” called Dyno as he and Myte rushed over and blasted the ice away with magical beams from their horns, freeing her.

Then the twins turned to face the monster, “Your turn, hombre!”

He and Dyno joined hands, “BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!” Thanks to their training, their rockets were much stronger and the wet rain didn’t affect them.

Stratos got hit hard but he still didn’t look any weaker. “Wow! That sure sucked.” He taunted “Now I’ll show you what BLOWS! GREAT GALES”

“Look out!” shouted Artie, but Stratos unleashed a huge bellowing wind out from his pack that blew the fighters all off in such a blast, far, far away.

“So much for them…” Stratos laughed.

Rai Shi then appeared before them, his huge hulking body, he was fine with the stormy weather. “Do not be selling yourself short.” He warned him “There are other fighters besides them, and they too must not interfere.”

“If they do,” said Stratos “I’ll wash them out in the biggest storm I can conjure up.”

The fighters landed quite a ways away from the battle area where the storm was calmer, not being so close to the monster and his pack.

“Is everyone alright?” asked Artie.

Pinkie wiped the mud from her visor. “Yeah, we’re fine… considering we just about got blown to smithereens!!”

She calmed down.

“Hey…!” Lightning called, as he and the rest of the team, all transformed arrived on the team. Rarity and Fluttershy’s droids were with them.

“We got a huge problem,” said Artie and he explained about the monster causing the storm.

“We figured as much,” said Lightning “The storm broke out so suddenly we quickly helped evacuate all civilians outside to their homes.”

“Well, that’s good.” said Dyno “But we’ve still got act fast.”

“Si, their fears makes the monster stronger, and he can make the weather worse.” added Myte.

BOOM!! Loud thunder shook the skies as the winds got stronger and the rain became heavier. “Oh!” groaned Rarity “All this wind will mess up my mane.”

Some of the others, even Spike groaned at her vanity; it was just a droid after all, but Rarity took offense to their dismay, “What? Even a droid replica of me can stand to presentable.”

She snapped out of her vanity when she heard the distant sounds of panicking.

The team all cast their view at the village and could even hear some of the people screaming and panicking in their homes.

“Ooh, those poor, poor, ponies!” Fluttershy cried through her droid.

“Well, I say we conjure up a little storm of our own… on that monster.” suggest Applejack.

“I couldn’t agree more.” said Lightning “Now here’s what we’ll do…” and he told his plan to the others.

The rain was falling harder than ever making small floods, and the winds were blowing ever stronger. The ponies and other creatures were safe in their homes, especially when the barriers activated to protect them, but the storm was so frightening to watch or even listen too.

Worse than that, trees, benches, lampposts were starting to shake loose in the winds. Many objects toppled over, resulting in electrical-blackouts, but thankfully the auxiliary stored solar powers kicked in.

Still, Stratos was very pleased with his work and was laughing hard. “So much destruction, so much fear and misery; I love it!”

Rai Shi nodded, “Stammadon will be most pleased.”

Suddenly, he stiffened and growled as he felt the presence of others nearby.

He and Stratos turned and saw Lightning, Starla, and with them were the other five that already fought with Stratos before.

“Ha! So you weren’t destroyed.” sneered Stratos “Well, they say “The calm before the storm.”

Rai Shi looked ready to brawl too.

“I didn’t expect Rai Shi to be here.” said Lightning “Starla, you’re with me. The rest of you know what to do?”

The others nodded, and called “Break!”

“Get him!” Artie shouted as he and the others went after Stratos. “Bring on the Thunder!” hollered the monster, “Or should I say… THE WIND!

…GREAT GALES”

“Not this time!” sneered Rainbow, and she and the others soared way upward, avoiding the gales, and the vanished among the darkness of the stormy skies. “A’rgh! Where’d they go?!” growled Stratos.

As he frantically search through the storms, Starla and Lightning stood face-to-face with Rai Shi.

They scanned him with their visors, he still had no known data, but his power levels were much higher than that of regular monsters, making him far too strong to capture, at least without wearing him a great… which would not be easy!

Rai Shi could only snicker, “Only two? This will be no problem for former galaxy champion.”

Lightning and Starla blinked once.

“Oh, yes…” hissed Rai Shi “Many long times ago, I had it all. I was the finest Kung-Fu and Martial Arts Champion. I won every prestigious title in the galaxy. The people would cheer, the money would come, and everywhere I go the people look up to me in honor.

But then it was all taken from me when I lose the most prestigious tournament. But that isn’t all I was losing. Fans no longer honor me, no longer look up to me. I get laughed at, and my money vanishes like melting snow on a hot day.”

Lightning and Starla could plainly see he had a clear case of egotism and self-pride, and Starla called him out on it, “You couldn’t have just… oh, say… find a new profession? Peruse a new way of life?”

Rai Shi was furious, “SILENCE!! You are not understanding-- Then again I never expect you to.”

He lunged forth with such speed to attack, and Lightning and Starla leapt high up causing him to slam the ground hard with his fists making a small tremor. “Without strength you are nothing!”

Then he leapt up high so swiftly to strike them again. Lightning and Starla blocked him with their arms, engaging in a struggle.

“I was fortunate to be inducted into Stammadon’s forces!” sneered Rai Shi “I have never felt such power and strength before. Now I can show everyone who is the greatest!”

Lightning and Starla thrust their arms out, breaking the struggle, and all three fighters landed on the ground. Rai Shi looked more infuriated than ever, and Lightning and Starla could only pity him.

“You’ve let the thought of power and fame affect you badly, Rai Shi.” sneered Lightning “You were sealed up once before, and you’ll be sealed up again!”

Rai Shi only roared like the monster ape his was.

“It’s no good, Lightning, he won’t listen!” said Starla.

“Then we’ll just have to teach him the hard way.”

Starla agreed.

Rai Shi roared, and the fighters jumped at each other.

“FIST OF FORCE” Rai Shi thrust his glowing fist forth, punching Starla hard and sending her crashing towards Lightning, but they were both prepared for this-- Lightning held out his hands, straightening her out as she came at him, then launched her back at the evil ape. Starla aimed to kick him hard, but he defended with his huge arms, springing her high into the air.

POW!! Lightning thrust forth and bashed him right in the face, knocking him back hard. While up in the air, Starla straightened herself out, “STAR SHOWER” and bombarded him with her star clusters.

Rai Shi stood where he was taking the bombardment. Then he let out a loud roar, and he glared at the two ponies, “It seems that you are stronger than I thought!”

Lightning smirked at him, “We’re able to get stronger too, but unlike you we use it for completely different reasons. I wouldn’t expect you to understand that either.”

Rai Shi growled.

While those three fought it out, the storm continued to bellow and blow.

Stratos angrily searched through the clouds and the air for the fighters, using his pack to propel him along the winds.

“THUNDER BOLTS”

He blasted all over through the clouds, but all he hit was blowing air. “They’ve got to be here someplace!”

As he hovered along, he suddenly felt a space where the storm didn’t seem as severe. The winds were calmer, the rain wasn’t falling as hard and the temperature seemed more average.

“What’s going on here?” he wondered.

He didn’t know that way up through the clouds, the four pegasi ponies had used their weather manipulations to soften a small eye in the storm.

“NOW…!!” Artie suddenly shouted.

The fighters all rushed in through the clouds hollering madly, attacking him hard.

Stratos put up a good fight, but he found it hard to fight while gliding on the wind. Fluttershy drove her droid in and kicked the monster hard, and grumbled at him “That… was for ruining a perfectly nice day!”

Startos scoffed, “Ha! Try cooling down a bit!” and he blasted his frigid winds at her.

“Not this time!” shouted Dyno. “Turn up the heat!” added Myte, and they held their hands together, “BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS”

“I’ll help!” shouted Spike “DRAGON BREATH!” and he breathed his fire into the fireballs making them heat up more; even the rain wasn’t strong enough to put them out.

“PAINT BOMBS” Artie threw in his explosives. All those hot flames combined with the freezing winds resulted in bigger explosions making a huge smoke cloud.

Much as Stratos loved fog, the smoke made him cough and gag. “I… I can’t see them!” he growled. He was about to fire up his pack to blow the smoke away.

“LEAF SWARM” Buddy, using his visors infrared to see through the smoke, unleashed his razor-leaves which struck the monster hard, and sniped the wires connected to his pack.

“Ah! Oh, No...!” cried Stratos.

His pack suddenly went haywire, blasting lightning, blowing winds and hail pellets like crazy.

“CHARGE…!!” The team came rushing in. “Time to cut loose!” shouted Spike and he slashed his dragon claws at the pack, snapping it off, and causing both it and Stratos to plumet to the ground.

“My pack!” cried Stratos. He wasn’t willing to lose it and tried to make a grab for it in the fall.

“Oh, no you don’t!” thundered Applejack, and she lassoed the pack with her rope, yanking it way up high, and Rarity then zapped it with a huge magical blast, destroying it in a bang.

“No!! My weather pack!” cried Stratos, and with the destruction of his pack, the storm began to cease almost immediately and began to clear away.

Stratos growled “I’ll make you pay for that!” but he ate those words as the ponies came rushing in and each punched, kicked, or zapped him hard, weakening him severely.

Artie then held out his Super Staff “How about a little storm of my own!

...SUPER STAFF SPIN”

He powered up his finisher move, sending burning winds all around Stratos, and then striking him hard. Stratos growled and roared as his body was engulfed in sparks and flames, and he fell over, exploded, and was imprisoned in a sphere.

“Well, done,
The battle is won.” said Rhymey.

The others cheered for joy.

Lightning and Starla leapt at Rai Shi. Their fists collided together making a big explosion, but the fighters all landed safely. That’s when they noticed the storm was gone, and the sun was shining through again.

Rai Shi knew this was a bad sign and felt it best to retreat, “I will be seeing you again, soon. Do not be forgetting that! I will show you who is strongest yet!”

He leapt up high, and vanished in a flash-- a space warp he could generate that took him back to Planet Ainzul.

Lightning and Starla was upset that he got away, but at least the storm dying told them the others had succeeded in beating the monster.

When Rai Shi got back to the temple, he sat outside in the dojo area, quietly meditating while his strength restored. “Such strong opponents these ponies.”he thought to himself “I must properly prepare myself to battle another day. In the end I shall be victorious!”

Inside the throne room, Stammadon addressed the others.

“So, Starfleet captured Stratos? What a pity, but at least the plan worked in harnessing much-needed power for us all.”

Kara Shi was confused, “You mean you’re not going to discipline Rai Shi?”

“No, but ask me a question like that again, and I’ll punish you!!” yelled Stammadon.

Kara Shi shuddered in fear.

“See what happens when you open your big mouth?” grumbled En Shi.

Tan Shi just stood where she was against the wall with her eyes shut and her arms folded. “So either way, win or lose, we get what we want: all the power we need and more.”

“Yes…” hissed Stammadon “And the stronger we get, it’ll only make things that much worse for our enemies.”

Back on United Equestria, the monster was taken into custody and sent off to prison, but the storm he had created left behind a load of damage, but it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be cleaned up with Starfleet and the civilians working hard.

Soon trees were standing upright again, benches and lampposts were put back, and any objects that were hopelessly damaged, the insurance companies promised to help replace them soon.

“Well, that takes care of that.” said Pinkie “Everything’s Okie Dokie Lokie.”

Lightning was pleased, “Well, one thing we know for sure from this, Stammadon and his creeps are getting stronger, especially Rai Shi.”

Starla agreed, “He’ll definitely be coming back for us. Shame too, he’s a strong fighter, but he fights for the wrong reasons.”

Rainbow sighed “There’s more to being the best than just strength alone. Even I was taught better than that by my teachers.”

“Too bad we can’t really train him to see that.” teased Buddy.

Applejack snickered, “Good one.” and they slapped each other a high five.

Lightning on the other hand pondered deeply over the words “Teach?”… “Learn?”

He began think back to the days when he was Grand Ruler’s apprentice and how he was trained well to be the fighter was that day.

“Galloping Galaxies…! I’ve got it!” he cried.

The others all gawked at him.

“Um…got what?” asked Spike.

“An Apprentice…!” replied Lightning. “That can help us!”

The others were all confused,

“How can an apprentice help us fight Stammadon’s forces?” asked Artie.

Lightning shook his head “I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the failing Starfleet cadets.

Think about it; we were all once like they were-- weaker, nervous, and doubtful of our abilities.”

The others began to see where he was coming from, and he said “Exactly. Maybe, if we take on an apprentice of our own and train them well, maybe the other cadets can realize they don’t have to doubt themselves so much.”

The others took an instant shine to the idea.

“Our very own apprentice!” said Fluttershy “That’s a great idea!”

Rhymey nodded…

“We already train sometimes to help those in need
But training an apprentice sounds good indeed.

We’ve been trained a long time, and we’ve learned much
Now we can pass on our experiences to others as such.”

Spike thought deeply, “It’ll even be like when Twilight was trained by Celestia.”

“Yes!” agreed Rarity “I can just see us all now, and it will help the cadets a great deal.”

It was settled and agreed, once Lightning ran it through with Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia of course.

“Um… just one thing though.” said Dyno “Who are we going to pick to be our pupil?”

Silence struck everyone, “Oh, chico! That could be hard.” said Myte.

Lightning agreed, but at least they all had a plan now, and whoever their new apprentice would be… only time would tell.

(Promo)

In our next episode: As Mykan and the Cutiemark crusaders learn more about the Surfer program, the evil Megadox sends a virus into the records systems which begins messing up everyone’s lives. So once again it is up to Mykan and the Surfer program to do battle.

Can Mykan once again defend the Digital World from these new viral terrors?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Data Squad”)

Episode 5: Data Squad

EPISODE FIVE

Like all places-- every citizen of United Equestria had a permanent record of their histories, jobs, residence, medical health, and even escapades or even crimes committed.

All were kept safely guarded in City Halls, record department agencies, even within the royal palace in New Canterlot, but monitors and kept in check via computer systems, which was why it was very important that the systems and records be firmly maintained so that no errors would occur.

Data Stream had a lot of trouble finding a new job to maintain her income. Word had spread about her actions in the palace and how Princess Cadance had dismissed her, but then again her record wasn’t all that enlightening to begin with.

There wasn’t a single computer company or technician crew that would hire her at all, knowing of her bad attitude and her horrible mistakes that often lead to trouble.

Most other places-- libraries, schools, any other places that used computers wouldn’t let her in either due to her bad record.

The only job she was actually able to secure… was a trash picker for the sanitation engineers, dressed in a sewage green uniform, hauling a huge, smelly wagon around The New Crystal Empire, picking up discarded litter, emptying waste bins, and hauling it all to the dump and then going back for more, three times a day.

“Ugh, this is so demeaning!” she groaned as she picked up the litter with a pointy stick and flicked it into her wagon, which was very full, heavy and smelly, which further enraged her “A pony of MY talents and skills being subjected to this disgusting job because of my permanent record…!”

As she pushed and pulled her wagon along, she could see how successful and well-off many other ponies were.

“I tell you, my record is perfectly spotless.”

“Boss says if I keep this up, I’m entitled to a raise.”

“I just got a promotion. My record is so clean you could eat off it.”

Data Stream was madder than ever, and soon her rage would reach its peak, when she came to empty some waste bins in a field, where she saw Princess Cadance and Shining Armor making a grand dedication to the opening of a new large playground that was completed and ready for children to play.

Cadance cut the ribbon with the ceremonial scissors, and all the children cheered for joy as they ran into the playground to have fun.

Cadance and Shining Armor sighed happily as they watched all the smiling children playing and getting along so well, but the moment was interrupted by the distinct odor coming from Flurry Heart’s diaper.

They wasted no time in changing it. “Aw, all clean now?” cooed Cadance, and she playfully put her lips on her daughter’s tummy and blew softly, making Flurry giggle and coo.

Shining Armor pecked his little girl on her head, and then pecked his wife tenderly on the cheek. “I’d… better take care of this.” he said holding up the soiled diaper.

“Better hurry, I see the pickup wagon’s here.” said Cadance.

They both could see the wagon with the huge trash pile in it, but they couldn’t see the collector anywhere.

“I bet I can shoot it from here.” said Shining Armor, and he scrunched up the stinky diaper into a ball and gave a huge basketball toss towards the trash pile, but the diaper flew over the pile and landed with a squash on the other side.

“Hey!!”

“That voice…!” said Cadance.

Data Stream came from round the other side of the wagon, with the rotten diaper on her head. As if she weren’t angry enough, but seeing the two of them.

“Data Stream?” asked Shining Armor.

She angrily threw the diaper off her head and balked, “Who else?!” then she glared at Cadance “It’s bad enough you take away my job, and now this?”

Flurry Heart cried at the growling sounds of her voice. “Oh, honey…” Shining Armor said as he picked her up and stroked her softly “It’s okay, calm down.” Then he glared at Data, “Don’t scare the baby like that!”

“Humph!” grunted Data “Thank goodness she’s too young to understand what backstabbers her parents are.”

“That’s enough!” sneered Cadance “I fired you for a reason, and you know why. Quite frankly, I think you should ease up with that attitude, your record already is bad enough.”

“Oh, yes… “My record.” jeered Data “I doubt very much anyone would say anything bad about your record, Princess.”

Shining Armor was really starting to get mad, “I think you better leave before you make another mistake.”

“Gladly.” Data sneered, and off she went in a grumpy huff with her trash wagon.

Cadance sighed, “What is with that pony?” she wondered aloud

Her husband agreed, “Well, at the rate she’s going it’ll take a lot to change her record.”

Data actually heard him as she walked further away. “…This gives me an idea.”

Later that day when she got home, and had a nice long bath to get rid of her garbage stench, she sat herself down at the computer and designed a new monster.

It was human-shaped, but had a huge, solid hood with a large computerized eye in the middle. It wore solid blue armor, and in each of its hands it held two big maces.

Data talked to herself as she added the finishing touched, “You all like to make fun of me and my record, do you? You all have better lives and better profiles than me? Well, I think I can change that… with a little help.”

She turned to face her second computer screen and called to it, “Megadox… I summon you! Come to me, Megadox!”

The second screen activated, showing the images of her evil comrade from cyberspace. “Greeting, Fleshing.” He hissed at her, much to her annoyance. “I told you before: My name is “Data Stream… Da-Ta… Stream…!”

“Yes,” said Megadox “I shall try and remember.

Why do you summon me? Have you another virus, perhaps? One that will DESTORY! I thoroughly enjoyed our little bout the last time…

…Until that wretched Surfer character appeared and ruined everything.”

Data narrowed her eyes, “Yes, I enjoyed it much myself… but I am not satisfied. I’m in the mood for some real fun now.”

She motioned at the other screen, “This is my new Glare Virus. Send it to feed on the master record keeping files. Once there, it will alter and corrupt the data and the personal records of all involved-- especially one PATICULAR ponies’ record I want changed the most!”

Megadox chuckled “This sounds dastardly. I like it. Imagine the chaos and confusion it will bring.”

“Exactly…” hissed Data “Do your thing, Megadox-- bring my monster to life.”

“As you wish.” Complied Megadox, and he zapped the other screen with his power wave, bringing the fierce warrior virus to life “Now, off with you to the master record files.”

The virus was sent on its way, along the powerlines, and found its way past all security programs and into the master system of the record files. Once there, it began to hack at the chips and wires with its maces, which badly infected the data being fed.

Data was snickering wickedly, “Oh, this is going so sweet.” she cackled.

Later that day…

*Mykan’s POV*

It had been almost a week since I had first gone into the Digital World and defeated that virus, but the mysteries surrounding it all were just baffling, but as ordered by Lightning, neither myself nor the Cutie Mark Crusaders breathed a word about it to anyone not involved.

…The only exception to this was Dr. Penny Sillon, whom Lightning had ordered I see for a physical after my ordeal as Surfer; in case anything had changed about me or if I contracted any kind of unknown ailment.

Since all the ponies in United Equestria were anthropomorphic, humanoid, Penny had no trouble examining me, as my human physiology wasn’t all that different.

Penny checked over her list, “You’re perfectly normal, healthy as a horse.”

“You mean “healthy as a human.” I teased.

Penny playfully rolled her eyes.

“Well, I don’t feel any different either.” I said “I don’t seem to have any injuries from that fight.”

“About that…” Penny asked “Did you experience any other feelings-- Pain, disorientation, sudden feelings of sickness?”

“Well-- aside from feeling a bit dizzy from traveling across electronic wavelengths so fast-- nothing. Still, it was so weird… I actually went INTO the computer.”

Penny was baffled by all this too, but with all said and done, and jotted down on her notepad, and nothing left to report, “Well, I guess you can go then, but just the same, if you start experiencing any illness or traumas from this order, come and see me again.”

“Sure doc,” I got up and headed for the door, “And remember what Lightning said; no telling about this.”

Penny put a finger to her lips, “Doctor-Patient confidentiality.”

Even though I felt healthy and fine, my mind was still swimming with many unanswered questions that Lightning and the others were looking into as much as they could.

-What was the Surfer Program?
-Where did it come from?
-How could I even get into the Digital World in the first place?
-What happened to the school computers?

But most importantly, that mega-virus monster; where did it come from, who designed it, who brought it to life?

For now I was just hoping that there wouldn’t be any more like that.

*POV Ends*

Meanwhile, Lightning and Starla had invited Professor Brain to their house to examine the computers taken from the school himself.

“This is extraordinary.” he awed “I don’t how, but for some strange reason, this simple, ordinary device has transfigured into a super-computer, with actual access into a Digital sub-world contained within.

I’ve never seen anything like this in all my years!”

“Never?” Krysta joked “This may be a historic occasion.”

The professor was far from amused, “However,” he stated “The Surfer Program; I’m not quite certain what it is, but I would like very much to examine this further, at my laboratory in the palace, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, Professor.” said Lightning “We have our own little investigation to find too; looking for an apprentice.”

“And there I wish you luck.” said Brain “Eh, would escort me home please, Krysta.”

Krysta nodded, and she and the professor soon vanished through a portal with the two computers.

Lightning sighed and stared awkwardly at the floor.

“What is it?” asked Starla.

“It just seems so fantastic; a whole world inside computers, and now a super hero program that can battle monsters and restore damage…?”

His wife agreed, “Do you think it’s all connected to something?”

“Well, hopefully we’ll soon know.” said Lightning.

Just then, they received a magical letter, in red parchment from Starfleet Officials. The red parchment usually meant bad news.

“What’s this?” Lightning wondered as he opened the letter, and what he read nearly froze his heart. “Starla… look at this!”

His wife took the letter and she gasped hard, “What? It can’t be…?!”

Whatever was in that letter was a result of the Glare Virus, as it continued to smash and corrupt the record files.

More and more unusual things were happening all across the planet.

Some ponies were losing their jobs; others were arrested at unfortunate moments. Even children were be affected by all those as their parents were forced to evict their homes.

Wonderbolts were dismissed from Cloudsdale…

Schools were closing down…

Even Cadance was about to be affected, back the Crystal Palace. She was in the nursery, rocking baby Flurry Heart and humming a lullaby to help her sleep for her nap.

When suddenly, Shining Armor came in a panic “Cadance…! Cadance…!”

The baby woke up and cried.

“Honey! Look what you’ve done.” snapped Cadance, but her husband continued to panick and told her “Child Protection Services is here. They’re here to take Flurry Heart away!”

“WHAT?!!” cried Cadance “But why? What’s going on?”

The CPS officer came in, with a warrant to carry out orders and take the baby away, “According to our latest records, the both are considered unfit parents.”

The couple thought this outrageous, and Cadance insisted “I’m a great mother, I’ve always provided well for my daughter.”

“That’s what I told him.” added Shining Armor.

Alas, their efforts were in vain. Despite even the officer himself finding it strange to believe and knowing the couple’s past was good and true, “I’m sorry, but I have my orders. Please surrender the child.”

“No!” cried Cadance, clutching her baby more than ever “No, I won’t let you take her!”

“I second that!” sneered Shining Armor as he stood in front of his wife to protect her.

The officer was losing his patients, “Listen, I don’t understand how this is happening, and I don’t like it any more than you do, but I have my orders and if you fail to surrender that child, I’m sorry to say, even the two of you will face charges.

If there is something wrong about this, we’ll try and investigate, but for now I suggest you make it easier on yourselves and give me the baby.”

Cadance was positively fraught with distress, but in the end she knew she couldn’t fight against laws, and realizing what trouble she’d be in more if she didn’t give in… she painfully passed her baby to the officer. “Oh!” she sobbed.

Flurry began to fuss and reach for her parents. The officer sighed, “Believe me, I don’t like this. If we find anything wrong with the records, we will return your child… until then, she is under our custody.”

He then left, unable to bear Cadance’s sobbing expression.

Cadance fell to her knees and cried hysterically.

Her husband held her tightly, almost feeling like crying himself, while at the same time he was completely outraged. “We’re NOT bad parents!” he growled “How did this happen?!”

His wife was far too hysterical to say anything.

As more chaos and confusion spread across the world, Megadox laughed wickedly, “All this panic and sorrow, mindless collapsing of sanity. This world of Fleshlings will be MINE to command!”

Data Stream snickered herself, “This is more fun than a video game.” then suddenly she realized “Blast! I could’ve changed my own record and made it cool!

Ah, well, next time, maybe.”

*Mykan’s POV*

I had no classes to teach that day, so I enjoyed my day off and thought I’d get a milkshake from the Cake’s Café, but when I got there a terrible sight met my eyes. The place was closed, and on the door was a notice.

“What?” I snapped as I read the notice: “Closed under violation of health laws.”

I couldn’t believe it! I wouldn’t believe it!

There didn’t seem to be anyone home either, suggesting the Cakes and Pinkie Pie had gone someplace else to stay, what with their home and business locked up.

“It’s closed!” came a voice from behind me, and I saw the Cuitemark Crusaders.

“Hi, Mr. Stevens.” said Sweetie Belle

“What are you girls doing out of school? It’s too early.” I said.

“Weird story,” said Applebloom, “Ms. Cheerilee couldn’t make it into school today on the count of her teacher’s license was said to be expired. So school’s been canceled.”

“What?” I asked in shock. I knew Cheeliee’s teaching license wasn’t expired. She and I both had our licenses renewed together just recently.

“Why didn’t the school contact me?” I asked “I could’ve taken over for Cheerilee.”

“Yeah, about that,” said Scootaloo “We did ask to contact you to the police when they took Ms. Cheerilee away.”

“But they said you’re not an inhabitant of this planet with no identification and no certification.” added DD.

My head was spinning by this point, “Okay, what is going here?”

“Hey!” Lightning called as he dropped in on us, “Glad I ran into you four.”

We noticed he wasn’t wearing his commander’s uniform. When we asked about that, “…I’ve been discharged.” said Lightning.

“What do you mean discharged?” asked Applebloom.

“Look, come to my place, I’ll explain it there.”

We got to Lightning and Starla’s place. Starla still had her uniform and all her medals and ribbons.

The computers were brought back after being carefully examined by professor brain and were set up.

“Will someone please tell me what is going on around here today?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“A lot’s happening.” said Starla. “Ponies are losing their jobs, companies are being closed down, jails are full of innocent people, and officers are losing their commissions.”

Lightning nodded and held up his red letter “According to my latest file, I’m considered too old to be a member on the force, and I’ve abused my authority as Supreme Allied Commander by acting as a bully, making constant orders and slacking in my work and training.”

The girls are I were all horrified to hear this.

“That’s ridiculous!” I spat “You’ve never abused your authority and you’re not too old.”

“I know…!” said Lightning “But it’s on my record, clear as day.”

Krysta nodded, “While I was in new Canterlot, there was a report received from the master record department. There’s something in the records computer messing with all the files.”

I blinked once, “Something in the files? You mean like that weird monster I fought the other day when I went into the computer?”

The Crusaders were all very concerned and confused.

“What’s it all mean? What’s going on?” asked DD.

Krysta then landed on a book on the table she had also brought back with her from the New Canterlot Archives. “When their majesties found out about the computer corruption, Queen Celestia had a feeling what this was and loaned me this book to show you all.”

Using her magic she opened the book and flipped through the pages. “There’s something really big going on in the Digital World. Something evil and powerful! It’s some kind of super rouge program, called Megadox.”

“Megadox???” the girls all asked at once.

“What’s a Megadox?” I asked.

Krysta flipped through the book, “Ah! Here it is.”

Lightning picked it up and read: “Megadox: Acronym for "Mastermind Electronic Gamma-System Animate Dox.”

“Wow! That’s a lot of words.” said Scootaloo.

Lightning read from the book, which dated back to the early days of Equestria of old, decades before Starfleet came with their advanced technologies.

As technological equipment began to develop, Celestia had commission super computers be designed as way to improve life around the planet. So, basic work computers and other tech were made--Movie projectors, lab equipment, and all the basic things.

Still, Celestia wished for more, to make computers even stronger. So she commissioned her chief programmers to research deeper-- into artificial life. Make a computer able to think and understand, when told, and make jobs and life easier.

However, during a test of these new systems, a freak lightning storm had come so suddenly. The power systems were drawing so much electrical energy that it caused a lightning bolt to strike the palace causing massive short circuit and system malfunctions, leading to a freak plasma meltdown.

Many of the technicians were lost in the accident, but the programs had survived, and by the power of the digital surges combined with the electricity, they mutated all together into Megadox; a program unlike any other…

Not Artificial Intelligence, but ACTUAL Intelligence; it had the power to think for itself-- to understand, to answer back, but above all it had the power to learn and grow!

Megadox was already vile and strong, and grew more powerful as it began to absorb information.

Despite it wasn’t really alive, like most living things, Megadox sought to dominate its environment and rule the world of “Fleshlings!”

It began to attack, infected all electronic and computer systems it could spread itself to, leading to massive malfunctions and system meltdowns, many ponies were even killed in the electrical wipeouts.

No anti-virus programs could even get close to eradicating a super program like Megadox, but there was still a ray of hope in sight…!

In his dying moments, one of the programmers managed to salvage the remains of programing leftover from the plasma accident that created Megadox to develop the Surfer Program, something with the very power to beat Megadox on its own field.

Before the program could be launched, however, Megadox, unaware of the creation, decided it needed time to get stronger and ejected itself along the power-lines, turning into electronic wavelengths, firing itself into dimensional space.

The Surfer Program and all its resources were unintentionally caught in the same waves, and were thrown out into space as well.

Lightning shut the book, “That’s all there is for that. Both the Surfer Program and Megadox were thought to be gone forever.”

“Well, obviously they’re both back.” said Applebloom “They must’ve survived on the wavelengths of space and got stronger over the years.”

All of us gawked at her for making such an analysis.

“What? I study and do my homework.”

Despite any of this, it was clear that Megadox had launched another virus that had to be stopped.

Starla activate the computer and got the Surfer Program ready, but she couldn’t seem to activate it. The computer just read “ERROR… ERROR… ERROR”

“I don’t understand.” she said.

“Let me see this.” Said Lightning, and he tried to activate the program, only for the same Error to happen. “Why won’t it activate?”

Then there was a message popup on the screen: “This program can only be accessed by initial authorized user.”

“Initial authorized user?” I asked “Wait…!” and I thought back to when the girls and I first discovered the program, and how I touched the screen and was bathed in a bright light of digital energy. That was how I became Surfer himself.

The others all gawked at me with great concern, “Mykan, you have to do this. You’re the only one that can.” said Lightning.

“No way,” I said “I barely got out of it alive the last time.”

“Mykan,” snapped Krysta “I know you’re not used to this sort of stuff; none of us are, but the world is falling apart.”

Lightning agreed, “You’re already an auxiliary Starfleet fighter.”

“Yeah, but I just fight simple battles and help a little bit.” I protested “This is on a whole new level.”

The Crusaders approached, “We believe in you, Mr. Stevens.” said Sweetie Belle. The other girls agreed, “We’ll all be here for you.” said DD.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist their innocent faces, and the more I thought about it I decided “You’re right… I’m going in!”

Lightning and Starla nodded proudly at me as I stood in front of the computer screen with Surfer on it, which seemed to be resonating in my presence “Well, Surfer,” I said “Here we go again.”

I raised my hand up high, “…Time to Digitize!” I declared and I touched Surfer on the screen, followed by a bright digital flash as I beamed into the computer, donning the Surfer suit once more.

Starla, being skilled at using computers as it was part of her star-gazing, sat at the other computer which showed all the energy readings, “Surfer, are you okay?”

In my changed, computerized voice, I answered back, “I’m fine, but what happens now?” but I suddenly felt funny as I could see the danger zone in the Digital World where the virus was attacking. “I think I can sense where the virus is.”

The second computer screen then began to show a kind of map of circuits and digital byways that Starla was able to control. “I think I can prepare a perfect course for you to take.”

She typed into the computer, and I could actually feel the data going through me. “Right…! I’m on my way.”

Off I went, flying through the digital warp, surfing along the powerlines, and arriving at my destination.

Just like before, the whole place was in ruins-- damaged circuit towers, sparking wires, smashed units-- and there was the virus. It turned and glared at me.

“There you are!” he growled at it, and jumped over to fight.

I punched for the monster’s huge eye, but it blocked me with one of its maces and struck me with another.

“Ooh!” groaned Scootaloo “That had to hurt.”

Still, I wasn’t out of it yet!

The monster lunged at me again, and I rolled behind it, grabbing it from behind in a neck grip.

The angry virus fussed and frolicked about, and then managed to grab me and flip me over onto my back.

“That does it!” I snarled, “Time for Booster Boots.”

My boots lit up and I sped across the digital flooring, punching and kicking the monster hard as I zoomed past.

“DATA SABER” I grabbed my digital sword and sped at the monster again hoping to strike him hard, but the virus used it’s maces like a shield and blocked me from going any further.

I struggled hard, but that’s when my boots gave out, which gave the virus an edge as it began to push me back hard.

Worse than that, its huge eye began to glow brightly and fired a small field of power at me. “Whoa!” I groaned “It’s sapping my energy!”

I wasn’t kidding; a red alarm began to sound as the other screen flashed red while my energy levels were reaching low.

“Mr. Stevens!” cried Appelbloom.

“He can’t win by himself!” added Sweetie Belle.

Everyone watched as the virus knocked my sword away with one mace, and then hit me hard in the back with the other.

“If you guys can hear me out there, I could use a little help!” I called.

Starla began to type into the computer, “I’ll see if I can transfer some power to you.”

“Wait!” cried Krysta “What’s that?”

A popup window had appeared on the Surfer Program screen, reading: “Unlock Data Beasts”

“Data Beasts?” asked DD “What are those?”

Starla clicked on the icon, and there on the screen showed the images of four multicolored, robotic like creatures and the respective program names.

A dinosaur-- a T-rex-- coated in red and silver armor: “Dread”

A Wildcat with a missile launcher on its back: “Assault”

A black Minotaur with blue and white armor: “Totalizer”

And finally, a gold and silver stripped falcon with powerful lasers at the tips of its wings: “Arc”

The Crusaders gazed in awe at the animals.

“Hey, look at their names.” said DD, and she pointed out the first letter in each one, “D-A-T-A: “Data!”

“Strange,” Lightning said as he examined the book on everything about the Surfer Program “There’s nothing in here about those animals. They aren’t part of the original programing.”

Whatever these animals were, Starla tried and tried to activate the programs, but she got the same “Error” message as before. “I can’t initiate them. I’m not their initial user.”

“That’s all we need!” groaned Krysta “Mykan can’t be the original user; he’s already in the computer.”

“Help…!” I shouted “I don’t think I can hold out much longer!”

“Hang on, I’ll try and get you out of there!” Starla called, and as she worked and as Lightning and Krysta watched her work, trying to find an Exit command.

The Crusaders moved in closer to watch the fight on the other screen; all four of them were very worried about me and hated seeing me get trounced by that monster.

My energy levels were already reaching the Critical Point!

“I can’t stand this much longer!” cried Applebloom “We gotta’ get them critters in there.”

“But how?” asked Scootaloo “We aren’t the original users either.”

DD stared at the other computer screen, at the animal programs, and she suddenly remembered something important-- when she and the other crusaders were caught in that bright flash.

“…Or maybe… we ARE.” she suddenly said, capturing Lightning and Starla’s attention.

The other Crusaders felt confused, but watched DD walk right up to Starla’s computer, and the Dread Program began to resonate-- reacting to her presence.

The other girls approached the screen, and the reaming programs seemed to respond as well.

“Girls…?” said Lightning, and before he could say anything else, the girls quickly raised their hands and touched the screen, trigging bright, digital flashes, and they each vanished into the screen.

“Girls!” cried Starla.

“Look!” said Krysta pointing at the screen.

Four bright blips on the screen flew straight at each animal.

The girls each suddenly found themselves sitting in tight cockpits with joystick controls, consoles, screens-- the works-- and they themselves were wearing outfits like race car drivers, complete with helmets and visors which headsets so they could talk to one other.

“Whoa! What’s going on?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I don’t believe it!” cried DD “We’re actually IN the Digital World! We’re controlling the Data Beasts…

…I’m the Dread Program, Sweetie’s the Assault, Applebloom’s the Totalizer, snd Scootaloo’s the Arc!”

The girls hadn’t been so fascinated in their lives ever since the merging of the planets or even the three crusaders receiving their cutiemarks-- DD’s was only a regular tattoo.

The controls all seemed so easy to them, like controlling a giant video game. “Hey, the data’s coming in on my screen.” cried Scootaloo.

“Mine too…” added Applebloom “It’s showin’ us the way to Surfer.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” said Sweetie, and all together the girls shouted, “LET’S KICK SOME MEGA-BUTT!”

Then they pulled on the joysticks, and sped off through the systems.

“WHOA!!” cried Scootaloo “Rainbow Dash would love this!”

Lightning, Starla and Krysta were speechless. They couldn’t believe what the girls were doing! Then again, this sort of stuff usually happened to them anyway.

“Please be careful, girls.” Lightning said under his breath.

With my dwindling strength, I did manage to back up on my feet, only for the monster to rush me and send me rolling along the ground again.

The creature then approached me intent on finishing me off… when suddenly… the monster was bombarded by powerful blast waves.

“Huh?” I looked round, and saw the Data Beasts touch down. They all roared and screeched like real animals.

“Hey, Surfer,” DD called “Need a little leg up?”

“Girls…?” I asked in shock “What are you doing here?”

“What we Crusaders do best:” replied Applebloom “…Help those in need!”

The girls hammered on their controls and lunged for the monster.

“Firing lasers!” shouted Scootaloo.

“Launching missiles!” added Sweetie!

With the press of switched, their beasts fired a barrage of attacks at the monster, making sparks and explosions.

“Hey, big boy,” called DD “Have a taste of Dread!”

“And a side order of Totalizer!” added Applebloom.

They charged their beasts forth, like the big brutes they were, and rammed right into the creature sending it back several paces.

“Yee-Hoo…! Right in the gut!” cheered Applebloom.

I stood upright, amazed at how well the girls were faring, for their time in a real and actual battle!

Still, the monster was far from beaten, and began to fight back. It ducked as Scootaloo came soaring at it.

“Whoa!” Scootaloo cried as she straightened out before crashing into a tower, “…That’s a miss!”

Sweetie charged forth and fired two more missiles, but the monster skillfully batted them away with each of its maces, and then glared its huge eye at the beast.

“He’s got me! I can’t break loose!” cried Sweetie.

“Sweetie…!” I called “I’m coming!” and I jumped up on the monster engaging in a fuss and struggle. “Let her go!”

The monster elbowed me and knocked me away, but at least it let Sweetie Belle go.

“Let’s rush it!” said DD.

“Just what I was thinkin’.” said Applebloom.

The both charged their beasts forth and really bashed the virus hard, knocking it down, hard, but the virus got up again and gave each beast a huge whack with its maces.

“This brute just won’t stay down!” groaned DD.

The others watching on the screen realized this too. “They can’t last like this.” said Krysta “There’s got to be more these things can do.”

“Well this book won’t help us much there.” said Lightning.

Starla suddenly discovered the very thing when another file seemed to materialize on the data screen, “I think there is…!” she said as she examined the new data, and she called into the screen, “Surfer, listen to me… we’ve got a new program, for all of you, it allows you to combine yourself with the data beasts, as a kind of body armor. It’ll make you even stronger than you were before.”

The girls and I felt most intrigued, “Well, let’s give it a try. Ready, girls…?”

The girls for it!

“Then let’s Link Up!”

With those words, the program was initiated, and the beasts began to combine with me…

-Totalizer’s upper-body sank down its lower half and then split into two half, forming strong boots and leggings on me.

-Arc then soared in front of my mid-section, carefully wrapping its wings round me, all the way to the back, forming a kind of strong belt.

-Assault’s missile launchers detached from its back, and then Assault, itself, split into two equal halves and folded outward, forming two huge gauntlets while the missile launchers attached to my upper-arms.

-Finally: Dread’s lower body detached from its upper-body, the legs folded in and the large flat part attached itself to my backside, while Dread’s upper body came down over my head, and folded downward to give me a strong chest-plate, with the dino’s face in the middle, and I even was fitted with a new battle helmet over my smaller one, giving me a much stronger and fiercer expression.

I now stood fully armored up, and the girls were still tucked away in their respective cockpits. “Wow! This feels incredible!” I said with such glee.

Starla measured the power-levels which were not only back to full capacity, but much stronger as well. “According to this,” Starla said “You are now in “Surfer-Link-Up Mode.”

“Well then, let’s see what this thing can do.” I said “Ready, girls…?”

“READY!!” the girls called.

I began to march forth. The armor was big and bulky, but to me it hardly weighed anything.

The monster growled and lunged straight at me, ready to swing it’s maces, but I simply blocked the attack with my strong gauntlets alone, and I felt hardly anything at all from the impact.

Try as it did, the monster hacked and kicked me all over, but my new armor proved to be too much for it.

“This is wicked cool!” cried Scootaloo.

I agreed, but didn’t verbally respond.

The monster then tried to use its glare attack on me. “Oh, no you don’t!” I sneered, “Fire missles!”

“You got it!” called Sweetie, and he hit her controls, and the two missiles on my arms fired and blasted the monster hard.

“Bullseye!” cheered DD.

“Time to finish this…!” I declared. The dino-mouth on my chest opened wide, and my two gauntlets glowed along with the dino-teeth. “ERADICATION WAVES”

POW!! Out of the dino-mouth and the gauntlets fired bright streams of burning digital energy, striking the monster hard, digitizing it away to nothing.

“Yee-Haw! Adios, big boy!” cheered Applebloom.

The other girls cheered for joy, and outside, Lightning and Starla hugged while Krysta flew in celebratory circles going “They did it! They did it!”

Inside, even while wearing all that armor I could still use the Restore-Program; unleashing the waves of sparkling lights to restore and repair all the damage to normal, which saved the computer and corrected all the corruption.

“Okay team,” I said to the girls “Let’s De-Link and head for home.”

The girls agreed, and all the armor detached from me, changing back into the Data Beasts, and the girls all headed home through and exit warp, followed by me.

Suddenly, as we reached our home-unit, Megadox actually spoke to on the wavelengths from somewhere in the Digital World. “Surfer!” he thundered “I do not know who you and your beastly cohorts are or where you come from, but I will find you, and I will eradicate you all into bits of raw data!”

“Well, then,” I jeered “It sounds like you have an awful big plan.”

The Data Beasts all growled and screeched in agreement with me.

Megadox then sounded ready to blow his top, “You don’t know what you are up against!”

“You don’t know who’re you’re up against, Megadox. If you cause any trouble again, we will be there to stop you. We are the… the…?” I paused as I tried to figure out a name for our team, but it was the girls that all said together “…THE SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD!!”

“Right…!” I agreed “We will always be here to defend the Digital World from the likes of you.”

Megadox could only growl, “Until the next time we meet, Surfer!”

Then he was gone.

*POV Pause*

With record computers restored, all files were immediately corrected and all the damage was reversed-- Ponies got their jobs and homes back, licences and permits were reinstated. All ponies who were incarcerated by the police were released, being innocent all the time, but they were extremely angry by the inconvenience, and were promised to be compensated.

As for Cadance and Shining Armor-- they were cleared of the false charges that labeled them as bad parents, and the CPS officer gladly came back to the palace and returned Flurry Heart to the couple.

Cadance pecked her child all over her little head, “Oh, Flurry! Honey I never want to lose you again!”

Shining Armor hugged his wife and his daughter lovingly, and the officer could only shed a tear at the family and say “It’s things like this that almost make the job worthwhile.”

*Resume*

The girls and I ported out and were now standing in the living room. Lightning had already gotten his commander uniform back, along with his commission.

The girls were all giddy and leaping about with excitement over victory, but I myself along with the other looked down at them deeply with concern.

“What? What’s wrong?” asked Sweetie “We totally won in there.”

I nodded “Yes, we did, and I couldn’t have done it without you girls… but--” I paused trying to explain this as best I could, but Lightning spoke for me, “Girls, this isn’t a game.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m very proud of what you did; you helped save the world, but just the same it’s very dangerous and you all could’ve been destroyed.”

DD felt her sense return to her at once, “He’s right, and knowing Megadox, he’ll strike again.”

The other three crusaders now realized the full seriousness of things, and there was a long pause of silence. The girls had all gotten themselves into some pretty wild things before, but none ever as serious as this.

Much as DD had always wanted to grow up, join Starfleet, and become a super fighter to protect others, this was all starting to feel so real to her.

“But, we’re still the only ones who can actually fight to save the Digital World.” said Scootaloo.

She was right, that was agreed, but Lightning, Starla, even Krysta, and I feared for the girls’ safety since they were still young.

“Look, girls,” I said to them “In the end we’re not going to stop you from fighting. I’m going to need all the help I can get too.

…But until we figure a way to end all this, I’m going to need to rely on you girls. That means we don’t tell anyone about this, not even to your families, they’ll worry sick about you, and we especially can’t let the public know; Megadox could track us down, and we’d really be in trouble.”

The girls shuddered at such a thought, but in the end…

“I guess we’re all in this together now.” said Sweetie Belle.

“Eeyup.” agreed Applebloom

“Totally.” said Scootaloo.

DD nodded and put her hand in the middle, the other girls each put their hands together, “Oh boy…” I sighed, but I put my hand in anyway.

As for Data Stream, she was very disturbed that her plan to ruin everyone else’s records had failed, but she just sat in her chair looking over drawings for more monsters, and settled “Tomorrow’s another day.”

She turned to look casually at her screen where Megadox was chuckling sinisterly.

(Promo)

In our next episode: As Lightning continues to search for an apprentice, Stammadon reveals himself to the fighters, revealing that is controlling Striker, and unleashes his fury and strength amongst the team himself, and backed up by his minions.

Will Lightning finally find his apprentice, and can he and his friends fend off against Stammadon’s revelation?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Strength In-sized.”)

Episode 6: Strength In-Sized

EPISODE SIX

One morning, in New Canterlot…

The alarms sounded and the ponies all panicked as they ran for shelter before the barriers activated. A fierce monster, sent by Stammadon, was roaming the streets.

He was an anthropomorphic Rhino-like creature, with thick grey skin like armor, and not only was he big and strong, but his huge horn could smash through walls like they were nothing, and even unleash a terrifying attack…!

“HORN BLASTER” the monster shouted, and fired burning waves of energy from his horn making massive explosions, knocking many ponies off their feet.

The monster chuckled, “Feel the strength of the mighty Rhinotaur!” and he revved himself to charge at a house that was shielded by a barrier, “RAMMING RAMPAGE” He charged forth hard, and slammed right into the barrier. Naturally, he couldn’t break through the magical energy and was ricocheted off.

“You think that I am stopped?!” Rhinotaur bellowed, and he charged again, and again, and again, and the barrier was actually starting to weaken, which panicked all the evacuees inside.

Rhinotaur laughed, “Now I’ve got’cha!” and he revved up to charge again, only to suddenly be bombarded by powerful blasts. “Hey!”

Her turned round and saw Lightning standing there with his arm stretched out. With him were Starla, Krysta, Spike and Rhymey, along with their wives respective droids.

“That’s enough of your troublemaking!” sneered Lightning “Either come quietly, or else!”

“Ha!” scoffed Rhinotaur “I choose “else!” and he revved up again, “RAMMING RAMPAGE”

The fighters all scattered off as he passed by. “I’ve never seen a Rhino move that fast before!” said Fluttershy.

Rhinotaur skidded to a halt, turned round, “HORN BLASTER”

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Krysta, and she conjured one of her double-portals so the blast went into one portal and was reflected back out the other, hitting the monster hard “Ouch! Whoa! that burns!” he groaned

“Serves you right!” snarled Rarity.

Rhinotaur turned red with rage, “Now I’m really steamed!” and he rushed forth again.

“STARLIGHT ARROW” Starla fired a perfect shot from her bow, but the arrow didn’t even fazed the monster, and he still charged forth.

“Let me try,” said Spike “DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL!” and he rolled forth in his burning wheel, but the monster just knocked him out of the way like a baseball and kept on going!

“Quick, try Telekinesis!” shouted Lightning.

Starla, Rhymey and Rarity tried their magic, the monster was shrouded in aura, but nothing else happened.

“It’s didn’t even stall,
Not at all!” cried Rhymey.

Fluttershy, grunted and her droid leapt up and over onto the monster’s huge head!

“Fluttershy!” shouted Lightning.

“There’s only one way to deal with a bad rhino!” Fluttershy called, and she covered the monster’s huge eyes with her hands.

“Hey!” Rhinotaur growled “Stop it! I can’t see!”

He skidded to a halt and began to buck about and fuss crazily, shaking Fluttershy’s droid all over.

At home, Fluttershy could barely battle with the controls. “I can’t hold on!” she cried “I’m going to fall off!”

Finally, her droid was flung off like a catapult, and she tumbled about in midair, making her dizzy to watch through the visor. “I think I’m going to be sick!” she cried.

Rhinotaur roared and charged again.

“I guess we’ll try the old fashioned approach.” said Lightning, and here powered himself up making his aura flare, and rushed forth towards the charging beast.

“I’ll smash you to bits!” the monster roared at him, but at the last second, Lightning ducked flat on the ground just as Rhinotaur dashed directly over him.

Lightning then thrust his fists upward… POW!!! Right into the monster’s huge gut, sending him soaring way up high, “Get him!” Lightning shouted at the others.

The others all agreed, and leapt into the air.

BAM!! Rhymey kicked the monster to Rarity, and she shoved him hard to Spike-- back and forth like a beach ball, and naturally the monster couldn’t charge at them while in the air.

“We’ve got him on the ropes!” called Starla.

“Who has whom?” snarled Rhinotaur “I can still do this, HORN BLASTER!”

“Look out!” shouted Fluttershy, and everyone scattered about as the monster blasted about like crazy! Some of the blasts went into the air and exploded harmlessly, but others hit the ground, striking the barriers around the houses, others struck the ground making big explosions damaging the ground and destroyed outside objects that were not shielded.

One of the explosions happened just outside a house where Swift Star, the discouraged cadet, had taken refuge along with other members of his family and a few neighbors as well.

He had been watching the battle through the windows ever since. “Come on, Lightning! You can do it.” he muttered under his breath.

Watching Lightning and his team fight really inspired him, but at the same time still brought out his insecurities of his own strength. What he wouldn’t give to be as good as they were, and he could help fight off that ugly monster and more.

His father placed his hand on his shoulder, “It’ll be okay, Swift.” he said “Commander Lightning and his team know what they’re doing.”

Swift nodded and smiled a weak grin, but suddenly he heard the sound of someone screaming for help outside!

There was one pony, a little filly and the daughter of Swift’s family’s neighbor was still outside. She was on her way to school that morning when the monster struck, and she failed to make it to any shelter before the barriers kicked in, especially since she was trapped by a load of fallen rubble, sealing her in a hollow she couldn’t break out of.

“Honey Bun!” cried Swift.

“HELP…!!” Honey Bun screamed, “PLEASE… GET ME OUT!!”

Her parents could see her from their own house.

“Honey Bun!”

“Someone help her!!”

Lightning and his team were far too busy fending off the monster to help out, and all the sentries were busy patrolling the area to keep others a safe distance away from the danger zone, except for one guard who had heard the child scream and rushed in to help.

“Hang on kid!” he called as he used his powerful strength to break the rubble apart and free the little filly.

He scooped her in his arms and planned to get her and himself to safety, but before he could…

“HORN BLASTER” Rhinotaur fired another blast from his horn straight at Lightning.

“UNIFORCE!” Lightning countered with his own power, intercepting the blast. The two forces collided, resulting a big explosion that shook the grounds, and sent a few flaring bits of debris flying about.

All of which knocked the sentry and Honey Bun unconscious in the streets.

“Oh, no!” cried Swift.

“HONEY BUN!!!” the neighbors shouted.

The two ponies just lay there in the streets, vulnerable to anymore shelling or dangers, and without much official help in sight.

It was completely against all regulations, but Swift knew he had to act, and dashed for the door.

“Swift!” his mother shouted.

“What are you doing?!” his father yelled, but he was already out the door and ran right through the barrier-- the barriers only stopped things from coming in, not going out!

Though he was only a Starfleet Cadet in training, he had strength and speed enough to get both ponies to safety.

BAM!! Lightning was punched hard up into the air by Rhinotaur. He straightened himself out, and that’s when he could look far across and see Swift rushing towards the two fallen ponies in the streets. He watched him pick them up and rush them far out of the village to safety.

“Lightning, watch out!” shouted Starla, which snapped him back into the battle, and he saw the monster leaping right up to attack him again, “HORN BLASTER”

Lightning quickly sped out of the way just missing the blast.

As the monster fell back down to the ground, Krysta prepared a trap for him, “Get ready…!” she hollered to the others and conjured a double portal.

The monster fell through one portal in the ground, and emerged out the other, high in the sky. He began to plummet down to the ground hard and with no solid ground to run about in, the fighters now had the advantage.

“Get him!” shouted Lightning.

Rarity and Fluttershy’s droids both came in and kicked the monster hard.

“I’ll blast you for that!” Rhinotaur roared, and he prepared to charge up his horn for another blast.

“Not this time,
…monster slime!” growled Rhymey, and he and Spike both charged in with their sword ready…!

They both took a slash and chopped that horn right off the monster’s face. “Oh, no!!” cried Rhinotaur.

Starla then used her magic to halt him right in the sky, “Oh, yes!” she hollered, and she armed her bow and fired her finisher, “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

KAPOW!! Her blast hit the monster hard, making him explode in midair and imprisoning him within a sphere.

Most of the team cheered for joy that the monster was beaten. The droids leapt into their arms of their respective husbands, and Krysta flew around in circles. “That fixes another of Stammdon’s creatures. Eh, Lightning…?

Lightning…?”

But Lightning had already flown back down to the place where he saw that lone pony helping the sentry and Honey Bun. He was long gone by now, and Lightning hadn’t seen which house he had come from, but he was certain he had seen that pony someplace before.

“Lightning…?” Starla called to him as she and the others came down from the sky. “We better go, remember we have a meeting with their majesties in the palace.”

Lightning snapped himself back into reality, remembering that’s why he had come in the first place, but the monster held him back.

The other couples had come to New Canterlot simply to do some shopping for their expected babies. Rarity especially wanted to buy some exotic fabrics to make baby clothes out of, “I could start a whole new trend.” she fantasizes “I could call it “Infant Illustrations” The latest fashion style for newborns, infants, crawlers, and walkers.

Oh, the idea sweeps me off my feet.”

“Easy, honey.” said Spike “We don’t want to take too long. Remember, your droid is supposed to be used for Starfleet business.”

Rarity was well aware of this,

“Well, we should go then,
All the sooner we’ll be home again.” said Rhymey.

So the groups parted ways, but Lightning continued to look back at the streets where he saw that pony, “Who was he?” he wondered.

Meanwhile, on Ainzul, Tan Shi scoffed, “Looks like Rhinotaur couldn’t toe the line either. So much for your idea…”

“Whatever.” said En Shi “At least he got more power for Stammadon, which leaves me to focus on what really matters.”

The others all sighed, “Not this again,” grumbled Kara Shi. Even Tan Shi rolled her eyes, “En Shi’s quest for the perfect mate, and I thought she was over it.”

En Shi felt a offended, “I wouldn’t expect you two to understand, but I can’t help it. I’ve tried many things before-- warfare, conquest, raiding, strengthening-- and now… I really don’t see the harm in having a go at falling in love. ”

She gazed down at reflection the pool of water in the wicked koi-pond, and she smirked at herself, “Besides, am I not attractive?” she winked at her comrades, Kara Shi actually blushed and tried to deny it, while Tan Shi hardly budged at all.

“Well, regardless of what either of you think,” said En Shi “I believe I am entitled to have a special someone by my side, but I won’t just settle for anyone. I’m looking for the perfect one that will meet my every desire and every expectation.”

Kara Shi and Tan Shi shook their heads pitifully at her vanity…

…While Rai Shi watched the whole thing, and then reported to Stammadon, “Master, it would appear that En Shi is being back to her old pursuit of a lover.”

Stammadon snuffed “En Shi’s petty quest is of no concern to me, as long as she remains loyal and truthful to our cause; to annihilate Starfleet, and be the strongest rulers in the galaxy.” He stood from his throne, “…And by this time, despite our army’s failure, we have gathered plenty of power from fear of weaklings.

…The time has come for me to challenge Starfleet myself.”

Rai Shi’s eyes widened, “You are certain you are being wise? Starfleet are no ordinary foes.”

Stammadon stepped down snickering “…This body I possess, combined with my great strength and growing powers, it couldn’t hurt to try.

Do you have a problem with that, Rai Shi?”

Rai Shi remained silent.

“Good!” hissed Stammadon “Round up the others, and wait until you are needed.”

Back at the royal palace, Lightning, Starla and Krysta met with their majesties in the briefing room.

“How goes the search for your apprentice?” asked Grand Ruler.

Lightning sighed, “Not good. I’ve gone over many files of cadets and those even thinking of joining the academy. I don’t think they’re what I’m looking for.”

Celestia was sympathetic with him, “I understand how you feel, Lightning, and believe me it could take a while to find the right pupil. I remember every pupil I ever chose, and I chose them out of great consideration.”

She remembered deeply all the apprentices she ever had, including Sunset Shimmer, and even Twilight Sparkle, and remembering Twilight brought on that little bit of sadness over missing her.

Her husband felt the same way, sad about missing Twilight, and comforted her.

The others all felt a little down and gave Twilight a moment of silence.

“I just hope I can find one soon.” said Lightning “After that battle this morning, it’s clear that Stammadon’s getting stronger. His monsters are getting a little harder to beat with all the fear he absorbs.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed this myself.” said Grand Ruler “Our cadets could sure use your training an apprentice as a good example, and even still it pleases me…

…the fact that you are taking all things I have taught, and all that you have learned from your own experiences to pass them on to those who need it as much.

…I know I chose well when I chose you, Lightning Dawn.”

Lightning felt flattered, and his wife smiled at him and placed her hand over his.

“Still, this isn’t help with the apprentice search.” said Lightning.

“Well, why don’t you go watch the cadets at their training?” suggested Celestia “It might help you find who you’re looking for.”

After the meeting adjourned, Lightning, Starla and Krysta headed down the halls to watch the training together. When suddenly they could hear shouting coming from Captain Shaina’s office.

“Your rescue stunt was fool-hearty!” Shaina scolded.

“I had a friend who was in trouble!” protested a young voice, “Not to mention one of the sentries was in danger too! If I hadn’t acted, they could’ve been really hurt or destroyed.”

“So you, an invalidated officer, disobeyed regulations, threw yourself out into danger, could’ve been destroyed on the spot, because of one friend and one total stranger?”

“Yes! I did, and I’m sure you’d have done the same, Captain.”

The trio were almost mystified at the tone of voices, but the shouting seemed to stop.

“All right…” they heard Shaina “You are forgiven, this time, and you’re right: perhaps I would have, but from now on, I don’t want you just jumping the gun like that. You’re not properly trained to engage in strong battles or enter danger zones on a whim.”

“Understood…”

With that, the cadet was dismissed and left to go prepare for training, and as he walked down the hall Lightning recognized him almost immediately, but he had already gone before Lightning could call out to him, but luckily Captain Shaina was coming out of her office.

“Captain, a quick moment…” he called to her.

“Yes sir, but make it fast, I have to go train the cadets.”

“Who was that cadet I just saw, the one you were talking to?”

“Swift Star.” replied Shaina “Violated Code 642 and entered the danger zone on impulse. Oh, and get this: He’s actually the cousin of that scum traitor, Striker.”

Starla remembered, “Striker’s been missing for over three weeks now.”

Shaina scoffed “If I were that creep I’d stay hidden. If it wasn’t for him, Stammadon wouldn’t be free and coming at us. The APBs already have a huge bounty on his head for his capture.”

“…I’m aware of that.” Lightning cut in “But Swift Star… I’d like to see his profile.”

Shaina then went back into her office and gave him the file. Then she left to go train the cadets.

Lightning looked down at the file with a great sense of curiosity expressed on his face. Starla and Krysta noticed this.

Soon, they were watching the cadets training in the dojo from the window, with Goldwin watching them too. “I often watch the cadets training, but I often wonder what it’d really be like to try it.”

“Well, it’s an experience you can do well without, Goldwin.” said Starla.

Suddenly, there were the distant sounds of crashes and groans from the dojo below, as the cadets screwed up once again and fell all over each other, much to Shaina’s irate, and the gang’s disappointment.

Swift Star was among the cadets, and he felt very displeased.

“So much for them.” groaned Krysta.

Lightning looked down at Swift, and saw he was visibly frustrated, almost like he really wanted to give up, which he practically did. Lightning had read the reports in Swift’s file. He was really unlike most potential candidates Lightning had already seen.

“I think we’ve got a winner here.” he said to himself.

Soon, the Cadets were dismissed again, and Shaina was far from pleased by their poor performances. Lightning saw all the ponies head home and was ready to head on down to address Swift in person… but suddenly, the alarms sounded inside the palace, followed by the warning alarms outside, forcing all citizens to once again take shelter from imminent danger.

“What’s going on?” asked Starla.

Goldwin looked all around through his telescope, “I don’t see anything.

…Wait! Down in the village!”

Lightning and the others could see from the window, it was Stammadon’s minions, all four of them, had appeared in the village area.

Swift, who was near the area didn’t heed the alarms and ran straight for the danger zone.

“Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and he and the girls flew out the window; Starla fired a small beacon of light into the sky hoping the other fighters would see it…

As Lightning and Starla flew towards the danger zone, they nodded at one another and transformed…

“Starfleet Magic!!”

Swift was only near the danger zone and trying to help others get to safety, due to what happened to Honey Bun that morning. “Come with me!” he called to others as he directed them into the nearest buildings, “Hurry up! The barriers will activate!”

The streets were nearly empty of civilians while the villains were getting closer.

Lightning and Starla touched down.

“Whoa! Commander Lightning!” cried Swift.

Lightning turned face him, “We’ll take it from here, son. You just get inside.”

Swift nodded, and got inside the nearest house, graciously let in by the owners who had let a few others in.

“Lightning…!” called a voice from up high, it was Spike and the rest of the group. Spike and Rhymey had already transformed.

“We saw the beacon as soon as the alarms sounded.” hollered Rarity “Shame, I was on the verge of buying the perfect fabric.”

“Not now, hon…” said Spike.

The team all huddled together and that’s when the Four Shi’s stood snickering at them.

“Is this all we will be having, just you?” Rai Shi teased “How unfortunate.”

“You monsters!” sneered Fluttershy “What do you want here?”

En Shi snickered “What kind of question is that? We’re here to destroy; simple as that.”

“Yeah,” Kara Shi cackled, and he held up his sword “So who wants to go first?”

The fighters looked ready to brawl. Rhymey and Spike drew out their swords. Rhymey spoke severely to the villains…

“I urge you to go back from when you came,
If you stay you will only get certain Maim.”

The Shis snickered and Tan Shi hissed “You don’t realize yet, do you? There is one more you haven’t accounted for yet.”

The fighters were confused, but that’s when HE came leaping in, and landing thunderously at the head of his group of minions, glaring at the fighters and practically growling like a lion.

“Striker?!” gasped Lightning

“It is him!” said Starla.

Swift Star was watching the fight from the house nearby, and he was ever so shocked. “That’s my cousin, Striker!” he cried, and he noticed how different Striker looked-- paler, fiercer, worse than anything he had ever been the way he acted at the academy, and that black armor and cape he wore. “Something isn’t right here.”

Striker snickered at the fighters, “So, we meet at last.” he hissed.

The ponies scanned him with their visors, “Oh, my!” cried Rarity “The evil energy readings are off the charts.”

Lightning glared at the villains, “Striker what is this?

Striker only snickered at him, “The one you call “Striker” is no more. I am now filled with the evil of Stammadon!”

The fighters were horrified at this, and Stammadon enjoyed it, “Your shock makes me grin, but I am here to do battle. Fight well, for I am going to destroy…!”

He threw off his cape and clenched his fingers, cracking his knuckles. His eyes gave an eerie glow, and he let out a menacing roar that sent shockwaves through the air, making the fighter back step a few paces.

“I don’t think he’s kidding!” cried Spike “What do we do?”

“Only thing we can do-- we fight.” said Lightning “That may be Striker’s, but we can’t just do nothing about it. We have to protect the villiage.”

“Maybe, if we fight him long enough, we can try to get through to Striker… if he’s still in there.” said Fluttershy.

“Good idea.” said Starla, but she really wasn’t so sure. The way Striker was, it was obvious Stammadon has some tight grip on him.

“Attack…!” Stammadon shouted, and his minions all rushed forth.

Rhymey, Spike and their wives droids rushed into action, leaving Lightning and Starla to face Stammadon themselves.

Rai Shi struck, and Fluttershy’s blocked with her arms. “”Oh, no you don’t!” she growled, and aimed to punch the big ape, only for him to catch her fist in his arms, “Even as a machine, you are being no match for me.”

POW, he punched her hard, sending her tumbling back, but Fluttershy managed to straighten the droid out. “Okay, time to get serious!”

En Shi fought against both Spike and Rhymey, only for a few moments, to merely check them out. “No, neither of you will do. You’re not my type.”

Rhymey and Spike were confused.

“What is she talking about?” asked Spike.

“Look out!” rhymed Rhymey…

“TUSNAMI” En Shi unleashed her tidal wave, forcing the boys to leap out of the way.

“Pathetic!” sneered En Shi.

WHAMM!! Rarity came in and kicked her hard in the face, knocking her over. “No one insults my friends or my husband!” Rarity growled.

En Shi glared furiously at her, and the two ladies began to brawl like crazy, taking hits, getting hit. What a sight.

Rhymey and Spike tried to rush over to help, but were intercepted by Kara Shi holding out his sword, and Tan Shi extending her claws.

The men held up their swords,

“You take her,
I’ll take the other.” said Rhymey.

Spike agreed, and he and Rhymey rushed in for the villains.

Spike took a swing at Tan Shi, and she leapt up high and over him. She then turned to swipe at him, but Spike swung his free claw catching hers.

Tan Shi scoffed, “Feel the strength of the mighty tiger!” and she pulled him back hard and did a perfect twist around, kicking him hard in the side, but as Spike flew off, “DRAGON BREATH” he blasted his flames straight for the evil tigress, forcing Tan Shi to leap up high into a tree, missing the shot.

Tan Shi and Spike both roared at each other like the Tiger and Dragon they were, and leapt for each other again.

Rhymey and Kara Shi’s blades clashed and clanged hard. Rhymey was actually able to keep up with the little shrimp and his amazing speed and stealth.

The two met in a blade-lock, and then shoved each other off hard.

“Think you’re pretty tough, huh?” sneered Kara Shi “Just because you’re so big and strong you think you have all the answers and I got none because I’m short.”

Rhymey was most mystified and confused,

“I said not a word,
But I’m curious of what I heard.

Do you have a problem about being small?
Or is it you have something against the big and tall?”

Kara Shi seemed furious, and rather than dish out his problem, he leapt up high, and his sword began to glow, “MASTER CUT!” and he zoomed down straight at Rhymey, who blocked the attack with his own sword.

The glow from Kara Shi’s sword became brighter and stronger, resulting in an explosion, throwing the two swordsmen across the field, but neither of them was willing to give up yet.

Swift didn’t watch any of those battles at all from the house; he was so fixated on his cousin staring Lightning and Starla down, like cowboys ready to draw.

Stammadon snickered wickedly, “I’ve waited for this. Now I will show you how strong I really am.”

“Striker, listen to me!” said Lightning “You’ve got to try and fight him off!”

“SILENCE!!” growled Stammadon, and he lunged forth, going right past the two ponies, not even touching them, and yet…!

POW-POW!! Both Lightning and Starla felt as if they had been hit by a wrecking ball.

“Lightning! Starla!” cried Krysta as she watched from above.

Lightning and Starla both got up, “What happened?” asked Starla “He didn’t touch us.”

“He didn’t have to.” said Lightning “He moved so quick those burning shockwaves exploded at the right place, so it felt like he hit us… but with the very air itself.”

“And that,” hissed Stammadon “Is only a small sample of my incredible strength.” His horn began to glow. “STRIKING FORCEWAVE”

Lightning and Starla just barely leapt up high in the sky and out of the way before being blasted a forceful wave so hard that it make the very ground shake, even the other teammates and the minions felt it and fell to the ground. Fluttershy and Rarity almost lost the signals to their droids.

“Wow!” cried Fluttershy “What was that?!”

Rai Shi snickered, “That is the great strength of Stammadon!”

En Shi nodded “His great strength, combined with Striker’s body and magic sure make him a top contender, wouldn’t you say?”

The team did not find this amusing, and continued to fight with the minions as best they could.

Krysta couldn’t bear this any longer, “I think it’s time to call in the cavalry!” and she flew off towards the palace.

Lightning and Starla leapt down from the air and were still horrified by how powerful Striker seemed to be for someone with only five years of training.

“Do you still doubt me now?” hissed Stammadon.

Starla felt a bit nervous, but Lightning whispered to her, “…I bet he’s got one fatal weakness, and I think I know what it is.” He whispered softly to her.

“I hope you’re right.” she whispered to him.

They both glared at Stammadon and charged up their auras. Starla’s mane fluttered in the waves.

Stammadon only snarled at them, “So, you still choose to fight? So be it!” he let out a monstrous lion’s roar and leapt at his opponents for another strike, but this time they simply sidestepped, letting him run past them and the air-explosions didn’t hit them.

The trio then dashed at one another, brawling like wild animals-- punching hard, their fists collided together with ever so much force, Lightning and Starla felt the slight tingle of pain hit them as did Stammadon.

Lightning took a swing, and Stammadon leaned back slightly.

Stammadon kicked for Starla, and she back-flipped, missing the attack.

Swift saw everything, and he couldn’t believe his eyes. “Striker’s really gone mad.” he said to himself

The other fighters saw the fierce brawling. “We gotta try and help them!” said Spike.

“Agreed.” said Rarity, but the minions wouldn’t hear of it and intercepted them all preventing them from assisting. “You will be going nowhere!” hissed Rai Shi “FIST OF FORCE”

BAM!! The two droids were socked hard.

“HAIL STORM” shouted En Shi and she bombarded the other fighters with sharp ice pellets, making sparks fly.

Tan Shi and Kara Shi nodded at one another, and leapt in clawing and slashing at all the fighters multiple times.

Lightning and Starla still fought hard.

“STARLIGHT ARROW”

Starla fired her shot straight for Stammadon, but he actually caught the shot in his hand, and the shot vanished in a burst of sparkles.

“PULSAR LASER”

“UNIFORCE”

Both Lightning and Starla’s combined forces merged together heading straight for the villain, but Stammadon leapt up high, and came crashing down at them in a high-jump kick. Lightning blocked him with his arms, and the force of the impact nearly drilled him into the ground.

He flicked Stammadon off of him and then rubbed his sore arms while panting furiously.

Stammadon stood strong, with only a few slight injuries and dust marks on his face. “I don’t understand! What am I doing wrong?” he thundered.

Lightning smirked “You may have Striker’s body, but it’s still strange and unusual to you. Just because you have his body and his strengths doesn’t mean you can use it properly.”

“He’s right…!” called a voice.

Stammadon was suddenly enveloped in bright magical aura, cast by Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia, and joining them were tons of guards all aiming their magical lances at him and strengthening the hold.

“MASTER!!” the minions shouted, and suddenly all four of them were held in strong aura fields.

Krysta fluttered down to Lightning and said “Thought we could use help on this one.”

Lightning smiled and nodded proudly at her, and then up at their royal majesties. They nodded down at him.

“Release me!” Stammadon thundered.

“Something’s wrong!” cried Fluttershy “They aren’t shrinking down!”

Their majesties were afraid of this “Their energy…” Grand Ruler groaned “It’s unlike anything we’ve ever felt.”

“We’ll have to give it a little more magic.” said Celestia.

She and her husband both poured on more power, as did the guards to try and ultimately detain the villains. Lightning and the other alicorns helped, giving some of their own magic.

“It’s working!” cried Fluttershy as she scanned with her visor “Their energy is actually draining…Very, very slowly.”

She was right. The others scanned the power levels and they were dropping at such a slow rate, it was hardly down two percent, and all the ponies couldn’t stand the strain, not even their majesties.

“It’s no good!” cried Lightning “They’re much too strong!”

“…We… can’t… hold out like this!” cried Starla.

Stammadon snickered, and saw his chance. He clenched his fists hard and concentrated all his evil energy, finally let out a huge, thunderous roar which actually shook the aura field.

The ponies were all shaken up, feeling the strain vibrating back at them.

Stammadon roared again, and he actually broke free from that field in such a shockwave that spread across the village, knocking every single pony, even their majesties, off their feet and out of the air, which also released the minions.

Stammadon levitated himself in midair, glowing with dark flaming aura. “Simple fools!” he growled “I am Stammadon! The strongest being in any world! My massive power existed long before any of your pitiful powers were.

You won’t get the best of me that easily, but your destruction shall have to wait for another time. I have plans to take care of!”

As he vanished out of sight, heading back for Ainzul, he called for his minions, “Come, all of you!”

The Shis nodded and each vanished one-by-one, until they were all out of sight.

Lightning angrily clenched his fists and pounded the ground hard, “We HAD them… but we couldn’t get them! Not even with an army at our side.”

His friends all huddled around him, comforting him, and expressing their own outrage.

Their majesties stood, and felt the same outrage, but didn’t wish to lose their cools as it wouldn’t help. “Stammadon is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.” said Grand Ruler “There must be some way to best him!”

Celestia agreed, and held his hand “We shall, my love. I know it.”

When Stammadon and the others got back to their temple on the mountain, Stammadon addressed his minions “Apparently my fighting skills are not all on par with my strength, as I had feared. This body I inhabit does present its holdbacks.

But I will train hard, and I will strike again. In the meantime, I expect you all to carry on my will for me.”

“Yes, understood.” replied the Shis.

Stammadon then sat comfortably on his throne, “I am… I will be… the strongest of all.”

The next day, everyone had a good night’s rest, and they had much thinking and planning to do to outwit Stammadon’s forces.

In the meantime, life continued, and the cadets were still training… and they were still flopping. Many were still shaken up by the events of the battle the other day, others were still misguided by their lack of motivation, no matter how much the instructors tried to tell them otherwise, it’s as if the cadets just wouldn’t listen or couldn’t take to heart any of their messages.

This was the moment Lightning decided to make his move.

As the cadets all filed out planning to leave to for home, he heard them all grumbling.

“This stinks.”

“We’ll never be as good as Lightning Dawn.”

“Then again, even their majesties couldn’t beat that creep last night.”

“Wasn’t that Swift Star’s cousin?”

Lightning sighed at all the negativity he was hearing, but he never saw Swift Star come out from the locker room with the others.

Swift was the only one left in the room, having just changed out of his training gear and wearing normal clothes. He had been badly shaken ever since he discovered his cousin was brainwashed by Stammadon, and it made his performance in training even worse that day. “That’s it!” he said out loud “I’m going to quit, that’s final.”

Lightning heard him from and stood at the door “…You don’t really mean that, son.”

Swift nearly leapt out of his clothes, and then saw who it was, “Commander Lightning?”

Lightning didn’t answer, and just went through the file he was holding. “Swift Star: Sixteen years old…

-Graduate: New Canterlot Middle School, with outstanding grades.

-Judo Black belt champion 4thdegree.

-Two years training at Starfleet Academy.”

He closed the file and looked at him, “You seem like you have a lot of potential, son. Why give it all up?”

Swift hated to say this in front of a pony he idolized, “I guess I’ll just never be any better. I try and I try but I just end up getting nowhere.”

Lightning nodded, “Come with me, son.”

Swift hardly knew what to say at first, but then he grabbed his training bag and headed off with Lightning.

They walked through the streets of New Canterlot.

“Tell me,” said Lightning “Why did you want to join Starfleet? It’s a dangerous business. You put your life on the line, battle bad guys, risk getting yourself destroyed all the time.”

“I know all that, sir.” said Swift.

Lightning waited for an answer, “Well…?”

Swift finally answered “Well, I wanted to become stronger; be more like you. I consider you and your team idols sir. Your battle strategies we read at the academy were so inspiring…”

“That’s fine and dandy,” Lightning cut in “But it seems to me that’s your problem: you lack proper motivation, proper understanding.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“No, you don’t know. If you did you’d be improving by now.”

“Thanks!” grunted Swift “In case you hadn’t forgotten, just found out my cousin’s in the possession of an evil alien master.”

“Understandable: Yes.” said Lightning “Excusable: Not so much.”

The two stopped and sat on a bench in a park. “You said you wanted be like me,” said Lightning “Well, I’m flattered, and that’s a fine motivation, but it’s not the correct one.

The real reason you or anyone would want to join Starfleet is always the same: To protect and serve. To fight to protect the innocent from evil, and to maintain order, justice and peace for those you care for and more.”

Swift sighed “We are all taught that on day one at the academy, and… begging your pardon sir, but what are you saying?”

Lightning hated what he was about to say, “Try not to take this too personal son, but you were right; you’re not going to get any better…”

Swift looked indeed offended, but before he could say a thing or react, Lightning said “…Not the way you’re going at it.”

Swift blinked once.

“I was just like you, Swift Star.” Lightning said “I was weak, not much to hope for or gain, I didn’t have any magic, but then fate gave me a chance, but only if I was willing to take it and make the best of it.

I trained under the guidance of The Grand Ruler, and gradually thanks to his teachings and my experiences, I found out I could do many things, and look at me now; the big time hotshot commander.

Now I find out that you and all the other trainees are complaining that you’re not like me, and never will be. Quite frankly that’s more disgusting than flattering.”

A moment of silence passed, and both Lightning and Swift looked up into the sky.

“Well,” Lightning said “I think what you need is some serious tutoring son, and I’m willing to give it to you.”

Swift looked up, almost alarmed at what he had just heard, “Sir?”

“That’s right.” Lightning said “I’m offering a chance I don’t think you can pass up, but it’s up to you. So consider your options.

You can’t ever be like me, but give me a chance… and you just may find out that you really do have what it takes, just on your own.”

Swift didn’t know what to say at all, and Lightning gave him his card with his address on it, “Think it over, son. Then again, I could always find someone else.”

Then he took off into the sky, leaving Swift with a lot of thinking to do.

He sat pondering, and even got up walking around looking at all the sights and thinking of all he had seen and done, especially knowing what danger his cousin, Striker, was in now.

A song played as he sang in his mind…

I train and try, and hope for the best,
And in the end it’s all a big flop
I slip and I fall, and a stumble about,
Getting further away from the top
I look deep inside for the answer,
All I see is a great long dark.
A hallway that’s empty, and questions a plenty
It’s all a big question mark.

What do I do?
Should I take it or leave it,
What do I do?
How can I believe it?
That there is a chance knocking on my door
There’s way that I could be so much more

Now my cousin is captured by a monster
And the thought is too much for me to bear
I’m getting slower and worse, how can I end my curse
Take the offer and ask it right there…

What do I do?
I know I’ve got the chance
What do I do?
Should make just one more stance
That there is a chance knocking on my door
There’s way that I could be so much more

What do I do?

After much contemplating and realization, one day he made his way to Lightning and Starla’s home in New Ponyville.

Lightning and Starla answered the door.

“So, when do we start?” asked Swift.

Lightning and his wife just smiled.

(Promo)

In our next episode: A famous Rock Group heads to New Ponville, while at the same time, Cadance and Shining Armor are visiting. This gives Data Stream and Megadox the idea to turn the rock concert into a sonic disaster. Mykan and the Data Squad must fight to the rescue, but must also avoid revealing their secret to others.

Can the Data Squad successful prevail once again?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Sonic Symphonic”)

Episode 7: Sonic Symphonic

EPISODE SEVEN

Another day, another mega-virus monster…

This monster was a basic dinosaur-like design, grey in color with sharp spikes and sharp teeth and claws to boot. It had been messing up the circuitry for the city lights in the New Crystal Empire, so they lights flickered like crazy and shocked anyone who came close to them.

Once again, the Super Cyber Data Squad was on the mission.

*Mykan’s POV*

I, as Surfer, had already digitized into the systems and was battling it out with the creature.

The creature roared and flailed about, forcing me to blocks its attacks with my arms, or roll along. “Come on, bonehead,” I growled “Hold still a minute!”

I grabbed the creature by its boney tail hold it somewhat at back, but the furious monster actually swung hard and sent me crashing into a pile of circuits, messing the systems up more.

The lights in the city were going berserk, frightening the civilians. Electricians tried everything, but every time they got so much as up their ladders, ZAP!! They were shocked badly and thrown off, crashing on the ground.

The power plants tried to shut the lights off at the source.

“It’s jammed!”

“We can’t shut ‘em off!”

“It’s like something’s fried our controls!”

This was the work of the virus, severing the links to the controls.

The monster roared at me and came charging forth, when suddenly it was intercepted by the Dread Program, which bit into the neck!

“It’s not nice to kick a man when he’s down.” said DD.

“Don’t forget us!” called Sweetie Belle, as she and the other Crusaders came in with their Data Beasts.

“We better make this fast, I’ve still got homework to do.” said Scootaloo.

“Let’s rope him in.” hollered Applebloom “Taste some Totalizer.”

She rammed hard on the controls, and her beast dashed forth whamming into the monster’s chest, sending it back several paces.

“Get ready for the heavy artillery!” snapped Sweetie.

“Right with you!” added Scootaloo.

At their commands, Arc and Assault fired their lasers and missiles, blasting the monster hard, making small explosions and sparks flow all over.

“DATA SABER” I shouted, and my swords pixelated into my hand.

The monster glared at me and foolishly charged forth to get at me…!

“CRASH SLASH WAVE!” with a simple swing and a blast from my blade, I blew that monster into data bytes, and it was gone!

“Yee-Haw!” shouted Applebloom.

“Take that, Buggy Eyes.” teased DD.

I nodded proudly, “Now to put things back to normal.” and my restore program repaired all the systems, making the lights stop flickering and shocking and the computers were repaired…

…Much to the disdain and anger of the evil Megadox! He actually appeared on the screens within the Data Beasts’ cockpits. “Data Squad!” he thundered “You were most fortunate this time, but eventually, your luck will run out.”

The girls and I were far from disturbed by his taunting. Sweetie Belle even scoffed, “Not the way we see it.”

Megadox jeered at us, “There is nothing in the universe that can silence me! I am MEGADOX; overlord of the Digital World, and future conqueror of the Fleshlings!”

His boasting and laughter was now starting to get on our nerves. “Try saying that to us in person!” snarled Applebloom “We’ll fry every circuit in that dump-heap you call a body.”

Megadox only laughed, “Such big words from such feeble programs such as yourselves. Much as I admire exchanging these petty arguments, I must be on my way.

…Until next time, Data Squad, which shall be the last time-- for you!”

He laughed once more and then logged off.

“Never mind, him.” I said “Let’s head on home.”

With that, we all sailed our way along the circuits, but rather than emerging in Lightning and Starla’s house, we emerged outside the girls’ tree house by New Sweet Apple Acre; nowhere near the super computer.

Other than Lightning and Starla, no one else was anywhere near the area and had no idea of what experiments was going on.

The girls were so psyched and cheered for joy.

“Shh… keep it down, girls!” I said to them.

The girls had quite forgotten, “We’re just so stoked about all this.” said Scootaloo.

“Yeah, we just kicked another virus out of the system again.” added Sweetie Belle, “Especially thanks to these…” she held up her wrist revealing a new watch with a small square box on it.

The other crusaders and I each had one. The only looked like ordinary watches, but were in fact miniature computers and link ups, connected to the Super Computer, via powerful electronic wavelengths, as well a magical-transport spell, courtesy of Krysta.

My device was created and infused by Professor Brain, and magically infused by Krysta.

The other four, we had requested built as backup, but secretly kept the fact they were actually for the girls, and we agreed to keep their helping me a secret from everyone… even their royal majesties.

Starla, though she wasn’t as skilled as the professor was in computers, still managed to hack the programs to link up the girls’ watches to their respective Data Beasts, just as mine was linked to Surfer.

This way, if a virus attacked a system again, we could actually link to the super-computer by tapping on our watch faces. This would let us view holographic screens, exactly whatever would be on the super computer, and thanks to the magical link-up Krysta had cast on the systems, we could digitize into the Digital World wherever we were and not have to go to Lightning’s house.

It was, however, vital to keep watches charged, which could be dozens simply by plugging them into an electrical outlet-- like recharging a simple battery.

“Looks like it worked fine.” I said “And because they look like watches, no one will suspect a thing.”

The girls all looked down at their watches and thought they were totally amazing.

“I really wish I could tell, Applejack about this.” said Applebloom.

“Yeah,” agreed DD “If Buddy and Tree Hugger knew, they’d probably--”

“Girls…!” Lightning said to them.

“We know, we know.” said Sweetie “It’s for us to know, and them to find out; Data Squad’s oath.”

“We won’t tell anyone.” promised Scootaloo

“Very good.” said Starla.

It sure got dark by now; the girls realized they had to get home before their families worried. “Don’t worry,” I said “I wrote letters to your families saying that I’ve tutoring you girls a few hours after school, and they bought it.

So just play it cool.”

The girls agreed.

“You know, falsifying to families is considered a felony, Mykan.” Lightning said to me.

I gave him a straight look, and he sighed, “But you’re right, it is necessary. Just try to keep within the lines; I don’t like having to ride on my authority.”

Starla calmed him, “Let’s go home, dear.”

With that, we bid our goodnights. Applebloom and DD walked down to the farm, Lightning and Starla escorted the others home, and I teleported home to New Canterlot.

*POV Pause*

Applebloom got home just in time to smell her mother’s good cooking. “I’m home.” she called out “What smells so good?”

“Just in time, honey.” said Pear Butter “I made your favorites.”

Applebloom’s eyes lit up and sparkled and she practically rushed to the table throwing her school bag down and nearly running over her father and brother as she passed.”

“Boy, trust your ma to get your sis stirred up like that.” said Bright Mac.

“Eeyup.” agreed Big Mac.

Soon the entire Apple Family was sitting at the dinner table. Granny Smith was asleep in her chair, and didn’t feel much like eating, and Applejack had just come home from patrol.

“Hi, sorry I’m late. I had to help with an investigation regaurdin’ the lights in the village. They’re all fixed now.”

“Well what was wrong with ‘em?” asked Big Mac.

Applejack new it was I, as Surfer, who must have fixed it; since she and other Starfleet members knew of the program, and Megadox, but she was sworn under oath not to tell. So she made up a fib, “Oh, just a huge bug in the system. They barely managed to blow the critter to bits. It could’ve shorted all the power out of the village.”

Her fib fooled the family, but Applebloom rolled her eyes nervously, and softly touched her watch, but fought the temptation to tell and said nothing.

“Hey, where’d you get that watch?” Bright Mac asked.

“Oh, um… Mr. Stevens got it for Me.” she lied “He bought one for each of the girls, as a gift; said we were doin’ so well in our studies.”

Her fib fooled everyone, even Applejack.

Granny Smith began to stir in her sleep, “Watches… who needs a dang ol’ watch.” she sputtered “Why in my days… we used the sunlight to tell… the time of…” she fell back asleep again.

The Apple siblings chuckled, but Bright Mac and Pear Butter didn’t feel the same-- they were growing a bit concerned about something, but felt it was nothing to discuss about right now.

DD was having dinner with Buddy and Tree Hugger.

“So, what were you studying today, DD?” asked Buddy.

“Oh, um…” DD quickly tried to come up with a fib, but she was saved when Tree Hugger gasped softly “Whoa… the baby’s kicking.” she whimpered in delight.

Buddy leapt up almost in shock, “Honey, are you okay?”

His wife sighed and smiled as she went into extreme relaxation, “Ooooohhh… yeah, sing to me, baby.” She said as she rubbed her belly, “Take me in with those groovy beats and vibrations of bliss.”

Buddy and DD rolled eyes at Tree Huggers hip talk, but the conversation was then changed to talking about the baby coming and all the preparations. So DD was safe.

Sweetie Belle finished dinner with Spike and Rarity.

Rarity chomped down her servings rather ravenously before she caught hold of herself and her rather disgusting manners, “Oh, do forgive me…” she said “I’m just so famished.”

“But all you’ve been doing is resting and sewing all day.” said Sweetie.

“It’s the baby, Sweetie Belle.” replied Rarity “I can’t help it. I get these bad cravings to snack when I know I shouldn’t.” She started to tear up-- her mood swings kicked in. “Oh, if I can’t stop this, I’ll gain so much wait… I’ll… be… Fa-ha-ha-hat…!”

Her overdramatic crying really annoyed her husband and sister. “I think she needs to some time out of the house.” Spike called to Sweetie.

His sister-in-law agreed, and then she noticed the small stack of mail near her plate, including a poster about a rock band that would be playing in New Ponyville town square the next day.

“Sonic Symphonic” That’s the name for the group.” said Sweetie.

“I’ve heard of them,” said Spike “They come from the New Crystal Empire. They say that they have the power to play great harmonic tunes that can charm anyone. They’re on their first ever rock tour around the planet.”

Sweeite Belle then got the idea, “Hey! Why don’t we all go to their concert tomorrow?”

Rarity and Spike gawked at her.

“Well, why not? We could all hang together outside, and maybe the rock outfits will give Rarity an idea for her fashion.

“Well… I’m not so sure…” said Rarity “Those rock concerts, and all the rowdy ponies seems rather…” before she could finish, she looked at the posted, and she was impressed, not with the outfits, but the handsome rock stars. “Oh, my…!” she sighed heavenly and gazed at them with goo-goo eyes, much to Spike’s chagrin.

Rarity cleared her throat and snapped into reality, “What I mean is… perhaps we could go. I could use the fresh air in my condition.”

“Whatever you say, dear.” grumbled Spike.

While all that was happening, far away in the New Crystal Empire, Data Stream was frustrated! She angrily pounded the desk and scolded at the computer screen, “The Bone-A-Saurus failed! Nice going, Megadox! And you called yourself “Overlord of the Digital World.”

“Silence!!” thundered Megadox “You have no idea how powerful I am! I have destroyed entire networks of mainframes. More than you have ever accomplished, Fleshling!”

Data felt most offended, “You better watch your mouth, Mister. Don’t forget who needs who around here. I just MAKE you the viruses, YOU’RE the one who brings them to life and powers them.

Consider that while work on making our viruses better, because I’m going to bed!”

“You impudent Fleshlings!” grunted Megadox “Is that all you can think of is rest?”

“Oh, right…” Data said as she got up “How could I forget… computers don’t need sleep. Well, maybe you ought to try it sometime and refresh your power-bits. Goodnight, Megadox!”

She shut off the computer, just like that and went off to bed, unbeknownst to her that right after she left, Megadox switched came back on the screen by himself.

“That impudent fleshling-- Thinking she can order me around. One of these days, I shall show her what true power I possess.”

He snickered wickedly and logged off again.

Early next morning, Saturday, DD and Applebloom were already up and helping their families with the morning chores. At least with no school that day, they didn’t have to go as fast.

As they helped the grownups feed the animals, the girls could suddenly hear the sounds of Scootaloo shouted out to them, “APPLEBLOOM… DD…!!”

“Whoa! What’s got your feather’s flappin’?” asked Applebloom.

“Just these!” cried Scootaloo and she flashed three tickets for the Sonic Symphonic concert in Town Square that day.

“Wow!” cried DD “I’ve heard of this band, but I’ve always wanted to hear their music and see if it’s as good as they say it is.”

DD and Applebloom each took a ticket. Scootaloo was holding two more, one for herself obviously. “Did you tell Sweetie Belle yet?” asked Applebloom.

“Didn’t have to,” replied Scootaloo “She’s already coming with her own ticket.”

“Well, who’s the other ticket for?” asked DD.

“That’d be me…” Rainbow Dash called as she touched down “Who do you think got them for you girls?”

The girls were more psyched than ever. Naturally Rainbow was all for rock bands, and she wouldn’t miss this one for much.

“Hold your horses there, girls.” Applejack called out. She and Buddy came over to the group. “Sorry, but you won’t be goin’ to that rock concert.”

“WHAT?!!” the girls all shouted.

“Applejack!” snapped Rainbow, and before she could protest further, “…Not without us.” Buddy said as he and Applejack held up their own tickets they had gotten days ago. The girls and Rainbow felt sheepish falling for their trick.

“When did you guys get those tickets?” asked DD.

“Princess Cadance sent them to us in the mail.” replied Buddy “The Royal Crystal Family sponsors Sonic Symphonic, and is supporting them on their world tour. Cadance thought she’d give all of us these as gifts for her dearest friends, and include enough for our families.”

Applejack nodded “We were savin’ it for a surprise, since you girls have been doin’ great in school, we thought we’d treat you and bring the family along, but it looks like now we got extras.”

“Well, what are we waitin’ for?” said Applebloom “Ley’s finish the chores and get on over there.”

“Leave that one to us.” said Buddy. Rainbow and Applejack nodded, and together, using their Starfleet speed and strengths, they plowed up the rest of the fields, did the tending to plants, hauled in bushel-after-bushel of apples.

Bright Mac and Pear Butter were still astounded by the speed Applejack and the others were going at.

“You should see what they go like when they really go fast.” said Big Mac.

The chores were all done in less than thirty minutes, due them already being half-done before. “That should do it.” said Buddy.

“Let’s move on out.” said Applejack.

“YEAH!!” the three crusaders hollered.

Later on, at Lightning and Starla’s they got a surprise visit from Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart whom were in town to help promote the concert in New Ponyville and thought they’d stop by so Flurry could have a nap in a quiet and trustful place… but also to ask for a little help with one thing regarding the concert.

Flurry and Shining Light were both fast asleep in Shining’s playpen.

“Aww… so sweet.” whispered Cadance.

“And about time,” added Starla “They played so much you’d think they’d never stop. They always get so energetic when near each other.”

The fathers sighed, and Lightning asked “So what exactly did you want help with?”

“We need security help.” replied Shining Armor “The Band is becoming so popular, loads of ponies are going nuts at the sight of them, our regular security can barely control the crowds.”

“…So you want us to head the job, right?” asked Starla.

“That’s pretty much it.” said Cadance “If you do, the band promised you backstage clearance passes.”

Lightning and Starla weren’t so sure, especially the thought of bringing their seven-month old baby to a loud rock-concert.

“No problem…” said Cadance, and she reached into Flurry Heart’s diaper bag and pulled out a cute pair of special earmuffs “We bring these for Flurry all the time, when we need her to sleep and it’s too noisy, and we pack extras.”

With that, Lightning and Starla agreed to help.

Later that day, Data Stream read the newspaper about Sonic Symphonic playing in New Ponyville that day, and that Cadance and her family were there promoting the concert, which really made her mad.

“…Stupid rock groupies and stupid Cadance-- still live the high life while I’m still locked up in here as a worthless trash picker.”

She then noticed the picture of the bands and their electronic gear, preferable the lead singer’s electric guitar. “Hmmm… ohhhh, I’ve got an idea.” she snickered.

She quickly turned on her computer and began typing variously.

Megadox came online without her even calling to him, “My sensors detect the vibrations of your typing. You are making a virus for me?”

“Not really making, but perfecting.” replied Data “I’ve saved the Bone-a-Saurus’ and am working on it as we speak.”

“Your logic is null!” grunted Megadox “Surfer already eradiated that virus.”

Data rolled her eyes “I told you, I’m perfecting the design! I’ve given him missile spikes, a couple extra arms, and a supersonic roar that can transmit a powerful wave length that can weaken anyone it touches and send them to sleep.

Behold, Skell-A-Saurus!”

Megadox observed the design on the second screen, and just as Data promised it was indeed like the previous monster but more farcie looking-- spikier, four arms and all the perks.

“Ah, an excellent design,” he commented “And if it succeeds in putting fleshlings to sleep, it will make conquering the world all the more easier, for me!”

“I know just the place to use it too.” hissed Data “Are you able to infect electronic instruments?”

“Of course!” snapped Megadox “Anything that is computerized or runs on electrical power, I have the power to manipulate.”

“Then send it to the rock concert in New Ponyville, and plant it in the electric guitar. Once our little Skell-A-Saurus alters it, it’ll send everyone who hears it into a deep slumber, including that miserable Cadance!”

“Very well,” said Megadox “Skell-A-Saurus… I give you life!”

With a zap of his powers, the monster came to life and gave a menacing screech.

“Now go, find the electronic instrument and serve me well!”

The virus was off, traveling along the powerlines, making its way to New Ponyville where the concert was all set up and nearly ready to begin.

The virus traveled from the powerlines, into the plugged in guitar. Once inside the Digital World within, it immediately began to use its sonic screech to infect the circuits-- positives were changed to negative, others were overloaded with power. All the circuits began to glow an eerie shade of red!

Meanwhile, Lightning and Starla were doing their job, and Krysta helped them out too.

“Look, there’s the Apple Family and Buddy Rose’s too.” said Krysta.

Indeed, all of them had come, even Granny Smith, was being pushed in a wheelchair, but she didn’t look too hip and peppy. She looked groggy and a little pale.

“Is she alright?” asked Starla.

“Eh, I’m fine…” groaned Granny “Just a little… under the weather… and I… I…” she fell asleep in her chair.

“I thought maybe some fresh-air would help her.” said Bright Mac “Besides, you know Ma; even loves a good rock concert.”

Tree Hugger, was there too, “There’s nothing I like as well as a sonic wave of rockin’ tunes.” meaning she liked rock bands, which everyone got the meaning of. There were quite a few hippies at the concert too, all excited and waiting for the show to start.

“We’re just making the most of things.” said Buddy, and he motioned at Tree Hugger’s belly “Pretty soon we’ll have way much to handle.”

Lightning approached him and patted his shoulder, “You’ll make a great dad. You already have some experience.” he motioned at DD.

DD smiled up at her cousin, and Tree Hugger came over and pecked her husband deeply on the cheek. “Aww…” said Buddy “Maybe it won’t be so bad after all.”

“Hey…!” Sweeite Belle called as she, Spike and Rarity came along. The crusaders all huddled together and squealed “EEEEEE…!!” as they jumped for joy and expressed their excitements.

As for Rarity, she gawked around at the souvenir stands selling all kinds of merchandise-- T-Shirts, caps, and mugs and drinking cups, all kinds of things officially branded by Sonic Symphonic.

“Oh, how darling…!” Rarity cooed as she observed all the merchandise “Oh, why this would look divine with a little couture at the bottom.

Oh, and put some sapphire around the rim of this cap, and it could really stand out.”

The gang all sighed and chuckled at her.

Soon, the concert was already ready to begin, when Lightning and Starla were invited backstage, as promised by Cadance and Shining Armor. Flurry Heart and Shining Light were already in the playpen with their earmuffs on, and Lightning and Starla finally met the ponies of Sonic Symphonic.

Heart Strings: The leader singer and guitarist of the group. He was a reddish Earth pony with a bright yellow mane, and on the front of his leather jacket was a picture his cuitemark-- a guitar surrounded by stars.

Picker: The base player. He was a brown Pegasus with a black mane. His cutiemark was that of a guitar pick and strings

Viola Scales: The keyboard player, and the only female in the group. She was a beige Earth pony, with a long two-toned mane-- black, and white streaks, and her cutiemark was that of piano keys.

And finally, Rammer: the band’s drummer. He was a big burly blue unicorn, with a brown mane, and his cuitemark was a big base-drum.

The exchanged handshakes-- Rammer was impressed how strong their handshakes were. “Wow! You guys really are super strong as they say.”

“Well we didn’t become head of the Starfleet forces being pretty.” said Lightning.

Viola chuckled, “That’s what I tell everyone how I got into this gig.” she flicked her mane and winked at Lightning “Do you believe that?”

Lightning tried to hide his bashfulness, “Um… yes… I do.”

Starla growled softly.

“Seriously,” said Heart “We can’t thank you two enough for helping us. We’re still kind of new in this music gig, thanks to the Princess and her husband.”

Cadance and Shining Armor nodded thankfully.

“It’s our pleasure.” said Lightning.

“Hey, how would you guys like to hear a little tune?” asked Picker, “We need to tune up a bit before we perform anyway.”

Before the others could answer, Flurry and Shining cried from their playpen-- they both had soiled their diapers, as was hinted by the sudden smell.

“I think it’s your turn to do it…” Starla said to Lightning.

“You too…” Cadance said to Shining Armor.

The fathers sighed, but agreed, and while they went off to take their babies to the restrooms in back of the concert area, the mothers stayed behind with Krysta. “Oh, well, more music for us then.” Krysta said.

“Yeah, go ahead.” said Cadance

So the gang grabbed their instruments, plugged them into the amps, but turned the volumes low so the audience wouldn’t hear outside.

Heart grabbed his guitar…

…Unaware the virus was still inside it and had already caused horrible modifications with the circuitry.

Heart then declared, “This here is part of song we call “Rock Oh My Baby.” and the second he struck the first chord, a blast of unusual soundwaves emitted from the electrical systems, hitting himself the group, and the friends, and they all fell unconscious flat on the stage.

The stagehands came out to tell the group they were on soon and were shocked to discover that everyone was flat out cold.

“What happened?”

“We’ve got a show to run!”

One of the stage hands tried to help Heart up to his feet, and in the struggle he grabbed the guitar, accidently striking one of the strings. Then he and his fellow stage hands fell unconscious as well.

Ironically, one of the stage hands fell over an amp, cranking its volume up, and when Heart’s guitar hit the floor, several chords were struck at once!

The sound blazed through the curtains hitting the spectators in the audience, and they all began to fall to the ground like falling dominoes.

“Huh?” cried Applebloom “What’s goin’ on?”

“I don’t know…” said Sweetie Belle “But I feel… a bit woozy.”

The families were far enough away that the sounds weren’t strong enough to knock them out, but the high pitched sound after was monstrous. “That’s high frequency waves!” cried Buddy.

“Whoa!” cried Tree Hugger as she held her ears down “Can someone, like, tune out the voltage a notch?!”

Applejack called out to those still unaffected, “Everyone, get on the ground! Cover your ears!”

Many ponies did just so, but Granny Smith was still in her chair. The sound didn’t seem to bother her, due to her being hard of hearing at her age. “Eh… what’s goin’ on?” she asked “Somebody tune up the volume. My hearin’s not as good as when I was a youngin’

Other ponies that were starting to hear the high noise from way back scrambled to get earmuffs from the vendors, not even bothering to pay for them but just ransack the stands and just taking them, which lead to brawls and struggles.

“Ugh!!” growled Spike, and he, and the pony officers got up to break up the fights. Rarity stayed behind due to her forbiddance to perform super duties because of her pregnancy.

“What is going on around here?” groaned Scootaloo “Even Rainbow Dash doesn’t make this big a noise when she breaks the sound barrier.”

“What do you think is going on back there?” asked DD.

“I don’t know,” said Rarity, but stay down girls.

When Lightning and Shining Armor came back with their freshly diapered babies, they could hear the screeching pitch. “A’rgh! What is that?!” groaned Shining Armor.

“Sounds like high pitched feedback.” said Lightning.

The sound got dimmer as it ran out of power. The babies didn’t notice as they were still wearing their muffs, but when the fathers got back to the stage and found everyone out cold. “What happened here?” cried Shining Armor and he bent down over his wife. “Cadance…?”

Lightning softly stroked Starla’s face, “Starla? Honey, come on, wake up…”

Starla and Cadance began to come to their sense; due to their Starfleet training they were much stronger; the blast from the soundwaves couldn’t keep them out for very long.

Krysta was still unconscious due to her being small. Shining Armor scooped her up. “She’s alright.”

Starla and Cadance shook themselves awake.

“What happened?” Cadance asked “The last thing I remember, Heart strummed his guitar and… I blacked out.”

“Look at the band… and the staff!” cried Starla.

All the ponies were still unconscious, and Lightning began to worry. He peeked out through the small openings in the curtains of the stage, and saw half the crowd was unconscious as well, and he could see everyone in back was on the ground covering their ears over the dying soundwaves.

He could even see the families in the back of the crowd, and the officers detaining the crazed shoppers. “I’ll be right back.” he called to the others, and he left the stage and headed on to the back of the crowd.

“Lightning!” Rarity called to him.

“Is everyone alright? What happened?”

“I don’t know…” said Bright Mac “One minute we heard this big WHAMM sound and then everyone in front fell over like trees in a breeze.”

“A whamming sound?” asked Lightning “…Like a guitar chord?”

“Like exactly like that.” said Tree Hugger “I’d know the sound anywhere.”

The Crusaders thought that was weird too, and suddenly, their watches were flashing red. This was the special alert built into their devices warning that a virus was near, which meant trouble in the Digital World.

“What’s wrong?” asked Pear Butter. She and the others didn’t notice the glowing of the watched-- the girls had turned them downward.

Lightning looked back at the girls, and then excused himself to head back to the stage.

He examined Heart Strings’ guitar.

“You’re sure?” asked Starla.

“I’m positive. I’ll bet Megadox planted a virus in here.” said Lightning. He was very careful not to let it slip that the girls’ watches alerted him.

“Well, shouldn’t Mykan be on the job?” asked Cadance.

“Yeah, how does he even know about this?” added Shining Armor.

“Oh, I’m sure he knows by now.” replied Lightning.

*Mykan’s POV*

On a quiet day like today, there was nothing I enjoyed as much as relaxing at home and catching up on my reading-- to help me learn more about the planet.

Suddenly, I noticed my watch glowing red “Virus Alert!” I snapped softly. I threw down my book, and with a single pressing on my watch, the hollo-computer came online before my eyes and immediately showed me the trouble. “It’s in an electric guitar…!”

I had seen enough, and I prepared the Surfer Program. “All right, it works!” I cried for joy. “I just hope the girls know this in case I need them.”

The program was ready to launch. “Ready or not, Megadox… here I come!

…Time to DIGITIZE!”

One touch of the image and FLASH…! There I was as Surfer, and on my way along the powerlines, off to New Ponyville, and within seconds I was in the guitar.

“There you are!” I thundered, and the Skell-a-Saurus roared and snarled at me.

I charged straight at the monster, and it roared at me-- blasting me with sonic waves that knocked me flat on my back. “Well that was no good.” I grumbled “How about a taste of rocket-power!”

My boots glowed and I sprinted forth to strike the monster, WHAMM! Right in the face! The monster roared in anger.

*Pause*

…Just like Data Stream as she watched everything, “Surfer! He always shows up to ruin everything!” then she calmed down “Well, he won’t be getting out of this one so easily.”

“Precisely.” agreed Megadox “Go, Skell-A-Saurus, and eradicate the Surfer Program!”

*Resume*

The monster concurred, and swung its four huge arms.

I dodged two arms, but got tripped up by the third. I fell over onto my chest plate, and quickly rolled out of the way before the fourth arm bashed me.

As soon as I managed to spring up onto my feet, the monster fired spiky missiles at me from its chest, hitting me all over, and down I went again.

“It’s no good! I need help!” I groaned “Data Squad, wherever you are… I could use some backup!”

*Pause*

The girls watch faces were blinking red flashes now, warning them that Surfer was in danger and calling for backup.

The girls all huddled together.

“What are we supposed to do?” asked Applebloom “If we try to port outta’ here, the grownups will see us!”

“But Surfer needs us now!” cried Sweetie.

“What are you girls talking about over there?” asked Big Mac.

“Nothing.” called Scootaloo. The others all acted as innocent as she did, but then they went back to their whispering. Their watches were blinking faster than ever; meaning Surfer’s energy was running low. Thank goodness the watches made no noise, but it didn’t help the girls at all.

“We’ve got to get out of here!” cried Scootaloo, but not one of the girls knew how.

At least the other three officers weren’t watching and were now going about helping ponies recover from their blackout, and DD noticed the bathroom area far off near the stage. “I got an idea…” she whispered to the others.

The girls agreed it would probably work.

“Hey, Ma…” said Applebloom “We all need to take a leak.”

The girls all acted like the really needed to go.

“Well, alright, but don’t you be goin’ too far when there’s an emergency.” said Pear Butter

“We won’t.” the girls all replied, and off they went.

“Somethin’ seemed kinda odd about the girls.” said Bright Mac, but his wondering was interrupted when Tree Hugger and Rarity looked a little tired from their pregnancies, and they needed to get off their feet.

“We better find you two some chairs.” said Big Mac

With the plan worked, the girls made their way to the restroom area, but instead of going into any of the portables or in the diaper center for babies; they crept behind the structures where no one would see or hear them.

“Okay, the coast is clear.” said Sweetie Belle.

“Good,” said Scootaloo “Hang on, Surfer, we’re on our way!”

The girls activated their computers and got the programs for the Data Beasts ready. “Altogether now!” said DD, and they all put their wrists together and shouted, “SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD… LET’S KICK SOME MEGA-BUTT!!”

In a Flash, they were gone-- outfitted in their suits and helmets and piloting their respective Data Beast.

DD: “Dread Program online!”

Sweetie Belle: “Assault ready to fire!”

Applebloom: “Make way for Totalizer!”

Scootaloo: “Arc’s gonna fly!”

…and they were off, cruising along the powerlines.

*Resume*

The Skell-A-Saurus roared at me, sending me back several paces, and then fired more missiles at me, knocking me down again. My chest orb was pulsating, meaning I was running low on power.

Suddenly, as the monster charged at me, Dread and Totalizer rammed it back hard, then Arc and Assault shot it with their lasers and missiles.

“Hope we’re not too late.” DD called to me.

“Just in time, Team” I called “Now let’s Link-Up!”

“RIGHT!!” the girls agreed, and the Data Beasts combined with me to make my super armor, “Super Surfer Link-Up Mode!”

“All right, let’s bash us a bug!” said Scootaloo.

The monster roared and fired its missiles at me, but I just stomped my way right through the barrage, hardly feeling a thing.

Reaching the monster, I began to punch and kick at it.

“Take that, ugly!” chortled Applebloom.

The monster growled and grabbed us all in two of its huge arms and lifted me bodily off the ground. “Whoa! He’s got us!” cried Applebloom.

“And he still has two free arms!” added DD.

Indeed, the monster used it’s free arms to bash us all good, rocking the girls around in their cockpits.

“I can’t… break free!” I groaned.

“Hold on, I think I got this.” said DD “Firing shoulder missiles!”

The missiles fired from my shoulders in a straight up into the air, and then they came down right on the monsters back, shocking it hard and make it release me. “Now, let’s finish this!” I said “ERADICATION WAVES!”

I powered up, fired my finisher, and the virus was totalled!

The girls cheered for joy, and then I used my Restore-Program to fix the damaged systems, setting everything right again.

“All right… let’s port on out of here.” I said. The girls disengaged the Data Beasts from me, and we all ported out back to the real world.

*Pause*

The girls all appeared back by the washroom area by the concert and cheered for joy, but softly.

While everyone one in the crowds and backstage were waking up, now that the virus was scratched and the soundwaves lost all power.

The band members awoke. “Oyi! What happened?” asked Heart.

“I have no idea.” said Viola.

“Hey, don’t we have a concert to perform?” asked Picker.

“Oh, yeah… let’s rock it.” said Rammer.

*Resume*

As for me, I appeared in my living room safe and sound. I looked down at my wrist-com, “You lose again, Megadox!”

*End of POV*

Safe to say Megadox was furious, “Your virus has failed again, Fleshling!” he thundered.

Data Stream sighed, “I still say it’s more YOUR problem than mine. I could probably come up with more viruses in my sleep.”

“Then perhaps, you should take a little nap… and dream up new viruses.”

Data looked ready to pop her head, “Why you miserable little excuse of a computer bug, I ought to--”

“Uh-uh-uhn…” said Megadox, and he unleashed a small electrical burst from the screen at Data, knocking her out cold-- her head fell flat on the desk.

He couldn’t help but chuckle, “Sleep tight.”

Back at the concert, the girls returned to the families. The officers had finished dealing with the mad shoppers. “Whew! What a tough crowd.” said Rainbow.

“That certainly was a long bathroom break.” said Applejack.

“Yeah, are you girls okay?” asked Buddy.

“Oh, um… yeah we’re fine.” replied Applebloom.

“After all, when ya gotta go, ya gotta go.” added Sweetie, and the fibs fooled the adults perfectly keeping the Data Squad secrets safe.

Suddenly, music began to playa s the curtains opened wide, and there was the band playing their hit song which made the crowds cheer; Rainbow especially. Granny Smith fell asleep in her wheelchair as if she heard nothing at all.

Nevertheless it was a fine afternoon, especially from Lightning and Starla’s view from backstage. They both knew the Data Squad did well, and knew they would continue to serve well in the many battles to come.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Swift Star’s training begins, and he still doubts himself. Meanwhile, as Stammadon makes plans of his own to beef up his strength, his minions go down with another monster with the power to emit strong emotions to disrupt their fighting.

Can Lightning convince Swift keep trying, and how will Swift himself deal with these troubles?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Are you Feeling it?”)

Episode 8: Are you Feeling it?

EPISODE EIGHT

Rai Shi and Tan Shi were training hard in the temple dojo to keep up their strength and skills--punching, kicking, clawing and biting at one another.

“You’re a little slow, Rai Shi.” Tan Shi teased, which angered Rai and he thrust forth to punch her, only for her to leap up high and attempt to jump-kick him-- exactly what he wanted…! He swerved to the side, then standing swiftly on his fists he kicked her hard and sent her to the edge of the fighting ring.

“Perhaps it is you who are being slow, female.”

He kindly offered to help her up, but Tan angrily slapped his hand away snarling like the tiger she was. Then she got up and left in a huff.

Rai growled, “What is with her?” he wondered.

Tan Shi stomped down the hall way nearly shoving Kara Shi over as he walked past her. “Hey!” he thundered “Watch where you’re going, girl?”

Tan Shi only roared threateningly, frightening him, and then she stomped off. “Did you see that?” he whimpered to Stammadon, but his master took no notice.

Stammadon was going through some old scrolls he had uncovered from hidden stone panels in his throne room. These were scrolls of old creatures known to have lived on Planet Ainzul, or once visited in his own time, ten thousand years ago.

“May I ask what you’re doing, sir?” asked En Shi.

Stammadon looked up “I am seeking a creature as my new master; one that will help me train to increase my strength and help me grow used to this pony body I have.

Unfortunately, after ten thousand years many of them have perished, or have gone into seclusion throughout the galaxy, but I shall find one, and I will train well.”

En shi and Kara Shi stood where they were, and Stammadon suddenly snapped at them, “What are you just standing around for? You could send another monster to attack Starfleet and gather more fear for us anyway!”

The two minions nodded and went on their way. “Gee, everyone seems to be in a huge mood today.” said Kara Shi, and that made him realize “Yeah… a mood! I know just the monster to unleash.”

Curious, En Shi followed him, but stopped at inner training dojo where she could see Tan Shi was furiously attacking strong, rock solid punching bags. “Think I’m weak just because I’m female, huh!” she snarled “That’s what they all said!

I’ll show them! I’ll show them all!!

CLAW SLASH!!” her sharp claws glowed brightly and she actually slashed the rock bags into gravel.

En Shi shuddered at how furious she looked, “She’s got anger problems, all right.”

She turned to walk up the hall, and ran into Kara Shi, with a monster he had unleashed from the walls.

Emosha: She resembled that of a tall humanoid alien with white skin and faded purple shading at the edges. She had long dark blue hair, wore a black kimono with paintings of many silver faces, each with a different expression or emotion, and she carried a solid, sharp fan in her hand.

“Mmm… it feels good to be free, but I’m enraged as well that I was sealed up all that time. Someone will be feeling sorry soon for it!”

En Shi remembered her “That’s right-- with a wave of your sacred fan you can curse someone to feel any emotion you choose.”

Emosha snickered and held her fan up to her sinister eyes, “Emotions can be quite strong, or otherwise leave you weak and vulnerable.”

Kara Shi agreed “Oh, this is going to put a sting on those fighters. How can they concentrate on battling if they’re all messed up with feelings they can’t control?

Let’s go, Emosha.”

“Wait…!” snapped En Shi, and she addressed the monster “Would happen to know anything about Love?”

“Love?” asked Emosha, and Kara Shi groaned “Oh, not this again?”

“You see…” En Shi said with her hands over her chest “I don’t know how to describe this, but lately I’ve been starving, craving for romance. What should I do?”

“Alas,” replied Emosha “Love is a very complicated emotion, how it comes and goes is a mystery. Even I cannot fathom, nor can I create or control. My only advice to you: Do what you must.”

“Let’s go already!” whined Kara Shi “Starfleet’s not going to destroy itself you know.”

With that, the two ran off leaving En Shi alone with her emotions. “Oh, well… once I find my true soulmate, I will do as I must.” she then sighed heavenly.

A week had passed since Swift Star agreed to be Lightning’s pupil, but the rest of the unit agreed to help in his training too.

He was given a full schedule, and was to train with Lightning and or his assigned tutors for eight hours a training day.

Since Swift had already two years of experience in the academy, he was already pretty strong and fast, but Lightning and friends still preferred to train him their own way.

Today, he was at Dyno and Mtye’s mining site to build up his muscles and strength, by pushing very heavy boulders in mine-carts while wearing a backpack and special boots, enchanted with a spell to weigh over one-hundred pounds each. This would make it very difficult for any beginner to complete even a simple task, but Swift managed to not so bad.

He managed to push the carts all the way to the end of the long mine shafts, and then back again, but at a slow pace, and he got so tired that he stopped to rest several times, but his instructors wouldn’t hear of it!

“Vamos, Hormbre, pick up the slack!” scolded Dyno.

“Yes sir!” groaned Swift, and he got back to his feet and pushed the carts again.

Another part of his training was to build up his pain tolerance. This was done by resting huge, heavy rocks on top of his hands. The heavier the weight, the more Swift groaned and moaned, “It hurts!”

“Do you want to give up?” Myte teased, as a test of Swift’s patience and courage. Surely enough, Swift decided to endure a little more pain.

Then it was outside in the wide open where Lightning would test him in his weary condition with target dummies he had set up.

“You got to be kidding me?” groaned Swift.

Lightning only gave him a strict look “Do I look like I’m kidding to you? I know it’s hard and you’re tired, but in battles you won’t get much of a chance to rest. You need to build yourself up and tell your body you can go a little longer.”

Swift poured on all the strength he could and stood up straight.

“Good.” said Lightning, and then he pointed at the monster dummy he had set up “This is your target. I want you to run at it, leap and kick it in the head, and land gracefully on your feet.”

Swift focused on his target as best he could. He ran, he jumped at it…

…He missed it completely and fell flat on his back!

Lightning could only sigh in dismay. “Try it again, and this time, keep your eye on the target!”

Swift tried again, and again, and again… and he finally managed to kick the dummy’s head, but he still didn’t land gracefully on his feet, rather forward on his face.

“Ay-Ay-Ay!” groaned Dyno.

“I think we should take a break now.” added Myte.

“I agree.” said Lightning.

The men were all seated down, and gave Swift some water.

Starla and Pinkie Pie came along with full packed lunches for the men. Starla had Shining Light in a buggy on her front.

“Sooooo… how’s it going?” Pinkie asked, but the men all gave her looks of dismay, and she could see the small wounds on Swift’s body.

“Not too good, huh?” asked Starla.

“I reeked!” groaned Swift “I couldn’t hit One… Lousy… Target…!” He growled and pitched a rock up the site, causing a small rockslide.

“Well, at least your strength is improving.” said Pinkie.

“For all the good it’ll do.” protested Swift “I just can’t get it together.”

“And you never will if you keep up with that attitude.” scolded Lightning “I know this is frustrating for you, Swift, but it comes naturally, and gradually you’ll have to learn to deal with it and overcome it.

Remember: a true Starfleet fighter shouldn’t personal emotion or difficulty get in the way of judgment or focus.”

“That’s easy for you to say.” said Swift “You chose me, and I want to impress you. That’s what I think about when I’m trying to do anything, and it doesn’t help.”

The others all sighed. He just wasn’t getting it no matter how many times they tried to tell him. They wanted him to impress himself… not just them.

“You know, Swift, you should consider yourself lucky.” said Dyno “None of us ever had it this easy when we were training.”

“Yeah right…” said Swift.

“No, it’s true.” protested Myte “We were always pushed and pummeled and stretched right to the limits. We messed up many times before we got it right.”

Swift didn’t look impressed, and Starla sat down next to him, “Swift, the point is you just don’t understand what we all came to learn or realize ourselves, but you will, IF you’re willing to try.”

Swift sighed softly, “I am willing to try, but I’m sick of always failing and messing up!”

“Aww, cheer up.” said Pinkie “You just need to think more positive and be happy about things, like how cool it’ll be when you finally succeed.”

“Like that’ll happen soon.”

“Okay, but… why not just smile because it’s a beautiful day? Be happy that you’re alive and still trying? Or just plain be Happy…?”

Swift wasn’t so sure he understood her optimism. “What does being happy have to do with training? I thought you told me not to let my emotions get to me.”

Lightning realized that “Well, yes… but what I really meant it was; learn to CONTROL your emotions, and not let them control you. Use them for the better and not the worst.”

Swift still didn’t seem to understand.

“I know…” said Pinkie Pie “Why don’t I take over for a little, I can help him understand.”

Lightning went over the training schedule, “Well… alright, Pinkie, he’s yours.”

Pinkie giddily bounced with glee, “Come on you…” grabbing Swift by the arm, she flew off with him in tow! “HEY!!” cried Swifty “WATCH IT, I CAN’T FLY-----!!!”

They were gone almost immediately, but the others felt Swift was in good hands.

Shining Light suddenly began to moan, “I better fly back too.” said Starla, and then she cooed as she softly stroked the baby’s head, “Someone needs a nap.”

She pecked her husband on the cheek and was off, “See ya, fellas.”

The boys then looked at all the rocks Swift had made fall into the site, and decided to clean it all away, and as they worked Lightning noticed the twins seemed concerned of something. “Something wrong, boys?”

The twins looked at one another and Dyno asked “You really think we can get through to Swift?”

“I don’t think… I know.” said Lightning “When Grand Ruler trained me he told me that exact same thing; that he wouldn’t give up-- he’d make a fighter out of me even if it took forever.”

“And you’re training Swift just like his majesty trained you, huh?” asked Myte.

Lightning chuckled “Well, not exactly. I’m not Grand Ruler, and I can’t train anyone like he can, so I’m training Swift the best way I feel that I can, and I expect the same from all of you too.”

The twins agreed.

Pinkie Pie took Swift back into the village, landing him safely on the ground and he looked pretty green in the face, “Ugh… I hate flying.” he groaned.

“I love it…” said Pinkie as she fluttered about, “I can’t go even ten seconds without fluttering my wings, but come on… I want to show you something.”

As she pulled him along through town, neither of them noticed Kara Shi and Emosha were nearby, keeping well out of sight-- hiding behind bushes, trees, and other objects so as not to be spotted by a patrol, spying on all the ponies everywhere.

“Oh, this is perfect,” hissed Kara Shi “A whole village of suckers about to have their days turned upside down.”

He motioned for the monster to do her thing.

“Right…” hissed Emosha and she held out her glowing fan, and spotted three ponies coming down the road, all looking happy and cheerful, but one swing of her Fan, and Emosha called out “Panicking!”

The fan emitted a blast of magical waves which struck the ponies hard, and the trio began to fret and panic about, running in circles like ponies that had seen a ghost.

Kara Shi snickered “This is incredible.”

Emosha agreed, “…I feel things have only started.”

As Pinkie and Swift strolled through town, Pinkie waved to every pony and other creature she knew and gave them a friendly hello, and they smiled and greeted her back.

“Um, what are we doing…?” asked Swift.

“Saying “Hi” to everyone, that’s what.”

Swift found it incredible and perplexing, “Everyone seems so happy, but the planet could be attacked any second.”

“Yeah,” agreed Pinkie “But we don’t let that stop us living our lives. In fact it also helps us build up our courage-- show those baddies we’re not all that afraid.

Besides that, I love see everyone smiling.”

She then turned to face him, “Come on, you try it. Try smiling…”

Then she began to sing her special “Smile Song”

I’m Major Pinkie Pie (hello)
And I am here to say (how ya doin'?)
I'm gonna make you smile, and I will brighten up your day-ay
It doesn't matter now (what's up?)
If you are sad or blue (howdy!)
'Cause cheering up my friends is just what Pinkie's here to do

'Cause I love to make you smile, smile, smile
Yes I do
It fills my heart with sunshine all the while
Yes it does
'Cause all I really need's a smile, smile, smile
From these happy friends of mine

I like to see you grin (awesome)
I love to see you beam (rock on)
The corners of your mouth turned up
Is always Pinkie's dream (hoof-bump)
But if you're kind of worried
And your face has made a frown
I'll work real hard and do my best
To turn that sad frown upside down

'Cause I love to make you grin, grin, grin
Yes I do
Bust it out from ear to ear, let it begin
Just give me a joyful grin, grin, grin
And you fill me with good cheer

It's true, some days are dark and lonely
And maybe you feel sad
But Pinkie will be there to show you that it isn't that bad
There's one thing that makes me happy
And makes my whole life worthwhile
And that's when I talk to my friends and get them to smile

I really am so happy
Your smile fills me with glee
I give a smile, I get a smile
And that's so special to me

As always, many ponies began to join in with the song, singing, dancing, and of course… smiling all the brighter.

Swift could still barely understand it, but Pinkie wouldn’t give up and danced alongside him hoping to make him smile too.

'Cause I love to see you beam, beam, beam
Yes I do
Tell me, what more can I say to make you see
That I do?
It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam
Yes, it always makes my day

Come on everybody smile, smile, smile
Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine
All I really need's a smile, smile, smile
From these happy friends of mine

Swift couldn’t help himself and his lips actually curled upward into a bright smile, much to Pinkie’s delight, and he couldn’t help but dance along in the joy.

Yes a perfect gift for me
Is a smile as wide as a mile
To make me happy as can be
Smile, smile, smile, smile, smile
Come on and smile
Come on and smile

As soon as the song was finished, Pinkie turned back to Swift and he was still smiling. “This does feel kinda of nice.”

“Told ya…” chirped Pinkie, but her pleasantness was short-lived… for she suddenly heard the unpleasant sounds of ponies yelling, crying, fretting, and she looked all around to see some ponies were in fact weeping, running around in panic, or arguing angrily with one-another.

“What’s going on?” asked Swift.

“I’ll tell you what’s going on…” laughed a sinister voice, and the monster revealed herself, frightening other ponies in the area and they began to run in panic, which only fed more fear and negativity towards Stammadon’s increasing power.

“Who or what are you?” asked Swift.

“I am Emosha; Empress of Emotions, and I’ve got a feeling you’re in for a bad feeling.”

Pinkie’s features hardened, and she transformed, “Harmony Hour, Friendship Power!”

Swift thought seeing the transformation up close to be cool, and Pinkie told him “Go and get Lightning, I’ll handle this creep.”

Swift agreed and dashed off as fast as he could, only to run into Kara Shi near the village boundaries. “Going somewhere?” the villain hissed.

“You…!” Swift growled, “You’re working with my cousin, Striker! You brainwashed him!”

“Oh… you’re related to Stammadon?” teased Kara Shi “Funny, you don’t look nearly as strong as he does, and you know we don’t like weakliness.”

Swift felt his emotions racing away with him. Ever since he had found out about Striker’s brainwashing, part of his reasons to train under Lightning was to hopefully save Striker.

He knew he should warn Lightning as he was told, but his anger was racing, and he looked ready to fight, but he suddenly remembered what Lightning had told him about letting his emotions run away with him; that and he wasn’t a licensed fighter and not fully trained, he couldn’t fight with an enemy like Kara Shi.

Unfortunately, his stalling made him an easy target, and Kara Shi leapt over and slashed him hard across his armor, making a huge shower of sparks and sent him hurling right into a lamppost.

Kara Shi laughed

“Okay, you… I’m ready!” Pinkie snarled and she was ready to rush the monster.

“Oh, really…?” hissed Emosha, and with a wave of her fan “Laughing!” she blasted Pinkie hard with her waves, and all of a sudden Pinkie just burst out laughing and giggling uncontrollably. “I… I can’t stop!” she laughed and snorted.

She had laughed before, but never like this. She held herself, she tried holding her breath, she even tried thinking sad thoughts-- which was difficult for her anyway-- but she only laughed more and more, and in her present state she couldn’t hope to stand up straight, let alone throw a punch.

“Hold it right there!” shouted a voice as sentry guards came charging in to attack, but Emosha snickered and waved her fan three times shouting, “Grumpy! Bashful! Sleepy!”

The three waves struck each of the sentries, and at once their emotions switched. One sentry scowled and folded his arms growling, “What are you looking at?”

The second sentry blushed, and hid behind her mane, “Oh… myyyyyy…” she sniveled.

The third one let out a huge yawn, “Come to think of it,” he said wearily “Forty winks… wouldn’t be bad.” and he literally dropped down to sleep.

Emosha laughed wickedly, “Oh, this FEELS great.”

Swift was down, and he did feel sore… but surprisingly not as much thanks to all his training that week, as well as two years prior. He actually found strength to get onto his feet.

“What…?! You’re still standing?!!” growled Kara Shi.

“Yes… he is.” called Lightning.

Kara Shi looked behind him and saw Lightning, the twins and Starla, all transformed. They were all on their way through town and noticed the disturbance.

“Swift, are you okay?” asked Lightning.

Swift nodded bravely, and Lightning told him, “Help out whatever civilians you can, then get to safety. We’ll handle this.”

“Sir, wait…” Swift warned him “Watch out for that monster; he fan makes you feel different emotions.”

The fighters could already see this by the way many ponies were acting, even Pinkie who was still on the floor kicking and laughing like she had seen clowns.

Starla scanned Pinkie with her visor. Not only was Pinkie covered in alien magical waves that made her laugh, her vital signs were dropping due to her laughing so much—the constant outbursts of laughter was putting a dreadful strain on her systems.

“If we don’t stop her laughing, she could get really hurt!” said Starla.

“That’s the least of your worries,” hissed Kara Shi and let sped past the fighters, hitting them with his sword, making small explosions as he struck them.

“Why you little half-pint!” snarled Dyno.

Kara Shi took huge offense, “Always with the height cracks!” he really looked steamed, “Even on my home planet, Kazumi, I was ridiculed for my height, and all anyone ever said of me, that I can never amount to anything because I’m not tall enough.

It’s never cool to be a pebble in the land of giants, but I showed them! I showed them all what a short guy can do-- I slaughtered those who wronged me and insulted me for my height.”

The fighters felt sick to hear of such actions.

“I was captured, and despite calls for my death, my people only had me banished from Kazumi, and forced to fend for myself.

Fortunately, I found my way to Ainzul, and Stammadon recognized my obvious abilities despite my size. I’ve never felt such power!!”

He panted like an obsessed insane creature, which he was! The fighters had heard enough and the twins offered to keep him busy while Lightning and Starla dealt with the monster.

“Be careful boys.” said Lighting said and he and Starla leapt off to confront the monster.

“You think I’m scared of you two?” sneered Kara Shi.

“You will be soon enough.” growled Dyno.

“Fiesta time!” hissed Myte.

They all rushed in, and Kara Shi leapt swiftly around, here and there and everywhere making the twins dizzy.

“Get ready, Dyno.”

“Si, Myte.”

Kara Shi then roared as he leapt at the twins, and at the last second the twins sprinted off making him miss.

Since the twins did not require being in contact for physical strength and speed, they split up to gang up on Kara Shi.

BAM!! Dyno then came in and kicked him way upward, right to where Myte was hovering and he punched him hard down the ground with a crash!

The brothers gave each other a high thumb, but Kara Shi leapt onto his feet, “You’ve had your shots, now I’ll take mine!” He held his sword straight up at the sky, and right above it appeared a glowing org of energy, “SHOCKER SLASHWAVE!”

He slashed at the orb, unleashing thunderous electrical pulse-waves outward, but not down at Kara Shi himself. The pulses struck the twins hard, and knocked them to the ground with thunderous crashes.

“Take that, Tall Guys!”

The twins were not out yet, and got up for more.

While Lightning and Starla rushed the monster!

Emosha didn’t look like it, but she was a swift fighter, and her fan made a great combat weapon, and shield. She blocked off the fighters punches, and with a twist of her wrist she struck the two fighters with the edge of her sharp fan. “I’m a real FAN-tastic fighter.” she joked.

The two fighters looked hardly amused.

“Oh, don’t feel that way…” Emosha teased “Feel, Mad… at each other!” and she waved her fan to put them bother under a spell.

“Duck!” shouted Lightning, and he and Starla hit the dirt causing the blast to miss and bounce off a lamppost heading straight for Dyno and Myte.

The twins looked round just as the blast hit them, and their emotions immediately went into fury as they glared at one another.

“What are you looking at?” growled Dyno.

“I’m looking at you! You got a problem?!” snarled Myte.

“Don’t you talk with me like that, man!”

“What are you gonna to about it, huh?”

The twins glared at one another with fire blazing in their eyes, and actually began to fight with each other.

“No! Guys, don’t!” shouted Starla, but the twins didn’t stop and kept brawling with one another-- punching, kicking and firing weak blasts from their horns.

Kara Shi laughed, “Why destroy them when they can destroy each other.”

The twins leapt up at one another in a jump kick, both hitting each other hard and they fell to the ground. Both yelled at each other in Spanish.

“¡Te conseguiré por eso! *I’ll get you for that*!”

“Tráelo amigo! *Bring it on, Buddy*!”

As they continued to fight, Swift saw everything from the house he had taken shelter in, and protected by a barrier. “I don’t believe this!” he cried to himself “There’s got to be a way for them to snap out of it.”

His panicking made it very hard for him to concentrate, as well as his frustration that he couldn’t be actually out there helping.

“We’ve got to break them up.” said Lightning.

“Oh, really?” hissed Emosha “Maybe you should BREAK DOWN IN TEARS!!” and she waved her fan again.

“Look out!” cried Starla, and they both ducked down, but once again the blast was deflected, bounced off post-box and struck Starla.

“No!!” cried Lightning.

Starla stood where she was, quivering and moaning while trying to fight it, but she fell to her knees, and buried her face into her hands weeping hysterically.

Pinkie continued to laugh!

The twins were still riving and thrashing at one another, and all other ponies were panicking, sleeping, acting awkward or whatever spell they were under!

Lightning was the only one left that hadn’t been hit yet, and Kara Shi joined Emosha by his side.

“Can you feel it now?” hissed Emosha “Your end is near, and all the feelings in the world will be mine to control!”

“Give up now while you can!” sneered Kara Shi.

Lightning stood where he was growling at the two.

Swift could see him and noted how he still seemed to hold out despite the overwhelming stress, and this reminded him of what he was taught that day about not panicking with emotion.

“I’ve got to calm down.” Swift said to himself “Maybe there’s a way to fix all this.”

It was then and there that both he and Lightning happened upon the same thought-- Emosha’s magic fan.

Lightning had scanned it with his visor, and surely enough the source of the spell was confirmed “I’ve got to destroy that fan.” Lightning thought “It’s the only way to break the spell.

…But first I have to get it away from her.”

Kara Shi was growing impatient, “Well, do you surrender or not?”

“Not!” Lightning sneered “If anything, You Two should surrender!”

“Wrong answer!” snarled Kara Shi. He lunged forth, but Lightning dodged him and he went straight for the monster, punching and kicking at her furiously.

Emosha swerved, dodged his every attack, and even blocked a few strikes with her fan. “Looks like someones feeling the burn!” she teased him and made a strike for him, but he ducked out of the way and managed to kick her hard in the gut knocking her back and her fan went flying up high.

Lightning caught the fan in his sight, but before he could try to go for it, Kara Shi shot electrical currents all around him, and HE caught the fan himself. “It’s not polite to take things that don’t belong to you.”

Lightning growled and rushed him.

Kara Shi swung his sword, but missed as Lightning leapt up high, “Try a blast of this!” Lightning thundered, and from his horn he blasted a small stream of Uniforce, forcing Kara to block with the fan, but the resulting explosion knocked him back hard and the fan out flew of his grip.

The fan landed flat on the ground and Lightning dove straight for it.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Emosha, and she dove for her fan as well.

Lightning just blasted her with another burst of Uniforce sending her crashing down and he grabbed the fan.

“All Right!” cheered Swift, and then he watched as Lightning threw the magic fan up high and gave it a huge blast of Uniforce, destroying it in an explosion.

“No!! My Fan!!” cried Emosha.

With the destruction of the fan, the magical waves wore off.

Starla stopped crying, the twins stopped fighting, and Pinkie stopped laughing.

“What just happened?” asked Pinkie.

Starla lifted her visor and wiped her eyes “I remember; we got hit by that monster’s evil fan…”

Dyno and Myte realized this as well.

“Man, what was I doing?” groaned Dyno.

Myte felt just as ashamed “Now I really am mad! Let’s smash that creep!”

“Si!” agreed his brother.

Emosha was really furious now, “You!!” she thundered at Lightning “You’ll pay for that! I’ll break you limb from limb with my bare hands!”

“So will I!” growled Kara Shi.

Lightning remained stiff as a board and didn’t let their taunting get to him. Instead he rushed forth to attack them both, but the two villains zipped out of the way.

“I got him!” snarled Kara Shi, and he leapt up high for a crashing strike…

“PULSAR LASER” Starla blasted hi right down to the ground where Pinkie was waiting, and she gave him a huge boot, sending him skidding along the ground.

“I love a good laugh, but you’re not funny!” sneered Pinkie.

“I’ll give you something to cry about!” added Starla, and the two ladies began to rush Kara Shi.

“I will help you!” cried Emosha “I don’t need my fan to fight these creeps.”

“Oh, no?” snapped Lightning, and he rushed in punched her hard in the face and sending her sailing over to where the twins stood ready.

They nodded at one another and joined hands, “BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS” and fired a barrage of rockets at her, making explosions blast her all around. “Hey! Three against one; this isn’t fair!” she whined.

“Well it serves you right, Chica!” sneered Dyno.

“Si,” agreed Myte “…Turning me against my own brother! You’re going down!”

Lightning nodded at the twins, “She’s all yours boys. I’ll go try and help the girls.”

The monster roared and charged for the twins, but they split up and zipped away. Then they each took turns rushing passed her, punching, kicking and bashing her good.

“I think now’s as good a time.” said Dyno.

“Ready when you are.” agreed Myte.

The twins joined hands, and powered up their finisher!

“Uh, oh…!” cried Emosha.

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

POW!! The twins unleashed their fire attack, blasting Emosha hard, “WHOA!! I’M FEELING THE BURN!!” she screamed, and she exploded and was imprisoned.

“VIVA!!” the twins shouted, slapping each other a high-five.

Swift jumped for joy, “They did it!!”

The girls bashed Kara Shi hard in a double-kick and sent him crashing into a lamppost.

They scanned him with their visors, and his energy still wasn’t nearly low enough to even try to capture him. “He’s tough for a shrimp.” said Pinkie.

Kara Shi looked ready to explode, with rage, but when he looked up at the ladies, and Lightning joining them by their side, he decided it best to retreat. “I’ll get you all for this! Just you wait… I’LL GET YOU!!”

Then he was gone, vanished out of sight.

“So much for him.” said Lightning.

The twins joined their teammates, presenting them with the captured monster.

With the emergency over, the barriers around the buildings ceased and all the ponies and creatures came out cheering for their saviours, especially Swift.

“Sir, that was incredible.” he said to Lightning “You were all just awesome out there!”

Lightning nodded proudly and then told him, “I hope you learned something from this, too, Swift. Now you see just how strongly emotions can affect you, and how important it is to try and keep them under control, especially in battle.”

The other fighters all nodded at Swift, sharing agreement with Lightning lecture, and Swift agreed too. “I’ll try much harder to remember that now.”

When Kara Shi got back to the temple, Stammadon took no interest in his failure, “While I cannot condone your blunders,” he grumbled “These emotions have given us much strength. Well done, Kara Shi.”

“Even though you failed to actually destroy Starfleet anyway.” murmured En Shi.

Kara Shi heard her anyway, and felt outraged “You want to say that to me again?!” he thundered.

En Shi looked ready to brawl.

“Stop it!” snarled Tan Shi “There’s been enough emotional misery around here as it is.” Then she walked off to be by herself once more.

“Something is seeming very wrong, with Tan Shi.” said Rai Shi “She is becoming more and more enraged each day.”

Stammadon agreed, “Whatever her issues are, they are her problem. I have my own devices to attend to.” he held up a single scroll, but didn’t tell his minions what it was and went off to study alone.

“Well, I have my own quest to deal with.” said En Shi, and she went off again to ponder her search of finding a lover.

Kara Shi just gripped his sword tightly and vowed, “Starfleet will pay for this. Anyone who dares insult me for my height will be destroyed!”

Rai Shi could sense his comrade’s pain and took pity on him. “Come…” he said “Let us train together and improve our skills and strength.”

Kara Shi agreed, and the two comrades went off together.

Meanwhile, Swift decided to keep on training, and went back to the mine site with Lightning to try the jump kick attacks again.

“Right at the head now.” said Lightning.

His student agreed, and focused, this time keeping his emotions in check and concentrating only on his target and not of his teacher or any expectations.

He charged forth, roaring, and then took a mighty leap and WHAMM… he kicked the dummy right in the head, somersaulted in the air and landed gracefully on the ground.

“I did it…” he said “I DID IT!!” and he began to jump for joy, but suddenly stopped remembering “…Easy… keep it in check.”

Lightning nodded proudly at him, but it was good he was finally getting somewhere with his student, but the road ahead was still long and going to be hard.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Rarity begins to develop sicknesses from her pregnancy and is rushed to the hospital for treatment and stability. Meanwhile, Data Stream is visiting New Ponyville and gets the idea to have Megadox infiltrate the hospital systems, which leads to all the patients suffering immensely, and the Data Squad are called to action again, but must once more, avoid revealing their identities.

Will Rarity be alright from her condition, will all the patients survive this terrible virus?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Viral Hospital”)

Episode 9: Viral Hospital

Author's Note

FINALLY... I'm back at this.

Ever since November 1, I've been away building videos for Chirstmas, and other dates, including my new Teen Titan Idol show for 2019. They are very hard to make and take time is why I was away. (as well as making a few smaller fics)

I will finish this fic first, THEN I'll go back to Darkness of Dimensions

Episode 9: Viral Hospital

EPISODE NINE

The train pulled into the New Ponyville station, arriving from The New Crystal Empire. Many ponies stepped out, and among them was Data Stream.

She was taking a much needed break being cooped up in her dark house for so long, but she did bring a small suitcase and a laptop… just in case.

“Ah, it actually feels nicer to get away from that house.” she felt “Maybe I can clear my head a little out here in this tiny town-- away from that stupid Cadance.”

She then patted at her small suitcase, “At least I brought my drawing kit if I need to make more monsters.”

Still the main reason she had come was she had found Want-Ads in the newspapers about computer technicians wanted in New Ponyville, and she figured it had already been a while since Cadance fired her; maybe she’d land a job.

Meanwhile, Cheerliee and Mykan were both teaching at the school that day.

*Mykan’s POV*

Cheerilee was taking attendance.

“Applebloom?”

“Here, Ms. Cheerilee.”

“Sweeite Belle?”

No response.

“Where is Sweetie Belle?” Cheerilee asked.

I stood up and looked at the other Crusaders, “Didn’t she come to school with you?”

The girls shook their heads and thought this peculiar. “Maybe she’s sick today?” asked Scootaloo.

“I don’t think so.” said Cheerilee “I would have been notified by her family.”

I decided to head to Carousel Boutique and see, “Can you handle the class?” I asked to Cheerilee, and she nodded “Let me know what’s going on as soon as you know.”

I nodded and then I left the schoolhouse, and flew off into the air, thanks to my magic cape.

*POV Pause*

Diamond Tiara couldn’t help herself and taunted, “Maybe she decided to run scared because she doesn’t want to take that big math test today.”

Scootaloo was livid, “She is not worried! We all studied together!”

“Okay, that’s enough.” said Cheerilee “I’m sure there’s a plausible explanation as to why Sweetie Belle isn’t here, but as for the rest of us, we’ll carry on.”

Then she handed a pile of math tests to DD and asked her to pass them around.

Elsewhere, Doctor Penny was doing her job, giving Fluttershy her weekly physical. She was reaching the final stages in her pregnancy-- with less than a month to go.

Penny finished checking the baby’s heartbeat. “Very good…” she said “You’ve got one healthy foal in there.”

“Really…?” Fluttershy asked while beaming.

Penny nodded, “You should make a fine delivery; you, Tree Hugger, and Rarity too. Though I hope you all don’t go into labour on the same day at the same time, I’d have my hands full.”

Fluttershy chuckled at such a thought. “Still, I can’t wait to have my baby. Rhymey and I are all set up. We’ve decked out a room at home and got everything we need.”

“Well, I’m sure you’re all prepared for motherhood, but just the same you get plenty of rest and stick to your diet.”

Fluttershy promised.

She was dismissed and came out into the waiting room where Rhymey was chatting with Tree Hugger and Buddy Rose--Tree Hugger having come for her weekly physical as well.

Rhymey smiled at his wife, and they shared a loving embrace.

“So,
How’d it go?”

As the couple went off chatting away, Penny called for Tree Hugger to come in.

Buddy helped his wife up onto her feet, and walked her to the doctor. Then he was told to stay in the waiting lounge while Penny examined Tree Hugger.

Lightning and Starla had come into the hospital, and had brought Baby Shining Light for his monthly checkup.

“Hey.” Buddy called to them, and the friends all sat together.

“Just passed Rhymey and Fluttershy.” said Lightning “I’ve never seen them so happy, and I don’t think I can blame them.”

“Me neither.” agreed Starla, and she looked down at her cooing son in his buggy, and reflecting on how happy she was while expecting him.

Buddy had the same goofy smile on his face like Lightning did; the only kind a Father-to-be would get when the time was drawing near.

“Ah, well, it’s still a month away.” said Buddy.

He was suddenly snapped out of his trance when the hospital doors burst wide open!

*Resume*

“Can we get some help here?!!” I shouted out, and behind me the paramedics came in along with Spike and Sweetie Belle, they were all helping to wheel in a stretcher where Rarity lay, in her night dress, looking pale, hot, sweaty, with red heat lumps all over her face and arms, and she was breathing stressfully, but she was not in labour.

“Somebody help us! My wife is sick!” Spike shouted.

A couple of doctors and nurses rushed in.

“What’s the story on this one?” a doctor asked.

Sweetie Belle tried to explain, “She woke up, she was hot and sweaty, and she had these strange red bumps on her arm and face…!” she was so hysterical and upset, she was panicking hard.

The nurse calmed her down while she and her colleagues rushed Rarity to the E.R, while Spike and Sweeite were told to sit in the waiting room.

“Be careful with my wife! She’s pregnant!” Spike called to them.

“We’ll do our best!” the doctor called back.

Spike watched as his dear Rarity was wheeled away, through the big doors and out of sight. He was then quivering nervously wondering what was wrong with her!

“Here, Spike, you better sit down.” said Lightning.

Spike sat, but he was still nervous, “I don’t know what’s wrong with her. She was just fine when we went to bed last night.”

“What’s happening to my sister?” cried Sweetie Belle “Is she going to be okay?! Is she going to die?!!”

I comforted Sweetie Belle, “Panicking about it isn’t going to help. We’ll know what’s wrong with her soon.”

We all waited for quite a while, and with Spike’s help I sent a letter to Cheerliee telling her of the problem, and I felt it was best I stayed with Sweetie Belle to comfort her.

Tree Hugger came out from having her checkup with another doctor, and she saw all out worried expressions, “Hey, what’s with all blue faces here?”

Buddy replied to his wife about Rarity.

“Whoa, not cool. Hope she’s okay. I get a little sick while with this kid in my stomach, but this is like… majorly!”

“Do you think maybe that’s what’s wrong with her?” wondered Starla. The rest of us all suddenly agreed that maybe it was something to do with Rarity’s pregnancy. After all, Spike was the baby’s father, which meant it was a crossbreed.

“Maybe you’re right.” said Spike.

Suddenly, all the lights in the hospital just went out, and the emergency generator kicked in.

“What happened?” asked Sweetie Belle.

Suddenly, the lights came on in a flash again, followed by an angry electrician and Dr. Penny scolded a pony and demanding she leave the hospital.

“Isn’t that Data Stream?” I asked. We all knew the story surrounding her-- being fired from the palace in The New Crystal Empire.

“Whatever she’s doing here, it can’t be short of trouble.” said Lightning figuring that Data was the cause of the power failure.

“I don’t know why I ever gave you a chance, after all the stories I heard about you!” sneered the electrician.

“I just made a little mistake.” protested Data “If you had let me keep doing what I was doing I could’ve required the systems.”

“Data Stream, this is a hospital.” scolded Penny “Tampering with our systems and cutting our power supply is severely lethal to our patients. I’m sorry, but we cannot give the job for your serious lack of judgment.”

“You can’t just kick me out because of one little mistake.” thundered Data “Maybe someone here out of give you a head examination for your own lack of judgement!”

Lightning intervened “That’s enough, Data Stream! This is a hospital, don’t shout here. Now suggest you go before we have you charged with causing a double disturbance.”

Data was outraged, “You’ll regret this!” she grumbled at Penny and the electrician, “You’ll see! I mean it!” Then she stormed out

The rest of us were all relieved she was gone. “Boy she sounded really mad.” said Sweetie “You don’t really think she’d try anything, would she?”

“Ah, she’s just full of hot air.” said Buddy “She wouldn’t dare to try anything, or we’d have her arrested in a heartbeat.”

Penny then came over to us all, and Spike bolted up out of his seat, “Is Rarity okay.”

“She is for now,” replied Penny “I’ve treated her hot flash, and given her something to help her sleep. You can some see her.”

Spike and Sweetie felt nervous, so the rest of the gang and I decided to go with them for support. Rarity was our friend after all.

*Pause*

Data Stream had taken her not getting the job at the hospital a whole lot worse. “Now I have to go back to the empire and pick up garbage again!” she grumbled.

She was so mad, that she sat down by a fountain and got out her laptop to work on another mega virus. “Yes…” she hissed and cackled, “Yes, this is wonderful.”

Her wooing and cackling seemed to disturb other ponies that were near her.

Finally, her virus was complete, “I think I’ll call you… Grog!”

The virus stood on two legs, and had a tail, claws, and a strong shell on its back, which was very thick and could withstand a great deal of punishment.

“With this virus I could give those fools at the hospital a real epidemic.” Data said to herself “Oh, but if only I were at home, and I could get some help from--”

She was cut off where her computer screen image suddenly split in two, and there he was. “…Megadox, master of the digital world!”

Data was very surprised, “How are you even here? I thought I had to be at home.”

“Silly fleshling,” scoffed Megadox “I am aware of everything that transpires in my realm-- any computer, any place, and time, and we do have a pact, haven’t we?”

“Then do as our pact says and make that virus infect the hospital systems before someone sees you!”

“The hospital systems?” asked Megadox “An interesting choice. Without the use of their electronics, the doctors and nurses will be unable to attend to patients in need.

I like it.”

He charge dup his systems and fired his life beam at the picture of Grog, bringing it to life off it went-- shooting through the wavelengths in the air to a nearby power pole, and finding its way along the lines and into the hospital power generator.

Once there, it wasted no time in smashing all the circuits that made the systems tick. It even used its strong, thick back shell to back ram whole towers and transmitters over in one ram!

Data was most please, “The virus is in, and the doctors are to be out… out of their minds with worry.”

*Resume*

Rarity was sleeping peacefully, but deeply, almost as if she were in a coma.

She was wired into several electronic IVs that pumped special drug into her body to reduce her body temperature and cool her down. She wasn’t sweating as much, but her skin was still covered in heat rashes, and her body temperature was still just a little above normal, especially around her belly.

“So it IS the baby that’s doing this?” asked Spike.

Penny nodded, and showed everyone a small X-Ray which showed the baby growing inside Rarity’s stomach. It was still hard to make out a total picture of it, but it was there.

Spike could tell especially, “It’s a crossbreed; part dragon and part pony.”

“I remember reading up about Dragons and their birth,” said Lightning, “A baby dragon, as it matures, its growing internal flames ignite, which can cause a raise in temperature to its mother, before the mother lays the egg.”

“Of course,” Spike snapped at himself, “Oh, I should’ve known something like this would happen.” being a dragon himself, he wasn’t kidding. “Dragons are built to take certain amounts of heat. That’s how we can we stand to have our fires inside us, but Rarity’s not a dragon, and she can't lay eggs either. Her insides can’t take it as well, even with her Starfleet training.”

“Is that… bad?” Sweetie Belle asked near tears, but Penny assured her “She should be alright, Sweetie. We just have to keep her temperature stable until she gives birth. That’s why, I’m sorry to say, she’ll have to stay here in the hospital. It’s the best way I can possibly treat her.

She’ll also need to go on a strict diet of cool and non-spicy foods… and absolutely NO Starfleet business, not even with her drone.”

Lightning couldn’t agree more; he knew all the stress wouldn’t be good for Rarity in her condition.

“Thank goodness,” I sighed heavily. I was very happy that Rarity was going to be okay, even though she and I were never always on the friendliest of terms, and often teased one another, we were still friends.

All Rarity needed to do now was rest, and Penny asked all of us to leave, including Spike to give Rarity some quiet.

“Can’t we stay just a little longer?” asked Sweetie.

“No, no, we should go.” said Buddy “Rarity needs time to cool down, but she’ll be okay.”

“Just have the faith,” added Tree Hugger “Let the cool waves of love calm your inner blazes and you’ll feel chill in no time.”

We all just pretended to understand what Hip she had just said, and we all filed out quietly

Penny still had to give Shining Light his checkup too.

Spike and Sweetie stopped a minute to look back at Rarity, still feeling a little upset to be leaving her, but they knew she would be in good hands.

…Or so they felt until the lights in the hospital started to flicker again.

“Now what?” asked Buddy “I thought the lights were fixed?”

Penny though so too, but suddenly all the lights went out again, the emergency lights didn’t activate either, and it was very dark in the hallway due the lack of windows.

Sweetie Belle gasped, and Shining Light began to cry as he hated the dark.

“Oh, easy, honey. Mommy’s right here.” Starla said as she comforted her son. Then she, Lightning, Buddy and Penny made their horns glow to give some light.

But soon there was panicking echoing along every corridor and in the lobby there was much chattering and whimpering.

All the lights were out, all the computers were dead, and even the automatic doors to the hospital wouldn’t open-- no one could get in or out, at not without breaking the window glass.

This was very serious, indeed, especially for the patients. Without use of the electronic equipment, patients could not be treated, surgeons couldn’t operate; in fact… some were in the midst of operations and couldn’t proceed any further, which was extreme dangerous to their patients.

The head electrician dashed up to the group, “Dr. Sillon,” he called.

“What’s happening?” asked Penny “I thought you fixed the malfunction.”

“I did, but something’s gone really wrong. Every system in the entire hospital is down; even the emergency solar generators won’t function.”

“What?!” snapped Penny “How can this be?”

“We don’t know, my workers are trying everything, but we can’t get the systems going.”

Penny was starting to fret, so was Spike, “Rarity!”

She too was in trouble now due to her electronic IV’s shutting down.

The electrician ponies were hard at work trying to get the systems started, but every time they tried all they got was a strong shock attack from the wires.

“It’s no good, it’s like something doesn’t want us to start the systems up!”

Indeed, this was the work of the virus as it continued to destroy the systems.

However, Sweetie Belle wrist-com as well as my own, still working as they weren’t connected to the hospital system, began blinking red softly, it made no noise, but she and I both saw this, and so did Lightning and Starla.

While the others all chatted away, threw four of us turned round and spoke quietly to one another. “It’s Megadox again,” I said “He’s sure hit low this time.”

The others agreed; the fact that Megadox would put the hospital out of actions, endangering those who needed help and care, it boiled our bloods.

“We have to do something.” said Sweetie Belle.

“You can’t, not here.” said Lightning, and he motioned at all the others-- Even Penny, even though she knew I was Surfer, she didn’t know Sweetie was with me as well.

“What are you guys whispering about?” asked Tree Hugger.

“Oh, uh… nothing much.” said Starla.

“What do you mean nothing much?” wailed Spike “The hospital’s in lockdown, there’s no power, the patients can’t be helped… and Rarity… Rarity she could…!”

“Spike, calm down!” cried Penny.

Spike could barely contain himself, with his wife on the verge of being ill again without her treatment.

“Just breathe, baby… breathe.” said Tree Hugger “Channel your emotions and bliss out.”

Spike only felt tenser than ever, but he tried to at least not shout about it. The others all huddled around him trying to keep him calm.

Starla then saw this as her chance to whisper to Penny of the situation, and how I needed to go someplace private so I could become Surfer.

I winked at Penny, and she nodded at me.

“Ahem…!” Penny cleared her throat “We shouldn’t just sit out here in the hallway,” and she lead us a little ways down, past Rarity’s room, to two opposite rooms on either side of the hall that were unoccupied. “Some of you come in here, the rest go in there.”

“Buddy, you and Tree Hugger look after Spike.” Lightning quickly said “Starla and I will watch over Mykan and Sweetie.”

Then he practically hurried me and Sweetie into one of the rooms.

“Oooo-kay then…” said Buddy.

Once we were all safely inside the room where no one could really see or hear us, Sweetie and I were in the clear.

“Wait!” snapped Sweetie, “What about the other Crusaders? What if we need them?”

I checked the time on my wrist-com, it was only 11 Am.

*Pause*

The other Crusaders were still in school, and it was time to take that math test Cheerilee promised. “All right, everyone, you have twenty minutes. You may begin.”

The students all quietly set to work, but Applebloom noticed the small blinking light on her wrist-com.

DD and Scootaloo noticed as well, and they silently gawked at one another knowing what this meant.

“Girls,” Cheerilee called to them “You better concentrate on those math problems.”

The girls agreed, but now that they knew there was danger in the Digital World, it made it really hard for them to concentrate on their tests. They knew there was no way they could just excuse themselves from the test, just like that.

However, lunch hour wasn’t too far away, half an hour at the most, and the figured they’d make their moves then,

…but little did they realize that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were noticing how nervous the crusaders seemed, as well as little red lights blinking from their watches.

Just as the two acted nasty together, they both thought the same idea and nodded at one another-- planning to figure out what the girls were up to.

*Resume*

“It’s no good,” I finally said “I have to go in there now. Maybe I can stop the virus on my own.”

“Be careful, Mykan.” said Starla “We haven’t had to analyze what we’re up against yet.”

I agreed, but I still knew I had to hurry. The longer I stalled, the more critical it would be for all the patients in the hospital.

I booted up the Surfer Program, “Right, I’m going in!”

The other agreed, and they all shouted with me, “…TIME TO DIGITIZE!!”

I warped into the Digital World, and became Surfer, and then I traveled my way along the wirings to the hospital generator.

“There you are!” I sneered at the virus. The monster turned and roared at me, and I balked at it “You’ve got some nerve hurting all those innocent patients at the hospital! It’s time for you to take your medication!”

I rushed forth, and Grog rushed to me. I aimed a powerful punch, but Grog turned round making me strike his strong shell, causing the monster no pain. I tried kicked the shell, but nothing happened.

The monster then rammed me hard, throwing me into a circuit tower, smashing it to pieces. I could see this was going to be harder than I thought.

The monster charged at me again, but I leapt high up and over it, “Booster Boots, Go!” My boots revved up and a sped forth, and pounded the monster’s huge face.

Grog however was far from finished, and as I came in for another strike, it turned its back to me, and I slammed right into its huge shell, like hitting a huge wall of steel. The monster then gave a huge buck, pushing me back, and swung at me with his tail tripping me up.

Grog then loomed over me to slash at me with his claws, but I rolled out of the way just in time, and kicked for the monster’s face, but it grabbed my leg, whirled me round and round, and tossed me into another pile of messed up circuit chips.

My energy was starting to run low, and the alarm went off!

*Pause*

Sweetie and the others viewed everything on her wrist-com images. “Surfer needs me! I have to go in!” said Sweetie “I really wish the others were here.”

Lightning could see the time on the wrist-com clock; it was only 11:20-- ten minutes before the other Crusaders would have their lunchbreak at school.

“Do whatever you can, Sweetie Belle.” said Lightning “Hopefully the others will have a plan.”

Sweetie agreed, and activated her Data Beast, “Assault Program ready…” then she shouted, “Let’s Kick Some Megabutt!”

She warped inside her beast’s cockpit, and was on her way.

Lightning and Starla then made sure no one was watching from outside in the hallway, and even though Shining Light was with them, he was of no risk.

The two then tapped on their energizers activating only their Starfleet Visors, which Starla using her computer skills, managed to magically link to the super computer, so she and Lightning, and they alone could view the fight from the Digital World before their eyes.

*Resume*

My Booster Boots had given out, but I wasn’t beaten yet.

I punched and kicked at Grog some more, but it used its strong shell to block me again, and buck me back hard.

“Hang on, Surfer!” Sweetie called, and she arrived with the Assault Program. The wild cat roared and fired its missile at the monster’s front, damaging it hard.

“Great timing, Sweetie,” I called to her, but we both would see the monster was still coming at us. “Watch out for his shell!” I hollered.

The monster charged at us, and then spun round ramming us both hard with its shell. “Whoa!” Sweetie shrieked as she was tumbled about as her beast took a spill on the ground.

She pulled on her controls and got Assault standing up right again, “Try my missiles again! Fire…!”

She fired the missiles, but Grog defended himself with his strong back shell, and escaped with hardly as much as a flinch.

“It’s no good, that shell’s too strong!” I groaned.

“We need the rest of the Data Squad, now!” cried Sweetie.

*Pause*

Lightning and Starla could see the situation was getting grim and growing worse still… outside.

“Dr. Penny!” a nurse called as she came running down the hall and entering the room opposite of theirs.

Penny came out into the hall, “Doctor,” the nurse panicked “We’ve got to get the power back on, fast! Many of our patients are starting to fall ill; we can’t tend to them all so easily! And the patients in the O.R, if they don’t get treated soon…!”

She didn’t finish, and didn’t have too.

Penny clenched her fist in worry. She had never faced such an epidemic before, but she still wasn’t willing to let her patients go down!

“Use what little supplies we have! Operate by flashlight if you must! Whatever systems are down, treat all patients by hand!”

The nurse agreed, and rushed off with Penny to tend to their much needed patients.

Spike on the other hand, he had left his room and rushed down the hall to Rarity’s room.

“Rarity!” he cried.

His wife lay in bad, groaning and moaning, and sweating like crazy her temperature was obviously rising again.

“Spike…!” Buddy called as he and Tree Hugger came into the room, and they too hated seeing the sight of Rarity suffering.

Spike noted that Rarity was only wearing hospital garments. “If only she had her energizer with her maybe her suit’s cooling system would help!”

This gave Buddy and idea, “Starfleet Magic!” and he transformed.

“What are you doing?” asked Tree Hugger.

He didn’t answer, and didn’t have to. He activated his suit’s cooling system, and then he concentrated hard, making his horn glow. He magically then transferred the coolness of his own body to Rarity, which actually worked and she began to cool down.

“It’s working!” cried Spike as he held Rarity’s hand, which seemed to be cooling down, only Buddy was feeling colder, and he shivered a little.

“Babe!” cried Tree Hugger, but her husband said through his shivers, “I’m o-k-k-k-kay… for now! I’ll t-t-t-try and… k-k-k-keep her… c-c-c-cool!”

Spike and Tree Hugger felt worried, and Spike couldn’t use his fire to warm Buddy up, or it would warm up Rarity, not to mention the risk of causing a fire hazard in the hospital.

“Why can’t they fix this power failure already?!” wailed Spike.

Help was soon on the way…

The bell rang for lunch hour. The children had turned in their math tests and all headed outside to eat on a beautiful day.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked all over the playground for the three Cutie Mark Crusaders. “There they are.” said Silver as she saw the trio disappear behind the school house.

“Let’s go see what they’ve been so edgy about.” hissed Diamond.

The Crusaders quickly made sure no one was watching.

“Coast is clear.” said Applebloom.

“We better hurry, we’re late enough as it is.” added Scootaloo.

DD agreed, and booted up her wrist-com, “Program’s ready. Let’s hit it!”

The girls all together shouted, “SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD… LET’S KICK SOME MEGABUTT!!” and they vanished in a flash, just as at that very moment, Diamond and Silver leapt out, “Ha! We got…!” but no one was there.

“Where’d they go?” asked Diamond “We saw those geeks come around here.”

Silver Spoon thought, “Hey, maybe they’re skipping school just like Sweetie Belle.”

Diamond figured it was possible, and the girls could have run off the grounds before she and Silver jumped round the bend. “Say now, we can use this as an excuse to get them all in trouble.”

The two naughty ponies sniggered, and went off to fetch their teacher.

*Resume*

Sweetie and I got rammed again but Grog, and both our energies and power supplies were getting critical. “We won’t last much longer!” cried Sweetie.

“We have to!” I said to her.

The monster began to rush at us again, but it suddenly got intercepted by Dread and Totalizer. The two big burtes pushed against the virus, halting him in its tracks.

“That’s as far as you go, big boy!” sneered DD.

“Are you two okay?” Applebloom called out to me and Sweetie, and you can bet we were ever so glad they had made it.

“Hey, what am I-- invisible?” Scootaloo joked as she and Arc came soaring in.

The monster then flailed hard knocking DD and Applebloom back.

“We need to break his shell.” Sweetie Belle hollered.

“Right,” agreed DD “Me and Applebloom will hold him down, you and Scootaloo get ready to blast him!”

The girls all agreed.

The monster charged again, straight for me. “Come and get me, bad boy!”

I waited until Grog got closer and then I leapt up high and over it. “Now girls…!” I shouted.

Dread and Totalizer leapt in and grabbed hold of the monster’s arms, holding him down as hard they could.

“This is like holdin’ down a whole heard of cattle.” said Applebloom

“Hold him steady!” hollered DD.

With the monster’s shell in view, Scootaloo and Sweetie positioned their beasts and armed their weapons. “Lasers at full power.” said Scootaloo “Let’s roast us some mega virus!”

“For Rarity!” added Sweetie.

The lasers and missiles fired like crazy, bombarding the shell, and actually making it crack under all that constant pressure.

“Now’s our chance!” shouted DD.

She and Applebloom then whirled the monster round, and rammed their huge beasts at the shell, shattering it away. “YE-HAW! Take that you!” cheered Applebloom “It’s all you now, Surfer.”

I nodded and called for my “DATA SABER!”

I grabbed my sword tightly, “Diagnosis: You’re outta here! CRASH SLASH WAVE!”

My eradicating waves unleashed from my sword struck the virus, and wiped it out just like that.

The girls cheered for joy, and then I wasted no time in using my restore program to fix all the systems back to normal.

*Pause*

All the lights in the hospital flashed right back on, and all the electronics were back online, much to the surprise of everyone else, but Lightning and Starla saw everything. “They did it!” Starla hollered.

“Another job well done.” agreed Lightning.

*Resume*

“Good job, Data squad.” I said with pride, “Now let’s head back.”

“Right,” agreed DD “We’ve got to get back to school before anyone sees we’re gone.”

Applebloom and Scootaloo panicked, and they flew off with DD, while Sweetie and I flew off our own way.

We appeared back in the hospital near Lightning and Starla, safe and well. “Think the others will make it in time?” Sweetie wondered.

“I hope so.” I said “I also hope no one sees them just pop up out of thin air.”

*Pause*

The others appeared right behind the schoolhouse where no one saw them at all.

While inside school, Diamond and Silver were talking with Cheerilee. “We’re telling you, Ms. Cheerilee.” said Diamond “The Cutiemark Crusaders left the school grounds.”

Silver vouched for her friend “We saw them go behind the school, and they weren’t there anymore.”

Cheerilee found their story very hard to believe, knowing the crusaders well, “I doubt very much the girls would want to skip school, and I also don’t appreciate it when my students try to lie to me.”

“We aren’t lying.” whined Diamond.

“We’re telling you, they aren’t here anymore.” added Silver.

The crusaders suddenly walked through the door, “Hi.” Scootaloo called, much to Diamond and Silver’s shock.

“Don’t mind us, we’re just forgot our lunches.” said DD.

“Eeyup, can’t play on an empty stomach now.” added Applebloom.

Diamond and Silver were at a complete loss. They stammered about in confusion, but were totally unable to prove their story now, which greatly disturbed Cheerliee. “Ladies,” she said sternly, “I will see the both of you after school.”

The girls were outraged, while the Crusaders couldn’t help but snicker as they went off to eat.

*Resume*

With the hospital systems back online, all the patients were being tended to properly again. Thank goodness no one had suffered any serious conditions during the blackout.

Still, the electricians were baffled, and couldn’t understand how the systems just suddenly fixed themselves. Not that it really mattered now.

As for Rarity, she was stabilized, and wide awake, but still feeling a bit warm and rather weak.

Buddy was still shiver slightly from all that coolness he gave to her, and was letting his suit’s heating unit warm him up again.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Spike said as he stroked his wife’s hand, “I thought I’d lose you.”

She smiled lovingly at him, and Sweetie Belle looked at her sister with soft tears in her eyes, “If anything happened to you, Rarity, I don’t know what I’d do.”

“Don’t make me blush, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity teased, “I feel warm enough inside already.”

Everyone one of us couldn’t help but laugh at that.

I couldn’t help but grin at Rarity too.

“Why are you grinning at me?” she asked.

“Because you’re my friend, and I’m glad you’re okay.”

Rarity didn’t know what to say. She and I still had a bit of a love/hate friendship, but she was glad she showed I care, “Don’t get used to this though.”

“I’m over it.” I teased back at her.

All the others rolled their eyes at us.

*End of POV*

Data Stream was already on a train bound for the New Crystal Empire, and she was in a very bad mood.

“I’m sick of that Surfer always ruining my fun. I’m sick of my viruses being no good, and I’m sick of… just being sick all the time.”

Megadox heard her from her computer, “Perhaps you should get remedied by a fleshling doctor.”

Data rolled her eyes, “It was a figure of speech! I’m getting sick of your misunderstanding of things too, Megadox.”

“You fleshlings are always getting sick of things.” grumbled Megadox, “All that flesh and bile that houses your weak bodies. Whereas here in the Digital World, everything is perfect-- Everything is order.”

Data Stream sighed, “Now I’m getting sick of your constant bragging.”

“Then I suggest you get started to work on your my next virus.” sneered Megadox “And don’t botch it!”

Data was losing her patience fast, “Why you little cretin! I ought to…!” but before she could do anything, Megadox zapped her with a small electrical current, which made all the passengers jump in shock as they gawked at her. Her mane stood up high and was smoking a little.

Data quickly shut the laptop so as no one would see her secret and lied, “…Short circuit.” But she was enraged and grumbled softly, “I’ll get you for that, Megadox, and Surfer too.”

While all Megadox did was laugh sinisterly.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Stammadon leaves to seek out his new trainer to help him fight better, and charges his minions with attacking United Equestria, and Swift Star finds himself unable to flee from the danger zone.

Can our heroes stave off all the monsters? What will Stammadon’s new trainer be like?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 1: Findings and Bindings”)

Episode 11: Part 2: Intimate Intimidation

Author's Note

SERIOUSLY?!

The second I upload the chapter you downvote it just like that (out of spite)

I'm not kidding people: GET OVER YOURSELVES!!

Episode 11: Part 2: Intimate Intimidation

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

The Four Shi’s attacked United Equestria, trapping Lightning and his team within a strong barrier. Just as the battle seemed to be peaking, En Shi had become smitten with Swift Star and decided to claim him for herself, taking him back to the villains’ lair. Meanwhile, Stammadon unleashed the master thief Ka Hotake who agreed to take him on to train him for greater strength.

EPISODE ELEVEN

The monster was apprehended and taken to New Canterlot to be prepped up to take to prison, but Lightning was still deeply enraged that Swift was captured, but more upset with himself.

Fluttershy’s droid was back online, and she tried to comfort Lightning, “Don’t blame yourself, Lightning. It’s not your fault.”

“Of course it is.” protested Lightning “He’s MY student! I should’ve watched over him more closely.”

“Lightning, Swift deserted his post.” said Artie “It’s his own fault he got trapped in the battle. I told him to stay behind and he didn’t listen, again!”

The others agreed with that, but Lightning didn’t feel any better.

Krysta fluttered up to him, “Lightning, you guys couldn’t help what happened. You were held off by the Shis. If it’s really anyone’s fault, it’s mine. I tried to warp him out of there, and I didn’t.”

“No!!” Lightning snapped “Swift is MY apprentice. He’s MY responsibility, so it’s MY fault he was captured! End of Story…!”

He got up and walked off in a huff, “Honey!” Starla called to him.

“I just want to be alone right now!”

Then he was gone.

Shining Light cried and Starla rocked him, “Oh, easy baby. Daddy didn’t mean to yell like that.”

The others all sighed, and then their majesties came into the waiting room. “From the sound of the shouting, I take it things didn’t go well.” said Celestia.

Buddy shook his head, “He’s really taking this hard.”

“Aren’t we all,” agreed Applejack “But he can’t keep blaming himself for all this, and he should lash at us neither.”

Grand Ruler hated himself for what he was about to say, “You know, Lightning is right in many ways. As a mentor and training it is one’s responsibility for the safety and well-being of the student, which Lightning was unable to do.”

Now the others understood better, especially considering they helped Lightning to train Swift, which made them Swift’s mentors as well. The fault was just as much theirs as well.

“What do you think they’ll do with Swift?” asked Spike.

Not one of them could tell, and not any of them could guess what unspeakable horrors Swift was going through in the enemies’ lair on Ainzul.

Stammadon had returned with his new master, Ka Hotake, and he was preparing to train with him in the dojo, but Rai Shi, Kara Shi and Tan Shi spoke with him first regarding En Shi and her insubordination.

“Master, with all due respect,” said Rai Shi “Having that pony she had brought could prove dangerous to us.”

“On the contrary, it could prove to be most beneficial.” said Stammadon “This Swift Star En Shi is enamoured with; while I don’t approve of her insubordinate over her petty quests, the boy could be useful in helping bringing down Starfleet all the faster.”

“Yeah, that’s right.” chirped Kara Shi “Um… how exactly?”

Tan Shi clunked him in his helmet, “Dummy! We can learn about our enemies and their weaknesses. I mean really!”

Ka Hotake called to Stammadon, “Come, let us begin.”

Stammadon stood before his master on the battle ring, with a fierce look in his eyes, and the two began to brawl furiously, and while the two seemed evenly matched at the start, Ka Hotake gained the upper hand and knocked his student out of the ring.

While Stammadon landed gracefully on his feet, Ka Hotake was not please, “Remember what I told you!” he scorned “You must blight out all that which dares to hold you back.

Concentrate on the hatred. Focus all your anger and rage upon me, feel how much you hate me, only then will you be without conscience, without regret, nothing will stand in your way.

Feel the hatred and anger!”

Stammadon ROARED and leapt back into the ring, “STRIKING FORCEWAVE!” he blasted his master with his power. Ka Hotake was knocked by softly by the force of the explosion, but he could feel the hate within, which pleased him. “Yes, continue… continue to show me your hate, and your desire to defeat me!”

As for Swift, he watched the whole thing from En Shi’s private bedroom within the temple, while En Shi was changing out of her warrior garbs behind a changing curtain.

He had awoken some time ago after being knocked out and realized what a horrible mess he was in now. “This is really bad!” he thought to himself “I’m actually here, in the enemies’ base, and why, because some twisted villain has a crush on me.”

He still remembered what En Shi had said before she took him, “Starting today you will be mine and mine alone.”

Swift rubbed his head in frustration. This was a fine mess he was in now.

He then heard a loud crash outside, and saw Stammadon still duking it out with Ka Hotake, while the other Shis trained as well, before they decided to retire for the night; even villains needed rest.

Swift gazed down at Stammadon, or rather his cousin, “Striker.” he murmured. It still pained him to see his cousin so evil, and fighting in such a deadly manner, but this gave him the idea. “Now that I’m here, maybe I can try to help him.

Yeah…! I can help save my cousin from Stammadon, and maybe… maybe more.”

He knew that Stammadon and his minions only believed in strength and power, which were rather sorry things to put faith in, especially if it meant destroying other races they deemed weak.

“Maybe I can convince them that there’s something better out there. Something they can really live for. I could even end this war.”

He decided to go for it, feeling he couldn’t lose anything, and he decided to start with En Shi, using her affections for him as advantage.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” En Shi called.

Swift turned round and nearly fainted at what he saw; she was wearing a blue satin robe with a bra and a small night skit clung round her waist.

She looked so beautiful that Swift’s temperature began to rise, and his legs went weak. “Um… no, no, it’s okay. You didn’t take that long.” he stammered.

En Shi giggled softly, “You seem adorable when you’re nervous.”

Swift tried to hide his nerves, but this creature-- he had never seen such beauty before. “Snap out of it, man!” he told himself, “Remember, she’s the enemy. You’ve got to try and reason with her.”

“You know, you could remove your armor.” said En Shi.

“Uh, I think I’ll… keep them on.”

En Shi felt this was going to work out just fine, though she admitted, “I don’t really know much about these feelings myself, but I’m willing to accept anything. Perhaps we should just let our bodies do all the work.”

Swift gulped hard as she moved in closer towards. If he was ever going to try to reason with her, now was his chance. “Um… you like me, don’t you? Is that why you brought me here?

The next thing he knew, En Shi had thrown herself at him, placing her lips over his, making him freeze up in shock with his eyes open.

He fell down onto En Shi’s bed and she loomed over him with hungry eyes. “If I didn’t like you, you’d have been destroyed by now instead of sharing this bed with me.”

Poor Swift, it took him awhile to shake off what had just happened and what En Shi was GOING for.

She moved in closer ready to take him again, “Um… can you please hear me out first.”

En Shi backed down a bit, “Of course. After all, if we are to become lovers, it’s customary we get to know other better. What’s on your mind?”

Swift took a huge breath, “Well, I know you and your comrades seem to care about only strength and conquering worlds, but is that really all that matters to you?

I mean, sure I want to get stronger too, but I feel there’s a better way to do. You won’t have to conquer worlds, or beat people down.”

En Shi’s features hardened as she backed away from him.

WHAPP!! She then slapped him clean across his face, much to his shock, and pain due to her strength. “Swift Star…” she said sternly “I am one of Stammadon’s most trusted generals. I would advise caution of how you speak to me. I am still far stronger and swifter than you.”

Swift maintained his cool, “That’s exactly the problem. I’m training to be part of Starfleet, which makes us enemies. If we don’t come to an agreement, we’ll end up fighting each other.”

En Shi moved in closer and softly licked the tip of his ear, stunning him again. Even more so as she whispered to him, “We don’t have to worry about any of that… because I’m going to train you myself. I’ll show you what real strength and power is, and with me by your side, you can have it all-- the galaxy will be ours.”

Swift was getting creeped out again by her lust for all this power.

“And I promise, I shall be loyal to you. I won’t even look at another male the way I see you.”

The more she spoke, the more twisted Swift felt, and she was still very tempting, especially with all the power she was offering, but being trained by Starfleet, he knew where his loyalties lied. “You don’t understand. I don’t want to get stronger for power and glory. Sure I used to, but my eyes are open. I want to get stronger so I can help others, and make the galaxy a better place for ALL life forms. Can’t you see that?”

En Shi’s features hardened again, “Of course I don’t see it, nor do I have any empathy for the weak and the poor.”

Swift couldn’t believe what he was hearing!

“The strong overpower the weak. It is the way things always have been in any world, and if you perish, it simply means that you are just not strong enough.”

Swift was beginning to see that reasoning with her was going to be harder than he thought; as well as anticipated given how long she had been so power-hungry.

“Swift,” En Shi said looking him dead in the eye, “Understand this: You are never going to change who I am. It is YOU who will be changing for me, especially if you value your life, and that is final!”

Swift bolted upright “Then I guess you’ll have to destroy me! As beautiful as you are, you can’t expect me to change my feelings just like that! All Starfleet fighters are prepared to die if they need to.”

En Shi then smiled at him again, “He’s so headstrong and yet innocent and pure.”

She thought back to how he actually managed to shatter her ice wall, and then smile bravely which captured her heart. “I must make him mine! I will make him come round to my way of thinking.”

En Shi then yawned, “Well, we’ve both had a tiresome day. I suggest we turn in and discus it more in the morning.”

Swift conceived, but he still wasn’t very cool being here in the first place. “And, just where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Why in the bed with me of course.”

Swift turned bright red in the face.

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything. Besides, you may as well stay here tonight. If you wander around the temple, you will be destroyed.”

Swift knew he was totally licked. Even if he could escape the temple, where would he go? He couldn’t get off the planet, and didn’t even know the way back to United Equestria anyway—being unconscious when he came.

“Fine,” he said “But no funny business!”

En Shi smiled lovingly at him, and soon they were both tucked into En Shi’s king-sized bed, but despite the space for them both, Swift kept the edge of his side, trying to keep as far from En Shi as he could. “I am so screwed!” he moaned to himself, while En Shi thought silently, “You will fall for me, Swift Star. I don’t get discouraged so easily.”

Naturally, he didn’t fall asleep at all. How could he, being in a creepy temple, in a strange bed with an enemy commander, whom he feared if he fell asleep first chance she got she would pounce him. “Somebody, please get me out of here!” he prayed silently.

Lightning came back to the group, after having some time alone to think. “I want to go save him!” he declared.

The others and their majesties gawked at him.

“You heard me.”

Rainbow rewound a bit, “Yeah, just a couple of things here. We don’t know exactly WHERE on Ainzul the dark temple is.”

Rhymey nodded,

“The temple is hidden far too well.
Exactly where it is, we cannot tell.

All ways on Ainzul the darkness is bound
Even our gear cannot tell us where Swift is to be found.”

Lightning was well aware of all this, and he was also aware of the possibilities that Stammadon would be probably be waiting for he and the gang to arrive, and attack them on their home grounds.

“Lightning,” Grand Ruler said “I realize how you feel about Swift Star, but we can’t just waltz off to Ainzul without a proper plan. I’m afraid I cannot allow you to go, not this time.”

Lightning felt that would come, and he was prepared for this. “Do you remember when Starla was captured by King Sombra?”

Everyone remembered that, especially Starla; how Sombra disrupted her and Lightning’s wedding, imprisoned her and tried to turn her against everyone, which didn’t work, and in the end, though the dangers were so great, and probability of success low, even Grand Ruler realized it was for the best.

“You always taught me that sometimes rules were made to be broken, as well as followed.” Lightning said.

“He’s right.” agreed Starla, and stood by her husband confirming her decision.

One-by-one, the other fighters stood together and agree, which melted Celestia’s heart for their honor and bravery, and Grand Ruler realized this as well, but he still felt very uneasy of this, as remembered Twilight Sparkle, and how her running off against orders to do battle with a super powered enemy resulted her death, and he really didn’t want to risk that again.

“Darling,” Celestia said to him, “I know what you’re thinking, and I feel the same. I think about Twilight everyday too.”

He was astounded she practically read his mind, and the other fighters all felt the same too. Especially Lightning-- he never forgot how he saw Twilight go down in that explosion, and how he couldn’t save her, and she died in his arms. “Please, Master. I don’t was to let Swift down.”

Grand Ruler was in a mix of emotions, and even he knew he couldn’t let his emotions affect his rightful decision. “I have a plan.” he said, which brought hope to everyone’s eyes “It is very risky, and even I know I shouldn’t be doing this…

…I know! Taking risks never stopped us.”

The next morning, Cadance and Shining Armor were summoned immediately, and arrived with Flurry Heart, via a transport portal.

“You want us to go on a mission?” asked Shining Armor.

“Yes,” replied Grand Ruler, “I have a thought. Stammadon has never seen you two in battle yet, especially in your transformed states. So it’s just possible that while you are transformed he will not suspect much, which will draw him and his minions into the open.”

“I get it.” said Cadance “Since we can’t find, we’ll get them to come to us, and chance for us to rescue Swift Star, or at least find out where he’s being kept.”

“Exactly.” said Celestia “Princes Luna shall accompany you. Her dark magic should be very useful there.”

Princess Luna stepped up, “The Darkness that covers Ainzul should help me to assist you all in case things should go wrong.”

Everyone agreed to this.

“And one final thing,” said Grand Ruler “Lightning shall accompany the trio… alone.”

The rest of the team gawked in shock. “You mean we’re not going?” asked Dyno.

“You can’t be serious.” said Myte.

“He’s serious, and so am I.” said Lightning “There’s no sense in all of us running this risk. The last time we all went to Ainzul, we barely got out of it alive. Now that Stammadon’s fully taken over the planet, there’s no telling what dangers await there.”

The others felt he was right, but still didn’t like him going there alone… even with the trio, but orders were orders, and this was one that was not to be defied.

So, they all agreed.

Flurry Heart was dropped in a playpen with Shining Light. The two babies seemed happy to each other, and were playing about without a care in the world.

Lightning bent over and pecked his son on his head, “You be good now.”

Shining Armor and Cadance extended the same sentiments with Flurry Heart, and the babies just continued to play.

Lighting then bid his friends farewell, and kissed his wife goodbye. “Please be careful.”

He just smiled and nodded bravely at her.

Krysta then created the space-warp portal, and it was time for the team to go, but not before Cadance and Shining Armor transformed.

Cadance held up her magic medallion, “Go, Go Ninja!” and became the Silent Ninja.

“Mask of Saber!” clapped his mask on his face, he became Saber: the Insecto General.

“Right, I’m ready!” Saber said with pride. Cadance, unable to speak, simply nodded.

Lightning agreed, and he transformed, “Starfleet Magic!”

They the four heroes were off, soaring through space and on their way to Ainzul.

“I’ve got to tell Rarity this.” Spike said, and he flew out the window to head off for New Ponyville, while everyone else could do nothing but wait.

Even in the morning, the skies over Ainzul were just as dark and creepy, but En Shi stretched out and yawned. Then she looked over towards the end of the bed where Swift lay, “Good morning, my darling.” she cooed, but Swift achingly turned his head to face her and she gasped at how baggy–eyed he seemed “Oh! You didn’t sleep at all, did you?”

“No… not really.” groaned Swift. He had stayed awake all night fretting, and En Shi only took this with delight.

Nevertheless, he was forced to get up, at least from his two years training at the academy he wasn’t all that tired-- Starfleet soldiers were always Late to Bed, Early to Rise, and some had to stay away for days and nights at a time.

En Shi refused to let him out of her sight at all, and kept walking next to him, with her arm looped around his and her head resting atop his because she was taller than he was, much to Swift’s discomfort.

They came out into the dojo where Stammadon had been up since dawn training with Ka Hotake, fighting more fiercely and more vile than ever before. He looked like a raging volcano ready to blow.

“Yes!” hissed Ka Hotake as he continued to attack and defend, “The hate! Feel it, use it! Block out all conscience and purity within you! Focus all your rage on me!”

Stammadon roared and his body was actually enveloped in a fiery aura.

The minions watching were stunned and even freaked out a little. En Shi held Swift close to her, hoping he wouldn’t be scared, but he was and not just by En Shi, but Striker and how he seemed so powerful, so enraged, and so deadly! He really didn’t seem anything like he was before.

His fear actually helped strengthen the villains and all the darkness that spread across the planet.

Swift knew he failed to convince En Shi about finding peace, and he had a feeling convincing his cousin would be next to impossible with all that evil inside him. Still, it was Striker. There had to be some of him in there!

“Um… excuse me.” Swift said to the Shis “Would it be possible for me to… go up and… talk with him a moment?”

“Certainly not!” growled Rai Shi.

“Rai Shi!” snapped En Shi “Don’t you talk to Swift that way.”

“Regardless of you feel, En Shi, the boy is our prisoner.”

“I just want to talk to him for a moment.” said Swift, but again he was denied. “You think he’d actually want to talk to you?” sneered Kara Shi.

Tan Shi agreed, “You will get your privilege to speak with Lord Stammadon when you are worthy of that honor, and not before.”

En Shi still didn’t like the way they were talking to Swift, but she held onto him “Don’t worry about them. They’re always a bit brash and rude.”

Swift remained undeterred.

While somewhere, far, far from the mountain. Lightning and his team had arrived safely, but all four of them did not like the looks of the planet and how the darkness had grown so savage, not to mention the planet still being practically deserted since the Ainzulians had fled for safety.

“And to think,” said Luna “This planet was to become peaceful and bright.”

Saber clenched his two main fists, “That Stammadon’s a real monster. I’d like to slice him in two the first chance I get.”

Cadance placed her hand over his shoulder and shook her head at him, reminding him that it was still Striker after all, and they really didn’t want to have to destroy him.

Lightning tried to scan the area with his visor, but this unusual darkness stretched all over the planet, making it hard to detect a thing. Even Princess Luna could barely navigate her sense through this kind of darkness. “This energy is produced from the fears and doubts of others. When combined, they create unspeakable shadows that covet the land, and evil forces use it to gain strength.”

Lightning hated the sound of that, “It’s no wonder Stammadon and his team are so hard to beat. Look at this stuff, it’s everywhere.”

The team all felt the same way, and it made them all the more skeptical about being able to battle Stammadon and his forces on their home turf, but they couldn’t’ just abandon Swift Star.

Suddenly Cadance noticed something and waved frantically at everyone, and then she pointed off in the distance to the South. Everyone could see a very faint yet eerie series of flashes emitting from far away, somewhere in the darkness of the mountain regions.

“Good job, Cadance!” said Lightning “That must be where the temple is. Let’s go.”

With their super speeds, they all arrived at the foot of the largest mountain in no time, and they feel the vibrations of roaring and power emitting all the way from the top.

“Whoa!” cried Saber “I don’t need to have a visor to know that’s extreme power up there.”

“Right.” said Lightning “Now it’s time to play it cool. You two ready?”

Cadance and Saber nodded, and looked up the mountain.

Stammadon was panting furiously after so much training. “I am ready!” he hissed “Ready to take on Starfleet.”

The Shis all looked excited. Swift looked worried, but Ka Hotake warned him, “You may feel that you are ready; do not let your confidence blind you.”

“What?!”

The Shis gasped that he would dare to question Stammadon, and Ka Hotake answered, “You should never underestimate an adversary. I should know, I was sealed away because I was caught by surprise.”

“Yeah, we know the feeling.” grumbled Kara Shi, and Tan Shi clunked him for that, “Keep quiet! Do you want to give away who we really are to him?”

Kara Shi sheepishly pretended to zip his lips, but Swift heard everything, and he looked back at Ka Hotake, “This guy doesn’t know who Stammadon really is, or how he truly operates.”

Stammadon felt enraged, so enraged, that even Swift was growing too scared to even think of approaching him anymore.

“There is only one way to know for certain if I am ready…” he hissed to himself, and he gazed over at his minions wishing to do battle with them as well, which frightening them all deeply.

But suddenly….!

“Wait…!” called a voice. Everyone turned all saw two unusual creatures coming through the temple’s opened gates-- one humanoid insect hybrid, and a ninja figured dressed in a complete red and black outfit that his her completely, even her eyes.

“I’ve never seen anything like them before.” said En Shi.

“Where did they come from?” wondered Rai Shi.

Swift, thanks to his extensive studying as well as having eyes of his own and hearing stories-- he knew who these two creatures really were, but he did everything he could to keep silent so as not to give anything away realizing that rescue was at hand.

“Who are you?” growled Stammadon “How is it you found this forbidden place?”

“I am Saber. Insecto General. My partner and I travel around the galaxy, searching for opponents of great strength and skill to do battle.”

“And you wish to do battle with me, I suppose?”

Cadance nodded and motioned with her hand in a fighter’s stance.

The Shis urged him on,

“Take them down master!” sneered Rai Shi.

“Yeah, what he said!” added Kara Shi.

Tan Shi simply snuffed while En Shi licked her lips in anticipation for a good fight.

As for Swift… he was being watched. Neither villain had the magical senses to know that both Lightning and Princess Luna were present as well-- Luna was keeping them both invisible, cloaked in the magic of her shadow mane.

“We can’t try to take Swift while he’s too close to the Shis” said Lightning.

“True,” agreed Luna “And we dare not stir up a real fight; no telling how powerful the enemies are now on their own turf.

The moment we make any move, they will be on to us.”

Lightning was hoping Cadance and Saber wouldn’t have to actually fight Stammadon, although seeing how tired he looked, perhaps it would make a difference.

Saber and Cadance stepped up, into the battle ring and Stammadon glared them furiously.

“Focus your hate.” Ka Hotake whispered to himself “Let your rage be your strength.”

Stammadon focussed hard on his opponents, and his eyes were blazing with fire. “You have no idea of the nightmare you have just stepped into.” he hissed.

Saber gripped his sword tightly, and Cadance stood ready to fight.

Stammadon rushed forth to tackle them both, but suddenly Cadance threw strong smoke bombs at the ground, POOF, making a horrible thick cloud, stunning and blinding everyone.

“What is this?” Stammadon thundered.

The minions and Ka Hotake all coughed and gagged as well, and En Shi was forced to let go of Swift so she could use her power, unaware that the second she let him go, Lightning swooped in and grabbed him, pulling him away.

“HAIL STORM” The Hail pellets and the freezing winds blew the smoke away.

The heroes had already fled from the temple, still cloaked in Luna’s mane, and standing at the foot of the mountain.

“Commander!” cried Swift “I knew someone would come for me.”

Lightning smiled, but then his smile twisted down, “We’ll talk about this later. Right now we’ve got to get off this planet.”

“Nobody, is going anywhere!” growled Stammadon.

The team turned and saw him and his forces standing there, and looking rather peeved, especially En Shi at Swift.

“I must admit, you had me deceived.” sneered Stammadon “And for that I shall have the pleasure of destroying you all!”

Lightning left Swift in Luna’s care, and he transformed into an Enticorn, “You’re on!”

The two fighters lunged at one another, and Lightning aimed a powerful punch at the villain, while Stammadon punched him right back, and the two forces seemed evenly matched, much to Lightning’s shock.

The two flicked off of each other and came together, brawling like crazy. Despite Stammadon’s excessive training, he was still able to fight like a demon; he matched Lightning blow-for-blow, strength, speed.

Finally, the two punched each other hard in the faces, knocking each other up in the air and crashing to the ground.

“I don’t believe this!” cried Lightning.

“Oh, believe it!” growled Stammadon, “Thanks to my new master, Ka Hotake, I am now stronger than ever. I let the hate and the rage pushes me forth, and that is what I will use to destroy you!”

Lightning growled, and the two fighters went at it again.

Saber and Cadance decided to try and help Lightning, “Princess Luna, take Saber home at once.” said Saber.

Luna agreed, but Swift protested, “But Striker…! I can’t just leave him here.”

“I understand how you feel.” said Luna, “But we must go!”

“Oh, no you don’t!” thundered Rai Shi, and he leapt up high, directly over them coming straight down “FIST OF FORCE!” Forcing Luna and Swift jump in different directions.

CRASH!! Rai Shi struck the ground making it shake hard.

Luna got to her feet, “Swift Star!” she called, and tried to rush for him, but Rai Shi lunged for her, forcing her to fight and defend herself.

The two brawled hard, like skilled martial artists.

POW!! Luna was hit hard in the face.

BOOT!! Rai Shi was kicked hard in his gut.

The two were still standing, and Rai Shi rushed for the Princess, only for her to meld into darkness and vanish. “You cannot hide from me for long!” Rai Shi called.

Ka Hotake, remained calm and focused on the area, now that he understood Luna’s trick. Suddenly, “There!” he shouted and pointed behind Rai Shi.

Just as Luna popped out to kick him from behind, Ka Hotake used his telekinetic rays to halt her in midair, allowing Rai Shi to spin on his heel and kick her hard, and sent her crashing into a rock pillar, shattering it.

“Thank you.” Rai Shi said.

Ka Hotake nodded and leapt over to assist him.

Luna got to her feet while rubbing her head, “I fear no one! I will take you two on!”

While she battled the two villians, Saber and Cadance then decided to abandon their helping of Lightning and help Swift instead, but they were ambushed by En Shi.

“HAIL STORM” Her ice pellets shrouded the two fighters, forcing them to swerve and dodge like crazy until it stopped, and En Shi glared at them “No one will take my love away from me!”

She then turned and winked at Swift, making him feel nervous.

Tan Shi and Kara Shi then stood behind the two fighters, snickering wickedly with their sword and claws ready.

While Stammadon and Lightning still brawled, the two leapt towards one another, and hit each other hard resulting in a big explosion and the two stood at far ends from one another.

“I hoped it wouldn’t come to this!” said Lightning as he charged up, “ULTRA UNIFORCE”

“STRIKING FORCEWAVE”

The two forces met, and both fighters seemed to be totally equal.

KAPOW!! There was a big explosion, which threw Lightning one way and Stammadon another, right towards Swift and landing several feet away from him.

The minions were all too busy brawling with the other fighters, refusing to let them pass.

“Swift!” cried Luna.

“Oh, no!” shouted Saber.

Cadance fretted, but she nor the others could seem to break through.

Swift watched as Stammadon got to his feet, and they stared at each other,

“Striker, it’s me, Swift Star… your cousin.”

“I am not Striker, fool! I occupy his body! He is but a dying fragment of my memories.”

“No!” snapped Swift “I know my cousin! He wouldn’t give in so easily. I know he’s in there.”

Lightning then swooped in landing between the two. “Stay back!” he said to Swift.

“You’d be wise to do as he says.” agreed Stammadon “Not that it matters!”

He and Lightning came together again, Lightning punched for him, but missed and Stammadon grabbed him and held him tightly, choking him so that he changed back to normal.

“Commander!” cried Swift.

The others all gazed their way, the minions were overjoyed, but the fighters were horrified, yet they still couldn’t help him with the villains keeping them back.

“You put up a good fight,” Stammadon hissed as he continued to strangle Lightning, “But it appears I am the strongest there is, and you know what I do to those I defeat.”

Lightning struggled and pulled with all his might, but Stammadon seemed so strong.

Swift couldn’t bear the look of this, and something inside of him snapped! “NO!!!” he shouted as he rushed in towards the two, “LET HIM GO…!!”

Stammadon looked over at the charging pony. He saw him approach him, take aim with his fist… which suddenly glowed with a bright light.

BOOM!! Swift struck him right in the face, actually hurting him and making him fly clear off of Lightning, and crash hard through many rock pillars, and falling hard on the ground.

Everyone gawked in total shock.

“MASTER!!” the minions shouted.

The fighters were all astonished, even Ka Hotake couldn’t believe what he saw, but none were ever as astonished as Swift was. “Did I just do that?” he asked as he gazed down at his fist.

While the villains were distracted, the fighters saw their chance.

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE” Saber blasted Tan Shi and Kara Shi off.

BAM!! Cadance punched En Shi away.

Rai Shi and Ka Hotake both took a swing at Luna, but she leapt up in the nick of time, causing them to hit each other by mistake. “Let’s go!” Luna called.

Everyone regrouped around Lightning and Swift, and Luna quickly engaged the return-spell, which warped them all off the planet to safety.

En Shi was very upset, not just for being defeated and humiliated as so, but the fact that Swift actually got away from her.

The others didn’t really take notice as they all rushed to Stammadon’s side.

“Master!” called Rai Shi.

“Where are you? Speak to us!” cried Kara Shi.

The massive rock pile suddenly rumbled, and Stammadon burst through it and landed at the top. The minions were overjoyed he was okay, but Stammadon was furious and confused as he rubbed his bruised face. “That pony!” he grumbled “He actually harmed me?!”

He then thought of that glowing that occurred around Swift’s fist before he was hit, “No… it cannot be!”

Ka Hotake himself didn’t know whether to be upset that his student was beaten by a rookie, or confused as to what that power he had seen was. Nonetheless, “You have much to learn still.” He said to Stammadon.

His student agreed, and looked up into the dark skies, vowing to get back at Starfleet for this humiliation!

Once back at New Canterlot Palace, much as the team was overjoyed and delighted to have Swift back, you can bet, he was immediately scorned by the gang for his acts of disobedience which got him caught in the first place.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” asked Grand Ruler.

Swift humbly and shamefully looked down, “No, your majesty. I do not. I realize now that I am to blame for what happened, and for causing so much trouble. I am prepared to accept any punishment.”

Their majesties commended him for taking the responsibility, and Celestia suggested, “I feel that since you are Lightning Dawn’s student, it is his decision of what is to be done.”

Everyone agreed, even the rest of the team did, and Lightning approached his student.

“Swift Star, I would like to again express my extreme disappointment in you. You were given strict orders not to interfere in Starfleet business, however pure your intentions were, and as a result of your carelessness you nearly were destroyed, you put many of us in danger, and this little escapade could have had much more serious consequences.”

Swift remained stiff and stood tall, but he felt his insides burning with worry.

“Therefore,” Lightning continued “As punishment, I will double your training schedule with less than minimal rest periods.

That is all.”

There was a sudden outburst of confusion and chatting going on in the courtroom.

“What’s he talking about?” asked Rainbow.

“How can he go so light on him?” wondered Buddy.

“Why is he showing compassion to treason?
Whatever it is, he must have some reason.” said Rhymey.

Lightning did have a reason.

“Swift Star is still not an official Starfleet officer, we cannot simply throw the book at him or pass such other sentences.”

Then he explained the situation involving Stammadon, and how he of everyone present in the fight managed to actually overpower the evil foe.

“Apart from saving my life, which I am properly grateful for,” said Lightning, “This may be the key we all have been searching for to bring our enemy down, and I wish to conduct experiments in hopes to understand more of what we had witnessed.”

Swift didn’t know how to take this, but the charges were dropped and the court was dismissed.

“Thank you sir,” said Swift “I feel like I’m a very lucky pony.”

Lightning couldn’t help but smile and remark, “More than you think you are, but it takes more than luck to be the best. Remember that.”

Swift nodded promising just so.

(Promo)

In our Next Episode: Abra Kadabra and Trixie perform a magic show in the New Crystal Empire to celebrate Flurry Heart’s birthday, but Data Stream plans to crash the party when she and Megadox send a powerful virus that captures people and traps them within the Digital World itself, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders, which leaves Mykan to do battle with the virus alone!

Can Mykan successfully save everyone from the grasp of Megadox?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Hat’s off to you”)

Episode 12: Hat's off to You

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Episode 13: She Raw

Author's Note

This episode is NOT MEANT TO BE SEXIST, AND DOES NOT REFLECT MY ATTITUDE IN REAL LIFE!!!

It's just part of Tan Shi's background

...So don't even think of getting on your high horse and causing me more trouble with your need to cyberbully

Episode 13: She Raw

EPISODE THIRTEEN

It was there it was happening…!

Swift rushed towards Stammadon, who was strangling Lightning, and suddenly, Swift’s fist began to glow and he POUNDED Stammadon hard, knocking him off Lightning and send him crashing through all the rock pillars.

“Stop the images.” said Lightning, and the screen showing the images recorded from his memory, and he reversed the images to just the point where Swift’s fist began to glow. “There! Something unusual happened with Swift; something magical…”

The rest of the team were completely baffled.

“What is that?” Starla kept asking.

“Whatever it is, it just beat Stammadon with ease.” said Krysta.

Lightning still found it so perplexing-- As an Enticorn he was only just able to match Stammadon’s ever-growing strength and power, yet Swift Star… a Rookie in-training… summoned a powerful force that knocked Stammadon away like that.

Whatever this magic was, the computers were unable to identify it, having never seen it before.

“Well, look at it this way,” said Pinkie Pie “At least now we finally have the power to beat Stammadon.”

“Um… I don’t think it’s that simple, Pinkie.” said Applejack.

Lightning agreed, “…Swift doesn’t know what that power was either, and he doesn’t know how it happened or how he did it.

We’ve trying to recreate it during training, but nothing’s been working.”

Surely enough, Swift was training by himself in the open field, staring down a large boulder. “I can do this.”

He stood ready, and glared at the rock. Then he charged at it, roaring like he did when Stammadon attacked Lightning, and in a blinding rage he stuck the rock with his fist.

CLANG!! Nothing happened!

“Oh!” Swift groaned softly “Ow… Ugh…! That smarts…!”

Lightning and the others were still determined to figure out what that power was, and fast too.

“Stammadon’s getting stronger.” said Buddy “Especially with that Ka Hotake training him.”

“Then we’ll get stronger too.
Nothing a little training won’t do.” said Rhymey.

Spike remained silent, “I wish Rarity was out of the hospital. We could use her help on this.”

Rhymey knew how he felt, wishing Fluttershy could train do…

“Hey, it’ll be alright you guys.” said Dyno.

“Si,” agreed Myte “They’ll have the babies soon, and then they’ll be back on the force training with us in no time.”

Spike half agreed, “But then who would watch the babies?”

The twins sighed.

“Let’s not worry about that now.” said Artie “We’ve got work to do, so let’s start training.”

“I’m up for that.” said Rainbow “Maybe we’ll finally be able to get our Super Modes to work.”

So, they were all soon training in the fields, taking turns while sparing, that way some of the friends could sit on the sidelines and look after Shining Light for Starla.

“Super Mode, Activate!” shouted Lightning, and he and all the others donned their super armor, which was still very heavy under normal gravity, but thanks to their prior and excessive training, they were now able to at least stand up and walk… with but vast difficulty.

“I feel like I can fall through the ground!” groaned Buddy.

Rainbow flapped her wings like crazy, and she couldn’t get so much as a millimetre off the ground. “This bites!” she groaned.

Artie and Rhymey activated their new super weapons, which looked exactly the same as their regular weapons, only infused with the alloy that made them super strong, but heavy as well; so heavy, as Rhymey tried to lift up his sword, he fell over backwards under its weight.

“Rhymey!” cried Artie, and he dropped his heavy staff and bent down to try and help him up, only to find it hard to stand back upright himself, and he lost balance and fell on his stomach.

“This ain’t workin’!” said Applejack.

“Disengage!” hollered Starla, and everyone powered their suits down. “Ah, yeah… that’s better.” panted Spike.

“Now what do we do?” asked Pinkie.

Lightning stood up, “There’s only one thing we can do at this point…”

Meanwhile, on Ainzul, Stammadon was sparing with Ka Hotake very furiously, still angered by the events of that last battle when Swift actually hit him!

“I will not live this humiliation down!” he thundered to himself, and he attacked Ka Hotake, and his master blocked him off with his staff, only then did he zip behind him and attack him from behind.

“Well done.” said Ka Hotake “You are getting much better.”

Stammadon only looked angrier as he nodded in thanks; trying to keep up his hatred and rage, “The power within me grows, this rage will unlock me new abilities that I’ve never known.”

He turned round and gazed at a stone bench off the ring. He concentrated hard, and his eyes burning with fury, “BLAZE OF THE FLARE KING!”

He roared like a great best, and unleashed a fiery force in the shape of a large lion; sending it straight at the bench and blowing it up just as Rai Shi came outside, making him jump softly.

“Very impressive, master.” he complimented.

Panting softly, Stammadon growled at his minion, “What is it you want, Rai Shi? Make it fast!”

Rai Shi felt the hate and rage coming from his master, it was almost frightening. “It is Tan Shi… she requests to attack United Equestria to feed us with more fear energy.”

“Very well…” sneered Stammadon, “Now go away, and leave us to train!”

“Yes sir.”

Rai Shi went back inside almost at once, and Stammadon turned to face Ka Hotake, “You wish to continue?” Ka Hotake asked.

“YES!!” growled Stammadon “Fight with me until I grow weary!”

Ka Hotake was pleased and thought to himself, “His rage is growing vastly and his power strengthens.

Too bad he doesn’t know what he’s REALLY getting himself into. Those who train under my guidance always end up the same.”

Inside, Rai Shi met up with Kara Shi and En Shi in the throne room, “I am beginning to have fear of Stammadon. He is becoming more enraged the more he is training.”

Kara Shi snuffed “Can’t say I blame him. Starfleet knows where our location is; what if they decide to launch a full scale attack against us?”

En Shi shook her head, “They wouldn’t dare. After all, even Lightning Dawn at his strongest was unable to beat Stammadon, and the master is growing stronger by the moment. No, I don’t believe they will make such a move.”

Tan Shi entered the room, “And they won’t get a chance, not after I get through with them, and destroy them all!”

She was joined by a monster she had unleashed from the walls of the temple.

She looked like an amazon warrior-- very beautiful, silver skinned and long black hair-- but she was rather muscular, and wore a strong brown leather skirt, and armored platings on her chest and shoulders. A strong sword was sheathed on her back, and she carried two strong boomerang blades on the sides of her skirt, and in back she had a long whip rolled up and clinging to her belt.

“Wow!” Kara Shi drooled as he gazed at the beautiful lady “You’ve got to be the prettiest creature I’ve ever seen.”

En Shi felt insulted, and as for the monster; she glared furiously at Kara Shi and threw one of her boomerangs at him, knocking him to the floor.

She caught her weapon back, “I am Zenia, a strong willed female warrior; and I DO NOT appreciate being ogled at… especially by horrible and pathetic men!”

Kara Shi and Rai Shi both felt extremely offended.

“How dare you say such things!” growled Rai Shi.

Zenia looked ready for a fight with him, but Tan Shi held her off, “Save your energy for the real battle.”

Zenia calmed down and prepared to leave.

“We will destroy those ponies!” sneered Tan Shi “Especially that weak little worm that attacked Stammadon.”

Everyone expected En Shi to fly off the handle at that, but she didn’t seem to even be fazed, “If it happens, so be it.”

“But I thought you had feelings for that boy?” asked Rai Shi.

“And I still do, but I am a warrior of strength and power. It may be regrettable, but if Swift Star is to be destroyed I’ll be strong about it, no matter how regrettable it is.”

Zenia felt sick, “Showing compassion for a male; how insulting!”

“My thoughts exactly.” muttered Tan Shi “Let’s go!”

The ladies went off, and En Shi was still not the least bit insulted as she was lost her in her own thoughts, “Swift…” she sighed, and blushed.

Rai Shi and Kara Shi shook heads at one another.

Lightning had decided the best action for the gang was to wear their super armor during simple ordinary times-- off duty, doing simple tasks, or just plain going on walks.

They were all wearing their armors as they stood and watched Lightning train with Swift, but they all looked as if they were struggling to keep their balances, and on their feet… which they really were.”

“You guys really think this is a good idea?” asked Krysta.

“For now, it’s our only idea.” replied Starla, it’ll help us get used to weight and build up our endurance.”

The others all agreed, and continued to watch Lightning train Swift in the open field.

Swift posed and focussed hard. He punched and kicked the air and he leapt and rolled about.

“Very good, Swift,” Lightning called to him, “Now think fast!”

Though Lightning could not move very well with his heavy armor on, he was still able to fire shots from his horn, and he fired small pulses of uniforce at Swift in large swarms for him to practice his dodging.

Swift swerve, ducked and rolled avoiding every shot that came his way, and then bound straight for Lightning, roaring and focussing hard…!

“Oh, I can’t look!” cried Pinkie, and she could only raise her arms very slowly to cover her eyes.

“You could just shut your eyes.” grumbled Rainbow.

Swift leapt over to Lightning and punched him in the chest!

CLANG!! Once again, nothing happened-- Lightning felt nothing, didn’t even budge, and Swift felt his hand aching.

“Ooh… That can’t be good.” groaned Artie

Swift groaned as he held his hand, the pain would subside soon due to his strength increasing with training, but he was really getting annoyed. “I don’t get it! What am I doing wrong?”

He was obviously frustrated that he couldn’t activate whatever that special power was he did before.

“Swift,” Lightning said “We all understand how you must feel. We want to know more about what you did back then too, but don’t let IT be your only focus.”

“How can you say that?” asked Swift “That power I showed may be the only chance we have of beating Stammadon and saving Striker.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook and neglect your other abilities as well.”

The rest of the team all agreed, and Rhyme said…

“If you focus on only one skill or thing,
And you neglect all others, what will that bring?
Power alone is just plain wrong,
It takes skill and strategy to make you strong.”

Swift thought deeply about what Rhymey said, and realized he was right, remembering that all his mentors, as well as any good fighter trained in several skills, not just one; everything from combat practice, weapon use, speed, stealth… and all kinds of fields.

“Swift…” Starla said “Picture it like this… if you were to focus on just one skill, and it happened to be your greatest… if it were to fail you in battle, then you’d be easily overpowered and wouldn’t be able to fight your enemy back.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Swift began to get the idea.

Suddenly, there was a loud growl, and everyone turned and saw Tan Shi. “Sorry to break up this deep moment, but I’m here to destroy you creeps!”

The team glared at her with fury, and they powered down their super armor.

“Krysta,” Lightning called “Take Shining Light and Swift to my place, and make sure Swift stays there.”

“Right,” Krysta agreed, and Swift did too as he took the baby from Starla, and kissed his little head, “Be a good boy, honey.” she cooed to him.

“Don’t worry, Colonel,” said Swift “And this time I promise… No Heroics.”

He looked back to Lightning who nodded thankfully at him.

“Come on, let’s go!” cried Krysta, and she warped herself, Swift and the baby away to a safe place.

Starla felt her nerves shaking with worry.

“Easy, girl…” said Applejack “We got work to do.”

Starla agreed and focussed on her foe.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning, and the team, transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

“Dragon Power!”

The team stood ready, and Tan Shi extended her claws, and she seemed to be glaring more at the men than the ladies.

Suddenly, there was a loud shrieking sound—like a battle cry-- and Zenia leapt onto the scene and drew her sword. “So this is the team you’re having trouble with? Doesn’t look like much to me, especially those men.”

“Que?!” snapped Dyno.

“What did she say?!” growled Myte.

Lightning ignored the obvious insult and order the team to attack, and so they all rushed forth.

The villains rushed in, and Tan Shi rushed up ahead, showing her swift Kung Fu skills, she ignored the men and went straight for the ladies.

She grabbed Starla by the arm and threw her aside, then kicked Pinkie and Rainbow, knocking them into Applejack and over to where Starla was.

As the ladies all got up, Tan Shi stood before them and with her hands together; she made several hand signs, and then blasted the ladies with a strong energy wave. “Hey!!” cried Rainbow.

“What just happened?” asked Pinkie.

“There’s nothin’ here at all.” said Applejack.

Starla however was not so sure, and as she tried to walk forward, she felt herself bump into something-- like some kind of barrier.

The ladies all scanned with their visors, and could detect a strong energy barrier, completely sealing them off. They could neither run forth, tunnel out, nor jump out of.

Pinkie tried punching and kicking at the barrier, which proved to be ineffective. “This stuff is strong!”

“Excellent! My training has rekindled my invisible barrier.” hissed Tan Shi, then she turned to face the men and rushed over to join Zenia.

“What have you done to the girls?!” snapped Lightning.

“Never mind them!” sneered Zenia “Let’s party, boys!” and she let out that battle cry of hers again and leapt in to action, swinging her sword and punching and kicking.

The boys defended themselves as best they could, but then Tan Shi leapt over to join the fight, and her swift Kung Fu moves, the boys had to fight much more swiftly, and et they still got slashed and swiped at as sparks flew all over, but the guys still stood on their feet…

Until… “BLADE-MARANGS!” Zenia shouted, and tossed both her bladed boomerangs that began to spin about like crazy back and forth, striking the men hard creating sparks, sparks, and more sparks every time they hit.

The men were still standing, but feeling a little sore.

“What’s with these gals?!” groaned Spike.

“Why are they only going after us too?” added Artie.

Tan Shi stomped her foot and growled furiously at the fighters, “You’re lady friends will soon follow, for having disgraced themselves for being the servants of men!”

“What?” snapped.

The ladies heard what Tan Shi had said and they felt horribly insulted, “What does she mean “Servants of Men?” wondered Starla.

Tan Shi began to explain how she despised men with a bloody vengeance!

*Tan Shi’s POV*

In my youth while living on Ainzul, I worked with my mother, doing chores, cooking, cleaning, and crafting seals, as was the customs way back then-- Men had all the excitement, while the women stayed at home.

My father was a Kung Fu warrior and seeing him train and spar with his comrades inspired me to take on a new approach to life, but unfortunately my father was among those who relished the customs of having male dominance over the family. He laughed at me, and threatened me never to think of such nonsense again.

“You are female; your place is in the home and catering to my needs. That is the custom. That is how it has always been, and you should accept that and be thankful for it.”

Even my father’s own comrades laughed at me, having treated their wives and daughters in the same manner… and yet, all the women thought nothing of it. Many of them relished the lives they were subjected to-- having a strong husband by their sides-- to them it was as if being a housewife and catering to a man’s every need was the greatest thing that could happen to them. Even my own mother was among the many fools, and told me to embrace my life and my future.

What future-- A life of slavery and un-fulfilment, in world run by fools and ignoramuses…?! I wouldn’t have it!

So, I began to train in secret whenever I was alone, mimicking my father’s moves as I watched him train; increasing my strength and developing style as I aged.

Then, one day, as my father fought against a band of thieves that tried to rob us of our possessions, he was overpowered and rendered helpless.

He would have surely been destroyed had I not acted when I had. I leapt into action surprising the thieves. Those foolish men underestimated me as a female… and I was easily able to defeat them and save my father’s life.

…But my father was anything but grateful! He scorned me! He balked at me for my training in secret, and my doing what he deemed “Man’s work.”

Even my mother was livid with me, despite saving my father’s life.

I soon became a laughing stock around the village, and I was teased and made fun of by men and women alike.

So, I ran-away, to make my own future, but I would never forget the way I was treated, and how I felt women were disgracing themselves by not showing what more they could be.

It enraged me, and pushed me to train and become stronger as I got older.

Many years later, I had reached the pinnacle of my strength, and that was when I met him… Stammadon! He saw that I had great potential and never questioned my gender! He offered me to fight alongside him, and to take rule of Ainzul.

Despite my initial distrust in a male, I could not refuse.

I fought well under Stammadon’s command, eliminating warriors, one-after-another! Among them, was my own father-- I showed him NO MERCY!!

“My child, please… I beg you! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…!!!”

*POV End*

“I may work for Stammadon,” Tan Shi sneered “But he is not like others. He has given me power, granted me my revenge, and allows me to continue on my pursuit to wipe out all men that I can’t stand!”

All the ponies were shocked and livid. “You destroyed your own father?!” spat Spike “Come on! I get he was a jerk, but you didn’t have to do all that!”

“I was right to do so!” snarled Tan Shi “All men who behaved as my father did deserved to be destroyed, and so did all women who cowered to their ways!”

Zenia nodded, “She’s not the only one who holds this hate! So we’ll destroy you men first, and then your lady friends. They have disgraced themselves for agreeing to be with men like you!”

The ponies had heard enough, all though they could understand Tan Shi’s anger and hatred, her actions and her lust for power were completely inexcusable.

“You are completely mad,
The way you fight is just bad!” growled Rhymey.

“SILENCE!!” shouted Tan Shi, and she lunged forth, forcing the men to scatter.

Zenia made her battle cry and leapt over to attack as well, drawing her sword.

Spike and Rhymey got out their weapons.

“DRAGON KNIGHT SABER”

“WARD SWORD”

Zenia was not impressed, “I can take you two on.”

“Bring it!” growled Spike.

“Swing it!” rhymed Rhymey.

The two fighters leapt in, swinging their blades at the amazon. Zenia grabbed one of her blade-marangs, giving her two weapons to duel with, and what a fighter she was-- she skillfully fended off the two men, and then back flipped hard, kicking them both in the face and forcing them back a bit.

The other men saw them and tried to rush over to help, but Zenia, “BLADE-MARANGS!” threw both her flying blades, forcing the men to leap up high into the air to avoid them.

Tan Shi then kicked up off the ground.

“Watch out!” Rainbow Dash called dup to the guys.

The guys stood ready, “This should be easy, she can’t fly!” said Artie.

Tan Shi snickered, and made more symbols with her hands, and she actually bounced off of the very air itself, catching the guys by surprise and slashing them all with her claws.

“No way!” cried Dyno.

“A flying tiger?!” added Myte.

“See how you like my Air Jump ability!” sneered Tan Shi, and she leapt off the air again, and the guys scattered, but suddenly they were all attacked by Zenia’s blades on their return trips and knocking them all to the ground.

“No!!” cried Starla.

The blades struck Rhymey and Spike knocking them both down too as Zenia caught her weapons. “Like all men, you’re losers!”

The men growled angrily and bolted back up onto their feet, and the fights continued.

Tan Shi dove at Lightning, and he swerved allowing Buddy and Artie to strike her, but she zipped out of the way.

“Where is she?” asked Buddy.

Tan Shi then roared as she came down at them from above.

“Watch it!” shouted Arite, and he and Buddy zipped off making Tan Shi hit the ground, which fell right through thanks to Dyno and Myte’s digging while she was distracted.

The twins then popped and leapt towards one another, grabbed each other’s hand,

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!”

Artie threw in his own explosives, “PAINT BOMBS!”

The hole became a blazing inferno, and Tan Shi really looked to be hit, but she leapt through that fire, kicking Artie in the chest and bouncing off of him and slashing the twins with her claws.

Suddenly, Lightning came in and kicked her hard in the face sending her across the field.

He was about to pursue her, when he was lassoed by Zenia’s whip, and she yanked him towards her, ready to slash at him, but Lightning straightened himself up and soared way up high taking the monster with him.

“Let’s see you try your bad mouthing men up here!” he called as he soared higher and higher, and he pulled Zenia up to him and began to crash dive hard to the ground to really smash her.

Zenia didn’t seem the least bit worried, and head bashed him hard in the face, forcing Lightning to let her go and she plummeted to the ground.

“Let’s get her while she’s in midair!” hollered Spike.

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMBS”

“DRILL QUILL”

“BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS!”

As the barrage of attacks flew at her, Zenia only smirked, “BLADE-MERANGS!” She threw her blades which flew all about, blocking most of the shots, and all the rest she struck with her whip-- crazily waving it

She then lassoed her while round a large tree limb, allowing to swing like on a vine and land on the treetop gracefully. “That the best you boys got? No wonder I’m not amused.”

Tan Shi snickered, but the men were still far from beaten. Still, they had never met any creature so infuriated; so sickened by men that she let it drive her forth.

As the fight continued, the mares were all growing annoyed. “WE GOTTA BREAK OUTTA’ HERE!!” shouted Pinkie and she began to furiously attacking the invisible barrier.

Rainbow joined her, but neither of them could seem to break the barrier down.

Starla, however, she was lost deep in her inner thoughts, and had been since the battle began.

“You okay, girl?” asked Applejack, but Starla only looked up and felt her insides going crazy!

She partially understood how Tan Shi felt, being pushed around-- her father was exactly the same, only more a control freak rather than prejudice.

She also remembered of how he was assassinated, and she never wanted that to happen to him, no matter how much a jerk he acted.

And now… the way Tan Shi spat at men-- especially at Lightning and the others-- accusing them of being horrible scum, and fingering herself and the other mares as DISGRACES for associating with them at all!

Starla began to pant furiously, getting louder and angrier with each breath.

“Starla!” cried Rainbow.

Starla then let out a huge ROAR, and unleashing a bright wave of strong aura from her horn, shattering Tan Shi’s barrier.

“What?! They’re escaping?” Tan Shi snapped as she turned to see it happening.

Lightning saw it too, “Starla…?”

The other guys were astounded!

The other mares were feeling a bit frightened as they held each other.

Starla suddenly snapped to her senses, and was she ever confused, “That power…” she muttered, she knew it was not her usual magic.

There was no doubting it; she had unleashed that exact same mystery force that Swift Star had done which was what shattered the barrier.

Zenia could not believe what was going on, and in her distraction, Buddy lassoed her sword with his Vine Whip, and yanked it out of her hand.

“…My sword!!”

Tan Shi leapt into the air to get it.

“DRAGON FLAMEWHEEL” Spike launched himself straight up, and bashed Tan Shi hard, and knocking her back hard, and sending the sword where Rhymey was.

Zenia raced to grab her weapon, but too late.

“THRASH SLASH!” Rhymey leapt up into the air and, with one swing of his blade, Zenia’s sword was shattered to bit.

“That’s it!” thundered Zenia “You sick men have had it!

BLADE-MARANGS!”

“Not this time!” Rainbow shouted as she leapt up, zooming through the air and caught the two blades in midflight.

Tan Shi got up, and she was extremely ticked now, and she rushed to attack, but Applejack and Pinkie dropped down in front of her, and flew around her in circles to make her dizzy.

Tan Shi leapt straight up into the air and prepared to bounce off, but Lightning came in; punching her hard and send her slamming into Zenia.

“STARLIGHT ARROW”

Starla fired many arrows from her bow, striking the two villains hard, and they both fell over hard.

Now all the fighters stood together. Lightning stood by his wife. “Glad you’re okay.”

His wife smiled at him.

“You…!!” Tan Shi growled at her, “You still show your loyalties TO A MALE!”

“Not just me,” sneered Starla, and she motioned at the other mares in the group, and they nodded in agreement with her.

Lightning then stepped forth, “You two are so wrapped up in your hatred for men that it blinds you and holds you back! Now we’re going to bring you two in.”

“I think not!” growled Tan Shi, and before Lightning and the others could do anything, the two monsters vanished and were gone.

“Argh!” growled Lightning.

“We could’ve had them!” groaned Spike.

Rhymey said…

“Never mind, those two. The battle is through.
When next time they show, we’ll run them through.”

Everyone else agreed. Now that they knew Tan Shi’s fatal weakness-- her hatred of men-- they would be sure to use it to their advantage.

“That girl seriously needs to open her eyes.” said Applejack “I can’t believe she could hate men like that; talk about holdin’ a grudge.”

Starla clenched her fists, having found new extreme hate for Tan Shi, and the way she dissed men and women, while at the same time still astonished that she unleashed that mystery power.

“Does this mean we can ALL do it?” asked Dyno.

“I think so,” said Myte. He gazed at Starla “But how did you do it?”

“I don’t know. It just… happened.”

The mystery of the power just became more mysterious that brilliant. The team really had their work cut out for them to figure out what it was and how it worked.

Back on Ainzul…

Tan Shi had sent Zenia off to forge up her weapons again, and train for the next attack, and she was now working hard in the temple’s blacksmith chamber, forging a new sword and new blade-merangs.

As she worked all she could think of was getting even with Starfleet, especially the men. “No one dishonors the great amazon, Zenia, and lives to tell the tale. I’ll make my weapons stronger than ever, and when I do… those creeps will regret having messed with me.”

While way upstairs, Kara Shi and Rai Shi were most surprised, not just by Tan Shi’s failure to beat the ponies, but to learn of the reasons of her rage and roughness.

“You… hate men?” asked Kara Shi.

Tan Shi growled “Yes, I hate men. Truth is out!!”

“I was just asking.” sneered Kara Shi “And I thought I had issues about being short.”

Tan Shi growled and looked ready to attack him.

“Stop this!” snarled Stammadon. The Shis all went silent and he glared at Tan Shi, “Whatever issues you have are YOUR concerns, and keep them to yourself! We are supposed ot be working hard to defeat Starfleet, NOT EACH OTHER!!”

Ka Hotake intervened, “Calm yourself! Much as your hatred and rage is improving, perhaps you should take your own advice and not lash out at your minions.”

Stammadon panted softly, “Yes… you are right, master. I shall meditate alone.”

Ka Hotake watched as he went off, and the Shis noticed he was gazing rather sinisterly. “Is everything alright?” asked En Shi.

He turned and looked her in the eyes, “Yes, why shouldn’t it be? I am training him well, and he gets stronger, so do all of you. That’s all that is needed.” Then he walked off.

Even Rai Shi was starting to have his suspicions about Master Ka Hotake, “We shall be watching him… very closely.”

The others all agreed.

(Promo)

In our next episode: The Cutiemark Crusaders are growing exhausted and finding it harder to balance their lives with their heroics in the Digital World, which could bring a suspicion on their families. So when Data Stream launches not one, but two powerful viruses, how can the data squad keep up this time?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next episode: “Double Dreading Danger”)

Episode 14: Double Dreading Danger

EPISODE FOURTEEN

*Mykan’s POV*

Another day after school, another virus causing trouble, and it was up to the Super Cyber Data Squad to put things right.

Another Dino-troid virus was causing trouble and trashing the systems. It was big and burly, and its armor was tough, but nothing the Data Squad couldn’t handle.

I grabbed the monster by the tail and it flailed and fussed about.

“Here I come!” DD hollered, and she rammed on her controls rushing Dread forward, and swinging it’s huge tail at the monster knocking it back hard.

“My turn!” called Applebloom “Make way for Totalizer!”

Totalizer came rushing in and gave the Dino a good head bash with its horns.

“Arc, Assault-- Attack!” I called to others, and the remaining two Data Beasts came zooming in, firing their missiles and lasers at the virus.

“Bullseye; Right on target.” gloated Scootaloo.

“Now let’s finish him off.” added Sweetie Belle.

I agreed and called for my “DATA SABER” and the second I clasped it, I attacked, “CRASH SLASH WAVE!” blowing the virus to bits. Then I restored all the damaged systems, ending the mission. “Good job, Data Squad… now let’s port out.”

We ported out through the powerlines, and exited the Digital World landing back in Lightning and Starla’s place.

“Well, there goes another virus.” said DD.

“That Megadox just never learns.” added Scootaloo.

Lightning, Starla and I chuckled at the girls having fun with all this. “Trust me, girls,” said Lightning “You have it easier. Try being in Starfleet, THAT’S where the real danger can get you.”

“Well, we better get you girls home.” I said “It’s already late, and you have a human world history test tomorrow.”

“Holy Hayfields!!” cried Applebloom “I totally forgot the test!”

“Me too!” added Sweetie “I haven’t studied for it either!”

DD and Scootaloo were in the same fix.

“Girls, you’ve been given a whole week to study.” I said to them, but then I remembered we had all been working hard all week, eradicating viruses in Cyber Space. The battles often left the girls and I a bit weary and woozy, not to mention the girls has chores and other duties to tend to in their normal lives…

Applebloom was always working on the farm. DD was working hard there too now that Tree Hugger was due to have the baby any day now. Scootaloo had training in the Junior Wonderbolts; like a gymnastics lesson, and Sweetie… with Rarity still in the hospital, her parents insisted she stay to help Spike run and keep the house in shape.

Not to mention the girls still had their responsibilities as the Cutiemark Crusaders and helping other ponies earn their Cutiemarks and understand them better.

“We better get home now before our folks worry.” said Applebloom.

The girls agreed and rushed off before even giving me a chance to teleport them all home, but they didn’t live quite so far away anyhow.

I couldn’t help but sigh, “I’m really getting worried about them. Their grades have been starting to slip too.”

Lightning and Starla agreed and felt just as bad for the girls too. “We have to remember they’re still young,” said Lightning “They should be living about in life and having fun.”

I grunted softly, “Why did Megadox have to come around? I wish we could find some way to just shut him down for good. Then the girls and I wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore.”

“Easier said than done,” Starla said “Megadox could be lurking anywhere in the Digital World, but he’s shielded from any detection, even from the Super Computer.”

I sighed, “So much for that. Nothing to do but wait and keep on fighting…”

I thought about the girls, and I hoped they were okay.

*POV Pause*

The girls were already tried from being at school all day as well as the recent battle they just had in the Digital World, yet they were all just as busy that afternoon-- doing their chores, helping around their respective homes, attending their after school classes and all that, as well as meeting with their clients who needed help with their Cutiemarks.

…All singing a song, in their minds, while the montage went by.

[All Four Girls]

It’s a Real Rough Road for us

It’s a Real Rough Road for us

Got no time to play each day

Gotta do things coming our way

It’s a Real Rough Road

Gotta get to school on time,

Then go fight with virus slime

Homework piles up way to high

Chores just come and go right by

It’s a Real Rough Road

[Sweetie Belle]

It’s so hard balance off a great big schedule,

[Applebloom]

Pullin’ plows and fetchin’ groceries from the store.

[Both]

When you just wanna stop and rest your head you’ll…

…have something else to do and so much more.

[DD]

There’s no time left to play games or have fun

[Scootaloo]

Either that or you feel tired and in pain

[Both]

Then you crawl into bed because the day’s done

Just to wake up and to do it all again

[All Four]

O-o-o-o-oh…!

Duties rising

Chores despising

Digitizing

No surprising…

[Sweetie Belle]

Can’t we have just one small break?

[DD]

Can’t be tardy, or a flake.

[All Four]

How did our lives change so much?

It’s the way life goes as such

It’s a Real Rough Road!

[Applebloom]

Haulin’ apples from the yard

[Sweetie Belle]

Scrubbing dishes full of lard

[Scootaloo]

Digital World, we must guard

[DD]

Sheesh… life is hard!

[All Four Girls]

It’s a Real Rough Road for us

It’s a Real Rough Road for us

How did our lives change so much?

It’s the way life goes as such

It’s a Real Rough Road!

It’s a Real Rough Road!

It’s a Real Rough Road!

A… Real... Rough… ROAD!!!!

Tree Hugger was in bed, and Buddy was fawning over her bloated belly, “Who’s my baby? Who’s my baby?” he kept singing to it.

His wife giggled, and her stomach gurgled. “Oooh… I could use some dinner, hon.”

“Did someone say dinner?” asked Applejack as she and her family came in with a small feast prepared by Pear Butter, just right for an expecting mother. “I know what a mother-to-be needs; a good hearty meal.”

“How long ‘till the big day?” asked Bright Mac.

“Any day now, a week at the most.” said Tree Hugger. Nevertheless, she was told to stay bedridden until it was time, hence why the apple family set up small tables right in the bedroom near the bed.

“Where’s Applebloom and DD?” asked Buddy.

“Here we are.” Applebloom called. The adults all looked towards the door and gasped; the girls looked frazzled, overworked, and really baggy eyed.

“What happened to you two?” asked Applejack.

DD yawned “We were hauling in the last load of apples, but we felt so tired it was hard to pick up. So we dragged it all the way.”

The grownups were really growing concerned with the girls, especially the fact that their grades were starting to slip, they were looking more and more exhausted each day, and also the fact that they had been coming home from school later than usual.

“I think you two should go bed early tonight.” suggested Pear Butter.

“We can’t,” groaned Applebloom “We got big history test of the human world in the morning and we haven’t studied at all; haven’t had time to.”

“How can that be?” asked Buddy “I thought you had a whole week to study.”

“We’ve been busy.” said DD “We can always study for a makeup test.”

The adults really didn’t know what to do. They didn’t feel it would be right to force the girls to study in their current conditions, but they weren’t about to let the girls blow another test either.

“Say, Big Mac,” said Bright Mac “You remember what you used to do when you got too tired to study?”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac “I’d just hit the hay, catch some good Zs, and wake up bright and early to fit in a quick study before school. That way the stuff I learned was fresh in my head, and I always aced my tests.”

Buddy, Applejack and the two parents agreed, and practically insisted the girls go to bed straight after dinner.

DD yawned and said “What have we got to lose?”

Right after dinner the girls felt so comfortable and tired, they were ready to just black right out. They hardly had enough energy to put on their pajamas and brush their teeth.

Soon, they were sleeping like logs, and both Buddy and Applejack set the alarm clocks so DD and Applebloom would wake up a little earlier.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were both in bed as well, having had similar talks with their families about their own weariness.

Meanwhile, Data Stream was wide awake, and had been going through her virus files all evening trying to figure out which one to send.

“Ugh! What’s the point of all this?!” she groaned “It doesn’t matter which of these viruses I send out; Surfer will always show up and blast them across the grid.”

She lay her face down at the desk, pounding the keyboard in frustration, which prompted Megadox to come online. “Stop that this instant!” he demanded “The vibrations of your slamming are echoing through my systems!”

Data looked up and jeered at him, “Can’t you see I’m in the middle of a mental-breakdown?! Not that I’d expect you to understand what that even means.”

“I understand perfectly.” protested Megadox “It is a condition in which a Fleshing exhibits frustration, and stress from confusion and a loss of action.”

Data sighed “Okay, okay… I take it back. You DO understand.”

“Perhaps if you were to explain to me what frustrates you so…?”

“Surfer…! Who else? I’m tired of him always showing up to wreck our plans!”

Megadox clenched his fists, “I see, and I compute the only solution would be for us to destroy the Surfer Program.”

Data rolled her eyes, “Wow, that was easy… easy to say! But in case you weren’t listening… how CAN we destroy Surfer?”

“Observe the second screen if you will…” said Megadox, and he showed Data images of the past battles where Surfer always won and blasted each monster to bits.

“I’ve seen all this before.” sneered Data “What good does watching Surfer winning all the time have to do with beating him.”

“If you will continue to observe,” growled Megadox “How is it that Surfer always manages to defeat us?”

Data suddenly saw-- Dread, Assault, Totalizer and Arc appear. “The Data Beasts-- of course! They always show up to aid Surfer when he is in danger.”

“Precisely!” said Megadox “The Surfer program receives aid from a source located outside of the Digital World, and despite my vast capabilities, I am unable to locate the source of these programs for they are shielded by some form of technology I am unable to computer.”

“So what do we do then?” asked Data.

“Simple-- if we cannot locate the source of these programs, we shall lure them out and over power them with more than just one virus.”

Data got the drift, and liked the idea of sending in more than one virus, “With two viruses instead of one, Surfer and his animal friends won’t be able to aid each other as well.”

She began to type into her computer, salvaging some old files and constructing two new viruses right then and there. “There we are. What do you think of these, Megadox? I shall call them, Zoid and Troid.”

The two viruses looked identical to each other-- both had dinosaur like head with sharp teeth, razor sharp claws, and strong tails. The differences: Zoid was black and Troid was white. Zoid breathed fire, and Troid attacked with electricity.

“Yes,” said Megadox “We shall send them both into the Digital World. Their very presence shall alert Surfer and his cohort creatures.”

“Well Your Welcome!” grumbled Data “Could show a little more gratefulness.”

Megadox powered the viruses, but only sent Zoid in first. “We shall wait until Surfer arrives and then unleash the second monster.”

Data nodded and remained on standby.

The Zoid virus was merely sent into a few power cables in New Ponyville, and the second it materialized it wasted no time in unleashing its fiery wrath, blowing up the circuit towers, frying the wirings and stomping all over the power chips.

At the very same time, Starla was at home, and rocking Shining Light in her arms and humming to him softly.

The baby slowly drifted to sleep and Starla got up and tucked him into his crib, just as Lightning came into the room.

He stood by his wife and they watched their little son sleep.

“Cute little guy.” whispered Lightning.

“Lovely boy.” added Starla.

She then reached over to turn out the light next to the crib, but the second she touched the switch she receive a harsh electrical shock, making her yelp, and accidently knock the lamp off the table, shattering it onto the floor, and the noise woke up the baby.

Shining Light cried and whined. “Oh… oh, easy there, champ.” Lightning said as he scooped the baby up and comforted him, but both he and Starla couldn’t believe what just happened, especially when they could look out the window and see all the street lights and all the lights in other houses were flicking like crazy.

Krysta then tapped softly at the window, having just arrived from finishing her evening patrol rounds. “Are you guys seeing this? All the lights in town are going loopy.”

“We see it,” said Lightning “And I don’t think this is any ordinary power failure!”

*POV Resume*

I was dressed in my pajamas and lying awake in bed trying to read up on my own studies, but my mind just wasn’t at it. I hadn’t stopped thinking of the girls all night and how they’d been pushing themselves too hard, that and with the test in school tomorrow and not knowing if the girls studied at all.

“I wish there was something I could do for them.” I thought to myself “Ah, well… might as well get some sleep myself.”

So I put my book down on the nightstand and was about to turn out the light when I noticed my wrist-com alert light was blinking. “Ah, man! Doesn’t anybody get to rest around here?!”

Still, I knew Megadox didn’t rest-- he was a computer program!

I hopped out of bed, got on my bathrobe and my slippers, and I grabbed both my wrist-com and my Teleported, and I warpped to New Ponyville.

I appeared in Lightning and Starla’s living room, which was dark and lit with candles. “What’s going on now?” I practically hollered.

“Shhh…!! Keep it down!” Lightning hushed pointing at Starla and the baby. Shining Light was asleep and didn’t wake up.

Starla put him down in a small cradle by the sofa and she whispered to me, “There’s a mega virus messing with the lights in the village again.”

I looked out the window and saw the flickering and sparking lights. I felt this was rather unoriginal for Megadox… almost suspicious even. “You think Megadox is trying to lure me out into a trap?”

“Probably, we can’t say for sure.” said Lightning.

All three of us then really wished the girls were here, and why they hadn’t answered their coms yet…

*Pause*

The girls were really sleeping; there was no way they could see their wrist-coms blinking. They all just sleep peacefully without a care in the world.

*Resume*

Naturally the three of us knew we couldn’t just go to the girls’ respective homes and ask for them to come over. What would their families say?

“Well, there is one way that may work,” said Lightning, and he looked over at Krysta and Starla, and they both caught on to Lightning’s plan.

“I’m really not too keen about this.” said Starla, but knowing there wasn’t really much of a choice-- the Data Squad would most likely be needed-- so she agreed and got up.

“I don’t think I wait too long.” I said “I should really go in and investigate.”

“Yes, I think you’re right.” said Lightning “I’ll keep watch on this end until the girls come back.”

“Good luck, Mykan.”

“Thanks, Krysta.” I said.

Starla booted up the Super Computer, “Program’s all ready.”

I nodded, “Look out Megadox, here I come!” and all together we all whispered so as not to wake the baby, “…Time to Digitize!”

I touched the computer screen and in I went, donning my suit, then it was off to the danger zone!

I saw the Zoid monster, chomping on some wires, and it turned and roared at me. “Whoa, let’s talk about this.” I called to it, and the monster just breathed fire at me forcing me to roll out of the way, “Guess not!”

I backed flipped out of the way just the monster swung its claws at me.

*Pause*

Data Stream snickered, “It worked, Megadox! Surfer took the bait.”

“Of course!” snapped Megadox “My plan is flawless.”

“YOUR… plan?!”

“Yes, and it is only begun. Once Surfer summons forth the Data Beasts, you will send the Troid virus to aid the Zoid virus.”

“No need to be so brash about it.” sneered Data.

Lightning watched Surfer on the computer screen, and he seemed to be doing okay, when suddenly, Starla and Krysta appeared in the living room, with the four Cutiemark Crusaders… still sleeping like logs.

“I can’t believe we just committed kidnapping.” groaned Krysta.

“We did it all in the line of duty,” said Lightning “And besides, the plan still may work.”

The plan was pretty sneaky…

As both Buddy and Applejack were adjourning to bed for the night, they stopped by Applebloom and DD’s rooms, and saw they were sleeping in bed so peacefully, unbeknownst of what was really going on…!

Earlier, Starla and Krysta had appeared in each of the girls’ room without being noticed, and Starla used her magic to cast holographic images of the girls still in their beds to fool the families if they decided to check on them. They then whisked off with the girls in tow, and did that same thing for Scootaloo and DD as well.

Back in the living room, Starla softly began to shake the girls, “Hey… hey girls, wake up.” she whispered to them.

The girls softly but groggily stirred awake.

“Is it mornin’ already?” asked Applebloom, but she looked out the window “Hey! It’s still dark out!”

Her shouting woke up the baby; Shining Light cried again, and Lightning had to comfort his little son.

“Hey, what are we doing here?” asked Scootaloo.

“We brought you here girls,” replied Starla “We’ve got a virus alert.”

The girls all groaned and moaned. “Sure picked good timing.” said Sweetie.

Still they all gawked at the screen and saw Surfer holding the virus by the tail, but then getting swished off.

The virus then blasted him hard with its fiery breath knocking him into a circuit tower.

The girls all snapped awake instantly. “What are we waiting for?” asked DD.

“Nothing; let’s get in there!” said Scootaloo.

Starla initiated the Data Beast programs, “All set.”

The girls nodded, and were about to shout out, but Lightning hushed them motioning that he got the baby sleeping again, promoting the girls to whisper…

“Super Cyber Data Squad… Let’s Kick Some Megabutt!”

They all touched the screen and warped into their cockpits, donning their suits and helmets.

DD felt a little woozy as she powered up the systems; all the girls felt the same, as they were still awoken prematurely and were usually sleeping at this hour.

“Come on girls, pull it together.” said DD.

Sweetie agreed, “She’s right; we’ve got to help Surfer.”

The others agreed, and shook themselves away. Then they were off.

*Resume*

The monster and I were struggling in a fist lock-- pushing on each other’s arms, but the monster had the advantage and prepared to fire its flames at me again. So I had to let go and leap up and over to avoid being roasted.

Suddenly, the Data Beasts arrived on the scene! “Good timing, girls!” I called to the team.

Scootaloo yawned softly, “Let’s hurry up and finish this job.”

“Right, let’s link up.” said Applebloom.

*Pause*

Data Stream saw the whole thing on her screen, “The Data Beasts have appeared. Look out, Data Squad… here comes virus number two!”

She snickered wickedly as she launched the Troid virus on its way.

“Go, my child!” hissed Megadox “Bring the Cyber Squad to its knees!”

*Resume*

“Prepare for Surfer Link-Up Mode!” I called to the team, but before any of us could do that, I got blasted, by surprise, by a wave of lightning energy.

“Surfer!” cried DD. Then her Data Beast and all the others got hit by another lightning blast, rocking the girls about in their cockpits.

“Whoa!!” Scootaloo cried as she straightened Arc out “What in the motherboard was that?!”

“Look!” shouted Applebloom.

*Pause*

“Another virus!” cried Starla.

Lightning growled softly, “So that’s what Megadox was waiting for; wait for the squad to rush in then unleash a double attack so they can’t link up.”

*Resume*

“Great! This is all we needed.” I grumbled.

The two viruses roared and charged at me and the girls, forcing the beasts to scatter around, and I had to roll out of the way!

“You want some of this?!” hollered Applebloom, and she charged Totallizer forth.

Zoid breathed its fire, and Totallizer just charged right through it like it was nothing, but then Troid swung its tail tripping the beast by its feet and it felt forward flat on the ground. “Hey! No fair…! You snuck up on me!”

“I got them!” said Sweetie, “Firing Missiles!”

Her missiles launched, and struck their targets, but the two viruses only seemed to get madder.

DD tried to rush one of the monsters, only to get shoved off by the other, and when Scootaloo tried to fire her lasers, the two monsters blasted at her from below nearly causing her to crash.

“This isn’t working!” Scootaloo shouted “Every time we try to fight one, the other defends his buddy!”

This gave me the idea, “Maybe we can turn them against each other…”

The girls thought it crazy, but worth the shot.

“Let’s spread out.” said Sweetie.

I went in first I leapt up and over the Zoid monster. The creature turned I began to punch and kick at it hoping to anger it.

DD came over and helped me. “I got your back, Surfer.”

Dread roared and grabbed the monster by the tail.

Meanwhile, the other girls were taunting the Troid monster.

“Come and get me, Sparky!” Scootaloo teased as she flew in circles around the monster. This gave Applebloom the chance to charge right in and punch the beast right in the face. “Ooh, that there’s gotta smart.”

“Coming up the rea.” called Sweetie, and she rammed on the controls charging Assault right at the monsters backside and head-butting it hard.

The monster whirled round and glared at the three beasts and prepared to unleash its lightning wrath, and at the same moment, Zoid was ready to breathe his fire.

“This is it!” I cried “Booster Boots!” and my boots began to glow and I skidded out of the way while the girls all jumped and scattered about just as the two monsters unleashed their fiery, electrical forces… at each other!

The two roared at one another and began to fight with each other just as we had planned. They were clawing, biting and swinging their tails like boys having a fit.

*Pause*

“Fleshling!” thundered Megadox “My viruses are destroying each other and not the Data Squad!”

“I have eyes you know!” spat Data “You could’ve programed them with a little more intelligence you know.”

Megadox felt most insulted, “You dare pit the blame on me?!”

“Well who should I blame?” protested Data, and then she quickly typed into her computer “I’ve got to try and salvage these guys before they break each other to pieces!”

*Resume*

With the monsters distracted and wailing on each other. This was the perfect chance for the girls and me to link up. “Let’s go, Data Squad!” I called to the team “Link up formation!”

“RIGHT!!” replied the girls, and their beasts joined together to form my body armor, “Super Surfer Link-up Mode!”

I began to stomp my way towards the two brawling viruses, when suddenly the Troid virus vanished through a warp portal.

“Where did he go?” asked Sweetie.

“Never mind that,” said DD “Let’s finish the other one while we can!”

I agreed, and began to charge up my power.

“ERADICATION WAVES”

Zoid had already suffered a lot of damage from fighting its brother, that one blast from my waves blasted it away before he could retreat.

Then, my restore program fixed up the systems, which effectively repaired all the city lights affected in New Ponyville.

“Mission completed!” I declared “Good job, Data Squad!”

The girls all hollered and cheered for joy, and then we disengaged the armor and ported back to base.

Once there, I called out, “You’ve lost again, Megadox. Maybe the next you’ll fight us in person instead of cower behind your viruses.”

“Silence!” Megadox bellowed “I assure you, impudent program, my days of defeat will not last forever! I will destroy you yet!”

“How many times must I tell you-- I am NOT a program! I am somethingmuch greater than you can ever understand, and that’s what makes us different. That is why you will never win!”

“No!!” thundered Megadox “Computer programs are perfect! Computer programs are superior to all things! I WILL conquer the Digital World, and that will enable me to control the world of Fleshlings!

YOU CAN NEVER DEFEAT ME!!”

“We’ll see about that, Megadox!” I sneered at him, and then I logged off leaving the overlord glowing with red energy of great fury!

The girls and I landed safely in Lightning and Starla’s living room. “Way to go, everyone.” said Lightning.

The girls all cheered, but they felt extremely woozy and exhausted. “Come on, we better get you girls home. It’s way late.” I said.

The girls agreed, and Krysta was ready to take them home.

“The holo-images I created will vanish as soon as you touch them.” said Starla.

The girls yawned, but bid us all goodnight. “…All aboard for Dreamland!” Krysta teased and she warped herself and the girls away.

Still, I was looking rather down.

“Everything okay?” asked Lightning.

I sighed “We may have won today, but just barely, and now Megadox is madder than ever. Who knows what he’ll try next?”

Lightning and Starla felt the same, but there was still no way to actually Megadox and erase him for good.

“Hey, I think we’re overlooking something.” said Starla “We know Megadox brings the viruses to life, but computer programs can’t really CREATE viruses.”

Lightning and I caught onto, and we couldn’t believe we didn’t think of this before-- Megadox was obviously gaining help from somewhere outside the Digital World.

“But who’s helping him?” I asked.

“More importantly: Why would anyone want to help an evil computer program take over the Digital World?” added Lightning.

Obviously we had a bigtime search coming up, but in the meantime Starla decided to continue to do research on the Surfer program’ today’s battle actually gave her idea of something to try, but it would have to wait for another day.

Meanwhile, we all had had a rough night, so we bid each other goodnight and then I teleported home and went straight to bed.

The next day, I came to school, still feeling a bit tired as I prepared things with Cheerliee. “Are you okay?” she asked “You look as if you’ve been awake all night.”

“Oh, not really, just trouble sleeping.”

I began to wonder how the girls slept, and I got my answer as the students came into school that day. The crusaders looked fresh as daisies from all the sleeping they had done, but they looked worried as well, which told me they obviously didn’t study for the test today.

Indeed, because of the late night battle, the girls overslept, right through their alarms, and missed their chances for their last minute studying.

Then again, all the other students looked just as tired. Some of them had studied late, whereas others had woken up early to study before school, but they didn’t seem too prepared for the test.

Cheerilee and I didn’t like the looks of this one but, and finally I got an idea of how to help everyone, as well as the Crusaders, prepare for the test, and I whispered it to Cheerilee, and she agreed with the idea for the children’s sake.

After Cheerilee bid the class good morning, “Mr. Stevens and I have noticed a lot of you have been studying hard for the test today, but we also realize that some of you lead busy lives and can barely find the time.”

I nodded, “Which is why we have decided to give you all a free period in which to brush up on your studies before we give out the test.”

The children all felt delighted at the idea, the crusaders felt relief, and soon all the students were studying hard.

Cheerliee and I both knew that though it was important for children to learn to balance and organize their time and be more punctual, it was also important for us, as teachers, to not add pressure to our students and to give more stress to those who already had extremely busy lives.

Perhaps they would be able to handle the pressure more when they got a little older. For now, it was just best to go easy on them when they needed it.

The girls all looked up from their books at me, and I winked casually at them, and they winked back at me too.

(Promo)

In our next episode: While uncovering the information of the mystery powers, Lightning and Co also learn much more about Ka Hotake, which could put even Stammadon in real danger, when during an attack, En Shi is reunited with Swift Star, still determined to take him as her own, yet Swift remains as determined as ever to win both her and his cousin, Striker to their side.

Can Swift convince either villain to convert, and what are Ka Hotake’s secrets?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Conniving Conferences.”)

Episode 15: Conniving Conferences

EPISODE FIFTEEN

Lightning had taken Swift Star to New Canterlot for some special training; dancing with Goldwin.

“Remember, Swift,” Lightning told him “The most powerful of any attacks cannot harm you IF they do not hit you. This dancing program will help you become more evasive and also to help you improve your footwork.”

“Yes, sir,” said Swift “I am ready.”

Lightning then signaled for Goldwin to start the music. “Okay, Swift… just follow me.”

Lightning watched as Goldwin and Swift did simple steps, twirls, leaps, and all that stuff, but he couldn’t join them as he was wearing his super heavy armor just like he and his other team mates promised as part of their own training.

Swift was pretty good at the dance steps, for he had already taken some dance classes at the Starfleet Academy.

“I often liked to dance,” said Swift “It helped me forget my troubles.”

Lightning thought that brave of his student, and suddenly he heard crashes outside. Goldwin and Swift were distracted by them, and Swift accidently swung his arm and knocked off Goldwin’s mask… and Goldwin became a golden statue.

“Oh!” cried Swift “What have I done?!”

“It’s okay, it’s alright.” said Lightning and he struggled his way over, in his heavy armor, and managed to bend down get the mask and then place it back on Goldwin’s face, and then recited the magic phrase…

“Powers of life, now begin,
awaken the magic from within!”

…Goldwin came back to life, much to Swift’s shock.

“What happened?” asked Goldwin.

Swift stammered, “Um… I knocked your mask off by mistake and you…”

Goldwin nodded “It was just a mistake.”

“Hey, Lightning!” Krysta called from the window.

“What happened out there?” Lightning asked.

Krysta just gave him a straight look, which instantly told Lightning the cadets in the training grounds were still flunking, and those crashes just heard were the cadets falling all over themselves… again.

Lightning sighed, and Goldwin suggested, “Maybe you can ask Swift to talk to the cadets?”

“Not right now.” replied Lightning.

“Why?” Swift asked “Isn’t that why you’re training me to begin with-- to help the cadets understand better?”

“Yes, it is, but you’re still not anywhere near ready yet, and besides… there’s still so much to teach you and for you to understand. Once you understand this, I know the other cadets will get the drift.

If we tried to send you in now, they may think you’re only getting stronger because you’re training with me, and while that’s partially true, I don’t want the cadets thinking that-- it’ll slow them down even more.”

The others all agreed, for now it was best that Swift continued his training.

Just then, Captain Shaina came in, “Pardon me, Commander… Their majesties wish to see you at once. The messengers have returned.”

Lightning and Krysta excused themselves, and left Swift to continue his dance training.

On Ainzul…

Down in the temple forge chamber, Tan Shi and Zenia were sparing with one another, to prepare for their next encounter with Starfleet, as well as to test out Zenia’s newly forged weapons.

They both felt they were far from ready and trained some more.

En Shi was by herself in a quiet area of the temple, and carving a scratch etching of Swift Star on the rock wall. He was all she could think about these days. She could still see him in her mind, surrounded by light and sparkles, and that big smile on his face that captured her heart.

“Swift Star,” she sighed softly in her mind “We may be enemies, and you may have fled and rejected me, but this pursuit only makes me yearn for you even more!”

These feelings of love she had were so new and unusual to her; quite an experience, one that was really making her feel corrupted and confused, but she still remained loyal to Stammadon, her duties, and she still firmly believed in her own priorities.

Right next to her lay several large stones, each with carvings on them like monuments. The largest stone had an extra special carving a pony-like creature, just like herself.

“Mother…” she said to the stone “I wish you were here to help me sort my feelings, but though you were not strong enough to make it, I will carry on and be strong in my own way.”

Meanwhile, Rai Shi was looking at the ancient scroll Stammadon had used to locate Ka Hotake’s resting place. He was hoping to find any information about him that could uncover any secrets about his master’s trainer.

Kara Shi came along, “Did you find anything?”

Rai Shi shook his head “This one scroll does not reveal a thing, other than Ka Hotake’s history of being a master thief and a deadly warmonger until his capture.”

The two men were still undeterred and positive there was much more to Ka Hotake than they knew; especially considering what he had done to Stammadon-- turning him into such a raging beast and a much more savage fighter.

Stammadon then entered the chamber, looking fierce, enraged and ready for a fight. Ka Hotake was with him and trying to warn him, “Are you certain you feel ready to take on your enemies? Your training is doing you well, but you mustn’t let confidence blind you.”

Stammadon growled softly, “All the more reason to test my new skills. I must still gather energy to feed my power anyway.”

Then he called out for En Shi, and she came into the chamber almost at once, “You called, my lord?”

“While Tan Shi is busy with her own devices, you three shall accompany us in an all-out attack on United Equestria.”

Kara Shi leapt at the idea and drew out his sword, “I’ve been waiting to get back in some action!”

“As have I.” added Rai Shi “We shall make the ponies suffer for the way they have disgraced us.”

Unfortunately, Stammadon shook his head an informed them “I will be fighting the forces myself! Your duties are to gather us more fear and not to interfere with my battling.”

“What?!” whined Kara Shi “Ah, but that’s not fair, I wanted to--” he stopped when Stammadon glared at him and growled like a monster! “Um… I mean… Yes, sir. I understand sir.”

“You had better, and that goes for the rest of you!”

The three Shi’s agreed.

Meanwhile…

A few days ago, Lightning had requested a reconnaissance mission to the Refuge Planet where the Ainzulians had lived for the past month since fleeing from Ainzul. Lightning felt that if anyone had the answers to the mystery powers and information of Master Ka Hotake, it would be Queen Mowaza.

Lightning sat down in a chair by the briefing table, which collapsed under his extremely heavy weight due to his armor. “Sorry.”

He quickly turned it off and took another seat, and the meeting proceeded.

The messengers had just returned and delivered their report to their majesties, and they told Lightning everything.

“Are you sure of this?” asked Lightning.

“Yes, we are.” replied Grand Ruler, “According to the messengers from Queen Mowaza, Ka Hotake is a master thief, obsessed with the dark arts. His specialty was training people and beings to hate, and use their rage to gain strength.

Centuries ago, long, long after Stammadon was sealed away, Ka Hotake lead a bloody reign of chaos and terror to the people of Ainzul, and with an army of trained men at his side, Ka Hotake seemed virtually unstoppable-- destroying every enemy in his path, and he then proceeded to rob riches from the good people.

Unfortunately, as a master thief, greed was his master-- he would steal from anyone… even from his own men whom he trained! He would turn against them, destroy them, and keep their share of treasure for himself!”

Lightning and Krysta gasped in horror. “Wow! Talk about a sick guy.” Said Krysta “Turning on your own men after all they did for you?! That’s nuts.”

“What happened to him after?” asked Lightning.

Celestia went explaining, “According the story, some of Ka Hotake’s warriors survived and vowed vengeance for his betrayal.

Unfortunately, because Ka Hotake had trained them well, he knew their every move, every power. The warriors knew they could not effectively defeat their former master, so they did the next best thing, and sealed him with a capture spell he was not familiar with.”

The rest was history up to that point, and everyone at the table knew this was very serious. Not only was Ka Hotake training Stammadon to be stronger, but it also meant Ka Hotake would most likely betray Stammadon like he did his own men!

Not that any of them actually cared for the evil being at all, but the fact that it was controlling Striker, and regardless of his past actions, he did not deserve all this.

“There’s got to be a way we can save Striker.” said Lightning.

“But how?” asked Krysta “We’ve all seen—Stammadon’s much too strong to overpower. We could never use our heal magic on him.”

“I wouldn’t say that exactly,” said Ceelstia.

Grand Ruler nodded, “There just may be a kind of power we can use.” and then he used his magic to project images of when Swift Star and Starla Shine used the mysterious aura. “Queen Mowaza states this aura is in fact Pure Inner Strength.”

Lightning then remembered Mowaza saying that when she first explained about Stammadon…!

“Brave Kung-Fu warriors of our world fought hard, channeling the inner pure strengths, to overpower Stammadon.”

Krysta was astounded, “So all this time… we were going about this all wrong.”

“It would appear so,” agreed Celestia “Stammadon believes in brute force which he uses for evil, but he cannot stand up to the pure strength that emits from within a pure being.”

The images doubly confirmed the theory when Swift gave Stammadon a good bash, and Starla broke Tan Shi’s strong barrier.

“This is the break we’ve been looking for.” said Lightning, “We may finally be able to bring Stammadon down, but how can we tap into this power? Swift and Starla don’t know how they did it.”

Grand Ruler then passed Lightning a scroll given to the messengers from Mowaza. “This was all the queen had sent us. She herself has never been a strong fighter, and doesn’t know how to achieve this art, but promised that this ancient scroll would contain the answer.”

Before Lightning could even open the scroll the alarms sounded.

Goldwin, Swift, and Shaina burst into the meeting room. “Your majesties!” cried Shaina “Goldwin spotted the danger out the window… it’s Stammadon!”

Swift already looked upset, knowing it was his cousin Striker.

As for their majesties, they were ready to invoke a new plan. “We’re going to evacuate the entire area… the palace too.” said Grand Ruler “This way, Stammadon won’t be able to harness as much fear from those nearby. Only the brave soldiers and guards remain behind as they can control their fears easier.”

“Right, I’ll get my fairies right away.” said Krysta, and she went off.

Shaina ran off to gather up her guards to lend their service.

“Lightning, you get out there.” said Grand Ruler “Swift Star, though it’s normally against procedure, I want you to help the palace staff evacuate.”

Both Lightning and Swift were shocked.

“But sire…” Lightning protested.

“We don’t have time to argue!” snapped Celestia “We need all the help we can get to get everyone out of here.”

Her husband agreed, “You’ve been given your orders, now go!”

Then their majesties vanished to assist in the evacuation.

Swift was still hesitant.

“Well, you heard them!” snapped Lightning “Go help the palace staff, then get yourself to safety.”

“Yes sir!” said Swift, and he dashed off.

Lighting then transformed, “Starfleet Magic!”

Then he flew out the window leaving Goldwin on his own, but since he could not leave the palace, he felt it best to take off his mask and be a statue again. After all… statues couldn’t have fear to feed the villains with.

The three Shis had their orders and merely went around attacking the lands and frightening all the civilians so they’d fret and panic.

“FIST OF FORCE” Rai Shi pounded the ground hard causing small tremors, which made lampposts and trees topple over, and anyone nearby fall off their feet.

“Yes, run… scream!” laughed Rai Shi “It only makes me stronger!”

Kara Shi was enjoying himself just as much, as leapt about town slashing with his sword, cutting down power poles, trees, “SHOCKER SLASHWAVE!”He blasted his electrical waves making explosions and breaking up the grounds, frightening the civilians even more.

“Maybe this isn’t such a bad job after all.” he chuckled

Unfortunately for them, the evacuation was well in progress-- Ponies were being escorted by guards to where Krysta and her fairies set up warp portals to take them out of New Canterlot.

Their majesties, along with Princess Luna lending a help, teleported large groups huddled together out of town.

Captain Shaina and her guards helped evacuate the palace staff-- guiding them to the fairy portals.

Once the last of the ponies were gone and the fairies warped away, Shaina called the guards to arms and to take up their battle positions.

Unbeknownst to them, Swift Star was just finishing helping the last of the palace staff get to Krysta’s portal and to safety.

“Is that all of them?” asked Krysta.

“I think so. Let’s get out of here!”

Just as he was about to jump into the portal, Krysta was suddenly blasted and frozen in a ball of ice… again! Her portal vanished instantly, and Swift turned round.

En Shi snickered, “You’re not going anywhere, you’re going--” she stopped when she realized who it was…! She gasped, her cheeks went pink.

“Oh, no!” groaned Swift, he tried to run into the palace, but the barrier was activated and he couldn’t get inside.

En Shi had completely gone all soft and mushy. “Could it be… my love?”

Swift was totally cornered with no place to run or escape too, and suddenly En Shi grabbed him and held him tightly against her chest, much to his discomfort and nerves.

“I’d know that face of yours anywhere,” cooed En Shi “I’ve missed you so much Swift Star. Why ever did you leave me?”

Swift nervously stammered and stuttered.

“Oh, never mind that,” said En Shi “I had come here to aid Lord Stammadon, but thanks to that we’re together again, not to mention all alone.”

Swift was desperately hoping this wasn’t happening; maybe he was just dreaming…?!

En Shi then pressed her lips deeply against his, stunning him-- this was real.

He shook himself awake from the stun of the kiss, feeling a bit enamoured by En Shi’s physical attractiveness, but kept well in mind she was still the enemy and he didn’t have time for any of this.

“Um… do you think you could let me go?”

“I will not…” said En Shi “I’m not letting you out of my sight again. I’ve waited so long to see you.”

“It’s only been a week.”

En Shi only tightened her grip and rubbed her cheek against his, “Every moment we’re apart is an eternity, my darling! My love for you only grows stronger every second.”

Swift turned red with nerves, which only made En Shi stronger.

Suddenly, “FREEZE!!” shouted Captain Shaina, and she and her guards had En Shi surrounded and pointing their magical lances at her.

“How dare you interrupt this moment!” growled En Shi, but she decided to do as she was told, and froze herself and Swift, along with Krysta too in a small ice dome, which she then teleported away, much to the guards’ anger.

Meanwhile, Lightning scouted the area to make sure no one was left behind, when suddenly he was confronted by Stammadon and Ka Hotake.

“So, we meet again.” hissed Stammadon.

Lightning clenched his fists, “Striker…” he called out “I know you’re in there, you’ve got to listen to me!”

“Cease your preaching!” snarled Ka Hotake “You speak to my well trained student, and now he will show his power-- powers of hate and rage, and they will destroy you!”

Stammadon threw off his cape and his eyes glowed red with blazing flames.

“Whoa!” Lightning said, and his scans couldn’t calculate how high this strength was. Regardless, Lightning wasn’t about to let New Canterlot fall. So he charged up and went Enticorn. “Striker… Or rather, Stammadon! No matter what it takes, I’ll never let the likes of you have your way!”

Stammadon laughed, “Strong words never beat Strong fighter.” He then gave his beast roar, and he and Lightning rushed at one another, and Ka Hotake stayed on the sidelines.

Lightning punched at his foe, and Stammadon zipped out of the way. He then tried to swing at Lightning, but Lightning zipped too.

“Above you!” shouted Ka Hotake. Stammadon looked up and saw Lightning, and… as he had the body and magic of a unicorn… he used that magic the levitate himself.

“He can fly!” cried Lightning “He IS getting stronger!”

Stammadon collided into him, and the two engaged in a fist-lock! Both sides seemed totally evenly matched. “The fear makes me stronger,” Stammadon sneered “And thanks to my trainer, the hate gives me more power!”

“Oh yeah?” jeered Lightning “Well power isn’t everything, you know!”

He broke the fist-lock-- shoving his foe off him.

Stammadon began to plunge down, but thanks to his training, he was able to use the air bounce ability, and bounded back up towards Lightning, “BLAZE OF THE FLARE KING!” unleashing his fire lion at him, but Lightning bolted up higher just in time, “Whoa! Talk about a fiery temper.”

The two continued to brawl, and Lightning made no real attempt to blast his foe with all his might, still not wanting to hurt Striker all that much, though he knew he probably would have to at some point if he couldn’t convince the pony to reject the evil inside him.

As the two continued battling it out, Ka Hotake watched with glee, “Marvelous!”

“Hold it right there!” thundered a royal guard and he and his comrades were all huddle together in a good army ready to take him on. With the army pointing their lances at him, the guard leader called to the monster, “This is your one chance-- surrender or take the consequences.”

Ka Hotake only laughed and taunted, “After all these centuries they still use such a clichéd and tiresome line?”

The guard lost patience and called to his troops, “ATTACK!!”

The squad charged forth, and Ka Hotake gripped his staff tightly and began to battle hard; parrying the guards’ lances, and swerving and blocking any magical or energy blast sent his way, and strike the guards hard with his staff making sparks fly.

“I haven’t lost my touch.” he hissed wickedly.

Suddenly, he was attacked by more guards, and dropped his staff. “Hold him down!” the leader called.

It really looked as if they guards had him, when suddenly…

“FIST OF FORCE” Rai Shi leapt in and pounded the ground making it quake and making the guards all fall.

As the free guards came in to attack, Kara Shi came rushing in, “MASTER CUT!” slashing his sword, and striking all the guards. Sparks and explosions flew and some of the guards actually fell unconscious.

Ka Hotake saw his chance, and flipped the guards around him, and reclaimed his staff, but rather than being greatful at his saviours, he scorned them “The next time I need your help I will gladly ask for it!”

The two Shis were infuriated, but there were still many guards to battle.

“Hey, where’s En Shi?” snapped Kara Shi “We could use her.”

“Never mind that,” growled Rai Shi “We can take these weaklings ourselves.”

En Shi finally dispelled her ice shield in the field, and Swift was shaking, not just from the chills but the fact no one knew where they were.

“Oh, feel that sunlight.” said En Shi “I’ve spent so long in the darkness and battling I’d forgotten how bright it can be.

It almost feels like… we’re on a date, my darling.”

Swift tripped to tiptoe away, but she spotted him and put an ice wall. “I told you, I’m not letting you leave my sights. Don’t even try to escape.”

Swift chuckled nervously, “I was… just stretching my legs.” but really, he knew he was trapped.

“Now then, where were we…?” hissed En Shi as she approached him, and then she embraced him and cooed “Right, we’re on a date! You wanna cuddle!”

Swift lost his balance and fell to the ground with En Shi looming lustfully over him. “Um, don’t you think it’s a bit early to go from zero to one-hundred right off the bat?”

En Shi snickered and grabbed his hand, brought it to her lips and licked his fingers softly yet lustfully much to his stinging shock.

“Ohh…!” En Shi moaned “I swear to you, Swift Star, the more I’m with you the harder it is to deny. We must be soulmates!”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” grumbled Swift, but suddenly he realized and thought, “This is my chance to leanr more about her. Sure, we didn’t get very far the last time, but if I can get her to tell me about her past… maybe I can still convince her to fight for Starfleet’s cause.

I’d much rather have her as an ally than an enemy.”

“Um, before we go any further, shouldn’t you tell me about yourself and why you fight?” he asked.

En Shi’s expressions changed, she looked more serious now than before.

“After all… you know about me, but I’d really like to learn more about you.” he couldn’t believe he just said that to her.

“Hmmm… I suppose you’re right.” replied En Shi “I do know about you, so it’s only fair that I tell you about me. It will make our love all the stronger.”

*En Shi’s POV*

I was born on a planet called Aquitaine. It was a planet that was mostly covered in water, but still had its land masses.

My father had perished before I was born and I never got to know him, but I learned from my mother that he was a great hunter and warrior, who mastered the vast energies of water and ice.

You see, our world was not without its dangers, its wars, and it’s beasts that hunted for us just as we hunted for them.

My mother was also a skilled warrior and taught me her ways of power, wanting me to be just like her.

“Look Mother, I destroyed my first sea-beast.”

Indeed, the creature was colossal, and yet I managed to defeat it all on my own, using the very skills I was taught.

“Well done, En Shi. This is no ordinary creature, but the very creature I remember that destroyed your father.

Then again, your father only perished because he was weak and unprepared, and such was the price he paid for it.”

“I don’t understand, mother.”

“You see my dear, in this world only the strong survive. In war it’s destroy or be destroyed. Those who are powerful will live, and those who aren’t will perish. That’s the way it’s always been, and that’s the way it will always be.”

I really felt my mother’s words deeply affect me, but not that I already wasn’t aware of such laws the way I grew up and saw things.

Destroying that creature was more a hobby to me than a conquest, and a great way to build my strength, as well as show it off.

*POV Pause*

“What?” cried Swift “You mean you actually got a kick of destroying that creature?”

“Of course, after all it did kill my father, but like I said… he died because he was weak, just as that creature met its end because I was stronger than it was. Hence the laws of the world-- Kill or BE killed!

And that is why I wasted no effort in improving my powers with each creature I hunted down and slaughtered!”

Swift was really starting to feel creeped out; En Shi was sounding completely monstrous, and more so than having just been taught or shown about strength and battle.

*POV Resume*

With every creature I hunted down, my thirst for power grew and grew, and I became stronger than ever before, but being a simple wasn’t enough for me.

That’s when my mother announced we would be leaving Aquitaine, for the planet Ainzul where we would join the armies of the Great and Powerful Stammadon! Of course, I was simply delighted too; for rather than hunting creatures in the wild, I’d be able to destroy warriors by the thousands and really prove my strength and expose the weak.

Unfortunately, during the great battle, my mother was struck down by a strong tiger warrior master.

“Mother!”

“En… Shi… you… must… be strong.

I have fallen… but only because I am weak, and such is my fate to perish… but you… you still have great strength… use it, and don’t suffer my fate!”

Naturally, I fought the very tiger master and brutally ended his life. He was not as strong as I thought and yet my mother fell at his hands.

*POV Ends*

“Though my mother’s death was regrettable, such is the price she paid for not being strong enough.”

Swift gulped hard.

“You see, Swift Star, the strong ae meant to rise, and the weak will perish.”

“So, you didn’t do it just to avenge your mother’s death?” Swift asked nervously.

“Oh, no… even had my mother lived I would still have slaughtered the beast, as were my orders, but then again I would have done it regardless. I’ve always enjoyed hunting and destroying others. It made me what I am today!”

Swift knew he had reached the brink here! He finally could see En Shi’s actual colors. It wasn’t about revenge. It wasn’t about mere survival. En Shi was true to herself right from the beginning-- as cold as the very ice power she used!

“There’s no way I can convince her to change for the good,” Swift thought “There is no good in her! She’s so beautiful on the outside and yet rotten and bloodthirsty to the core!

She wasn’t kidding when she told me I could never change her. How could I have been so blind?”

En Shi gazed at him with hungry eyes and lowered herself towards him, “Now that we know more about each other… I am yours for the taking.”

She leaned up and began kissing the tip of his ear making him feel nervous, as well as disgusted.

“You see…” she whispered seductive to him, “Before I was turned to stone for ten thousand years, I had reached the age of my life where I began to experience… love. Something I couldn’t understand. Something I was never taught…

But now… you captured my heart, and I can feel the love stronger than ever. I love you deeply Swift Star, and now… you will be… mine!”

She moved down to place her lips over his, much to his fright…!

Suddenly, there was a big explosion behind them, and En Shi turned and bolted up right angrily, “How can there be so many interruptions?!” she growled. “Show yourself whoever you are, or I shall devastate the land and destroy you with it!”

While she was distracted, Krysta flew up to Swift; having had escaped from the ice seconds after they all had landed in the field, and En Shi never noticed due to being so wrapped up in her lust.

Swift smiled and nodded at her, and Krysta teleported them both away.

“Huh?” snapped En Shi as she whirled round, “Swift?! Where did he go?” She couldn’t see him at all, and despite he couldn’t have gotten that far from her, “He’s gone! I’ve lost him again!”

She clenched her fists feeling more angry than foolish for letting him slip. “No matter… the fact our paths have crossed again doesn’t mean it’s for the last time. We shall meet again, my love!”

Krysta teleported him someplace safe, far away from the field and the town, “Thanks! I really owe you for that.” he said to Krysta.

“Good thing I made that explosion to distract her,” said Krysta “I couldn’t teleport you as long as she was lying on you. That is one messed up lady.”

Swift felt exactly the same, but now that he knew of En Shi’s true personality, he would never allow himself to be taken in by her charm again. He thought quietly to himself “A creature like that who needlessly slaughters for no reason other than for thrills and joy… I hope she really gets what’s coming to her!”

Meanwhile, the guards had faired too well against the trio of villains on the ground, very few were left standing while the rest lay unconscious.

As for Stammadon, he and Lightning were still fighting it out in the air.

“You have to listen to me!” shouted Lightning “Ka Hotake is not who you think he is. He’s just powering you up to use you!”

Stammadon didn’t listen and punched him hard in the face sending him tumbling back several feet. “He would do no such thing! He is my trainer!”

“I’m serious!” thundered Lightning “He’ll betray you, just like he betrayed everyone who ever worked for him!”

“STRIKING FORCEWAVE”

Stammadon unleashed his fury, forcing Lightning to strike back, “ULTRA UNIFORCE”

The two forces collided making a huge explosion in the air, and the two fighters got caught in force waves that blew them both out of the sky. They both landed on the ground, panting angrily.

Lightning called to his foe, “Striker, I don’t want to destroy you. Please don’t make me!”

The villain just growled like a beast, “I am STAMMADON!! I am the strongest being in the galaxy, and those that I deem weak will be annihilated!”

Lightning could see there was just no getting through to him, and it was looking as though he had no choice and would have to go for the kill.

Stammadon lunged forth, and so did Lightning and the battled continue. “I must focus my hate!” Stammadon said to himself “Unleash my fury!”

He roared and began to fight stronger than ever, which prompted Lightning to really unleash his Enticorn powers… no more holding back now!

The two swung with fists like crazy, blocking each other’s fists that made explosions as they made contact with such power!

The two then met in a fist lock, and struggled hard, but suddenly Stammadon seemed to be getting the upper hand.

Ka Hotake looked up, “Yes, use the fury-- the hate!”

It really looked as if Lightning was about to get pinned down, when suddenly, magical beams of light shot at him from down below.

It was Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia, using their horns to give him a much needed boost of power.

“You!!” thundered Rai Shi.

“Stop that!” added Kara Shi.

“Why don’t you make us!” their majesties said together, and they both raised a hand and fired more power at them and Ka Hotake.

KAPOW!! A big explosion which blew the villains over and off their feet! Then their majesties granted energy to the fallen guards which made them all spring back onto their feet.

“Uh, oh! They’re refreshed!” cried Kara Shi.

Rai Shi growled angrily.

And up above, thanks to the power boost he got, Lightning managed to, once again, match Stammadon’s strength perfectly.

Lightning gave a huge roar, unleashing his aura at the villain, and sent him smashing to the ground so hard; he made a huge crater in the dirt road.

“Master!” cried Rai Shi, and he and the others ran over to help him up.

Lightning then powered up to blast them all again, when suddenly the villains were encased in an ice dome.

“En Shi!” snapped Lightning.

She snickered at the guards and the heroes, and then vanished with her comrades in tow.

Lightning growled, and then changed back to his normal self as he landed softly on his feet. “They got away again!”

“Let it go, Lightning.” said Grand Ruler “They’ll be back, and the next time we’ll be more prepared.”

Lightning agreed, but he still wasn’t willing to really give up on Striker.

Back at the temple, Stammadon was roaring like a herd of lions, “They continue to grow stronger! I train, I strengthen myself! Why? Why can’t I defeat them…?!”

The three Shi’s bowed to him extending their apologies.

Kara Shi grumbled to En Shi, “This is your fault, you know.”

“My fault?”

“If you hadn’t gone off and helped us, we’d have crushed those guys.”

“Enough!” thundered Stammadon “Leave me, all of you! I would be alone with my thoughts.”

“Yes, master.” said Rai Shi, and he and the others went off.

Ka Hotake decided to leave as well, “You did do very well today, but it seems I too have much to learn about our enemies. Perhaps you can teach me as I continue to teach you?”

Stammadon agreed, “Thank you, master. It is good to know I may trust you.”

Ka Hotake bowed, but he sinisterly thought “And I trust you to fall right into your place, you fool! He still has no idea what he’s in for.”

That night, Lightning was having a soft sparring session with Swift, and Swift’s dodging was improving very well, even though Lightning was only going easy on him.

“Hold!” Lightning said, and Swift came to a dead stop. “That will do for today.”

Swift bowed to his teacher, and Lightning bowed back. “I’m sorry about Stammadon.” said Swift.

“No need to apologize, it’s not your fault, but he is getting stronger. Starfleet’s really going to have to toughen up.”

Swift thought of Striker, still imprisoned by that evil force, “Do you think we’ll ever beat him, and get Striker back?”

“I believe so…” said Lightning, and he held up the scroll from Queen Mowaza “And this… may very well be the key to just that.”

For now, it was late, and they both had had exhausting days, so they decided to head to bed, and look at the scroll another time.

(Promo)

In our next episode: The babies are on their way, but Rarity is having serious doubts about her baby due to a series of nightmares she has had. Meanwhile, Megadox goes rogue and sends a combining virus without Data Stream’s consent, which once again puts the hospital and all other systems in danger, which proves exceedingly difficult for the data squad to handle!

Will the babies be born successfully, or will Megadox finally achieve the havoc and chaos he craves?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Babies Make Three”)

Episode 16: Babies Make Three

EPISODE SIXTEEN

*Mykan's POV*
Just another day cleaning up Cyberspace-- It was that Troid Virus that we missed from the other day.

I glared the beast down, waiting for it to unleash it's lightning at me. “Here it comes!" I said to myself, and the virus fired at me, "Now, Data Squad!" I shouted as I rolled out of the way, and the Data Beasts came charging in.

"Let's crush this creep!" said DD.

"I'm with ya." added Applebloom.

Dread and Totalizer rushed forth, and rammed the virus hard, knocking it back several paces.

Then Arc and Assault came in. "Fire in the hole!" called Scootaloo. "Bombs away!" added Sweetie Belle.

The lasers and missiles fired making sparks and explosions.
"All right, team... let's wrap this up!" I called to the girls, and the team agreed, "SUPER SURFER LINK-UP MODE!!"and the beasts combined with me to form my battle armor.

The virus furiously roared and tried to zap at us, but I just stomped my way along as if nothing was happening at all. "ERADICATION WAVES"One blast from my rays, and the virus was toast!

The girls cheered, and then I restored all the damaged systems. After that, the girls and I disconnected and ported out, landing in Lightning and Starla's living room.

"And another virus bites the data dust." I teased.

The girls agreed, but they were really growing annoyed with how often more viruses were popping up. "These guys are getting more brutal all the time." said DD.

"Tell me about it." agreed Applebloom "I can barely find time to do my chores and eat, and then still have time for homework.”

Starla looked up from the super computer, “But it does help us a bit too. Come and take a look at this.”

The girls and I huddled close and saw on the screen and Starla explained “Thanks to that last battle, I had just enough digital data to unlock a new function for the Data Beasts. Behold the Crusher Program.”

We all watched as the demonstration showed how the Data Beasts were able to combine with one another to form a super fighting robot.

“Awesome!” said Scootaloo.

“This is phenomenal!” I agreed “Now we can have twice the battle power whenever we need it.”

The girls were really excited about this new program, and Sweetie Belle teased “Look out, Megadox. If you come rockin’, we’ll come knockin’.”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and very loud and excitable knock. "Hey!!" Pinkie Pie called "Open up in there! You gotta let me in!"

"What's she's so jumpy for?" asked Starla.

"Probably forgot someone's birthday." teased Scootaloo.

Lightning prepared to open the door, and he quickly stepped aside the moment he unlocked it, as Pinkie rushed in like a ramming bulldozer. "It's happening! IT'S REALLY HAPPENING!!" she practically screamed.

"Whoa, whoa... slow down!" said Lightning "What's happening?"

"Fluttershy and Tree Hugger... they're having the babies! They're at the hospital now!"

Everyone's heads perked up, "What about Rarity?" asked Sweetie, to which Pinkie answered

"Any time now! Come on, let's go! Let's go!" and she dashed off leaving us all feeling a mix of joy and excitement.

"Come on, let's get to the hospital!" I cried.

"I'll be right down, I just have to get the baby." said Starla.

*POV Pause*

Meanwhile, Megadox was having a mega freak-out at Data Stream, “This is MY world!” he thundered “The Digital World is constantly at war with you Fleshlings-- you and your electronic devices, your constant uses of data and electrons. Things were so perfect before you Fleshlings invaded my realm, YOU MUST BE STOPPED!!

And for this, I need VIRUSES!!”

Data Stream was dressing to leave for work and finding his complaining most annoying. “Yeah, sorry to burst your memory banks, but you’ve got this all backwards, Mega-dork!

We FLESHLINGS discovered and harnessed electricity, and from that electricity we developed software and technologies.

We Fleshlings CREATED the Digital World in the first place!!”

“NO!!!” thundered Megadox “I am Megadox! I have existed since the very beginning of time, and all was fine and well until you Fleshlings isolated me in the wavelengths!”

Data rolled her eyes and glared at him, “You are a computer program, Megadox! You… were... CREATED by Fleshlings like us, and you can be JUST as controlled as them!” She demonstrated by turning the computer off. “Now you behave yourself while I’m at work!”

Then she went off for another long day of garbage picking, but while she was gone, Megadox automatically loaded the computer back up, and was he ever angry “I will show you, Fleshling! I will show you all… I am MORE than just a mere computer program!

Meanwhile, Rarity was seemingly in labour! She was pushing hard, and sweating waterfalls in her sickly condition.

“Come on, Rarity, push!” the doctor called to her.

“I can’t! I JUST CAN’T!!”

Spike held his wife’s hand and let her squeeze “Come on, honey, you can do it. Just push!”

Rarity pushed and screamed in extreme pain. Finally, the baby was born, but Rarity took one look at it; the mixed breed of a dragon and a pony, and she screamed in horror at the hideous creature that was her child.

“Rarity…!” Spike called to her.

“Rarity…!

…Rarity!”

Rarity woke up in fright, “The baby!” she cried “It’s hideous! It’s a monster it’s… it’s…!” she stopped when she realized she was in her hospital bed and still hadn’t given birth yet.

“You were having another nightmare.” said Spike, and he sounded very worried. Ever since he and Rarity had learned about the mixed breed of their child, Rarity had been having doubts of giving birth to what she feared would look like a monster.

The doctor assured her it was just her fevers doing all this-- giving her constant nightmares, stress related symptoms, not to mention it was her first child.

“Honey…” Spike said comforting her “I know you’re scared, and so am I.” he paused feeling his nerves catching up with him that he was really going to be a father. “I’ve seen the ultrasounds and the X-rays. Our baby is going to be fine.”

Tears were flowing down Rarity’s eyes, “Oh, Spike… I want to believe you, but how. I’m so scared!”

Spike could only embrace her softly, “It’ll be okay.”

Suddenly, they heard loads of chattering coming from outside. “What is it?” asked Rarity, and Spike saw both Fluttershy and Tree Hugger being wheeled by the door on stretchers, and followed by their respective husbands, and some of the gang.

Sweetie Belle then entered Rarity’s room, “Hi.” she called “How are you feeling? Is the baby born yet?” but she could see the baby was clearly not there yet.

“What’s going on out there?” asked Spike.

“It’s time! Fluttershy’s baby is on the way. So is Ms Treehugger’s!”

Rarity smiled happy “That’s so wonderful.” Then she suddenly gasped and clutched her belly as a contraction hit her, “Oh…! Ah!”

“Rarity!” cried Spike.

Doctor Penny was just outside when she heard the commotion. “Is everything alright in here?”

“She’s having a contraction.” said Spike.

Penny told Sweetie to step-aside while she lifted up the covers and looked underneath, “Yeah, it’s nearly time.”

“Oh my gosh...!” Rarity cried as she tried to hold herself steady.

“Calm down, Rarity.” said Penny “We’re going to get you to the delivery room. You need to stay calm.”

Spike began to fret, and Sweetie Belle… this was all so unusual for her to watch. “Can I help at all?” she asked.

“No, no, no… we’ve got this.” Penny said as she and Spike began to wheel Rarity out into the hall. Sweetie couldn’t help but worry at how sickly and nervous her sister looked. “Rarity…?”

Penny and Spike didn’t have time to stop and they were gone, just as Lightning came to the door to escort Sweetie Belle to the lobby. “It’ll be fine, don’t worry; I’ve seen what happens.”

He couldn’t explain to her, but Sweetie felt a small smile creep up on her face.

Far up ahead, the three labouring mares were side-by-side as the three separate rooms up ahead were being ready for them. All of them were breathing steadily and trying to not let the searing pains get to them.

“Wow! This hurts!” cried Fluttershy “I can’t stand it anymore.”

Tree Hugger couldn’t be chilled this time, “This feels… ooh… way strange!”

Neither of them were like Rarity though, she was so frightened and nervous she couldn’t find words to speak with.

She kept picturing her baby in so many unusual shapes and defamatory due to the mixed breed. Every single one of them seemed just as frightening, just as ugly as the last, and it frightened her so that she burst into tears.

“Oh, Rarity…!” cried Fluttershy.

“It’ll be alright, girl.” added Tree Hugger.

“No, no you don’t understand!” sobbed Rarity “I can’t do it! I can’t have this child!”

The others were confused, but too distracted by their own pains and concentrations of their breathing to question.

The husbands came out, all having been told by the hospital staff to wash and put on special robes if they wanted to be present for the deliveries.

“Honey!” Buddy said to Tree Hugger “It’s okay, they’re going to take you inside now. I’ll be right there with you.”

His wife clutched his hand and smiled painfully at him.

Rhymey softly stroked Fluttershy’s head,

“Don’t worry, dear
There’s nothing to fear.
Soon our baby will be here.”

Fluttershy nodded painfully but gleefully, “I can… hardly WAIT!!!” she screamed as another painful contraction passed.

“Okay, come along now.” The nurse said as she and Rhymey wheeled Fluttershy into one of the rooms, at the same time Tree Hugger was wheeled into one of the other rooms, leaving the one in the middle vacant for Rarity.

Spike and Dr. Penny both came to her side, “Come on, you. Time to go in.” said Penny.

“No!” cried Rarity “No, I can’t! I won’t!”

Spike and Penny ignored her pleas and wheeled her into the room. “No! No, I can’t have this baby!” Rarity screamed, and she began to fuss about trying to get up and escape. “Rarity, stop!” cried Spike.

“Rarity, stop this or I’ll have to sedate you!” added Penny.

“No… Nooooooooo…!!!”

Poor Rarity! It pained Spike to hear her screaming, but it pained him more to know why she was screaming and trying not to have the baby, but Penny kept reassuring them both it was just the fever talking!

Back at Data Stream’s house, Megadox was hacking into her computer files and scanning the viruses, figuring he’d take what he wanted while she was away at work.

“The Data Stream Fleshling has been keeping these hidden from me.” he grumbled.

Suddenly, he came across a pair of viruses filed “Tremor and Lor” The two viruses were humanoid, and coated in armour and each carrying a sword and blaster, but they had the ability to combine with each other to form “Trembulor!” a larger and stronger mega virus that could feast on energy from multiple systems at once.

“Perfect!” hissed Megadox “With these viruses, I shall send them both to separate locations and make them feast on the main generating plants. The Fleshling cities will soon be completely without power.”

He laughed wickedly as he zapped the two viruses and sent them on their way. Tremor was launched to the generating plant in the New Crystal Empire, not far from the house, while Lor was sent to New Ponyville.

The two viruses began to attack-- slashing the towers down with their swords, and blowing up the units with their blasters.

Data Stream came back, having been able to finish her shift earlier than usual. She took one look at the screens and gasped, “What are you doing?! Those are my viruses!”

“They are MINE now!” laughed Megadox “And I shall do as I please with them.”

Data Stream tried to reach for the keyboard, but received a thunderous shock to her fingers. “Stop this, Megadox!”

“Why should I? I am finally going to gain the power and he will I desire, and I didn’t even require your assistance!

Farewell, Fleshling!”

With that, he logged off, and all the power and systems in Data’s house began to go haywire, “No!!” she screamed out “Megadox! MEGADOX… YOU GET YOUR CIRCUTRY RIGHT BACK HERE!!”

Try as she would, her computers were malfunctioning, and she couldn’t stop the viruses. “A’rgh!” she growled as she kicked the desk.

All over the New Crystal Empire, lights were going out, systems were failing, and the more Tremor destroyed the systems, the more energy he had to feed on.

The same went for his brother, Lor, whom was continuing to attack the New Ponyville systems.

*POV Resume*

The crusaders and myself, along with Lightning, Starla and Pinkie were waiting in the lobby for what seemed like endless hours.

“Ugh! I feel like I’ve been waiting here forever!” groaned Pinkie.

“It’s only been thirty minutes, Pinkie.” said Lightning.

Starla held the baby her arms, “Little Shining Light here, I had to wait about six hours of contractions before I held him for the first time.”

Shining Light cooed at his mother and she smiled at him and pecked his little head.

Pinkie Pie was still impatient “I just wanna see the new babies! I wanna see ‘em!!”

“Pinkie, keep it down!” Lightning snapped “This is a hospital, not a circus. The babies will come when they’re ready.”

DD and Sweetie Belle were awfully silent, obviously very deep in thought.

“You okay, girls?” I asked.

Sweetie looked up and said “I just can’t believe; I’m going to be an aunt, and I’m not even in high school yet.”

“I feel you.” said DD “I’ve never had to help take care of baby before. I’m so excited, yet so nervous too.”

“Are you kidding?!” asked Scootaloo “You two a lucky, I’d give anything to have a new baby in the family, preferably a brother or sister. I mean sure, Rainbow Dash as my adoptive sister is cool, but it’s not the same.”

DD and Sweetie still felt their nerves going crazy, and they couldn’t help but worry about their families back there, but especially Rarity. Sweetie had told us all of how she had been acting, “I can’t believe she doesn’t want to have the baby.”

All of the rest of us felt concerned, “That’s the silliest fool thing I ever heard.” said Applebloom.

“It’s not silly,” said Pinkie “The CRAZIEST thing I’ve ever heard. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have a little baby! Who wouldn’t want to be a mother, and care for it, and work twenty-four hours a day and…” she stopped, and she suddenly remembered how hard it was when she baby sat the Cake Twins when they were little.

“I don’t think that’s what’s bothering her.” said Lightning.

*Pause*

Indeed, Rarity was still putting up a fuss, seeing horrible images before her eyes of a deformed baby. “No! I can’t!”

“You have to!” said Penny “If you don’t cooperate you could kill the baby AND yourself!”

Spike felt his stomach churn, but his wife still wouldn’t cooperate. “I can’t do it! I won’t give birth to such a child.”

Finally, Penny had run out of patience. “I hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but you leave me no choice.” and she stuck her with a hypodermic, which calmed her down. “There, I think she’ll be more cooperative now.”

Spike comforted his wife, “Rarity, you’ve got to believe me. It’s going to be okay. Our baby will be just fine. Please, just work with us.”

Rarity felt like crying again, but finally feeling calmer without the effects of her fever taking over, she promised “I’ll try… for us.”

“Okay, easy now.” said Penny as she lifted up Rarity’s legs and clipped them in grips at the edge of the bed.

“Oh! This is it!” Rarity cried as she felt more pain shoot through her.

Tree Hugger and Fluttershy both felt the same in their respective rooms. They, too, were going through their contractions, but they were ready to give birth and ready to become mothers.

Suddenly, the lights began to flicker and fade, and all the electronic equipment was messed up once again.

“Oh, no… not this again!” groaned the nurse.

Dr. Penny saw this too. “Not this time!” and she dashed to the hospital intercom phone and switched it to an emergency battery powered system, then she signalled all through the hospital “Code Five! Switch to Battery Operation!”

Every single staff member in the entire hospital did as ordered and switched all the equipment to run on batteries that were charged by solar power. This was a new emergency situation Penny had prepared for since the last time this happened. At least the equipment was still working for a while, and the emergency lights came on.

So the people didn’t fall into a panic… yet!

*Resume*

“What’s going on with the lights?” asked Pinkie, but I, the girls and Lightning and Starla could tell. “It looks like You-Know-Who’s at it again.” I whispered to Lightning and Starla, and the two agreed and gave me the go ahead to try and slip away.

“Oops…” I said “I think I feel nature calling.” I casually said, and I got up and headed off.

*Pause*

Pinkie Pie, knowing I was Surfer, due to it all being Starfleet, called to me as I walked “Go show that virus who’s boss.”

Lightning quickly covered her mouth, “Major Pinkie Pie, one of these days I’m going to break you down to size if you blab out a secret like that!” he scolded softly.

No one else in the lobby took any notice, and a good thing.

“Sorry.” said Pinkie.

“Oh, Pinkie Pie…!” sighed Starla.

The girls thought it almost cute and funny, but felt relieved that the secret was still safe. Pinkie knew Mykan was Surfer, but she didn’t know about them being his backup.

*Resume*

I didn’t really go to the bathroom, knowing it would be overly occupied. Instead I went to a quiet area where there weren’t many spectators. I looked carefully all ways to ensure that I wasn’t seen.

“Okay, Megadox… let’s see what you’re up to now.” I said as I loaded up my wrist-com, starting to program. Then I spoke softly so as not to be heard “Time to Digitize!”

In I went, to the Digital World, donning my suit, then off to the danger zone at the generating plant.

“Hey ugly…!” I called to the virus.

Lor glared at me and sneered.

“You don’t look so tough to me.” I taunted, and I leapt in to attack, but Lor pulled up his blaster and shot me hard, and I crashed to the ground. “Whoa! That felt really tough!” I groaned.

The monster roared at me and rushed with his sword ready. I rolled out of the way just before he could slice me and grabbed him from behind. “You definitely need to cool off a bit.”

*Pause*

Megadox saw everything, and he snickered “So the Surfer Program has come to save the day again has he?

Tremor, go and help your brother!”

Tremor complied and Megadox sent him hurdling through the power lines and wavelengths.

Still, Data Stream protested, “Megadox, I’m warning you! If you don’t stop this now--”

“Silence, Fleshling!” thundered Megadox “I am the one who calls the shots here!”

Data knew this wouldn’t end too well, and she got out her laptop in attempt to stop the viruses. “Ugh! I’m out of power!” she groaned.

“Precisely.” snapped Megadox “I will allow no outside interference this time!”

*Resume*

I finally threw Lor hard into a pile of busted computer chips. “Take that, you miserable mutant!” but suddenly I got blasted again from behind and fell over. “What? Another virus…?”

The two monster brothers saluted their guns to one another and fired at me again. I rolled alone to avoid the blasts and got to my feet, only then to get slashed by the swords, several times making sparks fly.

“Help…!! Data Squad… I need you!” I called.

*Pause*

The crusaders saw the flashing lights on their wrist-coms.

Lightning and Starla saw this too, and they knew they couldn’t let Pinkie Pie or anyone else in the lobby see.

Lightning and Starla nodded at each other, “Uh, Pinkie…” Lightning said “I think you and I better go out and investigate to see if this power surge is affecting others.”

“What?” said Pinkie “But people could need us here, and our friends are in labour, the babies could be here any second.”

“That’s an order, Major.”

Snapping to her sense, Pinkie stood tall and saluted “Sir, yes sir!”

Lightning then bent over to Starla seemingly kissing her on her cheek, but whispered, “Get the girls digitized, and then you get to the Super Computer.”

Starla pecked him once back; her way of acknowledging.

It was a good thing the hospital wasn’t in lockdown. Lightning and Pinkie left through the front doors and took off into the sky, and as soon as they were gone, Starla led the girls out as well. “Let’s go over there.” And she led the girls to a quiet place where no one could see them.

“Okay, girls, get going. I’m heading home to the Super Computer.”

The girls nodded, “Let’s do it, team.” said DD, and all four girls powered up their programs, “SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD… LET’S KICK SOME MEGABUTT!!”

The girls vanished and were loaded up into their cockpits.

“Come on, honey.” Starla said to Shining, and she took off for home, arriving there very quickly. Once there, she loaded up the Super Computer and loaded the information. “Girls, Surfer is at the power plant, and there’s two strong viruses ganging up on him.”

“Thanks for the info.” said DD “Let’s roll!”

The squad traveled along the power lines to the danger zone.

*Resume*

The viruses had me by the arms and flung me like a sling shot, and I landed flat on my back.

The two monsters were about to blast me again, when suddenly they got were blasted by lasers and missiles. Arc zoomed by and Assault leapt over the broken circuits. Dread and totalizer helped me up onto my feet.

“Hope we’re not too late.” said Applebloom.

“Good timing, girls. But these guys are a whole lot tougher than they look.”

Suddenly, the two viruses began joined hands, and their bodies began to glow and pixelate.

“What are they doing now?” asked Scootaloo.

“I think they’re… combining!” said Sweetie, and the two viruses had indeed combined, into Trembulor. It was a size bigger than what the viruses were before. It was more bulky, and instead of hand held weapons it had two large tentacles, and a long thick tail.

The creature roared and drove its tentacles into the ground.

“Oh, no…!” Starla cried “It’s absorbing the energy from the computer systems. You’ve got to stop it before it gets too powerful!”

The team and I agreed, and I jumped in for a flying kick, only for the monster to shoot a laser blast from its mouth at me.

“Surfer!” cried DD, and then she glared at the monster “Oh, it is on!!”

She rammed on her controls and made Dread charged forth, but the monster kicked hard, bashing Dread right into Totalizer.

“Watch it, Dread!” groaned Applebloom.

“Well excuse me for getting bashed by a big brute!”

Sweetie and Scooatloo fired their weapons at the beast, cutting off its tentacles and stopping the absorption.

“Yes!!” cried Sweetie.

“Feeding time’s over.” added Scootaloo.

However, the monster’s severed tentacles began to flare and spark with loads of lightning and energy that struck the Data Beasts hard, rocking the girls about inside.

More blasts followed and began to really break up and damage the Digital Plain.

The Super computer began to flash with a warning light. “Oh, no!” cried Starla “All that excess energy is really heating things up. It’s melting the Digital Field away into a tear that could lead into our world!”

“What? No!” I shouted, but there, right before my eyes, there appeared an actual hole in the Digital World itself, revealing New Ponyville far down below.

*Pause*

All over New Ponyville, everyone was looking up in the sky, and could see the rift, and the huge monster inside it. There was panicking, screaming, and crying out for help.

Lightning and Pinkie Pie saw it. “What is that?” cried Pinkie.

“This is really bad!” said Lightning “They got to seal that rift up.”

Even Megadox saw this, and he was suddenly feeling less enthusiastic. “What is happening?!” he shouted “My mega virus must not leave the Digital World! It could cause far more damage than even I hoped to ever achieve.”

Data Stream stood up, “I knew something bad like this would happen. You’ve let it absorb so much power it can’t even control what it’s doing. So instead of ruling the Digital World, you’re obliterating your own domain!”

“NO!!” thundered Megadox “How could I have let this happen?!”

“What’s that you’re saying?” Data taunted “I’m waiting, Megadox!”

Megadox growled and grumbled, “Fleshling…” and he hesitated but finally said it in a low tone “…I need your help.”

Data smiled smugly and sat herself at her computer. “I’ve got to tap into the viruses programing, and then I can probably split it up, but it’s going to take a moment.”

*Resume*

The monster, with its tentacles still flaring and blasting uncontrollably, began to stomp its way towards the opening.

“No!” I called “We can’t let it escape into the Real World! Who knows what damage it’ll do?”

I leapt over and began to pull on the monster’s huge tail. I slowed it down a little but I couldn’t stop it, especially not when it turned and aimed its blasting tentacles at me and I nearly got hit many times by the energy. “I need more strength!” I shouted to the girls.

“What can we do!” cried Assault “The Data Beasts can’t get a good enough grip.

She was right! Dread had small dinosaur claws, Arc and Assault had no arms at all, and while Totallizer had strong arms, she tried to help pull, but even that didn’t tip the balance “This ain’t workin’!” called Applebloom “He’s almost out!”

The monster was getting dangerously close to stepping over the brink and entering the real world!

*Pause*

“Girls…!” Starla called “Time to initiate the Crush Program. It just might work.” She typed into the computer and sent the configuration codes to the Data Beasts.

The girls’ screens showed the program was ready.

“Well, I’m all for this.” said Scootaloo.

“Right!” agreed DD “Activate Crush Program!” She hit her screen, and the others did likewise, and this made their Data Beasts fold up, inward, and outward.

Dread-- folded upward, and its legs folded up at the knees, forming the main body of the robot.

Assault-- split into two halves, forming the arms and fists of the robot

Totalizer-- It scooted down, down, covering its legs with its upper body and then split into two halves, forming the strong boots of the robot.

Arc-- Nested itself at the front of the chest, and curved its wings round to the back forming the chest plate.

And top it all off, the Dread head followed outward and rested over the Arc head, and together the two gave the robot a perfect warrior’s face.

The Crush Program was online.

“YE-HAW! Now we’re cookin’ with fire power.” said Applebloom.

“Hang on, Surfer! Here comes back up!” called Scootaloo.

I could barely hold the monster much longer, but the giant robot then came up behind me and pulled on the tail too.

“It’s working!” cried Sweetie, and indeed it was. Together we managed to pull that huge hulking beast back into the Digital World, and no sooner had we pulled it back in did the rift-- having run out of energy to keep it open-- magical shrunk down and sealed away.

The virus had also run out of energy and split back into Tremor and Lor, both of them looked pretty weak.

Because my energy was very weak, “PYRO PORGRAM…!” I called out, and my fire bazooka came to me. “FIREWAVE BLAZE” I fired at one of the viruses.

“Now it’s our turn.” said DD.

“Mega Missiles, fire!” shouted Sweetie, and she launched her two massive missiles from the robot’s huge arms, striking the other virus.

WHOA!! The two nasty creatures were vanquished.

Starla was overjoyed, and then she noticed there was another busted series of systems in the New Crystal Empire.

“Don’t worry,” I called “I’ll tidy things up here, and then check over there. You girls just get back to the hospital and see if things are okay.”

“Right, we’re heading out.” said Sweetie.”

The girls disengaged and piloted their Data Beasts back home, while I stayed behind and restored the systems.

*Pause*

As the systems were restored, every malfunction, every disrupted wire and system went back to normal around New Ponyville.

Lightning and Pinkie were still flying overhead and watching it all happen. “He did it!” cried Pinkie, and just as she was about to shout it out, Lightning put his finger to her lips warning her not to blab anymore. They couldn’t let anyone know Mykan was Surfer.

Pinkie blushed sheepishly.

“Let’s get back to the hospital.” said Lightning.

Meanwhile, The New Crystal Empire systems were also fixed, including Data Stream’s home. “Well, I’m certainly glad that nightmare is over.” Then she glared at the screen “As for you, Megadox. If you ever gallivant off and hack into my files again…!”

“There is no need for this harshness.” said Megadox “I… admit… I made a slight miscalculation and nearly caused too much destruction that I could handle.”

Data could only sigh in dismay.

*Resume*

Even with the hospital main systems now restored, thankfully things didn’t really stop at all.

Myself, the girls, Pinkie, Lightning and Starla were all invited to the maternity ward where Rhymey and Buddy were waiting to show everyone from inside.

The babies were finally born!

“Ooh-Ooh!! Where are they! I wanna see the babies! I wanna see the babies!” cooed Pinkie.

Buddy went first. “Meet my daughter… Seedling.” He pulled open the covers revealing an adorable little alicorn filly. Greenish in color, like Tree Hugger was, and she had a cute little tuft of red hair like her dad. Her eyes were a light blue; Named “Seedling” due to the fact that both her parents had plant-like names.

Everyone awed and cooed at the sight of the little angel.

Then Rhymey revealed his son…

“Meet my little guy,
…Button Fly.”

His son was a tiny yellowish alicorn, with a little brown tuft of hair, and his eyes were green. Named Button becuas he was cute like one, and fly to rhyme with Fluttershy-- it was Rhymey’s wish.

“Oh, wow!” cooed Pinkie “They are so cute!”

“They’re adorable!” added Starla.

Buddy and Rhymey hugged one another in congrats, and they each shed a little tear of joy.

“How are Fluttershy and Tree Hugger?” asked Lightning.

“They’re fine. Just resting now.” replied Buddy.

“Wait…” said Sweetie Belle “Where’s Rarity’s baby?”

“Ahem!” Doctor Penny said, getting everyone’s attention. “Why don’t you all come with me, but keep your voices down.” She especially aimed that at Pinkie Pie, and Pinkie promised to keep it low.

Penny took us all to Rarity’s room where she was resting. Penny told them she had passed out from the fever after giving birth, but she would be fine, and would wake up any moment.

Spike was standing them rocking the baby in his arms, but it was wrapped up by loads of blankets and the others couldn’t see. “Don’t come closer.” Spike whispered “I want Rarity to be the first to see her.”

“Her?” I asked.

Spike nodded “It’s a daughter.”

All of us felt enamoured, and Sweetie Belle, she could hardly believe it. “I have a niece.”

The crusader huddled around her and gave her a huge group hug to congratulate her.

Suddenly, Rarity began to stir. “The baby…” she groaned “Oh, my…”

Spike slowly approached her, “Rarity.”

She opened her eyes and realized he was holding the baby she had birth, and she was about to scream blue murder at what she thought was a deformed child, but Spike pulled the blankets away and revealed a rather beautiful looking child.

Rarity’s eyes just twinkled at the sight of her daughter. This was certainly not what she thought she would give life to.

The child had a considerable normal pony body, but with bits of scales by her thighs. Soft little claws with no sharpness. Her ears were slightly flopped like dragons, and the tip of her muzzle was curved up slightly. She had a complete pony tail, not a dragon-tail, but the best feature of all was her coat was lilac, and her little tuft was dark navy blue with a pink streak, and her mulberry eyes.

“Oh…!” Rarity cooed heavenly.

Her daughter looked right at her and smiled lovingly. “I think someone’s saying “Hello, mother” said Spike and he let his wife hold the baby. Sweetie Belle came up to the bed and looked at her new niece “Wow.” she cooed softly.

Rarity only looked at the baby, and how beautiful she looked despite being a mixed breed.

“What is this creature?” I asked.

Dr. Penny confirmed “It’s part dragon part pony. We call it a “Dragony.”

“Dragony?” said Lightning “I like it.”

“What’s her name?” asked Scootaloo.

Rarity looked up and realized, “I’d completely forgotten.”

“Um… well, I already gave her name.” said Spike, “Twilight Sparkle-Scales.”

It was a very solemn moment and everyone compared the baby’s coloring, and naturally Spike named her after Twilight Sparkle, missing her dearly and wishing she was there to see this bundle of joy.

“It’s beautiful, dear.” said Rarity.

Spike smiled lovingly and pecked his wife on the head and held her as they watched the baby, and suddenly there was a knock at the door; it was all the friends and family come to see the new baby and make a small fuss about it.

It truly was a happy day. Three little babies were born and happy faces all around. Things just couldn’t feel much better.

(Promo)

In our next episode: While everyone seems to fuss and celebrate over the babies, there is a death in the Apple Family that turns the smiles upside down, especially for Applejack; leaving her so depressed and so bummed out that when Tan Shi and Zenia return to finish what they started, she finds it hard to concentrate in battle.

Can Applejack overcome her heartbreak? Will the villains’ advantage prove well in their favour?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “One Sad Apple Family.”)

Episode 17: One Sad Apple Family

EPISODE SEVENTEEN

What started out as a beautiful day turned really sad, really fast…!

A week had passed since the three babies were born, and the families were… they were adjusting. Seedling and Button Fly were each giving anti-magic manacles clipped around their horns to prevent them from accidently using magic, and special anti-lift patches on their wings so they couldn’t try to fly away. Twilight Sparkle-Scales didn’t need those as she had no magic or wings.

DD and Sweetie Belle both found it a little hard to sleep with Seedling and Twilight crying all night, but the parents was so happy and so excited to have the bundles in their lives; it almost felt worth it to them… Rhymey and Fluttershy too.

Buddy Rose and Tree Hugger were working together to change Seedling’s diaper, and disposing of the dirty one.

Fluttershy and Rhymey were feeding the animals around the cottage and doing chores, and Fluttershy carried Button Fly in a carrier.

Soon as the chores were done, it was time to feed the little guy his bottle of formula. Fluttershy fed her little son and cooed at him, and Rhymey looked down and smiled at the baby.

Angel hopped up onto the bench tapping his foot, wondering if he had become invisible; to which Fluttershy pecked him on the head and Rhymey patted him showing they still loved him.

Angel smiled.

Then there was Rarity and Spike, giving Twilight a bath. The child put up such a fuss and splashed about getting her parents wet-- not that it wasn’t expected.

Soon, the baby was clean, dried, and dressed in a cute little pink outfit Rarity had knitted. Rarity couldn’t help but tickle her daughter’s nose with her finger, and the baby gave a little sneeze, blowing out a small flame at her mother’s mane.

Rarity panicked and quickly doused the flames under the sink tap. The baby giggled at her, and while Rarity didn’t find it amusing, she smiled and pecked the baby.

Later that day, the entire team was invited to Sweet Apple Acres for a great big party to celebrate the happy families.

Rhymey’s entire family was there…

His parents, Mary and Harry, and his nine brothers and sisters-- Larry, Gary, and the twins, Barry and Perry, the triplets, Terri, Sherri and Cherry, and finally were the twins Carrie and Geri.

Rarity’s folks, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles were there, and brought Sweetie Belle along.

Finally, there was Fluttershy’s folks, and her young brother Zephyr Breeze who was a mane therapist.

The families were hardly ever seen altogether, but it was a special day.

Bright Mac went to give Granny Smith some soft bread and broth. “Come on, Ma, ya gotta eat.”

Granny had not been doing so well lately. She was very tired, and not very active, and she was becoming less coherent as she dopily answered, “Eh… Okay, Applejack.”

“Ma, I’m Bright Mac.”

“Oh… why so y’are.”

Bright Mac was really getting worried, but he decided to leave the tray of food, attaching it to Granny’s rocker, and let her get some rest. “You take it easy, Ma. I love ya.”

“Eh, me too.” grumbled Granny and she dozed off.

Bright Mac sighed and went back to join everyone else.

“Time to PARTY!!” shouted Pinkie Pie.

Even Rainbow Dash agreed and did a sonic rainboom in the sky to show her cheer.

Still, what a lovely party it was, Applejack and her family had spent the entire day cooking up the biggest feast they could ever have made, but everyone brought a little something of their own. Cookie Crumble brought plenty of her own home fixings. “Figure the little dumplin’ ought ’a get used to Granny’s home cookin’.”

“Mother, really.” said Rarity.

“Ah, don’t mind her.” said Hondo “You should’ve seen her when she heard she was a grandmother. She ran all through town yelling her head off.”

“He’s not kidding.” said Sweetie

The folks didn’t seem to mind their granddaughter was a Dragony. She was cute, cuddly and happy; what else was needed.

“Ah-plech!” the baby sneezed and nearly barbequed her grandfather’s straw-hat. “Maybe we should work on this.” suggested Spike.

The family chuckled nervously.

Rhymey and Fluttershy’s family were really cooing and ogling little Button Fly.

“Our first grandbaby.” said Mrs. Shy as she rocked the little bundle. Mr. Shy tickled his grandson’s chin “He’s got your nose, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy blushed.

“Hey, you,
He’s my grandson too.” said Harry.

The shy’s giggled nervously, but let Rhymey’s folks handle the baby for a moment.

“Um, a question though…” asked Zephyr “When Button learns to talk, will he… you know… do the rhyming thing like you guys do?”

Mary giggled and said,

“We’ll have to wait until he’s grown,
Then he’ll show us on his own.”

Rhymey agreed and said,

“Even if he doesn’t talk like us,
I see no need to make a fuss.

I’m just happy to have him today,
I’ll love him either-either way.”

Fluttershy pecked him on the cheek, “Just like I love you, I don’t mind that you rhyme.”

Rhymey smiled and pecked his wife back.

Poor Tree Hugger and Buddy Rose, they had no parents to show Seedling too, and while they missed their relatives they still felt blessed to have Seedling, and DD and all their friends around them.

Tree Hugger rocked the baby in her arms. After all these years, she was married and had a kid. The one thing she always wanted-- a loving family.

Buddy and DD knew how she felt too; it was if they were both given a second chance to really be a family once more.

Lightning had brought Swift Star to the party as a guest, to help with his visual and training and understanding. “You see this, Swift-- all the families getting together, all the joy and happiness shared. These are things we have to fight for, to protect, and live for. It’s what gives us our motivation to keep trying and believe in ourselves and our friends and loved ones.”

Swift could tell he was right. He had never seen a whole bunch of people so happy in his life. “I never had it like this.” he said.

Lightning looked his way. “I wanted to be in Starfleet so bad and increase my strength, I trained hard and studied. That’s all I ever did. I wouldn’t stop for pretty much anything.”

“Really?” asked Krysta “That seems kind of sad.”

“Well not to me it wasn’t. I liked to do it, I thought it would be good for me… then there was Striker.”

Swift paused and thought deeply about his cousin, “Striker was never good at anything much, other than brute strength. It seemed all he was good at were martial arts, fighting, and being strong.”

Lightning had never considered that before, having never heard of Striker’s backstory. “Is that why he wanted to join Starfleet?”

“I guess…” said Swift “To him it was the best and greatest thing he could possibly become, but he let the power and anger go to his head, and that’s why he started pushing others. It was pretty much out of jealously that other people were multi-talented and had more choices.”

Lightning could now see Striker in a whole new light, but this still didn’t excuse Striker’s bullying behaviour which earned him a dismissal, and especially for his barging in and causing Stammadon to be freed.

So what made this day go from plentiful cheerful to downright heart wrenching…?

It was when Applejack went to check on Granny Smith. “Ah, Granny, ya haven’t touched a bite again.” she chuckled, but Granny didn’t even move.

“Granny?”

No response.

She just lay there in her rocker. She wasn’t moving… or breathing either!

Applejack felt her blood turn cold as she felt her Granny’s wrist for a pulse, and then put her ear to her chest…

…Nothing!

“Granny!” cried Applejack. Her tears were starting to fall. “Granny…! Come on! Snap out of it!”

Her mother heard her shouting and dashed over, and she could see for herself. “Oh, my…!” and she called out for Bright Mac.

“Ma?!” cried Bright Mac.

Applebloom and Big Mac felt their stomachs turn as they saw their motionless Granny.

The entire yard went silent as a ghost town as everyone huddled around.

Granny Smith was soon lying on her bed, and Krysta went to fetch Doctor Penny. Only the Apple family went inside the house, leaving everyone else outside worrying sick.

Starla held Lightning’s hand tightly, “You don’t think…!”

“…It’s… possible.” said Lightning.

Then Applejack came out with a face sadder than a dog without a bone. “She’s gone.” She sobbed softly “Granny Smith passed!”

Everyone gasped softly, and felt their insides going numb, especially Buddy and DD!

“Oh, Applejack…!” cried Buddy. “I’m… I’m so sorry.”

He felt his heart breaking with Applejacks, and Applejack slowly fell to her knees and softly let out her emotion.

All the partygoers, even Pinkie Pie had lost their sparks. Many of them began to weep softly for Applejack, and for the loss of Granny Smith.

Over the next few days, it was pretty sad. The entire Apple Family was completely shut in, nursing their aching hearts, having a few cries.

Poor Applebloom was crying softly as her mother held her, “It’s not fair!” she sobbed.

Pear Butter could hardly hold in her own cries, “It’s all right, honey. She’s in a better place now, but I know it still hurts.”

“E… E… Eeyup.” cried Big Mac, and even a big guy like him couldn’t hold back, and sobbed ever so silently.

Applejack hated these aching feelings of woe, and felt one pony who needed the most comforting was her father. She found him upstairs in Granny’s Room, sitting on the bed where she used to lay. Granny’s body had been taken away two days ago.

Her father just sat there, with a distinct look of devastation, and he even had removed his hat… something he only did when he was truly feeling at the end of his ropes and hopeless.

“Pa…?”

Her father looked up at her, and she came over and sat down next to him. “I can’t believe she’s really gone.” said Bright Mac.

“She was old, Daddy.” sobbed Applejack “We knew it had to happen. She wasn’t doin’ too good anyway.”

Still, father and daughter held each other tightly. This was way too much for them to bear.

Bright Mac really missed his mother. He lost his father long ago, and then after being reunited with the family he lost his brother, Seeder Breeze, less than a year ago.

Applejack felt really hurt at the loss of her granny, the very kind and elderly pony who took care of her and her siblings when her parents disappeared for ten years, and then she worked hard to care for her in her declining years.

Meanwhile, on Ainzul, someone else was thinking of demise…!

Tan Shi and Zenia had been sparring for the past few weeks and perfecting Zenia’s new weapons.

Her blade-merangs were spiked and sharped. She wore stronger body armour, and more plating than ever. Her sword was double edged and could fire Blade Pulse energy waves, and her whip could light on fire and burn anything it touched.

“I am so ready!” said Zenia.

“I believe that we are.” agreed Tan Shi “The time has come to finish what we started with those horrid creatures.”

Zenia was prepared to leave, “Should we not inform Stammadon of our mission.”

“No!” sneered Tan Shi “I have been told he has been training hard ever since his last defeat. Perhaps we will be able to redeem the shame by destroying the enemy for him.

Come!”

As the two ladies made their way through the temple, they passed by the dojo where Stammadon was training with Ka Hotake, and Rai Shi and En Shi were the practice targets.

Tan Shi and Zenia slipped skilfully right past, and headed for another way out, when they ran into Kara Shi.

“Where are you two going?”

“That is none of your business!” growled Tan Shi, but Kara Shi wouldn’t take this, “You know Stammadon doesn’t like it when we strike out without consent!”

Tan Shi wanted to roar at him and kick him aside, but she knew that would only lead to unwanted attention from the others out in the dojo.

“You’re taking this grudge of yours way too far.” said Kara Shi.

“Oh, please…” grumbled Zenia “This from the LITTLE guy with a SHORT temper?”

Kara Shi tightened his grip around his sword and felt his insides raging. “Fine…! I get the point But I’m coming with you two. I’m in the mood for a little action.”

“Whatever!” grumbled Tan Shi.

“What?” snapped Zenia.

“Hey, if with us, he won’t snitch!”

Zenia reluctantly agreed, and the trio silently slipped off.

Stammadon roared and charged at his minions.

The two Shis were almost nervous at how powerful and enraged he seemed, but they charged forth to attack as well.

“FIST OF FORCE” Rai Shi thrust his fist forth, but his master just punched him hard, knocking him out of the ring.

“HAIL STORM” En Shi unleashed her ice hail, but Stammadon was so enraged that his flaming aura actual melted the pellets before they could even reach him.

“Impressive.” said En Shi “Now try this…! TSUNAMI”

He tidal wave spread out, and yet Stammadon leapt up high and karate chopped right down on that massive water rush, actually slicing it down the middle and cancelling it out.

En Shi gawked in astonishment and a bit of fear, while Ka Hotake was pleased. “Now, you will rest.” he said “Clear your mind of all but the hate and the rage.”

“Yes, Master…” said Stammadon and he sat down with his legs crossed and went into a state of silence and stillness, but suddenly a whole lot of images passed by his mind-- images of Striker’s memories, and how he fought, trained and did his best with what little talent he possessed.

It was if Striker was struggling to regain control of his body, but to no avail as Stammadon growled softly and focussed as best he could on the hate, flashing out those memories. “This fool’s memories are still strong.” he thought “No matter. Soon there will be no creature in the galaxy strong enough to take me on.”

The Apple Family elders had a meeting that day with a funeral home to discuss a service for Granny Smith. Applejack had gone with them, and Buddy went along for moral and neighbourly support.

He knew Applejack wasn’t okay and didn’t bother to ask. She looked so sad, so hurt, so lost… and he could not blame her a bit. He knew what it felt like to lose loved ones, but now was not the time to worry about his own feelings.

He just wanted to be there, help her through it, and let her have time to find herself again.

Applejack couldn’t find her strength to talk, but she was gleeful and held his hand, thanking him for being so supportive.

“The others send you their wishes to.” he told her.

She smiled very sadly, and she suddenly broke out into a soft cry again.

Inside the main office, her parents were trying their hardest to hold back their own sorrows.

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang was only a few blocks away at a café.

Fluttershy sniffled, “Poor Applejack.”

Rarity shivered with her own nerves and tears, “I can’t bear to think of she’s feeling!” she sobbed.

Spike held her softly, feeling really hurt for her.

“I feel so terrible for her and her family.” said Artie.

The others all felt the same and Pinkie Pie shed a tear. “And to think… she passed away at a party. It was such a happy day too.”

The others actually shared her pain, and some of them comforted her.

Suddenly, Button Fly and Twilight were starting to get a little cranky themselves.

“I think we should really go,
The babies need their naps you know.”

Fluttershy agreed, and so did Spike and Rarity.

“We’ll see you all later, okay.” said Spike.

The others nodded and watched the families go off.

Swift felt pretty bad for Applejack, but he had to ask “Shouldn’t you all be with Applejack right now? I mean, she could use some cheering up.”

Lightning placed his hand on his student’s shoulder and shook his head. “Swift, I think what Applejack really needs is some space and time.”

“What?!” snapped Swift “How can you say that? Her grandmother died. She looks like she’ll fall apart. Her whole family is upset.”

“We know all that, meng.” said Dyno “But this is for her and her family to deal with.”

“Si, we can’t pressure them all the time.” added Myte “The worst thing we can do at a time like this is try to make someone feel better.”

Swift felt shocked at what was just said, but the others assured him they weren’t trying to be bad or uncaring. They all felt horrible for Applejack, and knew she and her family were upset, but it was for her and her family to deal with at the moment.

Granny Smith was old and tired. She lived a long life and it was just her time to go, so at least it wasn’t tragic. If anything it was expected to happen for quite some time. Not that it really made things any easier.

“The point is…” said Starla “Death is a very natural occurrence in life, and sometimes it can happen unexpectedly. The point is: Whenever or however it happens, the loss of a loved one can be very painful. It can’t get better-- not right now.

“So sorry for your loss,” and just being there for Applejack when she needs us is all that’s really needed.”

Swift never felt like this before, but now he was starting to see things from their point of view. Just the same, he hoped Applejack was okay.

Suddenly, the alarms sounded, frightening everyone out of their trances.

Shining Light began to cry at the loud noises.

“Now what?” groaned Rainbow.

Still, the team knew they had to investigate. Starfleet still went on and did their job, and they couldn’t let emotions prevent that.

Starla gave Shining Light to Swift telling him to get to get inside the café.

Swift agreed, and took the baby with him after Starla and Lightning pecked their son’s little head, and patted him softly.

“Let’s go!” snapped Lightning, and he and others ran off leaving Swift to take refuge just like any other civilian in the area before the barriers activated.

Back at the Funeral Home, Buddy heard the alarms too, and Applejack actually snapped out of her trance. “We better check it out.” she said.

“Are you sure about this.” said Buddy “You’ve had an emotional trauma, and I don’t think you should be fighting out there in your condition.”

He was about to order that she sit this one out, but Applejack had already sprint for the main doors, not even bothering to inform her parents, but they could see through the glass doors of the office. They were very concerned, and Buddy could see this but he had no time to really talk to them; he had a job to do as well.

Tan Shi, Kara Shi and Zenia appeared in the open fields at the town borders.

“Those fools should appear any second now.” hissed Tan Shi.

“Look, here they come!” cried Kara Shi.

“About time.” said Zenia, and she softly fingered her new blade-merangs, ready for action.

The entire team had arrived, all transformed too. Rhymey and Spike were in the group but joined by their wives droids as Fluttershy and Rarity were still on maternity leave, and they couldn’t leave the babies home alone.

The only one who wasn’t transformed was Applejack. Because of her emotionally shaken conditioned, her powers wouldn’t function.

“I was afraid of this.” said Buddy “Krysta, get her out of here.”

“No!” snapped Applejack “I’m not leavin’!”

Lightning sided with Buddy on this one, “Major Applejack, I order you to get to somewhere safe. You’re in no condition to be battling.”

Krysta prepared to teleport herself and Applejack away.

“Oh, no you don’t!” sneered Tan Shi “SYMBOL POWER: FORECE-FIELD” and she cast a powerful yet invisible barrier like before, only it surrounded the entire area like a large dome, about half a mile wide.

“We’re trapped!” cried Artie.

Krysta tried to teleport Applejack out, but the barrier prevented that.

Tan Shi snickered; her training and strengthening herself was really paying off. “You’re not getting away from us this time.” she sneered “I have a score to settle with all of you, and this time… it’s to the finish!”

Zenia and Kara Shi looked ready to brawl.

Lightning clenched his fists, and he looked back at Applejack.

“Quit worryin’ about me. I can handle this!”

Lightning wasn’t going to take any chances and motioned for Krysta to keep sharp tabs on her, to which she nodded and acknowledged.

Then the fight was on.

Lightning, Starla, Buddy and Artie went for Tan Shi. Rhymey, Fluttershy, Rainbow and Pinkie went after Kara Shi, leaving The Twins, Spike and Rarity to deal with Zenia.

Applejack tried to get through and help, but Krysta wouldn’t let her. Even though she couldn’t teleport Applejack out of the barrier, she was able to teleport her back to where she stood every time.

“Cut it out!”

“Never!” snapped Krysta. She refused to let her fight, fearing like the others did she wouldn’t fair too well in her condition; doubly proven by the fact that Krysta was able to catch and teleport her so easily, showing that Applejack’s strength and speed were not at full.

Applejack was running out of breath and stopped trying to rush in for a bit. All this and watching her friends fight, combining with her loss of Granny Smith was really not doing her justice.

Tan Shi roared as she punched for Lightning and co, and the four ponies zipped off in different directions. Then they all came rushing in from different angles to attack, but the furious tigress blocked their every attack, and slashed at them with her claws.

“You seem weaker than I remember.” Tan Shi mocked “Haven’t you been keeping to your training?”

Kara Shi parried Rhymey’s sword and punched him hard, sending him crashing into the others. “Obviously they haven’t.” Kara Shi teased

Zenia, she let out her battle cry and leapt up into the air.

“Here she comes!” cried Spike.

Zenia landed and began to punch and kick like crazy. Rarity found it hard to keep up with her droid controls, and her droid received a huge blow to the face knocking it back.

The Twins decided to heat things up, and joined their hands together, “BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS” they’re rockets flew, but Zenia was ready for this, “SPIKED BLADEMERANGS!” pitching her blades that flew in unusual but swift angles, blowing all the rockets to bits before they could reach her.

“You men are all the same, just like your attacks.” she taunted.

“Oh, not this again!” groaned Dyno.

“Are you still on that kick?!” asked Myte.

Zenia’s features hardened, and she battle-cried and drew her sword and whip, lunging straight at the twins.

Spike blocked her sword with his, and Rarity came in and grabbed Zenia’s other arm to stop her whip, only to suddenly get clunked from behind by the Bladmerangs on their return trips.

The Twins helped their friends up.

Zenia laughed, as did the two Shis. “How pathetic can you get?” sneered Kara Shi “I think I’m glad I came after all.”

Tan Shi was especially enjoying herself “You men are about to pay the price, and your females will as well for aligning themselves with the likes of you!!”

The entire team felt livid, especially Applejack. She really wanted to go over there and mess her up for still thinking so horridly, but Krysta was watching her closely and ready for anything.

But Lightning began to chuckle, as did some of the others.

“Am I missing the joke here?” asked Kara Shi.

“We just find you ridiculous-- that’s all.” sneered Lightning “You really think we’ve neglected our training?”

The villains all growled softly.

“…Or maybe we’ve just been leading you on?” said Starla.

The other fighters all nodded, and smirked cheekily.

“Attack!” shouted Lightning, and his team lunged forth, attacking the villains harder than ever.

ZAP!! Tan Shi was punched hard in the face.

Rhymey and Kara Shi duelled with their blades, but Rhymey parried his foe’s sword away, allowing Fluttershy and Pinkie to double kick him hard in the chest, sending him soaring up high, and Rainbow grabbed hold of him, “Going down!” she teased “SONIC RAINBOOM!”

“Whoa!!” Kara Shi whined as Rainbow dove straight at the ground, smashing him hard in a colourful explosion.

Zenia growled furiously, “So you pulled off a few tricks. You think that’ll stop us?!”

“We don’t think…” said Dyno.

“…We know.” added Myte

Zenia battle-cried again and leapt in to attack them, but the twins sprinted away causing her to miss.

Spike clashed at Zenia, his sword against hers, forcing her arm upward and leaving her wide open up front.

“DRAGON BREATH” he unleashed his fire straight at her, even from that distance, the results were explosive and knocked Zenia way back, and straight at Rarity. “Take this!” she thundered as she kicked the evil amazon hard in the back and sent her crashing against the barrier.

Rarity snickered, “Not bad for a droid that seemingly can’t train.” She was right too-- both she and Fluttershy, though out of practice from their pregnancies and maternity leaves, didn’t mean they hadn’t spent time practicing with their droids to outwit their enemies.

As for the others, having spent all that time wearing their super-heavy armor for menial tasks and basic routines-- it increased their strengths as well as their speeds and endurance, and while they still couldn’t effectively use the super armor in battle, it helped.

“You may as well make it easy and surrender.” said Lightning “You’ll never defeat us.”

Tan Shi was furious. She wasn’t willing to give in like she promised. “I refuse to cease, especially towards a male such as you. I swore I would have my revenge on all men, and those who allow themselves to be ruled by them!”

Even Kara Shi could see she was taking this vendetta against men much too far.

Starla was growing annoyed, “Tan Shi, look around you. Times have changed over the centuries.”

“She’s right!” snapped Fluttershy “Men don’t rule us, they rule WITH us.”

Rhymey nodded and spoke severely to Tan Shi…

“I care for my wife, and I love her,
It is only in official rank I am above her.

But I treat her well, with respect and with grace
as do many of my friends and others in our race.”

All the fighters nodded-- male and female-- but even with all this, the lady villains remained unmoved. “That’s so sweet, I think I’m going to hurl.” sneered Zenia, and she grabbed her whip and lashed it tripping Dyno and Myte off their feet, and she leapt up high, “SPIKED BLADEMERANGS!” throwing her blades at Spike and Rarity, hitting them hard!

She then came down hard to slice the fighters with her sword, but the fighters rolled out of the way and lunged at her.

Tan Shi then lunged at Lightning and Starla, only for Artie to leap in and block her with his staff to her head, and Buddy then lassoed her legs together with his whip.

“Your head is thicker than the toughest sculptures I’ve made!” he growled.

“We tried reasoning with you,” added Buddy “But now you leave us with no choice!”

That’s when Lightning and Starla both came in and socked Tan Shi hard in the face, sending her soaring up high, and as she began to plummets, the four alicorns fired shots from their horns.

Tan Shi, however, straightened herself out and managed to evade and dodge the entire barrage by swerving skilfully in midair.

“SYMBOL POWER: EARTH CRUSH!”

She came crashing down with a powerful aura shrouding her.

“Look out!” shouted Lightning, and he and the others scattered just as Tan Shi smashed the ground so hard, causing a violent tremor that knocked everyone on the ground off their feet, even Applejack fell over.

“You feel that!” growled Tan Shi “That’s my determination, my rage, my promise! I said I’m not giving up… UNTIL THIS FIGHT IS TRULY OVER AND YOU’RE ALL DESTROYED!!”

“She’s completely lost it.” cried Pinkie.

“I’ve never seen anyone so incredible in hate before.” said Fluttershy.

“Yeah uh… we could use some help here!” Rainbow hollered as she and Rhymey battled with Kara Shi.

He slashed at Rainbow, knocking her away and then turned to face Rhymey, “Why can’t you just fall down already!” he thundered

“Why can’t you do the same?
I’m just as tired of this game!” replied Rhymey.

Suddenly, He was grabbed hard by Pinkie and Fluttershy and he dropped his sword. “Got’cha!” snapped Pinkie.

“Nowhere to run now!” added Rainbow.

Try as he would, Kara Shi couldn’t pull free. Fluttershy then steered her droid to add more support from behind, further entrapping him and leaving him fully vulnerable to Rhymey’s wrath.

“Sorry to pain you,
But now I’ll drain you!”

And he zapped him with a long concentrated blast from his horn, which began to weaken him… very, very slowly, but hopefully Rhymey could keep it up until Kara Shi was weak enough to be imprisoned!

Zenia was still dishing it out, and looking just as fierce as Tan Shi was.

“SPIKED BLADEMERANGS” Her blades were thrown again, and the four fighters swerved and dodged them.

“I share Tan Shi’s rage.” growled Zenia “I’m not quitting until I’ve beaten ever male I don’t like and that of their allies!”

She swung her sword and her whip, but the twins held her down. “Are you even listening to yourself?” snapped Dyno.

“Try to listen and understand…!” growled Myte, but Zenia pulled on their arms, giving herself leverage to actually bring her legs up and kick them both hard so they released her.

“DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL” Spike charged at her, and Zenia held her sword out front like a shield, actually halting him, and then flung him up high.

She screamed a battle cry as she leapt, and actually kicked that flaming wheel and sent Spike crashing down hard.

Rarity was furious, “No one harms my Spikey-Wikey and gets away with it!” and she screamed and leapt up high to attack, but Zenia swerved, and kicked her in the back sending her crashing down.

Applejack hated just sitting on the sides like this! The stress was becoming so much to bear, and already adding to her stress from Granny Smith’s passing.

Things then went from bad to worse!

Rhymey was starting to grow tired from sapping Kara Shi’s powerful strength, and he had only reduced him to half-- still not weak enough to capture. The girls were growing tired and couldn’t hold Kara Shi down much longer either.

CLANG!!

CRASH!!

Zenia’s Blademerangs struck the others, weakening them even further. “My droid is running out of power!” cried Rarity.

The Twins and Spike were running low on flames… both ways-- their powers were getting weak and they could hardly produce much flames.

Finally, Lightning and his co decided to combine their powers together.

“UNIFORCE”

“STAR SHOWER”

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMBS”

Lightning’s power carried along the combined attacks of the others into one super blast straight for Tan Shi.

“SYMBOL POWER: STRONG ARMS” With the power of her symbols, Tan Shi’s arms glowed with a small boost of strength. She intercepted the blast like a shield, but the power still forced her back hard, weakening her more, but still hardly enough that she wasn’t still standing and roared like the tiger she was, while Lightning and the others were panting.

Applejack couldn’t stand to see this! What if her friends were destroyed?! She already lost her grandmother, she couldn’t bear to lose any one else she loved or cared for.

“Applejack!” cried Krysta.

Suddenly, as Applejack juggled the pain and care she had, her body began to glow.

“What the--!” cried Krysta. There was no mistaking it. Applejack had unleashed her own pure inner strength!

Applejack began to stomp forth. Krysta tried to teleport her back to her spot, but her magic proved ineffective against the pure strength blocking her out. “Applejack…!”

Applejack didn’t stop, and suddenly all the fighters turned to face her.

“That glow!” cried Tan Shi.

“It can’t be…!” wailed Kara Shi.

“Uh, oh!” said Zenia.

The fighters gawked in awe. “The Pure Inner Strength.” muttered Lightning.

Zenia wouldn’t let this happen; not this time, and she rushed straight at Applejack. “SPIKED BLADE-MERANGS” she threw her blades.

“Applejack!” called Buddy.

She just stood there, and let out a huge roar, thrusting her arms forth, unleashing a wave of pure white energy at the blades, disintegrating them easily. The blast then continued and struck the monster hard, really damaging her, and Applejack then unleashed another wave, blasting Tan Shi as well, throwing her smack against the barrier, and the power of the strength shattered the magical force.

“Tan Shi!!” shouted Kara Shi.

The others were all astounded, but Applejack suddenly stopped glowing and collapsed to the ground exhausted by what she had just done.

“Grab her!” shouted Lightning, and he and his team used the magic form their horns to bind Tan Shi down, and then shock her hard draining her of more energy.

“It’s working!” cried Artie “I think she’s actually weak enough to capture.

“No!” cried Zenia, and she tried to rush in to help her comrade, only for Dyno and Myte to black her with a firewall. “You’re not going anywhere, chica.” said Dyno, “Except down!” added Myte.

Zenia then looked behind her, and saw Spike standing there, powering up his sword, “DRAGON KNIGHT SABER… IGNITE!”

Poor Zenia had nowhere to run, and her armor and weapons were useless after taking a big hit. Spike slashed at her, and she screamed as she flared up, “I HATE MEN----!!!” then she exploded and was imprisoned in a sphere.

Having used the last of his strength, Spike de-transformed and fell to his knees. “Spike…!” Rarity cried as she caught him.

“No!!” shouted Tan Shi.

“Now it’s your turn!” sneered Lightning.

He disengaged himself from the group, leaving the others to hold the helpless tigress down, and got out his old Capture Blaster. “Say goodbye, Tan Shi!”

Kara Shi couldn’t bear this. “No… No…!” and suddenly, in a great burst of strength, he wretched himself clear of those who were holding him down, and kicked his own sword on the ground, send it sailing into Rhymey, and actually ricocheting off all the other fighters near him, knocking them all to the ground and they de-transformed-- Rarity and Fluttershy’s droids went offline having taken too much damage.

Lightning was just about ready to fire!

“TAN SHI…!!!” Kara Shi screamed as he dashed for her.

Krysta try to zap at him, but her wand was all tapped out from using it on Applejack too much. “LOOK OUT…!!” she called to Lightning.

Lightning and the others in his group all looked, and Tan Shi looked up just as Lightning pulled the trigger, and his gun fired, but Kara Shi leapt right in front of Lightning’s blaster, taking the hit just as it spouted.

KAPOW!! Such an explosion at that range knocked everybody back hard. “KARA SHI!!!” shouted Tan Shi.

When all was clear, the remaining fighters had all been de-transformed, and were all bruised and battered from being hit by the explosion, and yet Kara Shi was still standing, and he looked pretty roughed up-- his helmet was all dented and battered, his clothes were burned and tattered.

Tan Shi looked at him in shock, and he smiled weakly at her, “So much… for a male… protecting… his comrade…!” those were his last words as he exploded and was imprisoned.

“KARA SHI----!!!”

He was finished, imprisoned in that sphere which Krysta picked up.

None of the fighters had any strength left to finish off Tan Shi, and she herself was exhausted from the battle, having just barely enough power to teleport away, and it was her only option.

“I will not forget this!” she sneered at the fighters, and then she was gone.

The fighters lay silent and shocked, but at least the battle was over.

“Applejack!” said Buddy as he finally found strength to get up, and scooped her up in his arms. She weakly opened her eyes, and smiled weakly at him, “Did we win?”

“We sure did. Granny Smith would be proud of you.”

Applejack only continued to smile.

Back on Ainzul, Rai Shi and En Shi delivered the sad news to Stammadon as he sat on his throne.

“I am afraid Kara Shi has been defeated, master.” said Rai Shi.

As outraged as Stammadon should have been outraged at the loss of a valued ally, here merely brushed it off, “Then I suppose he was not the strong fighter I thought he was.”

Rai Shi felt that a bit harsh, but En Shi agreed with Stammadon completely; Kara Shi was beaten… he was simply not strong enough. The same thing she would have thought if Tan Shi had been beaten too.

“What about Tan Shi?” En Shi asked “She still disregarded regulations. Do you wish her punished?”

“Possibly…” said Stammadon “…Yes! Set her up in the dojo, I shall use her as practice target, even in her weakened state. Perhaps the next time she’ll show better respect for the rules!”

Indeed, Tan Shi was strapped to a post in the dojo, still weak and battered from her ordeal, and En Shi stood ready to train “No hard feelings, Tan Shi.” she mocked, and she proceeded to really give her a thrashing.

Rai Shi still didn’t think this was a very good punishment for Tan Shi, but for letting Kara Shi be captured and it was Stammadon’s wishes… he let it slide.

As for Ka Hotake, Kara Shi’s defeat didn’t seem to bother him a bit as he thought, “Well, that’s one less nuisance out of the way, which means less obstacles to stop me when I unleash my greatest plan.”

He eyed at Stammadon rather sinisterly, and Rai Shi noted this still having his growing suspicions.

A few days later, the fighters all had a good rest and were fine, physically, but now; they were all gathered around a large open clearing in the orchards where a lone baby apple tree was planted, and a monument stone was placed near it.

The Apple Family was having a little private service for Granny Smith, and all the friends were there, including Swift Star, to give support for the Apples.

Bright Mac spoke first. “Ma loved this field so much, the day she and her fellow pony pioneers first came to this place and planted the first apple tree. She was more than a pioneer to me, she was my heroine. She had a good soul, loads of kindness to give, and even though sometimes she was cranky and a bit pushy… she learned to adjust.” he paused and looked at his wife reflecting the time she accepted her into the family after the feud with the Pears.

Applejack went next. “Granny was a hero to me too, and to Big Mac and Applebloom. She raised us after Ma and Pa went missin’, and we were always there for her too.”

Big Mac and Applebloom nodded tearfully, and Big Mac held his little sister close to him.

“We loved Granny, with all our hearts, and that’s why we wanted this little tree planted here for her; to watch it grow, and remember all she did for us and left us to carry on the Apple Family ways.”

Buddy Rose was next; even though he wasn’t part of the family he wanted to say his peace too. “Granny Smith was one of the kindest, most caring of ponies I ever knew. When United Equestria was formed after The Great War, she kindly let me move in on her lands and let me start over in a new life. I spent every day of that new life working hard, and helping her family as my way of repaying her for the gifts she gave.”

He paused and looked down at the little tree and the monument stone, “Thank you, Granny. I wouldn’t be here today if not for the kindness you showed me, it was almost like I was part of your family too.”

A tear rolled down Applejack’s eye.

Tree Hugger and DD both bowed their heads softly.

The rest was all drowned out by everyone bowing their heads and having a long moment of silence for the departed.

After that, everyone pretty much just went home, and let the family grieve, get it out of their systems, but Swift took a moment and approached Applejack, remembering what he had learned from Lightning and the others he spoke very honestly, “…I’m so sorry for your loss, Major. I hope you’ll be okay.”

Applejack smiled softly and hugged him, “Thank you.”

Swift hugged her back.

Lightning saw the sweetness and he was very pleased with Swift, but for now he and the rest of the team had things to do. The battle made him decide “No more holding it back; we must unlock the secret of Pure Inner Strength.”

Starla agreed, and the rest would agree in time too.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Data Stream and Megadox decide to take things to the extreme by setting a trap for Surfer in attempt finish him once and for all. Meanwhile, Scootaloo has accidently damaged her wrist-com, which Cheerilee finds and is inadvertently transported into the Digital World herself, which could mean a serious security leak for the team.

Can the team safely get Cheerliee out of her predicimanet, and what is Megadox’s master plan?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic”

(Next Episode: “Part 1: Leak in the Links”)

Author's Note

Granny Smith's passing was not made to spite Applejack or her family...

I did it because I know how she feels, I lost all 3 of my grandparents in 2018, and it hurts... and I also did it to, again, give MLP a way of showing and teaching how to deal with Death... something that Friendship can't really solve, or make better just like that.

Episode 18: Part 1: Leak in the Links

EPISODE EIGHTEEN

*Mykan’s POV*

The Data Squad had really been busy lately, scratching one virus after another.

“…Time to Digitize!”

Into the Digital World I went to stop Megadox from terrorizing the power grid.

“DATA SABER”

“CRASH SLASH WAVE!”

Whenever a virus was too much for me, I could count on the Cutiemark Crusaders to help me.

“SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD… LET’S KICK SOME MEGABUTT!!”

DD: “Dread Program online!”

Sweetie Belle: “Make way for Assault!”

Applebloom: “Totalizer’s ready to roll!”

Scootaloo: “Arc here, and soaring high!”

The Data Beasts were just as strong and as reliable as ever, especially when they linked up with me…

“…SUPER SURFER LINK-UP MODE!!”

“ERADICATION WAVES!!”

KAPOW!! Another virus bit the dust. “That was for Granny Smith!” said Applebloom.

Ever since her Granny had passed, she had gotten a bit over her blues, and now she felt she had more to fight for than ever!

Of course the girls and I were able to pack more of a punch than ever, even when multiple viruses were sent to fight us. “INITIATE CRUSH PROGRAM!”

The Data Beasts combined into their super robot form, which gave us twice the battle power.

“Launching Missiles!” shouted Sweetie Belle.

The two missiles fired, blowing two more viruses to the trash icons.

“PYRO PROGRAM”

I grabbed my bazooka and charged it up, “FIREWALL BLAZE”

WHOA!! There went another virus.

Then, just like every time, I would restore the systems back to normal, and we’d port out.

*POV Pause*

With each and every virus destroyed by the Data Squad, Data Stream grew more and more frustrated. “UGH! THIS IS HOPELESS!!” she thundered “Every single virus we send in is completely useless!” then she thundered at Megadox “You, so-called “Overlord” of the Digital World. You can’t even get rid of Surfer, and for my money you never will!”

“SILENCE!!” shouted Megadox “Your bleating is beginning to anger me! I, too, loath the Surfer Program as much as you do, and wish it be destroyed!”

Suddenly, there was a knock at Data Stream’s door.

“Now what?!” groaned Data, and she quickly turned off Megadox so he wouldn’t be seen, and she got up and peeked through the door peep, and much to her horrors it was a Starfleet team, with scanners, and a couple of unicorns too.

“Oh, no!” cried Data, she knew of Starfleet conducting searches for Megadox, and that whom was or were working with him.

One of the officers called to her, “Data Stream, this is a Starfleet investigation. We have a warrant to search. Please open the door.”

“What am I going to do?!” Data panicked softly. She knew she wouldn’t get past the lie detection units, and given there were unicorns in the group she suspected they had the conscience spell-- they’d be able to read her mind and know exactly the trouble she had been causing.

“This is your last warning!” called the officer “If you refuse to comply we will come in. We have every right to.”

Megadox suddenly came online by himself, “How pitiful; the Data Stream Fleshling is cornered and on the verge of being discovered.” he snickered wickedly.

“Will you shut up!” she sneered softly towards him so as not to be heard, “Do you realize if they discover us, I’ll get hauled to jail, and then what will happen to you? What would you do for a virus maker?!”

Megadox hesitated, “I compute your logic, and it is valid. Very well, I shall assist you. Touch the computer monitor with your hand.”

Data didn’t dare question him and touched the screen. All at once, there was an electrical surge, and she vanished straight into the computer.

He then proceeded to purge all of the data on the other computer-- all the virus programs, all the creator studios, anything that would show of Data’s dirty doings.

Then Megadox himself logged off just as the soldiers came in-- rather than breaking the door down, the unicorn soldiers used magic to open the locks.

The soldiers looked all over. “She doesn’t seem to be here.” said one soldier.

“Maybe she’s out working?” said another.

“I don’t think so, her uniform is still here.”

“Maybe she just stepped out?”

They inspected her computers and her desk, but all they could really find were her sketch book of monsters, and ordinary programs on her computer and files of bills and taxes. All this seemed pretty ordinary, even the monster pictures.

“I don’t think she’s who were looking for.”

“Just the same, we should come back later and question her ourselves. We can’t judge by all this alone.”

The soldiers left, and after a few minutes, Megadox came back online chuckling, “Fleshings are more gullible than I realized.”

Then he released Data Stream back in her chair. “Whoo!” she sighed “What a ride, and what a close call!”

“Now that the excitement is over,” said Megadox “What are we do about Surfer?”

“Like I should know that?” sneered Data “He comes and goes through the grid as he pleases. We don’t know where he comes from, and we don’t know where he goes. Even YOU haven’t been able to track him down, Mr. Almighty Ruler of the Digital World.”

“Then the answer to that is obvious.” hissed Megadox “Since I am unable to pinpoint the location of the Surfer Program, the solution is to simply prevent him from returning from whence he came.”

Data grasped at the idea, “Of course…! We lure Surfer into the Digital World, and track him back to his lair. Then we can find him… and be rid of that Digital Delinquent once and for all.”

“Precisely!” snapped Megadox

Data stream then got out her sketching book, “I’m going to have to design a real doozy of a virus for this one.” and she set straight to work.

Meanwhile…

It had been a few weeks since Granny Smith passed away, but Applebloom couldn’t grieve over it forever. “Granny always told me “Just because a friend or loved one dies doesn’t mean I have to stop livin’.”

She was walking to school with her friends, and both DD and Sweetie Belle looked rather tired. “Trouble sleeping again?” asked Scootaloo.

DD yawned, “That new baby is a non-stop crying machine. I don’t know how Tree Hugger and Buddy can handle it.”

“You have it easier.” said Sweetie Belle “We all have to keep constant watch over Twilight in case she sneezes, or she could burn the whole house down. We’re going to get new flameproof stuff for her room.”

The girls all shared a chuckle, but suddenly Scootaloo-- not watching where she walking-- tripped over a rock and fell on the ground.

“Scootaloo!” cried Sweetie.

“Are you okay?” asked Applebloom.

“I’ve had worse.” said Scootaloo as she got up and brushed the dirt off her clothes.

Unfortunately, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon happened to be passing by and saw. “Aw, what’s the matter? Did little Scoot trip over her own feet?” Diamond teased. “Funny, well she got back from her trip fast.” added Silver, and they walked of laughing.

The Crusaders were not a bit amused, but suddenly DD gasped “Oh, no! Look at your wrist-com!”

Scootaloo looked, and saw her come was sparking softly, having been slightly damaged when she fell and smashed it against the ground. “Uh, oh…” this can’t be good.

The girls had never faced a problem like this before, but they were told by Lightning and Starla that if anything ever went wrong with their wrist-coms-- they were to report to Lightning and Starla immediately…

…Only the school bell was ringing already, and they couldn’t be late for class.

“We’ll have to do it after school.” said DD.

The girls agreed and they all headed for the building.

Mykan was not working that day, but the day proceeded normally… except for the fact that Scootaloo’s malfunctioning wrist-com was so distracting-- the way it suddenly gave a few flashes of light, and made blinking sounds, which distracted the other students as well.

“Scootaloo, can you please put that thing away.” said Cheerilee.

“Yes, Ms. Cheerilee.” agreed Scootaloo, and she went over to the back of the room to put it in her knapsack.

“You know that I don’t like distractions in class.”

“Yes, Ms. Cheerilee.”

Later on that day, it was time for recess. Scootaloo thought this a great time to try and get her damaged wrist-com and get it to Lightning and Starla to fix it.

“I’ve just sent them a message by the super-computer.” said Sweetie Belle “But they haven’t responded yet.”

Sctootaloo couldn’t wait any longer, “I better get it to them myself.” she decided.

“But wait, you can’t leave school grounds.” said Applebloom.

Scootaloo felt nervous.

There was worse to come.

“And just what are you geeks babbling about now?” asked Diamond Tiara.

“Who, us?” asked DD “Um… nothing. Nothing at all”

Diamond and Silver didn’t buy it one bit. “You are SO hiding something.” said Silver “You’ve been acting strange all day long.”

Try as the naughty fillies did, the crusaders denied them everything.

While inside the schoolhouse, Cheerilee was all alone and grading some tests.

She sighed softly as she graded the Crusader’s latest tests. They were all satisfactory enough to just pass, but she was growing really concerned. “What’s happened to the girls?” she wondered “They were doing so fine-- acing every test I gave them-- and now they barely seem to keep up.”

She began to wonder why the girls weren’t focusing so much. Sure they had busy lives, some even busier now that they had new babies in the family, but that was no excuse.

Suddenly, she could hear the soft sounds of beeping… coming from Scootaloo’s knapsack on its hook. She couldn’t help but walk over, and though it was badly against privacy, she looked through Scootaloo’s bag and saw her watch that was blinking with small lights, and sparking just a little.

She never really had ever seen the watch up close before. “What kind of watch is this?” she wondered, and curiously as ever, she pressed on it, which activated the holo-computer before her eyes, making her drop it onto a desk in fright.

“What in the world…?”

Due to the com’s malfunction, Scootaloo’s passcodes were no longer in effect, which was how she was able to activate the computer. Despite the static screen, Cheerilee saw images of the Arc Program.

Cheerilee, not realizing what it really was, assumed instantly that it was some kind of video-game! “I don’t believe this!” she grumbled, and she remembered that the other Crusaders had things just like this.

Cheerilee didn’t like it when students slacked off in their studied, and of all things… the girls were choosing video games?!!

“How can anyone neglect their studies for this.” She said to herself, and touched her finger directly at the image of Arc, and since the passcodes were no longer effective… yes… she was transported into the Digital World, landing in Arc’s cockpit.

“Huh…?!!” she cried as she looked all around her at all the controls and switches. “What is—How-- What’s going on?”

The machine came to life and began to soar through the power lines, “WHOA!! Oh…! Oh, my…!” cried Cheerilee as she went faster and faster. “Stop…! Make this thing stop!

…GET ME OUTTA HERE!!”

Meanwhile, Data Stream had been working on her latest mega virus all night. You’d think she’d be exhausted, but she was so excited at the aspect of finishing Surfer, not to mention she had so many ideas in her head for her design, how could she possibly sleep.

“Yes…! YES, THIS IS PERFECT!!” she hollered. “Wait until Megadox gets load of you.”

She scanned her drawing into her computer and snickered at the sight of it. Then she called at her other screen, “Megadox…! Megadox! Get your computerized carcass in gear!”

Megadox came online, “I hear you, Fleshling. I have been waiting impatiently for you to complete the virus.”

“Well sent your sensors to stun, I’ve just completed Light Stings creation.”

Megadox sounded frustrated, “Light Sting? Your logic is null! Light Sting was the very first virus, and Surfer already deleted him.”

Data sighed, “You’d think I wasn’t aware. That’s why I redesigned him. He has new weapons, stronger armor, and I’ve equipped him with a tracking device to help us to find Surfer’s hideout.

Behold… the Stinger Ray.”

Just as Data promised, the creature was new and improved. Now it had thick armor plates on its shoulders and back, and even a chest guard, and two large cannons on its back that could launch powerful streams of electrical energies.

“It is more than satisfactory.” said Megadox “I shall send it into the Digital World, and it shall lure Surfer into our trap.”

Data sulked, “Well you’re welcome! I only spent all night making it.”

“Let the games begin!” said Megadox, and he powered up the creature, bringing it to life, and just sent it to a random power plant.

“And now, we wait…” hissed Megadox and he chuckled wickedly.

Back at school, the crusaders finally managed to get themselves away from Diamond and Silver, but there seemed to be another problem…!

“Recess should’ve ended by now.” said Applebloom.

The girls decided to look inside the school. “Ms. Cheerilee…?” called Sweetie Belle, but there was no answer, for there was no one inside at all, and they knew she couldn’t have stepped out; she would never do that during school hours, and then again no one actually saw her leave the building.

The rest of the class came into the room and saw their teacher was gone.

“She just left us?”

“Why would she do that?”

“She didn’t even leave a note.”

While several of the students were confused, Diamond Tiara decided “Guess school’s out early. I’m going home.”

“Me too.” agreed Silver Spoon, and soon all the students agreed with that and left the building in seconds leaving only the crusaders left all alone in the empty classroom.

“Okay, this is weird.” said DD.

“Weird or not, we may as well go.” said Applebloom.

Scootaloo agreed and figured she’d take her wrist-com to Lightning and Starla… but when she looked in her knapsack, “…My wrist-com, it’s gone!” She practically dumped all the contents out of her bag. “I know I put it in here!”

Suddenly, the others’ wrist-coms began blinking with danger. Sweetie Belle clicked her computer on and the first thing she saw, “Ms. Cheerilee?!”

“HELP!!” Cheerilee screamed “How do I stop this crazy thing?!!”

The girls couldn’t question it at all, “She must’ve taken your wrist-com and activated it.” said DD.

Scootaloo trembled with fear and shock, “This is bad! This is really bad!”

“Try a Million-Bazillion times horrible!” cried Applebloom “Ms. Cheerilee’s trapped in Cyber Space, and now she probably knows about our secret!”

The girls knew they needed help, and so they grabbed their things and dashed straight for Lightning and Starla’s place.

You can bet, Lightning Starla, and Krysta were more than shocked to hear and see-- Cheerilee on the computer screen still calling out for help.

“Girls, how could you let this happen?” snapped Krysta.

“I told you,” protested Scootaloo “I broke my wrist-com, and I wanted to bring it here, and--”

“Never mind that.” said Starla “All this fighting isn’t going to get us anywhere. We need to get Cheerilee out and fast.”

“I’ve just sent Mykan a message.” said Lightning “He’ll be here any minute.”

*Mykan’s POV*

I teleported right to the house after getting the message, “Please tell me you’re joking?” I said, but I saw the screen, and Cheerilee panicking. “You weren’t kidding.”

I then glared at the girls, and they all felt ashamed, but I didn’t bother arguing with them. It was just an accident, and now I had to go in there and get Cheerilee out.

“But what are you going to explain to her?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“We’ll worry about that later,” said Lightning, “Right now the most important thing is getting her out.”

We all agreed, and Starla tracked where the Arc Program was, “It’s cursing aimlessly in the electrical power lines in Town Square.”

“Right, I’m going in.” I said, and together we all shouted, “…TIME TO DIGITIZE!!”

I booted into the computer, donned my armor, but I just stayed in the loading base while Starla established a contact link to Arc. “I’ve got it. She’s all yours.”

“Thanks.” I said “Time to reel her in.”

*POV Pause*

Poor Cheerilee was really starting to feel sick from all this roaming around, like being on a fast roller coaster ride! “Can’t anyone hear me?!” she shouted “Can’t I shut this thing off?! I want to get out!”

Suddenly, the screen on the console activated…

*Resume*

“Ms. Cheerilee… Can you hear me?” I called to her. It was a good thing she didn’t recognize me or my voice.

“Yes,” she replied as she gawked at me “Who exactly are you?”

“I am Surfer-- guardian of the Digital World.”

As expected, Cheerilee couldn’t believe this a bit. “Are you supposed to be a character in a video game or something?”

“I assure you this is no video game. You have been digitized into the planet’s power grid. I’ve come to help you get out.”

Hope started to fill Cheerliee’s mind, “Thank you! I was going crazy for a while now. What do I do?”

“First, take hold of the steering gear in front of you, and pull softly forward.”

Cheerliee did as she was told, but she pulled the gear too far and made Arc climb high in a steep ascended, “Whoa!!”

“Take it easy!” I shouted at her “Move it forward a bit and keep steady.”

Cheerilee straightened herself out, “That wasn’t fun!” she groaned “What about these controls here?”

“Don’t touch those! Those control the weapon systems.”

Her features changed to an intriguing expression, “Weapons? Maybe this thing isn’t so bad after all.” She immediately those words as she speeded out of control.

“No!” I groaned. “Starla, can you track her?”

“I think so…” replied Starla, but as she began her search, the warning alarm went off. “Oh, no! I’ve got bad news; I’ve just picked up a virus half a mile away from you.”

I sighed “Perfect! That’s all I needed.

Keep trying to find Cheerilee. I’m going after the virus.”

With that I was on my way, through the power lines, and I landed right where Sting Ray was busting up some systems.

The two of us began to brawl!

*Pause*

Data snickered as she observed the battle, “Like a moth to the flame, Surfer showed up.”

“Yes!” hissed Megadox “Even, if by some miscalculation, Surfer is the victor, I shall be able to track him to his lair, and I will destroy him finally and forever!”

*Resume*

“Here I come!” I shouted as I charged forth, then I leapt up for a flying kick, right into the monster’s hard chest plate, bouncing right off of it. The monster was hardly damaged at all.

Then it glared at me and began to charge up its powerful electro-cannons. The electrical blast was fired and I quickly rolled out of the way! KAPOW!! The Blast took out a whole load of circuits and wires in a big explosion.

“Whoa! This bad boy sure is packing some power.” I said.

Sting Ray prepared to fire at me again.

“Booster Boots!” and I whisked to the side.

I got in closer where the cannons couldn’t aim at me and began to punch and kick the big brute, but Sting Ray grabbed me and began to strangle me about like a ragdoll.

“Hello, out there!” I called “I’m going to need some help!”

*Pause*

Starla grunted, frustrated that she couldn’t find Cheerilee, and now all THIS was happening, but suddenly, there was a blip on the screen, “Wait… I think I found her.”

The blip was indeed the Arc Program, and the screen showed Cheerilee inside it, still shouting out, “Surfer! Where are you?! I thought you were going to help me.”

Starla quickly tracked Arc down and established a link, “There, I can get you back in your cockpit Scootaloo, but…” she paused “I won’t be able to warp her out of there unless we get her back to base, and that could waste all the power. You wouldn’t be able to join the rest of the team for a while.”

Everyone was deeply concerned; it meant that Scootaloo would have to endure Cheerilee as company for the battle, which would really break the security.

“I’m afraid we’ve got no choice.” said Lightning “We can’t let that virus cream Surfer.”

The girls all felt very awkward about this. “We better do it.” said DD

The others agreed, and prepared to login.

“Good luck, girls.” said Krysta “And I can’t believe this happening.”

“Gee, real enthusiasm there.” grumbled Sweetie.

The girls all huddled by the Super Computer, which loaded up with the Data Beasts and connected to the active Arc as well. “SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD… LET’S KICK SOME MEGABUTT!!”

They all tapped the screen and warped inside.

Inside Arc’s cockpit, Cheerilee was beginning to panic and lose hope of ever escaping, when Scootaloo suddenly just popped in. “Move over, Ms. Cheerilee, I’ll take over.”

“Scootaloo?” snapped Cheerilee.

“Please, move over.”

Cheerilee scorched over as far as she could and let Scootaloo take the controls, “Arc to Data Beasts; come in.”

The other girls all responded and were glad she was okay, but Cheerilee was ever so surprised, “Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, DD…?! What is all this about?!”

“We’ll explain later,” said DD “Right now we’ve got to go and help Surfer.”

Scootaloo agreed. “Hang on, Ms. Cheerilee!”

“Whoa---!!” Poor Cheerilee had no seatbelt, so she held on as tight as she could as Arc sped through the systems.

Outside, the trio watch everything on the screen, and all three of them were growing concerned for Cheerilee, but so far, so good!

*Resume*

Sting Ray continued to strangle and rattle me around, and finally knocked me off, and I rolled along the ground.

The creature roared and prepared to attack me again, when suddenly it was ambushed from behind by Dread. “Peek-a-boo… I attack you.” taunted DD.

The virus turned round and DD gave it a good head-bash to the face.

“Come and get it!” shouted Applebloom as she charged totalizer in and began to arm wrestle with Sting Ray, and I helped her by punching and kicking the beast from behind.

Arc flew past us all, but didn’t dare open fire while its teammates were that close.

“What is that awful creature?” asked Cheerilee.

“It’s a mega-virus monster.” answered Scootaloo “We don’t know who creates them, but an evil computer program called “Megadox” brings them to life, and he uses them to attack electronic systems to take over the world.”

Cheerilee was a mix of intrigued and shocked. “And… you girls and Surfer… fight them all the time.”

“Eeyup,” answered Applebloom “That’s us-- The Super Cyber Data Squad!”

“We can’t begin to tell you the number of times we’ve saved the world!” added Sweetie.

The virus attacked and knocked me and Totalizer off and away. Then it prepared to launch its cannons. “Watch out!” I called, but the cannons fired and struck Dread and Totalizer.

DD and Applebloom were rocked about as their beasts crashed down.

“Girls!” cried Cheerilee.

“Oh, that is it!” snarled Scootaloo. “You ready, Assault?”

“You bet I am, Arc.” answered Sweetie.

“Hang on, Ms. Cheerilee!”

Cheerilee held on as Arc dove straight in.

“Firing lasers…!”

Arc fired its lasers to distract the monster. Cheerilee was astonished how well Scootaloo aimed. “It’s just simply geometry and velocity. You taught me those things.”

Now Cheerilee was starting to feel proud-- that the girls used their school teachings to fight for the world.

Sting Ray was ready to shoot its cannons again.

“Oh, no you don’t!” sneered Sweetie “Missiles away!”

POW!! Her missiles fired, straight into the mouth of one of the two cannons, KAPOW… blowing it to scrap and rendering it useless.

“Good shot, team.” I hollered, “Now let’s link up.”

“RIGHT!!” agreed the team.

“Hang on, Ms. Cheerilee; you’ll like this.”

The programs were launched, and the Data Beasts formed my armor, “SUPER SURFER LINK-UP MODE!!”

“Impressive.” said Cheerilee.

“That’s nothin’. Wait ‘til you see what this bad boy can really do.” said Applebloom.

I began to stomp my way forth, and Sting Ray roared at me. It aimed its remaining good cannon and fired an electrical charge at him, but I just plowed right through that firepower as if it were nothing.

The monster and I engaged in a fistfight, punching and pummelling each other down, and finally, I took a huge swing and actually punched the second cannon in half, knocking part of it to the floor.

“Take that, Hotshot!” taunted DD.

Then it was time to finish it off, “ERADICATION WAVES!” and that was that-- the virus was totalled!

“Wow!!” cried Cheerliee “That was amazing!”

The girls all cheered.

“Well done, Data Squad.” I said “Now let’s put things right and port out.”

The systems were all restored, then the Data Beasts separated from me, and we all ported back out again.

*Pause*

Data Stream was having a fit. “I spent all night working on that virus, but once again, Surfer blasted him into cyber chunks.”

“All is not lost, Fleshling.” said Megadox “Thanks to the tracker you placed on Sting Ray, I am currently pinpointing the location of the surfer program, and I have now located it within a six mile radius of New Ponyville town square.”

Data nearly froze in anxiety, “What? He’s somewhere in New Ponyville?” Her face curled into an evil grin, “Well… this should be interesting. We’ll finally be able to find Surfer.”

“…And destroy him, once and for all.” laughed Megadox

*Resume*

The entire gang rematerialized in the living room, and Scootaloos wrist-com had been repaired automatically after going through the digital zone.

As for Cheerilee, not only would she never feel the same again after the adventure she had just had, but she was most surprised to see me there.

“Mykan…? You… you were that Surfer.”

I nodded sheepishly, “Sorry you had to find out.”

Lightning and Starla suddenly looked a little upset about something, but Krysta spoke, “Um… she’s not the only one.” and she motioned behind us all. We turned round and there standing behind us were Applejack, Rarity and Spike, Buddy Rose, and Rainbow Dash…

…all of them looking pretty annoyed with their arms on their hips and glaring at the girls—or rather the entire group.

“Uh, oh…!” the girls muttered.

To Be Continued...!

(Promo)

In our next episode: The tension really heats up as the grownups argue over the Data Squad, things only get worse as Megadox plans to unleash his most devastating viral attack over the entire planet.

Is it doomsday for United Equestria, will our heroes be able to actually stop Megadox?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next episode: “Part 2: Megadox Revolution”

Episode 19: Part 2: Megadox Revolution

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

Cheerilee was accidently transported into the Digital World, via Scootaloo’s malfunctioning wrist-com. The Data Squad was forced to reveal their true identities as they rescued her from the latest mega virus monster, only to then discover that the familes have discovered this secret as well, and to make matters worse… Megadox had pinpointed the exact location of the team’s Super Computer.

EPISODE NINETEEN

Data Stream was snickering with glee, “I can’t believe it! Surfer’s home base is somewhere in New Ponyville?”

“Within a six-mile radius of Town Square to be precise.” replied Megadox “We have taken a great step to finishing off our enemy for good!”

Data and Megadox both had the same lust by this point. “But still…” Data pointed out “Six miles is still a wide area. How can we pinpoint the exact location of the program?”

“You must travel to New Ponyville.” answered Megadox.

“What?” snapped Data “But I thought you could infiltrate any computer source from anyplace at any time?”

“True, but from there I shall be able to gather the necessary conduits that will allow me to track down the Surfer Program all the faster.”

“Just one problem, smart guy…! How am I supposed to even GET to New Ponyville? In case you have forgotten, there are swarms of guards looking to ID me, and if they find out I’m working with you… I am finished… kaput, and that puts YOU out of commission as well.”

“I have already computed this, and I shall transport you there myself, by means of Digitizing you into my realm again.”

Feeling she had nothing to lose, and it was the safest way, Data grabbed her briefcase, which contained her laptop and drawing tools, as well as drawings of some viruses. “I’m ready.”

Megadox then digitized her into the Digital World, where she flew along the wavelengths, and cruised along the power lines, and arrived in New Ponyville in a matter of seconds… appearing out through a power transformer in a secluded area where no one was around.

“It worked.” Data said with astonishment. Then she quickly got out her laptop and found Megadox was already online. “All right, I’m here… what now?”

“You must find town square, and locate a power source. I can handle the rest from there.”

“Fine, but you better know what you’re doing. I want to find that Surfer and finish him off by sundown!”

Meanwhile…

*Mykan’s POV*

The Crusaders’ relatives and Rainbow Dash had heard from other parents, when their children got home from school early that Cheerilee had gone missing, and when the girls hadn’t returned home themselves they came to Lightning and Starla to report the problem, which was how they discovered.

We were all forced to explain everything, and how the girls were my backup crew all the time in the war against Megadox.

“I can’t believe this!” said Applejac “You girls have been runnin’ around in Cyberspace, riskin’ your necks, and savin’ the world from virus bugs all this time, behind our backs?!”

Starla tried to hush Applejack from yelling so loud, but too late-- Shining Light could be heard crying from his crib upstairs. “Now you’ve done it.” and she went to go comfort her baby.

“Please don’t be mad at us.” said Sweetie Belle

“Well how do you expect us to feel?” asked Rarity “You-- a band of minor girls fighting evil and risking your lives so needlessly like this.”

“It’s not needless!” I snapped at her “The girls didn’t ask to be part of this group, and neither did I. The programs bonded with us. No one else can use them.”

“He’s right.” said Lightning “I understand how you all must feel.”

“Oh, and that’s another thing,” said Rianbow “You… of all people knew all along about this and you never told us?!”

“…Because you didn’t need to know.” insisted Lightning “We knew none of you would take this well, and I had this group sworn to secrecy.”

Buddy Rose disagreed “Begging your pardon, sir…”

Lightning didn’t like his tone.

“…Anything to do with the girls has to do with us… their family and guardians.”

He then glared down at the girls and told them all to wait outside, but not before asking them to turn in their wrist-coms.

“We can’t!” cried DD.

“You better do it.” said Spike.

“Lightning, Mr. Stevens, please don’t make us.” begged Scootaloo.

Indeed, Lightning and I stepped forward, and surprisingly, so did Cheerilee.

“You can’t be serious about this?” asked Rarity.

“Yes… No… I don’t really know.” said Cheerilee “I understand how you all must feel, I was just as shocked myself, but I’ve seen what the girls are capable of doing, and they are phenomenal.”

The girls smiled at her.

“And what about all of you…?” I asked “Didn’t you all train hard and have some wild adventures while you were about their age.”

While the others were unable to deny this, “That was totally different,” said Rainbow “We were being trained by professionals. These girls just end up in wrong place at the wrong time, and end up doing some crazy stunts that usually lead to hilarious consequences.”

The girls felt insulted, and Lightning felt angry at her, but Applejack stood up, “Lightnin’… you can’t abuse your authority. You can’t be orderin’ us to subject these here youngin’s to a life of danger.”

“I’m aware of this!” sneered Lightning “But this time I’m going with it, because I know I’m right, and I’m ordering all of you to back down.

…Discussion is finished!”

The relatives were livid. Buddy especially, “Lightning Dawn, I cannot believe I am going to say this to you, but I will see you get reprimanded for this!”

The others all agreed with him, even planning to send reports to New Canterlot, and see What Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia would say about this.

Lightning just turned his back and folded his arms.

“I think you all had better go.” said Krysta.

Defeated for now, the relatives decided to leave.

“Wow. I’ve never seen them so angry before.” said Applebloom.

“So what, Lightning just told them off.” said Scootaloo.

“Yeah, he really read them out.” agreed Sweetie.

But really, Lightning didn’t feel very pleased with himself at all and hung his head low as he slumped on the couch.

“Lightning, are you okay?” I asked.

Lightning sighed “They’re right about me abusing my authority, but despite their worrying I can’t let the girls go. We need them.”

He was also worried that his friends were going to blab the secret to the rest of the families, which would put more pressure on him, as well as the girls.

“Gee,” said DD “I don’t… actually feel like going home right now.” The other girls didn’t feel like it either, not wishing to endure any wrath or potential groundings.

So Lightning allowed them all to stay for lunch as he tried to figure out a course of action, but he was still worried what their majesties would say if they ever found out about this.

Cheerilee and I felt we were also on the chopping block, for aiding and abetting in this.

*POV Pause*

Data Stream was in town square, but was couldn’t seem to find any place private to go.

“Fleshing!” Megadox called to her “How much longer must I keep waiting?”

“Quiet!” sneered Data “Do you want anyone to discover our secret?!”

Rhymey and Fluttershy were passing by taking Button Fly for a stroll in his carriage, they looked her way, and she just smiled nervously at them as if nothing was wrong.

The couple shrugged and went on their way.

Data sighed in relief, and then she whispered to Megadox “Look, it would be easier if you tell me exactly what it is I’m looking for.”

“As I have stated: I need more information conduits. Only then will be able to scout this area and locate the Surfer Program.”

Data thought it over, and remembered a Cyber Café that wasn’t too far from where they were. So she got up and off she went.

Meanwhile, Rhymey and Fluttershy were still enjoying walking their new baby, and Pinkie Pie came along cooing, “Aw… look at the happy family.”

Fluttershy blushed, and Rhymey rubbed the back of his head smiling. The baby looked up and cooed and giggled.

“Aw, hi wittle Button Fwy.” cooed Pinkie as she stroked the baby’s little head.

“I guess it’s true,
He really likes you.” said Rhymey.

“That’s because I’m good with babies.” said Pinkie.

“Oh, my…!” Fluttershy suddenly cried. “What? You know I am.” protested Pinkie. “Oh, no, not you…” said Fluttershy and she pointed up ahead at some of their friends sitting outside the Cyber Café, looking pretty upset. Baby Twilight Sparkle Scales was in her pram which stood ned to Rarity.

Pinkie didn’t like sour moods, especially from her friends, so she and the others went over.

“Why so glum, chums?” asked Pinkie.

Rhymey liked her rhyme.

The friends told them everything.

“What?!” cried Fluttershy.

“Eeyup,” replied Applejack “And now Lightnin’s told us to keep out of it.”

Rhymey thought it over,

“Well, he does have a point or two,
For letting the girls do what they do.”

His wife did not agree. “How can you say that? You can’t mean to let the girls go through with all this.”

“That’s what we said.” muttered Spike.

“I think it’s kind of cool.” said Pinkie “I remember playing Super Pony when I was little, and I…” she paused when everyone was looking at her indicating the seriousness, “…Sorry.”

Buddy sighed, “We sent a report to their majesties in New Canterlot and we’re waiting to see what they say about this.”

“Well I certainly hope they do the sensible thing,” said Rarity “Sweetie Belle has no right o be carousing around in a computerized realm.”

Rhymey still felt different to her,

“I understand how you feel about her,
But I don’t think you should stop her either.”

“Rhymey!” snapped Fluttershy.

“All I say, and look it my way,
at what the girls have become today?”

Through his rhymes he explained how the girls were not as little as they used to be and they had already done many amazing feats and stunts, and even saved United Equestria in the past.

“Yeah, and all the times they screwed up too, and nearly got themselves destroyed many times.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Rainbow’s right.” agreed Fluttershy, and then she motioned at Button Fly “Would you let our baby go into battle just like that?”

Rainy and Spike were with her, they would never let Twilight just run off into battle.

Rhymey knew they were right, but he protested,

“I would never let very young children go,
But this time is different matter you know.

The girls are bigger, and much older,
They’ve proven to be smart and bolder.

Would you stop any of us from what we do?
We fight bad guys all the time too.

If we didn’t do our job, then our world would fall.
Are you willing to risk that-- just risk it all.”

Fluttershy felt like crying, feeling a little hurt deep down that her husband was willing to let the girls go through with this.

“Excuse me please.” And she walked off into the café, to head to the washroom for a small cry.

“Way to go, boy.” said Applejack, and she went off to comfort Fluttershy.

Button Fly began to cry after his mother just went off like that. His father comforted him, but Rhymey felt pretty bad, he didn’t like it when he and Fluttershy disagreed, but he still felt he was right too.

“For my money, I think you’re right.” said Pinkie “We can’t just let heroes not be heroes. That’s like asking a Cake not to be Cakey, or a Pie not to be Pieish.”

The others were sort of starting to agree, but they still felt the same-- concerned because the girls were still very young.

What none of them realized was that inside the Cyber Café, Data Stream had setup her laptop, having plugged it into the wall while none of the other patrons were looking. “Okay, Megadox,” she whispered “I got you inside.”

“Yes,” hissed Megadox “I can already feel the information coming in and am currently eliminating all factors to pinpoint the Surfer Program. Plus, every ounce of power I tap into increases my strength. The Surfer Program will stand no chance against me this time!”

Data snickered, now it was only a matter of time. “Surfer is as good as gone.”

While in the mares’ washroom, Fluttershy had washed her face-- something she liked to do whenever she cried. “You feelin’ better?” asked Applejack. Fluttershy dried up, “…A little, yes.” She took a few deep breaths, “How could my own husband say things like that?”

“I think I know how ya feel. I can’t believe he said those things either… even if he does have a point… I don’t feel we can just let the girls go through this no more.”

Fluttershy agreed, but she still didn’t really want to be mad with Rhymey, especially not for Button Fly’s sake.

She decided to come out, and maybe talk this over again with Rhymey-- calmly and with no heating up at each other.

No sooner had the mares gone outside to see Button was fast asleep in his carriage as Rhymey softly pushed the carriage back and forth.

Seeing her little son sleep sort of made her forget the troubles-- same with everyone else… until… Spike let out a huge belch as a letter appeared, which woke up Button Fly and scared Baby Twilight as well.

The two babies cried and screamed much to everyone’s annoyance.

“Sorry, I can’t tell.” said Spike.

As the mothers comforted the babies, Spike read the letter. “It’s from their majesties; they’re saying to come to Lightning’s place.”

“Well we might as well go.” said Rainbow.

*Resume*

Once the babies were calmed down, the team headed back to Lightning’s. Artie and the Spanish Twins were there too. They too had been asked to attend by their majesties and they were told everything about the girls. They were just as shocked and astonished to learn the truth, even a little proud.

“I think it’s neat the girls have actually helped save the world.” said Artie.

“They may be young,” added Dyno, and Myte said “…But I guess they’re full of surprises.”

The girls felt flattered, but the others who were against it…

“I don’t believe this.” muttered Buddy.

“How can our friends not realize the seriousness of all this?!” whined Rarity.

Before anyone could protest, Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia appeared, as magical holo-images, and everyone quieted down and bowed to them.

“Good, you’re all here.” said Grand Ruler.

The girls felt very nervous as they slowly peeked up.

“It’s all right, girls,” said Celestia “There’s no need to feel nervous. We’ve known all along.”

The girls were surprised, even Lightning was astonished “You knew all this time… that they were controlling the Data Beasts?”

“We have eyes haven’t we?” said Grand Ruler “We’re aware of many things that happened throughout the planet.”

Celestia nodded and said, “Besides, it was MY technicians and programmers that created the Data Beasts and the Surfer Program decades ago. I was there! So, of course I would know this.”

The girls and I suddenly remembered, having forgotten some time ago what with all the distractions. “I feel like a complete fool.” I said.

“They knew all this time.” muttered Sweetie.

Fluttershy cleared her throat, “Um… your majesties, but about the report we sent about everything.”

“That’s exactly why we’ve called you all here.” answered Grand Ruler. Everyone quieted down and listened carefully.

“We’ll come straight to the point.” said Celestia “…Celesto and I have talked it over, and while we understand how many of you fear for the girls’ safety, we ourselves have similar feelings.”

“Oh, no…” groaned Applebloom.

“We are so busted.” added Scootaloo.

“However,” Grand Ruler said, and those were against the girls winced softly, “In spite of these understanding emotions, it our decision that any acts against the Data Squad… are denied!”

“What?!” snapped Rarity.

“You got to be kiddin?!” wailed Buddy.

The girls would have been delighted… except everyone in the room began to protest and argue with one another like some angry mob; which made all three babies cry.

“QUIET!!!!” Krysta shouted, and everyone turned to face her, “You’re upsetting the babies, and I’m still surprised at all of you! You’re all supposed to be a team. You always find the sensible solution to things, and now you’re all at each other throats.

Their majesties have spoken-- The girls get to do as they want! GET OVER YOURSELVES!!”

Krysta panted and trembled, unable to believe what she had just done, but the others all agreed with her. “What have we become?” asked Pinkie.

“I guess we all kind of lost our heads.” I said.

“You can’t blame yourselves,” said DD “We’re just as responsible for keeping this such a secret.”

The other crusaders agreed.

The adults all felt it wasn’t fair to put this much pressure on them.

Celestia was pleased to see everyone getting along better again, but still the decision was final, and for good reason.

“But the girls are just young.” said Rarity.

Cheerilee approached her and said, “That may be, but does age really have anything to do with what their capable of? Look at all they’ve done. It’s a good sign that they are growing and really getting smart.”

The girls agreed with her.

“We’ve screwed up a lot in the past, we admit.” said Sweetie “But when was the last time we messed something up over the past couple of years?”

“People can learn from their mistakes, can’t they?” said Applebloom “We sure did, and we wouldn’t be the fighters we are today if it weren’t for.”

DD and Scootaloo agreed.

The adults and I were very proud of them for their speech, but still those who were against the idea were not very keen on this.

*Pause*

Back at the café, something strange was happening-- the lights were starting to flicker, and every computer at every table was beginning to malfunction much to the patrons annoyance and misery.

“What’s happening?”

“It’s like some kind of glitch.”

The computers and the lights were not the only things going haywire, but the electric devices behind the counters-- the coffee dispenser, the microwaves, even the cash registers were losing power, much to the workers confusion.

As the ponies tried to examine the devices, one little touch gave then electrical shocks that nearly forced them back into the walls.

“Look outside!” one pony shouted, and everyone could see…

The street lights were blinking like crazy-- in the middle of the day when they shouldn’t be active at all.

Worse still, many home appliances and systems were going haywire too, which began to cause panic.

“Let’s get out of here!” cried another patron, and all the ponies began rush out of the café, staff and all, but Data Stream stayed behind, laughing like the mad-pony she was. “Look at them run--the fools! They can run all they like, they can’t escape.”

Megadox laughed, “With all the power that absorb, I grow stronger, and stronger!” Indeed he did, he had absorbed so much computerized energy that he actually to transform on screen, growing larger and more muscular, and spikes appearing out of his head and shoulders. “Yes…! I love it!” he hissed “And now I finally have eliminated all the obstacles. Now I can locate the Surfer Program!”

“All right!” cheered Data Stream “Find him, Megadox, and shut his computerized capacity down for good.”

Megadox then leapt up, vanishing through a digital warp in the grid, and he traveled along the power lines.

Since he had already eliminated all other potential locations, he knew exactly where to land, and was heading straight for Lightning’s place!

*Resume*

The lights in the house and all the electronic equipment were starting to go crazy.

“What’s going on?” I cried.

Starla tried to type into the Super Computer, but it was going crazy as well. “Something’s causing a huge wave of interference in the Digital World.

Then suddenly, the screen split, and there he was! “The Surfer Program, and the Data Beast Programs! I have found you at last!”

“Megadox!” cried DD.

All the friends gathered around the computer to observe the evil creature, and Celestia could see him herself through her own image, “…Megadox!” she growled softly.

“What?!” Megadox growled, “You are Fleshlings-- Mere insignificant mortals!”

“This is so not good!” said Scootaloo.

“Now he knows who we are!” added Starla.

Everyone else was astonished to actually see Megadox, for the very first time, and while he at first seemed unimpressive to some, everyone realized he was more dangerous than he looked.

“Time to erase you all…!” Megadox shouted, and his massive arms began to glow brightly as he charged up.

“Look out!!” Lightning shouted and he tackled Starla, and anyone near the computer out of the way just in time as an electrical wave was fired from out of the screen, which struck the images of their majesties, but obviously didn’t harm them.

“Everybody out…!” I shouted, and we all stampeded our way out the door. Krysta teleported others directly outside where it was safer.

…Or so we thought!

“What in the Apple Mixes--?!” cried Applejack. All over town, lights were blinking, transformers were sparking, and ponies and other creatures were falling into complete and total panic and chaos.

“What’s happening to the town?” cried Dyno.

“It looks like every electronic system is going, Muy Wild!” added Myte.

“It’s Megadox!” cried Applebloom “He must be infectin’ every electronic system everywhere.”

The voice of the evil program could then be heard even outside. “You are correct! I have absorbed the power of nearly every electrical within the area, and more that I feed the more my power grows.

…But why stop there when I can do so much more!”

*Pause*

As he laughed, Megadox began to spread his evil surge all through power lines and wavelengths, extended his viral infection, more deadly than any Mega Virus ever could.

More and more systems across New Ponyville were infected, and the surge spread all over to all major towns all over the planet, from New Las Pegasus, to New Fillydelhpia, even New Cloudsdale got infected by the wavelengths along the air.

Naturally, the surge was making its way to New Canterlot, and just as Professor Brain was on the verge of completing a new experiment. “Satisfactory! Most, Satisfa--” Kapow, the computer systems shorted out with the infection and blow out right in his face. “Well… now who’s a fool?”

It only got worse as the systems all over the royal palace began to malfunction.

“Activate emergency firewalls!” ordered Grand Ruler.

The technicians and programmers did all they could, and managed to get a firewall going, halting the infection from spreading around the palace, however…!

“Something wrong!” cried a programmer “We’re starting to lose power!”

Indeed, power-cells were slowly decreasing due to Megadox syphoning energy from everywhere! Eventually the firewall would break down, and even the palace defenses wouldn’t be able to hold him out.

*Resume*

Pinkie Pie began to panic, “This isn’t happening! This Isn’t Happening! “THIS ISN’T HAPPENING!!”

“Pinkie Pie!!” snapped Artie and he grabbed her and softly slapped her cheeks, “Get a hold of yourself!”

Everyone else then began to gawk at me and at the girls, wanting us to do something about this. The girls and I all agreed, but unfortunately, as we activate our wrist-coms, “Oh, no! The programming’s blocked!” I cried.

“Mine too!” added Sweetie, and the other girls were all blocked out too.

Starla examined my wrist-com, but even she was unable to break the error. She could only then conclude, “Megadox is in the Super Computer. He’s blocked our access codes. You guys can’t digitize!”

The girls and I began to fret, much to Megadox’s amusement. “And to ensure that there will be no such interference, these pitiful programs must go!”

With that, he began to attack and destroy the Super Computer systems, much to everyone’s horror and sadness, but none as ever so devastating as to me and to the girls.

One-by-one, he crushed each and every program of the Data Beasts, causing the wrist-coms to go completely.

“Dread Program---!!” cried DD.

“Assault!” wailed Sweetie Belle.

“…Totalizer!!” shouted Applebloom.

“Arc… No…!!” screamed Scootaloo.

Megadox laughed loud and wickedly, and then it was no surprise which program source he aimed at next. “No… don’t!!” I shouted, but we all watched as he blasted the Surfer Program unit, destroying my armor, my weapons, all of it.

Everyone watched in complete and total devastation, as the program was blasted into bits and my wrist-com went completely dead.

Overwhelmed with devastation, I fell to my knees trying to hold back my inner sorrows as I clutched my dead wrist-com. All I could do was lift my head to the skies and shout with all my anguish, “Surfer…!!

…SURFER------!!!”

Megadox laughed and laughed, “The world of Fleshings… IS MINE!!”

To Be Continued…!

(Promo)

In our next episode: Megadox plans and overwhelming devastation to ultimately wipe out life on the planet, but the Data Squad and their allies refuse to give in and search for a way to defeat him, which may include enlisting the help of Data Stream herself.

Can the data squad ultimately end the era of Megadox?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next episode: Final Part: “Salvation of Data”)

Episode 20: Final Part: Salvation of Data

“Previous on Starfleet Magic…”

As the friends all got into heated arguments about the decisions of what do about the Data Squad, Megadox infiltrated the electronic systems of the Super Computer, discovering the identities of the Data Squad and proceeding to cause a complete and total viral infection all over the planet, after which he brutally destroyed the Power Sources for the Data Squad, rendering them unable to stop the evil viral overlord from taking over!

EPISODE TWENTY

*Mykan’s POV*

The Crusaders and I were still horribly crushed at the loss of our programs. The girls were practically in tears, and I myself felt so numb I could barely find my will to even lift my head. “I can’t believe it; he destroyed them all!” I groaned.

The girls kept seeing images of their wonderful Data Beasts, just fading along the wind--pixelating into nothing.

“A’RGH!!” DD snarled as she kicked a small rock on the ground and sent it straight up the street. “I can’t believe it’s come to this!” she cried.

Sweetie Belle agreed, “After all that we’ve been through, we’ve actually lost it all!”

The grownup ponies felt sorry for us all, but suddenly, Rainbow looked up the street, “Whoa!” she cried “I think we’ve got even more things to worry about!”

Everyone looked up, and gasped! All electronic systems all over the planet were growing steadily worse. Air conditioners were blowing hot air, water faucets were spewing corrosive acids, lights and transmitters were emitting jolts of low current electricity, and anyone who was near got a nasty shock.

All creatures were running from their respective towns and out into the countryside or the wide open canyons where there wasn’t any electrical equipment to harm them.

Megadox only laughed, “You can run all you like, but you cannot escape my wrath!”

*POV Pause*

He powered up more from the systems, which amplified all the malfunctioning electrical devices, to shoot static discharged into the atmosphere, and messing with the planets Electric-Magnetic Field, creating massive lightning strikes, powerful enough to break up the ground.

The alarms could not be sounded all over-- they too were out of action, but Grand Ruler wasn’t willing to let this go down so east. “…Emergency Evacuation!” he ordered “Get everyone out of here.”

Krysta’s army of fairies emerged from their standby posts and sent straight to work rounding up all the palace staff, while others rounded up villagers everywhere outside in town and began to teleport them all in big groups, to the moon where they would be safe-- they had no time to debate or plot a course where to go.

Grand Ruler, Celestia, and Luna helped with the evacuation by teleporting groups to the moon themselves, and all across the planet the evacuation was going rapidly.

*POV Resume*

Krysta herself naturally helped in the evacuation, and so did the rest of the gang. The ponies all rounded up the civilians as fast as they could, and brought them to Krysta.

I went around gathering more ponies and other creatures, and using my teleporter to warp all the groups straight to the moon, and then I went back to gather more.

The moon was running out of space due to it being smaller than the planet, and all the many creatures being evacuated up there and all the creatures were growing fearful and irritable, but at least they weren’t wailing on each other-- that was the last thing anyone else needed.

Once I got back to the planet, my teleporter began beeping, and then the red light went out. “Oh, no…! I’m out of power! I have to wait until it recharges.”

“Mr. Stevens!” called Scootaloo, and she, the other crusaders and Cheerilee caught up with me.

“How’s the evac going?” I asked.

“It’s nearly done.” replied Cheerilee “Right now we better get out of here ourselves.”

I agreed, but I couldn’t transport the group to the moon.

“We better get to one of them warpin’ portals.” suggested Applebloom.

We all agreed, but before we could head off, some kind of electrical force field surrounded us. “Going somewhere?” Megadox hissed.

Scootaloo tried to rush as the barrier, only to receive a nasty shock and fly back into Cheerilee.

“Let us out of here!” shouted Sweetie.

Megadox only laughed, “You are hardly in position to make any demands. I could destroy you all here and now, but I have an even better idea. First I shall destroy the remains of your world so that you may have the pleasure of watching it all fall, helpless to do anything to stop it. After that, I will dispose of you finally and forever!”

He conjured up more static discharges to create a super storm in the sky. Soon it would grow large enough to make hundreds of lightning strikes rain down every square-mile. The buildings, the lands-- all would be destroyed.

“No!! This can’t be happening!” I cried.

“What are we gonna do?!” panicked Applebloom.

The squad and I knew our wrist-coms couldn’t work. If only there was some way to get the programs back online!

*Pause*

Lightning and the others all regrouped, all wearing their super suits to avoid the lightning blasts. It was a good thing the Starfleet computer was still unaffected by the surge.

“Report!” said Lightning, “Is everyone clear?”

“All over town should be evacuated by now.” said Starla.

The others all agreed, having checked their patrolled sectors.

“That takes care of that,” said Spike “But what are we going to do about all this mess?”

Indeed, the systems were still going berserk, and the static storm was growing bigger and bigger.

“We’ll figure that out later.” said Lightning “Meanwhile, ley’s make one last sweep to make sure we left no one behind.”

The team saluted, and off they went, leaving Lightning and Starla together.

“Wait a minute.” said Starla, and she checked a blip on her visor. “I’m getting life force readings.”

“So am I.” said Lightning “It’s coming from over there, in the Cyber Café.”

Inside the Café, Data Stream, who hadn’t evacuated couldn’t possibly be more insane as she kept laughing and cackling, “I’ve never seen so much chaos and panic! Finally, after all this time, everyone who wronged me will get their just desserts.”

Suddenly, “Data Stream…” Lightning called. She turned to face the front door and saw Lightning and Starla standing there.

“What are you still doing here?” snapped Starla “Didn’t you hear the order to evacuate?”

Before Data could answer, the electrical systems inside the café were going crazy and began to shoot shocking bolts everywhere. Lightning and Starla dodged the bolts as best they.

Suddenly one of the bolts struck near Data’s table, and she fell out of her stool and accidently knocked her briefcase off the table. The case crashed to the floor and papers spilled out of it on the floor.

Starla went to help her up, but Lightning couldn’t help but gawk down at the some of the pictures on the floor.

“Are you alright?” asked Starla.

Data nastily wretched out of her grip sneering, “I don’t need your help!”

Starla growled, but then Lightning called to her, “Starla, look at these!”

“Hey! Those are mine!” snapped Data.

Starla looked at the pictures, “…Those are mega-virus monsters.” then she angrily turned to face Data. There was no mistaking it now. “…You’re working with Megadox! YOU DID ALL THIS!!” and she forcefully grabbed Data, holding her arms behind her back.

“Ow! That hurts!” Data wailed!

Lightning angrily threw the drawing to the ground, “Data Stream, how could you do this?! Megadox is destroying everything out there! Don’t you realize he’ll destroy you too?!”

Still in Starla’s custody, Data only laughed, “Megadox wouldn’t harm me. I’m his friend.”

Starla tightened her grip making Data moan. “You crazy fool!” Starla sneered “Megadox is evil! He wants to destroy ALL FLESHLINGS, and that includes you!”

“No!!” thundered Data “Megadox has always been there for me! Sure, we’ve had a few spats, but I trust him and he trusts me! He’s trusted me more than anyone else ever has.”

She went on ranting and whining about how hard she had it all her life…

“My parents just abandoned me when I was little; they just dropped me off at the park and never came back! I had to spend my childhood growing up in an orphanage where I was teased and made fun of for wearing glasses and having braces, and having a fondness for electronics.

“Geek” they would call me!

“Nerd” they were jeer.

…Like common bullies to the nerdy, I hated every moment of it.

As I got older, I studied constantly, and then after the Great War, and United Equestria was formed, I began to develop ideals for newer computer software, like internet and television… but everywhere I went my offers were rejected due to stupid ponies not wishing to bring such revolutionary ideals into their world-- saying the world was better off without such things.

All I could do was take up menial jobs like programing and cleaning out other systems instead of being recognized as a great genius!”

Now that it was fully understood, Lightning and Starla did feel just a slight bit of pity for Data, but nothing at all excused her bad attitude, her self-centeredness, and did not excuse her for being the terrorist that she was.

Data then called over the computer, “Megadox!! MEGADOX, ONLINE!!”

Megadox appeared on the screen, “Greetings, Data Stream Fleshling. You have done very well; I finally have all the power that I need to overwhelm this world.”

“Tell them!” shouted Data “…Tell them that you really, really like me!”

Megadox snickered, “Oh, yes…I really like you. I like you so much I have decided that you will be the absolute first thing to be erased in this world of Fleshlings.”

Data’s blood ran cold, “What? No! You don’t mean that! I’m your friend! I’ve done so much for you!”

“There comes a time when all things must end,” hissed Megadox “It was fun while it lasted, but you have used up your streaming time.”

He began to charge up, and the electrical systems in the café began to fire bolts like crazy, “Let’s get out of here!” Lightning shouted, and he and the others ran to beat it outside, but suddenly, Megadox fired his own blast of power straight from the screen, which hit Data in the head, and she fell unconscious.

“Data!” cried Starla.

“Come on, let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and he helped Starla carry Data’s unconscious body outside.

“You will not escape me, any of you!” Megadox thundered “I will hunt you all down, and I shall enjoy erasing you bit-by-bit.”

Then he logged off.

What happened to Data Stream? Megadox had zapped her, actually digitizing only her brainwaves, and transporting her into the Digital World where she appeared as a digital version of herself.

Regardless of still being somewhat alive, she was ever so upset. She couldn’t believe that Megadox betrayed her after all they had been through together. She really was starting to wake up, realize all the destruction she had caused… and finally, for the very first time, she admitted to her attitude being largely responsible for all this.

She clenched her fists and bolted upright. “Two can play at the betrayal game!” she said to herself. “No computer program can truly outmatch a programmer!”

The first thing she planned to do was get to her own home terminal, where Megadox’s main source was… except she had hardly any idea where that source was or how to even get there. She hardly even knew where she herself was in the grid right now!

“I guess I’ll have to do this hard way. I just hope I’m not too late!”

Then, figuring out the controls of the Digital World, she flew off through the grid.

Lightning and Starla tried to wake Data up. “It’s no use.” said Starla “Her mind’s been digitized. It’s gone.”

The storm in the sky was growing larger, and small lightning bolts were starting to rain down in numerous strikes.

“This is it!” cried Lightning.

“No!!” cried Starla.

Suddenly, as the first swarm of bolts fired, they were blocked off by sparkling light that coated the skies like a barrier.

“What’s going on?” asked Starla, but then she and Lightning looked up.

The rest of the team regrouped far away, and even Mykan and gang, still trapped in the electric-barrier, could see.

“…Grand Celestial Ruler!” cried Lightning.

The Ruler looked down at everyone, “You needn’t worry of the electrical storm,” they said “Our powers can help block it, but only temporarily. Megadox must be stopped once and for all, and this can only be done with the help of the Super Cyber Data Squad.”

“They can’t.” said Lightning “Megadox destroyed the super computer. All the programs were lost.”

The Ruler chuckled, “Nonsense. Just as computers can crash, they can also be backed up and restored.”

*Resume*

The ruler then raised their great magic sceptre, and fired a beam of magic to disarm the barrier holding the Data Squad captive.

“We’re free!” cried Scootaloo.

“Hey, look.” said Sweetie. The squad and I looked and saw five tiny, glowing magical computer chips floating before us. “Could it be?” wondered DD.

The chips then magically showed images of Surfer Program and the Data Beasts, exactly as they were before, and they inserted themselves into our wrist-coms bringing them back online and fully powered.

“I don’t believe this!” I cried, and I looked up at The Ruler whom explained, “We were well aware of the Data Programs.

When it was requested that your wrist-coms were made, it was known and feared that such an emergency would call for it, so we had ordered extras made, all the programs were completely backed up.”

The girls and I could not be more overjoyed.

“We’re back in business!” I cheered.

“Well, what are we waitin’ for?” said Applebloom.

“Let’s get in there and kick Megadox’s hard drive!” added Sweetie.

“Yeah!” agreed DD.

I nodded, “Well, here goes.” And altogether, the girls shouted with me, “…TIME TO DIGITIZE!!”

I ported in, donning my suit just as I remembered, and the coordinates were already programed and I was off, soaring right into the Digital World and into the Super Computer.

“That’s enough!” I shouted.

“What, Surfer…?!” snapped Megadox “No! I destroyed you! You cannot be here!”

“As you discovered yourself, I am no ordinary program! I have the heart and the mind of a Fleshling; the very things I will use to beat you once and for all.

…Megadox, prepare to be shut down!”

Megadox was not amused, “The only one who shall be shutting down is you--impudent disgrace to all programing!”

The two of us glared each other down, ready for the greatest digital fight ever!

I charged for him, aiming to punch his body, but he proved to be quite the skilled fighter and blocked my fist with his. Then aimed to punch me and get blocked by my fist.

We both went crazy at one another, punching, kicking, flipping and rolling, both of us seemed perfectly evened out.

“No more games…!” Megadox sneered, and he leapt up for a flying kick, striking me hard in the chest. “Now have a taste of grid power!” and he fired his powerful lasers at me, striking me really hard and I fell over.

Megadox laughed, “All the power I have absorbed makes me stronger than any mega-virus could ever be. Your out-dated electrons make me laugh.”

*Pause*

The girls saw the battle on DD’s holo-computer, “If that’s not our call to go in, I don’t know what is.”

The other all agreed and prepared to port in.

“Please girls… just be very careful.” said Cheerilee.

“We will, Ms. Cheerilee.” said Sweetie.

“That’s a promise.” added Applebloom.

Scootaloo agreed, and then said “Let’s kick Megadox down to byte size!”

The team all huddled together and activated their coms, “SUPER CYBER DATA SQUAD… LET’S KICK SOME MEGA BUTT!!”

In they went, right in the cockpits of their Data Beasts.

DD: “Dread Program, back in action!”

Sweetie Belle: “Assault, Ready!”

Applebloom: “Totalizer… Ye-Haw!”

Scootaloo: “And Arc makes four!”

The Data Beasts were on their way, and with them gone, Cheerilee couldn’t do anything else except go find the Starfleet fighters and be under their protection.

Once regrouping with Lightning and the others, Starla suddenly had an idea, “Data Stream’s home computer.”

“What?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Don’t you see? If Data’s been working with Megadox, then most likely his main source of power is in Data’s home computer, in the New Crystal Empire. Maybe if we can just get to it, we can try shutting it down from there.”

Everyone practically leapt at the idea.

“Starla and I will go check it out.” said Lightning, and he scooped up Data’s motionless body up onto his back.

“Wait, what about the rest of us?” asked Buddy.”

“You all stay here.” answered Lightning, and he motioned up at the sky at the Grand Celestia Ruler, still struggling to hold the data storm back. “If they start getting tired, feed them whatever of your own powers as you can.”

The team agreed, and The Ruler as well “Good luck!” they called down “But hurry, time grows short!”

Lightning and Starla argeed, and then looked at Krysta. “And away we go…!” Krysta said, and with a wave of her wand, she teleported herself and the trio to the empire.

Once there, they knew where Data Stream’s home was, and Krysta teleported them all inside the house. The computers were on and in sleep mode. “Wow!” said Krysta “This kid really did have an obsession with computers.”

Lightning lay Data’s body on a sofa in back of the room while Starla booted up the computer, and she took one look at the two screens-- all the filed, all the system programs-- “Data sure has been busy.”

It was nothing she couldn’t handle, and she began to flatten files-- resetting the systems so all the computers were back to normal, and once that was done she’d be able to crash and delete any unnecessary systems.

“Wouldn’t it just be easier to just smash the whole thing?” asked Krysta.

“Not a good idea,” said Lightning. Even he knew enough about computers to know when dealing with things like this, “…Even if we destroy this computer, it won’t stop Megadox, not while he’s got all that extra power fortifying him.”

“Lightning’s right,” said Starla “We have to cut him off at the source. I just hope Mykan and the girls are doing okay.”

*Resume*

“It’s over, Surfer!” Megadox thundered, and he zapped him hard with his laser, making a big explosion, knocking me down onto my back.

“Can’t… keep… up!” I groaned, but just as it seemed I was about to bite the digital dust, the Data Beasts came charging and soaring in.

“Surprise, Megadox!” shouted DD.

“Did you miss us?” taunted Sweetie.

Megadox was furious! “Be it Surfer or the Data Squad-- I will destroy you all!”

“Fat chance of that happenin’.” sneered Applebloom.

“Let’s do it girls!” cried Scootaloo.

“I’m with you,” I added “Engage Crush Program!”

The girls combined their Data Beasts, and the mega robot was online, and stood by my side.

“DATA SABER” My trusted sword came to me, and I pointed it threateningly at our foe.

“You call that puny thing a sword?” scoffed Megadox “Let me show you a real weapon!” He harnessed a ton of electrical power from the systems, and materialized into his possession a full-lengthed scimitar.

“Think that scares us!” I sneered “Let’s go, girls!”

“Right behind you!” hollered DD.

Megadox swing his big sword, parrying mine. Then he punched me in the chest knocking me back.

The girls in their robot aimed to hit him, but he turned and hacked at them with his sword, blocking their kicks and punches with his free hand, and gave them a good zapping with his laser power.

“Your pathetic data powers are no match for me!” he laughed “I have absorbed the power of nearly every computer and electronic system on the planet! I am unstoppable!!”

“You’re also annoying!” sneered Scootaloo.

“Have a taste of my missiles!” shouted Sweetie.

The missiles fired, but Megadox raised his sword, creating a powerful electrical wave that intercepted the missiles and launched the right back at the robot, making big explosions.

The girls screamed as they were rocked about inside and sparks began to fly from their controls.

“Quick girls… disengage!” I cried.

In a bright flash, the Data Beasts were separated and all their sparking stopped. “Whoo-wee… that there was a close one.” said Applebloom

Megadox only laughed, “You tried your best, and now I shall-- Huh…?!” he suddenly sensed something strange across the grid “Someone is attempting to tamper my main power units! I must put an end to it.”

He levitated himself and went through a digital warp.

“Let’s follow him!” I shouted and I leapt off after him. “Hey, wait for us!” called Scootaloo, and she and the others jumped in, traveling along the power lines.

*Pause*

The Data Storm was getting much fiercer, and the Grand Celestial Ruler was starting to seem tired, making it harder to maintain the barrier.

“They’re getting tired!” cried Artie.

“We’ve got to do something.” added Fluttershy.

They all remembered what Lightning had told them to do, and they all stood together in a ring and transfer the power of their aura to The Ruler, to give them an extra boost.

“Thank you…” the Ruler called down to them “But even this shall not last long. The rest is up to our friends.”

“Do you think they’ll make it?” asked Rarity.

“They will! They’ve got to!” said Spike “…If they don’t, we’re all toast!”

“Not very enthusiastic!” grumbled Applejack.

At Data Stream’s, Krysta was losing her cool. “Are you just about done yet?” she whined.

“Don’t pressure me!” snapped Starla, but suddenly “There! I’ve got it-- Megadox’s main power units.”

“Great work!” said Lightning “It’s time to shut that creep down finally and for good.”

Starla had the systems booted up, “Preparing for hard drive crash.” and she hit the switch, but nothing happened! All the systems were still fully online.

“Um… Why is it not doing anything?” asked Krysta.

Starla pounded the key multiple times, but still nothing happened, and then she and the others saw why as Megadox appeared on screen, “…Impudent Fleshlings-- So close, and yet so far!”

“No!” cried Starla “He’s blocking out the controls, I can’t shut him down!”

“For once you are correct,” sneered Megadox “But nothing can stop me from shutting down you!”

*Resume*

“Nobody but us…!” I sneered. Megadox turned round to see me and the Data Beasts standing together.

“Don’t you fleshings ever give up?!”

“Never!” snapped DD “When we’re through with you, you’ll wish you gave up sooner!”

Megadox roared and fired his laser at us, but I just threw my sword clear at his hand, causing him to misaim and shoot his own sword, destroying it and making a big explosion in his face that knocked him over and damaged his laser beams too.

“Now’s our chance,” I shouted at the girls “Let’s link up!”

“RIGHT!!” the girls agreed, and the Data Beasts joined with me to form my super armor, “SUPER SURFER LINK UP MODE!!”

Megadox charged at us, punching and kicking furiously, and I swung my fists countering his attacks and punching him good in the head, but he was still more nimble than I was in my big bulky suit-- he rolled down and behind me and gave me a good flying kick hard in the back.

The girls shouted and wailed as they were shaken in their cockpits.

“That does it!” I growled, and I charged up whatever power I could, “ERADICATION WAVES!”

The blast was fired.

“…I think NOT!!” shouted Megadox, and he let out a huge roar as he raised his arms, summoning forth endless amounts of electrical power into a force that shot against my waves. “Have you any idea whom you face?! I AM MEGADOX, OVERLORD OF THE DIGITAL WORLD!!

…HERE I CONTROL ALL!!”

The energy was so strong, it forced the blast right back to me and struck me hard in big explosions and surges, and I fell over backwards hard!

The girls were all thrown forward; hitting their heads on the consoles-- their helmets protested them from injury.

But my body glowed and pulsated brightly, and all five of us separated-- myself and the four Data Beasts lying motionless on the ground!

“No!” I could hear Lightning shouting at us “Surfer… Girls… get up!”

It was no good, my energy had never been so low, and the girls, they shook themselves awake, but the power systems for their beasts were nearly depleted, worse than that: Megadox was blocking the exit ports, so not one of us could escape.

Starla tried the keys all she could, but there was nothing she could do. She was beginning to fret!

“Come on! You have to do something!” cried Krysta.

Megadox chuckled, “At last, after all this time, the Surfer Program and his computerized cohorts have fallen to me! The Digital World is mine, and the world of Fleshlings will be destroyed!!”

He charged up, ready to ultimately finish me and the girls off forever… when suddenly he began to gaining power, “What?! What is happening?!” he shouted.

Not only was Megadox losing power, but the girls and I were gaining power. “What’s happening?” I asked as I slowly got up “I can feel my strength returning!”

“My power’s coming back online.” cried Scootaloo.

“Mine too.” added Applebloom.

“But how-- what’s going on?” asked Sweetie, and we all got the answer as Data Stream called out to us, “Surprise, Megadox!” She had finally found her way back to her own computer, and since she was digital herself, she could tamper with the systems.

“You dare betray me, Data Stream Fleshling?!” thundered Megadox.

“It’s called PAYBACK, mister!”

Nobody, I mean nobody could believe this was really happening.

Finally, the girls and I were all back on our feet. We didn’t have enough power to link up, but enough to get back to action. My Data Saber even returned to my hand.

Data then addressed all of us, even those outside who were watching, “I’m sorry, I know I’ve done many horrible things, and I never meant it to get this out of control. I was wild and angry, and I wanted to get revenge on those I hated, but at least now I can help you make things right again.”

Everyone didn’t know what to think, but seeing as she helped me and the girls get back up, and Megadox was getting weaker, we had no choice.

“I say we trust her.” said DD.

“I’m all for that.” agreed Sweetie.

“Count me in too.” added Applebloom.

“Let’s get in there, and get him!” shouted Scootaloo.

“Right…!” I agreed “Let’s do it, Data Squad!”

Megadox was far from amused, “I still have enough power to wipe you out, and then I will deal with you, Data Stream!”

“Wow, you finally got it right!” sneered Data.

All five of us charged at Megadox.

DD gave him a good tail whipping in the chest, and Arc came soaring in and fired its lasers. Megadox merely blocked the attacks with his strong hands. “Allow me to return fire!” He then raised his hands and unleashed waves of electricity, striking Arc hard.

“Whoa!! Mayday! Mayday!” cried Scootaloo.

I leapt straight up high grabbed her by the wings, balancing her in midflight, and we both glided through the air. “Nice catch if I do say so myself!”

“I will destroy you!” shouted Megadox, and he aimed to shoot again.

“Oh, no you don’t!” growled Applebloom, and she rammed Totalizer hard into his huge chest. “YE-HAW! Take that!”

“Good shot girls!” I hollered “Now, let’s put this misfit program out of commission once and for all!”

The girls agreed, and Scootaloo sped Arc on ahead with me still holding on tight, “Get ready, Surfer.”

“I was born ready.” I teased.

Megadox roared as his power continued to deplete. “No, I will not let this happen!!”

He tried to syphon more energy from the systems.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Data, and she cut off all his connections “…You’ve been cut off!”

Megadox wailed, and then he was rammed by Dread and Totalizer.

“Now’s my chance...!” I cried. Scootaloo agreed and began to fly in fast circles, and I let go, launching myself like a missile straight for Megadox.

“You won’t!” he shouted as he prepared to zap.

“He will!” thundered Sweetie, and she fired her missiles at him, hitting him hard and distracting him.

“HERE I COME!!!” I screamed, and…

WHAMM!!

WHAMM!!

WHAMM!!

…I thrust my sword clean through his chest, and clean through his back!

Megadox began to pixelate and spark with electrical jolts as his image began to fade away, “I… have been… beaten…

…BY FLESHLINGS------!!”

…then he was gone, completely digitized into nothing!

Data Stream grinned widely, “You did it…! You destroyed Megadox!!”

The girls were cheering and shouting for joy, and I… just fell to my knees sighing in relief, “It’s over. We’ve won.”

*Pause*

The systems were automatically being restored, and with that all electronic equipment and systems went back to normal-- no longer going berserk and causing destruction.

“Look up there!” cried Dyno, and everyone could see as Myte pointed out “…The Data Storm is vanishing!”

The skies were clear, and the Grand Celestial Ruler transformed-- defusing into Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia.

“They did it!” cried Celestia.

“…They have!” added her husband.

It was now safe for the entire populace on the moon to return home again, and soon everything would be back to as it was-- mostly.

Back at Data Stream’s house, Lightning and Starla were hugging and jumping for joy while Krysta fluttered about.

*Resume*

The girls and I ported out, landing in Data’s house.

The girls and I shared a big group hug and cheer.

“We did it! No more Megadox!” I cried.

The girls cheered for joy.

Then, Data’s image appeared on the computer. “Great job, everyone. Megadox will never harm the Digital World or the real world again.”

We were all surprised to see she was still in here.

“What are you still doing in there?” asked Lightning “Come on out.”

There was a long moment of silence, and finally Data said “…I can’t. I don’t think I can ever return to my body now. My brain was fried.”

Face turned round, and Starla tried all she could, but there was no way she could undo what had been done to Data. “I can’t get her out of there. It’s no use.”

“There has to be a way!” I cried.

“We can’t just leave you in there.” added Sweetie.

“It’s okay…” said Data “Even if I could come back… what I would I be coming back too-- I’ve done so many terrible things. I nearly destroyed the entire planet, and I’d have to answer the charges brought up on me.”

Lightning knew she was right. No matter how anyone felt, she would have to pay for what she did-- as was the code of Starfleet: Never to allow emotions to affect decisions, and such crimes could never be overlooked.”

“But if you don’t return to your body…” I said, and Data filled in the rest “…Yes, eventually my body will die, but I’m willing to make that sacrifice.

At least this way, I can make up for everything I’ve done-- Now I’m going to protect the Digital World so nothing will ever attack it again, and you all can return to your regular lives.”

The girls were in tears, feeling really upset over this.

“But Data Stream…!” sobbed Applebloom.

“Hey, it’ll be alright.” said Data “It’s always been my dream to revolutionize computers, and now… it looks like I got what I wanted after all.

Thank you, everyone… for helping me see the error of my ways. I promise-- I will do the world good now.

…Goodbye.”

Nobody said a thing. We just watched as she faded into digital energy, and then flew off through the power lines, and zipped off into the air.

With that, her computers went completely dead.

“She’s gone.” said DD “She’s really gone.”

It was a very somber moment for all of us. All that was left was Data’s useless body that would probably never wake up.

Lightning couldn’t just allow it to die, so he knew the only logical thing that could been done.

A while later, we dropped off Data’s body in New Canterlot, at the royal palace, we delivered our reports to their majesties and the gang, told them all that happened, and their majesties agreed.

Data’s body was frozen into a state of suspended animation, and kept in a special holding facility underground, until and if there would ever come such a time Data Steam’s mind could be re-uploaded to her body again.

Celestia felt extremely guilty for this, “This is all my fault.” she said “I created Megadox decades ago, so really this all happened because of me.”

“No, don’t say that.” said Grand Ruler “It was all an accident. You had no way of knowing it would get so out of hand.”

“Besides,” I added “Data sort of brought it all on herself, but that’s beside the point. She wants it this way, and she is doing me and the girls a good favour.”

Indeed, with Megadox gone, and the Digital World safer from invasions, there was no more need for the Data Squad to exist. For now, the girls and I had been asked to turn in our wrist-coms, just as Lightning and Starla were told to give up the Super Computer-- it was brought to the palace, where it and the wrist-coms containing the programs would be sealed away, and kept ready if ever needed again.

This was hard for me and the girls.

“I’m actually going to miss being a cyber-superhero.” I said.

“Me too,” added Sweetie “But at least now we don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

“Yeah, it’s about time I got back to my sports and my flying lessons.” said Scootaloo.

The others all agreed, and as for their friends and relatives…

Applejack hugged her sister, “My little sis, responsible for savin’ the world.”

Applebloom smiled.

Rarity and Spike cuddled Sweetie Belle, “I’m going to make a whole new fashion line of clothes in honour of this.” promised Rarity “I’ll call it “Cyber Sensations.” Think of the publicity it will have.”

Spike and Sweetie rolled their eyes and chuckled.

“Hey, Scootaloo, think you could teach me some of your moves?” asked Rainbow. “I’ll have to check my schedule.” teased Scootaloo.

Finally, Buddy hugged DD, “You’re going to make a great fighter someday, DD. You have the heart, and now you have some experience.”

His little cousin smiled, “Does this mean I get to join Starfleet now?” she teased.

“No, you’re still too young for that.”

Everyone shared a small laugh, and their majesties also promised me and the girls that would be well rewarded for our services, just not at the moment.

With that, we all decided to just head on home. We had such a busy and horrifying day and were in need of a good rest.

“Rhymey?” said Fluttershy.

He looked at her…

“…I’m… I’m really sorry for yelling at you. I know you were only trying to help everyone.”

Her husband nodded and softly caressed her face with his hand,

“I know exactly you felt too,
There just wasn’t much we could do.
But if you’ll forgive me, I’ll forgive you.”

The couple smiled at each other and kissed softly.

As for me and the girls, “Well,” I said “No matter what comes…” I paused and the girls and I nodded at one another, “…TIME TO DIGITIZE!!

…YEAH!!”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Lightning and his team get down to some serious training to prepare for the next attack. Meanwhile, Stammadon is reaching the absolute pinnacle of his strength, and Ka Hotake feels the time has come to make his move and use Stammadon as he planned.

Can our heroes stop the two master villains?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: Part 1: “The Master’s Plan”)

Episode 21: Part 1: The Master's Plan

EPISODE TWENTY-ONE

Bells were ringing, and creatures were applauding as the newlyweds stepped their way down from the chapel.

En Shi felt so happy, as she looked over at her groom, “Oh, Swift Star…” she cooed “This is like come true for me.”

Swift looked back at his bride with love and said deeply, “This is no dream, my darling. I promise to be loyal and loving to you always.

Take my now, my love!”

En Shi practically melted as she pulled him down on top of her, and they actually went at it in front of all those creatures…

…And that was when she snapped herself out of her fantasy.

Clenching her fists to hold back the anxiety she felt day in and day out, she thought deeply about Swift. Seeing his face everywhere she went. “I must make him mine!” she said to herself “No matter what anyone says, I know we are meant to be. If only I could make him realize that!”

She was not the only one deeply in thought.

Tan Shi had long-since served her punishment, and she was now fully healed and recovered and ready to get back into action… were it not for those images that flashed in her mind-- of Kara Shi sacrificing himself to save her from being captured by Starfleet.

“Why did he do it?” she kept wondering “I was never nice to him. I’m not even sure I even liked him much, but he spared me.”

She never felt so frustrated, as if she was actually starting to feel she had judged all men a little too harshly, but still she stuck with it and didn’t want to let sympathy interfere with what was to come next.

Stammadon was training alone in the dojo, without Ka Hotake giving him instructions. He was merely punching and kicking the air, followed by occasionally leaps and flips, and unleashing powerful flaming aura into the sky as he roared-- KAPOW!!

He stood where he was, panting heavily and clenching his fists. “I am nearly ready!” he said to himself “My power is reaching its pinnacle! Nothing Starfleet has will be able to defeat me!”

“Master?” Rai Shi called “I could not have helped but see your awesome power. Are you alright?”

“Of course I am!” thundered Stammadon. Rai Shi snapped back. “Forgive me…” he said “Perhaps I had no right to intrude.”

“No, I should apologize.” said Stammadon, “Perhaps I have been reacting a bit too harshly to you and to the others.”

“Wait!” he suddenly thought “Why am I thinking like this?”

Then he suddenly gasped and clutched his head.

“Master, what is it?!” cried Rai Shi, but his master just shoved him hard “…Out of my way!” and disappeared into the temple still clutching his head and groaning.

Once again he was falling victim to the struggle of Striker’s inner spirit. “No!” he groaned, “You… get… back… down there!”

“Give me… my body back!” demanded Striker, but once again he was powerless to stand up to Stammadon’s mighty strength and was forced back into the shadows.

Stammadon was really aggravated-- still being the subject of Striker’s inner spirit.

Ka Hotake came along, “Stammadon, are you alright? I heard you groaning.”

“I am fine.” replied Stammadon “I am just overly exhausted.”

Ka Hotake approached his student and patted him softly on his back, “You have a come a long way, now you should rest. The great battle is upon us, and you must be at the peak of your strength.”

Stammadon agreed, and sat on his throne to rest.

What he didn’t realize… was Ka Hotake was putting his own plan into action-- when he had patted Stammadon’s back he had stamped him with a special seal of his own. “It will not be long now.” he thought sinisterly “You and I will have much to do when you wake, and once I am through I’ll dispose of you and your pathetic followers.

Everything gained from this excursion will be mine!”

Swift was having a formal education at New Canterlot Palace, he was being taught by both Professor Brain in sciences and technologies, and a well needed ancient history lesson of knighthood and honour from Captain Shadow Coat-- the old pony knight from one-thousand years ago, who was found frozen by Lightning almost a year ago.

Reason being, Lightning was busy training with his entire team-- a training that was meant only for official Starfleet fighters, that he himself could not participate in.

Still, he was having trouble paying attention-- he knew that Lightning was training to be prepared to face Stammadon, and thinking of that made him think and worry about Striker.

“Ahem!” Shadow Coat said, snapping him out of his trance. “I hope I did not disturb your chain of thoughts.”

Professor Brain shook his head in dismay, “Really, young man. That is the third time you have zoned out on us.”

Swift sighed shamefully, “Forgive me, sirs, I just really don’t feel my mind is at it today.”

“Yes, we have noticed.” grumbled Brain.

Shadow Coat sighed, “You are still worried of your cousin, aren’t you? I know how you feel-- in my time it was no secret when a knight in-training fretted over a loved one or someone who was close to them. It always showed on their faces.”

Swift sighed again, “I just can’t take it anymore. I want Striker to be free of that evil that’s controlling him. He doesn’t deserve to be like this, but I can’t help but worry…” he paused “…what if he can’t be saved?”

The two elders hesitated to answer, and they didn’t really have to-- Swift, like all the cadets at Starfleet Academy were taught that sometimes the enemy would have to be destroyed, regardless how anyone felt.

Swift was trembling softly.

“We understand how you feel,” said Brain “…However, should the situation call for it, you must be sensible. Stammadon is a most dangerous creature, and the longer he exists, the more danger our world and the many worlds beyond shall be in.”

“The professor is quite right.” agreed Shadow. Swift understood all this, “…I just really don’t want it come to that.”

Lightning and the entire team were training hard in the outside dojo.

Rarity and Fluttershy were there for real, not their droids. They placed their babies in the playpen, which was under the watch of their majesties along with Shining Light, but Twilight had her own special flame-proof playpen and sat in it alone-- it just wasn’t safe for her to hang around the other babies, for fear she would sneeze or belch flames and hurt them.

Still, the playpens were close, and Celestia and Grand Ruler watched over all the babies. Their five year-olds, Castor and Leilani were permitted to play with the babies, but not tease them nor get into the playpens.

“Peek-a-boo.” cooed Leilani, and the pony babies all laughed and giggled. Still Castor preferred to play with Twilight, and he made cute playful dragon noises that made her giggle.

The parents smiled lovingly at their children.

“Mother, Father, why aren’t you training?” asked Leilani.

“Oh, we’ve been training a lot, dear.” answered Celestia “We train usually when you’re both napping, or at playgroup, or even after your bedtime.”

“You see, children…” said Grand Ruler “Just because you don’t see something happening doesn’t mean it isn’t happening at all.

…In fact, look at Lightning and his friends.”

The fighters were all at the top of their game-- all wearing their super armor as well. Thanks to the extensive using of the armor in day-to-day life, the team had grown more and more accustomed to the weight. Now they could stand up tall, jump up high, fly…!

Now they could enter battle with a little extra strength, but it still had to be used wisely, or putting all the pressure to sustain them would strain them a little, and they still had to train to use their weapons effectively.

Even so, without the armor on, their strengths and speeds from handling the weight had increased immensely. Now they could attack and defend, run and jump a whole lot faster and with greater resistance than before.

This gave Rarity and Fluttershy a much needed boost from their lack of training due to their maternity leaves, but why were they even training at all if they were supposed be taking care of the babies?

The one move everyone was having trouble master was that of the Pure Inner Strength-- the one move they desperately needed to develop and understand to have more a hope to beat Stammadon for good.

They had all spent time translating and studying the scroll from Queen Mowaza, and it read and depicted…

“One must find and know a proper inner balance of emotion, thought and power, and only the use of good allow one to exhibit the great force.”

“What exactly does that mean again?” asked Rainbow.

Lightning wasn’t sure, but he looked at Starla and Applejack, whom both used the Pure Inner Strength. “What were you two thinking about when the power came alive?”

Starla thought back, “I remember feeling outraged at Tan Shi, the way she put down all men, and wanted to harm them and the women who were allied with men. Hearing how she killed her own family for her sick grudge reminded me of my father’s death, and how he didn’t deserve it.”

She remembered then that she started to glow and unleashed the power.

Applejack thought back, “Granny Smith passed and I was more bummed than a dog without a bone, but seein’ all my friends about gettin’ crushed-- I didn’t wanna lose more folks I cared for.”

That’s when she unleashed the power which not only helped them capture Zenia, but Kara Shi too. “I never felt anythin’ like it before.”

“Hey, it totally saved us all.” said Buddy.

“Yes… it did.” agreed Lightning, and he began to think back when Swift Star used the power--remembering how he was worried about his cousin, Striker, and furious at Stammadon for possessing his body. That was when the power ignited and Swift managed to save Lightning from certain doom.

“So, the scroll was right,” said Lightning “We need to feel inner-balance-- Love and Hate, Light and Dark.”

This reason was why Fluttershy and Rarity were training with them in-person, because this power could not be transferred through their droids as droids did not feel.

“Okay, let’s try again.” said Lightning.

He and everyone sat down on the ground and concentrated hard on all their thoughts to balance them, and hopefully unleash the power.

Starla and Applejack tried to replicate exactly what they felt when they unleashed the power. They felt it, but unfortunately the power did not ignite. None of the others could seem to ignite it either.

“This isn’t working, Lightning.” said Dyno.

“This has got to be the tenth time we’ve tried it.” added Myte

Pinkie Pie began to shout at her own body, “Hello in there! HEY… PURE STRENGTH… WAKE UP ALREADY!!”

Lightning sighed.

“What do you think we’re doing wrong?” asked Starla.

Lightning consulted the scroll again, “…And only the use of good allow one to exhibit the great force.”

“What are you thinking?” asked Krysta.

Lightning wasn’t sure himself, but he had a thought, “…Perhaps the power can only be called upon in the right place at the right time-- like being actually in battle.”

The others all agreed with his theory, which meant there was no point in training endless hours.

“Let’s take a break.” suggested Fluttershy.

The others all agreed.

Meanwhile, Ka Hotake saw Stammadon resting on his throne, all alone.

This was it-- Ka Hotake was ready to make his move and he concentrated hard as he began to mutter ancient words that would activate his special seal on Stammadon’s back.

The seal began to glow, and Stammadon’s eyes snapped wide open, and he stood up slowly as if he were in a trance.

Ka Hotake grinned and approached his new mind-slave, “Come, we have much to do.”

“I hear, and I obey… Master.” replied Stammadon.

Ka Hotake snickered.

In almost no time, the three Shis could hear a long of stomping, growling and chattering echoing all over through the temple.

“What’s going on?” asked En Shi.

“How should I know?” growled Tan Shi.

Rai Shi led the ladies out to the dojo, and were they ever surprise-- There were so many different monsters from their army all released from the walls, and were assembled before Stammadon and Ka Hotake.

“And now, my forces of strength and evil,” Stammadon called to his army “The time has come! We shall invade United Equestria and finally destroy Starfleet for good!”

The monsters all hollered and roared in cheer.

Stammadon continued his speech, “Once our enemy is crushed, we shall gain new resources, new powers that will enable us to extend our wrath further into the galaxy than ever before. Bit-by-bit we will crush every race, eradicating the weak elements of existence so that only the strong and the mighty remain.

The natural order of law will finally be recognized, and followed, and WE shall be the head of it all.

…The galaxy shall be… OURS!!”

The monster army cheered and roared and Stammadon sent them on their way to begin the attack.

Ka Hotake grinned wickedly, but the three Shis were confused.

“Something is not being right here.” said Rai Shi “Stammadon always informs us first before he makes any big decisions as this.”

The ladies realized this too. “And why didn’t he invite us to the briefing either?” added En Shi.

Stammadon noticed them standing there, “What are you three just standing there for?!” he bellowed “GET GOING WITH THE REST OF THE RANKS!!”

“Yes… master…” said Tan Shi, then she grumbled to the others “He’s really not being himself.”

Nevertheless, the Shis obeyed, and followed the last of the monsters going right past Ka Hotake. “They don’t suspect a thing.” he thought wickedly. He was controlling Stammadon like a puppet on a string thanks to his magic seal mark. “Come,” he called to Stammadon “We have a long battle ahead of us.”

“Yes, Master.”

Ka Hotake snickered.

Dark clouds formed all over New Canterlot, and the alarms sounded.

“Stammodon!” growled Lightning.

The others agreed judging by the darkness swooping in.

The babies all began to cry, and even Castor and Leilani ran to their parents in fear of the skies darkening above them.

“There, there, children.” said Celestia, and Grand Ruler called to Lightning and the others, “We’ll keep your children safe. All of you get out there!”

Rarity and Spike, Fluttershy and Rhymey, even Lightning and Starla were rather nervous about running into battle and leaving their kids, especially since the mothers didn’t have their droids on call, but they trusted their majesties to care for them.

“Let’s go, everyone!” shouted Lightning. Everyone agreed, and it was time to transform.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

“Dragon Power!”

Once all transformed they flew up and over the huge castle walls just as the barriers activated around the palace and royal guards took up their battle stations on battlements.

Swift Star was watching everything from a high window. He knew he couldn’t go into battle, especially not with Professor Brain and Captain Shadow guarding him. “Something tells me, this is going to be a big one.” he muttered.

His tutors agreed.

Lightning and his team flew to the New Canterlot boundaries, where there they could see the vast army of monsters materializing.

“Would you look at all that?!” cried Rarity.

“Stammadon’s really pulling out a big one this time.” agreed Spike.

Lightning could see the team would need back up, “Krysta…”

“I’m on it!” she answered right away and teleported off to fetch more Starfleet fighters.

“Let’s go!” shouted Lightning “…CHARGE!!”

The team rushed forth, and the army of monsters came rushing in too.

There were many different monsters-- Some were muscular, some had horns, some were swift and fast, some were armed with weapons-- swords, spears, mace clubs, and plenty of shooting weapons like cannons and lasers.

Lightning rushed in, and did a leap and a split kick, knocking two monsters in the face knocking them down like that.

Starla had five monsters coming at her, one behind another. “You should never rush a lady like this.” She teased and she got out her bow “STARLIGHT ARROW” the arrow shot clean through all five monsters, one through the other, and they all went over like trees.

Rarity punched and kicked every monster that came her way with ease, and then a monster tried to grab her from behind, but she used her magic to levitate the creature and herself off the ground at the same time, and then come crashing down hard, with Rarity stepping on the creature’s back. “Never creep up on me like that!”

“Good one, honey.” Spike remarked, and then he swung his sword knocking the sword of his enemy away, “DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL” and he bashed him hard knocking him into other creatures knocking them down. “STI...RIKE!”

More and more monsters seemed to be rushing forth. Even the ones Lightning and his team had already knocked down were starting to get their second winds and were up on their feet again…

…But help was not only on the way, it already got there-- Krysta and her fairies teleported more fighters from around and even some guards from the palace to aid in the fight.

Soon a little bird could look down from the sky and see battling in so many places, and all this fighting was ever increasing the darkness in the skies.

“We’ve got to finish this fight and fast!” hollered Fluttershy.

“Right,” said Rainbow “Stand back everyone, and she soared way up high, promoting the other fights to break for it! Many monsters foolishly looked up at the sky, and were more foolishly standing all huddled together as Rainbow came crashing down, “SONIC RAINBOOM!”

KAPOW!! What a colourful explosion, many of the monsters close by went flying about from the force of the explosion, while many others were knocked off their feet by the shaking of the ground, which also knocked some of the fighters down too.

“Watch it, Rainbow!” Applejack called.

Still, the battle was starting to tip… monsters were starting to disappear-- being captured.

“CAPTURE BLASTER”

“GALACTIC PROJECTILE”

“WHIPLASH STRIKE”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN”

“THRASH SLASH”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

“DRAGON KNIGHT SABER… IGNITE”

Other fighters did whatever spells and used what weapons they had to perform their own finishers to help.

Explosions, explosions and more explosions flowed all around as the monsters were imprisoned in spheres.

“That’s about all of them.” said Pinkie “We’ve won this fight!”

Rhymey looked up at the eerie skies,

“Something seems to be wrong,
the darkness; it’s growing strong.

He was right! If the battle was truly over, then the darkness would be breaking up instead of growing stronger, and soon it was shown why as Stammadon was heard laughing as he stomped his way onto the field with his minions and Ka Hotake.

“You took my bait, like fish to a hook.” Stammadon hissed.

Only then did it actually click to the fighters,

“Those monsters were a decoy!” snapped Dyno.

“…Si, he made us fight them all so we would tire ourselves out!” agreed Myte.

Lightning clenched his fists “A clever trick.”

“…Yes, it is.” said Stammadon. He then growled like a beast, his eyes blazed with fire.

The many fighters and ponies all stood together, to take on the villains, but there were still many more monsters on the loose. Lightning ordered the rest of the fighters to hold the monsters back, “…Me and my team will take care of these guys.”

“YES SIR!” the rest of force complied, and off they went.

Lightning and his team glared down the evil villains, and they all glared back.

Ka Hotake was amused as he thought silently, “They still haven’t a clue that this is really my battle. I control Stammadon’s every movement thanks to the vast amounts o energy he emits from his hated. I can make that fool do or say whatever I need.

I will use him to wear these miserable ponies down, and even if he is fortunate enough to survive, I shall then have the honour of destroying him and his worthless followers.

Then, everything will be mine for the taking-- all the treasures, all the power, all the land I could ever want! I am such a master thief!”

He looked towards Stammadon, “Shall we begin?”

Stammadon agreed and then threw off his cape, and cracked his knuckles.

“Get ready, everyone!” said Lightning, and his entire team stood ready, yet all of them feeling a bit nervous because their visors couldn’t possibly scan how powerful he was now.

Far away in the palace, Swift could see everything from a far, “Striker…” he felt his nerves shaking, wanting to go out there and try to help his cousin, but Brain and Shadow placed their hands on each of his shoulders trying to calm him and ensure him they wouldn’t let him leave.

Stammadon roared, and Lightning and the others all rushed forth.

“Now!” shouted En Shi, and she and her colleagues charged, but Stammadon had already rushed past them all, rather forcefully and plowed right through the team like a charging bull, ramming them all hard.

“Whoa! Someone’s been training tough!” groaned Artie.

“He’s coming round again!” cried Pinkie.

The team stood ready to take him on, but the three Shis leapt in. “You forget about us?” sneered Tan Shi.

Rai Shi clenched his fists “Long have we been waiting for this!” but before he or the other two, or even the fighters could do anything, Stammadon had charged up his aura, “BLAZE OF THE FLARE KING!”

“LOOK OUT!” shrieked Krysta, but the flaming force was so massive, no one had time to react, and everyone was hit in a colossal explosion that shook the lands.

Even the palace shook softly in the distance.

“What was that?” asked Princess Luna.

“It came from outside!” cried Celestia.

Grand Ruler didn’t like the feel of that trembling one bit.

Swift saw everything too, “He attacked his own minions?!”

Brain and Shadow were horrified that he’d do such a thing.

The fighters all lay about feeling rather sore, and the Shis could not believe what had happened, “Master?” cried Rai Shi “You attack us as well?!”

The ladies were wide-eyed and confused, but Stammadon just glared at the Starfleet fighters and rushed in to battle them fiercely, not even bothering to explain.

Lightning grabbed him in a fist-lock, “You attacked your own minions?! How could you do such a thing?”

Stammadon still didn’t answer and roared at him loudly, actually unleashing sonic sound waves that hit him hard and threw him back.

“Lightning!” cried Starla.

“Let’s get him!” shouted Buddy.

One-by-one, all the fighters jumped right in and attacked their hardest, but Stammadon blocked their every punch, every kick and struck them back making sparks fly.

The Shis couldn’t believe their eyes.

“Is he… actually… winning?” asked Tan Shi.

The others agreed, but Rai Shi still felt they should help, “Come!” and he and his comrades rushed in to attack some of the fighters.

“Oh, no you don’t!” sneered Applejack, and she lassoed the three with her rope, but Tan Shi slashed it with her claws and tackled her to the ground.

En Shi then met with Spike in a fist-lock and Rai Shi battled it with the Spanish Twins, who grabbed him both.

Ka Hotake, still making no attempt to join the fight just snickered softly to himself and he thought “This is going better than I planned.” and he gave his staff a small tap on the ground, which signalled him to attack again!

Stammadon leapt up really high, and aimed straight down at all the fighters and his own minions, “STRIKING FORCEWAVE!” and unleashed his magical blasts at the ground, making a big explosion that knocked everyone in different directions, the Shis too.

The fighters were starting to look beat-- their armor suits were all dent and covered with dust, and their faces were looking a bit bruised and burned, all of them could barely get up now.

The minions felt exactly the same, “He… he attacked us… again!” groaned En Shi.

“Something is very wrong!” said Rai Shi.

Ka Hotake finally spoke up, “You’re correct-- I’m the one controlling him now.”

Everyone gawked at him.

“Oh, yes… I taught him everything he knows now, and he has become quite the skilled fighter… a skilled fighter who now answers to me and every command I give him!”

He demonstrated by waving his staff around, and surely enough, Stammadon flipped, jumped, rolled around, and even punched the ground; he even hissed “I hear and I obey, Master.”

The minions could hardly believe this, “I knew there was something I didn’t like about you, Ka Hotake!” growled Rai Shi.

“Exactly as we feared…” muttered Lightning “Ka Hotake’s finally betrayed Stammadon, and plans to use him to do his bidding only without care or regard to whom he does away with.”

Ka Hotake only chuckled, “I am a thief. You can never trust a thief, but too little too late! Stammadon is mine now, and so are all of you useless weaklings. Once you’re all out of the way, conquering this planet and all of its riches should be easy pickings for me.”

He then tapped his staff again “Destroy them all, now!”

Stammadon’s eyes blazed once and he began to stomp his way towards Lightning and the fighters. “Prepare to be destroyed!”

To Be Continued…!

(Promo)

In our next episode: Hope there is still for Starfleet as they gain their second wind as well more allies-- including those of Stammadon’s minions to help save their master, but in all the dangers, Swift Star, once again defies orders and wishes to get back out there to try and save his cousin from disaster.

Which side will prevail-- the heroes or the villains?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 2: Amazing Alliance”)

Episode 22: Part 2: Amazing Alliance

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

The training with trying to unleash he pure inner strength was proving to be fruitless for the heroes, and things didn’t seem to be going to well for Stammadon when Ka Hotake cursed him with a magic seal and thereby gained control of him, and Stammadon proved to be ruthless in battle, even going as far to hurt his own minions-- they and the heroes are now at the mercy of possessed Stammadon and Ka Hotake.

EPISODE TWENTY-TWO

Ka Hotake continued to laugh as Stammadon continued to stomp towards the seemingly helpless Starfleet fighters, “It’s a shame you don’t have any tricks left up your sleeves,” Ka Hotake taunted “Because you’re going to need them.”

The three Shis were outraged at this traitor, and the way he was controlling and using their master for his own thievery!

Suddenly, Stammadon was looming over Lightning, and ready to strike him down!

Swift could see everything from his palace window, “No!! Commander!!” he cried, and very much stood on the window sill wanting to jump down there and go help, but he was once again restrained by Professor Brain and Shadow Coat, but really… they, too, were just as fretful.

“Say farewell!” growled Stammadon, and he brought down his arm to strike, he was suddenly blocked by Lightning’s arm, then he was kicked hard in the chest.

Lightning bolted up onto his feet, “UNIFORCE” and blasted him hard sending him skidding along the ground and making deep drag marks.

All the fighters then leapt up onto their feet.

“What?!” snapped Ka Hotake.

“Maybe we do have a few tricks left up our sleeves,” said Lightning with a smirk “…Like holding back our full strengths.”

Spike nodded, “And something else you haven’t seen yet either…” he said and he motioned up at the ever-darkening skies “I have a special power when the darkness gets out of hand.”

He concentrated hard and his body flashed brightly as he transformed into The Majestic Dragon!”

All the villains were astonished, “No! How can this be?!” cried Ka Hotake.

Spike glared down at him, “There goes an old saying: What you don’t know only makes me stronger.”

Ka Hotake growled “Well, I suppose that is correct, but here is something that you do not know, and he tapped his staff hard and made Stammadon concentrate hard, emitting his raging aura. La Hotake did the same thing as well, and with a special skill, he combined the two auras together to form one colossal creature…!

“What is that?!” cried Rarity. She and the others tried to scan it, but the database contained no information on this never seen before creature.

The creature was as large as the Majestic Dragon-- at least fifty feet tall-- It’s body seemed to resemble that of a gorilla with flaming red fur, an orange belly, and super strong muscles, as well as sharp teeth, and it roared furiously.

“Behold… the Raging Konga!” shouted Ka Hotake “A combination of hateful aura, dark arts, and believe me… it’s just as powerful as it seems! So powerful, that I only use it on special occasions… and if I can generate enough hateful energy, and thanks to Stammadon’s intensive training and great strength, my great beast is here!”

The Konga roared and pounded its big chest, actually making flames with each beat.

Spike knew he couldn’t let the creature loose on the village-- who knew what damage it would do! “I’m sorry guys; I have to hold this creep back.”

Many of the others agreed, but Lightning shook his head, “Hold on, Spike! That creature looks burning-hot to the touch. I’ll give you a hand!”

And he transformed into his Enticorn form, “I can take the heat like this.” Then he looked down at the others, and Starla assured him “We can handle things here, just help Spike.”

Lightning nodded and zipped up to the huge fiery creature that swung its arm at him. Lightning swerved, “Take this…” and gave him a huge punch to the face, actually damaging it and making the monster roar as it tumbled down onto its back.

“My turn!” said Spike and he spun hard, whipping his huge tail against the monster sending it rolling along the ground and further away from the village.

Stammadon then roared and charged forth,

“Watch out!” shouted Starla, and she and the fighters all scattered about.

“We have to stop Ka Hotake!” said Krysta “It might make Stammadon weaker if he doesn’t control him.”

The fighters agreed and split into two separate groups.

Starla, Buddy, Artie, Rainbow, Fluttershy, battled Stammadon.

Rhymey, Rarity, Pinkie, and the twins tried to go after Ka Hotake.

“You’ve had it, Hombre!” hollered Dyno.

“Here we come!” shouted Myte.

The twins did a double flying-kick, but Ka Hotake blocked it with his staff and flung them off of him.

“GET HIM…!” shouted Rarity.

The fighters all charged at him, throwing their punches which he dodged. They kicked at him which he blocked each kick with his staff or his free hand. “Is that the best you’ve got?” he taunted.

Rhymey growled, “WARD SWORD!” and he gripped his weapon tightly, and he charged at the creature roaring like a mad-pony, swinging his sword like crazy.

Ka Hotake managed to parry him with his staff, “My training and gathering hatred has improved my strength many times!” he sneered.

Rhymey continued to attack him, and managed to catch him off guard, and slashed him hard in the chest, flipping him over backward.

“My strength has increased too,
That’s what training can do,
My friends and I will easily triumph over you!”

The others regrouped with him, and agreed with what he said, but Ka Hotake only laughed hysterically.

“Um… just what is so funny?” asked Pinkie.

Ka Hotake stopped laughing, and then roared furiously, enveloping himself in strong, fiery aura. “Oh, no!” cried Rarity.

“Oh, yes! Every master thief keeps a trick or two up his sleeve! Now my strength is even greater!” and he thrust his staff forth, unleashing a strong wave of burning energy that struck the ponies hard in a huge explosion, and knocked them all down hard.

“Ay’! That’s hot flames!” cried Dyno.

“Well,” said Myte as he got up and joined his brother “Let’s fight fire WITH FIRE!”

“Ah, Si…!” agreed Dyno.

The two joined their hands, “BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

“Ha!” shouted Ka Hotake, and he countered the blast with his aura, and actually pushed the flames back at the twins with ease.

Their friends came in and yanked them out of the way, sparing them from the blasts.

Ha Kotake then rushed in to brawl with them more.

The minions watched as the groups each battled, and they were all beginning to think this fight was really getting crazy.

“What should we do?” asked Tan Shi.

En Shi couldn’t believe what she was about to say “Maybe we should… fight to help Starfleet?”

As expected her comrades reacted rather shockingly. “Help our enemies?! Have you taken leave of your senses?” scolded Rai Shi.

“Perhaps,” answered En Shi “I know it breaks everything we stand for, everything we believe, but… look what’s happening to Stammadon?”

The minions watched as their brainwashed master continued to battle with Starla and her team.

Rai Shi pointed out, “Still, what if the master defeats our enemies? Then we will finally be rid of them forever.”

“True,” agreed Tan Shi “And even if we tried to battle now, Ka Hotake or Stammadon will force us away. We could be badly injured, or even destroyed ourselves.”

The minions had a tough decision to ponder, but for now they just kept out of sight as the battle continued.

Spike and Lightning had forced The Konga out into the open fields, but the raging beast was still fighting as ruthless as ever and was charging straight for the duo.

“Here comes!” cried Spike.

Lightning then powered himself up, and Spike did too.

“ULTRA-UNIFORCE”

“FLAMES OF LIGHT”

The two forces crashed into the big beast, forcing it back hard, enveloping it in huge explosions.

“We got him!” cheered Spike, but he soon ate those words when The Konga burst through the smoke like a flaming geyser. “We… didn’t get him!”

“Uh, oh…!” said Lightning as he noted how much stronger and more burning The Konga seemed now “I think all that power only made him stronger!”

This was obviously another hidden power Ka Hotake hadn’t mentioned-- The Raging Konga was created and formed out of raging energy, so blasting it with more burning energy like that would add to its rage and power.

The Konga then held his massive hands together and slammed the ground hard sending a burning trail towards the duo. “Dodge!” cried Spike, “No…! Don’t let that fire spread!” said Lightning, and instead of dodging, he stood right in the path of the burning trail and conjured a strong uniforce wall, shielding himself and Spike from the blast.

The flames died out, and Lightning ceased the shield, but he felt pretty beat.

“You alright?” asked Spike.

“I’m fine, but we’ll have to fight him hand-to-hand. We can’t give him anymore strength!”

Spike agreed, and the duo rushed in to attack.

Spike and Konga engaged in a fist struggle. Spike could actually feel the burning on his majestic claws. “Yep, he’s stronger alright.” Still, he and Lightning were able to take the burn.

Spike shoved Konga off allowing Lightning to fly straight up and POW!! The Konga was smashed hard in its huge chest knocking it down on its back.

Lightning then leapt onto the creature’s huge face and began to ram numerous punches and kicks into it.

The Kong then brushed him off, swatting him aside like a fly, sending Lightnign soaring way high up into the air.

“Lightning!” called Spike.

Lightning shook off the pain from the blow. “This is going to be tougher than I thought.” He hoped the others were faring better.

Stammadon gave a large roar as he and Starla charged at one another, both their fists ready and WHAMM, both were struck hard in the face and send tumbling back, yet the two landed on their feet and looked ready for more.

“Impudent creature!” growled Stammadon.

The other fighters stepped in before Starla, and charged in.

Stammadon knocked Artie’s staff away and rammed him hard.

“LEAF SWARM” Buddy unleashed his leafs at him, but no surprises, he didn’t even get scratched.

Buddy then tried to whip him, but Stammadon caught the whip, pulled him in hard and kicked him back out hard again.

“SONIC RAINBOOM” Rainbow came soaring in form above hard.

Stammadon leapt up high, “BLAZE OF THE FLARE KING”

KAPOW!! His blast struck her hard, and she began to plummet to the ground. “Rainbow Dash…!!” cried Fluttershy, and she quickly leapt up high and caught her.

Krysta came in and fired multiple blasts from her wand; all which bounced harmlessly off of Stammadon’s strong body. “Uh, oh…!”

Stammadon then swatted mercilessly for her, but she cleverly zipped and served and finally warped herself out of the way, and stuck her tongue out at him.

Stammadon growled.

Ka Hotake laughed, “Face it, fools, there is nothing you can do. With the power of my rage, victory shall be mine!” and with that he unleashed a flaming blast from his staff.

“Duck!” shouted Pinkie, and everyone hit the dirt just as the blast flew way past them, straight at the palace…

KAPOW!! The Blast hit just a few inches away from the window Swift was watching. The barrier kept the palace protected, but the force of the blast caused a huge flash wave, that knocked the three ponies away from the windows.

Swift was alright due to his increased strength, but Brain and Shadow Coat were knocked unconscious when their heads hit the floor.

“Professor…! Captain…!”

It was no use, they were out cold.

He quickly called out into the hall, “We need meds up here! We got two out cold!”

Help was sent for, but for the moment Swift was on his own. He looked back out towards the fighting, and really felt worried for the team.

The rest of the Starfleet forces were fighting off the massive army of monsters while Stammadon, Ka Hotake and Raging Konga battled Lightning and friends.

“Striker!” he cried softly as he watched his cousin attack and cause another explosion, which knocked several of the fighters about.

Swift never felt so worried for his cousin before, and all this was exactly as he feared-- if they couldn’t snap him out from the darkness controlling him, the team would have no choice but to follow protocol and destroy him!

He just HAD to get out there and try to confront him, and maybe snap him out of it, but just the same he knew he couldn’t-- it was orders, not to mention going down there meant he’d be walking straight into certain death if he was wrong.

“I have to get out there!” he argued with himself “But I can’t… I shouldn’t!

…But Striker… I have to!”

Then suddenly he got an idea, “Maybe I can go out there, AND stay here at the same time.”

He quickly dashed to the bookshelf, and found a book he studied in his first year at Starfleet Academy, “Aha…!” he said.

And as fate would have it, there, in a box right next to the book was a small box containing just what he needed. “This could work!”

And the first thing he did was pluck out a hair from his head…!

The three villains attacked hard, knocking all the fighting groups hard once more.

All of them were starting to feel worn out, but they were still able to stand. “Is everyone still good?” called Lightning.

Everyone threw up their fists and nodded proudly.

Ka Hotake scoffed “Well, I must admit you lasted longer than most of those I destroy… but I’ve wasted enough time here with you! I have a planet to conquer and a galaxy to rule!”

He signalled to Stammadon and to Konga, “Finish them off!”

His two henchmen roared and looked ready.

“Now…?” Rainbow asked.

“Now!” agreed Lightning.

The other fighters nodded, and stood tall, shouting, “SUPER MODE… ACTIVATE!!”

“What’s this?!” snapped Ka Hotake, and he watched as all the fighters began glowing brightly, and their armor, pads, boots and visors all were sparkling brightly.

Stammadon growled at the sight of the fighters new look, and he charged straight for them--straight at Starla to be exact.

Starla just stood where she was with her hands on her hips, and then slowly raised her right arm, halting him by the head, and with a simple push, she shoved him back hard as if he were a lightweight.

“Forward!” Starla ordered, and she and her troops began to march straight ahead for Stammadon.

“STRIKING FORCEWAVE”

His blast struck the marching fighters, but they just walked through it as if it was nothing thanks to their new suits powering up their strengths many times.

Ka Hotake was confused, “What sort of trick is this?” then he realized the group fighters facing him were marching his way, and Rhymey said…

“I already told you-- it’s what we do.
Now, you’re about to be outmatched too!”

Ka Hotake was not about to take this, and raised his staff to defend himself, when suddenly…

“FIST OF FORCE” Rai Shi leapt in and punched the staff clean out of his hand.

Then Tan Shi came up from behind, and kicked him hard in the back sending him sailing through the air.

“What the--?” said Pinkie Pie.

“Are they… fighting him?” asked Artie.

“And where is En Shi?” added Rarity

“TSUNAMI”

Everyone turned to where that shouting came from, and saw En Shi unleash her strong watery wave at Raging Konga, and while her biggest and strongest way was barely to amount to the size of his foot, the coolness of the water did have a negative effect on the burning energy, harming the raging creature.

Spike and Lightning were almost speechless.

En Shi looked at them, “We’re only doing this to save Stammadon. Do not think this means we are your true allies.”

Spike and Lightning sighed, but they did need all the help they could get, and even thought that this could help them weaken down the minions enough to capture them too, but right they had other issues.

“You… traitors!” snarled Ka Hotake.

“That’s rich coming from you!” sneered Tan Shi, and she lunged straight at him swinging her claws, and Ka Hotake blocked her every attack and knocked her away with his staff.

Rai Shi then came in, swerving and dodging the staff swings, and then punched Ka Hotake hard in his face, sending him skidding along the ground, but Ka Hotake then unleashed his fiery aura at him, making a big explosion and knocking him down.

The ponies were at first astonished, and then they tried to jump in an assist.

“This is our fight!” Rai Shi insisted “Our honour has been insulted and betrayed. Revenge will be ours!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” sneered Dyno.

“…This is still our fight too!” added Myte.

The others all agreed, and rushed in to help, and the Shis didn’t bother disagree; just as long as Ka Hotake was brought down.

Ka Hotake was badly outnumbered, and he couldn’t stand up to Starfleet’s new strengths.

Rarity grabbed his staff, and broke in two in her bare hands.

“No!!” cried Ka Hotake, and with the destruction of his staff, Raining Konga began to grow weaker, and its flaming body began to fade out.

“Now’s our chance!” said Lightning.

En Shi and Spike agreed.

Without Ka Hotake’s staff, Konga wouldn’t be able to absorb the energy that was about come his way!

The three creatures unleashed their fury.

“HAIL STORM”

“FLAMES OF LIGHT”

“ULTRA-UNIFORCE”

All that power, so much energy, Konga just couldn’t take it as he was lifted up into the air by the powerful blasts, hurled out into space and… KA-BLAAMM!!

Spike and Lightning cheered, and En Shi nodded proudly.

Ka Hotake leapt up into the air and gazed in horror as the lights in the sky faded, “It’s impossible!” he whimpered “…No one has ever been able to withstand my Raging Konga attack!”

He still felt that as long as Stammadon was under his control, victory would still be his. “Come… we’ll retreat and train again!”

But Stammadon just stood where he was and he didn’t respond.

“Did you hear me?” bellowed Ka Hotake “I order you to come with me!”

Stammadon only laughed, “Did you honestly think you could control a creature as strong as I?”

Ka Hotake was confused, and Stammadon turned and glared at him. “You… you’ve broken my spell?” cried Ka Hotake.

“You fool… I was never your little puppet to begin with!”

The fighters, the Shis, and Ka Hotake were all astonished.

Stammadon explained that he was already super strong before ever meeting Ka Hotake, “…A magical curse as weak as yours could never match my power, and now thanks to you, and I am greater and stronger than before, but I always had suspected from what Starfleet had warned me that you’d try and betray me, so I’d have to get you out of way.

So, I played along with your little game, despite that it cost me many of my soldiers in my army, it helped to increase my strength even more!”

The fighters didn’t like the sound of this a bit, “You mean, he was holding back on us all this time?” whispered Buddy.

The others realized this, “He was never usin’ his full power.” said Applejack “Now he knows we’ve got our super mode!”

The three Shis were delighted, and joined their master by their side, glaring at the fallen master.

“After everything I taught you, this is how you repay me?!” thundered Ka Hotake.

“Just like what you were going do to us?” growled Rai Shi.

“Use us for your own goals and then dispose of us like worthless trash?!” roared Tan Shi.

En Shi shook her head, “What a pitiful creature you are, Ka Hotake.”

“BE GONE…!!” thundered Stammadon, and he and his minions opened fire on their former ally, striking him mercilessly. Some of the mares in group couldn’t bear to watch and turned away while and the rest of the team were all horrified.

In the end, Ka Hotake had had it! He fell over backward and exploded into nothingness!

Stammadon snickered.

“You didn’t have to just up and destroy him like that!” thundered Starla.

The villains turned to face the fighters, and Stammadon sneered “He had it coming to him. When I want revenge… I get it!”

The fighters all stood infuriated and glaring at the villains.

“And now…” hissed Stammadon “I think I’ve held back long enough. It is time for me to do away with you meddlers once and for all, and believe me, even your fancy new suits will save you naught!”

The fighters all stood ready to brawl!

“Wait!” cried a voice, and the villains turned round.

“Swift Star?!” snapped Lightning.

“What are you doing here? Beat it!” demanded Starla.

En Shi immediately went into a blushing soft state, “My darling, Swift Star!” she cried.

The other two Shis rolled their eyes, but Stammadon growled “…You again!”

The fighters would have kept demanding that Swift leave at once and not interfere in their business, but many of them scanned Swift with their visors.

“It’s not him!” they whispered to one another.

“It’s a puppet clone.”

Spike could look across from the palace, with his fine dragon eyesight, he could see a small figure in a window of the palace-- it was Swift, and he was just fine.

The villains were unaware of this technique and knew nothing about it-- En Shi was so entranced, you’d think she wouldn’t even care.

“Striker, listen to me!” said Swift “It doesn’t have to be this way. I know you better than you think!”

“Quiet you!” sneered Tan Shi, but suddenly, Stammadon began to feel strange as he clutched his head and groaned.

“Master!” cried Rai Shi.

Stammadon only got worse as he fell to his knees, “No… I… I…”

“Master!” cried En Shi, and she and the Shis huddled around him trying to snap him out of his trouble.

“It’s working!” cried Lightning “Striker’s spirit is actually responding to Swift.”

“Come on, Striker! Come on!”

“I… Am Not… NOT!!” suddenly, Stammadon’s voice changed, he sounded like Striker again, “Swift… H-H-Help… me…!”

“Master, snap out of it!” cried En Shi.

“Let’s get them while their stalled!” snapped Spike.

The fighters all agreed, and prepared to charge forth.

Tan Shi turned round, “SYMBOL POWER: BARRIER”

“I’ll help you!” cried En Shi, and she combined her freezing winds with Tan Shi’s barrier, creating several layers of strong and frozen barricades, and trapping the fighters.

“Spike, ram them!” shouted Lightning.

Spike roared and rushed forth, smashing headfirst through all the barriers shattering them like glass, but he felt very woozy having rammed his head through all that-- he de-transformed.

“Spike!” cried Rarity as she scooped her husband in her arms.

“I’m okay…” he said groggily.

Rarity was relieved.

“Hey! They’re gone!” cried Fluttershy.

Everyone looked round and surely enough all the villains had gone, even Swift’s puppet was missing-- obviously, they had made their escape while the fighters were momentarily trapped.

…and obviously, En Shi had taken the puppet with her.

Lightning landed on the ground and changed back to his normal self. “Back to the palace… We’ve got a lot of thinking to do.”

Back on Ainzul…

Rai Shi and Tan Shi had lay Stammadon on a bench-- En Shi had run off.

Stammadon was resting softly and groaning in his sleep.

“Still he struggles with that other force within him.” said Rai Shi “We’re it not for this we would have beaten our enemies for certain.”

Tan Shi agreed, “But at least we did away with Ka Hotake, and we did manage to test our new powers. Thanks to all the fear we had gathered, we shall be ready to strike next time.”

Rai Shi couldn’t help but notice she didn’t seem her usual snarky or rude self that she usually was.

She noticed this too, but neither one of them wanted to really say much about it, and really… Tan Shi was starting to feel more respect for her team mates, thanks to Kara Shi’s sacrifice, Stammadon’s loyalty to his minions, and her loyalty to him.

As for En Shi, she had tied Swift to her bed with strong chains that even he himself couldn’t escape from. Even his legs were chained down-- each one to an opposite corner of the end of the bed leaving him spread wide open.

All his clothes were removed except for his under garments. He was gagged too with a cloth over his mouth so he couldn’t scream-- not that anyone would hear him anyway.

En Shi softly crept over and slithered onto the bed, wearing only a satin robe and her own undergarments.

She was glaring at him so deeply, and practically drooling, “My darling… long have I waited for this moment.”

Swift fussed and whimpered, but this only made her lust for him more as she moved in closer and closer. She giggled softly, and then she was ready to make her move, “Just relax, and let me take you…”

Suddenly, as her fingers traced along his bare chest, she felt something hard and solid. “What…?”

She gave it a couple of knocks, and it sounded like hitting a block of wood.

Despite her love for Swift, she couldn’t resist and drove her fingers through the fake flesh, exposing the enchanted puppet-block, which made the Swift puppet vanish completely.

En Shi was shaking with outrage and sadness having been deceived, and just when she seemed so close to finally having her beloved to herself!

She clenched the sheets of the bed in her hands tightly, still quivering and vowing, “…I am not discouraged, Swift Star. I WILL have you! Make no mistake about that!”

Back in New Canterlot, when the team arrived back at the palace, the first thing they did was confront Swift.

“What were you thinking?!” scolded Rainbow.

“You had no right to interfere with our business out there.” added Artie.

“Even if it was a puppet clone, you cost us our chance to get Stammadon!” bellowed Rarity.

More and more of the team scolded him, and Swift really felt like a poor kid being yelled under the shadows of big adults.

“QUIET!!!” Lightning shouted, his voice echoed along the walls.

Everyone gawked at him, and Lightning cleared his throat, and approached his student. “Swift, despite that you used a puppet clone, which I must admit I find clever and resourceful… You still entered battle when you know you’re not supposed to, and could have placed us all in danger yet again.”

Swift shamefully looked up at him, “Yes sir. I don’t blame you for wanting to punish me this time.”

“Who said anything about punishing you?”

The room went silent and everyone felt confused. “On the contrary-- even though you broke the rules, I understand why you did what you did and more so… your interference gave me an answer to a theory I had been suspecting…

…Stammadon may be possessing Striker’s body, but he hasn’t truly vanquished Striker’s spirit. He’s still in there. You all saw it.”

“He’s right.” agreed Starla “Striker was fighting for control, but he’s obviously not strong enough to break Stammadon’s power.”

“So what does that mean for us?” asked Buddy.

“It means,” answered Lightning “…That there’s hope for Striker. We just might be able to save him.”

Swift was very delighted to hear that.

The heroes had serious planning to do!

(Promo)

In our next episode: Serious training and planning is done for all of Starfleet for the final battle that draws near, and yet mixed feelings are carried throughout the team and others. The same can be felt for Stammadon and his minions as he continues to struggle with Striker’s spirit within him.

What will the ultimate plans be, and who approves of what?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Follow Which Leader?”)

Episode 23: Follow Which Leader?

Author's Note

I am really not fond of these RECAP EPS-- eps were all the characters do is yak, and yak, and very little action is done, and there are recaps of what happened during the season.

...but sometimes things are just unavoidable;e, even for me, especially since I needed this for padding.

Episode 23: Follow Which Leader?

EPISODE TWENTY-THREE

Stammadon was resting alone in his throne room, and he ordered explicitly that no one was to disturb him, and yet… his mind was going crazy again as Striker’s memories flashed before him.

He remembered being a little colt, and doing poorly at most activities, like sports, arts and crafts. He remembered being laughed at and being called talentless by other ponies, which sparked his anger, and he began to attack his school mates for taunting him, which made him realize he was good at fighting.

He remembered all his training and exercising. All the great martial arts tournaments and boxing matches he competed in-- many of which he lost, as he was only a rookie.

All the beatings, all the fails, all the creature laughing at him, which only fuelled his rage and made him train all the harder and become stronger. He managed to fight his way to victory, and earned his glowing fist cutie mark.

Now he himself was starting to act brash and tough like a bully. All he ever wanted to do was fight and train. So he joined the Starfleet academy and trained for five years, where he acted tough, rude and pushy.

“Wimp!

Pathetic!

You’re all a bunch of silly weaklings. It wouldn’t surprise me if I made your superior right off the bat.”

He even pushed the rookies around and demanded they do as he told them, he even bullied Swift Star, his own cousin… eventually which lead to his dismissal.

“Ah!” Stammadon snapped as he awoke, and he got down from his throne, groaning and thrashing about, punching large breaks in the stone walls, kicking down some of the columns, and yet he continued to clutch his head in outrage and frustration.

“These… memories of mine!” he groaned, but in Striker’s normal voice.

Now, he could see memories of things he did as Stammadon, from the day he caused the villain to escape from its prison to the present.

“No! No…!” he groaned “I can’t have done all that!”

He groaned again, and deep within him, in a black background, Striker found himself arguing with the flaring aura that was the spirit of Stammadon!

“Striker… Why must we go through this all the time? I own you! I control your body and you are nothing but a weak speck of misery!”

Striker was panting furiously, “You monster! I won’t let you use me like this anymore! I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!”

“Ha! As if you had much of a life to begin with! I saw into your mind the moment I took over your body. You knew that you had no direction to take, nothing to gain and only to lose from your lack of abilities and the wrongs you did! That’s why I chose you to house my power and spirit.

You know deep down that you have no true remorse, no shame, not an ounce of care or love within you. You were the perfect vessel for me, and I am the greatest thing that has ever happened to you! Now you have all the power you could ever dream of, and those who dare defy us are destroyed!”

Striker felt more remorseful than ever, but his anger continued to show, “I never wanted to destroy anyone. Sure, I was angry, I was mean, and pushy, and I did lust to get even with others… BUT NEVER LIKE THIS!!

…I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE!!!!”

“The choice is NOT yours!” thundered Stammadon “And thanks to my living in your mind, I see how creatures like you behave-- weak, spineless, worthless creatures that disgust me! When the final bout ends, ALL weaklings, including you, will be obliterated at the hands of my mighty strength!!”

“MONSTER!!” shouted Striker “I WON’T LET YOU!! THEY WON’T LET YOU!!”

“SILENCE, WEAKLING!!!”

There was huge flash of bright light, and Stammadon managed to cast Striker back into the depths of his darkness and regain control as he snapped awake.

He took a moment to catch his breath, and then clenched his fists and chuckled wickedly, “I am the stronger one, and my ultimate victory is approaching!”

He let out a huge roar that could be heard all through the temple, and his minions heard it.

“Sounds like he’s feeling better.” said En Shi

“This can only mean one thing,” said Rai Shi “The final bout is upon us.”

Tan Shi snuffed “About time too.”

In New Canterlot Palace, their majesties held a huge conference for the entire team, including Swift Star-- Lightning had wanted him to be there especially, as his conference was about mounting an all-out attack on Planet Ainzul.

Grand Ruler explained “We have sent word to every Starfleet outlet in the nearest regions of Ainzul. If we require any backup or assistance, they are willing to lend what help they can give, but just the same… we cannot leave United Equestria unprotected either.

Some of you should stay behind should Stammadon’s forces attempt to attack us.”

The teams agreed, and Lightning then stood with a scroll of his team, “I myself will be going to Ainzul… and my backup shall be The Valkyries of Harmony.” He then looked over at Queen Celestia “…And that includes you, your majesty.”

Celestia blinked twice.

“But why the Valkyries?” asked Buddy.

Lightning explained, “As we all know, Stammadon is controlling Striker’s body. He has Striker’s body and his strength and power, but Striker’s spirit is still in there.”

He confirmed this by having magical images shown of past battles where it looked like Stammadon was losing it due to Striker’s spirit.

“That means there’s still hope for him.” said Swift.

“Yes,” answered Lightning “And we all know, The Valkyries of Harmony have the best healing magic of us all, and that’s also why I need to take all of them with me.”

“I see why that would make sense.” said Rarity.

“So do I.” agreed Pinkie, but then she bashfully whispered to Applejack, “I don’t really know why.”

Applejack rolled her eyes and deduced “Lightnin’ must want all of us so we can combine ALL our powers together. Is that right?”

Lightning nodded “That’s exactly why.

Stammadon has proven to be a very tough foe; many of our best resources, even our newly usable Super Mode Armor only seem to match him evenly.”

More images were shown of all the past fights, and everyone had used every kind of strength they could muster up-- Even Lightning’s Enticorn powers were barely able to weaken the villain down to half strength.

“It seems to me the only thing we can actually use against him is the Pure Inner Strength.” said Starla “…Only… we still haven’t quite mastered it out yet.”

The others all agreed. They remembered during the last battle-- while it didn’t seem like it-- they all had actually been focusing on their deep inner selves and trying to find that balance to unleash the power… but still the magic did not work.

“Don’t despair yet,” said Celestia “I’m sure we’ll all figure out the secret. We just have to keep trying.”

Grand ruler nodded in agreement, as did all the others.

Lightning cleared his throat, “Getting back to topic…” and he gazed at each of the Equestrian ponies, and over to Celestia. Then he activated the compute images to show a simulation of his theory “…Hopefully, if I can battle Stammadon down enough and weaken him just right… it’s feasible that all the Valkyries healing energies combined with my own, should be able to release Striker from Stammadon’s control.”

Even though the simulation showed the experiment a success, none of the others felt quite so content.

“When you say “Should” asked Swift “Are you saying there’s a chance it still may not work?”

A moment of silence followed, which worried Swift deeply, “…You can say it. I’ll try to take it.”

Lightning sighed and said “This is all just guessing, Swift. We’d like to be absolutely sure, but Stammadon’s not like other enemies, and he may be too strong for us to save Striker.”

Swift didn’t have to hear what came next. For a long time now, he knew he had to be brave and try to reconcile himself to the fact that maybe his cousin couldn’t be saved… and they would probably have to destroy him to get rid of Stammadon for good.

“… I just really hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“We all do, son,” said Grand Ruler “Believe me, this isn’t the first time we’ve had this situation, but if it happens you need to be brave.”

Swift promised he would try, and that’s when Lightning revealed the next part of his strategy, “…That’s why you’re coming with me too.”

“What?!” snapped Swift, and everyone else turned to gawk at Lightning in shock.

“Um… Lightning… you want to run that by us again?” asked Krysta.

Lightning said nothing; he just gave everyone a straight and strict glare showing how serious he was. Even their majesties were growing concerned.

“Out of the question!” snapped Grand Ruler “You know fully well, Lightning Dawn that in-training cadets are forbidden on such missions!”

“And what’s more, you plan to take him straight into enemy territory-- right into the enemies lair for that?!” added Celestia.

Lightning still stood with that same strict expression on his face, “Permission to speak now…?”

Their majesties gawked at one another, “All right, but you make it good.” Grand Ruler insisted.

Lightning took a moment to select his words carefully. “Swift has been the enemy’s temple before, and though he hasn’t seen all of it, he can help us.” He quickly held up his hand before anyone could protest, “…That is NOT my only reason.”

He waited to see that everyone was giving him their full attention.

“Well, go on.” said Rainbow.

Lightning gave her a stern look, “…I really think that Swift can play a vital role in saving Striker.”

He typed into the computer and showed more images, some of which were recorded from Swift’s memories from the first time he went to Ainzul.

Each and every time Stammadon was in presence of Stammadon, just his being there seemed to trigger off Striker’s inner-soul, and it seemed to weaken Stammadon greatly as he struggled to regain control. Even if it was just a puppet

“…So you see,” said Lightning “Having Swift come along may just may give us the advantage we need, but it’s vital that the real Swift join us this time, and not a puppet clone, because I’m sure that Stammadon won’t fall for the same trick twice, and Swift’s spiritual connection will be stronger if it’s the real deal.”

A long moment of silence followed as everyone else couldn’t seem to find a valid argument with that, but even then no one was keen with the idea.

“I still don’t believe it is safe.” said Grand Ruler.

“Nor do I.” agreed Celestia.

“I don’t either.” added Fluttershy “It’s not that I don’t have any confidence in our abilities and looking out for one another… but… well… what if something else goes wrong that puts us all in danger, including Swift?”

“Well then, we’ll just have to keep our eyes out for each other more closely.” said Pinkie. She wasn’t trying to be playful-- she was most serious.

“It’s not that simple,” said Dyno.

“Si, I agreed,” added Myte “We can plan this out all we like, but… we’re still only just guessing.”

Lightning was aware of this too-- even the best of the thought out plans could always go awry, and even though he himself was starting to have doubts, “…I still stand by my idea.”

Before anyone could protest, Swift stood up and declared “I’ll do it!”

Everyone turned to face him, “Whoa, whoa…” said Spike “…Did he just say?”

“You heard me,” said Swift “… I want to do this-- for Striker. Don’t try to talk me out of it.”

Even though Lightning himself was astonished at his student’s decision, he looked around at everyone, “…Now what do you all say?”

Grand Ruler simply answered “I’d say your student has made his decision-- so be it.”

Celestia reluctantly nodded her head in agreement.

“You’re actually letting him go with this?” asked Buddy.

“Just a second ago you were totally against the idea.” added Rainbow.

“And we still are,” said Celestia “There are usually no exception to rules and regulations… unless it calls for it.”

Her husband nodded “…Swift Star, you have officially asked for this challenge, and while it is true that we shouldn’t let you go due to your vast inexperience in fighting… Lightning is quite right-- you just may be our best asset to winning.”

Swift bowed to their majesties in thanks, and yet all the others around the table were gawking at him with deeply concerned expressions. He just sat back down in his seat maintaining his strong expression, but he felt a little embarrassed with everyone watching him.

“You majesties, you can’t possibly be approving of this.” protested Rarity.

“The decision has been said I’m afraid,
We may as well discus more of the plans to be made.” said Rhymey

“Rhymey is correct.” agreed Grand Ruler “There is still the matter of defend our own planet.”

Everyone quieted down and Grand Ruler continued, “With Lightning and the Valkyries heading for Ainzul, this leaves you remaining fighters to lead charge of all the defense forces we are setting up should there be a large counter attack from our enemies.

Starla Shine, you will be in command of the forces.”

Starla nodded, “Yes sir.”

Celestia then spoke up, “Even as we speak, arrangements are being made with every neighbouring kingdom, country and village. They are all planning to give us whatever help they can spare-- every solider, every fighter.

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are offering their services, and will participate in our unit.”

Grand Ruler spoke again,

“Just the same, we fear that New Canterlot may be attacked first as it is our main source of operations, and the heart of nations of the entire planet.

Therefore, evacuation of all civilians and those non-willing to fight is to be carried out immediately. This way, there will be fewer creatures for the villains to gain fear by and increase their strengths.”

Krysta agreed and said “My legion of fairies are already standing by. Just give the word and we’ll do it.”

Their majesties nodded, “That seems to be all there is to be said at this point. We have much to do and very little time. All of you go get some training in, and standby for further orders… dismissed.”

Almost everyone got up and headed for the dojo, but Lightning, Starla and Swift stayed behind.

“Is something wrong?” asked Celestia, but really nothing needed to be said to know the three of them were still having doubt and worry of the plans, especially Swift. “The last time I went to that planet I was nearly the mate of a psychotic pony.” he referred to En Shi “Then again, my only other option was being destroyed.”

Lightning put his hand on Swift’s shoulder “I know how you feel, son, but even you yourself see-- this may be our best chance, and we can’t give into our fears.”

“He’s right,” agreed Starla “This whole plan is full of risks and chances, and that’s usually not the Starfleet way-- we like to double up on everything…

…But taking risks never stopped us before.”

Their majesties agreed, but Grand Ruler said “If you want to step down Swift, we won’t hold it against you.”

“No.” Swift said almost immediately “I said I was going to do this and I’m not backing down now, and besides, it’s more than just trying to save my cousin. There’s a question of my pride, and my own courage. If I’m going to ever make it as a Starfleet fighter I can’t be a coward at every little thing that comes my way.”

Lightning smiled proudly for him thinking like a true fighter. The others all smiled too.

“Come on, we’ve got work to do.” said Lightning.

The trio headed off, and their majesties watched with pride, especially Grand Ruler. “He really chose well, his apprentice.”

His wife agreed, and remembered her old days of training her magical apprentices, which also brought on sad memories, but now wasn’t the time for her to dwell on it. She had some training to catch up on herself.

So the evacuation was ready to get underway. Grand Ruler made the announcement to all citizens, using his royal alicorn voice enhanced with magic so that he could be heard all over the entire planet.

Every creature from every area was to proceed in line ups into the space warps created by Krysta’s fairies and they would be taken to the refuge planets until further notice.

Many, many of the populace complied and were marching their way through the portals.

Still some were a bit stubborn.

One elderly, senile stallion huffed, “I haven’t been a’scared ‘a no monsters for forty years, and nonthin’s a’gonna make me run from ‘em now.”

Starfleet ponies on duty wouldn’t hear of it, and picked him up to drag him along.

“Hey! Get your hands off me!”

“Sorry sir, but we have orders.”

“This is for your own safety.”

Villages soon became as silent as ghost towns, except for all the soldiers and fighters taking up their positions to be ready for anything.

While all this was being done, Lightning and his team were training in the palace dojo. Celestia spared with her husband.

Celestia kicked like crazy, and Grand Ruler blocked each blow with his arm, “You’re a bit rusty, Celestia.” He teased.

“Wait until I really get going.” she said to him. And she came at him in a flying jump kick, but he zipped out of the way and came in from the side, socking her hard in the face.

Celestia landed on her feet and smiled at her husband, ready for more, much to his delight, and they kept on brawling-- punching, kicking, and firing magical blasts at one another. They even did some swordplay to beef up Celestia’s fencing.

Swift watched them wish astonishment, and he noticed the other couples-- Spike and Rarity, and Rhymey and Fluttershy-- sparring with each other too. The other friends were fighting with each other too. Even Dyno and Myte were attacking each other.

“You see, Swift?” said Lightning “It takes a great deal of nerve to stand up to our enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to friends and loved ones.”

Swift knew of this, it was one of the more basic lessons on courage taught at the academy. He was very relieved though that everyone was doing it with good intentions-- to strengthen one another.

“I just wish it was like this with me and Striker.” he remembered flashbacks, “He would often bully others into sparring with him, usually the newcomers, which was already forbidden as they were outmatched by his years of experience.

…I was one of them on my first year.”

He remembered how Striker was very ruthless-- demanding to have a fight to warm up.

“I won’t fight you.” Swift said.

“Yeah, because you know you’re going to lose.” taunted Striker.

Swift tried to walk away, but his big cousin wouldn’t let him, and even shoved him to the ground. “Come on, kid! Show me you’re not chicken!”

“I said I don’t want to fight you!”

“WELL, TOO BAD!!”

Poor Swift would have been beaten up for sure had the instructor not seen what was going on. “Who started this?”

Swift hated to rat out on his cousin, but he told the truth how Striker was bullying him. The instructor was hardly surprised at all and disciplined Striker by having him mop and sweep the entire dojo himself after class.

“I’ll get you for this, kid!”

Swift sighed, “He was such a creep back then, but I knew why he was. He was feeling insecure about his lack of other talents, and being haunted by bad memories of people laughing at him.”

“You did the right thing by choosing not to fight him.” said Starla “It shows you have better honour, and now that you want to help us save him and help him see the error of his ways, that makes you greater than ever.”

Swift smiled.

“Come,” said Lightning “You may as well train with us, in case you run into danger.”

He stood ready to attack, and Starla gave swift a soft, encouraging nudge. So Swift charged at his teacher, and they brawled softly-- Lightning went easy remembering his student’s status.

Swift actually did pretty well-- he was moving much faster, getting better at sensing attacks and dodging, and Lightning could feel his strength had increased immensely. While his level was still far from Lightning’s, he was proud of Swift. “We’ll make a fighter of you yet, boy!”

Meanwhile, the fighters were not the only ones preparing,

Stammadon knew that Kahotake had not unleashed his entire army of monsters from their slumber within the walls of the temple.

There were still some panels left deep within the bowels of the temple that housed some creatures, but this army was not nearly as big as the previous one-- twenty monsters at the very most.

The Shis gathered every creature to the dojo for roll call.

“Is this all there is?”

“Yes, Master.” answered Rai Shi “I am having doubts. Our forces are very small when compared to our enemies. I fear we are at a disadvantage.”

Stammadon snickered “Your fears are as foolish as you are. That miserable Ka Hotake didn’t realize there’s more to great strength than just numbers.”

He then motioned upward at the dark and stormy skies-- all that darkness, all that power absorbed from people’s fear.

…Ever since Stammadon he been freed, he had done nothing but gather and gather fear to convert to power.

“I think I see…” said Tan Shi “We power them up using all that up there, and they’ll be stronger and more deadly than ever.”

Stammadon grunted softly, “Do you always have to state the obvious?”

Tan Shi cleared her throat.

“…Let’s begin.” hissed Stammadon, and he stepped outside onto a terrace overlooking the dojo. “Now, my forces of strength, I grant you powers of likes you have never before experienced. Accept it now!”

He raised his arms up high, and tapped into Striker’s unicorn magic, combining it with his own power-- shooting powerful streaks of lightning up at the sky, absorbing the evil energy from above, and then forcing that power ten of his twenty monsters

The monsters began to glow brightly, and those lights began to expand as the monsters all took on new shapes.

…They looked like giant, hulking gators-- Huge heads with massive sharp teeth. They were all coated in protective plates that seemed to be a fusion of metal and rock, making them super strong. Each Rock Gator carried a huge sword in one hand, and a big spiked club in the other hand.

Ten Rock Gators, each one a different color-- Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet, White, Black, and Grey, and they all were three times larger than ordinary monsters, almost too big to even fit in the dojo all at once.

“Impressive.” remarked En Shi “And maybe we can make them even bigger?”

“That IS the idea.” said Stammadon “They will be our main attack force sent to United Equestria. Rai Shi… you will command them.”

Rai Shi nodded.

Stammadon then looked at the lady Shis “You shall remain here with me, along with our remaining ten monsters. I have one final idea in mind, if this plan should fail.

…I always have a backup plan.”

He laughed wickedly.

(Promo)

In our next episode: The battles are on as Lightning and his team head for Ainzul, but realize there is more waiting for them than was thought with the forces that Stammadon has assimilated, and at the same time the villains send the Rock Gators to United Equestria, with their strengths modified again, making things extremely difficult for the defenses to hold.

Will either force succeed in carrying out their plans?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 1: Double Dealing”)

Episode 24: Part 1: Double Dealing

EPISODE TWENTY-FOUR

A few days had passed, now it was really time-- Lightning and his team were ready to head to Ainzul.

Celestia used her magic to change outfits, from her royal gown and robe to her old warrior outfit which she had not worn in ages-- chest armor, gauntlets, a little red cape in back.

“It still looks great on you.” said Grand Ruler.

His wife winked at him.

The rest of the Equestrian ponies stood ready, but not one of them had transformed. Lightning had suggested that they all save power for the battles ahead, and even he himself did not transform.

Swift was present as well. Though he was standing tall and proud with the others, Lightning had to ask “Are you alright?”

Swift nodded, “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine… you know, considering I’ve never been so scared before in my life.”

Lightning padded on the shoulder, “Can’t give in now. We got a job to do.”

Swift nodded, promising to be as brave as he could be.

The Equestrian ponies were a little more nervous than he was. “We haven’t been to Ainzul since Stammadon was freed.” said Fluttershy “And we’ve only seen what it looks like in memory images.”

The girls knew the planet was bound to be far more nightmarish and darker now.

“I’m more concerned about Celestia.” said Applejack “She ain’t ever been to Ainzul at all.” She spoke softly however, hoping Celestia wouldn’t hear, but she did anyway. “You needn’t worry about me. I’m all for adventure, and besides I can’t turn down a call when I am needed most.”

Princess Luna asked, “Sister, are you sure you wouldn’t like me to accompany you? I have been to Ainzul before, and I can be of great help there.”

“That’s very swell of you,” said Celestia “But really, I’ll be okay, and you will be needed much more here.”

“She’s right,” agreed Grand Ruler “When, and if, Stammadon decides to suddenly attack, we’re going be as ready for him as we can be.”

Luna complied, and vowed to help her friends as best she could.

Soon, it was time for the team to head off. “Is the course plotted, Krysta?” asked Lightning.

“It sure is.” said Krysta “I’ve conjured a pathway that will take you over to the far side of Ainzul. That way Stammadon won’t see you coming.”

Rainbow snickered, “Boy, is he going to be steamed when he sees us sneaking up on him.”

Pinkie looked pumped up and ready to go as she posed herself-- bouncing and punching the air, and taking a swing that nearly hit Rarity, “Please, darling, be careful!”

“Sorry, caught up in the moment.”

Celestia cleared her throat, and the mares all stood straight at tall. Swift did too.

Before setting out, the loved ones did bid their spouses good luck.

Lightning hugged Starla, “Well, team’s all yours… again.”

His wife giggled softly, “I feel like the general about to take her first step.”

“I promise you this: when we get out of this, I can see those four stars on your shoulders.”

Starla smiled.

Spike almost couldn’t bring himself to let go of Rarity, “If anything happens to you out there… I… well I…”

“It’s alright, dear.” She whispered to him “I feel the same, but… promise me, you’ll take care of Twilight for me.”

“…I promise.”

Really, Spike wanted to keep that promise. After all, there was still the possibility that neither one of them would make it out alive, but they couldn’t let it bother them.

Rhymey embraced Fluttershy and kissed her deeply, and she threw her arms around his neck pulling him harder and kissing him deeper. “I love you.” she said with her lips against his.

“I love you too!” he Rhymed when then separated.

“Tell Button Fly, Mommy loves him.”

Her husband nodded.

Grand Ruler and Celestia held hands, feeling a little uncomfortable, not just for themselves but for the other couples too. Grand Ruler suggested, “I think maybe you should go before this gets emotional.”

His wife agreed, and pecked him deeply on the cheek, and then she proceeded to go to her team, when her husband pulled her back softly, and they, too, embraced deeply, and when they separated Grand Ruller looked deeply at his wife, “…Good luck.”

She nodded bravely.

Lightning clenched his fists and got a hold of himself, and said to his team “…Let’s go.”

The ladies all agreed and stood together with him. “Come on, Swift.” said Lightning, and his students joined him. Lightning then nodded at Krysta to do.

“And away you go…!” Krysta said, and with a wave of her wand, she warped the team off into space along her special pathway.

“Good luck, guys.” said Buddy.

“I really hope they make it.” added Artie.

Everyone felt the same, and then Grand Ruler got a hold of himself and cleared his throat, “Report to your stations.”

Starla was the only one who started off, and when she saw the others all still hesitating, “Hey!” she snapped “You heard his majesty, now shake a leg!”

As she was the commander in charge, the men obeyed and followed her to their stations.

On Ainzul, Stammadon was preparing for his attack.

A the foot of his home mountain he had put his new Rock Gator swarm though small training and seeing just how strong they were, with Rai Shi leading them.

“Attack…!” Rai Shi shouted, and the Gators all lunged forth, roaring and growling as they demonstrated their fierce strengths.

Just their huge, strong feet alone were enough to shake the grounds slightly, and they weren’t even grown to giant size yet. Their big heads alone were as solid as the big rocks and spires that were their targets--- they plowed right through those rocks as if they were made of paper.

Their swords and clubs were just as powerful too. The gators were large and bulky, but swift and sneaky as well and could wield those weapons like deadly warriors.

One of the gators swung its club at Rai Shi, and he blocked him with his huge arms. The two pushed each other away.

The Gator then swing it’s sword at him…

“FIST OF FORCE” he swung his fist straight at the huge blade, only to create a huge explosion that knocked him back along the ground hard, but the Gator was hardly fazed.

The Gator then bashed his huge club on the ground making a small quake that nearly knocked everyone off their feet.

Finally, the gator opened its huge mouth as a big glow of burning energy began to form, and it spit it out like a huge meteorite!

KAPOW!! What an explosion, almost powerful enough to wipe out the temple had they trained in it, yet there was a huge crater in the ground where the blast had hit.

The villains were most pleased.

“Marvellous!” cheered Rai Shi, but he still shook his aching hand.

Stammadon snickered “Wonderful. Their strength is already as great as an army, and they will only grow stronger as they absorb more fear and darkness.”

En Shi agreed, “United Equestria will finally have met its match.” she paused a minute, thinking back to Swift Star.

Tan Shi could tell, “Don’t you think it’s about time you got over that fool? He has shown no interest in you, and he is still our enemy.”

“She is right,” agreed Rai Shi “All our enemies will be destroyed-- no arguments.”

“I’m well aware of that, and I support it to the end.” sneered En Shi.

“Enough!” snapped Stammadon “It is time to launch the attack. Leave two of the Rock Gators here. We won’t be leaving the temple completely vulnerable.”

The black and white gators remained behind, while Rai Shi hopped atop the huge red gator ready to lead the force to United Equestria, “In all my years of fighting, never have I been so excited!”

Then he and his army of eight were off, vanishing out of sight.

Suddenly, Stammadon stiffened and felt something was wrong.

“What is it?” asked En Shi.

Stammadon could feel a slight hint of pure energy off in the distance of the planet, and it was seemingly getting stronger as the source got closer. “…We’ve got company coming.”

Tan Shi growled and flexed her claws, and En Shi narrowed her eyes.

The villains all retreated up the mountain and back into their temple to prepare for their uninvited guests.

Lightning and the mares had already flown a long way from their original landing area. Celestia carried Swift, who couldn’t fly, alongside her via her telekinesis.

Just the same, Celestia couldn’t believe how dark and desolate the planet seemed, what with all the darkness in the skies and all the empty villages that used to be bustling with the peaceful Ainzulians.

The other five mares were just as appalled, “That Stammadon really boils my blood!” grumbled Rainbow.

“I agree with you,” said Rarity “The sooner we put him out of action, the sooner this planet can look acceptable again.”

Swift Star remained silent the entire journey, deep in his thoughts.

“Are you alright?” Celestia asked.

Swift snapped out of his trance, “I was just thinking about Striker. I still hope we can save him, if not… well…”

“We’ll worry about that when we get there.” said Lightning.

“Look! There’s the mountain region!” cried Pinkie.

“Alright, it’s game time.” said Applejack.

They entered the region, and landed at the base of Stammadon’s mountain and the first thing they saw were massive mounds of rubble, shattered rocks, and grooves in the ground.

“Oh, my…! What happened here?” wondered Fluttershy.

Celestia and Lightning inspected the grooves in the ground, and determined how fresh they were. “Something’s been here,” said Lightning “…Something very strong and dangerous.”

Celestia agreed, “Obviously your suspicions were right, Lightning-- Stammadon is up to something, and whatever it is, it cannot be good.”

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, there was a loud crash, that shook the ground and nearly knocked everyone off their feet, followed by a loud growl.

Everyone turned round and saw the snarling rock gator. Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity SCREAMED, while the others gawked in horrors.

“Looks like the welcomin’ party’s here!” said Applejack.

“Quick, up the mountain!” shouted Lightning, and he and the others all soared straight up the mountainside. “WHOA…!!!” Swift cried as Celestia pulled him along with her magic. “I think I’m going to be airsick!” but then he noticed the gator was actually bounding up the mountainside.

“He’s on our tail!”

Lightning looked down and saw the creature chasing them, and it prepared to fire its meteor-ball. “Watch out!”

The meteor was fired, and everyone swerved as the blast went right past them, striking the mountainside and causing rocks and boulders to come tumbling down.

“AVALANCHE…!!” Pinkie shouted.

The team soared up way higher to avoid the rocks, and they all crashed into the Rock Gator pushing him back down the slopes.

“Take that, ya overgrown lizard!” taunted Rainbow, but right then, another meteor flew past just barely missing her, “What the…?!”

“There’s another one!” cried Fluttershy.

A second Rock Gator was leaping along the slopes and gaining on the team, with his comrade coming up behind!

“Look! There’s the temple!” shouted Lightning.

Suddenly, as they were flying over the gate and into the dojo, they were blasted at by many shots and ice pellets from within the temple walls, each and every one of them were hit and were going down like falling aircrafts, and they all crashed down hard in the dojo ring, unconscious.

Stammadon, the two girl Shis stepped out from the shadows. “Take them to the holding dungeon.” ordered Stammadon.

Tan Shi agreed and began to round up the fallen fighters, while En Shi gazed at Swift. Normally she’d be going completely gaga to be seeing him, but her face remained straight and narrowed.

She turned to her master to ask him, and Stammadon quickly answered, “Do as you wish with him, but in a cell, and I warn you… if he causes us any trouble at all, I will discipline you!”

“Understood.” agreed En Shi.

Stammadon nodded fiercely and gawked down at Swift. All at once he felt a little strange and put his hand to his head. “What’s wrong?” asked Tan Shi.

Stammadon shook himself awake, stopping Striker’s inner spirit from awakening within him again. “Just do as you are told!” he thundered, and he walked off leaving the minions to take their prisoners.

At the same time, the skies were growing dark over New Canterlot, and large, heavy footsteps were shaking the land.

“This is it!” said Goldwin “They’re coming this way!”

Grand Ruler and Princess Luna agreed.

“Battle stations…!” Grand Ruler announced, and the warning alarm sounded as the guards and fighters took up their posts.

“About time,” said Dyno “I don’t think I could stay on standby any longer.”

“Focus, bro,” said Myte “…It’s go-time!”

All the soldiers were already transformed, and all the knights had taken up their positions.

Starla led her Starfleet unit and other soldiers out through the palace gate. The army rushed out through the village and were joined by other fighters charging from their standby posts and increasing the army.

Then suddenly, they stopped!

“Where are the enemies?”

“Something’s not right here.”

The fighters kept chattering and wondering where the evil was, but Starla and her friends knew they were near.

“Where are you?” Starla muttered under her breath.

“Hey, look!” cried Buddy, and everyone could see the swarm of rock gators stomping towards the borders of the village.

“What the heck are those?” asked Artie.

Rhymey tried to scan them, but they were so strong

“Whatever they are, they don’t read out,
But better move, Starla, lead out.”

“Hey, let me give the orders.” Starla said, but she agreed and called to the team “Let’s go!” and they all headed straight for the swarm of gators.

“Attack!” shouted Starla.

“STARLIGHT ARROW”

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMBS”

“DRILL QUILL”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!”

Other ponies fired whatever magical blasts they could, either from their horns or from whatever weapons they carried, and those gators just took those blasts, hardly feeling a thing.

The sound of evil laughter was heard, and Spike could see atop the red gator, “…It’s Rai Shi!”

“Correct!” Rai Shi hollered back “How are you liking my new Rock Gators? Are you impressed by their ability to take anything you can throw at them?”

The entire force stood there with furious expressions.

“Well then,” hissed Rai Shi “Perhaps they should demonstrate their own powers!

…Attack!!”

The gators all opened their huge mouths and the burning energy began to form.

“Everyone get ready!” said Starla.

The Gators then fired their meteors straight at the army, only for Krysta and her fairies to jump in and combine their powers to create the biggest double warp portals. In the blasts went to one portal, and were spit out through the second straight into the sky.

KAPOW!! A huge explosion!

“Whoa! Talk about heavy fire-power!” said Krysta.

Starla realized these guys were a lot tougher than they looked. Only she and her friends had their super mode armor, which would be their best chance, but she didn’t dare risk the other righters.

She fluttered up and addressed her friends, “You guys come with me! The rest of you stay at the perimeter, and charged all your weapons and power as high as you possibly can while we hold the monsters off.”

The soldiers all saluted to her, and Starla and he friends all rushed out to confront Rai Shi.

“You cannot be serious?” he sneered “Leave your army behind so that the seven of you can play the heroes?”

Spike scoffed, “That’s what you think!” and he used the energy from the darkness in the sky to transform, once again, into the Majestic Dragon.

“Now it’s our turn.” said Starla “You ready, guys?”

The boys all nodded, and together they all shouted, “SUPER MODE… ACTIVATE!!”

All their suits glowed, and when the light faded they all sparkled once again. “Let’s do this!” sneered Starla.

Rai Shi only laughed, “Your new super powers will not save you this time!” and he raised his arms up, roaring at the skies. All at once, the darkness struck like lightning at the gators, making them expand and grow in size.

“Uh… guys…” whimpered Buddy.

The gators were now twice as Big as before, almost as huge as Spike was, and Rai Shi was still laughing at them, “If only the greatest fighting judges could see me now.”

Spike narrowed his eyes and roared like the dragon he was before charging forth. “Spike wait…!” shouted Starla but Spike had already rammed at one of the gators, pushing it back slightly but hardly damaging it.

The gator swung its huge sword, which Spike caught, but then the gator bashed him back with his spiked club.

“Spike!” shouted Artie.

Starla growled and lunged forth hollering, “Come on, guys!”

The others followed her, splitting up to attack the other gators.

“Get them!!” shouted Rai Shi.

His gator went straight for Starla, swinging it’s sword at her. She leapt up high dodging it. Then the gator swung its club, but Starla swerved and went straight for its huge face, “Take this!”

WHAMM!! The gator was struck hard and growled in pain, but was still only knocked back just a few paces and hardly damaged much.

“You’ll have to do better than that!” laughed Rai Shi, and his gator to another swing at Starla which she dodged.

Buddy did the same thing as he battled his own gator-- he dodged the sword, and then found himself between both it and the gator’s club. “AAH!!” he screamed

The gator took a huge swing with both weapons, and Buddy waited until the last moment and then zipped out of the way, causing the monster to strike his own weapons and knocking each one out of his hands.

The creature roared furiously.

“Whoa, let’s talk about this!” said Buddy, but the gator only charged at him. “Guess not!”

The gator then prepared to launch his meteor at him, “Oh, no you don’t!” sneered Buddy, “VINE WHIP” he gripped his whip tightly, “…Extend!” His horn glowed and his whip magically extended, lassoing around the gators huge jaws, holding them shut as the energy continued to build inside, making a big explosion within the monsters mouth.

Even then, smoke flew from the monster’s nostrils, but still the creature hardly seemed damaged, and he swung his arms at Buddy, swatting him hard almost like a fly and sent him soaring way back in midair.

Artie and Rhymey each battled one other gator. They swerved and dodged each gator’s swing with their weapons.

“These guys may be big but they sure pack some fight!” said Artie.

Rhymey agreed,

“We can’t let that stop us… not now,
There has to be a way to be them… somehow!”

Right away the two ponies got an idea!

They dodged the gators’ attacks again, and then fluttered nearly back-to-back by one another. “Wait for it…” said Artie, and just as the gators charged for the ponies, “Now!” Artie and Rhymey zipped off causing the big brutes to smash into each other and fall to the ground with a huge thud that shook everything.

The soldiers at the village borders nearly fell off their feet. How they desperately wanted to get out there and help, but Krysta and her fairies refused to let any of them pass threatening to teleport anyone who tried right back to their starting point.

“You were all given your orders, so stay here and charge up your powers!” Krysta sneered at them.

The fighters all protested.

“We can’t just sit here and do nothing!”

“We should be out there trying to help them!”

“Or is it because you don’t want us to help?”

“Yeah… you want THEM to take all the glory again?”

Krysta scowled.

“That’s quite enough!” sneered a voice. Everyone turned and saw Grand Ruler and Princess Luna fluttering overhead. “You were all trained better than this.” Grand Ruler said “Remember every Starfleet officer is just as important as any other, and we all can play our roles just fine.”

The fighters still would have protested, but Luna spoke up, “You all will not do anything by rushing out there and getting yourselves destroyed. Without the Super Mode and experiences that the fighters out there possess, you will not stand a chance.”

Grand Ruler nodded “At least this way, you can help us with any idea we have that just might work. So what’s it going to be?”

Many of the soldiers realized how right she was. Without super mode, or the kind of experiences Starla and the others had, they wouldn’t stand much of a chance. So they complied and remained where they all were continuing to charge up.

Their majesties remained where they were, and watched the fight. They were pleased that Starla and her team were managing to at least hold the invaders back, but they also wondered how the team on Ainzul were faring.

Lightning soon awoke to find himself bound to a solid steel wall somewhere deep within Stammadon’s temple-- held to the wall by a magical, invisible barrier, obviously created by Tan Shi.

His arms were spread out and his legs were bound tightly. He couldn’t seem to move an inch, and he could slowly see all the ladies were in the same fix as he-- bound to the walls with the same barriers, and they too were starting to awakening.

“What happened?” asked Pinkie.

“I feel like a herd of cattle just stomped on Me.” groaned Applejack.

Some of the ponies began to struggle to try and get down.

“Don’t bother,” hissed Tan Shi “I’ve used my best symbol power. None of you will be getting down so easily this time.”

Stammadon was standing near her. “I see you had a run in with my rock gators. Much as it would be nice had they destroyed you, at least I have you where I need you now.”

Lightning and Celestia narrowed their eyes at him and growled softly.

“You can make faces at me all you like,” hissed Stammadon “This does not change the circumstances. Not only are you unable to free yourselves, or even reach your energy sources to empower yourselves, even as we speak, I am draining your energies.”

He was right, some of the ponies started feeling a little woozy. This was all thanks to Tan Shi’s barrier, and was all part of Stammadon’s plot. “With the power and magic you all wield, nothing will stop me from conquering the galaxy and ruling a world were only the strong thrive and the weak perish.”

“You monster!” sneered Celestia “You will never get away with this, I assure you! Evil will never prosper.”

“Silence!” snapped Tan Shi “If that were true, why are we one step away from total victory?”

Rainbow angrily struggled to try and break free, “You wait until I get a hold of you psychos!”

“Rainbow Dash, stop!” cried Rarity “You’re just increasing the power drain.”

Stammadon snickered “It makes no difference to me. You’ll all soon be destroyed, just like your weak friends on your planet!”

Celestia clenched her fists in anger and worry for United Equestria.

Then, Lightning noticed, “Swift Star… Where is he?”

Stammadon didn’t answer, but swift was being held in another dungeon, with strong bars on his cell and reinforced solid walls that were too strong for him to break down with his strength.

He was already wide awake, but looking miserable for being caught and worried about Lightning and the others.

Then, he could hear footsteps coming for him. “Who’s there?” he called out through the bars, and En Shi stepped in from the shadows, much to his discomfort.

En Shi gazed at him deeply, not quite with the same lovey-dovey expression she usually exhibited. “Swift Star.”

To Be Continued…!

(Promo)

In our next episode: The battle continues with great difficulty for the team on United Equestria, which isn’t nearly as dangerous as the fight that ensues in the temple as Stammadon fights mercilessly and is forced to struggle with Stiker’s inner spirit resurfacing.

Can our heroes finally vanquish the great evil, or will it have to be done at the price of another’s life?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 2: Try, try the pain”)

Episode 25: Part 2: Try, Try the Pain

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

The teams parted ways while Lightning and the Equestrians headed for Ainzul to confront Stammadon in a final showdown, only to run into Stammadon’s newest monsters which landed them all trapped within the villains’ temple. Meanwhile, the battle on United Equestria continues, and while the fight seems equal, who knew what would tip that balance.

EPISODE TWENTY-FIVE

Dyno and Myte were fighting against one of the rock gators. It opened its mouth wide to use its meteor attack, but the twins nodded at one another and joined their hands, “BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS” throwing more and more flames into the creatures building energy, you’d think were crazy, but the boys knew fire…!

All that burning energy made the creature overheat from inside and made big explosions, weakening it severely.

The boys cheered for joy and prepared to finish the creature off…

“I don’t think so!” Rai Shi sneered, and he raised his arms up, forcing the dark power in the skies to strike the downed gator, healing its wounds and restoring its strength.

“Ay’ Miya!” cried Dyno.

“Talk about a cheap shot!” groaned Myte.

Starla and the others couldn’t believe this. “He’s just been playing us along.” said Spike.

Rai Shi laughed “You are slow learners. The creatures have been empowered by the very darkness that looms above us. The forces conjured by fear and hate that grant them strength.”

Starla clenched her fists, “That’s just swell. It means we’re only making them stronger as we fight!”

“We’ve got to try and dispel that darkness up there.” said Buddy.

“But how…? It just keeps getting stronger.” said Artie.

Rhymey gasped,

“Uh, oh! This isn’t great!
They’re heading for the village gate!”

Indeed, the remaining gators were heading straight towards the gateway where the army was standing there, still focusing their powers.

“Stop them!” shouted Starla.

“I’m on it!” said Spike and he rushed over and rammed the gators away from the gate, “FLAMES OF LIGHT!” one blast of his flames sent them off even further away, and only damaging them slightly.

Spike turned to face the army “Is everyone alright?”

Grand Ruler nodded, “We’re fine. Just get back out there. We’re still charging over here, don’t worry. It’s all part of the plan.”

Spike nodded and dashed back to help the others battle the rock gators.

Those big brutes continued to swing their massive weapons at the team, and they kept dodging as best they could.

Some of them actually got hit a couple of times and would had been fatally injured if not for their new super armor and enhanced strengths that came with them.

Rai Shi continued to laugh and taunt them, “You are only delaying the inevitable! Your powers will eventually run dry, while my forces will remain fresh, and nothing will stop us from destroying your world.”

Starla had finally taken enough of this, turned round sharply, “PULSAR LASER” blasting him right off the gator’s head, and he crashed and skidded on the ground.

Starla snuffed, and then turned to the others, “Can you guys handle yourselves here?”

“Don’t worry about us,” called Buddy “You go get him!”

Starla nodded and soared down to where Rai Shi had landed. The two figures coldly glared at one another. Rai Shi narrowed his eyes, and Starla jiggled her foot in the dirt.

The two charged straight for each other, their fists collided forcing each other back hard, and then they dove at each other again, and again, and began to throw their punches and kicks like crazy.

“Ata go, Starla!” said Artie “Whoa!” he swerved as gator tried to swing at him with his club.

Meanwhile, back in the dungeons on Ainzul, En Shi continued to gaze at Swift. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

She reached in through the bars and began to caress his face. Swift just stood there looking at her with a strict expression.

“I must admit, it was clever of the way you and your friends tried to ambush us, and I do have my orders to destroy, but once I saw you I felt those feelings of anger slipping away.”

Swift still seemed unmoved.

Still caressing his face, En Shi said “…It doesn’t have to be this way. You can still join forces with me. If you do, I promise you guaranteed freedom and no harm.”

Finally, Swift softly slapped her hand off of him, much to her shock. “I’d much rather be destroyed than join the likes of you.”

En Shi felt enraged, and smashed the cell open, pinning him into a corner, “What is wrong with you? I offer you freedom. I offer you my love and compassion. I even promise you power and glory, and STILL you reject me?!”

By this time, Swift had finally grown a stronger spine and was able to tell her what she needed to hear. “You don’t know what Love is. You’re so fixated on power and slaughtering innocent beings.”

He stopped when En Shi suddenly embraced him, much to his surprise.

“That’s not true. I can understand love, if you’ll only let me show you.”

Swift clenched his fists, but didn’t make a move. “Why are you so fixated on me?”

She tightened her embrace, and even looped her leg around his. “My heart is drawn to you. I want us to be together, Swift Star. I can make you a great and powerful creature. The galaxy will be ours!”

“No!” snapped Swift as he shoved her back, much to her horrors. “As I’ve already said… you and I have irreconcilable differences, En Shi. We fight for different reasons, and I could never join up with a creature as cold-blooded as you!”

En Shi stood where she was nearly devastated by the rejection. She clenched her fists and shut her eyes tightly. “Very well…” she said “…I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this, Swift Star… but you leave me no choice!”

She embraced him again, much tighter than before.

“What are you doing?!”

“Showing you how much I won’t take “No” for an answer!”

Her body began to glow, and it suddenly got really cold as frozen winds seemed to form around them.

“If you cannot be willingly made to be mine, we shall still be together-- frozen and inseparable!”

“Ah!!” Swift yelped, and he could feel the toes of his boots already being encased in ice, and slowly the ice crept up to his ankles. En Shi’s legs were being frozen too, but she was used to the low temperatures.

“This is bad!” whimpered Swift “This is really, really bad!”

En Shi just maintained her grip on him.

In the upper holding area, Stammadon continued to drain Lightning and the mares of their strength.

“Striker, it doesn’t have to be this way!” Lightning called to him.

“Silence!” growled Stammadon “Striker is gone-- faded in the darkness like the weak loser he is!”

“He is no loser!” snarled Celestia “You will pay for having said that!”

“Really?” sneered Stammadon “And just how do you intend to do so?”

The mares all had nasty expressions on their faces, and Pinkie answered “…This is how!” and they all concentrated hard, focussing on their inner Elements of Harmony. Then, together, they all shouted, “VALKYRIA!!”

The light shone brightly. The villains covered their eyes, “What sort of trick is this?!” whined Tan Shi. Lightning grinned “…Just another little trick of ours that you aren’t aware we could do.”

The power was so bright that it shattered the barriers-- Lightning’s too, and the ladies then stood fully armored up and held out their swords and shields.

“…VALKYRIES OF HARMONY!!”

Celestia: “Magic!”

Rarity: “Generosity!”

Rainbow: “Loyalty!”

Fluttershy: “Kindness!”

Pinkie Pie: “Kindness!”

Applejack: “Honesty!”

Stammadon growled fiercely, and Lightning snickered “Getting captured was part of our plan; to get you to reveal what secrets you’ve been hiding and to let us into the temple.

Stammadon, your nightmare days are about to come crashing down!”

Stammadon remained unnerved, “Speaking of crashing down…” that’s when there was a loud crash that shook the temple, and the rock gators burst through the walls, roaring and snarling.

Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie screamed again at the sight of those beasts.

Lightning grunted and stood ready for battle.

“…No, Lightning!” said Celestia “Let us handle this, you go off and see if you can find Swift Star.”

Lightning agreed and started to head off.

“Stop him!” Stammadon ordered Tan Shi.

She nodded and chased after him, tackling him down in the hallway. Lightning punched her in the face knocking her off of him.

The two then stared each other down, and “Starfleet Magic!” Lightning transformed.

Tan Shi roared “You…!!” and she charged at him.

“Super Mode, Activate!” Lightning donned his super suit and attacked Tan Shi. Their fists collided and they began to punch and kick at each other like crazy.

They jumped at each other in a flying kick, bashing each other hard in the face, flying backwards and landing on their feet growling at one another.

In the holding room, the two gators stomped forth, making the temple shake with their huge steps.

Celestia gripped her sword tightly, “Quick, outside where there’s more room!” she called to the other Valkyries.

The others agreed and followed her through the holes in the walls.

“After them!” thundered Stammadon “I’m not letting them get away this time! This fight only ends when one side is destroyed!”

He roared and then chased after the Valkyries, with his gators following him-- breaking the structures even more!

Once outside to the dojo, they lost sight of the enemy.

Stammadon just stood where he was, clenching his fists and concentrating all around him. “You can’t hide from me in my domain!”

Suddenly, he heard a noise that sounded like running, and caught a glimpse of a shadow a wall. He roared as he fired a burning blast from his horn at the wall, blowing it down, but no one was actually there.

Suddenly, Pinkie’s head dropped in upside down before his face. “Surprise!” and she punched him hard sending him back a few paces.

The Valkyries all then stood together with Celestia at the head of the team, their capes fluttering in the breeze as they glared the villains down.

“It doesn’t have to be this way, Striker.” Celestia said, hoping to make a connection to the inner spirit. “You can fight for control! You can expel the evil from your body!”

Suddenly, it seemed to be working as Stammadon clutched his head while groaning. “No…!” he thundered “Get… back…!” Then his voice changed to Striker’s normal voice, “…Please… Help me!!”

The Valkyries thought this was their chance.

“Let’s try and blast him now!” cried Rainbow.

The others agreed, and so did Celestia.

They all stood together, and joined their swords at the tips. “Get ready…!” said Celestia. The swords began to glow brightly, and together the Valkyries shouted “HARMONY BEAM!!”

POW!! Their great magic was unleashed, heading straight at Striker, but the rock gators leapt in front, shielding their master from the blast.

“No!!” cried Rarity.

“I don’t believe this!” growled Applejack.

Stammadon then regained control, laughing and taunting, “Did you really think it would be that simple?”

The Valkyries growled at him.

Stammadon snickered, and powered up his raging aura, and then he ordered his gators to attack!

Both gators prepared their meteor attacks. “Look out!” cried Fluttershy.

The Valkyries split up and scattered as the meteors were fired, making huge explosions that damaged the walls and grounds of the temple even more.

“Whoa! Too serious!” shouted Rainbow.

Celestia gnashed her teeth and soared in to attack one of the gators.

She swung her sword hard, only for the gator to easily block her with its club and then lunge to take a big bite out of her. She zipped off.

“Come on!” Pinkie hollered, and she charged in to help Celestia. Some of the others dove in to attack the other gator, while Rainbow decided to head straight for the boss. “Okay, big boy-- let’s rumble!”

Stammadon roared at her and charged at her swinging his burning fists and kicking his flaming feet, which Rainbow dodged and/or blocked with her shield valiantly.

Then she took a huge swing with her sword, only for him to grab it in his hand and wrestle her arm down. “You’re strong, but I am stronger still!” he hissed at her.

He raised his free hand to punch her, and she blocked with her shield, this left her open for him to fire a blast from his horn, sending her clear out of the ring.

She looked up and saw him cracking his knuckles and ready to go at her, when suddenly he was bombarded all around from above.

“You forget about us?” called Pinkie.

The other Valkyries joined her by her side.

Stammadon remained still and snapped his fingers, signalling the gators to attack, and the Valkyries split up again.

Stammadon snickered and raised his arms up high, manipulating the energy in the skies to empower the gators-- making them expand and grow even larger!

“Oh, my! They’re getting bigger!” cried Rarity.

“We can SEE that!” sneered Applejack.

“Try not to give into your fears!” shouted Celestia “…It only makes them stronger!”

Fluttershy swallowed her fears-- literally taking a big gulp.

The two gators roared loudly, making the entire temple quake.

The shaking could be felt inside where Lightning and Tan Shi were still brawling-- wrestling to pin each other down. Finally, Lightning pushed her off and kicked her in the gut sending her sailing back hard.

“SYMBOL POWER: AIR BOUNCE!” and Tan Shi bounced off the air and kicked him hard in his super armor, hardly damaging him but sending him back a few yards.

Suddenly, Lightning could hear the sound of screaming echoing along the walls.

“Swift Star…!”

Down in his cell, the ice had covered Swift’s entire lower body and was slowly creeping its way up. It felt so cold that it hurt him, he was barely finding the strength to move or scream anymore, while En Shi continued to embrace him, “Don’t worry, it’ll be over soon. Then it will just be us… together… frozen as one!”

Lightning tried to make a run for it, but Tan Shi tackled him to the ground. “I am not through with you yet!”

She rammed numerous punches at his face, and while Lightning was able to take the hits, the pain still got to him. Still, he really wanted to get free and save his student from these monsters…

…And that’s what did it!

His body began to glow brightly as the pure inner strength began to awaken, much to Tan Shi’s shock. “What…?! No!”

Lightning roared loudly, unleashing the energy, blasted her off of him, and sent her crashing through many walls and stone columns.

She barely managed to get back up, but saw Lightning, still glowing, and holding out his capture blaster. He didn’t even speak-- just scowled fiercely and pulled the trigger!

POW!! Tan Shi screamed as she was enveloped by the light.

Stammadon could hear her from outside, and he didn’t like the sound of it one bit! “TAN SHI…?!

…TAN SHI!!!!”

Celestia could sense what happened, “Well done, Lightning!” she muttered under her breath.

Tan Shi was contained in a sphere, which Lightning stowed on himself. He was no longer glowing with the pure strength, and he didn’t seem to mind.

Quickly, he dashed for where he heard Swift’s scream.

Poor Swift! He knew he had to get out of this, but he couldn’t break free by brute force. “Wait…!” he thought “Lightning taught me…”

And there came a flashback of studying enemy weaknesses. “If you cannot defeat your opponent using brute strength, see if you can outwit them and exploit their weaknesses to your advantage.

Remember, your knowledge as well as your power, when combined, they can both turn into a great force to be reckoned with.

I should know-- Since I can’t do magic, I have combine my brains and brawn all the time.”

Swift could only think of one thing that would possibly help him, “I don’t think I’ll ever forget this.” he thought to himself, he summed up all the strength he could and managed to lift his head away from En Shi’s shoulder.

She turned to face him, and then he captured her lips with his.

En Shi gasped softly, and felt herself melting-- losing control of her focus, and they ice began to die down a little as she let herself go and kissed him back.

Swift could feel it-- the ice was growing weaker and stopped forming.

That’s when Lightning made it the cell.

“Swift…!”

The two turned and gawked at him, and En Shi’s feature hardened, “You’re too late…!” she sneered, and started up the freezing again, but Lightning blasted the weak ice around with a strong wave of uniforce, shattering it enough to let him break out with his own strength.

“No!!” cried En Shi, but it was too late! Without Swift, the ice was able to form much faster, and covered her completely, freezing her solid-- far too much for her to break out on her own.

Swift sighed heavily, still shivering, Lightnng could felt how cold he was, and made a glowing pulse of uniforce in his hand, and waved it along Swift warming him up again.

“That’s much better! Thank you, sir.”

Lightning smiled, “Glad you’re okay.”

Then, he quickly used his capture blaster and shot at the frozen En Shi while she couldn’t defend herself, imprisoning her in sphere too.

Swift almost felt sorry for En Shi, “She’s so beautiful, but that’s as far as she goes. She’s so monstrous.”

Lightning nodded, but the moment was interrupted by a big crash and the temple shaking. “Let’s go!”

The gators had become so big, they barely fit into the dojo, and the temple could barely stand anymore punishment!

“These guys just won’t go down!” groaned Rainbow.

“And they’re getting bigger and badder every moment!” cried Rarity.

The Valkyries were all starting to run low on power. They couldn’t activate Super Mode-- not in Valkyrie mode, while the gators continued to gain strength from the darkness above.

They prepared to launch their meteor attacks again, and the meteors were so huge it would nearly impossible to dodge them.

“Huddle close!” called Celetisa, and the Valkyries did as they were told. “Shields up…!”

The girls held their shields up as told, “Um… what are we doing?” asked Fluttershy.

Rather than answer verbally, Celestia powered up her magic, and her horn was glowing brightly. She enforced the magic heavily into all six shields…

…Just as the meteors fired.

“WE’RE GONNA BE TOAST!!!!” shouted Pinkie.

Celestia continued to enforce the power, and the huge, fiery blasts collided into them. The light was so bright that the Valkyries shut their eyes tight as the blasts struck their shields.

The heat was so intense it would have roasted them alive, but they hardly felt a thing… thanks to Celestia. She had cast a magical aura to reduce the heat, and at the same time grant power to the shields, enough to deflect the blasts right back at the two gators.

“NO!!!!” shouted Stammadon, and he braced himself for the upcoming blast, and at the same second, Lightning and Swift burst outside. “LOOK OUT!!” cried Lightning, and he held Swift close and enclosed them both in a barrier of uniforce as the blasts struck the two gators.

…The entire mountain top exploded, taking the remains of the temple with it!

Back in New Canterlot, all the gators stood together to combine their meteor attacks.

“Oh, no!” cried Starla.

“Oh, yes!” hissed Rai Shi, and he grabbed her from behind and held her in a strong grip, “You can now watch as my creatures obliterate your friends and your entire village!”

He was right. The battle had been going on for quite a while, and the rock gators had only grown in size and power, thanks to Rai Shi feeding them all more of the dark magic in the skies.

The Starfleet fighters and Spike were starting to run low, but they couldn’t let New Canterlot be destroyed.

Buddy, then looked way over at the army by the village perimeter, and saw Grand Ruler motioning at him to bring the team in closer-- that he had an idea!

“Come with me, guys!” said Buddy.

The others didn’t ask questions, and almost immediately caught on, and they huddled in towards the village entrance-- Spike standing tall, and the ponies fluttering over his head.

“What are they doing?” wondered Rai Shi.

Starla smirked, “I think I know!” but then she quickly stomped on his foot, making him shout and let her go.

Rai Shi roared and prepared to lung for her, when suddenly he was blasted at from above by powerful energy.

*Mykan’s POV*

Starla looked up and saw me flying up ahead, Shining Armor as Saber on the ground with Cadance in her Ninja form by his side.

“Thought you could use a little help...!” Saber called to Starla.

She smiled thankfully, and Cadance and I nodded at her.

Rai Shi was furious! “I’ll teach you to interfere!” and he roared and harnessed some of the dark power into himself to boost his strength.

“Oh, no you don’t!” I sneered, “SWORD OF PURE SOUL” I held up my sword to the sky, and the blade began to glow. “I may not be Surfer anymore, but I can still do this…!” and I pointed straight at the beast, and fired multiple shots of energy at him.

My blasts hardly seemed to faze Rai Shi, and he roared as he jumped up to punch me. Luckily I had my teleporter, and whisked off making him miss.

Saber then whirled his sickle-and-chain, and lassoed Rai Shi’s ankle, and slammed him hard down on the ground, and Cadance leapt in.

Rai Shi, broke out of the chain and began to attack at Cadance hard.

Rai Shi fought well, but Cadance, being the ninja she was, swiftly swerved and dodged his every swing, every attack.

Saber and Starla rushed in to make it three-on-one, while I stayed hovering overhead-- I wasn’t a skilled fighter like they were.

*POV Pause*

The Gators finished powering up, and unleashed their meteors-- combining the fiery power into one colossal fire-ball that fired towards the army.

“NOW…!!” Grand Ruler shouted to Luna, and he and his sister-in-law began to harness the energy that the army had been charging up, and focussed it all into one enormous blast, that shot against the giant fireball, and flung it up into the sky where it exploded in a colossal blast that lit up the skies brightly.

Everyone shielded their eyes from the brightness, even Starla, her teammates, and Rai Shi hit the dirt, and in the midst of it all, Spike and the super fighters began to feel strange.

“What’s happening?” Spike asked.

The lights faded, and everyone opened their eyes again. The army of fighters were astonished.

“Did you see that?”

“I can’t believe that just happened!”

“Cool!”

Grand Ruler and Luna were pleased, “…And that’s not all we did.” said Grand Ruler.

Spike and the Super Fighters were all feeling pretty strong, and fully re-energized.

“Hey, I bet all that energy did that to us.” said Artie.

Rhymey gripped his sword tightly,

“No more trouble in sight.
Now let’s give them a real fight!”

The twins agreed.

Rai Shi growled, “I think not! I’ll give my monsters every last bit of energy I can give them!!” and he raised his arms up to empower the gators, but he was tackled down by Starla, “Not this time you don’t!”

They began to brawl again-- Rai Shi against the trio of fighters, while Mykan continued to remain above.

Spike looked up at the darkness. Now that he was full re-energized, and the darkness weakened from all the fighting, his special ability was ready! “Time to get rid of this stuff for good!” he roared, and he leapt up into the sky!

“Do it, Spike!” shouted Starla.

More of the Starfleet fighters cheered Spike on and watching open his huge mouth, and then he unleashed his light flames at the darkness, infected it and causing it to disperse.

“What? No!!” cried Rai Shi “Without that darkness my monsters will--!!”

Indeed… as the darkness and the fear lifted, the gators began to grow weaker, and shrink down.

“The tables have turned!” said Grand Ruler “…It’s our game now!!”

While back on the mountain top, the smoke from the explosion had cleared. The entire temple was completely totalled-- blown into mounds of rocks and debris.

Lightning was alright, and he dispelled the barrier around him and Swift.

Poor Swift was panting heavily, scared out of his mind. That explosion was so massive, and so bright, it blew the whole mountain top to rubble.

“Hey!” Rainbow called as she and the other Valkyries fluttered down from the sky—where they had taken refuge from the explosion-- and landing before the men.

“Are you two okay?” asked Celestia.

Lightning was obviously fine, while Swift was still a little overwrought. “He’ll be fine.” said Lightning.

Suddenly, there was a noise from behind as the rocks began to shift and turn, and then… KAPOW!! Stammadon burst through the rubble, blazing with flaming aura, and sneering with such rage.

“…This is NOT over!!”

To Be Continued…!

(Promo)

In our final episode: Stammadon refuses to give in to defeat and battles fiercely with the fighters in their weakened state, and Swift tries desperately again to reach out to Striker’s inner spirit. Meanwhile, the battle continues on United Equestria, and just as things seem to go well for the heroes, something worse suddenly begins to arise!

Can our heroes finally do away with all this evil for good?!

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: Final Part: The Greatest Strength”)

Episode 1: Strength of Evil: Part 1

EPISODE ONE

Starfleet: The greatest fighting force in all the dimensional galaxy, headed by Lightning Dawn and his many friends. Together they had countless adventures, traveled to many worlds, made new friends, and also fought many great evils.

Even when then the world seemed at peace, Starfleet continued to train and remain on constant vigil for any new foes that would dare reveal themselves and to do no good.

Today, on planet United Equestria, was the first day of spring. All the snow had melted, all the animals were starting to awaken from hibernation, and flowers were blooming, but in the training grounds of New Canterlot Palace, new recruits to the force were doing their morning warmups, and sparing.

All were under the watchful eyes of Commander Lightning Dawn, Krysta, and their royal majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia, and they were growing quite concerned at what they were seeing…!

Recently, the new recruits had begun to slip up, and do poorly at their training-- they couldn’t seem to hold their stances, stay focussed on targets, or channel their inner strength and energy good enough.

“What’s the matter with them?” Krysta wondered aloud “Usually the new recruits are all peppy and willing to go through all this.”

“We already know what the trouble is,” said Lightning “…It’s their lack of confidence.”

Their majesties agreed, and Grand Ruler spoke, “Practically everyone on this planet knows of Lightning and his friends being Starfleet’s best fighters, and all the massive amount of evils they managed to defeat. They seem to feel that they will never be able to be as good as they are, and it’s slowing them up.”

Down below in the training yard, some of the cadets began to fumble and fall flat on their faces.

“No, no, no…!” cried the instructor “Come on cadets, try again.”

“What’s the point?” snapped one Equestrian pony “I’ll never be as good as Commander Lightning Dawn.”

Even a couple of Space Alicorns felt the same way, “He’s the least of our problems. His friends are all just as powerful.”

“They got the powers of Harmony, and Lightning can become an Enticorn. None of us could ever come close to that.”

The instructor took no pity with their whining “That’s fool talk! We don’t train whiners here in Starfleet we train you to be strong in body and in mind. Now you shake off this fool talk and you try again.”

So the cadets continued to train.

Lightning sighed with dismay at all this, “If those cadets keep losing their confidence, they’ll never make the force. They’d be useless in the fields and be easy targets for their enemies.”

Celestia looked down at the training yard and she could see one cadet who seemed to have loads of confidence.

…A white unicorn pony with a blonde mane. His name was Striker, and he wore dark navy blue armor, and his cutie mark drawing was that of a strong fist that was glowing, showing he was excellent in strength.

Striker was really at the top of his game. He never lost his balance, he hit every skeet target that came his way, but unfortunately he had a rather bad attitude, especially when it came to the sparring session.

He defeated his opponents so easily, mostly because he was facing the shaken cadets that couldn’t concentrate well, and he would even go as far as to tease them.

“Wimp!

Pathetic!

You’re all a bunch of silly weaklings. It wouldn’t surprise me if I made your superior right off the bat.”

This warranted much aggravation from his fellow cadets. One of them, who was not a shaken cadet even called him out on his attitude. “Hey! Give them a break! They’re trying their best.”

Striker glared nastily at the cadet, “Well maybe they’re just not trying hard enough. Maybe they just not strong enough like I am…”

A moment of silence followed, and then almost without warning, Striker jump kicked at the cadet, forcing him to defend himself and the two nearly engaged in an illegal brawl, but the instructors intervened.

“Stop this!” the head trainer shouted, and used his magic to halt Striker in mid-air. “What is your malfunction, Striker? You should know better than to start fights like that! Now hit the showers!”

Striker was set down, and growled at the instructors and his fellow cadet, but he went off as told.

Up in the palace, the gang was all livid at the attitude they had just seen. “Perhaps I spoke too soon.” said Celestia, and Lightning agreed, “Striker may have confidence, but that attitude of his leaves much to be desired to be accepted into Starfleet. All he seems to care about is strength and getting stronger, and he doesn’t get along well with others.

…I’m going to have to dismiss him.”

Grand Ruler placed his hand on Lightning’s shoulder, “Well said, Commander. We’ll leave you to it. Right now, we must go and prepare ourselves. We’re expecting a special guest today.”

“Oh, right… that queen from the planet Ainzul.” said Krysta.

Celestia nodded “Queen Mowaza, we plan to sign a treaty of alliance with her people, and she is coming to entrust us with a special task to help seal the contract. We aren’t sure what it is yet, but it sounds very important; serious even.”

Lightning and Krysta felt curious, but decided not to bother. For now, Lightning had his duty to do.

Later, after sundown all of Lightning’s friends and his family had come to help personally welcome the arrival of the queen.

“Oooh… this is so exciting!” cried Pinkie Pie as she leapt for joy.

“Easy, Pinkie Pie,” said Artie “We got to put on our game faces now.”

Rarity and Fluttershy were actually duplicate droids Professor Brain had built for them just as he did for Starla Shine the previous year. The ladies were six months pregnant, and had recently gone on maternity leave. This meant no fighting, no unnecessary space traveling, or super hyper activities.

The ladies were at home, controlling their droids by the control-systems.

Rhymey spoke to Fluttershy,

“If you want me to come home or if you’re feeling sickly,
Just say the word and I’ll be there very quickly.”

“Oh, honey, you’re worrying too much.” his wife answered through the droid “I’ll be just fine. Angel and the other animals are here to help me.”

Spike then opened his mouth to speak, but Rarity hushed him, “I’m just fine too, darling. You needn’t worry.”

“Yeah, but I’m worried anyway.” Spike teased.

Starla Shine was there in person, not wanting to miss such an important meeting. She had brought her and Lightning’s six-month old son, Shining Light with them, and dropping him off at the palace daycare.

She and Lightning held hands and felt happy for the couples, as it reminded them of how they felt when they were expecting their baby.

Buddy Rose smiled at them too.

“How’s Tree Hugger doing?” asked Starla.

“She’s fine too.” replied Buddy “I’ve never seen anyone so relaxed and calm while pregnant before. Even her mood swings are hip and soft.

Applejack’s folks are helping care for her while I’m here.”

Applejack giggled softly, “You should see how my Ma treats her. It’s like expectin’ another little foal, even when it ain’t hers.”

Suddenly the big doors opened, “Here come their majesties.” Said Rainbow Dash, and indeed, their majesties, with Princess and a royal guard escort with Captain Shaina came into the throne room.

“Aten-tion…!” Lightning said to his friends, and they all stood tall and straight in a line.

“Good, very good.” said Grand Ruler “We’re glad you’re all here to witness this event.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world, master.” said Lightning.

Suddenly, the royal fanfare sounded.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay’! It’s time!” cried Dyno.

“Si,” added Myte “This is so exciting, but he and the others maintained their stance.

The big doors at the other end of the throne room opened wide as the pony sentries stood to the side, and Captain Shaina and her knights stood to the right side of the red carpet, and Lightning and his team all stood at the other side and saluted.

The Ainzulian party came in. They were creatures that resembled anthropomorphic lions and tigers, and they were all dressed in Chinese-Like attire-- robes, armor…

The guards stepped in, and one of them announced, “Her royal majesty: Queen Mowaza, of Ainzul, to negotiate with United Equestria.”

A loud gong was sounded, and she came forth. Queen Mowaza: A beautiful beige lioness, with soft touches of gold streaks round the top her head, and yet her facial features made her seem nearly humanoid completely. She wore royal red kimono made of silk and satin sleeves with pictures of silver dragons all over. Two white sashes with red Chinese characters worn up and over each shoulder, and a golden headdress placed on her had with beaded strings, and soft curled spikes out the sides.

She bowed gracefully to everyone present. “Greetings, I am Mowaza.”

Everyone bowed to her, and their majesties extended their welcome to her. “We are glad you made it safely, your highness.” said Grand Ruler.

“As am I, too.” replied Mowaza.

“My wife, Queen Celestia,”

Celestia bowed, “My sister, Princess Luna.”

Luna bowed, “Our right hand fighter, Commander Lightning Dawn.”

Lightning bowed politely, “Your grace. We have prepared a welcoming banquet in your honor if you wish to partake.”

Mowaza nodded softly, “It would be my honor.”

Soon, the entire court was gathered in the large conference room deep in the palace. Everyone sat at their seats which forms a long curving table that arched all across the room. There were all kinds of foods, and drinks to go round, and as the guest of honor, Mowaza sat near the head of the table by their Majesties, where Lightning usually sat, so he sat with his wife and friends at the end of the table.

There was also entertainment; Goldwin, and the royal dancers performing special performances in honor of the queen. Wild disco dances with hula-hoops spinning on the floor with dancers inside and hanging on. Fire dances in which the dancers juggled burning torches while they danced.

Mowaza found the acrobatic dances to be her favorite, and she applauded graciously when the performance ended. “Thank you,” she said “I have not seen such amazing dance style.”

Goldwin bowed “Thank you, your majesty.”

After the feast, and final refreshments, Mowaza expressed her thanks, “For the food, and the entertainment, and the generous hospitality, I am grateful, but now I must explain things of business.

The people of my planet, Ainzul; once we were great fighters and warriors, but the times of war have faded, and we all have grown weary of these ways. We wish to retire from the ways of battle, and settle in peace and harmony.

However, this will leave us most vulnerable in the event of an invasion, and there will be those that would dare to take advantage of our peaceful ways.

We know of your Starfleet, and have heard the many stories of your victories. We wish to enlist that your warriors, be our new guardians, to provide us with protection, and safety for our new era.”

Rainbow thought that a very weird speech, “Sounds like their just too lazy to fight anymore.”

This earned her a nudge from Buddy “How can you say that!” he whispered. “They want to stop being fighters themselves and that’s fine, but they will need protection.”

“Peace…” Lightning whispered, and he remembered how blissful his home planet Harmonious once was, but because there were no fighters or armies to help protect them, the planet was doomed.

At least Ainzul had a chance to be both peaceful and protected still.

Grand Ruler addressed Mowaza, “As Commander-in-Chief, I submit that we will be honored to loan our services so that you and your people may continue to be protected.”

Celestia agreed to this as well, “However,” she said “You have mentioned that there being a condition to this treaty.”

“Yes,” said Mowaza, and she instructed her guards to “…Bring it forth.”

Her guards complied, and the doors to the room opened wide. One a large rolled up scroll.

Another guard came in carrying came in carrying a small white chest with ancient carvings on it, and a powerful seal sticker on the latch. This seal not only kept the box secure, but it rendered the box to be resistant to magic.

The conference was all in curiosity over all this, and Mowaza got up from her seat and stepped down to where her guards stood, and she bowed at the box and the scroll.

“Just what is the nature of all this?” asked Princess Luna.

Mowaza hesitated for a moment, and then answered “As I say… my people and I wish to let go of fighting and settle. In order to do so, however, we must entrust you with a great and important task.”

Everyone exchanged looks of concern with one another.

“Listen very closely.” said Mowaza “Over ten-thousand years ago, on my planet… there was a great evil…!”

She turned to her guard with the scroll, and the guard held the scroll up so that it fell open revealing a large ancient splash-panel painting; of an ancient Chinese like town being ransacked by evil creatures, and in the upmost center was a large hulking creature that had a large lion’s head, two dragon heads for hands, and the face of a huge bear as chest armor.

“…Stammadon!” Mowaza called him “He believed that only the strong and the mighty should rule, and those he deemed weak were to be erased. This lead him to become power-hungry, and a warmonger; using these as means to increase his own strength and rule over anything he desired.”

Grand Ruler and Celestia held hands, feeling outraged at such a creature and its lust for power, everyone else in the room felt the same way.

Mowaza continued with her story and motioned at the chest. “Brave Kung-Fu warriors of our world fought hard, channeling their inner pure strengths. Finally, they were able to capture and imprison Stammadon… inside this box.”

A moment of silence followed as everyone took a moment to let it all sink in.

“For all that time,” said Mowaza “The royal family had been charged with the honor and duty of guarding this, to ensure that Stammadon would never escape.

But now… that we are converting to the ways of peace and bliss, we can no longer carry out that task.

We know that you are of good nature, Starfleet, and our faith is with you as well.

We wish to entrust this task to you, if you will have it.”

Every face in the conference was fraught with mixed emotions; concern, fear, outrage at the thoughts of such an evil, but naturally they all agreed they should take the task.

“One thing Starfleet does is try to help other worlds by protecting them from evil.” said Lightning “It’s what we train for.”

Suddenly, they could hear a roughhousing going from the open doors, and the first thing they saw where the guards being knocked down by a very angry Striker, who then proceeded to march straight into the conference room.

“I spent five whole years training for Starfleet!” he thundered “You can’t just have me dismissed for no reason!”

“Agreed,” said Grand Ruler “But we HAVE a reason.”

Lightning agreed, and being the one who dismissed Striker, he addressed him next. “You on the other hand have no reason being here and barging in on this conference.”

Striker completely snapped and lunged for him; punching and kicking like crazy. “Has he gone mad?” asked Rarity. “I think he’s already crossed that line.” said Spike

Still nobody bothered to intervene, nor did their majesties even bother to sick the guards on Striker. They knew Lightning could handle him… and he did…!

Striker punched and kicked with all his might, but Lightning just stood where he was dodging each blow without even moving his feet, and then proceeded to block Striker’s attacks with one arm.

Totally enraged, striker leapt up high for his signature jump-kick move, but Lightning merely raised his hand and gave a small thrust forth with his fist sending a small shockwave along the air, knocking Striker down to the ground.

Striker looked up, angry and humiliated, but everyone just glared at him with extreme disappointment.

“Now, I give you this one chance,” said Lightning "Go now... or I'll arrest you."

Striker got up, still infuriated and seemingly obliged and headed for the doors, but at the last split second he turned and grabbed Mowaza holding her hostage “Nobody move, or she’s going to get it!” he thundered.

“Striker…! Stop this now!” thundered Celestia

“Shut up!!” thundered Striker, and then he noticed the box Mowaza held, not knowing of its contents, “What’cha got there?” and with his one free hand he tried to snare it away from her. “No! You mustn’t!” cried Moawaza!

“Stop him!” shouted Grand Ruler, and the guards and the friends rushed in, just as Mowaza broke free and dashed ahead with the box safe in her clutches.

“Give me that!” sneered Striker, but the guards and friends jumped all over him, and Lightning readied his capture blaster, “Hold him still!” and Starla, Buddy and Rhymey used their telekinesis to levitate him up high.

Try as he would struggle, even his strength and rage couldn’t hope to overpower the strength of the strongest Starfleet fighters. “Let me go!” he screamed. “No way!” sneered Lightning “You’re under arrest for attempted assault and hostile actions!” he powered up his blaster to capture him.

Even though Striker couldn’t break free of magic aura holding him, not with brute strength, he concentrated all he could, and fired a blast of magic from his horn, hitting Lightning’s blaster, causing him to accidentally shoot in the direction of Mowaza.

*Slow Mo*

The huge blast headed straight for her.

“NOOOOOO…!!” Lightning thundered, but Grand Ruler and Celestia quickly dove in and swiftly pulled her out of the way, just in the split of time, and the blast when sailing out the window, way out into the sky where it exploded harmlessly.

…But… in the panic, Mowaza ended up throwing the box way up high in the air, and because it was resistant to magic, none of the ponies could use telekinesis to grab it or shield it!

“Get it!!” cried Starla.

Rainbow soared up and managed to catch the box in her hands safely, landing on the ground with the thud.

*Regular speed*

“Save!” she cried.

Everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief, but Mowaze gasped, “The seal…!!” it was broken!!

The box began to rumble violently, and Rainbow threw it across the room.

POW!! The box burst open, and a huge burst of energy flowed out from it with the force of a hurricane. The force of the strong winds and shockwaves knocked everyone around, Grand Ruler and Celestia were knocked away, and even Striker was freed from the aura that held him as the other ponies got knocked away by the blast.

“I’m outta’ here!” Striker cried, and dashed he off.

“FREE!!” thundered a deep and evil voice “…I AM FINALLY FREE!!”

“Oh, no!!” cried Mowaza. The spirit of Stammadon turned, and a pair of glowing red eyes shone in the energy, glaring at her. “Mowaza!” he thundered “For many millennia I’ve been trapped and guarded by your family and heritage, but now that I am back, YOU will be disposed of first!”

“LOOK OUT!!” Pinkie Pie screamed as the evil spirit rushed in too fast for anyone to react.

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH…!!!” The force flew straight at Mowaza, knocking her with a strong hit that send her sailing hard into the wall, and she flat on the floor.

“The Queen!!” cried the gaurds.

Stammadon laughed, “Mowaza is defeated… the rest of you are not worthy of my time!” and he flew off with such a force, knocking everyone down in a gust of winds as he flew out the window and was gone.

Rarity and Fluttershy’s droids were malfunctioning, and had to be powered down and repaired at once. Everyone else wasn’t hurt too badly, but Mowaza lay where she was barely breathing.

“Queen Mowaza.” cried one of the guards.

Princess Luna dashed over to her, and felt her pulse. “She is getting weak. We must get her to sick bay!”

“Right, hurry…” said Grand Ruler, and quickly Mowaza was rushed to get help.

Lightning stared at the empty box on the floor, and angrily stomped his foot “URGH!!” and then he looked out the window wondering where Stammadon had gone.

Meanwhile, Striker wanted to get as far from the palace or New Canterlot as fast as he could go. He now stood in an open field outside the village, but he could still see the palace.

“What was I thinking back there?” he wondered shamefully to himself.

Then, suddenly, he felt the winds picking up and he felt he wasn’t alone either. This was confirmed when someone called out to him, “Striker…!”

Striker panicked and began to run, but that voice and those winds just kept right on his tail, chasing him into the open fields, finally catching up to him, and he screamed as he felt something take him!

Mowaza was in the sick bay, put on life support which stabilized her. “She’ll be all right now.” said the doctor “If you hadn’t brought her here she would’ve died for sure.”

Mowaza wearily opened her eyes, “Stamm… adon… he is free!” she whimpered “It is all my fault!”

Celestia hushed her and urged her to relax “No, no, don’t say that. It’s not who is to blame now, it won’t help things.”

Mowaza still felt bad, and really worried, “Stammadon will most likely return to Ainzul where he was originally captured. He will try and resurrect his army. My people will be in great danger!”

The doctor saw no choice but to sedate her to calm her, and she was resting softly, much calmer.

“Then we must go too,
That’s what we must do.” said Rhymey.

“He’s right…” agreed Applejack “It may not matter who’s fault it is; there’s no tellin’ what that brute’s up to. We can’t just let all those folks on Ainzul fall to his evil.”

Everyone agreed, and so did Lightning and Grand Ruler.

The planet Ainzul: A red and white planet in star-system ways east of United Equestria’s. The sky was always a shade of dusk red with white clouds. The populace was, as was said, a race of anthropomorphic lions and tigers and cat-like creatures, all dressed and lives in a Chinese like environment.

The Ainzulians knew nothing of what was happening, and were just going about their daily lives waiting for their queen to return, hopefully with good news.

While on the far side of the planet, atop a dark and foreboding mountain, there sat a large oriented temple, as big as a castle. This was the former base of operations of Stammadon, which had been abandoned for millennia since the war.

A lone figure trudged into the temple throne room. He seemed to be an ordinary creature, wearing black armor, paddings, and wearing a fluffy black cape on his back. He spoke in a very deep and darkened voice.

“It feels so good to be back.” he hissed, and then he gazed at the throne at the end of the room, or rather the large stone statues that stood all around it, four mighty guardians which were once his most loyal and obedient followers, turned to stone following his capture.

“Ah, my friends…” he hissed “Front and center!” he raised his hand and unleashed a small shockwave that broke the sticker seals on the statues, allowing the creatures to come back to life.

They were…

Rai Shi: A mighty muscular ape, who wore white pants, strong wristbands, and a strong kung-fu belt tied round his waste.

En Shi: A beautiful and stunning pony-like alien, nearly resembling that of Celestia, only she had no horn and no wings. She had a white coat, but with a strong hint of gray, a long voluminous light blue mane that didn’t seemed to flow like waves on the water, which was her elemental power-- ice and water-- and she wore a white armor vest across her body, with long boots that went past her kneecaps.

Kara Shi: A short, and stumpy looking little humanoid alien, who wore a samurai helmet but his size did not at all matter, for he was swift and as stealth as a ninja, and carried a small sword in his hand.

Tan Shi: A white tigress, Kung-Fu fighter, with sharp claws and fangs, and a strict face that would frighten anyone just by looking at it.

The Four Shis stretched out, and yawned like waking form a night’s rest, and then saw him staring at them.

“Why Stammadon…” said Rai Shi.

“Hmmm…” said En Shi as she looked her leader over “I must say, I like your new look.”

Stammadon approached his minions, “Sometimes you have to make the best with what you’ve got. Millennia of being imprisoned has worn me down, but now we can rebuild, and re-strengthen our forces.”

Kara Shi leapt with joy, “Oh, yeah! That’s what we’ll do, alright, and then we’ll show ‘em, won’t we.”

Tan Shi clunked him in the head with her paw, “Quiet, and let him talk.”

Stammadon stepped up to the throne, but didn’t sit and just stood with his back turned to his minions. “Begin preparations. It’s time we re-took this world, and did away with all those weak beings below.”

To Be Continued…!

(Promo)

In our next episode: Lightning and his friends set off for the planet Ainzul to help the populace, but the people refuse to believe and heed their warnings to leave their home world, which gives Stammadon the perfect chance to begin in onslaught for takeover.

Will Lightning and friends convince the people of Ainzul to flee, and what does Stammadon have in store for them all?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Strength of Evil: Part 2”)

(End Credits)

Episode 10: Part 1: Findings and Bindings

EPISODE TEN

It had now been two weeks since Lightning had taken Swift Star as his apprentice, and he was showing excellent improvement in his training.

Working at the farm with Applejack and Buddy Rose-- he would plow the fields using only his hands and wrists, and pull extremely heavy loads, like boulders, fallen trees, and all the other things that a normal pony wouldn’t be able to budge so easily, not even with Earth Pony strength.

Mining with Dyno and Myte helped him build muscle and dexterity. He was now able to punch large rocks into gravel with ease due to his excessive exercises and strength building.

Still, he was nowhere near that ready to take on heavy responsibilities that they all did yet. While his strength was improving, his speed and swiftness still required work as well as his focusing and believing in himself.

Today, he was training hard in the meadows; tasked with the challenge of taking a simple blue handkerchief away from Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash as they passed the cloth to and from each other while avoiding Swift’s advances.

“Come and get me.” Pinkie teased as she waved the cloth.

Swift charged at her, but Pinkie zipped away, and passed the cloth to Rainbow.

“Over here!” Rainbow called.

Try as he would, Swift couldn’t seem to catch her, or Pinkie. Neither of the girls was even using their full speed, and neither of them had to fly in the air due to Swift’s slacking.

“This is starting to get boring.” Rainbow said with a yawn.

“Are you kidding? I’m having loads of fun.” chuckled Pinkie, and she dodged Swift again and watched him fall flat on the ground.

“Aw, you’re trying so hard.” Pinkie said out of sympathy, and she prepared to just hand him the cloth.

“No!” Lightning snapped “Don’t give it to him. He must earn it himself.”

Swift was panting heavy, “I can’t… catch her… She’s too fast.”

Lightning remembered how he felt like that when Grand Ruler had trained him, but just like his mentor he said to swift, “That’s not the right attitude. You’ll never pass this test unless you learn to think more positive, focus more carefully… and STOP reacting to everything the girls do.”

Swift felt every ounce of Lightning’s harness sting him like a burning needle-- though it was pretty much a test of patience and courage which all Starfleet fighters were put through, and Swift did his best not to lose his cool.

Pinkie Pie wanted to intervene; saying that Lightning was being too tough, but Rainbow held her back and shook her head telling her not to. “Swift has to learn. We can’t go easy on him.”

Lightning then reached down to help his student up to his feet. The second Swift did, he couldn’t help it and tried to lunge for Pinkie’s cloth, but Lightning blocked him with his arm, causing him to crash face first!

Lightning sighed, “Your moves are too slow and your actions very predictable. These are why you are failing this challenge. You need to learn to relax more and focus on your objective, not blindly rush at it hoping to get it on the first try.”

Swift was starting to get frustrated, “Well how am I supposed to calm down? My cousin’s still off with those evil creeps.”

“Are you still on with that kick?” asked Rainbow “Look, we’re just as concerned with Striker as you are, but all this moping and whining about it isn’t going to help us get him back any faster.”

Swift still didn’t seem any calmer.

“Aw, I think what you could use is a big hug to help you calm down.” And she threw her arms around, squeezing him a little too tightly, due to being stronger than he was.

“Can’t… breathe…!” Swift groaned, and Pinkie let him go, “Sorry, I still get carried away.”

Lightning sighed, but then he had an idea of how to get Swift to loosen up a bit. “Come with me.”

Swift, heeding his mentor’s advice followed him. Pinkie and Rainbow came along too.

While on Ainzul, in the dark mountain temple, Stammadon had left and was nowhere to be seen…

Prior to this, he had instructed his minions,

“I am about to venture forth and find my new trainer. While I am out, I expect you all to continue the onslaught of our enemies. If you destroy them, that’s fine.”

En Shi didn’t really seem to care too much about that, she was outside training on the dojo battle ring-- martial arts she attacked targets that popped up all over the ring, and those that appeared in hoards, she blasted them with her Tsunami attack, and even practiced her dodging by unleashing her Hail Storm pellets up high, and served and evading them as they came back down on her. She successful dodged every single pellet and stood gracefully in a finishing pose.

Then suddenly she sighed and gazed off into space in a loving daze. She held one hand over her chest, “Even in training my heart craves the need for love and affection. It is beginning to feel more like a curse than a pleasure.”

Kara Shi saw her from within the temple, “She’s at it again. What is with her and this quest for love? We’re supposed to be on a quest for power.”

Tan Shi, standing casually and looking grouchy as ever simply muttered, “Do I look like I even care?”

Kara Shi held up a small paper En Shi had shown him earlier, “It’s hard enough she wants a mate; look at demands she wants…”

En Shi’s list of demands for the perfect mate read…

“My Ideal Match”

· 1: Above all else, he must be a potentially good fighter so that I may personally train him myself to fight by my side.

· 2: He must be a pony or pony like creature, identical to my own species, for I do not believe in mixed-matches.

· 3: He must be able to maintain good composure and a good sense of swift action.

· 4: He must be younger than I am so that may dominate him

· 5: He must have no prior existing relationship; I wish to be his first and only!

· 6: Apart from being handsome, he must have a smile that shines like the sun.

Kara Shi groaned, “I don’t know where in the galaxy to find anyone who can even make it past the first step.”

“That is not any of our concern.” said Rai Shi “Our loyalty is to Stammadon, and our orders to continue the onslaught. We shall do as we are told.”

Tan Shi snuffed “And who made YOU the head minion in charge?”

Rai Shi growled but didn’t protest. “We shall attack United Equestria at once, and we shall take a monster to back us up.”

“I’ve already got one,” said Tan Shi, and she snapped her paw fingers, and out came her beast; a female creature named Blastra! She wore a thick solid skirt that could launch her like a missile, and she had the power to cause massive explosions depending on how much fear energy she absorbed.

“I feel a big bang coming on.” the monster hissed, and she used some of the energy surrounding the temple to blow a huge hole in the floor; a small sample of her power.

Rai Shi and Kara Shi were impressed. “Let’s go.” hissed Rai Shi

Kara Shi called out to the dojo, “En Shi… get your head out of the clouds! We got a job to do.”

En Shi snapped out of her love fantasy and sighed, “Oh, well. I guess duty calls.”

Meanwhile, on the far side of Ainzul, Stammadon continued on his quest.

The skies were still dark and eerie, and swarming with lightning strikes ever since he had taken over the planet and that was how he liked it. “A world of darkness and despair,” he said to himself, “A world where only the strong can survive, and once I have met with my new master, I will be one step closer to bringing forth this reign on the entire galaxy!”

In his hands he clutched a single scroll, which doubled as both a map and a depiction of a creature of great strength, but ruthless in attitude in training thieves and warriors of darkness.

He had been sealed, long before Stammadon’s original reign, within a small tomb somewhere across the planet.

Stammadon felt confident this creature would help him, but just the same he knew to tread cautiously.

Lightning had taken Swift and the girls to Artie’s Art Gallery. Even though it was closed to the public, being close friends, Lightning and Co were permitted to come and go as they pleased, especially for the cause Lightning was giving.

“Why are we here again?” Swift asked.

“I told you,” replied Lightning “You need to learn to keep your cool and calm, and what better way than visiting an art gallery where it’s nice and quiet, and all these works can help you open your mind.”

“He’s right…” Artie said as he came out with another painting he had rented for the gallery. He hung it up on the wall. It was a beautiful painting of a bridge over a pond with lilies all around the water.

“Wow!” Pinkie exclaimed “Like it.”

Rainbow Dash wasn’t too much of a fan of art, but she felt, “Not bad, but it could use a sky thought.”

Swift looked at the painting, and couldn’t really feel much, “So what am I looking at exactly?”

Artie felt insulted inside, but Lightning explained “These artworks can help you find the inner concentration you need and help you focus better.”

“I don’t get it.” said Swift.

Artie then explained, “When you look at these paintings, you should see much more than just a simple picture; you should see beyond it.

Like this pond painting; think of yourself actually being there. The weather is warm, the grass is moist, the sounds of the water flowing. These are the things the artist was feeling when he made this.

And that’s what I do when I make my own creations. I think about the places or people I paint, and it helps relax me. This helps me learn to control myself better in battle too; I can keep calm, I can focus easier, and even helps me channel energy into my attacks.”

Swift tried harder and looked right at the painting and imagined just what he was told… and he could actually start to feel; it was like he was really there, at the pond.

“Everything suddenly feels… calm, quiet.” he said to himself “I could just stay here, and not have any worries.”

He suddenly could see a little frog at the edge of the pond, and he remembered catching frogs as a little colt. He waited patiently, and inched a little closer, and just as the frog made his leap, Swift caught it.

Then he opened his eyes, snapping back into reality, “Whoa.”

Artie and Lightning smiled at this, and Artie urged him to look around the gallery and try it some more.

Swift did as he was told, and he went off to explore the gallery. Pinkie and Rainbow joined him, admiring some artwork themselves, but the more Swift looked at each painting or sculpture-- had different fantasies each time.

While staring at a picture of flowers, he dreamt he was hunting for butterflies in a meadow, and just like before, he concentrated, focussed and made his catch flawlessly.

Even looking at a stone statue of a thinking pony, he began to imagine it was he himself on that pedestal; he was sitting by himself, in a space background with stars and nebulas all around him. He sat with that same pose as the thinker, and pondering deeply from what Lightning was trying to teach him.

“Stop reacting to everything the girls do.”

“Hey!” he suddenly said to himself “That’s something I learned at the Academy; even long before it.

…Instead of reacting to everything my target does… I should anticipate what it’s going to do.”

As Swift continued to just stand there, Lightning gazed at him from the end of the hall when the others came along.

“You okay?” Artie asked.

Lightning sighed, “He’s coming along great with his training, but he still had so much to learn. Sometimes I wonder if maybe I’m pushing him too hard. I keep forgetting he’s still young.”

“Yeah, I don’t think sixteen is that young.” said Rainbow “But even still, you know you can’t go easy on him. Fighting evil, saving the world-- it’s a way rough world. You need to be tough for it.”

She began to pose for battle and softly punched and kicked the air around her.

“I remember how hard you guys were on us when we joined the force.” said Pinkie Pie.

“Ha!” scoffed Artie “You girls had it easy. Not like the way WE trained back on Unicornicopia.”

Pinkie and Rainbow rolled their eyes, but they knew he was right in many ways. Then Artie consulted Lightning, “Swift will do just fine. You’re teaching him well, and it’ll all be worth it in the end, just like it was for all of us.”

Lightning could only nod in agreement.

Suddenly, there was a huge banging sound followed by a loud rumble that shook the gallery. Some of the paintings tipped off balance on their hangers, and Swift snapped out of his trance. “What was that?” he asked.

“Sounds like it came from outside!” cried Rainbow.

Suddenly, Krysta warped her way into the gallery. “Lightning!” she called “It’s the Four Shis!”

Lightning’s featured hardened, “Come on guys!” and he and the team rushed out just as the alarms finally sounded.

Swift, acting on impulse rushed out with them, but Artie stopped him at the doors. “Oh, no you don’t! This is way beyond your league. You just help the people get inside where it’s safe.”

“Right!” agreed Swift, and he proceeded to help guide nearby civilians into the gallery before the barriers activated.

Then he watched as his mentors transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

Swift thought it looked so cool, and he felt a little down that he wasn’t ready to don the suit and be part of the real action. Nevertheless, he continued to help others inside just as the barriers came on.

However, he saw several ponies still outside, especially little children, and now that the barriers were up, they couldn’t get inside where it was safe.

Of course, his nerves got to him again, and though he knew he had to do the sensible thing and let the Starfleet sentries handle it; he rushed through the barrier-- which didn’t stop him from going out, and set to work helping the ponies get to a safer place.

The sentries soon arrived and helped him, and Swift got helped one last pony in the area. “Get her to safety quick.” Said Swift “I’m going to check to see if there are any others we missed.”

“No, wait!” called the sentry, and the guard used his magic to halt swift where he was, “You’ve done enough. You should get to safety yourself.”

Swift struggled and fussed but he couldn’t break free of the guard’s magic.

Suddenly, there was another explosion and the ground shook hard. The very earth began to crack into a small fissure and wall of thick and very solid ice burst from the ground, making a wall between the large separating of Swift and the guard.

With the wall of ice between them, the guard could no longer keep Swift targeted, and Swift was released, but more ice walls appeared surrounding the large vacant area of the town. The ice reached super high, too high for Swift to leap up and out of in his current level of training.

“I gotta get out of this!” he said to himself, and he swung back hard and punched at the ice… only to discover it was much thicker and strong than he thought, and he hurt his hand a little. “Note to self!” he groaned while nursing his hand “Use feet next time.”

Still the pain didn’t last long thanks to his strength being higher than normal, and he got right back up and began to kick at the ice hoping to break through it.

While a little ways away from him, the Four Shis stood glaring at Lightning and the other three.

“Only four?” teased Rai Shi “Pity, were looking forward to trashing your entire team.”

“You’ll get that chance after all!” Starla shouted as she and the rest of the team arrived on the scene, compliments of Krysta warping them all to the danger zone. Fluttershy’s droid had appeared, but Rarity’s had not as she was still on prohibition while hospitalized.

“Glad you made it.” Lightning said to Starla “And thanks, Krysta.”

Krysta winked at him.

En Shi snickered, “Predictable.” And she then unleashed a strong wave of watery magic to form an actual dome barrier of water energy over the large fence of ice she had created, thus sealing anyone and everyone inside the dome. “Good thing I’ve been training hard with my magic.”

“We’re trapped in!” cried Applejack.

Kara Shi laughed “Yeah, that’s the whole point. We lure you all out… we trap you in an impenetrable dome… and now we can destroy you all in one easy fight!”

Lightning clenched his fists, “When are you creeps going to learn-- you can never defeat us! Starfleet always wins.”

The other fighters nodded in agreement.

“Well, this time we’re going to prove you wrong.” sneered Tan Shi, and she snapped her fingers for Blastar to emerge from the ground with her rocket thrust firing to keep her in flight. “We’re going to blow you all to smithereens!” she thundered.

The fighters could tell this fight would be tough, especially being sealed within the dome. “Krysta!” Lightning called “Go fetch the sentries, see if they can find a way to break this barrier from the outside.”

Krysta agreed, but her teleport magic didn’t work. “What?” she groaned.

“Sorry,” hissed En Shi “You’ll need to do a little better than that to escape my thick ice prison. It’s so thick that magic can barely penetrate it.

You’re trapped in for the long fight. No comes in, and no one leaves until you’re all destroyed.”

Rai Shi snickered, “You see, there is going to be no escape for you this time. Now let us fight!!”

Left with no alternative, the fighters decided to go for it.

Lightning, Starla, and Rainbow fought against Rai Shi, all three of them rushing straight for him, but he zipped out of the way, ready to tackle them all from any place at any moment.

“Get ready!” said Lightning “Now!” and he and the others scattered, causing Rai Shi to miss and punch the ground hard.

“Attack!” shouted Starla.

“Here we come!” added Rainbow, but as the trio came rushing in, “ROCKET BOOM” Blastar zoomed in, striking them all hard by surprise, and knocked them all to the ground.

“And here’s another incoming!” Blastar hollered, “BOMBS AWAY!” and she magically conjured small round explosives that pelted the trio hard, making small explosions fly everywhere.

Lightning and the others got up again.

“What? You’re still standing?!”

“It takes more than that to keep us down.” sneered Rainbow, and then she was punched hard by.

Then suddenly Tan Shi leapt in, “Then I’ll give you more!”

She roared like the tiger she was and lunged for Rainbow who zipped away, causing Tan Shi to miss, and then she was lassoed by Buddy’s Vine Whip and Applejack’s rope.

“Grab a tiger by the tail.” Applejack teased.

“Good one.” said Buddy.

Tan Shi roared furiously and stretched herself free, then pulled on the ropes and punched the two ponies down. “How pathetic!” she remarked.

Buddy and Applejack shook off the pain and bolted back up to their feet and glared the tigress down.

“Don’t forget me!” Pinkie squeaked as she joined her friends.

Tan Shi extended her claws, and licked them in a threatening manner. Then she leapt in to attack the trio all at once.

The trio punched, kicked, and Buddy cracked his whip at her, hitting her in the face but hardly damaging her much as Tan Shi’s fury seemed to be spinning out of control.

“Whoa!” Applejack snapped as she back flipped away, dodging a swipe! “She’s madder than a mother cow bein’ branded!”

“It’s scary!” peeped Pinkie, and she leapt up high as Tan Shi took a dive at her.

Buddy then lassoed her wrists together again holding her in place, “LEAF SWARM” bombarding her with his leaves, and this gave Pinkie and Applejack their shot and they both jumped in to kick at her, but with her legs still free, Tan Shi booted them hard sending them both crashing into the solid ice walls.

“Oooh, that hurt!” groaned Pinkie as she rubbed her head.

“We’ve gotta get this of this here barrier!” sneered Applejack.

The Spanish Twins and Spike stood ready and nodded at one another.

“DRAGON BREATH!”

The Twins held their hands together and used their finisher, “BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

But as their flames blasted at the ice, “TSUNAMI” En Shi unleashed her strong watery wave dousing the flames and pushing the trio back. She glared sinisterly at the fallen trio, “…Ice try, boys…

…HAIL STORM!”

She bombarded them with her powerful ice pellets. The boys dodged as best they could but got struck several times.

“What’s going on!” groaned Dyno.

“Her ice attacks feel stronger!” said Myte.

“It must be something to do with all this ice she’s put up.” suggested Spike.

En Shi snickered softly, “Took you long enough to figure that out. Yes, when surrounded by ice or moisture, my water and ice attacks increase many fold.” and she rushed in to attack!

The trio leapt back in different directions, and spike got out his Dragon Knight Saber. “Party time!” he growled, and he and the twins rushed in attacking En Shi from all corners, but En Shi gracefully ducked, swerved and blocked their every attack with her arms, legs and even her strong tail from behind.

Spike came down to slash at her with his sword, but she blocked him with her wrists alone, flicked him up and kicked him hard in the chest.

The twins then grabbed her by each of her arms to hold her down.

“You’re going down Chica!” sneered Dyno.

“Way down!” added Myte, and they gave her a huge toss throwing her hard, but En Shi recovered nicely and landed on her feet. “I must say, you’re both pretty strong, but neither of you are right for me.”

The twins were confused, but the brawl continued.

While Artie with his Staff and Rhymey with his sword fought against Kara Shi, with Fluttershy as back up.

Three against one, but Kara Shi managed to keep it any even fight with his swiftness and stealth. He parried their weapons and Fluttershy’s droid’s metal fists.

Still the trio fought hard, and Rhymey managed to catch Kara Shi off guard and slashed at him. Sparks flew, and Kara Shi rolled on the ground.

“Take that,
…Splat!” Rhymey taunted.

“Why you--!!”

Suddenly he was grabbed by Fluttershy’s droid and he dropped his sword. “You’re not going anywhere.” Fluttershy growled at him “Get him!” she called to the boys.

Artie and Rhymey nodded and clinked their weapons in a cheer before rushing at the two, but suddenly Fluttershy’s droid began to quiver and her grip began to weaken allowing Kara Shi to slip through and zip off, quickly grab his sword, “SHOCKER SLASHWAVE!”

“Watch it!” shouted Artie. He and Rhymey managed to sprint out of the way as the shockwaves were fired, but the droid didn’t seem to move and got hit hard.

Rhymey gawked in horror, and his wife called out to him through the droid’s failing voice. “Rhymey, I’m losing power!” and the droid went completely dead.

Back at home, Fluttershy’s visor-screen flashed red, with a sign blinking “CONNECTION ERROR”

“No!” she cried as she hammered on her controls, but the droid would not start up again.

“It’s the ice wall!” cried Artie “It must be too thick for the signal to get through clear enough.”

The droid just lay flat on the ground, and Kara Shi snickered “Looks like that’s one down.”

Infurated, Rhymey glared at him, “DRILL QUILL” and unleashed his feather missiles at him.

Kara Shi whirled his sword like a propeller, defending himself from the barrage.

“I’ll get him!” said Artie, and he rushed in to tackle the samurai, “ROCKET BOOM!” Blastar intercepted him; bashing him hard and sent him skidding along the ground.

“I know this comes as a blow…” the monster teased at him, “BOMBS AWAY!” and she bombarded him with a barrage of explosives. Artie bolted upright and whirled his staff, defending himself just like Kara Shi did.

“This isn’t getting us anywhere!” he called out to anyone who was listening.

“He’s right.” agreed Starla “We’ve to bring this barrier down! Then we’ll have more room to fight.”

“Ha!” scoffed Rai Shi “Wishful thinking, but I am doubting you will be succeeding!”

“He’s right!” Lightning thought “Even we get any clear openings to try and attack the barrier, one of the minions or the monster will try and stop us. These guys certainly knew what they were doing when they lead us into this trap.”

Still, he tried to blast the ice wall with the Uniforce, but Rai Shi went straight at him, forcing Lightning to dodge, unable to power up enough. This also guaranteed he wouldn’t be able to power up enough to go Enticorn either .

“PULSAR LASER”

Starla fired at the wall of ice causing it some damage, but Rai Shi lunged at her forcing her to dodge, and “Starla!” Lightning called as he rushed in to help his wife.

“My turn!” said Rainbow “SONIC RAINBOOM!” and she zoomed forth to ram the wall, only for Tan Shi to leap down on top of her head, knocking Rainbow to the ground, skidding to a halt. Rainbow struggled to her feet and rubbed the dirt from her face.

While all the battles were going on… Far, far away from the action Swift Star was still trying desperately to beat his way through the ice, unaware that his panicking and worrying was actually feeding the villains more strength.

“Come on!” he growled “Got to… break this… ice down!” and he kept on kicking at the wall, making it crumple softly. “Keep going! Never give up!”

The more he kept attacking the barrier, the more the ice crumpled.

Finally, the two sides-- the Shis and Blastar and the fighters-- regrouped and glared each other down. Both sides having fought a lot, but the fighters were feeling a little beat from al the beatings they had taken, while the Shis and the monster weren’t looking nearly as tired.

“The inner fear and doubt you give only strengthens us and our monster.” sneered Tan Shi.

Kara Shi felt the strength within him growing. “Strange, I feel a little extra strength coming on though, but I like it anyway.”

Buddy was panting softly, “If anyone has any ideas, now would be a great time to tell.”

Lightning winked at him and motioned softly behind him where Krysta was hiding right behind his back and Krysta blinked her eyes at the others in Morse code. “Just play it cool, and if my idea works we can turn the tables on these creeps!”

The fighters didn’t respond her, not wanting to give themselves away, but they hoped for the best.

Krysta’s plan was the guys were goad the villains into attacking them all at once, and then warp the team out of the way at the last second so the villains would only attack each other, which would give the team the perfect chance to powerful, and attack the villains in a huge barrage of attack-after-attack-after attack, which would hopefully weaken them enough to finally capture them all.

“So, do you admit defeat yet?” Blastar called to them.

“Not a chance!” growled Lightning “As long as we’re still standing, we’ll still fight you monsters off.”

The others all nodded in agreement, and the villains snickered.

“You have much more honor than we thought.” said Rai Shi “But your foolishness will be your undoing.”

The minions and Blastar all powered up ready to strike them all at once, “Get ready Krysta.” Lightning whispered down at her.

Krysta nodded and readied her wand.

Suddenly, En Shi noticed out of the corner of her eye, “What…?”

The villains and the fighters all turned and could see way off on the far end of the ice barrier, “Swift Star!” cried Lightning.

“What’s he doing here?!” asked Rainbow.

“I told him to stay in the gallery!” grumbled Artie.

Swift was panting heavily, but after all that time he had dug through the ice wall pretty deep; all it needed was one final hit. “Focus!” he told himself “Focus hard and concentrate!”

He began to relax his insides and his mind like he did in the art gallery, thinking of all those calm and lovely places, while clenching his fists tightly.

Then feeling a burning of strength suddenly igniting inside of him, he leapt up high and came down hard with a thundering roar.

“STOP HIM!!” shouted Rai Shi.

Blastar quickly fired her rocket and zoomed towards Swift, just as Swift came crashing down hard on his target.

WHAMM!! That one his broke right through the weakened ice, causing it to start cracking and crumpling all around and the walls began to break open.

Large shards ice and huge boulders began to fall from above.

“AVALANCHE!!” cried Pinkie

The big water barrage atop the dome began to flood in as well in a huge splash, forcing Lightning to, instead, create a huge uniforce dome to shield himself and his friends.

“LOOK OUT!” cried Kara Shi as he and his comrades got splashed by the wave and the walls completely crumpled, washing Blastar in a huge watery wave.

Swift them screamed as a big ice boulder came down on him, “Oh, no!”

CRASH!! It seemingly crushed him.

When all had ceased, Lightnign dispelled his barrier.

The villains were all drenched, feeling like a mountain had fallen on them, but they were still standing nonetheless.

“What a washout!” groaned Kara Shi.

Tan Shi and Rai Shi were furious, but En Shi just continued to stare at the spot where Swift stood, and then to her astonishment she the big ice boulder shift as Swift actually punched his way through it, breaking it to bits.

“He sure seems strong, but as strong as the others.” she muttered to herself. She also noted he was a pony, younger than she was too.

Blastar then got up, soaking wet. “My rocket!” she growled. All that water had doused her out, and she glared furiously at Swift.

“Uh, oh,” he whimpered.

“Swift!” cried Lightning and he tried to rush over and save his student, but the other three Shis blocked his way. “We’re not finished with you yet!” growled Tan Shi.

The three of them lunged at Lightning, forcing the other fighters to assist him.

“Krysta!” Lightning shouted “Get Swift out of here!”

“Right…!” Krysta agreed, and she fluttered over to where swift was confronted by the monster, while En Shi still didn’t budge, until her comrades called out to her.

“En Shi!” Rai Shi shouted.

She snapped out of her trance and joined her comrades in the battle.

While Swift nervously backed away from the approaching monster, and his fear and doubt was giving her strength again to restart her rocket.

“Yes!” hissed Blastar “Feed me your fear.”

Swift then tried to make a break for it, but Blastar found her speed again and zoomed up in front of him. Swift tried to run again, but Blastar blocked him. He wasn’t fast enough in training to make a good get away from her.

It was actually his own fear, as well as his weariness that blinded him to forgetting about his training that day to NOT react to everything the monster did.

“Don’t come near me!” he suddenly declared “I’m Lightning Dawn’s personal student. Harm me, and I’ll get you! He will!”

The monster seemed unmoved, “Your mentor as you see is a little tied up at the moment.”

She motioned at the big brawl between the team and the Shis duking it out like crazy. Many blows were exchanged and taken, and still neither side was looking ready to fall.

“Get a good look.” hissed Blastar “I’m about to blow you up, and then your comrades will follow.”

Swift was on the verge of freaking out, but as Blastar prepared for her attack, he suddenly remembered and thought, “Wait… if I know a creature like her, she needs to call out her attack to make it work.

That’s it! I can anticipate her actions!”

“I’m coming Swift!” Krysta called and she prepared to warp him

“BOMBS AWAY” Blaster shouted, but just as she unleashed her bombs, Swift saw his chance and leapt away hard, at the same moment Krysta fired her warp magic at where he was, causing her to miss her target and strike the ground. The resulting flash wave forced the bombs to explode right in Blastar’s face making her scream, “AAAAAHHHHHHH….!!”

The villains and the fighters looked over and saw the commotion.

“What’s goin’ on over there?” snapped Applejack

Never minding it, while the villains were distracted, the other fighters saw this as their chance.

POW!! Rai Shi was punched hard by Lightning and Starla.

Rhymey and Spike swung their swords at Kara Shi, slashing him hard and causing a big explosion.

Applejack, Pinkie and Rainbow kicked Tan Shi hard in the gut sending her skidding along the ground.

And finally, Buddy and Artie nodded at one another and struck at En Shi with their finishers.

“WHIPLASH STRIKE!”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN!”

KAPOW!! En Shi was hit hard and knocked high off. But she was not defeated due to not being weak enough.

She landed right near her comrades where they all lay, but then she gazed over at where the monster lay unconscious after getting bombarded in the face by her own explosives. She didn’t explode due to not being hit by a finisher or strong enough attack, but she was down cold barely moving.

“Did he just beat her?
Really defeat her?” asked Rhymey.

“He did!” said Lightning in astonishment.

Swift himself was astonished as well, “I did it! I actually beat a monster.” and he smiled proudly with glee “THIS IS AWESOME!!”

…A smile that shined like the sun… En Shi slowly got to her feet gazing at him as her insides melted away and her heat beat wild. “That’s it. He’s the one!”

“What?” snapped Rai Shi “What are you talking about!”

En Shi ignored him and began to slowly move towards Swift.

“Hey!” Lightning shouted and he rushed to attack her, but En Shi turned round, “TSUNAMI!” hitting him and the other fighters hard with her wave.

Lightning shouted out as he drifted along “Krysta…! Get him out of here!”

Krysta agreed, but before she could raise her wand, En Shi froze her in a huge ball of ice and kicked her to the side.

Swift gasped, and then felt all his courage and glee change back into fear as En Shi was now standing right before him.

Strangely though, seeing her close, he did think she was rather attractive, but still frightening, and he knew he didn’t have a chance against her.

However, En Shi gazed down at him with a loving expression and then, she scooped him up over her shoulder declaring “Starting today you will be mine and mine alone.”

“Wait! WHAT?!” shouted Swift.

The other Shis were just as shocked as he was.

“She can’t be serious!” wailed Kara Shi, but En Shi was very serious as she carried Swift with her, “Come, let me take home where we can be alone. Be a good boy now.”

“No! Help me!” Swift shouted “Commander! Someone…!”

Lightning and the others had just recovered from the waves, just in time to see En Shi give Swift a small tap to his head knocking him out cold and making him easier to deal with. “Aren’t you adorable.” she cooed, and then she vanished with him.

“SWIFT!!” Lightning cried.

The other villains were still in shock. “What does she think she’s doing?!” growled Tan Shi.

This could not be ignored, and the villains decided to retreat and try to stop En Shi.

“Until next time!” growled Rai Shi before he vanished along with the others and at the same moment Krysta found her strength to break out of the ice ball. As freezing as she was, she noticed the villains were gone, the monster was still unconscious, but Swift. “Oh, no!” she cried “Did they take him?”

The others were all shaking with worry, outrage, sadness, unable to believe what just happened, but none felt as Lightning; his body quaking with anger and worry, and he shouted right up into the sky “SWIFT STAR------!!!”

While back on Ainzul, Stammadon had found what he had been searching for, and confirmed it with his map.

“This is where you lie after you were defeated in battle.” He hissed as he observed the rock formations of the tomb. It was atop a plateau, surrounded by rocky pillars and a large sarcophagus bound with enchanted chains lay in the center.

A stone caring on the top of the box matched the creature on the map, fully confirming this was what Stammadon had come for, and he began to charge up his power. “With my vast strength, I undo this seal of the ages. Awaken from your imprisonment to aid me!”

He blasted at the chains, shattering them off. All at once the area began to quake as the rock pillars crumpled, and the box began to glow and tilt upright.

The box then vanished in a bright flash forcing Stammadon to cover his eyes from the brightness, and when all had ceased, there he stood: A tall a monstrous creature wearing a red and black chang pao with a symbol of a fiery dragon inscribed on the front, coated with black armored platings on the shoulders, arms, and gauntlets, and topped off with a small red cape with a gold lining.

He had two large bull horns, a flat but solid face mask covered his mouth with a long solid beard sticking out and dropping to his chest, and in his hand he carried a long red staff that had a small spiked ball on both ends.

“I am Master Ka Hotake! Overlord of the raids and king of all thieves, for many centuries I had plundered and conquered all that I desired, until I had been sealed by the warriors of Ainzul.” he then glared at Stammadon “Why do you release me?”

Stammadon bowed, “I know that you are indeed a strong master, and wish you to train me. From this moment forth I pledge to you my allegiance. Teach me your ways so that I may grow stronger and wiser!”

Ka Hotake gazed deeply at the groveling creature before him, not knowing who he truly was; he could sense the darkness within him. “You are a creature of vast strength, and your heart is as dark as night itself, but I can see you still are held back by another force… that of the creature who’s body you inhabit.”

Stammadon felt tense and worried he wouldn’t get his chance after all.

“However, since you have released me, I shall give you a test to ensure you are worthy of my teachings.”

He waved his staff around causing the rocks all around to rise up which he then bombarded Stammadon with forcing him to rise up and defend himself.

Stammadon punched and kicked the rocks to dust, skillfully swerving and dodging more, even leaping on top of many that came at him and using them like stairs.

Finally, a huge boulder more than five times the size of Stammadon came down from above, and he roared like a mighty lion and blasted the rock with his magical waves, blowing it into gravel dust before landing before Ka Hotake, whom was very impressed.

“You have good potential.”

Stammadon simply stood where he was and didn’t even bow, that was went Ka Hotake came at him in a sudden lunge, and the two fighters put up a sparring brawl.

Ka Hotake punched, kicked and wielded his staff while Stammadon dodged and blocked his every strike, until he zigged when he should have zagged, and got hit hard by a spike tip of the staff, sending him soaring up high, but he managed to straighten himself out and land gracefully on his feet.

“Hold!” snapped Ka Hotake “You are indeed a worthy fighter, I believe that I can teach you to be better, but it will take much if we are to make good use of the body you inhabit, for it holds you back with its size and the feelings that dwell deep within-- the goodness and purity of the one that was.”

Stammadon bowed to him, “Tell me what I must do, Master Ka Hotake.”

Ka Hotake approached his new student, “We have much to do if we are to purge you of that which binds you down. Only then will you be able to attain true darkness and the power you seek.

Come, let us begin!”

He took Stammadon by the hand, and the two villains leapt off the plateau, to begin their training.

To Be Continued…!

(Promo)

In our next episode: En Shi is determined to have a romance with Swift Star who finds himself hopelessly trapped within the villain’s lair. Lightning and friends plan to once again infiltrate Ainzul and free their friend, but they come across Stammadon and new master, which prove to be most dangerous.

Can Swift survive his predicament, will the heroes manage to rescue him while overcoming the growing dangers ahead?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next episode: Part 2: Intimate Intimidation”)

Final episode: Final Part: The Greatest Strength

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…!”

The great battle began in New Canterlot. The Starfleet fighters put a valiant effort, but Rai Shi constantly empowered his forces with more energy to enhance their strengths which put the heroes at a serious disadvantage-- a disadvantage soon which turned the tables on the villains to give the fighters another chance. Meanwhile, on Ainzul, the battle waged on, and both Tan Shi and En Shi were captured, and in the ensuing battle created a large explosion that blew the top of the mountain away, and while the fighters may have survived… so had a furious Stammadon!

FINAL EPISODE

Stammadon glared furiously at the fighters with his flaming aura burning brightly. “You may have beaten my minions! You may have destroyed my temple… But I still stand.

Now I shall have the honour of destroying you all myself!!”

Swift stepped forth, “No! No more!”

Stammadon grunted.

“Striker, please… I know you can hear me! You’ve got to fight for control!”

Stammadon then began to groan and moan as he clutched his head and felt his control weakening again.

“It’s working!” cried Rarity, but she soon ate those words as Stammadon regained control, and roared.

“Well, looks we’ll have to fight him after all.” said Rainbow. The others all agreed, and Lightning told Swift to stay down.

Swift looked up at him though, worried for his cousin, and Lightning assured him, “…If we have to-- try to be brave.”

Swift agreed, and stayed down amongst the rubble.

Lightning then leapt out before the valkyries, “We tried to reason with you, but if this is how you want it, so be it!”

The fighters stood ready, and Stammadon then roared and leapt in.

“Get him!” shouted Celestia.

Lightning threw a punch, and Stammadon blocked it with his arm, and kicked him back. The valkyries then proceeded to attack with their swords, but Stammadon, using his amazing kung-fu skills, managed to dodge their attacks, block them, and proceed to punch, kick and bash the valkyries away.

“It’s no good!” cried Fluttershy “We used up a lot of our power deflecting the meteors!”

“We have to keep tryin’!” hollered Applejack.

“Ha!” scoffed Stammadon “Your one fatal weakness is my greatest strength-- my power can never be depleted!” he demonstrated by absorbing more of the dark power in the skies to re-energize himself.

“No! He’s back to full-power!!” shouted Lightning.

“This is not good!” cried Pinkie.

Stammadon laughed as his aura burned brighter than ever. “Still think you can win?!”

“We don’t think! We know!!” said Celestia. Lightning agreed, “We’ve never given up before, and now isn’t going to be any different!”

Stammadon snickered, “BLAZE OF THE FLARE KING” His flames were much hotter with his enhanced strength, and KAPOW… caused such an explosion that blew all the fighters about to Swift’s horror.

The fighters were weak, though not beaten. Lightning was not able to go Enticorn, having used up too much of his power already and the valkyries began to worry as well-- with their own powers running low, they would need to save every bit they had left if they wanted to try and save Striker.

Stammadon stood ready for more! “Who wants to be destroyed first?”

Swift then stood up. “STRIKER…!!” he shouted.

“Swift Star…!” snapped Lightning.

Stammadon turned to face him, “This does not concern you now!” and he raised his hand and fired a blast.

“SWIFT…!!” shouted Lightning, and he sprinted over and tackled his student out of the way just in time.

KAPOW!! The blast made a big explosion, sending rocks flying all over. The valkyries raised their shields to protect themselves.

Lightning and Swift were fine, but Swift got up immediately, and jumped out into the open, “Swift… No!” shouted Lightning.

“You still refuse to stay down?!” sneered Stammadon.

The valkyries tried to rush over and help him.

“STRIKING FORCEWAVE” The valkyries were blown across the rocky field.

“…Okay, that hurt!” groaned Pinkie.

Stammadon and Swift stood at opposite ends of clear grounds, away from the rubble.

Much as Lightning wanted to get up and save his student, he just let him stand there. He was still ready to act anyway. “Come on, Swift… do it!” he muttered.

Stammadon began to stomp towards Swift, and Swift just stood there. “I’m not going to move!”

Stammadon growled, “Then you shall be destroyed all the easier!”

Swift remained still, “No… that’s not going to happen, because you won’t do it!”

“Foolishness!”

“No! You won’t do it! Striker would never want to destroy me! He’d never want to destroy anyone! I know him that well!”

“Your cousin, is no more!” growled Stammadon “He has fallen to my mighty strength just as you will now, and your pitiful friends will soon follow!”

Swift said nothing more, and finally Stammadon was there right before him. He seemed to be hesitating, but he grabbed him by the shoulder, and raised his other hand, ready for the kill.

“Swift!” cried Rarity.

“Get out of there!” shouted Rainbow.

Stammadon then seemed to be struggling and couldn’t seem to finish his attack.

Everyone else gawked in awe.

“I think it’s working…!” said Fluttershy.

“You didn’t do it.” said Swift with a smirk “And you can’t!”

“I… will…! I must!!”

Stammadon began to groan and moan as he fell to his knees clutching his head worse than ever.

“You’re still in there.” said Swift “You’re still fighting!”

“No!!” he thundered “I am Stammadon!! I am not some weak pony!!!”

“You’re just some evil force controlling my cousin! Now get out of him!!”

Striker’s real voice was then heard, “Help me…! I can’t… hold him… down!”

Stammadon’s voice was heard, “Cannot… stop… me…! I am… the… strongest!!”

Lightning then stood, and blasted Striker’s body with a low level charge of uniforce, not to destroy him, but just to weaken him a little more physically.

“No!! Stop!! Let me go!!” thundered Stammadon, but Striker’s force was now growing stronger thanks to Lightning’s power.

“Valkyries…!” Lightning shouted “Now’s your chance! Do it now!!”

“Right!” snapped Celestia “Come along ladies!”

The valkyries all stood and summed up all the magic they could into their swords, which they joined together once more.

“Swift… get out of there!” called Rainbow.

Swift leapt away as the bright lights began to shine from the swords.

“HARMONY BEAM”

POW!! The blast fired, striking the body hard. “NOOOOO….!!!” Stammadon and Striker both screamed as the light enveloped them both, splitting the evil aura out of the body.

There was a bright flash that threw everyone back hard. The valkyries had exhausted the last of their powers and they all de-transformed.

When the light had cleared everyone could all see…! Striker was standing there, not looking nearly as muscular or pale as he used to be, but he collapsed on the ground flat.

“Striker!” cried Swift.

Meanwhile, back in New Canterlot…

The Super Starfleet fighters attacked the weakened rock gators.

One gator swung its sword at Artie, and Artie held up his staff and actually blocked it, now that his strength was back at full. “I… got you now!” Artie taunted, and shoved the sword out of the monster’s huge hand.

Another gator swung its club at Rhymey, and Rhymey roared as he soared up with his sword in hand… and WHACK!! He sliced that huge club right through the middle!

Without the dark power in the skies, the gators continued to grow weaker, and shrink in size.

Buddy could scan their energies with his visor, “Keep going, we’ve almost got them!”

The twins agreed, and saw two more gators charging at them and launching their meteors, but now that their energies were weaker, the flames were much smaller, and the twins were able to take the blasts with their super armor easily.

“Now it’s our turn!” said Dyno.

“I’m ready.” added Myte.

The brothers joined hands, “BOOM-BOOM FLARE!”

Their big flames spouted out, striking all the rock gators at once and frightening them all into one big group.

*Mykan’s POV*

Rai Shi continued to battle Starla’s group. He was starting to look tired-- he, too, was growing weaker, having used up most of his strength to control he rock gators, but now… without the dark power to strengthen him.

“You can’t win, Rai Shi!” Starla scolded him “You may as well make it easy and give up now!”

Cadance and Saber stood by her agreeing, and I hovered overhead agreeing with them, but Rai Shi, stubborn as ever, refused to give in. “A true and honourable galaxy champion… does not give in… NOT FOR ANYTHING!!”

The four of us all sighed, “They always want to do it the hard way.” I groaned.

Rai Shi roared and jumped at us, but we all just scattered!

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE” Saber fired his blasts all around the maniacal ape, but Rai Shi still managed to dodge right around them. His determination was still that strong!

Cadance threw her ninja shurikens, and he punched and bashed each and every one of them away.

“I got him!” I hollered, and I pointed my sword at him unleashing energy pulses, which he dodged and then he leapt straight up at me, but I teleported out of the way causing him to miss, which let Starla leapt right up from beneath, and head butting him hard in his huge chest, sending him crashing down hard.

We four fighters all surrounded him, ready for the attack! “You’re through Rai Shi!” Saber shouted “INSECT SCIMITAR” he held out his sword, and charged it up!

“I’ll help you!” I called, and I concentrated hard, powering up my own sword with my pure energy.

We both slashed hard, striking the evil ape!

Then Cadance rushed forth with her fists enveloped in her aura, and she leapt high and came down, punching Rai Shi hard in the gut sending him way up high.

“Do it Starla!” I called to her.

Starla agreed and got her bow ready, “GALACTIC PROJECTILE”

POW!! She fired the shot, and Rai Shi saw his fate flashing before his eyes. “At least, I have fought well.” he said to himself.

WHAMM!! He was struck, exploded in midair and was imprisoned in a sphere-- the last of Stammadon’s generals!

As for the gators, the remaining fighters stood ready, and powered up their finisher attacks.

“WHIPLASH STRIKE”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN”

“THRASH SLASH”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

All those attacks blasted those gators down to size immensely, and now Spike was ready for the final blow! He summed up all the power he had left in him, “FLAMES OF LIGHT!” and with that great blaze of brightness, the gators were finished-- blown into ashes that blew along the winds.

The entire army at the gates cheered for joy, while the super fighters and I just sighed. The super felts felt exhausted.

Starla looked over at the other space ponies, and they all gave her a high thumb, and she smiled and nodded proudly at them.

*POV Pause*

As for Grand Ruler and Princess Luna, they couldn’t be prouder, but they couldn’t help but wonder how the other team was doing on Ainzul.

The entire team huddled around Striker, and Lightning scanned him with his visor.

“Is he…?” Rarity whimpered.

“No, he’s alive.” answered Lightning “He’s almost normal. I can’t scan any evil energy anymore, and his strength is way down-- normal even.”

“Hey, he’s waking up.” cried Pinkie.

Swift got down to help his cousin, “Striker, are you okay?” he asked.

Striker slowly opened his eyes, “Swift…? What happened?”

“It’s okay, Striker,” said Lightning “We saved you-- you’re no longer under Stammadon’s control.”

Striker looked up and saw all the others staring at him, even the queen. “Just take it easy, you’ve been through a lot.” Celestia said.

Striker shut his eyes and clenched his fists in shame, “I don’t get it, why would you all save me? I haven’t exactly been the nicest guy. Heck, it’s MY fault that Stammadon got loose to begin with.”

“Yeah, about that…” Rainbow said in a serious tone, but Lightning held her back “That’s not important now. What matters most is you’re safe, so are we.”

“Um… guys….” whimpered Fluttershy “I don’t think we’re quite safe yet!”

The others all turned and saw Stammadon’s fiery spirit rise from out of nowhere and roaring at them all—preferably at Striker. “You would DARE reject me?!”

Striker’s features hardened, and the rest of the team glared furiously at him.

“Well… fortunately I have no further need for you!” thundered Stammadon “I’ve gathered more than enough fear and darkness to fully regain my true form!”

The others all gasped, and Stammadon snickered, “But why use it on you, when I can take it all with me and destroy your planet!!”

His spirit then rose up into the sky and began to absorb all that darkness into it, like a sponge soaking up water, until the skies were bright and clear as they used to be, but Stammadon then shot off into space like a comet, heading in the direction of United Equestria!

“Quick, let’s go after him!” shouted Applejack.

Lightning agreed, “Striker, Swift… hang onto me!”

The cousins did as they were told, and stood close to him. Everyone then activated their return-spells, and warped off the planet.

*POV Resumes*

The warning alarms sounded.

“What now?” asked Grand Ruler, but everyone could look up in the sky and see the unidentified aura heading straight for the open fields from where we all stood, and it took shape.

“I HAVE RETURNED!!” Stammadon shouted, and indeed, after all the ages he had taken on his true form once more-- as big as a small mountain, with a lion head, dragon heads for arms and hands, a bears head as chest armor.

His beastly, clawed feet were large to flatten the forests… which he did as he stomped about, laughing! “It feels so great to be me again-- All this wonderful power and strength!!”

The super fighters all huddled together, “Am I seeing what I think I’m seeing?!!” cried Saber.

Cadance shuddering softly in fear, as did many of the fighters in the army, even Princess Luna felt a little freaked out, much to Stammadon’s delight. “Yes… give me your fear! It only makes me stronger!!”

Grand Ruler clenched his fists angrily, and he turned to call to the army, “Prepare to open fire!!”

The army snapped out of their frightful trances, and stood tall and ready.

“Come on you fairies!” Krysta shouted at her own soldiers “Let’s give it all we’ve got!”

The fairies complied and began to channel whatever power they had left along with the army of fighters.

The Super fighters and I stood at the front of the team, with Grand Ruler and Princess Luna hovering over us all.

“FIRE!!” shouted Grand Ruler, and all the powered combined together formed into a large stream of energy that flew straight at the giant monster, but Stammadon only snickered and held up his two dragon-head hands, and unleashed enormous flames, intercepting the blast and deflecting it up into the sky where it exploded in a bright flash, much to everyone’s horror.

“He just batted it away like a baseball!” snapped Buddy.

“This is so not good.” said Artie.

Stammadon laughed, “Did you honestly think a power as weak as yours could conquer me-- the greatest and strongest being in the universe?!”

The army growled and glared at him.

Stammadon then prepared to unleash his flames on the village, this time at full strength.

“What are we going to do?
We can’t let him get through!” cried Rhymey.

Starla ran the scans on herself and all the fighters, every single creature in sight had already exhausted a lot of their powers from the previous battle, and just now with that last blast.

Grand Ruler soared out in front, “Give what little power you have left to me!”

“But sire!” cried Starla

“DO IT!!!”

Starla straightened herself right, “Well, you heard him! Give him your strength!”

Everyone did as they were told, even I helped, but all I could give his majesty was a few bits of energy from my sword-- I wasn’t trained like they all were.

All that power seeped into his majesty making his body glow like the sun!

“Look at him!” said Dyno.

“Ay’ Carumba!” muttered Myte.

Grand Ruler could feel the power with in him, and just as Stammadon was about to unleash his flames, Grand Ruler used his telekinetic waves, enhanced with the power boost he had just received, and forced Stammadon to point his dragons back at his own self, and fire.

Stammadon roared as the flames engulfed him, and while everyone seemed overjoyed that it seemed to work, when the smoke cleared, Stammadon was laughing wickedly-- hardly damaged at all by his own power. “Not good enough, Starfleet-- Nice try though.”

Grand Ruler growled, “I still have power to do battle!” and he leapt up high punched the huge beast in his lion face, actually damaging him.

“Why you…!!” Stammadon thundered, and he swung his dragon heads. Grand Ruler swerved and dodged them skilfully, and then proceeded to fire a light flash in the villain’s face, stunning him, and then booting him hard in his huge gut almost knocking him over.

The army continued to cheer his majesty on.

“Give it to him!”

“Take that, you beast!”

The super fighters and I were impressed at how well his majesty was faring. “He might actually win this.” I said.

…But suddenly, his majesty was starting to lose his glowing. “Oh, no…!” he cried “My extra power is wearing down!” He was only given a small boost from everyone to begin with, and forcing all that power onto a huge beast like Stammadon used it up all the faster.

“Pathetic weakling!” mocked Stammadon, and he fired a blast from one of the dragons, which his majesty barely dodged and was forced to retreat back to the army.

“Sire!” cried Starla.

“Are you okay?” added Buddy.

“I’m fine,” answered Grand Ruler “But he’s bigger and stronger than I thought. Even if we combined whatever remains of our powers, it will do no good!”

Everyone looked up as the evil beast roared, “Finally, after all this time, all this waiting and planning, I shall rule the galaxy and erase all the weak and spineless filth that I see!”

“This can’t be happening!!” cried Krysta. All the other fighters felt the same, and this only made the evil grow stronger-- the more fear they felt, the greater his strength.

“STRIKING FORCEWAVE” someone suddenly shouted, and blasted the huge beast from behind. It didn’t hurt him…

“What?!” snapped Stammadon, and he turned to see Striker, Lightning and the rest of the team from Ainzul.

“Lightning!” called Starla.

“Celestia!” hollered Grand Ruler. His wife nodded lovingly at him from afar.

“Ah, the traitor dares show himself?!” Stammadon sneered at Striker “Perhaps I really should have done away with you and your friends first.”

Striker only scoffed, “Wrong! Your biggest mistake was taking over my body! At least I still have some of the powers you left behind!”

Swift stood up next to his cousin, “It’s time for you to answer to everything you’ve done, Stammadon-- all the people you’ve hurt for your petty obsession with strength!”

“Ha!” snapped Stammadon “All I see before me is an army that has nearly depleted what remains of its, already, worthless strength.”

Lightning snickered, “That’s why when we got back we brought reinforcements!”

“Huh?”

Stammadon then could hear the sounds of hollering as many Starfleet allies, ponies and other creatures alike, came rushing and soaring in over the lands-- as was Starfleet’s plan, to round up as many helpers they could.

“Would you look at all that?!” cried Artie.

Rhymey was overjoyed,

“Now we outnumber the beast,
…A-million to one at least.”

“Listen to me, everyone!” Lightning hollered “We have only one real chance; we must use the pure inner strength!”

The super fighters were already sceptical about this, as were all the other fighters who had never used it before, though they were informed of the basics of how to supposedly tap into it.

“Try!” shouted Lightning “Try and think and feel the balance-- Good and bad, light and dark, and let your determination inspire you!”

The massive army felt it was worth the try, and their only hope of ending this battle for good! So they all closed their eyes and concentrated their thoughts-- Of people they loved, like friends and family, and tragically those they had lost. They also took the time to focus on how much they wanted to rid the world of this great evil!

Lightning began to glow. The cousins glowed, and all the mares behind them.

The rest of the army started to glow, and even I was glowing-- I could feel the power in me igniting.

“A’RGH!!” shouted Stammadon “That light…! It can’t be!!”

We all opened our eyes, and while we would awe in the glowing of everyone, we just focussed on the great beast, and combined our strengths together.

“NOW!!” shouted Lightning, and all that magic was unleashed in multiple streams of light that enveloped Stammadon’s body.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO----!!!” he shouted as his body began to disintegrate into nothingness, and KAPOW!! He was gone!!

The light had faded, and everyone felt just exhausted. All the super fighters de-transformed, their energy having run out. Many of them had collapsed to the ground.

“We’ve done it!” cried Luna.

“We have.” sighed Grand Ruler.

Celestia only smiled, and the armies were all overjoyed, just a little too tired to cheer for the moment.

“How did we do it?” asked Rainbow.

“I think I know how.” said Lightning “I’d been wondering why we couldn’t seem to unleash the strength, but yet some of us were able to…

Not only did we have to actually be in battle, we had to actually be surrounded by many creatures of pure energy in order for it to work. I figured that’s how it happened, because Queen Mowaza told us that an army of warriors beat Stammadon together.”

Everyone began to agree with that. It was exactly what they all had just done.

Starla gazed way over at Lightning, and her husband smiled at her.

After a couple of days of rest and surveying whatever damage was done from the battle and how to fix it, you can bet there was a huge awards ceremony held at the royal palace.

The Ainzulians had come from the refuge planet to attend the celebration, especially Queen Mowaza and Princess Balia.

The first thing they did was donate a large golden statue of the lion, as gratitude for destroying Stammadon.

“Thanks to all of you,” Mowaza said “We, the Ainzulians, can now return to our planet and start our new, peaceful lives. We are honoured to have you as allies and know that you will be there to help us as you have done in the past.”

All the Super fighters had been promoted, for extreme heroics, discovery of newer skills and magic to vanquish the enemy, and mastering the super-modes to help.

Spike was now a First Class Major. The Equestrians were all Lieutenant Colonels, and the male Space Alicorns were all now First Class Colonels.

As for Starla, just as Lightning promised, and with Grand Ruler and Celestia’s blessings and agreement, she was made a general.

She now wore a uniform almost like Lightning’s, with her medals and ribbons on her armor, complete with a large white sash. Instead of fancy epaulets on her shoulder, she had four stars on each side. Instead of a beret, she wore an army cap, but had to do up her long hair in a bun in back. A silver sparkling windbreaker and a matching short cape on her back that only reached down to her tail.

She was still only Lightning’s second-in-command, but now she had a greater new position in the force, which also meant newer and bigger responsibilities… that she was willing to adjust to.

Lightning finished pinning the last medal on his wife’s uniform. “Congratulations, General.”

Starla saluted to him, and he saluted back, and they couldn’t help but smile at each other with deep love.

The crowd went wild with cheers, but still the ceremony continued, and as Starla’s first official act as general, she was to present special honorary medals to the brave souls she announced.

“Mykan Stevens.”

I approached her proudly, and accepted my medal, and we saluted to each other. Then I went and stood over on the sidelines as the next awards were given.

“Applebloom,

Sweetie Belle,

Scootaloo,

…Daphne Dil.”

The girls excitedly approached, but managed to keep steady and cool as they accepted their medals, for their bravery and assistance in saving the planet from the Digital Dangers like me.

Rarity and Applejack almost felt like bursting into tears as they watched their respective sisters. They couldn’t be more proud and happy for them, finally being real heroes.

Buddy was extremely pleased with DD. He knew in his heart she’d go on to be a great Starfleet fighter.

Applebloom’s folks watched from the audience, and Pear Butter dabbed her eyes, “My little filly ain’t so little anymore.” she sighed.

Bright Mac held her close and thought of Granny Smith, “Ma would be as proud as me.”

“And now…” Grand Ruler announced, and the crowd quieted down, “To conclude the ceremony, we have two final awards to give to two special ponies…

…Striker and Swift Star.”

The two ponies approached, and Swift received his medal for outstanding courage, bravery, and for being the one to help discover and unlock the pure inner strength power. This, of course, did not earn him commission to Starfleet as he was still undertrained, but he was proud to accept it.

While many were skeptical about Striker and the things he had done, Celestia announce, “We understand how you all must feel. While it cannot be ignored what had happened, it can be noted that all the things he had done were not truly of his own free will, as he was controlled by Stammadon.

In many other ways Striker has helped us to defeat the great evil. His courage and strength was the final key in fulfilling our mission, and that makes him brave and worthy of forgiveness, and another chance to be recognized as a fine fighter.”

Striker accepted his medal, and announced to everyone, “I promise from this day forth to make amends for my errors. The old Striker is gone, and I hope soon forgotten. As I have been granted pardon by the officers and their majesties… I wish it known…

…I believe in all of you, just as the officers, their majesties, and my own cousin believed enough in me to save my life from that dreaded evil that possessed me. While it will take time for me to fully earn our trust again…” he paused “…I’m willing to try.”

A few ponies began to clap, followed by more, and more until the entire assembly was applauding, showing their forgiveness and willing to accept Striker into the community again.

Swift was very proud of his cousin, as was everyone else.

*POV Ends*

A few days later, Striker was given full graduation from the Starfleet academy, but rather than join the force, he chose to stay at the school as a trainer and teacher, to help with his own reformation and to guide others not to take the path he took.

As for Swift, he addressed to all the cadets, sharing his experiences and what he had learned on his adventure and training with Lightning.

“I helped saved the galaxy, and thanks to Commander Lightning and his team I discovered that I was capable of doing more than I thought.

But these were all skills I could have learned right here all along. It was never that I wasn’t as good as the Commander or his fighters, and it was never that I didn’t have what it took. It was the fact that I didn’t believe in myself, and I let myself be blinded by envy.

But I learned this: I can be a great fighter, but I have to be my own fighter. I cannot keep trying to be someone I’m just not and won’t ever be, and I can learn and discover all this, so can all of you.”

The cadets felt inspired and moved by his speech. Many of them began to reflect on this and realized just how silly they had all been acting, and were now ready to get back to training with new confidence and belief.

All the cadets were training better than ever now, and hardly screwing up or fumbling like they did before.

Lightning was very pleased, “We’ve done it.” he said to Swift “We got their confidence back, and the future of Starfleet looks better than before.”

Swift felt proud of himself, “Does this mean… you and I are done too?” he asked.

“No, no, you won’t get rid of me that easy. I’m still your teacher, and you and I still have a long way before you get commissioned.”

Swift smiled at his teacher, and Lightning smiled at him, “How about a quick spar?” Lightning offered.

“You’re on.” answered Swift.

The two sparred off in the dojo-- Lightning went easy on Swift, and form up above the rest of the team watching with pride, feeling everything was going to be alright.

MY BRAVE PONY

STARFLEET MAGIC SEASON VIII