Author's Note
[Warning!]
Second warning guys... I will be mentioning American things like Mcdonalds, and even celebrities! This is JUST for fun, so please do not get mad when I mention them. If you don't like these things because to you they seem "non-canon" feel free to skip over this story. I understand not many authors make stories like this, but I had this stored away in my drive and thought it might be fun to share. This will have a plot and a story, but it is mainly goofy and just playful writing. Again, things from America will be talked about in THIS story... because I made the world take place in OUR world. Thank you for reading this, hope you enjoy... I was bored and wrote this for fun as I said. I will be posting the second chapter in about an hour when I am done editing it. Real cover art will replace the one I have up at the moment, it will be about two weeks though.
Strange Shadows
Pinkie Pie sat quietly at her lunch table, as her friends chatted among each other about random topics that seemed fitting of the mood. She listened as it turned from sports to fashion even into simple things like what they ate that morning. Sunset Shimmer was busy trying to convince Applejack to try a bite of pears, as Twilight scribbled something down in her notebook while biting on her pen in a state of extreme concentration.
No one seemed to notice that Pinkie was steadily poking at her salad with a bit of a frown on her face, ever since Junior year, she's been feeling a tad bit empty. Now that her friends were seniors they were starting to discover who they were, what they were meant to do in life.
Poor Pinkie had no clue what she was supposed to do, she had many talents but none of them her friends have been excited to talk about. They would always encourage Twilight and her dreams to go into actuarial science, or even being a meteorologist for NASA but they never seemed too eager to talk about Pinkie's idea of being a clown at birthday parties, or also opening a small baking shop.
Sure, that was not as exciting as Fluttershy's dream to be a Marine Biologist diving into the depths of the Bermuda Triangle to find the rumor of an extinct Megalodon, but it made her happy. It also might not be as exciting and as invigorating as being a professional sports star with millions of fans across the globe watching every game at the edge of their seat, like Rainbow Dash's dream. But, Pinkie Pie had simple reasons for wanting that life… it made others smile, it made her happy to make kids happy, and overall it seemed a lot less pressured than a lot of her other friend's goals.
Applejack wanted the hard life, she wanted to "rough it" as she would put it. The farm girl would explain how one day she'd take over Sweet Apple Acres, and fix up most of the place. She explained how she would breed all sorts of fantastic animals, and grow the greatest and freshest crops in all the world. Seemed like a lot of work to Pinkie, but Applejack was never one to shy away from such things.
Obviously, Rarity was entering the celebrity life, wanting to design only the most notorious clothing that any person anywhere would seethe with jealousy when not in their clutches. Pinkie chuckled to herself, one day Rarity would be a fancy millionaire living in one of those big houses up in LA or even Beverly Hills if she wanted!
That left Sunset Shimmer, who had her eyes on becoming a game designer. It seemed relatively simple when Twilight had explained the idea to her, of putting numbers together and codes to form something creative on a computer screen. Pinkie was interested until the numbers really meant math, and problem-solving to create what Sunset put as "Open world RPG" whatever she meant by that.
So… all that was left was Pinkie. Seeing all her friends with such big goals and dreams, just caused her to sink in her skin. Was it bad that she didn't want a life so… so… big? Even if she did, she didn't think she had the backbone to always be constantly watched or judged like Rainbow Dash and Rarity. She did not have the mind or the smarts to pull off something like Sunset and Twilight, or the hard work and patience it took to work with animals like Applejack and Fluttershy. She just simply… didn't think she had an essential destiny like her friends, so she never opened her mouth to talk about her dreams… because compared to them… they were just silly fantasies that had no real value to them.
Sure she probably should be focusing on college at this point, Twilight was always nipping at her heels about scouters sneaking into Canterlot High to watch them. Unfortunately, when someone was carefully watching her it was always when she was goofing off, potentially scaring off any chances at a scholarship.
Pinkie Pie jumped when someone slapped a paper down in front of her, she knocked over her orange juice with a terrified yell as Rarity gasped.
"Pinkie! My goodness, careful! You could have stained my hand-stitched silkworm infused couture!" Rarity cried, as Applejack sighed and gathered a few napkins sitting next to her tray.
"Honestly ah thought you would have been happy to get rid of somethin' that was made by worms."
Rarity huffed. "Silkworms are very expensive Applejack, this was made in Korea, and I had it imported here! You honestly don't have any idea how much care… and… and… craftsmanship it takes to create something so fine!"
Rainbow Dash squinted. "Enough with the worm talk, check out today's latest victim!"
The athlete pushed over the article that Pinkie assumed was printed just moments earlier. The paper was still warm from the printer, as Rarity picked it up and read over it numbly.
"Honestly, it's scary enough as it is… I really do not need you reminding me of something so barbaric Rainbow!"
Twilight leaned over the fashionista's shoulder, as she tapped her chin. "Another one? How many have gone missing by now?"
Sunset chewed on her sandwich before looking at the group. "At this point, I would say around fifteen, I have been keeping a close eye on the news."
"Make that sixteen," Rainbow Dash said ominously with a teasing grin on her face. "Some are starting suspect we may have a serial killer running around the town."
Fluttershy shrank under the table, as Rainbow Dash spotted her prey and crept close. Applejack pulled her friend's shirt back, stopping her from scaring the poor animal lover cowering under the lunch table as Rarity passed the paper to Sunset Shimmer.
"Yep sixteen alright, this time a teenager named Ice Blossom is missing. I wonder where they are all going, when I was reading about the latest victims they always disappear without a trace."
Twilight put a finger up. "Well if it is a serial killer, they will be careful not to leave any fingerprints or tracks so it is not uncommon for no clues to be found."
Pinkie Pie giggled. "Come on you silly goofball, it is probably just a big ‘ol prank. All the people missing have been teenagers with bad reputations, most of them running off for days at a time in the past. I am sure they are fine… and are probably relaxing somewhere fun and warm… like the Carribean!"
Rainbow Dash suddenly placed her hands on Pinkie's shoulder with a playful grin. "Or… or… they could be tied up somewhere, all alone! And you could be next!"
Applejack punched Rainbow in the shoulder. "Ah'm tellin' you, quit scaring Fluttershy with your obsession in these things. Ah'm sure they just left home because they are throwin' a temper tantrum about somethin' their parents said. Quit your nonsense, there is no serial killer! This is the safest town around Rainbow, none of us are next!"
"I…. I don't know Applejack… these… teens have been missing all across the state… I… I mean, it's true they all have a criminal record and all…. But… but this is the sixteenth to go missing… and… and they are getting closer to Canterlot High… Ice Blossom went to Crystal Prep for a while until she was kicked out for bad behavior."
Fluttershy's voice was quiet as Twilight nodded before speaking. "Mhmm, she did indeed go to Crystal Prep." The brainiac pushed up her glasses before continuing. "-but she was ultimately kicked out for starting a fire in the parking lot, I did not know much about her other than after she was expelled she graffitied the entire backside of the school in revenge."
"Buuuut," Rainbow Dash said her voice hanging in the air before continuing. "This time they caught something.. The serial killer slipped up!"
"There ain't no serial killer Dash!" Applejack scolded.
"Sure AJ, but if there isn't a serial killer then why was a girl spotted right at the crime scene when the kidnapping took place BOOM!" Rainbow Dash shouted, scaring Twilight out of her seat as she hit the floor when the blue teen slapped another photograph on the table. "Right there, how do you like them apples AJ?"
The photograph was blurry, which was obviously printed from the newscast a few hours ago. Pinkie Pie turned the picture around so she could view it, as she stared at the pixelated face of a girl around their age lurking in the back alleyways of their city.
"I'm sure she was in the wrong place at the wrong time." Twilight said, trying to lighten the dark mood hanging over the high-school teens.
"Reaaally?" Rainbow Dash said wiggling her eyebrows. "This photo was scavenged off of a security camera, just a few feet from where Ice Blossom was doin' some graffiti behind a shopping district. Some witnesses heard a scream, and the police came running! But when they got there, the only thing they found was the half-finished painting and this photo of a girl slipping out of the EXACT same spot she went missing!"
Pinkie Pie looked closely. "I dunno Dashie, she looks kinda our age."
"Exactly!" Rainbow Dash said slamming her hands on the table. "It's someone who lives around here, and I am going to find out who and become a national superhero for solving this, you just watch!"
"So what… ya gonna just go around and accuse teens around the neighborhood?" Applejack asked, falling into a fit of laughter. "Trust me Dash, I bet some school came up with this idea to try and scare everyone… remember that zombie prank that one school pulled last year on the whole dang city."
"T-That…. was… was.. scary." Fluttershy added.
"Well if it is a prank, they got the police on it too… didn't you see all of them piled around the city on the way to school?" Sunset asked as the group nodded their heads. "I don't know, but this seems a little far to be a prank… this has been going on for weeks now, the news is getting pretty hectic on giving out warnings."
Pinkie Pie chewed slowly on some carrots as she stared at the picture carefully. The photo was indeed blurry, but the girl in the picture had straight long black hair and looked to be mixed. Her skin was a warm caramel color, and her eyes icy blue, her head was slightly turned, but her bone structure and face was hard to make out.
She wore dark clothing, her hands in her kangaroo pocket and a hoodie pulled over her head. The girl also had on ripped jeans and on the bridge of her nose… it looked a little mangled, like a clawed scar. Pinkie was transfixed on this photo, trying to find clues or anything that could calm her doubts about this teen actually kidnapping her own kind.
"Well, I am going to go after this chick, even if she is not the serial killer she might know something." Rainbow Dash said with a wink. "Don't walk home alone tonight… or she might get you!"
The athlete twinkled her fingers spookily, as Applejack gave her an angry look. "There ain't no serial killer! Quit bein' a brat Dash!"
Rainbow Dash tossed her hands in the air with a mischievous giggle before retreating out of the cafeteria. Fluttershy coward by Sunset, as the ex-bully comforted her gently by rubbing her shoulder and whispering calm words of encouragement to her and the group.
"Don't worry guys, I have read all about serial killers. Even if there let's say WERE one of those psychos running around out there… they'd be long gone with how much security is around here. I am almost positive there's nothing to worry about, just another prank that rich boarding school is playing on the city again."
"Almost positive isn't the same as completely positive." Twilight mentioned as she brushed her bangs away from her eyes without looking up. "Besides, killer or not teens are going missing, and I'd rather not be next."
"Agreed darling, shall we each keep a buddy close for the time being?" Rarity asked as Fluttershy hugged onto her arm and nodded quickly.
Pinkie Pie was about to add to the conversation, but the bell cut her off. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight nearly jumped when remembering the test they had to take, before scrambling over their notes with each other when darting out of the cafeteria. Pinkie rubbed her forehead, she was not looking forward to AP biology with Cranky Doodle.
He always seemed a little harsh… to put it lightly when she happened to be in his class. Sure she might be distracted a lot, or doodling on her notepad instead of paying attention, but that was how she worked best! When she looked up her friends had abandoned her, leaving her to sigh and throw away what she didn't eat before strolling through the hallways.
She gathered her books from her locker, as she quietly listened to Diamond Tiara taunting Applebloom and Sweetie Bell from afar.
"Better watch out CMC's I heard the killer likes to pick on small idiotic prey like yourselves!"
"Good one Tiara, bump, bump, sugarlump, rump!" Silver Spoon cheered, as they both laughed.
"Ah come on Diamond Tiara, we're ‘ready scared as it is!" Applebloom pouted.
Pinkie Pie made it to her classroom before taking a seat next to Vinyl Scratch who was swaying her head to some unknown tune like always. The music lover turned before giving Pinkie a silent thumbs up, before kicking back in her seat and spinning a pen in her hand.
Cranky Doodle stormed into the classroom, before staring at his class with a wrinkled frown. Pinkie perked up and waved to him, only to receive a scowl in return as he made his way to his desk before slumping himself down and placing his hands on the table.
"Take out your notebooks, we are studying Cellular Processes: Energy and Communication and starting a section on evolution in North American bears. No phones!"
"UUUUGH come on Cranky, like… phones make it so much easier for the great and powerful Trixie to remember things! How is Trixie supposed to perform when her hands are all gnarled and aching from writing like… some… sciency stuff that I won't remember in thirty years?"
Cranky furrowed his brows. "NO PHONES!"
"What about tablets?" Micro Chips asked. "What's the difference between writing things, when humanity invented literal technology that remembers slideshows for you with a snap of a button?"
"No TABLETS!" Cranky shouted, causing Micro Chips to nearly drop his. "Now let us begin-"
"STOP everything!" a voice shouted when bursting through the door. Cranky sighed as a teenage boy came in with thick glasses and a clipboard. He had an earpiece in which was not even working, he usually wore it to look more professional, along with a vest and khaki pants. He had shaggy brown hair, along with light green skin and bright emerald green eyes as he tapped his pin on his lips.
"Emerald Justice I will not allow you to just barge into my classroom unannounced-"
"I have specific directions from Principal Celestia to inform all classrooms of the new campus rules." Emerald Justice began as he turned to address the groaning class. "As campus hall monitor and junior security enforcement unit, it is my job to abide by safety and execute rules for the protection of my fellow peers."
Pinkie Pie giggled when Trixie strangely mouthed his words to her before Cranky glared at them both causing them to straighten their posture with a worried look.
"Being a sickler of safety, I must now-"
"Get on with it!" Trixie yelled.
"-ahem, right. Let me just… get my notes here on what Celestia had said. Erm." Emerald Justice pushed up his glasses before flipping through his clipboard. "Ah yes, every student must have a buddy when leaving campus grounds during school hours and must inform a teacher of their departing. When leaving after school has ended, everyone must carpool when riding home, or walking home until the missing occurrences are solved."
The entire class groaned. Pinkie Pie leaned into her hands while looking at the frantic boy getting death glares from everyone in the room. The poor teen was just the hall monitor, he got a bad reputation for always writing up students for the silliest things… like one time Pinkie got written up for spraying silly string on her locker. Even though it sucked to go to detention on a Saturday, she wasn't mad at Emerald Justice, it was just how he was.
He trembled when continuing his speech. "Umm… if anyone is caught without a buddy they will be sentenced to two weeks of detention." Trixie balled up a piece of paper and threw it at him as the poor nerdy kid swallowed hard. "Come on guys… I'm just trying to do my job and keep you all safe… but I will have to write you up if you don't listen."
"The great and powerful Trixie does not need… a...a… buddy! She is a fantastic solo show!"
"I have an app that tracks my every move that my mom made me install, I don't think I need a buddy we all know this is just some unclever prank that boarding school is pulling." Micro Chips added, crossing his arms in frustration.
"Lyra you know what this means, right?" Bon Bon said excitedly.
"Totes, an unplanned sleepover!"
"Alright Emerald Justice I think my class understands, thank you for the warning." Cranky Doodle said, nearly rushing him out the door as the boy took his leave. "Now without further interruption, take out your notebooks and pay attention to the video. You will have a test on what was discussed this upcoming Friday."
The class loudly groaned for the hundredth time that day, as Pinkie Pie silently pulled out her notebook and began taking notes along with the class. For about the remainder of the hour, she tried her best to pay attention, but her mind wandered. Where were all those kids going? Were they really kidnapped or was this all a joke? Could this possibly be caused by Equestrian magic, could a creature be in their world causing all this chaos?
Pinkie swallowed thickly, what kind of creature could it possibly be? They have already encountered sirens, demons, and whatever happened at Everfree. She gently patted a small jar of sprinkles in her pocket, knowing that with them on her side she could fight whatever dark magic might be lurking around somewhere.
The bell rang, nearly making the girl wet herself as the students shuffled out of the room as quick as they could before Cranky added onto their to-do-list.
Pinkie silently grabbed her books before departing to get to her next class which was, fortunately, home economics! She squeezed her books tightly to her chest as her mouth watered with the delicious picture of frosting spongy cakes. She nearly ran into Flash when her mind started counting all the types of pastries she would learn to bake, as she cried out in alarm.
Flash turned before giving her a nervous smile. "O-Oh hey Pinkie Pie… umm, I guess you heard about it too, huh?"
"Heard what? You gotta be more specific, there are tons of weird things I have heard, but none I'm sure you're talking about!" Pinkie Pie said happily as Flash slowly turned and pointed.
"Well umm…" Flash began, as Pinkie Pie looked at the crowd gathered around the hall. "It... It seems we have new a student… that umm… seems to look a tad familiar to something that has everyone nervous."
Pinkie looked forward as her eyes caught onto a girl casually opening her newly acquired locker. Her hair was long and black as night along with that terrifying skin tone that matched the girl Rainbow Dash had caught in the picture. Her eyes focused on gathering her books, as her icy gaze never faltered towards the crowd.
She had a black shirt cut off near her stomach that was also near strapless. It exposed most of her bare shoulders, but a thicker strap hung onto her left. Her neck was decorated with a spiked red choker, along with webbed elbow gloves on both of her arms.
She closed her locker door, before turning around to face the crowd who gasped. The girl rolled her eyes when they pointed and stared at her face… which had a scar! She wrinkled her nose, before turning around and leaning against the locker.
"That scar across her nose… it looks oddly.. familiar." Flash hummed, rubbing his chin as Pinkie Pie pushed through the crowd. "P-Pinkie don't go up there, she could be some Equestrian monster that has been… okay… you're not listening."
"Yeah go ahead and stare at me, what, never seen a mixed girl at your school before? Jeeze." The girl said, before laughing to herself. "It's the choker, isn't it… I promise I am not edgy or anything I just might be slightly salty."
She snickered when pulling out a bag of potato chips labeled slightly salty before eating a few from the bag and staring at the crowd.
"Oh come on that was funny… get it? Salty like my attitude… oh just forget it."
Pinkie Pie approached the girl as she munched on her chips with a shrug and tucked her books under her left arm.
"Hiya friend! My name is Pinkie Pie, you must be new here at Canterlot High!" She greeted, a little nervous but wanted to introduce herself to the new student.
The girl turned. "Mhmm… yep new, like a shiny new penny. Anyways isn't this school supposed to be I dunno… like friendly and stuff? Don't you all like pride yourself on accepting everyone, and throwing flowers at their faces when they walk through the door?"
"Yeppie yep! We are super friendly and we are so happy to have you here!"
The girl leaned against the locker with a smirk. "Yeah tell that to all the students leering at me like bigfoot just walked through the door!" she turned and posed as a kid took her picture and frantically texted it to someone else. "I mean I don't mind all the attention, but I kinda want to find out how I already messed up to where everyone hates me, ya know?"
"Well, we are kinda having some trouble with a few missing teens… and… you might look like the girl in the picture that has everyone worried." Pinkie Pie explained as the girl cocked her head with an odd look. "B-But I am positive it's not you in the picture, we've umm… just had a lot of strange things happen in this town lately."
"Oh okay cool." She said casually as the group of students nearly jumped out of the way to avoid her. "Yeah that's right fear ME, I have cooties! Hahahaha! What a laugh you all are… I am totally hanging out with a few of you later!"
"W-Wait," Pinkie Pie shouted, running after the girl. She turned with a smirk on her lips as she raised an eyebrow. "D-Do you have a name… I don't want you to be lonely without a friend here on your first day! I can walk you to class if you want!"
She pondered. "Well, my born given name is a little bit of a strange one, so I just go by Zala. You're Pinkie Pie, right?"
"Yeah! It's nice to formally meet you, Zala!"
"Mhmm, likewise… do you happen to know where this stupid thing called Home Economics is?"
Pinkie Pie nearly squealed in excitement! "OOOOO, ooooo, your first class is with me! I promise it's super duper fun, we bake… and eat all kinds of yummy foods! Come on! Come on! I'll show you!"
Pinkie Pie tugged at Zala's hand as she led her through the whispering crowd until they were alone in the hallway together. The scarred teen yawned, as her feet dragged on the title flooring as the bouncing girl continued to guide her to their destination.
Suddenly a voice boomed from the other side of the hallway. "Pinkie Pie get AWAY FROM HER!"
"Eeeep!" Pinkie screeched when a blue hand tugged her away from Zala before she was thrown behind a determined Rainbow Dash who had her sleeves rolled up. "R-Rainbow what the heck are you doing?"
"Aha! I found you… you… ruthless criminal! Trying to kidnap Pinkie Pie huh? Yeah well, not on my watch! You better start talking before I knock your teeth in!"
Zala gave her a smug look. "Me? Kidnap an innocent student of CHS when we are all alone in the hallway before I was caught by some rainbow headed Gaylord? Never."
"AHA I knew-" Rainbow Dash blinked before catching on. "-Wait, what did you just call me?"
"Oh nothing, lesbi-honest you'd never understand."
"I'll pound you in ten seconds FLAT if you make fun of me again!"
Zala made a confused face. "Sorry, I kinda thought you were making it obvious dyeing your hair the gay pride flag and all."
Rainbow pointed a harsh finger into Zala's chest as the teenager giggled at her intimidating gaze while the accuser spoke. "I know who.you.are, and I am going to get the information out of you and become a widespread hero!"
"Okay sure, what do you want to know?"
"Where are you hiding the missing teenagers?" Rainbow yelled.
"Okay, first you have to go deep into the woods."
"You better not leave out any details!"
"You need a shovel…"
"YOU MONSTER!"
"There's a giant red X next to a stone foundation of King David from the Bible." Zala was trying not to laugh as Rainbow Dash glared at her hanging onto every word. "You have to dig like really deep… like I mean reaaaally deep, like so deep, you find the therapist you desperately need."
Rainbow Dash got up into Zala's face. "Stop messing with me, I know you know where they are!"
Zala put up her hands. "K, you got me. There's this wardrobe, okay. You gotta open it, and you'll find this magical place called Narnia-"
Rainbow Dash cried out in frustration as Pinkie Pie moved in and separated the bothered girl away from the one laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. Zala mocked her from afar, as Pinkie took her friend by the shoulders and stared at her.
"Dashie you are acting loco in the coco, you need to stop accusing my new friend right this very moment!"
"Oh, I'm acting crazy? I'm sorry for being worried about your wellbeing and following you down here before you got kidnapped! This… this… psycho is obviously planning another catastrophe just look at her scary scar… and that evil glint in her eyes!"
Zala tried to make a villainous scowl, but her cheeks kept puffing out from trying to hold in a laugh. "Does this look like the face of mercy?"
She burst out laughing, as Pinkie Pie giggled at her playful attitude. The party-loving senior turned and gave Rainbow Dash the stink eye when she caught her best friend squinting at the new student furiously as Pinkie moved her chin over to where her gaze rested on her alone.
"Dashie seriously, lighten up. I am perfectly safe, Zala isn't going to kidnap me!"
"Indeed, I apologize for my friend's crude behavior… she likes to tease others when the option presents itself." A voice said as a cute looking teenager approached. "I would like to officially introduce myself, my name is Misty and my friend and I are new to CHS. I sincerely hope that her strange way of interacting with you has not caused any negative feelings that may endanger our future friendship."
The girl had silky hair, with large bouncy curls at the end along with a fiery red tint. She had sea green eyes, along with a simple white shirt on with cut out sections going down her sleeves. She had matching blue ripped jeans like Zala's ripped shorts, along with a lightly tanned skin tone and an aqua blue headband on her head.
Zala opened her arms with a cocky grin. "Aye Misty, here to grade me on my friendship making skills? Aha!"
"Zala enough. You have already caused plenty of trouble that I have to clean up!"
"Oh, pffffft! What's the fun in being uptight all the time… let loose, do you know how fun it's going to be playing pranks on these CHS kids that think I am some crazy serial killer?"
Misty gave her a sharp look. "Stop."
"Ahh… such a buzzkill! It's not like we haven't cleared up everything with the police already."
Misty pinched the bridge of her nose as took a deep breath. "I apologize… for… for… her."
Pinkie turned to the leering Rainbow Dash as she studied their every move. "See Dashie, they are completely harmless! I'm sure if they were who you thought they were Principal Celestia would have never let them into CHS."
"Principal Celestia didn't let us in, I tied her up and buried her under King David's statue." Zala retorted, brushing a strand of black hair from her eyes.
Misty punched her in the arm, as the teen laughed. Rainbow Dash turned her gaze to rest on Pinkie before ripping herself away from her touch.
"Fine Pinkie go ahead and hang out with them, but I know who they really are!"
The suspicious student stormed off, leaving the three other teenage girls left. Zala raised an eyebrow before watching Dash's rainbow hair flick as she vanished down the hall. Pinkie sighed before turning around to face the girls who were steadily watching her.
Zala suddenly turned and gave Pinkie Pie a dark look. "She should have never left you alone."
Her lips suddenly cracked into a smile, as Pinkie cocked her head watching Zala try and act tough but was failing miserably.
"Zala knock it off!"
"Ah fine, keep your pants on. I'm just playing… she knew it was a joke!"
Misty turned to Pinkie Pie and gave a slight smile. "Sorry for making your friend so worked up, you'll have to excuse Zala she's an idiot."
"Can an idiot learn all the Fortnite dances in a day?" Zala asked, doing The Floss as Misty growled at her while the goofy teen stuck out her tongue towards her companion.
"Aww Zala you are pretty funny, just wait, by the end of the day we'll be besties!" Pinkie said cheerfully, as she grabbed the dancing girl's hand and skipped down the hall. "Come on we don't want to be late for the bestest most amazing class in the history of ever!"
"Behave Zala!" Misty warned as the young adult gave her a silent departing before being pulled down the hall by a bouncing Pinkie.
Once the two made it to Home Economics, they both were hit with a smell of sweet thick chocolate aroma, mixed with a buttery haven of scents. Zala took a deep whiff before Pinkie tugged her into the room and spun her around playfully while tying a baking apron on her.
"Alright, what kinds of stuff do you have an itchy craving for? We can bake pretty much anything, and I'll help you make it! There's no better bonding experience than baking with your ‘ol pal Pinkie Pie!"
Zala crossed her arms. "I want to make a Big Mac."
"Umm.. I am not sure we can bake a Big Mac, Zala."
Pinkie's new friend tapped her chin. "Okay then... I'll settle with a Whopper."
Pinkie giggled. "No, I don't think you understand… baking usually uses dough and eggs, and a hamburger kinda needs a grill. We only have stuff to bake, but later I can totally get you one if you still have a hankering for them!"
"Ight," Zala said blissfully. "How about you choose, I'm kinda too tired to think right now."
Pinkie smiled before patting her on the head. "Let's bake croquembouche with a touch of carmel, and drizzled chocolate fudge on the top."
"You had me when you mentioned food, but lost me when you started talking fancy."
Pinkie giggled once more. "Oh you goofball, it's simple really, croquembouche is just a cream puff pastry stuck together with a caramel sauce! Lookie here, we've got plenty of baking materials all around us, let's have some fun!"
Pinkie brought out some equipment before laying down a saucepan. Zala watched eagerly as the baker slapped down some unsalted butter, a whole carton of eggs, some flour and many more ingredients they needed to make their dessert. She hummed as her mind went on auto-pilot and started to measure what she needed to get started.
"Can you preheat the oven to four hundred and twenty-five degrees? Pretty please with a cherry on top?" Pinkie asked, as Zala nodded and did what she was asked. "Alright, can you come over here and lend me a hand? I need you to get the mixer ready after I get these ingredients boiling, eeeeee, this is going to be so delicious!"
The teenager nodded, before bringing out the mixer as Pinkie took her saucepan off the burner after she had poured all the ingredients into the pan. The boiling materials created a mouthwatering scent that caused all the students to turn their heads in utmost jealousy, as the experienced cook poured it into the next bowl.
"Okay next funerific stage of completion, I am going to start making the caramel from scratch. I need you to gently mix a few eggs… around hmmm… six, each at a time… until the dough looks as smooth as a baby's cute little bottom!"
Zala blinked. "Oh, you are actually serious about me doing something. Okay.. crush a few eggs, get an A… take a nap back home, gotcha."
Pinkie turned before starting to melt some sugar in another pan, as she watched another student smirk at her from the opposite side of the room. She quickly looked down to avoid eye contact, knowing very well her not-so-much-bestie was staring at her from across the room.
Ivy Jewel was her name. She had a rich family, who always seemed to pamper the teen making her very spoiled. She took all advanced classes, along with Twilight and Sunset Shimmer but always seemed to pick on Pinkie for something she did in the classes they shared.
"Oh Pinkie!" Ivy Jewel sang, twinkling her fingers in a gloating manner. "I see you're trying to show off your useless baking skill again. Remind me, how is that useful to the world? How much does a baker make around here nowadays? Hmmm, around twenty-five thousand a year on average? Enough to afford a studio apartment, and no glamour at all?"
Pinkie flinched. "I-I… know it does not make much… but I like doing… this."
Ivy Jewel brushed her blond hair back as she rolled her dough. "I'm going to college to become a magazine editor, and learning the ropes of owning a business. They think Rarity is going to be a celebrity? Hilarious! I am going to be the one the world is talking about, knowing the juiciest gossip around the nation!"
"That's… great Ivy! I really hope you get what you want!"
"Are you even going to college? Or are you going to ask those geologist parents or yours for some spare change for your pathetic little bakery you want to open. You do understand it's not going to last even a year, right Pinkie Pie?"
"All I can do is hope and try my best, right?"
Ivy sneered. "Or, you can give up on your little fantasy and get a REAL job… instead of being some washed up nobody that embarrasses the class on our five-year reunion!"
The tormentor laughed, as Pinkie's shoulders pushed themselves forward and she hid her tearing eyes behind her bangs. Ivy was parting her lips to say another taunt, but before she could Zala pulled back her arm and threw something!
Splat!
Ivy had an agape expression as she looked down where an egg had splattered all over her chest. Zala laughed heartily before tossing an egg up into the air and catching it, as Ivy looked back up with a shocked and insulted look on her face.
"Dang I was aiming for that unibrow you pluck." Zala mumbled before pulling back her arm again. "Oh well, if at first you don't succeed try, try, again!"
"Don't you DARE-"
Crack!
Ivy Jewel made a screaming gasp, as the egg broke right on her face and dripped down her lip! The raw egg had also made its home in her perfectly styled hair, as Zala threw back her head and laughed causing Pinkie Pie to stare in bewilderment!
"Zala! Zala stop! You'll get detention!" Pinkie Pie whispered frantically as the classroom stopped baking and chattering to stare at the two girls in their showdown.
Ivy's face turned red with rage before she stamped her foot and cried out. "Mrs. Smith! That weird new student just threw a RAW egg at me! I demand justice at once!"
Granny Smith kicked herself awake as she shook her head in a daze. "Wha..? What did ya say youngin? Eggs… eggs have been thrown? Na, that's a mighty fine way to get one of you straight into detention… which one of you threw it? Take responsibility fer yerself!"
Ivy strictly pointed to Zala leaning against the metal table. "She did, and don't you try and deny it you… you... delinquent!"
"I fully accept who I am… I am coming out as whatever she just accused me of!" Zala said with a shrug as she waved her hand in the air. "Just to make sure there is no confusion on who did it.."
Splat!
Ivy screamed as Zala laughed once more. Granny Smith shook her head in disappointment, "That's detention for you, I expected more out of ya! Especially on yer first day!"
"Totally worth it though." Zala mumbled, as Pinkie Pie pulled the new student behind the oven before she could get herself into more trouble.
"What are you doing Zala? Do you want to make an enemy of Ivy? Why are you throwing eggs at her are you crazy?" Pinkie harshly whispered as she quickly looked behind her.
"If we are lucky she might get Salmonella," Zala replied with a giggle.
"Why did you throw an egg at her?" Pinkie asked angrily shaking Zala by the shoulders.
"Duh… because she was being a snoody two-faced brat! I didn't know Regina George hung out here! If I did, I would have transferred weeks ago hahaha!"
"You… You did it because... she was being mean to me?"
"Well yeah, that's like the basic rules of friendship. Other than stealing each other's boyfriends, wow wee, definitely don't do that or it becomes World War Three, or The Purge."
"Wow… thanks Zala, no one has even tried to stand up to Ivy before. I-I don't know how to thank you!" Pinkie said sincerely.
Zala pondered for a minute before replying. "Buy me a Big Mac… and all is well again in the world."
"You… really seem to like food, but sure! I'll buy you as much as you want!"
Zala put her hand on Pinkie Pie's shoulder as she stared into her eyes. "You… you are going to be my best friend as of now, and I shall now protect this wonderful specimen from the dangers of society. Listen… you gift to the earth you, there is no ‘we' in food, but I will make an exception."
Pinkie laughed, as Zala pulled her into a friendly hug. There was no way this girl was as dangerous as everyone assumed, she was playful, and super funny to boot! Pinkie was glad she was able to befriend Zala, it seemed the way into her heart was through her stomach which Pinkie Pie was happy to do!
When they pulled apart Zala sniffed the air. "Oh that's right I slipped in the raw dough into the oven a while back… we might need to take it out now."
"Yeah, sure! Let me get my oven m-"
Zala suddenly ripped open the over door and reached for the blazing hot pan.
"ZALA, Zala STOP!" Pinkie Pie yelled rushing over, but the damage was already done.
She placed her raw unprotected hand on the sizzling cooking pan, before casually taking it out and setting it gently on the burner to cool. Zala seemed calm, and not at all in pain as Pinkie gasped and flinched when she released her grip on the item and met her eyes.
"....What? Do I have a ‘kick me' sign on my back?"
Pinkie rushed over and snatched Zala's hand before scanning her eyes all over the flesh expecting to see peeling and burnt skin bubbling on the surface. Instead, she only saw a normal looking hand with no injury that was visible as she ran her thumb over the exposed flesh feeling nothing damaged at all!
"This.. this is impossible! Y-You just touched an object simmering in a four hundred and twenty-five-degree oven! Your skin… Your skin isn't even hot!"
"My skin may not be hot, but my body is! Check me out!" Zala said flipping her hair back with a dashing smile. "Don't worry I may be hotter than others, but they can still be cooler than me… sort of… I'm kinda both, dontcha think?"
"Seriously Zala, touching something that hot can seriously hurt you! Let me see your hand again, and then I'll walk you to the nurse!"
Zala gave Pinkie Pie her hand before smirking. "Trust me I'm fine! Must have not touched it long enough for it to actually burn me, ya know?"
Suddenly the bell rang, causing Pinkie Pie to look up as all the students started to clean up. Zala stuck her finger in the STILL blazing hot masterpiece they both had baked, as she lifted her finger and licked off the gooey goodness.
Pinkie Pie's mouth was open in shock before Zala spoke. "Mmm, yeah this is pretty good Pinkie Pie! Too bad we didn't get to finish it, but I'll see you around after school yeah? After all, we've got a date with hamburgers!"
"Y...Yeah, I'll see you later, Zala." Pinkie Pie squeaked as the girl happily waved to her before zooming out of the classroom.
She just… literally touched something that could melt your skin right off twice! Pinkie Pie thought, as she hovered her hand over the cooling croquembouche. She eventually had to pull her hand away because the steam coming off of it was too hot, making her ponder how on earth Zala was able to touch it without so much of a blink! Hmm… something seems fishy...
Once Pinkie Pie had cleaned up her station, she departed from Home Economics to gather her things and head home. Maud had been carpooling with Mudbriar while Limestone and Marble had after-school activities to attend to, resulting in Pinkie Pie catching the bus or walking home from school.
She quietly unlocked her locker, before settling her school books in her backpack while making sure her assigned homework was all in order. She zipped up her pink and glittery backpack, before slugging it over her shoulder and making her way out of CHS. Once she made it to the parking lot, she jumped when a hand snatched her shoulder.
"Excuse me, Pinkie Pie was it?" a familiar voice asked as a pen tapped on his clipboard.
Pinkie cringed knowing she probably violated some sort of school rule in some way shape or form. "Yeppie yep! Whatcha need Emerald Justice?"
"I happened to be patrolling Canterlot High to make sure everyone was efficiently following the new school rules, and I cannot help but notice you do not have a buddy."
Pinkie groaned. "Aww, I totally forgot! I'm super duper sorry Justice, I really didn't mean to break any rules, honest!"
Emerald Justice tisked. "That's two weeks of detention for you.. No exceptions for anyone, even you Pinkie Pie." The caught teen pouted, as the hall monitor wrote up something on his clipboard before slapping it on the back on Pinkie's backpack. "Even with your violation, you are still in need of a buddy. I happen to live two blocks away from your house, as I recall from your last party."
Pinkie Pie put on a forced smile. "O-Oh yeah sure! I wouldn't mind walking home with you!"
"Fantastic, we shall leave at once. I hope there are no hard feelings, I take my job very seriously after all." Emerald Justice said, as he pushed up his glasses with a nervous smile.
"No problemo, you are just trying to keep everyone safe! That's really kind of you!"
Pinkie Pie threw her head to the side to invite him to walk with her as he eagerly joined her side. As she was walking she caught sight of Zala who quickly waved at her… but stopped. Pinkie watched Zala's smile turn into a frown, almost a scowl. Misty turned her head to gaze at them, and the same thing happened making Pinkie Pie feel a little… nervous.
Emerald Justice locked eyes with Zala for a brief moment, and the two stared at each other. Time seemed to slow down, and even though Zala and Misty were far away she could almost see anger etched into their faces as they passed.
"You coming? I do have a few essays I have to write you know." Emerald Justice said, as Pinkie noticed she had stopped walking.
"Oh yeah, sorry!" Pinkie Pie said trying to force the nervousness causing her voice to shake, as she followed the boy down the street. They walked in silence for awhile as Emerald Justice started to text on his phone and led the way.
Pinkie Pie's legs felt like sandbags, the more she followed Emerald Justice. What… is that strange feeling I am feeling? I feel… in danger. Something chilling was brushing against her spine, making a deep pit of fear start to emerge from within her chest. Something was not right, something about that scowl Zala gave her was not right.
Emerald Justice turned into an alleyway, still cluelessly staring at his phone. "H-Hey Emerald Justice?"
The frail boy turned curiously when addressed. "Yeah?"
"S-Something doesn't feel right."
"Mmm yeah I felt it too, should we turn back?"
Pinkie Pie swallowed when a haze started to form by their feet. "I-I dunno, my house isn't very far… but… but even though I have walked through here hundreds of times, this time it feels… sorta… creepy… and empty."
Emerald Justice put his phone in his pocket before responding. "That can happen when you are in the presence of a Vampire Lord."
Pinkie Pie's eyes shrank, but before she could scream Emerald Justice was on her in an invisible blur collecting her neck in his cold clammy hands. Her back slapped against the stone building behind her, as her feet dangled helplessly under her.
Emerald Justice's mouth opened, as sharp canine fangs started to slip into view. "How long it has been for my kind to feast upon the mortal race, but I must withhold… I can not deny my master his offering or taint it with my selfish desires."
Pinkie shrieked and cried, but his grip was firm on her neck making her choke. Tears slipped down her face as Emerald's appearance changed to where his face grew even paler, and his eyes started to glow a deep shade of crimson. His fingernails morphed into sharp claws, his touch as cold as the grave as she shook her head.
"Never suspected the nerd to be part of the undead, did you? For too long we have hidden ourselves, and have served The Divine and their rules… it is time for a rebellion. It is time for me and my kin to once again fulfill our cravings!"
Emerald Justice's long dripping forked tongue slid out of his mouth, before gently caressing Pinkie's tear-soaked cheek. He pulled back before ramming his fist into the poor terrified teen's head, causing her body to fall unconscious onto the hard concrete ground below.
Pinkie Pie gasped for air, her lungs heaving as she groaned when feeling her pulsating headache. She tried to touch her throbbing head, only to find her hands bound by a thick rope along with her feet! She squirmed, as her heartbeat picked up looking around as she observed dozens of cages stacked on top of each other.
She wiggled her way towards the bars separating her from the outside… which looked like... A ship's deck? Her blue eyes scanned the scenery before she felt vibrations and rocking below her and a giant bellowing horn shattering her eardrums from above.
Is this… a cargo ship? Pinkie quickly tried to locate her exploding glitter bombs, only for her heart to drop when she realized they were not there. Rats… Emerald Justice must have taken them! She tried grunting and wiggling free from her ropes, only to hear shouts and cries of terror coming from in front of her.
"P-Please let me go, I s-swear I will never steal another pair of sneakers again!"
"M-My parents always told me demons would come and get me, I never thought they were serious!"
Pinkie Pie's eyes bugged when she realized there were two... six... ten… sixteen... teenagers locked up in cages! She heard grunting and something heavy slugging themselves across the deck as creatures of nightmares floated by.
They were dressed in sweeping black cloaks, with shining red eyes and pale skin, no… no.. it was not possible! V-Vampires… they cannot be real, they don't exist! They are just scary Halloween stories that Rainbow Dash tells me at night! No… No, you're dreaming Pinkie Pie.. wake up! Emerald Justice is not a vampire… you are home… with your marshmallow pillow wake up!
Suddenly she saw a familiar looking face drifting by the group of humanoid figures, as he held his head tall before scratching his pointy ear. "Are we all set to sail, Lord Cain?"
"Indeed Lord Justice, the human sacrifices will free us from the Divines… our faction no longer serves the ones above us, we shall be liberated along with our master Reius."
"Good, then let us embark."
Suddenly Pinkie Pie heard something cursing as a shadow stumbled among the cages, staring into the bars before moving along. "Nope, not you… definitely not you, umm… maybe? Nope… not the right hair, I saw what you did last summer and I am not a fan… moving on."
Pinkie's eyes widened and her body shook with fear when Zala tapped her chin and spun around with a soda in her hand. The senior was filled with rage seeing the teenager stroll across the deck of the boat casually, with sixteen missing teenagers, after she had trusted her!
Zala had a pink cape made of long cheap material flowing behind her, as she tapped on the bars ignoring the teenager's cries for help until she caught Pinkie's gaze.
The caped delinquent came up to Pinkie's cage as tears welled up in the trapped girl's eyes. "Z-Zala… I...I trusted you… I...I thought we were friends!"
Zala cocked her head. "Well duh, of course we are friends, that's why I brought you a soda."
She handed Pinkie Pie the drink, but she turned her head away sharply. "Y-You are with them aren't you… kidnapping all these teens! Zala… we are friends, p-please don't do this… I-I won't tell anyone... Just let us go!"
Zala quietly chuckled. "Me? With the vampires? Nah, they suck literally."
Pinkie Pie and Zala fell to their sides when the boat lurched into action. Something heavy scraped against the deck as Zala put her finger to her lips to hush the screaming caged senior as the girl dove to the side and hid next to Pinkie's cage.
Something made of living stone lumbered in front of Pinkie Pie's cage making her scream and stumble back, as a long forked tail swung behind it. Giant rocky wings twitched on its back, as vines and moss grew on its thick and tough stone hide.
The creature's yellow eyes rested on the hyperventilating Pinkie for a quick moment before moving on without a moment's hesitation.
Zala casually made her way back to Pinkie's cage as she screamed and stammered while pointing. "W-What is that THING?"
The teen with the odd scar pouted. "What him? Oh, that's a gargoyle, vampires summon gargoyles to do their dirty work, along with hellhounds."
"B-But they don't exist! V-Vampires and… and… hellhounds and gargoyles don't exist!"
Zala shook her head. "Nope, they exist all right." She turned as the boat started to depart from the dock. "All of us do."
Suddenly Pinkie's rescuer placed her hands on her cage, and with one flex of her hands, the bars were crushed like wet clay. Zala pulled her elbows outwards, pulling the bars apart until they snapped off and created an opening large enough for Pinkie to squeeze through.
Zala snatched Pinkie Pie by her arm, before lowering her face towards her binds.
"W-Wait… what do you mean by ‘all of us' Zala?" Pinkie Pie asked in a shaky voice, as the mysterious girl tore at the ropes with her teeth.
The ropes ripped apart, as Zala helped her companion wiggle free. "The undead are not the only ones walking among you, but do you happen to have any snacks? Getting up here was a pain, and I forgot my energy bar back home."
Suddenly the boat lurched as a loud scratching sound split the air! Zala crossed her arms, as Pinkie Pie went rolling along the deck until the vibrations stopped. She was helped up by her ally, as her legs wobbled weakly from being tied up for so long.
"Did we run over a mountain or something?" Pinkie Pie asked as she held onto Zala.
"Nah, that's probably Misty tearing off the ship's propeller. She better be careful down there, or this is going to be the Titanic all over again."
"WHO are you intruder?" a voice demanded, as Zala slowly turned to stare at Vampire Lord Cain who was accompanied by five large and bulky gargoyles standing by his side. "I demand to know what you are doing aboard my ship at once! Speak clearly, and I may allow you to live for just a bit longer!"
Zala suddenly pushed Pinkie Pie to the side, as she grinned and jabbed her thumb into her chest. "I am the mighty Zala, destroyer of planets and God of-"
"Kill her." Lord Cain commanded.
"Rude." Zala huffed, as a Gargoyle pushed himself forward before spitting a harsh wave of fire towards Zala who was engulfed in mere seconds! Pinkie Pie screamed and cried, watching her friend turn into ash before the fire was ceased.
She expected to see nothing left… or at least a charred pile of bones, but she was mistaken.
Zala waved smoke from her face as she coughed. She beat her fist into her chest, as her tattered clothes hung from her uninjured body. "Dang that is some nasty breath you've got there… aww man, look what you did to my cape! I made it just for my friend over there, and you had to go and ruin it!"
Lord Cain did a double take. "How are you STILL alive?"
"Well, Mr. Vampire if you would of let me finish." Zala began as she straightened her posture. "I am Zala destroyer of planets… God of… of… erm… well, I HAD it before you had to go and ruin my flow here!"
"Regardless," Lord Cain said rubbing his forehead. "My gargoyles will not fail me a second time."
"Ehh… I wouldn't put my expectations too high."
One gargoyle charged, swinging his massive arm towards Zala who caught it. Lord Cain smacked his forehead and groaned, as the teenager slugged the statue with all her might splitting the stone into millions of pieces as Zala laughed.
Quit messing around Zala.
Pinkie flinched when she heard the echoing voice inside her head, as Zala turned and pouted.
"Telepathy really? Come up here and help me fight."
You seem to be doing a great job making a mess of the entire plan, I think I'll stay down here.
"Suit yourself," Zala said as she headbutted another gargoyle as their claws ripped into her shirt. Zala's fist slammed into its head, crushing it into dust as she rammed into another one with a war cry causing Lord Cain to grow irritated. "Vampires are so overrated, all the shows making them handsome and crap is so… so… not realistic."
"Enough!" Lord Cain shouted causing Zala to snap her attention towards him. "You are not human, that much is clear, you are a Mythic! Why you are interfering with the vampire faction is beyond my comprehension, you are but a child, and compared to a Vampire Lord you are nothing but a worm!"
"Well good thing she isn't alone!" Another voice shouted, as something jumped from a cargo box and landed on one hand next to the teenager crunching on a pile of the crushed gargoyle. "I am itching for a fight with another Vampire Lord!"
Lord Cain pressed his fingertips together. "Ah now your faction I can tell by scent, are you sure the itch isn't from your fleas, you stray dog!"
"Aye Ronan, thanks for joining!" Zala greeted. "Do you mind sparing some beef jerky, my tank is empty and ya know I can't fight on an empty stomach."
The boy named Ronan rolled his eyes. "You better get some energy from somewhere, Vampire Lords are tough cookies!"
Ronan was a muscular teenager, with hair coming down over his ears. His hair was dark brown and shaggy along with curls, matching his fearsome blue eyes. He had a giant claw scar running across his chiseled chest, and a strange tooth hanging down from a necklace bumping against his skin.
Ronan… your shirt… where did it go.
"Misty come on it's hot… I need to feel the breeze!"
"Your last day alive begins now young Mythics! State your factions!" Lord Cain bellowed, as Zala stood next to Ronan and exposed the inside of her arm.
"My name is Zala, born of the Dragonkin Faction!" She stated loud and clearly, as a strange symbol appeared embedded in her flesh that responded to her words in a bright light.
"My name is Ronan, born of the Lycankin Faction!" Ronan added, lifting up his large arm before exposing his strange symbol that started to glow.
"There is one more of you pathetic Mythics where are they?" Lord Cain hissed, as the boat lurched again as something scraped against the hull. "What is happening to my SHIP?"
Indeed there is one more.
There was a splash as something flew up the side of the large ship gracefully, before landing swiftly next to Zala and flipping their wet hair back. Misty stood next to her friends, as she brushed her soaked bangs from her eyes and squeezed the water out of her clothes.
Misty brought up her arm. "My name is Misty born of the Sirenkin Faction!"
Lord Cain's back rippled before long bony tendons stretched out forming into wings. "You fools, I have been alive for thousands of years! I have mastered my abilities, while you three are nothing but newbloods!"
"All true," Zala said with a yawn. "Can we wrap this up… dragons need to sleep for at least ten years or so and I am already waaaaaay behind."
"Ronan?" Misty said as the boy nodded his head.
He lurched over as large growls started to come from within his body. His muscles jerked and spasmed before growing bigger… and blacker… turning his perfectly tanned skin into a black haze of shaggy and fluffy fur! His head grew bigger, his jaw stretching until his hands and feet turned into humanoid paws, along with long sharp claws growing out of his fingers. Pinkie Pie huddled as far away from the creature as she could, as a wolf-like figure stood towering over the girls sweeping his thick tail across the deck.
"A.. A w-w… a… were…" Pinkie stuttered as the werewolf bared his fangs before roaring, his large and muscular chest heaving from such powerful lungs!
Lord Cain snarled before stretching out his withered hand, Ronan dodged the bolts of lightning zipping through the air to catch him as he approached on all fours. His body was extremely nimble for such a large and powerful beast, as he swung his claws slicing through the Vampire Lord's chest as Cain howled and hissed before retaliating!
Misty shot something at her feet, as ice formed underneath her giving her impressive speed as she started to skate on the ice she created! She shot icicles at the vampire, aiming for his feet and binding him to the ground as Ronan slammed down both arms on top of Cain's head!
The Vampire Lord caught Ronan's forearms with an invisible shield, as the werewolf growled pressing down his arms harder as the vampire struggled to overpower him! Zala shouted with glee as she jumped into the air and formed scaly red and black leathery wings! Her fingernails transformed into sharp black claws, as three pointed horns broke out from the sides of her skull!
A long thick tail with a feathery end slid out from her tailbone, as Zala formed flames in her hands before tossing fireballs at the trapped Vampire Lord! He broke his concentration with Ronan to deflect Zala, only to have the werewolf punch the side of his head! The ice broke from the impact tossing Lord Cain towards the side of the boat as something cracked below them.
Zala flapped her wings keeping herself airborne as Ronan made a low whimper, before being knocked on his side. The werewolf used his claws to keep himself still, while the boat began to tip, knocking over large cargo boxes.
"This whole boat is going to sink!" Misty cried, as Zala put her arms behind her head and rolled onto her back mid-air.
"I wonder who's fault that is."
"For heaven's sake Zala, just get the teens off the BOAT!"
Misty tossed Zala something, making the teen nearly jump when catching it! The dragon swooped down, before gliding on her back and tossing the strange objects into cages. The teenagers inside were suddenly overtaken by light, before vanishing into thin air!
"Ight, the teens have left the building! Or… or the boat... too bad we had to crash the party ahaha!"
Lord Cain recovered, rubbing his tender head as his fangs clenched together. "I shall not be humiliated by newbloods in my own territory!"
"Your face is enough humiliation!" Zala cackled, before settling on the top of a tower of cargo boxes before giving her friends a thumbs up. "Come on Lord Cain, are vampires always this much of a buzzkill? I was just playin' old man!"
"Dragons, always so arrogant!" Lord Cain shouted, before thunder cracked and lightning sprouted from his fingertips striking Zala in the chest!
Ronan growled before charging along with an ice-skating Misty who attacked in unison! The siren jumped, delivering lightning fast kicks that Lord Cain deflected with his arms, as Ronan tackled the Vampire Lord and placed his heavy paw on his chest. The werewolf raised his paw before forming a fist with a low growl, but the undead creature blasted them both back with a heavy dose of invisible magic!
Misty fell on top of Ronan's chest, as they squirmed trying to untangle themselves. Zala panted before sitting up, her hair spiked and fizzling with electricity as she coughed.
"Okay… Zala… the destroyer of worlds… huff… needs a ten-minute breather…" Zala said, as she panted and patted down the static rolling over her clothes.
"Alright… I don't think we can take him down with brute force… we need a strategy!" Misty said slapping her hands together as shadows started to form. Emerald Justice and a few other vampires popped up with malicious grins as Lord Cain laughed.
"Hmm.. indeed fighting a vampire is a death wish… but with dozens of us… it's an execution." Emerald Justice said, as he spread his hands to gesture to his friends. "Let me repay you Misty, for tearing a hole in my boat."
"I know an effective strategy that works EVERY single time in these situations!" Zala said, tapping the side of her brain with a nod of her head. "FLEE!"
Zala jumped off of her cargo box, as the vampires shot magic at her. She swooped down, and snatched a screaming Pinkie Pie as Ronan scrambled to leap over boxes while Misty fled along with them. The siren slid on her ice in front of the vampires, before blocking off their path with a wall of thin frost which they started to break immediately. Ronan jumped towards Misty's perch of ice, before catching her on his back and following the flying Zala towards the boat's dock.
"GET THEM!" Emerald Justice yelled!
Ronan leapt off the high side of the ship, before landing on the wooden dock and speeding towards land as Misty hung onto his fur! Zala waited until they were clear of the entrance before she started to breathe heavily and her mouth started to glow.
"Spitball!" Zala cried as Emerald Justice finally broke through the ice. The dragon spat a fireball as big as a volleyball, as it crashed into the dock and exploded! The wood blew up into sharp splinters separating them from the vampires as Lord Cain screeched curses at the fleeing group! They started to form wings, but Zala and her friends were long gone hauling a screaming and confused Pinkie Pie along with them!
