Rarity stood in her boutique and measured out a length of fabric. She cut it and then proceeded to cut the fabric halfway up at measured intervals. With a deft hand, the fashionista pleated the fabric together with the aid of her magic.

“Coco! Where are you with the onyx?” she called to the back of her store.

“Just a second, Miss Quartz,” a woman’s voice was heard. “Did you want the onyx marked box ‘A’ or ‘B’?”

“A!”

A few seconds later a woman stumbled out from the back room. She had short light-blue hair, with big cyan eyes, and a small-upturned nose. “Whoa! AH! Oops!” she cried out nearly tripping over her own feet.

Rarity caught the woman and stood her up. “Easy there. Are you alright?”

“Never better, Miss Quartz,” she said holding up a small wooden box. “Here is the onyx you requested.”

“Thank you, darling,” Rarity said taking the box from her. “And I’ve told you there’s no need for such formalities. You can call me Rarity.”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t do that. It would feel much too awkward,” Coco said grabbing the hem of her skirt. “To refer to you so casually? No. Miss Quartz is alright with me.”

“Well, if that’s what makes you comfortable,” Rarity said. She turned to the woman modeling for her. “Now, hold completely still. This next part is a delicate process, and any sudden movements could result in me sticking you with a needle.”

The woman gasped and went rigid. Rarity opened the box and levitated the onyx into the air. Her gem glowed and she separated them and lined up the pieces with the pleated fabric. The swatch then levitated towards the woman’s hips. With near blinding speed, Rarity stitched the onyx to the fabric. The fabric was then stitched to the bottom part of the skirt the woman was wearing.

“Almost…finished…there! VOILA!! Another masterpiece completed,” Rarity declared stepping back.

“Oooo,” Coco and the woman both looked in awe of Rarity’s ability.

Just then there was a clatter behind Rarity and several of the mannequins fell over. All three women jumped and let out a cry of surprise.

“Gracious, what is happening?!” Rarity said stepping closer to the pile on the floor.

“WHAT HAPPENED?! WHERE AM I?! WHY?!” Pinkie screamed as she burst forth from the mess of mannequins and clothes.

“Pinkie? Goodness, I don’t mind the odd visit, but what are you doing in my display?” Rarity asked helping the woman up.

“I don’t know!” the candy-haired woman cried out, confused look on her face. “I was just about to text you when, POOF, here I am! I somehow wound up in your shop!”

“Darling, are you sure you didn’t just walk in and forget?” she asked levitating a stool over for Pinkie to sit on. “You are known to be a bit…distracted.”

“Rarity, I’m being serious here! I was just at Sweet Apple Acres!” Pinkie said grabbing Rarity’s shirt. “Ask AJ, she’ll tell you!”

“Okay, okay. Give me a second, I’ll call Applejack,” Rarity said removing Pinkie’s hands. She strutted over to the counter and picked up her phone. “Applejack, hi, yes it’s Rarity. I have Pinkie here and…uh-huh. Uh-huh. Wait, only a minute ago? I know Pinkie can be, well, Pinkie, but even she’s not that fast. Okay. don’t worry, she’s fine. A little frazzled, but fine. Alright, au revoir, darling.”

“Well, now do you believe me?” Pinkie jumped up and bounced in place.

“It’s certainly befuddling,” she said holding her chin in her hand. “Why don’t you tell me what’s been going on.”

“That’s just it, I don’t know!” the baker grabbed her head and started pacing. “It’s been a crazy two days. I’ll just be somewhere, minding my own business, when, SHAZAM, I’m in a completely different place. Like the diner, then the party store, then J.C. Pony. This one time I ended up in the Wonderbolts place. Dashie plowed into me. Yelled at me for ruining her winning streak.”

“Well, I’m not sure what to say. Maybe you’re experiencing a magical phenomenon?” Rarity suggested.

“Is that even a thing?” Coco asked “I know there are certain areas out there that are rich in magic and bizarre things happen. But Maretropolis seems like the least magical place.”

“Well, this is Pinkie we’re talking about,” Rarity said pouring a glass of water for the disheveled baker. “Nothing is out of question when in comes to bizarre things. Here, darling,” she handed the glass to Pinkie. “Just sit tight and relax. I’m sure whatever is happening to you will blow over shortly.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” she sighed taking a sip of water. “I’m just a little scared is all. Worried I might end up someplace horrible next.”

“Well, think positively,” Rarity said reassuringly. “Just imagine yourself in a place you feel safe. Like the spa.”

“Mmmm, Sugarcube Corner. Munching on some cupcakes,” she said her mouth starting to water. “Actually, I could go for a cupcake right now. All sweet and heavenly.”

“Hold on, Pinkie,” she said turning away. “I think I still have some of the cupcakes you brought over earlier in the week.”

“Oh, yeah. Those are super good. I had fun making those with…”

“Ah, here they are. And there are still four left. How fortuitous,” Rarity said pulling a pastel pink box up from behind the counter. “We can each enjoy one of your lovely cupcakes, Pinkie. Pinkie?”

Rarity turned around to find the stool Pinkie was sitting on to be empty. She looked around trying to find the rambunctious woman, but to no avail.

“Where did that girl go?” Rarity said furrowing her brow. “I didn’t hear her leave. Did you see anything?” she asked Coco.

“No, Miss, I didn’t,” she said shaking her head. “I’m just as confused as you are.”

“How peculiar.”

“So, what’d you call us in here for?” Spike said as he and Twilight entered the library’s main office. “We aren’t training today. Any news from Mr. Sciuto? Does he have the computer fixed?”

“Sadly, no,” Celestia said from the desk. “Stygian said there was a delay getting he necessary parts. May be another week. But speaking of news, have you seen the latest?”

“Didn’t think you’d be one to keep up to date on trends, Celestia?” Twilight said raising an eyebrow. “Anything of interest?”

“I stay apprised of current events. You two should do the same,” she snapped. “And yes, there is something of interest. The Diamond Dogs have struck again.”

“Well, that comes as no surprise” Twilight said. “Given the power boost they’ve received, they’re probably on a robbing spree. Which bank did they hit this time?”

“Not a bank, dear protégé. This time they stole from a research building.”

Twilight and Spike both gave Celestia confused looks.

“Okay, I’ll bite: which research building did they steal from?” Spike broke the silence.

“I’m more curious about ‘why’?” Twilight said scratching her chin.

“Raven, show them the video.”

The brunette nodded and turned the computer monitor around for them to see. She clicked the mouse, and a video began playing. On screen a female reporter stood in the remains of a ruined lab next to a man with shaggy orange hair and thick glasses.

[“I’m here with lead researcher, Sunburst Novum, at the recently attacked Rapacian Enterprises. Mr. Novum, could you tell us what happened?”

“Um…yes…well, these three big guys just suddenly showed up and began destroying the place. One of them came up to me and took the Hi-Velocity-Excavation-Drill. Before that, he made me fire the drill. Which explains the giant hole in the wall.”]

At this point, the video cut to surveillance footage of the building, showing the three hulking figures of the Diamond Dogs wreaking havoc on the floor. The video then cut back to the interviewer.

[“And what exactly is this Hi-Velocity-whatchamacallit?”

“It’s basically an energy cannon. It’s designed for digging in the ground and will revolutionize mining and tunneling. You see, the principle is similar to the concussive blast produced by psions and…”

“Thank you, Mr. Novum. Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have. Back to you, Sandy.”]

Raven clicked mouse again and stopped the video.

“What did they steal? A hi…velocity…uh,” Spike started asking.

“A hi-velocity-excavation-drill,” Twilight finished for him. “I’ve never heard of anything like that. The scientist said it was like the blast from a psion. Is that possible?”

“Styg was able to replicate a basic enhancement spell through the use of specialized gemstones,” Celestia said. “I don’t see why not?”

“Tech talk can wait,” Spike interrupted. “Let’s not forget that the Diamond Dogs have stolen a piece of machinery that can blow holes in the side of buildings. I think we should focus on that.”

“Spike’s right,” Twilight agreed. “As much as I’d love to find out how that device works, the Diamond Dogs come first. But what could they want with something like that?”

“Oh, I can think of several million reasons,” Spike quipped.

“You can think of several million reasons?” Twilight said giving him a skeptical look. “Name one.”

“They’re thieves, right? They’ve stolen from banks and jewelry stores,” Spike explained. “So, what better way to steal than with something that can rip through solid steel?”

“We don’t know if it can cut through steel. That Novum guy just said it was to be used for earth boring,” Twilight rebutted. “And I doubt any of those mutts know how to operate that thing.”

“What? You think Trixie had them steal it? What would Love Bunny even need money for?”

“I don’t know,” Twilight said shaking her head. “This just gets weirder and weirder. Trixie, the Diamond Dogs, now this. I feel like we’re missing something here. Something big.”

“Hey, just a suggestion,” Celestia spoke up. “But why don’t the two of you go talk to the scientist from the research building?”

“But he already gave a testimony to the police. What could we possibly learn that they didn’t?” Twilight asked.

“Perhaps you can get a unique perspective on the situation? Maybe the young lad didn’t feel comfortable telling the police everything? Who can say?”

“I don’t know? I feel like our time would be better suited trying to thwart the Dogs next attack.”

“Twi, I think Celestia has a point,” Spike stepped in. “We’re currently in the dark. Any bit of information could be immensely useful.”

“Then it’s decided. You’ll go have a chat with that scientist.”

“Okay, you’ve convinced me,” Twilight said throwing her arms up. “Spike, get your costume on, we’ve got a researcher to interview.”

The two siblings left the office with Spike showing a noticeable giddiness. Celestia turned to the monitor and noticed the news bulletin below the video they watched.

“Hey look! The Star of Saddle Arabia is on display at the Maretropolis Natural History Museum.”

Rover, Fido, and Spot stomped down the stairs of their headquarters. Trixie stood at the bottom with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

“Just where do you think you’re going?” she asked stepping in front of them.

“To do a job for the brothers,” Rover answered without hesitation. “There’s something for us to steal.”

“Well, I don’t like it!” she exclaimed stamping a foot. “You belong to the Mistress. You do as we say.”

“That so?” Spot said stepping forward. “Way I see it we don’t need you anymore.” He flexed his muscles in an effort to intimidate Trixie.

“Don’t forget that I made you,” she said moving towards Spot, gem glowing. Even with his enhancement she was still a head taller than him. “And I can easily unmake you.”

“Bring it on, doll face,” he growled.

Trixie's gem glowed brighter and Spot bared his teeth.

“Yo, Trix? I don’t think this is a good idea!” Lavender called from the top of the stairs.

“Oh? And why is that?” she said turning to her comrade.

“Well, you did make a big deal about how this would be so beneficial to our mistress,” Lavender said leaning against the banister. “You even requested help from me and Fuchsia. So, do you really think Love Bunny would appreciate you undoing this? Or would you rather face punishment again?”

“Tch, fine,” Trixie turned away, gem dimming.

“Looks like that one’s the brains of the operation,” Spot sniggered as he pushed past her.

“Sorry, Trixie. But if we do this one last job, we’ll get a huge payout,” Rover said heading for the door.

“Well…I’m coming with you, then,” she said. “Not gonna let all my hard work go to waste.”

“Suit yourself,” Rover said. “Not like we need you for this.”

“You coming, Lavender?” Trixie called up the stairs.

“Nah, think I’ll sit this one out,” she said descending the stairs, breasts bouncing with every step. “There’s a couple of Dogs here I wanna try something with. Toodles.”

“Feh! Alright then, Fuchsia? Where are you?”

Trixie’s pink-haired ally stepped into the main hall wearing nothing but a purple apron with yellow moons. “Here I am!” she said loudly, bouncing up and down. “I made pancakes! Who wants some?!”

Several buff men stampeded through the building and crowded into the dining room. “Did someone say pancakes? Oh boy! Haven’t had them in forever! Hurry up, before they get cold!”

In the confusion, Fuchsia was dragged along with them. “Easy, boys. There’s no need to push. I made plenty of pancakes!”

“Mmm, pancakes do sound good,” Lavender said licking her lips. “Well, have fun, Trix.”

“Grrr, alright! Let’s go!” Trixie grumbled and left.

“HEY! I DON’T TAKE ORDERS FROM YOU!!!” Spot screamed after her.

“I guess she’s coming along?” Fido said to Rover.

“Looks that way,” he shrugged. Rover turned to the dining room and shouted, “You be sure to leave some pancakes for us! We’ll be back before you can say ‘larceny’!”

Twilight and Spike warped to the research building in their superhero outfits.

“Hey, you’re getting better at that,” Spike remarked looking around the ruined floor. “Only one warp.”

“You can thank the warp medal for that,” she said moving past the debris. “I can use it as a guide for my teleportation. However, I need a clear image in my head or else I might end up in a wall.”

“Alright, good to know.”

They approached one of the scientists and asked where Sunburst Novum was. The woman did a double take at Twilight before pointing him out to them. As they walked away, the woman rubbed her eyes and returned to her work.

The costumed heroes found him standing next to a pile of destroyed machine parts taking inventory. He had a tired and exasperated look on his face.

“Mr. Novum?” Twilight asked. “We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“I already told you everything I know,” he said not looking up from his clipboard. “What else could the police want? Or does the news want to interview me again and cut me off during my explanation?”

“We’re not with either of them,” Spike said.

Sunburst looked up and nearly fell over when he saw Twilight. “I had heard about you, and everything going on with those…people. But I didn’t think you were…”

“Real?” she said crossing her arms.

“Well, this big. I thought people were exaggerating. And that the images online were altered,” he stepped closer to get a better look. “Yet here you are, larger than anyone could imagine.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “I get this huge boost in magic, but at the cost of this body, among other things.”

“Really? How are you walking? Do you lose balance, or do you use magic to keep from falling? How much of a boost do you suppose?” Sunburst launched several questions at her.

“Not easily. I do lose balance, but I’ve gotten use to it. never thought of using magic for that. A substantial boost. Like the difference between scooter and a motorcycle.”

“Fascinating,” Sunburst said scratching his beard.

“Ahem, I believe we were here to ask him the questions,” Spike butted in.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot,” Twilight said sheepishly. “Got a bit distracted.”

“So, what did you want to ask me? I assume it’s about the recent theft from my lab.”

“It is that, yes,” Spike said. “We know the Diamond Dogs stole that piece of machinery from this place. What we want to know is why if you can tell us that.”

“Like I said to the police, I have no clue,” Sunburst shook his head. “All I know is one minute I’m calibrating the drill, and the next thing several armed guards surround the place. Then these three hulking brutes show up, smack around the guards like ragdolls, trash half the equipment and take the drill. I don’t even know how they lifted that thing so easily. It weighs over a ton.”

“We do,” Twilight said with a sigh.

“Wait, you keep calling it a drill, but from the interview you made it seem like it was some kind of energy cannon,” Spike said. “So, which is it?”

“You are correct that it is an energy cannon,” Sunburst started explaining. “I suppose ‘drill’ is more of a colloquialism since that’s what its function is. It bores into the earth.”

“I remember that from the interview,” Twilight said excitedly. “You said it applies the same principle as the concussive blast from a psion, like this.”

Twilight turned her head and let loose a bolt of magic from her gem. The blast sailed across the room and blew a large hole in the wall.

“Oops,” she squeaked her eyes bulging from her head.

“Put a little too much into that, I see,” Spike whispered to her.

“I have something in right now,” she whispered back. “I need to learn to control it better.”

“You have in? OH! Ew. Didn’t need to hear that.”

“Incredible!” Sunburst exclaimed not paying attention to the siblings. “I’ve never seen anyone use power like that. At least, not without a focusing crystal.”

“Well, no crystal was used here. It’s all me. But back to your machine, how is it able to fire such a destructive blast?”

“Hm? Oh, right!” he said turning back to them. “The drill requires a substantial energy source. We use daimonic since a small amount can produce a lot of energy. However, the real fun comes from the magnifying crystals.”

“Oh, please do go on,” Spike said sarcastically.

“Like I said earlier, the drill utilizes a process similar to a psion’s energy blast,” Sunburst continued, and Spike smacked his hand to his face. “A psion’s gem allows them to tap into psychokinetic energy and manipulate the physical world. By focusing that energy, you get a blast. Much like the one our fair lady here just demonstrated.”

Twilight gave him a sheepish smile and hunched her shoulders.

“So, from that, we funnel the energy from the daimonic and have it pass through several crystals. The power is amplified and discharged from the machine, allowing it to cut through rock and metal. Theoretically, it could cut through even the strongest of steel if the sample were larger or even pure daimonic.”

Twilight and Spike exchanged looks when he said that.

“I don’t like the sound of that,” she said.

“Neither do I,” Spike agreed. “But where could those mutts get such a crystal? If it even exists.”

“Who can say,” Sunburst said. “I’d have to do tests. The maximum output of the drill is dependent on the size and purity of the crystal. Daimonic is perfect for that since we can use a pea-sized sample. Now, if we had something even bigger, we could cut through a mountain in minutes if not seconds. However, it’s incredibly rare and valuable. Even a pea-sized sample costs in the millions.”

“And now I’m hearing people who aren’t even there!”

“What did you say?” Twilight asked.

“I said the magnification is dependent on the crystalline structure. Weren’t you paying attention?” Sunburst said giving them a quizzical look.

“You heard that too, right?” she said to Spike.

“Yeah, I did,” he said furrowing his brow. “And I think I recognize the voice.”

“Spike? Twilight? Is that you? Why am I hearing voices in my head?” the clear sound of a squeaky female voice rang through their ears.

“Wait, is that?” Twilight started.

Spike nearly shouted Pinkie but stopped himself. “It’s ‘you know who’,” he whispered.

“But how?” Twilight whispered back, panic spreading across her face. “She’s not a psion and as far as I know doesn’t have any kind of extra powers a terran normally would.”

The green-haired man thought for a moment before it suddenly hit him. he looked at the ring he was now wearing on his right hand. It was a small gold band with a bright green gem embedded. Spike took off the ring and it morphed into a small gold coin. “Matter-Horn, she still has the warp medal.”

“Oh, goddess, you’re right,” she said holding her hands to her mouth.

Sunburst tilted his head and crossed his arms, “Is something the matter? You two are acting strangely. Well, stranger than two costumed heroes would act.”

“I-uh…thank you for your time,” Twilight said quickly, pulling Spike away from the scientist. “We just…um”

“We remembered something we have to do,” Spike said over his shoulder. “Important hero stuff, you know?”

“Okay, I guess,” he said waving them goodbye. “Take care.”

Twilight grabbed Spike and they disappeared in a flash. Sunburst stood there scratching his head. He wasn’t sure how to process what just happened. A titanically endowed woman with power far exceeding any normal person and a rather average looking man dressed in a Halloween costume.

“There really are some interesting folk in Maretropolis,” he said with a shrug. After a moment he turned back to the ruined lab and continued his work.

The two heroes warped back into the library right outside their bedrooms. Twilight quickly transformed back, and Spike pulled the mask from his face.

“Pinkie? Are you still ‘there’?” Twilight called out to the room.

“Yeah, I’m right here, Twilight,” Pinkie’s voice rang through their heads.

“Good. Now, just remain calm and don’t panic,” Twilight said in a soothing voice. “Spike and I are going to help you with whatever problem you are experiencing.”

“Okay, but can I panic just a little?” Pinkie asked her voice wavering.

“Uh, why? What’s wrong?”

“Well, I just watched the superhero, Matter-Horn, teleport right in front of me then change into my friend. Also, Spike’s with her.”

“W-what are you talking about, Pinkie?” Twilight said furrowing her brow. “What do you mean teleport right in front of you?”

“Uh, Twilight?” Spike said tapping her on the shoulder.

“Not now, Spike. This is a serious situation we have on our hands.”

Spike grabbed Twilight by the shoulders and spun her around. Huddled in a corner of the room was Pinkie. She hugged her legs and rocked back and forth, eyes wide and full of terror and confusion.

“AAAH!!!” Twilight let out a scream before covering her mouth. “Pinkie? How long have you been there?”

“Only a few minutes,” she said in a small voice. “I was just thinking that you might be able to help me, since you’re so smart, then I suddenly appeared in the library. Then not long after, you showed up. Now I’m even more confused!”

Twilight sighed and rubbed her temples. “Well, I guess there’s no beating around the bush with this one. Pinkie, I am a superhero. And Spike helps me. Like a sidekick.”

“For the last time, I am not a sidekick,” Spike groaned. “I am your partner.”

“Is now really the time for this?”

“Sorry, sorry. Force of habit.”

“Wait, does that mean you’ve been Masked Matter-Horn this whole time?” Pinkie asked looking between the two of them.

“Yes and no,” Twilight said. She saw Pinkie’s confused look and elaborated. “I’ve been Matter-Horn the entire time I’ve been in Maretropolis, but only since I came to the city.”

“What is that supposed to mean? You were in Maretropolis, then you transformed into the superhero? Huh?” Pinkie tried to wrap her mind around what Twilight said.

“I think we should just tell her everything from the beginning,” Spike said. “Starting with the day we met you.”

And so, Twilight and Spike explained to Pinkie the events of the day they arrived in Maretropolis. From meeting her and the others, to the library and Celestia, to becoming a super-busty superhero and fighting the likes of Trixie. They took turns telling the frazzled woman everything they knew up to that point. Twilight told her about learning to harness her newfound powers and fighting Love Bunny’s forces. Spike told her about the struggle of keeping up with Twilight and the bizarre people they’ve met. He also went into considerable detail about the encounters he had with Lily Lace and Inky Rose, which Twilight chastised him for.

“So, you two have been running around the city battling bad guys and saving people for over a month now?” Pinkie asked scratching her head.

“Yeah, we’re sorry about keeping this a secret from everyone. We just didn’t want to put any of you in danger,” Twilight said apologetically.

“That is so…AWESOME!!!” Pinkie suddenly exploded.

“Eh?” Twilight gawked at the excited woman.

“My friends are superheroes! And they fight the forces of evil!” she shouted bouncing in her seat.

“You seem to be taking this whole superhero thing quite well,” Twilight said raising an eyebrow. “You sure you don’t need a minute to process this?”

“Twi, I think you’re the only one who would need to process this,” Spike said with a smug grin. “Most people would be able to roll with it. You’re just stuck in your world of books and known facts.”

Twilight sneered and her gem flashed.

“OW!! Hey!” Spike shouted rubbing his shoulder. “Don’t get upset just ‘cause I’m right.”

“Nothing wrong with books,” Twilight folded her arms and pouted. “They have knowledge and help us.”

“But this makes sooo much sense,” Pinkie said bouncing off her chair and getting close to Twilight. “Why your boobs suddenly grew a few sizes. Why you would rush off to do something but never tell us what. Why you were always so particular about being touched.”

“No, that’s just Twilight,” Spike said waving his hand. “OW!! Will you knock it off?!”

“Pinkie, I know this is…exciting, but could you keep it secret?” Twilight asked grabbing the pink-haired woman by the shoulders. “It’s best this doesn’t become public knowledge. Again, for your safety.”

“You got it!” Pinkie made a motion with her hand that she was zipping her mouth shut and locking it “Oh, wait! What about the coin? Should I give it back to you?”

“Eh, keep it,” Spike said shrugging.

“Spike! Don’t just make decisions like that!” Twilight scolded him. “It wouldn’t be safe.”

“Twilight, there’s no harm in her keeping it,” Spike said. “She’s the only other person who knows how the medals work. If someone were to find it, they’d just think it was an arcade token or a collectible.”

“Well…I guess it couldn’t hurt,” Twilight said in an uncertain voice. “Having an extra pair of eyes in the city would be a big help. And you would be able to contact us easily.”

“YAY!! I’m like your secret helper! Oh, sshhhhh.”

“Yeah, just be more careful from now on,” Spike said. “Use it to talk to us and not to warp around the city. That could cause a major problem.”

“That does bug me, though,” Twilight said holding her chin. “Why was Pinkie warping to all these location in Maretropolis? The medal has fixed destination points. So, how did she end up anywhere but there?”

They stood there in silence for a minute thinking. Twilight and Spike remained still while trying to come up with an answer. Pinkie, however, was bouncing in place, still excited about the news.

“Maybe she…? No, that’s not it,” Spike started saying before cutting himself off.

“What?” Twilight said turning to him.

“I was going to say maybe she was teleporting and was accidentally tapping into the medal’s network, like you. But she’s not a psion.”

“Yup, Pinkie’s a terran,” she chimed in. “Can’t do magic like you, let alone teleport.”

“Well, we can figure it out later,” Twilight said. “Right now, we have to figure out what the Diamond Dogs are planning to do next.”

“You mean those big scary guys on tv?” Pinkie said bouncing up to Twilight. “I saw that on the news. (GASP!) That means that you guys were fighting them?” she realized.

“Guilty,” Spike said putting up his hands. “We’ve also been fighting those bimbos for the last month and a half.”

“Oh, yeah!” she shouted. “It must be so much fun! All ‘POW’, and ‘BAM’, and ‘ZAP’!!” Pinkie swung herself around as if she were fighting an invisible foe.

“It’s not all fun and games, Pinkie,” Twilight said folding her arms. “We’re doing this to protect the city. Love Bunny and the Diamond Dogs are a serious threat.”

“It’s a little fun, Twi,” Spike said slinging an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy yourself out there.”

“Well, it certainly is exciting,” she said with a shrug. Twilight saw the grin on Spike’s face and pulled away from him. “I mean that in the literal definition. ‘To increase the activity of an organism or raise its energy level’.”

“Oooh kay, Miss Textbook. We believe you, right Pinkie?” Spike turned to the pink-haired woman and winked at her.

“Oh yeah, totally!” Pinkie responded and winked back. She leaned over to Twilight and whispered, “What are we winking about?”

Twilight just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

At that moment, the door flew open and Raven entered the room with Celestia in her arms.

“Oh, good, you’re both here,” Celestia said right away. “We just got a news report that the Diamond Dogs are hitting up the Maretropolis Natural History Museum. A woman matching Trixie's description was also seen. Suit up now so you can…”

The crystal ball spotted Pinkie standing with Twilight and Spike and immediately went silent. All four people remained still and Celestia kept herself stone-faced. Eventually, Raven broke the silence.

“How did you like my ventriloquism act? I’ve been practicing recently.”

“It’s okay, she knows,” Twilight said moving towards Raven. “We teleported to the library in uniform and she saw us.”

“Cat’s out of the bag now,” Spike added shrugging.

“Oooh, is this the Celestia you were talking about?” Pinkie asked bounding over to them. “WOW! She really is in a glass ball. That’s so weird!” she tapped at the ball causing Celestia to recoil.

“Stop that! It’s annoying,” she snapped. “And yes, I am Celestia. Supreme Ourania in this region. At least, I was. But that’s a story for another day. Are we certain it’s okay for her to know this?”

“I don’t know? I guess?” Twilight said. “If it could have been anyone, Pinkie would be the safest choice. She can be a bit…”

“Pinkie. She can be a bit Pinkie,” Spike finished. “But Twilight’s right, out of everyone I’ve met here, I would trust Pinkie. She can be overwhelming sometimes, but she keeps her promises and never forgets anything.”

“Awww, you guys. Thanks.” A teary-eyed Pinkie grabbed the two siblings and pulled them into a tight hug. “That’s so sweet.”

“Pinkie, we mean it. You’re a really great friend,” Twilight said hugging her back.

“Yeah, I’m glad you blasted us with that party cannon,” Spike said joining in on the hug. His expression changed and he pulled away. “Wait, you said the Dogs were spotted?” he asked Celestia.

“Yes, at the museum,” she said. “And I think I know what they’re after. The Star of Saddle Arabia.”

“Why would they be after a fancy rock?” Twilight asked cocking her head to the side. “Other than the fact that they’re a bunch of thieves who steal money and jewelry?”

Spike’s eyes widened as he put it together. “Because that’s not just any fancy rock, Twi,” he said turning to her. “That’s a gemstone of pure daimonic. And one of the largest samples ever found in the world.”

“And it’s being showcased at the museum,” Celestia added. “Security may be tight there, but it’s not ready for Trixie and the Diamond Dogs.”

“Why are you so familiar with this ‘star’, Spike?” Twilight asked. “You rarely take an interest in things that aren’t comics and anime.”

“I’m sorry, do you know me?” Spike said giving her an exasperated look. “I’m all about this kind of stuff. Gemstones, minerals. I got a big book of gemstones around the world for my sixth birthday.”

“Okay, okay. We can argue later,” Twilight said. “Right now, we have a crisis on our hands. I’m gonna suit up and get us over to the museum. Pinkie, I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to cut this short for now.”

“Oh, that’s okay! You guys go kick bad guy butt!!” she said bouncing up and down enthusiastically.

Twilight nodded then closed her eyes. There was a flash of magenta and she changed into Matter-Horn. She turned to Spike who was tying the mask around his face.

“You ready?” she said holding out a hand.

He sighed and grabbed her hand. “As I’ll ever be. Let’s foil the plans of these villains.”

There was another flash, and they were both gone.

“Good luck you two,” Celestia breathed.

“Do you think they’ll be alright?” Pinkie asked in a worried tone.

“They’ll be fine,” Raven assured her. “They’ve always been able to pull out a win.”

“I don’t know, I just have a bad feeling,” the pink-haired woman said biting her fingernails.

“Well, if you’re worried, we can watch them on the news,” Raven said moving to the table and picking up the television remote. She turned on the tv and found a channel that was covering the museum robbery. “See? There they are right now.”

Pinkie turned to the screen and saw the costumed heroes standing next to the police barrier outside the museum entrance.

“Well, seeing them does make me feel better,” she smiled a little.

“Now, we can watch them in action,” Celestia said. “Well, sort of. A lot of it will probably take place in the museum itself.”

“Okay! Now all we need are some snacks and it’ll be like watching a movie!”

“I’ll go get refreshments,” Raven said setting the orb down on the table.

Pinkie pulled a chair up and sat in front of the television. She bounced excitedly as the news footage rolled. Twilight and Spike started marching towards the museum and Pinkie let out a cheer. “YEAH! Go get ‘em! WOO HOO!!”

“Someone’s excited, I see,” Celestia said watching Pinkie.

“Of course. I get to watch my friends be superheroes!”

“To be young again. And with a body.”

Raven returned with a tray of various snacks and beverages. Pinkie bounced over and grabbed several sweets and a two-liter bottle of soda. She bounced back to her seat and began stuffing her face. After a few minutes of watching, she turned to Celestia with a confused look on her face.

“What do you mean go help them? I’m just me. Wouldn’t I get in the way?”

Celestia and Raven exchanged looks. “I didn’t say anything, Miss Pie.”

“Are you sure? I coulda sworn I heard someone,” she said eyeing both of them.

“Nope, just sitting here.”

Pinkie gave them another look before shrugging and returning to the television. Celestia and Raven looked at each other.

Trixie and the Diamond Dogs marched through the museum, leaving a trail of beaten and unconscious security guards behind them. Spot, eager for action, smacked away anything in his path instead of walking around it.

“So, what exactly is this ‘Star’ anyway?” Fido asked. “Why do the Terminus brothers want it?”

“Far as I know it’s some fancy rock that can generate a lot of energy,” Rover answered. “They need it to power the machine they’re building.”

“Oh? Do you know what kind of machine their building?”

“No, I don’t. And does it really matter?” he said looking over his shoulder? “We’re getting paid, that’s all we need to worry about.”

“Yeah! Who cares what they’re doing?” Spot said slapping away a stand of antique armor. “We get to smash things and we get cash too! Smash and cash! FUCK YEAH!!”

“Heh, you three are so simple,” Trixie said rolling her eyes.

The magician stopped in front of a display of three marble statues. Each was a woman with considerably endowed. The placard before it read ‘THE SIRENS’ – Sculptor Unknown. Trixie took a moment to compare herself to the statues. She grabbed her breasts and moved them about.

“These people from ancient times sure have good taste,” she said satisfied. “Too bad there aren’t more like this.”

“Keep moving,” Rover growled. “We’re almost to the star.”

They move further into the museum ripping through the solid steel doors like paper that had slammed shut when security was tripped. In time they come to the room where the Star of Saddle Arabia was being displayed. Rover tossed aside the felt rope surrounding the display and easily smashed the glass case with his hands.

“It’s almost too easy,” he said taking the watermelon-sized gemstone in his hands. “Oof, it’s heavier than it looks.”

The stone was clear with a slight rainbow hue to it. Inside the gemstone’s crystalline structure were several inclusions that gave it its namesake: a star-shaped design with six points. It pulsed with energy and Rover could feel it through his body.

“Whoa! This thing practically feels alive.”

“Well, in ancient times, it was believed that the souls of people were trapped inside such gems,” a man’s voice said. “So, it’s not too hard to believe that. Though, now we understand it’s because the stones have the unique property that allows them to hold a charge.”

“I didn’t know you knew so much about this kind of stuff, Spot,” Rover said turning to his comrade.

“Uh…I don’t,” he said scratching his head.

“Then, who said that?” Fido asked.

“I’ll have to ask you to return the national treasure back where you found it and things don’t have to get ugly,” the man said again.

Trixie and the Diamond Dogs whirl around and found the two costumed heroes standing in the doorway.

“You again?!” Rover spat. “Didn’t you have enough last time?”

“We were just getting warmed up!” Spike retorted. “Now, we’re ready to wipe the floor with you!”

“I thought you said not to antagonize them?” Matter-Horn whispered to him. “Why are you doing that now?”

“This is just banter. I thought I said to work on that?”

“Whatever let’s just take care of them,” she said shaking her head. “Hopefully, this won’t turn out like it did last time.”

Matter-Horn charged her gem and Spike cracked his knuckles. Trixie stepped forward rubbing her hands together.

“My, my, this should be fun,” Trixie said taking her breasts in her hands.

“Miss Pie? Is something the matter? Why do you keep looking around the room?” Celestia asked her.

“I don’t know. I keep hearing this voice,” she said turning to Celestia. “But there’s no one else here. It happens every time I come here. And when I was zapping around the city, I heard it. It was as if someone or something call out to me. But whenever I try to answer it’s quiet.”

“I see,” Celestia said looking at the door. “And what do you hear now?”

“What?”

“You hear someone. What are they saying?”

“I don’t know. It was always something cryptic,” Pinkie said rubbing her temples. “It was always something like, ‘come here’. Or ‘let your true self out’.

Raven returned to the room and moved to Celestia. She whispered something to her and went silent.

“Are you certain?” she asked her. Raven nodded and Celestia bit her lip.

“What? What is it?” Pinkie said rushing over to them.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Celestia said quickly. “Don’t worry about it.”

“It sounds important!” she said pressing her face against Celestia’s orb. “Is it about Twilight and Spike? Are they-.”

[“We are going to live footage from within the museum!”] blared the reporter on the television. [“The following may be unsuitable for children to watch.”]

Pinkie tore herself away from Celestia and dashed to the television. The screen changed from the newscaster to inside the museum. It was just outside the room where the fight was occurring, and several figures could be seen flying around. Suddenly, someone flew through the door and smashed into the wall. It was Spike. He pulled himself up and brushed the rubble off his shoulders. Shaking his head, he returned to the fight. There were flashes of light and the sounds of glass breaking.

“SPIKE! NO!!” Pinkie screamed. Her body quivered and tears began filling her eyes. “TWILIGHT!! GUYS!! I-I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!! BUT WHAT? WHAT CAN I DO??!!”

A pink aura began emanating from Pinkie. Celestia and Raven exchange looks.

“Miss Pie, do you wish to help your friends?” Celestia asked her.

“I-uh…yeah,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

“There is a way,” Celestia said in a firm voice “But once you make that choice there is no going back. Are you absolutely certain?”

“Yes! I want to help them!” she said bounding over to her. “I want to help Twilight and Spike!”

“Very well. Raven, if you would be so kind?” Raven nodded and picked Celestia up. “Now then, let’s get you ready.”

“This is a lot tougher than I thought,” Matter-Horn said to Spike as they took a moment to catch their breath. “Three Diamond Dogs plus Trixie? Now I know what she meant by be prepared.”

“I know what you mean,” Spike said breathing heavily. “Never realize how much I relied on that staff. We’re both going to have to do some serious training after this.”

“That’s if we make it out of this.”

“AAAWWW! WHAT’S THE MATTER?!” Trixie taunted them from across the room. “DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE BEST YOU CAN DO?!”

“NOT EVEN CLOSE!!” Spike shot back. He turned to Matter-Horn and shook his head. “Gonna be honest, I’m not sure how much more I can take,” he whispered.

“WELL, IF THE SHOW IS OVER, WE’LL TAKE OUR BOW AND LEAVE!!”

“Any plans, comic book nerd?” Matter-Horn said.

“Not really? I was hoping you’d have one.”

“Sorry to disappoint.”

Spot grabbed the Star of Saddle Arabia off the floor and the four supervillains headed for the exit. As a last-ditch effort, Matter-Horn shot a bolt of magic at them. However, it proved ineffectual as it bounced off Fido with no affect.

“Pathetic,” Trixie said sneering at her. “And you were this supposed threat to my mistress? What a joke. AHAHAHAHAHAHA-WHAT THE??!!”

Trixie was cut short when something shot past her at blinding speeds.

“WHO’S THERE? SHOW YOURSELF!!”

A pink blur zipped around the room. Trixie and the Diamond Dogs tried to attack it, but nothing would connect.

“What’s going on?! I can’t see it!!” Fido cried out panicking.

The blur stopped on top of an empty pedestal and struck a heroic pose.

“Hee hee hee! Did someone call in reinforcement?!”

Matter-Horn and Spike turn to the newcomer and gasp in shock.

“I don’t believe it. That’s…”

Author's Note

Hey gang. Finally got chapter 15 done and up. I'll post more here about the chapter tomorrow. This took too long to finish, and I'm tired.