My Brave Pony Starfleet Magic: Season 4

Chapters

Episode 2: Feather Blusters
Episode 3: Phantom of Magic
Episode 4: Slither in the Dark
Episode 5: A Legendary Vision
Episode 7: Phantom's Fury
Episode 8: Part 1: Phantom Unmasked
Episode 9: Part 2: Valkyrie of Harmony
Episode 10: Rat's Dark Trap
Episode 11: Future Sight
Episode 12: Final Episode: Dark Duel
Episode 1: New Threat
Episode 6: A Broken Artwork

Episode 2: Feather Blusters

While at the Royal Palace in New Canterlot, the team and Sapphire had their injuries treated. All of them were very lucky it wasn’t so serious, and they reported to their royal majesties. They even gave Professor Brain the blank card they had confiscated hoping he could find some answers.

Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia were shown images of the fight, via the magic Rarity and Lightning’s friends used. Both their majesties were extremely mystified by many things, but none concerned them more other than the fact that it was so strong that Sapphire was the only one to deal actual damage to it.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Grand Ruler said “But it cannot be ignored that we have a new enemy on our hands, which means war laws will have to be enforced at once to ensure safety.”

The others agreed.

“But we’re still not in the clear.

We still don’t know much of that creature, nor who sent it here.” said Rhymey.

“He’s right.” said Fluttershy “It felt like trying to battle a-hundred monsters at once.”

“All our best attacks hardly even scratched it, even we all ganged up on It.” added Starla. “Sapphire was the only one able to match it strength for strength.”

Their majesties were deeply concerned as well, but regretted to inform the team there was little to nothing they could advise. “As I have said before…” Grand Ruler said “We ourselves have never seen anything like this. We only know as much as you all do.”

Professor Brain entered the room. “Professor, have you found out anything?” Celestia asked. Brain shook his head as he held the card “I have analyzed the object, the card which you had given me, countless times, and could produce nothing. I have never seen anything like this before, nor have the computers.”

The others all groaned in dismay. “So what do we do now?” asked Buddy Rose “We know we can’t beat these guys by ourselves, unless… Sapphire”

“No, no , no! She’s not risking her life like that in a battle again!” Lightning exclaimed. “That’s too risky.”

“But what do we do?” snapped Applejack “Look we can’t train, and we can’t power ourselves up. What can we do?”

“The first thing we must do is learn of our new enemy.” Grand Ruler “We must find out who he, she, or they are, what they plan to do and why.”

Celestia nodded “All forces will be made aware of the situation, and carry out searches for any hint of where the enemy is hiding. Once we have the information we need, it’ll be that much easier to deal with the danger. Until then, all of you will remain on constant alert, and if it seems the battles are not in your favor, you may be advised to retreat.”

“Que, retreat?” snapped Dyno. “But that’s insane. We can’t just let these monsters wreak havoc on the world.”

“I understand your concerns.” Grand Ruler said “But what you all have to realize, is that in our current situation, rushing into a battle we know we can’t win by ordinary means increases the chances of you all being destroyed. We’ll render any assistance that we can, but for the moment we’ll have to play it safe. Is that understood?”

Everyone agreed. For now it was getting late, and with the guards doing their nightly shifts and Princess Luna on watch, everyone thought of heading to bed. Krysta bid everyone goodnight and headed home to her world, the planet Luminous, and promised that by morning she’d have her fairy soldiers ready to help out in the long road ahead.

As most of them headed off to their rooms, Spike remained behind for a moment to gaze at the memorial window of Twilight Sparkle. The chalice containing her ashes remained safely kept well in the niche underneath. He just stared sadly at the picture in the glass. “Goodnight, Twilight. I really wish you were here with us.” Spike said softly, and little tear fell from his eye. Rarity saw him and knelt down near and softly cuddled him close to her. “We all do, Spike.” she said “We miss her, but she is and always will be with us. Just as I will always be here for you as best I can.”

Spike smiled softly and snuggled into her arms. Rarity had been a good caretaker for him since Twilight died, despite their few spats and disagreements, but Spike was very grateful to her…

Meanwhile, Goldwin, the magic statue was stargazing through his telescope. “Wow, the stars look so pretty tonight.” he said. Suddenly, he caught sight of two stars moving across the sky. “Wow! Shooting stars.” he suddenly noted their rather irregular path, and they were removing a little slow to really be shooting stars, and seemed to be settling over the thickets and brambles of Everfree Forest, far, far away. “Gee, that was strange. They just disappeared.”

He was suddenly snapped out of his wondering when he noticed how late it was getting, and he felt rather tired and figured he’d go back to be a statute, which was how he rested. So he hopped onto his pedestal and removed his magic mask, turning back into a solid gold statue until someone would wake him up in the morning.

While far, far away in the forest, two figures, one male and one female, all dressed in white monk’s robes and hoods stood in the middle of the forest road gazing at their surroundings. They said nothing, but they could hear the soft sounds of growling behind them. They turned round and saw a pack of Timber Wolves snarling at them angrily. The two strangers held out their hands and unleashed small bursts of magic at the wolves, and the wolves headed away as if the magic were forcing them to leave.

The male spoke grimly. “It still fascinates me that this is what it was all like before.”

His partner agreed, but reminded him “We mustn’t forget why we are here. If we are unsuccessful, then our efforts will be in vain and there shall be no hope for anyone.”

They walked off together and vanished into the night.

Rarity slept peacefully in her big bed, but Spike lay awake in his little bed with his flashlight on, and with a little parchment and pencil he secretly wrote something special he had been keeping a secret from her and the others, and as he sat there pondering what to write next he began contemplating whether or not he would even show it to Rarity.

As Spike tucked his parchment away, Rarity was awakened from hearing the soft sounds of the paper scratching. “Spike… is that you?” she whispered, but when she turned she could see hi sleeping like an angel. She smiled softly at him and then went back to sleep, and Spike peeked one eye open at her, and sighed ever so softly as he fell asleep.

While everyone slept deeply, the two hooded strangers managed to sneak past all the guards and any detectors, entering the palace. They communicated through telepathy so as not to make any noise.

“Wouldn’t it be easier if we just did this while they were awake? Then we could reveal ourselves to them.” the male thought, but his friend disagreed “You know just as well as

as I do that would cause trouble. For now, we have to do as we were told, and we’ll reveal ourselves to them in due time.”

Resisting any urge and time to argue, the two set off across the palace slinking about avoiding detection as easily as they did to get in. They stopped inside the bedrooms of each of ponies, and then took out a small walnut sized crystal. Then, by magic, the crystals evaporated into a sparkling soft magic and fused into the bodies of the friend, though they did not feel a thing. Even Spike got one. The ponies felt nothing and just continued to sleep.

The duo then came to Lightning and Starla’s room. “Wow, it’s really him.” the male thought as he gazed upon Lightning. His friend was just as amazed, and they gave the last crystals to Lightning and Starla.

The next morning, the ponies began to awaken softly. Buddy Rose awoke to the sound of the alarm clock on the nightstand near his bed. He raised out his hand and felt around for the clock, feeling it, and he softly tapped the stopper, but smashed the clock in the process. He gasped in shock, snapping himself fully awake.

Artie woke up and hopped out of bed, but he set his feet on the floor, his feet smashed through the carpets and through the stone floor making a hole down to the next room below. He held onto the ceiling, but was most shocked. “What the-- How did I do that?”

Rhymey stretched out, hitting his hand on one of the four posters nearest to him, snapping it like a twig.

Dyno and Myte woke up in their shared guest room after hearing the crashed. “What’s going on?” asked Dyno. “I don’t know. It sounds like the palace is falling down.” said Myte. They both hopped out of bed, and placed their feet down, breaking holes though the floor just as Artie did, surprising them both.

They got up and walked to the door, and as Dyno grabbed the knob, he yanked the door clear off its hinges like they were made of paper. “What is going on here?” snapped Dyno. “That’s what I’d like to know.” added Myte.

It was the same thing for all the others friends. They got up, and anything they laid their hands on got smashed, crumpled or snapped with the simplest touch. Spike even crumpled his whole basket-bed, but not a single one of them had any clue how this was happening.

Finally, Lightning and Starla had awoken. Lightning softly reached over and stroked his wife’s lovely mane. “Morning, dear.” he said sweetly. She smiled at him and asked, “Having anymore nightmares lately?”

Lightning sighed “I guess I can’t hide well, can I.”

Starla rolled her eyes playfully, but leaned forward and kissed him softly, but bopped Lightning hard in the mouth. “Ow! Hey, not so hard.” he groaned. Starla couldn’t understand “But, I was moving very softly. Come here, let me see…” she placed her hands down on the mattress, and pushed right through it. “Huh?”

Even Lightning was surprised “What have you done?”

Starla slowly raised her hands out of the hole still baffled and confused. Lightning softly raised his hands and felt his wife’s hands, and gasped softly. “Your hands… they feel different; much more solid than before.”

“So do yours.” Starla said. They both couldn’t resisted and slapped each other and soft high five, creating a massive energy wave than knocked them both hard off their bed and straight into the walls. Lightning’s wall was the wall to the nursery, where the Grand Ruler and Queen were feeding their children their bottles. Their majesties winced in shock, and their poor little foals were frightened and cried. “Lightning Dawn, what are you doing?” snapped Grand Ruler.

“I’d like to know myself.” Lightning said as he got up.

There was a knock at the nursery door, and the door fell right down off its hinges, making the babies cry even more. “Oh, sorry.” said Buddy Rose. Celestia didn’t know if she was more annoyed, or confused

“What is going here?” she demanded to know.

Krysta appeared, having warped in from her world. “Morning everyone.” She said, but then she gawked at the confusing state everyone and the room seemed to be in. “Did I miss something?”

All friends were taken to the sickbay for analysis, and the doctors could not explain at all how, but their physical strengths had increased beyond belief. It was doubly confirmed by comparing the readouts to their previous physical exams from the previous night.

Now they’re strengths were so high, all the measuring devices and scanners couldn’t seem to calculate how high it was. “That’s not possible.” Grand Ruler said “Even a century of training wouldn’t increase their strengths this much.”

“It’s stranger than that.” said Applejack “Except for our battle yesterday, we haven’t been training.”

“I don’t know. Is there such a thing as sleep-training as well as sleepwalking?” Pinkie wondered, but everyone dismissed the idea. Regardless of anything, they were all now stronger than ever, and just the simplest touch was enough to break a hole through the thick walls of the palace. “I’m scared.” cried Fluttershy.

Rarity trembled in fear as she bit her nails nervously muttering. “This can’t be happening. I must be dreaming.”

“I’m afraid it’s not, we are quite awake,

Just the slightest touch can make anything break.”

Spike lifted a huge and solid table island over his head with one hand, which he normally wouldn’t be able to do. “Put that down!” snapped the doctor. Spike placed it down as gently as he could, and he still broke it. “Whoops! Sorry.”

The doctors were very annoyed, but still astonished, but not as much as everyone else was. “This is incredible.” said Artie. “Yeah, but how did it happen?” Rainbow wondered aloud. Everyone pondered, and there was only one explanation; it had to have been done by magic. “But who could have done this?” asked Starla.

Their majesties questioned the royal guards who patrolled during the night, but the guards had reported that no one could have entered the palace. The security sensors and magic detectors all checked clear as well.

This began to frighten everyone; it meant that whoever did this was somehow powerful enough to be able to avoid the detection of their instruments. “First the force field failed us, then that monster nearly crushes us, and now this…?” Lightning said with concern in his voice. He was about to pound the wall in frustration, when he suddenly stopped before he broke another hole in the wall.

It would take a little getting used to, but the friends realized they really had to do was concentrate harder on holding their excess strengths back, so as not to make any more messes.

“Still, this could be beneficial.” said Dyno “Si, I mean, we’re so much stronger now. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Their majesties were not as certain. “This power was just given to you by someone or something we couldn’t see and don’t know of.” said Celestia. Her husband agreed “Everything comes with its prices, and I have a feeling there is more involved in this than we think.”

Suddenly, the warning alarms went off, and Captain Shaina rushed into the room. “Your majesties, your majesties!” she cried “There is trouble in the village! More than half my guards tried to intercept but have been seriously injured.”

The ponies gazed at their majesties with concern. Grand Ruler was still very skeptical, but he knew they couldn’t ignore the danger. “Go!” he said. Everyone saluted and all flew out the open window. “Are you sure about this?” Celestia asked. Her husband gazed at her and admitted “No I’m not, but the kingdom is in danger, and we can’t ignore the call because of mere doubt.” He gazed out the window and secretly prayed he was also not putting Lightning and the others at risk as well.

The civilians were all running in panic, but Krysta and a team of her fairies had arrived and instructed everyone to head into the portals, and they were all warped to safety on Sharma. The fairies also teleported away themselves so as not to get involved in the extreme danger they knew was too much for them.

Grand Ruler still raised the shields around the buildings, hoping to at least avoid collateral damages and spare the planet more destruction, but still, Lightning and his team made it to the village only to find many guards and other Starfleet fighters lying critically injured all over. “My goodness, how could this happen?” cried Rarity.

“I got a feeling whoever did this is still around.” said Spike.

“Oh, how right you are.” said a voice, and that’s when he appeared. “Face it; you’re all no match for this kind of power. I’ve seen the future and none of you are in it.

Lightning clenched his fist tight and snarled “Who are you, and just what are you after here?”

“I am Nomed, servant of darkness. I exist only to rid all worlds of the light, and to spread the darkness, the chaos, in the name of the Dark King.”

“…The Dark King?” Lightning muttered. Then he snapped himself back to his senses. “We won’t allow you or any darkness to invade our world. I give you this one chance; Leave now, or face the consequences!”

Nomed snickered sinisterly and said “I choose this…” and he reached behind him and pulled out another card exactly like the one the ponies had found after the last battle. The picture on it was that of a rooster-like creature.

“What is he doing?” asked Rainbow. She soon got her answer as Nomed held the card up high and shouted “Cardinal Buster Beak, come forth and destroy this irritants!” and he threw the card away from him…

At once, the card glowed mysteriously, and the monster appeared--a fifteen foot high rooster-like monster with long legs, powerful wings, and plump round body. His beak had to be at least a yard long. The monster cawed loudly, almost like a roar.

The team winced back a bit. “So that’s how it works.” said Buddy Rose.

Nomed snickered “And you haven’t seen anything yet.” then he ordered his monster “Get them!”

Beak cawed and leapt up high, flapping its huge wings. “Whoa? A flyin’ chicken?!” cried Applejack “…Now I’ve seen everythin’.”

The monster came crashing down hard. “Watch out!” cried Fluttershy, and everyone leapt out of the way. The monster began flapping his wings hard and shouted “AIR BLAST” and sent a powerful wind current straight at everyone blowing them away and crashing hard on the ground.

Nomed laughed wickedly. “Now, It’s my turn.” and without even having to shout his attacks, he just fired a stream of dark energy at everyone, creating massive explosions that threw everyone off their feet. They all quickly got up again and transformed quickly.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

“Dragon Power!!”

“Change all you like, it really doesn’t matter to us.” Nomed sneered. His monster growled and leapt up high again for another pounce. “Not this time you don’t.” snapped Lightning and he leapt up high and kicked the monster hard in the face. The monster roared and sent was sent crashing down hard, much to Nomed’s shock. “Huh? How did he do that?”

Beak got up, still not beaten and fought back with all his might; pecking hard at the fighters knocking them all down. “That’s more like It.” growled Nomed, and he jumped down and joined in the fight. He loomed over Lightning as he lay down after being attacked. “No more games. Your time ends now.” He prepared to finish him off, but Lightning zipped out of the way and then socked Nomed hard in the face, sending him skidding along the ground. “I agree; no more games.” Lightning said.

Nomed could hardly believe it as he rubbed his cheek. “That hurt! That actually hurt me, but it’s impossible!”

Lightning stood and glared at him from afar. Nomed began to suspect something mysterious had happened to make Lightning seem so strong.

“Lightning…!” Starla called. Lightning turned to see the others still battling it out with Beak. Beak pointed his beak upward and shouted “LIGHTNING BOLT” bringing a load of lightning bolts rained down on the team. Sparks and explosions flew everywhere.

“I’ll settle with you later.” said Lightning, and then he dashed over to help his friends, while Nomed still remained confused. He watched as the ponies and Spike continued to battle his monster, yet the fight seemed evenly matched.

Buddy Rose got out his vine whip and Applejack got her lasso.

“Shall we?”

“Let’s rope this rustler.” said Applejack, and they both flew towards the monster, lassoing his beak shut, and tying his legs together. Pinkie Pie leapt for joy “Way to rope that rooster.” She cheered.

Beak’s wings were still free and he was still able to leap up high, and he forced Applejack and Buddy Rose away from him, also releasing his beak from the whip, and with his beak free he was able to use his magic one more. “LIGHTNING BOLT”

“Watch out!” cried Fluttershy.

The twins decided to try something before the lightning struck. They held hands and shouted “BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS” firing their projectiles at the skies, so the lightning only struck the rockets. The twins were amazed that they countered the attack, but Beak suddenly unleashed his “AIR BLAST” and sent everyone soaring away again. “This isn’t getting anywhere.” Spike said “Maybe we should try our finishers.”

“Good idea…” said Artie.

“I agree…” said Lightning “Group formation, now.” And at his command, all the ponies and spike stood together with their weapons ready, and the magic charged. “Ready… take aim…” but before they could fire they felt their energies starting to be absorbed. “What’s happening?” cried Rarity.

“I’m feeling… very weak…” added Rainbow.

Nomed was then heard laughing, “Did you forget about me?” he hissed as he continued to absorb their energies. “You!” growled Lightning as he tried to get up but his body felt too weak. “Take a deep breath ponies, for it shall be your last!” hissed Nomed. Suddenly, Sapphire flew in and rammed Nomed. “Gah… Grrr… you again. You beat my last Cardinal! But you won’t beat this one.”

“We’ll see. Ampharos!”

Ampharos came forth. “Ampha!”

“Use THUNDERBOLT!” Amphaors cried out and launched a lightning bolt at the Beak. It roared in pain and charged Amphaors. “VOLT TACKLE!” Ampharos charged forth covering himself in electricity and he slammed into Beak, knocking him onto his back! “What?!” Nomed cried.

“My pokemon are stronger than you think.” Nomed growled but he decided to leave Beak to the Princess while he went after Lightning and the team.

As he prepared to deliver the final blow, Lightning’s insignia on his armor began to glow. “What’s happening?” Lightning muttered. He then heard two voices calling to him, one make and one female.

“Activate your Mega Mode.”

“Activate it and you will win.”

Lightning didn’t understand what this was all about, but as soon as he saw Nomed, shouting “BE GONE…!” and fire he burst at the team…

“Ah…! Mega Mode Activate!” He quickly tapped his insignia just in time as a big explosion erupted. Nomed laughed louder and wicked than ever. “I did it! I win!” he cried, but his rejoicing was cut short when he could see shadows through the smoke, and there stood Lightning.

Nomed gazed at him in shock while the others gazed in awe.

Lightning's white suit was now silvery shiny, and his armor was now padded with even stronger golden shoulder pads, his body armor now had a golden plate across the upper-area, armor pads on his arms, legs, and even his boots had new golden guards around the feet, and most astonishing was protective headgear covering more of his head than ever, except for his ears, horn and mouth. His golden visor still remained, only now it, too, was greatly enhanced.

Lightning had activated this new power and stood in the way of the burst before it struck, sparing his friends while he himself only suffered some damage, but not nearly enough to even knock him off his feet.

“That… that power!” cried Nomed “This can’t be happening.”

“Lightning…” Starla cried softly in astonishment.

Lightning looked himself all over, admiring his new outfit, but he could hardly find the words to even begin to describe what he was feeling; a mixture of feelings-- astonishment, incredibleness, confusion, but one thing he did feel was strong, very strong.

He glared at Nomed who seemed to be shaking softly. “I don’t know much about this myself, but I’m ready to see what it can do.”

Nomed began to fire many blasts at him, but Lightning swerved and twisted, evading the blasts, and even deflected one with the padding on his arm, and then fired a small burst of the uniforce from his horn straight at Nomed, hitting him in the arm. “ARGH!!”

The others could hardly believe their eyes. “How is he doing this?” asked Pinkie.

“I don’t know how, or even why,

but at least he can stand up to that evil guy.” said Rhymey.

Nomed couldn’t believe this, but wasn’t willing to let it happen. “Buster Beak, get him, we’ll beat him together.”

“Not if we have anything to say about it.” Sapphire said. She took out her Electrium Z crystal and placed it in her bracelet. “Ready Ampahros?”

“Ampharos!”

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6hyrke

They both glowed and Ampharos formed a large sphere of electricity in his hand and he launched it towards Beak. The chicken roared loudly as the Z-move destroyed it and it turned back into a card. “Impossible!” Nomed cried.

“Don’t underestimate our Princess!” Applejack smirked.

Nomed clenched his fists angrily, and he snarled fiercely “You’ve won for now, but don’t believe this is over!” Then he was gone.

The second he left, Lightning’s suit had powered down, and he was wearing his commander’s outfit once more, but he felt pretty exhausted. The others, having recovered their strength, powered their suits down and ran over to help him. “Are you okay?” Starla asked.

“I think so…” Lightning said “But I tell you, I feel ready to sleep for a week.”

The others were still baffled by the whole thing. “Lightning what was that?” Spike asked.

Lightning wasn’t sure how to answer, but suddenly he could hear those two voices talking to him again.

“You have unlocked your Mega Mode power.” said the male, and then the female spoke. “It will serve you well throughout the hardships ahead, but you must be cautious about how you use it.”

“Anybody else hearing that?” asked Artie.

“Who is that?” added Rarity “Who are you?”

The voices didn’t answer as they were merely recorded magical messages explaining the rules of the mega mode.

“Each of you will be able to unlock your own mega modes in due time, they will greatly increase your powers for the long road ahead, but be warned. Overusing it will have a severe effect on your physical endurance.”

“We can tell you no more, the future is at stake.”

“Save us all, save the world and all its histories.”

The voices said no more leaving the team with many unanswered questions. “Mega Modes?” Lightning asked no one in particular, “And how come I wasn’t named?” Spike wondered.

At least now they had a few answers. They knew who or rather what they were up against, and that they were given new powers as a gift to help them in the upcoming battle, but they still didn’t know who gave them the powers, and where the enemies were coming from.

“Guys, we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.” said Lightning, and the others all agreed, unaware that they were being watched since the battle began by those two hooded strangers whom were hiding very close, but out of sight.

They knew their first phase had been completed, but now they had other businesses to attend to, but neither of them liked what they had to do next in their quest, but they knew it had to be done without question… whatever it was going to be.

Episode 3: Phantom of Magic

Professor Brain had been harder at work than ever trying to analyze everything that had happened. The Grand Ruler and the Queen were with him and so was Goldwin; all of them still trying to grasp onto everything. Grand Ruler was especially amazed by the mega mode powers Lightning unlocked in the last battle. They all continued to watch images from the previous battle, and watched Lightning fight with his new powers.

“In all my travels across the cosmos, I’ve never seen anything like this.” Grand Ruler said, “And yet… it’s all Starfleet technology and powered. That's all that we can tell so far.”

“What about those voices?” Celestia asked “Do we know whom they belong to? Maybe it will tell us who gave us the powers and why.”

“I have run the recording through the systems many times, your majesty.” said Brain.

“And…?”

“…Well, I don’t understand myself but… I… well…”

“...Out with it, Professor!” snapped Grand Ruler.

“...There is no known match.”

“No match?” asked Goldwin “Are you sure you’re readings are correct.”

“I am most positive.” replied Brain “The scans and records have matched up the voices we’ve heard with every single creature that can speak on this planet, or even those in alliance with Starfleet, but none of which match.”

Grand Ruler sighed irritably, “No matches, no explanations, and insufficient data…! What do we have to do to get some answers?!” he shouted in frustration. The others gazed at him and blinked their eyes. He apologized; he just didn’t know how much more of this he could take. Celestia walked up to him and placed her hand warmly on his shoulder “Don’t worry, dear, we’re sure to have answers soon. They always turn up.”

Her husband agreed and smiled lovingly at her.

Just then, there was a knock at the lab doors and Captain Shaina entered to deliver her report. “Your majesties, I regret to say, our whole fleets have circled the planet hundreds of times, but we can’t find a shred of a clue that will reveal the enemy’s base.”

At this point, even Celestia was already starting to lose her own patience with all the dead ends, but her husband repeated the same things she had said to him. “We’ll find the answers. We always do.”

His wife smiled softly.

“Send word to all Starfleet outlets on other planets.” Grand Ruler said to Shaina “It’s time we extended the search.”

If the enemy’s base couldn’t be found on United Equestria, it was possible they were coming from someplace else. “We’ll find them, even if we have to search every inch of the galaxy.” Grand Ruler said.

“Gee, that could sure take a while.” said Goldwin. Professor Brain and Celestia nodded in agreement.

Even with all these mysteries, and the recent attacks life continued for all; everyone still went to work and school, bills and taxes were paid normally; all this and many more were to help keep spirits alive. Besides, it wasn't like the people could spend all their days cowering in fear or hardly leave their homes. That would be pretty boring.

At the end of the day, the Grand Ruler and Queen Celestia prepared to lower the sun, and Princess Luna would soon raise the moon to start the night. That time would occur shortly, for now it was early evening, and still a little bit of daylight left. Ponies were going about and doing their business, even at the Cake’s bakery and café. Pinkie Pie was not present as she was still out doing her patrol rounds as part of her Starfleet duties, but her bosses were more than understanding and managed to work the place themselves.

Pumpkin and Pound were a year old now, and standing on their own two feet, and even talking a little bit, but they were still very little and still wore diapers, and they were still changed round the clock. Mrs. Cake changed the diapers and tickled the kids little tummy. “Aw, who are happy ponies?” she cooed. She then proceeded to throw out the dirty diapers only to notice the garbage was overflowing with a pile of stinky diapers. She covered her nose at the awful smell. “Oh, I got it…” said Mr. Cake as he came in and scooped out the garbage bag, tying it up and draping it over his shoulders.

“Thank you honey-bunch.” said Mrs. Cake. Her husband smiled and replied “Anything for my three special ones.” Then he proceeded out back and loaded the bag into the dumpster, unaware that someone was watching him from the shadows around the corner.

“Well, that’s that.” Mr. Cake said, but as he turned to head back inside, he felt someone grab him from behind and pulling him away back into the darkness.

Mrs. Cake poked her head through the door “Honey…?” she looked all over the place “Sugar-puff?!” but there was no sign of her husband anywhere.

An hour later, it was finally growing dark as their majesties made the sun go down, but Lightning, Starla, and Krysta were at the café investigating a report that Carrot Cake was missing. Poor Cup Cake was in tears, as she tried to explain the story.

“You’re he went out into the back?” Lightning asked again, and Mrs. Cake nodded. She blew her nose and sobbed “I went out there, and I called for him, and I looked around… and he… he wasn’t anywhere!” she began to blubber deeply.

The friends hated seeing her so distraught, and Krysta escorted her back inside. At the same time, Pinkie Pie came crashing down, latterly, from way up high. “WHOAAAAAAAAAAOW…!!”

“PINKIE!!” shouted Lightning, and Pinkie zoomed right past him and Starla, barely missing them, and crashing to the ground. She just lay there flat on the ground with her tongue hanging out and stars going round her head. The other ran over to help her up “Pinkie, are you alright?” cried Starla.

Pinkie felt dizzy and sore as she got up. “Oh, even my mane hurts. I guess I still have to work on those fast landings.”

“That’s an understatement.” Lightning muttered. He told her what was going on, and Pinkie could hardly believe it “Why would he just disappear? He’s like a second father to Me.” she almost felt like blubbering herself. “What if he didn’t disappear? What if he just ran away? What if he doesn’t care about me, or Mrs. Cake, or Pound, or Pumpkin… or…”

“CAPTAIN PINKIE...!” shouted Lightning “...Get a hold of yourself.”

Pinkie drew in a huge breath and let it out slowly, at that moment, Krysta came out form the café, “Poor dear’s absolutely hysterical.”

The others all sighed in pity for Mrs. Cake, and Starla was beginning to have a creepy feeling about all this. “You okay, dear?” Lightning asked. His wife looked up and said “I have this weird feeling there’s more going here. Remember how every time a new enemy seems to surface, there always seems to be a secondary enemy out there somewhere, also plotting against us.”

She had a point; the others also had this fear, but were hoping this time things would be different and that this was just some petty criminal plot for maybe a small ransom, but then Buddy Rose and Spike came along. They looked as if they were in a panic “Have you guys seen Applejack or Rarity?” Buddy Rose asked. “They were supposed to pick up the Cutie mark Crusaders, but they left and never came back.” added Spike.

“Okay... what?” snapped Lightning.

Just then, the girls came up to the café escorted by an orange Earth Pony, a Scottish Mare wearing a plaid skirt and a matching cam on her head. “Ms. Argyle?” said Lightning

“Aye Commander. Here you’ve got a tale and a half.”

“DD…?”

“Buddy!” cried DD as she ran into her big cousin’s. Buddy Rose was glad she was safe “Where have you been?” he asked. “Applejack and Rarity never came to get us.” DD answered.

“Aye, she’s right, Major.” said Ms. Argyle “When yon Captains Rarity and Applejack failed to pick up the wee girls from school, I saw them still sittin’ out on the cold steps and thought it would be prudent to escort them home m’self… what with the abductions and all.”

“Abductions?” asked Lightning.

“Aye Commander. In case it’s new to you, word on the street is ponies have been vanishin’ without a trace, and without explanations.”

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were very worried about their sisters. “What if… what if they got captured too?” Applebloom sniffled.

“I hope not.” added Sweetie “Rarity’s a good fighter and all, but sometimes I feel she can’t always get out of everything, ever since Twilight died I… I...”

“Don’t think that.” said Scootaloo “I’m sure there’s an answer to this, and we’re going to find out what it’s all about.”

“No, we are going to find out.” Lightning said “You girls are going straight home. Take them along, Buddy Rose.”

“Right.” said Buddy.

“Aw, can’t we help out a bit?” asked DD.

“No, and that's final. This is too dangerous for you.” said Buddy.

“I’ll go with you.” Spike said. “I left Opal home alone, and I don’t think Rarity would forgive me.” Then they all went off together.

Lightning clenched his fists and his head fell a little low. “Lightning, you okay?” asked Krysta. Lightning winced softly “Oh, sorry… I… I just felt a little down for a moment.”

The others knew it was because Sweetie Belle mentioned Twilight’s death, which really brought in the memories of him seeing it right before his eyes, and how she died in his arms. “Lightning, try to let it get to you.” Pinkie said.

“I won’t… It’s just that I really wish she were here now. We could really have used her help. I don’t know how much more of the mysteries we can take, but I just couldn’t bear it if someone else got hurt.”

Ms. Argyle sighed “You’ve got a true heart, Commander; always thinkin’ of and out for others.”

Lightning nodded bravely.

As Buddy Rose and Spike escorted the girls home, the girls were looking a bit down still wondering if Applejack and Rarity were okay. “Don’t worry girls, I’m sure they’re fine.” said Buddy Rose.

“How do you know for sure.” asked Applebloom.

“I’m not, but I do believe in them, just as they believe in all of us, and that’s what keeps a lot of us going in the force.”

DD gazed up at her cousin with admiration. “I hope I can be just as you are when I enlist to the force.”

Buddy Rose smiled at her “I know you will.”

As they approached Carousel Boutique, a horrible sight met their eyes. A mare was being attacked by a mysterious figure; a pale grey Earth pony. He wore a black suit with a red cape and a high collar, a black top hat atop his head, and an evil looking mask across his eyes. “Quit fussing!” he roared “Give me what I want and I won’t hurt you.”

Spike and Buddy Rose cautioned the girls to stay down and out of the way, they hid behind a set of garbage cans, and then the boys dashed over. “Freeze!” shouted Buddy Rose. The stranger looked up but didn’t let go of the other pony. “A space alicorn, and a young dragon!” he snarled “Blah, I see no use for you two.”

Spike sneered at the stranger, “Put her down and get your hands in the air or…” he was cut off when the stranger held the mare tightly by the neck “...Or nothing! If either of you make a move, I will be forced to take extreme measures and… do away with her. Either way, I’ll get what I want.”

“Please… help me!” the mare cried. “Silence!” shouted the stranger, tightening his grip on the victim.

Buddy Rose gazed down at Spike “When he tries to make a run for it, you know what to do.”

Spike nodded and stood ready. Buddy Rose then gazed back at the stranger. “This is your last chance. Let her go and surrender.”

Sapphire’s Lycanroc was also with them as well. “Lycanroc!” Lycanroc used Accelarock to move swiftly and grab the mare away from the stranger.

The stranger snickered softly. “Very well, if I have no other choice…” The stranger began to run for it. “After him!” shouted Buddy Rose, and he and Spike began to give chase, taking a small second to warn the crusaders to get inside the shop and stay there.

As soon as the boys were out of sight, the girls came out from behind the garbage cans. “Did you see all that?” cried Sweetie Belle.

The girls all nodded. Lycanroc came over to the girls and all of them couldn’t help but notice the side of flank peeking through her skirt, and what the girls saw turned their bloods cold. “It’s impossible!” cried Scootaloo.

“No it ain’t.” said Applebloom.

Buddy Rose and Spike chased the stranger down the streets. Buddy Rose fired two magical flares from his horn into the sky, warning nearby officers of the chase. Soon a whole swarm of ponies-- some were normal United Equestrians others were Space Alicorns-- joined in the chase and cornered the stranger in a dark, dead end alley.

“End of the line for you.” snarled Buddy Rose “You’re coming with us.”

The stranger grinned wickedly as he glared at all the ponies that had cutie marks. “You did just as I wanted you to.” he hissed “The Phantom of Magic always gets what he wants… always.”

Spike gazed up at Buddy Rose and said, “This guy is really starting to bother me.”

Buddy Rose agreed and ordered the officers to charge, and all the ponies dashed forward, but it was then discovered that this phantom was a skilled fighter, whose skills and strengths were on par with every officer. He swerved, and evaded their every move, and punched and kicked them hard.

Soon all the other officers were down for the count, leaving only Buddy Rose and Spike standing, but as they dashed froth to rush him, the phantom glared at them nastily, and his eyes glowed behind his mask, and Spike and Buddy froze on the spot. “What’s… happening?!” cried Buddy.

“I…can’t seem to move an inch!” added Spike. The phantom laughed and hissed “Amazing isn’t it; an Earth pony that can do magic like the more powerful ponies.” He approached them still sniggering. “I’d love to stay, but I have a full schedule to attend to. So, I warn you this once; Stay out of my business, because the next time I won’t be as merciful.”

He then gazed at the officers lying on the ground, the ones with cutie marks, and he zapped them in a bright flash of light, then he was gone, and Buddy Rose and Spike could move again. “He’s gone!” cried Buddy. “Where’d he go?” added Spike.

Lightning and the others saw Buddy Rose’s flare and were nearing the area where they were, when suddenly Pinkie caught a glimpse of something in the street. “Hey!” she cried as she flew down to investigate. “Pinkie…” Lightning hollered. He Starla and Krysta flew down to catch up with her, and they could see what Pinkie saw. It was Mr. Cake, lying flat in the road, along with several other ponies, and Rarity and Applejack, and they were starting to come round.

“What happened?” groaned Applejack.

Rarity felt like a meteor had hit her head. “All I remember is going to pick up Sweetie Belle, and-- Sweetie Belle!”

Lightning calmed her down and told her the girls were okay back at her place. “What happened? You were going to pick her up and then…”

Rarity thought hard, but all she remembered was seeing this bright flash of light that struck her, and then everything went black. “I don’t know.”

Applejack had the same predicament, “I don’t know what’s wrong. I feel weaker than an old race horse with a busted leg.”

Rarity tried to use her magic to help her stand up easier, but nothing happened. Her horn didn't glow, no magic was cast. “Wha… what is… happening?!” she cried. She tried with all her might, but she couldn’t even levitate a small leaf that was on the ground.

Some of the other ponies, who were also unicorns, found they couldn’t use their magic either. Rarity wondered, and looked down her pants… and she gasped and screamed, and then she burst into tears. “No… No-ho-ho-ho… It’s not true…!”

“What’s wrong?” cried Starla, but she could suddenly see as Rarity’s flank was still exposed, and everyone gasped. “Rarity…!” cried Pinkie “…Your cutie mark; it’s gone!”

The other ponies checked their flanks, and all their cutie marks were missing, even Applejack and Mr. Cake were blank flanks. “Great Crumbling Cracker Barrels!” cried Applejack.

“I don’t believe this!” added Mr. Cake, and all the other ponies began to cry and panic in shock and horror. Lightning felt his head throbbing in pain with all the yelling.

“QUIET!!!” he shouted! Everyone froze on the spot, and Lightning urged them all not to panic as it wouldn’t help matters at all. “We’ll find out what happened to you all, but please… no more screaming!”

“Hey, look at this.” said Krysta holding up a small note she found on the ground. The others looked at it and it read…

I have gathered all that I need from these ponies. You have them back; it really doesn’t matter anyway, for you will all be doomed soon.

Heh… Heh… Heh…!

--The Phantom of Magic.

The others exchanged looks of concern with one another. “I knew it.” Starla said “There’s someone else out there now.”

Lightning pocketed the letter “We’ve got to get their majesties. They must know about this.”

Suddenly, there was a shine of light coming from above, and everyone could see their royal majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto, and Queen Celestia, along with Princess Luna as well. With them were Buddy Rose and Spike.

They all landed and everyone bowed to their majesties. Lightning gazed up, “Master, there is trouble…”

“It’s all right, Lightning. We already know.” said Grand Ruler.

“You did?” asked Pinkie Pie. Celestia nodded “We had just made the sun set and were on our way back to New Canterlot, when we saw the flare from far, far away.”

Princess Luna cut in “I was preparing to head out on my nightly patrol duties when I also saw the flare. We all came out and arrived on the scene too late.”

Buddy Rose and Spike then explained how they cornered the phantom, but were unable to detain him, and they saw him steal the cutie marks and magic of some of the officers’ right before their eyes. He, Spike and the space alicorns were spared, but they didn’t know why. It was if the Phantom was only interested in Equestrian ponies.

“Well, one thing is certain now…” said Grand Ruler “With this phantom of magic roaming the streets, it means no place is even remotely safe.”

The others had a feeling they knew what this meant; a worldwide curfew would be instigated, more strictly than ever to ensure all ponies safety.

The others reluctantly agreed, and now they had a whole new mystery to solve. They knew of this phantom of magic, and they knew he was an Earth pony, but who was he really, and why was he stealing magic of other ponies. Most importantly, why didn’t he go after Buddy Rose, other space alicorns, or even Spike and Sapphire?

In his secret underground lair, the phantom unleashed the magic and cutie-marks he had absorbed into the walls all around him, which were laden with small stone tablets with pictures of cutie marks he had stolen from other ponies already. The new cutie marks, including Rarity’s and Applejack’s appeared on the walls, but many of the tablets were still blank. “All this magic.” he hissed to himself “The more of it that I gather, the closer I get to unlocking the ultimate power.”

There on the wall appeared a light silhouette in the shape of what looked like a monstrous centaur.

The phantom snickered wickedly. “With him by my side, there won’t be anyone who will stand in my way again.” His evil laugh echoed along the walls of his lair.

Episode 4: Slither in the Dark

The Dark King was most unpleased. “Once again, Nomed, you have returned empty-handed. How much longer must I remain in waiting?”

Nomed got on his knees, “A-thousand pardons, your majesty, it was not all my fault. You see it was…”

“Silence!” the Dark King growled “You honestly think I am not aware of what has happened?”

Nomed began stammered nervously. “No, no, absolutely not, your evilness. I’d never question you.”

“Stop your snivelling!” as the Dark King shouted, lightning and thunder shook the dark skies “Feel fortunate that I am able to overlook this recent blunder of yours, Nomed. Remember, there are many whom I can replace you with.”

Nomed felt shivers run down his spine.

In a quieter area, three other creatures like Nomed were chattering away. Like Nomed, they each had the same insignia on their foreheads. They were…

Ergo: a big, burly type of guy not exactly the brightest, but definitely strong.

Neila: A very charming yet spiteful woman with dark green skin, long blood-red hair, and two antenna sticking out of her head.

Finally, there was the biggest and the ring-leader of the minions; Tnaig: He was taller, larger and more muscular than even Ergo was. His had silver skin, with a bald head, and wore a large white robe wrapped around his entire body.

“Nomed really hasn’t been thinking straight.” said Tnaig.

“Ha!” scoffed Ergo “He’s just all talk and no gain. Even I could outmatch him.”

“It’s like I told you; this is way too complicated for someone like Nomed.” added Nelia. She flicked her long hair, “He may have good looks and all, but that’s as far as it goes when it comes to him.”

Nomed dropped in, and he didn’t look at all pleased. “I could hear you, you know, and if it’s so easy why don’t any of you try and conquer the world of the past?”

“Oh, please! You’re only fighting against an army of primitive ponies.” sneered Neila.

“Shut up!” snarled Nomed “How was I supposed to know they’d unlock the mega mode powers? How they even got it is a mystery.”

Tnaig shut his eyes and said calmly “Actually, we are aware of how it happened. Once again, Nomed, you’re always the last to know these things.”

Nomed growled angrily, and suddenly he was told why the mega mode was activated…

The gleaming lighted area far from where they were standing was actually a protective force deterring the dark forces from entering the area of what seemed like a grand palace. Word had recently been gathered that two rebels had escaped to the past and avoided capture.

“Figures!” snapped Nomed “So that’s why things haven’t been going my way, and those annoying ponies continue to outmatch me. Well, at least it’s safe to know they don’t fully comprehend the power they have. I’ll be able to crush them all this time. I’ll blow them, and their entire planet to oblivion!”

The others didn’t seem so amused. “There you go again; underestimating your opponents and not thinking clearly.” snapped Nelia.

“Silly Nomed…” added Esroh “You realize that if you overdo things, you could end up destroying our future as well as theirs.”

Nomed growled angrily “You think I’m not aware of that?!”

“That’s enough!” said Tnaig “Just do your job and do it right. I’d hate to think of what would happen if you were defeated yourself.”

Nomed’s lips curled into a sinister grin “I assure you, this time things will be different, and I have just the Cardinal to assure me victory.”

The citizens of United Equestria were made well aware of the existence of the phantom of magic, as well as the Dark King. Security was tightened more than ever as patrols continued, and guards were placed in an all strategic places keeping an extra eye out for any dangers.

Meanwhile, those already affected were still finding it hard to recover from their ordeal of losing their cutie marks, along with what magic and special abilities they possessed. Applejack and Mr. Cake were both fine, and still on their feet and working normally. Their cutie marks were stolen, but not their natural skills. Others however took it kind of hard, especially Rarity. She hadn’t come out of her room all morning. Spike knocked at the door for the umpteenth time. “Come on, Rarity. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“Please, Spike, just leave me in peace!” Rarity sobbed. Inside, she was still in her bathrobe, and her mane was and messy as it was when she was found in the street. Her waste-bin was overflowing with used tissues, and next to it sat three empty ice-cream tubs, and yet Rarity was still curled up on her bed and sobbing like no tomorrow. “Tragedy…! An absolute Traged-e-he-he-he-y!”

She tried once more to levitate another box of tissues over to her, but nothing happened. She opened her robe and peeked down at her blank flank, and broke down sobbing harder than ever. “I used to be beautiful, magical, but now I… I’m a Nobody!”

Rhymey and Fluttershy were there, also trying to coax her out. “Oh, Rarity, please come out.” said Fluttershy “You… um… well you… Oh, I don’t know what to say.”

Rhymey stepped up to the door and said…

“Rarity, I realize you have been through a lot.

But you cannot simply stay in there and rot

Just because you have no magic,

Things are not really so tragic.

You’re letting your emotions blind you.

You must try and put them behind you.

You are a Starfleet fighter, Miss.

There’s no excuse for you to act like this.”

There was a brief silence. All three of them put their heads to the door, and suddenly Rarity was heard sobbing loudly again, still unable to pull herself together.

As a major and Rarity’s superior, Rhymey had the authority to order her out, but seeing she was really that devastated decided to let her slide this time. All three of them thought it would be best to leave her alone to let it all out, and hope she would come round.

“Rarity…” Spike said “I really hope you feel better soon. I hate it when you’re like this.”

Rarity heard that and thought it was so sweet of him to say that. “Spike, I’m afraid even your sweet flattery can’t help me now.” she said “But thank you for caring.”

Poor Spike left with the others.

They had gone to Rhymey’s Café, Rhyme Time, they were soon joined by Lightning, Starla and Applejack, and Lightning looked pretty beat, and his wrists looked awfully tired. He had been up for half the night taking in and going over reports, and approving of documents and registrations for Starfleet, as well as organizing search parties to locate the phantom, or any signs of the Dark King and where he was based, but still there was nothing to report. Even the Starfleet outposts on other planets found nothing significant as to the whereabouts of the enemy-base, and it was really starting to frustrate Lightning. “It doesn’t make sense. Where do they come from? How are they getting here? Most importantly, why are they attacking us?”

“Whoa! Take it easy there, big boy. Don’t be gettin’ your knickers in a knot again.” said Applejack “There’s already enough ponies in that frame already.”

“Speaking of which…” Starla cut in “How’s Rarity coming?”

“Not very well.” said Fluttershy “She’s still really upset about all this. I’m sure I can blame her.” She gazed down at her cutie mark painting on her armor vest and compared it to her actual mark on her flank “I’d feel just as bad if my cutie mark was stolen.”

Applejack still felt a little hurt that her mark was gone, but she didn’t let it get to her. She knew she could still transform and fight in battle, but then again, this was Rarity they were dealing with, and she could make a big deal out of the littlest things. “She’ll come round, she usually does.” said Applejack. The others agreed.

As they all sat and enjoyed their off-duty time, Spike overheard some of the poets on stage telling odes to their special sweethearts, or those who had broken hearts, and it gave him more ideas for his little thing for Rarity, so he scribbled down his inspiration on a napkin which he would latter use to add to his secret parchment, not seeing that it fell out his clothes and onto the floor, but Starla noticed it and picked it up, and she couldn’t help but read what was written so far.

The others saw it and caught on and noticed Spike taking notes on the poetry being shared.

“What’cha writin’ there, Spike…?” Applejack asked naughtily.

“Huh?” Spike snapped back into reality “Who me? Um… nothing really…”

The others all gave him a naughty look. “Spike, you’ve been paying a lot of attention to those mushy poems.” Lightning said “Care to tell us something?”

Spike began to lose his nerves and was sweating a bit “Um… what’s there to tell? I have nothing to say. Nope. Not me.” However, Lycanroc sneakily grabbed the paper from Spike’s claw. “Gah! Lycanroc, give that back!”

Lycanroc shook his head and Lightning grabbed the paper from him.

“Tell u what is it Spike.” Lightning said.

“Oh, no…!” he groaned. “Okay, but what I’m about to tell you stays here at this table, just between us all.”

Rhymey placed his hand over his heart and said…

“Here is a promise strong and deep,

One which we all intend to keep

And if at any time we stray,

May we be ridden with guilt and shame each day.”

The others held their hands over their hearts too as a sign of keeping the promise. Pinkie even recited her own oath…

“Cross my heart and hope to fly,

Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Okay…” Spike said “I’m… well… I’m writing a song… for Rarity.”

“Aw, Spike, that’s so sweet.” cried Fluttershy. She wiped a tear from her eye.

“Whew… someone’s lovesick.” added Applejack, but she meant it in a good way, but Spike began to look grim. “But I’m not sure I should be doing this. I mean, I really like her… maybe more than like her, but I just don’t know if it’s right.”

“What are you saying?” asked Lightning, and Spike quietly explained he wasn’t sure he really wanted to actually make the song, or give it to Rarity, or even if it was right that he was crushing on her this hard. “I mean, I’m still young, and she’s a lot older than me.”

“Five years at the most, big difference.” said Applejack.

“Well, it’s not just the age thing. I’m a dragon, she’s a pony, I know she cares about me and she does love me, but is it the kind of love I’ve been hoping for. I just don’t know.”

The others really didn’t know how to answer to that, and Spike looked up at them all and said “I… I just really don’t know if I can do this. What if it goes all wrong? I just don’t think I could take rejection.”

“Well, it’s up to you Spike.” Lightning said “But if you want any help, we’re here for you.”

Spike smiled sadly. “Just don’t tell her, okay?”

The others all nodded, and pretended to zip their lips.

Just then, there was a loud crash, and the whole place jolted. “What in the hotel-bills was that?” snapped Applejack.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning.

The warning alarms sounded, and farriers were already warping all ponies and creatures in the area to safety as Nomed continued to blast at things. “Any second now they’ll show up, and I’ll be able to redeem myself to the Dark King.” he said to himself.

“You!” shouted Lightning.

Nomed looked down and saw the ponies and Spike, already transformed. “Well, well! I expected you here sooner. Perhaps you’re not as quick-to-the-call as I thought.”

The friends were not amused.

“Ah, well, you’re here now, and ready for me to crush you!”

“Fat chance of that, boy!” sneered Applejack.

“We busted you once, and we’ll do it again.

It serves you right for making chaos and pain.” added Rhymey.

Nomed scoffed wickedly “As much as I admire your attitudes, I’m not going to waste any more time.” He reached into his belt and pulled out the card “Let’s just see you try and get past my newest monster.” He raised the card over his head and shouted “Cardinal Dark Scales, come forth and crush my enemies!”

He threw the card into the air, and at once, the card began to glow, and the monster appeared-- a giant dark and vile snake, about twenty feet long. Fluttershy screamed softly at the sight of the beast, but Lightning… he looked like he was ready to explode in fury “A serpent?! I… Hate… SERPENTS…!!”

Serpents and serpent-like creatures, preferably wicked ones only constantly reminded Lightning of the time when he was five, and the evil Serpentari destroyed his home planet, Harmonious, and killed his family and all his people. He was the only survivor!

“Hey!” Sapphire exclaimed. “When I turn into one you’re calm as ever!”

“... Well… your different!” Lightning roared.

"Insulted!" Sapphire added.

"Oh be quiet!" Starla scolded.

Lightning took off towards the monster, roaring loudly, and ready to attack; punching it hard in the face, but not really doing much damage. Now the snake was really mad. “Show them your stuff, Scales.” Nomed hissed.

“DARK FORCE” At Scales’ command, a whole wad of dark blasts fired at Lightning, hitting him multiple times, dealing him loads of damage and knocking him down. The others ran up to him “Lightning, are you okay?” cried Starla.

“Yeah, I am…” replied Lightning, and suddenly Scales charged forward but Sapphire blocked it’s way and the two engaged in a power struggle.

Nomed laughed wickedly “Your luck’s run out. I’ve specially strengthened this cardinal with lots of dark energy, making him stronger and more powerful than ever.”

“Uhn… now he tells us.” grumbled Spike. Sapphire pushed Scales back and blasted it with her magic, making it hiss in pain. “I’ve had enough of this. Mega Mode, Activate!” he tapped his insignia, but nothing happened. “Huh?” he tried again, and again. “Something’s wrong!”

Nomed laughed hysterically “You haven’t the faintest idea how that power of yours really works. A pity, really.”

The friends gazed up angrily at him.

“So, while you all deal with your problems, I think I’ll go destroy your planet. The Dark King will be most pleased.”

He proceeded to fly away.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Lightning and he charged after him, tackling him hard to the ground. “I may not have my mega mode, but I can still fight!” and he punched Nomed hard in the face, and again, and again, until Nomed kicked him off, and blasted him hard.

“Lightning…! We’ve got to help him!” cried Starla. The others agreed, but as they ran forth, Scales came and blocked their way. He swung his tail hard knocking some of them down, and the remaining fighters…

“DARK GATE” Scales blasted them with a much harder burst of darkness, shrouding them in dark winds and severely damaging them.

Rhymey struggled as he got back up on his feet…

“Come on, we can’t quit!

We have to keep fighting it!”

“He’s right!” said Applejack “We can’t let this ugly snake in the grass slink about!”

Starla knew she was right, but turned to gaze back at Lightning.

He and Nomed were fighting like crazy, with their fists and feet flying at one another like crazy. “You’re not… getting away… this time!” snarled Lightning.

“No, but you are!” snarled Nomed as he kicked Lightning hard in the chest and sent him flying backwards in midair and hitting a post, bending it.

“Lightning!” cried Starla. She would have rushed over to help him, but was snapped out of her trance when the others called out for her to come and help, as Scales was proving to be far too brutal for them to handle.

Starla had no choice but to help the others, knowing Lightning could last by himself, but she too suffered a massive thrashing from the evil serpent. It kept tail bashing them, ramming them, and blasting them all with his dark magic. “Time for some past help.” Sapphire said as took out Blitz’s card.

“STARFLEET SLASH, STYRACOSAURUS CHARGE!”

Blitz landed in battle mode and roared at Scales. The snake hissed in surprise but it charged Blitz anyway. Blitz grabbed the serpent monster and smacked it on the ground with no problem at all and then he threw it into the air where Lycanroc used Bite and sent it to the ground. “Alright!” Rainbow cried.

Lightning continued to fight Nomed and even had him cornered. He got out his old capture blaster and fired at him, hoping to imprison him, but as he anticipated from the start, Nomed was immune to it. “Anything else futile you wish to attempt?” Nomed snarled.

Lightning was panting softly, but suddenly his insignia began to glow like it did the last time. His mega mode was ready to activate. “Well… I haven’t tried this yet. Mega Mode, Activate!”

He began to transform, the others eyed him in awe, but Scales hissed angrily. His eyes began to glow.“DISPEL MAGIC” and Lightning’s transformation was negated. “What?!” he snapped.

Nomed sniggered and said “Didn’t I tell you, I came prepared. Your little mega mode won’t save you this time.” He dashed forth and rammed hard into Lightning, tackling him to the ground and attacking him mercilessly.

“Lightning!” cried Starla. She dashed over to try and help him, but Scales grabbed her in his tail. The others tried to bust her out, or go help Lightning, but Scales held them with his Dark Gate attack, except for Spike, who managed to dodge it, just barely. “Spike!” Starla cried as she struggled to try and break free. “…You’ve to help Lightning!”

Spike hated to leave his friends when they were in desperate need, but Lightning needed help as well. So he dashed at Nomed. “DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL” curling up in his flames, he rammed right into Nomed, knocking him off of Lightning.

Lightning looked really beaten, and could barely get up. His super suit powered down from being battered and smashed for so long, leaving him in his casual outfit.

“Lightning, stay down, I’ll handle this.”

“Spike…!” Lightning tried to warn him, but Spike was already charging towards Nomed, whom blasted him hard and sent him skidding along the ground. “That was for your interference, little dragon!” growled Nomed as he slowly approached Spike. “Even with all that armor on, underneath, you’re still a wimp!”

Spike tried to get up, but got kicked over again. “No! Spike!” cried Lightning. He tried to get up, but fell back down again. The others tried to rush over and help, but Serpent continued to hold them back. Starla still caught in Scales’ tail, and the others continued to get bashed and blasted more.

Spike could see his sword that he had dropped, and reached over for it. “Oh, no you don’t!” snarled Nomed as he stepped on Spike’s arm, very hard while laughing at him. “You see everyone; you can’t stop the future, but the future can stop you.”

Lightning was suddenly starting to realize something important, but his mind was actually more focused on trying to get back up and fight. So were the others, but their strengths were badly drained. Nomed then gazed down at Spike “Since I have you here… you’ll be the first to go!”

“SPIKE!!” everyone shouted, but before Nomed could strike him, Rarity came soaring in fast, and kicked Nomed so hard, knocking him off of Spike. “Rarity!” cried Spike. She gazed down at him and winked through her clear visor.

She had seen the fighting from her bedroom window, from her place which was just down the street. “I may have my magic, but I for one was not willing to stand by and let you hurt my dear friends, especially Spike!”

“Rarity…” Spike said. His cheeks were actually blushing in the darkness behind his helmet. Lycanroc came in front of Rarity and Rarity mounted Lycanroc. “Alright.. Let’s go.” Lycanroc howled and charged Nomed. “You’ll pay for that!” He lunged straight at her, but Lycanroc easily leaped into the sky and unleashed Rock Slide injuring Nomed.

Blitz and the Scales were still fighting with Blitz winning easily. Blitz had the snake on the ground. “Now Blitz LIGHTNING SPEAR!” Sapphire slashed the card and Blitz roared as electricity circled him. He charged Scales and rammed him, leaping into the air and making a electric spear go right through Scales. Blitz landed on all fours while Scales fell to the ground and he turned back into a blank card. “Alright Blitz!” Sapphire cheered.

Blitz roared in victory. Lycanroc bashed Nomed away and he skidded across the ground.

A lot of the friends were still very badly weakened and sore from such a battle. “Rarity, you saved us!” cried Fluttershy.

As proud as Rarity and the others were, the battle was still not over yet. Nomed was brushing himself off as he got up growling “I won’t lose, not this time!”

“…Evil… always loses!” said Lightning. He finally found enough to strength to get up, but was still a little shaky. “I know what you really are now. You’re not all that you seem to be.”

That’s when Starla noticed her insignia glowing. “Huh?”

“GET THEM!!” shouted Nomed, and right at the last second “NOW!!” shouted Lightning as everyone leapt up and out of the way, causing the two attackers to strike each other hard, severely damaging one another.

Now both sides seemed fairly weak, but the two evil ones were still not willing to stay down. “Rotten… Ponies…!” Nomed roared “You think you can defeat us that easily?!”

“How can he still be standing after all that?!” snapped Rarity.

Nomed angrily blasted them all, and most of them fell off their feet; their power suits died down, leaving only Sapphire, Starla, Spike and Rarity still standing. Starla hated the sight of her injured friends, and seeing her insignia still glowing, she decided to go for it.

“Mega Mode, Activate!” and she tapped her insignia and began to transform. “Ha! Not this again.” sneered Nomed, and he tried to absorb her energy. Spike and Rarity leapt in the way, intercepting the blast.

Nomed gasped in shock, but Ratify and Spike continued to take the hits until their suits powered down and they collapsed from exhaustion, but Starla had completely transformed, and now looked stronger than ever. She gazed down at her fallen friends “I really owe you guys for this.” Then she gazed at the two evil doers. Nomed had hardly much magic left in him to teleport away, but still no wish to give up. He charged Starla, “Starla, be careful!” cried Lightning. His wife assured him she would be fine and got out her new Super Star Bow, which was edged with shining blades.

The two villains still charged at her, firing the lasts of their magic, yet Starla walked forth through all that fire without even flinching as her armor protected her. Still discouraged, the baddies still charged forth in attempt to fight her hand-to-hand, but Starla armed her bow magically with bolts of powerful energy.

“ASTRO-SHOT” she fired two strong projectiles at the villains, hitting them hard. Massive explosions erupted from them wildly. Yet the villains were still standing, but Starla had one other to use. The edges of her bow began glowing. “SPACE SLICER” Slashing her bow twice, both villains got struck hard.

Scales burst into flames and his empty card was left behind, as for Nomed, even after all that, he was still standing, much to everyone’s shock and aggravation....

...Until his body began glowing strangely and he seemed to be vaporizing into smoky darkness. “YOU…!!” he shouted “You have done the impossible. You have defeated the mighty Nomed, but be warned you have won nothing! My brethren shall avenge me. Your future is clear, Starfleet! YOU ALL SHALL PERISH!!” The last thing anyone heard from him was the sound of his loud, evil laughter until he vanished completely and was gone; vaporized into bits of the darkness he was made of.

“What just happened?” asked Pinkie.

Fluttershy was trembling in fear “He was… he was…”

“... Made of the darkness itself!” Rarity cut in. He was nothing more than an artificial creation, now vaporized into the darkness he was made of, practically killed. It meant he would never come back, at least not in the form he was.

Suddenly, Starla powered down, and she collapsed. “Starla!” cried Lightning as he made his over to his wife “Are you okay?”

“I can’t believe what I just did.” she cried “So powerful. I could feel it.”

Spike and Rarity were still down from being hit so hard by the energy absorbing, but they managed to open their eyes “You saved us all…” Spike said “And so did you, Rarity.”

Rarity, breathing slowly and softly realized that was right. “I did, didn’t I?” She smiled lovingly at him, and he smiled back at her. Blitz was turned back into hs card and chibi form. Sapphire picked up the little dinosaur. “You did good today, Blitz. I’m so proud of you.” Blitz chirped and Lycanroc came up. “Lycanroc.”

“You were excellent too, Lycanroc.” Lycanroc nuzzled her affectionately.

“You also confirmed my theory.” Lightning said.

“What theory?” asked Applejack, and Lightning explained how he began to suspect that Nomed was no ordinary creature, and that he was just an artificial being made of darkness and magic; all pure evil with not an inch of redemption within in him, but also he compared the evidence to what Nomed had bragging about “the future…”

That’s when everyone saw what Lightning was thinking, and it made total sense as well. They would have to talk with the Grand Ruler and the Queen about it, but first of all they all really needed to get their injuries treated, and then all head home for a good rest. Nothing was more important than the health and safety of officers.

In the Dark Future, the other minions were outraged “I can’t believe it, they’ve destroyed Nomed!” growled Ergo.

“Rotten ponies!” cried Esroh Dab “Nomed was bone-headed and all, but he didn’t deserve it!”

“They’ll pay for this, all of them!” said Neila.

Tanig said nothing. He just stood there calmly, much to the annoyance of the others. “Aren’t you even going to say anything?” snapped Ergo.

“What’s there to say? We can’t undo what has been done. We will avenge Nomed’s destruction.”

“What makes you so sure?” sneered Esroh “What if one of us is next?”

Tnaig said nothing and remained as still and as calm as he was. The Dark King seemed interested in something. "That little hybrid pony of theres is quite powerful. I do not recall ever seeing her in this future."

"Yeah... she is a new factor. A factor that will be our downfall." Tnaig growled.

"She must be destroyed along with those ponies." Neila said.

"No... not yet. I think we should try to make her come to our side..." The Dark King said.

"And how are we gonna do that, Master?" Tnaig asked. The Dark King only snickered sinisterly.

Meanwhile, the others had all gone to see Dr. Penny Sillion, who treated them all well, healing their injuries, and recommended they all got a goodnight’s rest for the future battles ahead. Then everyone headed home.

Lightning had also written a report to the palace and got a response from their majesties after they consulted their advisors and even Professor Brain. There was no mistaking it; the enemies came from the future, which in turn explained everything else.

-Why they couldn’t find the enemies anywhere.

-Why they seemed so powerful.

-Why their powers and data couldn’t be analyzed.

Even the mega mode itself had to be from the future, which suggested also the two voices that had spoken to the team had given them those powers from the future to help battle the Dark King, whom was obviously going to send more of his henchmen and more monsters to attack them.

“Well, that sure explains a lot.” Lightning said.

Starla agreed, but she was still very curious about other things, like why the Dark King wanted to attack them to begin with, and why did the mega modes only work at certain times, and they were so dangerous. “Just when it seems we get some answers, we still get stuck.” she said. Her husband agreed “We’ll find answers. We always do.”

Rarity was tucking Spike into his little basket bed by a nice roaring fire in the fireplace before heading off to bed herself.

“Rarity…?”

“Yes, Spike.”

“Um… thanks… for saving me again.”

Rarity smiled and leaned down, pecking him softly on his little head, making him blush. “You’re welcome, Spike. Now, off to sleep. We’ve both had a big day.” She then headed up to her room leaving spike to lie warmly in his basket, still feeling all soft and blushing, and he felt his little parchment with the song he was working on, and felt he had found more inspiration to add to it.

Still, he wasn’t sure if he could really show it to Rarity. All he could do was finish writing, and drift off to sleep.

Episode 5: A Legendary Vision

Sapphire found herself in a all white void. "Hello... is anyone there? Lightning? Starla?"

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw a large stag pokemon walking towards her. It was blue with four pairs of horns. "Woah... who are you?" Sapphire asked.

"I cannot tell you my name yet. But for now, you must know that I am an ally." the pokemon said. "And I am here to tell you of a great power you will unlock in the future."

"A great power? What is it?"

"That I cannot tell you. All I know is that your power is something you must unlock on your own."

Sapphire was speechless. Another power. Sure she had her scepter, Uniforce and her magic... what other power could she need? Suddenly the void began to waver. "What's happening?" she asked.

"You are beginning to awaken. Farewell Sapphire Sunlight, we will meet again soon." the pokemon said as the void went up in a bright flash...

... Sapphire woke up in a shock in her bed. "Lycanoc?"

"Ampharos?'

"Hoot?"

Lycanroc, Ampharos and Noctowl looked at Sapphire concerned, "I'm alright you guys... Just had a weird dream." she said to them. She knew herself that what she dreamt was not a dream. "I need to talk to everyone about this."

In the Dark Future, the remaining minions were still outraged, but slightly not surprised about Nomed’s demise. “We cannot keep losing like this.” said Tnaig

“Indeed not.” said the Dark King. The minions all bowed in presence of their king. “Your majesty, what shall we do?” asked Neila.

“You know perfectly well!” the Dark King snarled “Already the future is beginning to shift because of all these blunders. If things continue on this path, we cannot hope to gain true mastery of all that exists, and our very way of life will be threatened!”

Ergo picked up a large rock in his bare hands and crushed it into dust just like that. “I’m ready to go!” he said “I swear I’ll make those punks pay for destroying Nomed!”

“You sure you’re feeling up to it, Ergo?” asked Neila.

“Trust me, I got a whole set of Cardinals that’ll squash ‘em like bugs.”

“You may proceed, Ergo.” the Dark King said “However, do not allow yourself to get carried away. We must avoid altering our own future as well.”

“No problem, boss.”

Meanwhile, all the ponies, Spike and Krysta were at the Palace dojo for their training drills, but also to give Professor Brain a chance to examine Lightning and Starla’s transformation insignia’s more closely, hoping to learn more about the Mega Mode power.

Sapphire had told everyone about the dream she had last night which added even more confusion to the group. Their majesties have never heard of a creature that looks like the one Sapphire described in her dream but there was no doubt the creature was a friend and not a foe.

Rarity especially needed extra training, as she was now magic-less and needed to beef up her strength more than ever. She was offered many times to be given a small blaster, but Rarity refused insisting “I am a lady, and ladies do not use such trivial weapons.”

“That’s not true.” Starla said, and she demonstrated by shoot her bow at five targets, hitting the bullseye perfectly. “Have I made my point?”

“Quite.” grumbled Rarity, but Lightning assured Rarity if it was what she wanted, they wouldn’t hold it against her this time, after all, he usually battled without much weapons or using too much magic. “I’ll be a great chance to help you evolve and see a whole new sight of how to win battles.”

Rarity was secretly just hoping to beef up her skills so the next time she found the Phantom of Magic, she could beat him silly until he coughed up her magic and cutie mark. Applejack secretly felt the same way, wanting her own cutie mark back.

The friends all continued to train and spar until the period was over, as for Sapphire, she was training her pokemon and dinosaurs as well. “Lycanroc, Stone Edge!” Lycanroc howled and slammed the ground with his paws, making large, glowing rocks appear and head for Ampharos. “Amphaross, Ice Punch!” Ampharos’ right fist glowed in ice energy and it punched the stones, breaking them. “Now use Wild Charge!” Amphaross covered himself in electrical energy and charged Lycanroc, knocking him into the air, but he recovered and landed on all fours. “Way’d a go!” Sapphire praised.

Next, there was a meeting held in the throne room to assess everyone’s knowledge of the enemies, preferably the Dark King and his evil minions. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor were present as well.

Evidence was weighed, talked about again, and ultimately there was no other explanation, everyone else was inclined to agree. “They come from the future; our distant future.” said Lightning.

Though it was agreed, everyone was still astounded, even their majesties, and again, it explained everything. “We never stood a chance against them before.” said Rarity “They obvious have mastered new skills and forms of magic we have never seen. That’s why our visors were unable to detect their powers and weaknesses.”

“They also have at least a century of training on them, maybe even a millennium.” added Artie.

“But here’s the weird thing. If they come from the future then why is Sapphire able to do damage to them if they mastered new magic?” Spike pointed out. He did have a point. So far, the Cardinals and Nomed succumbed to Sapphire’s magic, pokemon or her dinosaurs in some way. “Maybe they haven’t seen magic as powerful as Sapphire’s and that’s why they’re weak to it?” Starla suggested.

“Perhaps, but one thing is for sure; Sapphire’s magic and her allies are very helpful in this war.” Everyone agreed with that statement completely. Still, they had no way of knowing exactly how far into the future they were looking at. “The real question is what to ultimately do about them.” said Spike “We may have beaten Nomed and all his Cardinal beasts, but I’ve got a feeling there’s a lot of more of them to come after us.”

“You may be right, Spike.” said Celestia “We also need to know another great question, why are they attacking us here and now, and also why they only seem to be attacking specific places?”

Pinkie Pie raised her hand up crying “Ooh, ooh, I think I know, I know, pick me, me, me…!”

“Um… yes Pinkie?” said Lightning.

Pinkie then took in a huge breath and spoke really fast. “Maybe they’re water supply has been contaminated, and their food has gone all out, and they have no place to live, or any comforts, so they’ve come here to take over our world because we still have all the things they don’t have, and the reason they attack us is because they want it all for themselves… It makes perfect sense.”

Everyone else was shaking, literally, feeling all choked up. “It’s a… very wild thought Pinkie, but I don’t believe that is the answer.” said Grand Ruler.

Rainbow Dash suggested, “Maybe we can go look for them? Maybe we could come up with a spell that could take us forward in time we could search each year…”

“That sounds like a good idea.” said Fluttershy.

“No it isn’t.” protested Starla “Do you have any idea how long that would take? For all know they could be hundreds, maybe thousands of years away.”

Rhymey was inclined to agree…

“That’s far too many for us to try and track,
Besides, we can’t go forward in time, just back.”

The others realized this. The only one of them to ever really know about time spells was Twilight, she only ever traveled back in time about one week, and she only ever saw images of the distant past. Traveling backwards in time was hard enough, but traveling forward was another thing entirely, and possibly was too dangerous to even experiment with, even for their majesties.

Spike felt a little down, as it reminded him how Twilight was gone, and all the others shared his downheartedness, but they knew they had to be brave for their planet. It was best decided to continue trying to research and come up with clues or answers that would help them, while at the same time continuing to protect the planet.

“Which brings us to another item…” said Lightning “…The Phantom of Magic.” Rarity and Applejack clenched their fists angrily at the mention of that, and softly felt down by their flanks, which were still blank under their pants. “It seems every time we corner him, he manages to overpower us and slips off.” said Buddy Rose.

“Eeyup, and what’s more, he seems to be gettin’ stronger with every bit of magic he steals.” added Applejack “Worst part is, we don’t even know why he’s doin’ it.”

Fluttershy shivered “Maybe, you don’t think… he’s planning world domination do you? With all that power, who knows how unstoppable he’ll be!”

The Spanish twins disagreed. “I don’t think it’s that simple. Even all with all that power, he hasn’t really done anything us but take more power.” said Dyno, and Myte agreed “He must be gathering the magic for something else… like he’s waiting for something, but what?”

“Whatever it is, it can’t be good.” said Shining Armor “We’ve got to catch this guy, maybe set a trap for him.”

“Well, we know he usually only maneuvers at night, and that he’s only interested ponies that have cutie marks.” said Cadance. This indeed narrowed things down, and also meant creatures like Space Alicorns, dragons, fairies; even statues like Goldwin and hybrids like Sapphire were in only slightly less danger.

“Oh, I still feel worried about them all out there.” Goldwin said “You know I almost feel lucky now that I can’t go outside, but we do we do about them?” He had a point too. As was said, even if the friends managed to get the Phantom in their sights, he proved to be really strong and powerful, even able to paralyze them on the spot so they couldn’t even try to fight back.

“Hang on here…” said Applejack “Aren’t we forgettin’ the one itty bitty thing? He’s an Earth Pony.”

Everyone caught on to her idea, and even their majesties approved, to organize search of every Earth Pony on the planet in attempt to unmask the phantom; find out who he really was, by sensing for magic. “It sounds rather extreme, having to suspect every Earth Pony as a potential suspect” said Celestia “But I see no other way, and at least it would help narrow the field even more.”

“Right then, we’ll organize a worldwide search immediately.” said Grand Ruler, and he sighed “I just hope the citizens don’t feel we are trying to harm them.”

Cadance and Shining Armor agreed to pass the same order at the New Crystal Empire.

Just then, Professor Brain came from his lab, after spending quite some time analyzing all he could about the Mega Mode powers, but again his results were inconclusive. I am dreadfully sorry but I am afraid there is nothing more I can do for this case. I… I have never seen technology like it, although it does seem to operate on the same forces as our normal methods do.”

The others all sighed, but it wasn’t as if they didn’t expect it, knowing the mega mode obviously was from the future as well, just like the super strengths that everyone had gotten, enforced by a magic spell. At least they knew why they were given it, but still didn’t know who gave it to them, and why they couldn’t tap into the power at will, and why it strained their energies after just a short while.

“I am sorry, I wish I could help you more.” said Brain.

“It’s all right, prof. We understand, and we don’t think less of you.” said Shining Armor. Blitz walked over to Shining Armor wanting to be picked up. Shining Armor picked up the little chibi dino. “Alright, Blitz what do you want?” Blitz then reached with his mouth and bit Shining Armor’s horn. “NO! Stop! Gah!” he cried.

“Blitz.” Sapphire groaned. She prided the little chibi dino off of his horn. “No munching on unicorn horns.” Blitz just chirped. Sapphire rolled her eyes. “Your dinosaurs and pokemon seem to do more damage to these guys than we thought as well as your magic. I wonder why.” Spike wondered. Everyone else wondered that as well.

It was still a baffling mystery to everyone, but before they could investigate, the alarms sounded. Goldwin rushed to the window and peeked through his telescope. “There’s something heading this way!” he cried.

The ponies all gazed at their majesties. “Go!” snapped Grand Ruler. Lightning nodded and everyone leapt out the windows down towards the village. Once they were gone, Celestia and Grand Ruler gazed at one another and nodded, and then used their magic to raise stronger shields on the buildings below to at least avoid collateral damages.

While at the same time, Krysta helped a squad of her fairies warp all the civilians to safety. “Come on, keep moving! Keep moving!” she yelled as the ponies hurried along into the portals.

“Okay, Krysta, we’ll take it from here.” Lightning said. Krysta nodded and vanished through the portal herself. No sooner had she gone did the friends all transform while they had a chance.

Just then, they all felt the ground give a huge lurch, followed by another and the collapsing of trees as whatever it was got closer. “Here it comes!” cried Lightning. The others all stood ready, Lightning’s friends got out their weapons and held them tight.

Then, all at once, a giant blue ox-like creature, coated in armor, leapt through the trees, and roared at everyone. Everyone gasped hard in shock, some in fright, and Fluttershy was almost too shaken to even scream, but she looked up atop the Ox’s back, and saw someone riding him. “Who’s that?” she cried.

“Wait, look at his forehead!” said Spike. Everyone could see that same black crescent moon, three black stars, and red eyes. “That’s the exact same mark Nomed had.” said Starla.

Ergo heard that and he glared down at them all. “So you’re the punks who destroyed Nomed!” he snarled “Well, now you’re gonna pay for it. Go get ‘em, Big Bull!” The Cardinal roared and began to charge. “Scatter!” shouted Lightning, and everyone leapt out of the way as the big ox slammed hard on the ground.

Lightning then leapt up high and kicked the ox in his huge face, but hardly even hurt him much. “Uh, oh…!” he peeped as he was grabbed and flung hard to the ground. “Lightning!” cried Starla. He was okay, but just that one hit did him a ton of damage. “Pathetic!” snarled Ergo “You haven’t got the muscle to beat my Cardinal, he’s built for muscle.”

Ox snuffed angrily and slammed the ground again causing a small quake, but strong enough to knock everyone off their feet. “Whoa! This can’t be good!” cried Applejack.

“EARTH SLIDE” Bull shouted, and in a small tremor, he pelted the gang was many large stones, damaging them all harshly. “That was for Nomed!” growled Ergo “…And so is this!” He acted like a cowhand riding his faithful steed, the way he commanded him to charge, stomp and bash the fighters.

Applejack and Buddy Rose tried to lasso his legs together, but his legs were just too big, and the both ended up getting kicked hard enough to have stars spinning around their heads. Rhymey, Artie, Starla and the twins flew up high towards the Ox’s face and tried their attacks…

“DRILL QUILL”

“PAINT BOMB”

“STAR SHOWER”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS”

All the attacks hit resulting in a small explosion. “Hey!” Ergo roared as he shielded his eyes, but when the smoke had cleared…

“Look at that, not a scratch!” cried Artie.

Bull snuffed angrily again and thrust his huge head right at them. “Look out!” shouted Starla, and they all zipped out of the way of those huge horns.

“Hey! No one does that to my friends!” snarled Pinkie, and she, literally, grabbed the bull by the horns “Gotcha!” but suddenly was rocked and jerks about as the Ox shook his head vigorously. “Beat it, punk!” snarled Ergo as he reached over to sock her hard, but Rarity quickly came up and grabbed her friend, pulling her away, and Rainbow Dash came soring in fast straight for Ergo…

“SONIC RAINBOOM”

…colliding into him hard and knocking him clean off his ride, and crashing to the ground below. “Not so tough without your ride, are you?” Rainbow mocked. Ergo got up, and turned red in anger “You’ll pay for that!”

“Oh, yeah…? Bring it!” snarled Rainbow, and she dashed over to rush Ergo down, only for him to simply raise his fist and let her run into it. WHAMM!! Rainbow skidded across the ground. “Oh boy, do I have a headache!” she groaned.

“Let’s get him!” shouted Spike, and he along with many other charged for Bull together. “DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL” curling himself up in his flames, Spike launched right at Bull’s chest, colliding right into him but hardly even making the big brute flinch. Bull merely thrust his chest out, flinging Spike right into the others, knocking them over like bowling pins.

“Sorry, guys.”

“Apologize later…! Here he comes!” cried Buddy Rose.

“GEM MISSILE” at his command, Bull’s horns fired magical diamond-shaped rockets at everyone, creating massive explosions. “It’s no good! We need a Mega Mode power!” cried Starla, but sadly neither her nor Lightning’s insignias were glowing. “We’ve got to keep fighting. Maybe it’ll wake them up.” Lightning suggested.

“Or better yet, maybe we can tire him out.” added Dyno. “Ah, Si, then maybe he’ll be easier to crush.”

The others agreed, and the fight waged on, but Bull proved to be really a tough contender, still hardly breaking much of a sweat, while his attacks continued to crush them all. “We’ve got… to keep going!” cried Rarity.

Ergo was enjoying himself “You morons, you can’t make a brute like this tired that easily. Why he’s so big, he could go on like this for days. Too bad you don’t have that long to live!”

“Oh Yeah.” Sapphire took out another card.

“STARFLEET SLASH, STYRACOSAURUS CHARGE IN!”

Blitz appeared and roared and Bull and Bull roared back. The two horned beast charged each other and locked together in a power struggle. They pushed each other back and rammed each other again and again, neither one willing to give up.

Meanwhile, Ergo jumped in to beat up the friends more. He went after Fluttershy first, grabbing her and picking her up in attempt to squash her like a grape, but Rhymey came to her aid, high-jump kicking under Ergo in the side, not really hurting him but forcing him to drop Fluttershy, right into his arms.

They smiled at one another, but Rhymey turned to face Ergo who was stomping towards them “Big mistake, pal!”

Rhymey stood tall and fierce.

“I’m not your pal, I’m you’re foe!

When you disgrace Fluttershy, let’s go!”

Fluttershy stood by his side, giving him her angry stare.

“Aw, ain’t that sweet… Not.” grumbled Ergo “I can take on a whole army of you creeps. Let’s go!”

The fight was on, and just as Ergo promised, he was as tough as, maybe even tougher, than his monster. He punched, and bashed the two ponies hard. Even grabbed Rhymey’s sword, and actually tied it in a knot like it was made of simple string.

Rhymey was outraged, and made his sword vanish so it could repair itself.

“You may have tied my sword in a knot,

But it’s not the only thing I’ve got!”

Ergo growled, but soon found that some of the others were surrounding him. “Let’s get him all at once!” snapped Pinkie.

“Yee-ha!” hollered Applejack.

But Ergo’s eye gave a small twinkle. “You all are making this too easy for me!” He chuckled wickedly as he eyes began to glow, and the friends began to glow as well. “Hey! What’s going on?” cried Rainbow. She tried to dash forth with everything she had, but she only seemed to be going barely at half, giving Ergo the perfect chance to sock her hard in the head again.

The others tried to rush him, but found they could only move at half speed too, and ended up getting pummeled hard. “You thought Nomed’s special ability of Energy Absorb was rough, well my Speed Down effect is just as nasty… for you!”

“Then try this on for size.” Sapphire took out her scepter. “Blast!” and fired a beam of light at Ergo. He roared in pain. “Grr… you’ll pay for that.” He charged Sapphire but Sapphire dodged and whacked him with her scepter. “Blaze!” she launched a fire attack at Ergo. Ergo couldn’t stop chuckling. “I don’t know why Nomed ever had so much trouble with you guys. This is almost kiddy-play to me.”

The others glared angrily at him. They were still able to stand, but hardly able to fight. Sapphire then shot a beam from her Element of Harmony crown and Ergo was knocked back and was severely injured by the magic. “So this little Princess has powerful magic and light. Not good.”

Ergo decided to split before he got destroyed like Nomed did “He who fights and runs away lives to fight to fight another day!” he shouted as he vanished, leaving his monster behind. Blitz rammed Bull away but Bull was not done. Bull scraped the ground and they both charged again, locking together until Blitz threw him to the ground. Bull looked severely weakened, but still not defeated, and still nobody had enough power to use a finisher… until Dyno and Myte’s insignias started glowing! “Ay’ Carumba! It’s working.” cried Dyno. “Well, what are we waiting for?” snapped Myte, and they both transformed together, into their Mega Mode forms.

They both felt their powers returned to full, even higher than normal. Now it was time to try their new attack. They both held hands, and stuck out their other hands, shouting…

“RED FIRE”

“BLUE FIRE”

The colored flames burst from their horns and hands, and began to mix into a tornado. The boys shouted together, “FIRE-STREAK TWISTER”

“Blitz, LIGHTNING STRIKE!” Blitz sent a large beam of electricity and the twins and sent the powerful blaze right at Bull, the blasts combined and engulfed him in the flames, disintegrating him back into his card, which fell to the ground and the picture faded. Blitz roared in victory and the boy’s Mega Mode suits also powered down, and they felt exhausted again, more than before. “Boy, are you okay?” cried Lightning.

The boys each gave him a thumb up, and everyone was just grateful that the fight was won. Just the same, they barely made it out this time, and they were right about the Dark King sending stronger creatures to face them, but at least they had learned a little bit more about them; that regardless of their powers, there were ways of beating them through conventional means, outsmarting them, just like when they fought Nomed and Dark Scales.

“Let’s get back to the palace. We’ve got to tell their majesties.” said Lightning.

While at the palace, everyone saw everything and they were very pleased and relieved that the battle was over. Although minimal damages were caused to the area, it wasn’t so serious and could be easily fixed. “We must get the repair ponies to work at once.” Grand Ruler said. Celestia agreed.

Episode 7: Phantom's Fury

After a good long day, it was time for shifts to switch so that some of the ponies could go home and to bed.

Lightning and Starla were heading home as well. They had been hard at work investigating and questioning Earth ponies they knew that didn’t make their scan for the phantom.

Some were too young, another one was too old, and a few more were all bent out of shape--obese, or underweight-- and not one of them had any magic, so they were dismissed from the list. “I really don’t think we’re getting any closer.” Lightning said “We’ll never find the phantom like this.”

“Don’t say that.” said Starla “Or rather, do say it… after all the more you say it, the more I know we’ll find the answer.” Lightning smiled and pecked his wife sweetly “As usual, you’re right, and I’m sorry for thinking that way.”

As they checked off their lists, Starla noticed one pony on Lightning’s list that hadn’t been checked. “What about him?” It looked like a simple Orange Earth Pony, normal too, not having been genetically altered, with a blonde mane, glasses, and a fine suit. His cutie mark was that of a clipboard and pencil, with three small hearts round the tip, and his name was below him, “Dr. Emil Kudos.”

Lightning said, “All I found was his picture and his name, but no known address. I asked for the records department to dig up the story on him, but all I know is he’s a marriage-psychologist.”

Starla thought was interesting, and couldn’t wait to find out more about him, but when they got home, they found Krysta waiting for them, and she looked a little concerned. When asked why, she held up a file of Dr. Kudos she had delivered and asked “Is this the pony you wanted to research?”

“Yeah, that’s him.” said Lightning, and then he and Starla looked inside and the very first thing they found was an old newspaper clipping which read “Marriage psychologist killed in fire”

Lightning and Starla gazed at one another in concern, and read the article as well as studying the files, and sure enough, Dr. Kudos was reported dead for some time, long before Equestria was destroyed in The Great War and United Equestria was formed.

According to the story; Dr. Kudos, a world renowned marriage councilor and psychologist, whom had helped many over the years, including Shining Armor to help him sort his problems for his upcoming marriage to Princess Cadance, he had sunken into depression, and began to refuse sessions from patients and clients in need. Nobody knew why. Not even close friends or family members of the doctor knew what was troubling him. On the night they planned to confront him and talk to him about it, it was pouring rain and one of the pegasi helping with the weather, reportedly, misfired a bolt of lightning that struck the doc’s house and clinic in Canterlot, and the whole place burst into flames. The ponies managed to get the fire under control, and rescue the poor doc’s body from the house, but in vain as he was already very dead from severe injures he had suffered in the fire, and strangely, his cutie mark was gone, but no one had seen it vanish normally.

This struck Lightning and Starla as odd. Usually when ponies died, their cutie marks left the body, floated up high glowing big and brightly, and then dissolving into thin air. So, how did no one see it? This didn’t seem to matter too much to them. Kudos was dead, so that was one case they didn’t have to worry about, still…

“It seems so tragic.” said Starla.

“The poor guy.” added Lightning.

Krysta felt miserable as well, but really there was nothing they could do about it now. “I have to get home now, I have to brief my royal guards for their night shift.” she said.

“Okay, Krysta, and thanks.” Lightning said.

Krysta vanished through a portal, back her planet. Leaving the couple to get ready for bed, and soon, all across the planet, creatures were sleeping, but it was soon to become a restless night for some.

The phantom was resting in his secret lair; he was stirring and groaning in his sleep. Finally, he woke in shock. He clenched his fists in anger. “I don’t think I can wait for this any longer.” he said as he gazed at the centaur silhouette “I want my revenge now, even if I don’t have the power yet.”

Sapphire found herself in the Dream Realm once again. "Hello?"

The creature from before thenmade it's appearance. "Greetings Sapphire."

"You again? What are you doing here?" Sapphire asked.

"I believe it's time we met face to face, my dear." the creature said.

"Really? Where?" Sapphire asked.

"That will be a surprise and the meeting will not be as expect. Until then, Sapphire."

"But wait...!" The realm began to fade and a bright light came in....

...Sapphire woke up in a shock. "So... I'll meet you soon, huh?" she said to herself and she looked at the moon. "I'll be waiting."

In a dark and desolate place, a dreadful and haunting voice was echoing through the darkness. “I am coming! I am coming!” Smoke emitted from the ground taking on the shape of a large centaur creature, with wicked glowing eyes and laughing sinisterly in the darkness.

That’s when Celestia woke up in shock.

“Celestia?!” cried Grand Ruler as he sat upright in their bed. “What’s wrong?”

Princess Luna burst into the room. “Sister, are you alright?”

Celestia shook herself fully awake “I’ve just had the most terrible dream.” she said. “I fear it was some sort of warning.”

“You may be right.” said Luna “I had felt it too, that is why I have come.”

“Perhaps it was no dream, but a vision.” Celesto said. “Tell me everything.”

The ladies told him what they believed, and he felt it was greatly possible. “If we are right, and I pray we are not, we must act quickly.”

“Indeed…” said Celestia “The stronger he becomes, the more we are all in danger.”

The very next morning, all the friends received a letter from their majesties telling them to come to the palace at once for an emergency meeting.

Soon, they had all teleported, by Krysta’s magic, to the palace. Shining Armor was there too, and he looked a little baggy-eyed. “I didn’t sleep well.” he groaned. Many of the others sympathized with him, even Fluttershy and Pinkie, for they each had a nightmare about being caught by the phantom of magic.

“I was so scared I couldn’t go back to sleep.” cried Fluttershy.

“Really…? I could…” said Pinkie.

“That is exactly why we have called you here.” Grand Ruler said “But I shall let the queen and Princess Luna explain to you.”

The ladies took the head of the table and explained of their nightmares. “We think we now know what the phantom of magic is attempting to do.” said Celestia, and Princess Luna nodded “We believe that he is trying to revive Lord Tirek.”

The ponies all gazed round at each other with concern. “Who’s Lord Tirek?” asked Sapphire.

Celestia placed a magic book on the table, and she and her sister and husband began to tell the story. It all began an over a-thousand years ago, back when Grand Ruler was still Captain of the Canterlot Guard…

The story about the two brothers; Tirek and Scorpan, both came to Equestria to steal magic and rule the world. The three divine ones, Celesto, Celestia Luna worked together to do battle with the brothers.

After a long and fierce battle, Scorpan began to realize the error of his ways, and decided to have a change of heart. He befriended the ponies and their kind, and was willing to abandon all his evil ways. But his brother Tirek refused and continued on his path of conquest, which lead the three divine alicorns to seal the evil Tirek away in Tartarus.

Scorpan, Tirek’s brother, had long since grown very old and passed away, but his brother remained forever sealed. Even when Equestria blew up in the war against Titan and all his forces, the seal still had not been broken, and was reformed with United Equestria now within New Tartarus on the far side of the planet.

“Nellie, that’s one doozy of a tale.” said Applejack.

“But exactly where does the phantom fit into all this?” asked Buddy Rose.

“As this secret has been kept safe in the royal family archives for centuries, we don’t know how the phantom has come to learn of this.” Grand Ruler said “However, the spell that is keeping Tirek well bound can only be broken by harnessing the magic of Equestrian ponies, which explains why the phantom does not target Space Alicorns or other creatures. He cannot use such power, it is no good to him.”

Celestia nodded “Nevertheless, we do believe this is what the phantom is attempting, he must be under the impression that he can unleash Tirek and control him to do his bidding. I am convinced he does not realize the true danger he is getting himself into.”

“Still, we cannot allow Tirek to be unleashed.” said Luna “If he is freed, all of United Equestria will be in grave danger.”

The others didn’t need to be told how serious. They could tell that with all that harnessed magic from so many ponies, Tirek would be virtually invincible!

“And to think, my wonderful magic is causing this great treachery known!” Rarity panicked.

“Speak for yourself!” cried Rainbow, reminding her that her magic was stolen. Applejack did the same.

“Quiet all of you!” Lightning shouted “We’ve got to think of a way to stop this.”

“We already have one way.” Shining Armor said “...But it’s not going to be fun.”

“What, not fun?!” cried Pinkie, and she felt a little twitch of her Pinkie Sense telling her it was going to be really deep.

Grand Ruler cleared his throat and explained to them their idea. “As you know, the phantom seems to have ceased going after many cutie marks, as well as other ponies, which suggests he is nearing his goal of required magic.”

Pinkie and Fluttershy realized this and remembered how the phantom said he wanted their magic. Obviously meaning their magic was strong and mighty, exactly what he needed.

“What are you saying?” Fluttershy asked.

Celestia sighed deeply “It pains me to say this, but we cannot risk it. We have decided…” she paused a moment “…to give up our own magic and hide it away where the phantom will not get to it.”

Everyone gasped in the deepest of shock and concern. “Give up your magic!” cried Artie.

“But if you do that, and the phantom does attack

You’ll be defenseless; you won’t be able to fight back.” added Rhymey.

“This is something we are quite aware of…” said Luna “But as my sister said, we cannot take such a risk, but know this…” she said as she eyed Pinkie and Fluttershy “Fear not, your powers will be well cared for. We have chosen the safest place for them.”

“Where?” asked Pinkie.

“Not where, but whom…” Grand Ruler said. “Sapphire will absorb your magic; Transfer and keep them within myself. Doing this will also increase her power dramatically.”

“But sire, what if the phantom comes after her?” asked Starla.

“She’s right, what if her magic gets stolen anyway?” added Lightning.

“I’m sure her Element will not allow that to happen. Remember it reacts when danger is near her. So her magic will be safe.” Celestia said. “This is our only chance.”

Sapphire wasn’t sure about this at all. She was used to her own alicorn magic. To take on Celestia, Luna, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Shining Armors’ magic as well?! “Sapphire… I know you have your doubts but if there is anyone who can do this it’s you.” Grand Ruler claimed.

Celestia and Luna nodded.

Pinkie and Fluttershy gazed at their cutie mark paintings, and thought of their cutie marks under their pants. They really didn’t want to do this, but after what they had just been told, who were they to argue.

“All right.” Said Pinkie.

“We’re ready.” added Fluttershy.

"Me too." Sapphire added.

Then they, the queen, Luna, and Shining armor all stood in a line together as Sapphire stood before them. He nodded his head saying to begin. Then the five ponies concentrated hard, sending their magical forces from their bodies and into Sapphire.

When all was done… Sapphire’s hair was flowing a little and her crown was shimmering brighter than ever. Her eyes were completely white and she was floating in the air. She closed her eyes and the glowing stopped. Celestia and Luna’s mane’s had stopped fluttering and shimmering, and all five of them had lost their cutie marks.

Shining Armor hung his head low. Fluttershy and Pinkie were near tear, and everyone was totally silent about this whole thing. Grand Ruler approached his wife, and ran his fingers through her motionless mane.

“Sapphire…” Luna said as she came and placed her hand over his shoulder “You have our powers now, and hopefully soon we will reclaim them.”

Shining Armor and the girls nodded in agreement, showing they were still thankful.

Suddenly, the alarms went off, and Goldwin came rushing in, nearly out of breath. “It’s horrible, you guys better come quick!”

“Slow down, Goldwin-- What’s wrong?” said Grand Ruler.

“I was looking at the clouds through window, and then I could see down below in the village… the phantom!”

“THE PHANTOM?!” Everyone cried out. “We better get down there!” said Lightning.

“I’m going with you, this time.” said Grand Ruler.

“We’re coming too.” said Celestia. Everyone gazed at them in shock, even Grand Ruler was shocked, and before he could refuse them, his wife put her foot down. “Those are our subjects down there, and I am just as responsible for their safety, magic or no magic.”

Luna and Shining Armor agreed.

“Very well, but please be very careful.” said Grand Ruler.

“Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and they all headed off while Krysta stayed behind. There wasn’t must she could do at the moment. There was no time to evacuate all the ponies.

The Phantom was standing in the grounds of New Canterlot village near foot of the palace mountain. Many of the ponies were already running in panic to get to safety before Grand Ruler raised the shields. However, several other ponies were still out in the open, among them was a yellow unicorn with an orange mane; name: Fire Ball, and his wife, a peach colored pegasi with a long brown mane. Name: Peach Berry.

Suddenly, they and the other ponies turned round and there standing behind them was the phantom. The ladies all screamed, which amused him. “Yes, I’d be afraid of me too.”

“Look, if you want our cutie marks, you can have them, just please don’t hurt us!” cried Peach Berry. “I’m not here for your cutie marks; they are of no use to me now. I came to clean up some loose ends, especially with you two!”

Peach shuddered nervously, but her husband stepped forth to protect her “I think I’ve heard enough of this sick creep! You lay one hand on my wife, and I’ll…”

“You’ll what…?” mocked the phantom “Your magic is useless against me. If you don’t believe me, then shoot.”

Fire Ball powered up his magic, and shot a beam of light at the phantom’s chest, but he just stood there and took it like it was nothing. The other ponies froze up in fear and astonishment, while the phantom snickered and raised his hand. He levitated Fire ball up in the air and brought him closer to him.

“Fire Ball!” cried Peach.

Snickering wickedly, the phantom raised his other hand and prepared to vaporize the helpless pony to ash. “Finally, after all the pain you all caused me, revenge shall be sweet!” Suddenly, the phantom began to glow, and he couldn’t seem to move. “What...?! I can’t move!”

Fire Ball was also released, and ran back to his wife and friends. Then they all saw how…

The team had arrived, and Grand Ruler was using his new magic to hold the phantom down. “Get inside, quickly!” shouted Grand Ruler. The ponies did as they were told and dashed into the nearby houses, and once they were safely inside, Grand Ruler used his magic to conjure a strong barrier around all the houses.

Then the phantom was released as he stared the team down. “Well, if isn’t the chump-patrol.” He hissed. He gazed at Fluttershy and Pinkie “Are you finally ready to accept your fate and hand over your magic to me, or do I just take it?”

“We choose neither!” snarled Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy nodded bravely and cheekily “We don’t have our cutie marks anymore.”

“What?!” snarled the phantom.

“It’s true…” said Lightning “We transferred all the magic to the Sapphire and your absorption power won’t work this time.”

“Ah?!” the phantom realized they were telling the truth, as he could no longer sense the magic within the girls, even Celestia and Luna had no magic, as their manes were not bright and flowing. The phantom was just furious. “You’ve all been a nuisance to me long enough! I’ll settle for taking out you first, and then the rest of the planet.”

“You’ll do no such thing!” snarled Grand Ruler “We know what you’re up to, and I assure you it will never work. I give you this one chance; give up and turn yourself in willingly.”

The phantom laughed at him “You really think I’d surrender to you after I’m this close to achieving greatness? You’re all crazier than I first believed.”

The friends were growing very annoyed. “I don’t understand you!” Shining Armor sneered “Why go to all this trouble just for magic?”

The phantom then looked hurt, “You wouldn’t understand. How could you anyway?” he sounded as if he was struggling with a deep inner pain “It doesn't matter anyway. You won’t be around long enough to even try and stop me!”

Lightning felt his anger starting to broil “Let’s get him!”

The others agreed, and charged forth.

“Wait!” shouted Celestia, but all the others quickly jumped at the phantom, tackling all about, when the dust had cleared, they all found that they were tackling each other about, but no phantom anywhere. “What happened?” asked Rarity.

“Where’d he go?” asked Spike.

Their majesties and Shining Armor couldn’t understand it, but suddenly Princess Luna could see the ground crumbling silently and softly towards them. “Watch out! Get out of there!” she screamed, but it was too late, the phantom bust through the ground, knocking everyone in different directions.

The phantom laughed hysterically “I never get tired of that old stunt.”

He suddenly got blasted hard, by Sapphire, and sent crashing into a lamppost. “And I never tired of is how evil never wins.” She said. The others stood with her, and they all regrouped with the gang.

The phantom got back onto his feet, but he was grinning, and snickering.

“What’s that chump laughing about now?” asked Rainbow.

The phantom laughed and laughed and then glared at the team. “You may think you outnumber me, and just because you have a few new tricks that you’ve won it all.”

“What in the hotel-bills is he gettin’ at?” asked Applejack

Lightning suddenly felt he knew what the phantom was referring to.

The phantom leapt in between Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack!

“Get him!” shouted Rarity.

“Wait!” shouted Lightning, but the girls already charged, aiming strong punches. At the last second, the phantom leapt out of the way, causing the girls to ram into and punch each other out.

The phantom then leapt right in between Buddy Rose, Artie and Rhymey, and the same thing happened, the phantom faked out the boys and punched each other out.

“There are more of us than of him.” cried Lightning “He’s using the wide open field to his advantage against us. He can attack freely while our attacks could miss and hit each other.”

The phantom then leapt over to him and Starla. “Who wants to go next?”

Lightning and Starla knew they couldn’t attack together, and attacking him one at a time was not smart either. Sapphire charged forth and leaped into the air and changed into the large wolf again. She roared at the Phantom and blasted him with her now powered up magic sphere. The sphere sent him flying. “You go guys. Show him who’s boss!” Shining Armor cheered.

Finally, the phantom seemed weak enough to capture and imprison... “Get in there-- capture him now and end this.” Grand Ruler said.

Lightning nodded and he and his space pony friends all stood together. “Ready everyone?”

Everyone took out their weapons and charged up, and gave it all their finishers had.

“CAPTURE BLAST, FIRE!”

“GALACTIC PROJECTILE”

“WHIPLASH STRIKE”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN”

“THRASH SLASH”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

All those attacks struck the phantom head-on, resulting in large explosions. “They’ve done it!” cried Princess Luna.

“They got him!” added Shining Armor.

Everyone gazed at the smoke with joyful expressions, but as the smoke died down, the joy began to fade into shock and appalling expression. “I have got to be dreaming?!” cried Starla. Sapphire growled.

The phantom was still standing, and though he looked rather beaten, he hadn’t been shrunk down or imprisoned in a glass sphere. He just stood there, slowly lifting his head, snickering at everyone “Is that all you’ve got?”

Then his body began to glow, and all his injuries healed, and his suit was repaired.

“No way…!” Dyno.

“How is he doing that?!” snapped Myte.

Celestia realized “Unicorn magic! He must have absorbed more magic than we thought.”

“Very good, your majesty.” hissed the phantom, and he glared at all the ponies “I told you all before, you can never defeat me. I am the phantom of magic, and soon I’ll show this wretched planet what true magic is all about!”

“Okay, he’s officially gone insane!” said Artie.

“He’s really being pain.” rhymed Rhymey.

The phantom heard that, and decided to retaliate, and with the force fields down, he used his magic to set the houses on fire. “No!” shouted Grand Ruler.

The civilians inside, as well as Peach and Fire Ball screamed in panic.

“Well, it looks as if you have a choice.” the phantom mocked, ...“Save them, or face me.”

Lycanroc, Noctowl and Ampharos suddenly appeared. Lycanroc used rock Slide to smash the fire so Noctowl and Ampharos could rush in and grab the civilians.

“Good job you three.” Celestia said.

Meanwhile, Lightning and his team weren’t faring so well, and were reaching the limits of their strengths, but the phantom didn’t seem to get any weaker thanks to all the magic he had absorbed. It made him as strong as the Dark King’s minions.

Most of them now lay on the ground, weak, and their suits powered down, leaving only Spike and Lightning standing, and both of them were looking pretty tired. “What are we going to go?” cried Spike.

Lightning panted, but didn’t answer as he had no clue.

“Allow me, to answer that for you.” hissed the phantom, and he punched them both hard, knocking them down, and their suits powered down.

Shining Armor turned to gaze round “Look!” he cried, and the others gazed to see the horror. “We’ve got to help them!” cried Fluttershy. They all charged forth, but the phantom blasted them back hard. “You all wait for your turns. I want to enjoy this.”

He pondered over whom to kill first and decided on Lightning. “They always say the best way to defeat an army is take out the leader.”

“Light… ning!” cried Starla. She struggled to get up, but she couldn’t. The phantom reached Lightning, but just as he was about to move in for the kill, Sapphire came in and slashed the Phantom away.

The Phantom growled and Sapphire stood in front of Lightning and roared once more. “You’ll pay for that, human.” He charged Sapphire but a blast came out of nowhere and sent him back.

Everyone looked in the direction the blast came from, and saw a quadruped, stag-like Pokémon with four pairs of antlers. It’s main body is black with a blue stripe down its back and a short, bushy tail. Starting at its knees there is a blade-like trim around each leg, which forms a point under each hoof. There is an upside-down, V-shaped marking on its chest in the same color as the trim on its legs. Its head and neck are blue, and there are two large, tufts that extend onto its chest and curve upward. Its first pair of antlers extends onto its head and curves around the underside of its eyes. The eyes are black with X-shaped pupils. There is a short marking on top of its snout and an upward curving horn on each side of its head in place of ears.

“It can’t be..!” the phantom cried. Either way he charged the large stag pokemon but the Stag charged him and threw him into the air and blasted him with a large sphere of energy, sending him crashing to the ground. The Phantom launched some magic at it, but the stag made a shield around itself and deflected it back at the Phantom.

BOOM!

“GAH!” The ponies were amazed. “It’s incredible!” Lightning said.

“But what is it?” Starla added.

The phantom never felt so outraged. “I didn’t want to believe it, but it is real! I cannot allow this to happen.”

Now that Pinkie and Fluttershy’s powers were no longer within his grasp, he would have find some other way to unleash Tirek, but first he would need to take out the team and that ninja once and for all before they got any stronger and would ruin his plans.

Back at the palace, the team were discussing what they just saw. “It’s a pokemon?!” Lightning exclaimed.

“Yes. It’s called Xerneas.” Sapphire explained. “It’s a legendary Fairy- type pokemon and a legend about Xerneas says that when the horns on its head shine in seven colors, it is said to be sharing everlasting life. And... that was in my dreams.”

“Woah…” everyone gasped.

“But why did it suddenly show up here?” Spike asked. Sapphire shrugged, “Legendary pokemon have their own lives and duties.” she added.

Now they had another mystery to solve. The Mystery of the Appearance of Xerneas.

Episode 8: Part 1: Phantom Unmasked

The phantom sat in his lair. He had spent a long time trying to think of a way to unleash Lord Tirek. He couldn’t absorb anymore cutie marks, as they didn’t help, and Fluttershy and Pinkie’s powers were bestowed on Sapphire, and he couldn’t absorb from him.

He needed to give Tirek a big boost of extreme magic, from a very powerful pony, but it had to be an original Equestrian, not a space alicorn.

Suddenly, he finally had the answer “Why didn’t I think of this before?” he hissed softly, but his lips curled into a sneer as he thought about Starfleet. “I’ve got to get those pests out of the way first. I won’t have them getting in my way this time.” he paused “And I think I know just how to do it. This time they’ll meet their doom!”

Sometime later in New Canterlot, Peach Berry was in her flower garden near the side of her house. She smelled the sweet air and complimented her own work. Yet, she seemed a little sad, about something dreadful that she didn’t like to talk about with many, not even her husband, Fire Ball. So they both kept quiet about it.

As Peach turned to walk back into the house through the side door, the phantom leapt out from behind the corner and caught her, and knocked her out cold so she couldn’t scream.

Fire Ball came outside with some lemonade, thinking his wife would love some after working so hard. “Peach?” he called “Where are you…?” He looked all around, but he couldn’t find her anywhere. Suddenly, the phantom dropped down and punched him out cold and dragged him off too.

“Hey, you guys…” Goldwin called “I think I see something down below.”

He let Lightning peek through his telescope “Hey, it’s the stag thing again!”

“It’s name is Xerneas.”

“Xerneas?!” Everyone gasped. Lightning followed her, and saw it leaping across the field out of New Canterlot. Lightning had to adjust the mega-zoom on the telescope to keep up with it. “It headed for New Everfree Forest. A'rgh! I’ve lost sight of it.”

“Let me see…” said Shining Armor, and Lightning let him look. He couldn’t find the pokemon anywhere, but suddenly he spotted something else… or rather someone else. There at the entrance of the forest, he swore he could see an orange coated, blonde-haired pony he’d recognize anywhere. “No, it can’t be.”

“What, what’s wrong?” asked Starla. She peeked through the telescope “I don’t see anybody.”

Shining Armor rubbed his eyes “I could’ve sworn I just saw Dr. Kudos.”

“Que..? How can that be?” asked Dyno “Si, I thought he was dead.” added Myte.

“You miss your friend quite a lot,

You must’ve only seen him in a thought.” said Rhymey.

“Maybe…” Shining Armor said.

“Still, if the ninja’s out there, maybe we should go investigate.” said Fluttershy “Oh, unless that’s a bad idea…?”

“Oh, no, Fluttershy, it’s a good idea.” said Lightning “It may be our chance to finally catch her.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” cried Rainbow.

Before they could all head off, the big doors burst open and in walked Captain Shaina. “Commander Lightning.”

“Captain, what’s wrong?”

“Sir and urgent report just came in.” She handed him the paper which read that two ponies were reported missing from the village below; Peach Berry and Fire Ball. “When did this happen?” asked Lightning. “We are uncertain, but we have investigated their home, they have definitely been kidnapped.”

"Kidnapped" was all the friends needed to hear “I bet anythin’ that top-hatted hoodlum’s back of all this.” sneered Applejack. “Ooh, and I bet the ninja found where he was headed; New Everfree Forest.” added Pinkie.

Lightning nodded and said, “All right, we’re moving out. Inform his majesty at once, Shaina.”

“Yes sir.”

Shining Armor stayed behind as Krysta teleported everyone else away, and then she zipped through the portal herself. “There they go.” said Goldwin. Shaina nodded and went off to inform the Grand Ruler, but Shining Armor still couldn’t ignore what he thought he saw. “Oh, no… I’m getting that edgy feeling again.” he said to himself.

“What’s wrong, Shining Armor?” asked Goldwin

“Huh? Oh, um… nothing… nothing at all. I, uh-- I have work to do.” He walked off in a hurry, but that same feeling was getting to him. He knew he couldn’t just run off and should have gone back to the New Crystal Empire as dereliction of duty was a serious offense in the Starfleet Code, but ultimately his nerves got to him. “I’ve just got to get proof!”

However, as he still didn’t possess his unicorn magic, he knew of a special spell that Twilight once taught him to mix. So he went to the storeroom. He mixed up some powders and bits of ivory from the forest, after mixing it all up and igniting it, the powder was ready. “Now, better mix up a second batch so if I need to get back.”

The others had already emerged and were trekking deep into the forest. Lightning had his cape wrapped around him like a scarf to avoid it getting caught in the thickets and brambles. He led the way as the others followed behind. Lycanroc, Ampaharos and Noctowl came along as well.

“Are you sure the pokemon came this way, Lightning?” asked Buddy Rose.

“Positive! I saw it come through this way.”

“Sure, we saw her go into the forest, but maybe she turned somewhere.” said Artie.

“Yeah, but how can we figure that out?” asked Spike. He had a point; there were no footprints on the ground, obviously meaning the ninja leapt along the tree limbs to avoid being followed. “We’ll find her, even if we have to scour this whole forest.” said Starla.

“I was afraid you’d say that…” said Rarity. She gazed down at her very muddy boots and gave them a little shake.

As they continued to trek through the forest, every sudden sound made them jump slightly. “What was that?!” cried Fluttershy.

“You stepped on a twig.” Spike said.

The caw of a crow made Fluttershy yelp and leap into Rhymey’s arms.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes “Are we there yet?”

They continued to wander, until they emerged from the forest. “Look there…” said Starla “Isn’t that the Castle of the two Sisters?”

“It is…” Lightning said, he remembered hearing about it from Twilight, and reading about it. Everyone had…

It was where Celestia and Luna used to reside in over a-thousand years ago. Grand Ruler Celesto lived there as well when he became captain of the guards and got engaged to Celestia. Then Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon, and the great battles began, but all that was ancient history, and now the place stood abandoned and dilapidated.

Twilight Sparkle, after being crowned as princess, was hoping to renovate and remodel it as a historic landmark, but when she died all her plans died with her. Nobody dared to touch the castle now, and preferred to leave it as it stood.

“You don’t think the ninja’s gone in there?” asked Krysta.

“It’s the only place around here.” said Lightning “Let’s go in…”

“Race you there!” said Pinkie and she took off fast.

“Pinkie!” snapped Lightning, but she was already way up ahead. “Ugh, crazy pony…!” Lightning muttered and he and the others chased after her right up to the castle entrance, unaware that they were being watched from the thickets and brambles nearby.

Lightning, and Krysta using their powerful strengths, pushed the large doors open. It was really dark inside despite the daylight. The windows were so dirty, dust and tattered curtains were covering them.

Starla felt a shiver run down her spine “Oo-hoo… this place is giving me the creeps.”

“I hear ya…” added Applejack.

There were also many doorways, so the gang decided to divide into groups and split up. “Keep your eyes peeled for anything.” said Lightning. Then everyone went off. Lightning, Starla and Krysta went through one doorway, and the other teams were… Rarity, Spike and Artie... Rainbow, Applejack and Buddy Rose… Fluttershy, Rhymey and Pinkie Pie… and finally, the twins would act as their own team.

All the doorways seem to lead through different tunnels and passage ways leading all over the castle. The space ponies were reminded of the time they trekked through Titan’s old castle on the Dark Planet and how it used to be rigged with traps and secret panels.

This time, it was different; everyone had studied up on the castle and its blueprints. Even though the castle was old and falling to bits, they all knew not to let it go to their heads that included the traps.

“Stop here!” Lightning said “Follow me… and he leapt far across the floor, Starla followed and Krysta fluttered behind her, as the floor behind them opened; a trapdoor! “Good eyes, honey.” said Starla. Her husband smirked, and they continued on their path.

One-by-one, each of the teams used their knowledge and avoided secret panels in the floors and the walls. A swarm of bats flew everywhere, and Rarity screamed “Get them away! Get them away!” Spike scared them off with a little fire flare. “Good shot.” said Artie.

“…Anything for Rarity.” said Spike, but he said it silently to himself.

The teams soon found themselves in many rooms scattered throughout the castle. Rhymey’s group found themselves in the place where they all first activated the Elements of Harmony, and defeated Nightmare Moon the first time. “I still remember it, it was so scary.” cried Fluttershy.

Pinkie Pie sniffled “And it was so beautiful that the sisters were reunited!” and she began to blubber just like she had all that time ago.

Rhymey closed his eyes, and felt the cool breeze from the broken windows and holes in the walls. Although he wasn’t part of that long ago event, being on this spot made him feel deeply enraptured by his poetry muse.

“The feeling is long, mutual and deep,

No longer shall you cry and weep

For I, myself have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep.”

The girls thought that was lovely.

Buddy Rose and his team found an old armory. “Ah, yeah, this is my kinda place.” said Rainbow “Yes, ma’am, old fashioned armor and weapons.”

“Not as good and effective as our weapons, but still very interesting.” said Buddy Rose. As much as they wanted to keep looking, they had to keep focused on finding the pokemon; assuming it was anywhere.

Rarity was spinning all around what had to be an old bedroom. Her mind was going miles a minute thinking of all the many ways she could spruce things up. “A few good drapes here, some furniture there! Ah, and these tapestries… with just a little mending and cleaning I could--”

“Eh… that’s enough, Rarity.” said Artie.

“Yeah… we got something else to worry about.” cried Spike, and he pointed to a huge sinister shadow on the walls. Rarity fainted in overdramatic shock, and Artie stood ready, but it turned out to be the Spanish twins “Hola amigos.” said Dyno. “We found secret passages all over the place.”

“Say, what’s with Rarity?” asked Myte. She still hadn’t gotten up from her faint. Artie and Spike sighed, “Don’t ask.”

Lightning, Starla and Krysta found the library, Twilight’s favorite place in the entire castle. “I remember she would come here all the time for quieter, private reading.” Lightning said. He even saw a book with one of Twilight’s bookmarks in it; she never had a chance to finish reading it before she died.

All three of them felt pretty down for a moment, remembering their friend. Then they noticed some of the books were missing from the shelves; which was very strange considering no one other than Twilight ever came to the castle when she alive and she always put her books back.

“We’ve got to regroup.” said Lightning.

Soon, the whole team met back in the central foyer, but just as they were about to share their findings with one another, a trapdoor they were not aware of opened beneath them, and they all fell, down, down, down into darkness! Sapphire hovered in the air while her pokemon jumped away. “Woah…” she gasped. She and her pokemon looked at each other and nodded. But, Sapphire caught something in the ground. “What’s this?” She went over to it and dug it up. There was a case and inside the case were these strange objects.

“What are these…?” Sapphire asked herself. She did not have time for this. Either way, Sapphire put all of them in her pocket and Sapphire used her magic to make them small and they all jumped down the trapdoor after their friends.

Meanwhile, Shining Armor had finished his second batch of teleportation powder and was ready to leave. “I sure hope this works…” he said as he held his hand full of powder tight. At that very second, Professor Brain came into the storeroom to get some stuff he needed, and spotted him “I say; what are you--” he shielded his eyes when Shining Armor had thrown the powder on the floor beside him, and in a bright flash, he vanished!

“Good heavens, I must warn his majesty!”

Shining Armor already appeared deep within the forest. His powder had worked. “Thanks Twily…” he said softly, and then he ran off, following the tracks the team had left.

“He what...?!” Grand Ruler snapped when the professor told him about Shining Armor. “I’m afraid it is true, my lord. I saw it with my own eyes.”

“Do you know where he went?” asked Celestia. “Sadly, I do not, my queen.” said Brain.

“I bet I know where he went…” said Grand Ruler. As concerned as he was about Shining Armor, he thought of the New Crystal Empire even more. Who was protecting it?

He gazed at his wife. “I must go. I’m the only one with magic. I’ve got to ensure the empire is safe before I track down the others.” He opened the window and leapt onto the ledge and then he headed off.

Meanwhile, Shining Armor was dashing through the forest, eventually reaching the castle. He was about to head over when he noticed someone’s feet sticking out through some brush. He dragged the body out and gasped. “Dr. Kudos!” He couldn’t believe it, but it was really him, and he looked in bad way.

Kudos began to awaken.

“Doctor! Are you okay?” asked Shining Armor. As Kudos opened his eyes wider, he zapped Shining Armor with a magical beam, knocking him out cold. Then he stood up, snickering and dragged him away, unaware that the ninja was watching him from within the forest.

When Shining Armor came too, he felt very woozy, and found he was strapped to the wall of a dark cavern. All the other walls were decked with stone tablets of cutie marks, including Rarity’s, Applejack’s, and Rainbow Dash’s.

Then, the huge chair in the center of the room slowly spun round, and there sat Emil Kudos, glaring wickedly at him. “Dr. Kudos…?” cried Shining Armor “But, I thought you were dead! Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends…”

Kudos stood up and walked towards him with a sinister grin, and in a flash of light he transformed, making Shining Armor gasp in horror, “Dr. Kudos… is the phantom of magic!”

Kudos nodded and hissed “Yes, I am, and you are no friend of mine; Nobody is!” He then snapped his fingers, and the torches on the other side of the room lit up, revealing Lightning and all the others strapped to the wall like he was, and Krysta was held in a glass sphere. “Shining Armor!” cried Lightning as he and the others struggled hard.

Kudos sniggered, “It’s no use in struggling. Those are special straps that I conjured up myself. Struggling only makes them stronger.”

The friends tried and tried to break free, but the straps indeed became stronger and harder. “Oh, and I mustn’t forget the other guests to my little festivity.” He clapped his hands, and Peach Berry and Fire Ball were lowered down from the dark ceiling, both strapped to two solid pillars.

“So, you did kidnap them!” snarled Starla.

“That’s right!” snarled Kudos “And I intend to destroy them... along with all of you!”

Everyone gasped in horror. Mini Sapphire and her pokemon entered the cavern and saw their friends and Kudos. “You should feel fortunate though, for your fate is nowhere near as terrifying and as painful as what I intend to inflict on the rest of the planet. I can transfer my own magic, and that with the magic I have obtained, I shall finally free Lord Tirek from his imprisonment. He will obey my every command and fulfill my every wish, and even your strongest forces will be helpless to stop us then!”

“You monster!” growled Peach “How can you do this to everyone? You used to be so nice and pure!”

Kudos laughed, and then snarled angrily “It’s simple: it’s exactly what everyone deserves, especially you and Fire Ball, and all because of the same thing-- Magic!!”

The others were all confused, except Peach Berry, and she had a sick feeling of all this, but Kudos decided to explain to everyone. “Peach Berry and I used to be very close… and there was a time I had friends...!”

*Kudos’ POV*

My life as an Earth Pony was not all that pleasant. Ponies where I lived were much ruder and harsh towards others just for begin different before Princess Twilight Sparkle was even born.

I was often teased by the unicorns and pegasi, just as they had teased many Earth Ponies for being magicless. Many say that Earth ponies have their own special magic... for WHAT, growing crops? Having more psychical strength? I'd hardly call such petty things magic, more like basic ordinary skill that ANYONE can do if they study and train.

Growing crops isn't magic, it's just a skill

Having psychical strength... anyone can have that, but that isn't magic either.

Shooting beams out of your horn, teleportation, transfiguration... even moving clouds, and stirring up winds... THAT is magic.

No... Earth Ponies are not truly as magical as Unicorns and Pegasi. When it comes to the magical pool... we Earth Ponies are at the shallow end.

Then again It didn’t seem to be that much of a big deal to me at first. So what if I couldn't levitate things, fire magical beams of light, or sit on clouds and alter weather...

...but as time passed the situation persisted. They wouldn’t let us Earth ponies play in any games, when they held clubs or picnics, they refused to let us join, and all because of the same thing: no magic.

Things then began to worsen, as many of my Earth pony friends moved away and transferred to other schools, leaving me to face the bigotry on my own; a lone Earth Pony surrounded by meanies.

One day, I met Peach Berry, a pegasi transfer student. I felt she was different from the rest. She actually seemed to appreciate me, even though I had no magic. We became good friends, and we grew up together, and we even fell in love. She began to open my eyes, and inspired me to become a marriage counselor, and I used the inspiration, kindness and love I had gotten from Peach to share with all my patients. I even had the privilege of helping and befriending Shining Armor. He became my best and most frequent patient as I helped him to deal with his issues about Princess Cadance, and wanting to propose marriage to her.

I became well renowned and made many new friends. My life seemed so perfect, and would have been better, except… the past was about to return, to torment me once more!

I was preparing to propose marriage to my beloved Peach Berry, when I received a shocking letter in the mail.

Dear Emil…

I write you this letter, because I just can’t bring myself to tell you face-to-face. I am sorry to say that, I have changed a lot, and I have met up with an old friend of mine, whom I knew long before you. We have decided to start a relationship together, and for that I must leave you.

I will always cherish all the wonderful times we had, and I hope that even after all this you and I may at least till be friends.

Love: Peach Berry

I felt my heart sinking that day. How could she just leave me like this, and after everything we had been through and how much we meant to one another? I wouldn’t stand this, and I wanted an immediate explanation. So I decided to go to her, and that’s when I saw her with Fire Ball, a unicorn! He was showing her what amazing things he could do with his magic, and I even overheard them chatting.

“It’s really amazing to have Unicorn magic.”

“Yes, next to friendship, it truly is one of the most amazing things in all of Equestria.”

Disheartened, I tried to turn to my friends for comfort, but many of them had moved on with their lives and families, completely forgetting about me, and not even remembering me, and the rest had changed just as Peach had, and would not welcome me into their lives or activities simply because I was not a Unicorn or a Pegasi, just a magicless Earth Pony!

I felt so betrayed! How could the ponies I trusted so much turn so shallow and vain?!

I began to detest such things as friendship, love and harmony; hogwash all of it! All anyone seemed to care about was magic, and life itself had become a prison for me. Everywhere I went I was constantly reminded of my betrayal, and worse; I was taunted and hooted at by more unicorns and pegasi.

My depression turned into anger and hatred, and I began to shun others; no longer wishing to help them with their problems as they meant nothing to me. All I wanted was to be alone. That way I felt that no one would hurt me anymore, but I was wrong again!

On that dark and stormy night, I was looking up at the sky, and I swore I could see Peach Berry trying to help the other pegasi control the weather, and she misfired that one bolt of lightning which struck my home! Flames had burst everywhere, and I was injured beyond hope. I lay flat on the floor as the fire surrounded me, unable to get up to escape or even scream for help.

I felt this was truly my end, when suddenly a mysterious voice called out to me. “Do you wish live? I can save you, but you will have to do exactly as I tell you.”

With not much time to think, I accepted his offer, and by unseen magical energies, my spirit was taken away along with my cutie mark and special skills, leaving my old body to burn.

I suddenly found myself in a strange dark void, but I heard that voice call out to me again. It said that I would be reborn, but that I was to carry out a special mission, and that there was a great power that was waiting for me if I was willing to unlock it; the power of Lord Tirek. It soon made me realize it was Tirek himself who was doing this for me, he said that he understood my pain and was willing to give me the chance to exact vengeance on everyone.

So, I agreed, and as a result I was restored in a newer, stronger body. I never felt anything like it, but I had to take time to understand and train with my new found powers before I could set off on my mission. So I spent my time in a newly created underground cavern beneath the castle, where I trained, studied and mastered forms of magic I couldn’t believe were happening to me.

Even after Equestria was destroyed, and United Equestria form, I had survived and continued my training, getting stronger, and stronger. I became the phantom of magic.

I set off on my mission, stealing cutie marks and the magic of all ponies, so that I would unleash Lord Tirek as I had promised. For he promised me all the greatest of magic that I could ever of, enough to help me punish those who hurt me!

*POV Ends*

“…And so, here we stand now. The hour of my vengeance is near. I’m going to wreak havoc on this world using the very thing you all used against me, magic!”

Many of the ponies didn’t know what to rightly feel. They felt pity for Kudos for how his life was ruined and taken away, and also some of them gazed over at Peach Berry. “Is this true…?” asked Fire Ball “You stuck with me because you were charmed by my magic?”

His wife hesitated nervously and then shamefully admitted “...Partly.”

Even Rarity thought that was just disgusting! True, she had fallen in love with unicorns, but not simply for idle things like magic. “You see there…!” snarled Kudos “The true shallowness and vanity is revealed. I cared for her with all my soul, and she leaves me for another simply because of magic... It makes my revenge all the more rightful!”

Peach Berry tried to explain for herself, while she was initially charmed by Fire Ball’s magic, she grew to love him like any other. Fire Ball could still hardly believe it, and did not take kindly to just discovering her vanity. It almost made him feel sorry for Kudos.

Peach then admitted that while she did accidentally strike Kudos’ house when she misfired the lightning, “Please, believe me. Not a day or night goes by that I don’t feel pain and anguish for what happened.”

Kudos marched over and slapped her hard across the face. “You break my heart, you ruin my life, and then you destroy me and my house, be it accident or not...

...and you think you can weasel your way out it just like that! YOU’RE A FOOL PEACH BERRY!!” He gazed at everyone around the room “You are all fools! Despicable, shallow, miserable little wretches! Mark my words, you’re all going to rue the day you crossed swords with me and making me suffer, as will everyone else.”

“It’s you who’s the fool, Kudos!” snarled Lightning “I’ve been doing some thinking lately from what I’ve heard from you, and you honestly think you can control something as powerful as Lord Tirek? Don’t you see; he’s just using you!”

Kudos’ lips curled into a sinister sneer “The great Lord Tirek brought me to life once more, and promised me power. I think I’m the best judge of this.”

“Judge?!” snapped Applejack “Look at you! Your so riled up by all this payback and you're puttin' Earth ponies down! I mean I used to be one, and I thought it was just fine, Magic or not."

Kudos stepped right over to her, and punched her hard in the gut and then again in the face.

“Applejack!" cried Buddy.

"You are as pathetic as the rest!" hissed Kudos, and he grabbed Applejack's left wing, pulling it down, "You WERE an Earth pony, and now you look at you; a Pegasus." He punched her again, splitting her lip and making it bleed softly.

The others all winced in shock and feelings of agony for her. "How dare you assault my friend!" snarled Rarity, but Kudos turned to face her and zapped her hard with a small blast, burning the side of her face, "Perhaps that will teach you to keep your mouth shut, you air-headed retard!"

Rarity gasped ever so strongly, and felt her heart being pained as much as her face at such an insult! Lycanroc wanted to jump out and bit Kudos but Noctowl held him back. “No boy, we have to wait.”

“Kudos, you have to stop this and you have to stop now!!" shouted Buddy "You don’t realize what you’re getting yourself into!”

“SILENCE!” shouted Kudos “I’ve listened to enough of your pious cants for one lifetime. I have a meeting with destiny, and I’m not taking my chances in you ruining my plans this time!”

That’s when the friends all began to feel their strengths getting weaker. This was because of the straps that bound them. “Even as we speak, they are draining your energies and rendering you powerless. Even the mighty space ponies are being affected."

“He’s right!” groaned Dyno. “I feel woozy…” added Myte. Even Spike and Krysta were being drained of strength.

They then watched as all the cutie marks on the tablets vanished as Kudos absorbed them all into a magical gem. “And now, for the finishing part of my plan…” hissed Kudos, and he stomped his foot onto a single square on the floor, pressing it like a switch.

The cavern began to rumble and quake. “What’s happening?” cried Fluttershy. Small pebbles and bits of dust began to fall as the walls cracked up. “It’s caving in!” cried Krysta.

Kudos sniggered. “In five minutes the entire castle above will cave in on your heads, burying you alive, and ensuring that you won’t interfere with my plans this time. Farewell!” Laughing loudly, he leapt up into the darkness and vanished out of sight as large rocks began to fall from above.

“What are we going to do!” cried Rainbow.

“We’re going to be pony pancakes!” screamed Rarity.

Outside, the castle was rumbling violently as bits of it began to break off and fall. The phantom snickered wickedly as he watched “So much for the appetizer…” he then clutched his amulet holding all the magic inside “And now, onward to the main course.” Using his magic to propel him though the air, he began to fly off for New Tartarus, where he would unleash Lord Tirek.

Xerneas saw this from the forest, and was well aware of what was going on in that castle. Any second, it was going to collapse and crush the trapped hostages like grapes!

The castle continued to rumble and collapse. The friends were all still struggling to break free, but the straps continued to weaken their strengths making it all the more difficult. “It’s no good, we can’t break free!” cried Lightning.

“We’re getting weaker!” groaned Artie. Then a huge pile of rocks fell from above “From the looks of this place, it won’t matter in a minute!”

“We’re gonna die! WE’RE GONNA DIE!!” cried Pinkie Pie.

“No! This can’t be!” screamed Rarity. Then there was a flash and Sapphire and her pokemon appeared. “Sapphire!”

“STARFLEET SLASH! STEGOSAURUS SHAKE IT UP!”

Quake roared and loudly. Lycanroc and Ampahros clawed and punched the bounds and freed Lightning and the ponies. Noctowl carefully placed his talon over Kyrsta‘s ball and applied enough force to break it and not hurt the tiny fairy. Lycanroc slashed the chains and freed Peach Berry and Fire Ball. Everyone climbed onto Quake. “Go boy!” Quake roared and rushed towards the cavern wall, busting it no problem and he ran far from the Castle.

Soon, they were in the clearing of the forest, a good distance away from the castle. “We made it!” cried Dyno, “And just in time!” cried Myte, as he point at the castle, which collapsed into a huge pile of rubble and debris.

It was a very dark moment to see that. One of the most sacred landmarks on the entire planet, crushed just like that. “Oh, my…!” peeped Fluttershy.

“Oh, dear.” cried Rarity

“Kudos…!” Lightning grumbled “He’s gone too far this time!”

The others agreed, and decided it was time to find him and bring him in for good. Sapphire returned Quake to his card. "Good job, boy." she said to the card.

“We’ve got to stop him before he unleashes Tirek!” cried Starla. “Agreed, but we’ll need help.” said Lightning, and he gazed at Peach Berry and Fire Ball “And we’ve got to get you two to safety as well. Krysta, can you get us back to New Canterlot?”

“I’ll try…” said Krysta, but all she could manage to conjure up was a few sparkles. “I was afraid of that; my power’s low.”

“I guess those straps really did a number on us.” said Artie. “We’ll have to fly all the way.”

“But’s it too darn far…” said Applejack “We’ve gotta save up what strength we’ve got left, not burn it away.”

“What do we do now?

We’ve got to get back, but how?” asked Rhymey.

Suddenly, Shining Armor remembered his magic powder. “Everyone, huddle together. I just hope this is enough to get us all back.” Everyone huddled together in a big group. “Here goes…!” said Shining Armor as he threw the powder, and everyone vanished in a cloud of smoke.

They then reappeared safely, but not in New Canterlot. “What just happened?” asked Pinkie. Everyone looked around, and all the caverns and rocky peaks told them immediately, “This is New Tartarus.” said Lightning.

This land was once used by Equestrians to seal their most dangerous criminals, like Tirek, underground. It became obsolete when Starfleet came along and introduced stronger and more efficient prisons. However, all dangerous criminals of Equestria’s past still remained sealed within New Tartarus.

Peach and Fire were both awed and a bit shaken by the sight of the eerie place. “But, I thought we were heading for New Canterlot?” asked Peach. Shining Armor couldn’t understand it either “I followed the spell exactly…” then suddenly it donned on him, he remembered one special ingredient, bits of dust from crushed rocks of New Canterlot he was supposed to have added, but there were two jars with the same contents in the storeroom, and in his haste he neglected to read the label properly.

“This is bad, very bad.” said Lightning. He was very concerned for Peach and Fire; this was no place for civilians to be. Suddenly there was a small tremor that almost knocked everyone off their feet. “What was that?” cried Rarity.

“I think it was coming from way over there…” said Spike as he pointed off in the distance where everyone could see bright flashes of light and energy. “Kudos!” cried Lightning.

“He’s going to unleash Tirek!” added Starla.

“Well, come on, we’ve gotta stop him!” snapped Buddy Rose. The team began to head off, but Shining Armor and Krysta were to look after the couple, and try to get them off the lands as this was not the thing for them to be getting into. “Stick with us, you’ll be fine.” said Shining Armor.

Kudos was laughing sinisterly as he began his ritual. Bolts of lightning seem to flash out of nowhere as the winds picked up. “Great Centaur, Lord Tirek, the time has come for me to release you from your imprisonment. I now give you this offering; the magic obtained from ponies!” He held up the amulet over the great seal, and the amulet glowed brightly as all the magic and cutie marks emerged in an immense stream and got absorbed into the seal! The seal began to pulsate, indicating it was weakening. “Yes! It’s working!” hissed Kudos. All he had to do now was give his own power… but suddenly…!

Several magic blasts bombarded him. “Huh….?! What’s this?” he growled as he turned and saw the team. “I have got to be dreaming!” he roared.

“Ceremony’s over, Kudos.” snarled Lightning.

“You’re too late!” growled Kudos “I’m only one step away from unleashing the ultimate magic, and finally getting my revenge!”

The friends could see that he had finally gone completely insane. “Don’t be a fool, Kudos!” snapped Starla “You’re about to unleash a dangerous force that could doom us all. Give yourself up and we’ll try and help you.”

“The only ones you should be helping are yourselves!” snarled Kudos, and he fired a huge blast of magic at them all, knocking them all over. “All right, if that’s how you want it-- everyone still good?”

Everyone stood tall and proud and it was time to transform.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

“Dragon Power!”

“You’ve forced us to take extreme measures, Kudos. Prepare to lose it all!” Lightning said.

Kudos laughed loud and wickedly and unleashed a swarm of his phantom-puppets to attack them. “Let’s go!” snapped Lightning and everyone lunged forth, attacking the phantoms and knocking them out of the way, and while they were distracted, Kudos decided to continue his ritual, when Xerneas appeared and kicked him off the platform.

“You!” snarled Kudos. Xerneas glared at him fiercely and lunged at him. Xerneas reared up and kicked Kudos away with it’s back legs.

The others were still duking it out with the puppets, vanquishing them all one-by-one. “That’s all of them.” Spike said after destroying the last one. “Now, let’s get Kudos.” said Lightning.

Kudos fired a shot, and Xerneas dodged. The two then ran side by side firing numerous shots at one another. They then skidded to a halt and engaged in a strength struggle. Both sides put all their muscle on. “I will not be stopped, I’ve come too far!” growled Kudos, and Xerneas pushed him back and onto the ground.

“Kudos!” snapped Lightning, and there was the whole team sneering angrily at him for what they had just seen. Kudos clenched his fists as he stared down the team, but also could see out of the corner of his mask and that Tirek’s seal was just off to the side of him.

He powered himself up really hard. The team thought he was getting ready for a big blast, and stood ready for it, but suddenly Kudos whirled round and fired his power towards the seal. “No!!” cried Lightning.

Kudos felt very weak from transferring all that power to the seal, and the ground began to tremble and quake as the seal pulsated like crazy, and then it broken, and all was suddenly quiet… quiet… quiet still, and then a huge fist pushed through the ground, making the team jump in fear. Then another large fist emerged. Kudos gazed on in astonishment as the giant centaur emerged, and thundered “I… am… free!!”

To Be Continued…!

Episode 9: Part 2: Valkyrie of Harmony

The ponies gazed in horror at the sight of the huge creature! He was at least the size of Twilight’s old home. “Whoa!” Buddy Rose cried as he scanned him with his visor “Anyone else scanning this?!”

“His powers are off the charts!” cried Arite.

Xerneas could hardly believe what it was seeing, and Kudos was laughing nearly uncontrollably “Magnificent!” he then got up and waltzed over shouting “Tirek, mighty lord of magic… I have released you for your imprisonment. From this moment forth, you shall serve obey Me.” he then pointed at the team “Your first objective, destroy these pests!”

Tirek growled softly and turned round. “Uh, I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t like the way he’s looking at us.” cried Rainbow.

As Tirek stomped his way over, his big voice thundered “It’s been centuries since I was imprisoned, but now that I am renewed, I wouldn’t mind a little warm up. Let’s see what this new work’s defense has to offer.”

Lightning clenched his fists tight, not willing to back down no matter what the odds. “Come on guys, let’s rumble!” he said. The other reluctantly agreed, but had serious doubts they could do anything. Lightning and his friends all stood together, Spike stood with them, and unleashed their strongest attacks.

“DRAGON FLARE”

“STARLIGHT ARROW”

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMB”

“DRILL QUILL”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS”

“UNIFORCE”

All those attacks struck Tirek head on, resulting in a massive explosion. Everyone looked on anxiously, even Kudos. When the smoke finally cleared, Tirek had not a scratch on him, much to the friends’ horror.

“Is that all the better you can do? I am disappointed.” hissed Tirek. Then his horns began to glow in a fiery blaze “Allow me to show you real power; BLAZE OF DESTRUCTION!”

“LOOK OUT!” screamed Rarity as Tirek fired a huge fiery beam from his horns. The shot missed but created such an explosion that it sent all the friends flying in different directions and crashing hard. “Wow, talk about strength!” groaned Spike.

Tirek snickered “And that was just a small sample of what’s coming next. I have missed so much in the past centuries.” Quake roared at Tirek and Tirek stared at him. “Hm… you seem interesting.” Quake roared and rushed at Tirek. He charged Quake but Quake swung his spiked tail, forcing him back. “That little thing won’t stop me.” Quake glowed and reared up. He raised his tail and shot spikes at Tirek but Tirek fired a beam at the spikes, destroying a few but some of them still hit their target, making a small explosion. “Grr..” Quake roared at Tirek.

The friends all managed to get to their feet. “Let’s rush him!” snarled Lightning. The all dashed forth, but along the way their suits powered down, and they all began to feel a little woozy. “What’s happenin’?” cried Applejack

“I think… I’m going to… collapse!” cried Fluttershy, and she nearly did, and Rhymey dashed up and caught her, but he felt his strength was very low as well.

“Oh, no, we’ve forgotten that when we were trapped.

Most of our powers and strengths were sapped!”

“He’s right!” groaned Starla “Even our best attacks didn’t work.”

Kudos stepped forth “Face it, your time is up. As long as Lord Tirek is by my side, there will be none to stand in our way.”

The friends could still not believe how crazy Kudos was for thinking Tirek was actually obeying him.

Kudos then spoke to Tirek. “Now, Lord Tirek, I command you to destroy them. Destroy them now while they are still weak!”

Tirek just stood where he was, not even blinking his eyes.

“Lord Tirek, I am giving you an order!” shouted Kudos, but Tirek simply turned and began to walk away. “Hey, where are you going? Get back here!” but Tirek continued to walk away, completely ignoring him. “I command you to return!”

Tirek just continued to walk away, and Kudos began to follow him.

“Kudos!” shouted Lightning “Don’t you get it? Tirek’s not listening to you, and he never was.”

“Silence!” shouted Kudos, but Lightning persisted “All he wanted you to do was free him. He doesn’t care about you at all! All he wants now is to conquer the planet and that includes you!”

Kudos refused to listen and followed after Tirek. He had not given Tirek all of his powers and still had enough to run fast and shoot small magical bursts. “Kudos, wait…!” Dyno shouted. “The stubborn fool, he just won’t listen!” growled Myte.

The ninja finally found her strength to stand up. “Check it out, Xerneas.” cried Pinkie. The gang looked over at the Legendary Pokemon. Xerneas formed a large ball of energy in it’s horns and fired it at Tirek. “GAH!”

Tirek tried to smash the pokemon but Xerneas gracefully leaped away.

The others were amazed, and Lightning couldn’t believe he was still around after he told him to leave, but Tirek simply scoffed “I have better things to do.” and he walked off again. “Wait! Come back here!” shouted Kudos, but still Tirek wouldn’t listen to him. He began to run off like a speeding comet, actually leaving a small burning trail as he ran.

“You dare run from your master!” shouted Kudos, and he sped off after him. “This is so not good!” cried Rainbow. “We can’t just let him run lose like that!” added Rarity.

Lightning, and agreed and signaled everyone to move out.

“Lightning!” cried Krysta as she came fluttering over, with her was her husband, King Topaz. “Thank goodness you are all safe, but we have terrible news!” cried Topaz. He explained while how Krysta couldn’t teleport, she did see one of her fairy soldiers on patrol. She stopped him and asked him to send a message to her family on planet Luminous, Topaz came along, and brought Twink along for the ride. “But my soldier also had bad news…” said Krysta “Tirek is heading straight for New Canterlot!”

Everyone gasped. “We’ve got to get back there!” cried Starla.

“She’s right, who knows what that big, ugly brute will do.” added Applejack.

“Gather round everyone, I can take you all there.” said Topaz.

“Quake, return.” Sapphire returned Quake to his card and everyone gathered close, and then they were all warped to New Canterlot.

The second they landed, they could already see it was completely and total chaos. Tirek had already arrived, and Kudos was watching from a hilltop. He watched with glee as he saw many pony forces go after Tirek.

Many unicorn guards fired their magic beams at him, but he just absorbed the magic and repelled it right back at them. Many pegasi and even the Wonderbolts came charging from the skies, “Going down…” sneered Tirek, and he zapped at them, causing them to lose their ability to fly. All the ponies crashed down like rocks.

Even the Earth ponies hardly stood a chance, and many of them were already backing away in fear of their lives.

Tirek had absorbed so much pony magic, that he was able to control every unicorn, pegasi and space pony he could affect with his power. Despite the fact he had no control over space alicorns, when an army of them tried to rush him, he deflected them all off like common flies.

Kudos couldn’t contain himself “Yes, let them have it!” he cried “This is what I’ve been waiting for; the perfect vengeance against all those who hurt me! Now the very magic they valued more will be their undoing!”

“What are we going to do?! What are we gonna?! WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO?!” cried Pinkie. “There’s not much we can do, our powers are still weak!” said Buddy Rose.

Sapphire could hardly stand the sight of this, and she suddenly noticed a little colt that was stuck and crying for help and Tirek was slowly approaching him. She dashed straight off. “Sapphire, wait!”

The little colt had his foot stuck under a rock and couldn’t shift it, and Tirek had finally reached him. The little colt screamed at the sight of the huge beast, to which he enjoyed. “Fear only amuses me more.” He hissed, and then he kicked up on his hind legs to stomp down hard on the helpless little pony, but Sapphire swooped in and scooped him up at the last second and wall-kicked hard off the side of a house, springing in the opposite direction. “Insolent pest!” shouted Tirek “BLAZE OF DESTRUCTION”

“Watch out!” shouted Lightning. As the blast headed at Sapphire, she teleported in mid air while the blast hit the tree on the hill disintegrating it and a good deal of the ground right near where Kudos was standing. “WATCH WHERE YOU’RE AIMING!!” he thundered.

Sapphire set the colt down safely and motioned for him to run off to safety.

Kudos was growing really annoyed with Tirek’s attitude “Remember who your master is!”

Tirek turned and glared fiercely at Kudos, and laughed wickedly at him. Kudos suddenly began to feel all his anger fading into fear as the giant centaur moved in closer, still laughing at him. Kudos tripped over backwards.

“Foolish creature, you are no master of mine.” Tirek said “You served your purpose, and I now I have no further use for you.”

“What?!” snapped Kudos.

Tirek explained that when Cerberus abandoned his post in Tartarus of old, Tirek, although still imprisoned, had just the itty-bittiest ounce of magic to transfer a small part of his sprit to the outside world for a very short time. It was his hope that could find someone to manipulate into working for him to set him free. “I chose you because there was no one more pathetic enough. Your overdeveloped rage, and lust for revenge and power made you easy to manipulate.”

Kudos could hardly believe any of this, and he couldn’t find the nerves to speak. The friends all heard, and they were disgusted at Tirek. “He just played on his emotions, and used them to brainwash him?!” cried Rarity.

“Man, that is low, really low!” grumbled Spike.

Tirek just gazed furiously at the friends “You ponies are nothing but filth and slime, you brainwashed my brother with you friendship foolishness, eventually leading him to betray me, and I was sealed away.” He then gazed at Kudos “Now that you have done my bidding and released me, I am free to roam and fishing what I started. This world and all of its magic will belong to me!”

Kudos felt really distraught now, and he gazed sadly and shamefully at the ground “All this time-- I was betrayed by everyone I ever knew, and I finally thought I found someone who understood me, someone who could help me… only be betrayed again.”

“Betray?” Tirek chuckled “We were never comrades. How could I ever betray you?” He then raised his huge hand to squash him like a bug, and Kudos was too lost in his anguish to even move or notice.

“No!” shouted Lightning as he dashed over to try and save him.

“He’s not going to make it!” cried Artie!

“I can’t watch!” squealed Fluttershy.

Suddenly, a powerful barrier surrounded Kudos, stopping Tirek from crushing him. Everyone looked and then saw Grand Ruler standing proudly with his cape flowing majestically, and his golden horns glowing brighter than ever. “Master…!” cried Lightning.

His majesty nodded “I’ve ordered this entire area evacuated, you and the others go and help everyone. Go on, Lightning. I’ll hold this monster off.”

The friends agreed and ran off to get all the ponies in the village to safety.

Tirek glared at Grand Ruler and approached him. “You’re not like others; you have much power that I cannot absorb. You will have to be dealt with by more painful methods. I am Lord Tirek, master of magic.”

His majesty stood bravely and stared back at him, “…Grand Ruler Celesto.”

“Grand… Ruler… Celesto is it.”

“You remember me?”

“Not really... but when I add your name to my list of victims, I want to get it right.”

The two figures stood ready for battle, and then Tirek charged, and swung his fist. Grand Ruler dodged it. Then again, then he leapt up high and punched Tirek hard in the face, knocking him over.

While the two of them fought it out, the ponies were all working their hardest to get all the civilians to safety. The ninja actually helped them instead of resenting them, yet the others still had a hard time really believing if she was really Cadance. Nevertheless evacuation continued as ponies continued to stampede, in lines, into the fairies portals.

“Come on, keep moving, keep moving!” shouted Lightning.

Grand Ruler kicked Tirek hard, and rammed numerous punches into him. One-two, one-two, one-two!

Princess Luna and Goldwin were watching from the palace window. “Look at him go!” cried Goldwin. Celestia was growing edgy and wished she could be down there to help her husband or her subjects. Princess Luna gazed over at her “Fear not, sister, we must have faith.”

Celestia nodded, but she was growing edgy.

“Uh oh! Tirek’s getting up!” cried Goldwin.

Tirek had indeed sprung to his feet, and begun to power up his magic “BLAZE OF DESTRUCTION!”

Grand Ruler’s horns glowed brightly, and he countered the blast with his own magic, intercepting it and exploding it just like that, much to Tirek’s frustration. Grand Ruler then dashed out form the smoke, aiming a powerful kick straight at him, but Tirek swung his huge hand and swatted him hard and sent him crashing onto a food cart, breaking it to bits. He just lay where he was, perfectly still.

Tirek approached him, snickering. “If you believe that old play dead act can save you? You’re more foolish than I thought. I can still feel the magic within you.” He grabbed him in his hands and held him up. “I may not be able to absorb your powers, but I can be rid of you so you’ll not interfere again.”

That’s when Grand Ruler’s eyes snapped wide open, shooting a magical blast right at Tirek’s huge face, blinding him, and forcing him to release Grand Ruler, giving his majesty the chance to kick him hard in the chest, sending him skidding back hard.

“Having great power is one thing…” his majesty said “But what you do with them and how you use them is quite another. You knew I was going to strike, but you couldn’t tell when or how.”

Tirek went redder than ever, and charged furiously at Grand Ruler, he dodged and struck Tirek again, then again, and a third time. The two then engaged in a struggle, strength-to-strength. Tirek then powered up for another blast “What are you doing?!” snapped Grand Ruler “At this range you’ll injure us both!”

Tirek didn’t care and he continued to power up. Grand Ruler had no choice but to power up himself and his horns glowed brightly.

“BLAZE OF DESTRUCTION”

“TENFOLD… UNIFORCE”

Two forces collided in such an explosion, and at close range, knocked the two clear out of the village and into the open field, both of them seemed injured but not defeated. Tirek however, had another trick up his sleeve. “I must… gain… more magic.” he growled, and he raised his hand up high shouting “COME TO ME!”

Grand Ruler gazed in horror at what he saw; Tirek was send out a wave of magic that stretched all across the planet, and every Equestrian pony that got hit got sapped of their powers, which was then transferred back to him, causing him to increase in size. Now he nearly as tall as the redwood trees and his horns nearly touched some of the clouds. Worse than that, his injuries were healing.

Tirek’s voice seemed louder than ever. “Take a good look at me now, pitiful pony! I have more power than ever before. A pity you cannot say the same for yourself.”

Grand Ruler clenched his fists and stood upright “As long as I can stand, I can still battle, for my planet.”

“How noble... BUT FOOLISH!” shouted Tirek as he raised his huge hand and brought it down. Grand Ruler dodged it, but Tirek smashed the ground so hard it caused a large tremor that could be felt all across the land.

The friends could feel it in village “What was that?” cried Shining Armor. The ninja panicked and pointed over far away. Everyone could see the giant centaur from where they stood. “Galloping Galaxies!” cried Lightning “What happened?!”

“I’ll bet’cha anythin’ it had to do with that power surge there was.” said Applejack.

“The Grand Ruler must need help!” said Spike. Not wishing to stall any longer, everyone dashed on, while up in the palace, the royal sisters could see Tirek right from the window. She and the others also felt the tremor. “This is very bad!” cried Celestia “Tirek has absorbed so much magic, he is becoming more powerful by the second. He must be stopped!”

“Agreed, but what is there that we can do?” asked Luna “We still do not possess our magic.”

“Never mind that…” cried Goldwin “Look down there!” Luna ran to the window and could see Lightning and friends dashing towards the battle, and they could also see Grand Ruler was taking quite a pounding.

Tirek flung him into to air, and bopped him hard off his back, without much effort, and any attack Grand Ruler tried hardly scratched Tirek all that much. He laughed hard and sneered “Sorry, but the tables have permanently turned.” and then he flicked him down to the ground.

Grand Ruler looked really beat, but he managed to get back onto his feet and glare up at the evil beast. “Don’t tell me you’re still trying to win…” hissed Tirek “Even the most incompetent of creatures will run from a losing battle as this.”

Grand Ruler sneered “Then I suppose it’s a good thing I am neither incompetent, nor willing to give up!”

“And you’re also not alone…” said Lightning. He and his team stood tall and proud behind his majesty, all glaring up at Tirek, and Tirek was amazed but also disgusted. “It was this sort attitude that made my brother side with the ponies; I will not be overcome by such stupidity.” He charged up his horns and poured on so much magic, ready to strike them, and the blast would be so strong, even if he missed, everything in its path would be horribly burned to a crisp. Fortunately Grand Ruler had an idea, and he gazed at Lightning and his team of space ponies “Transfer all you available power to me.”

Heeding his words, the space ponies transferred what tiny bits of magic they could spare, and his majesty’s horns glowed brighter than ever, just as Tirek launched his attack right at them, resulting in a massive explosion that shook the lands.

The ponies in the palace felt the tremor. “No!” cried Celestia “Are they…?”

Goldwin gazed through his telescope “Wait, I see something!”

Tirek panted exhaustively for having used that much magic, but as the smoke cleared, what he saw he refused to believe, the magic was repelled right back at him, consuming him in another explosion.

The smoke had cleared, and it turned out that Grand Ruler had managed to conjure a super powerful barrier, unlike any other he had conjured, and it not only shielded him and the others from the blast, it defected it right back at Tirek.

However, Grand Ruler now felt extremely weak, and he collapsed to his knees. “Master…! Lightning cried as he caught him. “I’ll be fine…” his majesty said “I just need to rest.”

“You did it!” cried Lightning “…He’s gone, you beat him!”

“I wouldn’t bet on that!” shouted Tirek, and everyone gasped in shock as the smoke cleared. “No way!” cried Rainbow.

“Can it be?

Is it he!” snapped Rhymey

Tirek was still there, a little smaller in size now, but still gigantic enough to flatten them all. “That little stunt of yours did take me by surprise, I’ll admit, but all you managed to do was weaken some of my great power. I still have more than enough to flatten you all like insects!”

Even Grand Ruler couldn’t believe this, and now he didn’t have enough power to fight back. Lightning and the team still couldn’t transform or even use simple attacks with their energies so low.

“What are we going to do!” cried Fluttershy.

“There’s nothing we can do!” added Krysta.

Topaz considered warping them all to safety, but it wouldn’t have mattered. There wouldn’t be any safe place to go. “No, I don’t believe this is It.” said Lightning “There has to be something we can try.” but really none of the others could think of anything, yet all of them were desperately hoping and believing there was a way.

Even back at the palace, hope was rapidly fading. “They’re just standing there!” cried Goldwin.

“They must have used up all their power!” said Luna.

Celestia felt her blood run cold, and she refused to accept this was how it was going end. “There must… be… a way.” she peeped.

Tirek was preparing for one final attack; the kill! “And now, the final ordeal; it’s been fun…”

Starla gripped Lightning’s hand tightly, and he gripped hers.

“Rhymey!” cried Fluttershy. She was shaking very badly, and her colt-friend embraced her.

“I am scared too…” he said softly, and there was only one thing he could rhyme with that. “Fluttershy… I love you.”

They embraced deeply.

Many of the others felt this was it. Pinkie Pie even pulled a cupcake out of her pocket. “My last one ever!” she cried, and ate it in one chomp, “Mmm, tasty!”

“HEY!”

“Huh?” Tirek turned and saw Sapphire standing there with her scepter drawn. “Puh, and what are you doing to do little shrimp?” Tirek taunted. “I’m more powerful than you’ll ever be.”

Lycanroc, Ampharos and Noctowl came to her side, all growling at Tirek. “Fine then, it’s your funeral.” Sapphire growled and charged right at Tirek with her pokemon close behind her. Tirek unleashed “BLAZE OF DESTRUCTION!” all of them leaped into the air and Lycanroc unleashed Rock Slide while Ampharos used Thunderbolt, both attacks struck Tirek and he skidded back a little but he was far from injured. Noctowl used Steel Wing and slashed Tirek in the face, “GAH!” he cried. “Insolent Bird.” he tired to swat Noctowl but the owl used Double Team, making copies of himself which were destroyed but Tirek but Noctowl avoided the attack. Sapphire wielded her scepter. “Blaze!” and fired at Tirek but the blast was absorbed by Tirek.

Then she took out Blitz’ card.

“STARFLEET SLASH, STYRACOSAURUS CHARGE!”

Blitz landed and roared at Tirek. They both were almost equal in height. Sapphire took out the yellow machine she had. “Let’s see what this can do. Element Booster… Dino Tector ON!” She attached it to the dino bracer and Blitz gained armor on his frill, back, legs, and tail as well.

Everyone gasped. “Oh yeah!” Sapphire cheered. Blitz charged Tirek and knocked him back a few feet. “Pest!” Tirek launched a magic beam at him but Blitz made it his his frill, causing minimum damage. “Now Blitz, GATLING SPARK!”

(Skip to 16:37)

Blitz roared and charged Tirek. He rammed him with his horns and electricity multiple times until he rammed him into the air and he came crashing down on the ground. “Awesome!” Rainbow cried.

“Such power!” Grand Ruler added. Tirek wasn't finished yet. “You and your little animals can’t defeat me.” Tirek gloated. “Now time to destroy these pests for good.” Tirek moved over to Lightning and the others. Sapphire growled at Tirek and her element shined and shimmered brightly consuming her in it’s magic. “Huh? What now?” Tirek asked.

In a bright flash, Sapphire changed; her suit changed into armor. It was silver with a white skirt and a headband with white wings on the end: she wielded her scepter in her right hand and a shield with all the Elements of Harmony in her left hand. Her hair flowed and gained rainbow streaks along with her wings.

“Galloping Galaxies!” Lighting gasped.

“Incredible!” Grand Ruler added. Tirek gritted his teeth and fired a beam of fiery magic at Sapphire, but she raised her shield and the shield actually absorbed the power, making it stronger. “What?! How is this possible?” Tirek asked.

“You may pony magic, Tirek but I carry within me the most powerful magic of all; The Magic of Friendship!” She weilded her scepter high in the air and the girls cutie mark symbols appeared around her. They circled her and she unleashed her finishing attack. “HARMONIC CONVERGENCE!” All of the magic was sent at Tirek. The vile villain roared as his body was engulfed in the light. Everyone else shielded their eyes as the brightness seemed to spread out all across the planet like a big wave.

All across the planet, every single pony that got hit by this ray had gotten their magic and cutie mark back, along with any other ability they had stolen from them. Even the collateral damages were magically repaired.

Grand Ruler was healed completely, as well as Lightning and the others, and the ninja, her clothes had vanished, revealing she was indeed Princess Cadance, leaving her in her normal clothes.

When the light had faded, Tirek was surprisingly still alive, but after all that and losing his magic, he was a very small, and very weak and frail. Sapphire floated down to Tirek and near her friends.

irek twitched twice, and actually managed to struggle to his feet. “This… is not… over!” he groaned “I can gather more magic… and I’ll strike… AGAIN…!”

“I don’t think you will.” said a voice that made everyone wince in shock. “That voice!” cried Lightning.

“Can it be…?” added Celestia.

A bright tube of light shone down from the skies, and she appeared; Twilight’s angel-corn.

“Sis!” cried Shining Armor. Everyone gazed in deep feeling of joyful and slight sorrowful emotion to see her again. She smiled at them all, and then gazed down at Tirek. “I think enough is enough, Tirek. Isn’t it time for you to admit defeat?”

“Never!” growled Tirek “Why should I, anyways?”

“Because... it’s the honorable thing to do, brother.” said another voice, and there, next to Twilight appeared the spirit of Scorpan. Everyone gazed at him in awe, and he bowed to everyone, especially to Celestia, and she bowed back to him.

“Perhaps… magic and power… really aren’t… the only things that matter.”

Scorpan smiled “You see now. That was the true key to awakening the power. Not just rigorous training and focusing, but the power I was happy to share with all my pony friends; love.”

Everyone thought that was most beautiful thing ever.

Scorpan then gazed at Tirek “It is time, my brother; come with me. My time has long since passed in this world, and yours is nearly up as well. Come with me, and be free of all the evil and misjudgment you’ve been poisoned with.”

Tirek didn’t know what to say. “After what I have done, you are showing me kindness and mercy?”

Twilight approached him and held out her hand “Come on, Tirek. I know it seems scary, but you’re going to love it.” Tirek then got up and took her hand, and stepped into the light. Twilight gazed at all her friends and loved ones “It’s time for us to go.” she said “I love you all.”

Everyone gazed at her lovingly, and watched as she and the others floated back up into the sky. “Farewell my friends, and good luck in the battles ahead.” Those were Scorpan’s final words as the light faded.

Kudos just sulked where sat. His magic had not returned, as it was originally Tirek's magic that vanquished along with Tirek's evil might.

“I don’t get it. How could this happen! I spent all those years gathering magic, I unleash Lord Tirek, and he betrays me, and he is defeated in any case.” His eyes were starting to open as well, but to a completely different thing.

“Kudos…” Lightning said. He looked over his shoulder and saw everyone staring at him “What do you all want?!” he snarled rudely “You got what you wanted; I lost and you won. So do me a favor and just leave me alone!”

Celestia approached him, “I think it’s obvious that you haven’t learned anything from what just happened. I’d say that is a shame.”

Kudos got up angrily and snarled at her “I tell you what I’ve learned; I’ve learned that no matter what I try, no matter where I go, no matter what I say or do; I’ll never, ever be happy!”

“That’s not true!” snapped Pinkie “There’s always another chance, and there will always be someone there who’s willing to be your friend, maybe even us.”

Kudos winced in shock. “What… you?”

One-by-one, everyone offered a bit of word; it was impossible to deny and excuse that Kudos had done some very horrible things, and he would have to face sentence for it, but at least is was understandable why he did what he did. Nobody deserved to go through what he had, and they were still willing to help him. “Kudos, we know you may not see it now, but we care enough to know when someone needs help; if they are willing.” said Lightning “And we’re willing to give you that chance, but the question is are you willing?”

Kudos stepped back away from them all, “Of course I’m not willing to. Why should I?” he grumbled “Don’t you get it by now? I’ve tried, and I’ve tried, and now… I’m done with trying. Friendship never got me anywhere, and I don’t trust it or any of you at all.”

“What are you saying?” Starla asked with concern in her voice.

“I’m saying I’m done.” said Kudos “Since there’s no one left I rely on, there’s no one left whom I can blame. The time has come for me to accept my defeat... as well as my fate! There is just no place for me here anymore, and never will be.” He then threw off his hat, let his cape drop, and threw off his mask “I wish you all the best of luck, you’re going to need It.” and he began to walk off sadly.

“Wait, where are you going?” Spike called out. Kudos then levitated up in the air, and using the last of his powers, he opened a strange and eerie vortex-gateway, and he answered, “…Someplace where things go to disappear.”

Everyone gasped in horrors, Sapphire suddenly blocked his way. “Move Princess.”

“Kudos… I know you may not believe me, but I can help you.” Sapphire said.

Kudos scoffed. “And why should I trust you?”

“Because it’s what she does.” a voice said and that’s when Sienna and Mako came forth. “Sienna? Mako?” Lightning said.

“We weren’t that different than you. Abused by everyone, thinking that friendship was out of our reach. But Sapphire helped us see the opposite. If there is one creature who can help you make a friend and change your life, it’s her.” Kudos looked at Sapphire and thought about it for a moment.

Kudos sighed. “.... If you really think you can help me… then I guess… I should try.” he held out his hand to Sapphire and she took it. Instantly, her element glowed and sent a line of magic at Kudos and changed his appearance. Now he was a golden furred unicorn with a red cape and a light yellow mane and tail and his cutie mark being a white star with a dove in the middle.

Everyone couldn’t help but smile at their Princess of Friendship. A title that truly represents what she does best.

All the ponies returned home, and over the next few days, things were normal again. Even each Berry and Fire Ball returned. They had a long talk about everything, and Fire Ball still loved Peach too much to really care much about most everything.

Now there was only one thing left to do. “I believe it is time you gave back what you hold, Sapphire.” Grand Ruler said. Shining Armor, the sisters, Pinkie and Fluttershy stood together, and in the same magical transfer, they got magic, skills and cutie marks back. Celestia and Luna’s manes and tails got their sparkle and fluttering back as well.

“That’s much better.” Celestia said.

Everyone felt so overjoyed, and yet, this was still no time to really celebrate. Even with Tirek gone, and the magic restored, the planet was still in danger!

Episode 10: Rat's Dark Trap

In the future, the lighted area began to emit more light, and more of the dark forces began to perish. The Dark King could feel this, “This is unacceptable!” he thundered at his minions “The past is being altered because of your blundering. And now we have lost more ground. What have you to say for yourselves?!”

Tnaig bowed and apologized on behalf of all of them “A-thousand pardons, your majesty. We realize the seriousness of all this.”

“Really, then why is it you haven’t succeeded in destroying our enemies? My patience has worn thin. Give me one good reason why I should not dispose of you all right here and now!”

Neila spoke up “Begging your pardon sire, but I do have a plan. If you will allow me to proceed, I request the Dark Scepter.”

Tnaig gawked at her in shock. “The Dark Scepter?!” snapped Tnaig “You don’t seriously mean to try that do you?”

“Yeah, and so what if I do?!” growled Neila.

Tnaig knew of Neila’s plan “The Dark Scepter is one of our most treasured items that can not only increase our powers and strengths many times, but it also may open a gateway to the void of darkness; but such a feat to inflict upon our enemies is a very risky move, though it can be quite effective if not botched.”

“Glad to see you agree with me…” hissed Neila.

The Dark King was hesitant, but answered “Very well, Neila; I hope you realize what you have just asked.”

Neila bowed and said “I am fully aware of the risks involved, but given our current circumstances, and desperation for victory, I am prepared to do anything to secure victory.”

Tnaig thought this far too much, and tried to convince her to stop, but Neila made up her mind. “Very well…” hissed the Dark King, and he raised his huge hand and a tiny little speck of dark light fell out from it, and into Neila’s hands, revealing the simple long scepter with a red sphere resting in the grip of a skeleton claw.

Neila snickered wickedly as she held the deadly weapon, but Tnaig still felt uneasy about this.

Spike and Rarity had just finished loading the laundry baskets, when suddenly something zoomed right by the yard. “What was that?” asked Spike. Rarity had no idea, and then the thing zoomed by again, too fast for them to see. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Spike.” cried Rarity. Spike nodded, and then suddenly, right before them; rat wearing an armored vest and cylindrical helmet.

Rarity shrieked at the sight of the snarling monster. “Rat, I hate rats!”

Spike saw the dark insignia on the rat’s head. “It’s a cardinal!” The rat snarled at her and then curled up, and dashed off. “Let’s go after him!” cried Spike. “Must we?” Rarity whimpered, but Spike grabbed her by the tail, pulling her along, and soon they were chasing the creature as fast as Rarity could fly with Spike on her back.

At Fluttershy’s, Rhymey was teaching her some fencing moves she could use for her Valkyrie powers, when the rat zoomed past, followed by Rarity and Spike, making two of them jump. Fluttershy was quivering softly “What was that?” she peeped.

“I don’t know.” said Rhymey, but he had a bad feeling about it.

“Come on, let’s go!”

Buddy Rose, Applejack, and Artie were busy at the farm; or rather Applejack and Buddy Rose were busy tending to their summer crops and plowing the fields. Artie was painting a landscape of the country side and how pretty it looked in midafternoon light.

“You guys sure you don’t want me to help out?” Artie asked. “N’aw, we’re just fine. You worry about that paintin’ of yours.” said Applejack. “I can’t wait to see what how it looks.” added Buddy Rose.

“It won’t be much longer now.” said Artie.

Suddenly, the rat zoomed past the land, with others chasing behind, at such a speed they created an aftershock wave of wind, which blew violently, knocking all the friends over and Artie fell over onto his canvas. “Oh, no!” he groaned. The others helped him up. “You okay?” asked Applejack.

Artie, covered in paint smudges held up his ruined canvas. “I’m fine, but my painting sure isn’t. What was that?”

“I’m not sure, but I think I saw some of the guys chasing something else.” said Buddy Rose. In almost no time, the three of them had joined the chase.

By this time the alarms had sounded, and many ponies were clearing the streets except for Pinkie Pie who was carrying large sacks of flour she unloaded from a wagon, with her super strength. “What’s happening?” she asked to no one in particular.

She suddenly got her answer when she began to feel strange twitches in her nose. “Uh oh, that means something bad is headed this way.” she cried, and that’s when the rat raced right past her and she flung the sacks of flower up high in the air. Just as the gang was coming into view the flower sacks hit the ground and burst open, puffing the flour all over the place and making a thick cloud.

The gang couldn’t see where they were going and crashed all over each other into a big pile in the midst of the flour cloud. The cloud finally settled and everyone was all covered in flower, leaves and specks of dirt. Pinkie popped her head out at the top “Wow! That was fun! Let’s do it again sometime.”

All the others just groaned.

“What’s going here?” snapped Lightning as he and the rest of the gang came down from the sky. Everyone in the pile straightened themselves up and brushed themselves clean, but before anyone could say anything, Rat Racer zipped right back before all of them. “Ah, yuck, a rat!” groaned Rainbow. She wasn’t scared of rats, but rather found them gross.

The rat snarled and growled at everyone before zipping off again. “After it!” shouted Lightning, and everyone sped off, chasing that sneaky rat all over and under and everywhere around, until they headed back to near Rarity’s place. “Look, in the distance…” cried Dyno. “It’s Neila!” said Myte.

Everyone skidded to a halt, and Neila smirked wickedly at them all. “Welcome, so glad you could join me.”

“Whatever it is you and your cardinal are up to, Neila, I suggest you give up now while you have the chance.” said Lightning.

Neila could only snigger. “Actually, I suggest you surrender, and spare yourself form the trouble you’re about to endure.” she held up the dark scepter. “What is that thing?” Rainbow muttered.

“Whatever it is, I don’t like the looks of It.” said Starla. Everyone decided it was time to transform.

“STARFLEET MAGIC”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

“Dragon Power”

Neither Neila nor her monster even flinched. “Let’s get them!” shouted Lightning, and everyone charged forth. Neila scoffed softly and gently waved the scepter. All the fighters felt themselves running into a wall of power that forced them back hard.

“What was that?!” cried Rarity.

Neila laughed softly “You’ve just felt a sample of the power of the dark scepter, and it has much more where that came from.” She then used the scepter to cast a small spell on her monster. Rat began to glow with sparking magic; the others didn’t like the looks of it, and the rat began to curl up and rolled in place.

“He’s going to charge again!” cried Spike. Everyone stood ready to intercept, but strangely Rat began to rise up into the air, and then he charged at everyone-- bashing straight into them and knocking them all over as sparks flew everywhere.

Then, rat flew in a sharp curve and struck again, and again, and again from many angles. He was so fast that the team couldn’t tell where and when he could strike. In the midst of it all, Spike and Krysta got knocked clear away from the team.

Neila could see the time to act was now. She held the scepter way up high, and the ball on it emitted with a sinister dark magic. All at once, the immediate area around everyone began to warp and transform. “Hey!” cried Pinkie “What’s going on?!” Sapphire dashed right for the gang and got near them just in time.

Spike gazed up and saw everything. “Guys…! Rarity…!”

“Lightning!” cried Krysta.

Rarity reached out screaming to him “SPIKE!!”

“Krysta!!” cried Lightning.

Before long, a large dome of darkness had formed in the middle of the road, and there was no sign of the others anywhere.

The ponies found themselves in a void of waving darkness. “Where are we?” asked Buddy Rose.

“I don’t know, but I don’t like it a bit.” said Artie.

Rarity and Lightning were worried about Spike and Krysta, and hoped they were okay.

As everyone looked around, they remembered this was almost like when Celestia fought against Raven, when they were contained within a dark void. “I got the feelin’ it’s not gonna quite be the same this time.” said Applejack.

Neila’s snickered echoed as she appeared “You’re correct about that…”

The others stiffened as they saw her. “Fire!” shouted Lightning, and he, the unicorns and alicorns tried to zap her with their magic beams, but she faded out, and then zapped them all from within the darkness. “Wow! Talk about a cheap shot.” groaned Rainbow.

“And don’t forget about Rat Racer.” Neila hissed.

Everyone gasped, and that’s when they all got struck hard multiple times by Rat’s charge attack. His attacks felt much stronger than before, which suggested the darkness of the realm gave him more strength and speed than ever, which Neila confirmed.

“This darkness that shrouds us increases my power and my monster’s ten times.”

“Ten times?!” snapped Fluttershy “But that’s not fair. How are we supposed to beat that?”

Neila snickered and shouted “You’re not!” and she poised the scepter and fired a huge beam at the ponies, which they barely dodged. “Whoa! That was way too close!” cried Pinkie.

“We better scatter about.” said Lightning.

“What? We can’t do that?” snapped Rarity “We need to come up with a plan… a strategy.”

Starla protested “Oh, this is a real fine plan and strategy; staying huddled together in one place to make an easier target for her.”

Neila prepared to fire again.

“All for one,

But now we run!” shouted Rhymey, and everyone leapt out of the way before the blast hit them again. Neila only smirked sinisterly “It’s no use ponies. There is no place to run or hide.”

She had a point, all ways the friends tried to run, they magically ended up right back where they started, like running down and endless and continuous loop, and even though all the fighters had split up, Rat Racer was still able to zip up and down and all the way around, bashing into all the ponies, damaging them further.

Some of the others decided to go after Neila, which proved to be very foolish.

“LEAF SWARM”

“DRILL QUILL”

Buddy Rose and Rhymey fired their attacks, but Neila held the sceptre out in front of her, negating the barrage with no trouble. Then she fired a magic zap at them both.

They dodged it.

The twins stepped for and held hands “BOOM-BOOM FIRE” and unleashed a big blaze of fire balls and stream straight at her, enveloping her in a wall of fire. It looked hopeful, but Neila’s laugh was heard from behind the fire as she stepped through it without a scratch. “Is that the best you’ve got?” she hissed while stroking the scepter.

Lightning dashed right up to her and began to swing his fists and kick his feet at her, and she dodged his every attack. Then her eyes began to glow. “Sleep…!”

“Oh, no…!” cried Lightning, but it was too late. He was already drowsed out and collapsed to his knees. “No, Lightning!” cried Starla. Neila snickered “My spell won’t wear off as fast here.” and she kicked Lightning hard send him crashing into many of the others.

Lightning was still a little woozy from Neila’s sleep magic, but he and the others were feeling beat up, while neither Neila nor her monster seemed a bit tired. “If only… we could use… our mega modes!” Artie panted.

“Or even… our Valkyrie powers.” added Applejack.

“If only… if only…” Neila mocked “When will you any of you realize that’s all over for you. You’ve only just had sample compared to what’s coming in your near future. All over the darkness will spread, and evil will rule over all. Of course you won’t be around to witness it anyway.”

Even in his wooziness, Lightning felt outraged “That… will never happen! Not as long as we can still stand to fight.”

The others all stood and nodded bravely in agreement, but Neila was not amused. “Crush ‘em.” She snapped, and Rat Racer charged again, bashing and crashing at the ponies. Neila then zapped them all with a got shot from the scepter. “Look out!” cried Rainbow. No one got hit from the blast itself, but from the force of the explosion, throwing them all over the place.

Everyone looked really beat up now, and struggled to get back onto their feet. “There’s got… to be a way… out of this!” Lightning groaned softly. He gazed at the scepter that Neila was holding, believing it was the key to their escape. The others noted this too, but had no clue of how to get it away from her, plus the darkness around them made her speed and strength much too stronger to even try and get near here.

There had to be a way to break it down!

BAM!!

BOOM!!

BIFF!!

KAPOW!!

The ponies continued to suffer more punishment at the hands of Neila, her monster and the power of the dark sceptre. Neila was really enjoying herself. “More power!” she hissed as she continued to zap at the ponies, hurting them more. The Equestrian ponies began to lose power, and their suits de-energized.

Lightning and friends didn’t have much power left to spare as well, and could barely hold their stance.

Neila then approached them all “Fun time’s over.” she hissed “It’s a shame; I actually think I’ll miss these battles, but I have my orders. The Dark King will be most pleased with me.”

The scepter glowed with a dark light, and Neila’s body was enveloped in the dark glow. Rat was glowing too, both of them were prepared for a very big attack to finish them all off. Lightning and friends stood in front of the others, like a shield, but really they knew this wasn’t going to be well.

“Hey!” Sapphire called. “Nobody messed with my friends.”

“Hahaha, and what can you do?” Neila asked.

Sapphire took out her scepter and the jewel glowed brightly. The rat hissed at the light and moved back a little. Sapphire smirked and fired her magic at Rat. Rat hissed at her and charged her. Sapphire threw the scepter into the air and changed into a Puma. She pounced onto Rat and threw him into the air. Forming a sphere of light in her mouth she blasted it at Rat, destroying the Cardinal easily. “Impossible!” Neila exclaimed. Sapphire changed back and caught her scepter in her hand. “You’ll pay for that.” Neila pointed the Dark Scepter at Sapphire and unleashed it’s strongest attack. “DARKNESS RAY!”

Sapphire retaliated with her attack, “HARMONY BOLT!” a large lightning bolt with the Elements of Harmony colors shot out of the jewel and the two beams engaged in a power struggle. Neila absorbed more darkness making the beam stronger and it began to push Sapphire’s beam back. “Oh no! Sapphire!” Lightning cried. Sapphire’s element glowed brightly and made her scepter shine, boosting the power of the beam and it began to push back Neila’s dark beam of magic. “What?... No… NO!” The beam hit her and

KABOOM!”

The whole dome burst open and everyone was free and Neila and her Cardinal was no more. “Sapphire did it! She really did it!” Spike cheered happily. Sapphire breathed heavily a little and kneeled down. Lightning came to her side with a proud smile. “You did well today Sapphire, very well.”

Sapphire smiled at her Commander and mentor.

Episode 11: Future Sight

it had been really quiet all week, with no further signs of the Dark King’s forces, this really worried everyone. Usually the war was at its quietest before the really big battle occurred. Also, there had still been no word from those two strangers ever since the ingredients were brought to the planet.

Then one day, while Goldwin walked out onto one of the terraces on such a lovely warm day. Soft music played out of nowhere, and he began to dance ever so gracefully along the floor. The birds who were watching him clapped their wings in applause. Goldwin bowed to his public, even if they were just birds.

Suddenly, he saw something on the railing that wasn’t there before; a letter. “Where did this come from?” he wondered. He tried to look at it more closely but shouldn’t see it too well because of his mask being in the way. He foolishly lifted it up off his face turning himself back into a statue with the letter still in his hand.

The birds saw this, and were off to find someone quickly…

Queen Celestia and Grand Ruler were rocking their little foals to help them fall asleep for their nap. The little ones were nearly off to sleep when one of the birds landed on the open window sill and tweeted loudly, disturbing them. The babies cried and fussed about. “Oh, dear…” cried Celestia. She and her husband would have been annoyed with the bird if they hadn’t realized he was trying to tell them something. “Out the window…?” said Grand Ruler, and he could see Goldwin on the terrace “Oh, my… he’s done it again.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “I can look after the children, you go help him.”

Grand Ruler nodded, and passed her Leilani before teleporting to the terrace.

“All right now, Goldwin. Let’s put you right again.” he said as he replaced the mask on Goldwin’s face and then said the magic phrase…

“Powers of life, now begin

awaken the magic from within!”

…and Goldwin came back to life. “Grand Ruler Celesto…”

“You took your mask off again, Goldwin.”

Goldwin felt embarrassed, and then showed him the letter. Grand Ruler read it closely and his eyes widened “This is it… this is what we’ve been waiting for. I must show Celestia!”

The letter had read:

“The time has come for us to speak face-to-face. Have all the ponies, Spike, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance meet in the throne room at midnight, and ensure that the foals are present as well.”

All the friends were given their orders to meet at the palace, but they were all ever so confused. “So, they’re finally going to show themselves.” Lightning said.

“But why now, and so late at night too?” asked Starla.

“Well, one thing’s for sure, we’ll be there.” said Lightning.

That night, at around ten minutes to midnight, all the friends had gathered at Lightning and Starla’s place. A lot of them were sleepy eyed, but just as eager to attend this meeting, but Rarity and Spike were still feeling a little awkward towards one another, hardly even looking at one another.

“Ah, buck up you two…” said Applejack “This ain’t the time to be mopin’ over your own problems.”

Spike and Rarity promised to try, but it felt so hard.

“Is everyone ready?” asked Krysta. The ponies all huddled around her, and Lightning gave her the signal, and she transported everyone to New Canterlot…

…They materialized in the throne room. Their majesties were there, with their sleeping babies in their arms. Princess Luna was present, along with Shining Armor and Cadance. “Good, everyone is here.” said Grand Ruler. He spoke very softly so as not to wake the children.

“So, when’s the show going to start already?” Rainbow asked impatiently.

“We were told to wait until midnight.” said Princess Luna. There was only a few minutes left, but everyone was so anxious it almost felt like waiting a long time.

Eventually, the clock began to chime twelve times, and at the stroke of twelve, the entire room around everyone began to glow with a mystical light. “What’s happening?” cried Spike.

“Where’s that glow coming from?” cried Buddy Rose.

The glowing lights awoke the babies, but they didn’t cry as they too seemed mesmerized by the pretty lights, and suddenly they all found themselves standing in the space void Lightning recognized all too well. “This place… I remember it. It’s where I fought Twilight in one of my nightmares.”

Celestia remembered this place as well “This was where I sang that song to Twilight, before she became princess.”

“Oh, it’s beautiful here.” said Fluttershy.

Then suddenly she could see, up ahead, two figures were walking towards everyone. Everyone looked on and saw the two figures dressed in monk’s clothing-- One male and one female.

“Welcome, everyone.” said the male.

“We are most grateful you chose to accept our invitation.”

“There is no need for hostility. We are not the enemy.” said the male.

“We have been the ones who have been helping you all this time.” Said the female “If it not for us, you would surely have been defeated, along with everything else that would ever be.”

“Hey, I recognize your voices too.” said Lightning “You were the ones who gave us the mega mode powers.”

The figures nodded “We have done many things in this war to aid you.”

“But you must believe, we did what needed to be done in order for things to turn out okay.” said the female “We apologize for hiding from you for so long, but it was necessary for us not to draw our enemy’s attention either.”

Grand Ruler gazed at the figures strongly “Who are you…?” he asked softly, and the figures softly raised their hands and pulled off their hoods, revealing they were indeed alicorns, but not just any kinds. Both of them were white in color. The male had blonde hair and brown eyes, and the female had pink hair and violet eyes.

Their majesties gazed in shock, and all the others began to make comparisons. “This can’t be…” cried Celestia. “Is it possible…?” her husband added.

The two ponies smiled and nodded. “My name is Prince Castor, and this is my twin sister, Princess Leilani.”

Leilani nodded and added “We are your children, from the future.”

Nobody was anything short but amazed and shocked by all this, but they did look exactly like the two little foals.

“We realize this must be shocking for you all to comprehend, but you must listen to what we have to tell you.” said Castor.

“What you are about to see is for you, and only you.” added Leilani. She then combined her magic with her brother’s and the images around everyone began to warp again. Pinkie felt herself turning green for all the spinning and swirling “I think I’m going to be sick!” she groaned, but her attitude changed when she saw what lay before her and the others.

Everyone was amazed by the sights of the land they were seeing, it was almost indescribable. “What you are now seeing is an illusion of what our world used to be.” said Castor “This is 31st Century United Equestria.”

Rarity’s eyes never twinkled so brightly “It’s all so… so… where do I begin?”

“It’s like, the New Crystal Empire everywhere.” said Shining Armor.

Cadance was ever so amazed, but she remembered, and turned to face her cousins. “Did you say “Used to be”?”

Leilani nodded and said “The time has come for you all to learn and understand the events that lead to all this.” Then she and Castor used their magic to show images of the basic past as it originally occurred.

The basic past included, No mega mode powers, no Valkyries of harmony,. Their majesties carried on to continue the kingdom and Starfleet continued to fight. Fighting Lord Tirek was simply, for in the basic past, The Phantom of Magic-- Dr. Kudos—he had originally unleashed Tirek without giving him so much energy, feeling he didn’t need it. Thus Tirek was easily beaten using normal tactics and power.

…but this was nothing compared to the next images.

Several years passed and everything worked out nicely, except for one thing…!

Starfleet had captured and imprisoned many evil foes throughout the centuries. Prisoners gathered from all corners of the galaxy, but of course for all that time it was always hoped that those evil creatures could be redeemed and released from prison to rejoin society, reformed from their villainy.

Finally, after so many ages, a solution was born. A magic spell was conjured that could in fact remove all the evil magic from within in the prisoners. By losing their evil energies and not being consumed by lust for power and darkness, it would be easier to redeem them all.

Of course, with a presented opportunity to get out of jail and reclaim outdoor life, it was all the easier to persuade the prisoners, though some foolishly believed they could escape and march off on their evil ways. Yet, the second their evil magic was expelled from their bodies, they felt… different… lighter… their hatred and dark plans had diminished

No, they not were brainwashed. Their minds had not been tampered with at all, but rather this was a normal reaction when all the evil energy had been removed. No need to hate, no need to feed on darkness or other bad things, and no desire to takeover. In fact, some of the creatures even took on new forms as beautiful or handsome.

Still, all the evil energy was being gathered and absorbed, as it was not yet known what to do with it, and the more prisoners were cleansed of evil, the more the dark energy grew. Thousands and thousands of prisoners meant so much energy!

Then, after a certain point, the energy began to pulsate like crazy, and formed into a raging mass of power that threatened all of United Equestria. This power was unlike anything anyone had ever seen or faced; the very combined forces of all of Starfleet’s enemies in one enormous mass.

Though many brave fighters on the force tried to contain this force, even a massive army proved to be no match for such immense power and meet with their dooms, among them were Shining Armor… Krysta… and even Lightning!

“What, Me?” cried Lightning.

Starla felt her heart skip a beat.

“It is true…” said Castor “It was believed that your Enticorn powers could had saved us all, but after all that time you were still feared of its unstableness.”

“As a result…” Leilani cut in as the images showed everything “You were not able to use the power, and without it… you never had a chance.”

The images showed Lightning facing the evil power, only be engulfed by its extreme powers, and he was destroyed in a massive explosion.

Starla gasped! It seemed so real, and she felt like bursting into tears.

Grand Ruler was easily as devastated by the images he saw. “No, it’s not true. Tell me this doesn’t happen!”

“At the moment it has not yet…” said Castor. “But believe us; this is true from our basic history, and would have happened for sure.” added Leilani.

“Galloping Galaxies…!” Lightning muttered. He had almost forgotten how to breathe. He had never seen anything so scary in his life.

The others all felt the same way, especially those who had seen themselves die. Cadance felt especially cold in the pit of her stomach that spread all through her body. “Shining Armor… would die?!” she squeaked. She had almost completely forgotten that her husband was standing right beside her, alive and well. “Easy, honey. I’m scared too.” he whispered to her, and they held hands tightly.

“There is more.” said Castor.

His father, Grand Ruler Celesto was nearly completely out options. This dark force was much too powerful for any of the current resources and magic to do about. They could not dispel it, and they could not contain it by ordinary means, and the more the energy continued to roam free it would continue to destroy more and more.

In desperation to seal the darkness, and stop it from destroying anymore of his subjects, his friends, and even his family… he had no choice. It grieved him to do this, but it had to be done.

He appealed to the gods to lend him their power, and in an immense torrential wave of extreme magic, United Equestria was frozen into a state of complete and total dormancy, and the energy was sealed away with it, unable to move or continue its onslaught.

Prior to these events, the Grand Ruler sent messages to all Starfleet forces on the many other planets, informing them of the situation; and that United Equestria was to remain as it was until such a day would come that a magic or power would be found and could help to stop the dark force sealed within the planet.

Hundreds of years passed, and the planet remained in dormancy, until finally, about a-thousand years since the planet was first frozen. The other Starfleet forces had developed technologies, weapons, and conjured super special magic over the generations, enough to weaken the dark force from within, and split it into fragments.

These fragments were contained and shipped to Starfleet labs all around the galaxy, to be broken down and hopefully dispelled. This project would take time, but with the dark force well under control, United Equestria was reawakened, and after becoming accustomed to the new age, the planet as soon reconstructed and was once again the great metropolis of business and defense, armed with new weapons and technologies, and learning new magic, ruled by Grand Ruler Celesto and his sister-in-law, Princess Luna.

For several years, everyone lived their lives in bliss and comfort, and Starfleet, now stronger than ever continued their job to maintain peace and order. Still, some of the friends had lingering grieves for the loss of their loved ones… Lightning, Shining Armor, Krysta…! They would never be forgotten.

However, dark times were bound to return to the planet. Over the years, even with newer technologies and magic, the great pony scientists had been struggling hard to neutralize the darkness they had captured, little by little. The fragments were weakened, but suddenly they all began to resonate, and began to go crazy again.

Escape from their holds in the labs, all the many fragments headed out into space and began to reform into one great mass. This time, combining with the cosmic forces of the universe, the darkness began to take shape, life… and he was born… the Dark King!

The very incarnation of all the evil that Starfleet had ever faced before in one ultimate demonic creature.

He immediately began to conjure followers out of the very darkness around him and even from his own essence-- monstrous creatures aided with such evil powers, it was beyond all imagination, and he cast them out into the universe spreading darkness and chaos everywhere. Nobody was prepared for such an onslaught. As a result, the universe as they knew it; all worlds, all planets were now shrouded in the darkness.

Rarity gulped hard “I think now I can properly say… this is THE… WORST… POSSIBLE THING TO EVER HAPPEN!”

Everyone was inclined to agree with her, even Castor and Leilani “You are quite right in saying so Rarity.” said Castor “Our wholesome planet of United Equestria now remained as the only world left.”

Leilani nodded and added “If Dark King succeeds in conquering us, he will have it all! There will be not a single soul in the entire dimensional universe with the power to stand up to him and his evil forces.”

The ponies didn’t know how much more of this horridness they could bear to see. “Didn’t you try to fight back?” asked Dyno. “Si… all the new powers and technologies.” added Myte, but the other twins shook their heads “The Dark King and his forces are unlike anything we have ever faced, and we could not seal them away with the planet this time.” said Castor.

“Our forces fought valiantly…” said Leilani “But even our best efforts were hardly enough to diminish their forces. Many were lost, others were injured. Our rebellion would not last much longer.”

It was then that Celestia, Grand Ruler, Princess Luna and Cadance decided to combine their alicorn powers together to conceal a large area in the biggest barrier they could ever construct to protect all who were left and deter the Dark King’s forces outside.

Unfortunately, not everyone managed to get within the boundaries in time. Several ponies and other creatures got trapped outside and were destroyed, and Spike was among them…

“Me?!” cried Spike.

Rarity gazed down at him with shock “Spike… not you!”

The images showed what happened…

Rarity and Spike were ushering survivors into the boundaries before the barrier could be conjured, and at the last second Rarity got ensnared by evil monsters, and she couldn’t break free. Spike, out of love for Rarity, lunged at the monsters and managed to stave them off to release Rarity, but he was unable to free himself.

“No!” Future Rarity cried as she watched the monsters leapt all over Spike, and blowing him up along with their own selves “DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME!!” Future Spike called out before he went!

Future Rarity was devastated. She fell to her knees, and screamed out loud “SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!!!”

The real Spike fell to his knees in shock “I… did that?”

Rarity nodded and peeped softly. “You did… for me, out of love.”

They gazed at each other deeply… very deeply!

Castor and Leilani continued with their story…

The barrier was up, and the Dark King and his forces were unable to breakthrough, thanks to the three royal alicorn. Each of them taking turns at maintaining the barrier’s great power to keep it steady, night and day. This also gave Starfleet an excellent chance to conjure up even newer strategies and battle techniques, including the mega mode powers.

With the new mega modes they had managed to gain a slight advantage, and were finally able to stave off the evil forces outside. Even the Dark King himself could not enter their domain, but just as Starfleet grew more powerful, so did the Dark King. His forces increased immensely forcing Starfleet into retreat, but the rebellion still continued. With the barrier still up and the power of the new mega modes, it was a complete and total stalemate on both sides.

“For months we struggled, and we continued to fight bravely on.” said Castor “And eventually, the Dark King began to lose patience. Since he has found our forces to be totally invincible, he is now trying to destroy the world in your time.”

The others all sighed in awe…

“If our world in the past gets defeat,

Then your world of your time will be beat.” said Rhymey

“That is correct, Rhymey.” said Leilani “The Dark King himself cannot travel through time, as he is much too big and powerful. If he even tried to, his incredibly powerful energy he would end up disrupting the space-time-continuum, and maybe even cause it to collapse. This is turn would obliterate all existence as we know it."

Everyone shuddered at such a thought. "Even still." said Castor "As he is the very source of all the darkness that now shrouds our world, he is bound to his own time in the future. There is no possible way for him to come to your time.

So he sent his minions and their most powerful creatures, the twelve cardinals to attack the past. They’re objective was to alter the past at key points, enough to change the future so that Starfleet would fall, but not so much that they would destroy themselves as well.”

Castor and Leilani both knew that the Starfleet of the past would have no chance at all against such powerful emissaries, and realized they would have to travel back in time to aid the future against the evil onslaught.

“And that’s why you gave us the mega mode powers…” said Artie.

The twins nodded. “It was the least we could do.” said Castor “We did not show ourselves, as we had mentioned, to hide from our enemies, and while in hiding.”

“Hold it!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“What Pinkie?” Lightning asked.

“Where’s Sapphire during all this?” Pinkie asked pointing at Sapphire. Then everyone realized there was no sign of Sapphire in the future. “Yeah, where is Sapphire?” Lightning asked.

“Sapphire, our Sapphire, is being mentored by a powerful Pokemon of Life.” Leilani said.

“Pokemon of Life…. XERNEAS?!” Sapphire exclaimed. The future twins nodded, “And other Legendary Pokemon.” Everyone gasped in shock. “Why?” Rainbow asked.

“With the growing darkness. Xerneas and the Pokemon came to our world and ask to train Sapphire to defeat the Dark King once and for all being that her magic is more powerful and abilities are more advanced than we all previously thought.” Castor said.

Everyone was speechless.

“I don’t get it though…” said Rainbow “If all this happens in the future, can’t we just prevent it all from happening to begin with?”

“You already have…” said Castor, and he and his sister showed everyone images of the reconstituted past. Thanks to the twins’ resources, and everyone’s actions and efforts, the past had already been changed dramatically. “Because of all this, the Dark King has grown weaker, but unfortunately the past cannot be altered enough to ultimately stop him.” said Leilani

“I get it…” said Krysta “Because that dark energy that made him hasn’t been unleashed yet, and won’t be for several years from here and now.”

“You are correct.” said Castor “Even if we were to travel to the year the Dark Energy first appeared, it would still do no good. Until that time is so reached and altered from here, the Dark King will continue to exist and continue with his onslaught. He must be stopped at all costs, and that time is near.”

Leilani nodded “Now that you all have mastered many of your new powers, defeated many enemies, and obtained the ingredients we require. The time has come for you all to take this battle straight to the very source itself.”

“Cool…” Spike said “We’re actually going to go to the future?”

“What choice do we have?” said Grand Ruler “It sounds as if our future selves need all the help they can get.”

The twins nodded and explained that the ingredients were necessary to conjure a potion that wouldn’t actually open a portal through time, but to in fact protect everyone. Traveling forward in time in such a premature way would have serious impacts on their molecular structures, for they would be misplaced in time and they would slowly begin to weaken, which would also put a damper on their future selves as well.

“Prepare yourselves well…” said Castor “This battle with the Dark King will be the most difficult thing you have ever done in your lives, but the very safety of all that is and ever will be hangs in the balance.”

“Your future selves as well as our other forces have grown exhausted. We cannot hold out against the battles for much longer.” said Leilani “It will be up to you to aid them to the victory.”

Everyone gave their word they would give it all they had and more.

The twins then walked over to their parents, and their eyes fell down at the little babies. “It feels rather strange to be gazing at our former selves.” said Castor. The future kids smiled lovingly, and the father approached the group, and they all just had to share a family group hug.

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye “Now ain’t that just sweet.” she cried.

The next day, the twins worked hard with Professor Brain to mix the ingredients together to make the potion. Brain never thought he could be so fascinated by sciences he had never seen before. “Incredible… simply incredible.” he would keep saying.

While they worked, the others spend every last ounce of their free time training and preparing for what would have to be their most exciting, and dangerous adventure.

Their majesties, Princess Luna, Shining Armor and Cadance trained well too, and after having seen the images of what would have been; they were more determined than ever not to let that happen.

Cadance especially didn’t want to lose her husband, not after what she saw. She was practically encouraging him to beef up his own training, and he was starting to feel the toll of it getting to him. “Easy, honey! Slowdown…!”

Cadance couldn’t speak while in her ninja suit, but she clenched her fists and seemed pretty mad and determined, and her husband had no right to argue.

Spike trained equally as hard, now that his powers were working properly again, and he saw what he had done in those images, particularly protecting Rarity like he already had many times before. He pushed himself to keep training “Gotta keep training… gotta save the others… gotta save the world… gotta save the future… gotta save Rarity!”

The others thought tried numerous times to tell him to take it easy, even Rarity tried, but Spike just kept right on training. “I died on you once before… or at least I did, and I’m not going to let it happen again, or rather for the first time…whatever!” and he just kept right on training, until their majesties held him up with their magic. “Now that will do, Spike.” Grand Ruler said “You don’t want to overexert yourself.”

“He’s right…” said Celestia “We have a long and hard fight ahead of us, and we don’t want to be exhausted.”

Everyone was inclined to agree, but of course they didn’t know when they would actually be going. The twins did say it was take at least a day or two to get the potion just right, and they had to make lots of it for everyone.

In the meantime, training would continue and so would their work. The final battle was very near!

Episode 12: Final Episode: Dark Duel

Days had passed, and while the royal twins and Professor Brain were busy preparing the complicated potion, which required several days to perfect, training continued for every single one involved in the upcoming battles.

In the future, Tnaig appealed to the Dark King his latest plot to wipe out the ponies. “Is this wise?”

“I believe so, sire.” said Tnaig “All our previous efforts have been tried and failed miserably and hopelessly, but perhaps the best way to wipe them out would be to fight them on our own grounds, and my removing them from their appropriated places in time—think of the incredible advantage we will have.”

The Dark King thought it over. “Very well, you may continue. However, you must not underestimate our enemies and their resourcefulness. All the others met with this misfortune, and it cost them dearly. I do not wish there to be anymore constant blunders, Tnaig.”

Tnaig grinned sinisterly “Fear not, my king…” he held up his cardinal. The last one! “This time there will be no mistakes.”

This was the day. The royal twins had announced that the potion would be ready by midafternoon. The time to head for the future was near!

Never had the heroes been so incredibly excited, and so incredibly afraid at the same time. As the royals twins had said, this would be a battle unlike any other.

Even the Grand Ruler and the Queen were freaked out by all this, especially Grand Ruler, knowing that the Dark King’s creation was because of him and his legions. Now he was as equally determined as the others, if not then more to put a stop to all this.

He and the queen trained a lot together. Princess Luna trained with them, as did Shining Armor and Cadance, but of course it was also decided that Luna and Shining Armor would have to stay behind when the time came to head for the future. There was no point in risking everyone, and the planet in the present would still need protectors if more attacks came.

“Well, who knows… maybe we won’t really need them.” said Buddy Rose, but the others were never more unsure of anything in their lives, even he himself felt that was silly what he had just said.

“That Dark King is defintely not going to be pushover.” said Rainbow.

Pinkie left up and down thrusting her fists in determination. “Just let me get my hands on him. I’ll give him a one-two, and three-four…!”

Artie was staring out the window at the world all around. The Spanish twins joined him, both feeling the same as he did. “It’s so calm and quiet out there.” said Artie.

“And to think, we’re about to leave it, and we might never see it again.” said Dyno.

“But if we don’t, it’ll probably all collapse anyway.” said Myte “We just can’t let that happen.”

The others couldn’t help but overhear them, and finally began to full absorb just how incredibly serious this would be. Fluttershy felt very nervous “What if some of us don’t make it back? What if we get destroyed?”

Rhymey comforted her, though he was just as scared himself, he had to think positively.

“As probable as it is, we cannot think that way.
We should all keep our faith, that’s what I say.”

Everyone agreed with him. Whatever came their way, they would be sure to fight with everything they had. The future, the present, everything was depending on them.

“No pressure, huh…?” Krysta joked. The others couldn’t help but chuckle.

Later on, the royal twins held a meeting in the throne room. “Our labors have been completed.” said Castor. “Behold, the protection potion.” He held up a flash of plain liquid; practically identical to ordinary water.

“That doesn’t look very magical?” said Rainbow.

“Ahh, but you forget the rules of magic; Things are not always what they seem.” said Leilani, and she explained how while the work was completed, the potion still needed another whole hour for the magical qualities to start working.

“So, in other words, it’s still not quite ready yet.” said Lightning.

“At the moment, no.” said Professor Brain “But their highnesses inform me, that it shall be ready. I must say, I have found their ingenuity to be most fascinating.”

The twins felt flattered, and their parents felt proud they had spawned two such powerful and creative ones.

Castor and Leilani informed everyone that even when the potion would be ready to use, its effects would only be temporary. Once they entered the future, they would have to keep this well in mind.

“I guess it’s nearly time.” said Lightning. Everyone else nodded with excitement and determination. “The time for the final showdown with the Dark King has arrived!” said Castor.

Suddenly, the alarm sounded!

“What’s happening now?” snapped Cadance.

Goldwin looked around out the window with his telescope. “I can’t see anything. Wait…!” he paused “It’s a dragon!”

“DRAGON?!” everyone cried out.

“This is it-- the final cardinal.” cried Starla.

“I better go get the ponies in the village out of here.” said Krysta, and she flew off like a shooting star. Lightning gazed at their majesties, and then nodded telling the team to get going. “Let’s go!” shouted Lightning.

Everyone transformed, and they all dashed out.

This dragon, known as the cardinal Dragoon, was unlike the usual breed found in United Equestria. It was the size of a house, and had dark scales, sharp claws, horns, fangs, a blade-like fin going across his face up to his head, and a mace head at the end of his tail. The worst of it was it could attack with dark electrical light, not fire.

That snarling beast struck fear in everyone’s eyes. Krysta and her fairies worked their hardest to warp the civilians to safety, but they just weren’t moving fast enough. “We need help!” one of the fairies cried.

Many other Starfleet fighters tried their hardest to stave Dragoon off, but as expected, without the special powers that were given to Lightning and the others, they didn’t have a chance. They got bashed, they got pummeled, and some even got a taste of the dragon’s light blasts.

Several of them were knocked down, and the dragon loomed right over them, ready for the kill, but the dragon suddenly got blasted by a strong beam of uniforce, knocking it back hard. Lightning and his team leapt down from the skies and dashed over to help their fellow fighters up. “We’ll handle this. Go help the civilians.” said Lightning.

“Yes, Sir!” hollered the fighters.

Soon, all the civilians were warped to safety. The other fairies warped away with them, and Krysta headed back to the palace.

Dragoon stared the team down and snuffed angrily. Fluttershy felt her knees quivering, but she stopped them and acted as brave as she could.

“Go!” shouted Lightning, and the fight was on.

They all charged at him! Dragoon launched his dark light at them, but thanks to all their intense training, the friends were able to evade every shot with ease. One-by-one, they struck the beast hard.

Dragoon swung his mace tail, but Spike caught it in his bare claws. “Catch a dragon by the tail.” He joked as he whirled the beast round and around and slammed him hard on the ground. “And this is supposed to be a challenge?”

The others felt the same, and managed to fight the monster with ease, it was then they began to feel the fight was going just a little too easy, even for their training. Still, they decided now would probably be the best time to finish off the dragon while they had the chance.

“Fall in line!” shouted Lightning, and everyone stood together, preparing for their formation attack.

Up in the palace, the others could see it all. “I can hardly believe this.” said Shining Armor “This is like their easiest battle ever. It’s creepy.”

The others agreed, feeling it was too easy for their tastes as well. “The Dragoon is the Dark King’s most powerful cardinal.” said Castor. His sister nodded “Even though our forces have trained well, the fight should not be as easy as this.”

“Hey, they’re ready to attack!” cried Cadance.

The team stood tall and proud, with their magic and weapons glowing brightly “Ready… FIRE!!” shouted Lightning. The magic all combined into the huge force, and was launched straight at the dragon, but suddenly it was intercepted and blocked off by another force of magic.

“What?!” snapped Lightning.

“What happened!” cried Artie.

Then they could see why. It was Tnaig. He was standing right near dragon and snickering deeply at everyone.

“What are you doing here?” snapped Lightning.

Tnaig didn’t answer directly and just grinned wickedly. He zapped them all hard. Sparks and small explosions flew everywhere.

“Now I’m mad!
It’s time to get bad!” growled Rhymey.

Tnaig snickered “I couldn’t agree with you more.”

“And just what do you mean by that?” snapped Rarity. She got her answer when Tanig and his cardinal began to glow, and in bright flashed of swirling light, they merged together!

The ponies gawked in shock at what they saw!

Tnaig’s body was bigger, and dark in color. He had scaly skin, dragon wings, claws, fangs, even the mace-head tail. “He’s merged with his cardinal!” cried Dyno “I see it, but I hardly believe It.” added Myte.

“Oh, believe it!” hissed Tnaig. His voice sounded snarly and raspy. “There is a reason I was the leader of the Dark King’s minions. I told you before; I knew more about the darkness than either of my fallen comrades had ever hoped to master. Until now, it was not necessary that my true power be revealed to you, fortunately my comrades proved useful in exposing your abilities to their finest.”

The friends thought that was sick. He sounded as though he was using his fallen teammates like pawns in a game. To which Tnaig cared nothing about. “I am a creature of darkness…” he roared “Compassion and understanding is for the weak and spineless who dwell in the light.”

“All right, we’ve heard enough out of you!” growled Lightning “Strong or not, we can take you like we did all the rest.”

They all stood ready for battle, and Tnaig felt he was really going to enjoy this.

Lightning charged forth, and aimed a huge punch at Tnaig, but he swiftly zipped out of the way causing Lightning to miss, and then he got hit hard by the mace tail, knocking him hard into a wall of a house, crumpling it.

“Lightning!” cried Starla. Now she was really steamed, and armed her bow. “STARLIGHT ARROW” her attack hit him full force, but did absolutely nothing. Tnaig snickered, and then dashed straight at her, tripping her up and then socking her hard, sending her skidding along the ground.

All the other friends charged at him, and they all got bashed, pummeled, even blasted a few times by Tanig’s super power “DARK LIGHT ATTACK” now it was ten times stronger than ever and caused massive explosions.

Rarity summoned up all the power she could in her horn and fired a huge burst at Tnaig, but all he did was stomp straight onward as if he felt nothing, and he finally reached her and kicked her hard.

“Rarity!” cried Spike. Now he was really mad, and pulled his sword out “Let’s make this interesting; dragon to dragon.”

Tnaig snickered. “Your pitiful weapon is no match for my power.”

Spike growled fiercely and charged forth roaring loudly. He swung his blade all over, but Tnaig dodged his every swing, and actually caught the sword in his claws. Spike struggled all he could, and lost his temper hard. “DRAGON FLARE” blasting his fire right in Tnaig’s face, the result was explosive and caught him a little as well.

“SPIKE!!” everyone shouted. Spike was alright, but when the smoke cleared he and every else gawked in shock when they saw Tnaig still had hardly a scratch on him. “You really ought to watch your temper.” he hissed.

Spike gasped in shock as Tnaig leapt right for him, and knocked him ever so hard out of the field like a baseball. “SPIKE!!” cried Rarity.

He was heading straight for the palace. “Watch out!” cried Goldwin.

Grand Ruler quickly used his magic to halt Spike in midair just inches away from the window. “Are you alright, Spike?” he asked.

“Just barely.” groaned Spike.

The battle was getting so intense. “Let’s get down there and help them.” said Celestia. The others agreed, and left Goldwin to watch over things.

Down below, the fighters continued to get bashed about until they were all huddled together in one spot. “Exactly, where did we lose control here?” groaned Rainbow.

“I can’t believe how strong he is.” added Fluttershy.

“We can’t give up.” said Lightning.

“Oh really…?” hissed Tanig “Then perhaps it’s time we took this battle elsewhere, or should I say… when.”

Everyone was confused, and before they could react, or even make a sound, Tnaig enveloped them all in a dark wave of magic currents. They all screamed and yelped, and then vanished in a bright flash.

…only seconds before the royal gang had arrived. “Lightning!” cried Krysta.

“We’re too late!” cried Celestia.

“Where did they go?” asked Cadance, but her cousins had their suspicions. “Oh, no!” cried Castor. “That was time-warp magic.”

Everyone’s blood turned cold. “Time warp?” cried Shining Armor.

“He’s taken them to the future!” cried Leilani.

“But the potion…” peeped Grand Ruler “Oh my stars. This is not good!”

“Rarity.” Spike peeped.

The ponies screamed as they felt themselves swirling through a dark vortex. Pinkie Pie felt she was going to hurl, and suddenly they crash landed. “Wipeout!” groaned Rainbow.

“Is everyone alright?” Lightning asked.

“I think so.” groaned Starla “Where’d Tnaig go?”

“Never mind that.” said Buddy Rose “Where the heck are we?”

Everyone got onto their feet and took a look around. The skies were stormy with extreme darkness and shadows. The whole area was a wasteland of ruin and destruction. Fluttershy was shivering more in fear than the coldness. “Oh! I don’t like it here.” she squeaked.

Rhymey comforted her, but felt equally as feared, and then something glowing caught his eye.

“Do you see what I see?
Could it possibly be?”

Everyone gazed in awe and in shock. “That stronghold, I recognize It.” said Artie “The royal twins told us about it.”

Applejack swallowed hard “Then… that must mean that we’re… we’re…!”

“...Welcome!” thundered a deep dark voice, making Rarity jump! “Oh! What was that?!”

“...You have entered a world of impenetrable darkness where the light never dwells, and evil reigns supreme over all. This is your future!”

Ever so slowly, the ponies turned round, and saw him. Many of them gasped hard and whimpered madly.

“I am the ruler of this world, and all the worlds beyond. I am the Dark King!”

“So, that’s him!” cried Starla.

“We meet at last!” growled Lightning

The Dark King’s sinister laugh echoed all across the darkness as he gazed down at the helpless ponies.

The Dark King continued to laugh as he glared down at the ponies. To him, they were as small as Krysta were he their size. Never had the ponies faced anything so incredible large before. Even the Grand Celestial Ruler would hardly be about the length of the King’s massive fingers.

“We are in some trouble!” cried Dyno.

“Really, you don’t say.” said Myte.

Then they heard the sound of Tnaig laughing. “Take a good look around, for this is exactly what your world will look like one day.”

“Not a chance!” snarled Lightning.

“…Yeah!” snapped Rainbow “We won’t let you or even some creepy horned-giant wipe out our world.”

Tnaig felt deeply outraged “You dare insult the Dark King, in his very domain and presence?!” he shouted, and with that the darkness began to swirl in large gusts around him and his body was shrouded in dark light. “I think you shouldn’t have said that, Rainbow!” cried Starla.

When the light and winds had faded, Tnaig had grown in size a bit and he was as dark as the Dark King. “This will be my greatest honor-- destroying you all in the presence of his majesty.” he hissed.

The ponies stood their ground, clenching their fists. “Let’s get him!” shouted Lightning. Everyone nodded, and they all charged forth roaring loudly. Tnaig just stood where he was as all the ponies rammed a huge punch, or kick straight at him from all ends…

…but Tnaig felt nothing. He didn’t even flinch! It was like hitting a solid wall, and before the ponies could react, Tnaig’s eyes glowed, and a big burst of darkness emitted from him, blowing everyone off and sent them rolling along the ground.

“Wow! What just happened?” cried Pinkie.

“It’s as if being so close to the Dark King is making him even stronger,” said Buddy Rose.

“That’s not fair!” cried Fluttershy “How can we take him down on his home ground?”

“There has to be a way! There simply must.” cried Rarity.

“Fools!” thundered The Dark King “If you believe your super powers will save you here, you are sorely mistaken. Only the darkness reigns supreme. The light has no practical use here.”

The ponies refused to believe that and all stood back on their feet. Tnaig was far from amused by their determination. “You should have remained down. Now, Starfleet prepare to meet your end!”

The battle waged on, but ultimately the ponies were powerless against Tnaig’s supreme power. Not a single one of their attacks could even tickle him, while he continued to mercilessly strike them all hard. Their weapons and super attacks were no good either.

“DARK LIGHT ATTACK” Tnaig blasted at them. Lightning tried to counter the attack. “UNIFORCE” but his attack hardly amounted to snuff in the Darkness just as the Dark King had warned him, and Tnaig’s blast hit the team harder than ever, knocking them all down.

The ponies were starting to look really beat up-- all bruised, and burned, and their armor suits were dented a bit. Some of the girl’s manes were all tangled. “This dude’s tearing us apart!” cried Rainbow.

“Maybe we could try the mega modes.” suggested Buddy Rose.

“How can we, our powers are too low.” snapped Artie.

Tnaig couldn’t help but chuckle at them. “It is no use. Nothing can save you here. Why not surrender now and spare yourselves all the more agony?”

“Never!” shouted Lightning “No matter how tough the odds, Starfleet never gives in!”

“Ha! Fools!” shouted Tnaig and he zapped them again. All of them felt pretty weak and sore. Lightning was really fed up with all this now as he slowly struggled up. “My word, you are either very brave, or very foolish.” hissed Tnaig.

Lightning said nothing and gazed down at his friends. They barely managed to struggle up on their feet as well. “Lightning…” Starla said “You have to do it.”

“You don’t have any other choice.” added Rarity.

Lightning reluctantly agreed.

“Does this mean you surrender?” asked Tnaig.

Lightning gazed at him sharply and sneered “…Far from it.” and he began to concentrate hard until his horn was glowing brightly, along with the rest of his body in golden lightning.

“What is this?!” snarled the Dark King.

Finally, Lightning transformed completely, and now stood as an Alicorn. Tnaig hated the sight of all that glowing light. “Very impressive, but your efforts will be all for naught.”

Lightning dashed forth and punched Tnaig hard, really damaging him and send him soaring up high. Lightning then zipped up fast, and kicked him hard sending him crashing to the ground.

Lightning roared ever so loudly, and his glowing increased brightly. Everyone shielded their eyes, even the Dark King winced back on his large throne.

Tnaig got up to his feet, and dashed straight back towards Lightning. “I’ll show you true power!” and the two went at it hard, but Lightning showed no mercy. He dodged every one of Tnaig’s attacks, and attacked him back hard.

Lightning blasted Tnaig hard and sent him skidding along the ground. Tnaig growled, but then he could see the gang of out the corner of his eye, and turned to fire at them. “No!” shouted Lightning.

“WATCH OUT!!” screamed Pinkie, but they wouldn’t be able to dodge in time. Tnaig fired, and the gang would have been toasted if Lightning hadn’t zipped in the way just in time to take the blast, damaging him, hard, and he fell to his knees. “Lightning!” cried Starla, and she dashed over to him.

“Starla!” shouted Artie; he was worried Lightning would take his fury out on her again, but surprisingly, he didn’t. “Lightning…?”

Her husband gazed at her smiling, not snarling. He didn’t even make any attempt to raise his fists at her. “Starla, I’m okay!”

His wife smiled with joy, and the others overheard.

Lightning stood and glared at him “It’s something evil like you would never understand.”

“All I understand is that you will fall before my dark magic!”

“Not before you fall to the power of the light!”

The two dashed for each other again…

Meanwhile, in the past, Spike was really upset over everything. He slammed the ground angrily with his claw “I can’t believe it! He took them away!” he growled and continued to pound the ground in anger.

Krysta stopped him and urged him to calm down “We’re all worried and upset, Spike, but throwing an angry fit isn’t going to help.”

“She’s right, at the moment there’s nothing we can do.” said Grand Ruler.

They had already agreed they couldn’t just head into the future, not until the potion was fully set or they’d be risking their own safety, but the potion still needed another thirty minutes to be ready and could not be used in its current state.

“But what if we don’t make it in time?” cried Spike “What if we get there and it’s too late?”

The royal twins knew he had a point there. It wouldn’t be long before the ponies began to suffer from the decomposition without the potion to strengthen them, and worse, actually facing Tnaig and possibly the Dark King himself on their home grounds.

Now everyone was feeling as equally as worried as Spike, and starting to feel maybe they couldn’t wait, but it just wasn’t safe enough. “Isn’t there anything we can do?” asked Spike. He gazed at their majesties “Maybe you two could go to the future? You’re stronger than most of us and you could hold out longer.”

“Out of the question, Spike.” snapped Cadance, but her aunt and uncle disagreed. “He has a point, Cadance.” said Grand Ruler. His wife agreed “There’s one thing we never considered yet, our fusion power. That should suffice us with plenty of power until the potion is ready.”

“What about them?” Cadence asked, referring to Sapphire’s pokemon, Sienna, Mako, Kudos and Snowflake. “We wanna help them too.” Mako said.

“They can come too.” The royal twins were intrigued, having remembered their father telling them stories about how he and their mother used to be able to merge into the Grand Celestial Ruler. Since Celestia had originally died, the fusion magic was never used again.

Though the risks were still pretty high, even the twins agreed it would probably be their best chance. “I say we go for it” said Shining Armor “…I mean what have we got to lose?”

The royal twins agreed too. “We’ll send you both to the future, but we must stay behind until the potion is ready, we’ll join you as soon as we can.” said Castor.

“Remember, we are still uncertain this will actually work well.” added Leilani “And whatever you do, do not try and battle the Dark King until we’ve arrived.”

Their majesties nodded, and then everyone headed outside where their majesties prepared to transform. Taking out, each, their respective halves of the rainbow rod, and joining the two pieces together. In a fright flash of swirling light, their majesties merged, and formed the Grand Celestial Ruler.

Everyone gazed in awe at the giant creature, and the royal twins were astonished beyond their wildest dreams. The ruler gazed down at their children and said in their mixed voice “It is time to go.”

Their children agreed, and prepared to warp the ruler to the future.

The battle continued…

Lightning and Tnaig were really going hard at it. The two attacked each other hard, sending each other soaring away from one another. “This… this can’t be!” groaned Tnaig “I cannot accept this?! I WILL NOT LOSE TO THE LIGHT!!”

Lightning growled angrily as he glared at his opponent, and the two charged at each other again, but suddenly, Lightning began to slow down, and his light began to fade softly. This gave Tnaig the edge he needed to bash him hard.

“Lightning!” cried Starla, but then she started to feel weary as well, as did the others.

“What’s… happening?” cried Dyno.

“I feel… like I’m going to… fall down…” groaned Myte.

Rhymey suddenly realized what it was…

“Our bodies are not fit to hold up in this time.

We’re slowly… degrading… to dust and grime!”

Tnaig continued to attack Lightning mercilessly, and gave him a huge blast from his Dark Light, so hard, combined with Lightning’s exhaustion from decomposition, that he transformed back into his casual clothes, flat on his back. “It’s… no good.” he panted “I can’t… keep up… my power.”

The others struggled all they could but they all were far too weak to fire as much as a spark of magic, or even lift their weapons. Sapphire was the only one not affected by this.

Tnaig snickered wickedly as he approached Lightning “Poor little ponies… You went through all that fuss, getting in our way, destroying our cardinals and my comrades, only to end up here; unable to attack, unable to defend yourselves. Why you can’t even move!”

He hung his hand claw over Lightning “And now… for the darkness!” His claw began to glow, ready for the kill.

“NO!!!” Everyone shouted, believing Lightning had had it, but suddenly, a large beam of light fired at Tnaig, knocking him away hard.

Everyone looked up and saw Grand Celestia Ruler, hovering in the skies. At first they thought they were all hallucinating, but they weren’t when the ruler used their magic to gives them all a much needed boost of energy, so they could all get up again.

The Ruler smiled at them all and then turned to glare down at Tnaig “Where there is darkness there will always be a light to show the way, but no matter what way that is, good will always triumph over evil.”

Tnaig sneered and scoffed “A very touching gesture, but if you think me to be intimidated, you are sorely mistaken… just as you are ABOUT TO FALL BEFORE ME!!”

He furiously dashed up to attack The Ruler, and the ruler dashed forth. Despite being more than twenty times Tnaig’s size, Tnaig managed to sock The Ruler hard in their gut, and kick them hard in the back, but the ruler managed to fire a zap of magic from their sceptre sending him skidding along the ground.

“Ye-haw…! Show ‘em who’s boss!” cried Applejack.

Tnaig was not amused “So, you are capable of harming me. I knew that you were powerful, but I never dreamed of experiencing it.”

The Ruler narrowed their eyes at him and said “We are capable of much more than you and your kind could ever understand.”

“Too bad you’re not capable of winning.” snarled Tnaig.

Lightning stepped forth “We are capable…” he said as his friends all stood beside him “And we will win.”

As they stood near the ruler, the light from their glowing was enough to make their insignias glow. “Let’s do it.” said Lightning.

Everyone agreed and transformed again.

“MEGA MODE ACTIVATE!!”

“VALKYRIA!!”

“Enough of this!” shouted Tnaig, and he powered up for a really big attack. “Everyone, let us band together.” said The Ruler. The ponies nodded and they all began to concentrate hard, as their magic was absorbed into The Ruler’s sceptre. “TIME TO DIE!!” shouted Tnaig as he launched his strongest Dark Light Attack.

“MYSTIC LIGHT” The Ruler and the ponies fired their power straight at the big blast. The two forces collided, and seemed to be at equal strength. “We’ve… got to… try… harder!” shrieked Fluttershy.

“Give it all!” shouted Rainbow, and they all poured on more power, actually forcing Tnaig’s attack back slowly. “It’s working!” cried Rarity.

“Keep it up!” shouted Starla and poured on more magic as the blast continued to head for Tnaig, but he just laughed at them “Fools, you really thought this was all the power I had left? Here in the darkness, my power can be limitless!” He began to absorb more of the darkness around him which began to push back on the opposing force immensely. The ponies and The Ruler just couldn’t hold it.

“No!!” Lightning cried as the blast got nearer and nearer.

“It’s no use! We’re goners!” shouted Pinkie.

Tnaig really felt this was it. Sapphire growled and charged towards Tnaig. “Sapphire, no!” Lightning cried. Sapphire leaped into the air and her hand was coated in light and she punched Tnaig, sending him flying back and stopping both attacks. Suddenly the Dark King appeared. “This is all your fault, you wretched little ponies!”

The team couldn’t believe what they were seeing-- The Dark King then raised his huge hand and zapped him hard again, vanquishing him into the darkness. “BUT I WAS YOUR MOST LOYAL SERVANT!!!!” his last words echoed as he vanished into nothingness.

“He’s gone…” said Buddy Rose.

Applejack was livid and thundered at the Dark King “What in the hotel bills did you do that for! He worshiped you! He carried out your will!”

“He was getting reckless.” the Dark King said “I couldn’t risk anything happening to the Grand Celestial Ruler. They are a fusion of your queen and Grand Ruler Celesto. He is an essential factor in my creation. I could not let him be destroyed.”

“So just because he was a little reckless,

You vaporized him into the darkness?!” snarled Rhymey.

“You’re just sick!” screamed Rarity.

The Dark King laughed and sneered “Perhaps, but then again what would any of you know about anything?”

The team was most confused what he meant.

The Dark King gazed all around him as it got really, really dark for a brief moment. “Silence… emptiness… complete and total nothingness-- That is what it means to exist in the dark. Already nearly every planet, every world in this universe is under my dominion. Once all of you are exterminated, there will be none to stand in my way of total eternal darkness.”

The Ruler clenched their fist “You are truly evil, Dark King.” they said “It was our folly that you were ever created, and now we all intend to end that error.”

The ponies all nodded and looked ready to fight, but the Dark King could only laugh. “The only thing that shall end is your existence, along with the power of the light!” he raised his huge hand and began to sap at their energies, and once again everyone, even The Ruler was suffering from decomposition. The Ruler even diffused into Celestia and Grand Ruler, and everyone’s armor and suits powered down.

“And to make it so I have no further problems…” The Dark King hissed as he raised his hand again, and the Grand Ruler began to float up into the air. “Celesto!” cried Celestia.

“Master!” shouted Lightning “No! Let him go!”

Grand Ruler shouted in anguish as he vanished dark glow. The others were all shocked, and some near tears. “Is he… he isn’t…?” cried Starla.

“Silence!” snarled the Dark King “He has merely been sent back to his appropriate time. I told you before, he is essential to my creation.”

“Celesto.” peeped Celestia.

Grand Ruler crashed on the floor in the palace, back in the past. “Father!” cried Castor. The gang ran over to him. “Daddy, are you alright?” cried Leilani.

“That time travel… really takes it out of you.” her father groaned. He did manage to explain what happened, and these made Spike feel all the more edgy. “We can’t wait anymore. We’ve got to go now!”

The others were inclined to agree, and the potion was ready as well.

“I’m going as well.” Grand Ruler said.

“Uncle, you’re weak. You should stay and rest.” protested Cadance. Princess Luna agreed too. “You are not strong enough to handle another jump through time. You must rest before you can fight again.”

“She is correct, father.” said Castor “However, we can leave you this…” then he and his sister left a small bit of their magic. “It will let you warp to the future again.” said Leilani “But you will have to recover your full strength before you can use it.”

“I will, but please, hurry. I don’t know how long the others can last.” Grand Ruler cried out.

The team agreed, and Cadance transformed into her Ninja form. The royal twins then gave her a simple spray of the magic potion, and though Cadance didn’t feel any different, her cousins assured her she’d be protected, but only for a short while.

“Cadance…” Shining Armor said. His wife turned to him, and he blew her a kiss, and she gestured blowing another one, since she couldn’t speak, and then she, her cousins and Spike warped to the future with cases of the potion in hand.

“I sure wish I was going with them.” said Krysta.

“That makes two of us.” said Shining Armor.

“There is very little any of us can do, and we cannot leave our world unprotected.” said Luna.

“We must have faith.” Grand Ruler said as he meditated on the floor softly to help restore his strength faster. He was also silently praying that everyone would be able to hold out.

In the future, despite being incredibly weak, the ponies still gave it everything they had. The ponies fired what little of their attacks they could.

“UNIFORCE”

“PULSAR LASER”

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMB”

“DRILL QUILL”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

The others all fired whatever magic their respective elements of harmony could give them. All those forces fired directly at the Dark King, but of course even all that hardly did amount to a mosquito bite on the giant demon. The Dark King could only snicker. “This is almost rather entertaining to watch.”

By this point the ponies felt so weary was lack of energy, and decomposition, they could hardly see clearly. “We… can’t… give… up!” cried Applejack.

“But… what can… we even do?” groaned Dyno.

“He’s… just too strong… for us.” added Myte.

Lightning struggled all he could but fell flat on his chest. He felt as heavy as a meteor and could barely move an inch.

The Dark King prepared to destroy them once and for all. “It is time to put an end to this conflict that has kept us all close.” he teased, and his two monstrous hands began to form a large ball of dark energy to fire at them all.

“Hey… if we die here in the future, does that mean we don’t get reborn in the past?” Rainbow wondered aloud.

Poor Fluttershy was so scared, but she could hardly even squeak.

Rarity, she felt this was it. “Oh, Spike…” she cried in her thoughts “Goodbye… I… never got to tell you...” She finally knew it, but seemingly too late.

“Celesto…” Celestia peeped “Goodbye, my darling!”

“BE GONE!!” shouted the Dark King as he fired his shot straight for them all. Sapphire leaped in front and unleashed her Element’s Magic creating a large barrier that became a large beam of light and she teleported the team away. a huge crater in the ground, but the Dark King growled angrily. “You are just prolonging the inevitable! I WILL FIND YOU!!”

The friends felt so weary, they didn’t realize what was going on, until they felt their weariness disappearing, and as their visions slowly regained, they looked up and saw the twins, and a transformed Ninja Cadance.

“What’s happened?” Celestia groaned.

“Shh, steady, Mother.” said Leilani “It’ll be alright.”

They all gave everyone extra doses of the potion, and soon they could feel their strengths slowly returning, and they didn’t feel so weary anymore, and found they were sitting within a deep dark trench that would serve as a temporary haven. At the moment they couldn’t travel back in time to safety, and there wasn’t much point anyway

Spike was really relieved to find his friends were all safe, especially Rarity, but still he couldn’t muster the courage to talk to her.

“We haven’t much time.” said Castor “It will not be long before the Dark King finds us.”

“And when he does, we’re goners.” said Rainbow “All our best attacks couldn’t even scratch him.”

“He’s got to have some weakness, but what?” asked Lightning, but sadly not even the royal twins had the foggiest. The Dark King had never shown any signs of any weakness, except from the light, but even then their best shots were not enough to beat him. The others all turned to gaze at her, and Rarity explained the theory, and that the only way to beat the Dark King was to strike him from inside as well as out… right where his heart would be if he had one.

Not a single one of the other ponies or Spike had a more fretful look on their faces. “Go inside the Dark King?” Pinkie Pie rhetorically asked.

“You scare me, Rarity.” said Rainbow.

The royal twins realized the full risk involved. “Never has there been a longshot as great as this one.” said Castor “Could it work?”

“I see no other alternative, and we never once considered it.” said Leilani.

“I say we do It.” said Buddy Rose.

“Count me in.” added Artie.

“It’s all we can do.

I’ll try it too.” said Rhymey.

Soon, all the friends, Lightning, even Celestia were in full agreement. “But how can we pull this off?” asked Fluttershy.

“Girl’s got a point.” said Applejack. “We can’t even get near the Dark King. He’ll crush us like freshly laid eggs.”

“And what about Sapphire?” Pinkie said.

“Come again?” Lightning said.

“Sapphire, your magic and light are the only weakness the Dark King has, so if you just released a large, LARGE amount of it.-”

“It will completely destroy him!” Future Castor exclaimed. “The question is how?”

“I’ve already got an idea. Do you all remember when we faced Fratello and Doomdroid?”

Cadance remembered especially, and it made her feel a little sad, but she and the others remembered how Lightning managed to get absorbed, by coating himself in uniforce, the enemy’s energy absorption took him right inside. “I bet I can do it again.”

Cadance tapped her hand on the ground in Morse code; “We’d have to get the Dark King to absorb energy, and once your inside, we’ll do what we can out here.”

“We’re going to need backup though… and lots of it.” said Celestia.

Her children nodded and they both knew where to get it. “Your future selves…” said Castor. The minute he said that, everyone immediately agreed. The royal twins used their magical telepathy to send a warning message across the darkness that would reach the lighted city where their allies were… but it would still take a while for them to get there as they would have to assimilate a lot of fighters and power.

The Dark King was really getting angry “Come out!” he thundered “You can’t escape from me!”

He sounded close, very close! “Do you think we can hold out until the others get here?” asked Dyno. “No, definitely not.” said Myte.

Their power levels were only nearing fifty percent. That wouldn’t get them very far, so Celestia decided to transfer some of her energy to theirs to boost them back up. “But your majesty, you’ll become even weaker!” said Artie.

“I realize that.” said Celestia “But we have no other choice.”

Cadance walked up to her aunt gesturing that she would stay behind and keep her safe. “I will too. My power’s still full.” said Spike.

Celestia smiled thankfully at them both. “All right, stand together ponies.” The ponies did as they were told, and she magically transferred every bit of energy she could spare to them all, restoring their powers to near full, but as expected, Celestia nearly collapsed from exhaustion.

Cadance caught her.

“Mother!” cried Castor.

“I’m… alright.” Celestia groaned softly “Really, I’m fine. I just need to rest.”

Her children vowed to stay and protect her as well, and the others all exchanged looks of determination, and they all leapt out of the trench, onto the main ground. “Hey!” shouted Lightning.

At once, the Dark King turned and saw them all standing there. He could see for himself that their power had been restored, and he laughed. “You are far more resourceful than I ever thought, but if you are still confident you can win, you are more foolish than you are courageous.”

“You just never get tired of being wrong.” said Lightning “Go guys!”

The others all transformed into their battle suits, except for Lightning, as he needed to conserve power. “All right, you all know what to do?” Lightning asked.

“YES SIR!” everyone hollered.

“Let’s do it!” shouted Lightning, and everyone scattered about.

“Insignificant creatures!” the Dark King growled, and he swung his enormous arms. The friends could hardly duck down to avoid them. Next, the Dark King fired two gigantic red beams from his monstrous eyes and out from the palms of his hands. The beams trailed all along the ground.

The beams were so big and moving so fast, they were even harder to avoid. Several of the friends got hit, and suffered a huge deal of damage, but they knew they had to keep trying.

Many of the ponies tried to avoid the beams by taking to the skies, but the swirling darkness and occasional lightning bolts made it nearly impossible to concentrate. Many of them got hit and nearly tumbled out of control, and those that didn’t fired their powers at the Dark King, preferably at his eyes, which of course did nothing at all to him.

“Fools!” he shouted at them, and he then controlled the sky darkness to shoot them all down.

The friends in the trench saw everything. “They’re getting creamed out there!” cried Spike. He was very tempted to go out there and help them, but Cadance held him back and shook her head at him.

The royal twins were just as worried, and didn’t know how much longer they could wait, especially keeping in mind that the potion they gave the others wouldn’t last too long.

Lightning got hit, but still made no attempt to transform or attack back. “Come on, use your absorption power!” he groaned softly to himself.

The Dark King glared at Lightning “What’s wrong, little pony? You haven’t transformed yet, so perhaps you’ve come to your senses.”

Lightning didn’t respond to that and just glared angrily at him.

“No? Well, perhaps I can persuade you.” he fired a blast at Lightning; he dodged it, just barely, but the blast continued on until it hit near the trench where the others were hiding, sending rocks falling all over them. They tried their hardest not to yelp so loud, but the Dark King could hear them.

“So, that is where you’ve been hiding.” he then used hi magic to blast away the rock, exposing the hidden party.

“No!” shouted Lightning.

“I told you, you cannot escape your fate!” he charged up to strike at them again, but Cadance quickly used her ninja powers to whisk them all away in a puff of smoke. “Where’d they go?” cried Starla.

The Dark King growled and gazed all around him. Finally, he unleashed a power wave of darkness that spread across the land, blowing all the other ponies down again, and forcing their friends out of hiding. “As I was saying; you cannot escape your fate. Here in the darkness, I rule all. You can never hide from me. Why not make it easier and accept the inevitable?”

“Because, we believe!” snapped Lightning. “We believe that no matter how much the odds are against us, we can win!”

Starla stood by her husband’s side and agreed with him completely. “You may have conquered nearly every inch of this universe, and you claim the dark is completely invincible, but as long as there remains hope, and a speck of light, the dark will never rule over all.”

Every single pony and Spike agreed.

“Very charming and very ineffectual….” the Dark King sneered “…But actions will always speak greater than words, and my actions are about to silence you and the last of the light forever!” At that instant, he fired a single shot from his eyes at Lightning and Starla. They dodged it, but the ray ricocheted off the ground and headed straight for Castor… zapping him clean through the heart!

Everyone gasped and some of the girls shrieked as Castor fell to his death on the ground, exploding in a ball of flames, leaving behind only his charred robe, and a few feathers “BROTHER!!!” Leilani screamed as she dashed to her brother’s remains, but there was definitely no hope. She fell to her knees, letting her tears fall to the ground.

The other ponies were devastated beyond belief, but easily none were as hurt as Celestia. Her eyes bulged open really wide as her body shook with fury, sadness, and an extreme blow to her heart. “No! My only son…!” she peeped. Then she let out a ferocious scream and charged straight for the Dark King.

“No! Don’t…!” screamed Rarity

“Lycanroc!”, but Celestia was so furious she almost didn’t care. “YOU!!” she shouted as she summoned up all the magic she unleash and fired it straight at the Dark King, but naturally it was nowhere near as strong as the blast he fired in response, hitting her really hard and causing her to drop down. “She’s falling!” cried Fluttershy.

Spike and Rarity quickly flew up and grabbed her, but the Dark King zapped them all again, and they all crashed to the ground. “Dios Mio!” cried the Spanish twins, as they and everyone ran over to their fallen friends.

Spike and Rarity weren’t as hurt as Celestia was, she looked all bruised and battered, her clothes were tattered, and her crown was dented. Her vital signs were low, but she was still alive.

“Mother!” cried Leilani “No, please! I can’t lose you too!”

Celestia’s vital signs began to drop more, along with everyone else’s. “Oh, no!” cried Buddy Rose as he felt weaker. “I think the potion’s worn off.”

“I feel… heavy like a rock.” groaned Artie

The Dark King laughed at this painful moment “If you can no longer stand the pain, then allow me… to put you out of your misery!”

“LOOK OUT!!” shouted Spike, but suddenly they were all teleported by a bright light to another section of the field, causing the blast to miss.

“What?!” snarled the Dark King, followed by a battle brigade of many ponies yelling “CHARGE!!” as they came rushing across the field, at the head of the team were many of the ponies’ future selves, including Cadance, and future Princess Luna.

The friends then gazed up and realized who saved him. It was Grand Ruler, or rather his future self. There could be no mistake. He gazed proudly down at them all and nodded, and his eyes fell upon Celestia, and then used his advanced magic to revive her and the rest of the team back to full power.

Celestia felt perfect now, but it felt somewhat strange as she gazed back at the future version of her husband, but now was no time to talk or have heartwarming moments. Grand Ruler stood and gazed back at the Dark King

“So, you finally decide to come out from hiding.” the Dark King hissed.

Future Grand Ruler clenched his fists furiously “How could we not?” he sneered deeply “For many dark moons, we have suffered from your wrath and darkness. We’ve seen you destroy many races, and conquer worlds as the light faded away… but now… You destroy my son… AND YOU WILL PAY FOR IT!! HE WILL BE AVENGED!!”

The entire army thundered in determination, and the friends got to their feet and agreed.

“I’ve had just about enough of all this!” the Dark King shouted. The darkness all around him began to go crazy and wild. “It is time for me to do that which I should have long ago!!”

“We won’t allow you to do so!” shouted Lightning, and all his friends stood by his side. Lightning finally decided to transform, and he went Enticorn, right in front of everyone. The future ponies gazed in awe at the sight of him.

He then thought back to everyone and everything he was fighting for, and those he had fought for who were no longer physically with him; namely his family, Twilight, and now Castor… who fought valiantly to ensure that he and his friends would live a better life… once the darkness was silenced! “And now-- past, present and future alike-- In the name of all those we are sworn to protect, determined to avenge… WE FIGHT TO THE END!!”

The army hollered together in full agreement, but the Dark King was not impressed, and prepared to blast everyone with his strong magic, but this time, due to their being so many ponies on call, many of the groups were able to conjure magical blasts large enough to actually counter the darkness.

Lightning’s friends were then aided by their future selves. They all found it very awkward yet somewhat exciting to be with their own selves. The two Raritys couldn’t stop complementing one another, but they were both snapped back into concentration by the others.

The Dark King continued to unleash his darkness, while the army counter back with their power. The fight actually seemed equal, until the Dark King decided… “I will not stand for this, I need more darkness!”

The planet, the galaxy, practically nearly every inch of the universe was coated in his darkness, which he began to absorb, causing his body to expand slowly, and immensely increase his power.

Many of the ponies began to panic, fearing their powers wouldn’t be able to hold out any longer, but Lightning saw this as his chance. “This is it! I’m going in!” All his friends nodded at him, wishing him good luck. He then cast one last look at Starla, and her future self who gazed back at him with deep love in her eyes, having not seen her husband in ages since he died.

Then Lightning flew up, up, way up towards the dark energy swirls, and coated himself in the light energy around his body, and it worked as he got sucked into the darkness, straight into the Dark King himself.

Inside the Dark King himself, it was exactly as Lightning expected, all dark, extremely dark, mixed with cosmic forces and lightning bolts. “Okay, I’ve got to find the area where the heart would be.” So he flew off, not really knowing what direction he was going and just relying on common sense from his entry point. Alas, it was no use, it was too dark, too dangerous, and very confusion to find anything… not even which way was up and which way was down.

The Dark King, well aware of Lightning’s intrusion, remained unfazed by this. “You don’t seriously expect your little scheme to work, do you?” he hissed, and the magic inside him began to go crazy, shooting at Lightning from many angles, forcing him to swerve and dodge, but he got hit several times.

“Lightning!” the two Starlas cried out.

The Dark King glared at all the ponies surrounding him. “Your plan was futile from the very start, as well as your hopes and faith. Now your friend will pay the price. Soon, my inner energies will consume him completely, and he shall be gone forever!”

The ponies all whimpered in worry.

“As for all of you, I am about ensuring you will be there to greet him on the other side!”

“That is not going to happen!” Future Grand Ruler shouted.

“I beg to differ!” the Dark King yelled, and just his thunderous voice alone made the ground tremble and quake, and the lightning from the skies went crazy that they struck the ground, killing a few of the future soldiers, and wounding many others, even some of the future friends.

“Are you okay?

Can you hear what I say?” cried Rhymey and he helped his future-self get up.

“I am alright, but what can we do?

There has to be a way for us to pull through.”

“He’s right…” said Future Fluttershy “There must be a way to help Lightning find the Dark King’s soft spot.” She sounded much braver than her past self, to which Fluttershy admired, and she actually had an idea “Maybe we can send Lightning a message, or guide him?”

Everyone took an immediate shine to the idea. “You’re a genius.” said Applejack. “Ride on, girl.” agreed her future-self.

Fluttershy blushed softly.

“Wait, how are we going to pull this off?” asked Pinkie Pie. Her future-self scratched her head “I don’t know, but we better think fast. I don’t know how much longer Lightning can last in there.”

Lightning continued to swerve and dodge the bolts and energies that shot at him, and he was getting a little tired. “That’s it…” he growled “Let’s match power with power!” and he summoned up a small burst of his power and fired a large blast back at the energies, shoving them back, and resulting in a large, bright explosion… which the Dark King only slightly felt.

“Hey, look at that!” cried Dyno. Everyone looked up and saw a very small but clear speck of light flashing on the Dark King’s massive chest. “Lightning, it has to be him.” said Myte.

The future twins agreed, and suddenly cried “ESSO ES!” They had an idea, which everyone could sense immediately; to guide Lightning to soft spot of the Dark King by shining light in the area.

“It is very risky.” said Princess Luna “But I believe it is our only chance.”

“SILENCE!!” the Dark King shouted, and he fired more darkness everywhere, wounding more ponies, and a couple more soldiers were killed in the line of fire. “How quickly we forget, your power is nothing compared to mine. Allow me to show you!”

He prepared to fire an ultra-force, which would be sure to destroy everyone in one thunderous blast, when suddenly he winced. “What… what is this?!” he groaned as he felt very strange.

“What’s happening to him?” asked Buddy Rose. “It looks like he’s getting weak.” said his future self. No one could understand what was happening, until Ninja Cadance gazed up at the skies, and then she motioned to her future self to look up. Future Cadance looked up and cried “Up there!”

Everyone gazed up, and could see the Grand Ruler Celesto, the real one from the past. “Greetings, Dark King. I have returned.” he said.

“Of course!” cried Future Grand Ruler “Since I played a vital role in the creation of the Dark King, by removing myself from the past, the future is shifting and the Dark King is getting weaker.”

The Dark King tried to send Grand Ruler back to the past, but this time magic didn’t work. “What’s this?!” the Dark King snarled. Grand Ruler smirked at him and revealed that after returning to the future, he had taken a special pill developed by Professor Brain in the past, making him impervious to time magic. It would wear off soon.

“This cannot be!” The Dark King shouted.

Grand Ruler landed by his future-self. “Oh, but it is. And now it is finally time for you to see the light!” The two rulers gazed at each other and nodded, and held hands. Their golden horns began to glow brightly, and fired the most powerful beam of Uniforce they could throw directly at the Dark King’s chest. Not only did it actually damage him, due to his weakening state, but Lightning could see the glow from where he was inside…

“Hey, what’s that?” he wondered, and suddenly he could hear his master calling out to him. “Lightning, if you can hear this; go to the light! Go to the light!”

Lightning, trusting in his mentor’s words, headed straight to the area where the light was, and suddenly he found what he was looking for. There, before him, in place of an actual heart, was a large swirling orb of pure dark energy where all the lightning and forces were emitting from.

This was it, the one weak point.

Even still, the Dark King was not willing to let this happen. “I must… absorb… more darkness!” he growled softly, and he began to do just so, increasing his power and strength again.

“Oh, no…! He’s growing!” cried Artie.

“We’ve got to finish him off, now while we have the chance!” added his future self.

Everyone agreed, and Rarity reminded everyone, “We have to strike the core both inside and outside at the same time.”

Her future-self nodded “It won’t be easy, but at this point we haven’t much to lose-- apart from our lives.”

“Oh, that’s comforting.” Rainbow sneered, but her future-self looked pumped up and ready. “Let’s put this big bully down once and for all.”

Everyone agreed, and the present friends transformed again.

“MEGA MODE ACTIVATE!!”

“VALKYRIA!!”

The future ponies awed in amazement at how their former selves looked. Then, everyone stood ready. Lightning could sense they were ready, and he prepared to fire.

“No!!” The Dark King shouted, and he continued to absorb more darkness into him, causing his inner energies to go wild and blast at Lightning really hard, throwing him off. “No, Lightning!” screamed Starla. “Come on, be strong! Fight it!” cried Future Starla.

As if that weren’t enough, the darkness in the skies went just as crazy and began to shoot bolts, and waves at everyone deadlier than ever, and throwing them off balance. “It’s no good! The Dark King is still too strong!” cried Leilani “He gets stronger faster than he weakens! The darkness just keeps giving him more power.”

This really seemed it! Nobody had any plans or ideas, and the darkness continued to grow stronger as the Dark King gained more power. Inside him, Lightning was really starting to lose his edge as he got hit more times than he was able to dodge.

“YOU ARE DOOMED!!” the Dark King shouted, and more darkness rained down on everyone. One lightning bolt headed to Future Rarity but Sapphire stepped in front and took the bolt right to the chest!

“Sapphire!” Spike cried. Sapphire grunted and but she was still standing. Mako, Sienna, Kudos, her pokemon and Snowflake came to her side. Her element and horn glowed brightly. “What?” Dark King asked.

“I’ve had enough of you, Dark King!” Sapphire exclaimed in anger.

“Me too!” and that’s when Future Sapphire came down from the skies. She looked similar except she had Light Fury wings instead of Alicorn wings. The two Sapphire’s, Sienna, Mako, Snowflake, Lycanroc, Noctowl, Ampharos and Kudos walked up with the two. The Dark King growled and fired at the Sapphire’s but they deflected it with their horns. “You may knock us down but as long as we’re together, we’ll never stop trying to defeat you!” Future Sapphire said. The Dark King unleashed a stop magical beam and the Two Sapphire’s countered it, grunting and Sienna joined hands with Sapphire, “For our friends.” Mako joined hands with Future Sapphire, “For our families!” Lycanroc and Noctowl joined paw and wing with Sienna and Mako and Kudos held Lycanroc’s paw. “For our home!”

“For United Equestria!” the two Sapphire’s declared. Snowflake and Ampahors completed the circle and the friends all floated in the air surrounded in a bubble with the Elements of Harmony’s magic.

“Holy!” the two Pinkie exclaimed.

“Amazing!” Applejack exclaimed.

“That's our girl!” the Future Rainbow said.

"Show him whose boss!" Rainbow added. The Dark King fired his dark magic but it had no affect. “No this can’t be possible. You’re magic can’t defeat mine!”

“You can’t destroy our friendship, Dark King.” Sapphire declared.

“Because we all know for sure…” Future Sapphire said.

“Friendship is Magic!” They all closed their eyes and the Dark King fired at the bubble, but it’s magic was unaffected. The two Sapphires and the gang opened their eyes and the Harmony Bubble explained. “IMPOSSIBLE!! I CAN’T LOSE… NOT TO THE LIGHT!!!” his last words echoed as a huge burst of light erupted, so brightly everyone hit the dirt and covered their eyes.

The light spread all across the planet, and proceeded to spread all over the universe, dispelling the evil darkness, and ending the age of terror the Dark King had ruled!

After all had settled down, all the ponies began to awaken. Also to find they were no longer in the future. Leilani was the first to awaken, and used her magic to transport everyone and their future selves back to the past.

“What happened?” asked Lightning.

“It’s alright…” said Leilani “You’re all home now.”

Everyone came to their senses, and realized they were home in their own time. No more darkness, no more monsters. “Sapphire? Where is she?” cried Rarity. Future Sapphire was present but, Present Day Sapphire was not where to be seen. “Where’d she go?” Spike asked.

Sapphire awoke and found herself in a starry area with white stars all around. It was the same place where they met the future twins. “Why am I here again?” she asked herself. That’s when Astral Twilight came into view. “Congratulations Sapphire, I knew you could do it.”

“Astral Twilight? I don’t understand what did I do?”

“You something today that’s never been done before. Something that ever a great unicorn like Starswirl the Bearded was not able to do because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you’ve learned here in United Equestria have taught you well… you have proven you are ready Sapphire.” Astral Twilight walked away and Sapphire followed, “Ready? Ready for what?”

You’ve come such a long long way

And I’ve watched you from that very first day

To see how you might grow

To see what you might do

To see what you've been through

And all the ways you've made me proud of you

It's time now for a new change to come

You've grown up and your new life has begun

To go where you will go

To see what you will see

To find what you will be

For it’s time for you to fulfill your destiny

A small orb of magic appeared in front of Sapphire and circled her, lifting her into the air and engulfing her in it’s magic. The light was bright and it shined in United Equestria. “Look!” Spike cried. The ball of light floated down and everyone could see a silhouette in it. “Sapphire, is that you?” Applejack asked.

Sapphire got up and revealed her new Light Fury wings. Everyone gasped in shock. “Y-You got your dragon wings.” Applejack stammered. “Just like your future self.”

“She’s earned it.” a voice said and that’s when Xerneas appeared. “Xerneas.” Sapphire gasped. “You both have done very well, my students.” Xerneas praised. “I am very proud of you both.”

“The two Sapphire’s smiled. “And there is one more thing I need to fix.” Xerneas said. Future Sapphire’s Lycanroc, Ampahros and Noctowl appeared. Beside Xerneas. “The friends we lost.” Future Sapphire said.

“The friends you have lost have been with you all along.” Xerneas said. Everyone looked confused. And Xerneas showed them all.

When, Lightning, Shining Armor and Kyrsta died in battle and when Celestia died of her illness, Future Sapphire’s pokemon was with them and so was Xerneas. “These pokemon have offered their bodies to save your minds. With the sun’s return I can repair the ponies and fairy. Your memory will be gone but your heart will know who you are. Return with the sun’s.” Xerneas sent a beam of magic at them and the pokemon cried out softly.

The vision ended and the future ponies looked at Future Lycanroc, Ampahros and Noctowl, whose bodies glowed brightly and in an instant. Future Celestia, Lightning, Shining Armor and Kysrta were next to them. Future Starla and Future Grand Ruler were astounded. Future Starla collided with her husband in totally joy as Grand Ruler did with his wife and nephew-in-law. Krysta fluttered over and hugged Starla’s face.

The Present gang were amazed and very happy for their future counterparts. “Thank you Xerneas.” Future Sapphire said. Xerneas nodded, “Where ever you need me, just give me a summons.” With that, Xerneas leaped gracefully away in the forest.

“Hey!” called a voice. Everyone could see Krysta, Shining Armor and Princess Luna, with the babies coming to greet everyone. Princess Luna felt strange seeing her future self, but it was a joy that everyone was back and well. Especially for Shining Armor “Does this mean I have two wives now?” he joked.

“I don’t know…” said Lightning as he gazed at the two Starlas “It feels weird though.”

“Not that weird.” the real Starla said. Her future self agreed, “Technically it's not cheating.”

“It’s cheating!” the two Sapphire’s said.

“Shut up!”

The two Sapphire’s blew a raspberry.

Celestia felt especially strange, now that she technically had two husbands. Still, Future Grand Ruler couldn’t have been more thankful. “Your efforts and courage helped destroy the Dark King, and his evil will never again terrorize the world.”

The real Grand Ruler agreed with his other self. “Light and Darkness are two sides of the same coin. Both are constantly at struggle and battle, yet one cannot exist without the other. No matter how strong one force may seem to be, there will always be some form of the other force there waiting to strike back.” He gazed at all his friends, subjects, and future friends “We must all continue, however on the one path that is best for all.”

Everyone agreed, and then it was time to say goodbye to the future friends. “Do you really have to leave?” asked Buddy Rose “We can’t stay. We don’t belong here in this age.” replied his future self.

Future Starla gazed at all the others “The future has been saved, but now history will change, and travel to a new course.”

The ponies then gazed at the children, preferably at Castor. It was now most comforting to know that Castor would live again. “Alas…” said Future Leilani “We will live, but we shan’t remember any of this, because it never would have happened.”

Lightning approached her “Maybe that won’t be such a bad thing for you.” he said “Your life may not turn out so tragic like it did. Just look at us…” He referred to how they were now all much stronger and much wiser than ever. These things would not disappear with the time change.

Leilani smiled and said “Thank you.”

Then, gazing down at her baby self, she softly touched her finger to the baby’s head. At once, her body disappeared into the baby’s body in a sparkling glow. Many of the other ponies touched their past counterparts and disappeared too,

The space ponies would keep their enhanced strengths, but the Mega Mode Powers disappeared and were no longer functional. The powers did not truly exist yet in the current time, nor had they proper technology or magic resources to manufacture them. Then again, now Sapphire and her friends had a new power.

...The Mega Mode Powers was a sacrifice they were all willing to give up.

The war was over, and once again the planet was at peace… for now!

Episode 1: New Threat

Three months had passed since the defeat of King Sombra.

As the night continued, the dark stranger was relaxing in a tall tree after having explored more of the planet. “Humph! This planet is more pitiful than I thought.” he said to himself “Conquering this world will be like taking candy from a baby.” He reached into his belt and pulled out a single black card. On the back was a mark, the same marking on his forehead. On the front was a beautiful artwork picture of a kind of tiger-creature, with spikes on its back and fiery flame designs as stripes on its fur.

The dude glared and snickered wickedly at the card while his eyes flickered with a red glow.

The next morning, all the ponies and other creatures were out doing their daily routines, while all the pony friends gathered outside the Cake’s safe at their usual tables for breakfast.

Sapphire, Lightning and Starla were the last ones to arrive, and the gang could tell they were coming by the way other ponies would stop and gaze up as Sapphire came, dressed in her royal gown wearing her crown.

“It’s her.”

“Oh, she is so pretty.”

Some of the stallions would have approached her but Snowflake and Lycanroc blocked them giving them the ‘Nice try’ expressions and they gave up.

Whispers were exchanged back and forth as Princess Sapphire passed them. Two little colts came up to her and asked for his autograph, and Sapphire was only too obliged to give it to them. The two little colts salute to her and she saluted and smiled at them.

“Well, look who’s Ms. Princess Popular.” Buddy Rose teased and Sapphire blushed in embarrassment.

The others couldn’t help notice she seemed a little edgy. “Sapphire, are you okay?” Artie asked. Sapphire gazed over at him “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired, that’s all. I was up late.”

The friends knew that Sapphire’s promotion to Princess would gave her extra duties…. which was ironic since she never did any duties before. Either way it sure took her awhile to get used to it all… especially, “Guys you don’t have to call me Princess.”

“Why do you protest so? You’ve already given up wearing your crown all the time the least you can do is embrace your new title.” Rarity said.

“If other ponies want to call me that, I guess it’s okay, but not my friends.. It just doesn’t feel right.” Sapphire said. The others could figure out the reason why. For months before, Sapphire had been a follower of Lightning and the team. Following their rules and their leads in battle. Now she was a Princess, so she had to be a true leader now… not very easy for her since she’s mostly been a follower. “Don’t worry Sugarcube, you’ll be a great Princess.”

So far all had been rather calm the past three months. No serious threats or dangers had occurred, nothing more than simple petty crooks being caught and arrested, and domestic disturbances here and there. Yet, Starfleet remained on constant and continuous alert for anything to happen at all!

Suddenly there was a loud sound heard off in the distance, followed by a flock of birds flying away in panic and a stampede of frightened ponies running from the direction of the sound. The alarms went off and all the civilians began to run for shelter before the force fields were raised.

Lightning grabbed his cap he said “Let’s check it out.” And he and the others all flew off towards the area-- Rarity carried Spike in her arms.

Soon they arrived at the area, but to a terrible sight that turned their bloods cold.

“Galloping galaxies…!” Lightning exclaimed.

“What in the name of bad apples…!” peeped Applejack.

“It… can’t be!” cried Rarity.

The others were all just as shocked. The force fields were still up, but the buildings that were shielded had been completely demolished. The houses and stores looked as if they had been ripped apart and burned by fire, and these were definitely not done domestic accidents, there was proof as there were large footprints in the ground, and soft craters made by something obviously strong.

“The force fields didn’t protect the buildings-- It’s impossible!” cried Krysta. The others all inspected the damages, and remembering the stampede, the civilians had fled the area-- the force fields only stopped things from coming in, not going out, but still it was a baffling mystery.

The footprints were also a mystery. Even Fluttershy couldn’t identify them, or the space alicorns, but it was deduced that it was something that walked on all-fours and defiantly ferocious. “Even dragons don’t make these kinds of prints.” said Spike.

Suddenly, they all heard a groaning sound, and they could see one pony under a mound of rubble outside, in a bad way. The teams cleared the wreckages away. “Are you alright?” cried Fluttershy.

“Of course he’s not all right, Fluttershy.” snapped Rainbow.

Sapphire approached the hurt pony, who softly gazed up at him “Princess… Sapphire. Thank the galaxy, it’s you!”

“Please, can you tell me what happened here?” asked Sapphire.

The pony looked really pale, either from his injuries or from his state of shock. “I don’t know… it all happened… so… so fast. We heard the alarms, we all rush in and the shields came up. Then… all of suddenly, something hit the house, it was like a huge cannonball. The shields didn’t protect us. Everyone panicked, and we all ran out, but, there was a big explosion on this side of the house, all that rubble fell on me, and… and then… I… I saw it, at least part of it.”

“Saw what, what did you see?” asked Starla.

The pony was shaking so hard and tears of fear came to his eyes. “It was… big. It was sniffing around, growling, and I heard smash the other buildings… I Thought I was a goner!” He broke down and softly cried.

Lightning told Krysta to warp the poor pony to the hospital while they would stay behind. Krysta agreed, and warped herself and the pony away.

No sooner had they gone did the gang all hear the sound of a faint growl. “What was that?” asked Artie.

Fluttershy felt her nerves starting to go crazy, but Rhymey held her hand trying to keep her calm as the growling continued. Then it stopped, and everyone turned round hard, and saw a large tiger-creature that roared loudly at them.

Rarity screamed!!

Fluttershy could hardly bring herself to scream, and the others all winced in shock. “I think it’s time to work!” said Spike.

Lightning nodded and the two teams stood ready. First Lightning’s team transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

Then the girls…

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

Then finally Spike…

“Dragon Power”

Once all transformed, they all started the tiger down, and the tiger gazed back at them growling angrily. While that dark stranger was levitating up high in the sky where he couldn’t be seen from the ground and saw everything. “You’ll soon find this battle won’t be like any other, Starfleet.” he said softly to himself “When Flame-Stripes destroys you we’ll be one step closer to fulfilling our destiny of darkness.”

The ponies tried to scan Stripes with their visors, but the results turned out “Creature: Unknown. No Available Data.”

“What, No data?” snapped Lightning.

“Let’s try and scan for his strengths.” suggested Buddy Rose. Everyone tried just that, but for some strange reason the monster managed to actually repel the scanning so everyone only scanned each other’s strengths. “What’s going on?” asked Pinkie.

“Probably a malfunction in the visors.” said Rainbow.

“No, they’re working perfectly.” said Starla “Something’s repelling our scans.”

The dark stranger chuckled softly, “Silly ponies, not only is your society hopelessly antiquated, but your technology is just as worthless.”

Stripes roared fiercely, and the ponies decided to fight. “Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and they all charged at Stripes, but the monster just curled up into a ball and leapt way up high, almost out of sight, much to everyone’s confusion. “He’s gone!” cried Rarity. “Where’d he go?” asked Spike.

Suddenly, Applejack looked up. “LOOK OUT!!” she screamed as Stripes slammed hard on the ground, barely missing the ponies, but then he began to roll about super-fast and crazy, hitting everyone super hard and dealing their super-suits more than fifty percent of damage.

“URGH…! Esto es una locura! What’s with this thing?” growled Dyno. His brother Myte struggled to get up “Just one hit and I feel woozy already.”

Even Lightning felt the incredible strength of the beast and kept wondering “What kind of creature is this? It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen or heard of before.”

“Let’s try and charge him all at once.” suggested Spike.

“It’s worth a shot,

Let’s give it what we’ve got.” agreed Rhymey.

Everyone charged forth, and Stripes began to bash them all away by swinging his claws, and his tail, dealing more damage to everyone’s suits. They wouldn’t last much longer. “Here I come!” shouted Rainbow as she dashed forth to smash into Stripes, but Stripes glared at her and shouted “FIRE BOUQUET” firing a stream of fire from his mouth straight at Rainbow, engulfing her in power flames. “YEOW!!” she cried as the flames surrounded her like a cage, slowly damaging her more, she managed to leapt up and out of the flames. “Sure, he just has to breathe fire too.” she groaned.

Rarity charged forth with her horn glowing brightly, and she fired a powerful magic burst, but Stripes barely got fazed, and turned and growled at her. Rarity giggled nervously and began to flying the other way with the angry tiger chasing her. “HELP!!” she screamed.

“Rarity!” cried Spike as he saw her get back up against a demolished house, and Stripe clawed and swiped to get at her.

“DRAGON KNIGHT SABER” Spike drew out his sword and dashed towards Stripes. “LEAVE HER ALONE!!” and he drove his sword right into the tiger’s backside, giving it a huge gash. The monster roared and turned swiftly to face Spike and began to chase him around.

Spike skidded to a halt and then turned with his blade at the ready and Stripes skilled to a halt. Both of them went at each other hard, but Spike got his sword knocked away. “I’m not beaten yet...

DRAGON FLARE”

Stripes eyes narrowed, “FIRE BREATH”

The two fiery forces collided. “Spike…!” Rarity cried, but she watched as Spike’s flames were forced back hard by the opposing flames, hitting him with a huge explosion that threw him off his feet. Everyone gasped in horror, and Spike lay on the ground, in his normal forum after his power had completely drained out. He tried to move, but was really sore and exhausted.

The monsters looked ready to devour the defenseless dragon when Rarity dashed over and scooped him up in her arms. “No one hurts my Spikey-Wikey!”

Lightning’s team got out their weapons, and tried their attacks, but Stripes dodged most of the attacks, and those that actually hit him barely scratched him, but did make him angry! “I don’t believe this!” cried Lightning “We’re hitting him with everything we’ve got, but it’s not working!”

The battle continued, and more of the fighters got bashed and burned, and their suits powered down leaving them weak and sore just like Spike, while Stripes hard hardly suffered much at all. “That’s it, time to turn up the heat!” Lightning snarled, and he charged up to fire the uniforce. Despite the sickening feeling he had, he had to try it.

“UNIFORCE”

The great power struck the beast hard, consuming him in its blinding glow, and when the glow had faded, much to Lightning and everyone else’s horrors; Stripes was still standing, though covered in soot, he shook himself clean. “Even the uniforce doesn’t work?!” cried Pinkie

“That was expected…” said Dyno.

“Si, the force fields, they’re conjured up the Grand Ruler’s uniforce magic.” added Myte.

“What do we do now?” cried Fluttershy.

Strips curled up in a ball again and did his rollout attacking bashing everyone down. All their suits had powered down. Then he breathed more of his fire at them, hurting them further. While up above the dark stranger was laughing with glee. “Oh, if only this weren’t so entertaining I’d go down there and finish them all myself right now.”

Stripes kept attacking so mercilessly that Sapphire couldn’t stand the sight of it all. “Alright then… time for the big guns.” Sapphire rushed over and leaped into the mid and in mid-air she glowed and she changed into a large tiger. The same size as Stripes. She landed in front of the injured friends and roared at Stripes. “What?!” the dark stranger exclaimed. Stripes and Sapphire growled and Sapphire charged Stripes and the two engaged in a tiger vs tiger fight. Sapphire bit Stripes on the neck and Stripes clawed Sapphire in the face, leaving three scratch marks on her face, but she wasn’t giving up.

The two collided once more and Sapphire forced Stripes to the ground and bit him on the back. Stripes roared and tackled Sapphire, but Sapphire threw him off and he skidded along the ground.

Sapphire roared again. “Hmm.. interesting.” the dark stranger said. Stripes charged again and so did Sapphire. They both leaped into the air with their claws ready for the final strike. They collided and landed on either side….

… until….

Stripes collapsed on the ground with a grunt. The dark stranger gasped while Lightning and other cheered. “Atta girl!” Applejack exclaimed.

Sapphire turned to Stripes and growled. She formed and large ball made with her Element of Harmonys’ magic and launched it at Stripes. The magic consumed the tiger and destroyed it as well. “She did it!” Spikes exclaimed proudly. The others watched in astonishment, and then saw something mysterious. When the smoke had cleared and the brightness faded, they could all see something small spinning in the air and then falling to the ground.

“…A card?” said Rarity.

That’s when the picture of the tiger faded away leaving the card blank. The dark stranger was baffled. “I don’t believe it. It’s not possible!” he cried. Then the mark on his head began to glow red. It was a signal telling him to return from whence he came. “Oh, no, this won’t be good.” the stranger said as he vanished and was gone.

While down below, Sapphire suddenly collapsed on the ground and changed back into herself. “Sapphire!” Lightning cried. He and the others rushed over to their Princess. She had lots of bite marks and scratches on her face and body and her gown was torn a little as well. “Let’s get her to New Canterlot.” Lightning snapped. The others agreed and Starla picked up Sapphire and they all rushed to New Canterlot.

They were all very concerned about the monster and all that had happened.

They had a feeling that this was just the first signs that once again the planet was going to plunged into war against a brand new enemy.

Episode 6: A Broken Artwork

The worldwide Earth Pony scanning was conducted. The planet was made aware prior to the first search, and everyone complied allowing Starfleet to visit each home, and scan every single Earth Pony with their visors and magic-detectors.

The Phantom of Magic used modern magic that couldn’t hide from detection. So far, not a single Earth Pony was detected to have any magic of any kind. They were simply scanned, and it was over just like that. “Thank you for your time.” the officers would say. The ponies didn’t mind a bit. They felt they were practically helping Starfleet out...

The more ponies that checked out clean, meant they were getting closer to the phantom… they hoped!

Teams were even sent to visit other planets to help further the search, in case if the phantom’s hideout was not on United Equestria. One of those planets was Monotane, a planet inhabited by prestigious rich creatures, and even ponies, including ones originally from Unicornicopia.

It was protected by a small Starfleet outpost, but they required a little extra help to scan all the Earth Ponies on the planet. So Lightning and a few of the others came to help out. Rarity was ever-so exciting to be visiting a planet where the rich and the proud did dwell, but Spike felt a little insignificant in going.

“Oh, really Spike.” said Rarity “If anyone asked you’ll be… my servant-boy.”

“Rarity!” snapped Starla.

“No, it’s okay, Starla.” said Spike. He gazed up at Rarity almost lovingly “I wouldn’t mind being Rarity’s servant.”

Rarity smiled down at him, and Spike looked away feeling all shy. Starla and Lightning gazed at each other and playfully rolled their eyes, knowing how shy Spike still was about his song, but that wasn’t important to think about now. Sapphire wanted to come along with Lycanroc and Ampharos as well.

Artie was with them as well, but he didn’t seem very thrilled about coming to Monotane. When asked why, he didn’t seem to be up to talking about it. “You know, if you’re not feeling up to it, you can go back if you want.” Lightning offered.

“No, no…” Artie simply said “I’m going to carry out my duties and put personal feelings aside. It’s what makes a good officer.”

The others could really sense something bothering him now, and whatever it was, they were sure to find out.

They arrived on the planet, and Rarity’s eyes glistened at the stunning beauty; so many mansions, prestigious hotels and classy clubs. “Only a small portion of this place puts New Canterlot to shame!” she cried.

She was so enraptured, she almost drooled with envy. Sapphire felt totally out of place with this setting, but Lycanroc and Ampahors reassured her. Lightning then reminded Rarity, “Keep in mind, we are here on reconnaissance mission.”

Rarity never thought it so hard to keep her mind focused. Nevertheless, they rendezvoused with the Starfleet outpost, and then everyone set to work. They set up several small posts and all the Earth Ponies were to line up and take turns being scanned and checked clean.

Spike got to work with Rarity, while she scanned the ponies, he would check them off the list. Rarity found it hard to concentrate as she couldn’t stop admiring the sights of the wonderful buildings, not to mention how lovely and dressed the ponies looked. She had so many ideas for new fashion trends.

Spike checked off the list as she ponies were cleared. It made him happy to help her, but a little sad as well. It reminded him of the many times he would checklists for Twilight.

A small tear fell onto the clipboard.

“Spike, are you alright?” asked Rarity.

Spike wiped his eyes clean. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

The checkouts went smoothly, and all the Earth Ponies checked out clean. Most of them were very cooperative, but some acted rather pompous and rude towards it all.

“This is most outrageous!” a lady complained “Scanning us like we’re products, and suspecting us like criminals.”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but we have our orders, and under the terms of Starfleet derestriction in his guardant, you must comply.” Lightning said. Starla nodded and said “We are searching for an evil pony that is terrorizing others, and this may be our own lead to tracking him down. Refusal to comply with our terms may result in further suspicion and interrogation under close arrest.”

The lady was forced to comply and be scanned. She checked out clean.

Another pompous pony rudely said “I have no clue as to why you Starfleet personnel think you have to rights to invade our privacy like this.”

Starla glared at him angrily, but softly said “We sent the message in advanced sir. This is not peering into your private lives, but if you have any other suggestions, we’re all ears.”

The stallion had no other ideas, and just got on with his checkout.

Soon, all the ponies had been checked out, and they all checked clean. “I never knew so many ponies could be so ignorant and rude.” said Spike. Sapphire rolled her eyes, “Rich pony problem.” she grumbled. Lycanroc and Ampharos nodded in agreement. Rarity would have protested, but she agreed with him. “If were one of them, I would gladly have taken my time to help others do their job.”

Lightning and Starla giggled softly.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, come on, Rarity. When you were first in training, you acted just as they did.” said Lightning.

Rarity blushed in embarrassment, remembering all the times she whined and complained about the training being too tough and too dirty for her to handle. “Yes, well, I learned, and I became better since then.”

“Oh, is that why you just stepped in mud?” Starla teased.

“What…?! Mud?!” cried Rarity, and she began to fuss and whine about, but when she gazed down at her boots and found they were perfectly dry, there was no mud, the others couldn’t help but laugh at her softly. Spike did all he could to burst out from laughing.

Suddenly, they noticed Artie wasn’t with them.

Then they saw him up ahead. He was gazing at a large mansion in the distance, gazing at it deeply with a queer look on his face, part anger, part sad, but mostly of disappointment. Just as the friends were about to approach him and question him, a big coach pulled up near him. Two prestigious space alicorns peeked through the windows. “Arthur!” the stallion called.

Artie turned to gaze at them, and his expression stiffed, but he approached them calmly and nodded at them. “Mom… Dad…”

The others could hear, and were amazed. “His parents.” pepped Starla, and it made them all realize this was where Artie used to live.

His mother, Marigold Belle Bristles, a marigold colored alicorn, and her ID-Code was WK6Y, and her husband, Dune-Bank Bristles, a yellowish orange alicorn, and his ID Code was VJ5X. Both were very rich, but gazed at their son very strangely, with no less than disapproval and disappointment in their eyes. “So, this is why you left us to join Starfleet, so you could get into messes and get mixed in other tiny problems?” his mother asked, in a down-hearted tone.

Artie shook his head “It’s a good life, and I’m actually helping to sort out bigger problems. I’m proud of what I do, and deep down I know you both are proud of me too.”

His parents sighed, and his father could only say with the same down-hearted attitude, “All we couldn’t be is more disappointed.” Then they sat back in their coach, and signaled the driver to go ahead, right up to their house, leaving poor Artie to gaze disappointingly until they were out of sight.

“Artie…?” Lightning said.

“I know…” he said “The truth comes out at last. I used to be rich, used to live here. I just never told anyone because… well, I don’t like to think about it, and I just didn’t want anyone to start pitying me or anything.”

“Is it really that bad?” asked Starla.

Artie shut his eyes tight and decided to tell them everything when they got back to his place in United Equestria.

That evening, after returning home, delivering their reports, and being off duty, they went to Artie’s and he invited them into his basement. He blew dust off an old box. Rarity coughed and sneezed softly.

“This is a box where I keep paintings that I just didn’t have the heart to complete.” said Artie as he went through them “…Especially this one.” He pulled out an incomplete painting, showing his old house on Monotane and the beginnings of what obviously where that of his folks, and himself as a colt, and there was one other painting too, which was that of an elderly pony “…My grandfather.”

It all started way back…

*Artie’s POV*

My grandfather was a former Starfleet fighter. He served many years in the service, but was also a well-to-do pony, always a polite young gentleman; he had many jobs and worked each day to the fullest helping other out.

With all his many jobs and loyalty to the force, he accumulated quite a fortune. After many years of serving Unicornicopia well, he decided to retire, and he moved to Monotane to live in peace, taking his daughter, my mother, Marigold with him.

Monotane was discovered many years ago by astronautic-missions to find new worlds to inhabit or live a part on. Monotane became known as the “Rich People’s Planet” everyone always so wealthy and living it soft. Many of them were well-to-do like grandpa.

Sadly, my mother was always like the few others, spoiled and often caring more about money and profit, and acting boorish and pompous to other who were different. Eventually, grandpa lost patience, and decided to teach his daughter the value of money and to be a good pony, through hard work and understanding, but most of all through sharing and caring.

…it failed, and my mother remained as spoiled as ever, so badly, grandpa disowned her, and threw her out of his home for her bad behaviour. By that time, she already had met my dad, who shared her points of view with money. So, she moved in with him, and they started their own business of trading and exchanging, and even auctioning, but their attitudes remained as worse than ever. Even when they got married, to them marriage was equally more a business than a joy.

Long after I was born, my folks tried to model me into a version of them; to think and behave just like them. Strangely enough, I didn’t see money the way they did. I knew out of all the things it could bring, I knew it couldn’t buy love, true happiness, or even the right kind of safety.

My folks didn’t have much time for me, which was how they preferred it as. The only times we were together they would only talk about business, plans, and of course more money. They even decided for me that I was going to follow in their footsteps and carry out the family business, but I was already more than displeased with the way they treated me. Yet whenever I spoke up for myself, or questioned their ways, they scolded me very badly and often sent me to my room.

Of course, I was allowed to visit with grandpa. That was my favorite place to be. I liked hearing his stories about Starfleet, and all his adventures. He showed me the love and happiness I craved, better than my parents ever did. He even showed me how to channel frustration into activities like drawing. He used to draw a lot whenever he got upset, so I had a go at it, and that’s when I first began to develop my passion for art. I practiced constantly, and as I got older, I got better and then switched to painting.

Grandpa also taught me some of his old martial arts moves, to help channel more of my anger, in times if I felt really angry in ways that art couldn’t help me with alone, and with this training I began to develop my regular alicorn magic.

Grandpa thought I was really talented, but needless to say my folks were less than thrilled, and claimed grandpa was filling my head with dreams and fantasies that were all a waste of time and effort, and that really hurt me a lot, especially since one of my incomplete paintings was that of me standing with them. I wanted to paint our picture to show that they were still my parents, and that deep down I hoped they actually love me like a real son.

…It seemed as if it was all for naught.

I just couldn’t finish the painting. It meant nothing to my folks, and it only filled my heart with more sadness. So I began to paint a picture of grandpa…

(Music EXTENDED, as Artie sings and paints)

Being rich… it looks nice,

But when you really see…

It’s not all that fun…

If you are like me

Money is fine, well… sort of

It buys many things, but there up above

One thing I know is…

Money can’t buy love.

(Instrumental part)

Some say money is all, and makes you smile

It brings you some joy… that only lasts… awhile

I wish for other things,

To aim my life high

Friends and the joys…

…Things that money can’t buy

Helping the world, and give the bad a shove

And help to bring peace… just like a dove.

These must be earned… ‘cause

Money can’t buy love…

…Money… can’t buy… Love.

*POV Ends*

Lightning and Starla felt sore for Artie, and Rarity was sobbing softly and dabbing her eyes with a hankie. Lycanroc nuzzled Artie and Artie rubbed Lycanroc on his head. “Lycanroc?”

Artie continued with his story

*Artie's POV*

Before I could finish grandpa’s painting he had passed away, and a part of me died with him. My parents only seemed only equally devastated, but again they seemed more concerned about how much everything would cost them. I couldn’t believe they had such empty hearts.

Finally, there came a day when they pushed me too far!

That very night, I sat in my room sulking, my parents were off at gatherings with business partners of theirs to go over and discuss the tragic events. and feeling maybe it would had be better if I just left home to make my own life, and maybe even join Starfleet to help carry on grandpa’s legacy.

Suddenly, a rock was thrown through my window with a note attached to it; a blackmailers note. Our planet had been invaded by thieves from outer space, and they had captured my parents along with many other ponies and were holding them hostage at town hall. The note read…

“If you ever want to see your parents and the others alive again, bring ten-million in gold coins to town hall by midnight!

My blood turned cold with worry. My folks weren’t very nice, but even I felt they didn’t deserve to get hurt. I could even see town hall from afar. Starfleet wasn’t as developed as it was back then, and there weren’t too many forces outside the building. Obviously, they hostages were being held by the thieves inside, and had threatened the officers not to make any moves or they’d kill!

I couldn’t let this happen, not to my folks, and not to all the others that had been captured. So, I did what I thought was right, I loaded the amount of gold demanded form our safe into a briefcase, and I set out on my own.

I managed to sneak in through a back entrance of town hall which was left unguarded. “Hello!” I called out “I have the money!”

In a split second later, the lights came on, and I found myself staring face-to-face with five boar-like creatures, armed huge laser guns. “So, you got the cash, eh?” snorted the boss “Fork it over!”

I opened the case, showing them the gold. Their eyes glistened with greed, and a couple of them drooled like the sloppy pigs they were. The boss took the case from me to count the gold, and ordered his boys to send me into the main hall with all the others… and kill me along with everyone!

I couldn’t believe how double-crossed I was, but I was dragged into the next room, where I found my parents and the many others all tied up and gagged, and I was to be down there with them, but luckily I had a break. The four others began to argue over who would get to tie me up, and their boss was far too busy counting up the money, with his back turned.

While the boars continued to argue, I remembered all the training grandpa taught me, I swiftly kicked them all hard in a quadruple play, and actually sent them skidding along the floor, knocking one of them unconscious.

The boss turned round, but I had dashed over and snatched the briefcase back, and used it to bash him hard in the face. “GET THAT KID!!” he shouted. The boards tried to gang up on me and began to fire at me with their guns, but I swiftly dodged their every move, and began to take them out each one-by-one.

I forced one shoot at me, but I ducked causing him to break a large column that fell on him.

Another one had run out of ammo, and I decided “All right, let’s make this interesting.” and I stood ready for a fight. The boar sloppy combat skills and slow speed made him easy for me to clunk out.

The last one pointed his gun up against my head, and told me not to move, I turned round softly with my hands up high acting scared. The boar prepared to kill me at the count of three. “One… Two…”

“...Three!” I shouted and I used my magic to flip flick the gun from his hand and hit him in the face, knocking him out cold too. I quickly grabbed their guns and tossed them out and open window, hoping the Starfleet officers would see it and think the boars were surrendering so they could come in…

…but I had forgotten about the boss. He snatched the briefcase I had set down and began to make off with it. “Hey!” I shouted, and I chased after him out the back way I came in, at the same time, the Starfleet officers came in to free the hostages.

I had chased the boss onto a hill top with a lone tree and demanded he hand over the briefcase. “You gonna make me, punk?!” he snarled at me. I clenched my fists, and broke off a thick long branch from a tree and wielded it like a staff, showing off my many moves and skills I had learned.

The boar just gave in and surrendered in fear of me beating him up worse. He handed over the briefcase and just ran right back, begging the officers to lock him up. “Just get me away from that crazy kid!”

As for me, I couldn’t believe what I had done. I just single-handedly saved everyone, and I had never felt so scared in my life. It took me a short while to pick myself up and head home. When I got there, I saw that my folks were home safe and sound, but the second they saw me, they really let me have it.

“Arthur! How dare you use money from our safe to barter with those awful boars!” dad shouted.

I was shocked by his tone of voice “I was just trying to help, and besides we can easily spare it.”

“ENOUGH!!” Mom shouted “You had no right to take this money, or even get involved, and you’re going to have an awful long time to think about it, and start planning for your future!”

Dad angrily opened the case to examine the coins “There better not be a single coin missing!”

Right there... that was the very last straw. Every last ounce of care and respect I had for them had completely diminished!

Just then there was a knock at the door, I answered it and found a huge gathering of reporters at the door along with all the others I helped to save. “That’s him!” one of them shouted “That’s the kid who saved us!”

The reporters went crazy, taking my picture and asking me questions a-hundred miles an hour. My folks came to the door, and the reporters began to question them.

“How does it feel to have such a clever son?”

“Are you proud of your hero son?”

My parents were shocked and amazed by all this, but they answered “Yes…”

“We are proud, and glad he helped, and saved our money.”

That’s when I stepped up an announced “In fact, they are so grateful, that my parents have decided to donate the money that I used to the children’s foundation of our town, to promote a good source of help and productive contributions to making our world a better place.”

My parents were shocked, but were applauded and giving handshakes and had their pictures taken multiple times, actually going along with the idea. Then I shook my father’s hand, and patted my mother’s shoulder as I quietly told them “You can keep all your money and plans to yourselves. I’m going to make a life of my own.”

That was the last time I had ever spoken to them in a very long time.

I went to the Starfleet outpost requesting to be taken to Unicornicopia as I was interested in joining Starfleet. The officers were willing to let me do so, as compensation for my heroism, but of course they had to get approval from Grand Ruler.

They sent him an intergalactic message, and in almost no time at all, he himself had come to the planet expressing his approval for my outstanding bravery, my caring and my capabilities. He gladly invited me and escorted me to Unicornicopia to attend the academy.

As if that weren’t enough, he was charmed by my artistic talents, and bought some of my paintings. He paid a handsome fee for them, enough to allow me to buy my own home, and open my own gallery.

*POV ends*

Artie gazed down at his unfinished paintings. “I really feel like I’ve made a difference, that’s why I don’t let my past get to me, but deep down I still bear resentment to my folks hoping they would see the light and change their ways, but obviously they haven’t. So I just continue to live the way I am.”

Lightning walked over and patted his friend on the back “You’re a good guy, Artie, and if your folks can’t see that, it’s their problem.”

The others nodded in agreement, and Artie smiled warmly at them all, but suddenly Krysta burst in unexpectedly. “Guys, guys!” she cried.

“Krysta, what’s wrong?” asked Lightning. Krysta took a moment to catch her breath, and explained how she and her fairies were also carrying out surveys on the Grand Ruler’s orders, to double check the planets and mark them as checked, she and her guards were on Monotane after Lightning and the team left, but as they were about to leave the planet was attacked by the phantom!

“WHAT?!” everyone shouted.

“He can warp through space as well?!” snapped Lightning.

“Apparently!” cried Krysta “We tried to evacuate the ponies to safety, but we didn’t get them all out in time.”

“Well, come on, let’s go!” cried Starla.

Krysta was about to warp them all to Monotane, when the alarms went off. “What now?” snapped Spike. Thinking fast, Lightning split the team up. “Starla and I will stay here, you guys head back to Monotane.”

The teams agreed and split up.

Lightning and Starla ran outside and met up with the rest of the gang. “What’s going on?” Starla asked.

“Look sharp now, the phantom’s on the loose.” said Applejack.

Starla and Lightning were shocked and confused right then.

Meanwhile, the others made it back to Monotane, and could already see the damages done. Several ponies had their cutie marks and magic stolen, not just the Earth Ponies, but the pegasi and unicorns as well. Many of them were okay, just badly shocked, but others had gotten beat up and were on stretchers and the paramedics looked after them.

“Oh, my!” cried Rarity “How much more can this go on for?”

Artie questioned one of the Starfleet officers, and was told the rest of the force had the phantom trapped at town hall. “We managed to seal off the space portals. He can’t leave the planet. He’s already tried.”

“Good, that’s what we needed to know.” said Artie, then he, Rarity and Spike transformed and headed off. “Another mission at town hall; boy does that take me back.” Artie mumbled.

They reached town hall in almost no time. Artie spoke with the Captain, confirming the phantom was inside, but that he had hostages with him. “When he found out that we sealed off the space ports, we took some ponies in with him. He’ll only release them if we open the space ports for him.”

The friends gazed at the building, all of them worried about the hostages. “There’s worse to come, Major.” the captain said “Your parents are in there too.”

“What?!” snapped Artie.

Rarity and Spike gasped.

Inside, the phantom was gazing out the window. “Look at them…” he hissed “All they’re doing is prolonging the inevitable.” He turned to gaze at his hostages, all tied up and gagged. Some were ponies he had already stolen their magic from, but now they a log with the others were his bargaining chip.

While back on United Equestria, a second phantom was holding Mrs. Cake by the neck and forcing her back into a wall. “Give me your power!” he demanded “There is no resistance.” And he was about to absorb her power…!

“Hold it!” shouted Lightning.

The phantom turned and saw him and the others glaring at him. “Oh, no, not you guys again. This is getting so tiresome. When will you realize that you’ll never stop me?”

“I guess we’re just as stubborn as you are.” said Lightning “Now let her go!”

“Certainly, certainly… right after I get what I came for.” and the next thing, Mrs. Cake screamed as her cutie mark was stolen. The phantom put her down snickering wickedly.

“Let’s get him!” shouted Lightning, and they gave chase. As they chased him, Lightning and Starla couldn’t understand how the phantom was here and not on Monotane. He couldn’t have traveled that fast!

Artie wasn’t willing to just sit and wait any longer. “I’m going in. Spike, Rarity, you come as backup.”

“Artie, Take Lycanroc with you. He’ll be helpful.” Sapphire suggested. Artie nodded and they all followed him around to the same old back entrance he knew. Just like before, it was unguarded, not even a barrier was put up. “Some phantom he is; doesn’t even make it hard.” Spike whispered.

This struck Artie and Rarity as odd too; nevertheless they made it inside the dark room, Rarity and Artie using their visors night-visions to see, and Spike using his dragon-senses and Lycanroc sniffed the ground for his scent. “Okay, spread out, and be careful.” Artie whispered.

They split up, searching all through the building, looking for the phantom or the hostages. Rarity and Artie used their visors to scan for pony DNA to lead them to the hostages, and Spike used his dragon’s super sense of smell to sniff them out.

Spike had a hard time slinking about due to his larger size in his armor. He kept thinking he was being followed by all the swishing sound she heard, which all turned out to be his cape brushing along the walls.

Rarity had it worse, getting dust from old boxes all over her clean battle suit and fogging up her visor, as well as making her sneeze, but she held it in every time. Easily, nothing was worse for her than bumping face first into a cobweb. She did all that she could force herself not to scream or make any sudden sounds! “Why couldn’t he have chosen someplace cleaner to hide in?” she whined softly to herself.

Artie crept forth, knowing his way around, but he remembered everything seeming much bigger when he was a kid. Following his visor-scanning, he found his way to the upper floors, and there they were, all tied up and gagged in the dark room, including his parents.

Their eyes met, and the all felt a bit strange seeing each other again after a short while since the daytime, but Artie just stood where he was, not making a move towards them. “You’re here, aren’t you?”

From right behind him, the moonlight shone through the windows illuminating the snickering phantom. “You’re quite the slippery one. I commend for making it this far. Unfortunately, it was all for nothing. You see, I already have what I came for, it doesn’t matter what happens now.”

Artie clenched his fists fiercely “Yeah, well in case you’ve forgotten, you still can’t leave this planet.” Lycanroc growled. “Lycanroc.”

“A problem that I only now just realize is also no longer a concern.” hissed the phantom. “Huh?” remarked Artie. “The only reason I am staying now is to prove to you how miserably in vain your efforts are.”

Artie lost the remains of his patience and lunged straight at the evil menace, but he swerved out of the way, and kicked him hard from down, sending him crashing up through the ceiling out onto the roof.

“Uhn…!” he groaned as he got up to his feet, and his opponent leapt out onto the roof. “You ponies are many a-like; you fight and struggle for what you think is right. Well, so am I.”

Artie felt a little mad. “Fighting for what’s right, by stealing other ponies magic and hurting others? Just what do you intend to accomplish and prove right with all this?”

The phantom laughed wickedly “You’ll find soon enough… if you live that long, but even then you and your friends and anyone else anywhere won’t be able to stop me… and the great power that I will control!”

“We’ll see about that!” snapped Artie and he quickly lunged again. The phantom swerved, but this time, Artie actually managed to spin kick him from midair, knocking across the roof. “I actually hit him…” he said softly to himself “I thought for sure he would paralyze me.”

The phantom got up, snickering instead of groaning “Is that your best…? I thought you were capable of so much more.”

The fight waged on…

…while in United Equestria, the chase waged on. The gang had even split up to cover more ground, and so many other officers were already scattered about; waiting for the phantom to come by and try to detain him. He managed to avoid capture round every corner, but kept running into more officers, even having to fight a few of them.

Still, the officers weren’t willing to let him escape, not this time! “We’re closing in on him!” cried Lightning “Everyone, hold your ground!”

The phantom was finding it harder and harder to give the slip, and finally he leapt up, up, up for the rooftops, when he got ensnared by Applejack’s rope and Buddy Rose’s whip, and he pulled down hard, and other ponies fired magical streams form their horns to further bind him.

“WE GOT HIM!!” Pinkie cheered for joy.

“YEAH!!” Rainbow hollered.

“…Yay.” Fluttershy simply peeped.

After that, it was a very solemn yet silent moment as Lightning slowly approached the captive. “Now, let’s see who you really are.” He said as he reached for the phantom’s mask and pulled it right off…!

He gasped, and everyone gawked in horror at the sight! “I… don’t believe it!” Lightning cried.

Artie wielded his staff, swinging it madly at the phantom, but the phantom swerved and dodged each and every swing, and finally lunged at Artie, bashing him hard over the side, he was forced to grab onto the eaves-trough. There wasn’t enough room for him to get enough air under his wings to fly.

The phantom loomed over him and held out his hand ready to fire a magical shot. “Looks like you won’t live after all, but don’t worry, your friends will be joining you soon enough, and their fate shall be worse than yours.”

Artie tried to climb up, but couldn’t get any footing, but just as the phantom was ready to fire, Rarity came soaring in and kicked the phantom hard, sending him skidding along the roof. “Rarity!” cried Artie.

She helped him up.

The Phantom got up to strike again, but Spike leapt onto the roof and slashed at him several times with his sword. “Saber Ignite!” he shouted and powered his finisher move, slashing at the phantom, destroying him in a small blaze. No serious damage was done to the roof.

“Why did you guys do that?” snapped Artie “We didn’t want to destroy him.”

“He isn’t real.” Rarity said.

Spike nodded and pulled out from the burning ashes an enchanted puppet-block. “I already knew it wasn’t him as I got closer.” He sniffed the air deeply “I’d know the scent of a pony anyplace, and this was not it.”

All three of them felt pretty outraged to find they had been tricked. Worse, more ponies had lost their magic and marks. Still, at least the worst of the drama was over. “Come on, let’s go free the hostages.” said Artie.

Soon, the hostages were freed, many of them were very grateful, and didn’t mind the small damages done, nothing they couldn’t fix. A few ponies however were disgustingly outraged by their actions, especially Artie’s folks. “You still think what you fight for is good, Arthur.” Snapped his father “Look what you’ve done, you’ve cost the town more money to fix itself up, and others have lost their magic and cutie marks.”

“Pfft. I can fix this.” Sapphire used her magic and in no time all the damage was fixed.”

“Stay out of this Princess!” Artie’s father exclaimed. Lycanroc growled at him. “You hang out this common people when you should hang out with us.”

“Not thank you. I don’t want to be stuck up like all of you, thank you very much.” Sapphire said some sass. The ponies gasped. “How dare you!” Artie’s mother exclaimed.

“How dare you!” Sapphire exclaimed back.

“I helped save your lives, again!” Artie protested “Don’t you give me anymore of your lip.”

His mother looked ready to slap him in the mouth, “Arthur Bristles, how dare you talk to us that way!”

“Well, how dare you talk to me and my friends this way!” Artie sneered at her “I cannot believe you both, as well as those who think like you.” he referred to the few other snobbish ponies behind them. “You see this is why I left you. All you care about is money, more than the lives of others. All I ever wanted was to be loved and appreciated by you; to be seen as your son. You never saw me as that; all you saw was just another sack of gold. Just now I helped save you because despite the way you treated me before; I feel you don’t deserve to be hurt, and I still think in that.”

“Eh.. sounds like my creators.” Sapphire said nonchalantly. “And that’s why I dislike some rich ponies.”

The ponies and his folks were speechless as if for the first time. Artie turned to leave, “Arthur, wait…” his father said “Please, can’t you see what you’ve become. You’re spouting a bunch of nonsense; you don’t know anything about our business.”

“There you go again...” Artie said with disappointment “It’s always about business. Well the life I made isn’t about all that, it’s about doing what you feel is right and other things that money and business don’t bring you. I hope someday you can learn to realize that.

Oh, and one last thing; it’s “Artie.”

He turned and walked away, not bothering to look back. Spike and Rarity looked at the ponies with shame. “I am very disappointed in all of you.” Rarity said. Spike agreed with her and they walked off. Finally Krysta gazed shamefully at the ponies “You have all this…” she motioned at all their mansions and prestigious places, but she pointed at her heart and scolded “…but you have nothing in here. You’re all disgusting!”

The ponies remained speechless, and deeply appalled at the way they were just treated, but even many of the other ponies finally saw them all as pariahs.

The others all warped back to United Equestria, to tell Lightning about their fake phantom, only to find they too had met with the same trickery-- their phantom was fake too. So, they had outsmarted, but at least they had learned more about him.

First: He could travel through space, if the portal were open. So the portals into space would have to be kept under tight surveillance with only proper authorization.

Secondly: It was obvious that he sent those puppet clones to protect his identity; obviously realizing how dangerous it would be with all the extra forces going about.

Finally, and of critical importance, their theories were justified. The Phantom was gathering the magic in hopes of gaining a great power, but whatever that power was remained a mystery.

For now, all they could do was keep alert.

A few days later, Artie held a special unveiling at his gala, where he revealed that he had finished the two paintings-- the one of his grandfather, and the other of his family. “These two paintings represent what was, and what could have been, and both help to create what is” He said to everyone, and he received applause for it all.

By this time, all the friends were aware of his past, and they were all amazed to see how well he was acting and taking the whole ordeal with his parents, and really he was happy. “I’d rather have a lot of friends who love me than two parents that don’t.” he said, and everyone came together to hug him warmly.