My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic (Season IX)

by DakariKingMykan

Rating: everyone
Tags: Anthro, Main 6, Drama, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Adventure, Sunset Shimmer, Daybreaker, Alternate Universe
Length: 136235

Evil creatures try to destroy all love, and Celestia unleashes Daybreaker

*Do not be fooled by the huge dislike ratio. It's just bullies and good-for-nothing trolls who love to downvote and walk away hoping to cause trouble. (16 downvotes after just loading a simple prologue) GIVE THE FIC A CHANCE!*

-The Devils: An evil race from for another dimension, lead by a spiteful ruler, plan to invade all worlds and destroy all love and light so they may survive.

-Celestia is having recurring nightmares of evil creature that lurks deep within her subconscious, and she is desperate to silence it.

-Applejack discovers that her parents made an arranged marriage for her, and now her time is coming.

-Pinkie Pie falls in love with one of the Devil's, which can lead to serious trouble for herself and the team

-Sunset Shimmer (The human version) is still getting used to her new life in United Equestria, and Artie has obvious feelings for her.

-Rarity has a horrible accident that forces her body to undergo an alteration... into a part Dragon creature.

-The CMC are graduating grade school and ready to move on to middle school, but don't know if they can bear to be separated.

Published 2019-10-15 00:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-10-08 23:10:50 UTC

Episode 1: Devils out of Darkness

Author's Note

"You want praise, write something GOOD"

If that's what you're all demanding, tough luck!

If you want "What you consider" Good, here are your choices.

-Write it out yourself
-Shop someplace else (get off my fiction)
-Both!

And No I will not "Leave the site and the fandom." as you have demanded, and nothing anyone says or does will make me. (You've tried to stop me, and you've failed)

Now, on with the fic Which I... AND OTHERS... deem good enough for them.

Episode 1: Devils out of Darkness

EPISODE ONE

At Sugar-Cube Corners, in New Ponyville on United Equestria, the place was closed for a “Private Event” it was a very special day for little Shining Light, as his mother placed a cute little cupcake with a Number-One shaped candle on it.

“Happy Birthday, Honey.” Starla cooed, and her little son giggled while flapping his little arms.

Lightning gazed at his son from afar, hard to believe he was finally a year old, but he still wore an anti-magic manacle to prevent his use of magic, and an anti-lift patch on his wings so he couldn’t fly.

Everyone just cheered, and some blew noise makers. Krysta flew about spreading sparkly dust all over, “Yippee!”

“Feliz cumpleaños!” hollered Dyno and Myte, which meant “Happy Birthday” in Spanish.

“Seems like only yesterday, he was so tiny.” said Dyno.

“Si,” agreed Myte “Come to think of it, he’s still pretty tiny.”

The brothers shared a chuckle.

Then, of course, Pinkie Pie peeked through the doors to the kitchen, with the five-year old Cake Twins, Pound and Pumpkin, and the kids were blowing noisemakers while Pinkie sang one of her favorite birthday songs to the little colt as she put a little hat on his head.

“Happy Very First Birthday,
to you, yes you, today
I-can't-believe-you're-already-a-year-old. Time-sure-flies-doesn't-it-wow. Seems-like-only yesterday-you-were-born.

But now you’re a year old today, hey!”

Pound and Pumpkin sounded their horns, and Shining Light cheered for joy.

Starla giggled.

Lightning gazed at his son from afar while he was comingling with the other patrons.

“Isn’t he adorable?” he asked to Buddy.

“Sure is, I feel the same way about my Seedling.”

He looked over to the quiet corner of the living area, where his infant daughter was sitting in her buggy, along with Button Fly, Twilight Sparkle Scales, with their respective mothers, Tree Hugger, Fluttershy and Rarity sitting on the sofa near them.

Lightning looked at Cadance and Shining Armor, “I’m glad you guys could make it especially.”

“It’s our pleasure.” said Shining Armor.

“Besides,” added Cadance “Flurry likes your son so much, I think she’d be upset if she couldn’t come.”

She held her cheering and cooing daughter in her arms.

Flurry was a year and a-half old and starting to become more aware of her surroundings, but she was very happy to be there.

“Where’s Swift Star?” Cadance asked “Wasn’t he invited too?”

Lightning nodded, “I told him he was more than welcome to come, but he insisted that he wouldn’t take time off from his training, and if that’s his choice, I’ll leave him to it.

I don’t think I could’ve chosen a finer pupil.”

In the fields far away from the party, Lightning’s student, Swift Star, was indeed hard at training.

-Practicing his martial arts-- punching and kicking at the air.

-Improving his strength by lifted two huge boulders like weights

-Then just meditating under a tree.

Much as part of him did wish he was at the party, he didn’t wish to let down his master, his friend, the one who really changed his life and helped improve him for the past several months.

Starla was playfully blowing, trying to get Shining to blow out his candle.

“Come on, sweetie; Blow… blow…”

Pinkie joined in too, “Come on, big breath,” and she took in a huge breath, puffing her cheeks, which only made the baby laugh.

Pinkie suddenly couldn’t hold her breath in much longer, and puffed it out, sending the cupcake sailing and splatting right onto Starla’s uniform!

Starla was a little annoyed, that her clean and spiffy new General’s uniform was splattered, but everyone couldn’t help but chuckle at her and she smiled embarrassed.

“Sorry about that.” Pinkie said innocently.

Starla brushed it off and just picked her son up, “Time for presents.”

She then places him sitting down on the carpet near the other babies, and Cadance brought Flurry over, strapping her into her own buggy.

Rainbow Dash excitedly fluttered up hollering, “Me first, me first!”

And she unwrapped her own present which was revealed to be a huge gold medal she had actually had made for him with a number one on it. “For you, because you’re my number-one favorite special little guy.”

She hung the medal around his neck.

“Uh, Rainbow,” Lightning called over “He’s just starting to learn to stand, so I don’t think that’s a good idea to--”

It was too late…!

Shining already fell over onto his back by the weight of the heavy medal, but surprisingly he didn’t cry. If anything he just laughed while kicking his feet in the air.

“Oh, my!” said Fluttershy “He doesn’t seem hurt at all.”

Rhymey came over to her and said,

“Space Alicorns are born with strong skeletons, as such,
He wouldn’t feel too much pain, or get hurt as much.”

The three mothers blinked their eyes in astonishment.

Seedling and Button were both born from Space Alicorns, and but Twilight wasn’t, which made Rarity start to question more about her daughter since she was a Dragony.

“Is she very strong? Does she have other characteristics I’m not aware of?”

“Never mind that, Rarity.” said Spike “I love her anyway, the same as I love you.”

His wife smiled, and pecked him on the cheek.

The party was wonderful, and Shining seemed happy with his gifts, mostly stuffed animals, new rattles, baby playsets, and the usual things.

Artie presented him, or rather to his parents a beautiful portrait of the family he had painted, to commemorate this day.

“…It’s beautiful.” said Starla.

“How much do you want for it?” Lightning teasingly asked, to which Artie nudged him, “It’s a gift, and it’s yours. I insist.”

Pinkie got to play her favorite game with all the babies, while hiding behind the doors to the kitchen.

“Where’s Pinkie Pie…?

…Here I am!

Where’s Pinkie Pie…?

…Here I am!

Where’s Pinkie Pie…?

…Here I am!”

All the babies cooed and clapped their little hands.

Lightning chuckled as he watched near the counter with the Cakes.

“You have to admit, she really is great with babies.”

Carrot Cake agreed, “She’ll be a great mom herself, someday.”

“Now, now, dear,” protested Cupcake “Don’t rush it. Pinkie still hasn’t even found her special someone yet.”

Then she watched as Pinkie rolled on the floor making funny faces for the children, and they all enjoyed it.

“Oh, but she is adorable with them.”

“By the way,” asked Carrot “Aren’t their royal majesties supposed to be here?”

Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia would have loved to have been at the party and were invited by Lightning and Starla especially.

“They sent us a letter this morning, saying they couldn’t come.” explained Lightning “We’ve been receiving reports from Starfleet Outposts of strange attacks occurring on other planets, all seemed to be at weddings or romantic gatherings.

The latest being from the Planet Kiran.”

The Cakes felt concerned and asked why Lightning, as Commander, and Starla as General were not present to help out.

“We tried to,” answered Starla “But with Shining Light’s first birthday; their majesties couldn’t bear to let us miss it, and practically ordered us to celebrate with our friends.

So they sent other Starfleet squads to assist and report.”

They could say no more as much of what else was classified under Starfleet Personal, but they both were feeling concerned as it was beginning to feel like something was out there, and they would get involved soon enough.

In another dimension,

This was a dark and mysterious world, shrouded in shadows and blackness, with blue flames in certain places, and much of it was seemingly empty space with only giant floating areas, too small to be land masses, but plenty for all the strange creatures to live on.

Most of these creatures were black, shadowy humanoid figures.

That stranger, with his mask off, came walking down a long pathway, revealing he had faded peach-colored skin, blue eyes, and two black streaks starting at his eyes and trailing down his face.

Many of the creatures chattered as he passed.

“There he is.”

“He is so handsome.”

“I bet he’s going to see the king.”

The path seemed to stop by two large torches of blazing blue fire at the sides of the ended path with nothing by a large gap of empty black space.

The creature got down on his knees, bowing to the blackness saying nothing.

All at once, massive forms of darkness and energy came together, and there appeared the master and ruler of this dimension.

He seemed to resemble that of a tall, tall, humanoid, with pale gray skin, flowing black hair that stretched long, long into the darkness, with long arms with sharp fingers, but he was attached to what appeared to be a gargantuan and throbbing formation of flesh, with a glowing middle of burning aura, and long tentacles that stretched far out into the shadows, with power flowing through them.

Atop his head was a dark golden crown, with spines vertically going across the middle, and two red, and shiny devil horns on either end.

All this, he was about the same size as a mountain, and all his people were about the size of clothes pegs!

Many of the other creatures began to chant,

“Hail Von Devilor! Hail to the King!”

“Hail Von Devilor! Hail to the King!”

The King, though pleased with his praise, roared like a fowl beast into the air, making the blue flames and the darkness blaze!

Then he spoke in a deep, dark voice, “As long as the light of love exists, there is no safe place for us Devils to wander outside of our own world!”

He clenched his fists and declared, “We must destroy every single speck of love that exists. Only then can we be free, only then can we take over and gain complete mastery of all worlds.”

The other man bowed to him.

“My lord, I wish to report, that while I fully serve and obey your every command, we have run into trouble in our conquest.”

The King looked disturbed, “A trouble you speak of, Dearka?”

Dearka looked down in shame, “Powerful fighting warriors, who would defend the light of love, have been constantly appearing to foil our plans. They call themselves “Starfleet!”

The King looked extremely angry now, “Starfleet” “defenders of the light?!”

Dearka, still bowing to his king, looked up with a spiteful grin, “But there is good news, sire,

I have pinpointed the official planet and home base of Starfleet, and what is more: I detect vast amounts of love waves emitting from the planet’s populace. I believe this world shall be of great value to us, to aid us in our conquest to conquer all worlds and blot out the light forever.”

“Interesting,” mused Von Devilor “Go and investigate, Dearka, and I needn’t remind you the importance of this mission.

…Our very existence is at stake, and I won’t tolerate many blunders!”

Dearka stood proudly, “I shall not fail you, my king.”

Then he donned his mask, walking back down the path, until he vanished into the darkness.

Von Devilor narrowed his eyes viciously, at seemingly nothing, and recited the oath and honor he expected all his Devils to abide by, while imaging all the romantic beings, every bride and groom, or any couple he had obviously destroyed in the past.

“Find all the beings in love. Root them out and kill them!

Find anyone who is capable of love and destroy them!

And above all: Find those who are about to be married, and wipe them out of existence forever!

Hate the love in this world, for as long as there is love, those of us with hateful hearts will know no peace!”

It was beginning to get late, and the party broke up.

Fluttershy, Tree Hugger and Rarity suggested they and their families head home because the babies were getting tired.

“Rockin’ party though.” said Tree Hugger.

Seedling only yawned and fell asleep in her pram.

Button Fly had fallen asleep already.

“I think we should go now.” said Fluttershy.

“Yes, I agree.” Said Rarity as she stroked Twilight’s little head and she looked so sleepy.

The respective husbands agreed too, and after bidding their friends Goodnight, they headed off in the same direction for their respective homes.

Applejack went along with Buddy and Tree Hugger, “…‘Night, all.” she said with a tip of her hat.

Flurry Heart and Shining Light kept reaching towards each other.

“Time to say “Bye-Bye” honey” Cadance cooed to her daughter making Flurry go sad right away, and gave those tear-filling eyes and her quivering lips.

Shining Light looked the same as he kept reaching over for her.

“Oh, sorry, sweetie, but you need to go night-night.” said Starla.

The fathers hated seeing their kids looking unhappy when they had to part ways until the next time.

Both Lightning and Shining Armor could tell the kids were crazy about one-another, and at such a young age too.

“Guess you’re never too young to know what love is.” said Shining Armor.

“But definitely too young to do all that stuff that goes with it.” Lightning hinted.

The mothers agreed.

“Will you take them home, Krysta?” Lightning asked.

Krysta nodded, and turned to face the royal family, “All aboard for the New Crystal Empire.”

Just as she raised her wand to create the warp portal, the alarms sounded. Everyone’s heads perked up, and the babies began to cry in fright at the sounds.

“What is it?” cried Starla.

Swift came rushing down the road calling to Lightning.

“It’s terrible, there’s a big monster attacking in the park! So, I sounded the alarm and came here hoping to find you.”

“Well done, Swift.” commented Lightning “We’ll go investigate. Can you please take the babies inside so the cakes can watch them?”

“Sure.”

Swift knew he was not allowed to follow Starfleet into battle. He was not an official Starfleet officer and still badly undertrained, but he was pleased to be able to be able to help a little by taking care of the kids.

“Thank you so much.” said Shining Armor.

“We mean it.” added Cadance.

Swift nodded thankfully and headed inside.

“I’ll stay with him.” said Krysta “Then I can give him all the help he needs.”

“Thanks, Krysta.” said Lightning.

Pinkie Pie came rushing out ready to join the group.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning, and he and his group rushed over for the park, transforming along the way.

“Starfleet Magic!!”

“Harmony Hour, Friendship Power!”

Lightning, Starla, and Pinkie donned their battle suits.

“Go-Go Ninja…!”

Cadance transformed into the Silent Ninja

“Mask of Saber…!”

Shining Armor became Saber, the Insecto Warrior.

They arrived at the park and found many couples were unconscious and lying flat on the ground, due to an awful creature, the very one that attacked Lenora’s wedding on Planet Kiran, sapping energy right out of them.

“What is that thing?” asked Saber.

Lightning tried to scan it with his visor, but this creature was not in the Starfleet database, but he could read its power levels, which were very high, and the creature’s body itself gave off strange energy readings, almost as if the creature was more composed of energy rather than flesh and blood.

Nevertheless, they had to stop it.

“Let’s get it!” shouted Lightning.

The team agreed, and they all lunged forward.

The creature roared like the lion beast it resembled and charged forth.

“PULSAR LASER”

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE”

Starla and Saber’s attacks flew straight at the creature, hitting it hard and knocking it back, but hardly doing much damage.

“Did you see that?” said Starla.

“He hardly even looks scratched.” added Saber.

The monster then got up onto its feet and roared its sonic waves forcing the team to cover their ears, groaning and moaning.

“I can’t stand it!” cried Pinkie.

Lightning furiously charged up his golden horn!

“UNIFORCE…!”

Hitting the creature hard, and actually damaging it a little, but at least the sound stopped.

Still, the monster looked ready for more.

Pinkie looked fired up and motioned mockingly to it, “Come on, you overgrown alley cat. Bring it on!”

Cadance looked over her shoulder, and then tapped Lightning’s back.

“What is it?”

Cadance pointed vigorously over to the fallen couples, whom were now rising up onto their feet, looking pale, their eyes glowed red, and they seemed so evil, so hate-filed

“Whoa!” Starla cried as she scanned them “Their bodies have been infected with some sort of dark aura, it’s altering their brainwaves!”

“Right you are!” laughed a deep and sinister voice.

Everyone looked up, and there was Dearka standing on the roof of a park gazebo.

“So YOU’RE the one behind all this!” snarled Lightning.

Dearka only leapt down from the roof and called to his, now, servants of darkness. “Destroy them! Let your darkness and hate shine through!”

The couples-- every mare, every stallion-- roared and unleashed waves of darkness forcing the team to leap away, as the blasts made a large crater in the ground where they stood.

“Wow! That’s a lot of power!” cried Saber.

The lion creature then roared and was charging forth again, but Lightning and Starla both thrust their hands forth, actually grabbing the beast, holding it by its huge face and holding it into place before both giving it a huge kick and sent it crashing into the gazebo.

“Oh? Is that your best…?” teased Dearka.

He snapped his fingers, and the monster rose up again, still looking ready for more, much to the shock of the fighters.

“It’s like he won’t stay down!” wailed Pinkie.

“That’s the idea.” hissed Dearka “You’ve never faced a foe like me before, but keep up with the hatred and the anger. It makes things all the more interesting.”

Lightning felt there was some sort of connection with what he had just heard, but suddenly the group of couples began marching forth and fired more blazes of darkness in separate waves.

“Watch out!!” cried Pinkie.

The team swerved, leapt, and dodged as best they could, and some of those blasts hit the trees and the lampposts, blowing them up with such force-- much stronger than before.

More blasts fired, one-after-another, but of course the fighters couldn’t really bring themselves to hurt innocent civilians, at least not without absolute, last-minute needs.

However, Starla armed her bow and set it on “Heal.”

“I’ll see if I can try and help them.”

She fried her magical arrows, which flew straight for the civilians to heal them of the evil controlling them, but strangely, the arrows were vaporized by the dark waves before they could reach.

“What the?!” cried Pinkie.

“How is that possible?” added Saber.

Lightning turned and glared at Dearka who was snickering figuring he knew something they didn’t… yet!

“Destroy them!” Dearka shouted to the civilians, and the couples all began to march forth again, with the aura pulsating from their bodies.

“We can’t heal them!” said Lightning “We better contain them until we can figure something out.”

“Right!” agreed Starla and both she and her husband leapt up high to try to cast a magical barrier, enhanced with the uniforce around the civilians.

The others were continuing to dodge, but just barely.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Dearka, and he extended his claws, powering them up with energy to fire, but Cadance managed to throw her ninja stars at him, forcing, but he just raised up his other arm, slashing the stars with his other claw, and still stood ready to fire, and ordered his monster to just rush in and finish the trio on the ground, even though the civilians were about to fire more blasts. He didn’t seem to care.

The monster began to rush forth, and the civilians unleashed their fury…

…and then…

WHAMM!! From out of nowhere, Dyno and Myte rushed in and rammed the monster, with a double-kick into the side, and sent it crashing for Dearka, forcing him to leap out of the way.

“Get him!” Buddy shouted as he and the rest of the team came rushing in… having left the babies in Tree Hugger’s care at Rhymey and Fluttershy’s place.

A big brawl broke out with Dearka battling all those fighters.

Much as Lightning and Starla were relieved the team had arrived, they quickly conjured up their spell-- Starla cast a strong barrier over the civilians, and Lightning reinforced it with a little or uniforce.

The civilians were trapped and knocked against the barrier like crazy, demanding to be let out, and would you believe the angrier they got, the dark aura emitted from their bodies even stronger than ever, and actually pushed against the light of Starla’s barrier.

“It can’t be!” cried Starla.

Lightning couldn’t believe eyes either, but it was starting to confirm something he suspected from what Dearka said.

“Keep up with the hatred and the anger. It makes things all the more interesting.”

The others all continued to brawl with Dearka.

Rhymey and Spike with their swords slashed at the villain while Dearka skillfully parried their attacks with his claws, and then punched and kicked them both into some of the others.

“What’s with this guy?!” groaned Spike “It’s like he’s getting stronger by the second.”

The rest of the team battled with the monster, only to have the same results.

“PAINT BOMBS”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS”

Artie and The Twins’ attacks blasted the monster hard, and it roared with pain and anger.

Applejack and Rarity then rushed forth from either side of the monster, punching it hard upward.

“Serves you right for harming innocent couples!” scoffed Rarity.

The monster crashed down hard, but just got right back up again and roared its sonic waves which were more powerful than ever, knocking all the fighters away, and crashing into trees, benches and skidding along the ground.

“Oh, my!” cried Fluttershy “How is he getting so much stronger?”

Before anyone could answer, the civilians actually broke out of the barrier and began to march forth again.

Lightning regretted what he was about to do, but he saw no other choice.

“CAPTURE BLASTER”

He held his huge gun up, pointing straight at the oncoming civilians.

“Lightning, what are you doing?!” cried Starla.

“I won’t let you!” Dearka shouted as he rushed forth with his claws ready, and his monster charged alongside him.

The other fighters all leapt in front of Lightning to keep him covered and rushed the villains down while Cadance and Saber remained by Lightning’s side to assist him as he charged up his gun.

The civilians fired more dark blasts, but Saber, with his sword in one hand and his chain-and-sickle in other leapt in and repelled the blasts as best he could, while Cadance used her ninja force-wave punches to block even more, which gave Lightning a clear shot.

“FIRE…!”

POW!! He fired a huge blast that crashed into all the civilians. They all screamed and wailed, and they exploded-- magically shrinking down-- and were imprisoned in capture spheres where they couldn’t cause any more harm, and they weren’t able to break out of it this time.

Lightning cringed softly at what he had just done. “Forgive me, all of you, but it had to be done.”

The monster then let out a wailing roar, and seemed to be shrinking down a size or two.

“Its power levels are decreasing.” cried Rarity.

“But how?” asked Pinkie.

Suddenly, they were grabbed from behind by Dearka, and were held by their necks.

The ladies fussed and struggled, but couldn’t break free.

“Rarity…!” Spike shouted “You let them go!!” and he leapt over to help both his wife and friend, with his sword at the ready, but Dearka swerved out of the way, and kicked him hard in the back, sending him crashing down.

“Spike!” cried Rarity.

The others tried to rush over and help, but the monster was still strong enough to rush them and knock them away with its sonic roar.

“We’ve got to get rid of this beast!” thundered Saber.

Cadance nodded in agreement.

Lightning could scan the monster’s power levels starting to rise again, especially when some of the others began to battle with it as well.

“Guys, Stop!” he shouted at them, but his friends couldn’t stop, and the more they seemed to battle, the stronger the creature became, and it batted them with its huge paws, and rammed them with its huge head.

Then he looked at Dearka still holding Rarity and Pinkie, and he soared down to help them himself, with Starla flying by his side.

Dearka turned and leapt up high with the ladies still in his grip.

“Release us at once!” demanded Rarity.

Dearka landed on a tree limb, and then held both ladies by their necks against the tree.

“I think it’s time for the two of you to experience the dark side of things.”

His hands began to flow with dark aura, as he was preparing to infect them like he did the civilians.

The ladies quivered with fear and shut their eyes tightly, and that was when a bright glow of light emitted from their bodies, forcing Derka to back away.

“What’s this?!” he growled “No one has ever been able to resist the call of the darkness! No one…!”

In his distraction, Spike leapt up high into the tree and kicked him hard in the side, sending him deep into the woods, crashing through many of the trees and breaking them down, and then chased after him.

Rarity and Pinkie were astounded.

“Nobody hurts my friends, or my wife, like this!” Spike grumbled, and then he leapt of into the woods after the villain.

“Spike…!” Lightning shouted.

He decided to chase after him and called to Starla, “Help the others with the monster!”

“Right…!”

Lightning flew deeper into the woods, scanning for Spike’s bio readings, which lead him straight to him and Dearka.

Both of them were brawling hard, sword to claws. Slashes, parried, and spike got struck and flipped up and over, but still landed on his feet, clutching his chest armor.

He glared angrily through his knight’s helmet at the wicked creature before him.

“I may not be able to infect you,” Dearka hissed at him “So I guess you’ll have to be disposed of!”

“I don’t think so!” shouted Lightning, and he lunged forth and began to brawl with Dearka himself, dodging his every attack, and punching him hard in the gut.

Still, no matter how hard he fought and no matter how many hits he seemed to land, the villain hardly seemed to get any weaker.

Lightning and Pinkie both stood together, while Dearka snickered at them.

“Haven’t you figured it out yet, now? The more you fight, and the more anger and hatred you dish out, it only serves to fuel me, just as I’m certain the Leonizer is gaining power from your friends battling it.”

Lightning cringed softly, now that his suspicions were correct, and he wondered how the others were handling the Leonizer back in the park.

Rarity and Pinkie flew in to join their friends, not having heard what was said, but Rainbow called out to Lightning.

“The others… they need help!”

“That monster is overpowering them!” added Rarity.

Lightning was at a split decision. He didn’t want to just leave Dearka like this, fearing the ladies would get hurt, but now that he knew the secret, he did have an idea how to stop that beast once and for all.

“Just go.” said Spike “We’ll handle this big bully!”

Pinkie and Rarity agreed.

Lightning couldn’t stand out arguing with himself, but he flew off for the park.

“Come on, big boy! Let’s see what you’re really made of now!”

Dearka growled, much like a beast himself, as he stood ready, and the brawl was on.

Meanwhile, the Leonizer had swatted some of the fighters with its paws, bashed others with its head, and any and all that were charging at it got blown down hard by its sonic roar, and still seemed stronger than ever.

Starla managed to get up onto her feet, panting furiously and still feeling strong enough to keep going.

The two glared at each other most angrily, and Starla’s visor still told her the power was increasing, which suddenly made it click in to her.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Lightning soared in and rammed his arms hard into the monster’s side shoving it with him and taking it far, far away from the rest of the team.

“Lightning!” called Starla.

Her husband flew and flew until he was out of sight of the others, and threw the big beast to the ground hard.

Lightning then scanned the creature, and surely enough, its power was diminishing again, which he saw as his chance, and powered himself up.

“Alright, big guy-- it’s lights out for you!”

Leonizer roared and began to foolishly charge for him.

“UNIFORCE”

POW!! Lightning fired, blasting his magic straight into the monster, causing it to start vaporizing into the darkness it was made of, followed by a big explosion, and the creature was gone.

All this just as the other fighters came onto the scene.

“Lightning must’ve won,
The battle is done!” said Rhymey.

“How did he beat it all by himself?” wondered Rainbow.

Starla was astounded.

While in the woods, Spike brought his sword down, while Dearka blocked with both his claws, until he suddenly felt the darkness starting to diminish.

“No!” he cried softly, “The Leonizer has been defeated?! Impossible!”

Spike then flicked him off, and he, Rarity and Pinkie all attacked, coming in from different angles, one after another!

Dearka spun, leapt, and slashed about.

He struck Spike and Rarity hard and sent them both flying back, slamming into a huge tree, knocking it over as well.

Pinkie, quite literally, blew her top.

“THAT’S IT!!” she shouted “No one hurts my friends, especially like that!”

She jumped at Dearka, swinging her fists and kicking her feet more swiftly than ever before.

“Yes!” Dearka muttered to himself as he blocked and dodged her attacks, “Hatred, anger! More! Give me more!”

Suddenly, both he and Pinkie leapt up high into the air, and Pinkie saw a good opening and socked him hard in the face, knocking his mask off; feed-tubes and all.

“My poison-shielding mask…!”

It fell far off into the bushes, and he would have retrieved it, but Pinkie soared at him, slamming his back hard to the ground.

“Any last words before I--” she couldn’t finish as she was lost in sight of what had to be the most handsome face she had ever seen.

Dearka looked up at her, and their eyes met, causing Pinkie’s heart to start racing.

Spike and Rarity recovered from their crash and rubbed their aching heads, but then noticed what was happening.

“Pinkie Pie, what are you doing?” shouted Rarity.

“Finish him! Do it now!” added Spike.

…but Pinkie just remained where she was, all enthralled and melting at the sight of this creature she was gazing at.

Suddenly, Dearka began to gasp, and quickly kicked Pinkie off him.

The other two ran up to her, and all three of them saw Dearka sit upright, but he was continuing to moan and gag, and his flesh was actually starting to smoke like burning.

There was no time for him to find his mask and try to fix it back on.

“I’ve got to… get… out… of here!”

A large and dark portal appeared behind him and ran straight for it, hollering “We’ll meet again, Starfleet!”

“Wait…!” cried Pinkie, but both Dearka and the portal had already vanished.

Pinkie just continued to stare at the spot where the villain had once stood, unable to get that handsome face out of her mind.

“Hey…!” Lightning called as he and the rest of the team finally arrived on the scene.

“It’s too late, he got away.” said Spike.

Lightning sighed, but it was a bit of a relief; at least the monster was gone.

Rarity then noticed the damaged mask lying in the bushes, and she took it to examine it.

“My, what distasteful fashion.” she muttered.

“Give that here, Rarity.” said Starla “We’ll send it to New Canterlot for analysis.”

With all the fighting done, Buddy began to use his magic to fix the broken trees.

“There we are, good as new.” he said with pride “Luckily there was still some life left in you guys.”

Meanwhile, Lightning freed the civilians from their sphere prisons, only to discover that not only were they back to normal, they had no memory of what had just happened. They had just woken up to find themselves contained.

“Why did you imprison us?”

“Did we break the law?”

Lightning decided it best not to explain to them, not wanting them to feel guilt and shame for what happened.

The civilians, though confused, were certain it had to be for a good reason, and Lightning suggested that everyone return home while the damage crew arrived came to repair the rest of the park.

Pinkie, on the other hand, was still mesmerized. She hadn’t even powered down her battle suit.

Dyno waved his hand in front of her face and snapped his fingers.

“She’s really out of it.”

Myte nodded, and then whispered into Pinkie’s ears.

“Pinkie…?”

No response.

“Oh, Chica?”

Still no response.

The brothers both called to her, “PINKIE!!”

She snapped to her senses; leaping way up high and landing flat on her tail.

“Are you okay, Sugar Cube?” asked Applejack.

“Yeah.” was all Pinkie said instead of usually going off on one of her hyped up rants, and she just walked off.

“What’s with her?” wondered Shining Armor.

Cadance could tell from the look in her eyes, and she shook her head in disbelief, “No… No, she wouldn’t.”

Rarity and Spike, also shared this worry, having seen it up close, and recognizing that same look and attitude anywhere.

Despite this, Lightning was already concerned.

“The reports from the outposts were true. We’ve got a new enemy on our hands.”

He gave every the expression saying “You all know what this means?” to which everyone nodded deeply.

Lightning nodded back, “We’ve got much to do.”

(Promo)

In our next episode: As the team studies up on their new villains, Celestia is suffering from constant nightmares that could be more than just mere dreams, as another great evil seems to be reaching out to her.

How will Celestia deal with these nightmares, and what will our heroes learn for future battles?

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

(Next Episode: “Once Upon A Nightmare”)

Episode 3: Apple Surprise

Author's Note

*Sighs* Sure feels good to FINALLY be back to work at this!

Episode 3: Apple Surprise

EPISODE THREE

Wedding Bells were ringing as a happily newlywed couple of ponies left the New Ponyville Chapel under rains of rice and flower petals thrown by the gathered crowds.

The bride and groom were so happy and blushed as they walked down the stairs, but this happy day was suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a large monster, making everyone scream.

This creature, definitely sent by The Devils, seemed to resemble a large bear. It, like the previous monster was coated in a shadowy aura, and it had huge muscles, strong claws, and wore a spiked armored-helmet, as well as a vest guard across its huge chest.

It gave a huge growl, frightening all the weddinggoers, and then the creature gave a huge leap, slamming hard onto the ground causing a massive quake making everyone fall off their feet.

One pony broke for the nearest emergency switch on a nearby lamppost and sounded the alarm!

The creature then glared at a group of ponies, particularly the bride and groom as they cowered with their friends helplessly against a wall, but the groom did bravely stand in front of his bride to try and protect her.

The creature then launched the spikes from his helmet like missiles that struck the ground near the group, and began to emit dark smoke that began to slowly absorb their love energy, and poison them with evil!

Suddenly, golden rays of light shot the spikes, destroying them instantly, and the smoke stopped.

The creature turned and saw Lightning lower his arm. “May I see your invitation?” he teased.

Standing with him were Starla, Pinkie and Applejack, and many sentries come to help as well.

The weddinggoers were most relieved.

“Starfleet…!”

“Thank goodness you’re here!”

The heroes all smiled, while the monster growled and looked ready to fight.

Lightning instructed the sentries, “Get the civilians to safety, and keep them guarded. We’ll drive the monster away.”

“YES SIR!!” replied the sentries.

“Go!” shouted Lightning, and he and the ladies rushed forth.

Pinkie looked up and all around for something, or rather someone. Most likely she was looking for Dearka.

“Pinkie Pie, focus!” called Applejack snapping her out of her trance, and she put on her straight face again.

She called to the monster making faces at it and taunting, “Hey, Big Brute, come and get us!”

The monsters snuffed and began to rush towards her, and she made it chase her into an open area, away from the chapel where at least one of them could battle it, and that was Lightning since he was the strongest.

He stood glaring at the monster through his visor, and the creature roared and rushed for him, and Lightning did the same.

POW!! Their huge fists collided and Lightning flipped and kicked the bear hard in its evil face.

“Ooh, that’s gotta hurt!” muttered Applejack.

Starla clenched her fists still wishing she could be there fighting alongside her husband, but she knew that the more fighters they were it would only make the beast stronger as it fed on anger and hatred.

“General!” one of the sentries called “We have a problem!”

Starla could see that the bride, the groom, and a few of their guests had turned evil due to inhaling the cursed smoke. They were marching forth like evil minions of The Devils and looking ready to spread the darkness and infect more ponies.

The sentries guarded the unaffected ponies and continued to escort them away while others stood guard not to let them through.

“Get them!” shouted the bride.

“…For Von Devilor!” added the groom!

They and their guests began to charge up and fire dark magical pulses, forcing the sentries to defend. They were quite aware that they could not attack the civilians.

“Oh, I really hate doing this!” cried Starla, but she got out her bow, and set it on “Capture”

“GALACTIC PROJECTILE!” and she fired her shot at all the civilians, imprisoning them in spheres, which would hold them until Lightning could destroy the monster.

“Ha!” Lightning thundered as he kicked the beast hard shoving it back.

While in midair, the creature unleashed its spikes into the ground which puffed out more cursed smoke, and even though the fighters were unaffected by it, they couldn’t let it spread through the village.

“You ready, Pinkie?” asked Applejack.

“Let’s do it!” and she and Applejack leapt in and began to flap their wings furiously blowing the smoke up high into the sky where it all dissolved away.

“PULSAR LASER” Starla destroyed the spikes with her blasts.

“Good going ladies!” Lightning called.

Suddenly, the monster slammed the ground causing another tremor, shaking him softly, and the monster rushed over and tackled him hard to the ground and rammed numerous punches into his face.

“Lightning!” cried Starla. She would have rushed in to help but her husband charged up and blasted a small burst of uniforce at the creature launching it high up into the air.

Lightning bolted upright, and leapt up after the creature. “Now try my full power! UNIFORCE!!” and he fired his blast at the creature, enveloping it in the light, and it exploded in midair and was gone.

“Yee-Haw!” cheered Applejack “Way to put that bear cub down!”

Lightning landed and felt pleased with this victory. He powered down his suit, and the others did the same, but not before Starla released the civilians from captivity, and sure enough they were all back to normal with the monster now gone.

“Are you all okay?” she asked.

The weddinggoers hardly remembered anything other than the monster attacking them. The rest was all a blank, but they did remember enough to thank the team for helping them, so now they could have the wedding party in peace, and they invited the soldiers to partake as a reward.

“Yeah, party!!” cried Pinkie.

Lightning chuckled, “Sure, why not. We need to survey the area anyway and make sure all is clear of any Devil Magic.”

While everyone headed off to party and the fighters began to scout about, Pinkie looked around again, hoping to see if Dearka was anywhere around.

She just really wanted to see him again, for her own personal reasons, even though she knew she was thinking crazy as he was the enemy!

She couldn’t see him, but he was watching from within the shadows of a big tree nearby, and he seemed a little displeased.

“The Ursanizer has been lost.” he muttered softly “Regaurdless, I have gathered energy for my King Von Devilor. I am his servant and I obey and carry out The Devil’s will.”

He then began to recite the oath Von Devilor had laid out before…

“Find all the beings that are in love-- root them out and kill them!

Find anyone who is capable of love and destroy them!

And above all: Find those who are about to be married, and wipe them out of existence forever!

Hate the love in this world, for as long as there is love, those of us with hateful hearts will know no peace!”

His eyes gave an angry glow from behind his mask, and then he disappeared, back to The Devil’s World.

The next day, Lightning was training with Swift Star, making him plow up the fields in New Sweet Apple Acres so the farmers could start planting.

Swift dug through that earth using only his hands and fingers, just zooming right by and making good planting trenches. He had done training like this before at the Starfleet Academy, and now he was better than ever at it while under Lightning’s tutelage.

Lightning watch proudly as Swift plowed the fields up in just an hour, whereas it would have taken the farmers a whole day to accomplish, and they were all very thankful to him.

Swift was out of breath and looked pretty beat and sweaty from his job, but he nodded thankfully and then went off to where his mentor awaited him under a tree.

“I’m done, sir.”

Lightning gave him a strict look, “Very good, but remember, there is always room for improvement when and where it is needed, and only IF it is needed.”

Swift felt a little struck, “But sir… I finished the job, and I did as you told me to.”

“Yes,” agreed Lightning “But you could stand to go a little faster, and conserve your strength. Remember: You must learn to balance your daily chores and your duties, and keep a good amount of agility even after so.

Danger can strike at any moment, and then… if you’re not careful, you could be easily beaten in battle, and then there goes the world.

…Do I make myself clear?”

Swift felt intimidated, and somewhat upset by Lightning’s tone and picking at him, but he knew this was part of standard training-- a test of the patience and courage which every Starfleet fighter needed and all were put through.

“Yes; crystal, sir...”

Lightning’s expression curled into a soft smile, “Good. Come on now, we’ve been invited by the Apple Family for lunch as thanks for the work you’ve done.”

“Great, I’m starved.”

Lightning chuckled and they headed off together.

As they neared the Apple’s yard, Applebloom was bouncing around so giddily and excited.

When they stopped and questioned her, she bounced up and down going in a sing-song voice “My sis is getting married! My sis is getting married!”

The men were both surprised to hear this.

“I didn’t know Colonel Applejack had a colt-friend.” said Swift.

“…She doesn’t.” replied Lightning “As Commander, I would know the background of my soldiers.”

They found Applejack sitting on a large log by Buddy’s house. She seemed most upset, and explained “It’s some arrangement my folks made when I was too little to remember.”

Buddy calmed her down, and he explained what she had told him already.

“Applejack’s folks were deep and dear friends with another family; “The Spices” whom were well renowned for cooking and confectioning.

Ironically, Applejack was born at the same time the Spices son, was born, and they named him “Apple” in honor of their great friendship with the Spices.

They were both cute little tots who loved to play with each other, but the Spice family had to move, as their great cooking skills were taking them all over Equestria, but because the families had such good relationship, and the babies seemed to play so well… the two families decided, and arranged the marriage.

They forged the promise legally, and signed it themselves, and naturally they couldn’t tell their children yet as they were too young, but promised to tell them when they reached the age of twelve, when they would be old enough to understand.”

Applejack pulled her hat down over her face in frustration, but handed Lightning the document, signed by both families, for him to see, and it was pretty legit.

“Ma and Pa couldn’t tell me any of this because of them disappearing when I was ten, and Granny Smith-- rest her soul-- never told me because she obviously had forgotten.”

“Well, where did you find this document?” asked Lightning.

“…I can answer that.” called a voice.

There stood a brightly beige colored Earth Pony, with a short bright red mane, and while his cutie mark was hidden under his clothes, he had a dye of it printed on the front of his shirt, which was a picture of a spice shaker with an apple mark on it.

He seemed to be a little nervous.

“Hi, I’m Apple Spice. Applejack’s Fia-- Fian…” he could hardly get the words out, and Applejack looked more frustrated than ever, and couldn’t seem to bring herself to even look at him.

A long silence followed and nobody seemed to say anything, and soon, Pear Butter hollered from across at the Apple’s place “Come and get it, y’all!” It was time for lunch.

Applejack quickly flew across, not waiting for the others, almost as if she wanted to get away quickly.

The friends could all feel there was going to be some sort of trouble.

Meanwhile, Dearka was bowing before Von Devilor.

“Deakra…” hissed the evil king “While I am pleased with the bits of energy you supply for our cause, however… the fact that our enemy continues to get in the way disturbs me deeply.”

“I understand greatly, My King.” said Dearka “Somehow, I shall find a way to get Starfleet out of our way, and then nothing will stand to stop us.”

Suddenly, there was a sound of hysterical and taunting laughter, “…You find a way to beat Starfleet? Not in your lifetime.”

Dearka turned furiously and shouted, “Who dares interrupt?!”

From out of the shadows stepped a very slender looking lady, with long blood-red hair. She, like all Devils had pale grayish skin, only her lips were colored with shiny red gloss. She wore long black gloves with sharp fingernails on the tips, and long black boots, complete with a sparkling black skirt with the same armor fixings like Dearka wore, only with red coloring.

She shot him a taunting wink.

“Scarlet!” groaned Dearka “I thought I recognized your annoying voice. Just what do you think you’re doing here? I’m addressing his majesty.”

Scarlet giggled softly, “You don’t know yet-- His majesty has assigned me to aid you in this mission of conquest.”

Dearka looked most insulted.

“Well, after all…” teased Scarlet “Even the best need help sometimes, and given the round of luck you’ve had lately, I’m inclined to agree.”

“GRRRR… BACK OFF!!” thundered Dearka.

Scarlet looked cross, “Don’t blame me! I’m merely following his majesty’s demands, or are you questioning our king’s will?”

The two devils snarled at each other.

“Enough!” bellowed Von Devilor “Any issues you have can resolved later. Right now there is work to be done.

Dearka, you will escort Scarlet down on her first mission to observe and engage with the enemy. Is that clear?”

Dearka reluctantly gave in and bowed to him, “Yes sire.” But he still felt rather grouchy about all this, while Scarlet simply flicked her hair with a coy smirk on her face.

Meanwhile, the friends and the Apple Family were all gathered at the large picnic tables.

Applejack and Apple Spice sat at opposite ends and corners from one another, feeling too embarrassed, Bright Mac and Pear Butter, though delighted to see Apple Spice after all these years, felt just as awkward too.

“What’s everyone so down and quiet about?” asked Applebloom “You should all be happy. There’s going to be a wedding.”

Big Mac put his hand on his sister’s back shaking his head at her, “…It’s a little complicated right now, sis.”

“I’ll say it is.” said Applejack, and then she thundered to her parents, “I can’t believe you two arranged this!”

“Applejack!” snapped Lightning “Don’t bark at your folks like that.”

Bright Mac held up his hand, “It’s alright, Lightning; we expected she’d probably act like this.”

Pear agreed and explained, “So much has happened since we came back, and we forgot all about it ourselves, until we received a letter from Apple Spice a week ago, and he told us everything.”

Apple Spice nervously stood and explained, “Well, when I was ten, my folks never told me about this arrangement, and I didn’t remember a thing about Applejack myself… I was just a colt.

I was at school while my folks were cooking at our family restaurant, when there was a terrible accident…!

It turned out the gas-powered stoves and ovens weren’t cleaned out properly by the assistant chefs, and one of them carelessly left the gas on!

My mother and father were getting ready to cook their special treats and dishes when they could smell the gas-leak, and just as they were about to alert everyone, one of the assist-chefs, foolishly-- without smelling the gas-- attempted to light the stove.”

KAPOW!!

When Apple Spice heard the news, you can bet he was devastated.

Everyone felt just awful for him.

“Whoa! Major bummer, guy.” said Tree Hugger.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” added Buddy.

Apple Spice wiped the oncoming tears in his eyes. “Sorry, I just really loved my folks. They were the greatest cooks I ever knew. I couldn’t wait for meal times, and their meals and treats were so tasty, even after I had my fill I just had to have more, and anyone who ever tried a sample of their cooking felt the same way.”

Applejack began to soften up and felt sorry for him, but not nearly as much as her folks looked.

“The newspaper told us of the accident.” explained Bright Mac “Buttercup and I felt just awful. Our dear friends…!”

Pear’s eyes filled with tears remembering the devastation. “When we heard the news, we felt worse for Apple Spice. He had no other living relatives.”

DD looked over at Spice, “You didn’t?”

Spice shook his head, “And worse than that, with the family restaurant destroyed, I couldn’t stay in school anymore either, so I was sent to an orphanage.”

Swift then asked “If you guys knew all this, couldn’t you have taken him in? After all, if was going to be part of your family and all that?”

“Me and Buttercup thought of it.” replied Bright Mac “We felt that boy needed a loving family, and since we loved his folks, we felt he’d be a great addition to our herd.”

“…Only, that was when we had our own little issues.” said Pear “We were still talking about the adoption, when Bright Mac his brother Seeder Breeze got mixed up by those nasty Fruit Bats, and… I guess the rest speaks for itself.”

Applejack could see it all now, “You disappeared, and so I was never told.”

A large hush fell over everyone.

“Poor families…” Lightning thought “It’s like they all suffered from similar fates, only Applejack got her parents back, and Spice wasn’t so lucky-- almost like how I lost my family.”

“What happened to you after that?” asked Applebloom.

Spice sighed “Well, while I grew up at the orphanage, I knew I couldn’t just spend every day moping over my parents, I had to have hope that someday I’d have a living family again, but sadly I was never adopted. Most parents wanted to have younger kids whom they could raise to be their own, and do things they’re way, not my family’s way.

I wanted a loving family, but one that would really let me carry on my family’s legacy of cooking, that’s why some families didn’t take me in, and I couldn’t accept other families-- just not what was wanted or needed, and as I grew older, my chances of being taken in were slimming away, and I realized I’d have to do something for my future.

That’s when I decided to be a confectioner and cook, just like my folks, so I began to study and learn how to cook; slowly making my way up until I could get a job in a restaurant to earn a living.

Once I mad enough money I bought a place of my own, but it’s hard to keep the bills and taxes balanced, I don’t make a whole lot, but at least I get by.

Sometime after I moved into my place, the authorities came and told me they had saved what was left of my parents belongings in a storage locker.

They never told me before feeling I wasn’t responsible enough to understand or look after it.

…And as I was rummaging through old things, I came upon the marriage agreement.

I was shocked, my folks never told me, and when I realized how long it had been, I decided to at least pay a visit, but I’m starting to think I should’ve just kept out of it.”

He didn’t have to go on; he was plain to understand enough at this point.

Bright Mac and Pear Butter decided to invite him over to at least meet the family, and now they were glad he did.

“You’ve been living on hard times?” asked Bright Mac “Well now I feel worse for you than ever.”

“That goes double for me.” agreed Pear.

Everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing, that Spice was alone, and he couldn’t really keep going on like this, but Applejack still felt the same, “I can’t go through with this!” she cried “Marrying some guy I hardly know too well because of some-contract that was made ages, and ages ago.”

“That goes double for me.” agreed Spice “I mean, sure, I really want to have a family again, but this… I don’t think I can do this either. I hardly remember any of the Apple Family. My folks and I were always moving from town-to-town to take part in cooking conventions, so we could never visit; which would have helped a lot!”

Both Applejack and Spice didn’t seem so keen on this marriage thing.

“So, does that mean you’re not going to get married, sis?” asked Applebloom.

Applejack was all in a twist of thoughts. She would have gladly refused, but after hearing Spice’s sad story she was never one to just kick someone out flat.

Spice sort of seemed the same way, not too keen on just marrying a total stranger and all that, though it would mean a much better life for him.

“I think you’re all forgetting something.” said Buddy “That contract is legally binding, and certified by strict law.”

Applejack and Spice didn’t like the sound of that.

“What’s that mean?” asked Applebloom.

DD, having studded a great deal of law and order, explained “It means Applejack and Apple Spice HAVE to get married-- it’s the law. They could into trouble if they don’t.”

Lightning looked at the contract himself, and Applejack and Spice looked at him hoping it wouldn’t be final, but Lightning looked up and between them both, “…It’s final. Unless there is some way to void it, I’m afraid you two are required by law to get hitched… and by the end of this summer!”

Another long moment of silence flowed.

Applejack felt so embarrassed, nervous, and awkward that she excused herself from the table and just flew off. Her parents didn’t try to stop her, understanding she needed some space to absorb all this.

Even Applebloom didn’t feel so excited about it anymore, as though she was beginning to understand a little.

Applejack had flown up an apple tree in the fields. Her appetite was completely gone as she contemplated everything.

“I have to get married!” she groaned in thought “This is just crazy! I never once thought I’d ever even meet the right pony didn’t intend to that much anyway.”

Still, as a Starfleet Officer, she knew the penalties for not abiding by the law were pretty nasty.

Then she thought back to Apple Spice, “Sure, his name is “Apple” and, well, I admit he is kind of cute, and he really could use a family.

Argh! But I hardly know him at all! I only played with him when I was little to remember, and now I have to do all this because of something that I didn’t even agree to?!”

She pulled her hat down over her face, groaning miserably and she was suddenly snapped out of it when the alarms went off right around the farms, right near her place!

“What in the hayfields…?!”

Dearka and Scarlet had appeared, right above the lunch tables.

“Well hello…” hissed Scarlet.

“Look out!!” shouted Lightning, and everyone jumped away just as the two Devils forcefully kicked over the tables, ruining the lunch.

Little Seedling cried and screamed in fright.

“Whoa! You made my baby cry!” Tree Hugger scolded in a soft but sharp tone.

Scarlet only flicked her hair and snuffed.

Buddy hollered at all the others, “Get inside the house, quick!”

“I don’t think so!” sneered Dearka, and extending his claws, he trapped the families in a barrier of dark fog. “I wouldn’t get too close. You Starfleet fighters may be impervious to our powers, but I doubt you are.”

Lightning clenched his fists, growling angrily and thought “I don’t dare try to dispel the barrier by blasting it; I may hit one of them!”

“Poor pitiful, Dearka.” mocked Scarlet “If you want to gather energy, you don’t blackmail them, you instantly infect them!”

Even though she wore a poison-shielding mask, her special power allowed her blow kisses right through it, via her dark energy.

“MMMMMWA…!” from out from her mask appeared a giant lip-smear which made its way through Dearka’s barrier, and hit Spice like a balloon popping. He screamed as his body was enveloped in dark aura.

“What’s happening to him?!” cried Pear.

Applebloom and DD held each other, trembling, and Tree Hugger held the baby close, while Swift narrowed his eyes “He’s being infected by the Devil’s will! I’ve seen it.”

Spice turned to face the others, but his eyes were glowing with evil, his body was emitting the evil energy, and his voice became deep and raspy. “Long live King Von Devilor!”

He began to stomp his way towards the others to infect them as well.

Buddy and Lightning stood back-to-back, and Lightning whispered, “I’ll take care of the chumps; you try and free the others.”

Buddy agreed, and they called “Break!” and split off, transforming in the process…

“…STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

Lightning stood, ready to fight the two Devils.

“Bring it on you two!”

Scarlet laughed, “My, you’re a brash one, quite handsome too.”

Lightning felt awkward, and Dearka was annoyed, “Scarlet, will get your mind on the battle, these are no ordinary adversaries.”

He extended his claws and leapt in to battle, swinging furiously, while Lightning dodged and swerved, then threw his punched at his opponent.

Scarlet then leapt in, shouting out loud, and aiming a high fly-kick, booting Lightning in the side, and sending him flying off.

“See, they’re not so tough.” Scarlet mocked, but Dearka remained unconvinced, especially when Lightning straightened himself in midair, kicked his feet off the ground, and sprung right back towards Scarlet, she quickly dodged.

Dearka simply snickered, “…Told you!” and then he leapt back in to combat with Lightning, while Scarlet reappeared floating in midair thinking “…Maybe Dearka was right about these fighters.”

Then she noticed Buddy standing by the barrier, and he used his alicorn magic to cast some light over it, dispelling it, but Apple Spice was still infected and moving towards Tree Hugger and Seedling, while DD bravely stood in front of them… while trembling softly.

“Leave my family alone!” shouted Buddy.

“VINE WHIP”

Spice turned to face him, and Buddy was ready to attack and imprison him, when Scarlet appeared behind him, “No, you don’t!” and trip-kicked him off his feet, then attempted to kick him in the stomach, but he sprung himself up with his hands and instead kicked her right in her chest-plate.

“Ugh!! How could you kick me like that!” she whined.

“The same way I could do this… LEAF SWARM!”

His razor leafs billowed all around her, but she was ready for him this time.

“SMOOCH OF PROTECTION” she blew another lip-smear, which stood before her like a wall, blocking the attack.

“Unbelievable!” cried Buddy.

Still, he hadn’t forgotten about Spice, and quickly he whirled round, lassoing his whip around his leg, and then with one strong flick, he sent the infected pony flying up high into the air.

Buddy then jumped up high himself, setting his whip on “Capture.”

“WHIPLASH STRIKE” Striking him hard, Spice exploded.

Pinkie could see the explosion from far off while on her patrol. “Hey, what’s that?”

Spice appeared imprisoned in a sphere.

“Good shot, Cous!” cheered DD.

Buddy ignored the thanks and ordered everyone, “Quick, get inside!”

The families agreed and headed for the house!

“Oh, no you don’t…” shouted Scarlet, and she prepared to attack them all again, when Applejack came down, transformed, and landing right in front of her. “Yes, they do!” and she punched the evil Devil hard in the face.

“No one tries to hurt my family and gets away with it!”

“Nice timing.” said Buddy.

Lightning and Dearka were still brawling hard. Dearka punched Lightning hard in the face, sending him flying, but Lightning retaliated, “UNIFORCE” hitting him hard and sent him sailing towards Scarlet, crashing into her.

“Are you convinced now?” asked Dearka.

“Yes, I am… very.”

The two Devils regrouped, and the trio of fighters stood before them.

“All right, you three,” Lightning sneered “We can do this the easy way or the hard way!”

“Ha!” laughed Dearka “In that case, we’ll go hard on you now.”

Scarlet snickered “We’ve only been testing you so far, and we can see you really are worthy fighters, more than a mere nuisance in our mission to eradicate love!”

“But why?” asked Buddy “Why do you really want to eradicate love?”

Scarlet pointed at her face, directly at her mask, “Because we can’t breathe the air here, that’s why!”

The trio seemed stunned, and Dearka explained, “We Devils were trapped in our dimension for so long; our bodies became permanently accustomed to the darkness and the negative energy fields from evil and hate.

We have grown weary of our world and wish to be free once more, but the energy in your world is so bright and filled with love and positive energy vibes-- all this is completely lethal to us!”

He explained that during their first encounter, when Pinkie Pie knocked his mask away, exposing him to the light and positive air around him, he began to suffocate and his skin began to burn!

“If we Devils are to successfully break free from our Devil’s World, we must eradicate all love, all light, and that’s all there is to it. These are the wishes and demands of our King, Von Devilor, and we exist only to serve him!”

Lightning clenched his fists angrily, “Why are you telling us all this? You realize you’ve just exposed your fatal weakness to us.”

Scarlet laughed, “Like it’s going to make any difference if we tell or not. In the end, we’re the ones who will end up victorious, especially after all we’ve learned from you today.”

“What does that mean?” asked Applejack.

Dearka snickered, “This planet is the most ideal target we have ever seen-- so full of love and light that we can convert into negative energy and hatred, to further power ourselves and fuel our glorious king for his triumphant return.”

“Now that we’ve tested more of your battle capabilities,” added Scarlet “It will make things all the more interesting for you next time.”

Buddy stomped his foot “Let’s get ‘em!” he shouted.

Lightning agreed, and he and the others rushed forth, only for the two Devils to combine their powers and unleash a super strong dark wave that blasted all of them back hard, and the crashed along the ground, and when they looked up, the Devils were gone.

Lightning angrily pounded the ground.

“You two okay?” he asked the others.

The others nodded, and as they all got back onto their feet and powered down their suits, Pinkie landed on the scene. “What happened here?”

“Nice of you to join us.” grumbled Applejack.

“We just had a run-in with Dearka and a friend of his.” added Buddy.

Pinkie’s eyes widened, “Dearka…?” and she had a romantic envision of him and his handsome face, and he winked at her “…He was here?” and she fell into a blushing daze again.

“Pinkie…” Lightning called “…Pinkie!!”

She snapped out of her trance. “Oh! I… uh… um… What were we talking about again?”

Lightning sighed, and he and the others could tell Pinkie was getting worse and this would have to be dealt with.

“I’m going to go check on the family.” said Applejack.

“Me too.” added Buddy.

Lightning had to get home straight away and tell Starla. They had learned much about the enemy today, and it had to be discussed, with her and with their majesties as well. Applejack and Apple Spice’s wedding contract would have to be dealt with another day. More pressing matters called.

Then he noticed that Apple Spice was still trapped in his sphere and was starting to come to his senses.

“Pinkie, you look after him, then escort him and Swift Star home.”

“Yes sir!”

Lightning flew off in a zap!

Pinkie walked over to the sphere, and she tapped on her energizer, firing a beam of light at the sphere, dispelling it, and Spice grew back to his normal size.

He softly began to awaken and groaned softly. “What happened?”

He opened his eyes and saw Pinkie looming over him, “Are you alright?” she asked.

Spice looked right up at her, and he could hardly believe his eyes. True, he had heard of Pinkie Pie-- there wasn’t a pony that hadn’t-- but this was his first time meeting her up close and, she seemed like the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

He then had a romantic envision of his own, just as she did. There was, with her long pink mane fluttering in the wind, and she looked right at him.

“Are you okay?” she asked again, snapping him out of his daze.

“Um… yeah.” he answered nervously.

“Are you sure? Your cheeks look a bit red.”

Spice felt a little embarrassed. He tried to get a hold of himself and stop blushing.

“Um… what happened out here?” he asked “Where did all the others go?”

Pinkie placed her hand on his shoulder, “It’ll be okay…” her hand very warm and soothing to him, making him blush again, and Pinkie’s voice seemed to warm him further “…You just wait right here. I’ll escort you home.”

Then she left to get Swift and take him home as ordered, leaving Spice standing as stiff as a board. There was no way he could deny to himself.

“Pinkie Pie…” he whispered softly, and a large, imaginary image of her appeared behind him, in his mind.

This, and all the other problems afoot, would all be dealt with another day.

As for Von Devilor, he remained as silent and as dark as ever, and he gazed down at the large glowing aura on his lower forum. The energy seemed to be churning and rumbling, almost as it if were alive.

Von Devilor only snickered at it, “It is futile. Just as my dark powers continue to grow stronger, the light of love will diminish.

Now that we know more of our enemies, The Devil’s conquest is about to be more intense!”

(Promo)

In our next episode: While visiting the palace to discuss matters, Celestia is still being terribly haunted by her evil counterpart, and things seem to go from bad to worse as Daybreaker haunts other ponies in their nightmares, strengthening her own power.

Can our heroes repel their evil version of their queen?

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

(Next Episode: “Heating Haunts”)

Episode 4: Heating Haunts

EPISODE FOUR

Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia were enjoying a soak in the royal hot-springs after their early morning duties-- raising the sun, arranging the guards and sentries, as well as a spot of yoga.

The water was so soothing and warm, but it felt even warmer as the couple cuddled together softly.

Celestia nuzzled happily against her husband.

“Someone seems affectionate this morning.” chuckled Grand Ruler.

His wife looked up at him, “I’m just enjoying the moment. Things have gotten quite serious lately.”

Grand Ruler agreed, “Lightning and the team will be arriving today to give us their reports in person. We’ll soon know more about The Devils than ever.”

They both had to get out of the tub. Their children would be awakening soon, and they would have to help them dress and get ready for school like good parents.

The couple climbed out, and dried themselves off and dressed their usual outfits, but as Celestia fit on her royal gown and robe, she looked in the mirror and saw Daybreaker, snarling and flaming at her, making her gasp and blast the mirror in an act of impulse, shattering it to shards.

“Celestia!” cried Grand Ruler “What happened? Are you alright?”

“…Daybreaker!” cried Celestia “I sa-- I saw Daybreaker in the mirror!”

Concerned, Grand Ruler used his magic to bond all the shards together and fix the mirror back up on the wall, and he saw only his and his wife’s reflections.

Celestia was confused as she walked right up to the mirror, and tapped it softly, but at that split second, her reflection seemed to fade-wipe from her to Daybreaker and back again.

Her husband saw the images too, though Celestia herself seemed perfectly normal, this was not a good sign.

For while, since the evil’s discovery, Celestia had been having a few bad nightmares here and there, and her temperature would increase, and she ended up seeing illusions of her evil counterpart in various locations.

Celestia quickly put herself into a calm and meditative state.

She had been instructed by the court physician to remain calm, and not give in to the evil growing within her.

She let out a huge sigh, feeling much calmer, but she still felt tormented by all this trouble, as well as the great danger that would befall if the evil was released.

She looked up at her husband, “I can’t go on like this forever. Something has to be done.”

“…Something will be done,” said Grand Ruler “Our researchers are doing everything they can, but I ask you again; please don’t try to do anything rash. It could lead to great consequences.”

His wife placed her hand in his, and gave him a loving expression, promising her very best.

Princess Luna knocked at the door and called inside, “Sister, Brother-in-law?”

“You may enter.” Celestia called.

Her sister slid the door open, “You did not come, so I helped the children dress, and they have sat down to breakfast.”

The two parents felt ashamed, but Luna could already sense what held them up. “Was it Daybreaker again?”

The couple nodded, and Luna shook head in dismay. She very worried for her sister-- knowing the experiences of having evil inside of her.

Celestia reassured her, “I’m fine, really. Let’s go to breakfast.”

Later that day, Lightning and his team arrived at the palace, courtesy of Krysta’s teleportation, and were being escorted by the royal guards to the throne room.

Starla, Rarity, and Fluttershy brought Shining Light, Twilight, and Button Fly along, while Buddy was able to leave Seedling at home with Tree Hugger.

The babies seemed undisturbed by the ride, and were sleeping softly.

“Aw, they’re so sweet.” said Krysta “…Just like Flurry Heart when I warped her family here.”

“The Crystal Family is here too?” asked Fluttershy.

Krysta nodded, “Their majesties wanted them here. If your reports are true, it could mean bigger than we thought.”

Lightning clenched his fists tight, but Starla placed her hand on his shoulder trying to calm him.

He smiled tenderly at his wife.

Suddenly, along the way, they all heard the sound of someone screaming in fright, which woke the babies and made them cry.

“What was that?” cried Rainbow.

Artie recognized the voice anywhere, “That’s Sunset Shimmer! She’s in trouble!!” and he dashed off in the direction of the scream.

“Artie!” called Lightning.

“Stop shouting, please!” snapped Rarity as she and the other mothers comforted the crying babies.

Lightning felt embarrassed, and then tried to help soothe his son.

As for Artie, he found Sunset in the hall with laundry dropped all over the place, and Goldwin, in his statue form.

“Please help!!” cried Sunset.

Artie was there in a heartbeat, nearly knocking over a couple of hall tables and armor suits in the process. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

Sunset pointed at the motionless Goldwin, “We were carrying clean laundry down the hall when he suddenly just turned to solid gold!”

Artie had the idea of what was wrong, and he could see Goldwin’s mask on the floor by a bunch of towels.

“Remember what we told you: Goldwin is a golden statue-- I made him.”

Sunset stood wide-eyed, still finding it all so shocking.

Artie picked up the mask, placing it on the statue’s face. “You see he comes to life when we put this mask on him, and say this phrase…”

He cleared his throat…

“Powers of life, now begin
awaken the magic from within!”

Goldwin came back to life in a shower of golden sparkles. He woke up with a shock, “What happened?” Then he noticed all the laundry scattered across the floor, and Sunset staring at him as if he were some kind of stranger.

“…Oh, I guess my mask came off again.”

Sunset managed to shake herself back to her senses. “Uh… okay then.”

“Here, I’ll help you guys with all this mess.” offered Artie. The trio began picking up and folding the towels and clothes, which were not re-dirtied from their spill.

Artie and Sunset then attempted to grab the same sheet, when their hands touched, and they looked into each other’s eyes, and they both blushed.

They both looked away quickly feeling embarrassed.

“Um… you can take that.” said Sunset.

“No, no… I insist.”

…but it was Goldwin who took it, and he couldn’t help but snicker at the two, knowing they both seemed to like each other.

“Hey, Artie…!” called Dyno.

“Let’s move it, their majesties want us.” added Myte.

Artie snapped into gear, “I have to go. Bye…!” and he walked off rather swiftly.

Sunset waved after him and kept her eye on him until he was out of sight. “He’s so sweet and kind.” she thought, and then she gasped, “Ah…?! What am I thinking? Why am I feeling like this? I barely know that guy.”

Regardless, she couldn’t stop herself from feeling warm inside

Later on, in the royal briefing room…

The babies were all placed in separate playpens. The tiny babies were fast asleep and quiet, while Shining Light and Flurry Heart shared another pen, as they were bigger than the others.

Sadly, Twilight had her own special flameproof playpen in case she sneezed and let out a small fire spark.

All three pens were shrouded in special bubbles of silence, so the grownups could talk and the babies wouldn’t hear a thing.

Their majesties had read the reports Lightning had given, and seen images from the previous battle-- via the memory spell.

“…Dearka.” Pinkie sighed as she watched the images of him. Even though he was hidden behind his mask, she couldn’t forget how he really looked, and she fell into another romantic daze, which did not go unnoticed by everyone else.

Grand Ruler ceased the images and cleared his throat at her, snapping her out of her trance.

Pinkie felt embarrassed.

“Moving on,” said Grand Ruler “The events and information obtained in the previous battle can now be viewed in retrospect. If The Devils truly believe United Equestria is their best target, we needn’t worry about them striking any other place in the galaxy.”

“But that’s a good thing, right?” asked Pinkie.

Rhymey shook his head,

“It most certainly is not all that right,
We are now the primary target in this Devil fight.
…am I right?”

“You sure are…” agreed Lightning “The Devils will surely continue to come after us, and from what we’ve established they don’t intend to just attack romantic couples and wedding, but anything that’s even remotely connected to Love altogether.”

Cadance felt deeply concerned, “There are so many ways to experience or spread love…

…Family… Friendship… Or even pure enjoyment for an object, food, or life itself!”

Shining Armor cringed, “That means The Devils can go after anyone, at any time.”

“That’s not even funny!” cried Rarity “Why, any second now, the most loving and gentle of creatures can turn the other cheek and become as vicious as those heartless monsters!”

Fluttershy shuddered at such a thought. “We can’t let that happen! We have to tell the people this at once!”

Celestia agreed, “We are already making preparations to publicly inform the entire planet. The people must what danger they are in, and it will give us all a chance to better prepare ourselves for future fights.”

Everyone still felt skeptical about this.

“They’re all going to be scared out of their wits.” said Spike “And we know that fear, anger, and all negative feelings only empower The Devil’s strength.”

“Well, yeah,” agreed Rainbow “But we’re also over-looking something else; why we fighters are impervious to The Devil’s brainwashing.”

Everyone was still curious about that, and Buddy remembered during the battle, how Scarlet infected Apple Spice, but it wouldn’t have worked if she had tried it on him or the other fighters.

“So what’s the answer?” he wondered.

“I think I know…” said Starla “I’ve been theorizing about it ever since The Devils first appeared, and failed to infect us fighters.”

“Well, spill it already…” said Applejack.

Starla then turned to face Lightning, but she really addressed everyone, “Do you remember our wedding?”

Her husband looked up, “I could never forget it…”

Flashbacks flowed by him and all the others.

King Sombra attacked, and abducted Starla, and he tried to brainwash her to fight against Lightning.

“You did fight against me, but it turned out you never were brainwashed because of your Starfleet Training.”

Lightning stopped there, realizing “…Of Course.”

Starla nodded, “Exactly, because we’re all trained in great strength in both mind and body, that’s probably why we’re able to resist The Devils’ evil.”

Grand Ruler contemplated it over and agreed with Starla, “That must be why; excellent thinking, Starla.”

She bowed her head to him.

“Well, that’s something.” said Applejack “We’re immune to the evil because of our strengths, but that still puts all them civilians in danger. They’re not as powerful as we are.”

Everyone agreed, and there was no way of course the civilians could suddenly become as powerful as they all were.

“Which means, the sooner the people know of this, the better they can be ready as well.” said Rainbow.

Their majesties all agreed.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Captain Shaina entered and saluted to them, “Sorry to interrupt, your majesties. Professor Brain has completed his computations and tests, and I have brought him to you as ordered.”

The Professor stepped into the briefing room, with a serious look on his face. His glasses shimmered.

“Your timing is impeccable.” said Celestia. “How have your tests gone?”

“Satisfactory. Most Satisfactory…”

He placed a clear box containing Dearka’s original mask from the first encounter.

Pinkie began to think of him again. “Dearka…”

The others didn’t like this, and Rainbow nudged her back to her senses.

“What’s the mask all about?” asked Artie.

The Professor explained, “This mask contained trace amounts of molecules and energy of a negative fiend, rather opposite the pure air that we breathe.

In short, it’s rather like a toxin.”

The others all shuddered at such a thought.

“They breathe in poison?” asked Dyno.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay’! How can anyone live in such conditions?” added Myte.

All this only confirmed The Devils’ story of having to eradicate love because while the darkness was their natural environment, the light and positive energy fields outside of their dimension would harm them.

“What effects would this poison have on creatures like us?” asked Krysta.

“None…” replied Brain “…At least not primarily, but the symptoms can and will begin to show.

Such symptoms include, weariness, weakening of the muscles, and after that it gets very bad!”

Fluttershy shuddered and asked “…Just… how bad?”

The Professor hesitated, but answered “Choking, burning of the flesh, vital tissue disruption… I believe that covers it.”

The others all rolled their eyes back and forth at one another in deep concern, now realizing the full and awful truth.

Lightning realized even worse, “We’ve managed to help those infected by The Devils’ power quickly, if we had taken too long…!” he didn’t have to finish, everyone got the drift.

“That’s why we have ordered Cadance here.” said Grand Ruler.

She looked at him and Celestia…

Her aunt spoke to her, “In view of our enemies and their powers, we just may have to rely on you and your special magic-- The Healing of Love.”

Cadance got the idea, and she agreed.

“What’s The Healing of Love?” asked Rainbow.

Cadance explained “It’s a special spell that I discovered and perfected long ago, and it’s what helped me earn my royal title.”

A Flashback occurred, to a time of Equestria of Old, long before The Great War…

Many ponies were angered, and filled with hate. If something was not done, it was feared that soon great fights would happen, and peace would begin to diminish among Equestrians, until Cadance, then just a student of Celestia, used her magic to soothe people’s hatred, and make them realize the good within them.

This helped to quell the rage, and make the ponies stop and realize the senselessness of their hatred, and come to realize the better ways of things.

Cadance began to realize and asked her aunt and uncle, “…Are you saying that my spell could help us heal the victims infected by the evil much more efficiently.”

“It may be our best chance and hope.” answered Grand Ruler “...Cadance, you may very well be our greatest asset in the fight against The Devils and their hate, it is for this reason that we’ll need your help.”

Celestia explained, “We need you to transfer part of your magic into everyone else’s weapons and energizers. This way, they shall be able to call upon a small portion of the magic, which should be enough to help deal with infected victims more quickly, in case a battle should escalate longer than expected.”

Everyone else looked down at their energizers, and thought the idea would be cool.

“But how do we know it will really work?” asked Pinkie “We’ve never tried it on The Devils’ power before.”

“All the more reason for this to be done,” said Grand Ruler “Now everyone, gather around; form a circle around Cadance.”

The Space Ponies got out their weapons, as did Spike and Shining Armor, while the Equestrians would absorb the power in their energizers.

Celestia and Grand Ruler both levitated themselves off the floor at opposite ends of the ring.

Both of them nodded at each other signifying they were ready, and then motioned to Cadance to begin.

Cadance closed her eyes and concentrated hard. Her horn started to glow brightly. Her mane fluttered around, and she softly but deeply called out “THE HEALING OF LOVE”

Out from her horn spouted a pink light, infused with golden sparkles, like a waterfall of loving energy.

Their majesties then raised their arms up, and cast their own magic upon the aura, making it whirl in a twister and softly flowing into the weapons and energizers.

The fighters all felt warm and strange, and then all was quiet.

The weapons and energizers were all glowing with the sparkling aura, and then it went out.

“It didn’t work?” asked Buddy.

“No, it has.” replied replied“All of you now have a small portion of The Healing of Love.

“…But we warned,” cautioned Grand Ruler “…What you have been given are mere fractional copies of the magic, so it will not be nearly as strong as the actual force, especially since you will be dispensing this force technologically rather than naturally.”

Lightning got the idea, “In other words, we have to use it properly, and make every shot count.”

Their majesties agreed, but then Shining Armor realized something. “Wait a minute. If you guys run out of power, you’ll have to come back to Cadance to get more.”

Cadance realized this too, and looked at their majesties. “This isn’t the only you called me here, is it?”

Their majesties looked a bit remorseful, and Celestia explained it, “Cadance, you, and your family are the strongest elements of love and joy on the entire planet, as you yourself embody the Element of Love.

We fear that if the enemy discovers this, you and your family may in great danger, which is why… we don’t request, we demand that you and your family remain here at New Canterlot Palace until further notice.”

Shining Armor and Cadance seemed worried.

“Just keep us away from the Crystal Empire? You can’t do this!” protested Shining Armor.

Reluctantly, Cadance agreed with her aunt and uncle, “They’re right. We should stay here where it’s safer.”

She held her hands to her heart, “My love radiates stronger than most creatures. If The Devils find out about this, they could come after me and use me in their plots. Then they would gain untold power!”

Shining Armor and the others shuddered at such a thought.

Cadance turned to face her husband, “They might even come after you, and after Flurry Heart. I don’t want that.”

Now he finally understood.

“But what about the New Crystal Empire?” asked Krysta “There’s no one to lead it.”

“That’s not true.” replied Grand Ruler “We have already thought this ahead, and the Supreme Crystal Council will take over the royal duties-- they already have actually.

All citizens of the New Crystal Empire have been silently informed of this by mail, and have been ordered to keep totally silent of things, for fear of our enemy becoming aware of our secret.

But I’m afraid this is only the beginning. Once the public has been informed of The Devils and their plot, cautionary steps will have to be taken. Possibly even lockdowns, curfew, and enforcement of law and order.”

Celestia looked regretful about it, as did the others, but they knew it was for the peoples’ safety, and to help them learn more about the enemy and to try and stop them.

“We’ve got much to do.” said Lightning “I suggest we get started at once.”

The others all agreed.

The meeting was over, and the team decided to head home to let Cadance and Shining Armor settle in.

They bid their goodbyes, and the mothers scooped up their respective babies.

Shining Light and Flurry Heart awoke, just as Starla took Shining away.

“Say, bye-bye sweetie.”

Both babies looked very sad, and tears formed in their eyes as they reached for one another and began to cry, awakening the other babies too.

Rhymey covered his ears at the unbearable noise.

“Me oh my…! Four babies cry?
We better get home now, so this is goodbye.”

Fluttershy agreed as she cradled Button Fly.

Krysta quickly warped them away first, and then Lightning and Starla, followed by Spike and Rarity.

Flurry Heart was still upset now that Shining Light was gone. Her parents comforted her, and the others still couldn’t bear the noise.

“Hurry…! Get us out of here!” cried Artie.

“Gladly!” agreed Krysta, and she teleported everyone else back to their respective homes in New Ponyville.

Later that night, Shining Light was tucked into his crib, all quiet and warm and sleeping peacefully as Starla softly stroked his tiny head.

“He and Flurry really like each other.” she said to her husband.

Lightning agreed, “To think, when he gets old he may think girls are icky.”

His wife gave him a smug look, “And maybe he won’t. Maybe he’ll continue to like girls, and maybe he and Flurry will grow up, and before you know it… we’ll have grandkids.”

Lightning felt dizzy in a good way at such a thought. “We’ll see… for now we should get to bed. We’ve got a lot to do tomorrow. I’m not looking forward to telling the civilians about the danger.”

Soon, they as well as all their friends, even the royal families were all tucked into bed, and Princess Luna and her guards were doing their knightly rounds, patrolling the lands.

Suddenly, she had a sinister chill run down her spine.

“What is it, your highness?” asked a guard.

“…I sense something strange in the air.”

Celestia began to cringe in her sleep, so did her husband.

Far away in New Ponyville, All the ponies were snoozing and dreaming away, some of them having a bit more lovely dreams, especially Pinkie.

She dreamt of-- what else-- Dearka.

They were both standing amidst a sparkling pink background, softened by light and he would take his mask off, despite it being lethal, and they would look deep into each other’s eyes, which took her breath away.

Their faces moved in closer, when suddenly the entire fantasy burst into flames.

“Wh-- What’s happening?” cried Pinkie

Then she heard the sound of a sinister snicker, it sounded feminine.

“Hey! That voice!” she cried “I know that voice.”

Then as she stumbled around, she bumped backwards into someone. She turned round, to see Fluttershy, and the two leapt up and screamed before realize who was who.

“Fluttershy?”

“Pinkie Pie…What’s going on?”

“Just what I was about to ask.”

Then that evil voice called to them, “…You’re in my domain now; that’s what!”

Then, SHE appeared in a blaze of fire.

“You!!” cried Fluttershy.

“You’re Celestia’s evil side!” snarled Pinkie “You’re…um… “Sun Broken” No… uh… “Light Shatter.” No… that’s not it!”

“…It’s “DAYBREAKER!!” she shouted, and her flames blazed angrily.

The girls could tell she meant trouble, and prepared to transform, only realize their energizers were missing.

“We can’t transform!” cried Fluttershy.

Pinkie then put up her fists, “We’ll have to fight on our own.”

Fluttershy went from nervous to serious, and put up her dukes as well.

This only made DayBreaker laugh nastily, “How charming, and how pathetic as well.”

Pinkie didn’t take kindly to her insults, and let out a roar of fury as she charged forth… very… very… slowly.

“Hey! What’s happening? I can’t run very fast!”

Fluttershy also was experiencing troubles as she tried to fly, but no matter how hard she flapped her wings, she couldn’t gain any lift.

Daybreaker snickered, “You can’t anything either? Well maybe I can, and I’ll invite the whole gang to watch!”

The girls wondered what she meant, and Daybreaker unleashed a hot wave of energy, which made all the others appear… trapped in cages of fire.

“Rhymey…!” cried Flutershy.

Her husband called out to her…

“Fluttershy…
…Pinkie Pie!!”

Even Lightning and Starla were bound by the flames. So were Cadance and Shining Armor.

“What’s going on?” cried Cadance.

“This is like some weird dream!” yelled her husband.

Everybody’s wailing and yelling alerted the attentions of two others who were also stuck in the dream with them…!

“Celesto… look!” cried Celestia.

Their majesties looked ahead!

“Lightning!” cried Grand Ruler.

Lightning could hardly believe his eyes, “…Master?”

“…And Celestia too?!” added Starla.

Daybreaker saw the couple over her shoulder, and used her powers to raise a huge firewall.

“Your majesties!” cried Fluttershy, then she screamed as both she and Pinkie were magically imprisoned in flaming cages too, and sent up high to join the others!

Only their majesties were left standing, but even they remained powerless to stop the evil.

“What is all this?” thought Grand Ruler “I know this seems like a dream, but how are Lightning and all the others here as well.”

Daybreaker laughed, but addressed only Celestia, “Just thought I’d give you a little warning…

…You can try and supress me all you like, but it won’t stop me, all your resisting does is make me even stronger, and now not only am I able to haunt you in your nightmares, but anyone’s, including all those who are dear to you!”

The others were all suffering miserably, unable to defend themselves, for this was Daybreaker’s nightmare, meaning she was in control things!

“Stop this, you monster!” thundered Celestia “Leave them all alone! It’s me you want!”

Daybreak laughed, “No, it’s not you that I want, it’s what YOU yourself actually want.”

Celestia trembled.

“Don’t fool yourself, and just give in. Let the power deep inside consume you. Let yourself become enveloped by the flames of daylight.”

Grand Ruler put his hand on his wife’s arms, “Don’t listen to her! Don’t give into her wicked desires!”

“Silence you!” thundered Daybreaker, and she imprisoned him in a cage as well.

“Celesto!” cried Celestia.

Grand Ruler found that even he had no power to escape this nightmare, which gave him the idea, “Celestia… if this is your nightmare, you can stop it!”

Celestia gasped in realization. “I’ve got to wake up!” and she tried with all her might to make a wakeup call.

“You dare resist me?!” thundered Daybreaker, but the dream was already beginning to fade, “No…!!” she cried as she tried to regain control “…THIS IS NOT OVER!!”

Celestia woke up, bolting upright in bed in a shocking gasp.

Her husband did the same!

Cadance and Shining Armor too…!

All across New Ponyville, every single one of the friends awoke in fright.

In New Cloudsdale, Rainbow fell out of bed and onto the floor with a thud, but was she ever shocked and trembling, “…That felt so real!”

Princess Luna knocked on the window of the royal master bedroom, and her sister opened it.

“Sister, Brother-in-law; are you alright? I felt a great disturbance in the air.”

The couple agreed, reflect on the nightmare.

“This is not good!” whimpered Celestia “Daybreaker has the power to haunt anyone’s nightmares now, not just my own.”

Grand Ruler, realizing the full seriousness of this realized, “Something will have to be done sooner than ever. We must not allow the evil to gain any further control.”

His wife and sister-in-law agreed.

…But what could be done about it? How could they stop something that existed in Celestia’s subconscious?

There had to be a way! The fate of the entire planet depended on this.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Apple Spice moves in with the Apple Family when Applejack fails to find some way to annul the marriage contract, but Spice still seems more intrigued with Pinkie Pie than ever. Meanwhile, Scarlet and Dearka’s rivalry on who’s the better soldier strengthens as they try to outdo one another when they each send a monster to attack different locations.

Will the team manage to quell the fighting, and how does Pinkie feel about Apple Spice?

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

(Next Episode: “Two Ways of Separation”)

Author's Note

Princess Luna DOES NOT have the ability to venture into dreams in the Starfleet series

I was unaware she had such power, as I never saw it until the later seasons, and then it was too late, as my series was well and long ahead.

I won't give it to her, so they'll have to deal with Daybreaker and nightmare MY WAY!

...I have spoken!

Episode 5: Two Ways of Separation

Author's Note

This ep was inspired by news I read on Twitter

-At an Indian Wedding, The Groom knew he had Covid-19, and yet he went ahead with his plans and invited 95 guests

He died shortly after the ceremony from it, and all 80 of his guests and his bride were infected as well

I'm not saying they deserved it, but they brought it on themselves for taking the threat lightly, and not heeding precautions

I'm not exploiting this, I'm using it as an example, because people regard the rules and regulations my Starfleet pass out with horrendous attitude, but their rules are really no different than the suggestions and ways people have set for the pandemic-- you disregard them, it can cost you. So don't take Covid-19 lightly, and quit mocking my Starfleet.

Episode 5: Two Ways of Separation

EPISODE FIVE

The official announcements were made all over the planet, and distributed by royal decree documents, which were posted in every square of every town and village.

By now, everyone was aware of The Devils, and many of them felt panicked or heartbroken because Starfleet now how to up its security measures and maintain constant surveillance over all.

Ponies that were planning weddings would have to either postpone them, or hold simple and very small ceremonies without inviting so many guests or holding big parties like that.

Those planning huge family events like birthday parties, reunions, and other festivities as those, there would be Starfleet sentries posted all over to watch out for Devil activity.

As for friends hanging out, or playing and sharing, as innocent as it seemed, they would have to try and limit how much time they did it.

…Basically, it was like being in lockdown or quarantine.

Many ponies, though disappointed, understood this and were willing to cooperate, but there were still those who were complaining and protesting, believing Starfleet was being unfair.

Lightning and Starla addressed these protesters in town square.

“You can’t keep us from living our lives!”

“You’re locking us up like animals on a leash!”

“I was going to invite my entire class to my wedding, and now I can’t and it’s your fault!”

“People, try to understand!” bellowed Lightning “We are doing this for your own safety! We don’t like it any more than you do.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet you don’t!”

“Just admit you’re trying to control us!”

Starla was losing her patience, “That’s enough! I as General, and my husband as Commander have explained it to you enough.

You have heard the royal decree! You realize what danger is afoot, and we assure you, we shall not accept rioting, protesting, and there will certainly be no defiance under these circumstances.”

The protestors only got madder, and booed them, but Lightning and Starla decided they had made their point, and walked back into town hall.

“That was well-said, Starla.” said Lightning.

His wife breathed out deeply, “Hoo…! I’m shaking a bit. I really hate it when I have to blow my top like that. I just hope we got through to them.”

Lightning hoped so too. Things were bad enough as they were, with the lockdown engaging, the last thing that was needed was protesting, which they feared would lead to defiance, which would definitely lead to danger.

“Come on,” said Lightning “We’ve still got other points around the village to address.”

His wife agreed, but first they had to get someone, who was in the care of Mayor Mare while the addressed the crown.

“There you are…” Starla cooed at Shining Light in his buggy.

Her little son cooed happily without a care in the world.

“Thanks for watching him, Mayor.” said Lightning.

“Not a problem, sir.” replied Mare, “It’s just my way of saying thank you for controlling the crowds. Oh, how I hate protestors! But just so you both know that I, my council, and my administration are with you all a-hundred percent on this.”

“Thanks,” said Starla “It makes the job a little easier.”

She and Lightning left Town Hall, the crowds had already ceased-- they were dispersed by the Starfleet sentries and ordered to return home or to whatever businesses they had.

Buddy Rose, Artie, Rainbow Dash, Rhymey and Fluttershy were all in different areas of the planet to help spread the word about, and were dealing with similar situations of protestors themselves, and doing their best to maintain order.

Their protesters gave them all the same attitude, and they just put their feet down.

“Listen to me, and listen good!” barked Colonel Rainbow “The planet is in danger! There are freaks from another world trying to suck all the love out of us. We have made these rules to protect you, and if you don’t want to wind in a jam… YOU’LL FOLLOW THE RULES!! YOU GOT ME?!!”

Some of the protestors trembled under her huge voice, and began to oblige out of fear, while others were still acting all prissy and unreasonable.

Krysta came fluttering by. “What’s up?”

“It’s chaos.” Lightning reported “I hope nobody tries to disregard the rules.”

The others agreed, and then Starla noticed down the road at New Sugar-Sub Corners, “…Is that Apple Spice?”

It was him, standing on the doorstep and leaving behind a bouquet of lovely flowers, with a card in the top.

Then he looked sad, and just walked off.

“What was that about?” wondered Krysta.

“Well, we don’t have time for that now.” said Lightning.

Pinkie Pie then came out, all dressed up and ready for her patrol rounds, when she spotted the flowers on the doorstep.

“Who left these here?” she wondered, and she couldn’t’ resist sniffing the flowers. They smelled so sweet. “Mmm…”

Then she noticed the card, which had her name on it, and inside was inscribed…

“These are for you--

-- Your Secret Admirer.”

Pinkie felt like cute little hearts and stars were dancing around her head, and she leapt about squealing for joy, “I’ve got an admirer! I’ve got an admirer!!”

She cooed and giggled like a little school girl, and then she wondered who the flowers were from, since there was no name in the card.

While she remained curious with her thoughts, there were some ponies who were part of the protests, talking about willingly defying orders.

“I don’t care what Starfleet says!” grumbled a mare “I’m getting married this afternoon whether they like it or not!”

Her betrothed agreed with how she thought. “When you talk like that it makes me shiver.”

She fluttered her eyes at him, and all their friends agreed and raised their glasses cheering, “To the wedding.”

In The Devils’ World, Dearka was standing in a dark corner all by himself, alone with his thoughts-- disturbing thoughts by looks of the deep, cringing expression on his face, and the clenching and trembling of his fists.

He reached softly under the collar of his armor and pulled out what appeared to be a broken locket on a thin metal chain, he had only one part of it, and inside was a charred picture that was difficult to make out, but it was definitely that of a male humanoid creature, which only Dearka knew too well.

The painful memories it brought on.

Scarlet crept in from behind the column, “Aw, are you still wrapped up in those old memories?”

Dearka angrily clasped the locket and tucked it back under his suit, “I was until you came here to annoy me!”

“Ooh, you get tense when you’re irritated. I don’t know if I should be scared or amused.” laughed Scarlet.

Dearka only growled.

“Hey, darken down!” hissed Scarlet. “You really ought to let go of all that and remember your place as my sidekick.”

Dearka’s eyes blazed with fury, “…Sidekick?!” he looked at her furiously “Listen you red-headed annoyance! I was selected first by King Von Devilor to lead the mission! That makes me, now and always, top-dog, and if anyone is the underling, it’s you! Got it?!”

“Maybe you’d like to face me head on!” growled Scarlet.

The two Devils sneered and snarled at each other, looking deeper into each other’s eyes.

When a royal sentry came along, “…His majesty has summoned you both at once.”

Straightening themselves out, the bickering duo made their way down the dark path as the torches lit up, revealing Von Devilor, it was hard to tell if he was pleased or annoyed.

Being the master of all Devils he could sense the emotions all over his own realm.

“As much as our people enjoy the amounts of hate, even amongst yourselves, I’d appreciate it more if you would reserve this energy to attack our enemies! Understood?!”

Dearka bowed “I understand perfectly, sire. If it shall please you, I will head for United Equestria at once. I’m rather in the mood to stir up some hate.”

“Tch…!” snickered Scarlet “Whatever happens, don’t let your memories fuel you.”

Dearka’s anger raged again, “I warn you, don’t insult me!”

The two Devils growled at each other again, and Von Devilor thrust out his arms, and magical waves fired from his giant tentacles, teleported the duo away.

“…The bitterness they exhibit towards each other only makes it all the sweeter.” he snickered “…Perhaps I did better than I thought pairing them up, it only means more hate, more darkness, and no more love for the Light Dwellers.”

His evil laugh echoed all through the darkness around him.

Pinkie was so happy about receiving the flowers; she had to tell her friends… after her patrol of course, and her first stop was Applejack’s, but instead she found Dyno and Myte helping to haul some boxes over.

“Hola Pinkie.”

“What’s happening, chica?”

“I could ask you guys the same thing.” said Pinkie.

“We’re helping Applejack’s boyfriend move in.” answered Dyno.

“You mean fiancé.” corrected Myte.

“He’s not either!” snapped Applejack. Everyone turned and saw her standing in the doorway, looking much frazzled as if she had been up all night… which she had!

“Wow, what’s with you?” asked Pinkie.

Applejack let out a yawn, “I have been up all night trying to find some loop-hold to get me and Apple Spice out of this here arranged marriage.”

The contract was still legal-binding, even with the lockdown issues at hand; they did not cancel out the order of the contract itself.

Applejack was to marry Apple Spice by the end of summer, and summer was only a week away.

“Now my family is moving Apple Spice in with us.”

Her father came out, “Applejack, we’ve been over this, this isn’t just about the marriage agreement. Apple Spice does need a home and some family comfort. So we’re taking him in as hired help.”

Pear Butter came out to get another box, “We saw his home, and it wasn’t exactly enlightening. These few boxes are all he’s got. I guess he didn’t have as much money as he said he did.”

Pinkie thought it was kind of the Apples to at least take him in. “This way, you and Spice can get to know each other better.”

Applejack only shrugged.

Dyno spoke softly to her, “Look, Applejack, we know this must be frustrating, but you’re just going to have to go through with this.”

Applejack knew all this; as a Starfleet officer she was aware of rules and regulations. The contract could only be annulled by a legitimate and legal reason-- her and Spice’s simple objections just didn’t cut it.

Unfortunately, since Spice’s parents were dead, there was no way to get approval to cut the contract, and there were no other faults to ensure nullification.

Applejack was as stuck as she would ever be.

“You know, it may not be so bad.” suggested Myte. “Why don’t you at least talk to him, he’s out there by the fields.”

Her parents insisted she do the same, and Applejack felt it would help a bit.

Spice was sitting on a bench at the edge of the pasture overlooking all the beautiful apple trees.

“Hey.” Applejack called softly.

“Oh, hi…”

She sat down next to him, and the two fell silent, but then they both turned to say something to each other at the same time, and then they chuckled.

“Listen, um… it was really nice of your folks to take me in like this. It’s almost like I’m part of the family.”

“Yeah… family…”

Applejack wasn’t about to mix words. “Look, Spice, don’t take this the wrong way, but I still don’t want to go through with this marriage thing.”

“It’s okay, I feel the same, but what choice do we have? It’s the law.”

Applejack sighed and rubbed her face a bit. “Look, maybe we should change the subject.”

Spice agreed, and the only that came to his mind was, “…So… is Colonel Pinkie Pie seeing someone?”

“What?”

“Um… sorry, I… I had no right to ask. I was just curious.”

Just to keep conversation going, Applejack answered, “No, at least not that I know of.

I mean, Pinkie’s a great gal, but I don’t know if she’s the romantic type…

…Although she did just come by here with a bunch of flowers.”

Spice’s head perked up, “She’s here?!” he cried in excitement, “Um… I mean… she’s here?”

“Um… yeah, and she seems kind of giddy too. I guess most mares are when they get big flowers from an admirer.”

Spice began fall into a soft daze, imagine the happy look on Pinkie’s face as she cradled the flowers, and gave him a flirtatious wink. “Thank you, Sweet Spice.” she would say which made him feel like melting.

“You feeling alright?” asked Applejack.

He didn’t hear a thing she said.

Suddenly, Pinkie popped up from right behind, “Heeeeey love-birds!” she called, making them both jump.

“Sweet Apple Core’s, Pinkie!” groaned Applejack.

“Sorry, can’t help it.” Pinkie yipped as she sniffed her flowers again “…I’m just soooo excited!”

Spice saw her, and immediately felt birds suddenly appearing, and harps and flutes playing.

Seeing her so happy with those flowers really gave him hope, but she obviously didn’t know he had sent them to her.

Then she looked down at him and held out her hand. “Need a hand?” she asked.

In a big pop, he snapped back into reality, “Pardon…?”

“…I asked if you needed a hand getting up.”

Spice realized he was still on the ground and felt very embarrassed, but he took Pinkie’s hand, which felt so warm to him, and yet so strong and solid because of her Starfleet training. Still, it felt wonderful.

He kept staring at her softly, and Applejack noticed this, but just as she was about to say something, Pinkie bid her friends goodbye, “I’m off to show this to all my friends. Maybe I can find who my admirer is.”

“Wait! Stop…!” called Spice, but Pinkie had already flown off.

Spice sighed and hung his head low.

Applejack began to fit it all together, “So he’s the one who sent those flowers to Pinkie. I think I get it here.”

She wasn’t the only one who saw, Dyno and Myte saw everything from way over at the house.

They gave each other playful nudges and snickering at one another.

“What’s going on out here?” asked Pear, but the Twins decided not to tell her about what they thought. It didn’t seem cool to invade Spice’s privacy like that.

Meanwhile, Lightning and Starla were sitting on a bench near the park, and Starla was feeding Shining Light his bottle of baby formula.

“Oooh, you were hungry, weren’t you.” she cooed.

“I’m not surprised,” said Lightning “We’ve been all over New Ponyville. I just hope we got the message across.”

He then noticed many ponies passing by all wearing T-shirts and shirts with an “I am an Understander of Lockdown!” logo on the front and back, showing they were supportive and understanding of Starfleet’s decision.

Then he saw Rarity and Spike coming along and Rarity was handing out the shirts, having made them herself, while Spike pushed the baby pram along, and little baby Twilight was wearing her own special shirt, and shaking a rattle with the logo on it too, which her mother had made for her.

“Well isn’t that cute.” cooed Krysta as she and Lightning came over. Lightning thought the baby looked adorable as she looked up at him, smiling.

Spike spoke in a playful squeaky voice, pretending to talk for his daughter. “I’m being a good wittle girl, Commander. I’m helping mommy and daddy to spwead the wules awound.”

Lightning giggled and spoke to Twilight, “Good for you, Twilight. You keep this up and you just may be Captain one day.”

Spike made Twilight raise her arm softly, “Yes sir.”

Rarity smiled and held up one of the shirts. “I just knew making these simple wears would help for our cause. You wouldn’t believe how many I’ve given away. Why I could start a whole like of Fashion Logos for other companies as well. I’m so glad I thought of the idea.”

Spike whispered to Lightning, “Yeah…after I suggested it.”

Lightning rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, a sentry approached him.

“Commander Lightning… Sir… we’ve just had a report of a disturbance.”

Lightning’s features hardened, “Take me there at once.”

“Yes sir.”

Lightning then asked the others to tell Starla and keep her company “…This shouldn’t take too long. Krysta, you come with me.”

“…Right.”

Those naughty protesters tried to hold their wedding, with a gaggle of fifty ponies as their guests, at the New Ponyville Chapel, but the sentries spotted them and blocked their way to the building.

“You can’t do this to us!” protested the Groom “We’re getting married, and you can’t stop us!”

The sentries didn’t budge.

The leader spoke severely to the crowd, “You are all under violation of the lockdown, and by order of their majesties…”

“We don’t care!” thundered the bride “We don’t’ care about your lockdown or your orders! We’re getting married and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Their friends and guests all hollered in agreement.

None of them noticed Scarlet hiding nearby behind a large tree. “Ooh, listen to all that wonderful anger. Looks, I’ve hit the jackpot.” She snickered softly, and then blew a kiss at the ground a few yards back from all the protestors.

The lip smear began to absorb all the hate coming from the ponies.

Lightning touched down with Krysta fluttering near him.

“I was afraid something like this would happen.” he grumbled.

“Hey look, it’s the commander.” grumbled a protestor, and all those in the party booed and hissed him, but Lightning didn’t have time for any of this, and just as he was about order everyone to stand down, he could see behind them, a large falcon-like creature-- made from The Devil’s darkness was rising up.

“Look out!!” he shouted.

Everyone turned and saw the enormous creature caw at them loudly, which frightened them and made them start to panic.

Scarlet saw everything and snickered, “…The Air-o-nizer will make worms out of those chumps, and I’ll lick up what’s left.”

The monster swooped in, over everyone, and then flapped its huge wings rapidly, unleashing gales of the dark aura.

The civilians all jumped out of the way, but the winds were still billowing around.

“Starfleet Magic!” Lightning quickly transformed.

“Quick, Krysta, transport the civilians inside!”

“Right!” agreed Krysta, and with a wave of her wand, she conjured a portal leading into the chapel, “Everyone, over here, quickly.”

Not hesitating a second, the wedding party rushed for the portal, but due to the large party, they weren’t all able to get inside in time, and some, including the bride and groom were infected by the darkness.

“No!!” cried Lightning.

“Yes!” Scarlet softly cheered.

The remaining party members had turned evil. Their bodies pulsating with dark aura, and soon the poison would destroy them if they were not healed in time, but he couldn’t let that monster get loose either, there was no time to sound the alarms and get people inside to safety.

He needed backup, and the sentries were guarding the chapel.

“Lightning…!!” called a pair of voices, and Dyno and Myte dropped in, already transformed, having seen the monster soaring in the sky and figuring there was trouble.

“Good timing, guys.” said Lightning “You guys try and handle the civilians. I’m going after the monster.”

The Twins agreed, because they knew with both of them fighting the monster would mean it would gain more power from their hate while in battle.

Lightning then flew off after the beast, and the Twins were left to their work.

First they had to stop that smoke from spreading.

“Best chance is to blow it out, with fire!” suggested Dyno.

His brother agreed, and then the two joined their hands together and held out their other arms…

“BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS!”

Their fireballs hit the ground causing the smoke to vaporize by the heat, and blow away to nothing in the winds from the explosions.

“Excelente!” hollered Myte.

Starla and the others saw the monster from far away.

“Lightning!” cried Starla.

“We’ve got to go help him!” said Rarity.

“But we can’t leave the babies alone!” Spike pointed out.

“…Indeed you wouldn’t.” hissed an unpleasant voice.

They turned round and saw Dearka.

“You!” growled Starla.

Wasting no time, Dearka extended his claws.

“That won’t work on us, pal!” sneered Spike.

“No…” agreed Dearka “…But what of your young ones?”

“YOU DARE?!” growled Rarity.

Dearka struck the ground with his claws, sending a series of glowing streaks-- like cracks-- towards the group.

“Let’s move!” shouted Starla. She and Rarity quickly grabbed the babies and they with Spike leapt up into the air, just before the streaks blew the bench and Twilight’s pram!

The babies began to cry, and Spike was infuriated.

“You two get the kids somewhere safe, I’ll stay and keep him busy.”

The ladies agreed, and Rarity pecked Spike on the cheek, “Please be careful dear.”

Her husband agreed, and he pecked little Twilight on her head, “Be good for mommy now.”

The ladies flew and Spike landed before the evil Devil.

“How noble…” hissed Dekarka “Family love, I honestly can’t tell if it’s stupider than romance.”

Spike huffed!

“Dragon Power!” and he transformed and pulled out his sword. “Maybe you’d understand better about Family if you actually had one!”

Dearka looked furious, as if he had been insulted, and charged at the Dragon Knight.

His claws clashed with Spike’s sword as the two dueled like the skilled warriors they were.

“I know your one weakness!” sneered Spike, and finally he managed to dodge Dearka’s attack and took aim with his sword straight for Dearka’s mask.

The sword clanged against the mask, but failed to knock it off, much to Spike’s horror.

Dearka snickered and he knocked Spike’s arms up with one claw, slashed him hard with his other claw making a huge burst of sparks, and then kicking him hard up the ground.

“You didn’t I’d let you know my mask off so easy this time, did you?” hissed Dearka “I had it specially reinforced. It won’t come off unless I take it off.”

Spike got up, outraged that his plan didn’t work.

Dearka thrust his claws intro the ground sending powerful shockwaves towards him, but Spike quickly leapt up and over him.

“DRAGON FLAMEWHEEL” and he rammed hard into Dearka, who held out his arms like a shield.

Spike pushed harder, moving his opponent back several paces, but Dearka still just stood there.

Under his visor, his eyes were glowing with dark aura, “…I ask for power of the hate! The strength of the darkness…!”

This gave him a small boost to force Spike off of him hard and sent him crashing into a huge rock in the ground, shattering it to small pieces.

Even with his armor on, Spike still groaned “…Okay, that hurt!”

Lightning chased after the Air-o-Nizer, and shot a few Uniforce Pulses at it, which angered it!

“Put up your wings, beak face!” growled Lightning.

The monster cawed and opened its huge beak, unleashing burning energy at him. Lightning couldn’t let the blast go past him and hit anything, so he simply took the shot.

POW!! “ACK…!”

He was really steamed now and he rushed forth, slamming his feet hard at the monster’s chest sending it crashing hard into an open field.

“Look out below!” Lightning shouted as he slammed into the creature and rammed numerous punches at its face, and the monster smacked him off with its wing.

“This could be tougher than I thought.” Lightning grumbled, and he figured it was because of all of the dark aura being emitted from the infected civilians.

The Twins were standing ready to test out their new gifts from Cadance.

The looked at each other, and nodded, and pressed down on their energizers “THE HEALING OF LOVE!”

“What’s this?!” cried Scarlet, and she watched as magical, yet melodic waves of pink and white light emitted from the twins. “AAAH… NOOOOOO!!”

The civilians were all enveloped by the magical, musical waves, counteracting the darkness.

The civilians also had flashbacks of how, despite their bad attitudes, they had loving memories or being with family, friends, and even the bride and groom remembered their love for each other and why they wanted to get married to begin with.

In a bright flash, the civilians were revived to normal, but feeling very weary.

“What happened?

“Did we pass out?”

The twins slapped a high five in celebration that their new magic worked.

Then Scarlet leapt out from behind the tree, “You think this is over…?!”

The twins growled at her appearance.

“…You can’t stop me that easy!” and Scarlet leapt up high and came down between the twins, forcing them to leap in opposite directions.

“Dyno..!”

“Myte…!”

While physically able to fight on their own each, without being able to join together, their battle magic was weakened.

“See how you like this!” sneered Scarlet “SMOOCH OF INFECTION!” she blew another magical kiss, sending her lip smear at the civilians.

“No!!” cried Dyno.

The lip smear slammed into the ground, creating more smog.

“We can’t let them be infected again!” shouted Myte.

The civilians were too weak to run for cover, and Scarlet couldn’t be allowed into the chapel were more civilians were.

“Let’s help them!” cried Dyno.

“Right…” agreed Myte.

Scarlet blew another kiss, between themselves and the civilians, creating a wall of dark flames. Even the twins had never seen such flames, but their visor-scans showed deadly signs of poisons and magic, much like the aura itself.

If they were to touch it, they would be poisoned-- like the Devils being poisoned in the light.

The Twins tried to use Healing of Love again, but this darkness was too strong to dispel so easily.

The civilians were all backed up against the walls with the smog approaching them.

“Help us, please!”

“Get us out of here!”

Others screamed and wailed.

Scarlet laughed, “All this screaming is music to my ears.”

The Twins were still not beaten yet, and they looked at each other and agreed, “…DIGGING TIME!!”

Joining hands, their horns and free hands glowing brightly, they burrowed quickly under the ground.

“Hey! You can’t do that!” shouted Scarlet, and she prepared to jump in after them…

“STAR SHOWER”

Starla, unleashed her stars and sent them pelting all around the evil lady.

She then landed right between her and the hole the twins had made.

“That’s as far as you go!”

“Ha!” scoffed Scarlet “My smog is about to re-infect the civilians. So, you’re a little late to be making threats.

…And I wonder how your husband is faring against the Air-o-Nizer!”

At that very second, Lightning came hovering overhead, with the monster gaining on him.

He then stopped in midair at the last second and let the creature soar straight for him, only he zipped out of the way at the last second, appearing behind the creature and kicking it down hard on the ground…

…CRASH!!

Scarlet nearly fell off her feet, and Lightning landed down near his wife.

Scarlet wasn’t afraid, “Bring it!! I can take the two of you on!”

While all this was happening…

…Spike took another wham from Dearka, sending him tumbling backwards.

“DRAGON FLARE” Spike unleashed a breath of fire at him, making an explosion that threw him back as well, but while Spike was starting to feel exhausted, Dearka didn’t seem as much.

“The hate and the darkness give me the advantage.” he hissed “Unlike your power and energy, drawn from the light, my power hardly runs low in a situation like this.”

Spike still managed to get back onto his feet.

“So, you still choose to fight…?” asked Dearka.

From the shadows within his helmet, Spike narrowed his eyes at him, “…I do.”

“What can you do to me all on your own?”

“He’s not on his own!” shouted a voice, and Rarity leapt down from above, wearing her battle gear.

She looked at him and smiled lovingly, and though his face was hidden in the shadows of his helmet, Spike smiled at her.

“Rarity…! Spike…!” called another voice, and Applejack and Pinkie landed down too-- having seen the battle from afar-- much to Dearka’s annoyance.

Pinkie looked at the evil Devil, and nearly went into a daze again. “It’s you…”

Dearka didn’t like the way she was looking at him and poised his claws straight at her as he leapt forth, forcing Applejack to tackle Pinkie out of the way.

Rarity then leapt in and kicked Dearka up into the air and then fire a big blast from her horn

Sending him crashing into a huge bed of flowers-- identical to the ones Pinkie had received.

“Get him!” shouted Spike.

He and the girls all rushed forth, but Dearka leapt up high and out of the way, still coated in the flowers, which sickened him. He snarled and fussed as he brushed them off of him, and one of the flowers hit Pinkie, and landed in her hand.

She recognized it as the same as the bouquet she had gotten, and you can bet she began to get the wrong idea!

As she stood there in a daze, Dearka saw his opening and tackled her to the ground.

“Pinkie Pie!!” cried Applejack.

Pinkie struggled and fussed, but Deakra had her pinned down hard. “Your end is here and now!” he hissed at her, and prepared to stab her fatally with his claws.

“But I like you…!!” Pinkie shouted at him.

Dearka was stunned, “What?!”

“I like you. I know I shouldn’t but I do, and I’m thankful for the flowers you gave me.”

Dearka was more confused than ever, but extremely outraged that someone admitted she liked him!

Sadly, for him, because he let his guard down, Applejack came soaring in and kicked him hard off of Pinkie.

“You okay?”

Pinkie looked dazed again, and Dearka looked furious and ready to attack, when suddenly he was enveloped by The Healing of Love, cast by Spike and Rarity.

“BLARG!!!” groaned Dearka. Because he was stronger than a mere monster or infected civilian, he was more resistant to the waves, but they still disgusted him and he didn’t like the feelings at all!

“…I’ll get you all for this!!” he thundered, and then he vanished through a portal, back to the Devils’ World.

Pinkie felt a little upset that he was gone. “I thought I was making a connection with him. I told him I liked him.”

Applejack sighed and shook her head.

Meanwhile, the ground began to shake, especially beneath the civilians’ feet.

POW!! The twins burst up from the ground between the civilians and the oncoming smog.

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

Unleashing their powerful finisher, the flames blew all the smog out.

“No!!” cried Scarlet, and then she saw Starla holding her bow out and aiming a powerful shot at her monster.

“GALACTIC PROJECTILE”

POW!! Her arrow fired right through the monster, making it caw and screech in pain as it vaporized into a cloud dust, and exploded in midair.

“Now I’m really steamed!” thundered Scarlet.

Stala and Lightning both stood together, nodded at each other, and pressed on their energizers…

“THE HEALING OF LOVE”

The fired their magic beams straight for Scarlet.

“Huh…?! NOOOOOOOOO!!!” she screamed as she leapt up high avoiding the waves! “I’m outta here!!” then she vanished through a portal, back to Devil’s World and was gone, and her wall of flames vanished.

“She got away!” groaned Starla.

“We’ll get her next time.” said Lightning.

Krysta called to Lightning, “All clear?”

Lightning gave her a thumb up, and Krysta signaled the sentries to let the civilians out from the chapel.

Lightning and he friends all looked at them sternly, and he spoke severely to them.

“I hope you all learned from this!”

The civilians looked remorseful. Some of them were trembling by the sound of his voice.

“...You could’ve been hurt or destroyed!” scolded Stalra. “And you could have put other lives in danger as well!

When we put up rules and orders like this, they’re for your own safety, and to help make our jobs easier to keep you all safe! Do you understand?!”

The civilians all regretfully nodded.

Lightning pointed at them all, “We’ll let you off with a warning this time, but the next we catch you violating regulations again, you will be charged for it.

…If we’re going to survive this fight against The Devils, we must follow orders, and that goes for all of us.”

With all that said, he and the others headed off.

“You didn’t have to get so close, Lightning.” said Lightning.

“Si,” agreed Myte “…But it wouldn’t be as satisfying, eh?”

Lightning agreed, “…Had to be done.”

Starla pecked him softly, “You did good.”

Lightning gave a weak smile, and then looked down at his energizer. “At least now we know The Healing of Love helps, but it’ll take more than it alone to beat The Devils for good.”

The others all agreed.

In the Devils’ World, Von Devilor was dealing with his two subjects. “While I am pleased with the energy you both gathered, your hasty retreats are another detail!”

Dearka bowed to the king, “A-thousand pardons, my lord, our enemies have a source of power that could prove dangerous to us.”

“Much as I hate to say it, but I agree with him.” said Scarlet “Whatever this new magic is, it might give our enemies a serious advantage.”

Von Devilor pondered and declared “…Then we will find the source of this magic, and destroy it.”

His subjects agreed, but Dearka was still struggling with the thought of Pinkie confessing feelings to him.

“But I like you…!!

…I Like You!”

Those words just kept repeating in his mind over and over.

“Why would that creature say such a thing to me?” he wondered in thought.

When Applejack returned home, she washed up and set down to lunch with her family, and with Apple Spice.

“How was the battle?” asked Spice.

Her parents and her siblings wanted to know too, but Applejack was very distressed about Pinkie.

And you can bet Spice was most shocked and disturbed when he heard. “Pinkie Pie is in love with a Devil?”

“Eeyup, she said it clear as a bell. She thinks he gave her the flowers, no matter how many times I told her how crazy that is when I saw her home.”

Spice felt a little crushed, and Applejack knew the story, but still said nothing-- not in front of her family for fear of gossip starting.

“What’s everyone so quiet all of a sudden?” asked Applebloom as she dug into her lunch.

As the family ate, all Spice could think about was his growing feelings for Pinkie, and constant reminders of how he was legally promised to Applejack.

What was he going to do?

What was Applejack going to do?

What was everyone going to do about Pinkie Pie.

…They knew this crush she had on Dearka would only lead to disaster…

…And yet, Pinkie Pie lay on her bed, with her bouquet resting in a vase on her nightstand. And she smiled lovingly at them, still thinking Dearka gave them to her, and how he was stunned by her confession to him.

Of course, deep down she knew it was wrong of her to be crushing on the enemy, but she couldn’t help herself.

“…Dearka.” she sighed while picturing him in her mind again.

(Promo)

In our next episode: While Artie and Sunset deal with their seemingly, blossoming feelings, Daybreaker causes more havoc and nearly takes over Celestia again, prompting the queen to finally rid herself of the evil within her, which could prove fatal to her health and a danger to all involved.

Will Celestia succeed in removing the evil from her, and how strong is it growing between Artie and Sunset?

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

(Next Episode: “Burning Feelings”)

Episode 6: Burning Feelings

Author's Note

For those who don't know... WHY DID I INSERT A SONG IN A FANFIC.

It's Very simple...

1: In MLP they sometimes broke out into songs, so in all fairness I CAN and WILL do the same.

2: We HAVE the option of inserting vids and images into our fics, which give them a touch of AUDIO and VISUAL, which really help it. (These are the new times)

3: Site rules say that we can only post lyrics of MLP songs, but not other songs. So I rewrite the lyrics and reshape them in ways to match the audios of the video I put in, or if I can't alter them enough, I just slap the vid in, so you know what song is being sung.

It works out good, it's all just fine,
you got a problem with it? it's yours not mine

Episode 6: Burning Feelings

EPISODE SIX

Artie was up late one night finishing his latest painting; a beautiful image of the setting sun, with the shadows of the plants and the glistening of the ocean, it was almost shimmering.

He couldn’t help but smile at it, rather lovingly, and then, right before his eyes in the middle of the panting, SHE appeared-- Sunset Shimmer. Her mane was billowing in the breeze, and her eyes shimmered in the light.

Artie snapped out of it, and shook his head vigorously.

The painting was just the same-- no Sunset Shimmer.

Artie sighed, and couldn’t deny himself anymore, he was that crazy about her and wished there was some way he could be with her, maybe even help guide to becoming a proper denizen of United Equestria.

“Who am I kidding?” he said to himself “She wouldn’t be up for that… Would she?”

He then noticed how late it was, and he had an unveiling at his gallery in the morning. So he decided to hit the sack.

Meanwhile, in the servants’ quarters at New Canterlot Palace, Sunset Shimmer was sleeping blissfully, and she began to have a musical dream. “Take me on”

There she was, walking down an art gallery that was seemingly endless, and there was one particular painting she stopped to look at, a simple black and white brush stroke of Artie, which she thought looked amazing.

Then, the portrait winked at her and sang to her, much to her surprise, and then pulled her into the painting, making her seem just like the world around her-- brush-strokes and pencil sketches.

The way Artie was singing to her, she felt warm and flattered, and couldn’t help but be drawn to him, dance with him…!

Suddenly, there was trouble…!

As the song continued to play, things began to heat up as the evil Daybreaker appeared, also in painted forum, and began to set fire to the world around them while laughing wickedly.

Artie fought against the evil creature as best he could, but was ultimately forced to push Sunset out of the painting as the song continued to its end.

The music faded out.

“Weird…” said Sunset, but then she turned round.

“BOO!!” snarled Daybreaker, making her scream…

…And she bolted upright in bed, but she wasn’t the only one. A lot of the servants had also awakened, having had different nightmares involving Daybreaker too.

They weren’t the only ones.

Castor and Leilani woke up, crying in fright from the nightmares they just had, causing their parents and Aunt Luna to come rushing to their side.

“Children, what it is?” asked Grand Ruler.

“I had a bad dream!” sobbed Castor.

“Me too!” cried his sister “A big monster was chasing me, and trying to hurt me!”

“Me too!” cried Castor.

Celestia didn’t need to ask! She knew this had to be the work of Daybreaker, and her fears and sadness began to make her heat up, and he head ache!

“Oh, no!” she cried.

“Celestia…!” shouted her husband.

“Sister, no!” cried Luna “Fight it! Push it back!”

Celestia’s mane began to transform into Daybreker’s sunny flames, and her eyes began to morph as well.

“Let me out!” she snarled in Daybreaker’s voice “You can’t hold me in forever!”

The children were gawking in horrors at their mother’s transformation.

“Don’t look!” snapped Luna, and she enveloped the children in her dark mane so they couldn’t see.

Grand Ruler leapt over to his wife and held her shoulders, which felt very hot to the touch. “Celestia, fight it! You can do it!”

The burning faded and his wife collapsed into his arms panting softly.

Luna still did not let the children see, not wanting to frighten them more.

Grand Ruler scooped his wife up into his arms, and gave Luna an expression asking her to comfort the children.

She nodded at him, and he took his wife though the secret door in the children’s room which lead back to their own master bedroom.

Luna let the children out of her mane, and they looked very upset and trembled with fear. So she held them close to her. “I am here, children. Don’t be afraid.”

“Aunt Luna,” whimpered Castor “Is mother-- is she… a monster?”

“Oh, heavens, No… No… your mother is not a monster.”

“Then why does she get all scary?” asked Leilani.

Luna didn’t know how to explain this to the very young ones, and didn’t wish to scare them more.

“Children, I need you to be very brave, for me, for your father, and especially your mother.”

The best she could put it as, “Your mother is sick, very sick. We’re doing all we can to help her, but know this; she loves you very much, and she doesn’t want to you, myself, your father or anyone.”

The kids honestly didn’t know how to feel at this point.

Grand Ruler lay Celestia down on their bed, “Are you alright, dear?”

Celestia shut her eyes tight and two tears crept out, “No… No I’m not. I can’t go on like this anymore. I want this evil creature removed from me once and for all.”

Her husband was inclined to agree.

While his wife slept softly, he stayed up for the remainder of the night consulting research on the computer for a way to split the evil from the good, without endangering Celestia and the kingdom.

So far, all points lead to the same thing; and it was plenty risky for both Celestia and the kingdom; a risk he did not intend to take.

“There has to be another way.” he thought, and he looked over at his sleeping wife, and he continued his research until it was about time, close to dawn, when he and Celestia were to awaken and raise the sun together.

Celestia awoke still feeling weary due to the disturbance in the night. She needed one of her pep-pills to restore her energy.

“Oh, my!” she groaned.

Then she looked across the room and saw her husband, still at the computer, and looking exhausted.

“Celesto? Have you been researching all night?”

He nodded wearily at her, and she, with her energy now pepped up, gave him a pill too.

“Thank you.” he yawned.

The pill worked in moments and he felt fully energized, and Celestia didn’t have to ask what he was researching, and he told her, “I must have gone through every known file-- a-thousand years of research-- and in the end there is only one possibility, and it’s far too risky.”

Celestia looked at the screen which showed the answer. “The Elements of Harmony…?”

She gasped and remembered how they were used against Nightmare Moon, and while it did rid her sister of the evil within her, the evil was only separated from her, not vanquished, and it returned as Super Nightmare Moon, spiking The Great War which lead to the destruction of Equestria of Old.

“What if the same thing happens again?” she wondered “We can’t let Daybreaker loose on the planet, she’ll try and bring forth and eternal day! That would destroy us all!”

“It’s worse than you think…” said her husband “Because you control the Element of Magic, trying to energize it on yourself combined with the other forces, it could be serious for you physically!”

He typed in a simulator which revealed, on paper, what could happen.

Other than Daybreaker getting loose, the possible consequences included…

Weakening of her powers and strength…

Fatal paralysis into a coma…

…Or even instant death!

Celestia held her hand to her neck in shock. “You’re sure there is no other way?”

Grand Ruler shook his head regretfully, “And I will tell you this: All I know for certain is that if we go through with this, Daybreaker will definitely escape.

This is one risk I absolutely refuse to take.”

Part of Celestia agreed already, but the rest of her was still upset and frightened and wanted the evil to be gone from her body before something just as bad, if not worse would happen.

Suddenly, she had a nasty feeling inside of her, and could almost feel the evil voice hissing “…Thank you for telling me this!”

“Oh, no!” cried Celestia “I think she understands this too!”

Grand Ruler cringed at such a thought.

Things had just gotten worse, and he knew Daybreaker was quite influential, even to other ponies in their dreams.

They had to alert the team at once, especially the Equestrian Fighters.

Lightning and Starla, along with Fluttershy and Rhymey, and their respective babies, were among the several others gathered at Artie’s gallery that day for the unveiling of his new work and other works that were rented to him from other artists.

There were all kinds of paintings, statues sent from all over the planet, but the friends really wanted to see what Artie’s creation would be.

Artie rang a small bell to gather everyone’s attention as he stood before the curtain that covered his painting.

“You are all familiar with some of the fine works I have made, but recently I have had a rush of inspiration.

Now, I would like to present my newest artwork, “Shimmering Sunset.”

He pulled the curtain open, and everyone gazed in awe at the beautiful picture.

“Oh, my, that’s beautiful.” said Fluttershy.

Rhymey nodded and just looking at all the pretty colors made him make up a small poem…

“Setting sun in the darkening skies,
Your colors are pretty and oh…
In the fading light that brings forth the night
It’s peaceful and lovely just so.”

His wife leaned up against him, feeling soothing and warm from that.

Lightning and Starla however, both were holding in giggles, figuring they knew where Artie got the inspiration from.

“He’s got it hard for her alright.” Starla whispered.

Lightning agreed, and for a while he had been thinking of a way to help not just Artie with his feelings, but maybe help Sunset as well-- help her get out more and see the world around her.

“I have an appointment this afternoon with their majesties to tell my proposal.”

He whispered into her ear of his plan, and she nodded thinking it was a great idea.

“But what if Artie doesn’t agree?” asked Starla.

Lightning looked skeptical but admitted, “If their majesties approve of the idea, I can pull rank on him. Besides, he’ll be thankful in the long run, and maybe Sunset will to.”

Suddenly, Fluttershy’s energizer began to pulsate, a sign that she was wanted at New Canterlot Palace immediately for a quick meeting.

“Oh, I have to go.” she said, and then she asked Rhymey if he’d look after Button Fly until she got him.

Of course Rhymey agreed to take care of his own son.

“I’m going too.” said Lightning “I have business to discuss with their majesties.”

He winked at Starla, and she winked back at him.

“What sort of business?” asked Fluttershy.

“Oh, you’ll see.”

*Mykan’s POV*

With summer just around the corner, regular schools would be closing for holidays soon, but every now and then, their majesties invited me to the palace to give their children a private tutoring about The Human World where I came from.

…I got paid for it of course, but I always enjoyed coming to the palace anyway.

Though Castor and Leilani were royalty, they were told by their parents to respect me and behave well.

I was showing the children slides of different locations and scenery from my home world--mountains, large cities, small towns, and farmlands, and even sites of famous people too.

“You see,” I said to my students “My world and your world have a lot of things in common, and despite whatever little differences there are, one day we can all look past them and help unify the two worlds so humans, ponies and other creatures can share world as part of an Interdimensional Way of Life.”

The children, while intrigued, they still seemed a little upset about something.

Castor raised his hand “Mr. Stevens?”

“Yes…?”

“Do you have monsters in your world?”

I felt stunned by that question. “Monsters…? What do you mean?”

The children then told me about what was wrong with their mother, and I figured I knew they were talking about this Daybreaker I had been seeing in my own dreams as well.

“So it’s true,” I thought “Queen Celestia really is in danger. No wonder the children seem so spooked.”

Leilani then asked me the real question she and her brother were trying to say, “What do people in your world do about monsters like that?”

I didn’t know really how to answer that, monsters like Daybreaker didn’t really exist in my world in that way, but I didn’t want to leave the children feeling scared and had to at least try and help them find confidence.

“…I guess…” I paused “…I guess what it comes down to is, not giving into your fears. When people or bad things know you’re afraid of them then it’s easy for them to gain power over you and scare you, but if you find your courage to stand up to them, you can do something about those fears and chase the monsters away so they don’t come back.

I should know. I wouldn’t be living here in United Equestria if not for my own courage.”

The children were starting to ponder of how they could be brave for their mother, and began to think maybe she was scared too.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Come…” I called.

Cadance was there, “Sorry to interrupt, but lunch is ready.”

I was invited to lunch with them. Cadance had prepared a lovely meal for us all and her husband, who was busy feeding Flurry Heart her bottle, which kept him from the delicious meal that lay before him.

“Come on, honey, can’t you drink any faster?” he teased his daughter.

Cadance and her little cousins giggled.

“How’s The New Crystal Empire doing?” I asked.

“Oh, just fine,” replied Cadance “The Supreme Council keep sending me reports…” she paused and sighed “I don’t regret being here, where it’s safe, but I really wish I could be there to see it for myself.”

Her husband felt the same way, but Flurry didn’t seem to mind as she finished her bottle and fell asleep in his arms. So he could finally set her down in her playpen, and he could eat!

Once we were finished our lunch, we all wanted to help clear the table away, but Cadance insisted on doing it herself.

“I don’t mind, really. I do this all the time when caring for my own family.”

“She’s not kidding.” agreed Shining Armor “I try to help her, she insists I don’t.”

I couldn’t help but giggle, but the children, being too young, didn’t get it.

Cadance’s cleanup had to be put on hold when a royal guard came in and informed her of an important matter from The New Crystal Empire that both she and Shining Armor had to address.

That’s when Sunset Shimmer came in wheeling a cart to take the dishes away to the kitchen for cleaning.

“At least let us help you to load the cart.” I offered.

“No, no, this is my job.” Sunset insisted, and then she grumbled “It’s all I have to keep me going actually.”

I could tell from the bored look on her face that she longed for more than just a life inside the palace and being a mere servant.

I understood how she felt-- when I first came to United Equestria I didn’t seem to have much of a future myself until I earned peoples’ trust and ventured out a little.

Nevertheless, she seemed determined to do her job and already refused my help, so I decided to take the children for a walk in the gardens.

*End of POV*

Lightning and the Equestrian ponies had all arrived at the palace, much to Lightning’s surprise, and all of them were ordered to the briefing room at once-- Lightning too.

Their majesties were waiting for them.

“What’s going on?” asked Lightning.

“That’s what I’d like to know too.” added Rainbow.

Grand Ruler cleared his throat, “We call you ladies here because it concerns you especially, and Lightning is here too, he may as well know.”

Pinkie felt a shiver run down her spine, “Uh, oh! That’s my Pinkie Sense,” she muttered “…This can’t be good!”

…Indeed, when they were all informed of the situation, their faces were all in shock and frozen as if they head just heard a ghost story.

“So if Daybreaker tries to control you, or us, she can free herself?” asked Applejack.

Celestia nodded regretfully.

Rarity felt dizzy and wanted to faint, but had to keep her composure at this official meeting.

“What are we going to do? What CAN we do?” she asked in panic.

Celestia then stood with a strict expression on her face. “…We’re going to do it. That’s what.”

“What?!” snapped Grand Ruler.

“WHAT?!!” the others all shouted.

“Begging your pardon,” said Lightning “…But are you crazy?! You just told us it could kill you!”

“And you also said that Daybreaker will be released for sure!” cried Fluttershy.

Celestia remained unnerved, even after her husband protested. “No! Absolutely-no! I won’t take this risk!”

His wife looked at him sternly, “You’re not! I am, and I have decided-- I am going through this.

I realize the risks involved, but not doing it leaves even more risks; not just for me, but for everyone in the entire kingdom.

The sooner this evil is removed from me, the better!”

The ladies were not so sure of this, and neither was Lightning.

Grand Ruler clenched his fists and was ready to slam the table and fully yell out to demand this be stopped, but he was stuck himself. It seemed no matter which way he chose, there would be danger and risk involved, and no matter which way it went, the risk would affect the same countless lives.

All this stress made his headache, and his body go numb with anxiety. Never had he felt so cornered in his life.

Celestia looked at her husband, feeling upset that he was hurting. Deep down, she, herself, felt no different.

She shut her eyes tight, but a small tear crept through and rolled down her cheek, “I’m sorry, but I must go through with this. I know how dangerous and risky it is, and how it will badly affect the kingdom and my family…

…But you must understand I am doing this FOR the kingdom and my family.”

She said no more, but everyone could see how she was a mix of brave and scared at the same time.

Grand Ruler was trembling with worry, and doing all he could to keep his own tears back. “Celestia… I…” he tried to find the right words to say, but he had none. It was all too contradictory and too much wishful thinking…

…But his wife could see though him, and she knew he loved and cared about her so much, and he really didn’t want anything bad to happen to her, or the lands.

She put her hand on his shoulder, and gave him a tearful yet brave smile without saying anything.

The two lovers just kept gazing at each other, which made Fluttershy sniffle. “Those poor creatures…!”

Rarity dabbed her eyes “This is so much, I can’t bear it!”

Pinkie blew her nose into a hankie barely able to control her sobbing.

Lightning, Applejack, and Rainbow were crying-- at least not on the outside-- yet all three of them had never seen their majesties like this before-- so brave, and yet so scared at the same time.

A few moments later, Celestia was looking out the window at the children playing merrily in the gardens outside, and under the watchful eye of Mykan.

Her tears fell down onto her hands. She couldn’t bear to tell her children of the risks, not wanting to worry them of her safety, but she felt so guilty for not telling them in the knowledge that if she were to die.

She rubbed her eyes with her glove, and then walked off to join the others.

Not a single soul outside of the group was aware of what was about to happen.

The group met in a special chamber, deep within the mountain that the palace was built on.

The walls were all solid and made of layers, and layers of the material similar to the Starfleet battle suits-- Nothing would hurt them so easily, and nothing could teleport in or out, almost like a jail cell.

This was the perfect place to conduct the plan, and everyone was hoping with all their might that things would work for the better.

Celestia and the Equestrians all stood as the Valkyries of Harmony.

The five smaller ponies all stood before Celestia, as if to face her in combat, which was almost exactly what was about to happen.

Lightning and Grand Ruler stood behind Celestia, and she rolled her eyes looking behind at them.

“Do you really think this will help?” Lightning asked.

His majesty hesitated and then answered, “…I honestly don’t know. Everything the data showed me were only possibilities, but this stunt has never before been attempted, and you and I must do our parts as well.”

Lightning nodded, and remained ready as ever.

Celestia looked back at forth between the other valkyries, “You all know what to do?”

“YES MA’AM!!” they all said, yet they still seemed reluctant on their part to be doing this, which was understandable.

Celestia nodded and raised her magic sword in the air, and the others did the same as Celestia called out, “We summon fort The Powers of Harmony. Combined together we will vanquish the evil!”

One-by-one, each Valkyrie called out their respective element.

Rarity: “Generosity!”

Rainbow: “Loyalty!”

Fluttershy: “Kindness!”

Pinkie: “Laughter!”

Applejack: “Honesty!”

Celestia: “Magic!”

The swords all began to glow brightly!

“Get ready, Lightning!” said Grand Ruler.

“Ready! I’m ready!” replied Lightning.

The five Equestrians pointed their swords straight at Celestia, and in a split second, Celestia whipped round and aimed at her husband and Lightning.

“FIRE!!” she shouted!

She fired her own blast at the men while the ladies fired at her, striking her with their combined powers.

“Now!!” shouted Grand Ruler, and both he and Lightning intercepted Celestia’s beam with their combined powers of the Uniforce, and send the blast right back at her.

“AAAAHH…!!!” Celestia screamed as the blasts struck her hard, and she dropped her sword.

Grand Ruler winced, but stayed where he was, and could only watch as his wife was engulfed by the bright lights, and she groaned and yowled!

“No!!” cried Rarity, and she wanted to rush forth, but Rainbow stopped her.

The light continued to work on Celestia, and everyone could suddenly see something!

“What’s that?!” cried Pinkie, pointing at what appeared to be flaming aura emerging from Celestia’s body.

The aura then began to cry out, “Stop!! You can’t do this to me!!”

“It’s Daybreaker!” shouted Lightning.

“The evil is beginning to emerge!” cried Grand Ruler.

No one dared blast the evil, for fear of harming Celestia.

“KEEP GOING…!!” Celestia yelled “I CAN FEEL HER POWER WEAKENENING!!”

Daybreaker yelled back at her, “YOU… WILL NOT… SILENCE… ME!!”

Still enveloped in the magic of the light, the aura emerged more and more and Celestia could get a full view of it herself!

The forces were so intense that the lights in the chamber began to flicker.

Even in her painful and enveloped state, Celestia managed to find just a tad bit of strength and fired a small blast from her horn at the evil aura.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!” shouted Daybreaker “NOOOOOO…!!!”

After a huge and bright flash, everyone found themselves on the floor.

Lightning groaned as he slowly got up and rubbed the back of his head.

The Equestrians all came to as well, no longer in their Valkyrie forums.

“What happened?” asked Applejack.

“Did we do it?” added Pinkie.

Everyone then looked on and saw Celestia lying flat in the center of the chamber.

“Celestia!” cried Grand Ruler and he dashed over and scooped up his wife in his arms.

“Celestia… Celestia…?”

She slowly began to awaken, which relieved everybody that she was alive.

“Darling, are you alright?” asked Grand Ruler.

His wife groggily rubbed her eyes, “I feel… I feel…” then, in a split second, her eyes snapped wide open, “…I feel fantastic!” and she bolted upright “…I feel better than ever.”

She leapt up and down, and did a couple of backflips showing she was fully fine.

“Does that me we did it?” asked Rarity “Is Daybreaker really gone?”

“Hmm…” said Lightning and he activate his visor to appear and scanned his queen’s bod from top to bottom. “Temperature: Normal. Pulse: Normal. No signs of flaming energy-- at least on the surface.”

“…She’s gone!” Celestia said happily “I can’t feel her presence anymore.”

Lightning gazed at her with his visors polygraph scan, and she was telling the full truth.

Even Grand ruler could sense the honesty in his wife’s voice.

“But where is Daybreaker?”

Everyone looked around, and there wasn’t a sign of her anywhere. Lightning couldn’t even scan for her essence.

“I thought this was supposed to split the two apart?” asked Fluttershy.

Celestia then explained…

“Ever since this morning, when I was told about the possibilities, I realized these were all potential risks if done only using the Elements of Harmony, such as when they were first used on my sister.

I think felt that with Lightning and Celesto here, by repelling my Force of Magic back at me with the Uniforce, its power would be reduced and not be so lethal, and it gave me the extra bit of strength that I needed to zap Daybreaker myself, which is why she isn’t here.”

Grand Ruler was amazed at his wife’s theory.

“So, she’s gone?” asked Rainbow “…Really gone?”

“I should think so.” said Celestia “She isn’t here, I can’t feel her presence, and Lightning can’t scan for her.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel like celebrating.”

Grand Ruler smiled lovingly at his wife, and she gave him a rather naughty expression.

The ladies all felt things were about to heat up, and felt it best they head back home, now that all was well.

So they left the chamber.

Their majesties were gazing into each other’s eyes.

"You just made all that stuff about the Uniforce up, didn't you?" asked Grand Ruler.

His wife admired, "Yes, it was all just dumb luck, but I'm so glad it worked."

Her husband chuckled, "You never cease to amaze me."

Lightning cleared his throat, “Um… your majesties. Forgive me, but I did have my own business to discuss with you, regarding Sunset Shimmer.”

Realizing the importance of their duties, their majesties heard him out, and agreed with his idea.

“WHAT?” Sunset cried when she was told the news “…Me, live in New Ponyville?”

“That’s right,” said Grand Ruler “You’ve been serving here at the palace now for quite some time, but you really ought to get out there and see the world as it is.”

Sunset agreed to that, but she was still completely nervous about it all, “But what will I do for money? Where will I live? Who’s going to show me everything?”

“Oh, Lightning’s already made arrangements for all that.” Celestia giggled.

“You did WHAT?!” Artie snapped when Lightning told him the news.

“That’s right. As of one week from tonight, Sunset Shimmer will be moving here to New Ponyville, and she’ll be living under your care.

And before you even try to object,” he held out a signed notification from their majesties, making the arrangements a direct order and he could not refuse.

“Lightning how could you do this to me?!” Artie scolded.

“More like how could I not do it in the first place.” said Lightning “It’s no secret Artie, we all know you like Sunset.”

Artie blushed in embarrassment, and there was no way to deny it. “That still doesn’t make it right!” he sneered “You’re just peering into my privacy and putting upon it now.”

“Perhaps…” agreed Lightning “But think of Sunset, and think what you’ll be doing for her? She needs a better life than just playing Servant in the Palace. You can be there for her, provide for her, help her adapt to the world around her.

…Don’t you think you’d both benefit from that?”

Artie realized this, and all of a sudden it didn’t seem to feel like such a bad idea, and so he agreed to at least try, and because he had no authority to refuse anyway.

Lightning nodded in satisfaction, and he thought softly, “…You’ll thank me for this, Artie.”

Artie already looked thankful, as he silently pondered the idea of Sunset living with him, and he being a sort of… tutor to her.

He could only smile and blush.

That night, he dreamed peacefully of Sunset and he working together in one of those old scenes where two lovers were molding a clay pot.

Artie could only sigh in his sleep.

Sunset was dreaming of something not as similar, but just as nice.

There she was, as a Kung-Fu fighter, and training hard in an arena, and her handsome mentor--Artie-- bowed to her and praised her for her success, which flattered her.

Their majesties were cuddling close and sleeping blissfully.

Cadance and Shining Armor were too.

Now that Daybreaker had been removed from Celestia’s subconscious, nobody in the palace or across the entire planet was suffering from anymore nightmares.

Even Princess Luna, while out on her nightly rounds, sensed no disturbances.

What nobody realized, however, was that the threat was not really gone!

The moonlight shone through an open window in the royal master bedroom, directly at Celestia, but she was sleeping so deeply that she didn’t even stir and continued to sleep away…

…While a small shadow of her head appeared on the wall next to her, and it actually spouted two flaming, and evil eyes.

Daybreaker was still alive, and hiding within the safety of Celestia’s shadow!

“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” she hissed to herself “Now I have another way to get what I want, and I doubt you and your friends will be stop me this time.”

Her snicker slowly faded into the darkness as she slipped back into silence.

(Promo)

In our next episode: As Sunset Shimmer moves in with Artie, a jealous, would-be suitor attempts to get Rhymey out of the picture and take Fluttershy for himself, claiming to be better and superior a choice than Rhymey. This gives Dearka the perfect opportunity to use this suitor for his next attack.

Can Rhymey defend his honor and image against these double threats?

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

(Next Episode: “Love for Honor.”)

Episode 7: Love for Honor

EPISODE SEVEN

Sunset Shimmer had fully moved in with Artie, and the gang were all celebrating at Rhymey’s Café, “Rhyme Time.”

“I still think we should’ve held it at New Sugar-Cub Corners.” complained Pinkie.

“Pinkie, we’ve been through this,” said Starla “It’s Sunset’s first day here, and Artie’s first time in actually living with someone in a long time. Let’s keep it soft and easy.”

Rhymey then tapped his cocoa mug gathering everyone’s attention.

“As your loyal and gracious host,
I’d like to propose a toast.

Here’s to Sunset Shimmer
Our new resident and we say to her
We hope you find life nice here
And we hope to friends that you’ll hold dear.
All that we are doing to today is simply to help you
In a world where everything is very strange and new
But just so you know we are all here to guide you
Won’t it be nice having friends beside you?”

He raised his mug, and everyone else did cheering “Here-Here!”

Sunset was smiling softly and raised her mug as well as she tapped it with everyone else’s mug around her, and then she came to Artie’s mug, and they stopped and looked into each other’s eyes.

Then then turned away, still feeling a bit awkward.

“So… um…” Sunset said.

“Um… well…” stammered Artie “I hope you’ll be happy here, Sunset. I’ll try my best to help you.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’m starting to feel welcome already.”

Pinkie looked ready to leap up and give her usual “Welcome to New Ponyville” song and dance, but she didn’t have her wagon with her, and Lightning urged her not to, and just to keep things simple and easy.

Fluttershy was behind the counter helping her husband serve drinks and sweets, and baby Button Fly was sleeping peacefully in his pram.

“That was a lovely toast you gave, dear.” she said to her husband

Rhymey agreed…

“I know how it feels to be a place new and strange
And while it may seem unusual, there’s always room for change.”

He referred to the time he first came to Equestria of Old, searching for a Star Stone, when he first met his dear wife, but was treated strangely by everyone else-- they thought he was Fluttershy in disguise.

“Well, I’m very glad you did come.” said Fluttershy “You helped change my life, and I’ve never been so brave and strong before.”

Her husband softly pecked her on the lips.

Soon the party began to break up.

“Aw, just when things were getting interesting.” joked Pinkie.

Suddenly, there was a loud slamming at the door, as if something had struck it.

“What was that?” asked Starla.

Lighting went up to the door and found a dagger obviously thrown into the door, with a note attached to it.

Lightning read it out loud…

“Rhymey…

You are unworthy of possessing what should rightfully be mine.

I have been training a long time for this, and now I will set things right with you once and for all.”

Rhymey leapt over and read the note himself. Then his eyes narrowed in anger.

“Someone has it out for Rhymey?” asked Artie.

Rhymey shook his head…

“I keep getting things like this all the time,
Haters who don’t like the way I rhyme

They claim that I am unworthy of things in life,
…things like my rep, my comforts…” he looked at Fluttershy “… even my wife.”

Fluttershy gave him a strong look. “You ARE worthy of me, and I love you.”

He smiled softly at her, and she smiled back, but she was still annoyed.

“Sometimes I get it bad too; all these miserable ponies and creatures telling me that I married a “Freak” or a “Loser.”

Rhymey calmed her and shook his head…

“There is nothing can do to you,
and nothing they do to me,
They just don’t look at everything,
They are silly as can be.”

“He’s right.” agreed Lightning “You two and Button Fly are a cute family, and you’re both strong Starfleet soldiers, and you do a lot for others, but just the same, don’t be taking any threats lightly. The last thing we need right now is more trouble stirring up.”

The couple saluted in agreement.

Little Button Fly began to groan softly, and so did Shining Light.

“I guess we better get home.” said Starla.

Lightning agreed.

Rhymey closed the café, and then he and Fluttershy went with Lightning and Starla down the road, and Pinkie flew back home on her own, leaving Artie and Sunset to head home down the opposite way.

“Well, I guess we better go. I can help you unpack more.” said Artie.

“I’m done unpacking, remember, you helped me.”

Artie remembered. Sunset only brought a few suitcases with her-- just simple clothing. She never had any real possessions upon her arrival.

“Um… yeah, sorry.” stammered Artie.

Sunset couldn’t help but giggle. “Look, don’t get the wrong idea about this, but I am grateful for what you’re doing.”

Artie cleared his throat trying to resist the shyness and warmth that was swelling up inside. “Glad to be doing.

…Maybe I can show you how to paint, you know; get yourself a new hobby.”

Sunset smiled, “I think I’d like that. All I ever used to paint was spray-paint on brick-walls.

There, you see. You have some knack for it already.”

The two headed off, and their hands were so close they nearly touched, and they were both resisting with all their will to not suddenly reach out and take the other’s hand.

While on their way home, the two families were intercepted by a pony that just landed in the middle of the street.

He was a humanoid unicorn, with a light blue coat, and a black colored mane. He was dressed in a black spandex suit, with shoulder armor, chest plate, knee pads, and strong looking boots, and on the sides of his belt, kept in two scabbards, were two strong katanas.

On the front of his chest plate was a picture of his cutie mark, a pair of hedge-clippers.

Fluttershy swore she had seen that face somewhere before. “Clipper, is that you?”

Clipper snuffed.

“You know him?” said Lightning.

Fluttershy nodded, “We were friends in school, we had many classes together, and he loved trimming hedges and making paper cut-outs, which earned him his cutie mark.”

Clipper didn’t look half as friendly as he used to be, the way he sneered at everyone, especially at Rhymey.

“There was something I loved more than that!” he growled “…Or should I say someone! And you, Colonel Rhymey, you took her away from me.”

Rhymey then gawked at his wife.

Starla then asked, “You were in love with Fluttershy?!”

“YES!!” snarled Clipper “And she was in love with me, I know she was!”

Fluttershy was shocked, but corrected him, “No, Clipper. I was never in love with you.”

“Yes you were!” thundered Clipper “Why else were we in the same classes so many times? Why else do you think I stood up for you when you were bullied? Why else did I trim hedges of signs that I was trying to drop your way?”

He would trim hedges in the shape of hearts, or out of Fluttershy.

Fluttershy did notice those things before, but missed the message due to her timidity and uncertainty in those days. Things like that we’re her main reason of keeping to herself and never thinking once about romance.

Rhymey had heard of this Clipper before-- he had seen pictures of him when Fluttershy showed him old yearbook photos-- but this was the first time he had ever heard of this, as this was also the first time he had ever met him in person.

Clipper then pulled out his two swords and pointed them at Rhymey in a threatening manner.

Suddenly, it all fit together…

“That message, it was you!” thundered Lightning.

Clipper only roared like a madman as he charged straight at Rhymey, but Rhymey put up a barrier dome, entrapping the wailing swordsman inside.

“LET ME OUT!!” he shouted “I’M GOING TO GET YOU!! I’M GOING TO SAVE FLUTTERSHY FROM YOUR PATHETICNESS!!”

His shouting made the babies cry.

“Oh, Button Fly!” cooed Fluttershy as she picked up her son and rocked him in her arms trying to soothe him, which only made Clipper all the more enraged.

“You had his baby too!!” he shouted, and he glared at Rhymey through the barrier, “YOU SICKO!! YOU DESTROYED OUR WORLD!! YOU STOLE HER FROM ME!! YOU MADE HER HAVE YOUR BRAT!!”

Rhymey approached him, with his hands on his hips and looking very cross.

“That is enough! Quit acting so rough!
You’re not proving anything by acting so tough!”

Clipper looked ready to explode, “AND STOP WITH THAT STUPID RHYMING!!”

“Enough!” bellowed Lightning “You obviously have some unhealthy obsession with Fluttershy Rhymey, and I’m warning you right now, we can all arrest you right here for making threats on officers!”

Clipper refused to heed.

“I trained in the art of swordsmanship, stealth, and beefed up my strength all these years for one reason: To prove that I’m the better pony for Fluttershy and to stop this, this… FREAK from ruining her life!”

Rhymey looked crosser than ever and clenched his fists, and even Fluttershy was not going to stand for this.

“Rhymey is no freak, Clipper!”

“You poor thing!” cried Clipper “Now he’s got you wrapped around his finger. Please, just let me help you!”

Little did he or anyone realize that Dearka was observing them, and eyeing at the deranged Clipper.

He then held up a tiny black capsule, and magically shot it straight at Clipper’s neck, which no one else noticed.

Lightning had heard enough…!

The next thing Clipper knew, he was locked in a detention-cell until morning for threatening officers.

“Next time it’ll be three months.” Lightning warned him “You need help, kid.”

Clipper had been confiscated of his weapons and armor, and he was frustrated at outraged, which were sealed up in a locker at the end of the hall.

“And you’re lucky Rhymey didn’t battle you.” said Starla “Even with your skills, you’d never stand a chance against him.”

Her horn began to glow, and she showed him a magical simulation of what would have happened…

As skilled and as armed as Clipper was, Rhymey would have clearly beaten him, and without much effort. He wouldn’t have to have moved.

His swords would have shattered to pieces against Rhymey strong and solid body. Then Clipper would punch and kick at Rhymey all over, while Rhymey just stood there and yawned in boredom as Clipper exhausted himself from over-punching.

Clipper, insane as ever, denied it all. “That’s a lie, and you’re just trying to scare me!”

He looked at Fluttershy and whined “How can you do this to me?! I’m just trying to help you.”

Fluttershy knew by this point Clipper was obviously sick, but all she could do was try and break it to him gently.

“I’m sorry, Clipper. I never knew you loved me, but… I’m afraid I’ve changed. Rhymey is my husband, and this is our son, Button Fly. We’re a family, and we’re happy.

I’m really sorry.”

Clipper looked a mix between crushed and enraged.

“Come on, let’s go.” said Lightning. “He needs time to think.”

The gang left, and Clipper was left alone to sulk in his cell, and he was still unconvinced.

“Fluttershy should be mine!” he grumbled in thought “She’s been confused by that jerk, Rhymey. He’s not good enough for her! He doesn’t deserve her! He doesn’t deserve anything but to be taken down and fast!”

Clipper suddenly began to feel a little woozy, and he just collapsed on the bench in his cell.

Dearka could sense that his plan was beginning. “It won’t be long now.” he hissed softly.

Recalling earlier when he reported to King Von Devilor…

He presented his king with a small, black capsule.

“This, your majesty, is my latest creation.”

Scarlet was non-too-pleased, “You call that little tick a sure-fire plan?” she mocked.

Dearka growled, “I do! The victim who swallows this will be someone who harbors vast amounts of pure inner hatred hate.”

The King seemed intrigued, “And this capsule will instantly put its consumer under our power and will?”

Dearka nodded, “…It shall amplify the hate within, increasing their strength and power, but that’s not all. The more the energy is amplified, the sooner it will unleash the power into a great force that will be able to spread all over United Equestria and feed upon love and hate at will.”

The blues fires around Von Devilor blazed as he chuckled evilly, “Go, Dearka. Get me that energy!”

Dearka bowed, and headed off, but not before giving Scarlet a taunting glare, which annoyed her deeply.

Back in the present, Dearka was satisfied with his deed.

“By morning, the hate will have taken over, and he’ll be under the influence of his own hatred and darkness. That’s sure to give the enemy a nasty surprise.”

And indeed…The next morning, Clipper was let out as promised. The officer unlocked his cell door.

“Okay kid, you’re out, but you remember what the commander said…”

Clipper just remained where he was, flat on the bench. He didn’t move or make a sound.

“Did you hear me?” the officer asked “Get out of here!”

Clipper still didn’t move, and the officer lost patience. He walked right inside and put his hand on Clipper’s shoulder…

…Clipper suddenly reached up and grabbed him by the wrist!

“Hey!” cried the officer, but he was suddenly shoved against the wall and knocked unconscious.

Another officer heard the commotion.

“What’s going on back here?!” she came down the hall just in time to see Clipper breaking open the big locker to retrieve his armor and his swords.

“Stop right there!” the lady demanded, and she fired a blast from her horn at his back, which barely fazed him at all, and he turned round to face her, his body now glowing with dark aura.

“That… was… a mistake!” Clipper growled in a deep and raspy voice, and gripped his swords tightly, and both they and his armor transformed, looking stronger and more evil than before.

The officer was about to sound the alarm and call backup, which Clipper fired a dark blast from one of his blades, and knocked her out cold just like her partner.

Clipper gripped his swords and snickered, “This feels wonderful-- The power, the hate!!”

Now he felt really prepared, and he left the station in his new form to go and finish what he started.

“Rhymey…!!”

Meanwhile, Rhymey was feeding Button Fly his breakfast formula like a good father.

He smiled lovingly at his little son as he drank from his bottle.

Fluttershy was outside giving all her animal friends their breakfast, and Angel was helping her.

“Good morning, everyone.” She said so sweetly, “Are we all ready to start a new day?”

The birdies chirped, the squirreled smiled, and the bees did happy swirls.

One big bear seemed grumpy and sulked, but Fluttershy knew the trick, and gave him an urn full of honey, which made him smile.

“That’s better.” she cooed.

Angel was enjoying himself as well, but suddenly his ears perked up and twitched, sensing something was wrong, and he shivered in fright.

“What’s wrong Angel?” asked Fluttershy, but she could see for herself as could all her animal friends, causing them to flee in panic…!

“Clipper…?”

He stood there, breathing hard and steadily.

“That aura!” cried Fluttershy “…The Devils!”

She quickly attempted to activate her energizer, but he rushed over and grabbed her, draping her over his shoulder.

“Angel, get Rhymey qui--” Fluttershy screamed before she was knocked unconscious.

Angel hopped off for his little door, but Clipper threw another knife with a note attached to it just before the little rabbit.

“Make sure he gets that!” Clipper hissed, and then he dashed off with Fluttershy.

“Don’t worry my sweet, it will all be over soon, and I’ll save you from this nightmare you call a marriage and family!”

He suddenly began to feel strange, as if his love for Fluttershy was starting to fade-- which it was because of the dark aura consuming his love and light and increasing the hate within.

Dearka was hiding nearby and watched the kidnapping, and he hissed, “Excellent! Soon I’ll be able to hit many birds with one stone!”

You can bet, when Angel showed Rhymey the note, Rhymey was outraged, and wanted to go after his wife so desperately, but first he needed someone to look after Button Fly.

Then he thought of The Cakes, being bakers, they were always up early, and they were always willing to babysit whenever they could for the officers.

So he quickly loaded Button Fly up with a diaper bag and everything, accidently taking Angel along with him too.

He zoomed past Lightning was about to head out on his own beat while Starla watched the baby.

“Was that Rhymey?” asked Starla.

“It was. He looks like he’s in a panic. I’ll check it out.”

His wife nodded and saw her husband fly off.

Rhymey practically pounded at the door of New Sugar-Cube Corners, and Carrot Cake answered “Rhymey? What are you doing here at this hour, we aren’t open yet.”

Rhymey just handed him the baby and spoke in swift rhymes…

“Please, can you look after my son?
I’ve got an emergency, and a big one!”

Pinkie poked her head from the kitchen, all covered in flour, “An emergency?!”

“Oh, my!” cried Cupcake “You better, go too, Pinkie.”

Pinkie agreed and chased after Rhymey as he left.

“What’s going on?” she asked him.

Rhymey was too upset to explain, thinking so much of Clipper taking his wife from him after he was explicitly warned!

Artie and Sunset were about to head out for a small tour of New Ponyville, when Pinkie and Lightning came soaring overhead.

“What’s going on?” asked Sunset.

Artie stiffened, “Could be trouble…”

This was confirmed as Lightning called to him as he passed by, “Come on, Artie!”

Artie looked back at Sunset, “I have to check this out. You stay here.”

He flew off, and even though Sunset knew what Artie said about things like this being dangerous, having seen the battles herself, so she stayed home as she was told.

“Please come back to me…” she muttered to herself “Er… I mean, please come home safely.”

She felt so embarrassed with herself, despite there was no one around to hear her.

Out in the open fields, outside of the village…

Fluttershy awoke, and found herself inside a dome barrier of dark flames Clipper had conjured with his new powers, and her armored vest and energizer were outside the barrier, next to a tree so she couldn’t transform.

She would have used her Valkyrie powers, but they weren’t strong enough to combat darkness like this.

“What’s happening?!” she groaned.

As her vison cleared, she saw Clipper outside the barrier and gazing at her.

“Clipper…? Why are you doing this?”

His hate-filled eyes gave a sickening glow, and the aura around him grew stronger.

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy. Once I destroy Rhymey you’ll have nothing to be ashamed of anymore.”

Fluttershy’s blood ran cold, “Destroy Rhymey?!” she honestly couldn’t tell if he was still harboring his natural hate and jealousy for Rhymey, but she could already tell that he was in big trouble if he was empowered by the Devils’ aura.

“Clipper, listen to me!” You have to let me out of here! I can help you!”

“No, I’m here to help you.” hissed Clipper.

Suddenly, he groaned and held his head in pain as the aura grew stronger, and he found it harder to stay concerned with Fluttershy.

“Why did I trap her like this?” he thought “Why am I suddenly feeling compelled to attack her?”

His fingers were quaking as he reached for his swords, but he managed to get a grip on himself.

He expected Rhymey would arrive any second…

…And indeed, Rhymey, already transformed, dropped in.

“Oh, my…!
…Fluttershy!”

“Rhymey…!” his wife shrieked.

The others, already transformed, dropped in as well.

“You again…!” Lightning thundered at Clipper, and he noticed the aura.

“Let’s heal him, quick!” suggested Artie.

The others agreed, but before they could act, both Rhymey and Clipper were surrounded by a large wall of flames that curled around them into a large arena about twenty yards wide, with only the tree, a rock-pile, and Fluttershy trapped in with them.

Dearka appeared, “Sorry, but this is a matter for them to settle.”

Lightning and Artie growled at the sight of him, while Pinkie began to feel swoony and dreamy again.

“Oh, not you again!” grumbled Dearka.

“What have you done to Clipper?” Lightning demanded to know.

Dearka snickered, “Nothing compared what’s about to happen to your friends inside.”

Rather than let them worry about, Dearka extended his claws and lunged forth, forcing the fighters to scatter.

“SUPER STAFF”

Artie waved his weapon around and charged at Dearka, parrying at his claws.

Pinkie tried to rush him as well, but Lightning held her back reminding her, “No, no! The more of us fight the more power he gets. We’ll have to do this in turns.”

Artie heard this and he agreed as he continued to parry Dearka and his claws, when Suddenly Dearka found and opening and struck him, making sparks fly and knocking him away.

“Who’s next?!” sneered Dearka.

Lightning leapt in and Pinkie could only rush to Artie’s side. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine…”

He and Pinkie then looked in through the flames as Rhymey and Clipper glared each other down.

Clipper drew out his powerful swords, and Rhymey was able to scan with his visor how much stronger they and the armor were.

“You’re going down!” hissed Clipper “Because of you, Equestria was destroyed, and you stole Fluttershy from me, and you are just a ridiculous waste of space, you and your rhymes!”

Rhymey clenched his fists, but he knew Clipper was more deranged than ever because of the aura.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,
Let me help you, we can work this out.”

“Silence, and FIGHT!!” shouted Clipper, and he lunged forth ready to strike, forcing Rhymey to leap up and over.

“Rhymey!!” cried Fluttershy.

He landed and turned to see Clipper charging at him again…

He reached up and tapped his energizer, making it glow with Cadance’s magic.

“I summon this magic to help my foe,
The Healing of Love… go!!”

The magic waves shrouded at Clipper, but didn’t seem to heal him one bit.

“It isn’t working!” cried Fluttershy “The aura must be too strong with all this darkness around us. You have to fight him and weaken him down!”

Rhymey knew she was right, and it was his duty to make things right, even if it meant battling with someone.

“WARD SWORD”

Rhymey waved his blade, and it shimmered in the sunlight.

Clipper growled and narrowed his eyes at him, making the aura flow harder than ever, he began to snarl like a monster “YOU’RE TOAST!!”

He slashed his sword at Rhymey, but missed when Rhymey zipped out of the way!

He then charged form behind, and Clipper whirled around blocking his sword with his own.

The two began to brawl hard, and Rhymey could feel by the force of the clashes, Clipper was indeed stronger and swifter than he was before, and getting stronger as the aura blazed around him.

“I will destroy you!!” he thundered, and he fought more fiercely than before, but Rhymey still managed to keep up the pace and block the two swords with just his one.

Poor Fluttershy could only watch helplessly.

“You and your stupid rhymes won’t get you out of this one!” shouted Clipper, and he fired magical blasts form his blades, making sparks and explosions flow all around Rhymey and knocking him over.

Fluttershy screamed in terror.

“Fluttershy!!” cried Lightning from outside.

“We’ve got to get in there and help them!” shouted Pinkie.

Dearka laughed, “Fat chance…!” and he thrust out his claws, firing large, dark lightning bolts, striking them and Artie hard.

The trio was still okay, and Dearka was feeling amused as he watched them get up again. “Yes, get up for more,” he taunted “It only helps me and my slave all the better!”

Inside, Rhymey was in a struggle, with Clipper pushing his blades against his.

“Fluttershy is mine!!” growled Clipper.

Enraged, Rhymey found strength to push him back and off of him.

“DRILL QUILL”

He unleashed his sharp feather shots at Clipper, which he dodged, swerved, and burned with his powers, and struck Rhymey hard his armor.

“NOOOOOO!!!” Fluttershy screamed, as it look as if her husband had been struck fatally, as he just stood there, and dropped his sword form his left hand into his right hand.

…Then!

WHASH!! Rhymey struck Clipper hard, and sent both his swords flying up, up, and up.

Rhymey quickly fired a blast from his horn at the sword, sending them sailing into the dark fire-wall, flying right through, sailing across the field and landing, stuck, in the ground. The aura around them faded away, and they reverted back to its normal, weak, shape.

Fluttershy was beaming with relief and glee, and her husband nodded at her!

It was an old trick he had learned-- faking being fatally injured, then striking his opponent while their guard was down, thinking they had won.

“This can’t be happening!!” wailed Clipper.

Rhymey pointed the tip of his blade straight at him.

“I make speak in rhymes still,
But that does not affect my battle skill

You think you are skilled
You think you are strong
But the evil is not helping you,
It’s sick and it’s wrong!

Let me help, Fluttershy too,
We’ll do all we can for you!”

Fluttershy nodded, willing to help, but Clipper only let out a huge roar, and charged with his remaining sword. “I’ll destroy you both!!”

“Wait, “Both?” he thought “But I don’t want to hurt Fluttershy! What’s happening to me?”

Rhymey saw his chance, and set his sword on heal.

He looked at Fluttershy showing his concern of what he was about to do, but she nodded at him in full understanding.

Rhymey sword began to glow and spark with twisting winds and lightning.

“THRASH SLASH”

He slashed Clipper hard with his finisher, and Clipper screamed and howled as his body began to spark and jolt.

“Do it now!!” cried Fluttershy.

Rhymey agreed, and once again used The Healing of Love to try and save Clipper.

The healing combined with his attack successfully managed to eject the aura from Clipper’s body, and Clipper fell unconscious onto the ground.

“Oh, Clipper…!” Fluttershy cried in concern for him.

Suddenly, her barrier dispelled, and so did the fire-wall around the arena.

Rhymey raced to Fluttershy and embraced her,

“I say…
Are you okay?”

His wife embraced him back, “I’m fine, but look!”

The aura was all combining together, in a large ball of darkness that began to mould into the face of large resemblance of Dearka.

“What is that?!” cried Pinkie.

“I don’t think I like it one bit!” grumbled Artie.

“Me neither!” agreed Lightning “The thing’s power is off the charts!”

Dearka snickered, “Finally, my ultimate creation sis complete! All the hateful aura will now spread all throughout the planet and feed King von Devilor with all the power he could want!”

He decided to leave his enemies to what he hoped would be their doom, and leapt through a portal back to the Devils’ World.

The monster-head roared as aura flowed from its huge mouth like a cloud of breath, heading straight for New Ponyville.

The citizens could all see the fog heading their way, and the alarms sounded as everyone began to run for their lives.

Sunset saw it, and she was worried about Artie.

“Sunset!” called Starla, and she dropped in from the sky with Shining Light strapped in the carrier harness in front of her. “Come on, we’ve got get you someplace safe!”

“We’ve got to stop it!” cried Lightning.

Fluttershy agreed, grabbing her armor, “Harmony Hour, Friendship Power!” and she transformed.

“Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and he and his team flew upward.

Lightning quickly zoomed towards New Ponyville, and stood before the fog, “I hope this works…!” He then conjured up all the power he could produce a large magical curtain of the Uniforce itself, directly in the path of the fog, halting it.

He felt really exhausted after doing that, but at least he had given the villagers a chance to get away.

The others were impressed by Lightning’s move, and he rejoined them on the battle field, “That wall won’t hold for long. We’ve got to eliminate the aura!”

The others agreed, and all took up their positions.

“All together now…!” hollered Lightning, and everyone activated their energizers…

“THE HEALING OF LOVE”

Their combined waves struck the large head hard, and dispelled the aura, but not really by much.

“It didn’t work!” cried Fluttershy.

“It’s because there’s too much darkness.” concluded Artie. “We need to keep striking it and cut it down to size more!”

Lightning agreed, “Keep using the love spell. I’ll give it all I’ve got too.”

The others agreed and continued to pour on the love, slowly, but surely shrinking the head down.

Lightning then conjured up whatever power he had left…

“UNIFORCE”

The force from his light attack soared clean into the darkness.

The massive head roared loudly as it felt itself growing weaker, and weaker.

Finally, Lightning was all pooped out, and his suit powered down too as he collapsed to his knees.

The others had also exhausted their entire supplies of Cadance’s magic, and felt tried after it.

Rhymey felt out of power, and Artie had just enough strength left for one attack, but the head still seemed a bit too big for him to try.

“We need another burst of power!” he called.

“But we’re all tapped out!” said Pinkie.

“Oh, no, look!” cried Fluttershy. The head was starting to grow again because of their negative emotions of worry, as well as the panic coming from the village as the civilians all fled.

“You-Hoo…!” Starla hollered as she came soaring in.

“Starla?” called Lightning. He thought she, knowing better, would be in the village helping the people get away, but then he could see from the shining of her body “…It’s her droid double!”

The droid gave Lightning a thumb-up, and then headed straight at the huge head, going straight at it’s core.

“What’s she doing?” wondered Artie.

He got his answer when the droid suddenly self-destructed within, and the light and fires from the explosion upset the aura from within, reducing the head down to the size of a normal monster.

The real Starla, removed her visor and stowed her control gear, “I hope that was enough for them.”

“Artie, do it now!” shouted Lightning.

Artie agreed and conjured whatever power he had left into his finisher, powering it up.

“SUPER STAFF SPIN”

Whirling his staff, round and around, igniting it with his magic, he slashed at the head, and it screamed and howled as it vaporized away to nothing, causing the aura it cast to vanish with it just as Lightning’s wall dispelled.

The citizens saw it all, and cheered for Starfleet.

Starla sighed in relief, and patted her sleeping son’s little head. The baby was wearing earplugs so the noise of the cheering crowds didn’t bother him at all.

Sunset stood next to them and closed her eyes, giving thanks for Artie’s success, as well as the rest of the team.

Back in Von Devilor’s presence, the king informed Dearka, “Your plan has failed! Our enemies have once again ensnared victory.”

Scarlet couldn’t resist the urge to taunt him. “And all you got was the energy of that lone little fool you brainwashed, and even with his enhanced strength he couldn’t even beat one fighter.”

Dearka growled furiously.

However, Von Devlior smirked wickedly “Yes, however, let us not overlook the fact that the capsule still empowered the subject, which I feel can be used to our advantage in future plots.

Dearka has presented us with a grand alternative to just draining love from our victims; a great to spread our hate and gather vast amounts of power we see fit.”

Dearka smiled and bowed proudly. “Thank you, my king.”

“But your majesty…” Starla said before she was cut off by her enraged king, “ARE YOU DARE QUESTIONING ME IN MY PRESENCE??!!”

Scarlet whimpered and fell to her knees bowing, “N-N-No sire, I wouldn’t dare even consider it again.”

Dearka snickered softly.

Meanwhile, Clipper regained his consciousness, and was questioned downtown of the events that happened.

The two guards he had knocked out cold at the local jailhouse were witnesses, confirming his actions, but they also confirmed about seeing the darkness that shrouded him.

In the end, professionally, Lightning could not hold Clipper responsible for what happened, since The Devils’ we’re behind it, and Clipper did not willingly choose to go along with the plot, despite his hatred of Rhymey and his lust for Fluttershy.

However, as commander he was authorized to order Clipper to seek help for his obsession with the couple-- his obsession with Fluttershy and his resentment of Rhymey.

He also issued a restraining order, on his own authority and on Fluttershy and Rhymey’s behalf. He was to stay a-hundred feet away from them at all times.

For this, he was outfitted with a special magical manacle on his right ankle. This manacle would magically react and warn officers if he was violating this order, and constant violations would result in an arrest.

Clipper was most upset and protested “He doesn’t deserve Fluttershy! I actually love her! I should be with her, not him! I can make her happy! All he does is rhyme! He’s no good for anything!”

Lightning could only pitifully shake his head at him, and he could see that talking to him and trying to reason would get him nowhere, so he left him to wallow in his misery, and rejoined the group, at Rhymey and Fluttershy’s place.

“How did it go?” asked Starla.

He only gave her a soft stare, which told everyone, “Not so well.”

Fluttershy sighed, “Poor Clipper, I can’t help but feel sorry for him.”

Rhymey felt a little sorry for him too, but both he and Fluttershy knew he brought it on himself for his obsession, and his refusal to see so much more to Rhymey than just rhymes.

“I may not be the pony they want me to be,
But I am happy the way things are, I just want to be me.”

Fluttershy cuddled up to him, and said a little poem herself…

“All the people in the world can never break us apart,
I give you my solemn word, from my soul and my heart,
Everyone will say that I’m crazy, or strange,
But I know that I love you, and that will never change.”

Rhymey grinned lovingly at her, and they gazed deeply into each other’s eyes.

“I think that’s our que to leave.” whispered Artie, and he and the others started to head off.

Pinkie was still gawking at the lovey couple, and Starla dragged her along.

Sunset couldn’t help but sigh, “I think I’m going to like living in New Ponyville.”

Artie was happy to hear her say that.

As for Rhymey and Fluttershy, they shared a deep kiss, with only the other animals and Angel watching them from afar. All of them looking dazed and melty at the couple, and Angel even blew his little nose in a hankie.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Swift Star trains well and is almost ready for his first probationary battle, which may come sooner than he believes, for the evil Daybreaker manages to fully revitalize herself and appears physically to cause more trouble than ever before.

Can our heroes stop her, or is United Equestria doomed to an infernal fate?

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

(Next Episode: “She’s Burning Back.”)

Author's Note

Clipper was only created to serve as another strawman for my haters who keep pissing on Rhymey.

As for his love for Fluttershy, I'm afraid the severity of his situation DOES NOT qualify as action for me to make fics for him (He's not like Davis or Beast Boy)

Episode 8: She's Burning Back

EPISODE EIGHT

Two months, prior to The Devils’ appearance, Lightning continued to train his young apprentice, Swift Star, to be a strong and great fighter that would one day earn his commission to the force.

One morning, Lightning was training Swift in the cliff regions of New Cloudsdale.

“Swift…!” he called out to his young apprentice.

“Swift…!”

The young pony was zooming across the field as fast as his two legs could carry him, m and carrying a heavy boulder over his head by order of his tutor.

This was helping him buildup strength, endurance, and increase his speed.

“Swift, take it easy! Take it easy.” hollered Lightning.

Swift slammed down the boulder at the appointed place, and then he took off, zooming towards the large chasm up ahead.

“SWIFT, NO!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!”

Swift gave an astounding leap across the fifty yard wide chasm, with a huge drop into the ravine below; it really looked like he was going to make it, when he started losing momentum in midair, and landed just on the very edge of the cliff, slipping down and holding on for dear life.

Lightning landed on the cliff and helped him up, and he did not seem pleased.

“What have I told you about leaping large distances?”

Swift sighed, “Always look before I leap.”

“That’s right.”

“But I made it…

…Well, almost.”

“Almost” doesn’t cut it, Swift.” said Lightning. “The fact still remains you could have fallen, and you nearly did, and when you’re out there in battle, someone may not be there to pull you up in time.”

Rainbow Dash dropped in, “He’s not kidding. Even in the Wonderbolts we learned not to confuse confidence with foolishness.”

Lightning would have reprimanded her for that, but he agreed with her entirely, “And you couldn’t have come at a better time, Colonel.” he said to her “I could use your help in this demonstration.”

Rainbow saluted, “Yes sir.”

Lightning showed Swift a demonstration, and asked Rainbow to leap the chasm, not fly over it—her wings were to remain tucked in.

No surprises, she cleared the chasm with ease and grace.

Lightning then demonstrated by showing how high he could jump, without using his own wings, and carrying an even larger boulder over his head. He even asked Swift to jump alongside him to compare heights, and swift didn’t have to hold anything.

Swift was only able to leap about a-hundred feet, whereas Lightning, with all that weight on his shoulders, managed to leap more than three times that. Had he spread his wings, he would have gone even higher.

He threw the boulder down, making the ground shake.

Rainbow couldn’t help but hollered, “Awe…some!! Totally cool…!”

Lightning gave a soft smirk, but didn’t let it go to his head.

Swift was impressed, but felt a little jealous. “No offense, but you two can only do that because you’re stronger and trained longer than I have.”

Lightning nodded, “Yes, you’re right, but you are also wrong. Even if Rainbow and I were at your level and skill, we would still be able to outmatch you in jumping.”

Rainbow fanned her wings, “See, we’re winged ponies. Got that? Winged… ponies… We’re naturally lighter on our feet than ponies that don’t have wings, and it’s also why we can walk on clouds.

You’re an Earth Pony, you’ve got more bulk than most other ponies do; even unicorns, and that makes you heavier so you can’t make it as easily.”

Swift began to look down, feeling foolish.

“Head up, son.” said Lightning “Like you implied: We were once in your place-- undertrained, unable to make the distance.

…But just like us; you CAN make it yourself if you train hard, and take it steady. Don’t be in such a hurry to make it, because that leads to recklessness, and that leads to failure.

Do you understand?”

Swift held his head high and saluted to them both, “I’ll do my best, and give it time.”

Rainbow and Lightning smiled proudly,

Over the course of the next two months, training continued, not just with them, but with all the others.

He would rush up and down all over New Ponyville, delivering goods for and to Rarity.

Artie, Rhymey, and Spike tested his weapon combat skills, while Starla helped him with shooting and accuracy.

The Twins put him to work in their mines-- pushing carts, digging, loading. They even put him in the heating chambers they built to help him build up endurance and pain tolerance-- all fighters trained with it.

Buddy and Applejack put him to work, farming-- plowing the fields, planting saplings, building barns.

Rainbow and Pinkie pie put him through basic training-- aerobics, obstacle courses-- Pinkie seemed to take the job a little too seriously-- wearing thick shades, chewing on a toothpick, and spitting on the ground.

Why, even Krysta helped him. By making him try to catch her, and since she was wicked fast and down-near impossible to keep an eye on because of her small size, this would help Swift increase his speed and sharpen his wits and reflexes.

As for Fluttershy, she and Tree Hugger took care of the calm and quiet training-- meditation, relaxation, channeling energy into positive flows.

Natrually, he had to hit the books as well, because all fighters couldn’t become just without first developing their minds and keeping their brains sharp as well.

He even had to hit the dance floors, where he practiced ballet, tap-dancing, break dancing-- the works-- to help improve his footing and evasiveness.

All of this was done in a montage to a song with Lightning’s inner voice singing, and his friends as chorus background.

And here you stand
to make the grade
Then you stop and look
And see what you’ve made
But it takes time
To reach the top
And you just won’t give up
You’ll never stop…

‘Cause in one great big instant, it all falls in place
In one great big instant, it shows on your face

But training’s tough
and it wears you down
in split second or two,
you sweat and frown
But keep your faith
and you will be
better than before
‘Cause it’s plain to see…

That in one great big instant, you’ve reached for the sun
In one great big instant, the battle is won

Feel your strength getting big
Feel your blood as it flows
Let your heart lead and guide you,
Just watch as it grows

In the present day, thanks to all that, Swift had improved immensely.

He could break out of magical bindings…

Resist blasts pelted at him…

Break the huge boulder he lifted before with one chop and hardly feel too much pain from recoil.

But keep your faith
and you will be
better than before
‘Cause it’s plain to see…

That in one great big instant, you gave it your all
In one great big instant, you knew that…
That in one great big instant, you’re standing real tall
In one great big instant, you knew…

Finally, he tackled that big chasm again, and leapt beautifully across it landing perfectly on the other side, many feet away from the edge.

One great big instant…!!

As the song faded out, Swift was standing atop the flagpole of the highest tower of New Canterlot Palace, and soaking in the glorious sunshine.

Lightning and the others were all exceedingly proud as they looked up at him. Their majesties, standing on a lower terrace smiled proudly too, and they both looked down at Lightning.

Their gazes met, and Grand Ruler proudly saluted to Lightning for his superb tutoring, and Lightning saluted back.

Celestia sighed softly…

…But little did she know that as she stood in the sunlight, Daybreaker’s evil eyes appeared in her shadow again.

Celestia caught a quick glimpse in the corner of her eye…

“Hmm…?”

The eyes quickly vanished.

“Something wrong, dear?” asked Grand Ruler.

Celestia looked all around, and then she brushed it off, “I just thought I saw something

Her husband brushed it off as well. It had been two weeks since Celestia’s cleansing, and no one anywhere in the palace or across the planet had any nightmares of Daybreaker, nor had Celestia had anymore of her freak-outs.

For now, they had a meeting to attend with Lightning and the others, while Swift had a well-deserved and good relax in the royal spa.

He drowsed happily as the warmth of the hot tubs soothed him.

“I think he’s just about ready for his first trial-battle.” said Lightning.

Starla, as General, seconded the motion.

“Yes, a trial-battle.” agreed Pinkie, and then she looked dumb and asked “…What’s a trial-battle?”

The others didn’t act as surprised, seeing as neither she nor the Equestrians ever had one themselves before.

Grand Ruler explained, “When a cadet has shown remarkable potential, as well as outstanding grades, we feel it customary to give them a trial test by allowing them to be present and witness an actual battle.”

Starla nodded and added “It’s sort of a preliminary field test, to see if Swift is eligible for probationary duty, which lasts about a year or so, and then, if he passes that, he’ll earn his full commission, rank, and duty.”

Celestia gestured to all the Equestrians “All of you already had some forms and level of training from your previous encounter with Equestrian villains that you fought in the past, so you already had fulfilled certain requirements.”

Grand Ruler agreed, “I already could tell that you were all extra special, especially for your efforts and actions in assisting us to fight The Great War. So you only needed to spend a year of Starfleet training.”

The girls felt very proud, but then everyone then fell silent; taking a moment to remember Twilight Sparkle, and her valiant efforts and all she had done before she was killed in action.

Lightning never forgot how he witnessed her being struck, and how he couldn’t save her, and she died in his arms.

Starla placed her hand softly over his, and Krysta stood on the table looking up at him sincerely with concern and sad feelings for him.

Spike especially missed Twilight, and Rarity comforted him.

Grand Ruler then cleared his throat, “We are losing focus.”

Everyone else snapped upright.

As the debate on Swift continued, the sunlight continued to shine through the window, casting a shadow of Celestia on the floor next to her seat.

The two evil eyes appeared again, and this time, Rarity spotted them, and the two eyes vanished, making Rarity’s eyes bulge and completely derive her attention.

“Rarity…” called Grand Ruler “What’s the matter?”

Rarity pointed down at Celestia’s shadow. “I saw it, with my own eyes; something glowing!”

“What?” said Celestia and she looked down at her shadow, and she saw nothing.

Krysta fluttered over the shadow from top to bottom and she saw nothing either. “You you sure you weren’t seeing things?” she asked Rarity.

Rarity couldn’t understand this herself.

Spike looked over his wife’s shoulder down at the shadow, “Wait… look…!” he cried as the sinister eyes appeared again, and Krysta began to feel it getting really warm around her.

“What the--!!”

Celestia gasped, and right there her shadow came to life, pulling itself off the floor, literally separating itself from her.

The two eyes glared at everyone!

“Okay, officially freaked out now!” cried Buddy.

The shadow then leapt out the window, rising up into the air where the sunlight was even stronger, and its body began to burst into flames, followed by the echo sounds of familiar laughter!

“It can’t be…!” cried Celestia.

Grand Ruler narrowed his eyes…

…From their own suite in the palace, Cadance and Shining Armor were setting Flurry Heart down for her nap.

Castor and Lelani were with them-- the couple had been asked by their majesties to watch their children during their meeting with the team.

Flurry could see the glowing light outside the window, making her jump and giggle.

“What’s go you so excited?” cooed her father.

Cadance looked over and out the window, “What is that?” she wondered, and then she felt a chill run down her spine.

The children held hands, not liking the looks of the flames.

Princess Luna was sleeping peacefully in her bed, wearing a mask and magical earplugs to filter all sound-- not a clue of what was going on.

Lightning told Krysta, “Alert the guards! Tell them to man their posts. We may need their help.”

“Right!” agreed Krysta, and she fluttered off to get Captain Shaina.

The fighters and their majesties all raced out the window, landing in the gardens while the alarms sounded and the guards began to take their places on the battlements and in the windows. Unicorns and alicorns readied their magic and other set up the canons.

“Listen carefully,” called Captain Shaina “Don’t any of you make a move until you get the order!”

The guards all saluted.

Swift poked his head from around a corner. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“We’ve got this, just keep out of the way.” said a guard as he rushed by to man his post.

Swift still couldn’t resist and looked out the window.

The burning continued to blaze, and then, in a huge explosion… SHE appeared.

Flamming mane and tail, dark eyes, fangs, claws, bright white skin, and she wore a suit similar to Celestia’s former battle outfit-- shoulder pads, chest armor, a strong leather skirt, strong boots, and strong manacles on her wrists.

…Daybreaker!

Celestia gasped in fright.

Grand Ruler and the others gawked in extreme horror.

“No way…!” Swift softly exclaimed.

Daybreaker laugh manically as her flames blazed, “Free at last! Finally, I can do as I please without being restrained!”

She glared down at Celestia, but it was Grand Ruler who shouted up to her, “How is this possible? We vanquished you!”

Daybreaker snickered, “You almost did, and you would have were it not for your wife’s foolish actions!”

She referred to the when Celestia was being cleansed of the evil, and she explained…

“I could feel my power being drained, and my spiritual essence starting to separate from Celestia, I knew had to escape, and try to materialize while I had the chance, but even in her then state of envelopment in the power, your wife proves to be stronger than I thought…!

She attempted to destroy me right then while my power was dwindling, but what she had quite forgotten was that since she and I shared the same body, her power would not actually destroy me, but strengthen me, and it gave me just the boost I needed…

…I used the power of her magic to seal my spirit deep within her shadow where none of you would suspect me, and I had a perfect setup to revive myself.

All I required to gain strength was sunlight!

Any time that Celestia was bathed in the light-- when either raising or setting the sun, or basking in, the power flowed through me-- I felt the warmth from her own body, which gave me strength.”

Celestia looked down on the ground, and saw that cast no shadow, not even with the sun shining brightly on her.

She looked up angrily at her evil counterpart with a look to destroy.

Daybreaker only seemed amused, “I’d look upset too if I were you.

Oh, wait, I AM you-- more accurately: a better, stronger version of you who is glad she’s not in your positions, because now I am my own creature, and I can do as I please…

…And it will please me most graciously to carry out my will and bring forth an eternal day, where night and darkness never rise!”

“You sicko!” shouted Lightning “Don’t you realize if you bring about an Eternal Day, you’ll destroy the entire planet?!”

Daybreaker only laughed, “A mere factor that I can easily alleviate, for you forget, my very power is drawn by the sun, and just as Celestia is able to control the sun’s movement, I, too, share that power

This world is mine to rule, and nothing will stop that.

If you don’t believe me, then let us fight!!”

Lightning clenched his fists, “Fine by us!”

He called to his team, “FALL IN…!”

Everyone lined up.

“TRANSFORM!!”

He and the space ponies went first, “STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

Followed by the Equestrians, “HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

And then Spike himself, “Dragon Power!”

The two teams stood, and then Celestia transformed herself, donning her old battle armor which she hadn’t worn for quite some time.

Lightning scanned Daybreaker with his visor, and her temperature was exceedingly high, as was expected as she was shrouded in flames and used sun magic, and her power levels were just as high, exactly as high as Celestia’s, meaning it would take a lot to wear her down.

“Everyone spread out and prepare to engage enemy!”

“YES SIR!!” the team hollered, and they all scattered about while their majesties remained behind, nodding at each other and putting up huge barriers all over the garden and around the palace so as Daybreaker couldn’t try anything!

Lightning leapt up first, aiming a powerful punch at her, and she zipped out of the way making him miss.

“Over here, bright boy!” she taunted.

Starla, Rarity and Buddy fluttered up and began to fire a barrage of blasts from her horn, and she defended herself by shielded herself with her flaming mane, which absorbed the blasts like jellybeans.

“No dice!” growled Starla.

“My grass attacks won’t work on her either, she’ll just burn them away.” cried Buddy.

“Well then, let’s try fighting fire WITH fire!” suggested Spike.

The twins agreed and stood next to him, joining hands.

“DRAGON FLAME”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS”

The attacks were launched, and Daybreaker just stood there absorbing the flames of the fire and the explosions, making her mane flare brighter than ever!

“It’s not working!” cried Dyno.

“The fire’s only making her stronger!!” added Myte.

Daybreaker snickered and her flaming horn flared up as she stood ready to attack, “Now it’s my turn!”

“Look out!!” screamed Fluttershy.

“SOLAR BLAZE” Daybreaker unleash a mighty wave of fire energy that billowed outwards as a ring, and crashed into all the fighters, hitting them all hard in huge explosions and sent them all crashing to the ground.

The flames crashed into the barriers around the garden and against the palace, shaking them vividly.

“My stars, such power!!” cried Grand Ruler.

Celestia wanted nothing more than to go down there and kick her evil side into space, but she and her husband had to maintain the barriers.

Daybreaker snickered and prepared to attack again, “See how you like this!!”

Her claws began to flare up, and she slashed at the air, making a large flaming X.

“FLAMING STRIKE…!”

“…Guards!!” Grand Ruler called up.

Krysta got the message, and raised her wand signaling Captain Shaina.

“Guards, take aim!”

The guards complied and armed their weapons and magic.

“…FIRE!!”

Cannon balls and magical beams fired, burning down the flaming X and heading straight for its sender, but Daybreaker only defended herself by flaring up hard, producing a huge fire-wall around herself, reducing the blasts to ashes before any could even reach her.

“Wow! What a hothead!” grumbled Krysta.

Shaina grasped her lance tightly, and she called to the guards, “Reload, and prepare to fire again!”

The guards complied and reloaded their weapons…

…But swift had a sneaky feeling they were going to need more against this monster, and suddenly and idea occurred to him, and he ran off down the hall.

The fighters all struggled to get back up onto their feet after being hit.

“You insist on continuing?” hissed Daybreaker “You are either very brave or extremely foolish.”

Lightning smirked, “So you think.”

“What?”

Rhymey snickered and said,

“We’ve faced you in our dreams before,
We know your secrets, your powers, and more.”

“Eeyup, we’ve just been stringing you along like a dog on a leash to see what you’re made of and how to fight you!” added Applejack.

Daybreaker growled.

“Now it’s time to take this up a level.” called Lightning. “Everyone, now!”

“SUPER MODE, ACTIVATE!!”

Glowing brightly, everyone’s suits went sparkly.

“Ha!” scoffed Daybreaker “So your suits twinkle. You think THAT should worry me?”

“Oh, it should…” said Starla “In Super Mode our armor and strengths are twice as strong, and can stand up to anything you throw at us.”

Daybreaker growled, but refused to back down.

“GO!!” shouted Lightning.

Everyone charged forth.

Daybreaker’s horn began to glow, “SUN BEAM” and she unleashed a huge burning ray of light at everyone, making huge explosions, but they plowed straight through it all without much trouble, as Starla promised with their stronger armor.

Since none of their magic attacks would work on her, their best shot was hit her physically.

“Get her!!” shouted Lightning, and he rushed forth, intercepting her fists.

Rainbow came rushing in from above to ram her, and she skillfully flipped Lightning over and kicked Rainbow away in midair.

Rarity and Starla dropped, punching and kicking the fiend, and flipping her up in midair, and then… WHAMM!! Pinkie kicked her hard in the chest, making sparks fly.

…At the very same time, a small spark shocked Celestia.

“Ack!!” she cried.

Grand Ruler turned to face her, “Celestia…?”

His wife held her chest in pain and confusion.

“Let’s get her!” shouted Artie, and he, Rhymey and Spike rushed forth with their weapons ready.

Artie struck the ground hard by Daybreaker, forcing her to leap up, allowing Rhymey and Spike to slash at her with their swords.

WHAMM!!

SLASH!!

…More sparks and explosions flew from the monster, while at the same time Celestia wailed and screamed as sparks and explosions emitted from her as well, and she felt the pain of every single blow, and began to fall to the ground.

“CELESTIA…!!” Grand Ruler shouted as he raced in and scooped up his wife.

Lightning saw this as well, and called out to the others, “STOP ATTACKING!!”

Fluttershy landed a blow to Daybreaker’s face, sending her crashing to the ground hard.

Celestia yowled in pain.

Fluttershy saw, and gasped, “What… What’s happening to Celestia?”

Daybreaker chuckled wickedly as she got back up. “You simpletons…! I was revived through your queen’s shadow, meaning Celestia and I are spiritually linked to one-another. You can’t harm me without harming your precious queen!”

Celestia looked in bad shape as she lay in her husbands.

“You crazy fiend!” thundered Grand Ruler.

“What’s go crazy about it?” hissed Daybreaker “You want to destroy me, but are you willing to destroy her as well?!”

The fighters all stood puzzled and concerned.

“We can’t fight!” cried Starla “We can’t put Celestia in danger!”

Celestia wearily looked up. “This… can’t be… happening!” she groaned.

Daybreaker only taunted her more by punching her own face, and injuring her again!

“STOP IT!!” yelled Grand Ruler.

Lightning wanted to rush in and beat Daybreaker down, but knew he couldn’t.

Daybreaker had the ultimate defense to insure her safety now, and the fighters had absolutely no idea of what to do.

Worse than that, now that Celestia was down, the barriers were beginning to weaken.

“It’s time!” thundered Daybreaker, and she leapt up high spreading out her wings and her mane. “…By the power of the sun, I will now eliminate all who oppose me!”

“NO…!!” shouted Grand Ruler, and he raised one of his arms up while his three horns glowed brightly, and he shifted the sun out of the way, making it dark, and Daybreaker couldn’t empower herself.

“No!” she growled “How dare you?!”

Grand Ruler only snickered, “You forgot that I also can control the sun. You won’t gain power that easily while I’m here!”

Still feeling strong enough, Daybreaker charged straight for him, and he stood ready to defend himself and his wife, and the other fighters leapt in forming a protective wall before them.

“I’ll break you all down!!” Daybreaker shouted.

The fighters still stood strong as Lightning thought, “We may not be able to fight her, but we can at least defend their majesties and the palace from this creep’s onslaught.”

Daybreaker flared up ready to attack, when suddenly she was enveloped by a veil of dark aura, which weakened her flames, and didn’t seem to hurt Celestia too much.

“What’s going on?” asked Pinkie.

Everyone looked up and saw Princess Luna casting her own magic of night on the evil day monster.

“You!!” thundered Daybreaker.

Luna gave the creature a nasty stare. “Step away from my friends and family, you fiend!!”

She raised her arms up high bringing forth the night early to make it even darker, and Daybreaker was growing weaker by the moment.

“Let’s try and capture her while she’s weak.” suggested Lightning.

The others agreed, and got their weapons ready, and powered up their finishers.

Grand ruler looked down at Celestia worrying for her.

“I’ll be fine, just do it!” she said.

Her husband set her down gently and stood to aid the others.

“Capture Blaster, FIRE!!”

“GALACTIC PROJECTILE”

“WHIPLASH STRIKE”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN”

“THRASH SLASH”

Dyno and Myte didn’t dare attack, knowing their flames would only empower the evil, but Grand Ruler fired a magical blast from horns to aid the other.

Daybreaker was struck by all the blasts and strikes, and of course, Celestia felt every blow strike her hard. “ACK… OOH… EEE… HOT!!”

Daybreaker was launched through the air and crashed down hard; however she did not get captured, nor did she even shrink down in a magical explosion.

“It’s not working!” cried Spike

“She’s still too strong! The magic can’t penetrate her enough!” added Rarity.

Daybreaker angrily pounded the ground and saw no other option but to retreat and recover her strength.

As she disappeared in a burst of flames, she called to the fighters, “You haven’t seen the last of me! ETERNAL DAY WILL COME YET!!” her evil laugh echoed and she was gone.

Grand Ruler clenched his fists angrily and let out a frustrating yell the echoed all through the garden and across New Canterlot.

“Feel better?” asked Lightning.

“…A little.”

Luna then touched down near him and helped Celestia up onto her feet. “Are you alright, sister?”

“I will be.” said Celestia, but really she was worried out of her mind, now that the evil was back and now loose on the planet.

Luna looked then looked regretful, “I am so sorry I was not here sooner.” she clasped her magic earplugs in her hand, “Thank goodness Swift Star had alerted me, or I would never have been here.”

“Wait,” said Lightning “Swift got you here?”

He looked up at a window and saw his student waving at him.

Luna then explained how Swift felt since Daybreaker was the element of the day that her nighttime powers would be idealistic to wearing the evil down. So he ran for her bedroom and informed her guards at the door of the situation. So they woke her up and informed her of the danger.

“…I still apologize for my carelessness. I was just so tired from a long night’s work.”

“You are more than forgiven,” said Grand Ruler “You still managed to help us, but right now we have more pressing matters to worry about.”

He looked up at the sky and put the sun back where in its proper place while Luna dispelled the darkness.

“You don’t think Daybreaker will try to move it, will you?” asked Starla.

“No, no, she won’t.” replied Celestia. “Even if she tries to move the sun, I can still control it myself, and so can Celesto.”

Luna agreed, “And I can still bring forth the darkness, which triples the strength we have, while Daybreaker is still only one.”

Grand Ruler nodded, “As long as we keep up our strengths, Daybreaker shouldn’t be able to bring forth the Eternal Day she craves.”

Rarity sighed, “I’m ever so relieved to hear of it.”

Spike clenched his sword, “Still, we still can’t let our guard down! She’ll be back, and she’ll be stronger than ever.”

Everyone knew Daybreaker would gain power from the sunlight, and worse, because of her link with Celestia, she wouldn’t go down so easy.

They all had much planning and strategizing to do.

As for Daybreaker, she took refuge way down south in the New Badlands, where there was plenty of heat from the desert and the volcanos to render her undetectable, and the sun would be very strong here where she would be able to restore her strength.

She already tried to move the sun to make day last forever, but just as their majesties promised, it was no use for her alone.

“Blast!” she grumbled “They’re holding the sun against me. These creatures are indeed more cunning and resourceful than I thought.”

She clenched her flaming claws, “But then again… I still hold the advantage, being linked to their queen, and I know how they feel about her, they would never willingly let her be destroyed, not even to get me.

I’ll gather my strength, and when I do… they’ll all be sorry they messed with the mighty Daybreaker!”

She snickered wickedly as she drowsed in the baking sunlight.

As for Swift, Lighting gave him excellent honors. “…You did well for your first-ever trial-battle.”

“What?” Swift asked in shock.

Lightning explained to him the meeting that was held to discuss about him, surprising Swift even more.

“…You think I’m really ready?”

“More than that,” said Starla “You assisted us lots without even being told. You deduced the situation and you realized what could be done about it, and you went off to get Princess Luna which helped us all a great deal.”

Swift slowly started to realize the fullness of what he had done, and he felt proud deep inside.

Lightning could only smile at him and pat his shoulder, “…We’ll make a good fighter of you yet, son.”

Swift looked out the window and up into the sunlight remembering the song…

…One great be instant!

(Promo)

In our next episode: It’s the last day of school, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders are taking it not so well as they fear they will be separated from each other. This makes them a primary target for Scarlet when she uses a new monster to turn them against one another and their loved ones.

Is this the end of the Cutie Mark Crusaders either way?

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

(Next Episode: “Farewell Fare Friends”)

Episode 9: Farewell Fare Friends

EPISODE NINE

Buddy checked the mailbox one afternoon, and he found an official letter from the Starfleet Academy, addressed to DD. As her guardian, he had every right to open it and look at it himself, especially since it concerned Starfleet.

“Oh, my...” he said with a gleeful smile on his face.

Treehugger was sitting on the porch swing holding Seedling in her arms.

“Something good, hon?” she asked.

Her husband chuckled, “More than good I’d say. I think DD’s dreams are about to come true.”

The last day of school was tomorrow, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were at their tree fort, which was starting to get a little cramped for them due to their growing bigger.

They were putting together a special gift for Cheerlee and Mykan, wanting to thank them for all they had taught them.

“I can’t believe we’re finally going to middle school.” said Sweetie Belle.

She wasn’t really excited, and the others didn’t seem so excited either.

“Do you think we’ll all be going to the same school?” asked Applebloom for the umpteenth time.

“Even if we do,” said Scootaloo “Things will be different. We’ll be going to different rooms for different courses, which mean we we’ll have a different teacher each time.”

DD sighed “I bet they won’t be as nice or as cool as Ms. Cheerliee or Mr. Stevens.

We’ve got to make this poster extra special for them!”

The girls were making a collage poster to commemorate all that their teachers helped them with-- math, spelling, geography-- they even added extra special bits for Mykan’s part, for his teaching them about the Human World, and especially the time they were the Super Cyber Data Squad, and defended the world from the evil forces of Megadox and his computer viruses.

Yet the more they worked on it, they felt sadder inside than proud.

A small speck of water fell from Applebloom’s eye and onto the poster.

“Hey, watch those tears.” said Scootaloo.

“Tears…? I don’t have any tears.” Applebloom denied, but really she and all the other girls could barely hold it back.

It wasn’t just the fact they were going to be moving on and leaving their beloved teachers, they were worried of something else altogether-- the thought of being separated from each other.

Maybe they all wouldn’t go to the same school, and if they did, the odds are they wouldn’t all be in the same classes in the same periods.

“This can’t happen to us!” cried Sweetie “We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders. We always stick together.”

“…And we can.” said DD “Even though we may not be in the same school or classes, we can always hang out at lunch, and after school, like we’re doing right now.”

The girls started to feel a bit better.

“She’s right.” agreed Sctooaloo “We’re just worrying over nothing.”

Applebloom nodded, “We’re crusaders, now and forever!”

The girls each put their hands in the middle and saluted.

Suddenly, Buddy called out to DD from outside. “Cadet Daphne Dill, front and center!”

DD knew that sound, it had to be important.

She approached her cousin and saluted, “Sir.”

Buddy then smiled and handed her the letter. Her eyes lit up like the sun. “I don’t believe it.”

Her cousin smiled at her, and he hugged her warmly and she hugged him back.

The other Crusaders came down wondering what all the excitement was about.

DD showed them the letter, “Next Fall I’ll be attending the Starfleet Academy in New Canterlot.”

“Say what?!” cried Applebloom.

“No kidding!” exclaimed Scootaloo.

Sweetie was confused, “But you’re only twelve years old. I thought you had to be fourteen to attend.”

Buddy explained, “Normally that is the case, but every now and then an exception can be made, and frankly, I’m not surprised they want DD. They could’ve asked for all of you.”

He went explaining that the girls were well-known all over the planet because of their past heroics and accomplishments, having saved the planet on more than one occasion.

Their cutie marks were all earned for their heroic teamwork-- though DD just had an ordinary tattoo as she was a space pony and could never get a cutie mark.

“…Still, they’ve seen what you’re made of, and they’re letting you come in early.”

DD was incredibly stoked. She had dreamed of joining Starfleet and becoming a fighter just like her cousin. She could avenge the deaths of her parents, and really help make a difference.

“DD, I’m so happy for you!” cheered Applebloom.

“Group hug!” hollered Scootaloo, and the girls all came together.

Buddy smiled, and left the girls to have fun, but no sooner had he gone did the girls suddenly look sad again, because they knew the academy was a boarding school, and training there lasted for a minimal period of four years.

“We’re going to be separated for sure now!” cried Sweetie.

“We won’t be able to see each other as often!” added Applebloom.

Scootaloo started to tear up again, “Look, we should be happy. DD’s dream is finally coming true.”

“Yeah, it is…” agreed DD “We should all be happy… ecstatic…!”

…Who were they kidding, and they all began to weep miserably.

They were so lost in their woes, that they didn’t notice Scarlet was watching them

“Aw, boo-hoo for you, but oh joy to me.”

Dearka appeared next to her, “Don’t make me laugh. You intend to target those minors to serve in our plot.”

Scarlet gave him a strict look, “So what if I do plan it? Just look at them, all sad, and weepy because they can’t bear to be separated from one another. The perfect ideal form of friend love just waiting to be converted.”

Dearka hated when he was unable to argue. “Just make sure you know what you’re doing. King Von Devilor expects nothing less than results.

…Don’t blow it!”

He vanished and was gone.

Scarlet scoffed, “The only thing I’m going to be blowing is the biggest infection kiss ever.”

She didn’t plan to do it right away, for she had a more cunning plan that would allow her to gain even more energy.

The next morning…

Applejack pulled up Applebloom’s curtains. “Rise and shine, Applebloom, it’s the last day of school and you know what that means-- you’re graduating today to middle school!”

Appelbloom sat upright, and she looked terrible; her eyes were red and her hair was all fuzzy and messy. She had hardly slept too well all night.

She groggily got out of bed and slumped miserably to the bathroom, just as Apple Spice was coming out, and she slammed the door behind her.

“What was that about?” Spice asked.

Applebloom felt a little more awake after her morning wash up, but as she sat down to breakfast with her family, she didn’t even touch her food and just stared down blankly at her dish of scrambled eggs.

“Trouble sleeping?” asked Bright Mac.

“Eeyup.” groaned Applebloom.

“Excited about the last day of school?” asked Pear Butter.

“…Eeyup.”

Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Spice felt different.

“You feeling okay?” asked Applebloom.

“…Eeyup.”

Big Mac was more than convinced now if that was all Applebloom would say. “You feel like talking about it?” he asked.

Applebloom didn’t answer this time, not that she had time too. Despite it being the last day of school, she still couldn’t be late. So she merely grabbed an apple from the table to take to school with her and walked sadly away.

No one said a thing, as they all felt worried for Applebloom.

Soon, Rainbow and Rarity knocked at the door.

“Is Applebloom alright?” Rainbow asked.

“We thought she may be downhearted, so we came to see.” added Rarity.

Applejack was astounded, “How did you figure she was upset?”

Rarity looked downhearted, “Sweetie Belle went off to school with a face bluer than the bluest of sapphire emeralds.”

“Same with Scootaloo.” said Rainbow “I saw her walking all the way to school instead of flying. She looked as if she could barely lift her wings.”

Buddy came by, “The other girls too?” he asked “I just sent DD to school and she looks like she lost her comrade on the battlefield.”

The ladies were all really concerned. “What’s got them so down?” wondered Rainbow “It’s only the last day of school, they’re graduating to middle school, and DD’s going to go to the Starfleet Academy like she always wanted.”

Applejack sighed “They grow up so fast, don’t they.”

Rarity smiled deeply, “Only yesterday it seems Sweetie Belle was a little filly just learning her letters and now, and now she’s all big.”

Her eyes filled with tears and she blew her nose in a hankie.

Buddy looked up, remembering when United Equestria was formed and when DD first met the girls, and even though she could never get a cutie mark, she was still part of their team, and together the girls seemed inseparable.

…That’s when it hit him. “Of course!” he said softly.

The ladies turned to face him.

“…They’re sad of being separated from one another.”

The ladies couldn’t argue with him.

“Oh, poor Sweetie.” cried Rarity “I can’t bear to think how she must be feeling now.”

The others felt the same for all the girls.

On their way to school the girls stopped off at the tree fort to collect their big poster gift for their teachers.

They all stood together looking at it, smiling.

“So many wonderful memories.” said Scootaloo.

Sweetie sighed, “I’m starting to wish this day wasn’t here. I mean, I know it had to come eventually.”

Applebloom hung her head low “…But why did it have to come so soon?”

“It’s all part of growing up, I guess.” said DD.

Her tears began to show and she wiped them away and tried to hold back, for she was a soon-to-be Sarfleet trainee, and it was really uncool for Starfleet ponies to cry.

Her friends all had tears too.

“I’m going to miss learning from Ms. Cheerilee and Mr. Stevens.” said Scootaloo.

“I’m going to miss the old school house.” said Sweetie “It wasn’t too big or fancy, but just right for all of us.”

“Makes you kind of wish we weren’t graduating.” suggested Applebloom. “We’d probably do some crazy stunt like flunk on purpose and then they’d hold us back and we could be together for another year.”

The girls all shared a laugh. That did sound like something they would do.

“It’s a little late for that now.” said DD “We already finished all our exams, and our report cards are… well, astounding.

Besides, we know better than to come up with crazy schemes anymore.”

The others agreed, and that’s when their sadness caught up to them again.

“I’m really going to miss you girls when I go away.” sobbed DD.

“Oh, we’re going to miss you too!” cried Sweetie.

“Promise you’ll write us every day!” said Applebloom.

“And drop by during holidays too.” added Scootaloo.

“I promise!” sobbed DD, and she and the girls all huddled together for a big cry.

Scarlet, who was watching them, peeked out from behind a large tree, figured this was her chance. “Once I infect them, I’ll send them off to school where they’ll infect all their precious schoolmates.”

She snickered and then put her fingers to her lips, “SMOOCH OF INFECTION…

…MMMMMwa!”

Her magical lip smear crashed right beneath the girls feet.

“What?” cried DD.

“What’s happening?!” shouted Sweetie.

All the girls felt weak and tired as the darkness began to infect them where they stood, and they all collapsed for a small moment.

Scarlet walked out from behind the tree, snickering. “Up you come, my new pawns.”

The girls all rose up, with their eyes glowing with dark aura.

“We obey you!” they all said.

“Good, now go, you know what to do.”

The girls, in their evil trance, began to march off.

Scarlet grinned wickedly, “And if Starfleet tries to intervene. We’ll be waiting for them…” she paused and turned to look behind the trees “…Right, my pet?”

A monster’s eyes glowed eerily followed by a soft growl.

*Mykan’s POV*

It was such a beautiful day, and there was absolutely no work to be done at all. All the students had cleaned out their cubbies and collected their personal belongings.

So, we all decided to have a big picnic party outside.

Cheerilee and I had ordered a good amount of sweets and foods from New Sugar Sub Corners, which Pinkie had delivered herself, and was invited to stay for the celebration.

Over the schoolhouse was a large banner which read: “Congratulations and Farewell Grad-Students”

Cheerliee looked up at the banner, and while she was proud of her students, she was feeling rather sad deep down.

I felt the same way as I approached her side.

“It’s heavy isn’t it?” I asked.

She looked at me and nodded, and looked out at all our students playing in the playground. “I’ve taught them all well, and you helped wonderfully.

I’ve grown to love them almost like they’re my own children.”

I nodded at her, “Most children grow up and eventually leave the nest, but I know how you feel.

You all gave me a purpose when I came to live in this world. I don’t know where I’d be without you all.”

We both looked out into the playground, and while some of the children were playing and having fun, others bidding their sad farewells to their friends.

Even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were sharing a tearful goodbye.

“It’s not fair!” cried Diamond “Why does my mom want me to attend some fancy private school and you have to attend a grimy public school?”

“I know…” sobbed Silver “I complained to my folks, and they say it’s all they can afford for me.

I just know I’m, toats, going to miss you!”

“Oh, I’ll miss you even more!”

The two girls wept like babies.

Snails and Snips were both going to the same middle school, so they didn’t have much fear of being all that separated, and they were just playing happily on the jungle gym.

Pinkie Pie was a mix of emotions herself. She was proud of the students graduating, but she felt sad for them leaving friends behind.

“I remember when I graduated, I was so happy that I was moving up in the world, but saying goodbye to my fellow classmates… it just… broke my heart.”

She remembered how she would go back and forth between bouncing with glee, to blubbering like a baby.

She almost felt like doing that now, but instead she just ate a cupcake to soothe her woes.

Cheerilee looked out and all over the playground, “Where are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

I couldn’t see them anywhere, and it was already mid-morning. They were never late for school, not even on the last day.

Suddenly, I looked up, “Look, there they are.”

The girls were walking in perfect sync with their footsteps-- marching with strict looks on their faces.

“Good morning, girls,” Cheerilee called to them, but the girls only gave her strict and nasty glare, and we then watched them hold up the poster they had, and shredded it into several pieces, letting them fall on the ground!

“Surrender!!” the girls all hollered.

The children all screamed.

“They’ve been infected by The Devils!” cried Pinkie.

Cheerilee and I gasped.

“Everyone get inside quick!” I shouted, but no sooner had the students begun charge for the schoolhouse when a huge monster landed on it-- giant dark spider, and it began to spin a web of darkness, covering the building like a net, and making it impossible to get inside without becoming infected.

Pinkie and I could see this was real trouble, and Pinkie quickly sounded the alarm, and she transformed, “Harmony Hour, Friendship Power!”

As for me, I called for my weapons.

“SWORD OF PURE SOUL…

…SHIELD OF REIGHTEOUS COURAGE!”

Now we were both ready.

Pinkie told me to keep everyone away from the schoolhouse, while she tried to make things better until help arrived.

I complied and led Cheerilee and the other students across the field, when we suddenly ran into Scarlet.

“Going somewhere?”

The others all trembled with fear.

“Get behind me!” I called to them.

“Ha!” laughed Scarlet “…You’re not even a real Starfleet fighter.”

“You want to bet on that?” I growled, and I charged up my sword firing magical pulses at her, which she dodged with ease-- zipping out of the way.

“She’s gone?” cried Snips.

“Where’d she go?” asked Snails.

Cheerilee huddled the students close to her, all of them staying around me, but the Cutie Mark Crusaders were marching their way towards us all.

“Join us!” hissed Applebloom.

“Give in to the hate!” added Sweetie.

“Let the darkness feed on your soul!” growled Scootaloo.

“Hail to King Von Devilor!” added DD.

I stood between the girls and the class. “Girls, please, I don’t want to hurt you!”

“Don’t worry, Mykan, I’ve got this.” said Pinkie “Time for some healing of love.”

She was about to press on her energizer, when suddenly the spider-creature strung a huge line at Pinkie, binding her arms tightly to her sides, and her legs too.

“I… can’t move!!” she cried.

Scarlet snickered as she landed by her and kicked her hard sending her rolling up the field.

“Pinkie…!” I shouted.

“Struggle if you will,” sneered Scarlet “Web-o-Nizer makes strong threads, and that’s not all it does…”

The spider’s huge pincers parted wide open and it began to spew burning venom straight for Pinkie.

“AAAAAAHH…!!”

Suddenly, Rainbow zoomed in and scooped Pinkie up and out of the way, causing the blast to miss.

“What?!” shouted Scarlet.

Rarity, Applejack, and Buddy charged in, led by Lightning and Starla, or rather her new droid double as she had to stay home and look after the baby.

“…Most excellent timing!” I hollered at them.

Lightning smirked at me.

Rainbow landed next to him and put Pinkie down safely, and Lightning fired a small, narrow beam of Uniforce onto the threads, actually shattering them for they couldn’t stand the strong light.

“You okay, Sugar-Cube?” asked Applejack.

Pinkie nodded and then she and the others turned to face Scarlet.

“School’s out for you!” thundered Lightning.

“Release my sister and her friends from you evil at once!!” demanded Rarity.

Rather than comply, Scarlet only laughed, “I was actually hoping you’d all come here, like little flies into the spider’s web.”

She looked over at her monster on the roof of the schoolhouse, “NOW!!”

Web-o-Nizer spun a huge web from its back cage around the entire schoolyard, trapping everyone inside it.

Starla scanned the threads through her droid, “It’s stronger than ever! I don’t think we’ll be able to break it so easily!”

Scarlet snickered and her eyes began to glow behind her visor.

“Look!” cried Rainbow as walls slowly began to move inward.

“It’s closing in around us!” said Buddy.

“Children, get away from it!” cried Cheerilee, and she tried to lead the students away, but the Crusaders were still right there and ready to spread the infection, plus Scarlet and the monster were ready to add to the danger.

“We need to hold Scarlet back, save the girls and beat the monster before the web closes in.” said Lightning.

The others agreed, “But we better be careful,” said Applejack “Our negative emotions will only make the web close in faster.”

She was right; the web had already slightly increased in its motion.

“Okay, let’s go!” snapped Lightning, and the team split up.

“Oh, no you don’t!” thundered Scarlet as she readied to attack.

“Oh, yes they do!” sneered Starla, and she leapt up high and kicked her hard, sending her flipping over backwards, but she still landed on her feet.

“You won’t get too many emotions from me that easily, I’m just a droid!”

Scarlet growled, “Then I’ll just have to break you, bolt-by-bolt!”

The two began to brawl fiercely.

The girls began to blast their powers at the class, while I held out my shield to intercept it all, but my shield was infected with the darkness and slowly began to crawl towards my arm.

“No, Mykan!!” cried Cheerilee.

The girls snickered…

“Now he’ll be one of us!” sneered Applebloom “…Just as you all will!”

I growled softly, and the blade of my sword glowed brightly, enveloping my body with a soft light.

“What’s this?!” cried Sweetie.

“It can’t be!” snarled Scootaloo.

“How is this possible?!” growled DD.

The students all gazed at me in awe, and wondered the same thing. That’s when I held up my blade informing them, “My Sword of Pure Soul is exactly it sounds-- its pure light combined with my good spirits protects me from the darkness.”

The girls growled angrily…

…And then, right behind them, Buddy, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow landed down, and they all nodded at one another and were about to activate the Healing of Love.

“Stop them!” Scarlet shouted to her monster.

Web-o-Nizer growled and spewed its venom, forcing the fighters to scatter.

Lightning charged forth, “I think it’s time you come off your high rooftop.”

He leapt up high and kicked the massive creature down from the roof, but using its eight legs, the creature balanced and spring itself up and over toward Lightning, spinning like a saw blade, bashing into him hard into Pinkie.

“I’m getting a little tired of this!” Pinkie groaned.

Lightning urged her to stay behind, but whispered to her, “I can handle the monster, you help keep the children, and Mykan protected.”

Pinkie agreed and leapt over towards me and the rest of the class.

The web continued to close in and things weren’t looking any better.

“We’ve got to heal the girls!” shouted Rarity.

“Agreed,” said Rainbow “…But how?”

Buddy could only think of one way for sure, “We’ve got to split them apart from each other. Then we can try and heal them one at a time.”

He paused when he realized what he was saying. He, himself, didn’t like it either, “…We have no choice.”

Applejack supressed all her feelings at the thought of attacking her sister and her friends and kept serious. “…All in the line of duty.”

The others agreed, but with great reluctance.

The four stood ready, and then charged at the girls before zipping off in an instant.

The girls looked up and all around, and were suddenly each whisked off in a different direction by their respective relative or friend.

The girls struggled, and wailed to fight back.

Scarlet knocked Starla’s droid down, and turned to attack the four fighters and the girls.

“No!!” I shouted, and I fired magical beams at Scarlet, forcing her to dodge and swerve, which gave Pinkie the perfect chance to rush through and punch her hard in the face sending her up, up, and into the air.

“My turn!” called Starla. While her droid didn’t have any of her actual powers, it was still super strong! It leapt up high and head bashed the Devil hard in her gut sending her sailing clean through the web, and crashing through several trees-- causing them to fall over like dominoes.

Scarlet groaned as she struggled to get up “…Lovey Punks!” she growled.

At the same time, the girls actually managed to break free because of their enhanced strengths and looked ready for a fight at each of their relatives.

“Easy now, Applebloom,” said Applecjack “Let’s make it easy now.”

Her sister only roared and came at her, throwing her fists and kicks like crazy, forcing applejack to block and dodge each attack.

Rarity did the same with Sweetie Belle, and eventually grabbing and holding her fists tight.

“Now Sweetie, don’t force me to turn you over my knee!”

Her sister only roared and prepared to fire a dark blast form her horn, forcing Rarity to backflip up and out of the way as the blast sped past Lightning and struck the monster instead, empowering it more and causing the web to close in even faster, pushing it past the halfway point.

Lightning growled at her.

“Oops!” peeped Rarity.

Rainbow knew they couldn’t keep up like this as she eyed Scootaloo. “I’m sorry, Scoot, I have no choice!”

She zoomed in, scooped her up in her arms and flew up into the air, “Just going to take you for a spin!” and she whirled round and around in furious circles making Scootaloo feel dizzy and sick.

As for Buddy, he glared down his little cousin, and she charged at him, but he used his magic to levitate her up off the ground.

“You can’t hold me!” thundered DD, and she prepared to fire a shot at him.

“VINE WHIP” Buddy grabbed his whip, and as reluctant as he felt, he cracked his weapon, lathering it around DD’s horn, canceling out the spell.

Applejack lassoed her sister, and Rarity levitated Sweetie.

“Do it now!” called Buddy.

The ladies agreed, and all four of them, together, activated their energizers, “THE HEALING OF LOVE!!”

The girls groaned a wailed as the waves struck them, but the loving memories flashed by of their many adventures together, and time spent with their loved ones.

They were brought back to their senses as the aura was dispelled.

“It worked!” I cried for joy.

“Oh, thank goodness!” sighed Cheerilee.

The girls slowly began to awaken.

“What… what’s going on?” asked DD.

“Talk about a headache.” groaned Scootaloo.

The relatives were so overjoyed that they hugged each of the respective girls.

“Thank goodness you’re alright!” Rarity said with happy tears.

“Don’t you be worrying us like that again.” added Applejack.

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, all the girls were confused.

The monster roared and began to unleash more burning venom.

“Look out!!” called Lightning.

I managed to block the attack with my shield just in time.

“Take this!” I shouted as I fired blasts from my sword straight at the monster, stunning it with the bright lights.

This gave Lightning his chance, and he rushed forth to strike the beast.

As its vision cleared, the monster saw him coming, and raised its long legs to grab him, but Lightning quickly zipped out of the way, causing it to missed and wraped its legs around itself, making it hard to move.

“This is it!” Lightning said from up high, and he charged up his horn as strong as it could get, “UNIFORCE”

KAPOW!! His blast struck the spider hard, vaporizing it, and the remaining darkness rose up into the air and detonated like a bomb, and with the monster gone, its web cage vanished, just in time before it could touch anyone.

The students cheered for joy.

Scarlet growled angrily. “I’ll get you for this, Starfleet!” and she vanished and was gone.

The fighters were upset that she got away again, but they were relieved that the danger was over.

*POV Pause*

Scarlet angrily punched a stone column, and naturally Dearka couldn’t help but tease her. “Never send a child to a REAL Devil’s job!”

Scarlet turned to face him with flames in her eyes, “Silence, or so help me…”

Dearka looked ready to take her on, but the two stopped when they could hear the distant sound of Von Devilor laughing wickedly.

“The King…?” said Dearka.

“What’s he laughing for?” wondered Scarlet.

They headed into the outer area of the Devil’s Complex, and could see their king far off in the distance…

…The large glowing light on his lower Forum seemed to be going crazy again-- as if something was trying to escape from the large sphere of flesh-- but Von Devilor kept it at bay, and the light seemed to fade out.

Then Von Devilor himself faded off into the darkness where he couldn’t be seen by any Devil in the realm.

Scarlet and Dearka were still confused, but decided not to disturb their king as he seemed rather preoccupied with… whatever that light he carried was.

*POV Resume*

The Crusaders were told everything, and were they ever shocked and upset with themselves.

“I can’t believe The Devils got to us!” said DD.

Sweetie hung her head shamefully, “We’re so sorry.” She meant that to everyone present.

The other crusaders felt the same way and looked tearful and upset.

“Yeah, you SHOULD be sorry!” growled Diamond.

“You like, totally, tried to hurt us all!” added Silver.

Cheerilee and I scolded the two girls and told them to cool it.

“It wasn’t their fault; they didn’t know what they were doing.” said Cheerilee.

“Frankly, you should all feel glad that your friends are no longer under The Devils’ control, or they would have been hurt themselves.” I said.

The students all agreed, and were more than willing to let the Crusaders off easily, and so Diamond and Silver had no choice but go along with it.

The girls felt touched, and their eyes dripped with tears.

Lightning then cleared his throat, “I think everyone should just go home. School’s out anyway, and you’ve all had a terrible morning.”

“But what about the picnic?” asked Snails.

“Well, maybe we can just reschedule it?” suggested Snips.

Everyone gawked at him, for having a really great idea, and that didn’t come often.

Cheerilee and I agreed, with Lightning’s approval to postpone the picnic until the weekend, then everyone could attend, and with Starfleet watching us, The Devils wouldn’t dare strike again.

Everyone agreed to that.

“Come on, kids, we’ll escort you all home.” offered Starla.

Pinkie began to take hands, and Lightning began to escort others.

Only the crusaders were left, and they… were up ahead, weeping with sorrows over the broken pieces of their poster.

The relatives felt extremely hurt for them, especially Rarity. She could tell they worked so hard on it.

Scootaloo looked up at me and Cheerilee, “We wanted this to be special for you.”

“And now…” sniffled Sweetie “Now it’s… ruined!”

“Oh, girls…!” said Cheerilee.

I examined the large pieces of the broken poster, and I noticed how each of them was different.

“Look at this one.” I said “It’s me and the girls, as the Super Cyber Data Squad.”

The girls looked up.

Cheeilee picked up another piece, “And this… I remember-- they were trying to play matchmaker with me and Big Mac. Not that still approved of it, but it was a wild time.”

We both began to go through the pieces of the poster, finding each piece as a respective memory of the girls and one of us.

So instead of one giant piece that the both of us couldn’t really keep together, we now had small pictures that we could keep for ourselves, like small photo-albumns.

“Girls, you made these for us?” Cheerlee asked.

The girls wiped their eyes and nodded.

“We wanted to thank you both for all that you’ve done for us.” said Applebloom

“We wouldn’t be the ponies we are today if it weren’t for you. Ms. Cheerilee, or you Mr. Stevens.” added DD.

Cheerilee and I looked at one another, feeling ever so touched, and then before we knew it, the girls were hugging us tearfully.

“Oh, girls…!” I cried as I hugged them warmly, and Cheerilee too.

“We’re really going to miss you both!” sobbed Sweetie.

“Life isn’t going to be the same without you two.” added Scootaloo.

“Girls,” sniffled Cheerilee “It’s not as if we’ll never see you again. Just because you won’t be in our classes anymore doesn’t mean we still aren’t your teachers.”

“She’s right,” I agreed “And we’re still all friends, and we can still do things together. Now that school’s out for the summer, I’ll have loads of time for my research, and I could still use your help for it.”

Cheerilee nodded, “And we can still each other at parties, or you can help me with my shopping, and I can still show you many things.”

The girls did begin to feel a bit better, but not really.

“We’re still going to miss you both.” said Applebloom.

DD nodded, “I’ll miss you all when I go to the Starfleet Academy in the fall.”

Cheerilee and I both had tears in our eyes.

“We’ll miss you too, girls.” said Cheerilee.

I agreed, “You’re the best students… that we’ve ever had, and we love you.”

“We love you too.” sobbed Sweetie.

The others agreed.

The relatives all couldn’t’ bear to watch this much longer, and all four of them looked tearful.

“I think we better get them home before this gets any harder.” suggested Buddy. The ladies agreed, and soft and sad song began to play “Saying Goodbye”

The girls sang their final goodbyes to me and Cheerilee, and we sang to them as well. The girls then knew it best to head home.

“Goodbye Ms. Cheerilee!”

“Goodbye Mr. Stevens!!”

“Goodbye!!”

We continued to wave to the girls as they left with their relatives, and Cheerilee couldn’t hold it in anymore, burying her face in hands, she began to weep.

I hugged her softly, joining her in the sorrowful moment, and soon we both would part ways as well, until the next school term, but we promised to keep in touch.

All over the villager, the other students seemed to be singing the song as well as they exchanged sad goodbyes with their friends, knowing they wouldn’t see each other as often anymore.

…It’s time for saying Goodbye.

As the song faded out…

The Crusaders were all in their respective homes, and cried themselves to sleep in their bedrooms. Their relatives thought it best to just leave them for a bit, and let them get it all out.

“Majorly bumming me,” said Tree Hugger “I can feel the girls’ blues miles away, and it just Downsville.”

Her husband agreed, and he looked down on the at DD’s acceptance letter from the academy again, and he looked up and over it, at a picture on the mantel above the fireplace…

…It was a picture of himself and DD, on Unicornicopia, when she was little. He was holding her with his head above hers, and they both looked just like a father and child. He raised her and loved her just the same after her parents died.

…This brought him an idea; one that he hoped would solve the entire conundrum, and he began to write a letter to the Academy, and he also met with Lightning later, and he approved of the idea.

A few days later, the Crusaders all had their cries and found their strengths to go out and play and enjoy their summer at the playground, when DD came flying in with such glee and excitement, and told her friends the good news.

“You’re NOT going to the academy next year?” Scootaloo asked in shock.

“But what about your dream?” asked Applebloom “You can’t just throw it all away.”

“That’s just it, I’m not throwing it away.” explained DD “Buddy contacted the academy and even got approval from Lightning.

…Buddy’s going to train me at home.”

The others all felt their eyes lighting up with joy.

“You mean it?” asked Sweetie.

DD nodded, “Why not? After all, Lightning trains Swift Star privately, so why can I be trained like that too?”

“YEE-HAW!!” Applebloom cheered for joy as she leapt about “We won’t be separated after all!!”

“This is so awesome!” cried Scootaloo.

“Together forever, that’s us.” said Sweetie.

DD nodded, and together she and her friends huddled together shouting, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, NOW AND FOREVER!!”

As the girls hugged and played, Buddy and Lightning watched them from afar, Lightning couldn’t be more proud of Buddy and he patted his shoulder, and Buddy was very happy to see all was working well.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Daybreaker gathers dragon followers to aid her in her conquest, which causes extreme difficulties for Starfleet, but especially for Celestia when she begins to contemplate the one fatal alternative to ending her evil counterpart.

Will Starfleet hold Daybreaker back, is Celestia about to make her ultimate sacrifice?

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

(Next Episode: “Too Hot to Handle.”)

Episode 10: Too Hot To Handle

EPISODE TEN

Despite that Daybreaker could no longer haunt nightmares, Celestia had a hard time sleeping the past few nights, and who could blame her?

Her evil counterpart was out there somewhere, probably gaining power already, but what really frightened her was the fact that the two of them were spiritually linked, so if one of them died, they both would perish.

While it wasn’t likely that Daybreaker would destroy her own self to bring Celestia down, there just had to be a way to severe the link between the two, and then it would be safer to battle the evil when they found her, or if she found them.

So far, nothing seemed feasible…

They couldn’t capture and imprison her because of her inner resistance to the powers, and destroying her while she was still linked with Celestia was definitely out of the question.

Lightning and Starla offered to help in the research, as well as help fulfil their other duties at the palace.

Celestia was sitting in a chair in the laboratory, while Professor Brain aimed a powerful ray machine at her, which would fire a magical beam and hopefully severe the link between herself and Daybreaker.

“Hold perfectly still, your majesty.” said Brain. He lowered his protective visor over his glasses; Celestia lowered hers as well, while Grand Ruler, Lightning, and Starla watched from the side.

Shining Armor and Cadance were with them as well, while Flurry Heart and Shining Light were napping.

Grand Ruler looked over at his wife, and she looked at him, giving him a brave nod before resuming her position.

The machine powered up, and the ray fired at Celestia’s body, enveloping her in a soft glow of light.

At first it seemed all calm, but as the machine began to hum louder, the light began to brighten, and Celestia started cringing and groaning as if she were in pain.

Everyone began to cringe with her, and the machine was starting to beep with a warning that it was overloading.

“Stop… Stop it, now!” shouted Grand Ruler.

The Professor did as ordered, and the machine stopped.

Celestia lay in her chair feeling weary and on the verge of passing out. The others ran to her side and her husband scooped her up softly, “Ceelstia, are you alright?”

Panting softly, his wife nodded.

“Did it work?” asked Lightning “Is the link severed?”

Celestia held her hand under the bright lights overhead, but she still couldn’t cast a shadow, meaning it didn’t work.

Worse than that, the machine began to malfunction from overheating, went kablooey right in Brain’s face.

Everyone coughed and waved their hands to blow the smoke away, while the professor shamefully remarked, “Well… now who’s a fool?”

Still, everyone was growing more frustrated with all the failures.

Cadance then had an idea, “Maybe we could freezer her into cryo-stasis. Then we can fight Daybreaker without hurting her.”

Grand Ruler typed the calculations into the computer, which ran a pixelated simulation… which resulted in yet another failure.

“The spiritual link is too strong,” said Grand Ruler “…Celestia would still die.”

His wife shuddered nervously and held her throat.

“Dang!” groaned Shining Armor “Isn’t there anything we can do?”

“We’ll just have to keep trying.” said Lightning “In the meantime; we keep a watch out for Daybreaker. No matter what happens, we can’t let her bring forth Eternal Daylight.”

Starla agreed, but she seemed a little uneasy, “We’d still have to fight her though,” and she looked over at her queen “…I don’t think I can, knowing it would hurt you.”

Celestia felt touched by her concern, but then she looked regretful, “If you must fight, then so be it. I’ll take whatever pain that comes. I cannot and will not allow a creature-- which I unleashed-- to lay waste to my subjects and kingdom.”

Everyone was pleased to hear her say that, though it still didn’t make the feeling any easier.

“Well…” said Professor Brain “Perhaps the least we can do is prepare you for such a situation.” and he presented her with a special formula the lab boys had concocted. “A spray of this all over your body should… eh… er… strengthen your endurance to reduce the amount of pain from the shocks, though it may render you… uh… a tad bit numb and unable to do battle yourself.”

Grand Ruler took the spray to keep it ready. “Thank you, Professor. Carry on.”

Brain nodded and resumed his work.

Celestia still couldn’t help but wonder where Daybreaker was now.

Far off in the New Badlands, all the dragons were bathing in hot lava, munching on jewels, laughing or lazing their cares away.

Garble lay on his back and popped a small jewel in his mouth, and let out a huge belch.

“Awesome…” he laughed, but none of his chums seemed to be laughing with him for all had gone silent at the appearance of a stranger--Daybreaker.

One step into the Dragon’s area and they all looked at her with strange expressions.

“Who’s that?”

“It looks like Queen Celestia.”

“Wait, something’s off.”

Daybreaker looked back and forth between the dragons, and she seemed fairly unimpressed.

“I suppose I could always do worse.” she thought.

She approached Garble, and he stood up and looked at her dead in her flaming eyes.

“You seem different.” he said “But still, a pony is a pony, and we don’t like ponies here, right guys?!”

The dragons put their straight faces back on and began to holler in agreement with Garble.

Daybreaker only snickered, which erupted into sinister laughing.

Garble raised his eyelid up, “What are you laughing at?”

Daybreaker gave him a strict glare, with a blaze in her eyes, making him shudder softly.

“What I see is a lowly bunch of dragons that are now going to be working for me.”

Garble’s eyes widened again, and then he fall over laughing like a hyena, “That’s rich! Us dragons, working for some pony…?!”

The other dragons all laughed with him.

“You’re killing me.”

“Is she for real?”

Daybreaker thought a little demonstration would be in order, and she let out a massive roar, unleashing a big burst of flames so massive, they reached way up into the sky and were brighter and hotter than anything.

The dragons had never seen such flames, such power, and they all watched with fear and shock!

Daybreaker powered down, and looked down at the now cowering Garble, “Have I made my point, or should I turn the heat on high?!”

The dragons didn’t want to see that, and it became obvious that they didn’t have a chance against this creature, even in their massive numbers.

“W-W-What do you want us to… gulp… do?” Garble stammered

Daybreaker picked him up and brought him close to her evil face making him tear up in fear, and the other dragons only watched hopelessly.

“…Feed me!”

Garble and the dragons were confused, while Daybreaker snickered wickedly.

Lightning and Starla were having a lunch break in New Canterlot Village, leaving Shining Light in the care of Cadance and Shining Armor-- so they could have just a little alone time without much worries.

Starla looked a little down.

“Still worried about Celestia?” asked Lightning.

His wife nodded, “Don’t get me wrong, if we have to fight Daybreaker, I intend to.”

Lightning softly placed his hands over hers and held them up softly, “I’ll let you in on something that I’ve been dreading.” He whispered into his wife’s ear one alternate possibility of stopping Daybreaker.

Starla could was shocked at such a suggestion. “No! Absolutely No!” she insisted.

“My thoughts exactly.” agreed Lightning “But please… don’t let this get around. I don’t’ want anyone else figuring this out, especially not the queen.”

Starla agreed.

Suddenly she felt a little strange. “Is it getting hot or is it just me?”

Lightning could feel the temperature rising as well, very abnormal for summer weather.

The alarms then sounded, and people began to panic.

Grand Ruler then appeared before Lightning and Starla as a holo-image. “Lightning, Starla… Daybreaker has been spotted heading this way, and she’s not alone.”

The images faded to show the evil flying in the sky and backed up by a swarm of dragons from The New Badlands.

“So she’s got followers now?” groaned Starla “That’s all we needed.”

The images changed back to Grand Ruler’s image. “I’ve already alerted the others to come and assist, and we’re standing by in the palace. We’re going to shift the sun and bring forth the night to try and weaken Daybreaker down.”

“Yes, sire.” said Lightning “Starla and I are on the way.”

The image faded, and then Starla and Lightning stood up, ready to leave, but they left some money for their meal at the table.

“STARFLEET MAGIC”

Once transformed, they flew off in the direction where the heat was increasing. It was a good thing the cooling systems in their suits kicked in to keep them comfortable, but they didn’t hold out much for all the civilians in the surrounding areas, but they were being evacuated by the sentries and fairies to a place that was cooler.

That’s when the sun began to move over and it got darker, and yet farther up the way, it was still bright… all because of her.

Lightning and Starla found the rest of the team, having just arrived thanks to Krysta, and their majesties and Princess Luna appeared as well, and so did Cadance, as the Silent Ninja, and Shining Armor as Saber.

“Glad you all made it…” said Lightning.

The others nodded proudly, and Daybreaker laughed “Not nearly as glad as I am. It’s time I finished what I started! Once you’re all out of the way will be able to bring forth the Eternal Day that I crave for.”

The Dragons all cheered and hollered behind her, but Fluttershy was able to scan their nerve systems with her visor, and their levels of anxiety were super high.

Spike could hardly believe the dragons either, especially Garble.

“What is all this?” he called over “How can you all work for Daybreaker?”

Garble and the dragons looked awkward as if they were too nervous to say anything, which confirmed what Fluttershy feared, “She must be blackmailing them into working for her!”

Daybreaker snickered, and snapped her fingers at the dragons, “NOW!!”

“You heard her,” Garble called to the other dragons, and he and the dragons all breathed their massive flames at Daybreaker, which she absorbed and her own flames became so bright, they were practically yellow.

Cadance covered her eyes at the brightness.

“So bright!” groaned Saber.

The others all felt the same, but at least their visors kept them safe from the glares, but they didn’t even have to scan her to know her power had increased immensely.

The heat was so intense, the air was wavering, and the grass and nearby trees were shriveling.

“No!!” shouted Buddy. It broke his gardener’s heart to see the plant life suffering so.

“I’m just getting warmed up!” laughed Daybreaker, and she made another burning X, brighter and hotter than before.

“BURNING STRIKE”

She sent the huge X hurling towards the others, forcing them all to scatter. The X hit the ground making a massive explosion that nearly blew everyone away.

“Lightning!” cried Krysta “I don’t think I can stand much more of this heat! My protection barrier isn’t enough!”

Not wanting his friend to suffer, Lightning sent her off to help other civilians. “Keep them as far away from here as you can. If need be, transfer them to the safe planets.”

Krysta nodded and teleported off before she melted to death.

“We have to fight her.” said Artie.

“Agreed.” said Rarity.

“She may still be linked to Celestia, but we have no choice.” added Lightning.

Everyone looked over at Celestia, and she nodded at them saying “…Do it!”

She especially felt ready for this due to events prior to the battle…

When the alarms sounded and Daybreaker was detected, you can bet Celestia was willing to fight, and just as promised, Grand Ruler sprayed her body with Professor Brain’s formula to help reduce the pain from any shocks she would receive.

The fighters all armed themselves and charged forth, but all Daybreaker had to do was flutter where she was, and increase her flames forcing everyone back.

“It’s too bright and hot!!” called Dyno.

“We can’t get close!” added Myte.

“Our attacks would never make her flinch,” cried Pinkie.

Nobody was willing to give up, especially their majesties.

“Sister, Brother-in-law…!” cried Luna, motioning them to make their group formation.

Their majesties all stood together with Luna in the center, and all three of them held their arms up and joined hands. Their horns glowing brightly, they brought down a burst of night energy from the darkness to fire at Daybreaker.

POW!!

“Not this time…!” thundered Daybreaker, and with a loud roar she unleashed a blaze of flames, pushing it against the waves, which made some sense when battling darkness with light!

KAPOW!! The two forces were at equal strength and exploded in a huge blast, which blew the others across the field in the shockwaves.

“Whoa!!” groaned Rainbow “I can’t believe she actually did that!”

Everyone else was just as astounded and horrified.

As for Daybreaker, the smoke had settled and she looked as flaming and as bright as ever, thanks to Garble and the dragons breathing more fire onto her to keep her strong.

“The dragons!” cried Applejack “They’ve strengthened her up again.”

Rhymey clenched his fists,

“If they continue to heat her,
We won’t be able to beat her!”

The dragons realized this as well, but still they continued to strengthen Daybreaker.

“Stop this now!” thundered Starla “This is an official order of Starfleet!” but the dragons continued to power the evil, and it was obvious why as she glared down at them with her flaming eyes in a threatening manner.

“We have no choice…!” whined Garble “She said she’ll destroy us if we don’t obey! I’m sorry!”

Lightning felt most annoyed with their cowardice. “If they won’t stop, we’ll have to stop them ourselves.” he called to the others.

“My thoughts exactly.” said Grand Ruler, and his wife agreed.

He and Celestia both flew up high ready to cast a wide barrier over the dragons so they couldn’t give Daybreaker more fire, when suddenly, Celestia felt strange-- she felt numb and woozy that she began to wobble in flight.

“Oh, my!” she groaned.

“Sister!” cried Luna and she reached up to catch her.

“What’s wrong with her?” asked Arite.

Grand Ruler gasped, “Oh, no! The professor warned us about this; the protective potion is making her tired, and she can’t focus too well.”

Daybreaker thought this amusing. “Poor thing, she really is as weak and as worthless as I thought she was!”

Everyone felt insulted and infuriated.

“Well, now that that’s one pest out of my flames, I think I’ll go ahead and carry out my plot!”

She leapt up high in the air. Her horn flamed up, and she raised her arms up.

“No!!” cried Starla “She’s going to try and bring the sun back here!”

“Not if I can help it!” said Grand Ruler, and he leapt way up high and began to counter the pull with his own power.

“Back off!” thundered Daybreaker, and she breathed a load of fire at him, forcing him to erect a wall of Uniforce in front of him, which meant he now was draining his power worse than ever.

Cadance leapt over to watch over Celestia, and motioned at Princess Luna to help Grand Ruler.

Luna agreed, and left her sister in their niece’s care, and then she flew high up to join her brother-in-law, helping to defend him and keep the night intact.

Daybreaker was still not willing to give in, and she called to the dragons, “More power!! Give me more!!”

The dragons were all panting and looking tried from already giving her so much, but they poured on all they could.

“We have to capture the dragons!” suggested Starla “It’s the only way to stop them.”

Lightning agreed, “Everyone, set your weapons on “Capture!” He then looked over at the Equestrians “We could use the Valkyries too.”

Applejack nodded, “You heard him, ladies.”

“Ah, yeah… Now we’re talking!” agreed Rainbow Dash.

The others agreed, and they all stood together and shouted, “VALKYRIA” becoming the Valkyries of Harmony.

“Alright..!” said Saber “Let’s get busy!”

The Valkyries all leapt up and combined their swords together unleashing magical bindings to lasso the dragons’ mouths shut, and wrap more of them together.

Saber powered up his sword, “Come and get it, Dragons! SUPER SHOCK SLASH!” and with one wave of his blade, the dragons were all shocked by powerful electrical currents.

“DRAGONKNIGHT SABER, IGNITE” Spike slashed his flaming sword, capturing even more dragons, and the army was starting to diminish.

“NO!!” cried Daybreker.

“Oh, yes!” shouted Lightning. “Now It’s our turn!”

The Space Ponies then fired their own attacks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-0D1kiiCmY

“Capture Blaster… FIRE!”

“GALATIC PROJECTILE”

“WHIPLASH STRIKE”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN!”

“THRASH SLASH”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

More and more dragons exploded, and were imprisoned in spheres, until only Garble was left, all alone, and terrified.

“Don’t shoot!!” he cried with his arms up, “…I surrender!”

The fighters all rolled their eyes at how pathetic he seemed.

“And I thought you dragons were brave and bold.” Rarity huffed, and flicked her mane.

Grand Ruler and Princess Luna were still pushing against Daybreaker to keep the sun from falling under her power.

“Even without the dragons, I’ve still absorbed enough power!” she thundered at her enemies. “I can keep going, but the same can’t be said for you!”

The other two growled angrily but maintained their focus.

As for the rest of the team, they had Daybreaker in their sights, but she was still too hot and bright to approach much.

“Can’t you go Enticorn on her, Lightning?” Pinkie asked. Lightning shook his head, “I don’t dare try. My Enticorn powers consist of burning light energies. That may only make her stronger.”

He did however have an idea “We’ll each battle her separately-- try and distract her and get her to use up her strength.”

The others agreed,

“And remember…” said Starla “Don’t use any fire-power or light energy.|

The twins and Spike agreed, and Valkyries powered down back into their normal battle suits.

“SUPER MODE, ACTIVATE!!”

Everyone powered up to get stronger.

“I’ll try and lasso her. My Chains can take heat.” said Saber, and he flung his chain-and-sickle up towards her, but Daybreaker saw it coming and merely kicked it away without relying on her fire attacks.

“Is that the best you’ve got?!” she thundered

“SOLAR BLAZE”

She unleashed her flaming waves which billowed across the field and forcing everyone to scatter to avoid being hit.

The heat was so intense due to her increased powers, and yet she still seemed blazing strong.

“Now then!” she hissed and raised up high again bringing the sun back overhead, only for Grand Ruler and Princess Luna to force it away again and keep it dark.

“Brother-in-law!” groaned Luna “I can’t keep this up much longer!”

“Keep going, Luna!” cried Grand Ruler “We can’t let her bring the sun back!!”

Celestia began to awaken from her weariness, and could see things as they were happening.

One by one the fighters kept rushing in to attack Daybreaker, only to repelled back hard by her flames, and she hardly took a single hit while her flames still hardly seemed to die down at all.

Worse than that, her husband and her sister were starting to look exhausted from trying to keep control of the sun as well as defending themselves from the blazing flares.

There was only sure-fire way she knew to bring Daybreaker down.

“Cadance… attack me!”

Cadance gawked in her in shock, and shook her head in refusal.

“You must!” insisted Celestia “I order you to attack me!!”

Cadance trembled nervously, and felt her insides swimming with guilt and shame, but she caught onto the idea at hand, not that it made it any different.

Finally…

…ZAP!! She punched her hard in the face!

Daybreaker flinched as she felt the pain, and lost her grip.

“What?”

The others all gawked at her.

Cadance then threw her shurikens at Celestia, making sparks and explosions fly as they struck her, causing sparks and explosions to emit from Daybreaker.

“AH!! OUCH!! NO!!”

Grand Ruler saw, “Celetsia…!”

Celestia held up her arm, “It’s alright!”

Cadance then attack again, thrusting her glowing fist at the ground and sending shockwaves along, striking Celestia hard, knocking her over.

Both Celestia and Daybreaker groaned and yelled in pain, and as Celestia flipped over onto the ground, Daybreaker began to plummet from above.

“Stop this at once!!” she demanded.

“What… THIS…?!” yelled Celestia, and she began to fire magical pulses… on her own self, resulting in Daybreaker taking all the hits as well.

“Has she gone mad?!” cried Rarity.

“I don’t think so.” said Spike “Look at Daybreaker…!”

Daybreaker was standing on the ground and her flames seemed a little bit weaker.

Much as Lightning didn’t like seeing the queen in pain, he and the others knew their orders.

“This is our chance, we have to attack!”

The others reluctantly agreed, and all charged in.

Lightning punched her hard in the face…

…Causing Celestia even more pain.

Rhymey, Spike and Saber all lunged forth, striking Daybreaker with their swords, making more sparks, and explosions emit from her and Celestia.

Grand Ruler didn’t know how much more of seeing his wife get hurt that he could bear!

“Enough of this!” thundered Daybreaker, and she flamed up, “I still refuse to back down without a fight!

BURNING STRIKE” she sent another burning X hurdling towards the others.

“Look out!!” cried Starla.

KAPOW!! A big explosion erupted, blowing everyone around, but they still had plenty of fight left in them.

“You monster…!” thundered Saber, and he rushed in to attack, swinging his sword and his other extra arms like crazy, but Daybreaker swerved and dodged each incoming attack, and finally, she struck him hard in the face with her flaming knuckles…

WHAMM!!

Sparks and tiny flames emitted from the sides of his head, making him scream!!

“ATTACK!!” shouted Lightning, and he and the others all began to jump in to help, only to get bashed, kicked, or blasted out of the way one-by-one, which was more than Celestia could bear, so she began to attack herself again to slow Daybreaker down, but even with the potion sprayed on her, the toll was starting to weigh on her-- she was all bruised, battered, and very frazzled. She even was starting to wobble as she stood, barely able to maintain balance.

“Stop, Celestia…!” cried Grand Ruler, as he rushed over and held his wife’s arms to stop her from attacking herself. “No more… I won’t let you do this!”

“No!” Celestia groaned “I need to; it’s the only way to stop her!”

Cadance has seen enough, and de-transformed so she could speak. “You can’t, if you keep this up you’ll destroy yourself!”

“…Which means, Daybreaker will die too.” replied Celestia.

Everyone turned to face her in shock, even Daybreaker was aghast.

“Sister!” cried Luna “You can’t! You mustn’t!”

Whether she was delusional from her massive beatings, or incredibly serious, Celestia’s horn glowed brightly, forcing her relatives away from her.

“What’s she doing?!” cried Fluttershy.

“She wouldn’t?!” said Starla.

…Celestia was planning to destroy herself right then and there; just like all Starfleet ponies were prepared to give their life if they absolutely had to.

“Celestia, don’t!!” shouted Grand Ruler.

“I’m sorry!” Celestia cried with tears in her eyes “I must!”

Grand Ruler could not bear this at all, in spite of the Starfleet code of honor, “NOOOOO…!!” he shouted, and powered up his own horns. Tears of regret formed in his eyes, “I’m sorry, Celestia… but I can’t let you do it!”

POW!! He fired a strong blast at his wife, striking her hard.

Celestial wailed and screamed, and everyone watched in total shock and horror as she keeled over and exploded, and she was shrunk and imprisoned in a sphere, frozen!

“Ohh…!!” Cadance cried, holding her hand over her mouth.

“…Sister!” peeped Luna.

Overwhelmed with misery and remorse with what he had just done, Grand Ruler fell to his knees, and pounded the ground angrily with his fist. He sat there shaking with his eyes shut tight, and his tears were falling slowly. His mane had gone out, no longer showing images of space, and his cape stopped fluttering, meaning he was really down in despair.

All the others felt totally horrified at what they had just seen, but at the same time they were relieved that Celestia wouldn’t be able to destroy herself now.

Applejack then looked around and noticed, “Hey, Daybreaker’s gone!”

“What?!” snapped Lightning.

She was gone, obviously having had fled while the team was distracted.

Rhymey felt really upset…

“We lost track of things in all the stress,
We let Daybreaker get away… what a mess!”

“What a mess is right?” cried Buddy as he looked around the field; all the grass had been charred and burned away, and many of the streets were all reduced to mere twigs. Even he couldn’t save them now.

True, the field could be and would be replanted, but it still broke his heart!

“This Daybreaker’s a real monster.” said Dyno.

“Si, if only we could find a way to beat her!” added Myte.

There was even worse to come.

“Hey!” cried Saber “Something’s wrong!” Everyone turned to see him pulling on the sides of his head trying to remove his mask and becoming Shining Armor again, but to no avail. “I can’t get it off! It won’t come off!!”

Cadance gasped and rushed over to her husband’s side, and tried to help him pull off the mask, but she couldn’t seem to get it off either.

“It’s really stuck!” she cried.

Lightning scanned Saber’s head with his visor. “It’s welded on!”

Everyone gasped, and figured there was only one explanation; Daybreaker’s hot fists welded the mask stuck in place.

Saber began to panic “Get it off me!! Get it off me!!”

Cadance shook him hard, “Please, calm down! We’ll do everything we can! We’ll try…!”

Her husband looked really upset and frightened, but tried his hardest to keep calm.

“Um… so, can I and my friends go now?” Garble asked.

Everyone gave him a disgruntled glared, and while he and the dragons did aid Daybreaker in battle, they were let off the hook because they were being blackmailed.

So the dragons were released, and ordered to fly back to their own lands.

“Just one thing, Garble,” said Lightning “If any of my troops had given into the enemy as easily as you have without putting up even the slightest of resistance, I’d have them thrown out of the service. That is all!”

Basically he was insulting Gable and the dragons for cowering the way they had, and endangering themselves as well as the planet.

The others all agreed with him.

Meanwhile, battered and beaten up Daybreaker was hiding in a cave. She knew she couldn’t back to the dragons now, which meant she now needed another source of heat to regain her powers.

She was more disturbed than angry with her recent defeat.

“What is with those fools?” she wondered “They don’t give in despite the danger, and Celestia… she was willing to sacrifice herself to destroy me?!”

She still far from beaten or deterred, and was just as determined yet to make them all pay and bring forth the Eternal Day she wanted.

Meanwhile, the damage control teams were already out and about replanting trees and laying down new grasses in the field, Buddy, Fluttershy and Rhymey were supervising the works, while Krysta and her fairies assisted in brining special potions and mixtures from planet Luminous.

The fields would soon be as lush and green as they once were.

Princess Luna used her magic to move the night away, so the daylight was back to its proper setting, but her brother-in-law was still deeply depressed from imprisoning his wife in the sphere, where she was to remain until further notice.

“I had no choice…” Grand Ruler said “I couldn’t let her do it, in spite of whatever honor she was trying to demonstrate.”

Lightning approached him softly, “If you hadn’t… I would have.”

“So would I.” agreed Starla.

“I too share that reasoning.” said Luna “None of us would have been able to bear it if my sister were to die. You did what you thought was right and we believe you were.”

Lightning and Starla agreed, but his majesty didn’t feel any better.

What would he tell his children?

How would the kingdom fair without Celestia?

Most importantly, how or when would he be able to free his wife under the assumption that she wouldn’t dare try a stunt like this again?

“Please, leave me…” he said to others, “I’d like to be alone with my thoughts.”

Taking heed and understanding, the others all left him be, with the sphere containing his frozen wife inside.

“Celestia…” he peeped as he gazed at her tearfully “Please forgive me. I did it for your sake, as well as mine and everyone’s.”

He clutched the sphere softly to his chest, and softly cried alone in the empty throne room.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Dearka hijacks a factory in New Cloudsdale to unleash cursed clouds all across the planet, which spells out incredible danger for Starfleet and all the inhabitants, but the factory proves to be a lethal place to even enter, let alone bring a halt to.

Can our heroes thwart Dearka’s wicked factory of darkness?

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

(Next Episode: “Factory Destruction Line”)

Episode 11: Factory Destruction Line

EPISODE ELEVEN

One morning, Rarity was up and about, and looking herself over in the mirror. “Hello Me.” She would complement to her reflection, and then she was off to work, prettying herself up-- straightening her lashes, brushing and curling her mane and tail, and even polishing up her armor vest until she could see her reflection in it.

As Rarity admired her appearance in the mirror again, she saw Spike standing in the doorway behind her, smiling lovingly at her.

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall…” he said sweetly as he approached her “Who is the loveliest pony of all?”

“Ooh, hoo, hoo…” chuckled Rarity while under the affectionate embrace of her husband.

“I love you, Rarity.”

“I love you, Spikey-Wikey.”

Their faces moved closer together, but before their lips could meet, the baby began to cry from the nursery.

The couple rolled their eyes, and Spike left to go check on her while Rarity continued to pretty herself up more.

They had no beats to walk and no assignments, so they planned to head to New Cloudsdale for an airshow that was going to take place, and Rainbow Dash was going to be in it with the Wonderbolts, as the head flyer.

Soon, the family was ready to go, with Twilight strapped into her little carry harness in front of Spike.

Daddy stroked his little sweetheart’s mane. “You ready to go, honey?” he cooed.

Twilight only cooed and shook her rattle.

Rarity giggled and pecked her daughter’s little head, and then looked up at her husband “And as for you…” she kissed him deeply on his lips.

Spike could only sigh. He felt like the luckiest dragon in the galaxy to have such a loving family, and he always wanted to make sure it stayed that way.

Nothing he wanted to go wrong!

Soon, they were all flying high, and little Twilight didn’t seem to mind; she was strapped in really good.

They ran into Pinkie Pie who was also on her way to the show. “Hiya peeps.” She called, and then tickled the baby’s little chin “High wittle Twiwight. How are you?” to which the baby cooed, and Pinkie giggled.

“Oh, Pinkie, I tell you…” said Rarity “Being a mother is a joy that I never believed would be just that, but it is.”

Pinkie began to feel one day she would like to be a mother, as she was already great with children and babies.

Then she thought, “Who am I kidding, I don’t even have a lover yet.”

This made her think back to Dearka, and those same mixed feelings of wanting him, but knowing he was the enemy.

“Pinkie, watch where you’re going!!” shouted Spike.

Pinkie snapped back to her senses to see she was heading straight for a huge smokestack at the weather factory.

“WHOA-AAAAAHH…!!!”

She managed to zip up and over it before hitting it, while still flying forward, and she wiped her brow in relief, only to crash into a second stack.

The family winced, and Pinkie pulled herself off the stack and shook herself back to her senses.

“Are you okay?” asked Rarity.

“Ah, sure, it takes more than that to hurt me.”

The family flew off for the stadium, while the factory was fully operational, and the worker ponies were all hard at it.

True... all the clouds in United Equestria were usually formed the same natural way-- evaporation of water condensing into moisture that formed into clouds-- but it was in fact the Weather Factory in New Cloudsdale that could produce clouds at will for arranged weather, as well as rainbows and snowflakes, whatever and whenever was needed.

All the workers did their best to keep the place fully operational, but the place was also heavily guarded to ensure that no one would hijack the factory and use to cause trouble all over the land.

The Foreman pony looked over his plans and orders for weather and locations.

“Pick up the pace people, we got a few rainbows wanted in New Filydelpheia, and an overcast wanted in New Las Pegasus.”

The workers agreed and got straight to work, especially those managing the cloud-makers, which absorbed moisture from the air, and through sophisticated machinery, and naturally, mixed with magic to puff clouds of the smoke stacks and ready to be shipped out all over the planet.

The factory was being observed in The Devils’ World by Von Devilor’s evil magic.

“That factory will be perfect!” he hissed “Summon Dearka at once!”

The guards bowed and went off to find him.

Dearka was by himself in are full of mist, and blue flame torches, with stone columns all around him.

He was gazing down at his locket again, at that charred picture of whoever the man was.

He looked down at it angrily and closed his eyes, as memories seemed to fly past him, and voices calling out, taunting, hooting, and demanding someone leave!

Even a woman’s voice called to him.

“You are a loser, and a good for nothing failure! Get out, now!!”

Dearka clutched his locket tightly, growling angrily. “What I would give to go back there, and make them all--”

He was interrupted by Scarlet’s presence. She looked very snarky and pouty, “The king wants you, but I really he should have left me to this one.”

Dearka pocketed his locket, regaining his composure, and began to walk off.

Scarlet had to ask, “We’re you thinking of the past again?”

Dearka stopped right in his tracks.

“You know you really should get over it.”

While it was tempting to stay and threaten her, Dearka left silently, to go and meet his king.

Once there, Von Devilor presented Dearka with one of his dark seeds, and showed him the Weather Factory.

“I see…” hissed Dearka “With this I can infect the factory, causing it to spew the smog of our atmosphere into United Equestria that will infect anyone it touches, and eventually poison them all into nothing.”

“…Precisely.” hissed Von Devilor “Instead of infecting individuals, we can swarm the entire planet at once. Think of all the energy we will harness, and even though they are immune to our influence, if Starfleet interferes, they will be helpless when subjected to our atmosphere.”

Dearka acted humble, “Once again, your majesty, your ideas astound me. I shall begin at once.”

Von Devilor could only snicker softly.

Rarity and Spike first dropped Twilight off at the stadium daycare where all the minors and infants were kept a good watch over.

Shining Light was already there, as Lightning and Starla were participating in the opening ceremonies, and the family then ran into Rhymey and Fluttershy who were dropping off Button Fly.

“We couldn’t resist seeing the show.” said Fluttershy

“We’re especially excited to see Rainbow.” rhymed Rhymey.

The stadium was packed to the brim with spectators.

Further down the long row of seats sat Artie and Sunset. Artie had brought her to give her a tour of the world, and let her see what the Wonderbolts were like in New Cloudsdale, plus he was hoping to get some inspiration from the show to make new artworks.

They almost seemed like they were out on a date.

They waved to their friends, and the friends waved back.

Still, there were no seats available down where they were, so the two families and Pinkie sat together, in a row.

Then along came Buddy, with Applejack and Apple Spice.

“Hey, what’s happening?” said Buddy.

“Hiya.” chirped Pinkie.

Spice looked right up at her, feeling all warm and cozy again. “Um… hello, Colonel…”

“Oh, please, call me “Pinkie” All of my friends do.” she fluttered her eyes at him, which made him blush and giggle nervously.

Even more so when he was sitting next to her, and Applejack

“Wow, I can’t believe I’m sitting next to Pinkie Pie!” he thought with butterflies in his stomach “I know I’m supposed to be here with Applejack but… Oh…!”

“So why are you guys here?” Spike asked.

“It was my folks’ idea.” answered Applejack “They said Spice and I should spend more together, since… you know… So they got us these tickets and insisted we come here.”

“Aw, that’s sweet; your first date.” cooed Pinkie.

Both Applejack and Spice blushed with embarrassment and awkwardness.

“And just think, soon you’ll be married, and come here together and maybe bring your children here too.”

Applejack pulled her hat down over her face, and Spice felt his nerves turning.

“Pinkie, I think you should stop right there.” Buddy whispered to her.

Meanwhile, the workers at the factory heard the whistle blew for lunchtime.

So everyone dropped what they were doing and settled down for a bite, but the factory still remained well-guarded both inside and outside.

…But that didn’t stop Dearka. He was hiding behind some rock formations with the factory in view.

He held out the dark seed, and magically sent it floating in the air. “Go… and fulfil your purpose.”

Because was so small, it was easy for the guards and cameras to not see it, and it didn’t trigger any alarms as it faded its way through the walls, past the workers at lunch, and made its way over to the cloud making machines where it inserted itself into the main tank.

All at once, the clouds began to change from pure white to nasty dark as they were infected with The Devils’ aura.

The smoke began to seep through the tank and spread through the entire room as a couple of workers had come in after finishing their lunches quickly and were ready to get back to work, when they noticed the smoke.

“What in the world…?!”

“What is this?!”

The suddenly got their answer; taking one whiff of that air, and they became infected as well.

Now under The Devil’s influence, the two ponies set to work, rerouting the cloud machines to work full blast, and spread further throughout the factory which infected the entire workforce, and the security guards!

Dearka saw all was clear and faded in through the walls snickering at what he had done. “Excellent. It won’t be long now.”

Even as he spoke, all the stacks were blowing the toxic smog from the factory, which slowly crept down to the mainland.

“Anyone who so much as gets caught under the shadows will be caught in the influence.” hissed Dearka. He extended his claws and his legion of follows-- the factory workforce-- stood with him. “We’re ready for you now, Starfleet.”

The opening ceremonies were underway, headed by Spitfire, whom had been promoted from captain to major.

“We Wonderbolts are still the best in our field, we know it, and you know it, but we’re still honored to be joined by Starlfeet in this show we’ve prepared for you.

You’ll be wowed!

You’ll be powed, as you look into the sky and note the aerobatic skills our flyers have prepared and trained for, just to impress all of you, and if you can’t say “We’re awesome” then maybe you don’t know the meaning!”

She sounded very serious as she tipped her shades to everyone.

Lightning then took the stand, “As Commander of Starfleet, and hereby call your attentions to the sky for the first round of aerobatics, headed by Starfleet’s own… Colonel Rainbow Dash!”

At that precise second, Rainbow came zooming in, via a rainbow streak, and Dyno and Myte shot fireworks and air bombs into the sky for a dramatic scene.

Rainbow stopped in midair, with the Wonderbolts joining up behind her.

“STAR SHOWER”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS”

“UNIFORCE”

The combined attacks all made bedazzling lights and explosives as the Wonderbolts all stood in formation, causing the crowd to erupt in thunderous applause.

Pinkie leapt up screaming and hooting with joy before sitting back down again, and her hand touched Spice’s.

“Uh…!”

“Oh, sorry about that.” said Pinkie, and she gave him a smile, which made his heart race and his cheeks go bright red.

This did not go unnoticed by Rarity or Applejack. They both didn’t need any more proof that Spice had the hots for Pinkie, but sadly, Pinkie herself didn’t seem to notice one bit.

“Are you okay?” she asked “Why is your face so red?”

Spice knew he needed to cool off and excused himself to use the restroom.

“Poor guy,” said Applejack. She still couldn’t bring herself to tell Pinkie the obvious truth, because it was possible she didn’t feel the same about him, and it still didn’t break the contract that she herself was to marry him.

“What’s that?” Fluttershy suddenly asked.

“Oh, just Spice running off to the bathroom.” answered Pinkie.

“No… I mean that.”

She pointed off in the distance where very black clouds seemed to be slowly heading for the stadium, and all over New Cloudsdale.

“What’s going on?” asked Spitfire “We explicitly asked the weather be smooth sailing.”

Starla got out her mini-telescope and looked off at the smog in the distance, and it didn’t take long to realize, “That’s the Devil’s Aura!”

Lightning growled, and he quickly dashed to the mic ordering everyone inside, “Sound the alarms! All hands, level-one battle stations!”

The alarms sounded and the crowds began to head rush inside in panic.

“Ah, man!” groaned Rainbow “…And just when the show was getting started!”

The Wonderbolts were equally upset, so was Spitfire, but as allies of Starfleet, she knew the importance of priorities, especially when Lightning gave her assignments.

“You and the Wonderbolts guard everyone, and then standby for further orders. We’re going to investigate the smog and try to stop it.”

Spitfire saluted, “Aye-Aye sir.” And she called up to the Wonderbolts, “Well, you heard him! Man your posts!!”

Her underlings saluted and flew off to different areas around the stadium.

Artie was escorting Sunset inside. “Are you going to be okay?” he asked.

“I’ll be fine, but you be careful out there.” She sounded genuinely concerned for him, which he felt was sweet.

“Artie… let’s go!” called Starla.

Artie dashed off to catch up to his teammates.

“Transform!” shouted Lightning.

He and the Space Ponies went first…

“STARFLEET MAGIC”

Followed by the Equestrians…

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

And finally Spike…

“Dragon Power”

The headed off in the direction of the smoke.

“It’s coming from the Weather Factory.” said Rainbow.

“Look down below!” cried Buddy “The smog is causing everyone to turn spiteful!”

Everyone looked down through the clouds-- with their visors telescopic function-- as the shadows loomed over the lands below, ponies and other creatures turned very nasty.

An elderly pony began to angrily to destroy her flower garden.

The paperboy began to shred the papers and toss them all over.

Little birds were squawking and pecking angrily at one another while squirrels threw nuts at each other in a fight.

“Oh…! That’s horrible!” cried Fluttershy.

“It’s worse than that,” said Starla as she scanned the smog, “Remember, over time this stuff becomes poisonous. We’ve got to shut down the factory and clear the smoke before it’s too late.”

Lightning agreed, and decided to divide up the teams.

He, along with Starla, Pinkie, Artie, Rarity, and Spike, would infiltrate the factory and try to stop whatever what happening while everyone else helped in evacuating all areas in the smoke’s path and try to stop it from spreading.

“The fumes are toxic, so activate Space Gear.”

Everyone agreed, and with one press of their energizers, they donned their space helmets, which provided them with an hour of air.

Their wings magically transferred through the suits so they could fly and still not let the elements in, but this made it difficult to use certain kinds of attacks-- hopefully they wouldn’t be needed.

Contact could only be maintained by magical wavelengths so everyone could hear one another as if they had no helmets on, but only by short range, meaning the rest for the team would be cut off.

“Alright… Let’s go!” said Lightning.

The teams split up.

Rainbow, Fluttershy and Rhymey stayed in New Cloudsdale to try and keep the smog spreading to the main city.

“Time for some aerobatics after all.” said Rainbow, and she flew round and around in furious circles, producing tornados and twisters, blowing the smog back.

Rhymey cast some magic on his wings, and began to flutter them rapidly blowing the smog back towards the factory as well, and Fluttershy did the same thing.

Together, the trio of ponies managed to slow the smog down from spreading.

“Our force may be strong,
But we can’t keep this up long.” said Rhymey.

“I hope the others can save the citizens below.” called Fluttershy.

The smog was creeping deeper into the villages, and many of the citizens who weren’t yet infected began to run for the warp portals set up by Krysta and her fairies, teleporting them all to the safe distances away from the oncoming smog.

“Come on! Keep moving! Go, Go, Go!!” Krysta hollered.

“Gracias, Chica.” called Dyno.

Krysta winked at them all, but the shadow began to creep towards her, and she protected herself with a barrier of soft light.

“I’ll get the air purifier!” said Myte, and he leap over to a lamppost, and used the remote code to engage the purifier out of the lamppost and other lampposts all around; they began to vacuum up some of the smog and dispel it.

Still, more smog was coming in than ever from the skies, and worse than that were all the brainwashed citizens were marching in extremely large groups chanting.

“HAIL VON DEVILOR!!

HAIL VON DEVILOR!!”

“Sweet Hay Fields!” cried Applejack “I don’t think even the Healing of Love can cure them all at once!”

Buddy agreed, “We’ll have to capture them. At least it’ll stop the smog from infecting them too much.”

“I’ll help you guys.” hollered Krysta, and she whistled for her fairy soldiers to assist her, protected by their barriers and with their wands ready.

“That’s what I call a great little army.” joked Dyno

“Dyno!” snapped Myte, but Krysta took it as a compliment.

“Let’s go!” shouted Buddy.

Applejack agreed, and she shouted “Valkyira!” and she became the Valkyrie of Honesty, while still in her spacesuit.

“Take this!” she shouted as she held out her sword and bound up large gaggles of the ponies in light rings.

“WHIPLASH STRIKE”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE”

The three male fighters used their finishers to imprison the groups in spheres, but many more infected ponies still remained. That’s where Krysta and her fairies used their portal warping skills to send them all to The Moon where they wouldn’t hurt anyone.

“I’ll go notify the Luna Station.” hollered Krysta.

The others agreed, and watched he vanish, but the job was far from over.

“There’s so many of them!” cried Dyno.

“For each one that we capture, two more take its place.” added Myte.

Buddy grunted in frustration, “It’s all up to Lightning and the others now.”

“They better hurry,” said Applejack “That smog won’t stay back forever, and our suit oxygen won’t last!”

Lightning and the others now stood before the gates of the factory, and the smog was as thick as ever, forcing them to use infrared vison on their visors.

The main gate didn’t seem to be guarded, but Lightnign and the others agreed, it was best for the old rush in maneuver.

“Get ready…!” said Lightning.

Starla armed her bow…

Artie held his staff…

Spike griped his sword…

And Pinkie and Rarity stood poised and ready.

In a swift rage, Lightning kicked down the massive doors, and everyone rushed through the main entrance and into the main chamber of the factory.

There stood Dearka, and he wasn’t even wearing his mask due to the toxic atmosphere in the factory, allowing him to breathe safely.

Pinkie couldn’t help but fall into a soft daze at the sight of his super handsome looks.

“Welcome!” Dearka hissed “Though you took your sweet time getting here, and I thought you were better trained.”

The fighters all looked furious.

“I’m only going to say this once;” sneered Lightning “Shut down this factory and go back whence you came!”

Expectedly, Dearka laughed, “I’ve got a better idea…” he snapped his fingers, and the entire factory workforce, under his control, marched in forming a huge army before him.

“Oh, no!” cried Rarity.

“Oh, yes!” hissed Dearka “Not only do we outnumber you, but in this current atmosphere, our powers are twice as strong without any of your disgusting love and light to slow us up.

You and your cohorts may try, but there’s no way you’ll stop the smog from infecting your planet!”

“We’ll see about that!” said Lightning, and his team stood ready to take on the workers.

Lightning rushed straight at Dearka, aiming a punch at him, but missed when Dearka zipped out of the way and kicked him hard across the factory with incredible strength.

“Lightning!!” cried Starla.

Lightning got up slowly groaning, “He IS stronger! Be careful, guys!”

The others agreed, and the fight was on.

The workers all charged forth, firing powerful dark pulses at the fighters.

“STAR SHOWER”

“PAINT BOMBS”

Artie and Starla fired their stars and bombs against the pulses, which exploded in large bangs.

“Whoa!” cried Artie “That’s a lot of power!”

The workers charged forth to combat the fighters. Just as Lightning warned them, their strengths were intensified.

Pinkie got flipped over, Rarity was punched hard actually making sparks fly, and Spike took a swing with his sword, but his opponent kicked him in the arm, knocking the sword away, and then blasting him right in his chest plating, knocking him hard into Artie.

“STARLIGHT ARROW”

Starla fired a powerful shot at Dearka, but his simply put his hand up and blocked it as though it was nothing.

“I don’t believe this!” cried Starla.

Dearka laughed at the commotions. “Keep trying, all you’re doing is accelerating and strengthening the smog, even your suits won’t be able to protect you!”

He demonstrated by striking his claws into the ground and sending huge shockwaves at the fighters, making sparks and explosions as the team fell over.

Lightning’s suit systems began to warn him-- the smog was very slowly and softly starting to dissolve the special fabrics and paddings of his suit and helmet.

The others saw the same thing.

“We have to get out of here quick!” cried Starla.

“But we have to shut the factory down, or the planet will suffer!” said Artie.

The swarm of workers looked ready for more, and with the smog all around them, the scanners showed their strength was increasing, but very soon, they would all succumb to the deadly effects of the poison.

“We’ve got to shut down this factory, but how can we get past Dearka and the workers.” thought Lightning. “Plus, thanks to all this darkness, we won’t be able to capture them!”

Then suddenly, he had a mighty thought…

“Wait a minute! We may have trouble attacking Dearka and the workers, but what if we try attacking the darkness itself?”

He stood up strong and tall, and then powered down his spacesuit.

“Lightning, what are you doing?!” screamed Starla.

“Get your suit back on!!” added Artie, but Lightning instead let out a huge roar, with his golden horn glowing, and he changed into his Enticorn form.

“AAAAHH… WHAT IS THIS?!!” Dearka shouted as braced himself from the glowing brightness.

Already the smog began to wave a little as the light emitting from Lightning was very strong.

“It’s working!” hollered Pinkie.

Starla and Artie then concentrated hard, enveloping their bodies in their own glowing auras, waving back more of the Lightning.

Rarity, Pinkie and Spike did the same things, and the smog was waving back so much it was now a little easier to see.

“Okay, Dearka!” thundered Lightning “Let’s try this again!”

Dearka growled and flexed his claws, still enveloped by the darkness around him. “No one defies the wishes of King Von Devilor and lives!!”

He fired loads of dark thunder blasts from his claws, forcing Lightning to counter with small Uniforce pulses, resulting in bigger explosions as the two forces made contact.

Both forces of Light and Dark seemed perfectly matched, but neither side was ready to give in.

Lightning rushed in to attack Dearka, and the two engaged in a long fight, throwing their punches and kicks at one another while trying to keep their guard up as well.

The workers all marched towards the rest of the team.

“Lead them towards the doors!” hollered Starla.

The others agreed, and Pinkie began to taunt and tease the workers by going, “Nya-Nya, you can’t catch me!” which aggravated them enough to open fire on her, and she back-flipped on and on, heading for the main doors.

Others began to dash straight for Artie, but he leapt up high and over them, and began to whirl his staff round and around like a propeller, and cast magic on it to produce strong winds, blowing them all, along with a lot of the smog clear across the room and out into the entrance halls.

The workers tried to run back into the factory, but Spike stood before them.

“DRAGON FLAME” he breathed a blaze of fire before them, making small explosions, and the brightness stunned them.

“Oh, I hate attacking innocent civilians!” cried Rarity “But I have no choice. It’s all in the line of duty, and they’ll thank me later.”

She then charged like a bull, and rammed hard into the foreman, shoving him into his workers, causing a chain reaction so they all were bashed clear out through the doors and outside.

“Look there!” called Fluttershy.

“The factory workers!” cried Rainbow.

The workers all began to look weary as the effects of the poison were starting to take their toll on them. Some of them were falling to their knees and starting to choke.

“They’re getting sick,
Let’s heal them quick!” cried Rhymey.

“Do you think it will work?” asked Fluttershy.

“Only one way to find out for sure.” said Rainbow.

Together, the trio tapped their energizers, “THE HEALING OF LOVE”

Since the smog was weaker, the workers were healed, but were still in danger if the smog got to them again.

“Quick, capture them before they become infected again!” shouted Fluttershy.

Rhymey got out his sword, and increased the range of attack force.

“THRASH SLASH”

KAPOW!! A massive magical explosion erupted, and all the workers were imprisoned; protected from the smog within the spheres.

“Well, that’s all for them.” said Rainbow “But the others better shut down the factory. We can’t keep this smog back much longer.”

Lightning and Dearka’s fists clashed constantly, until they engaged in a struggle. The both of them poured on much of their power, making jolts of sparks, and the light and darkness both seemed to grow huge, until…

KABOOM!! There was a massive explosion in their powers, which sent them both flying backward through the air.

Lightning crashed into the wall, while Dearka slammed so hard into vital machinery, breaking some of their parts, and causing them to overload and go haywire.

This caused the entire factory to begin to rumble and crumple as pipes, platting, and bits of rubble began to fall from above.

Wires began to pop out making sparks and explosions fly out as an automatic voice called out over the PA, “Danger! Critical Overload! Evacuate Facility Immediately!”

“This whole place is going to blow sky-high!” shouted Lightning. He powered down into his normal state, “Everybody out!”

Starla and Artie scanned all over the factory with their visors and could find no other signs of life, other than the gang.

“Let’s go!” shouted Starla “Hurry before the emergency barrier comes on!!”

“Don’t have to tell me twice!” hollered Artie.

The emergency barrier was a special emergency protocol whenever buildings like the factory or power-plants were going to blow or fall:

To prevent widespread damage from the explosion or aftereffects of a collapse, a large barrier would form around the entire building in order to contain the explosion and other dangers, and let them burn them out.

There was no way to get through this, so it was best to get out fast!!

But while most of the team had fled, Pinkie had stayed behind, noticing Dearka was trapped under loads of rubble and debris, and despite the fact that it was outrageous to save a villain, it was Starfleet’s priority to protect and help those in need as best they could.

So she leapt over, just as Rarity was about to leave after the others.

“Pinkie Pie, What are you doing?!”

She was already pushing and kicking the rubble out of the way, and looked down at Dearka, offering her hand to him, but he just up and grabbed her, holding her hostage.

“What are you doing?! I was trying to save you?!”

“Ha!” snarled Dearka “You’re an even bigger fool than I thought!”

“How can you say that to me!” wailed Pinkie “You gave me those flowers, and I… I told you that I like you, and I just tried to help you!!”

“For the last time, I did no such action. I would never do such a thing, especially to a worthless creature like you!!

…I HATE YOU!!!”

“AH…!!!” Pinkie actually felt that blow strike her right in the middle!

“The only thing I will like about you is seeing you destroyed!” Dearka hammered in “I’ll hold you here until the last possible moment, and then leave you to meet your end!”

“NOOO…!!” shouted Rarity as she leapt in and kicked The Devil hard in his face sending him crashing through the walls, and outside where the air was starting to clear up, which was poisonous to him.

“I’m out of here!” he growled, and he was gone in a flash.

The alarms sounded, and the barrier started to form at the tippy top of the factory, slowly making its way down and around it.

“Let’s move!” shouted Fluttershy, and she and the others zipped over to where Lightning and the team were rushing away from the factory.

“Where are Pinkie and Rarity?” asked Rainbow.

“Rarity was right behind me.” Said Spike, and then he gasped. “Don’t tell me they’re still in there?!”

“I’m going back for them!” said Lightning.

“I’m going with you!” said Starla, but he held her back “No, no sense in us both risking it. If I’m not back before the barrier drops, get everyone away from here!”

“Lightning!!” cried Starla, but her husband already zipped for the entrance, just as the barrier was halfway down.

“Rarity!!” cried Spike.

With Dearka gone, Rarity and Pinkie prepared to leave, when suddenly the collapse factory buried them both under large amounts of rubble.

Pinkie managed to set herself free, but Rarity was buried really deep under all the wreckage.

“Rarity!!” cried Pinkie “Hang on, I’ll get you out!”

“There’s no time, Pinkie!” protested Rarity “Get out of here! Save yourself!”

“NO!! I WON’T LEAVE YOU!!”

Rarity hated what she was about to do, but shot Pinkie with a strong blast from her horn, blasting her clear to the entrance, smacking her clean into Lightning.

“Pinkie…?”

Pinkie bolted upright and wailed, “Rarity! She’s still in there!!”

“RARITY--------!!!” Lightning screamed through the door just as the barrier slammed on the ground, completely sealing the crumpling building inside.

Spike and the others rushed over, and they already heard because of Lightning’s scream…!!

“Rarity!!” Spike cried, and he pounded at the barrier, which felt like a strong solid wall!! “RARITY!! WE’VE GOT TO GET HER OUT!!!

“TOO LATE!! ITS COMING DOWN!!” screamed Artie

The factory began to collapse, and the rumbling was so violent that everyone trembled with it!

“HIT THE DIIIIIIIIIIIIRT!!!” screamed Starla.

Everyone slammed down hard, and Lightning shielded them with a Uniforce barrier as the factory came crashing down, followed by several explosions!

Spike could only scream in the shaking and noise, “RARITY-----------------!!!”

All faded to white, to the very next day…

The smog had faded when the factory was destroyed, and those who were infected were treated and cleansed.

The factory rubble was vaporized to sand that was disposed of, and naturally, a big new factory was hauled out of storage and placed where the previous one stood.

…Just a precaution the pegasi took in case of emergency. If one factory fell, they had another ready to be planted.

As for Rarity… she was found among all that wreckage before it was cleared up, and in a miracle to end all miracles, she was still alive, but barely.

It was deduced that the rubble she was pinned under protected her a little from the falling debris, but still, in the collapse and the explosions, she was a complete mess!

Such a mess, that she sat in the New Ponyville hospital, in a full body cast covering her entire body from head to toe, so barely an inch of her was visible-- and just as well, she was that messed up.

She couldn’t move at all, or even talk as she was unconscious, and also she was given vaccinations to numb her pains.

Her family were gathered around the bed-- her parents, her sister, Spike, and baby Twilight.

“Oh, Rarity…” sobbed Sweetie “I’m so happy you made it! You almost died!”

Her mother blew her nose in a hankie and cried on her husband’s shoulder. The both of them thanked the stars that Rarity was at least alive, but in her condition, who knew what her ultimate fate would be.

Spike softly loomed over his wife’s head, but didn’t touch her, and he held the baby softly up. “Say hi to Mommy, honey.”

Twilight only cooed and flailed her little arms trying to reach and pull at the bandages, but Spike wouldn’t let her.

Spike felt like crying, but he was trying to be brave his daughter, and the family.

“What’s going to happen to her?” asked Sweetie.

“I don’t know…” answered Spike.

Outside, Lightning was looking through the window of the room, and he felt devastated for Rarity. Thankful she was alive, but after what she had just been through, it was astounded she was alive at all.

He was talking with Doctor Penny and her team of surgeons, and it didn’t look good as Penny gave him the analysis.

“We’re looking at extensive tissue damage, fifty-five fractures, a major concussion, all coupled with extensive internal trauma.

She’s in real bad shape, and I don’t hold up much hope.”

Lightning clenched his fists, and they trembled.

“I lost Twilight Sparkle in action, and, Galloping Galaxies, I won’t let Rarity fall, especially after risking her life to save a solider!”

Penny shrugged her shoulders. “We’ve done all we can.”

“No!” Lightning said with determination “I just said I won’t let her fall. There’s got to be some way to help her, and I’ll find it.

…Somehow.”

For now, all that could be done was leave Rarity as she was, strapped to the bed, completely motionless and helpless.

(Promo)

In our next episode: While Rarity is given a special surgery to reshape her damaged body, Daybreaker plans to fuse together with Celestia to prevent her interference ever again, forcing the team to act hard to keep the queen protected, which proves hard as Pinkie Pie is still droopy in the chops over things and finds it hard to fight.

What is the plan to help Rarity, and will Daybreaker get away with her fiendish scheme?

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

(Next Episode: “Hot Decisions”)

Episode 12: Hot Decisions

EPISODE TWELVE

Ever since her last defeat, Daybreaker didn’t dare return to the Dragon Lands, but there was than one way for her to charge her malicious sun power, simply by basking in the desert sun, it took much longer, and even still she needed the time to make up a new plan.

“I would be ruling this planet by now if not for those meddling fighters!” she grumbled to herself. “And it’s bad enough that they continue to defy me, but even Celestia herself tends to destroy herself to take me down.”

Even though she knew Celestia was most likely still in her frozen state, this fact still didn’t make her feel any better, knowing that Grand Ruler Celesto and Princess Luna still had power to keep the sun under their control.

“To think, when I had control of Celestia mind I--” she stopped in mid-sentence and realized, “Yes… when she and I were still one.”

Even though she was separate from Celestia and had her own powers and strengths, she didn’t have all of Celestia’s powers, which was a large strain on her.

The more she thought it over, the more sinisterly she grinned.

“Perhaps it’s time for the two to become one again?”

She snickered wickedly.

Meanwhile…

With Rarity in the hospital, the shop had been closed up until further notice, and all or Rarity’s orders had been put on hold until further notice. Much as Spike spent time with her while sewing, he wasn’t the expert she was when it came to all that stuff.

He already had more than enough work to do as it was-- taking care of the housework, paying bills, buying groceries, looking after the baby, while still juggling his Starfleet work.

Right now, he was looking a little frazzled and sleep-deprived as he cradled little Twilight in his arms as she cried and cried endlessly.

“Come on, Twilight.” he groaned “I fed you, I changed your diaper, what more do you want?”

Really, he knew she wanted her mother, and that was something he couldn’t really do, but he was too tired to feel too sad about it now.

There was a knock at the door; it was the rest of the family-- Hondo Flanks, Cookie Crumbs, and Sweetie Belle. All of them had offered to come and help Spike around the house and help with the baby.

“I can’t thank you all enough.” He said with gratefulness.

“Now, now, that’s what family’s for.” said Hondo.

His wife softly took the baby from him and smothered her softly, “Aw, how’s granny’s little angel?”

Twilight seemed to calm down a bit, and at least she wasn’t crying anymore, much to Spike’s relief.

Sweetie Belle looked around the place, which seemed to be a little disorganized.

Bits of laundry scattered about, cobwebs in the corners from lack of dusting, and a pile of bills in Rarity’s name for all her fashion accounts, and Spike couldn’t pay them, but at least they were agreed by the government to be frozen.

“Wow! You really do need help around here.” she said.

“More than you know.” groaned Spike “Even if I do manage to find even half an hour to sit and rest, I can’t sleep. I just can’t stop thinking of poor Rarity in the hospital like that.”

The family all felt the same way, worried if whether or not Rarity would make it, but they knew they had to be brave and keep going, especially for Twilight.

“Don’t you go blaming yourself now,” said Hondo “It’s no one’s fault. Rarity did what her great grand-dad did once in the royal guards.” he held up a picture of his grandfather “He risked his life to save a friend too. He didn’t live thought but he was remembered for it.”

This only made Spike feel worse, and Cookie nudged her husband for saying such things.

“Er… eh… but I’m sure Rarity will come through alright.”

Spike just wished he knew how to believe that, given the horrible shape Rarity was in. The doctor said that even if by miracle she healed, it was doubtful she would be able to have an active life ever again, and it certainly meant her Starfleet days would be over.

Just then, there was another knock at the door. It was Krysta.

“Spike, you’ve got to come to the hospital, now!” she said excitedly “Lightning may have come up with a way to save Rarity!”

Spike’s heart gave a leapt of joy. The rest of the family felt the same way.

“You all come too.” called Krysta “Lightning wants you all there.”

Soon, Krysta had teleported the family to the hospital, and they were all Doctor Penny’s office talking with her and with Lightning.

“Are you sure about this?!” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I’m positive, it could be the only chance.” replied Penny “We can give Rarity new body parts, and reshape her body. It is the only possible way for her to regain and active lifestyle, and to ensure that she doesn’t lose too much of her fighting strengths.”

Lightning explained how he got the idea, “Remember, Grand Ruler Celesto was once a regular pony, but when he suffered a fatal accident, leaving in the same condition Rarity is in now, he reshaped his body by turning himself humanoid. It saved his life and made him better and stronger than ever.”

Spike only leapt at the idea, “Well that’s great, just do it if it’ll work.”

Penny shook her head, “I’m afraid it’s not that simple. We can’t just give her any body parts.”

“What are you saying?” asked Cookie.

Penny explained how Rarity’s injuries ran really deep, “Replacing her with simple body parts and tissue she had before won’t help her. She needs to have complete and totally different body parts put into her, replacing some of her old bits.”

Spike felt his stomach turn, “Are you saying she needs parts of a different creature?”

“That’s exactly what she means.” said Lightning “She already told me this, and that’s why I wanted you all here. We would never think of going ahead and doing without your consent.”

The family thought it over deeply, knowing that after this surgery, Rarity would look like a completely different creature-- a hybrid!

Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but think of what kinds of different creature parts her sister could have.

A gorilla’s arm for great strength…?

A set of wolf legs for great speed and springing…?

A set of bull horns to really sent her enemies slamming down hard and breaking walls…?

“What am I thinking?” she said to herself “This is serious stuff.”

“Are you sure there’s no other way, Doc?” asked Hondo.

“Not that I know of.” answered Penny “And if we don’t act soon, while we have the chance, it may be totally hopeless.”

Spike clenched his fists softly, and he decided, “I’m all for it, if it means Rarity will live again.”

“And fight too,” said Lightning “She’s a good soldier, and I don’t think the team could afford to lose her.”

The family agreed as well.

“But what kind of animal parts should she be given?” asked Krysta.

Spike immediately decided, “Dragon parts.”

Everyone then gawked at him, but not with too much surprise. “Dragons are strong.” Spike explained “This way Rarity will be able to retain her strength, and she’ll be able to understand what it’s like to be a dragon.”

He looked over at his daughter, whom was already a dragony “Plus, then Twilight won’t feel so different having parents of totally different species.

But it’s just an idea. If you don’t agree, that’s fine.”

The family looked back and forth at one another and shrugged.

“I’m all for it.” said Hondo.

“Me too.” added Cookie.

“Me three.” said Sweetie.

Lightning was astounded by the way everyone just immediately agreed like that, but then again Rarity needed the surgery immediately.

“Oh, but… how can we afford this?” asked Cookie.

“It’s already been taken care of.” said Penny.

“What?” asked Hondo in surprise “Who has that kind of money to pay for it?”

Lightning smirked, “Grand Ruler Celesto heard of Rarity’s condition on Day One, and he was the first one I told regarding this idea, and he agreed and paid for the costs generously.

He also plans to be here and personally supervise the operation and provide the necessary parts.”

“Well, that was mighty nice of him.” said Cookie.

Spike felt touched and grateful towards his majesty.

“When can the operation start?” asked Sweetie.

“Almost immediately.” answered Krysta “We just have to inform his majesty and he agreed to be here with the parts.”

Penny tapped her hands on her desk, “Well then, I better get the O.R theater ready. This is going to be a procedure for the books.”

Later that day, Grand Ruler Celesto received the message from Krysta, and he personally ordered the body parts needed to be transferred to New Ponyville Hospital.

Like most moderate races, Starfleet always kept spare body-parts needed for surgeries. Some of these parts were given by donors; others were purchased from other planets, or surgically removed from the deceased.

Many dragon parts were shipped in coolers and teleported by the fairies.

Then his majesty bid his children good-bye, leaving them in Cadance’s care, as well as watch of the throne to the adults while Princess Luna was asleep.

“You be good, children, and you listen to Cousin Cadance, right?”

“Yes father.” replied the children as they hugged him warmly.

“Father?” asked Castor “When is mother coming home?”

“Yeah, I want to see mother again.” added Leilani.

Their father didn’t have the heart to tell them about their mother still being frozen in her prison sphere, which he kept hidden on his person. So he made a lie and told them that Celestia was attending a conference on another planet, and she had to leave to leave quickly and couldn’t say goodbye.

“Don’t worry,” he said lovingly, “Your mother will be home very soon, and I tell you what. We’ll all go out for a big family picnic when she does. Won’t that be nice?”

The children bounced with glee, while Cadance r feigned excited smiles, but she was keeping the secret of Celestia just that from the children.

“We’ll take good care of them, Uncle.” said Cadance.

His majesty nodded, “I will return immediately after … you-know-what.” he said it like that not wanting to alarm the children.

Then he was off.

Suddenly, the three ponies heard the sound of Flurry Heart crying from the playpen near the thrones.

Shining Armor, or rather Saber, tried to comfort his daughter, but she acted scared of him and back away, and wouldn’t let him touch her.

“Honey, please… it’s only Daddy.”

Flurry only cried louder.

“Oh, dear!” said Cadance “I think I should take her.”

She picked the baby up and rocked her softly. “It’s okay, honey. Don’t cry, it’s only Daddy over there.”

Poor Flurry didn’t look anywhere near her father, unable to recognize him in his insect forum.

Saber felt depressed. He still couldn’t get his mask off and resume his normal forum. Thanks to Daybreaker’s last attack, the mask was welded on so deeply, and because of the enchantment of the coverage, there were no lines or ends of the mask to pull on or target with magic, and the Healing of Love wouldn’t help either-- it wasn’t that kind of trouble.

And now, to have his baby be scared of him just broke his heart.

He sighed heavily as he sat on the steps to the throne. “No one’s ever going to take me seriously like this.

What if I never get my mask off?

What if I can never become a pony again?”

Cadance felt heartbroken for her husband, but she assured him, “We’re going to do everything we can for you, dear.”

“But what if we can’t? That’s all I’m saying. What would I do? Who would love me? Who would care enough to be seen with me?”

He was really starting to panic, but his wife assured him “You’re still my husband, and I still love you. Nothing will change that.”

He looked up at her, and then Castor and Leilani came over and hugged him on his sides.

“We know it’s you, Shining Armor.” said Castor.

“And we love you too.” said Leilani.

Saber felt tears coming to his eyes, and he hugged the children in all six of his arms.

Cadance moved close to join in with Flurry Heart, but the baby began to cry upon getting too close, until she moved away from him again.

Saber could only sigh miserably again.

Later on, Rarity was placed in the operating theater, Dr. Penny and her team were all washed up and dressed up in gowns masks and gloves, so was Grand Ruler.

“I can’t thank you enough for this, your majesty.” said Penny “Your payment for the procedure was already more than generous.”

His majesty nodded, “Rarity is one of my finest soldiers, and I’ve had experience in this, but thankful she won’t have to suffer as much as I did.”

He still remembered how when he changed his shape, and how he had to operate on himself, wide awake and feel every sting, twitch, and agonizing bit of pain that nearly did him in due to not having proper technologies or resources available to him.

He pulled himself together and cleared his throat, “Are you ready, Doctor?”

Penny nodded, and the operation began.

The first thing that was done was unraveling Rarity’s bandages, exposing the horrifying mess underneath.

Med Students watching above in the theater seats were grossed out at the sight of it. Some felt faint in their seats rather than taking notes.

“Oh, Rarity…!” Spike sighed softly.

Lightning and Starla felt just as worried as he did, and a little freaked out seeing Rarity go under the knife like that.

The rest of Rarity’s family was not present, as they were still helping at the house, and giving Spike a much needed break.

“It’s a good thing Sweetie Belle’s not here to see this. She’d never be able to stomach this.” said Starla.

Lightning sighed “I’m more worried about Pinkie Pie. She hasn’t been herself since the factory collapse.”

“I can’t blame her,” said Krysta “She really feels like it’s her fault that Rarity got hurt.”

“But it isn’t.” said Lightning “Pinkie was following protocol to help someone, even if it is the enemy, and Rarity went back to help her out of a bind.”

He looked pretty droopy himself, “I actually blame myself more. I should’ve made sure everyone got out before leaving.”

Starla placed her hand on his back, “Blaming yourself won’t change things now. Besides, Rarity’s getting the treatment, and soon she’ll be back on her feet again.”

Lightning still didn’t feel any better, but he couldn’t help but wonder how Pinkie was getting on.

Pinkie was way down in the dumps. So down, that her once curly and puffed-up mane, was now hanging down flat-- the way it did whenever she was extremely depressed.

Of course, being overly depressed was no excuse to skip her patrol beat. Starfleet still had to go on after all.

She was grateful that Rarity was getting surgery and would most-likely be up soon, but she still felt upset for putting her in the hospital in the first place.

Even so, that wasn’t the only thing depressing her…!

She thought back to how Dearka voiced loud and clear.

“…I HATE YOU!!!” and coupled with the fact that he was willing to destroy her without any qualms, or considering her confession liking him.

Pinkie just sadly walked on her beat, instead of flying, and barely paying attention to where she was going, and walked straight into the road with a red light flashing, and a large hover wagon was coming by.

“WHOA!!” the driver screamed, making Pinkie snap to her senses, and she screamed, and leapt up high into the air letting the wagon miss her.

“LOOK WHERE YOU’RE GOING!!” shouted the driver.

Pinkie could only sigh miserably, but at least she was up in the air now.

“Hey, Pinkie…!” Applejack as she and Buddy came rushing in on their own beats, helping to cover Rarity’s shifts.

“We saw you nearly get hit by that wagon.” said Buddy.

“You alright?” asked Applejack.

“Yeah, I am.” Pinkie said in a low tone as she just hovered softly in one place.

The others could tell otherwise.

“It’ll be okay.” said Buddy “You know Rarity’s going to be better soon.”

Pinkie nodded sadly, and Applejack could see what was really bugging her more.

She was about to give her a serious talking about Dearka, when suddenly, she looked up and could see, “Daybreaker!!” flying straight over the village, and the temperature immediately began to rise with her fiery presence.

Since she was a version of Celestia, she also had the power to use a Royal Voice, and she announced all across the village.

“Now hear this!

Now hear this!!”

Even those in the operating theater could hear.

“What’s that?” asked Penny.

Grand Ruler cringed angrily, “…Daybreaker!”

Lightning and the others could hear her too.

“Hear me now, Grand Ruler, I know you’re here somewhere, and I know you have Celestia on you. I can sense her spiritual presence!”

Many other ponies who heard the message wondered what she was talking about-- unaware of the situation in New Canterlot, it was being kept a well-guarded secret from the world to avoid panic and misunderstanding.

“What’s she talking about?”

“Queen Celestia isn’t here.”

Grand Ruler began to feel nervous but frustrated as well.

“Are you able to continue the surgery?” he asked, to which Penny nodded.

“Good, you’ll have to excuse me. For now I’ll place you all inside a protective barrier.”

He excused himself from the operation and just as promised, shrouded the area in a special barrier which would protect the team from any increase in temperature, or prevent shaking if any were about to ensue.

Grand Ruler then looked up at Lightning and the others, signalling them to come with him.

Lightning saluted, and he and the others rushed for the exit, but Spike stopped a moment and looked back down as Penny and her team kept working on his wife.

“Come on, Spike!” called Krysta.

Daybreaker then used her malicious powers to show fiery images of what happened before, how Grand Ruler shot Queen Celestia, imprisoning her in sphere.

“You see what your so-called “Grand Ruler” did; capturing your queen-- his own wife-- wanting her out of the way so she couldn’t interfere anymore!”

While the scenes did seem incriminating, the people didn’t believe it for a second! They knew their Grand Ruler would never do such a thing, especially not without reason.

Buddy, Applejack and Pinkie had seen enough, and nodded at one another, ready to transform.

“Starfleet Magic”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

“Enough of your lies!” shouted Buddy “His majesty did what he did for good reason, and you know it!”

“He was trying to stop the queen from really hurting herself just to stop you!” added Pinkie.

The citizens could hear their shouts, and agreed with them, and they also felt concerned that their queen tried to destroy herself, in an obvious moment of insanity.

Applejack looked down at the people and shouted, “What are you all just standing here for? Get on out of here!”

The people snapped back to their senses, and Krysta’s fairies soldiers all appeared and teleported them all inside their homes, and the barriers were engaged, keeping the temperature controlled, as well as controlling damage.

“You!!” called Grand Ruler as he and the others arrived on the scene. Lightning and the others were already transformed.

“There you are!” hissed Daybreaker “You know what I want, now hand over Celestia!”

“Never!” thundered Grand Ruler.

“What do you even want the queen for?” asked Lightning.

Daybreaker only snickered, “If you won’t hand her over, I’ll force you to!” and she flared up ready for battle!

“Whoa!” cried Spike “How did she get that much flare in her?”

Grand Ruler didn’t seem to care how, and powered up his own glowing aura as well. “If she tries to move the sun, I’ll be ready.”

Lightning agreed, “We’ll protect you as best we can.” then he looked over at Daybreaker thinking, “With Celestia frozen, we won’t hurt her if we fight, but we still can’t destroy her.”

“BURNING STRIKE”

Daybreaker sent a flaming X at everyone forcing them to scatter.

Grand Ruler then rushed forth to attack Daybreaker, aiming a powerful punch at her, but she zipped away and attempted to attack him from behind, but he zipped off too for another attempt to strike her.

Back and forth, back and forth, the two kept zipping out of the way when the other attempted to strike.

“They’re barely landing a blow on one another.” said Krysta

“We can use this.” said Starla “Spread out, and determine where they’ll reappear next.”

Lightning and the others agreed, “SUPER MODE, ACTIVATE” donning their strong armor

and scattered about, though Pinkie seemed to be wobbling a bit as she got into position, which worried the others.

Grand Ruler and Daybreaker kept popping in and out all over, and the fighters kept rolling their eyes around looking for a possible point, and detecting the speed motions with their visors.

Finally, Lightning spotted an opening.

“Starla…!!” he shouted, and then rushed upward, just as the two fighters reappeared again.

POW!! He socked Daybreaker clean in the cheek, and sent her sailing towards Starla!

Starla kicked the evil creature hard in the side, sending her towards Spike, who gave her a tail swatting towards Buddy and Applejack.

“Heads up, Pinkie!” hollered Applejack, and she and Buddy double punched Daybreaker towards her.

Pinkie thrust her fists forth… missing her target by a wide curve, and Daybreaker finally got her momentum, and rushed back, holding Pinkie in neck-lock.

“Pinkie!” shouted Lightning.

Daybreaker snickered and increased her flames and heat, making Pinkie start to sizzle.

Pinkie tried to fight her way out, but it was no good. She was still affected by her emotional trauma and it slowed her up.

“Let he go!” demanded Grand Ruler

“Give me Celestia, or your friend suffers more!” demanded Daybreaker.

“Ha!” scoffed Buddy “If we did that you’d make her suffer anyway. We know villains like you.”

“Come on, Pinkie! Fight!” called Applejack. “You can break out of there!”

Pinkie could barely move, and the heat was starting to overwhelm her. Even her suit couldn’t keep her cool against the heat!

“Alright!” shouted Grand Ruler “I’ll give you Celestia!”

“WHAT?!” the others shouted.

“Master, you can’t!” protested Lightning, but his majesty already held up the sphere containing Celestia inside and tossed it towards Daybreaker.

Daybreaker dropped Pinkie to catch the orb.

Krysta fluttered in and warped the motionless Pinkie to a safer distance away from the heat.

“Is she alright?” asked Starla.

“She’s fine, she’s just overcome.”

Applejack rushed over to help Pinkie while Daybreaker laughed wickedly, “That’s the least of your troubles! I have what I want now, and I--” she stopped in mid-sentence, sensing something usual about the orb.

Grand Ruler smirked, “What’s the matter, Daybreaker?”

The others all suddenly caught on to his little deception.

Daybreaker smashed the orb angrily on the ground shattering it and the figure inside to pieces-- it was a fake, coated with a magical essence to seem like it was Celestia.

“You didn’t think I’d make it that easy, did you?” sneered Grand Ruler.

Infuriated, Daybreaker flared up and prepared to bring the sun closer again, but Grand Ruler was already one step ahead other as promised and began to hold it back.

“Let’s get her while she’s distracted!” shouted Lightning.

“Yeah!!” agreed Starla.

“RIGHT!!” hollered the others.

Daybreaker tried to defend herself, cloaking herself in her fiery mane, and unleashing fire attacks, but her energy seemed to drain only faster-- basking in the sunlight was just not enough for her to keep strong and fit.

WHAM!! Lightning punched her hard.

BOOM!! Starla gave her a huge kick.

Spike rushed in with his sword, striking her hard over and over, and Buddy followed up with another kick to her chest.

“YEE-HAW!! That’s showing her!” cheered Applejack.

Daybreaker, knowing she was licked again decided to make her escape. “This isn’t over!” she threatened “I will gain my power back, better than ever, and when I do, the next time we meet will be our last!!”

Then she was gone in a fiery flare and the temperature slowly crawled back to normal.

The barriers were disengaged, and the citizens all came out cheering the team for driving Daybreaker away, but the team was non-too optimistic, knowing she would return.

Still, they took a polite bow to acknowledge the crowds, and then Grand Ruler teleported them all somewhere private.

Pinkie began to awaken from her little pass out.

“What… what happened?” she groaned. Then she snapped upright, “Daybreaker…!”

“Easy, easy, sugar-cube,” said Applejack “She’s gone… for now. His majesty saved you with a little trick.”

Grand Ruler then held out the real orb containing Celestia, still frozen, inside. “I knew it would only be a matter of time before Daybreaker would decide to merge with her again.”

“Merge?” asked Lightning “You think that’s what she wants the queen for?”

His majesty nodded, “When you’ve faced as many evils for as many centuries as I have, some of their plans are as open as a book.

Ever since Daybreaker appeared after the separation, I noticed how she seems to lack all of Celestia’s powers. She may be able to move the sun and harness power from it, but she isn’t able to do everything.”

Starla clenched her fists, “So that’s why Daybreaker wants to merge with Celestia. Only this time, she’ll be in control, and Celestia will be trapped inside her subconscious.”

“That means she’ll have more power than ever,” added Spike “And she’ll still be connected to Celestia, so we wouldn’t be able to destroy her!”

“Ugh!!” groaned Buddy “Is there any way at all to be rid of this nightmare?!”

“We’ll contemplate that later.” said Grand Ruler, and he cast a grim look at Pinkie Pie. “I’m sorry to do this, but until you can get over your emotional trauma’s I can’t have you entering battle, endangering yourself and the team.”

“I second that,” Lightning said with regret “Colonel Pinkie Pie, I hereby relieve you of duties until further notice.”

Pinkie looked extremely regretful, but she accepted, and as result, Grand Ruler disabled her energizer so she couldn’t transform.

“Sorry, Pinkie,” said Starla “But you know the rules and regulations.”

“It’s okay Starla. I know.” Pinkie said sadly.

The others all sighed.

Then suddenly, Spike remembered, “…Rarity!”

Everyone’s heads snapped up.

“Quick, back to the hospital!” said Grand Ruler.

Krysta teleported everyone back in a heartbeat.

The operation was still going on, but thankfully because of the barrier, nothing serious had occurred, and his majesty got rescrubbed and smocked up to continue supervising.

It wasn’t until long by nightfall that Dr. Penny and Grand Ruler came to the others, whom had fallen asleep in theater.

Spike looked up with extreme anxiety.

“It was a success. She’ll live.” said Penny.

Everyone sighed in complete and total relief, especially, Pinkie. So at least that much was off her chest.

“So, does this mean…?” Krysta asked. “Is Rarity a…?”

His majesty nodded, “She is indeed a Dragony-- Part Dragon, Part Pony.”

“Can I see her now?” asked Spike.

Penny held up her hand shaking her head, “She’s just had a serious transplant, and she’s in the recovery ward now, but the worst is over. All that’s left is for her to wake up.”

“Oh, golly…” said Applejack “She’s in for one nasty shock when she comes to.”

Spike dreaded that, knowing how Rarity would most likely react when she awoke, and wanted nothing more than to be there for his wife so she could accept her new look.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Rarity awakens to the shock of her new appearance which causes her to panic and isolate herself, complicating things more than ever. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie and Apple Spice actually spend time together and begin to show a small bonding, which leads Dearka and Scarlet to a set of new targets at a carnival ride!

Can Rarity come to terms with her new looks, and how will Starfleet fair against The Devil’s new plot.

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

(Next Episode: “Deep within the Deep”)

Author's Note

Why do I not call Rarity a Kirin? It's simple SHE'S NOT A KIRIN!

A Kirin is a misxture of several beasts

-Deer
-Lion
-Horse
-Dragon/Fish

Rarity is only a Pony and Dragon, that is not enough. She's not a Kirin, she's a Dragony.

I have spoken!

Episode 13: Deep within the Deep

EPISODE THIRTEEN

It had been a week since Rarity’s operation, and she was slowly starting to open her eyes and her vision slowly became clear.

“Oh…! Where am I?” she groaned “Why does my head hurt so much, and my joints?”

She slowly sat upright and realized she was in a hospital bed, and she felt very warm inside, especially in her stomach.

“Oh, my!” she groaned “What have I eaten?”

As she rubbed her stomach with her hands she couldn’t help but feel how different her fingers felt-- tipped and sharper, and not after just having a manicure.

Then she looked down and saw why.

“What?!” she snapped as she looked down at her hands, and how her fingers were indeed more tipped and sharp, like claws.

Then she rolled up the sleeves of her hospital gown and looked up her arms, which were now partly smooth like her skin was before, but also part rough like scales-- silver, purple, and cornflower blue colored scales.

She gasped hard and fell out of bed, and as she tried to stand up, her feet felt different, and they looked different too-- still humanoid, but a little larger and with curved tips, just like her fingers.

“What’s happening?!” she cried, and then she could see her reflection in the solid polished sidings of her bed.

Her mouth hung wide open at what she saw…

She sort of looked like herself, but her face-- her ears were more curved and sharp pointed! Her muzzle was slightly turned up at the end. She had the same rough scales on the sides of her face.

Her mane was a bit longer now and more proofed out, a bit like Starla’s.

Her unicorn horn was still there, but behind it were tiny corn flower blue spines that ran all down the back of her head, across the back of her neck stopped at her collar bones.

Her wings, they were half-and-half-- still feathery like a Pegasus, but the edges were all solid and scaly, like a dragon!

Still had her pony tail, all hairy and bushy, but she could feel right inside, hidden within the long hairs, was a tiny sharp and stubby dragon-like tail,

Rarity gasped and let out such a mortified scream that it echoed all through the hospital!

Penny took that as the signal, and dashed down the hallways to Rarity’s room where she found her hiding under her bed covers.

“Rarity…?”

“Oh! Oh, Doctor! You’ve got to help me!!” wailed Rarity “I must be ill! I’m seeing things! I feel so strange, and I… I… I can’t seem to remember much of what’s happened to me and… and…”

Penny did her best to calm her and explained everything as slowly as she could, about the factory, the collapse.

“You did WHAT?!” cried Rarity.

“It was all we could do,” answered Penny “We put parts of dragon in you. You’re now a half pony, half dragon hybrid-- a Dragony.”

Rarity shook her head, trembling frightfully, “N-N-N-No! No, it can’t be!! IT CAN’T BE!!”

Realizing Rarity was overly emotional and not about to calm down, Penny used her magic to put up magic walls of silence around the room to quell the noise.

“Rarity, I’m sorry. I know this may be shocking to you, but it was the only way.”

Penny pulled down a tarp over a large mirror that she had stowed inside the room, as she felt it would be needed, and put Rarity in front of it.

“…This is You now. You’re a dragony.”

Rarity looked in horrors at her reflection, shaking her head! “No…! No…!!”

In her panic, smoke began to fly through her nostrils, and she let out a sneeze, breathing fire onto the mirror, which hammered the sad truth in all the way.

She fell to her knees and began to weep loudly and miserably.

Penny could only sigh pitifully for her.

Naturally, she informed the others, and they were not the least bit surprised regarding Rarity’s behaviour.

“She’s in a complete and total state of shock, absolutely hysterical.” said Penny “She couldn’t help herself even if she wanted to.

For now, I’ve placed her in a special room, so she can’t accidently roast things to ashes, but I’m afraid I can’t release in the state she’s in.”

This disturbed Spike immensely. “I was hoping to have my wife back.”

Starla placed her hand on his shoulder, “She is back, Spike. She just needs time to adjust; this is humongous change for her… for all of us.”

“She’s right.” agreed Lightning “I’m going to have to temporarily reassign all of Rarity’s duties until she finds her strength to get on up again.”

He then looked a bit frustrated, “That means two of my soldiers are now out-of-action. We can’t afford any more of this.”

Spike then asked if he could see Rarity.

“Of course, I think she could benefit from you especially, Spike.”

She led the way down the hall to the specially-fitted room, Lightning and Starla followed.

Rarity’s room had no viewing window, and inside it was dark with all the curtains pulled tight, and the lights were all out with Rarity hiding under the bed covers-- which were flameproof, just like everything else in the room.

Only Spike went inside…

“Rarity…?” he spoke softly. “Rarity, its Spike.”

His wife stirred under the covers, “Please…” she spoke in a dry and miserable voice “…Just leave me in peace.”

Spike already could see this wasn’t going to be easy.

“Come on, honey. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Please come out!”

“NO!!” snapped Rarity “I’ll never come out! I’ll never let anyone see me-- a… a… FREAK!! A MONSTE-HER-HE-HER…!!”

She began to sob miserably again, and she let out another sneeze, blowing a small blaze out through the sheets and at Spike.

He took the hit as if it were nothing, and knew she didn’t mean to hit him, as she voiced, “I’m so sorry…” but then she practically demanded he leave her in her misery.

Dejected, Spike left her room.

Penny felt it would happen.

“Try not to let it get to you, Spike.” she told him “You need to keep trying. Help her see how much she’s loved and needed, and give her a reason to venture out again.”

Lightning and Starla agreed, and offered to help in any way that they could.

Spike gave a weak smile, but could only look back at the shut door to his wife’s room.

Ever since the last invasion in United Equestria, Von Devilor had been most pleased with the vast amounts of energy Dearka managed to harness.

The aura flowed through his massive tentacles, and the blue around him flared.

“Wonderful!” he complimented “Such power, such hate, I can feel it flowing and spreading.

You served me well in the last plot, Dearka.”

Dearka bowed, “My life is but to serve you, my lord.”

Scarlet acted all pouty as usual, and her nerves peaked when Dearka gazed at her out of the corner of his eye in a taunting manner.

“We have come a long way in our conquest.” hissed Von Devilor “But we are still far from reaching our ultimate goal. We must conquer United Equestria, for only there will we have the ultimate resource to leave this forsaken realm, and take back the worlds that were taken from us.”

“Of course, my king.” agreed Dearka “We still have no clue as to where The Healing of Love is distributed to our enemies, but rest assured we will find it.

In the meantime, I have a new scheme to hatch to garner more power for us.”

He summed forth dark waves to reveal images of New Pinkie Parks: an amusement park that stood on the outskirts of New Ponyville.

Dearka explained “Many families and couples seem to flock in a place such as this… especially here on this simulation.” he showed images of a Tunnel of Love ride.

“Ugh!” groaned Scarlet as she gazed at all the lovey couples boarding the boats and enjoying the inner tunnel scenery, which inflamed their romantic feelings for one-another.

“Please, make it stop, or I’ll gag!”

Dearka only snickered, “My newest creature, the Aquanizer, will infect the waters of the ride, causing anyone who dares to enter to succumb to the effects as well.”

Von Devlior pondered, and he liked the idea, “Proceed, Dearka.”

Dearka bowed to him, and then passed by Scarlet, giving her a taunting expression.

“That will be all, Scarlet.” said Von Devilor, and he faded into the darkness.

Scarlet left to angrily train in the lonely area.

“It’s not fair!” she growled in thought “I work just as well, and yet Dearka gets all the glory, all the praise because of a simple success and makes me look incompetent!”

She angrily kicked a boulder, shattering it to pieces, but she didn’t feel much better.

“If only our enemies knew of Dearka’s secret--” she stopped, and her lips curled into an evil grin. “Yes… his secret.

If our enemies knew about it, it just may be the key to being rid of that show-off for good!”

Meanwhile, Pinkie was still a little down in the chops herself as she sat in her room on her bed, stroking Gummy’s little back. Her mane was still all flat down and loose, and she was wearing casual clothes rather than her uniform.

She had been suspended from duty a whole week, and she hadn’t gone on a single patrol round, and worse than that she found it hard to work in the bakery downstairs; because of her low feelings it was hard for her to concentrate. She kept messing up ingredients, or neglecting to watch the ovens, or accidently kept exiting through the fire escape, which set off the sprinklers and ruined exposed dishes.

She decided to stay out of the way before she ruined something else.

Over by the window in a vase on a table, were wilted flowers, the very kind she thought Dearka had given her-- still not knowing who really sent them.

She didn’t have the heart to throw them out, despite their wilted state.

She softly began to sing a soft song, reflecting on all the bad things happening to her…

How has it come to this?
Why is all of this happening to me?

I try, and try to make things turn out right,
But it’s all wrong as it can be.

When will the nightmare end?
What will happen to me and my friends?
Is my life just a great big flop?
I’m sad and hurt and I don’t know… how to make it stop.

She paused and looked at the flowers…

Just give me a sign of hope out there,
Show someone who will care.

…And save from these feelings so unfair.

She could only sigh, and hug Gummy tightly, much to his discomfort.

There was a knock at her bedroom door. “Pinkie…” called Carrot Cake “Can I come in?”

“Sure…” sighed Pinkie.

Carrot Cake and Cupcake entered.

“Pinkie,” said Cupcake “We’ve decided to head out today and spend time with the children. So we’re going to New Pinkie Parks.”

Normally, Pinkie would seem all leaping and excited about such things, but she only shrugged softly.

“Pinkie,” said Carrot “I think you should come with us too. You need to get out there and cheer up a bit.”

Pinkie sighed, “Yeah, you’re right. It’s not like I have any duties to perform myself.”

She left some food for Gummy in his dish and walked sadly out the door, much to the Cakes’ concern. They just hoped she’d feel a little better soon.

On their way out, there was another bouquet of fresh flowers sitting on the stoop.

“Where did these come from?” wondered Cupcake.

Her husband checked the card on the flowers, “It’s for you, Pinkie.”

Pinkie blinked once, and read the card:

“Sorry you’re feeling sad and gloomy, I hope these cheer you up.

--Your Secret Admirer.

P.S. I’m not Dearka. You’re too good for him.”

Pumpkin Cake swooned, “Aw… that is so sweet.”

But her brother, Pound Cake, being a young boy, only gagged, “Yuck.”

“Now, now, kids. Be nice.” said their father.

Pinkie still hardly seemed to have budged a bit, even though the flowers were more beautiful than the other ones.

She still couldn’t help but wonder who sent them to her if not Dearka.

Soon, the family arrived at New Pinkie Parks, and the amusement was as bustling and as beautiful as ever, with rides, games, food-stands, and side-show attractions, such as a wild Minotaur tamer.

The kids were so excited and pulled on their parents trying to lead them to different places first.

“Settle down, you two.” said their mother “Remember, you’re not very tall yet, you can’t do absolutely everything unless your father and I are with you.”

The kids calmed down and smiled like little angels, but Pinkie still didn’t seem too enthusiastic as she usually would.

“Look, I don’t want to be too much of a sour-puss. Would it be alright if I just go by myself for a while?”

“Well, okay, Pinkie.” said Carrot.

Dearka stood high up in a tree near the Tunnel of Love ride, and as he watched the happy, loving couples boarding the cute swan boats to take their ride, he used the distraction to set his plot in motion.

Clutched in his hands was a tiny pulse of dark aura, which was in fact his monster. He wanted it be tiny so that, once in the water, it would absorb energy from the riders and be able to gain power.

“Take a dip.” he hissed as he sent the little minnow towards the river, and it gave a tiny plop, but went unnoticed by all.

The tiny fish immediately swam along the water, heading deep into the tunnel, and once inside it began to infect the waters as promised, which caught onto the boats passing by, and the riders began to feel strange.

As they got off, they all felt a little woozy, but didn’t think it was that serious-- dismissing it as mere motion-sickness from the water ride

Dearka could only snicker at them.

Pinkie was walking along with an ice-cream in her hands; just what she needed for depression, but then she gave it one false lick and the cream fell over, staining her shirt and plopping down on her shoe.

“Ugh!!” she groaned.

She threw out her cone, and went to the nearest food-stand.

“Could I have some napkins please?”

“Sure you can,” said the vendor, who turned out to be Apple Spice, and he gasped when he realized it was Pinkie, and he dropped the clean napkins on the dirty ground. “Pinkie Pie… I-- Uh… let me get you more napkins.”

He zipped back with a whole load of them in no time, so practically no one else could have any, but there were more under the stand.

“What are you doing here?” asked Pinkie “Shouldn’t you be with Applejack?”

Spice explained that Applejack was busier than ever, “With you and Colonel Rarity out-of-action, patrols and duty rounds have been shifted, and Applejack’s been covering some of them.

I’ve never seen her work so hard.”

The grills began to sizzle, prompting him to rush over and tend to his foods.

“Then shouldn’t you be at the farm?” asked Pinkie.

Spice sighed, “I’m not cut out for the farm life.”

He explained that ever since he moved in with the Apples he had tried his best to fit in with the family, but doing farm work just wasn’t his thing.

He tried to pitch the hay loafs up high in the rafters of the barn, only to miss, and miss until the straps broke loose and the hay spilled all over.

He couldn’t milk the cows very well. They kept moving away, or he’d end up squirting milk everywhere but in the pail.

He couldn’t herd sheep-- they always went in the opposite direction, anywhere but in the pen.

He was no good at planting, or hauling apples, but at least he was good at feeding the hogs… and making a mess of himself while at it.

Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle softly at the funny thoughts, but held herself back not wishing to upset him.

Spice sighed, “If I marry Applejack I’m going to have to be stuck with that all my life, and now her folks are actually planning for our wedding day.”

Normally, Pinkie would leap at such a romantic though, and an event such as a wedding, but she could see Spice was upset about all this contract stuff.

“Well, maybe you could do other things.” she suggested.

Spice looked down at the grill as he turned the food over, “Well, all I’m really good at is cooking. It’s all I ever perused. That’s why I’m here today. I came to this park for some space to myself, and the cook of this stand called in ill, so I volunteered to cook and serve.”

Pinkie sniffed the great food, it smelled really good, and he was even baking sweets, and pretzels, like he was managing an entire restaurant like his parents used to.

Pinkie couldn’t resist and tried a piece of everything-- paying for it of course-- and the flavors were just delectable. Exactly what all the other customers thought, making the stand huge success, and Spice kept cooking and cooking until he was out of supplies, meaning the stand had to close for the day, which disappointed those who didn’t get a chance to try the food.

“That was amazing.” said Pinkie “You could really be a great chef someday.”

Spice felt flattered, “You think?”

Pinkie nodded, almost cheerfully. She was starting to seem a little better, but her mane was still down.

Even still, he was lost in her big sky blue eyes, it made him feel all warm inside, and he nearly lost himself.

He quickly turned away.

“What’s wrong?” asked Pinkie.

“Uh… nothing… really…”

He felt really embarrassed as he thought, “How long did I plan on staring at her like that?! I’m such an idiot!”

“Hey, Spice…?”

“Yes…” he practically squeaked.

“I know you have nothing better to do right now, so how about checking out the park with me?”

Spice felt like he was going to faint, “Um… sure… I’d love to.”

Pinkie seemed more and more like her usual self, and her mane was starting to stiffen back up a bit.

“Come on, let’s go.” She chuckled as she took his hand and they headed off, much to his delight and timidity. “I can’t believe this!” he stammered in thought “Me and Pinkie Pie together, in the amusement park. It’s almost like… we’re on a date!

I wonder… does she know about those flowers I left for her this morning? At least it seems to be cheering her up.”

The two went through the park, and went on loads of rides, including the roller coaster which Pinkie screamed for joy, while Spice could only close his eyes and wail, but being beside her made it all the worth it.

They did the bumper cars, in which Pinkie bumped Spice clear into the wall, and she cheered for joy.

They even did the Apple-go-Round ride, and Pinkie got a little carried away, spinning it far too fast which made them both a little sick.

They went into a funhouse where they played with the wacky mirrors.

Then came the ferries wheel, and they stopped at the top and could all around for miles.

That’s when Pinkie’s mane fully puffed up again as she felt better again, recapturing her giddiness.

Spice though she looked ever so pretty in the midday sunlight, and he never remembered having so much fun like this either. It made him feel more attracted to Pinkie than ever.

He even began to have a warm and fuzzy dream where she held his hand, and they looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

Their faces began to move closer and closer…

…Until he was snapped out of his trance by the ride operator calling to him. “Ride’s over, kid.”

“Oh. Sorry…” he said sheepishly.

Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle and ask “What were you thinking about?”

“Um… well… uh… actually?” poor Spice needed to come up with a distraction and fast.

“I was thinking of… that!” and in an extreme act of panic, he found he was pointing at the Tunnel of Love ride.

He suddenly felt worse than ever, like he was about to scream in fright for making such a move.

“Let’s go on it.” said Pinkie.

“Um… okay…” he peeped with a squeak.

Soon, he and Pinkie were seated in one of the cute swan boats, like some of the other romantic couples.

“Have fun, you two lovebirds.” the operator teased.

Spice gulped hard.

Pinkie giggled, “Oh, we’re not a couple.”

“Sure, that’s what they all say.” said the operator “Just try not to get seasick. Everyone seems to be getting off the ride feeling a little woozy.”

Suddenly the boat slowly began to drift down the river and into the tunnel.

“Ooh… here we go.” squealed Pinkie.

“Yeah, here we go!” murmured Spice.

Soft and gentle music began to play accompanied by the sound of birds tweeting.

Soft faded lights of pink and white flowed in waves along the ways, as hearts glowed like magic, followed by soft pictures of clouds and sparkles.

Pinkie was enamoured by all the glowing loveliness, as was Spice, the way she looked so lovely in all the lights and sparkles, and her eyes, her smile.

At this one moment, Spice realized he was head-over-heels in love, but the fact that he was promised to Applejack by law caught up with him again and he began to feel upset.

Come to think of it, he was starting to feel strange, woozy-- just like the operator warned them about.

Pinkie looked down over the side to see the lights reflecting on the water, but suddenly she spotted something unusual-- what looked like two red glowing eyes coming from the shallow bottom.

“What’s that?” she wondered

The eyes faded away almost instantly.

“Please, don’t rock the boat so much.” groaned Spice.

Pinkie looked up and saw he was looking a little pale, but thankfully the ride was over as the passed out of the tunnel and out in the sunlight again.

The operator helped them out of the boat and was baffled. “Everyone seems to be getting tipsy on this ride.” He then noticed Pinkie seemed just fine, “…Except for you.”

Pinkie didn’t feel the least bit tipsy or woozy at all, which raised further suspicions.

Suddenly, the sounds of screams erupted and folks began to run for their lives at the sight of infected ponies, all of which went on the ride.

“The Devils! I should’ve guessed!” growled Pinkie.

Then she gasped and realized, “Spice…!”

She turned round to look behind her, and Spice had gone pale and pulsating with dark aura from the infection.

The operator screamed and ran away.

Spice snarled at Pinkie and then swung to attack her, but she back-flipped three times away from him.

Spice continued to march towards her, as did the massive swarm, and Pinkie didn’t have her energizer so she couldn’t summon the Healing of Love to help them, nor could she transform.

Then it got even worse!

“Mommy…!”

“Daddy…!”

Pinkie knew those voices too well.

“Pound…! Pumpkin…!”

She saw them; their parents were surrounded by the infected victims.

“Kids, run! Save yourselves!” shouted Carrot Cake.

“Go now!” added Cupcake, and then she and her husband were attacked and infected.

The children were too scared and crying miserably, and the victims began to march towards them as well and would have caught them had Pinkie not swooped in and lifted them up to the entrance to the park where it was clear.

“But Mom and Dad…!” cried Pound.

“Listen to me, both of you,” said Pinkie “I want you both to find the nearest sentries, tell them what’s going on, and have them send for Commander Lightning.”

“Okay!” said Pumpkin, and she and her brother ran off.

Even though Pinkie was still suspended and not permitted to fight in battle, she wasn’t about to let the rest of the park become infected, and headed back inside, only to see half the guests at the park, infected, including Spice and the Cakes, all gathered together staring her down.

Dearka then dropped down at the head of the group.

“Isn’t this delightful.” he taunted “I have an entire swarm of helpers, and not a Starfleet fighter insight.”

“I am Starfleet!” Pinkie corrected him.

Dearka chuckled “All I see is a fool, like you were on our last encounter.”

Pinkie felt hurt, remembering of how he bluntly told her…

“…I would never give flowers to a worthless creature like you!!

…I HATE YOU!!!”

Pinkie’s head throbbed and her heart ached, and she snarled. “All I did was tell you my feelings, and I tried to save your life and show compassion-- things I now see that a heartless creature like YOU would never understand!!’”

Dearka’s features hardened as he thought silently, “I know more about it than you’ll ever know, but I wouldn’t expect a creature like you to understand my resentments!”

Instead he threw his arm up high and shouted… “…AQUANIZER!!”

The area around the Tunnel of Love began to tremble, and the setting burst wide open as the giant creature emerged.

That tiny little minnow Dearka had sent had now grown into a large monster, sticking its head out through the waters, with sharp spikey scales, large teeth, and a massive roar.

Pinkie gaged at the sight of the slimy creature, but she knew that at this stage, despite her orders not to, she couldn’t sit by and wait for reinforcements.

“Valkyria!” she transformed into the Valkyrie of Laughter, the one special power she still had.

She gripped her sword tightly, and held up her shield, “Let’s party!”

Dearka extended his claws and called to his army. “…Attack!”

The army of victims began to charge at her, but she just flew up in the air were most of them couldn’t get to her, but that didn’t disclose the pegasi and their ability to fly up after her.

Dearka then signaled to his monster to aid the forces.

Aquanizer began to launch its spiky scales like missiles, which Pinkie dodged and blocked with her shield, and she dodged all the pegasi as they charged at her.

“Oh, this too good.” hissed Dearka, and he fired his thunderbolts at Pinkie, hitting her hard and causing her to lose height. Still, she managed to keep herself steady, but she knew she was horribly outmatched.

With the victims still marching about to infect more civilians, and between the ones still chasing her, Dearka, and the monster, she knew she needed backup and fast.

…And right on que, Lightning and Starla came soaring in with Spike and a load of sentries to balance things out.

All at once, the sentries began to hold back the infected civilians while defending the fine ones and escorting them to safety.

“You okay, Pinkie?” Lightning called.

“Just glad you made it.” she hollered at him.

Dearka was most annoyed, “Think I’m intimidated.”

“You should be!” sneered Starla.

“Easy!” said Spike “Remember, the more anger we show, the stronger he gets.”

“Right, we’ll split up.” said Lightning “I’ll go make short work of the monster; you guys help heal those civilians, and hold Dearka back.”

The others agreed, and Lightning called over to Pinkie “You’re with me!”

Pinkie was astounded at first, “Does this mean…?”

“We’ll talk about it later! Come on!!”

“Yes sir!”

Starla lunged at Dearka, but he dodged her, and struck her hard with his claws making sparks fly.

“That does it!” growled Starla.

“PULSAR LASER” She fired a huge blast from her horn, forcing Dearka to dodge, which gave her the opening to rush in and punch him hard in the face and sent him skidding along the ground and smashing hard into a lamppost.

Dearka bolted upright with an angry roar, flaring up with hateful aura.

“Aquanizer…!” he called “Bring me more energy!”

The monster complied. With its eyes glowing red, it summoned forth a small wave of water from the boat ride and spread it across the battlefield.

“No!!” shouted Lightning… and he soared swiftly across, conjuring a wall of Uniforce as a dam, blocking the cursed waters.

Dearka was outraged, and Starla tackled him hard and rammed numerous punches into his face. “It’s bad enough you attack an amusement park,” she scolded “You dare infect the Tunnel of Love?! You Devils make me sick!”

Dearka managed to get his arms free, grabbing her arms, and shocking her with his thunder-bolts, knocking her away.

“You light-dwellers,” Dearka growled as he stood “You and your love and hope make ME sick! I’ll see you all ashes before long!!”

He raised his claws up high to instead absorb energy from the infected civilians to increased his strength, forcing Starla to fire beams of light form her horn to stall him as he didn’t like light.

“Spike, cleanse them!” Starla shouted.

The civilians all marched forth and Spike drew in a huge breath, “DRAGON FLAME” and he unleashed a fiery waved to make everyone back away from the brightness.

Spike then got out his sword, “This is for you, Rarity! I hope you can feel my strength!” he said softly, and he empowered it with the Healing of Love and with a mighty swing he flung the waves at the civilians, healing them.

Dearka still felt he had gained enough power. “I will destroy you all!!”

He unleashed a strong wave of Lightning that hit all the fighters and nearly struck the civilians.

Starla charged up her bright aura and rushed forth, brawling with him hard.

The Aquanizer gave out a roar and starting firing more of its spikes at everyone, and splashing more infected waters about.

Pinkie looked at the river spouting from the tunnel exit, and she suddenly had an idea.

“Lightning, keep him distracted for me.”

Lightning didn’t have time to ask and merely trusted her, and he called up to the monster. “Hey, Fish Face, over here!” and he fired a few pulses at the monster, striking it hard but hardly damaging it.

The angry creature launched more spikes and water splashes at him forcing him to swerve and dodge about, and fire more blasts.

With the monster distracted, Pinkie stood at the edge of the river and held her sword up high.

“Powers of Harmony, lend me your strength!”

Her blade began to glow brightly, and she pointed it straight at the water.

POW!! She fired a powerful light blast, which swept along the water like conducting electricity, flowing all way along into the tunnel. It reached the monster, blasting it hard and weakening it severely in the light.

Lightning was astounded, “Well done, Pinkie!”

Pinkie winked at him, and then Lightning powered up as he faced the weakened creature. “It’s Fish Fry time…!!

…UNIFORCE”

With that one blast, the creature melted away into the waters as all the evil aura gathered up into a ball in the sky, and burst into nothing.

Outraged but outnumbered, “I’ll get you for this, Starfleet!” Dearka bellowed, and he vanished quickly.

Starla huffed angrily, but she was relieved that all the evil was gone.

Suddenly, she noticed down by her feet, “Hey, what’s this?”

She picked up was appeared to be a small, broken locket made of gold, with an odd symbol on the lid-- a letter V twisted in the middle, with two stars on either side-- and inside was a charred and faded picture of some creature.

Her visor sensed small bits of dark aura around it, which immediately told her “This is Dearka’s!” and she figured it had been knocked loose during the fight.

She decided to keep it and examine it for analysis.

Meanwhile, Dearka was thrashing about when he discovered that his locket was missing. He shattered stones, knocked down columns, and fired big bolts into the skies which lit up with soft explosions.

“My locket!” he growled “My one possession; how could I lose it?!”

As he thrashed about some more, Scarlet was spying on him, and she assumed she knew where the locket was.

“This is almost too good to be true.” she thought “I think I have another way to bring Dearka down to size.”

Then she faded away to begin her secret treachery.

The theme park had to be closed for the rest of the day to repair the damages, and the Tunnel of Love needed serious renovations, but the park management assured Starfleet that they were good and covered for it, and were just thankful for their services.

Under Lightning’s recommendation, all the civilians headed home.

Pinkie escorted Apple Spice home to the farms.

Spice was very upset with himself. “I can’t believe The Devils infected me… again!”

He could barely bring himself to look at Pinkie, “And I can’t believe I tried to attack you!”

“Aw, don’t beat yourself up.” said Pinkie “You and I both didn’t know the ride was dangerous, and it’s all over now.

And thanks to what happened today, Lightning reinstated me.”

Earlier, before leaving the park, Lightning gave Pinkie a little talk…

“You disobeyed orders! You were told not to enter battle!”

Pinkie looked ashamed, but then Lightning took pity on her. “But, under the circumstances, you do seem to have regained your senses, and I was intending to give you a trial run anyway, and you’ve already proven yourself.”

He gave her back her energizer.

“Welcome back to the force, Colonel.”

You can bet, Pinkie gave him a huge hug for that, before regaining her seriousness again, and saluted with pride.

“Thanks to you I’m back in action, and better than ever.”

She reached over and pecked him on the cheek to express her gratitude.

His eyes widened as he touched his face.

“Thanks for a fun a day.” said Pinkie, and then she flew off to go check on the Cakes back at home, leaving Spice to just stand there frozen with a dazed and goofy expression on his face, still holding his cheek.

Applejack came running up him, having returned from her patrols on another part of the planet.

“Spice, are you alright? I heard what happened to you today.”

Spice didn’t even notice her, and just stood there staring into space.

Applejack then looked up, and saw Pinkie flying in the distance, which told her enough.

“Poor kid…” she thought, figuring that Pinkie still didn’t know how he obviously felt for her, “If only there were some way to get us both out of this marriage deal.”

All this would have to be dealt with another day, but not put off for too long as her forced marriage was coming up fast.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Celestia is released from her prison when a plan is made to confront Daybreaker in what should be a final confrontation, but involving severe risks and may put all of United Equestria at great risk.

What is the plan that can hopefully bring Daybreaker down?

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

(Next Episode: “Dawning of Doomsday: Part 1”)

Episode 14: Dawning of Doomsday: Part 1

EPISODE FOURTEEN

One night, Grand Ruler Celesto was tossing and turning in bed, unable to get a goodnight’s sleep. Reason being, it wasn’t as nice or as cozy sleeping in this giant bed all by himself, and missing the comforting warmth of having his wife beside him.

Celestia had been frozen and contained for nearly two weeks, and he was finding it very hard to stay strong and not release her just yet, especially with Daybreaker still out there and hoping to merge with her.

Worse than that, the children were growing restless being without their mother.

He pulled out Celestia’s orb, with her still inside it. He looked at it with a tearful expression, really wanting to let her out.

“I’m sorry, Celestia.” he said softly “I just can’t do it yet. Not until it’s perfectly all right.”

He wasn’t the only one having trouble sleeping…

Cadance and Saber…

For nearly two weeks now, Cadance’s husband was still trapped in his insect forum, making it hard for them to sleep in the same bed due to his larger size, and his extra limbs often extending beyond his control and tickling Cadance in her sleep.

She had tried her hardest to adjust, but it all caught up to her several days ago, and she insisted that he sleep on the sofa-bed.

Saber had it harder than Cadance, having to try to sleep with his unusual forum, and finding a comfy position, and he like his uncle-in-law, hated being separated from his wife.

Then of course there was Flurry Heart…

She began to cry from her crib, needing a diaper change.

Saber got up first and walked over to the crib, still desperately trying to connect with his daughter, but to no avail-- Flurry still fussed and backed away at the sight of him.

“Honey, it’s just me. It’s Daddy.”

The baby still didn’t trust him.

Cadance came over to tend to her, but she looked at her husband, feeling as crushed as he did. “We can’t go on like this.” she said, taking the words right out of his mouth.

He just walked back to his bed and sat down feeling too upset to sleep.

Still desperate, he fruitlessly tried pulling his stuck mask off-- nothing!

“I want this thing off! I don’t care if it means trying something drastic, I got to get it off!”

Cadance didn’t know what to say or do.

There was also another restless someone… Daybreaker herself!

Ever since her last defeat, Daybreaker had been doing all she could restore her powers to their peak. She would bask in the sunlight, bathe in lava pits.

“Ugh! This isn’t enough!” she growled “Even with my power this high, those meddlesome fighters will most-likely one-up me again.

If I could only merge with Celestia, my power would grow to incredible lengths, and I will be invincible!”

She laughed wickedly, but then growled as she threw a rock into the lava.

“Somehow I’ve got to force their hands and make them give Celestia to me.”

She grabbed another rock, crumpling in her bare hand, and then she gazed down the pebbles she held, and grinned wickedly. “…Yes, it’s perfect.”

The next morning, Spike went to the hospital first thing to see Rarity again.

This was her third day in self-isolation.

According to Penny, she wouldn’t leave her room, or even get out of bed, and resorted to use of the pan under her bed.

She had hardly eaten much either; she was too depressed and shocked at her new appearance to feel much hunger.

“Rarity?” he called softly to her “Rarity, its Spike, and I brought Twilight.”

His wife hardly made a sound, and the blankets barely stirred.

Twilight could almost sense her mother’s presence and reached out for the blankets.

“Rarity, please come out.” begged Spike “Twilight misses you. The family misses you. The team misses you.

…And I especially miss you. Don’t do this to yourself, to us.”

Rarity’s soft and rather raspy breathing could be heard, and her voice was so hoarse due to lack of use, she could barely speak.

“…A freak!” she groaned “A monster! I used to be beautiful, but now I’m…” she stopped there and sank flat down on the bed again, and she said no more.

Little Twilight began to fuss feeling upset, and Spike decided to take her away, and Dr. Penny, whom was watching them, feared she was going to have to deliver Spike even more bad news.

Later on, Spike was having breakfast with Lightning, Starla, and Krysta, and he gave them the same bad news.

“Penny says that if Rarity doesn’t start showing signs of improvement, she’ll have to be sent to the asylum on Planet Xandra.”

“Oh, Spike…!” said Starla.

Lightning sighed, “If only we could convince her to venture out again.”

Krysta asked Spike, “How’s the family taking it?”

“Not very well, especially for Sweetie Belle, she went out to hang with the other crusaders, and search through her feelings. Her parents aren’t taking too well either, but they’re still helping me around the house, and looking after the baby.”

Lightning felt very frustrated, and he knew he couldn’t just order Rarity out of bed; she was in no condition to listen anyway.

For now he had other things to deal with. Apart from The Devils always attacking, where was Daybreaker, and when and where she would strike next, but most of all… how to defeat her once and for all?

Starla finished feeding Shining Light and put him down in his pram, but she sighed at all the frustrations, “This is all like one big nightmare, and it keeps getting worse and worse.”

Lightning’s head perked up, “Nightmare…?”

Then he remembered during the last encounter, Buddy Rose mentioned something similar.

“Is there any way to be rid of this nightmare?”

And of course, that brought on the memories of when Daybreaker attacked everyone… “…In our nightmares!”

“Lightning…?” said Krysta.

“What are you saying?” asked Spike.

“Don’t you all get it?” said Lightning “Daybreaker was originally a nightmare, born from Queen Celestia’s subconscious. Maybe that’s the key to defeating her.”

Starla suddenly caught on, “You mean, somehow if we can turn her back into a dream?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. After all, as scary as dreams are, they cannot really hurt you.”

Krysta and Spike caught on as well, and began to agree with the theory.

“Wait a minute…” said Spike “Are you suggesting that Daybreaker and Celestia should merge again. It was hard enough to separate them… and all the good that did us-- it made her come to life.”

Krysta tapped her wand while pondering things, “We’re also forgetting… Daybreaker wants to combine with Celestia to increase her powers. We can’t let her do that.”

Lightning realized this as well, “Then it’s all the more reason Celestia should merge with her, and send her back into the subconscious from whence she came.”

A moment of silence flowed, and everyone began to feel this plan was starting to sound more dangerous and risky by the minute.

Lightning decided to send his majesty a letter at once.

He wrote down his idea on a napkin, and had Spike send it to New Canterlot.

“Do you think his majesty will go along with this? asked Starla, Lightning could only ponder, figuring Grand Ruler would be almost desperate enough to try anything.

While waiting for a reply, Rarity got loads of visitors in the hospital, from her friends and her family, all trying to give her hope and begging her to come out.

Buddy and Applejack brought her flowers, and Tree Hugger placed a special atomizer on her table.

“What’s that for?” asked Applejack

“This thing here emits soothing scents that soothe you. You know, help your take in the air, let your chakra melt into total bliss, and achieve pure inner peace with your thoughts.”

She shut her eyes and sighed long and softly, much to Applejack’s gawking.

“She’s really knows her stuff. Just go with the flow.” Buddy whispered.

Applejack nodded it off and then whispered to Rarity. “Come on, Rare… buck up, for all our sakes.”

Fluttershy and Rhymey came along…

“Rarity, you can’t live your life under blankets like this.” said Fluttershy.

“I’ve no choice…” Rarity responded “I can never show myself in public again! They’ll laugh at me! I’ll be the laughingstock of the fashion world as I know it!”

She began to weep softly.

Rhymey shook his head and told her…

“You think that’s only your looks are what matters,
Even you know this isn’t really true,
It’s the heart, the soul and the feeling that counts
All that is what makes up you.”

“He’s right,” agreed Fluttershy “Rarity, you have friends, family, and people who count on you and your great fashion ideas, and your fighting capabilities.

Think of it like a caterpillar that’s become a butterfly; sure, it looks different, but it can do so much more, like fly about, and land on leaves and show off how pretty it is.” she stopped right there when Rarity began to cry hysterically at the mention of the word “Pretty”

“I’m hideous!” she wailed “A deformity, a cruel creation. I’ll never be pretty aga-heh-heh-hen!”

Fluttershy felt her own tears coming, feeling ready to kick herself for only making things worse, but Rhymey comforted her and they both decided to leave.

Fluttershy sniffled, “The poor thing… I hope she comes round.”

Her husband nodded in agreement.

Pinkie visited too, with a special cupcake she had baked just or Rarity, hoping she would at least eat it. It had a beautiful red heart on it with a white star in the middle.

“Rarity, I just want to tell you that I’m sorry. It’s all my fault you ended up like this, and you don’t know how devastated I was when I heard of your condition.

But I’m so happy you’re still alive, even if you look different, but I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself for what happened.”

A tear rolled down her cheek, “Rarity, please come out! Please say we’re still friends! I can’t bear to think of you all broken down like this… because of me!”

She had to stop when she felt herself starting to cry. “Excuse me…!” she sobbed as she left.

Rarity felt a little touched by Pinkie’s sobs, and began to peek out from her sheets slightly, and she looked at the cupcake, as well as all the flowers and cards from everyone else.

It made her cry softly seeing how much everyone cared, but she still didn’t have the courage to really get out of bed, still fearing the worst for her reputation and such things.

“I just can’t!” she thought to herself “How do I know what will happen to me if I go out there?”

She could only lie down and fall asleep in her dark room.

Meanwhile, Grand Ruler Celesto and Princess Luna had read Lightning’s idea.

“It is so incredibly crazy!” said Luna “Merging with Daybreaker, that is precisely what started all this. It is just crazy.”

“Agreed,” said her brother-in-law, “…It’s so crazy it just may work.”

His sister-in-law actually agreed with him too, and they both looked down at Celestia’s orb, and nodded at one another.

Grand Ruler released her from the orb.

There Celestia stood feeling her face all over as her eyes slowly opened, “Oh, my…!” she groaned.

“Luna…? Celesto…?”

The others looked very happy to see her, and that made her remember what happened—how she had gone insane during the battle with Daybreaker, and nearly destroyed herself to stop her.

Her husband approached her softly.

“Celestia…?” he spoke ever so softly, and looked her deeply in the eyes. “Can you ever forgive me?”

Looking deep into her husband’s eyes, and knowing he had good reason for imprisoning her-- she herself would have acted no differently-- she reached up with her hand and softly caressed his cheek, and she pulled him closer, bringing their lips together.

Luna could only gaze sweetly at the couple.

Just then, the door opened and the children came running in crying, “Mommy! Mommy!!”

“Oh, Children…!” cried Celestia as she got down and hugged her little darlings and pecked them on their heads sweetly.

Cadance and Saber saw she was back too.

“You’re free again!” said Saber, but his wife then nudged him, warning him the children were there.

“Uh… I mean, free from that conference you were at.”

Celestia was confused at first, but when she saw her husband motion at the children, she played along. “Oh, yes… that. Oh, very busy, but I’m so happy to be home.”

Cadance smiled warmly.

Daybreaker’s eyes snapped wide open. “I can feel it-- Celestia has been released. I can sense her energy by our spirit-link.”

She stepped out of her lava pit and her flames began to flare brightly. “It’s time I made my move, and I know just how to get their attention.”

Later that day, Grand Ruler wrote a letter back to Lightning and the rest of the team, informing them that Celestia was free, and she was made aware of the idea of merging with Daybreaker again.

Lightning gathered everyone together at New Sweet Apple Acres for a meeting, and further discuss things.

“I sure wish Rarity was here.” said Spike.

“So do I.” added Pinkie.

Everyone felt the same way, but Lightning cleared his throat, “I understand how you all feel, but we need to focus now.

Now, their majesties have agreed to the idea, but it still is very risky.”

“No kidding.” said Artie “If Daybreaker merges with Celestia there’ still a good chance the evil could still gain control.”

“That means she’ll have more power than ever,” said Applejack “She’ll not only be stronger in battle, but she may gain full control of the sun, which means the planet will be toast!”

“Well, we’re not going to let that happen are we?” said Dyno.

“Si, we’ll make her sorry she’d ever showed her hot-head around here.” agreed Myte.

The brothers bopped fists and butt heads softly.

“Yeah, uh… just one little thing,” Rainbow pointed out “Where exactly do we find Daybreaker? She’s too hot for our sensors to locate.”

“I don’t think we need to worry much about that,” said Starla “Given our experiences, we won’t have to look for her, she’ll show herself eventually.”

Everyone stopped right then and looked all around expected something to happen that very second…

…Nothing happened.

“Well, that’s a first.” joked Krysta.

Rhymey then suggested

“We should take the babies to daycare,
They’ll be much safer and sound there.”

Buddy Rose stood, “Tree Hugger can look after them. She’s real hip with kids, literally.”

Spike took Twilight home so Rarity’s folks could look after her, and then soon, Shining Light and Button Fly were playing with Seedling in her playpen.

DD was making goofy faces at them all to make them laugh, and playing Peek-A-Boo with them too.

Buddy pecked his wife on the cheek. “You rock, honey.”

“No sweats about it, dude.” said Tree Hugger “I’m chill with looking after the sweethearts. I can accelerate the water-flow of my parental waves, and intertwine with my wishful thoughts, and besides its good practice, for if you and I have another someday.”

She gave him a flirtatious wink after that, which wooed the others.

Buddy felt awkward as he rubbed the back of his head “…I don’t think we’re ready for that yet.”

“Hey, Bud…” called DD “Just you make sure you come back. Remember you promised to train me.”

Buddy nodded at her “But remember what else you know about Starfleet?”

“I know, I know; there are no real promises in Starfleet. What happens just happens, and you have to be prepared to take it.

Still, just be careful out there.”

Buddy hugged her softly, and then the parents bid goodbye to their respective babies before leaving.

“I love you so much, okay?” cooed Fluttershy.

“You be good for Tree Hugger now.” said Starla.

The fathers extended the same gentleness with their sons.

No sooner had the team left did the two babies begin to cry loudly, and that made Seedling cry too, and DD held her ears! “AAAHH…!! Just Seedling is bad enough! Now there’s thrice the noise!”

Tree Hugger didn’t seem the least bit disturbed as she approached the three infants and scooped them up in her arms.

Then she sat down softly on the floor, holding the babies close, and she softly began to hum deeply to them. The soothing sound of her voice and the soft vibrations of her body actually soothed the babies down, and the drowsed happily in her arms.

“That’s it sweet ones, bliss out.” said Tree Hugger, and she continued to hum to them, much to DD’s astounding astonishment.

“How does she do that?” she asked no one in particular.

Krysta warped everyone to the gates of New Canterlot Palace where their majesties were waiting for them outside.

“Good, you’re all here.” said Grand Ruler.

Everyone bowed to him, and especially to Celestia, all feeling glad to see her free again.

“I promise you all,” she told them “I will never try a foolish stunt like that again, and I hope you all can forgive me for the trouble I’ve caused.”

Lightning bowed to her, “You’re most forgiven, your majesty.”

Celestia then approached Spike, “I heard what happened to Rarity, and I’m very sorry.”

Spike nodded sadly, “…We all are, but right now we should concentrate.”

“Agreed,” said Grand Ruler, and at that moment, the temperature was starting to go up.

“Anybody else feeling that?” asked Pinkie.

Celestia clenched her fists, “Daybreaker…!”

The sound of evil laughter echoed in the sky as Daybreaker appeared, high above them all.

“Ahh… Celestia. So you finally decided to quit hiding, but that’s beside the point. You know what I’ve come for.”

Everyone looked up at her furiously.

“And before any of you say anything, you might be interested in what I have to show you.”

She extended her flaming mane and showed images of other major locations, including New Ponyville, and then with a single snap of her fingers, the towns and villages were set ablaze!

Fluttershy screamed, and everyone else gawked in horrors.

“Rarity!!” cried Spike.

“STOP IT, YOU MONSTER!!” shouted Princess Luna.

Daybreaker then uncast the images.

“It was just an illusion!” sneered Lightning.

Daybreaker snickered, “Yes… I take it by now you understand. Give me what I desire, or I’ll roast every nation on this planet to a burning wasteland, and this time I mean it!”

No one said a thing at first.

Then Celestia stepped forth, “Very well, Daybreaker. I will merge with you.”

Daybreaker was astounded, “An easy surrender? That’s not like you, I would know.”

Celestia fluttered up into the air to Daybreaker’s height, and the two glared at each other like cowboys ready for the big draw.

The two began to charge at each other, screaming and roaring, ready to strike, when suddenly Daybreaker zipped out of the way.

“What?!” cried Celestia.

Daybreaker then appeared before Grand Ruler and Luna, and before anyone could act, she grabbed them both by the necks with her flaming hands.

“No!!” shouted Lightning, and he and the team rushed in to attack, but she unleashed a wave of flames at everyone, making huge explosions and blowing them all off their feet.

When everyone looked up again, Grand Ruler and Luna’s bodies vanished in flames, and were absorbed into her horn.

“Celesto…!! Luna…!!” cried Celestia.

Daybreaker laughed wickedly as her flames began to glow brighter and brighter, and her muscles bulged bigger than ever.

“What’s happening?!” asked Starla.

“I thought she only wanted Celestia?” added Krysta.

Daybreaker snickered, “Yes, and I still intend to capture her, but all of you are still a nuisance to me, especially those two that I just absorbed into me and added their powers to my own!”

She looked over at Celestia “It somewhat pays be a version of you, and to hold some of your powers.

Now that I’ve absorbed your husband and your sister, nothing can stop me from bringing forth Eternal Daylight and you and your precious subjects won’t be able to so much as lay a finger on me, let alone defeat me.”

She was right, with Grand Ruler and Luna out of the way, the power of balancing Night and Day, and control of the sun, was now severely tipped.

Daybreaker continued to taunt Celestia as she gawked back at her. “Yes, you see now. You could have had so much-- all the power you could ever dream, enough to rule everything you see, and darkness and nightfall would never reign again.”

Celestia was quivering with rage.

“Well, too little, too bad, and once I absorb you, there will be nothing that can stop me.

This world, and everything in it will shroud until the light of Eternal Day, and all will be under my command!”

She looked up into the sky towards the midday sun, “The daylight is about to be shine… forever!!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: Daybreaker quite literally turns up the heat, using her new powers to halt the sun in the sky, which begins to overheat the planet! The heroes try dangerous and risky maneuvers to vanquish the evil creature, but to, seemingly, no avail as Daybreaker proves to be vilely ruthless.

Can our heroes save the planet from this blazing inferno?

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

(Next Episode: “Dawning of Doomsday: Part 2”)

Episode 16: Path of Least Insistence

EPISODE SIXTEEN

Over the past couple of days since Rarity came home, Spike made good on his promise and helped train her to get used to her new self.

Her strength had indeed increased, and thanks to her scales, her endurance was much stronger too. She could even grab onto really hot things a lot easier than she used to be able to.

Naturally, there were things she had to work on… such as flying. Now that her wings were double-crossed with both scales and feathers, they couldn’t balance and hold the wind currents as easily.

“Take it easy.” Spike called to her as he flew with her, “Don’t flap so hard and so fast, just nice and easy. One and two, and one and two…”

Rarity slowly began to get the hang of it, but needed more practice.

She also had a hard time controlling her fire breathing, especially whenever she sneezed, or even belched. Trying to hold it in only made it come out through her nostrils.

Spike taught her to breathe easy, and that fire-breathing was sensitive to the pitch of her voice as well as how hard she exhaled.

“You also need to keep it well fed,” he told her “Eat a good diet of iron.”

He demonstrated by preparing a special dinner for her one night, which consisted of huge salads packed with loads of iron packed vegetables, and a few diamonds on top… which Rarity passed up.

“I don’t believe I’ve quite acquired the tasted for precious gems yet.”

“Suit yourself.” said Spike as he popped a gem in his mouth and swallowed it whole. “Yum…! It’s better than eating coal or sulfur.”

Both of them gagged at the idea!

Easily, the hardest thing Rarity had to adjust with was her claws, especially when it came to her sewing. She would accidently poke holes in the fabric, shred it to pieces, or sew it all in weird and poor ways due to having a hard time adjusting her hands.

Of course, she was still able to use her magic to get the jobs done, but in order to more swiftly and do multiple things at once, she needed to use her hands.

“Here, let me help you…” said Spike, and he guided her to keep her claws steady to pass the fabric through the machine, in a very soft and romantic scene.

The two then stared into each other’s eyes, and shared a romantic embrace.

Then, one day, while they were walking hand-in-hand, or claw-in-claw-- whichever it was preferred-- while their other hands pushed the baby carriage with little Twilight in it.

“Excuse me…” someone said.

An Earth Pony who was holding a camera came up and asked, “Colonel Rarity, could I have a picture of you please?”

He explained that he worked for a fashion magazine, which she often was mentioned in. “Everyone across the planet heard of your accident, and they’re so happy you made it, but we’d all like to see the new you; start new fashion trends and ideals.”

Naturally, Rarity couldn’t object to that and allowed him to a couple of shots… only of her of course. Spike was asked to keep himself and the baby out of the shot.

No sooner had he finished did a newspaper photographer come by and wanted shots of Rarity too, followed by a scout agent, and fashionista in search of new juicy ideals, and thought Rarity’s new looks would be perfect.

Rarity couldn’t seem to get enough of the attention as she posed and posed, until about Sundown, and Twilight was starting to get cranky and hungry, and Spike knew she needed to get home.

“Um… Rarity…” he called to her “We should really be getting home.”

His wife didn’t seem to hear him much.

“Rarity…?”

“Oh, could you take Twilight home please, dear.” she called to him “I’m afraid I’m a little busy. I’ll catch up with you later.”

That later turned out to be much, much later; until well after dark, and poor Spike had barely managed to care for Twilight and put her to bed, and it wasn’t until that he climbed into bed himself did his wife return.

Rarity seemed exhausted for all the excessive posing she had done that day. “Oh, Spike…” she groaned.

“Rarity!” cried Spike “What happened to you?” not that he already couldn’t guess. “You were posing out there all this time.”

Rarity was just too tired to talk about it, or even want anything to eat. She just wanted to crawl into bed and fall right to sleep.

“Um, Rarity…” he said softly to her “Remember you and I have a full schedule tomorrow.”

His wife only groaned, “Mmm…!” and slept like a rock.

Spike was not convinced she had heard him.

Two days later…

Ever since Starla found Dearka’s locket she had been examining it very thoroughly. It was far too burnt up and charred for regular computer scans to identify anything.

“Ahem.” Lightning said to her “If you can put that down for just a minute or several, we do have reports to look over.”

He pointed at a huge pile of papers sent from soldiers all over the planet the nearby star-systems.

“I’m sorry…” said Starla “I just know I’ve seen the symbol on this locket before. I’ve been going through all the reports of every planet I’ve ever studied or been to, but there’s something else I’ve noticed, and it’s been bothering me a little.”

“What’s that?”

His wife held up a perfect photo copy of charred picture from within the locket, “Doesn’t this creature have a slight familiar resemblance?”

Lightning looked at the picture and shook his head, “It’s too charred. I can’t make out what species this is.”

“No,” said Starla “Does this creature look like someone we’ve seen recently?”

Her husband looked really hard at the faded picture, and while most of it was burned away, the eyes and the slight revealed of the faded nose made him gasp, “…Dearka!”

Starla nodded.

“Are you suggesting this is Dearka?” asked Lightning.

“It could be.” said Starla “But there’s only one way to know for certain. I’m going to go see Zecora.”

“Ahem…!” Lightning said and pointed at the reports.

His wife giggled nervously, but Lightning smiled at her, “Since this is for information of the enemy, I’ll consider it the greater need.”

She pecked him sweetly for that.

Suddenly, Krysta appeared. “Lightning, you better look at this.” she said handing him a red envelope with a black star mark on it.

This meant a Starfleet officer had been neglecting their duties. He had to personally looking into this.

“Krysta, can you watch the baby for us?” asked Starla “I don’t dare take him into New Everfree.”

“Sure,” said Krysta “But what are you up to?”

“We’ll explain later.” said Lightning “Right now I’ve got a scolding to give.”

Then he and Starla were out the door, and Starla made sure to take the locket with her.

Meanwhile…

Ever since he had lost his locket, Dearka’s anger and hatred had been at all-time high, much to King Von Devilor’s Delight, but he was concerned about his focus.

“Dearka, your overly developed rage is blinding you. I am concerned of how this shall affect your skills in our mission.”

Scarlet chuckled, “Yeah, if we send him on a mission he’ll botch it right at the start.”

Dearka growled thunderously at her. “If you think you can handle the mission, why don’t you take it?”

“Ooh, I never thought I’d hear you surrender a mission to Me.” taunted Scarlet

The two Devils growled at each other, forcing their king put up a powerful blue blaze between them. “Enough of this bickering!” he bellowed “You shall both return to United Equestria and take on the next mission to gather energy together. I have spoken!”

The two growled at each other again and turned away, but Scarlet was secretly delighted about this as she thought, “If all goes well, I just may be able to expose Dearka for the fraud he is. No faker is going to stand in my way of becoming The Greatest Devil Warrior!”

The two vanished and were gone, leaving Von Devilor to snicker sinisterly as he thought, “I will do whatever it takes to get what I want…

…Anything!”

The way he was thinking, he didn’t seem to show too much concern for his two generals, or if the chances were they would botch the mission.

The large glowing on his lower forum began to stir again, but whatever it was it hardly even made him flinch.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie was on her patrol rounds, skipping rather merrily at that.

Suddenly, as she passed Carousel Boutique, she was distracted by the flashes of cameras.

She turned and looked, and saw no less than a dozen photographers take multiple shots of Rarity as she posed on a pedestal, in a rather ravishing gown.

“Hey Rarity!” she called to her, causing Rarity to nearly lose her balance.

“Oh, really, Pinkie Pie; can’t you see I’m terribly busy now?”

The photographers agreed with her and asked Pinkie to keep well away while they continued the shoot.

Pinkie felt most upset as she stomped to the side and sulked.

“You too, huh?” said Spike as he came along with baby Twilight in her carriage.

Pinkie smiled at the baby and tickled her little chin. “Where did you guys come from?” asked Pinkie.

“I took her for a walk because the photographers asked me to leave, and take Twilight with me so her cries wouldn’t bother Rarity.”

He explained that ever since Rarity’s body change, fashion magazines, and writers had been flocking from all over to get shots and interviews with “The New Rarity”

He held up one of the magazines which showed Rarity on the cover, posing with a kissy face and batting her long eye-lashes.

The cover story read: “Dazzling Dragony Dressing.”

“Wow!” said Pinkie as she took a look inside at all the many pictures of Rarity in different outfits “She’s really become popular with this whole Dragony thing.”

“That’s just it!” snapped Spike “All this fame and glamour had gone way to her head, worse than anything ever has before.

I woke up this morning to find she was already out here photo shooting, which meant I had to make breakfast for both myself, and Twilight.

Then Twilight needed a diaper change, but we’d run out, so I just went out with her to get some.”

“Oh, my…!” said Pinkie.

“And that’s not half of it; Rarity’s supposed to be training with me today to understand how her new body and powers work, and she missed her doctor’s appointment too.”

Ever since Rarity had gotten out of bed, Dr. Penny had insisted upon seeing Rarity once a week for a month to see how she was getting in her new forum.

“Ohhhh…!!” groaned Pinkie “How worse can it get?”

She just had to open her big mouth and say that, because right at that very moment, a mare came along looking huffy.

“Excuse me!” she called “But I believe Rarity had written to me saying now that she had returned she would finish that expensive ball gown I commissioned her to make. It has been a week since her return, and where is the gown?”

Spike sighed; he knew the gown was still incomplete inside. Rarity had been working on, but ever since her new fame started, she had neglected to finish it.

“That’s it!” he snapped, and he asked Pinkie to watch the baby as he marched straight over and called to his wife “Rarity, did you ever finish that dress? Your client is here!

Rarity gasped when she saw her angrily client, “Oh, no!!” she screamed in horror “I promised I’d have it finished today!”

In her panic she had lost her balance and slipped off the pedestal, and part of her long dress flopped over her head.

Rarity scrambled to get back up, and pull the dress off of her face… forgetting about her claws… and she accidently shredded right through the expensive fabrics.

She screamed blue murder, “...MY DRESS!!”

“Rarity, don’t scream!” warned Spike “If you scream too hard you’ll--” too late! Rarity had accidently breathed a small burst of flames from her mouth, charring more of her dress, and nearly exposing her naked body for all to see.

She screamed even louder which made her fire more flames up high in the air, nearly hitting Rainbow Dash on the way.

“Hey, turn down the heat!” she bellowed.

All this, and the photographers flabbergasted… Rarity felt so humiliated that she dashed inside in a trail of tears and slammed the door behind her!

“Ohh…!!” Spike groaned as he held his head.

The photographers actually started snapping shots of him in his shameful state, until he gave them a good dragon growl, warning them to back off, and then he rushed inside after his wife, leaving Pinkie with baby Twilight.

“Okay… what was all that about?” asked Rainbow.

Dearka and Scarlet saw the whole thing while peeking from around the corner.

“Ooooh… a little argument in the making.” hissed Scarlet “This is the perfect chance for us to absorb their hatred.”

Dearka didn’t seem to care much for that at moment, all he was concerned with was finding his locket, but first he had to make sure he knew which of them had his locket, if any of them did have it.

“When I find whichever of them has it,” he thought “I will make them wish they had never been born!”

Twilight began to cry without her parents around.

“Oh, don’t cry, little Twilight.” Pinkie hushed as she rocked the infant in her arms.

He rocking actually soothed the baby.

Rainbow thought it sweet and patted her little head. “You know, Pinkie, you’re really good at this stuff with babies.”

Pinkie sighed “Ever since Pumpkin and Pound were very little I’ve looked after kids for a long time.”

She continued to rock the baby until she fell asleep in her arms, and then she placed her down in the carriage.

“You know, if I didn’t know better,” teased Rainbow “I’d say you’d like to be a mom yourself.”

Pinkie giggled “Everyone keeps saying that to me… and they’re right. I can’t wait until I have kids of my own.”

She would have slipped into one of those dozy fantasies, but quickly snapped herself out of it for the same reason every time-- her lack of even finding a husband.

Lightning then came along and he didn’t look the least bit pleased. “Where is Rarity?” he asked rather coldly as he held up the red slip. “According to these reports, she’s missed two of her beats and neglected to report on the status of her new body like I ordered.”

Pinkie and Rainbow pointed at the shop.

Lightning moved his way past the photographers, and stopped a moment to address them. “I suggest you all leave now.”

Sensing trouble, and heeding the commander’s warning, the photographers all left the premises.

Inside, Rarity and Spike were really blowing their tops at one another.

“How could you embarrass me like that?!” thundered Rarity.

“How could you wrap yourself up so much in all the attention and spotlight?!” bellowed Spike “We were supposed to train today! You supposed to see the doctor, and you just blew off a well-paying client who still doesn’t have her dress ready!”

Lightning stepped in through the opened door, and gave Rarity his own scolding for skipping her rounds and reports. “Dereliction of Duty is a serious offense, Colonel!”

When he called someone by rank, you knew they were in big trouble.

Rarity was becoming more and more shaken, but more so by the realization of her neglect in her duties as both and officer, a seamstress as well as a wife and mother!

Before she could say anything…

“LIGHTNING…!!” Pinkie called from outside.

“GET OUT HERE, NOW!!” added Rainbow.

Lightning and the others gawked at one another, and dashed right outside to find Dearka and Scarlet, and an army of all the brainwashed photographers they had infected as they passed by.

“Who’d have thought, love for work, and fear for a simple disagreement would produce delicious fodder for us?” teased Scarlet.

The fighters didn’t look the least bit amused.

“Don’t you Devil’s ever give up?” griped Rainbow.

Dearka only looked more furious than ever. “Where is my locket?!” he bellowed.

“Your locket?” said Pinkie “We don’t have it here.”

“Last warning: Hand it over, or I’ll break you all to pieces!”

Lightning nodded at the others. It was time to transform.

“Starfleet Magic”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

“Dragon Power”

“Oh, well. Have it your way!” teased Scarlet. “…Attack!”

The photographers all rushed forth, and held up their cameras, shooting dark beams out of their lenses, forcing the fighters to dodge.

Dearka saw Lightning and dove straight for him, colliding into him and tackling him to the ground!

“Give me my locket!”

Lightning didn’t answer and instead kicked Dearka clear off of him.

The two figured coldly glared at one another.

“I don’t have your locket. My wife does.” said Lightning “We’re starting to know the truth about you Dearka. You’re not what you seem to be.”

Pinkie’s ears gave a twitch when she heard that. “…Not what he seems to be?” she muttered to herself.

In her distraction, she didn’t see a photographer about to blast her, so Rainbow came swooping in and scooped Pinkie out of the way.

“Pinkie, will you try and keep your head in the game!” scolded Rainbow.

Scarlet saw them in the air and blew them a kiss mark, which exploded in midair, causing them to lose balance and crash down hard.

Spike and Rarity leapt over to them.

“You two okay?” asked Spike.

“Just peachy.” groaned Rainbow.

Scarlet laughed “All this negativity is a feast of sensations.”

She snapped her fingers signaling the photographers to open fire again.

Spike stepped forward as the beams were fired.

“DRAGON FLAME” he unleashed a wall of fire to block the blasts, but the photographers were ready for more!

Spike prepared to break more flames.

“Not this time…” called Scarlet. “SMOOCH OF DESTRUCTION” she kissed out a mark that exploded near Spike blowing him over.

“Spike!!” cried Rarity.

“Look out!” shouted Pinkie, but the blasts struck them all, knocking them down in a shower of sparks and explosions.

“That does it!” snarled Rarity “Time for me to turn up the heat!”

She intended to breathe loads of fire at the photographers to back them off, and so she took in a deep breath, and roared with all her might, only to produce a flame big enough to barely roast a single meatball.

…She was still badly undertrained.

“Oh, dear!” she cried.

Spike could only groan in shame.

The photographers fired their blasts again.

“We’ve got to heal them!” shouted Rainbow.

“Right!” agreed Pinkie “Let’s give them a dose of the Healing of Love.”

Scarlet wasn’t willing to let them pull it off this time. “Try this…!” and she blew several more magic kisses which splatted right onto their armor, covering their energizers!

“Oh, no!” cried Rarity.

“I can’t get to it!” shouted Rainbow.

Spike then got out his sword, “I’ll have to use my finisher.”

“Stop him!” Scarlet called, and the photographers began to fire more beams at him, forcing him to dodge, leaving him little space and time to power up.

“Hang on guys, I’m coming!” shouted Lightning, but before he could make his way over, Dearka rushed for him with his claws ready.

Lightning ducked down and then head-butt the Devil right in the gut, sending him over backwards, but Dearka quickly zipped along, creeping up behind him for a slash, but Lightning zipped away himself and aimed a jump-kick at him.

Dearka blocked him with his arms, and flung him off.

The two then charged at each other, punching, kicking, and blasting their powers constantly at each other.

“Where’s my locket?” growled Dearka.

“I already told you, I haven’t got it!” protested Lightning “Does that locket really mean that much to you?”

Dearka roared and raised his claws to swipe at him, but Lightning caught his arm in his hand, and then the other.

“Answer me! Who are you really?”

Dearka seemed to boil like a kettle, with rage, and let out a huge, deathly roar, bursting with dark aura that flung Lightning back hard and even hit the photographers, the other fighters, and just missing Scarlet.

“Whoa, this is getting interesting.” she snickered to herself.

The other fighters were really growing annoyed and angrily peeled off the sticky kiss marks on their suits.

“Get rid of these!” growled Rainbow.

“Yuck!” groaned Pinkie.

Rarity slashed her claws getting rid of her mark.

“Oh, yeah!” sneered Scarlet “…I’ll just slap on some more!”

She was about to attack when…!

“STARLIGHT ARROW”

“Huh?” Scarlet turned around just in time for Starla’s arrow to strike her hard.

Lightning gave Dearka a huge punch to the face sending him off.

“Starla…!”

His wife landed right next to him clutching her bow. “Looks like I got here just in time!”

The other fighters saw their chance while Scarlet was down.

“Now, girls!” shouted Spike.

The ladies agreed, and all together they activated their energizers and Spike powered up his sword, “THE HEALING OF LOVE”

The photographers were all enveloped by the lights and healed of their infections.

“No!!” growled Scarlet “Dearka, help me out here!”

“Silence!” thundered Dearka “These two are my targets!”

Scarlet never felt so livid and began to throw insults at him like crazy. “You traitor…! You backstabber…! What gives you the right to decide who--” she stopped when Rainbow rushed forth and collided into her hard… WHAMM!! Sending her sailing up high into the air!

The others all rushed up after herm forcing her to defend herself!

One by one, the others came rushing in from different angles, and she dodged and blocked their every strike as best she could.

Finally, Pinkie grabbed her wrists and they engaged in a struggle on the ground!

The others didn’t dare try to attack fearing they would hurt Pinkie by mistake.

Starla held up the locket, much to Dearka’s fury. “Give it to me!” he demanded.

Rather than comply, Starla called him out “I know now… You’re from the Planet Vistula!”

Dearka looked stunned, as did Lightning and the others.

“What?” asked Pinkie, but in her distraction, Scarlet broke free and kicked her hard in the gut, sending her crashing along the ground.

The other fighters rushed over to help her, and Scarlet saw this as her chance to flee. “You’re about to be exposed, Dearka.” she thought, and then she was gone.

Dearka angrily decided to leave as well, without his locket, but he swore, “I’ll get you all for this, mark my words!”

Then he was gone too.

Lightning growled, and he de-transformed and so did the others, but then they all huddled around Starla.

“You’re sure he’s from Vistula?” asked Lightning.

Starla nodded, “On my way to see Zecora, I finally recognized the symbol on the locket. It’s the Vistulan Coat of Arms.” She held up the locket showing the picture inside “This is a picture of Dearka… or who he used to be.”

“What’s Vistula?” asked Pinkie.

“Vistula is a planet in a star system, located a ways north west of our own.” answered Starla “A Starfleet outpost was sent there ten years ago, as the people of the planet were falling on hard times due to wars and disagreements.”

“Wait…!” Spike interrupted “How can Dearka be from that planet? I thought The Devils originated thousands of years ago, on the other side of the universe?”

Starla agreed, “That’s what I thought too,” she held up the locket again “But analysis of this locket and the way it’s charred, it was smashed and burned just over ten years ago.”

A moment silence befell everyone.

“Darling, are you suggesting…?” Rarity asked.

“I’m not suggesting… it’s been confirmed.” said Starla “Dearka is not a full-fledged Devil, but a Vistulan who became a Devil.”

More silence followed, and everyone’s mouths hung open.

Starla went on to explain what Zecora had told her…

Zecora had dipped the locket into a special brew that didn’t hurt it, but would allow the spiritual forces to help her unlock the mystery.

“The spirits are as baffled as me,
There is little truth that they can see.” she said.

“What can they see?” asked Starla.

Zecora threw some powder in the fire to heat it up, and then poured some liquid into the brew.

POW!! A big flash of light followed by soft smoke that began to show images of the lockets and ideally what it used to be like before it was broken and charred.

“This item once contained two pictures to see.
But what happened to them is still a mystery.

It was probably something that occurred in the past,
Perhaps it was a love… which did not last.”

Starla was most astounded, but the spirits and Zecora could tell her no more.

“A love that didn’t last?” thought Pinkie “Dearka had a lover once?” part of her felt crushed at this realization, but a larger part of her was curious.

Still, there was no more information to go by.

“We’ll have to investigate this further.” said Lightning “We may even have to try and question Dearka himself when we see him again.”

Starla agreed.

“Question a Devil.” said Rainbow “Yeah, that’s probably not going to be easy.”

Lightning then turned to glare at Rarity, “And now… to deal with you!”

Rarity suddenly looked shocked, but then she remembered all the neglect she had committed, and before Lightning could say another thing. “I promise, I shall make it up.”

“Yes, you will.” agreed Lightning.

Starla step forth, “You will complete your client’s order, and then report to me and the commander for further make-up duties. Clear?”

“Yes ma’am…” agreed Rarity.

Then she turned to face her husband, “And as for you… report to me at seven tonight for a new assignment.”

“Me?” asked Spike, he would have protested but Rarity was his superior, and he caught the living smile on her face too and realized what she meant. “…Yes ma’am.”

Rarity immediately set to work to finish the dress for her client, and sent to her by mail, and included half the money she had paid in the commission as an apology.

After that, as promised, Lightning and Starla had sentenced her to a whole week of extra sentry duties and patrol rounds.

Of course, that night, at seven sharp, Spike reported to Rarity at the dining room table where his wife had set up a candlelit romantic dinner for them, and his absolute favorite food-- Gem-studded meatloaf, as her way of neglecting her family duties.

She even lit the candles herself with a teensy breath of her flames, showing she at least had that much control.

“I’m sorry Spike… I don’t know what came over me. I guess it’s been so long since I had that much attention from the camera, but a part of me should have known better.”

Her husband said nothing and kissed her softly on the mouth, showing he already forgave her, as long as she tried not to make it happen again.

So they sat down to a long, quiet, and lovely dinner.

Elsewhere, Pinkie Pie was staring out her bedroom window, looking up at the night sky.

“So Dearka’s not really a Devil.” she thought “If that’s true, maybe there’s hope for him yet, which means maybe there’s still hope for me too… for us?”

She honestly didn’t know why after all this time she was still harboring hope for romantic relations with an enemy.

That still wasn’t her only mystery. Right next to her in the same vase on the table sat that second bouquet of flowers she had gotten that time she went to the amusement parks with Apple Spice.

She knew Dearka didn’t send them.

“…I wonder who did.”

She couldn’t help but think it was sweet, whoever it was.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Cadance begins to hear a voice calling for help when no one else can, meanwhile Artie and Sunset seem to be developing relationship problems whereas Applejack and Apple Spice have plenty enough, which gives Dearka a plan to prove himself to Von Devilor when he overhears the possibility of being replaced!

How will the relationships turn out, and what is Dearka’s true fate?

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

(Next Episode: “Trust in Time”)

Author's Note

Before any of you even start thinking...

No...

Dearka isn't some jealous punk who was never loved by his unrequited crush, it was far worse. (No, it's not a THINGS CHANGE either)

Episode 17: Trust in Time

EPISODE SEVENTEEN

One night, as Cadance was tucking Flurry Heart into her crib and bidding her goodnight, she began to hear a faint feminine voice…

“Heeeelp meeeeee…!

Saaaaaave meeeee…!”

Cadance looked up and all around, and then picked her ears. The voice was gone.

Her daughter then gave a little yawn and snuggled down under her blanket. Cadance smiled and pecked her little darling. “Sleep tight, angel.” she cooed.

Her husband then came up behind her, wrapping his around her and pecking her cheek.

The two stood there in the soft silence, but then Cadance began to hear that voice calling out again.

“Please… Somebody, help me!

“Can you hear that?” she asked.

“Hear what?” replied Shining Armor.

Cadance heard no more.

“I just heard someone, calling for help.”

Her husband blinked in confusion.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I really heard something.”

“Maybe you’re just over-worked?” suggested Shining Armor.

His wife still heard nothing more and felt it was possible. “I have been working hard, and it has been stressful with The Devils still out there.” she then let out a huge yawn proving she was sleepy. “I guess a good-night sleep could help.”

Meanwhile, at New Sweet Apple Acres, a romantic candlelit dinner was set up in the moonlit cornfields, a very romantic time, and place to be… unless you were Applejack and Apple Spice, who were the diners.

They were both looking a tad dressed up.

Spice wore a clean white shirt and a bowtie while Applejack wore one of her casual farm gowns and had her hair done in her Apple Jewel style.

This dinner was obviously another one of Applejack’s folks’ ideas to bring them closer together, because their wedding was being planned for and was now only one month away-- whether The Devils were defeated by then or not.

Bright Mac was spying on them with binoculars through the house.

Normally, his wife would scold him for such a thing, but Pear Butter was just as curious.

“What are they doing?” she asked.

“They’re just sitting there, hardly looking at each other.”

Pear sighed, “It’s no use. We can’t just force them to be with one another like this.”

Her husband agreed, “But you know about the contract, Buttercup. There just ain’t no way around it. They have to do this or we’ll all be in trouble.”

Pear nodded, and felt bad more for the kids.

Applejack and Spice still felt nervous and awkward.

They suddenly turned to speak to each other, at the same time, and then chuckled softly, and turned away again.

“Look, Spice… we both know how we feel.” said Applejack “And I especially know how you feel… about Pinkie Pie, I mean.”

Spice went red in the face, “What do you mean? Me and Pinkie Pie…? I well um… I…” he knew he couldn’t worm his way out of it, especially not to Applejack “…Yes, you know it right.

What am I going to do? What are WE going to do?”

“Well, I know one thing you can do; tell Pinkie how you feel. Face it, she ain’t just going to guess it, not even with all the obvious signs you gave her.”

Spice pondered deeply, “I don’t know… I know she still has feelings for that guy, Dearka, even though he’s an enemy, but she obviously doesn’t feel the same about me.

I mean, we’ve hung out, we went to the amusement park, and she did peck me a couple of times.”

Applejack still insisted “…Then tell her, and who knows, maybe she does like you.”

Spice sighed softly, “Even if I do tell her, that doesn’t get us out of our problem.”

“Yeah… you’re right about that.” agreed Applejack “But you still may as well tell her.”

Spice remained unsure, even as he looked up at the moon and could see Pinkie’s face smiling at him.

Later that night, Cadance tried to sleep, but that same voice continued to call to her.

“Someone… please, save me!”

She sat upright in bed. She tried plugging her ears, but she could still hear it.

“Help…! Please help!”

She shook her husband, “Shining Armor! Shining Armor, wake up!”

“Oh, not now, mom… five more minutes.” he groaned in a sleepy daze

“Wake up!” his wife snapped softly, and he bolted upright in near shock. “Cadance, what is it? It’s after midnight!” but then he had the idea, “Are you still hearing that voice?”

Cadance nodded, “I wasn’t dreaming either, I was wide awake, but I don’t know what it is.”

She heard it again…

“Help…! Heeeeelp…!!”

“There it is again!”

Shining Armor heard nothing, but he was starting to feel concerned, and even though it was late, they knew the sickbay was still active. “Come on, let’s take you down there.”

She agreed and got up out of bed.

Meanwhile, King Von Devilor was groaning and growling in the darkness, for he too could hear the wailing, while none of the other Devils in the realm could.

“Silence!” he growled softly as his blue flames of hate blazed, and the light on his lower forum jerked about. “When are you going to learn there is nothing you can do to stop me and my hate from conquering the worlds beyond?”

Little did he know that Dearka was listening and observing from up high on a far ledge.

Neither he, nor any Devil had any clue of what that strange light was on his lower forum…

…until now!

“It’s a spiritual being.” Dearka thought to himself. “We Devils: Our mission is to wipe out any forms of love so we may escape from our prison in this realm and take back the worlds beyond.

But it seems that his majesty has been holding things secret from his own subjects.”

Just then he saw Scarlet approach the king.

“My lord, does something trouble you?” she called out.

Von Devilor regained himself, “I am fine.”

“Are you certain? You seem to be--”

“I said I am fine!!” bellowed Von Devilor. “Just get out there and gather me more power!”

Scarlet bowed at the opportunity, but she had to ask, “What about Dearka? Shouldn’t he come with me as well?”

Von Devilor grumbled softly, “Dearka has begun to show signs of insubordination. I shall tend with this in due time. You just do as you are told.”

Scarlet bowed again, but secretly thought, “…It’s working! I’ve got that fraud, Dearka, on the ropes. It’s only a matter of time before he’s all the way out, and I can finally gain the respect I deserve!”

Dearka felt insulted as he thought, “So they think I’m slipping, do they?” He clenched his fists angrily. “My loyalties are never to be questioned. I’ll show them where they lie.”

The next morning, Pinkie Pie was off and about doing grocery shopping for the cakes. She stood in line humming casually while she waited.

Artie came up behind her doing his own shopping.

“Hiya, Art…”

Artie looked a little glum. “Oh, hiya, Pinkie...”

If there was one thing Pinkie hated seeing more than someone with a glum expression, it was seeing one of her friends with a glum expression.

“Uh, oh…! What’s the matter?”

“…It’s Sunset,” replied Artie “I think I may have offended her.”

He recounted that morning; Sunset had gone out shopping without leaving him a note. She was gone for nearly an hour.

“You know you’re not supposed to leave the house without Me.” he scolded.

“I thought I’d show you that I can take care of myself. You can’t baby me forever.”

This new rebelliousness was understandable, seeing as it had been over a month since she moved in with him and longed to have her own freedom of choices.

From that whole morning they fought and argued, and it ended on a really deep note.

“You’re just trying to keep me all to yourself, aren’t you, because you looooove me. Is that it? I get it now, why you keep making all these paintings with references of my name. You’ve got it hot for me, don’t you?!”

Artie felt struck and embarrassed, still not ready to admit his true feelings for her. “It’s not like that. I didn’t even want to take you in the first place. That was Lightning’s idea. I--”

He stopped himself feeling shocked at what he had just said, and Sunset looked extremely hurt and livid. “You never wanted to take me in?”

He tried to explain, but Sunset ran out of the house in an angry rage.

“Sunset…!” he would have chased after her as it was his responsibility to care for her, but part of him felt if he did it would look like he was trying to force himself on her, and that wouldn’t do good for either of them.

By this time Artie and Pinkie were walking with their paid groceries home.

“…So, I decided to give her some time, and let her cool off, but I’m really regretting it. I should’ve gone after her at once.” he paused and sighed “And worse… maybe I should’ve been honest with her from the start.

Ugh!! What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I do anything right around her?”

Pinkie didn’t know who to feel more sorry for, him or Sunset. “Well, as soon as I drop off the groceries I’ll help you find her.”

“Oh, no, really, Pinkie, I should really handle this myself.”

“Nonsense... You know I love to help out friends when there’s a problem. In fact, I’ll help you right now.”

Before Artie could protest, Pinkie put her groceries down and flew up a high lamppost announcing to everyone, “HEY, SUNSET SHIMMER!! ARTIE’S SORRY FOR WHAT HE SAID!!”

Other ponies around covered their ears by her loud her voice, and others began to look towards Artie, who was blushing in extreme embarrassment.

“ARTIE ALSO WANTS TO TELL YOU THAT HE’S IN--” before Pinkie could say another word, Artie flew up high and brought her down, covering her mouth, “...That’ll do, Pinkie Pie!!” he growled.

Many ponies were still staring at them, and he giggled nervously as he led Pinkie away.

“Great! Now everyone knows that I screwed up!”

Pinkie rubbed the back of her head nervously, but Artie didn’t bother lash at her. He was more concerned if Sunset had heard the message or not, and he was also thankful that Lightning and Starla were off in New Canterlot and didn’t hear it.

Lightning and Starla were in New Canterlot as promised.

Their majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia had requested they come for the arrival of Major Hawk Fenton; who was the head of the Starfleet outpost on Planet Vistula.

Their majesties had sent word about Dearka’s connection to Vistula, and Hawk mentioned in a reply how he and his united had seen and faced Dearka’s forces when the Devils first began to appear all through the cosmos when they disrupted a wedding there.

Now he was coming personally to deliver any information that he could.

He was just being announced by Captain Shaina in the briefing room.

“Major Fenton…”

The Major came in, removing his cap. He was a burgundy colored Space Alicorn, with a bright red mane, with hints of yellow like Phoenix Flame.

The major bowered to the crowned heads.

“Your majesties…”

Their majesties bowed back, and Grand Ruler gave the introductions. “Major Hawk Fenton… Commander Lightning Dawn, General Starla Shine.”

Hawk saluted to them respectfully. “Ma’am… Sir…”

Lightning and Starla saluted back. “It’s an honor to meet you, Major.” said Lightning “We’ve only heard reports about, all of it good.”

Hawk nodded, but he didn’t have too much time and had to get back to Vistula and his team soon. So he sat at the table and was asked to present his oral report, as well as any files he had made for later studies.

“As you know, I’ve been commanding the outpost on Vistula for ten years, and a good thing too, because they had called for Starfleet to aid in assistance in their ways of life and for protection against evil force.”

Grand Ruler nodded “I remember it all too-well. Society on Vistula was crumbling and fear was rising; all because they had most senseless laws.”

Starla looked over the files, and the laws were extremely messed up to her, but easily the most disturbing law was something called “…The Ultimate Challenge?”

“What’s that?” asked Celestia “I don’t like the sound of it…”

“You wouldn’t like it all.” replied Hawk, and he explained about it…

The Ultimate Challenge was an old Vistulan custom.

Like most races, Vistulans were not without their flaws, or their fights, or even struggles for power, and when it came to things such as claiming ownership of property, an object, or the affections of another, even settling a bitter rivalry or feud…

…Instead of settling it in a civilized manner, the two opposing Vistulans would compete in The Ultimate Challenge: a series of contests and games where they pitted their strengths, skills and abilities against one another.

Everyone’s faces turned aghast.

“That’s just barbaric!” snapped Celestia.

“It’s beyond barbaric!” agreed Lightning.

“Oh, it’s worse than you think…” replied Hawk “To the winner of the challenge went all the prestige, prizes and ownership that was, even if it were a feeling of romance, then you won whomever it was and they would have to accept you by law.

As for the loser… they were to be denounced and regarded to everyone as trash, worthless, a failure! Stripped of any and all prestige and titles they held, and exiled from the planet forever-- hurled into space, just like that, never to return under severe penalty of death to you and/or anyone else that dared to be affiliated with you; family or friend alike!”

The others were beyond disgusted, and sat with their mouths hanging wide open and their eyes bulging wide.

Starla couldn’t even bring herself to speak, and just said in her mind, “Exile and disregarded just for losing a challenge?!”

“Galloping Galaxies…!” Lightning thought “How thoughtless and ridiculous could a race be?!”

Grand Ruler clenched his right hand into a fist, and placed his other hand softly over Celestia’s hand, which was twitching hard.

Hawk sighed “Feel free to throw up, I know I did.”

Grand Ruler felt the same as Hawk, “Whether it was their laws, and their way of life, I knew such ways would be chaotic, and they were.

According to the reports, many of those who were banished felt homesick and tried to return home to their families just wanting to see them again, only to be shunned and denounced, and the guards were summoned to execute them, which escalated into a hunger for revenge and breeding for evil.

So I personally went to Vistula myself, in order to quell the fighting and make things better. I convinced the elders of the planet to change their ways, without threat, and without blackmail. I finally made them see the horrors and the errors of their ways and what they had become.

While many Vistulans agreed that it was for the best to change the laws, there were still those, especially within royalty, who wished it remain as it was.”

“We have always been this way.”

“We have to know who is perfect and who is a loser.”

“It gives our people a reason to put all they have into their skills, knowing they can’t afford to lose for what will become of them.”

“They were outvoted and unseated in power, and Vistula became more peaceful and understanding. No more Ultimate Challenges, no more horrid laws of exile.

Unfortunately, there was no way to repair all the damage. Many had been exiled for a long time, and had either perished, or moved on with their lives finding new ways to go.”

Celestia couldn’t but shed a tear, “Those poor people!”

Starla clenched Lightning’s hand, and he clutched hers deeply in shock and disgust.

“Major…” said Lightning “You have read our reports regarding Dearka and The Devils. Were you able to gather the information we requested?”

“No sir…” replied Hawk “Any and all witnesses and affiliations with such history were not to be found. All had perished in a battle of vengeance against those who were banished some time ago.

But we did manage to find this…”

He held up what appeared to be another charred and damaged locket. There was no mistaking it, it was indeed the other part of Dearka’s broken locket, and inside were the charred and burned remains of what had to be a beautiful Vistulan Princess.

“Where did you find this?” asked Starla.

“It would found among the tall grass in a large meadow where an old neighborhood once stood.

There is nothing more I can tell you.”

With all that said and done, Major Fenton was excused to return to Vistula.

“You have been most helpful, Major.” said Grand Ruler. “I will see that you and your outpost are compensated for this.”

“Thank you, sire.” said Hawk with a bow, and he left to catch his portal back home.

While back in New Ponyville…

Fluttershy and Rhymey were out walking with Button Fly like the happy family they were, when Applejack and Spice came along hauling two carts of apples, another way of them to try and bond setup by Applejack’s folks.

“Hello Applejack, Apple Spice…” said Fluttershy.

The two only looked up grimly and gave soft waves.

“Uh, oh, things aren’t good, I can tell
You two don’t seem to look very well.”

“You noticed.” groaned Applejack “Me and Spice just can’t go through with this whole marriage thing and there’s no way out of it.”

Even Fluttershy could see the couple was not very happy with each other.

“Don’t you at least like each other? That could be something.”

“Well we do…” said Spice “We like each other… but only friends, we don’t really love each other and we can’t seem to do that.”

Rhymey nodded

“Love isn’t something that can just be forged out of thin air
It either happens or it doesn’t, but you know when it’s there.”

Fluttershy still wasn’t that convinced, despite her friends’ objections to the marriage, “Well, maybe you could get married and, who knows, you’ll start to find love shortly after that?”

Much as that was plausible, her friends didn’t like it.

“I know you’re trying to help, Fluttershy, but I ain’t too keen on it.” said Applejack.

“Me neither,” agreed Spice “I want to marry someone because I love them, not because some piece of paper orders me to.”

He then thought of Pinkie Pie again, and the idea of them being married made him sink into a lovey daze again, with his cheeks red and his eyes half open.

He then looked at Rhymey and Fluttershy, and imagined it was himself with Pinkie and their own baby.

The trio thought his feelings for Pinkie were just so adorable, and speaking of Pinkie, she landed down from the sky.

“Hi y’all.”

Spice took one look at her and his heart began to race.

“Have you guys seen Sunset anywhere?” Pinkie asked.

Suddenly, before any of them could answer, Sunset appeared standing up ahead of them up the road.

“Oh, there she is. Artie’s been looking all over for her.” chirped Pinkie, but Sunset didn’t look a bit pleased, especially when she opened her eyes and her body was suddenly shrouded in dark aura.

“The Devils!” cried Applejack.

Scarlet appeared on a rooftop, “Ooh, however did you guess that?”

Realizing the danger at hand, Rhymey put Button fly back in his carriage and instructed Spice to take him where it was safe.

“But, I’ve never babysat before.” protested Spice.

“Yes, yes, I know, I know,
But it’s dangerous out here… Go!”

Spice quickly dashed off with the baby in tow. Button Fly cried out for his parents.

Suddenly, a large monster slammed down in front of the escape route; a snarling monster in the shape of Wildcat, but more than three times his size, and it had sharp claws, fangs and roared at him, scaring the baby.

“Get them, Meonizer!” shouted Scarlet.

The monster raised its sharp claws to swipe, but Spice grabbed the baby and jumped away as it struck the carriage, destroying it.

“It’s one thing to want to take over my brain a third time, I’m not letting you hurt this child!!” shouted Spice.

Pinkie was astounded by Spice’s bravery in saving the baby, while Fluttershy and Rhymey were relived.

“Never mind them,” sneered Scarlet, and she glared at the fighters. “Gathering energy from you will be more than enough for me.”

The fighters all stood together, just as the trio of villains did, ready to fight.

Back in New Canterlot, Lightning, Starla and their majesties compared the two pieces of the locket together, and they were a perfect match.

Everyone happened upon the same suggestion, that Dearka was in love once and he lost it all-- most likely to The Ultimate Challenge, which would explain why he was filled with so much resentment to love, but it was still only a guess.

Suddenly, the alarms went off, and Captain Shaina entered the briefing room. “It’s Dearka, he’s been spotted in the village!”

“Go!” Grand Ruler said to Lightning and Starla.

Starla and Lightning both transformed “STARFLEET MAGIC” and flew out the window, and Starla had taken the locket with her, wanting to get the answers once and for all.

“Send for Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.” Celestia ordered.

Shaina saluted and ran off to find them, while Grand Ruler and Celestia stayed behind to project the barriers around the village to reduce the infections.

Dearka had infected appeared deep within the village and struck his claws into the ground infecting many civilians in the immediate area.

Others began to run for their lives while the sentries all charged.

“Ha!” snapped Dearka “Take this!” and he unleashed his thunder bolts, hitting them all hard, knocking them back.

“Who’s next?!” he sneered.

“You are!” thundered Lightning “UNIFORCE” he fired a big blast of magic, forcing Dearka to zip out of the way.

“PULSAR LASER” Starla fired her beam at him, but Dearka slashed his claws straight through the energy, actually slicing through it, and wiping it out.

All the infected civilians were granting him so much strength and power.

“There’s so many of them!” cried Starla “We’ll never be able to heal them all at once.”

“But I can…” called Cadance as she and Shining Armor came rushing in.

Cadance didn’t bother to transform, not with what she had in mind, but her husband did.

“Mask of Saber” donning his magical mask, he became Saber, The Insecto!

Pulling out his sword and his sickle and chain, he looked ready for action. “We’ll round up the civilians; you two take care of the chump there.”

Lightning and Starla agreed, and turned to face Dearka.

“How touching,” he hissed “No matter, I can take you all on!”

“Why do you do this?” asked Starla “We know the truth; you used to be a Vistulan.”

Dearka roared at the very mention of his former home-world, and his aura pulsated like crazy. “I’ll destroy you for that!!” and he lunged forth to strike.

Lightning and Starla zipped off and then back again to attack, but Dearka caught their fists, and flipped them both over onto their backs, but Lightning kicked him hard in the chest knocking him back several paces.

“STAR SHOWER” Starla unleashed her stars all around him, but he back-flipped, swerved and dodged every one of them and fired his thunderbolts at her, making sparks and explosions fly.

In the chaos, the locket was thrown from her and landed by Dearka’s boots.

His eyes bulged behind his visor as he saw the other picture, for the first time in a long time.

He picked up the locket and looked at the picture of the princess. His hand quivered and he groaned in anguish and pain.

“Look at him!” said Lightning “It’s like he struggling with inner feelings.”

Starla agreed, and felt the ideas were confirmed about Dearka’s hatred.

Back in New Ponyville, Meonizer attacked, pouncing on each and every one of the fighters.

Sunset then fired more blasts from her horn.

“DRILL QUILL” Rhymey unleashed his sharp feathers to intercept the blasts, but sunset was still ready for more.

“We’ve got to heal her!” cried Applejack.

“I got this!” said Pinkie, and she activated her energizer “The Healing of Love!” her waves enveloped Sunset, but she didn’t seem to flinch or even groan.

“It’s not working!” cried Fluttershy. She scanned with her visor. “Oh, my…! The levels of anger and resentment are much higher than we thought.”

Scarlet laughed, “That’s how they were when I found her… all alone, angry, miserable, and feeling heartbroken.” she snickered “I couldn’t have asked for a finer target.”

The fighters felt disgusted.

“She may have loads of darkness within,
But we’ll still cure it, we’ll still win.” said Rhymey.

Scarlet laughed, “Yeah, right…” and she blew more destructive kisses at them, forcing them to dodge, and Sunset continued to open fire on them as well.

“Meonizer…!” shouted Scarlet, and her monster roared and jumped in with its huge claws ready to strike...

“WARD SWORD” Rhymey leapt up and blocked the strike, but the creature swung and kicked him hard with its hind legs.

“Rhymey!” cried Fluttershy, and she glared at the monster “How dare you hurt my husband!” and she leapt up high and came down hard, kicking the monster’s huge back.

The monster crashed hard to the ground.

“On three, Sugar-Cube!” said Applejack.

“Yeah!” agreed Pinkie.

“THREE!!” they both shouted and rammed straight for the monster, double punching it hard and sending it skidding along the ground.

Sunset and Scarlet both retaliated and shot them good, making big explosions, and sent them both fly backwards and crashing on the ground.

Fluttershy and Rhymey rushed in to help them up.

The trio of villains all stood together snarling at them.

“It’s no good!” cried Fluttershy “All this anger and fighting is only making them stronger! We need more power!”

“Sorry, but I’m the only one with all the power here.” teased Scarlet.

“That’s what you think!” called a voice.

“Huh?” Scarlet turned just in time as Artie came soaring in and kicked her hard and sent her crashing into a tree.

“Artie…!” called Pinkie “But how…?”

“I ran into Spice on his way to safety, first I escorted him and Button Fly someplace safe, and now I’m here to make things right.”

He looked down at Sunset and could scan her hate levels with his visor. “Let me try and help her, you guys get the monster.”

The others agreed, figuring he would have a better chance connecting with Sunset.

Scarlet got up growling madly. “You’ll pay for that!”

Rhymey gripped his sword tightly…

“You three deal with her,
I can handle the monster.”

The ladies agreed, and Fluttershy pecked him for luck.

“Charge…!!” Pinkie shrieked as she and the others rushed for Scarlet.

Scarlet put up her fists and began to fight back as hard as she could while the ladies continued to rush her.

Rhymey glared down the hissing cat monster, and the creature charged straight for him, forcing him to leap up high.

The creature turned around and swiped its claws at him in midair, which he parried and blocked with his sword.

As for Artie, he didn’t bother get out his weapon as he and Sunset glared each other down, ready for the draw.

Sunset glared at Artie with such fury as if she was remembering full force being hurt by what he had said to her that day.

Because of this, Artie had one possible idea of how to help heal her.

He began to rushed for her while she blasted away at him, and he dodged her every shot, getting closer, and closer, until finally he was right there with her, holding her by the shoulders and at such a distance she couldn’t shoot at him.

She growled and struggled to break free from his grasp but he held on tightly, and the aura didn’t infect him.

“Sunset, I know you’re in there!” he called to her.

Sunset continued to struggle.

“Sunset, listen… I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you with what I’ve said! I enjoy having you around! I love having your company! And… and I… I… Love you! I’ve been in love with you since the first day I met you!”

Sunset actually seemed stunned.

Pinkie gasped, “He confessed!!”

“Ugh! How sickening!” groaned Scarlet, and she raised her hands to shoot them both from afar.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Applejack as she rushed her, and Fluttershy and Pinkie followed.

Sunset was starting to quiver as if the hate and love were both starting to mix within her, which gave Artie his chance.

“The Healing of Love”

Still holding her by the shoulders, the rays enveloped Sunset full force, counteracting the evil she was poisoned with, and restoring her to normal.

Sunset collapsed wearily into his arms.

“Sunset!” cried Artie. He cradled her softly, keeping her safe.

As for the monster, it rushed straight for Rhymey to strike him hard, but Rhyme hit the dirt, and the monster soared straight over him.

“That’s a miss,
Now take this!”

Rhymey kicked the monster hard up into the sky, and as it came crashing back down again, he powered up his sword for his finisher.

“THRASH SLASH”

One slash of his empowered blade, the monster was destroyed just like that.

At the very same time, the ladies huddled together and kicked Scarlet high up into the air.

“You pests are so annoying!!” Scarlet called, and she retreated while she had her chance.

“We got more where that came from!!” Pinkie called to her.

Rhymey landed and sheathed his sword.

And Sunset, she began to awaken in Artie’s arms.

“Sunset… you okay?” he asked.

She was woozy, and barely remembered much, but it slowly came back to her-- how she was infected, and while she felt ashamed, looking at Artie, she could only smile at him, and he smiled at her.

The ladies all smiled lovingly.

While back in New Canterlot…

The infected civilians channeled their aura and fired it all at Saber, but he leapt up high in the air.

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE” he unleashed his electricity, purposely missing the people, intending for them only to back away in fright so they’d all huddle together in one place.

As for Cadance, she remained hovering overhead, and fired beams of light at others fleeing the pack to keep them all together so she would be able to heal them all at once.

“Now’s your chance!” called her husband.

Cadance agreed and she flew up high… when suddenly, that voice began to echo to her again.

“Help me…!”

Cadance looked all around, but all she could hear was that same voice.

“Save me…!”

Cadance was really becoming haunted by this voice, and her husband had to call up to her.

“Cadance…! What are you doing? Blast them!”

She snapped back to her senses and agreed.

All at once, her body began to glow brightly, sparkling like a crystal.

“Huh…?” Dearka looked up at the glowing light.

“The Healing of Love”

She cast a huge field of her sparkling aura, much larger than anything that Lightning or any of the others could cast alone, and all the civilians were healed and cleansed of the evil.

“So that’s where the Healing of Love comes from.” thought Dearka “That pony is a very source of Love and Light.”

He had gone from groaning in pain to smirking wickedly.

That’s when Lightning and Starla finally realized,

“Oh, no!” cried Lightning.

“He knows about Cadance!” added Starla.

Dearka laughed wickedly, and his laugh got louder and more maniacal, which none of the fighters liked one bit.

Dearka then gave them all a sickening, wide-eyed, evil glare, “I was once a Vistulan, but that’s ancient history. I’m a Devil now! I live to serve King Von Devilor, and to see that the power of love and those who dwell in its sickening glow perish!!”

Everyone hated the way he preached to the darkness, the evil, which only confirmed Lightning and Starla’s theories about him.

Dearka looked up at Cadance, but decided this was not the right time.

He then looked back at the fighters, “I’ll see you all again, real soon, and especially you Princess Cadance!”

Then he vanished and was gone!

Cadance felt shivers run down her spine.

Lightning growled, “This is very bad.”

Starla and the others agreed.

“We’ve got to tell their majesties at once.” said Starla.

Back in New Ponyville, with the danger there ceased, people were allowed outside again, and Apple Spice brought Button Fly back to his parents.

“Thank you for taking care of him, Spice.” said Fluttershy.

Rhymey nodded and added in a rhyme, “What you did was brave and nice.”

Spice rubbed the back of his head, chuckling nervously.

“That was very brave of you, Spice.” said Pinkie.

Hearing that from her really made him feel warm and snug inside.

“You’re going be a great husband to Applejack.” Pinkie added, which made both Spice and Applejack feel awkward and a little upset, and this reason was exactly why Spice felt he could never admit his feelings to Pinkie, not as long as he was lawfully promised to Applejack.

Applejack could see the cowering in him, and sighed in dismay. “Somehow, this kid has just got to step himself up.” she thought.

Everyone decided to just split up and head home.

Artie and Sunset headed down the road together.

“So, I wasn’t really dreaming was I?” Sunset asked “You admitted that you liked me?”

“Um… yes… I did.” confessed Artie “And I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“I’m sorry I put you through all this, and I’m sorry I had to tell you like that.”

Sunset stopped in her tracks and she looked upset again, “You’re sorry you told me?!”

“That’s not what I meant. I meant what I said, I really care about you, and I’m glad you live with me.”

“You could stand to show it a little better!” argued Sunset, and she began to walk off in a huff again.

“Sunset, wait… what is it you want from me?” Artie called to her, but as he walked along, not seeing where he was going, he tripped over an uprooted rock in the ground, causing him to stumble at Sunset.

She turned around just in time as he collided into her, and they both fell to the ground… with their lips touching deeply.

Their eyes widened in shock, and Artie quickly backed off, frantically going “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to… I just slipped and… and…” he stopped when he saw Sunset gazing lovingly at him, with her eyes sparkling and her cheeks were blushing… She actually enjoyed the kiss, even if it was an accident.

Artie couldn’t stop gazing at her.

He slowly approached her, and even though it was a sudden thing to say, he felt he had to ask.

“Will you marry me?”

Too happy and too enamoured to be stunned, Sunset knew her answer. “Yes. Yes, I will.”

They both let out soft giggles, but then, Artie placed his hands on her shoulders and softly pulled her towards him, kissing her deeply and passionately, and she wrapped her arms around him and perked her leg up.

They both never felt so happy.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Dearka plans to capture Cadance to ultimately prove his worth to Von Devilor, which angers Scarlet greatly and prompts her to step up her own plans against him.

Meanwhile, Cadance continues to struggle with that voice that is haunting her as her family make plans to keep her well-protected from the Devils’ wrath, which may prove trickier, especially when Dearka finally reveals his motivations and his history to the team.

What is the truth behind Dearka?

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

(Next Episode: “With all my Raging Heart: Part 1”)

Episode 18: With all my Raging Heart: Part 1

EPISODE EIGHTEEN

“Help Me…!

Please, save me…!”

Cadance was still being haunted by the faint, feminine voice, and only she could hear it while no one else could. She was constantly hearing it everywhere, even at night which made it hard for her to sleep.

…She was looking a little baggy-eyed right now as the court physician had re-checked her over.

“I can find nothing at all wrong,” he reported “But I am most perplexed by all this.”

Shining Armor was concerned for his wife. “Who could be calling to you, and why can only you hear it?”

His wife let out a huge yawn, “Believe me, I really wish I knew. I can’t go on like this. I hardly slept all night. Every time I close my eyes I hear that voice again.”

The doctor prescribed her some special sleep-medication, and in almost no time, Cadance was sleeping like a baby, and snoring too.

Shining Armor scooped up his wife and carried her to their suite to put her to bed for a while, and just as well that Flurry Heart was napping too, for he had a meeting to attend to with their majesties and the entire team to discuss new plans…

…Plans that concerned Cadance.

He arrived in the briefing room to find everyone waiting for him. “She’s asleep; best to let her rest. Poor thing…”

The others felt a little sorry for Cadance, being so tired.

“Where do you suppose that voice is coming from?” asked Krysta.

“First of all…” Grand Ruler announced “Queen Celestia, Princess Luna, and I would like to offer our congratulations to Artie for his engagement to Sunset Shimmer.”

Everyone applauded to Artie, especially Pinkie. “Whoo-hoo!!” she cheered.

Artie felt flattered, but he assured everyone, “We’re not making any plans yet, not while the Devils are still out there.”

“An excellent idea,” said Celestia “Which brings us immediately to our next subject.”

She let Lightning say what had to be said.

“Because of the circumstances involving the last battle, Princess Cadance was forced to reveal herself to Dearka. It is clear now that the Devils know about her being a large source in love energy.”

Everyone immediately realized the full seriousness of the situation. It meant The Devils would most likely come after her to use her magic to empower themselves-- by harnessing and converting the vast amounts of love power Cadance could give into vast amounts of darkness and hate.

“If Von Devilor gains that much energy,” said Starla “…There’s no telling how powerful he’ll become.”

Many of the others felt shivers run down their backs.

“Them Devils are already super dangerous.” said Applejack “Just fighting them one at a time is hard enough without taking huge risks.”

Rainbow felt frustrated, “And we still can’t try and actually go to the Devil’s world and confront them there.”

“Well, we can,” said Buddy “…But it’s definitely not advisable.”

Their majesties agreed.

At present, it had been deduced that the only possible way to enter The Devils’ Dimension was to follow a Devil through the vanishing portals they used to leap between worlds.

“Even we were able to jump through a portal, what are the odds of us making it back?” asked Fluttershy.

Rhymey agreed and added,

“Even still, it’s very dangerous for us there,
We can’t breathe the darkness in the air.
Even with our spacesuits and light sources strong
We still wouldn’t last there for very long.”

“We’re all forgetting the most important detail of all.” said Spike “We’d be fighting on their home domain, where there’s enough darkness and energy to keep them fueled and empowered beyond what we can calculate.

Even our strongest forums may not be enough to even scratch The Devils, let alone stop them.”

Rarity clenched her claws in dismay, “It’s beginning to look hopeless that we’ll ever stop them.”

Everyone shared her worry, but they weren’t willing to admit defeat.

“We’ll find some way to beat them.” said Dyno.

Myte agreed, “We always managed to beat our enemies no matter how strange or unusual they were.”

“Your enthusiasm is well-noted and appreciated.” said Luna “But for now, our main objective is to protect Princess Cadance at all times.”

“She’s right…” agreed Grand Ruler “Our enemies will be certain to come after her, or set up ways to force our hands to surrender her to their forces.”

Shining Armor felt his fury blazing at such a thought. “I won’t let them hurt my wife. We’ve kept her safe this long, and we’ve helped keep the planet safe from the evil.”

“We’ll do our best,” Celestia assured him “But I wonder what the Devils are up to now.”

Dearka had shown images of Cadance to King Von Devilor, and what happened in the previous battle.

“So this creature is the source of The Healing of Love?” Von Devilor asked.

“Indeed so, my lord.” replied Dearka “Not only has Princess Cadance been the one responsible for giving our enemies the power to defy our darkness, but she seems to be an incredibly, most immense source of love energy that even an army of infected victims could barely give us.”

Von Devilor grinned and snickered, “I am most pleased, Dearka. You have found the perfect power that can aid in our conquest. ”

Dearka bowed to him, but then Scarlet interrupted, “Sorry to speak out of rank, but how will we even get our hands on her? I’m more than certain that Starfleet will attempt to guard her more closely than ever.”

“That is up to the two of you,” hissed Von Devilor. “I want that princess brought to me… alive. Do what you must to capture her, but I want her power. With all that love energy converted, even Starfleet will be powerless to stand in our way.”

Scarlet and Dearka bowed, and watched as their king faded off into the darkness.

“Well, this ought to be a lot of fun.” said Scarlet.

“This isn’t a game, Scarlet.” hissed Dearka “This could be the turning point for all Devils everywhere.”

Scarlet yawned, “You, a once Vistulan, telling a full-fledged Devil what’s good for us?”

Dearka’s features hardened, and he flexed his claws at her, “Never!” he growled “You are NEVER to mention of my past to me!”

“…And why ever not?” teased Scarlet “You seem to remember it all the time, and it fuels your anger and lust for conquest.”

Dearka looked madder than ever, but suddenly he had an idea.

“As much as I find you annoying, I could use you in a lot to help us capture Princess Cadance.”

“Oh? This may be a historic occasion.” said Scarlet. “Oh, well. Seeing as I don’t have a plan… what did you have in mind?”

Dearka snickered wickedly and explained to her as they walked along the dark pathway.

Suddenly, Von Devilor began to growl and groan from far back in the shadows, followed by a soft glow of that light beneath him.

“Still you dare to struggle?!” he growled in thought “Well, all your hopes are about to be dashed, just like they were millennia ago.

A pity… not a time goes by that I don’t think of what could have been.”

He began to think back, and images of silhouettes and bright faded lights of what had to be a deadly war, appeared in his mind.

Explosions…

People screaming…

Evil laughter…

And a female calling to him, “No, don’t do this!”

The final sound was of both she and a male voice roaring as a big flash of light occurred, and all the images were gone as Von Devilor came back to his senses.

The glowing beneath him had also ceased struggling, and he fell silent and still in a meditative state.

Scarlet and Dearka were most confused, and while they seemingly brushed it off again, Dearka was more curious than ever as he thought, “That spiritual being was resonating again, but who is it… what is it… and why does our king even have it on his person?”

There was no time to deal with it now. He and Scarlet had a princess to kidnap.

Cadance was sleeping peacefully in bed, but suddenly she began to toss and turn in her sleep.

She dreamed of herself standing in a stark black realm, with absolute nothingness all around her, and the ground was white with mist.

“What is all this?” she wondered.

Then he ears twitched as she could hear that voice calling to her again. “Help me…! Release me…!”

She followed the sounds where the voice was coming from. “Hello?” she called out “Who are you? Where are you?”

The only responses she got were those same wails and pleas for help and rescue, but the sound was getting louder as she seemingly got closer and closer to where it was coming from.

Suddenly, she was standing before a large wall of blue fire that the Devils usually created.

The voice seemed to be coming from straight behind the flames, or rather within them.

“Who are you?” Cadance asked “Why can only I hear you?”

Rather than give her a straight answer, the voice only said “Von Devilor… stop Von Devilor!”

“What? Stop Von Devilor?” said Cadance feeling confused.

The voice continued to painfully say “Save me… from… Von Devilor!”

“But how…? I don’t even know who you are. How can I save you?”

“Stop… Von… Dev-ilooooor…!!”

The faded out as everything faded to white, and Cadance snapped awake in bed, without bolting upright.

She caught her breathe and rubbed her eyes, but then noted the sounds of the red alarm sounding and Flurry Heart crying from her crib because of the noise.

“Oh, oh, Flurry!” Cadance called as she dashed out of bed and held her daughter close “Shh, Shh… it’s okay, honey, it’s okay.” Then again, with the alarms sounding, it couldn’t be okay.

She looked out the window and she could see what was happening…!

Dearka stood near the palace gateway, but he was surrounded but he was stopped by the drawbridge by the entire team, and her uncle and aunts, as well as the guards taking their places on the battlements all around.

“Cadance…!” Shining Armor called as he burst into the bedroom. “Oh, thank goodness!” he said in relief.

“What’s going on?” his wife asked.

“It’s Dearka, he’s demanding we have you over to him and the Devils so they can use your magic of love to empower them.”

Cadance shuddered softly. She already was well-aware of the Devils knowing about her, and she didn’t need to be told to stay right where was, in the palace.

Dearka could already see her in the window from the corner of his eye.

Then he addressed the team, “I’ll come straight to the point; hand over the princess at once!”

“Never!” thundered Grand Ruler “You’ll never get Cadance.”

Everyone stood by him in union and agreement to protect the palace and Cadance.

Dearka expected resistance, and he didn’t seem the least bit worried.

“We can do this this easy way, or the hard way, and I really hope you say “Hard” it’s more enjoyable to me, kicking you around that is.”

“Enough,” growled Lightning “You are truly heartless, Dearka, just as all you Devils are!”

Starla stepped forth, “Or are you still attempting to run from your past?”

Dearka growled softly, and clenched his fists, but really this was all part of his plan, to finally tell them how he came to be the Devil that he was.

Pinkie stepped forth, “Why, Dearka? Why do you resent love so much that you would align yourself with King Von Devilor.”

Dearka pulled out his locket, and looked at the two charred pictures inside, “Because love has hurt me in ways I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”

Everyone felt a touch of concern to hear such words,

Cadance felt the most stunned, and Dearka began to tell his story.

“I once lead a proud and wonderful life on Planet Vistula. My father and mother were caring and nurturing, and I would swear to pay them back for all they had devoted to me.

So I trained well in the art of fighting and combat to strengthen myself, and I studied well to increase my knowledge, to assist in hard work, seeking out great employment.

All this and more allowed me to become one of the most well-renowned denizens of Vistula.

I educated the people, taught them how to believe and focus, and be able to turn their dreams into reality.

I helped fight back imposing forces that dared to bring harm to innocent beings.

I would assist anyone any way that I could, whatever the task endured, from heavy lifting, to education, to reasoning.

I had it all, power, fame, friendship, comforts…

People would always stop to wave at me as I passed by. Some would offer me free gifts and services in exchange for advice or just to speak to me or have me in their presence-- I would be flattered, but I insisted on paying for my gifts.

Women desired me, and men wished to be like me...!

While the men could not always be like me, I was able to quell them by educating them to be the best that they could be.

As for the women, as flattered as I was by their lusts for me, I already had a special someone in my life.”

He stopped a reflected upon the picture of the Vistulan Princess, and thought back to a time when he could see her clearly.

“…Calistia… The next in line to rule Vistula and easily the fairest creature on the planet that men would pine for, but her eyes were only for me.

The joy that I brought, my heroics in protecting the planet, my teachings and helping of others made her heart sing, and she deemed me worthy of being her royal consort.”

Celestia and Grand Ruler looked at each other realizing how similar the situation was to their own history of how they fell in love.

“Yes, I had it all, with my accomplishments, my great spirit of giving, and my love life with my darling Calistia blossoming like a flower in the sun.”

He recounted on the day she made the locket he had, and they each put a picture of themselves inside it, as a way of sealing their engagement.

And a song played how they lived and did everything in “The Glory of Love.”

“But then, just when it seems you have all you could ever wish for… Fate intervenes.

Much as my teachings and helpings were well-known to help many, there were still those who remained unscrupulous, unreasonable, and menacing to our world, especially those who were jealous of my skills and achievements, and pined for the princess’s affections.

So, it came down to The Ultimate Challenge: The greatest and most honorable law of our planet. Even royalty had no power to ignore it or cancel it.

Even I myself was forced to abide by it. Not that it seemed to matter to me, or my beloved. With my skills and strengths I was certain to win… but…!”

He paused, and looked really tense, enraged even.

“I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT!!!

Every obstacle I came to in a race course seemed to shift, malfunction, or play some strange trick on me as though it were rigged.

My shooting weapons failed to function properly and I missed my every target!

And when it came to the final showdown-- close combat-- I don’t understand. Impossible as it seemed… I was overpowered, defeated without much effort!”

The entire team were shocked to hear such a thing, it sounded as if someone had cheated and rigged the challenges against him.

Regardless of that, whether it was cheating or not, according to the reports of the old laws, a loss was still a loss, no matter how silly or unfair the laws were, they were to be honored!

“Shamed and humiliated, I was stripped of all my titles and honors, and exiled from the planet forever. Despite the protests of my family, and Calista,

…I was launched deep into space, where the incredible teleportation forces sent me to a vast and distant planet.”

Grand Ruler felt chills run down his spine, remembering how he, too, was launched into space himself, and robbed of all that he knew and loved then.

Dearka continued…

“Stricken with grief and loneliness, I felt so incredibly lost, not knowing where I could possibly go or what to make of myself, for I had no way to return to Vistula, or even find my way back, not knowing where I even was.

So, all I could do was make the best of things.

With my skills, I would roam through the forests, the deserts, and cross the lakes. I found shelter in a cave, I slayed every monster and enemy that dared cross my path, and I was able to hunt for food.

…I was changing, becoming more a savage creature, but then again, what else was there if I was to make it.

Years passed, and I had grown into a stronger and fiercer creature-- longer hair, strong muscles, and a deeper voice. I even admired my reflection and how handsome I seemed.

But there was not a day or not that had gone by that I didn’t think of home, my humiliation, and missing my family and my dear Calista.

Our locket, the one possession I still had. I would look at it so much that the pictures would become worn. While I knew it was rather ridiculous to even think of returning, I felt so homesick, so deprived, so alone.

…There had to be a way.

Then, all of a suddenly, the image of a strange creature appeared before me. Something I had never seen before.”

“Do you wish to return to your home-world?”

“I had no idea who or what this creature was, but in my state I was willing to do anything to go home again.”

“I can help you, but you must do something for me first.”

The entire team tensed up, knowing, and rather expecting, things turned bad.

“The creature had created a small dark warp portal, just about the size of my hand, and instructed me, “Put your hand through it, and the deal will be done.”

Part of me deep down was incredibly skeptical about this. Could I actually trust this creature? Was I actually going to go home to Vistula, or was this some trick?

That part of me was overly silenced by the hammering feelings of finally being able to return home, and in my situation I felt I hadn’t much to lose.

With one touch of that warp, I let out a scream as I felt myself actually being pulled through--like being sucked in through a drinking straw.

All at once, I had never seen such a frightening sights flash before me, as if I were passing through another realm, and the sounds of wicked laugher echoing along the way.

In a bright flash, there I was, in a lush meadow on Planet Vistula; home again after all those years!

This was one of the very meadows I had trained in during my youth. I was really home!!

The planet didn’t seem to have changed too much after all the years I had been away, which made it easier to find my way around, and soon I stumbled upon a most familiar place… my home village. It was exactly as I remembered it.

I didn’t know what came over me. I knew that anyone who was exiled from losing The Ultimate Challenge were forbidden from ever returning, but to be here again, to see all the familiar sights, it made feel calm and at ease.

I knew I had to find my family and quickly.”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: After Dearka concludes his story, he begins burst up with incredible power and might that may seemingly be too much for the heroes to handle, and Scarlet appears to aid Dearka in the plot to capture Cadance for their king.

Will our heroes be able to keep Cadance safe?

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

(Next Episode: “With all my Raging Heart: Part 2)

Episode 19: With all my Raging Heart: Part 2

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…!”

Cadance was still and troubled by the mysterious voice calling out to her, and telling her to stop King Von Devilor, meanwhile, in a plot to capture Cadance, Dearka appeared and began to spill the beans to the heroes of how his once glorious and wondrous life was shattered, and how he was given a chance to finally return home to Planet Vistula.

EPISODE NINETEEN

Dearka continued his story of how he had returned to his home planet, and planned to reunite with his long-lost family.

“Soon, I had come across my old home, exactly as I remembered it, and it was there I was greeted by a little boy.”

“Hi there... Who are you? I’ve never seen you around here before.”

“This child seemed to resemble myself when I was his age.”

“Are you lost? Would you like to come and have lunch with me? Mom and Dad are cooking in the kitchen.”

“He referred to my parents. I couldn’t my ears. This boy was my younger brother, and obviously knew nothing about me.

He seemed so polite, that I had to accept his offer, but I just couldn’t bring myself to reveal myself to him.

Then, I heard a familiar voice call my name.”

“Dearka…? Lunch is ready.”

“My mother... My heart began to race, and I did all I could to hold back tears of joy as she came out to my brother.

…He was named after me?

Then she looked up at me.”

“Oh, hello... Are you new here?”

“She didn’t seem to recognize me because of my altered appearance, and before I could say a word to her, she polite insisted that I sit in and eat with them.

Soon, we were seated, and I asked the boy.”

“Your name is Dearka?”

“Yeah, I don’t know why mom and dad named me that, but I like the name. My parents say I’m the only child they ever had, so I should be named something special.”

“…The only child they ever had?

I felt my skip a beat. It was hard enough that my own mother couldn’t recognize me, but now it seemed like she didn’t even remember me.

Of course, since losing The Ultimate Challenge meant it be a shame and a sin to be affiliated with me…

…I remember how she cried and begged for me not to be taken away. She had to have at least some memory of me.

She came back with a dish of my favorite food, exactly how she used to prepare it. I hadn’t seen it in so long, my tears began to show.”

“Are you okay, Mister?”

“Yes. It just feels so nice to see a meal like this again.”

“Suddenly, my locket slipped forth, and my mother recognized it at once.”

“Where did you get that?”

“She finally began to see…”

“What? It can’t be?”

“It is… My name is Dearka! I am your son! Many years ago I was exiled into space for losing the Ultimate Challenge, but now, after all these years, I have come home.”

“The look in my mother’s eyes, I expected it to be tearful joy, but it seemed more shock and even fear.”

“You…! It can’t be.”

“What? Your name is Dearka, and you’re my brother?”

“Stop…!”

“My mother rushed past the table, tipping it over, and clutching Little Dearka.”

“He is not your brother! He is not my son! Do you hear me?!”

“What? But mother… I…?”

“Why? Why did you come back here?!”

“Because this is my home, I have missed you all dearly.”

“GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!!”

“Ah…?!”

“Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to let go of you; to put those awful memories out of my life… that I was the mother of a failure, a loser, a worthless being who shouldn’t have even been born if he would fail!”

“I felt each and every blow strike me like a burning knife to my heart, and it seared and burned worse than any other feeling I had ever felt. No matter what I tried to reason with, she insisted I leave and never return!”

“But I am your son!”

“YOU ARE NOT… YOU ARE A LOSER!!! YOU HAVE NO PLACE IN THIS FAMILY!! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!!!”

“I felt my heart aching and pounding in pain, as if it was ready to shatter to pieces, but then it got worse as my father came outside when he heard the shouting, and he recognized me almost at once.”

“You…?”

“Father…?”

“How dare you return here! You worthless failure! You have no right coming back to Vistula and sullying my family!! Guards! GUARDS…!!”

“Soon I was surrounded, and then appeared yet another familiar face… Calistia, whom was now queen of the planet, and with her King: the very creep who beat me in the challenge.

She acted just a cruel and hostile to me ever, and ordered me to be captured and executed for daring to return!

I had no choice, but to run, and then defend myself against any and all coming onslaughts, and in the chaotic stress, there was a big explosion which struck me hard, and damaged my locket…

…I managed to elude capture, but… I never thought it possible to feel so crushed, so hurt, so hated, and shunned! The Vistulans were sticking to their laws, outright resenting me, cutting ties, and wanting nothing to do with me except to destroy me!

Everything I ever was in the past, all the great things I had done had no meaning anymore-- as was also part of the custom!

Worse than that, my heart ached so much that I began to resent having ever been affiliated with these creatures, or any and all of my former goods deeds I had done.

I led a good life, I was a well-known and respected, and now disgraced, and most-wanted simply for losing a challenge I shouldn’t had lost in the beginning!

The hate… the rage… it all began to boil inside of me, reaching unfathomable levels.”

Then, I was greeted by the very creature that brought me to Vistula.”

“You seem disturbed. I’m guessing it wasn’t a happy reunion.”

“I didn’t even care how the creature followed me to Vistula. I didn’t care about much of anything anymore except how enraged I was, and how I longed for vengeance and to pay back not just those who had betrayed me, I wanted every being anywhere to understand my pain!”

“Come with me… I can give you home, a purpose, and all the power you could ever dream of to exact the vengeance you seek.

We understand your pain, and like yourself, we also desire vengeance and power to exact it.

Come… be part of my world, and together, we will accomplish so much!”

“Of course I was not one to refuse an offer as that.”

Lightning stepped forth, “And this creature… was it…?”

Dearka snickered, “Yes… it was King Von Devilor!”

Everyone tensed up. “Should’ve seen that coming.” murmured Applejack.

Dearka continued,

“Apparently, when I first made contact with him and touched his warp portal, it was the final link in a key to helping him and his fellow Devils escape from their realm.

King Von Devilor took me in, and for the next decade I trained well, unlocking new powers and abilities I never had before, all born from the darkness and hatred I felt from my betrayals and losses.

Keeping the part of my broken locket with me as a constant reminder of what happened, and how wondrous it would be to exact vengeance, it gave me the motivation to keep on struggling, until I became the Devilish creature I am now!

The King made me one of his most favored generals, and sent me off on my first mission, back to Vistula…”

He referred when he disrupted that wedding, when his brother, Young Dearka, all grown up, was preparing to marry Lenora. He caused such a havoc forcing Major Fenton and his team to intervene.

He even came across his mother and father…

“Worthless, am I…?

Failure, am I…?”

Dearka snickered, and the others all felt sick to their stomachs.

“You… you destroyed your own family?!” cried Rarity.

“Those that refer to were not my family. They disowned me, and demanded I leave, and they tried to destroy me simply because I dared to return out of love and heartbreak

I realized then that Love is a big joke-- it gets you nothing but crushed, beaten down, robs you of what you hold dear, and above all else… love gets you nowhere!”

Cadance hear everything, and it sounded like the ramblings of a pure madman!

“The Devils are my family now, and soon they will have to power to break free of The Devil’s world, and they can repopulate the universe as they once planned to, and all we have to do is wipe out all love there is.”

He then recited The Devils’ oath…

“Find all the beings in love. Root them out and kill them!

Find anyone who is capable of love and destroy them!

And above all: Find those who are about to be married, and wipe them out of existence forever!

Hate the love in this world, for as long as there is love, those of us with hateful hearts will know no peace!”

With that, his aura began to blaze like fire all around his body. His muscles seemed to grow larger, and longer hair went from blue to dark with thunder and lightning striking through it like a storm.

“What’s happening?!” cried Pinkie.

“His power level is increasing!” said Starla.

“Indeed!” hissed Dearka, his voice was now even deeper and raspier “When a Devil is able to focus vast amounts of hatred and anger within them, the power begins to flow through them like with the power equivalent of a raging tempest!

…PREPARE TO FEEL MY ULTIMATE WRATH!!”

With such power he was actually levitating up off the ground, and he shot small jolts of electricity all around him, making large explosions, causing some of the guards to back away in shock.

“Stop this now!” demanded Luna, but Dearka was far too lost in his own lust for power and destruction to even want to be reasoned with.

Cadance could hardly believe was she was seeing. “He seems so enraged! So hurt and betrayed, and that’s what led him to all this.”

Shining Armor could hardly believe his wife was actually showing compassion… to a Devil.

As understandable as Dearka’s rage and lust for power seemed, he could not be allowed to get away with all he had done, and namely grasp what he came for-- Cadance!

“We’ve got to keep the palace protected!” said Lightning.

“Agreed,” said Grand Ruler, and he then advised the teams be divided in half. He and the space ponies would try and take Dearka down, while Celestia, Luna, and the Equestrians would stand back to further shield the palace.

Everyone agreed, and already being transformed, they were ready to fight.

Lightning even signaled for Krysta to warp inside to Cadance’s side, to which she agreed.

Dearka let out a huge roar and unleashed a wave of darkness at everyone, forcing them to scatter.

“We have to stay apart!” cried Buddy “Our own anger and resentment only fuel him!”

Dearka laughed and shouted at them, “It won’t matter this time. I have more than enough power to stomp on you all like bugs!”

“…Sentries!” shouted Grand Ruler.

The guards all complied and readied their weapons and cannons to attack.

“…Fire!” shouted Captain Shaina.

The weapons and cannons fired mercilessly, and Dearka didn’t even bother to put up any defenses, and he didn’t have to, his aura was so insanely strong that each and every projectile, canon ball, they vaporized into nothing before they even reached him-- consumed by the aura.

“I can’t believe this!” shouted Dyno.

“That aura gobbled up the attacks like an avalanche!” added Myte.

Dearka growled, “You see now, how it is. When you’re as overly enraged as I am, your strength increases. You feel nothing, nothing at all but the anger and the hate, which makes all physical pain around you vanish into nothing!”

The fighters all cringed in anger themselves, despite that I fueled Dearka’s growing power!

“How can we stop this guy?!” wondered Lightning.

“You don’t!” thundered Dearka, and he unleashed more dark waves at everyone, making big explosions that knocked everyone off their feet.

They weren’t badly hurt, but they were astounded.

“That power…!” groaned Artie “It felt so strong, and it was just a normal attack!”

“He is getting stronger and angrier too,
Our attacks aren’t good enough to make it through.” said Rhymey.

Grand Ruler already had an idea of how to quell this anger, and he looked over at Celestia and Luna. His wife and sister-in-law agreed.

“Lightning, prepare to go Enticorn.”

Lightning was confused at first, but then immediately caught onto the idea, and he began to concentrate hard, flaring his glowing aura.

“Oh, no you don’t! Not this time!” growled Dearka, and he powered to fire a large beam of intensive darkness at him.

Lightning didn’t even budge and continued to focus.

“We’ll shield you, Lightning!” called Starla, and then she hollered to the other space ponies, “Conjure up the biggest, strongest barrier you can!”

The others all agreed, and concentrated all their inner magic together to place wall, after wall, after wall or strong energy between Lightning and Dearka.

“…FIRE!!”

Dearka unleashed his dark beam which slammed into the first barrier, shattering it, and then proceeded to the next one, and the next…!

“We’ve got to help them!” shouted Rainbow.

“Let’s go Valkyrie!” called Fluttershy.

The other girls agreed, and they all shouted, “VALKYRIA” becoming the Valkyries of Harmony.

Celestia was the only one who didn’t transform, and she had her reasons.

“Come, ladies!” called Rarity “Let’s show this darkness what light can do.”

Together, they all combined their swords and shot magical blasts at their own shields, repelling the light with double the force at the barriers, strengthening them, but the dark blast continued to reach for Lightning, slowly shattering the barriers on the way.

Finally, Lightning had fully transformed into an Enticorn, and his light aura was burning brightly.

“You think I should be scared?!” shouted Dearka.

Lightning smirked, “…You ought to be, and here’s why…!”

Grand Ruler gave the signal to Celestia and Luna, and together, the three of them cast powerful beams of magic onto Lightning, strengthening his aura.

“The last shield’s about to break!” cried Spike.

“I’m hoping it does!” said Lightning. He waited until the last light shield began to crack like glass, and he readied his arms, conjuring up his power and all the light he had been blessed with.

Then, just as the shield shattered open, “ULTRA UNIFORCE” he unleashed his light energy past the fading light shards of the barriers, combining with his power and strengthening it more.

The force collided into Dearka’s blast, and the two seemed perfectly matched.

“What…?! This can’t be!!” bellowed Dearka.

Lightning continued to pour on the power, and began to slightly push back against the darkness.

Dearka concentrated on all his hate--remembering all the horrible things his people said and did to him-- which strengthened his darkness more, evening the struggling once again.

The surge of the two forces made the ground shake and the winds stir up.

“IT’S GONNA BLOW!!” shouted Pinkie. Everyone else believed the same thing.

…But really, it didn’t. The two fighters suddenly felt overly exhausted, and their powers began to grow smaller, and smaller, until they faded out, and the two fighters themselves collapsed to their knees.

Lightning de-transformed and looked ready to pass out.

“Lightning…!” Starla cried as she dashed to her husband’s side, holding him up.

Dearka was panting heavily, “I… I don’t understand.”

“I think… I do…” panted Lightning, but he was too exhausted to say, so Grand Ruler said it for him.

“Love and Hate, Light and Darkness-- all these opposing forces are two sides of the same coin, and they both operate in identical ways.

Just as the darkness and hate empowered you, our determinations and love strengthen our light, giving us the edge we need to match you Devils blow-for-blow.”

“That’s right!” agreed Celestia “Now we know of ways to stand up to you and your entire Devil race better than ever, so do yourself a favor and surrender while you can!”

Dearka only scoffed, “I would soon be destroyed before that happens! I will never forgive and forget what happened to me, nor will I cease in my conquest of making those who love suffer for my own suffering!”

Everyone just couldn’t believe his stubbornness, especially Pinkie Pie, and after all she had just heard about his past, she actually believed there was hope for him, but he wouldn’t grasp it.

Grand Ruler seemed disappointed, “We gave you a chance to redeem yourself, but it seems you’ve left us no choice.”

Before or anyone could do anything however, there was a bombardment of dark pulses that rained all around them, making sparks and explosions fly as everyone fell over and their suits powered down.

“What was that?!” groaned Celestia.

Then, the sound of familiar laughter was heard, and everyone looked up high.

“Scarlet…!” snapped Lightning.

She was levitating up in midair, with her aura glowing strong-- as deeply as Dearka’s was-- but just as eerie, just as dark and powerful as ever.

She had been standing by, out of sight, and as Dearka powered himself up with the vast amounts of hate and anger from talking of his past, she had used that hate to increase her own power as well.

“Surprise-Surprise!” she hissed at everyone “You forget, we Devils also work well together, strengthening each other.”

The fighters all felt livid for having been tricked, and yet they all seemed rather weak from boosting off so much energy, but they were still able to stand.

Scarlet then powered up a strong beam of her own, and fired well past them all, straight at the barrier, right near Cadance’s window!

“No…!!” shouted Grand Ruler.

“Look out!!” shouted Shining Armor.

Cadance gawked in horror as the blast struck the barrier.

“Krysta…!!” called Lightning.

Quickly, Krystra teleported the family away, to the upper-most terrace in the palace where Goldwin was on the lookout.

“I saw everything! Are you guys okay?”

“Just barely.” said Cadance.

Suddenly, the voice began to call to her again.

“Help…! Save Me…!”

“It’s that voice again, and it sounds louder than ever.”

“Voice?” asked Goldwin “I don’t hear anything.”

“I’ll explain later…” said Shining Armor, and then he turned to his wife “What’s it saying?”

“Save me… from the… Devil’s World!

…The Devils World!”

“…The Devils’ World?” murmured Cadance.

Goldwin and Shining Armor looked back and forth at one another.

“You think the voice is coming from the Devils’ World?” asked Shining Armor.

“Oh, no, the barrier!!” cried Krysta.

It was actually starting to weaken under all that tremendous power. A few more hits like that and it would come down!

“Can’t you zap us out of here?” asked Shining Armor.

“I could, but they’d probably follow you. They’ll do anything to capture Cadance.”

“We can’t let them do that!” said Goldwin.

Cadance could look down and see the team and the guards, retaliating against Scarlet and Dearka.

Dearka, had gathered enough to strength to stand and use his regular attacks against the already tiresome team, while Scarlet repelled any and all shots from the guards, but with Scarlet’s aura so strong it wasn’t doing them so good.

The team would fire whatever projectiles they could, and Scarlet’s aura defended her from every blast, allowing her to fire her own pulses.

“We can’t let her fire at the palace again!” shouted Rainbow.

“Keep up the defenses!” hollered Lightning “We’ve got to keep going until they run out of power!”

“Oh…!” Fluttershy groaned in exhaustion “…I …don’t think I… can go… much more…!”

Cadance couldn’t bear to see this happen to her friends and family much longer.

Then the voice repeated to her again…“The Devils World…! Save me!”

She knew the Devils weren’t playing a trick on her, because she had heard the voice before they discovered her powers.

What she was thinking next was probably the stupidest, most idiotic idea she ever thought, but she had to know.

She clutched Flurry Heart deeply and small tear ran down her cheek. “You’re mommy loves you!” she whispered into her ear “Never forget that!”

Shining Armor approached her, “Cadance what are you…?” he stopped when his wife suddenly pulled him, kissing him very deeply, much to his surprise.

Then she felt him passing Flurry Heart into his arms, and when she separated from him, she quickly used her magic to trap him in a small barrier.

“What? Cadance, what are you doing?!”

Cadance then used her telekinetic powers to pull off Goldwin’s mask, turning him back into a Golden Statue.

“I’m sorry, but I must do this.”

“CADANCE…!!!”

She had already leapt off the terrace, and as the barrier only stopped things from coming in and not going out, she made it outside and flew straight towards Scarlet.

“Cadance…!!” shouted Celestia.

“What are you doing?!” yelled Grand Ruler.

Before anyone could say anything, there she was in front of the nasty Devil, and not doing anything, as if she was asking to be taken!

Scarlet saw her chance and enveloped her in her aura. Cadance screamed in terror, and in a large poof, she was gone.

“NO…!!!!” shouted Lightning.

“She’s gone!” cried Starla.

Scarlet and Dearka smirked wickedly.

“Well, well,” hissed Dearka “We came here to snag the princess, and just like that, she delivers herself.”

Scarlet snickered, “Guess we’ll be going, and the next time we see you all, it’ll be for the last time!”

Laughing maliciously, the two Devils disappeared through their portals.

With Cadance gone, Shining Armor was released from her barrier, but he was ever so devastated and upset.

Flurry Heart began to cry from what she had just seen too.

The royal sisters had tears in their eyes, and Grand Ruler shook his head in such disbelief wondering “Why…? Why would she do that?”

Lightning fell to his knees and pounded the ground with his fists, Starla held him to comfort and cool him down, but she felt just as hurt and upset as the rest, and confused as why Cadance would just give herself up.

Back in the Devils’ World, Von Devilor was laughing wickedly as he held Cadance in one of his massive tentacles. She was unconscious, but shrouded in a small barrier to keep her protected from the toxic atmosphere.

“Well done, both of you!” he commented to Scarlet and Dearka “Thanks to the both of you, we now have obtained an incredible asset, one that will gain us new power and abilities to crush our enemies, escape from this realm, and wreak havoc on the entire universe as our hate grows stronger.”

He then placed her down by the large glowing flesh on his lower forum, and actually absorbed her inside where he intended to keep her, alive, and where he would be able to sap her powers of love and convert it into hate and darkness to power himself and his Devils.

Scarlet felt very pleased, and Dearka seemed just as pleased, but Scarlet was still thinking treachery for Dearka.

“Once I gain enough power from all this, you’re finished you faker, especially now that even Starfleet knows who you really are.”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Thanks to Cadance’s energy, Scarlet and Dearka gain new powers, and Von Devilor begins a new plan to harness energy from everywhere, which Lightning discovers while on a trip to Vistula for his own investigations, but something strange happens when Cadance suddenly escapes from Von Devilor’s nightmare, only she’s whom she seems.

Will our heroes be able to fend off the Devils; new strength, and what has happened to Cadance?

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

(Next Episode: “Tall True Tales”)

Author's Note

Dearka's story still isn't quite finished...

...There's still something HE doesn't know, and when he figures it out...!

Episode 20: Tall True Tales

EPISODE TWENTY

Many of the fighters on the team had retreated to the dojos to vent out their frustration with training.

Dyno furiously punched a super heavy punching bag while Myte held it, not even minding the forces of impact, while Rainbow was running on a fast treadmill at incredible speed.

Applejack was weightlifting, and Artie and Buddy were practicing their aim with target practice.

Only Pinkie was seated on the bench, still deeply moved by Dearka’s origin.

“How could everyone be so cruel to him?” she wondered “If I lost someone I’d be thrilled to have them back not, demand they leave and never come back.”

Applejack put her weight down. “It’s no use dwelling on it, Pinkie.” she panted “It may be understandable, but it doesn’t justify him going evil and making people suffer.”

“I know…” said Pinkie “But… after all that I heard, I actually felt there was hope for him.”

Deep she still felt that way, regardless of the others protesting.

“Look, Pinkie,” said Buddy “He’s made it clear he only cares about hurting others now, and fully intends to.”

“That’s right!” agreed Artie “And now that they have Cadance, there’s no telling how dangerous they’ll be.”

Rainbow back-flipped off the treadmill, landing gracefully on her feet, “I still can’t believe Cadance would just up and give in like that. I wonder how the others are taking it.”

They could suddenly hear the mewling sounds of Flurry Heart crying and screaming from afar.

“…Obviously not good.” the twins said at the same time.

Poor Flurry Heart cried her little lungs out. She was crying so loud, she could be heard from nearly all over the entire palace. No one could actually blame her… even for an infant her age, seeing her mother being captured by the enemy was bad enough to bear, but the fact that Cadance willingly let them take her, practically wanting to go with them.

Eventually, the baby cried herself to sleep, but her poor father was still grieving and still asking himself, “Why would she do this?” but then he felt he had the answer “…That voice! It made her do it!”

He clenched his quivering fists vowing, “When I find out who or what that voice is, I swear, I’ll make them pay!”

In the palace daycare, Lightning and Starla, along with Rarity and Spike, and Rhymey and Fluttershy were tending to their own children as well.

They didn’t have a care in the world as their mothers rocked them gently while sitting in rocking chairs.

Lightning was still feeling upset that Cadance threw herself away like that. “After all we did to protect her, what could possibly commit her to pull such a stunt?”

“We’d all like to know the answer to that.” said Starla.

Spike clenched his fists but more in concern than anger, “Now that King Von Devilor has her, I got this sick feeling that we’re in for a whole heap of trouble.”

“Shh…!” Rarity hushed, while motioning at their sleeping daughter in her arms, and the other babies too “We’re all worried, Spike, but we’re all going to do whatever it takes.”

Fluttershy placed Button Fly down in a crib and pecked him softly, but her eyes with tears of worry for Cadance.

Rhymey approached her,

“Fluttershy,
Please don’t cry.”

He embraced his wife softly,

“Princess Cadance must still be alive; they would not let her die
If they let her perish, then they let the power die

“I know,” agreed Fluttershy “I’ll try and be brave, but I wish I knew how she was.”

Cadance awoke to find herself bound by strange web-like threads, holding her in a strange vortex with a mixture of light and dark swirls, but bright enough to see.

“What’s going on? Where am I?” she wondered, and then she suddenly screamed as the threads began to painfully sap her magical energies…

…As outside, King Von Devilor converted the pure loving energy into evil darkness and hatred. The power flowed through his massive tentacles and made his long dark hair stick up and out.

The king laughed softly and wickedly as he felt the power blowing through him and increased the blue flames all around him. “Yes, it’s wonderful! I can feel my very strength growing by the second!”

Every Devil in the realm gazed in awe at their king and the power he was receiving, which made their own strengths increase as well.

“Well done, Scarlet and Dearka,” said Von Devilor. “Thanks to you, we now have greater power than before.”

“It is an honor to serve you, your majesty.” said Scarlet.

“And, begging your pardon, my lord…” said Dearka “Of services merit rewards…?”

Von Devilor snickered, “Of course, I was getting to that.”

He lowered two of his tentacles, pointing them straight at his generals, and then blasted them with large dark pulses, knocking them both to the ground.

As the two lay down, the energy jolted along their bodies like flowing currents of electricity. Their muscles began to bulge, their eyes were glowing a shade of blue, and their hair seemed to stick up and outward.

“Oh my…” hissed Dearka as he clenched his stronger fists “I feel like I can destroy an entire planet!” he paused a second, “…And I think I have just the one in mind.”

He wasn’t thinking of United Equestria either…!

“Go…” said Von Devilor “Both of you, test your new powers and have some fun.”

Scarlet and Dearka bowed.

“Let’s go give United Equestria a good beat down.” said Scarlet.

“No thanks,” said Dearka “I have my own business to take care of.”

He vanished before anyone could question him.

“My lord, did you hear that?” asked Scarlet “A clear case of mutiny and disobedience!”

“That will be all, Scarlet!” sneered Von Devilor “I told you both to go out and test your powers. Do it now!”

Scarlet quivered softly, and bowed nervously, “At once, sire.”

“Dearka!” she growled in thought “Just you wait! Once I’ve mastered these powers… you’ll be in for it!”

Meanwhile, Lightning had been summoned before their majesties to take on an assignment to the Planet Vistula.

“You see, Lightning,” said Grand Ruler “Need you to transfer information to Major Fenton on what we learned about Dearka, and if so, gather more information to determine whether his story is true or not.”

“I see,” said Lightning.

Their majesties sensed the downheartedness in his voice, and they both understood why.

“We understand how you feel about Cadance.” said Celestia “We both feel the same way, but…”

“There’s no need to say it,” Lightning cut in, “I know: Duty is Number One Priority.

…I’m ready. Who’s going with me?”

Soon, he and his team, consisting of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Krysta, were ready.

Applejack was going for her powers of honesty, and Pinkie was going for her ways of getting the truth, while Krysta was going naturally to help them get back.

Lightning kissed Starla goodbye, placing her in charge of the unit, as usual.

“Come back safe, you understand?”

Lightning chuckled, “Yes, dear.” And then he patted his son on the head. “You be good for Mommy now.”

His little son cooed softly.

Applejack, Pinkie and Krysta melted at the loving sight, and soon they were off, soaring across space on a dimensional pathway.

Upon arriving at Vistula, they were immediately greeting by Hawk and some of his troops, and taken to the Starfleet Outpost, consisting of a few forts, bunkers, and lookout towers.

“Nice place.” said Applejack.

“It’s not much, but believe me, my entire team and I do our best to keep this planet safe.” said Hawk, “But now to business. I received the memo from their majesties.”

“Right,” said Lightning as he and the girls sat down with Hawk, “We’ll lay it out for you…”

Several minutes later, Hawk had received the full detail of Dearka’s story; Hawk was only half shocked to hear such things.

“Well, the laws were the laws. That’s why we convinced the royal council and the people to disperse with The Ultimate Challenge and the shunning.”

Pinkie sniffled, “When I think how hard he had it, it’s no wonder he became a Devil.”

Applejack passed her a tissue.

“Wait!” said Hawk “What did you mean by Princess Calista showed up with her husband to capture Dearka? According to the records, she was never married.”

“What?” asked Krysta in surprise “But Dearka said in his story she was.”

“And didn’t the law once say the winner was entitled to the princess, no questions asked?” asked Lightning.

“Yes,” replied Hawk “But according to our records, the princess has never been married.”

Lightning and the girls looked back and forth at one another.

“Wait another minute,” said Applejack “Dearka said he returned to Vistula and got revenge on everyone, including Calista. How can she be alive?”

Lightning stood up, “There’s only one way to find out.” And he looked at Hawk “Is it possible for me to see Princess Calista?”

“Yes, sir,” replied Hawk “The Princess is always willing to see us when it concerns Starfleet business. I’ll take you to the palace.”

Lightning agreed, and Krysta would go with him, but he also gave Applejack and Pinkie special assignments. “I need you two to further investigate. I’ve got a feeling there’s more to all this than we know.”

The girls agreed, and they were off.

Applejack went off to visit Dearka’s old village, and see if he could find information about his family, and Pinkie was going to talk with people who used to design the courses and weapons for The Ultimate Challenge.

Soon, Lightning and Krysta were at the royal palace, and presented to the, very much alive, Princess Calista.

She was a very lovely humanoid with light blue colored skin, and long voluminous hair that ran all the way down her back.

All three bowed to her, and Krysta whispered to Lightning “She doesn’t look at all like the type who would do as Dearka said.”

Lightning nodded in agreement.

“Your highness,” said Hawk with a bow “This is Commander Lightning Dawn from United Equestria, and Queen Krystaline of the Planet Luminous.

The duo bowed, and the beautiful princess bowed at them. “I am honored to meet you both, but what has brought you here to Vistula?”

“We require clarification on some information we received,” said Lightning, then he paused, fearing of upsetting her “…Involving Dearka.”

Indeed, the very mention of the name made her look shocked, and then deeply saddened.

“Oh, forgive us…” said Krysta “We didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No… no it’s quite alright. I will answer anything you wish to know.”

Meanwhile, Applejack had visited Dearka’s home village, and when she questioned about Dearka’s parents, a villager confirmed, “Yes, they are dead.”

Applejack felt a small turn in her stomach, “And their other son too?”

“Other son?” asked the villager “They had only one child… and that was Dearka.”

Now Applejack felt confused, “I was told they were killed.”

“And they were, I saw it myself. It was over seventeen years ago…”

“Seventeen years?” thought Applejack “But Dearka said his folks told him off ten years ago, and he destroyed them himself when he went Devil.”

Her visor scan as well as her elemental powers of honesty showed the villager was not lying.

Pinkie questioned every carpenter, weapon smith, and engineer who used to work for The Ultimate Challenge… rather too seriously. She cross-examined them like some strict police detective or lawyer in court.

“You’re sure you’re telling me the truth?” she asked “You’re all sure that those obstacles couldn’t have shifted?

You’re sure those weapons should have worked?”

The Vistulans agreed…

“We’re sure.”

“We saw what happened and we don’t understand it.”

“It was like they were sabotaged, and we didn’t do it.”

Pinkie’s features went from hard to soft, “Okay, thank you for your time.” then she left, with only one alibi in mind “Dearka was set up.” she thought “Those obstacles and tools had to be altered by magic, and Vistulans are magicless.”

Back at the palace, the princess confessed everything.

“Even though I was won in The Ultimate Challenge, and the law did state that I was to accept it, I just couldn’t, and I shunned that spiteful man away from me.

I was reprimanded and nearly stripped of my title for defying the law, but were it not for the fact I was heir to the throne, I too would have been banished.”

She then looked tearful again, “Not a day or night went by that I didn’t wonder what happened to Dearka, or that I would pray he would return to me safely, even in spite of the laws never to return upon losing.”

She paused, when she felt her pain getting to her.

“I think we should stop now.” suggested Krysta.

“No, Krysta we can’t…” said Lightning. “We need to know, and she does to.”

Hawk nodded in agreement.

Even Calista agreed and was willing to continue. “Ten years ago, I was away at a conference on another planet, when I heard word that Dearka had returned.

I raced back here as soon as I could, but it was too late. I heard the villagers talking that he was driven off… by me… and his family!

I just didn’t know what to believe.”

She knew nothing else, and said nothing more, but she dabbed her tearful eyes with a hankie. “I just wish I knew what happened to him. If only I could see him again just once more.”

The team looked back and forth at one another, concluding she obviously didn’t know the truth about Dearka now.

Even more so, now they had positive proof there was more going on about Dearka’s exile and return than ever.

Suddenly, the sunlight faded out, and it grew almost as dark as night.

“What’s happening?” wondered Hawk.

Krysta fluttered over to the window, and she gasped. “There’s some sort of dark vortex opening in the sky. It’s blocking out the sunlight.”

Lightning and Hawk raced to the window, and they saw the vortex. There was no mistaking it…

“It’s the Devils!” snapped Lightning.

Calista gasped.

Back on United Equestria, another vortex was opening wide and blocking out the light too.

“What is that?” cried Rarity.

“Whatever it is, I don’t like it!” said Spike.

Starla didn’t like it either. “It’s got to be The Devils.”

That’s when Scarlet appeared and taunted, “Right… what else could it be?”

Everyone gawked at how different she looked.

“Oh, admiring my new looks? Well you should, seeing as they were given to me from the power of your precious princess, Cadance.”

Shining Armor roared as he leapt out an open window, and landing with a strong thud that shook the ground.

“YOU!!” he bellowed “Give me back my wife or else!!”

“Shining Armor!” called Buddy.

Scarlet only laughed, “You think you’re really in a position to make threats?”

She lifted up her arms.

“Look out!” cried Fluttershy.

Everyone jumped out of the way as she fired an immensely powerful blast, which blew a huge crater into the ground.

“Whoa! Mega pow here!” cried Rainbow.

“And that’s only a sample,” hissed Scarlet, and she pointed up to the vortex in the sky which began to spew darkness from the Devils’ World.

“Oh, no!” cried Artie.

“Oh, yes…” hissed Scarlet “Thanks to Cadance’s energy, my new power enables me to open this vortex to cast our darkness into your world and the other worlds beyond. We can easily infect the entire populace within a fixed amount of time, and absorb that energy to increase our powers better than ever!”

Starla had heard enough, “Well, we’ll just have to put a stop to you!

…Team ready?”

“READY!!”

They all transformed…

“STARFLEET MAGIC”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

“Dragon Power”

“Mask of Saber”

The second they had all transformed, “SUPER MODE, ACTIVATE” they all donned their super-suits and strengths.

“Bring it on, Scarlet!” snapped Starla.

Scarlet snickered and powered up her aura, which made the visor readings go crazy!

“My goodness…! Her power levels are way off the chart!” cried Rarity.

“We can’t let that stop us!” said Spike.

Starla agreed, “Let’s go!”

The team all rushed forth, but Scarlet merely gave her arm a single swing, unleashing a shocking wave of powerful energy, which blew everyone back hard.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay! That was rough!” groaned Dyno.

“Si… and she didn’t even lay a hand on us.” added Myte.

Up above, Celestia, Grand Ruler, and even Princess Luna saw the trouble.

“We must do something!” cried Luna.

“We must stop that darkness spreading!” suggested Celestia “But how…?”

Grand Ruler had one idea, but they couldn’t put it into plan just yet, and he sent a telepathic message to Starla and the others, on a one-way magical wave.

“Listen to me all of you, don’t react and don’t’ say anything.”

The team acted still, but stayed focussed on Scarlet, showing they were in fact listening to his majesty.

“We need to wait until the darkness gets really severe enough, then Spike can activate his Majestic Dragon forum, and we will assist as Grand Celestial Ruler.

With our combined light forces, we just may be able to stop that portal from spewing more darkness, but like I said: we must wait for the right moment.

Try to keep the battle going and keep your strengths high.”

Everyone each flexed their right hand, showing they complied with the order, while Scarlet remained oblivious to the entire plot.

“Do you surrender yet?”

“Never!” thundered Starla.

“Wrong answer!” growled Scarlet, and she fired enormous amounts of pulses at the fighters. Some managed to dodged, while others were hit.

“Attack!” shouted Starla.

She and the fighters rushed forth, and attacked, and Scarlet punched, chopped, and kicked them all away with little effort.

Saber roared and ruthlessly swung his sword and his extra arms at her shouting, “Give… me… back… Cadance!!”

WHAMM!! Scarlet knocked his sword out of his hand, and then grabbed onto a set of his arms. She looked him dead in the eyes and sneered, “…Make me!”

She then swung up her feet, kicking him hard in the chest and sent him crashing along the ground, and crashing into some of the others.

“We can’t fight her in this state,
Her power is far too great!” shouted Rhymey.

“Stay on the defensive!” ordered Starla, and she didn’t have to say why to the others.

“Aw, what’s the matter; losing is too much to bear?” taunted Scarlet.

The fighters looked crosser than ever, and the fight continued.

On Vistula, the darkness grew stronger as the vortex expanded, and the Starfleet outpost alarms were sounding as a lookout pony announced… “This is not a drill! General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands, Level-One Battle Stations!”

The soldiers all donned their battle suits, armed their weapons. Some rushed out of the base and out into the open, while others stayed behind to guard the place and armed the defense weapons so they base wouldn’t be invaded.

Hawk and Lightning each fired light beams up into the sky to alert the troops where to head.

“Krysta, you stay here and keep the princess safe.” said Lightning.

Krysta gripped her wand tight and proud, “You can count on me.”

“Let’s go, Major!”

“Yes sir.”

The two men leapt out the window and soared towards the fields, while all Calista could do was order her royal guards to take their positions and defend the palace.

“I don’t like the looks of this.” she murmured.

“I don’t think we’ve seen anything yet.” said Krysta.

Lightning and Hawk landed in the field where it was really dark, and they both transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC”

That’s when Applejack and Pinkie, already transformed, landed near them, and Hawk’s soldiers came rushing in over the hills.

One of them called to Hawk, “Sir, we’ve ordered people in the village away to safety.”

Hawk nodded at him.

Then, he appeared out from the expanding vortex.

Calista could see from so far away.

“It’s Dearka!” growled Krysta.

“What?” cried Calista “…That’s Dearka?” Her heart began to race, but her nerves were twitching in a bad way. “He’s a… He’s a…”

“…A Devil.” Krysta cut in “We didn’t get a chance to tell you, but it’s true.”

Calista shook her head in disbelief.

Dearka seemed so different-- dark, creepy, and definitely evil.

Dearka looked around at the fields all around him, “There’s no place like home, and soon there won’t be a home at all.”

His body shrouded in dark aura and he looked ready to level out everything in his path.

“Dearka! Stop!!” shouted Lightning.

Dearka could barely believe his eyes, “Well, well…” he hissed “How lucky can I really be? I get to destroy this planet and be rid of you pests at the same time.”

“Just a minute…!” thundered Applejack “We’ve been investigating here and we found out--”

“Silence!!” shouted Dearka, and he unleashed a strong wave of darkness at everyone, forcing them to dodge, but the force made big explosions that knocked them all off their feet anyway.

Calista screamed softly.

“Lightning!” cried Krysta.

The fighters all got back up on to their feet, but were astounded by Dearka’s incredible power.

“I came here to destroy this planet, and I fully intend to.” Dearka growled “And it serves them right for what they did to me!!”

The fighters realized it would be in vain to try to reason with him.

“I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way.” said Lightning, and he concentrated hard and went Enticorn, impressing Hawk and his team.

“So that’s what an Enticorn looks like.” said Hawk.

“Eeyup,” said Applejack “And that ain’t all…”

She motioned over at Pinkie, and Pinkie nodded at her.

“VALKYRIA” they both shouted and changed into their Valkyrie forums.

Some of the male soldiers whistled softly at how pretty the ladies seemed.

“All right!” said Krysta “With Lightning as an Enticorn and two Valkyries, the light power they have may give us an edge.”

Calista was amazed at the sight of the powerful fighters, but then her gaze fell at Dearka again. She could still hardly believe this creature was her beloved!

Dearka didn’t laugh or growl, he just stood where he was, with his eyes glowing deeply behind his visor, and looking ready to destroy anything in his path.

Lightning rushed forth first, and Dearka zipped out of the way swifter than ever, causing Lightning to miss.

Dearka reappeared behind him and prepared to attack.

“Now Applejack!” shouted Pinkie.

“Let’s rope this hound-dog!” added Applejack.

Together they raised their swords and fired their binding light-beams straight to ensnare him…

…But as the lights ensnared him, they suddenly faded out-- shattered by the dark aura.

“What the--” cried Pinkie “Did you see that?!”

Applejack nodded…

…And Dearka snickered, “The darkness within me now is far greater than it was before, and those pitiful lights of yours are but mere candles that can barely hold themselves!”

Lightning stomped his foot before the Devil, “For the last time, you must listen to us!”

Uninterested, Dearka turned to punch him, but Lightning blocked his fist with his own, and the two forces of Light and Darkness resulted in big jolts, making a small explosion, blowing the two apart.

“Troops, prepare to engage!” shouted Hawk. His soldiers stood ready.

“No!” hollered Lightning “All of you stay back!”

The soldiers were all confused, and Lightning also meant for Pinkie and Applejack to keep down too.

“I just felt his power, he’s much too strong, but you can still help. I need you send all the power you can spare to me.”

Pinkie and Applejack caught on at once.

“You heard the commander…!” called Applejack “Let’s give him what he needs.”

Pinkie agreed, and as much as Hawk wasn’t quite sure, he called to his troops “You have your orders, now do it!”

The troops complied and activate their energizers granting Lightning whatever power they could give. Hawk and the ladies did the same, which caused them all to power down, but caused Lightning to glow brighter than ever as his strength massively increased.

Dearka was unimpressed, “First I’ll take down you, and then your friends can watch as I blow this planet to ash!”

“That is not going to happen!” growled Lightning as he flared up brightly.

Dearka’s aura flared up too, and the two fighters rushed at each other, colliding right into one another, and rocketing right up into the sky.

High up, the two began to punch and kick furiously at each other.

They were brawling so fiercely it was hard to tell who was attacking or defending!

In the midst of the fighting, Lightning called to him “Don’t… make me… have to hurt you!!”

“It makes… no difference… to me!” bellowed Dearka.

Finally, Lightning punched him hard, while Dearka kicked him equally as strongly, and the two were sent backwards, still hovering in midair.

“I’ve known pain and suffering much longer than I’ve known love and compassion, further proof that light and love and trust are nothing but false illusions made to set people up for a big disappointment!

I had it all, and then it was taken from me, and when I tried to gain it back I was horribly shunned and treated as a criminal!

But… what goes around comes, around, and around, and around!!” he said that was waving his arms creating a large pulse of aura, and fired it straight at Lightning.

“Look out!!” screamed Pinkie.

Lightning remained where his was, with his fists glowing brightly!

“ULTRA UNIFORCE”

POW!! He fired a huge blast at the pulse, actually pushing against it, and sent it soaring high up into the sky where it exploded in a huge flash of light!

The brightness of the explosion was so bright, its light actually reached through the portal, which made the line shine softly in the Devils’ World, making everything shake and The Devils all wailed and groaned, as did Von Devilor!

“What’s happening?!” he thundered.

The light ceased and rumbling stopped.

From deep inside of Von Devilor, Cadace actually felt the force herself.

“What… what was that?” she wondered. She still felt weary from her energy being drained.

Suddenly, she could feel something else within the void with her, and she suddenly felt herself feeling a little perked up, but different on the inside as well.

“What’s happening to me?”

Then she could hear that voice calling to her again.

“I need you to trust me.”

Cadance felt herself starting to slip away! “Who are you? What are you doing to me?”

“Trust me…!”

Cadance felt herself fading out as everything flashing white before her eyes!

“AAAAAHH…!!” Von Devilor wailed and groaned as he began to feel strange. The lower part of him containing the white light was going crazy and pulsating rapidly.

“How is this possible?!

…AAAAAAAAHHHH!!”

In a huge flash, something flew out from his lower part like a speeding comet that began to soar all around the realm frightening the Devils.

Back in United Equestria, the battle had waged on for a while, and the darkness had grown immensely, strengthen Scarlet’s power which she used to pummel and punish the fighters mercilessly.

She punched…

She kicked…

She blasted…

All the fighters were looking pretty bruised and beaten, while Spike remained far in the back to keep protected for the big plan, but he couldn’t bear to watch his friends suffer any longer.

The fighters all groaned and held their arms or legs or their sides in pain, and their suits were running low on power, while Scarlet barely seemed scratched, mostly due to the fact that everyone was fighting defensively.

“I wish Lightning was here.” said Starla.

Scarlet snickered, “Well, this has been a lot of fun, but I think I’ve proven my point-- thanks to this new power I’m invincible, and now I’m going to do what I wish I had done long ago… and wipe you all out for good!!”

She was about to charge up, when suddenly… POW… a bright flash emitted from up high in the palace and two large beams flew out from a window.

“What’s this?!”

The two lights began to merge, and there appeared none other than Grand Celestial Ruler, glowing brightly as ever as they would.

The fighters’ smiles grew, while Scarlet gasped.

The Ruler gazed down at her and sneered, “You’re not the only one that can surprise their enemy with secret skills.”

They both then gazed down at Spike, and he got the message.

“Here goes…!” he shouted, and he leapt up high into the air. “When the darkness is deep enough, I have the power to unleash my most powerful forum!”

All at once, his body began to glow brightly and expand, and he became The Majestic Dragon, glowing and roaring in the sky.

“Spike…” Rarity said under her breath.

“Perfect!” said Starla.

Everyone looked up at how Spike and the Ruler were side-by-side, like a noble knight and its trusted steed.

The Ruler even mounted Spike and held their scepter up high, just like the two as well. Spike snuffed angrily at Scarlet.

Scarlet’s anger began to flare as well as her aura, “You think I’m scared! Let’s see what you’ve got!”

“Oh, it’s not YOU we’re aiming for…” hissed The Ruler.

Scarlet was confused, and then watched as Spike soared over and across her, heading straight for the vortex.

“No!” cried Scarlet. She began to rush after them.

“Stop her!” shouted Starla.

Just barley getting back up, the fighters began to chase after her and the duo.

Spike stopped just before the expanding vortex.

“Hey Devils…!” he called into it “Got a little something for you…!”

He toon in a huge breath, and his jaws began to glow brightly.

“FLAMES OF LIGHT”

The Ruler then raised their huge, glowing scepter…

“MYSTIC LIGHT”

They fired their power, combining with Spikes, and the two forces soared straight through the vortex.

Von Devilor could see the light coming!

“…Not this time!” he bellowed, and he raised all his tentacles up high absorbing darkness from the very air around him, and fired it all straight at the light, pushing against it!

The duo could feel the force pushing against them.

Scarlet laughed, “You underestimate the awesome powers of my King Von Devilor!

…Just as you underestimate me!!”

She prepared to fire a strong blast at the duo, only to be bombarded hard by other magical blasts from the fighters.

“We still have enough to go on!” said Starla “You and your king will never defeat us!”

Scarlet growled, and powered up as strongly as she could. “I will aid my king! I will fight for the darkness and hate!”

That’s what she hoped for, when suddenly a big light burst through the vortex.

“What’s that?” asked Buddy.

The light suddenly cast a glow on The Ruler and Spike, intensifying their power, and also firing a blast onto Scarlet, sending her hurling into the vortex.

Scarlet wailed as she flew back hard, “No!! I was so close!!”

No sooner had she passed through the void and landed back in her home world, did the power of the duo and the strange light seal the vortex up, enraging Von Devilor to the point where he roared so loud he made the entire realm around him shake!

His roar was so massive that Dearka could hear him through the vortex on Vistula.

“…My king!!”

The vortex was also beginning to close form his end too. Feeling the safety and well-being of his king far more important, he just dashed off through the vortex.

“Wait!!” shouted Lightning, but he had already gone, and the vortex had sealed, restoring the light back to the planet.

Calistia was practically saddened to see Dearka had gone, but was still relieved the planet was safe.

Krysta was confused and wondered “What was all that about?”

Lightning landed on the ground, changing back to his normal state.

Pinkie, Applejack and Hawk rushed up to him, all of them were confused as to what happened as well.

“I think we better head back home.” said Lightning.

The others agreed.

Back at United Equestria, the sunlight began to shine now that the vortex was gone.

The Ruler had disappeared, defused back into their majesties, and Spike stood next to them in his normal forum too. All the fighters had powered down their suits, and yet everyone’s gaze was fixated on the strange light that was swirling round, and round in the sky.

Before anyone could even ask what it was, the light slammed onto the ground, and there stood a humanoid pony that nearly everyone recognized almost at once, especially Shining Armor.

“…Cadance?”

(Promo)

In our next episode: The creature reveals itself and also the true history behind The Devils, and also gives hope and new powers to the team for the upcoming final fight. Meanwhile, Dearka decides to return to Vistula and runs into the face of his old flame, prompting Lightning and the others to return and attempt to convince him about his past.

Who is this creature in Cadance’s body, and will Dearka finally learn the truth?

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

(Next Episode: “Unveiling in the Light”)

Episode 21: Unveiling in the Light

EPISODE TWENTY-ONE

Lightning and his team were flying through dimensional space on a magical pathway, bound for United Equestria.

“It sure seemed a little harsh to leave without saying goodbye first.” said Pinkie.

“I wouldn’t worry.” said Applejack “I’ve got a feeling we’ll be back soon, anyway.”

Lightning agreed, “Major Fenton is keeping his troops ready, but I know I’m not wrong, we really have to see what’s going on back home.

If they haven’t already seen what The Devils are capable of now, we ought to report what we know, as well the information regarding Dearka.”

Pinkie looked a little down and quiet. Now she knew about Princess Calista and Dearka, making it fully sink in there was no future for herself and Dearka, whether he was a Devil or not.

The others could already tell.

“You okay, Pinkie?” asked Krysta.

Pinkie kept hold of herself, “Yeah… I’ll be fine. Let’s just get home.”

Applejack felt really bad for Pinkie, but she still thought of one possible thing that would cheer her up… but now was not the time to think of it.

Back on United Equestia, the sun was shining brightly with the darkness gone, and yet everyone was gazing at the creature that had emerged from the darkness in the light that aided them in pushing the Devils back.

“Is it really Princess Cadance?” asked Rarity.

“It looks like her…” said Dyno.

“…But something seems way off.” added Myte.

The majesties could tell something was different about her, as well as the faint white aura emitting from her, and her energy forces didn’t seem the same either.

Shining Armor softly approached her “Cadance… is it really you?”

She shook her head at him, “Do not be fooled. I am not Princess Cadance.” she answered in a different voice.

Shining Armor gasped softly, as did everyone.

“If you aren’t Cadence, then who are you?” asked Grand Ruler.

“I have merely taken control of her body so that I would escape my imprisonment, and finally make it here to be able to help you all.”

Before anyone could be alarmed, she assured them “The Princess is safe, for the while.”

“Yeah… that’s non-too-reassuring.” said Rainbow.

The creature maintained her civility. “Permit me to introduce myself…

…I am called Agapi.”

“Agapi?” asked Celestia “Wait! Are you the Great Goddess, Agapi?”

Everyone stared at her in awe, and Agapi admitted, “Yes, I was once a great goddess, but that was many millennia ago, all faded within the winds of time.”

Everyone’s minds were positively riddled with curiosity and astounding astonishment, and Grand Ruler suggested they adjourn into the palace where Agapi would explain everything from the beginning.

Meanwhile, King Von Devilor was positively enraged! The glowing beneath him wasn’t as bright as it usually was.

“This is unacceptable!” he growled “How could this have happened?”

Scarlet and Dearka approached him.

“Your highness, are you injured?” asked Dearka.

“We came as soon as we felt your ailing, sire.” added Scarlet.

Von Devilor turned and glared furiously at them, and the flames around him flared brightly, making them both step back.

He then spoke softly, but sternly, “I don’t know how, but Agapi has escaped from my clutches!”

“Agapi…?” asked Dearka. He had no idea who she was, not being an original Devil.

Scarlet did know of Agapi, having heard the stories, “I thought you defeated her thousands of years ago?”

“And I did…” hissed Von Devilor “…But there is something you both ought to know now.”

He began to tell the same story that Starfleet was about to be told by Agapi herself…

…After Lightning and his party returned home and joined the others in the briefing room.

“It’s an honor to meet you, your grace.” said Lightning.

“Oh… no need for formality.” said Agapi.

Princess Luna cleared her throat, “Now… Agapi… is it? If you will kindly tell us what you know?”

Everyone sat down at the table while Agapi stood at the head where the book containing her legend stood.

“I have gone through this, and while much of it is quite accurate, there are still many things you should know and that I will explain.”

Her story began…

“Many thousands of years ago I ruled in another galaxy. As a great goddess of love and light, it was my duty to bring peace to my subjects. My power was only as pure as the warmest of light.

It could perk up even the most withered flower…

Make the sun shimmer on the cloudiest of days…

Many would flock to me, seeking my great advice and wisdom, which was I only pleased to give and help them with their problems, and I would do my best to help solve them.

But then evil forces from all over the cosmos had heard of my astonishing powers and sought to obtain it for themselves, forcing me and my people to defend ourselves.

The worst of which was him… a creature named “Devian” who thought I was the loveliest creature he had ever seen-- perhaps he was right-- and he sought for my hand in marriage…

However, I refused, for I could see his true desires were to obtain my power as well for wicked uses.

“You’re wasting good potential! With your powers and me by your side, we can rule the universe! It can all be ours!”

“I’m sorry, but my answer is No. I refuse to take over what isn’t rightfully mine.”

You may think you are in love with me, but your words and your lust speak for themselves. You are power-hungry and misguided.”

“You’re making a huge mistake, I assure you!”

“I tried to educate him, and persuade him to realize the error of his ways, but he wouldn’t budge, to power-hungry and lost in his lust for control.

He would continuously lust for me, and come to propose and convince me to join him.

I could see that there didn’t seem to be much hope for him. I couldn’t help him, and refused to listen and understand that he didn’t really know what love is.

So, with a heavy heart I ordered him barred from the empire. An action that still pained me, but I felt it had to be done.

Enraged by my rejections, and sworn to get evil, Devian began to gather followers whom were just like him-- heartless, power-hungry, some even lusting for vengeance against those who wronged them and some who even once had romances and yet were heartbroken in the end.

He taught them not to love, but to hate, and relish in anger and lust for power, and together they all formed their own empire, ruled with hate and darkness to confront the love and the light.

Devian was no more. All that hatred, darkness, and power… he mutated into a devastating monstrosity, and returned to attack my empire!”

Agape remembered that terrible day when the Devils had invaded her peaceful world in large numbers, quickly wasting no effort and showing no mercy!

They laid waste to the lands, destroying parks, homes, properties…

They began to infect her people-- poisoning them with their dark aura and turning them against each other, and feeding on the negative energy spread.

Many of the good people valiantly stood up to fight… and they were easily overpowered and destroyed by the ever growing paths of hatred.

Then, she herself confronted Von Devilor.

“Stop this now, Devian!!”

“Devian is no more… I am Von Devilor, King of the Devils, and destroyer of love!”

He attacked her, forcing her back hard.

“You were right about me, Agapi, I really don’t know the concept of love, but I’ve discovered something even greater than love… Hatred! I’ve never felt such a power like it, much better than the foolishness you hold call love.”

…I thought I’d destroy it, and anyone else who follows it!”

Agapi was lived and shocked at what she had just heard, and what Devian had become, but it was in vain that she tried to reason with him and his Devils, and she was forced to do battle.

She tried her very best, but the vast amounts of hatred, darkness, as well as fear and suffering brought to her people only made the Devils stronger!

She was overpowered, beaten to a pulp, leaving her weak, frail, and hopeless.

“My glorious empire was lost forever, and Von Devilor was looming over me, ready for the finish!”

“You could have had so much, Agapi, but now I’ve destroyed your kingdom and I will continue to destroy until I have successfully annihilated all love in the universe… only the hate shall remain!”

“..No! I won’t let you!!”

Agapi starting to glow brightly and she unleashed a huge wave of powerful light over the entire land, enveloping the Devils and their king.

“What? What are you doing?!”

“I will not let you and your Devils threaten others! I will seal you all away so your evil will harm no one!!”

Outraged, Von Devilor began to fight back, and the combined forces of his darkness and Agapi’s light resulted in a huge explosion, sending the Devils huddling into another dimension that would, in time, become their Devils’ World, where the atmosphere would became intoxicated with darkness that soon adapted the Devils, making them allergic to love and light.

The team was all a mix of astounded, horrified.

“I can’t believe Devian become Von Devilor.” said Fluttershy.

“When I think of all those innocent lives he did take,
And all of the destruction and trouble he did make…!” added Rhymey.

“Hold it,” said Starla “How did you end up in The Devils’ World?”

“I can’t understand it myself…” replied Agapi “Somehow, when my energy clashed with Von Devilor’s power, we wound up cursing each other.

He had mutated into a larger, and wickeder version of himself, and as for me, I mysteriously was imprisoned within him-- contained within a strong vortex on his lower forum.

There I remained as he began to hold me back, and use my pure energy to convert it into power for himself, eventually discovering a way to break back into this world… though the one called Dearka!”

At the same time, Von Devilor finished the exact same story to his generals.

Scarlet and Dearka were astounded.

Scarlet gawked at Von Devilor’s lower forum-- the large, spherical object like a cocoon. “So Agapi was imprisoned in there all this time?”

“And thanks to me connecting with you, you were able to break out of this realm?” added Dearka.

“Yes…” hissed Von Devilor “When I saw you banished from Vistula, and your heart filled with hate, I knew you would be the one to help us, so I made you my number one general.”

Scarlet felt annoyed and sulked grumpily.

Dearka felt rather flattered and bowed to his king, “Serving you has been an honor my king, but what happens now that Agapi has escaped?”

Von Devilor seemed disturbed, but then snickered, “There is nothing she can do to stop us now. I still have Princess Cadance, and her power works just as well.

Our powers have greatly increased, and I want you both to go out there and gather us more power.”

The two bowed to him.

“I’m going back to Vistula.” said Dearka “I still have a little score to settle.”

“Very well,” agreed Von Devilor “Go with him, Scarlet.”

Scarlet reacted with a scowl, but she also thought, “Wait! This could be better than I thought. After all, I know something his majesty neglected to mention to Dearka.

This could play very well with me. In being rid of him for good.”

The two Devils vanished, leaving their king to sneer, “You may have escaped, Agapi, but you’ll soon be wishing you hadn’t when I rule all!”

He began to sap more power out from Cadnace’s spirit, actually harming her and rendering her weak and tired, making his power grow, and he laughed softly.

While all that happened, at the same time, back the briefing room, what Agapi had just said made everyone’s eyes bulge in shock.

“Dearka was setup…?” asked Lightning.

“…By Von Devilor?” added Starla.

Agapi nodded, “I saw it through my own imprisonment…

…As Von Devilor and the Devils began to grow stronger from my powers-- converting the love into hate-- they began to pierce through the dimensional gap to like our world with theirs, and in order to make a perfect breakthrough they required one individual that they could read to from the other side.”

“Thank goodness they didn’t know of Starfleet back then,” whispered Buddy.

The others agreed.

Agapi cast her look upward, remembering the horrible day she saw…

“Dearka was a skilled fighter, and growing vastly stronger, and the vast amounts of kindness and love he had within him would be ideal to convert into hate and darkness!

…When it came to the custom known as The Ultimate Challenge…”

She stopped, and she didn’t have to go any further. Pinkie was able to guess, “…He rigged the challenge so Dearka would lose?!”

“Yes…

Strong enough, to enable small portions of his power to break through, Von Devilor made it so Dearka every challenge, when he would have succeeded.

Thus, Dearka was banished, and after many years of watching him train and power-up, Von Devilor spoke with him, and encouraged him to fully unlock the seal of the Devils.”

She referred to Dearka’s tale when all he had to do was touch the small portal created, which fully unlocked the Devils’ entrapment, and enabled them to fully break into the universe again.

“And worse so…” said Agapi “When Dearka had returned to Vistula, Von Devilor deceived him again, creating shadows of his family and his former love to bash him and turn him away, to further ensure Dearka’s growing anger would peak…

…Thus, making it easy to bring him over to the Devils’ side, and empower him into the strong creature he is now.”

Everyone felt so dizzy, especially Lightning and his team from the mission.

“So everything we learned on Vistula was true.” said Applejack “Dearka’s folks had been dead for a long time before he ever came back, and they all missed him dearly and would have loved to have him back in their lives if they hadn’t kicked it.”

Rarity felt faint, “I can’t believe…

That is just so sickening!!” she thundered. She was so enraged that smoke was coming from her nostrils.

“Honey, honey, take it easy!” said Spike “Remember, emotions… fire…”

His wife calmed down.

“But what about Cadance?” said Shining Armor, trying not to sound whiny “I’m sorry, but where does she fit into all this, and how do we get her back?”

“I will explain…” said Agapi.

“When Von Devilor first absorbed me, my body was already weak and frail from our battle, and the combined forces of our powers completely destroyed what was left, and thus my spirit was imprisoned.

Without a body, there was no way for me to escape.”

Celestia wondered and then asked, “Were you the voice that was calling to Cadance?”

“Indeed, I was.”

Shining Armor didn’t know whether to feel shocked or furious, but simply said “You led my wife into the Devils’ world?”

Agapi could feel his inner rage, “Though my spirit was weak, with whatever power I could harness, I tried to communicate with the outer dimension, but it seemed only the princess was able to hear me, due to her strong connection to the power of love.

It was then I knew she could help me.”

She didn’t have to say much more, everyone else figured it out.

“So you came here in Cadance’s forum, and left her trapped in the vortex?” asked Rainbow “Not exactly what I would call… “Okay.”

“Believe me, I, too, felt the same, but this was the only for me to escape and to meet all of you.

With me fighting by your side, we shall put an end to The Devils once and for all.”

Before Shining Armor could even speak, Agapi answered “And yes… when this is all over, you shall have your wife back.”

Feeling a little at ease, and believing he could trust her, he held out his hand, “Alright then… I’m in.”

“We all are.” added Lightning.

Their majesties and the fighters all agreed.

“So, what do we do first?” asked Grand Ruler.

“Though my power is weak, I am strong enough to bestow upon you all a special power known as “Agapi’s Love”

It will strengthen your skills and strengths, and also provide you with strong protection from the Devils’ toxic atmosphere.”

“Cool!” said Dyno “That means we’ll be able to enter The Devils’ World.”

“And we’ll be able to bust Von Devilor wide open.” added Myte.

“Wait, wait…! We’re getting ahead of ourselves here!” said Krysta.

“She’s right.” agreed Lightning. “We still have no way of creating portals to The Devils World, and even if we managed to follow a Devil into their realm, the odds are we’d never make it back.”

“Agreed,” said Agapi “And do not underestimate King Von Devilor’s power. Even with the powers I will soon bestow upon you all, and my confidence in you is great, we must keep in mind that he is gaining power as well.

He destroyed my entire empire, and his no threat to be taken lightly.”

Pinkie Pie thought it over and then she had an idea. She bolted up out of her seat, “…Dearka!”

Everyone turned to face her.

“Maybe Dearka can help us. Don’t you see, we have all the proof we need that he was tricked by Von Devilor. Maybe, if we can convince of the truth, then maybe he’ll join our side and aid us.

He could create portals for us, and he may know more about Von Devilor than we do… even his weaknesses.”

A hush fell over everyone as they considered the idea.

“That’s so crazy it just may work.” said Spike.

“Um… only one problem.” said Applejack “Dearka isn’t one for wanting to listen. We tried.”

Lightning agreed, “When a man carries a belly full of hate, a few words aren’t going to make him change his mind.”

Then suddenly he had an idea of his own. “Princess Calista…!”

Applejack, Pinkie, and Krysta’s eyes lit up.

“Of course, she’s still alive,” said Krysta “If anyone can convince Dearka, it’s his former love.”

“Right,” agreed Grand Ruler “It’s a longshot, but it’s our best hope.”

He ordered that Lightning and his previous party hop it back to Vistula at once to inform the princess. “Spike… you’ll go with them. If the Devils attack there again, which I think they might, your majestic dragon powers will be of great use.”

“Yes sir.” agreed Spike.

Rarity gave him a proud yet worried expression.

Celestia then said, “The rest of us will maintain vigil here if the Devils show up.”

Starla agreed with her queen along with the others.

“Stand before me all of you, and I shall grant you the power.” said Agapi.

As asked, everyone stood in a circle around her. Then Agapi shut her eyes and folded her hands together. All at once, her body glowed brightly, and she cast the glow upon everyone present.

Everyone felt really warm inside, and yet at the same time felt themselves becoming a little stronger as promised.

The light had faded, yet everyone flexed their knuckles and felt along their arms and legs.

Even Krysta felt faster and swifter, and her wand seemed a little more sparkly. “This feels fantastic.”

Fluttershy hopped a few time, “I feel like I could leap over a mountain without flying.”

Agapi smiled, “You all now have increased your strengths, and the Devils’ toxic aura will no longer affect you, and you also can summon “Agapi’s Love.” which is far stronger than your Healing of Love.

But be warned, using it requires a great deal of the power, and if you overly use it, you will lose your protective force. Only use it if you feel you must.”

The fighters all agreed.

“Let’s go.” Lightning said to his team, and he hugged Starla goodbye again, and Spike hugged Rarity.

Then Krysta warped everyone into space, sending them off on a dimensional pathway, bound for the other side of the galaxy.

Artie was trembling a little bit, thinking that these upcoming battles would be extremely dangerous, and while he was confident with his new powers, he wasn’t taking the threats or the dangers lightly.

“You feeling okay, Artie?” asked Buddy.

“Yeah… yeah, I’m fine.” But really, he was thinking about Sunset back home.

…And far away in New Ponyville, Sunset was thinking of him too.

“Please be okay…” she muttered.

Soon, Lightning and Co arrived on Vistula, and already things were not looking good.

The sky was all dark, and villages in the distance were on fire from the obvious attacks.

“Oh, no, we’re too late!” cried Spike.

“No, not yet we aren’t.” said Lightning “Let’s get to the outpost!”

The team agreed and soared off, reaching the outpost in almost no time at all where they place going crazy as the soldiers came and went, and Major Hawk Fenton was giving out orders.

“Send out the reserves!

Get those civilians into the med-bay.”

His soldiers rushed out and others helped injured Vistulans they had rescue get medical treatment.

Hawk was very relieved to see Lightning and friends.

“Commander… Scarlet and Dearka, they’re attacking, they’re stronger more ruthless than ever!”

“Okay, easy, Major. What are the damage reports and the current battle status?”

Hawk took in a deep breath to calm himself.

“Villages have been ransacked and set a blaze, and the two Devils are attacking near the royal palace, sir.”

“What are the casualties?”

“No deaths so far, sir, but many are injured and hospitalized. We managed to evacuate the villages, but the fires are spreading, and the Devils power is growing stronger.

I’ve got every soldier in my army assisting, but the Devils are still ruthless.”

“Alright… Applejack, Krysta, you two will assist in the casualties and help put those fires out.”

“Right.” agreed Applejack.

“You got it.” added Krysta.

Lightning nodded. “Pinkie and Spike, you’re with me, and you too, Hawk. We’re going after the Devils. Bring as many soldiers as you can spare.”

“Aye, Aye, sir.” said Hawk.

Soon, everyone was transformed, and all doing their best to help out.

Applejack assisted the Pegasi ponies to bring in rainclouds to douse the fires over the. “Come on, keep that rain coming!” she called to the soldiers as she went around, kicking the clouds until every last drop was rained out of them.

“Here’s more…!” called Krysta as she teleported in huge droppings of water from lakes and rivers.

The fires were going out and the soldiers were able to help more civilians.

While over at the palace grounds the royal guards as well as any of Hawks sentries were all huddled at the front gates staring the two Devils down, while the princess was high up and watching from the window.

“Oh, I curse that I’m not skilled in battle and combat!” she groaned “Then I could help my guards down there.”

She looked down at Dearka, and still could barely believe he was behind much of this.

Obviously he still hadn’t seen her and didn’t know she was there, and she knew it was too dangerous to even think of stepping outside.

The guards remained where they were, but Scarlet and Dearka were far from impressed.

Dearka punched the ground making a massive quake that rattled the guards off their.

Some fired their weapons, but it was no good.

“SMOOCH OF DEFENSE” Scarlet’s lip-mark was more massive and wider to defend against every incoming blast.

The two Devils snickered.

“Hold it right there!” shouted Lightning as he and the others dropped in.

“Back again, huh?” huffed Dearka. “You just don’t know when to take a hint.”

“It’s you who can’t take the hint!” Spike snarled.

Dearka’s eyes flared up behind his visor.

Scarlet thought this would be the chance she was waiting for. She could see the princess up high in a window.

“I’ll keep trying to break into the palace. You deal with these punks.”

Dearka agreed, for he had been longing to be rid of Lightning and friends.

Lightning spoke to Hawk, “Go help your team keep the palace guarded. We’ll handle him.”

“Aye, Aye, sir.” said Hawk.

“Go with him, Spike.”

“Right…” Spike agreed as he got out his sword. “Usually it’s the dragon that breaks in to get the princess.”

He dashed over to help Hawk and his men, leaving Lightning and Pinkie to face Dearka down.

Dearka’s body was flaring up with aura as he glared the two fighters down.

“You’ve been pains in my side for far too long. I’m going to enjoy this!”

“Bring it on!” thundered Lightning.

“We’re not scared of you.” added Pinkie.

They both held their right fists behind their backs, ready to see how their new powers would fair.

Dearka roared as he began to charge them, with his fists enveloped in energy, but Pinkie and Lightning just stood where they were, and waited until the last second, when Lightning shouted, “…Now!!”

Both he and Pinkie raised their glowing fists, and bashed him hard, sending him sailing up high.

“What…?!” snapped Scarlet. She couldn’t believe her eyes, and saw Pinkie and Lightning leap up high and kick Dearka down hard, sending him crashing into the ground.

“Impossible!” whimpered Scarlet.

Even Hawk and his team were astounded.

“How did they do that?” asked Hawk “Our forces were barely able to hold them back at all.”

Spike smirked behind his knight’s helmet, and he leapt over to attack Scarlet.

Scarlet defended herself with the plating on her arms, but found him to be much stronger and swifter than she remembered.

Finally, she zigged when she should have zagged allowing Spike to strike her, making sparks fly and sending her back several paces.

“DRAGON FLAMEWHEEL”

He rolled up in his flames, and bashed her hard, sending her skidding along the ground.

“How is this possible?!” she growled.

Spike chuckled, “Let’s just say that we got a little gift from someone really special.”

Dearka pulled himself upright, and he was furious. “…Agapi! I might have guessed.”

“That’s right…” said Lightning “She’s empowered us with her love and light to match your strengths. You won’t beat us as easily this time.”

“Ha!” scoffed Scarlet “So you learned a few tricks, big deal. We’re still stronger and better than you’ll ever be.”

From within his realm, King Von Devilor sensed everything happening, and he laughed. “Indeed you both are, and we’re going to prove it to them.”

The flames around him flared up as his monstrous eyes glowed bright red.

Deep within his core, Cadance’s spirit screamed as she felt her power being shocked and sapped, and converted into evil energy which fueled the wicked king.

His laughing became louder and malicious as his tentacles began to pulsate with aura and his unleashed it from himself… through the vortex, and empowered Scarlet and Dearka all the more.

“Oh, no!” cried Lightning.

Dearka and Scarlet were snickering and grinning so wickedly, Pinkie felt shivers run down her spine.

“Lightning…!” she whimpered.

“Okay, so not liking this!” cried Spike.

Dearka flexed his claws, “First I’ll destroy you, and then this wretched planet I used to call “home!”

Up in her window, Calista couldn’t believe what she had just seen and heard.

“Dearka…” she had never seen him so miserable, so enraged. She knew he needed help before he really carried it too far, but what could she do?

Dearka roared as he charged at Pinkie and Lightning again, forcing them to dodge.

“We’ve got to try and reason with him!” called Pinkie.

Lightning agreed, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy, “Unless…” he looked up at the window and could see the princess.

“Dearka… listen to me!”

“Silence!!” shouted Dearka, and he unleashed an extremely strong wave of lightning bolts, that struck both him and Pinkie hard.

Thanks to their new increased strengths, they were okay, but Dearka then lunged in at them, punching and kicking, forcing them to dodge and defend themselves.

“Dearka, you have to listen!” shouted Pinkie, but all she got was a fist coming her way, which she blocked with her arms, allowing Lightning to trip-kick him up off his feet…

Both he and Pinkie were about to attack again, but Dearka cleverly, and swiftly, spread out his arms and legs, bashing both of them hard.

Scarlet laughed, “So much for them…” and then she turned to face Spike, and rushed him, tackling him to the ground, and ramming numerous punches into his face.

Spike knocked her off him.

“DRAGON FLAME”

“SMOOCH OF DESTRUCTION”

The two attacks met at midway and exploded, sending bits of flame balls heading for the palace.

“Stop those flames!” Hawk called to his troops, and they all complied and used their powers and weapons to blast the rocks, or just plain kick them off, keeping the palace safe.

Calistia was relieved, but her worries retuned almost instantly as the battle continued and the dark vortex grew even wider, making it darker than ever.

“Spike, now!” called Lightning.

Spike agreed, and began to concentrate his power to become the Majestic Dragon.

“…Not this time!” hissed Scarlet, and she began to power up for strong attacks.

“Spike, look out!” shouted Pinkie.

Spike was forced to leap away as Scarlet fired powered blasts at him, wrecking his concentration so he couldn’t transform.

Lightning and Pinkie couldn’t rush over and help him, having their hands full enough with Dearka and trying to hold him down.

“Troops assist!” hollered Hawk “Give the Dragon Knight some room!”

The troops and the guards complied and armed their weapons and readied their magic.

“Fire…!”

Alas, despite the numerous attacks, Scarlet hardly felt a thing, and ignored every shot while continuing to fire at Spike.

“It’s no good!” cried Hawk “We don’t have Agapi’s power.”

“Don’t sell yourselves short!” called applejack as she and Krysta came soaring in, having finished their jobs with the casualties.

Applejack then cast a few tiny parts of her light onto Hawk and his team to empower them only slightly.

“Thanks Colonel.”

Applejack smirked at him, and the troops opened fire again, actually damaging Scarlet and forcing her to defend herself and dodge, which gave Spike a slight opening.

“Let’s try this again!” Spike hollered, and he began to concentrate again.

“I will stop you!!” shouted Scarlet, and she fired a strong blast towards him.

“No you don’t…!” snapped Krysta, and she conjured up a double portal, one to absorb the blast and one to send it back at Scarlet, forcing her to dodge, which let Applejack leap right in and kick the Devil hard in the side and sent her crashing into Dearka.

This gave Spike all the room he needed to complete his transformation, and he became the Majestic Dragon.

“…Not again!!” wailed Scarlet.

Dearka could hardly believe his eyes.

“Spike, attack the vortex!” shouted Lightning.

Spike agreed and flew up high aiming straight at the dark void.

“FLAMES OF LIGHT”

His power, increased by Agapi’s Love flew straight towards it, stronger than ever before.

Von Devilor could feel the strong lights heading his way.

“Oh, no you don’t…!” he bellowed, and he quickly sealed the vortex away, just in the nick of time, causing the blast to miss and head high up into the sky where it exploded in a mighty bright blast, forcing everyone to cover their eyes.

With the darkness ceased, Spike instantly changed back to his normal forum.

“I don’t believe it!” he growled.

Lightning felt just as livid, “Von Devilor…!”

Dearka got up glaring him down, “Any other tricks you’d like to show off?”

Pinkie looked up at the palace window and saw Calista looking down at the battle, which instantly gave her an idea…

…And with that, she flew in circles around him, teasing him and taunting him, “You can’t catch me!”

Engaged, Dearka fired at her, which she easily avoided, and forced him to levitate up to her height, and chased her all around the palace.

“Pinkie…!” Lightning called as he flew up after her.

The others couldn’t question things, for Scarlet was still targeting them all for attacks.

“Even without the vortex, my power is far stronger than anything you dweebs will ever have!”

She charged up all the power she had for one massive blast, which was sure to blow the palace to pieces.

Applejack, Spike and Krysta all stood with Hawk and his soldiers.

“Give it all you have now!” shouted Applejack.

All the fighters combined their magic and weapons together, and fired at the same time Scarlet unleashed her power.

The two forces started out perfectly even, but Scarlet slowly began to pushing back, giving her the advantage.

“We need another boost of energy!” shouted Hawk.

“Coming right up,” said Krysta, and she nodded at Spike and Applejack, and they agreed it was time to give it a try.

All together the trio began to glow brightly, and shouted, “AGAPI’S LOVE” and gave the force a tiny burst of power they had received- careful not to waste so much as warned.

The strength of the light aura gave the magical force the burst it needed to push Scarlet’s power back.

“No…! Not again!!” she screamed as she leapt up high to avoid the blast, but the force the explosion threw her far off.

As for Pinkie, she hovered by Calista’s window and saw Dearka coming up form from below-- levitating with his aura.

“You are mine…!!” Dearka roared as he charged forth.

Finally, Pinkie soared upward, leaving the window exposed, and Dearka halted dead still in midair at who he could see.

The Princess looked at him too. Her gaze practically stunned him where he was.

“…Calista?”

The princess’ eyes began to fill with tears, seeing him this close.

“It can’t be…! I destroyed you, years ago!”

“No, you didn’t.”

Dearka never so confused in his life. He was certain he had destroyed her, and his family and many others. He remembered being betrayed by them all, and Calista ordered him to be captures and executed for returning to Vistula.

“Dearka, listen to us!” called Lightning “King Von Devilor deceived you! He rigged The Ultimate Challenge, which is why you lost. He wanted you to be banished so he could use you to set himself and the Devils free.

When you came back to Vistula, he sent shadows of your family and the princess. He was tricking you into joining sides with him so he could use your power and skills for his own goals.”

Dearka began to tremble softly. “No! You lie!”

“Dearka, please…” sobbed Calista as she came to the window and looked him deeply through his visor.

“You…!” he shuddered at her “I saw you, you ordered me executed!”

“No! I didn’t. When you were taken away, my heart was devastated! I never stopped thinking about you, nor did I ever not pray to the stars that you would return someday, to your home… to me!”

Dearka held his head, remembering all those bad images, especially of his parents telling him to leave and calling him “Failure” and “Loser”

“Dearka…” said Pinkie “Your parents were killed years before you could return, and they loved you. They wanted you back, too, but Von Devilor didn’t want you to have any hope, so he created shadows to hurt you!”

Dearka began to think back, to when he lost The Ultimate Challenge, and how the obstacles seemed to shift like magic, even though Vistulans had no magical energies, and no one was known to rig it.

His folks were devastated upon his being taken away to be thrown out into space, and he remembered them begging for him to be released.

The only creature to ever have any magical contact with him was Von Devilor, and even though they hadn’t met until many years later while he was alone… was it really possible.

“It’s true!” called Scarlet.

Everyone turned to face her. “I was there, I saw it all from day one, and whatever King Von Devilor saw in you is beyond me.”

Dearka’s mouth hung open as he whimpered in shock, “No… No, it can’t be!!”

Scarlet snickered at him, “But it is! And you’ve been helping us Devils all this time.”

Dearka looked as if he was going to burst. He was so riddled with mixed emotions at this horrifying revelation.

He let out a roar, and then vanished through a portal.

“Dearka!” called Calista. She couldn’t hold it in any longer, and she fell to her knees, sobbing softly into her hands.

The fighters all felt really bad for her, and worse for Dearka.

Scarlet was enjoying all the negativity from everyone, and but she was even more thrilled now that Dearka knew the truth.

“This is going better than I planned.” she thought “Now that he’s shaken, the place of Top General is as good as mine.

I must inform his majesty of this.”

She disappeared while the others were distracted.

Lightning felt frustrated that Dearka just ran off.

“Well, at least we got him to listen.” said Applejack

“Yeah, but that’s only half the deal.” said Spike “He may believe he’s been deceived, but can we convince him to join our side and help us bring the Devils down?”

“I hope so,” said Lightning “But first of all, we’ve got to find him. I’m sure he hasn’t gone back to the Devils’ World.

We’ll find him. We’ve got to.”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Dearka struggles to cope with the truth, and Calista decides to talk to him herself, meanwhile a mutiny seems to taking place in Devils’ World as Scarlet is sworn to become Von Devilor’s top general by mounting a double attack on Vistula and United Equestria.

Can Lightning and his friends convince Dearka to fight for their cause?

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

(Next Episode: “Daring Devils”)

Episode 22: Daring Devils

EPISODE TWENTY-TWO

Lightning had sent Krysta back to United Equestria to inform the others of what was happening.

He and his team decided to remain on Vistula for a while longer in case Dearka should return.

Grand Ruler read over the letter again. “So, Dearka knows the truth, but I, too, doubt whether he can accept it after all this time.”

“In the meantime,” Celestia said to Krysta “We’re glad you’re here because we have a special assignment for you to give to all your fairies.”

“I’m all ears…” said Krysta.

While they all talked… it had been a long, long day and it was getting around nightfall so all the remaining fighters had gone home.

While in Shining Armor’s suite, he had agreed to watch over Agapi, as she still had Cadance’s body, but little Flurry Heart was crying almost uncontrollably, but for obvious reasons, she missed her mother.

Agapi approached the crying infant attempting to soothe her, but it was no use. Flurry just fussed and backed away from her.

“It’s no good.” said Shining Armor “She’s knows you aren’t Cadance.”

Agapi anticipated this, being an expert on love, she knew, “Even a mere infant is able to tell who their true parent is. It is unbreakable bond.”

Even though she wasn’t the mother, she had one trick up her sleeve.

She folded her hands together, shut her eyes, and softly began to hum softly but deeply, casting a soft faded light onto the baby, and in almost no time, she was sleeping peacefully.

“How did you do that?” asked Shining Armor.

“Love can be a very warm and soothing feeling. I may not be her mother, but that does not mean I cannot soothe her.”

Shining Armor was relieved, but only slightly.

He looked out into the night still worrying about the well-being of his wife.

He decided to just crawl into bed, while Agapi decided to just rest on the sofa.

Meanwhile, Apple Spice was out, pulling a farm wagon along, since Applejack was still not home yet, he had helped do some of her deliveries, but his last stop was at New Sugar-Cube Corners to deliver sacks of flour.

He knew Pinkie wasn’t home, because Applejack wasn’t home, and all families were alerted when an officer went off into space.

“Thank you very much, Apple Spice.” said Carrot Cake.

Cupcake then offered him a free milkshake, “Just our way of giving you more thanks.”

“Thank you.” said Spice “You’re all really nice you know, just like the Apples are.”

Cupcake giggled, “Oh, go on with you.”

“Well, just you wait,” said Carrot Cake “Soon you and Applejack will be married. In fact that’s why we need all this flour, so we can be ready to cater for your wedding feast.”

Spice looked uneasy and he clenched his fist nervously.

“Is something wrong?” asked Cupcake.

Spice didn’t bother to tell them the truth behind his true feelings for Pinkie, not that it would make a difference while he was still bound by the contract.

“If only there was a way out.” he thought “And if only I could tell Pinkie how I feel.”

Meanwhile, Starla was staying with Rarity to keep her company, since both their husbands were away.

Twilight was asleep in her flame-proof cradle, and Shining Light slept in the playpen.

Rarity thought they children were just adorable, sleeping without a care in the world, yet she really wished Spike was home.

As for Starla, she was looking out the window with her hand telescope, aiming in the direction of Vistula. She couldn’t see it of course, and was merely looking to see if Lightning was on the way home.

“I know how you feel,” said Rarity “I, too, am worried for Spike and the others, but we must have faith in their strengths and skills.”

Starla smiled softly and agreed, “I just wish I could be there with them. We’re getting so close to finally bringing down the Devils, and that’s usually when it gets the most dangerous, the most frightening.”

Rarity poured some tea, and passed her a cup. “Just the same, I wonder what those dastardly Devils are up to.”

Dearka had not returned to the Devils’ World, but Scarlet had reported the situation to Von Devilor.

“So Dearka has learned of the truth has he? I always feared that he would.”

“It appears that he may be on the verge of deserting us entirely, sire.” said Scarlet.

She was about to try to talk him into considering promoting her to Top General, when he seemed rather enraged and hissed softly but sternly.

“I do not tolerate deserters, Scarlet! Find Dearka and bring him back here!”

“But Sire… he-- I mean I--”

“GO…!!”

Scarlet almost leapt out of her skin. “Y-Y-Yes… sire! Right away…!”

She quickly turned and ran down the path, and her inner anger was flaring. “Even when he’s not here, Dearka gets in my way!

No more Ms. Soft Devil. I’ll find that faker, and when I do I’ll get rid of him make it look like an accident!”

Back on Vistula, Lightning was at the outpost with Hawk, helping tend to invalids and make up a plan to find Dearka, when Krysta finally made it back to the planet.

She told Lightning the idea their majesties had proposed to her, and she already had her fairies on the job.

“I have to say, it’s a big crazy idea, but it may just help us.” said Krysta.

Lightning agreed, but he had problems of his own to worry about right now.

He was more than convinced that Dearka would not have returned to the Devils’ World after taking in the truth his betrayal.

“He could be anywhere, he might not even be on this planet.” said Krysta.

Lightning sighed, “Yes, you’re right, and we can’t scan for him either, so it’ll be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but there’s still a chance he could be here on this planet, or he may show up again.

It’s just a wild hunch.”

He walked over to where Hawk was going over his plans and paperwork.

“Are all your soldiers maintaining lookout, Major?”

“Not all of them, sir.” replied Hawk “Some are still assisting in helping invalids and assess damages, but I’ve got several good lookouts.”

“Right… Well, make sure they maintain constant watch if Dearka should appear, I’m going to start a search of my own.”

“Aye, Aye, sir.”

Lightning and Krysta were soon flying around the planet.

“Hey!” Spike called as he caught up with them.

“How goes the search?” asked Lightning.

“Not a thing,” replied Spike “I still think it’s crazy to be searching the entire planet like this.”

“Well, we’ve got to keep trying.” said Lightning “The safety of the whole universe may depend on our success.”

Krysta agreed, and then she asked “By the way, where are Pinkie and Applejack?”

“I asked them stay at the palace with Princess Calista, to help comfort her and to watch her in case Dearka shows up again.”

“Well, I hope we do find him soon,” said Spike, he didn’t bother complain any further and didn’t want to show so much that he was feeling homesick.

“…It’s okay, Spike. I feel the same way.” said Lightning “I miss home and my family too, and I want to get this over with myself.”

So, the trio continued their search together…

While at the royal palace, Pinkie Pie made some of her special “Happy Time Tea” which she always carried on her. “I tell you, one sip of this will perk you right up.” she chirped.

While Applejack was not convinced, she didn’t mind having some.

“Whoo-wee, that hits the spot.”

Calista sipped her tea, but her lips remained in the sad and sorrowful frown much to the girls’ dismay.

“Oh, do forgive me, ladies,” said Calista.

“There ain’t nothing to forgive,” said Applejack “You’ve had a nasty shock, and no one can blame you for feeling low.”

Pinkie nodded sadly and decided to confess, “I was a little in love with him myself.”

Calista looked up in surprise.

“Or maybe it was more a crush. But he was just so handsome, and even when I tried to show him mercy and compassion, he outright crushed my heart.”

She referred to how she saved his life from the weather factory…

“You worthless creature…!

…I HATE YOU!!!”

She held her heart softly.

“Oh, my word…!” cried Calista “I can’t believe what’s happened to him now even more.”

“Well it happened.” said Applejack “Poor guy’s been through a lot, and crazy as it is, we’re trying to earn his trust so he can help us against the Devils.

…If we can find him.”

“Yeah, but where could he possibly be?” wondered Pinkie “We can’t even try to look for him as easily, and he doesn’t give off energy readings.”

Calista suddenly began to remember something. “This may sound like wishful thinking, but I believe I think know one possible place he could be, but the only way I can show you is if you escort me out of the palace.”

“Whoa, girl… Not a good idea.” said Applejack “We got our orders to keep watch over you, and it’s too dangerous to be heading out there.”

Pinkie was with Calista. “Applejack, if we can find where Dearka is, isn’t that the main reason we’re all here?”

Applejack sighed, “You always have ways of convincing to go along with your crazy schemes, but I ain’t doing it, especially when it comes to breaking orders.”

…In the end, she caved in, and the ladies snuck out of the palace, and Calista, riding on Applejack’s back, guided the ladies to where she believed Dearka had gone.

Dearka was indeed still on the planet; he didn’t have any place else to go.

He had been wandering aimlessly, but he didn’t seem to notice or really care where he was going. His head was positively spinning with confusion.

“I can’t believe this,” he said to himself “Would King Von Devilor truly and deliberately wreck my life to gain my trust?”

He couldn’t stop thinking back to The Ultimate Challenge, and how the obstacle just seemed to suddenly shift, or malfunction so that he lost.

He remembered being taunted, hooted, and regarded as a failure before he was shot into space, and returned years later thanks to Von Devilor.

After his family rejected him, and Calista ordered him executed, he had no choice but to ally with Von Devilor, and make everyone suffer for tormenting him.

“But Calista…! She’s alive, and she…!”

He thought back to what she had said to him…

“When you were taken away, my heart was devastated! I never stopped thinking about you, nor did I ever not pray to the stars that you would return someday, to your home… to me!”

“No!!” shouted Dearka “I can’t believe all that!!”

In his stumbling and throes, he slipped down a steep slope, and fell deep into a forest.

He was most aggravated as he stood, and all the animals nearby ran from the frightful sight of him.

Dearka looked up and around, and the woods seemed rather familiar to him.

He walked along further, and further, until he came across a large rock wall scaling up a small cliff.

“This place…” he murmured softly “I know this place.”

He then came to a thick load of brush and began to hack away at it with his claws until he had uncovered a large hollow log that could be crawled through like a tunnel.

Without a second thought he quickly crawled through the way, emerging in a beautiful grove, surrounded by trees, rock walls, a beautiful opening for the sky above, which showed the stars shining brightly.

In the center of the whole setting was a small fire pit with a piled of unburned logs sitting in it.

Dearka couldn’t resist, and with tiny spark of his lightning bolts, he had a roaring fire going.

Then, as he sat down on a flat-topped boulder, he felt tiny grooves in the rock.

He looked down and saw a cute little carving in a heart shape with an arrow through it, and in the center of the heard were the names…

“Dearka & Calista”

“I remember this…”

He spoke so softly that even he could barely him himself.

This was a special secret place he had found and made for Calista when they were together-- a place where they could be alone together, and get away from the crowds, and their duties.

He remembered years ago, they were both sitting in this very place with a lovely fire roaring, and he had carved their initials in the rock.

“Princess…?” he would ask, only for her to put her hands on her hips and give him the look, “I’m sorry… Calista…” to which then she would reply “That’s better…”

“I must ask… what made you choose me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just in the case of humor: Why would you fall in love with me?”

Calista seemed stunned that he would ask that, but kept herself civil and honest.

“You are a wise and noble creature, Dearka. You educate our children, you help those in dire need, and you have the most amazing ideas to solve problems.

How could I not fall in love with you, just as any woman would?

And I knew form then, that if I could have you by my side, we could rule Vistula in a golden age, maybe change things for the better, and start a new way of life for our people.”

Dearka felt flattered.

“You really mean that…?”

Calista nodded, and began to him sing a loving song, which she professed “I’m Gonna Love You.”

She even presented him with the locket she had made for both of them, containing their pictures, as a sort of engagement ring.

As the memories faded, the song continued to play as Dearka looked down at the charred locket in his hand.

He was trembling ever so hard, and his eyes were starting to fill with tears behind his visor.

He did his best to try to fight them because he couldn’t risk taking his visor off, but all these memories…! The many feelings he had forgotten…!

He could still hear Calista singing…

…Because she was indeed singing, as he turned round and saw her standing by the trees, with Applejack and Pinkie Pie.

She slowly approached Dearka, and then softly touched his gloved hands as she finished the song.

Lost in her eyes, Dearka finally clicked inside, and before he knew it, Calista had wrapper her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. Dearka was so shocked he couldn’t seem to embrace her back, but rather just sat there stunned and actually feeling warm inside.

Pinkie wiped a tear from her eye, both because of the beautiful moment, and that she ultimately had to let go of her crush on Dearka.

Applejack thought the moment was sweet as well.

Calista then pulled back, and reached for his mask, intending to take it off and expose his face to her—intending to kiss him for the first time in a long time as well.

…But Dearka softly held her wrists. “No!” he said softly “You mustn’t remove my mask. I can’t breathe the air here.

We Devils are conditioned to dark atmospheres. The love and light of this world harms us.”

Hearing this for the first time only made Calista feel worse for him, but she embraced him again, “I will help you… somehow.”

Dearka was most perplexed, “After everything I have done, you are showing me, a Devil, compassion, kindness?” Dearka asked.

Applejack approached the couple, “Well, we can’t ignore what you’ve done, but we also can’t ignore what happened to you.”

Pinkie nodded and added “You were manipulated, driven mad. It can’t really be blamed for what you did.”

Dearka feel silent.

“Aww… how touching?” hissed a voice within the shadows.

Pinkie felt mega shivers run down her spine, and Scarlet stepped out into the light.

“How did you find this secret place?” sneered Dearka.

“Puh-lease… Anyone within a ten-mile radius could hear you, but then again, your Devil power is easy for me to pick up.

…And now I can destroy you… traitor!”

“What?!” snapped Dearka.

Pinkie and Applejack both stepped in before Scarlet.

Scarlet only snickered “This is going to be fun!”

The girls both transformed…

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

Scarlet was shrouded in dark aura and ready to fight, and she rushed straight at the girls, and they charged at her, but at the last second, she zipped out of sight, completely uninterested in fighting them, and she reappeared right before Dearka.

Calista screamed, but Dearka quickly leapt up high just as Scarlet took a swing for them.

“I won’t let her hurt you!” he said to Calista.

Calista really felt the old Dearka she knew and loved was really returning.

Scarlet leapt up to attack, and powered up to blast them, while Dearka skillfully leapt along the trees and the rock-walls to avoid her.

“Can’t you just teleport us out?” asked Calista.

“No! If I do that the darkness will poison you! I’ve got to get you out of here!”

“You won’t get away from me!” shouted Scarlet, and she powered up for more blasts, but got tackled by Pinkie and Applejack, and they held her back.

“Run Dearka!!” shouted Pinkie.

“Go on!” added Applejack.

Deeply astounded they were fighting for him now, but still sharp as ever Dearka leapt up, and up, and up along the rocks, heading for the large opening overhead.

…But King Von Devilor saw the whole thing from his lair and snickered. “Where do you think you’re going?”

His monstrous eyes glowed red and he conjured up a large vortex, and just as Dearka landed way outside the forest, he saw the opening.

“Oh, no…!”

Calista whimpered nervously!

Lightning and the others weren’t too far away and saw the vortex opening.

“Over there!” cried Lightning. “Let’s move!”

Fast as they could, the trio arrived on the scene almost instantly, but too late as the vortex blasted both Dearka and Calista hard with powerful dark shockwaves.

Calista screamed in agony as the bolts pierced right through her!

“CALISTA…!!!” Dearka shouted.

“Oh, no!!” cried Lightning.

KAPOW!! There was a huge explosion, so bright that everyone had to cover their eyes as it wiped out half of the forest.

“What was that?!” cried Applejack.

“Dearka!!” shouted Pinkie.

Scarlet only snickered, and used this chance to smash the two fighters into each other, and then throw them both hard into the rock wall behind her.

Lightning and the others were thrown down hard by the explosion.

Dearka recovered quickly, but just ahead of him, his beloved Calista was lying badly injured on the ground.

“No…! No…!!” he cried as he dashed over to her and scooped her up in his arms. “Calista…!”

Lightning and the others struggled to get up themselves, but what they saw up ahead turned their bloods cold.

“Oh, no…! She got hit!” cried Spike.

It didn’t take even a half-wit to realize it was hopeless for Calista.

“Calista…! Speak to me please!” cried Dearka.

She opened her eyes just barely, and was breathing in short, raspy breaths, and she spoke in a very weak and dying tone. “De…ar… ka…!”

“Calista! Please, hang on! I won’t let you be taken from me!”

A single tear fell from her eyes, but even she knew it was hopeless for her. “I… love you… Dear…ka! I… love… you!”

She then expired, and he hand slipped to the ground flat. That’s when her body magically seemed to levitate off the ground as Dearka called to it…

“CALISTA…

…NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

…KAPOW!! The body exploded and was gone-- exactly how Vistulans died.

Krysta began to weep softly.

“She’s… gone…!” said Spike “Just like that!”

Lightning was quivering with extreme fury, and too upset to say anything. There was nothing he hated more than seeing someone innocent die like that!

As for Dearka he picked himself up off the ground, and clutched his locket.

“Calista… my only love… I’m so sorry this happened to you! It’s all my doing!”

His anger began to flare up…

“I will fight to avenge you, and my family! I swear it!!”

He looked straight up through the vortex where he could hear Von Devilor laughing maliciously.

“King Von Devilor, I curse your name! I will never again lift a finger for you!

…I AM NO LONGER YOUR WARRIOR!!”

Von Devilor only scoffed, “You think you can just walk away from me, the darkness, and the hate?! No! You are my Devil… now and forever!”

“What?!”

“No turns away from me, especially when they seem to exhibit vast amounts of energy that I can use. Just look at yourself! You lost your pride and honor, you lost your family, and now that you’ve lost your precious Calista, I can feel the anger and hate just coursing through you…

…And like it or not, I will use that power as I see fit to crush my enemies and conquer the universe!”

Dearka was trembling with rage, and took everything he said as a confession to ruining his life for his own goals.

“I will never give my powers to the likes of you!!”

Von Devilor laughed, “You actually think the choice is yours? There is nothing you possess that I cannot take whenever I desire!”

With that, he extended his tentacles through the vortex, intending to zap him.

“No!!” shouted Lightning as he rushed forth and kicked the massive tentacle hard up, hardly fazing the evil king.

“Stay out of this!!” he bellowed and took a swing at Lightning, but he zipped out of the way.

“Krysta, get Dearka out of here!!”

Krysta agreed and rushed in, only to get shot all around by Scarlet’s power.

“This does not concern you!”

“Says you!” growled Spike as he charged with his sword at the ready, but Scarlet dodged his every swing and knocked him away.

Pinkie and Applejack came onto the field and grabbed Scarlet again, holding her down!

“Don’t you two ever quit?!” she growled.

“Never!!” shouted Applejack

Pinkie had fire blazing in her eyes, having seen what happened to Calista, “YOU’RE GOING TO PAY!!”

With that, her inner aura flared up as she called on her new magic, “AGAPI’S LOVE”

The bright light began to shock Scarlet painfully and severely weaken her!

“Nice move, Pinkie!” said Applejack, and then, using a little of her own power, she gave Scarlet a very strong punch to her face, sending her sailing back hard and crashing on the ground.

Scarlet was furious and roared as she got up, but before she could attack.

“Surprise…!” Spike shouted as he rushed in, with his sword glowing with Agapi’s Love, slicing off her mask and its feed-tubes.

With her mask knocked off, Scarlet began to choke and gag as her flesh began to burn!

“I’ll… get you for this!!” she shouted before making a hasty retreat through the vortex.

Lightning was still fending off against Von Devilor’s massive tentacles.

“UNIFORCE”

Von Devilor fired a massive burst of dark energy at the force, actually matching it.

“You really think you can overpower the King of the Devils?!” he called to him “More power!”

His force began to push back against Lightning’s, and Lightning made no attempt to pour on more power, and actually let the blast get near him and blow up, sending him sailing back hard!

Lightning looked up with a spiteful smirk. “Just what we needed…!”

Von Devilor then realized that while he was distracted, Krysta had made off with Dearka.

He roared in outrage!

“Your days are numbered, Von Devilor! We’re coming for you, and we will defeat you finally and forever!”

With that said he and the others retreated, zooming away, leaving a furious Von Devilor to seal the void and retreat back into his own realm.

For the rest of the night, there was no other course of action…

With Calista gone and Von Devilor madder than ever, the only solution was a planet evacuation, to ensure the Vistulans would be further protected from anymore Devil attacks.

All the villages were cleared out, the royal palace, and all the civilians gathered at the outpost.

One-by-one, they march in a line through a portal Krysta had conjured and took them to one of Starfleet’s safe planets.

Hawk and his entire force would watch over them.

“Abandon base!” Hawk called out “All hands, abandon outpost!”

The soldiers gathered up whatever things they could and headed through the portal themselves, and at that point the entire planet was evacuated, all except for Lightning, his team and Hawk.

“Major,” said Lightning, and he shook Hawk’s hand “…Good luck, please take care of them.”

Hawk nodded proudly, “I will guard them with my life sir.”

He knew his job wouldn’t be easy, especially since the people still didn’t know their princess was dead, and they would not take it well.

Nevertheless, he leapt into the portal and was gone.

“That’s all of them.” said Krysta “We better get back home.”

Lightning agreed, as did the others, and Dearka was more than willing to accompany them.

“King Von Devilor will pay for what he did to Calista! I will get revenge if it’s the last thing I do!!”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Everyone is preparing for their venture forth into the Devils’ World, and while Artie and Sunset decide to immediately marry, Pinkie Pie finally learns the truth about Apple Spice’s feelings, but it’s wondered what to do about the marriage contract.

Are the heroes truly ready to venture forth into the Devils’ World?

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

(Next Episode: “Ready or Not”)

Episode 23: Ready or Not

EPISODE TWENTY-THREE

King Von Devilor was addressing every Devil in the realm.

“My subjects, my brethren, my Devils…

We are about to embark on the deadliest, more magnificent of battles our empire has ever known, and I expect you all to follow the instructions I have given you without any deviation.

Our glorious victory, our future is all before us, and together we will crush our enemies, and escape from this prison that has kept us for all these ages!”

He looked down at his core, where Cadance’s power was still being converted into dark aura.

“LET THE HATE, THE DARKNESS, THE EVIL SEEP FORTH… AND MAY LOVE AND LIGHT PERISH AT OUR WILL!!”

The Devils all cheered and hollered to him.

“HAIL VON DEVILOR!!

HAIL TO THE KING!!”

Scarlet, however did seem to cheer or care for much as all she could think of was Dearka.

“There’s only one thing that I’m focussed on, and that’s finally getting rid of that traitorous sneak forever!”

She recalled earlier of speaking to the king, and was once again denied being made top general.

“But your majesty, Dearka has left us. He is a traitor! He is no longer one of us, but I can be a great asset in the upcoming war, if you will only give me the chance…”

“Enough!” bellowed Von Devilor “Dearka will be dealt with in my own way Scarlet. Right now, there are other things to handle. Our enemies will be coming here soon, and I wish to be fully-prepared to greet them.

That means, you also will have your orders.

…I have spoken!”

Scarlet was crushed and very disturbed. “Why can he not see? Why does he continue to deny me my rightful place?”

All she could do was blame Dearka for all this, and whether her King told her to standby or not, at this point she no longer cared!

“King or not, the next time I see Dearka, I will not rest, I will not heel, and I will not look away until I have destroyed him forever!”

She knew she wouldn’t have to wait long. Dearka would show himself eventually.

After Lightning and his team returned home, the very next morning, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were subjected to an inquiry.

They stood before their majesties, Princess Luna, as well as Lightning and Starla, and look very shameful, because even though it wasn’t entirely their faults, they were partially responsible for the death of the Vistulan Princess, and after they were ordered explicitly to guard and protect her.

“Do you have anything else to say?” asked Grand Ruler.

“No sir.” the girls replied.

Pinkie was trying hard not to show any tears and keep standing up straight.

“The loss of Princess Calista is a most serious devastation.” said Celestia. “The Vistulans are now well-protected on our safe planets, but we have received reports from Major Fenton; the Vistulans are not taking the news well, and they will have to make extreme decisions on who is to run the planet.”

Pinkie and Applejack felt worse.

“However,” said Luna “The circumstances which lead to her death did help us to find Dearka, this cannot be ignored. You did maintain vigil, and you couldn’t have helped what happened.”

Grand Ruler agreed “Given all of this, and the fact that we will now require your services more than ever in the imminent events, it is by royal decision that there will be no charges, this time.”

Pinkie and Applejack’s smiled began to show and the gawked happily at one another.

“Eyes front, ladies!” said Lightning “You’ve been spared this time, but there’s no room for celebration now. We’ve got a long road ahead of us, and a most dangerous one, so I suggest we all rest and train up as long as we can.”

Everyone in the room agreed, the final bout with King Von Devilor was coming up fast.

“I hope Dearka’s doing okay, though.” said Starla “…Goodness knows the feelings he’s struggling with now.”

Dearka could still hardly believe… Here he was, in United Equestria, but as an ally rather than an enemy, and about to aid them in a raid against his former brethren.

He remembered earlier when he first arrived to the palace with Lightning and his party.

Grand Ruler and Queen Celestia personally confronted him.

“Dearka, in spite of your willing to help us,” said Grand Ruler “It cannot be ignored that we’ve had our history.

However, we understand what happened to you now, and as a Devil, you are great asset to bringing down the Devils’ evil.”

Dearka clenched his fists at the very mention of his former brethren. “Believe me, I have grown to despise King Von Devilor more than you all combined, and I will do all that I can to make him regret ever having met me!”

Celestia was delighted to hear that, but still stated, “Regardless of your intentions, we must still take cautionary steps with you, for you are still a Devil, and though we require use of your dark powers, they are still highly dangerous.”

“I understand.”

As Dearka sat there, he still felt strange being here, and he thought, “First compassion, then they defend me, and now they show mercy as well… and after all the horrible things I have done.”

He thought back to his every attack, every monster he summoned, all the people he hurt, and how he laughed at their pain, and enjoyed making them suffer!

“How foolish I have been, giving all my loyalties to von Devilor!!” he angrily shouted as he pounded the floor with his fist “He ruined my life, manipulated me, and took my loved ones from me!”

He couldn’t stop thinking of how horrible his parents had it after he was banished, no matter how comforting it was to know they actually wanted him back, and all he destroyed were imposing shadows of them.

Still, his beloved Calista, he couldn’t stop blaming himself for her death, and it hurt him most severely inside.

“Your heart is badly shaken, but at least you still think with it.”

Dearka looked up and all around, “Who said that? Who’s in here with me? Show yourself!”

“I am not truly here. I am merely communicating to you from somewhere else in the palace.

…I am Agapi.”

Dearka stiffed at the name. “You… You are the one Von Devilor Spoke of.”

“Yes… but there is no need to repeat that tale now.

I sensed your arrival, and I have learned of the truth surrounding you. You are still filled with much seated hate.”

Dearka grumbled, “How could I not be? My eyes may be open to the truth, but that does not erase the feelings, nor does it truly make me a better being.”

“You have merely forgotten what it feels to bask in the goodness of love and light. You were led astray and poisoned by evil that used you, but it has become obvious that you still have heart with pureness.

Even I can sense it.”

Dearka cringed softly, still struggling in himself, and Agapi said no more.

From Shining Armor’s room, she opened her eyes after breaking contact with him. “There is hope for him yet.”

Shining Armor couldn’t believe he was agreeing with her-- actually putting his trust in a Devil!

“I sense your doubt.” said Agapi “It is understandable.”

“I’m just getting there,” he admitted “The only real reason I’m putting any trust in him is because we have a chance to get Cadance back.”

Agapi remained calm as ever, “Any form of trust is better than none at all, but it’s what you do with it that matters.

Putting your faith and allegiance with a former enemy can be near-to-impossible, depending on the history between you and they, but those with good intentions, no matter how different they, can always work it out in the end…

…If they will it.”

Shining Armor felt moved by her wisdom, “I’m just nervous that’s all. I always get this way during upcoming final bouts.

…I wonder how the others are taking it.”

Artie wasn’t taking it too well, he had been trouble sleeping the past while, and now that he was home again, even if it was only for a short while before he was called to arms, and he seemed a little on edge.

Sunset placed his breakfast that she had made for her future husband in front of him, but he hardly looked up.

“Are you okay?” she asked him.

He finally looked up and answered, “Just… just thinking.”

“…About the upcoming war with the Devils?”

He had already told her the final bout was coming, and she was very nervous about it too.

“You’ll do well, I know you will.” she said sweetly to him, “And before you even ask, I know you will. I’ve seen what you guys do, and I have faith in you.”

He smiled sweetly at her, “I’m more worried about you. In the possibility that something happen to me, what’s going to happen to you? I never made any other arrangements.”

Sunset did feel a little worried about that, but she immediately thought of a way to make it better.

“Let’s get married.”

His heart began to race, “What?”

“Let’s get married right now. That way, if something does happen and you don’t make it back, at least I can inherit all this-- the house, your art gallery, and don’t worry about money, I can get a job, and I can take art lessons to continue things for you.”

Artie was stammering hard, unsure of what to do as this was all so sudden.

Finally he managed to get out, “What about the Devils? We can’t let them know what we’re doing.”

Sunset, quick-witted as ever, already thought of that “We’ll hold a small and private ceremony. Mayor Mare can perform it, and it’ll be just fine, we can even gets some of the gang to be our witnesses.

Please, I want to do this. Let me be your wife now.”

Artie could hardly believe all this, and now here she was willing to sacrifice having a big wedding with all the trimmings and setups, and just get it over with quickly.

Seeing how much he loved her, and wanted to make sure she would continue if something happened.

He reached up softly and kissed her, meaning he accepted, and she responded by throwing her arms around his neck, pulling him in closer as the kiss grew deeper and more passionate.

Meanwhile, Bright Mac was sitting on his bed looking over the marriage contract for Applejack and Apple Spice, when Pear Butter came in and sat down on their bed next to him.

“Shucks, Buttercup,” he groaned “This contract’s really made a mess of things in our family.”

His wife agreed, “Applejack and Apple Spice aren’t the least bit attracted to one another, and Spice is in love with Pinkie Pie.”

They both had been aware of Spice’s feelings, able to read him like a book whenever he thought of Pinkie, asked about her, and the fact they knew he was sweet on her.

“I actually really bad about doing this to our daughter.” said Bright Mac “Not that I’m trying to say bad of our dead friends, the Spice’s, but I’m wishing we never got into this thing.”

“We all thought it was a good idea back then.” said Pear “I just wish there was a way out of this contract.”

Applejack overheard them down the hall, and she felt touched that her folks were finally starting to get the message, but this still didn’t change things.

Most likely, she and Spice would be married after the fight with the Devils-- assuming she survived it of course.

She looked outside and saw Spice sitting on a tree stump, and picking petals off a flower, but he wasn’t saying the old “Loves me. Loves Me Not” thing, she could see the grim look on his face and read his lips from that distance.

“I’m doomed…

I’m really doomed…

I’m doomed…

I’m really doomed.”

Applebloom then walked up to him with a big shiny ball.

“Hey, Spice… ya want to toss around with your future sister-in-law?”

Spice looked at her grimly but spoke nicely, “No, no thanks… I’m just not in the mood.”

Applebloom’s face curled into a sad tone, “I was just trying to cheer you up a bit.”

Spice smiled sadly at her and patted her head, “I know.”

“You really don’t want to marry my sister, do you?”

Spice shook his head. “Don’t get me wrong. You’re all an amazing family, and I’m very thankful for all you’ve done for me, but… this whole marriage thing just feels so wrong.

I don’t love her. She doesn’t love me, and I’m not cut out for this whole farmer’s life. I should be in the kitchens cooking up great feasts and dishes. That’s what I’m good at.”

He was starting to day dream about Pinkie Pie again, and how being with her meant he’d get to live and work with The Cakes at their Café and Bakeshop, and with his super cooking and confection skills, he’d be a real help to them all.

“Who am I kidding?” he said “It’s not going to happen. Not as long as that contract has my freedom and Applejack’s on the line.”

He sounded as if that was it; he was finally accepting his ultimate defeat and willing to give up on ever having a chance with Pinkie.

Speaking Pinkie, she came rushing in practically yelling at the top of her lungs, “HEY, APPLEJACK… BUDDY ROSE…!”

Applejack raced outside fast, and Buddy flew out the window of his house.

“Pinkie, you woke up Seedling!” he scolded.

“What’s up with you?” asked Applejack.

Pinkie could barely speak, being out of breath with excitement, and she spoke in raspy garbles.

“What?” asked Applejack.

“Come on, Pinkie, spit it out.” said Buddy.

Spice rushed into the house and came back with a glass of lemonade for Pinkie. She guzzled it down and got her voice back. “Thanks…” she said with a sweet smile to him, which made him blush.

“Sure.”

“Pinkie, what is it?” Applejack asked in annoyance.

“It’s Artie and Sunset. They’re getting married at town hall, and they need witnesses.”

Her friends were most surprised.

“Are they crazy?” asked Applejack.

“I thought they were waiting until the Devils were beaten?” added Buddy.

“That’s what I thought too.” replied Pinkie, “But they need witnesses. They need us.”

Rather than talk it out further, Buddy and Applejack decided to go for it.

“Spice and I can come too, if you’d like.” offered Applebloom.

Spice felt rather awkward at the idea, but he didn’t have to refuse as Applejack already denied the idea, “It’s just a quick ceremony, sis, that’s all. Besides, we shouldn’t have too many people there in the Devils try to attack.”

Applebloom agreed, and took it well.

“Maybe Spice should come too, anyway.” suggested Pinkie. “Then you can get married too.”

Both Spice and Applejack’s faces turned right red, with steam shooting their ears with shock and embarrassment.

“GET MARRIED?!!” they both exclaimed.

Even Applebloom felt awkward at the idea. “Um… I don’t think that’s a good idea.” she said “I mean after all, it’s for Artie and Sunset, and you said it’s best not to draw too much attention.”

“Yeah,” agreed Spice.

“…That’s it.” added Applejack “We’re just not ready yet, that’s all, and besides, Ma and Pa are preparing a big wedding for us. We, uh… just don’t want to ruin things.”

Regarudless, Buddy quickly informed Tree Hugger he’d be off for a short while, and then he and his friends flew off to town hall.

The rest of the gang were there too, except for Lightning and Starla whom were still in New Canterlot discussing strategies for the upcoming battle, but Artie did inform them via a letter.

Lightning and Starla wrote back almost immediately giving their blessings.

Before long, at town hall, Artie and Sunset stood before Mayor Mare. Sunset wore a simple white flower corsage in her mane, and Artie wore just an ordinary bowtie from his fancy dress uniform.

All their friends were gathered and witnessing as the ceremony went on, quick and easy.

Sunset and Artie placed rings on each other’s fingers.

“Well, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” said Mayor Mare, and she quickly held up a marriage certificate for them to quickly sign like that, which they did.

“You may kiss the bride.”

The couple shared a soft chuckle before they came together for a deep and passionate embrace.

The friends erupted with cheers and joyful hooting.

Rarity and Fluttershy dabbed their eyes with hankies.

“This is so awesome!” shouted Rainbow as she fluttered around the room with joy.

“VIVA!!” hollered Dyno and Myte.

Sunset and Artie could only look into each other’s’ eyes with loving smiles.

“Wow.” said Sunset

“Married, huh?” chuckled Artie.

“Yeah, it feels kind of nice.”

Buddy grabbed Artie and gave him a playful noogie. “Welcome to the league of marriage, pal.”

“From the looks of it,
You’re going to love it.” added Rhymey.

“Congratulations Sunset.” said Fluttershy.

“Darling, you shall adore wifehood, I assure you.” added Rarity.

Sunset blushed while rubbing the back of her head.

With all said and done, and the paperwork completed imedeatley, the team exited Town Hall.

“I still think you and Spice could have gotten married too.” said Pinkie “You could always have the big ceremony after, just for kicks.”

Applejack lost her patience.

“Look, Pinkie, I’m going to make this as clear I can for you: Spice and I don’t want to get married at all. We don’t love one-another, and we know it ain’t right.”

The others couldn’t disagree with her, all knowing the truth well.

“Yeah, they wouldn’t be happy together.” agreed Rainbow.

“And besides, Spice is in love with you, Pinkie.” Fluttershy accidently blurted out, and she gasped and realized what she said.

Everyone felt awkard at it, but not as stunned as Pinkie was. She stood there with her eyes open wide and her mouth hanging open.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to.” cried Fluttershy.

“No,” said Applejack “It’s about time the truth came out.”

Pinkie was still in a shock. “Apple Spice loves me?”

“Eeyup... Why do you think he got so goofy every time you were near him?”

Pinkie did think back, and finally noticed, all the times he blushed, looked nervous, seemed to act shy and awkward when she was near him.

“B…B…But, I already have an admirer.” said Pinkie “I got flowers twice from someone who--”

She stopped when Applejack gave her a strict stare.

“…It was Spice all the time?” asked Pinkie.

Everyone nodded, and vouched for seeing Spice nervously leave the flowers on the stoop each time.

“He’s got it bad for you, chica.” said Dyno.

“Si, I’ve never seen anyone so in love and so nervous.” added Myte.

“I think it’s positively romantic he has such strong feelings for you, Pinkie.” said Rarity.

A hush came over the group as Pinkie looked down at the ground, considering what she had just learned.

“I… I don’t know what to say?”

She slowly looked up at Applejack, who only looked grimer than ever, further implying how much she and Spice didn’t want to go through her arranged marriage.

The others all felt sorry for her, but they couldn’t think of any legal way to get out of her contract.

Over the next few days, while other members of the group trained and prepared for the great venture ahead, Pinkie hardly knew what to think.

Her latest bouquet, from Spice of course, had wilted, but she hadn’t thrown them out yet still thinking of him, and thinking back to his amazing cooking skills, as well as his sweet demeanour.

A soft smile crept across her face, and she thought back to that time they spent at the amsument park-- practically on a date, and it was very nice, especially the Tunnel of Love… before the Devils attacked.

Maybe she was starting to think of Spice more than just a friend, but keeping in mind of the marriage contract.

She wasn’t the only one thinking of it.

Ever since her talk with Spice, Applebloom had taken a picture of the contract and shared it with the other Cutiemark Crusaders.

“Applejack said she told Pinkie about Spice’s feelings,” said Applebloom “But I was told not to tell him.

If only there was some way to get out of this crazy thing.”

The others agreed, but after reading it over and over it all seemed final.

“What if we had the contract and then destroyed it,” suggested Scootaloo “Or at least threw it away?”

DD shook her head, “Won’t work. I studied up my law books for my Starfleet training; even if the contract is missing, because everyone knows what it says and what it looked like, it’s still binding.

Why, just this photo of it here is more than enough for it.”

Sweetie Belle sighed “I guess there’s no choice. Applejack and Spice have to get married and that’s it.”

Applebloom looked at the contract for the umpteenth time, and she read over the part where it said her sister had to get married, and she realized “That IS it…!”

The others all gawked at her.

“It says they have to GET married, but it doesn’t say they have to STAY married.”

DD immediately caught the drift, “Of course! By doing that, they fulfil the contract, and then it no longer means anything.”

“You mean, get married, and then just get divorced?” asked Scootaloo.

“It could work…” said Sweetie “But what would Applejack and Spice think about it?”

When the girls came to Applejack’s place with the idea, her parents told her they had just missed her.

“She’s gone?” wailed Applebloom.

“Eeyup.” replied Big Mac

“You got to be kidding me?” groaned Scootaloo.

“Nope.” replied Big Mac “She got the call of duty, and she took off for New Canterlot. So did Buddy Rose.”

DD looked back at her home across the way. “I better go check on Tree Hugger and Seedling.” and she dashed off.

Scootaloo and Sweetie looked down as it meant they lost their chance to see Rainbow off, or wish Spike and Rarity luck.

“I think you girls better home too,” Big Mac said to them.

The girls looked downhearted, but Applebloom wasn’t beaten yet. “Are Mom and Daddy, I got to talk to them about something we figured may help everyone.”

Meanwhile, all the fighters were at the palace.

Starla, Rarity and Fluttershy were each dropping their babies off at the daycare, and feeling very sad and tearful to just leave them, knowing how dangerous things were about to get.

The fathers felt the same way, but were trying to be brave for themselves and everyone.

“We better get to the throne room.” said Lightning.

Starla and the other wives agreed, but stopped to peck their respective kids one last time, which made the babies begin to look sad, and they cried when their parents walked away.

“It’s okay, I’ve got this.” said the caretaker, and she began to tend to the little sweethearts leaving the adults to exit.

Soon everyone was gathered in the throne room, where all three of majesties were waiting for them. Dearka and Agapi were present too.

“Good, glad to see you’re all here.” said Grand Ruler “As Dearka knows more of what’s about to happen, shall turn over the briefing to both him and Agapi.”

Dearka bowed and then addressed the group.

“I will create a portal for you all that will take you to the Devils’ World, but be warned… you are about to enter a world of likes which you have never seen nor experienced.

It is far darker, and more dangerous than anything you have known.”

Agapi agreed, “As I have told you before: the power I gave you should protect you from the toxic atmosphere, but it will only last for so long, and if you use any of the power, it will only shorten what time you have further.”

Everyone else understood.

“So this is it!” said Lightning “We’re finally going meet Von Devilor!”

Shining Armor clenched his fists tightly, “We’re going to free Cadance, and then grind him and his Devil army into dust!”

“Uh, reality check,” Rainbow pointed out “The word “Army” comes to mind. We’ll still be fighting them on their home turf, and they’ll be practically waiting for us!”

“Of course, we’ve anticipated this.” said Starla “And there’s only one thing for it: Our best and only option is to go straight for Von Devilor himself.”

“Agreed,” said Dearka “With Von Devilors falling, the Devils will grow weaker and be easier to overpower. I know this fact, for even my power radiates from that wretch.”

Pinkie then raised her hand way up, “Um, just one thing. How do we get back if we have to leave?”

Celestia then raised her hand as it glowed with her horn, and she materialized a set of small spheres. “These capsules were created by Professor Brain in the laboratory, and infused with Dearka’s transport power.”

She levitated one sphere to each fighter as Dearka explained “When you feel you must return, simply slam one of these below your feet, and you will teleported back here, to your own planet.

Be warned, each sphere is only good for one use, so do not be using them unless you really must, they were not easy to create.”

He recalled while working with the professor in the lab, many of the experiments resulted in explosions and clouds of dust.

“Well, now who’s a fool?” regarded Brain.

Thankfully, they managed to get it working right.

Dearka cleared his throat, “My point stands.”

Lightning approached him, “What about Von Devilor? How can we beat him?”

“There is only one way I know for certain.” said Dearka “His core, the large orb of flesh on his lower forum, which houses all the vast energy and converts it into evil waves.”

The fighters caught on instantly, “So if we take out that core, we’ll weaken him?” asked Buddy.

“I am merely assuming, but it seems most likely.” he paused as his rage began to show “I wouldn’t mind having first strike at him myself!”

“Wait!” said Shining Armor “What about Cadance? If she’s lost somewhere in that core, what will happen to her if we destroy it!”

“Fear not,” said Agapi “As I told you before; I will be able to return your wife to you, but her spirit must be released.”

Fluttershy caught a slight hint in her voice. “Are you not going with us?”

Agapi shook her head, and Luna stepped forth, “It is far too dangerous for her to join you, not just considering her weak powers, but because she controls Cadance’s body.

If Cadance is to be returned safely, then her body must be well protected.”

“Indeed,” agreed Grand Ruler “The rest of us will remain out here to protect the planet should there be another attack.

Our armies are standing by already.”

He wasn’t kidding, over the past few days he had passed orders to every officer on the planet, and all the Starfleet teams and their allies were standing by.

Even Mykan was standing by with the officers of New Canterlot, and maintaining watching for any danger.

All civilians were ordered to remain off the streets and remain in their homes or shelters until further notice, and they were all being tended to by the provision squads and helpers.

“Well, time for us to do our thing,
Go into the Devils’ World and beat their king.” said Rhymey.

Everyone agreed with him.

Artie looked down at his wedding ring on his finger and touched it softly.

“Hey,” said Applejack “You’re doing it for her, right?”

“Right.” agreed Artie “Let’s do this.”

The team all gathered outside into the castle courtyard which was wide open, and a perfect place for departure.

“Is everyone ready?” asked Dearka.

The team all stood together, ready, willing, and they all transformed.

“STARFLEET MAGIC”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

“Dragon Power”

“Mask of Saber”

Once everyone was transformed, it was really time to go.

“Go with care, My Brave Ponies,” said Grand Ruler.

“Our faith and prayers are with you.” added Ceelstia.

Everyone saluted, and then Dearka opened up a large swirling porta. “Come!” he called to everyone “…Off to the Devils’ World.”

Following him straight into the portal, everyone felt themselves swirling in a twisting dark vortex of a mixture of darkness and light, heading for whatever excitement or danger that lay ahead!

(Promo)

In our next episode: It’s a raging brawl in the Devils’ World, especially as Scarlet brawls with Dearka intending to finish him forever, and just as the heroes finally confront Von Devilor himself, they realize they may have bitten off far more than they can chew as the evil creature proves to be quite the handful.

Can our heroes finally bring the Devils down, or are they doomed to perish in the darkness?

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

(Next Episode: “Part 1: World War Two Ways”)

Episode 24: Part 1:World War Two Ways

EPISODE TWENTY-FOUR

The portal opened wide, and the team stepped forth into the darkness of the Devils’ World!

“Wow!” Lightning exclaimed under his breath as he looked at the eerie dark world all around him-- The black skies, pierced by the distant faded lights of blue flame torches lining the pathways, islands floating in the darkness, and other small marble buildings and other areas.

The winds were whistling with creepy sounds, like thunder and lightning would strike at any moment.

“Oh, my!!” shuddered Fluttershy.

“Look at this place.” said Starla.

“It’s like something out of nightmare.” said Krysta.

Dearka, able to breathe safely, removed his mask. “This is the Devils’ World.” he explained “For many millennia, they were imprisoned here, and this was my home for the past decade.” He paused and clenched his fists “…I never thought it would ever sicken me!”

Everyone turned on the infrared vision on the visors to see better, and it was a good thing they had Agapi’s power keeping them from choking.

“Just looking at all this darkness makes me feel queasy.” groaned Rarity.

“I don’t like it here!” whimpered Fluttershy.

“Neither did we Devils.” said Dearka “All the ever wanted was to escape and reclaim their glory, but because of the fatal effects caused by love, they had little course.”

“Okay enough of the stories,” said Lightning. “We better find the King and fast.” he checked his visor which showed a timer on it counting down from two hours “Even with Agapi’s power, we won’t last too long.”

“…Then why don’t you come and find me already?” boomed a nasty voice which made everyone jump in fright.

Dearka narrowed his eyes and hissed softly, “…Von Deivlor!”

Saber’s anger began to boil, “It’s him!”

“He knows we’re here?” cried Rainbow.

Von Devilor’s laugh echoed along the darkness, “I am aware of everything that transpires in my home realm, and I see that you have brought a certain traitor back as well.” he referred to Dearka.

“I promise you,” Dearka bellowed “For what you did to my dear Calista… my family… my life!! You will pay for it!!”

Von Devilor only seemed amused as he snickered. “Why don’t we all meet, and settle this little war once and for all.”

With that, a series of flames began to light up, one-after-another, forming a supposed pathway for everyone to follow.

“I’m coming, Cadance!” shouted Saber, and he began to carelessly run towards the path.

“Wait!!” snapped Lightning, and he snapped his fingers at some of the alicorns, who used their magic to pull him back in.

“Are you crazy!” scolded Applejack “For all we know he’s leading us into a trap!”

“But we’ve got to rescue Cadance!” protested Saber.

“And we will.” insisted Starla “But we hardly even know how this world works or where every path leads to.”

Dearka also noticed something unusual; there was no sign of any other Devils anywhere, and usually there weren’t many places you could look without seeing any.

“Something isn’t right here.” he said.

Everyone seemed to agree with him.

“We better get a move on.” suggested Lightning, and he asked Dearka “Is there another path we can take?”

Dearka nodded “There are many paths we can to reach the king, but because he knows of our presence, who knows what may happen.”

Rainbow cleared her throat, “Is that a direct approach I hear?”

Lightning knew they couldn’t hesitate, with their time ticking away. “Alright, but we’ll go forth with extreme caution. Suspect danger around every corner.”

Everyone agreed, and they began to walk down the path that Von Devilor had laid for them.

Von Devilor snickered to himself in his mind, “They’re on the move. Of course it wouldn’t matter which path they take; I’m running the show here!”

His evil eyes began to glow…

…and an earthquake seemed to happen.

“What’s happening?” cried Dyno.

“And earthquake?” added Myte.

The path began to wave and twist about, heading straight for the group.

“Look out!!” cried Artie!

“Everybody fly!” shouted Lightning.

“No! Wait!!” hollered Dearka, but it was too late, and the split second everyone had leapt up high into the dark air, the winds began to magically pick up and blow in furious twisters.

“What’s going on?!” cried Spike.

“What’s all this wind?!” shouted Buddy.

Before everyone knew it, they were all blown off in different directions, scattered in groups across the realm completely separated from each other, and leaving Dearka all alone.

“Oh, no!” he groaned.

Von Devilor laughed in amusement. “Phase one is complete. We can’t have them all huddled together and helping each other.

And now, for part two.”

The groups were…

Lightning, Krysta, and Buddy…

“What was that all about?” groaned Krysta.

“Looks like we fell for an obvious trick like you said, Lightning.” said Buddy.

Lightning nodded, and he had no idea where they had landed.

Starla, Rarity, and Artie…

They had come to, and were scouting around with their visors for signs of their friends.

“I got nothing.” said Starla.

“This Devil Darkness must be filtering out our signals.” added Artie.

“Super!” grumbled Rarity “We flew straight into that like moths to a flame. Now what do we do?”

“Only thing we can do, find the others.” suggested Starla, and she checked her visor timer “We still have time.”

Rhymey, Fluttershy, and Spike…

Rhymey had just come too and rubbed his head, and he saw Fluttershy struggling awake near him.

“Hey,
You okay?”

His wife rubbed her eyes, “I think so.”

“That makes two of us.” added Spike “But where’s Rarity, and the others.”

“We better go and find them.” suggested Fluttershy.

Rhymey agreed.

The Twins and Rainbow Dash…

Rainbow tried to fly up high to get a better view all around the area, but the twins pulled her back down with their combined magic.

“Come on, guys, not this again!”

“Rainbow, we can just up and fly off again!” scolded Dyno.

“We get that you want to find the others; so do we.” added Myte “But we can’t just keep rushing about like this.”

Rainbow barely managed to contain herself. “Oh, alright! But if things start to get weird again I’m taking off.”

The two Colonels outranked her and gave her strict expressions while tapping their feet.

“…Or maybe not.”

And finally, there was Applejack, Pinkie, and Saber…

“You okay, Sugar-Cube?” asked Applejack.

Pinkie was okay, despite her head spinning after impact. “Did we win the fight yet?” she groaned wearily before flopping over forward, and snapping back to her senses.

Saber got up and brushed off all six of his arms, but then he suddenly began to get a strange and cold feeling, “…I don’t think we’re alone here.”

Pinkie’s whole body trembled with her Pinkie Sense going in overdrive. “I don’t think he’s kidding!”

Applejack turned round, and saw a swarm of snarling Devils coming for them over the hills and down the paths.

“I guess the welcoming party finally decided to show up.”

Pinkie’s features hardened, “I’m all for parties, but this time I refuse the invite! Let’s go!”

“For Cadance!” shouted Saber, and he got own his sword and sickle-and-chain, and charged forth at the oncoming creature, only for them to blast him hard with powerful dark energy and sent him crashing into the girls.

“I was a afraid of that!” said Applejack “Their powers are much stronger here on their home turf!”

More groups of Devils appeared around each and every group, all across the realm, and the fighters felt compelled to drive them off.

Three Devils lunged at Lightning, and he punched one of them hard in the face sending him crashing into his comrades.

Several more huddled together and charged for Krysta, but she waved her wand making a small trap hole in the ground causing them to fall through.

Buddy got out his whip, “Show me your moves!” and as each Devil crowded around him, he whipped, lashed, and lassoed them all, sending them back and away from him.

Everywhere, all the fighters were brawling hard to keep the swarm of Devils away, but the Devils numbers only seemed to be increasing, and the swarms grew larger, and larger.

“There is no escape!” they would hiss and sneer.

“We can’t be beaten in our home world!”

“Surrender to hatred!”

“HATE…!! HATE…!! HATE…!!”

Try as the fighters would, all those Devils just kept right on coming, and began to fire endless barrages of dark pulses and streams of energy, forcing everyone to duck behind walls, or leap into trenches while the Devils continued to fire.

Von Devilor felt most amused as he sensed all the occurrences. “This is going far better than I planned.” and he laughed wickedly.

Dearka could hear his laughing, and that tuned him in to what was really happening!

“This is a setup!” he growled under his breath “I must warn the others!”

He was about to rush off, when he was attacked by powerful blasts from behind, knocking him off his feet.

He looked round behind him, and saw “Scarlet…!”

She had a wicked grin on her face, but she meant real business. “Hello, Dearka. You wouldn’t be dreaming of disrupting our king’s plan would you?”

Dearka bolted upright. “He is no longer my king, and you are no longer my ally!”

Scarlet snickered and sneered as she approached him, “I was never your ally from the start!”

“What?”

“That’s right! It’s time you learned the truth, and how I’ve despised you ever since your arrival here!

For many centuries I trained and strengthened my powers, all to serve King Von Devilor and serve as his right-hand, his top general, only for you-- an outsider-- come in and steal any and all chances that I had!”

Dearka couldn’t help but scoff, “You always were the jealous type.”

Then he tried to make a run for it, but Scarlet snapped her fingers causing huge, dark bars to spike up out of the ground, cutting him off.

Scarlet growled at him, “You’re not going anywhere, except down for the final time!”

“I really have no time for this!” protested Dearka “But if it’s a fight you want, I’ll be glad to! I never did like you anyway, Scarlet!”

He flexed his claws, and Scarlet clenched her glowing fists.

The two Devils roared as they rushed towards one another!

Dearka swung his arm to slash, but Scarlet blocked him with one hand and socked him hard in the gut with her other fist sending him back a few paces.

“SMOOCH OF DESTRUCTION…

…Mmmmwa!!”

Her lip smear flew straight at Dearka, blowing up all around him and flipping him onto his back.

Scarlet laughed at him. “Look at the so-called “Top General” now. Why his majesty ever chose you is beyond me, but now it’s time for me to send you way beyond… to the point of no return!”

She prepared to deliver the finishing blow, when Dearka swiftly zipped out of the way and ran furious circles around her, making her dizzy, and finally head-butting her hard in the chest, and then zapping her with his dark lightning bolts, making sparks and explosions throw her to her knees.

“You were never much of one for thinking either!” he taunted, and blasted her again, but she dodged and fired a shot at him, which he dodged.

The two Devils began to run through the darkness shooting wildly at each other, and missing all the time, before skidding to a halt, and rushing straight at each other, punching, kicking, swinging, and lunging, and finally meeting in fist lock and struggling.

“Give up!” growled Scarlet.

“Never!” thundered Dearka.

Both their arms swung downward as Dearka’s claws struck the ground, jolting his thunder, making a huge explosion that threw both himself and Scarlet across the field.

Scarlet bolted up right, furiously, but she couldn’t Dearka anywhere. He had used the opportunity to make a getaway, and sped off to warn the groups of Von Devilor’s deceit.

“You won’t get away from me!” Scarlet growled “I’ll destroy you yet, Dearka!!”

Dearka continued to rush out, but he knew he couldn’t get to all the groups. “There’s got to be something I can do.”

The Devils continued to fire at all the ducked out groups. The darkness helped it so their powers never ceased.

“We can’t stay here like this.” said Starla “We’ve got to get past those creeps somehow.”

“We’ll have to use Agapi’s power.” suggest Artie “It’s the only thing that can stand up to that many Devils at once.”

“Yes, yes, it may just work.” agreed Rarity.

A lot of the other groups, including Lightning’s were thinking the same thing, and so, they all began to power up.

“Remember, don’t use too much” said Lightning “We still need to save some to keep us alive!”

Everyone agreed, and stood ready.

All at once they leapt out into the open and fired strong light-waves at the Devils, neutralizing their pulses and energy waves, and giving them all the opening they needed to confront them directly, punching and kicking them down.

Saber wasted no effort and slashed at each and every Devil with his weapons.

“This is for Cadance!

And this too…!

…And this! STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE”

KAPOW!! The big explosions blew many of the Devils over, but many more still huddled around.

“Okay, try this!” shouted Rainbow as she flew up high and came crashing down, “SONIC RAINBOOM”

She slammed into the ground hard, making a massive quake and explosion of colors, thanks to Agapi’s light, and more Devils were blown down.

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE” The Twins unleashed their massive flames.

All over all the fighters unleashed their fury on the Devils, knocking them down, blowing them away, and attacking them ruthlessly, seemingly turning the tables on the fight.

“DRAGON FLAMEWHEEL”

“STAR SHOWER”

“LEAF SWARM”

“PAINT BOMBS”

“DRILL QUILL”

“UNIFORCE” Lightning fired his power, and the Devils ran off like cowards from the bright light, and it seemed to work, all the Devils were gone, as if they had vanished into thin air!

“We did it!” cried Krysta.

“Yeah, but that was a little too easy.” said Buddy.

Lightning checked his visor timer, which had decreased immensely due to using some of Agapi’s power, but they still had just a little over an hour of protection left.

“We should still be fine.” he figured.

“Um… Lightning?” called Krysta.

“What now?” but he could see, more Devils were on the approach, and soon the massive swarm had risen to as it was before, in front of all the groups.

“What’s going on?” cried Fluttershy.

“They’re back and looking fresh like before,
And they’re still coming, and more and more!” said Rhymey.

Spike didn’t like the looks of this at all, until he thought, “Wait a second. These aren’t Devils!”

Pinkie Pie began to happen on the same idea, “They’re shadows! …Fakes!”

“What?!” snapped Saber.

Applejack smacked her own forehead in outrage, “Aargh! Of course! It’s a setup to get us to battle and waste our powers and strength!”

“I can’t believe we just fell for it!” growled Rainbow.

The twins looked outraged as well.

“What are we going to do now?” asked Dyno.

“We can’t keep fighting them like this; they’ll just keep coming back.” said Myte

Von Devilor chuckled sinisterly from the distance, and Lightning could hear him.

“We’ve got to try and find him!” he said.

“Yeah, but how do we get past all these shadows?” asked Buddy. “We can’t fly over them, we could get thrown off course again?”

“I can’t warp us in this darkness either.” said Krysta.

It was then that everyone had an even better idea.

“Instead of fighting them,” said Starla “We’ll push them back, and create open paths for us to run through.”

The others agreed, but felt skeptical.

“Won’t that use up more of our powers?” asked Rarity. “That would put us at an even greater disadvantage.”

“We won’t have too.” said Starla, “We’ll just use our normal speed. That way we can push right over them and they won’t be able to target us so easily.”

“I guess it’s worth a shot.” said Artie.

All the groups felt the same way, and waited until the shadows got closer, and closer, and then the fighters zoomed off on foot, plowing straight through the hordes of enemies as promised.

The shadows tried to open fire, as expected, missed their shots, accidently shooting their own selves and their comrades.

“Yee-Haw… We’re coming through you, boys!” hollered Applejack.

Saber roared loudly as he swung his sword at oncoming shadows, knocking them down on the way. “CADANCE…!!” he roared, wanting nothing more than to find and free his wife and fast!

Soon, the groups all met up together again, but they just kept on running until they were all safely standing on a deserted area, and there seemed to be no shadows anywhere.

They finally could stop and greet everyone.

Lightning and Starla hugged, so did Spike and Rarity, but then the ponies’ visors gave off warning beeps.

“We’ve got no more than fifty-five minutes.” said Lightning.

Everyone felt a bit concerned…

…Then things got worse as the roadway began to warp, and heading straight for them again.

“Not again!” groaned Saber.

“Everyone, huddled together so we don’t’ get separated!” shouted Starla.

Everyone huddled together and held hands tightly. Krysta grabbed onto Lightning’s mane as hard as she could, and the roads gave them all a huge flick, and sent them all hurdling high up onto the air.

“This… is getting… annoying!!” Rainbow shouted.

They all flew through he air and crashed on a long and solid pathway surrounded by two singular blue flames lightning up the dark.

“Is everyone okay?” asked Buddy.

“All things considering...” Rarity groaned as she rubbed behind her “I think I twisted both my tails.” which sounded weird for her to say having both a dragon stub and pony hairs, “…Both my tails?”

Everyone got up and brushed themselves off.

“Where are we now?” asked Fluttershy.

“How should we know?” said Artie “We don’t even remember where we were before.”

“You are you in my domain. That is where you are.” hissed a deep and sinister voice, which came from way down the path, and everyone felt chills run down their spines as they looked ahead, and the torches began to blaze, and He slowly unveiled himself from the shadows, snickering at them all.

Their expressions changed into anger, and Lightning sneered deeply, “…King Von Devilior!”

“It’s really him!” said Starla.

The others agreed, and could tell he was the real deal and not a shadow.

Von Devilor snickered again, “Welcome Starfleet. Welcome to what will surely be your final scene.”

The fighters were far from impressed, and Saber angrily demanded, “Give back my wife …NOW!!”

Von Devilor only laughed, “But I can’t do that, can I?” and right below him, his large core glowed brightly, and Cadance’s scream was heard from within as her power was sapped.

“Cadance!” cried Saber.

“I may have lost Agapi’s spirit, but Princess Cadance continues to supply me with all vast power I need. Finally, after all these millennia, I shall be free to roam the universe and lay waste to every loving-thing in my sight!

Finally, a world I envision-- A world where love and light are no more, replaced with all darkness, hatred, and all the power I could ever desire from it!”

Rainbow shook her head in disbelief, “You’re even crazier than I thought you were.”

Lightning narrowed his eyes at the evil king, “You won’t succeed, Von Devilor. Not if we have anything to say of it,” then he pointed at the core, “…Especially since we know of your one weakness.”

“Really?” hissed von Devilor “Then let’s see you actually make good on your so-called “Threats!”

His tentacles began to rise up, and he wrapped a couple of them around his core to keep it safe.

“Let’s blast him!”

Everyone agreed, and began to charge up a little more of Agapi’s power.

“Ready…” called Lightning “FIRE…!!”

Everyone unleashed their lights into one massive force and sent it soaring straight at Von Devilor.

“Ha!” scoffed the king, and his eyes glowed brightly as a dark firewall burst up before him, like a wall, shielding him from the attack entirely.

“Nothing!” groaned Buddy.

“That attack didn’t even get close!” added Applejack.

Worse than that, their timers had dropped below thirty minutes, leaving them without much time to go.

Von Devilor laughed, “Fools! Your poultry powers will serve you naught here in my world! Only the hate and the darkness reign supreme here… allow me to show you!”

He raised his human arms, growling loudly, and his remaining six tentacles stretched out, glowing with dark aura.

“Scatter!!” shouted Starla, and everyone flew off in various angles, thinking they couldn’t all be followed at once.

Von Devilor then unleashed a huge wave of expanding dark shockwaves, striking everyone hard and throwing them all about.

The tentacles then lunged forth hard and swung about like whips forcing everyone to swerve, curve, and evade!

Von Devilor then fired magical blasts from his eyes and his human hands to strengthen his onslaught.

The fighters found it harder to concentrate and keep up their dodging.

BAM!! Several got hit by the tentacles!

KAPOW!! Others got struck by the blasts, and they all fell down hard to the ground.

A few of the fighters found openings, and began to attack the tentancles.

“PULSAR LASER”

“LEAF SWARM”

Rhymey and Spike rushed forth with their swords.

CLANG!! Their swords bounced off the hard and solid surfaces while the blasts barely left a single mark.

“Wow! These things are strong!” cried Buddy.

“Our attacks didn’t do anything!” wailed Spike.

Saber looked down at the wrapped up core, “That means we can’t even close to the core and get Cadance out of there!”

Von Devilor snickered! “That’s the least of your worries!”

“Look out!!” shouted Starla as the tentacles came at them all, which they dodged, only to then get zapped by Von Devilor’s power blasts.

“It is no use, you fools!” he taunted them “Here in my domain, I have endless amount of darkness and energy, and my power only grows stronger all the time the more you keep this up.”

Lightning looked up at the evil king and shouted, “We’ll never give up! We never do! We’ll find some way to get through.”

Von Devilor only laughed, “Then taste the darkness and hatred more!!”

He unleashed more dark waves, and larges bursts of dark fire to erupt from the ground, striking all the fighters hard and slamming them onto the hard ground, but still they struggled back onto their feet.

Lightning then saw one way to fight around, and that was Von Devilor’s actual body-- past the tentacles, and sitting on the large core.

“We need to try and attack him directly there!”

“Yeah, but how?” asked Pinkie “He seems ready for us at every corner.”

“Then we’ll just have to split up and around.” suggested Dyno.

“Si, take him by surprise.” agreed Myte.

The others all agreed too, but they all felt it wouldn’t be easy in-spite of the numbers they had over the enemy, but they had to try!

“Go!!” shouted Lightning.

Everyone charged forth, and Von Devilor sprung his tentacles at them all, and fired more darkness from them, forcing everyone to dodge, but leaving the path open for his main body.

“Go for it!!” hollered Starla, and she and some of the others rushed forth.

“Think again!” growled Von Devilor, and he fired more blasts from his hands and his eyes, and made firewalls burst out, preventing them from getting closer.

Some of the fighters got hit, but Lightning and Starla managed to keep on going through, and were nearly in range to get at him, but they were grabbed by a tentacle and squeezed hard!

“Lightning! Starla!!” shrieked Rarity.

She and Applejack flew up to try and pull their friends free, but the tentacles were still too strong and wouldn’t budge, and attacking them still proved ineffective.

Von Devilor snickered, and then began to sap the light power from the two he had caught.

“He’s… draining Agapi’s love!” shouted Lightning. Both his and Starla’s visor timers began to drop rapidly, and soon they would lose whatever protection they had against the darkness.

Suddenly, they vanished out of bondage!

“What?!” snapped Von Devilor

Krysta fluttered up high in the air, and with a wave of her wand, she warped Lightning and Starla to right near her.

“Thanks, Krysta.” said Lightning.

“Are you two okay?” Krysta asked.

“Sort of,” replied Starla “He just sapped our power from Agapi. We each have no more than five minutes left!”

“Hey, look at him!” cried Artie, and everyone could see Von Devilor was glowing softly as he converted the energy into power for himself.

“Now he’s become even stronger!
And our strength won’t last much longer.” said Rhymey.

Spike decided, “It’s time to go Majestic Dragon on this case!” that’s what he wanted to do.

He began to concentrate, and he became the Majestic Dragon, roaring loudly and spreading his bright glowing wings, that illuminated the battle field.

“Aargh…! That light!” groaned Von Devilor as he covered his eyes.

The fighters all seemed giddy with glee, except Lightning, noting that Von Devilor didn’t seem all that concerned.

“You’re going down!” shouted Spike, and he flew way up high, and infused Agapi’s power into his attack.

“FLAMES OF LIGHT”

POW!! His stream of bright flames flew straight at the Devil King, only he summoned up a huge and immensely power wall of dark flames, which actually blocked the fire from reaching him!

“No way!!” cried Rainbow.

“I don’t believe it!” yelled Rarity.

Spike was ever so shocked, and Von Devilor laughed, “That was pitifully pathetic.” And in a swift move, he lathered all his free tentacles around Spike, binding him down and sapping his power too.

“SPIKE!!” everyone cried.

Spike de-transformed, and collapsed on the ground.

“Spike…!” Rarity cried as she dashed up to her husband.

“Rarity… I failed!” he said in a weary voice “He’s too strong!”

Rarity scanned him with her visor, and read his own timer which was down to less than a minute.

“Spike, your power is nearly depleted!” she cried.

“Spike…! Use your portal capsule!” said Lightning.

Spike hated to have to just up and leave like this, but knowing he wouldn’t have a chance if he stayed, he obeyed and took out his capsule, slamming beneath him, transporting him out of the realm to safety.

Rarity angrily slammed the ground with her fist, while Von Devilor taunted, “Well, that’s one pest down, but it wasn’t a total loss… he did give me more power.”

Rarity angrily turned, and in a blind rage she charged at the evil monster!

“Rarity!” shouted Lightning.

Von Devilor prepared to ensnare her as well had Rainbow and Applejack not rushed in and pulled her away.

CRASH!! The tentacle smashed the ground making a large quake that nearly knocked everyone off their feet.

They all got up again, but their hopes were starting to fade.

“What can we do?” cried Pinkie.

“Lightning, can’t you go Enticorn?” asked Buddy.

“I don’t think it’ll be enough.” answered Lightning. “Agapi was right; we’ve underestimated how strong he really is!”

He still wasn’t willing to give up though, there had to be a way to beat this evil, laughing, dark creature, but time was running out fast for all of them!

To Be Continued…

In our next episode: The fighters manage to continue battle against Von Devilor’s growing strength, while the Devil King himself refuses to give in. Finally, it comes down to one last great attack that could affect the fate of our heroes’ world.

Will Von Devilor’s reign finally come to an end?

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

(Next Episode: Part 2: “Second Winds of Love” )

Episode 25: Part 2: Second Winds of Love

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

The heroes arrived in the Devils’ World, and immediately fell victim to King Von Devilor’s tickery, forcing them to use up some of the strengths and powers fighting shadow clones of the Devils. Meanwhile, Scarlet and Dearka had a huge brawl, ending with Dearka making a hasty retreat while the heroes finally confronted Von Devilor himself. Despite their valiant efforts, the Devil King proved to be far too much to handle, and the heroes’ time and strengths are running low.

EPISODE TWENTY-FIVE

A weary Spike was back in New Canterlot, and his strength was revived, courtesy of their majesties and Agapi, but he was beating himself hard.

“He actually beat my strongest attack!” he wailed “And now I can’t even go back to help the others!”

“Calm yourself, Spike!” said Celestia “You did the right thing by coming back here.”

“She’s quite right.” said Grand Ruler “You were told to exit if things got dangerous, or you could have been destroyed.”

He then looked concerned, worrying about Lightning and the others.

Spike had reported how serious things were, but what their majesties were confused of most was the lack of Devils.

“You say you were only fighting shadows.” said Luna “Then where have the real Devils disappeared to?”

Agapi had a bad feeling about this, “I have a small theory, but I just hope that I am wrong!”

Meanwhile…

Von Devilor glared down upon the pint-sized heroes, and laughed at them while his entire forum still pulsated with dark aura.

“You were never a match for me!” he gloated “I must admit, I’m surprised you all lasted this long, but now I’ve grown more than weary of you and your worthless light and love!”

“It’s not worthless!” shouted Lightning.

Starla agreed and added, “Maybe if you actually understood what Love really is, things could have different for you.”

“Ha!” scoffed Von Devilor “The only thing I understand is that all of you are about to be squashed like bugs, at the hands of my hatred and darkness, which I will then use to conquer the universe and blight out all light and love everywhere!”

Lightning and Starla’s visiors flashed red inside with warning, saying that they each had less than sixty seconds of light power left.

“You guys, you’re going to run out!” cried Artie.

“You’ll get hurt by the darkness!” added Fluttershy.

Lightning clenched his fists tightly, “No, we won’t!” and then quickly he pulled his wife towards him, “What are you doing?” she asked before her husband captured her lips deeply in his.

She was very surprised, but with her eyes still open, she suddenly scanned both their timers were slightly increasing.

That’s when she realized, and began to passionately kiss him back, letting her love pour out, and further strengthening the light within them both.

“What’s this?!” growled Von Devilor.

The other fighters could see it too.

“Of course!” cried Buddy “Agapi’s power is fueled by love!”

Rainbow hit her own head with her, “Duh! How could we have missed that?”

Fluttershy decided to try it out too.

“I love you, Rhymey!” she said to her husband, and Rhymey could only respond by embracing her.

“You are the love of my life
my dear, and loving wife.”

They shared a kiss which strengthened their power too.

“Stop this now!!” thundered Von Devilor. He thrust his tentacles at everyone, but the couples opened their eyes, and quickly dodged.

“Look out!” Applejack called, and she and the others fighters zipped off too.

The two couples broke off from their passionate embraces, and their power levels were way up high now.

Lightning turned to look at all the other fighters. “Heads up!” he called to them, and he and the other three tapped on their energizers giving them all a little boost of their own powers, thus making everyone evened out.

“Wow! This feels awesome!” said Dyno.

“We spent so long focussing on Von Devilor, we didn’t think to try a little loving.” added Myte.

Saber gripped his sword and sickle-and-chain rightly, “Well, now that we do know… Let’s get busy!!”

The entire team agreed.

“For Spike!” said Rarity.

“For all love and light!” added Lightning.

Von Devilor could only laugh “Very charming, and very ineffectual, but if you think just because you’ve given yourselves a slight boost that you have this battle won, YOU ARE SADLY MISTAKEN!!”

His dark aura glowed brightly, while across the way, someone had been observing them-- Dearka!

He quietly slipped back into the darkness with a little plan of his own in mind.

“You won’t win this battle, Von Devilor, mark my words!”

Von Devilor fired more dark waves at the fighters, but with their light powers slightly boosted up, they were able move a little more swiftly and they were able to the dodge the blast and evade the tentacle attacks.

“Take this!” shouted Lightning as he aimed a uniforce-punch at a tentacle, actually burning it slightly.

Von Devilor roared, “That actually burned me?!”

“STARLIGHT ARROW” Starla shot a beam for Von Devilor’s face, only for him to block it with a veil of shadows, and retaliate with a dark blast.

Starla quickly dodged, hollering “Now, Artie!”

While Von Devilor was still set in his offense, Artie rushed forth, “PAINT SLUDGE” and managed to throw glops of slimy paint at his face and right in his eyes, blinding him!

“Attack!” shouted Lightning, and all the fighters rushed in, only for Von Devilor to flail his tentacles right at them, and fire more blasts through his hands, without even looking, and forcing everyone to scatter.

“Fools!” he thundered “Did I not warn you that I am aware of everything that transpires in my realm? I can sense your attacks coming even without seeing them!”

He whipped and bashed the fighters knocking them all about.

The fighters all growled.

“Starting to feel mega annoyed!” grumbled Rainbow.

Von Devilor wiped the sludge off his eyes and fired a blast at her. She sprinted out of the way.

He thrust his tentacles at her, and she dodged them.

“Hey…” Rainbow said as she realized an idea, and flew straight at one of the tentacles, waiting for it to curve straight for her, and then she banked off and flew straight for Von Devilor himself.

More tentacles charged at her and ready to blast at her.

“Rainbow, what are you doing?” hollered Starla.

“Trust me!”

She waited for the last second, and then zipped out of the way as the blasts were fired, causing them to miss her and head straight for Von Devilor. He roared and wailed as the blasts hit him hard!

“Well done, Rainbow!” called Lightning.

Rainbow gave him a thumb-up, and then she and all the others turned back and attacked directly while Von Devilor was still stunned.

ZAP!! Lightning gave him a Uniforce Fist hard in the face.

“COLOR KICK” Artie leapt in and gave him a huge WHAMM to the gut!

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE”Saber gave him a good zapping that made his hair stick up in all directions.

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS” the twins launched their missiles, but this time Von Devilor flailed his tentacles around, swatting them all like flies, and then retaliated by unleashing more dark waves forcing everyone to flee.

No matter how much everyone tried to attack, Von Devilor seemed determined to keep his core safe, wrapped up in his other tentacles and even their combined power boosts weren’t enough.

“I told you,” hissed Von Devilor “This is my realm, and here I am invincible!”

He raised his tentacles way up, and began to absorb darkness from the air, healing himself and restoring his strength.

“I don’t believe it!!” cried Applejack “After all the fighting we just did?!”

Von Devilor began to power-up again, everyone had a feeling it would take a lot more than just a whole lot of love and affection to stand up to him this time.

“It’s been a lot of fun, but I’ve toyed with you all long enough!” Von Devilor sneered.

His aura began to flare up as he prepared to attack, but suddenly, “Huh?!” he could feel the aura starting to softly drain away from him. “What is this?!”

The fighters were astounded too, and then Pinkie looked and saw, “It’s Dearka!”

He stood on large column and was actually absorbing the aura away from Von Devilor, as he was a Devil and could absorb darkness from creatures as well.

“You…!!” thundered Von Devilor.

Dearka didn’t address him, but looked up at Lightning and the others, and nodded at them.

Lightning nodded thankfully at him.

Von Devilor couldn’t keep absorbing energy and attack or defend at the same time, which meant his energy would keep dropping.

“I will not have this!!” he shouted, and he fired a blast straight for Dearka.

“LOOK OUT!!” shouted Pinkie as she dashed off.

“Pinkie!!” shouted Lightning.

Along the way, Pinkie summoned forth all the light power within her, making her body glow brightly, and she intercepted the blast!

KAPOW!!

“PINKIE PIE!!” screamed Lightning. Everyone gawked in horror, even Dearka.

Pinkie lay on the ground, weak and smoldering, and her suit was nearly out of power, but she was still alive thanks to using up all her light.

Dearka was most astounded. “I can’t believe she protected me like that!”

The others were equally as astounded, but Pinkie suddenly began to choke and gag as she had run out of protection.

“Pinkie, warp out of here!” hollered Starla, but Pinkie was too weak to reach for her transport capsule.

“Hang on, Pinkie!” Buddy called as he soared and grabbed the capsule.

Before he sent her off, Pinkie found strength to say, “Keep Dearka safe!!”

“Don’t worry, we will.” Replied Buddy, then he grabbed Pinkie’s capsule and warped her out of the realm to safety.

He then whistled up to some of the others, and Fluttershy and the Twins flew down to join him in protected Dearka.

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.” said Fluttershy.

“Si, you just keep draining his energy so we can get a good shot.” added Dyno.

“You’re being a great help to us, muchacho.”

Dearka actually felt flattered, but then maintained his focus and continued to drain Von Devilor’s power.

“I still have power enough!” insisted Von Devilor. “I will destroy you all!!”

He raised his tentacles and launched them forth, to which the fighters dodged, prompting him to unleash dark pulses and blasts.

He used the opportunity, while the fighters were distracted, to gain a boost of energy from the darkness around him, but Dearka continued to hold his stance and slowly drain him.

Von Devilor tried to fire power blasts at Dearka, only for the ponies to lift him out to safety so he wouldn’t break his contact.

This gave the other fighters the chance to rush in and strike Von Devilor hard from multiple directions.

Applejack was surrounded by a swarm of tentacles, and she waited until they charged at her and dodged at the last second, causing them to strike each other.

“We’re going in!” hollered Lightning as he and Starla charged forth.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Von Devilor bellowed, and he unleashed a huge wave of darkness at them forcing them to back off.

“Oh, yes they do!” called Rainbow “SONIC RAINBOOM”

She whizzed by and making a huge rainbow explosion right near his face, blinding him.

And suddenly, “GAH…!!” Saber had rushed in and lassoed his chain around the Devil King’s neck, and Applejack rushed in and lassoed his arms!

“Got you now…!” thundered Saber “Now let my wife go!”

Applejack pulled on her ropes, tightening the grip. “Do it, Bucko!”

“Foolish creatures!” he growled, and poured on all the energy her could into a massive burst then flung them all off of him, but drained a lot of his power.

“It’s working! We’ve got him drained way down!” cried Artie.

Suddenly, Dearka stopped absorbing power, feeling overloaded and exhausted. “That’s it…” he panted “I can’t take in anymore.”

There was worse to come as the ponies’ visors began to warn him. The others’ did the same. Their power levels were reaching low, with no more than two minutes left each.

“Our power is running low.
We have to power up again or go” said Rhymey

“There’s no time to power up again.” said Lightning. “We’ve got to get him now while he’s down.”

“But even with all our powers combined, we could hardly make a dent in him.” said Krysta “And he still won’t lift his tentacles off the core.”

Saber looked down at the covered cover, swearing her could almost see right through it and seeing Cadance was suffering mercilessly.

“I’d give all the power I have if could bust in there and save her!” he groaned softly.

Hearing that gave Lightning an idea.

“Everyone, transfer all your remaining love energy to me!”

“What?” snapped Starla.

The others all looked his way.

“If we can’t beat him all together, then I’ll combine all our powers together for one big shot.”

Everyone immediately took a disliking to the idea.

“Lightning, do you realize what you’re saying?” called Buddy.

“If we give up the last of our powers… we’ll have to head out of here immediately.” cried Fluttershy.

Lightning was aware of this, and he gave everyone a look which told them to do so the second they gave him their power.

“I gave you all an order!” snapped Lightning “Give me your power before he strengthens up again.”

“But Lightning,” protested Starla “Do you realize if you use all the power in such a blast you could blow yourself out?! You won’t be able to defend yourself after that! And the darkness will consume you!” she was speaking out of concern as his wife rather than a General, but Lightning gave her a serious expression, telling her to trust him.

She gave him a quick peck, and then ordered to the others, “Give him your powers!” and she and the others quickly did as they were told, handing Lightning every last ounce of Agapi’s Love, and their suits powered down.

The split second they had, Lightning was glowing brighter than ever, but they all began to choke and gag on the darkness.

“Get out of here, now!” shouted Lightning.

Everyone got out their capsules and vanished, except for Dearka and Saber.

“I’m not leaving without Cadance!” Saber thundered.

Dearka quickly grabbed him and transported him out through a portal of his own.

They all transported back to United Equestria, where Pinkie and Spike were totally psyched to see them all.

“Rarity…!” Spike called as he dashed over and embraced his wife dearly.

“Oh, Spike!” cried Rarity as she embraced him back and pecked his cheek over and over.

“Where’s Lightning?” asked Pinkie.

Everyone fell silent, and Starla seemed the most disturbed and worried.

Their majesties all realized what must have happened and began to share the concern.

“Please be okay.” Starla muttered under her breath.

Von Devilor and Lightning glared each other down.

“How noble.” The Devil king taunted “The brave commander sticking up for his soldiers and willing to put himself at risk.”

Lightning said nothing and powered up into an Enticorn. His golden aura seemed much brighter due to being amplified hard by Agapi’s Love.

He glowed brighter, and brighter, which irritated Von Devilor and forced him to absorb more darkness to power himself up.

“That won’t save you this time!” Lightning called, and he finished powering up and then soared straight at him like missile while preparing his attack.

“That can’t stop me!” shouted Von Devilor “I’m ready for you now!!” and he conjured up huge fire wall and his tentacles unleashed all the darkness they could possibly launch at him.

Lightning smirked and said “It’s not YOU that I’m aiming for.”

“What?!”

At the last second, Lightning zipped clean upward into the sky, avoiding the barrage of power…

“Please work!” he hoped.

“ULTRA-UNIFORCE” he unleashed his force in a large spin, flowing it in a spiral spin. The bright lights began to crawl all across the darkness, actually illuminating it!

From within his core, Cadance’s spirit could feel something from outside. “What’s happening out there?”

“No!!” shouted Von Devilor, and he already began to feel weary as the light grew brighter and brighter still. “The Light…!!” he wailed as he covered his eyes “I can’t stand the Light!!!”

Lightning’s plan was working as the light continued to takes its toll on Von Devilor, weakening him severely, and even conducting along his tentacles, burning them! Even the ones wrapped around his core, which he was forced to release, exposing the core, and Lightning came soaring in, roaring madly and using the last of his power to give the core a good bam from his glowing fist, puncturing it open wide!

Von Devilor screamed and wailed as the light poured out from him.

Cadace felt the vortex shaking and collapsing. “What’s going on?!” she cried, and she felt herself slipping away through the large, magical current.

“NOOOOOOO…!!!” Von Devilor screamed as he felt his body breaking up, and the fire of blasting lights threw Lightning down hard on the ground, in his normal forum and with no light left to shield him from the explosions and darkness began to close in on him.

Starla could felt a sickening lurch in her heart, “Lightning…!” she cried.

Agapi could feel something too, “Cadance has been released. I can feel her spirit.”

Shining Armor’s heart gave a leap of joy. “That means Lightning did it!”

“He beat Von Devilor.” cried Rainbow!”

“But… but where is Lightning?” asked Krysta.

“And where’s Cadance, shouldn’t she be back yet?” added Shining Armor.

Starla was quivering with such worry, and their majesties all felt the same.

As for Dearka, he suddenly realized that in all the chaos and commotion he hadn’t put his poison-shielding mask back on, and yet he was breathing perfectly without it, and his skin didn’t burn from the very air either.

“What’s happening?” he wondered “Why am I able to breathe here now? Why do the love and the light not harm me?”

“…I… can answer that!” hissed a deep, dark, and wicked voice followed by maniacal laughter, and a strong earthquake.

“What’s happening now?!” cried Buddy.

Agapi had a fearful feeling strike through her, “…Von Devilor!!”

Far away, in the open fields away from the palace, the ground burst wide open as what appeared to be a large dark orb rose up high into the air, and darkness began to form in the skies blocking out the sunlight.

The orb suddenly burst, and Von Devilor appeared, floating in midair, only he was no longer in his giant mutated forum from the Devils’ World. His core was gone, he had no large tentacles, it was just his ordinary human form, but he was five times the size of the ponies, and he now had visible legs were dark tan colored, muscular, and had spines poking out the back sides, his arms were just as muscular, evil looking, and wrapped with black cuffs around the wrists, his black hair was sticking out in all directions, and his horned helmet was gone, and he wore black torso armor, with a blood red metal skirt, like a gladiator.

“I am renewed!” he laughed “The curse on me is no more, and I have resumed my original forum! The light and love can no longer harm me, or my Devils!”

He raised his arms up laughing maliciously as the Devils appeared in vast numbers in many, many rows across the field beneath him, no longer wearing their masks as they were no longer needed.

“Those… Those are the real Devils!” cried Spike “They have to be!”

Starla growled when she realized “Von Devilor was planning this all the time-- He wanted us to do battle with him to weaken ourselves, and if he was defeated he knew he would only be revived like this!”

Agapi herself felt very stupid for not thinking this could happen from the beginning. “Now he has returned, and he is just as powerful and as deadly as ever!”

“Information we could have greatly used beforehand!” grumbled Princess Luna.

Starla ran forth into the open and shouted up, “Where is Lightning! What have you done to my husband?!”

Von Devilor snickered “It’s not what I’ve done, but what he did. The poor fool never could have had a chance.”

Starla froze on the spot feeling tears coming to her eyes.

“So, Lightning is…” cried Artie “…No, he can’t be!”

“Lightning cannot be gone like that,
He’s much too strong to be beaten flat!”

“Lightning…?!” Krysta said in trembling sadness!

Grand Ruler clenched his fists tightly, and his teeth chattered softly. “No, I refuse to believe that!”

Celestia held her hands together by her mouth praying it wasn’t true.

Suddenly, a dark portal opened wide, and Lightning leapt out through it, wearing his spacesuit and helmet, much to the delight of everyone, and the shock of Von Devilor.

“Lightning!!” cried Starla, and she rushed over to him. He deactivated his suit and rushed towards his wife, embracing her deeply.

“He’s alive!!” Pinkie shouted with glee and joy. The rest of the team leapt with joy too and Krysta flew in speedy, happy circles. “Wee! Whoopie!!”

Celestia wiped a happy tear from her eye while Grand Ruler sighed “Thank the stars!”

Von Devilor could barely believe his eyes and growled angrily, and Lightning quickly looked up at him, “I’m not that easy to get rid of…”

He reflected back to the oncoming explosions…

“…I used up all my power, and Agapi’s love, but just before the explosion got me, I activated my heavy spacesuit, which shielded me.

I was out cold for a few minutes, but my suit protected me from the darkness, and when I came to I used my capsule to warp here.”

He paused and pointed up angrily at him, “And it’s a good thing I did, because now we’re going to defeat you once and for all!”

“I second that!” agreed Starla as she stood loyally by her husband’s side while holding his hand, and all the others fighters and their majesties all stood forth with brave and determined expressions.

“Celestia, are you ready?” asked Grand Ruler as he held out his half of the Rainbow Rod.

“…I am.” agreed his wife, taking out her matching half.

They joined the two halves together and merged into Grand Celestia Ruler, whom everyone was delighted to see.

“Astonishing.” murmured Agapi.

The Ruler then aimed their scepter and cast a soft glow of light of the fighters, restoring their suits and powers back to full, and they all automatically transformed again.

Von Devilor didn’t seem the least bit concerned or deterred. “Power up all you like. It won’t save you.”

“We beg to differ.” said The Ruler.

Then they pointed their scepter way up at the sky, and fired a large ball of light, up, up, and out into space, where it then split into several small rays of light that shot their ways, in different directions, across space.

The Ruler then winked down at Lightning, and he winked back.

Scarlet was scrambling through the meadow, away from all the other Devils, still searching for Dearka ever since he ditched her in their duel.

Finally, she spotted him up ahead, standing with the fighters as they huddled together beneath The Ruler.

“Now I’ve got you!” she sneered softly “You’re finished, Dearka!”

She held up her arms ready to blast at him from afar without being seen, when suddenly she started to feel strange. She felt she was growing weak, tired, and ready to pass out as if her energy was being drained away.

The fighters were soon joined by the entire New Canterlot Army of Knights as they came marching and flying over the hills to the sound of cavalry trumpets tooting

“Knights, take aim!” bellowed Captain Shaina.

All the knights and soldiers aimed straight for Von Devilor with their lances, weapons, and horns.

“Take a good look, Von Devilor!” hollered Lightning “You won’t stand against all we’ve set up against you.”

“…FIRE!!” shouted The Ruler, and everyone launched their best attacks in a mega barrage, straight at Von Devilor.

The Devil King only snickered, and raised his hands. Just like magic, a dark, transparent wall appeared before him.

“It’s a barrier!” cried Starla.

The blast struck the wall hard, not even getting close.

“That was pathetic!” he hissed.

The fighters and the knights were all confused.

“How did he get enough power to make up such a strong defense?” asked Pinkie.

Spike looked down below where Von Devilor was floating, “Look there…! The Devils, they’re loaning him their power!”

The Devils below him all had their arms up high, and transferring dark aura from their own life forces to give power to their king.

Von Devilor chuckled wickedly and explained, “I had The Devils in hiding, and absorbing all the darkness and aura they could out of our realm.

Once the curse on us was broken, they came here with me, with more power than even an army could handle, waiting to grant me, their king, the strength and power that I need to finally crush you, our enemies, for good!”

The Starfleet forces were incredibly livid and outraged.

“Are you insane?!” shouted Luna. “You’re draining the power and energy from your very subjects! You’ll render them weak, or worse…!” she didn’t have to go on, and some of the Devils below already began to look tired.

“Everything in life has its price.” said Von Devilor. “All of my Devils are fighting for the same thing; Victory, and are more than prepare to offer their very existence to the cause!”

Rarity felt sick to her stomach, “That’s… That’s simply…!” she couldn’t find words as she continued to grasp her gurgling stomach, and smoke flowed from her nostrils.

Dearka suddenly began to feel strange. “What’s happening?”

Aura began to slowly flow from him and straight over to Von Devilor, strengthening his power even more.

“What are you doing?” asked Rainbow. “Why are you strengthening him?”

“I… I’m not!”

Von Devilor snickered, “Who said you had a choice? Who said any of them had the choice?

I have planned and waited long and hard for this day for centuries upon centuries. My Devils are here to fight by my side and give me the power I require, whether they desire it or not,” he paused and glared at Dearka “And I should be thanking you, Dearka, for absorbing much of my power from the previous battle!”

Dearka growled and tried to resist the pull all he could, but it was no use. Pinkie rushed up to him and held him up. “Don’t give in! Try to hang in there!”

“I’ll teleport him out of here!” said Krysta.

“Oh, no you don’t!” thundered Von Devilor, and he poured on the force absorbing a great deal of power from Dearka, the force of which shoved Pinkie off him hard, and Dearka screamed as loads of energy were taken from his body full force and leaving him feeling very weak and tired, and he just collapsed on the ground while Von Devilor enjoyed the large boost he had obtained.

His entire body began to pulsate with aura and he looked ready for any attack.

“This is the end for you, Starfleet!” he roared “You won’t escape from this attack! By the power of the darkness, the will of all my hate and evil, YOU SHALL PERISH!!”

To Be Continued…

In our Final Episode: It’s the ultimate showdown of Love against Hatred, and while Von Devilor seems confident that his power cannot be topped, Starfleet surprises him with a few hidden tricks of their own which could finally decide the outcome of this war.

How will the war end, and how will everyone be affected?

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

(Next Episode: “Final Part: Love Nearly Conquers All”)

Final Episode: Final Part: Love Nearly Conquers All

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…!”

The battle against Von Devilor, in the Devils’ World, began to escalate to dangerous levels, but our heroes managed to gain a second wind and fought back valiantly, but even their best efforts were hardly enough to bring down the Devil King, until Lightning came up with a desperate strategy which struck the king hard at his core and seemingly defeating him for good, however, Von Devilor reappeared in United Equestria with his entire Devil forces, and prepare to finish off Starfleet for good!

FINAL EPISODE

Von Devilor was all powered up and ready to fire and immensely large burst of power, strong enough to obliterate everything from the palace to the fields, the mountains, the forests and villages.

“Goodbye, Starfleet!” he shouted at everyone “May your love be swallowed by the hate that I spread to rule!”

The fighters didn’t seem the least bit ready or willing to back down!

Some of the others were sweating softly.

Rhymey held Fluttershy’s hand.

“Easy now, dear,
Show no fear.” Rhymey said.

His wife agreed, and stood her ground like all the others.

Agapi suddenly began to feel strange deep inside. “What’s this…?” she wondered as she felt her power suddenly growing by the second.

“NOW!!” shouted Von Devilor and he fired his massive energy blast that bound straight at the team, and would had vaporized them all to nothing… were in not for the main fighters--combining their powers together to create a strong wall of light to defend themselves.

“What?!!” snarled Von Devilor.

The blast deflected off the wall, shooting straight up into the sky where it exploded harmlessly.

Von Devilor glared at everyone furiously, “How is this possible?”

The Ruler scoffed at him, “You underestimate our own resources. We’ve had this planned for you all along.”

Krysta fluttered upward, “Yeah, and they got me and my fairies to thank for it… as well as all the inhabitants of the planet.”

Lightning smirked and explained “The plan was simple. Krysta and her fairies sent word to every pony, every creature and being all over United Equestria.

The plan was simple: Since Agapi’s power seems to be the one thing that can effectively stand up to Von Devilor’s darkness, all everyone had to do was standby and await until the right moment… and then start to believe in their own love, which we could harness and use to aid us in this battle.”

Earlier, The Ruler had fired those streaks of light across the sky, which flew in different directions all across the planet, which gave everyone was watching the signal to start giving the love.

Even now, at every corner of the planet, ponies, gryphons, yaks, even dragons were all concentrating hard, even Mykan Stevens and all the ponies’ friends and respective families were pitching in. All were different creatures of different kinds, yet they were all capable of love in some ways, and the smallest amount was more than enough, especially when combined all together in an entire planet.

Agapi closed her eyes and folded her hands, feeling the warmth flowing through her from the love forces in the air.

Von Devilor’s anger seemed change into a snickering laugh, “It appears that you are more resourceful than I thought. You are indeed worthy opponents, Starfleet; however… this little stunt has only bought you little extra time.

We Devils have been absorbing and basking in darkness for ages.”

He looked down at his vast army of Devils, “Lend me your power!”

The army complied and raised their arms without question and began to transfer their power to their king, and Von Devilor used his own forces to suck more energy from all the Devils around him

Including Scarlet and Dearka…

Both of them were starting to look frail.

“How… can you… do this to me!!” Scarlet growled “…I was loyal! I served you!”

Finally, she had grown so weak from previous battles and the energy drain, that her body broke up-- disintegrated into a cloud of darkness, which Von Devilor absorbed into himself, which horrified the fighters.

Even Dearka was totally livid, now fully seeing how ruthless and uncaring his former king really was. “You… Monster…!!”

A couple of other Devils began to keel over in exhaustion, and soon their bodies would break up as well, just like Scarlet.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay!” cried Dyno “This is almost too much to watch!”

“How can he do this to his loyal subjects?!” groaned Myte.

Agapi, herself was trembling with rage, for the very first time since ever. “You are truly a sick creature, Devian! I never believed that you could sink so low!”

Von Devilor snickered, “Poor Agapi. This all could have been avoided, but you chose to reject me and my gracious promise of power to you!”

“I rejected you because I knew you were heartless and blinded by your foolish lust for power and control, and now you sacrifice your own subjects, who served and believed in you, just for your shot at glory!”

Von Devilor only laughed, “Oh, you’d be breaking my heart… if I had one!”

He continued to absorb power, which continued to take its toll on the Devils as more of them began to collapse in exhaustion and a few of them disintegrated into dark clouds.

“We’ve got to stop him!” cried Spike.

Lightning agreed, “Everyone, give it all you’ve got, and Fire!!”

Everyone complied and concentrated all they could muster up from themselves and the love energy from the people of the planet.

The Ruler absorbed all the energy into their long scepter until it glowed like the sun.

“MYSTIC LIGHT”

POW!! Such a powerful and bright blast bounded straight for Von Devilor.

“Oh, is that your best?” he sneered, and he quickly managed to conjure up several walls of fire and energy to intercept the blast, which broke through each wall one-by-one, and getting nowhere near the Devil King.

“You have got to be kidding me!!” growled Buddy.

Von Devilor laughed.

“Oh, no!” groaned Artie “We forgot… he can absorb energy from light and convert it into darkness as well, and our fighting spirits only make him stronger too!”

Von Devilor glared at everyone. “What a tragedy to forget that, for you at least. As for me, I can now defend myself and still charge up to deliver what I’m certain will be the final blow… a blast of energy so massive, it will reduce all of New Canterlot to a pile of ash, and maybe more beyond that!”

The very thought of all the darkness and destruction spreading across the planet was too much for everyone to bear!

Rarity felt very dizzy and wanted to faint.

“Easy, easy Rarity!” said Spike.

What sickened everyone just as much was how much the poor Devils were suffering from their energy drain. Even Dearka was starting to look in bad shape. Thanks to all the energy he had absorbed before, his strength was sustaining, but it wouldn’t be long before he would collapse and disintegrate away like some of the Devils, and there was no safe place to take him, Von Devilor would surely be able to absorb from him anyway.

“More power! More darkness! More hate!” Von Devilor bellowed as he absorbed more and more power from his weakening subjects below as they collapsed, and a few more expired and were gone.

“What are we going to do?!” cried Fluttershy “How can we stop all this?”

Applejack shuddered “Even all the energy from the entire planet wasn’t enough. It only helps him more than it does us.”

“Don’t worry, it’s all covered.” said Krysta.

Lightning and Starla agreed.

“Any moment now…” said Starla.

Lightning looked up at the sky, which was still covered in dark clouds.

“Now I’m ready!” said Von Devilor, and rose up higher and higher into the sky, holding his arms high up, and forming a large sphere of dark, burning energy, like a massive bomb.

“I all my battles, I have never had more worthy opponents.” he gloated “I could almost say that I shall miss these bouts, but I’ve got a universe of love to destroy, starting with all of you!!”

The Ruler remained steady and undeterred, as did all the fighters.

Agapi suddenly began to feel warmer and stronger inside. “What is this?!” she wondered, and he body started to glow brightly…

Von Devilor roared and prepared to unleash his power upon everyone… when suddenly, bright warp portals appeared in the sky, and Krysta’s fairies began to pop out from them.

“What?!” shouted Von Devilor “What is this?”

In his weakened state, Dearka could hardly believe his eyes, “Can… can it be?”

“Your majesty!” called one of the fairies to Krysta “We bring you the light you ordered!”

With that, loads of sparkling specks of light began to flow in streams from the portals, brightening out the darkness, and getting brighter and brighter all the time.

Von Devilor’s power bomb actually began to shrink in size, and his power began to weaken as well, for all this light was far too much even for him to handle.

“What is this?!” he groaned “Stop those lights!! STOP THEM I SAY!!”

The streams of light specks flew straight towards the army of fighters, strengthening them all immensely, especially Agapi.

“What’s wrong, Von Devilor?” chirped Krysta “You didn’t see this one coming either?”

She explained the plan so everyone could here…

“We decided not just to harness love energy from all over United Equestria, but from every planet, every star-system, every ally we’ve ever had across the galaxy!”

The Ruler agreed and added, “Ever since Agapi’s arrival, we believed that her love and light would help us, but we also figured it would need strengthening for effective use.

And so, just as the fairies spread the message all across United Equestria, all of our allies and friends on all the planets everywhere, even now, are offering us their own power.”

As The Ruler had fired those shooting lights across the galaxy…

Creatures from every known planet across the galaxy, even the Vistulans on the safe planets, saw the beams go by, which was the signal.

They were on their knees, with their hands folded as they concentrated all their love or whatever nearest to it they could with in their spirits, which the fairies absorbed into portals, and sending the lights hurling through space, and gathering at this very spot for all the fighters to absorb.

The others Devils hit the dirt, blinded by the strong lights, while Von Devilor was totally outraged! “You… You had this planned from the very beginning!!” he bellowed.

“They did!” Agapi said as she stepped forth, while glowing brightly, “They fight for love and truth, Devian; things which you never understood. You cared for nothing but power and it slowly poisoned you into the monstrous creature you are now, but you underestimated how truly strong the heart is.

Love can do many things, and while you think you can silence it, you can never destroy the spirit, the hope, the soul that strengthens it.”

Von Devilor’s rage was building up, “Silence…!! You will speak of this nonsense no longer!!”

He summoned up all the darkness he could, ready to fire, but Agapi felt ready to this, and she rose up high in the air, glowing as bright as the sun.

“BE GONE!!” thundered and he fired the large power straight at her, and she just fired back at her.

“LOOK OUT!!” screamed Pinkie, but the force only seemed to stop to just before the glowing and didn’t go any further, no matter how hard Von Devilor tried to pour on the power, he couldn’t get any nearer.

“Astounding!” said Princess Luna “The light is far too strong for him to penetrate.”

Then, a small ray of light shot out from Agapi’s glowing, heading straight towards Saber, and into his arms.

When the light had faded, he found himself clutching Cadance’s body.

She slowly started to wake up, and the first thing she saw was the face of Saber, and she smiled lovingly at him the way only she would, which made his eyes light up with joy. “You’re back…” he cried softly, and held her close “I’m so happy you’re safe!”

“Me too!” she whispered softly.

Everyone was so happy to see the couple reunited. Pinkie and Rarity shed a couple of tears.

“But what happened to Agapi?” asked Spike.

The bright lights up overhead gave a big flash, causing everyone to look up at it in aw, for there floating in midair was Agapi; her spirit had taken on the shape of her original forum, before she was destroyed ages ago…

She resembled a large, but beautiful humanoid woman, with long flowing golden hair, skin pure white with soft peach, and she wore a long white dress like a goddess, with straps at the shoulders and soft flowers off the right shoulder.

Even Dearka was impressed by her astounding grace and beauty.

Von Devilor could only gawk in horror and outrage “This can’t be happening?!”

“It is, Devian…” said Agapi “What I do now I do to protect all that I know and love, and purge this world of your dreaded evil for good!”

Von Devilor refused to give in, and continued to pour on all the hate and darkness he could muster, which really harmed his Devils below, and they all passed out, falling like dominoes in rows.

Dearka felt his own strength depleting, and he fell to his knees.

“Dearka!” Pinkie cried as she caught him in her arms, but even in his weakened state, he managed to find just a teensy bit of strength to help him get back onto his feet, much to the astounding of everyone.

Dearka only looked up at Von Devilor and remembering all the terrible things he had done to ruin his life.

“You robbed me of my dignity and comfort…

You had me exiled from my home…

You destroyed my family, and made me think that no one cared about me…

…And you killed the woman I loved!!”

He was shaking angrily, and almost felt as if his strength was returning, “…I swore I would get my revenge, AND I SHALL!!”

“Ha!” scoffed Von Devilor “Your anger only strengthens me!” That’s what he wanted, but his power didn’t seem to increase at all and his flowing blast continued to remain as it was, unable to reach Agapi.

“What’s this?! I can’t feed on his rage?!”

Agapi looked dismayed at him, “The hatred he feels is driven by Love.” She then looked down at the army of fighters, “Even the purest of love is capable of containing hatred, just as even the darkest of hate and blossom with love…

…It is what is chosen to be done with that makes all the difference, and these creatures will now show you how they use it.”

She was pretty much telling everyone to lend her their love and power to help vanquish the evil once and for all.

The Ruler nodded in agreement and then motioned down at everyone else in the entire army.

Lightning held Starla’s hand, and Starla held Buddy’s hand, and all the way down the line everyone joined hands on the team, in the army, combining their beliefs, their love, and spite for Von Devilor, which Agapi was able to use.

All that power was absorbed up, up, into Agapi herself, and the dark force began to slowly move back towards Von Devilor.

“THIS CAN’T BE…!! NOOOOOOOO…!!!!”

Agapi then raised her arms up high, and thrust them forth unleashing a stream of light energy, forcing the power back into Von Devilor…

…He screamed and roared as the light consumed him, burned away all his powers, and consumed him whole!

As his body broke up, he began to feel strange things he had never felt before-- warmth, light, as if nothing felt wrong at all. That was what it meant to feel love!

All the fighters and remaining Devils snapped upright, gasping in shock, like coming up for air!

Von Devilor was gone along with all the darkness he had brought with him and the sun was shining brightly.

The Ruler had defused back into Celestia and Grand Ruler. They, like Princess Luna, and the entire army were nothing short of astounded, and amazed by all they had experiences and seen.

“We did it…” said Lightning “Von Devilor is gone.”

Starla’s smiled grew wide, as did everyone else’s.

Dearka could hardly believe all this himself, but he still felt relieved. “Von Devilor has been destroyed, finally and forever.”

“No, he has not.” said Agapi as she floated high above the sky.

“Hatred and Darkness can never truly be destroyed; they had to be filled with Love and Light, only then would the evil itself be vanquished.”

Everyone felt deeply moved from that philosophy

“…But he’s gone, right?” asked Fluttershy.

Agapi nodded softly, “Deivan… or rather King Von Devilor may be gone, but this is only a mere battle in a never-ending struggle of two opposing forces of Love and Hate.

They will always clash, and will continue to try and outtake the opposing force, and yet one cannot exist without the other.

As long as Love exists, there will always be Hate lurking in the shadows, but as I have always taught about these two forces, it is what you choose to do with them that makes the difference.

…Learn to balance love and hate, and you will always know which path to travel.”

Everyone began to feel a bit down by her tone.

“Are you saying that you’re leaving now?” asked Lightning.

Agapi fell silent for a moment. “My time in this world ended millennia ago, but thanks to all of you, you have freed my spirit from captivity, and I have been able to help you vanquish the darkness which threated all.”

She looked down thankfully at everyone and especially at Cadance for her letting her use her body.

“Thank you.”

Cadance could only smile lovingly at her.

Everyone felt so touched by all this.

As for Dearka, he looked over at the Devils, whom were all collapsed with exhaustion, but would still live, and he was starting to feel for them, and he knew what rightfully had to be done.

Agapi bowed graciously to everyone saying, “May your loving spirits watch over you.” then she began to vanish, into millions upon millions sparkling specks of light that fluttered across the skies and faded away.

Rarity wiped a tear from her eye. “There goes the most amazing being we’ve ever known.”

“She’ll always be in our hearts, alongside our loved-ones and friends.” added Spike.

They looked at each other, and then embraced lovingly.

Lightning and Starla did the same as well as their majesties, and all the friends began to exchange hugs as well.

“I love you bro!” said Dyno with a sniffle.

“I love you too meng.” replied Myte.

Applejack and Pinkie shared a big hug, but Pinkie then looked up and saw Dearka looking over at the Devils, and he seemed a little concerned or worried.

Pinkie walked over to him, “Is something wrong?”

Dearka looked at her, “Not exactly, but… it is time for us to part ways as well.”

Everyone looked over towards him.

“What do you mean?” asked Starla.

Dearka explained, “Von Devilor is gone, but the Devils… they will need a new leader; someone who can lead and guide them to, hopefully, a better view, and new way of seeing things, otherwise they will simply regain their powers and evil, and the whole thing starts all over again.”

He paused, and he didn’t really have to say what he said next as everyone could tell, “…I’m going. I know it will be the right thing to do, especially given all that I’ve done.”

Pinkie began to look a little sad; as she had hoped he would stay and maybe be reformed into society.

Grand Ruler approached him with a deep yet proud expression. “Whilel it is impossible to ignore the terrible things you have done, it cannot be ignored that you were willing to change, and you helped us a great deal in winning this battle.”

He looked over at the ailing Devils, wondering if they would truly be able to be reformed, but he actually had faith in Dearka and his willing to guide them.

He held out his hand to him, “Thank you for everything.”

Dearka shook his hand, “It is who should be thanking all of you,” he paused and looked around at everyone, and especially at Pinkie “Thank you for freeing me from the darkness in my heart.”

Everyone looked at him thankfully and proudly.

Dearka then looked up to the sky, believing he could see the spirits of his family and his dear Calista. “In memory of all that I have lost, I will carry on… and hopefully, someday, the Devils will be reformed and may take their rightful places in universal society.”

He bid a final farewell to Starfleet and everyone, and especially to Pinkie Pie, before going off towards the Devils and transporting them all and himself back to the Devils’ World, to begin their long, long road to hopeful reformation.

“Goodbye… Dearka…” Pinkie muttered softly as a tear rolled down her cheek. Even though she had already given up on him long ago, part of her always felt it could have worked out between them.

Appplejack approached her, “You okay, Sugar-Cube?”

Pinkie wiped her eyes. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. After all, love can go on.”

Everyone couldn’t agree more with that.

Two days later, at the royal palace, an awards ceremony was held as Lightning, Starla and the rest of the team all received medals of honor for their courage and outstanding assistance during the battles.

Sunset smiled through the crowds at Artie, and she softly touched the wedding ring on her finger, feeling prouder and happier to be married to a proud Starfleet Master.

Rarity received a special medal herself for having saved Pinkie’s life at the weather factory, nearly costing her own life as well.

“And now,” Grand Ruler announced “A special announcement regarding the Planet Vistula.

It has been discussed with officials of the Vistulan Council and Starleet, in regards to the tragic death of Princess Calista. Her death was horrifying, and we all grieve for her loss, but thankfully the Vistulans have realized the situation of which lead to her death and they do not blame Starfleet for her demise.”

The large crowd of people applauded at that, but his majesty raised his arms signaling for silence as he continued…

“It has been decided to grant control of the Planet Vistula to Hawk Fenton, whom even as we speak, is receiving this same announcement via royal messengers.

For his outstanding courage and assistance, and his noble leadership skills, I hereby forthwith promote him to Space General, and appoint him as the first President of the planet Vistula, accepted by United Equestria, and the Vistulan inhabitants.”

Thunderous applause erupted all over, Lightning and Starla felt pleased for Hawk, and wondered how he was taking the news.

…Hawk was speechless, and frozen in shock at first, but he graciously accepted his new role as General and President of the planet, and promised to look over his new people with love, order, and respect to ensure continuation of life.

“And there is one final announcement we would like to make.” said Queen Celestia “We received a letter from New Sweet Apple Acres in New Ponyville.”

Applejack looked stunned, “From home?” she muttered.

Celestia continued to announce, “In concerns of a certain family member, this letter contains a request, which we, as royalty shall now fulfil instantly.”

Luna stepped forth, “We hereby, royally decree, that Colonel Applejack is officially and legally wed to Mr. Apple Spice.”

Gasps and hoots of concern were heard, and Applejack couldn’t believe what she had just heard, and nor could Spice who was there with Applejack’s family.

“We’re married, now?” he asked in disbelief.

Bright Mac, Pear Butter, and Big Mac were all equally as shocked.

“And further…!” Luna continued “With that said, we now also hereby declare they are officially and legally divorced as of now.”

Everyone felt more shocked and confused than ever, especially Applejack and Spice.

“They were married and divorced just like that?” said Rainbow “How does that even make sense.”

Lightning could tell instantly “I see… because they were declared legally married, they fulfilled the order of the marriage contract, and the contract never said they had to stay married.”

“What?” said Applejack, “You mean… I’m…?”

Lightning smirked at her and nodded, “…You’re free-- you and Spice. You’re no longer bound by the contract.”

Applejack grinned widely, but then maintained her stance as a proud solider during this serious moment, yet inside she was jumping for joy.

Spice could hardly believe it himself, and he felt most relieved. “It was that simple all this time.”

The rest of the Apple’s felt happy for him too, but at the same time just a little sad.

“Does this mean you’ll be moving out?” asked Big Mac.

Spice began to look a little down himself, “I… I don’t know. Applejack and I don’t have to be married anymore, but… what’ll I do?”

He wasn’t sure if he was willing to really leave and give up the chance to be part of a family.

“But who sent that letter in the first place?” he asked.

Applebloom turned away from him, but he caught on instantly, so did the rest of the family, and she blushed feeling a bit embarrassed. “The crusaders and I talked about it, and well, we figured the only right thing to do was make everyone happy.

You’re not mad are you?”

Spice couldn’t feel mad at her and hugged her softly. “You may not be my sister now, but… you’ll always feel like one I always wanted.”

Applebloom smiled and said, “Hey, let’s just be friends.”

The family shared a good laugh, and agreed to work the rest of things out later.

Bright Mac and Pear Butter were hoping something else would happen for Spice now, and they looked way across the crowds, over to where Pinkie was standing.

At the reception banquet gala, there was food and dancing for all. Cadance and Shining Armor had shared three ballroom dances and were now doing a tango-- they’re way of making up for time spent apart.

“Lovebirds...” chuckled Lightning.

“Yeah, just like… us…” said Starla giving him a few hints, and her husband took her by the arm and led her to dancefloor.

Applejack and Spice were helping themselves to the food.

“I hope we’re still friends.” said Spice.

“Darn tootin’ we are.” replied Applejack “We were friends as little ones, and though we don’t really remember, I’m still glad to know you.”

Spice smiled, and then he saw Pinkie up ahead chatting with some of the lady knights.

Now that he and Applejack were legally free of their contract, he had a better chance with her.

“What are you waiting for, boy?” said Applejack “Go on and get her.”

Spice began to feel nervous again, still feeling unable to really confess to her.

“She knows.” Applejack told him.

Spice went red in the face, “She does?”

Applejack nodded, explaining she and her friends had to say something, making Spice feel more embarrassed than ever, but she wasn’t about to hear any more excuses, and she grabbed him by the shoulders, “…Go for it!” and gave him a soft shove ahead, and Spice stopped right at Pinkie and the lady knights.

“Spice…?” Pinkie said. Her cheeks turned a little red, but not as red as his own.

“Um… good evening, Colonel… I mean… Pinkie… er…?”

The knights thought it best to leave the two to talk.

Applejack hid behind a stone column, and Buddy and Rainbow came over.

“What’s going on?” asked Buddy.

Applejack didn’t answer, and all three of them just continued to watch.

“Come on, go for it.” Rainbow muttered softly.

Spice and Pinkie just stood side-by-side, too shy to look face one another.

Suddenly they both turned as if to say something to each other, and then stopped and smiled softly before turning away again.

Pinkie finally broke the ice, “Spice, I won’t hedge around; Applejack and the others told me everything.”

Spice sweat a little. “…They did?”

Pinkie twiddled her fingers softly, and she felt very nervous about what she was about to ask now. “Are you… are you really in love with me?”

Steam seemed to shoot through Spice’s ears being asked that, and he stammered so hard that it answered Pinkie’s question “…You are.”

Spice finally poured his heart out to her. “I’ve been in love with you ever since you saved my life, and you saved me more than once every time the Devils possessed me.

But it’s more than that…

You’re beautiful, you’re fun, and even a little funny at times.”

Pinkie had never heard such sweet words said about her, and Spice was still going…

“You’re always there to try and perk people up when they’re down. You try to be a friend to everyone, and most of all…” he paused and looked deep inside to what he was about to say “…I think you’re sweeter than all the cakes and pies you make and sell.”

Pinkie’s eyes were sparkling, and her heart was pounding.

She thought back to all the fun moments they had, especially at the theme park where she sampled his fine cooking, and all the rides they went on, and commentating how sweet he was before she pecked him.

Not that she was jumping the gun, but because of her own dreams, and realizing what incredible opportunity lay before her, she couldn’t object to the idea.

Spice then turned and held one of her hands in both of his, “Yes, I am in love with you, Pinkie Pie.” He paused and looked deep into her eyes. “And now that Applejack and I don’t have to be together…” he paused again, finding his courage to ask “…Will you go out with me?”

Pinkie smiled brightly and placed her other hand atop his. “…No.”

Spice felt shocked, and his insides were slowly starting to feel crushed.

“Did Pinkie just say No?” Rainbow asked in shock.

Applejack could hardly believe it herself, “What in the hay is thinking?!”

“Wait, look…” said Buddy.

Pinkie was looking at Spice more lovingly than ever. She didn’t want to date him, “…I want to get married!”

Spice’s eyes widened and his heart began to race. “…G-G-Get… married?”

He took it as a proposal, and his legs were quaking, and he collapsed into Pinkie’s arms as she caught him and cradled him in her arms.

“Are you okay?”

Spice was giggling and choking softly on his own joy. “Married…!” he chuckled sheepishly “Married!”

Pinkie smiled and then leaned down pressing her lips against his.

The crowds erupted into Woos and cheers.

“YEE-HAW!!” shrieked Applejack.

Rainbow and Buddy slapped high fives, and Rainbow flew up high in rainbow streaked circles.

Lightning and Starla smiled proudly, as did their majesties.

Rarity buried her face in Spike’s chest and blubbered, “It’s so lovely!”

All the friends were ever so happy for the new couple.

It wasn’t long before Spice had moved out of the Apple Family’s place and to his new home in New Sugar-Cube corners, as well as being accepted by the cakes as their new assistant chef and confectioner to help their business.

Finally, Spice would fulfil his ambitions to cook and bake and please people all over, but both he and Pinkie looked forward to what came shortly after that… their Wedding Day!

The wedding was held at New Sweet Apple Acres, since the Apple Family went to lengths to prepare for what would had been Applejack’s wedding, and what a lovely wedding it was too as the bride and groom shared their wedding kiss under a flower-covered wooden arch in the open fields, surrounded by their friends, families, including Pinkie’s family.

Even Maud Pie cracked a very small, but meaningful smile. “Pinkie’s married… nice.”

Applejack was extremely proud and happy for Pinkie and Spice.

Music started playing as the newlyweds practically raced down the aisle under showers of rice and flower petals.

“LET’S PARTY…!!” Pinkie shouted.

“YEAH…!!” hollered her new husband, and the crowds cheered as Rhymey began to sing to the music playing “I Love you More than Yesterday” along with some of the friends and Fluttershy joining him as background singers.

As the song played, multiple photographs were shown of all that was happening…

Dances…

Cheering with punch drinks…

Pinkie and Spice cutting the wedding cake and dabbing spots of icing on the ends of their muzzles…

A few pictures of Pinkie, Spice, and Gummy… Gummy was wearing a cute little bowtie and giving Spice a playful, but harmless bit on his mane.

“Gummy, meet Dada.” said Pinkie.

There were even some playful party games to play, at Pinkie’s request… especially “Pin the tail on the donkey.” Some things just didn’t change with her.

And group shots of the wedding party and the families.

The final shots were of the newlyweds hopping on a carriage to leave for their honeymoon, and Pinkie tossing her bouquet, which Applejack caught.

She was surprised at first, having caught it without trying or even looking, as if Pinkie had intended for her to catch it, but then she said, “Eh… who knows, maybe someday I will.”

Everyone shared a laugh and saw the newlyweds off.

“I love you…” Spice said to his bride tenderly.

“I love you more…” she teased.

“No, I love you more.” Spice teased back.

“I said I love you more!” she teased again…

And together they both shouted “I LOVE YOU MORE!!” before Pinkie tackled Spice to the floor and began to smooch him like crazy. Little pink hearts seemed to float up from below.

Their honeymoon lasted a few weeks, before they returned to New Sugar Cube Corners, and Pinkie immediately threw a party, with a huge “Congratulations” Banner on it.

“Pinkie, we get that you’re married.” said Lightning.

“Yeah, you don’t have to throw a party every single week or month.” added Starla.

Pinkie and spice giggled and Pinkie answered, “That’s not what we’re celebrating.”

Spice shook his head with a playful snicker, agreeing with his wife.

“Well don’t keep us in suspense.” said Spike.

Rarity agreed, “What is it then?”

The couple giggled cheekily again.

“You tell them…” said Spice.

“No, you tell them.”

“No, you...”

“You…”

“You…”

The team was losing patience, but then Doctor Penny, who was also invited, answered for them, “Pinkie Pie is pregnant.”

Everyone turned shocked, and Pinkie confirmed. “Yep, I’m going to have a baby!”

Penny confirmed it again, “I examined her, and it’s one-hundred percent positive.”

Still shocked, everyone could hardly believe it.

“But you’ve only been married for not even a month yet.” said Krysta.

Spice rubbed the back of his head softly, “Yeah, well you could say… we had a better time on our honeymoon than we planned. I’ll spare you the details.”

His wife fluttered her eyes at him, and playfully touched her stomach.

Now not only was she very happily married, but in time she would have a baby, and a family of her own.

She couldn’t stop giggling with a goofy and dazed sound at the thought of all the love she had in her life now.

“Well, congratulations.” said Fluttershy.

“If you ever need help, don’t make a fuss
You can always count on your friends and us.” added Rhymey.

All the friends agreed.

“Thank you.” replied the couple.

Sunset sighed heavenly as she embraced her own husband, Artie. “You know, maybe we should think of having a baby too.”

Artie felt stunned “What, now? But I… uh…”

His wife smiled at him, “Just kidding… maybe someday.”

Artie rolled his eyes, “Ah, honey…”

Sunset smiled at him and pulled him into a deep kiss, because they both rejoined the party.

“MY BRAVE PONY: STARFLEET MAGIC”

(Season IX)

Author's Note

There will more Starfleets, that's a promise (I have no reason to stop)

And don't be pulling THE LAST PROBLEM ON me, I'm well aware of Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich, but this is my ALT UNIVERSE.

Prologue: Wedding Crash

PROLOGUE

On a distant planet, it was a beautiful day for a wedding, and the humanoid alien bride was looking at herself in front of mirror while humming the wedding march theme as she adjusted her dress and veil.

Then she sighed heavenly, unable to believe this day had finally come for her.

Then there was a knock at her door.

“Enter…” she called, and her entire bridesmaids group entered, all wearing lovely gowns themselves, and all going gaga over how beautiful she looked and making a fuss of how lucky she was.

“It’s almost time!”

“Are you nervous?”

The bride touched her blushing cheeks, “I’m so happy, I can’t be nervous.”

The bridesmaids all left to give her a few more minutes to gather herself together.

The bride was gazing at herself in the mirror again and going a final check, when she could see in her mirror the shadows of someone standing outside her window.

She turned round, but saw there was nobody there at all.

She moved towards the window and looked outside, but could still nothing.

“Weird.” she felt, but the second she turned back, someone was standing before her.

This strange humanoid man had long flowing dark blue hair, tied up in a long ponytail that ran down his back. He wore a black suit with an armored vest, strong boots, smooth gloves with manacles on the wrists, and what appeared to be extendible claws mounted on the backs.

A black and grey mask covered his entire face, with a dark visor on the upper-part that barely showed his eyes, and attached the mask were what appeared to be airlines that connected to his shoulder pads that went into his suit.

He grabbed her by the neck, lifted her off her feet, and extended the claws on his other gauntlet.

The claws began to glow with a dark aura, much to the bride’s horror!

Outside the building, the area was all decked up for the wedding. The guests were in their seats and waiting for the ceremony to begin, the reception was all set up in the back with many tables, food ready, and a large cake.

The groom was already standing under and arch where the presider, who was also his father, was with him to conduct the ceremony.

“Are you ready, my son?” asked the father.

“I have waited for this day a long time. I am ready.”

Suddenly, everyone heard a mortified scream from inside the building.

The groom recognized the voice anywhere as his bride’s. “…Lenora!” he cried, and he immediately ran down the aisle to rush to her rescue, when suddenly, his bride appeared before him, but she didn’t seem like herself…!

Her skin was pale, with three black marks like scratches on each side of her face. Her eyes were red, and her voice was deep with a raspy tone.

“Destroy!!” she thundered, and raised her hand, firing dark aura at her groom, sending him soaring clear across and crashing into the wooden arch, just missing his father.

Lenora began to go wild on all the wedding guests, firing more dark energy, destroying the tables, the seats, and injuring many of the people.

“Lenora!” cried the groom and he ran up to her, holding her by the shoulders, “Stop! What’s happened to you?”

She only pushed him to the ground and moved in for the kill.

“I hate you! I hate everything!” she growled “I fight only for the darkness and the hatred!”

The groom was most horrified and confused as to what had happened to her.

Suddenly, before she could finish him off, she was enveloped in a bright binding of magical energy.

Everyone looked and saw a band of three Starfleet ponies, who lived on the planet to help serve as protectors as was agreed by the race.

“That’ll be enough out of you!” called the Major.

The presider looked up, “Starfleet! Thank heavens!”

Lenora screamed and fussed demanding to be released.

“Please, help her!” the groom cried.

The Major nodded, “We’ll do all we can, kid. Don’t worry.”

Suddenly, without warning, something slashed right through the magical beams, actually ceasing them, and knocking all the ponies back while releasing the hostage.

“What the…!” cried The Major as he looked up and saw that stranger, who stood, looked over his shoulder at the three ponies, and retracted his claws.

The ponies were astonished that he had actually slashed through their magic, but the major could tell this guy was probably behind all this trouble.

The Major and the stranger both glared at each other, but stranger acted smug and raised his hand up high shouting, “Unleash your power…!”

Lenora screamed as her body flared with dark aura.

“Lenora!” cried her groom, but he and everyone else watched in horror as the aura flowed up from her body and taking on the form of an evil creature!

It had to be about three times the size of anyone present; its body was mostly a shadowy black with hints of purple. Its head was that of a lion, with a sharp mane, and it roared fiercely, frightening the groom and everyone present.

Lenora collapsed to the ground very weak and exhausted.

“Lenora!” cried her groom as he scooped her up.

Lenora groggily opened her eyes, “Where am I? What’s--?”

She didn’t have to finish as she could see the fearsome beast, and screamed, while he groom carried her off.

“Team, attack!” shouted the major, and he and his ponies dashed into battle, but this creature let out a huge sonic roar that shook the ground, shattered the seats and more of the tables and setups, tress fell over, and the ponies were all knocked back hard.

The stranger who had summoned the beast snickered, “And that’s only a taste of the power of The Devils!”

He chuckled softly, which then turned into menacing laughter as he moved in closer to attack again.

(Intro music)

“MY BRAVE PONY: STARFLEET MAGIC”

(Season IX)

Episode 2: Once Upon a Nightmare

EPISODE TWO

Late one night, Starla looked incredibly beat as she sat at her desk while she looking over reports and approving of schedules, sessions, requests; like a General should.

No sooner did she complete one large stack of papers, then did she had two more even larger stacks, which had only come in that day and added to others that came pouring over the weeks, to read and mark.

Lightning looked over his own pile of reports and documents, and he didn’t seem as tired as his wife, mostly because he had been Commander for a long time and was used to all the work.

“Take a pep-pill, honey. That’ll help you keep awake.” he suggested.

His wife yawned, but complied and a few minutes later after taking the pill she felt a little better.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to all this. I may not even have time to do any of my stargazing again.”

“Don’t worry, you will… get used to it at least, but it’s a lot of work. I had to give up my old job as a community helper when I was promoted.”

Starla felt really bad and looked over at one of her telescopes by the window, which had been left unused for some time since her promotion.

Still, she knew now was not the time to worry about a silly hobby, or a job that was less important than now.

One especially important thing both they and all their friends were waiting for was information regarding their new enemies: The Devils.

Grand Ruler Celesto believed he had some clues and answers and was researching even now as they all worked, and told everyone to standby to await a briefing.

“Two days, and so far nothing.” grumbled Starla.

Lightning felt the same, and he was especially concerned about the last battle, and how everyone facing the monster and Dearka all together only seemed to make the enemies stronger.

“Whatever happens, I just hope we can be ready for it.”

Starla agreed.

Then they both heard Shining Light beginning to cry from his crib upstairs.

Lightning got up, but Starla insisted, “No, no, let me. Like you said, I have to get used to all this extra duty.” and she went upstairs to tend to their son.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie found herself standing in a field of lush green grass and beautiful flowers with a warm mist tickling her coat.

Suddenly, up ahead, she could see him, Dearka. Without his mask on, and he wasn’t choking nor was his flesh burning.

He looked just as handsome as ever, and he winked at her, making her go all soft and light.

“Hi, Pinkie.” he called to her in a deep soothing voice, “You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”

Pinkie felt like melting, but instead she leapt way up high into the air, and when she came back down again, instead of landing on the soft grass…

…She crashed on the hard floor after falling out of bed, waking herself up.

She wasn’t hurt of course, due to her strong endurance, but The Cakes and their kids came into her room.

“Are you okay, Pinkie?” called Carrot Cake.

“We heard a loud crash.” added Cupcake.

They all saw Pinkie getting up and feeling a little silly, “I… I fell out of bed.”

The Cakes dismissed it as a dream, but the kids couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Alright, children, back to bed.” said their mother, and she led the twins along the hall.

Carrot took another glance at Pinkie as she just sat on her bed, with that dazed and soft look on her face wondering what had come over her.

Miles and miles away in New Canterlot, Celestia was in bed by herself as Grand Ruler was still up late catching up on some desperately needed work-- gathering information about The Devils.

Celestia began to cringe and toss about in her sleep.

She dreamed about herself becoming increasingly hot and sweaty, from inside her own body, and a mysterious voice, identical to her own, called out to her.

“Can you feel the heat? Give into it, let it burn within you!”

Great walls of fire began to burst up all around her, and she began to run for it, but the voice continued to taunt her, “There’s nowhere you can run. You know you can’t resist it.

You know what you really want!”

“Who are you?” Celestia called back “Leave me alone!”

Two hot, flaming eyes appeared over the blazing inferno, and glowed like the sun as evil laughter was heard.

“You know fully-well who I am, and the time has come for you to stop this little game you have and embrace your true nature.”

The evil eyes loomed right over Celestia, flaming brighter and brighter and consuming Celestia.

“Ah!!” she yelped as she bolted upright in bed, panting and wet with sweat.

“Celestia!” cried Grand Ruler, who had just come into the room about to adjourn to bed when she awoke “What is it?”

She shut her eyes, catching her breath and wiped her brow. “What a nightmare. I’ve never had one so horrifying.”

She reached over to the nightstand beside the bed and poured herself a cup of cool water, but she still seemed hot and sweaty.

Her husband felt her forehead and she felt very warm. “I hope you’re not coming down with something.”

“I feel fine, really.”

While Grand Ruler wasn’t entirely convinced, he agreed to take her word for it.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked as he climbed into bed next to her.

She looked upon him with love, “No, no. I’m fine. It was just a dream.

How was your research?”

“I would say marvellous, but I’m afraid what we’ve discovered is all the opposite, but I will tell you tomorrow at the briefing, I’ve already sent the messages to Lightning and the others.

Right now we must sleep.”

His wife agreed and they shared a loving peck as they snuggled comfortably under the covers.

Then somewhere in the night, she began to dream again as that voice called to her, “Feel the heat, and let the day shine forth!”

Evil laughter echoing amongst the flames…

…Celestia awoke again, but in a soft gasp and her eyes snapped open.

Again she was hot and sweaty, and poured herself more water.

She was too afraid to go back to sleep again and just lay awake in bed, until she naturally drifted off to sleep out of weariness.

She was very groggy the next morning, especially at the breakfast table.

Castor and Leilani were playing with their pancakes, arranging the berries and chocolate chips to make funny faces, or monsters and they roared and growled.

While their Father and Aunt Luna found it amusing, Grand Ruler informed them, “Children, what have we talked about playing with your food?”

“Sorry, Father.” they said innocently, and they began to eat like good children.

Luna then noticed Celestia had hardly touched a bite, and was looking as though she hadn’t slept all night.

“Are you alright, sister?” she asked out of concern.

Celestia looked up and snapped sternly, “Why does everyone keep asking me that?!”

Everyone at the table gawked at her, and her children looked frightened, almost one the verge of tears, and Celestia realized what she had just done.

“Oh, please forgive me!” she begged, especially to the children “I didn’t mean to snap like that. I’m so very sorry.”

Grand Ruler felt his wife’s forehead again, and she still felt a little warm like she did in the night.

“Are you sick, Mother?” asked Castor.

“No, dear, I feel fine, but I am tired. I didn’t sleep well.”

“Even still,” Grand Ruler said “I want you to go and see the court physician.”

Celestia tried to protest, but he wouldn’t have it.

“I agree too,” said Luna “You should be checked over, sister.”

Celestia couldn’t argue, and agreed to go see the doctor at once, but she stopped a moment to hug and peck her children dearly. “I love you both very much. Never forget that.”

“We love you two, Mother.” said Leilani.

Celestia pecked them both again before leaving.

The children felt worried for her, until Princess Luna informed them, “Come along children, it’s time for school.”

The children agreed and hugged their father, and he saw them off with a smile as Luna led them to the exit.

She stopped a minute to ask her brother-in-law, “What of the meeting today with the team?”

“I shall handle it myself,” he paused “But I still wonder what’s bothering Celestia.”

As Celestia had her examination, the doctor had deduced that her body temperature was a little higher than normal, but nothing out of any ordinary symptoms.

“Apart from the exhaustion, your majesty is as healthy as… well, a horse.” he chuckled, but Celestia was far from amused and yawned sleepily.

The doctor then had an idea, and remembering what she had told him of having nightmares…

“If your majesty agrees, I’d like to try and experiment.”

“What is it?” she asked groggily.

She soon found herself lying down comfortably in a bed in a scanning chamber, where she was told to simply sleep, and the doctor and his team would monitor her status.

Celestia was almost out like a light as she was that tired and the meds were watching all the screens and scanning.

So far, all was normal and quiet.

Soon, all the ponies had arrived, and were making their way for the main throne room, after dropping the babies off at the royal daycare.

“Thanks for taking us, Krysta.” said Lightning.

“Hey, it’s what I do.” Krysta said with a smile, and she looked over at her son Twink, who was now about eight years old. “I thought it would help him learn to develop his teleporting abilities.”

Twink giggled, “That was fun. Can we do it again?”

The others all chuckled, and Krysta sent him off to the daycare as well, promising to come pick him up later.

Along their way to the throne room to meet with their majesties, Artie stopped and noticed someone going down the hall carrying a load of towels from the royal laundry-- Sunset Shimmer.

It was noted that this was not the original Sunset Shimmer from their world, but rather the counterpart of her that used to live in the Human World, who came here to live in the Magical World to start a new life, and for the past two months since then she had lived in the palace as a mere laundry servant while she learned about the world around her.

She was not permitted to leave the palace due to her not being adapted to or understanding the way the world around her worked.

Sunset looked out of the corner of her eye and saw him gazing at her, and she felt a little warm inside, and in her distraction she bumped into the corner of the wall while making a turn, and nearly dropped the clean laundry.

Artie would have rushed over to her had she not regained her balance quickly, and then she just walked off, but not before looking back at him out of the corner of her eye.

Fluttershy and Applejack thought it sweet that Artie had a crush on her.

“Focus people,” said Lightning “We’re here for a briefing, not to give in to romances.”

Lightning was also aware of Artie’s crush on Sunset, and while he thought it sweet, he didn’t want anyone slipping at a time like this.

Soon, they were all standing before Grand Ruler and bowed to him.

“Good, you’re all here.” he said to them.

“Where is Queen Celestia?” asked Starla.

“I’m afraid she won’t be joining us, she had… something to take care of.”

He was not up to telling them that she was being examined in the Sick Bay, not wishing to cause a panic, especially considering what he had to tell them anyway.

“Now, listen closely.” he said standing up.

He then looked down at the space alicorns and held up a familiar looking tome.

“The Ancient Chronicle.” said Lightning.

He and the other space ponies remembered it well-- the tome that Grand Ruler had recorded many stories and historical findings from his great travels across the cosmos for over a millennium.

The Equestrians had heard of the book, but this was their first time actually seeing it.

“You mean it has the answers about our new enemy?” asked Rainbow.

“Well, not all the answers,” replied his majesty “We had been researching a while and came up with nothing, but this does tell us who they are and what we’re up against.”

He cleared his throat and explained to the team…

“Many millennia ago, in a galaxy on the other side of our universe, there lived a great goddess named Agapi, who ruled a mighty and glorious empire where the light and the love could never have been brighter or stronger.

Her people knew nothing but blissful peace, love, and life, and wished that their world remain just that way, and they would venture forth across the cosmos and share their love and joy with anyone who would accept it.

However, there also lived in that very galaxy a dark and wicked creature named, Von Devilor who was King of an army known as “The Devils.”

They believed that darkness and hatred was the true key to strength, power, and sought to dominate Agapi’s empire.

Eventually, the two forces met, and Von-Devilor’s sinister forces triumphed over Agapi, with her empire in ruins and her forces all destroyed.

Though her kingdom was forever lost to the darkness, Agapi used the last of her power to curse Von Devilor and his entire army, trapping them all in a dark dimension so that their evil would never spread.

As of what happened to Agapi, herself, no one knows. She believed to have perished, while many more believed otherwise, but there was never any evidence to suggest either claim.”

There was nothing more to be said from the chronicle, but the team was aghast.

“Hating love and light,” sneered Rarity “That has to be the most wretched thing I’ve ever heard.”

Grand Ruler agreed, “Obviously, from the reports we’ve had and the recent battle all of you took part in, The Devils have found some way to break back into our world, and are attempting to destroy all love that exists anywhere.

Anyone who loves…

Anyone who is capable of loving…

But most primarily: happy, loving couples who are about to be wed.”

Everyone’s bloods turned cold, and it certainly explained why all the couples in the park were targeted and cursed.

Buddy angrily clenched his fists, “I’ve fought my share of baddies, but this has got to be the lowest, sickest thing I’ve ever heard!”

Artie agreed, “From now on, it means that no one is safe. You can’t just stop loving or tone it down any time you choose.”

“It’s worse than that,” said Lightning “From the reports, it’s not just here that’s in trouble, but The Devils can appear anywhere around the entire galaxy, maybe the universe.

Who knows whom they’ve already hurt or destroyed, and who knows where they’ll strike next?

Even with our many outposts across space, there’s no way for even Starfleet to everywhere and ready for such sudden attacks.”

Grand Ruler looked deeply concerned, having never faced enemies like this before and knowing what they were capable of.

Pinkie thought deeply, about Dearka, and how he was one of these Devils. “How can someone so incredibly handsome fight for such a horrible cause?” she thought.

“Pinkie Pie…!” Grand Ruler called to her, snapping her out of trance, “Are you quite alright?”

“Um… yes, I’m fine, sire.”

Everyone looked at Pinkie with deep concern, knowing she had been acting unusual since the battle.

“We need to make decisions,” said Rainbow “…How do we deal with these guys?”

Spike recalled during the battle against Dearka and the Leonizer “As we were all fighting, the villains only seemed to get stronger.”

“Exactly right,” said Lightning “I’ve had this assumption since then as well, and it only seems to point to one thing. The Devils are dark and spiteful creatures, hatred only strengthens them.

The more we were all fighting together, at once, the more anger and hatred we were emitting. We can’t help these natural emotions when we battle.”

Rhymey agreed,

“Which means, the fewer of us there are to fight
The less power there will be to increase the villains might.

But that still puts us all in a terrible spot,
Who knows how strong they’ll be, or what they’ve got.”

“He’s right,” agreed Fluttershy “We barely managed to get out of that last fight because Lightning faced the monster alone.”

“And don’t forget the civilians,” added Dyno “They were all cursed to fight with The Devils, and that boosted their strengths too.”

Myte agreed, “We weren’t even able to heal them with our weapons. That darkness was unlike anything we had ever seen.”

The more and more everyone seemed to talk about it, the grimmer the situation was becoming, and the more the planet and the entire galaxy seemed to be in danger.

They couldn’t stop anyone from loving, and they couldn’t just forbid dating, weddings and all that stuff either.

“I think we’re all forgetting something.” said Krysta “Those Devils want to destroy all love, right? And they want to hurt those who are giving vast amounts of it, right?”

Grand Ruler pondered, “I’m beginning to see your ideal, Krysta.”

Applejack caught onto the idea too, but she was non-too-thrilled, “Are you suggesting that was draw The Devils in towards us?”

“There’s no other way. I know it’ll mean putting lots of our own people at risk, but if we don’t, think all the countless of other lifeforms out there that will get hurt.”

Everyone pondered deeply over the idea, and it simply tore them up inside.

Lightning then slammed the table softly with his hand and stood up, “I see no questioning it. We’ll have to risk it.”

Starla gazed up at him, but she was inclined to agree. “I don’t feel comfortable about putting our planet at risk, but at least it’ll give us a chance to learn more about The Devils and find a way to ultimately stop them.”

Grand Ruler cringed softly with such emotional concern. “Very well,” he decided “But the public must not be informed of this, it will cause too much panic, which I fear will give our enemies a great edge in this war.”

Everyone saluted, signifying their compliance.

Celestia, still asleep and still being monitored, was starting to toss and turn.

“Doctor!” cried the nurse “Levels starting to rise.”

The doctor observed the screens, and indeed, Celestia’s temperature was rising steadily, and her agitation levels were already at an all-time high.

There was no doubt she was having a nightmare, but the doctor was baffled, “Even someone who is sick wouldn’t have their temperature increase from a simple nightmare.”

“Shall I wake her?” asked the nurse.

“Yes, please do.”

While inside Celestia’s nightmare, that same evil force was coming for her.

“Stop being a fool!” it hissed at her “You know this is what you’ve always wanted, and it can all be yours!”

“No!” cried Celestia “No, I won’t let you! I won’t do this! Do you hear me?!”

“Then why are you getting weaker all the time? You can’t silence the truth no matter how much you dislike it!”

Celestia could feel it-- the heat, the power consume her, and she screamed as she was engulfed in it all!!

Just as the nurse was about to wake her, her eyes snapped wide open, and blazing like with fiery flames, and her mane was starting to change-- enveloped in flames.

“Your majesty!” cried the doctor.

Celestia then bolted straight up out of bed, shoving the nurse hard into the doctor.

“Call security!” shouted the doctor.

One of the other nurses sounded the alarm.

“Big mistake!” sneered Celestia, and her horn began to glow with a flaming aura, and she was about to attack, when she was suddenly ambushed by guards that arrived not a moment too soon.

The guards tackled her and forced her into the ground, but the heat from her mane and body scorched them to the touch, allowing her to push them off of her.

Celestia snickered wickedly, “Do you really think you can stand up to me?”

She readied herself to attack again, and blow the entire room to ash, when she suddenly clutched her head moaning and wailing, “No! You… can’t… hold me… back!”

Grand Ruler and the others had just rushed into the Sick Bay, having heard the alarms earlier, just in time to see it all.

In a big bright flash, Celestia turned back to normal, and she collapsed on the floor.

“Celestia!” cried Grand Ruler as he dashed over and scooped his wife up into his arms. She felt very warm, almost as if she had been sitting in an oven.

“What happened to her?” asked Lightning.

The doctor explained as best he could…

“…I’ve never seen anything so… so… unexplainable!”

“She just turned into some flaming creature?” asked Fluttershy.

“That would explain all the burn marks around here.” said Applejack.

Everyone felt deeply concerned for Celestia, but she seemed alright now, especially when she slowly began to open her eyes.

“Oh…!” she groaned, and she looked up into her husband’s eyes, “Celesto…?” then she looked frightened, tearful even, “It’s awful! It’s dangerous!”

“Shh, Shh… steady, darling.” Grand Ruler said as he held her close. “It’s alright now. You’ll be okay.” he hoped I would be alright.

Once Celestia finally gathered her strength to get up, even she saw fit to explain about her nightmares.

“And you said this voice, this evil,” said Lightning, “It keeps coming after you every time you dream?”

Celestia nodded, “That’s the third time it’s happened since last night, but what is it? What’s happening to me?”

“I believe I know what it is.” said Princess Luna. She was standing in the doorway, and had dashed from her daily sleep when the alarms sounded.

“I could not help but overhear, but I did not really have to.”

She slowly approached everyone, her sister in particular.

“Princess Luna, what do you know about this?” asked Grand Ruler.

Luna spoke softly but deeply, “For a long time I had my suspicions, and now it seems they are being answered.”

She paused and looked at everyone, “Do you all recall of how I became and unleashed the evil Nightmare Moon?”

“How could we all forget?” asked Rarity.

The Equestrians all remembered the evil things that demonic pony had done.

They and the Starfleet ponies all remembered when Super Nightmare Moon was born, and her involvement in The Great War.

“Wait.” said Starla and she gawked at Luna, and then over to Celestia. “Are you saying that…?” she paused, and Luna regretfully nodded “I believe there can be no questioning of it now.”

She looked at her sister, “Just as I had a great and terrible evil force lurking within myself, as my sister and I are of the same bloodline, she must possess a similar force within herself.”

Celestia clutched herself with worry. Celesto gawked at his wife with concern, while all the others felt deeply upset about this.

“There’s a Nightmare Moon inside of Celestia,” peeped Fluttershy “And it’s trying to escape?”

“Actually, she’s called “Daybreaker.” said Celestia “I felt part of her thoughts as she tried to control me, and I’m pretty sure I know now what she wants.

Just as Nightmare Moon desired to rule with an Eternal Night and Darkness, Daybreaker must desire the opposite-- an endless rule of eternal daylight.”

“We can’t have that.” said Buddy “It would be far too dangerous to have non-stop daylight. All that sunlight focussing on us so hard, it would shrivel the planet into a dust-cloud, and we’d all be ashes along with it.”

Everyone shuddered such a dreadful though, and picturing the planet overheating and roasting away.

Rhymey looked at his queen,

“We can’t let this evil take over you.
There must be something we can do.”

Celestia already felt skeptical, “I don’t know why this is all suddenly surfacing. I just know that it happens whenever I dream.”

“That is a problem,” said Spike “We can’t choose when, how, or even what we dream. They choose us.”

Grand Ruler decided it best they continue to monitor Celestia’s condition, “We’ll find some way to keep Daybreaker at bay.” He paused and looked at Celestia “I just want you to promise me that you’ll not try anything rash. We don’t want the situation becoming suddenly worse.”

Celestia more than agreed, but everyone was certain that this was going to be a long and dangerous road ahead, as well as with The Devils on the loose.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Applejack is in for the shock of her life when her parents reveal an arranged marriage to her and another pony that seems to have more eyes for Pinkie Pie. Meanwhile, Dearka strikes again, and attacks the Apple Family full force with yet another monstrous creature.

Can Starfleet put their new knowledge of the enemy to their advantage, and how will Applejack react her new arrangement?

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

(Next Episode: “Apple Surprise!”)

Author's Note

Now I gotta put this fic on Hiatus too... planning something big for Christmas.

This busy season is WRECKING me!!

Episode 15: Dawning of Doomsday: Part 2

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…!”

While the team tried desperately but unsuccessfully tried to coax Rarity out of her isolation, Lightning proposed an idea to merge Celestia and Daybreaker together again, which prompted Grand Ruler to release Celestia from her prison, but before the plan could even be remotely attempted, Daybreaker appeared and captured Princess Luna and Grand Ruler Celesto, absorbing their powers and becoming even stronger and more devious than before.

Now she stands to absorb Celestia, destroy the fighters, and bring forth the Eternal Day she longs for.

EPISODE FIFTEEN

The barriers had formed around the palace, and all over the village, and civilians that didn’t make it inside in time were escorted by sentries to a safer place away from the danger.

Lightning motioned for Krysta to teleport inside the palace and alert the sentries, to which she agreed.

Daybreaker and Celestia continued to glare each other down.

Lightning and the others used this opportunity to transform.

“STARFLEET MAGIC…”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER”

“Dragon Power”

Daybreaker didn’t even bother to look their way and just kept her eyes focussed on Celestia.

“Let’s get her!” shouted Lightning, and he and everyone else charged forth, while Daybreaker, still not bothering to even look their way, fired a big blast from her hand right at them.

“Look out!” cried Starla, and everyone dodged just in time, but the blast hit the ground making a huge explosion, the force of which nearly knocked everyone away.

Spike fell on the ground hard.

Far away in New Ponyville Hospital, Rarity felt a something jump inside of her, like a feeling from so very far away.

“Spike…?”

It had nothing really to do with her new dragon parts, but ever since she and Spike fell in love, married, and had Twilight, she felt such a close bond with her family that her instincts sometimes just alerted her whenever something didn’t feel right.

The fighters all scrambled to their feet, almost unable to believe…!

“Did you feel how strong that was!” cried Buddy.

“And she only used a small portion of her power!” added Artie.

“It’s got to be because of Grand Ruler and Princess Luna.” said Pinkie “She’s using their powers as well as her own.”

Daybreaker snickered, and her horn started to blaze with fired and a golden light.

POW!! She fired a huge beam up into the sky, straight at the sun. Now it was totally frozen where it was, in midday position.

Try as she would, Celestia was unable to undo the spell due to being outmatched.

“At last!” hissed Daybreaker “No more night, no dawn, or dusk, only daytime; pure, endless daylight!”

“You crazy fool!” thundered Celestia “Don’t you see what you’ve done?! The planet will begin to overheat! It will shrivel into dust and best destroyed, is that what you want!”

“She’s telling you the truth!” called Lightning. “The temperature is already starting to rise slightly, and soon we’ll all roast away due to excessive concentrated light!”

Daybreaker chuckled, “That will not happen, I assure you. Remember, I can control the sun, and with the power that I have I can also control how much light and heat is given.”

The others all looked back and forth at one another wondering if she could really do that.

Daybreaker than glared again at Celestia, “Or at least I will be able too, once I absorb you again.”

Celestia got where this was going. “You’re willing to let the planet roast away unless I give in?! You wouldn’t?! You couldn’t?!”

Daybreaker grinned wickedly, “What’s your choice?”

The temperature was continuing to rise. The team could already feel the heat, and all over the planet people were starting to feel it as well.

“Alright!” shouted Celestia “I can’t put the planet in danger. Do you want with me, but please, don’t harm my people.”

The fighters acted flabbergasted.

“Your majesty, no!” cried Fluttershy.

“You can’t give in like this!” added Applejack.

Celestia knelt down on the ground and threw her crown off as a traditional move of surrender.

“She’s really doing it!” cried Starla.

Daybreaker was delighted, and overconfident by her new strengths, she stomped towards Celestia. Her hot boots sizzled against the ground. “And now, the two shall become one once again.”

She reached out her arms to zap Celestia, when Celestia suddenly raised her fist and punched her own self in the face.

“A’rgh!” Daybreaker groaned as she felt the pain from the attack.

“Ha! I thought so!” hissed Celestia.

“What?”

“You may have absorbed power from my husband and my sister, but you and I are still linked together, and you take all the pain I feel.”

“…Exactly what we wanted to know.” said Lightning.

Daybreaker yelled, “You tricked me again!” she thundered “You were just acting surrender!”

Celestia zapped her crown back on her head, “We figured you’d try a dirty double cross, and we’ve been ready for you all this time.

You’re going down once and for all, Daybreaker!”

“Ha!” scoffed Daybreaker, “I am not only more powerful than all of you combined, but you still can’t destroy me as long as we are linked!”

Lightning stepped forth, and the others stood beside him.

Suddenly Cadance as the Silent Ninja along with Saber, dropped down next to them.

“Glad you guys made it.” said Lightning.

Cadance nodded at him, and Saber held out his sword at Daybreaker. “…It’s payback time for you fusing my mask to my face!”

The long line of fighters stood ready for action, and Krysta whistled to everyone from the battlements behind the barrier.

She and the royal guards were all set up with their weapons and cannons ready. Now Daybreaker was totally outnumbered, but she didn’t seem the least bit concerned.

Celestia then flew up high fast.

“You won’t get away from me this time!” and she leapt up, faster than usual thanks to her enhanced powers, and lunged at Celestia still intending to absorb her, but Celestia zipped out of the way forcing Daybreaker to follow after her.

“Spread out!” said Lightning.

The fighters all scattered about, on the ground, and through the air, and kept their eyes sharp.

“Artillery, take aim!” ordered Captain Shaina.

The knights all aimed with their weapons and cannons, keeping focussed in one position only and kept their eyes sharp.

Suddenly they both reappeared, and then zipped off again, reappearing at another area.

“Get ready!” Lightning called to the others, and he like everyone else kept watching the two fighters reappear and zip off again.

“Rhymey!” Lightning shouted while pointing upward.

Rhymey leapt up into the air just as the two fighters appeared again and he swung hard with his sword… striking Celestia hard, and damaging Daybreaker at the same time.

This was all part of the plans discussed, which Celestia agreed to, attacking either herself or Daybreaker to cause damage.

Now that Celestia and Daybreaker were stunned, the fighters all rushed in to attack.

“STAR SHOWER” Starla unleashed her stars all over Celestia, hitting her at every angle and making sparks fly like crazy, which made Daybreak spout sparks as well.

“LEAF SWARM” Buddy added his leaves to the barrage.

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS” The Twins added their rockets.

Every shot blasted Celestia hard, damaging both her and Daybreaker, massively.

“Artillery, fire!” shouted Shaina.

The knights complied and began to fire shots at Celestia, as ordered by her earlier.

The brave queen willingly took every single shot thrown at her full force, which caused the same sparks explosions around her to come from Daybreaker.

Cadance launched her shurikens…

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE” Saber unleashed his electrical force.

All these attacks on Celestia, Daybreaker was stunned dead in midair allowing others to rush in and attack before she could retaliate.

“Coming in!!” hollered Lightning as he charged and gave Daybreaker a huge sock to the face.

“COLOR KICK” Artie bashed her good and hard in the chest, making a big explosion, and also hurting Celestia.

“Here I come!!” hollered Rainbow, and she roared as she zoomed with full speed, ramming hard into Daybreaker, knocking her to the ground.

“AH!!” cried Artie as he fell to the ground fanning his smoldering boots.

“Whoa!!” groaned Rainbow as she fanned her burning mane. “She’s a lot hotter than we thought!”

Lightning shook his burning fist rapidly, but he was really more concerned with Celestia and all the hits she had taken.

She already was looking bruised and scorched and panting softly, but she assured him. “Don’t worry, I’m okay.”

It was a good thing she had taken more of Professor Brain’s special potion to reduce the pain, but its after-effects were already starting to make her feel a little numb, making it hard to focus or fight, while Daybreaker felt infuriated!

It was even getting much hotter with the temperature, having risen twenty degrees already.

“Keep going!” said Lightning.

Spike rushed for Daybreaker with his sword ready, but missed her completely as she zipped out of the way.

“Oh, no!” he groaned as Daybreaker appeared up over him.

“BURNING STRIKE”

The X was so much larger and flaming much brighter than normal thanks to her enhanced strength. Spike would never be able to dodge it in time, and even if he did, he’d still get caught in the explosion.

“No!!” shouted Celestia, and she attacked her own self just in time, force Daybreaker’s aim to fly way off, firing the blast well past Spike, and yet he still felt the slight heat as it passed.

The blast struck the barrier on the palace in a big explosion, making all the knights fall down and out of position, and the force of the explosion billowed across the field, hitting Spike and the fighters anyway, slamming them to the ground.

Rarity bolted upright in bed, her covers felt clean to the floor. “Spike!” she cried.

That was the second time her lover’s instincts shocked her, and now that she was completely out of her sheets, she could see over at her gifts-- all the flowers and cards-- the picture of she and Spike with baby Twilight-- when she was a pony before her accident.

Even in the darkness, Rarity could see it well, thanks to her new dragon eyesight, and she could see her faded reflection in the glass of the frame.

One of the hospital workers was coming to leave Rarity her usual lunch tray-- and sweltering in the increasing heat-- only to discover the bed was empty, the window was wide open, and both Rarity and her armor were missing.

“Escaped Patient!” he cried as he ran down the hall, “We got an escaper!!”

The guards managed to reset themselves, and the fighters scrambled to their feet.

“SOLAR BLAZE” Daybreaker leapt up high and unleashed her big blazing waves, which were equal to the size of small houses now.

“We’ll be barbecued!!” cried Pinkie.

“Huddle together!” cried Celestia, and she and the fighters all stood in one big group. “Lend me some of your powers!” and she projected a huge dome barrier around them all, Lightning reinforced it with some of the uniforce, and everyone else lent what they could.

Celestia also used some of her powers to project a humongous barrier field around them all, just as the blast was fired so the fire would not spread so far.

The blaze was so bright, everyone had to shut their eyes, and as for Daybreaker, the close-contact with the fire didn’t damage her at all-- she just soaked it all right back into her.

She laughed wickedly as her mane burned brightly. “You pitiful worms continue to amuse me in your feeble attempts.”

“Why you…!!” Lightning growled, but then he noticed Celestia looking very woozy from all that last burst of magic, as well as all the damage she had taken.

She looked as if she could barely keep up much longer.

“Look at Daybreaker!” cried Dyno.

“She doesn’t look like she’s taken much at all.” added Myte.

Starla looked up, and her visor scans revealed, “It’s the sun! She’s harnessing energy from it! It’s making her stronger!”

Daybreak snickered down at them, with a soft blaze in her eyes.

The temperature was still increasing, and everyone was starting to sweat badly.

“You know, there is still time.” said Daybreaker, “Your queen can still surrender, and I’ll gladly reduce the heat.”

“Never…!” growled Celestia “We know you’ll never make good on such a promise!”

“Oh, well…” teased Daybreaker “I guess we do it the hard way!”

She dove for Celestia, forcing Cadance to zip her out of the way, and the others scattered as well.

KAPOW!! Daybreaker caused a huge explosion in the ground making a large crater, and the heat from said explosion only intensified the rising temperatures more, causing the air to start waving with the humidity!

“The heat’s getting worse by the minute!
We can’t last too much longer in it!” groaned Rhymey

“Oh! I wonder how everyone else across the planet it doing!” cried Fluttershy.

All creatures across the planet were not having it too well.

Air-conditioners were up full blast, ice-packs had gone soft and mushy due to being overly used. No one could seem to beat the rising heat, and worse… smoke was starting to from on the dry plants from being overheated.

The pegasi were working harder than ever to bring rainclouds in to cool things off, but they were only fighting a losing a battle as the blaze continued.

“So hot…!”

“I’m practically melting!”

Even dragons were starting to find it a bit too hot for their liking and longed for it to cool down a bit.

Lightning wiped his brow of the sweat and stood up strong.

Starla stood up next to him, and soon all the others stood, even Celestia in her battered state.

“Don’t tell me you still intend to keep going?” asked Daybreaker “I think the heat has affected your brains, not that they weren’t any better from the beginning.”

“Silence!” shouted a voice from behind.

Everyone turned and saw none other than Rarity.

“Rarity!!” cried Spike.

“She’s out of the hospital!” added Applejack.

She was there, and all transformed in her battle gear.

Rarity gazed over at Spike with a loving stare through her visor, and he smiled at her, but they would talk later-- assuming there was going to be a later.

Celestia was pleased to see her too, and for the first time in her new forum.

Rarity glared at Daybreaker, growling like the part dragon she was, “Your little fun and games will plague us no longer!”

Daybreaker hardly seemed amused, “Should I be the least bit intimidated?”

“You would be if you knew what was coming now…” said Lightning with a smirk.

“Huh?”

“NOW… KRYSTA…!!” shouted Lightning, Krysta whistled, and suddenly a large portal formed around Daybreaker, beneath her feet, swallowing her.

That’s when a load of Krysta fairy soldiers, who were hiding the ground all this time, popped up.

“Well done, men!” called their queen.

The fairies raised their wands to her.

“Quick, let’s go!” shouted Celestia, and everyone jumped into the portal, riding on a dimensional pathway across space.

Along the way, Rarity he’d Spike’s claw softly, and they looked at each other lovingly again. Spike was so surprised and yet so happy to see her. Everyone was, but they still couldn’t talk about it yet.

Daybreaker crashed on a small planet at the edge of the same star-system, where it seemingly barren, and mostly consisted of mountains, rocky roads, and also much darker due to being further away from the sun, which made it cooler as well.

While the void of space itself was warm and comforting, the planets themselves still had their north poles and south poles and different temperatures due to their atmosphere zones shielding them from space itself.

The sun was nothing more than a tiny orange star among all the other stars in the skies.

“What? What is this?!” shouted Daybreaker.

The fighters all appeared.

“This is the beginning of your down fall, Daybreaker!” sneered Lightning. “This is one of our training planets, the Planet Four-Six. It’s barren of life, but it contains breathable atmosphere, and all kinds of terrain, environment.

Perfect for training schedules, and testing new weapons and powers.”

Outraged, Daybreaker tried to pull the sun closer, but to no avail.

“It’s no use.” Celestia called at her “We’re too far away. Even I couldn’t move it at this distance.”

Daybreaker was most livid “You… you were planning this from the very start?!”

Celestia nodded, “We had time to prepare for you, especially ever since you absorbed Celesto and Luna.

We battled you to humor you out a bit-- make you think your tactics were taking us by surprise, all in an effort to make you reveal all your strengths and tricks to us, just like before.

Seeing as you couldn’t take too much damage because of the power of the sun, and we can’t keep the sun away from you on our planet, we brought you here-- we set a little trap for you, asking the fairies to take their positions under the ground, and the right moment, take you here, where the sun can’t help you.”

“You see now, Daybreaker?” said Lightning “You can never truly outwit Starfleet.”

Starla nodded, Buddy nodded, and all the team nodded at her.

Daybreaker blazed with fury, “But you forget, I still have more than enough power to take you all on, and there isn’t a thing you can do to me! As long as your queen and I are linked together, my survival is assured!”

“We’ll see about that.” sneered Starla.

“Let’s get her!” shouted Lightning.

The others all hollered, and rushed forth.

“SOLAR BLAZE” Daybreaker unleashed her waving flames. Everyone flew way up, up, and over the blaze.

“Keep this up!” called Lightning “We’ve got to get her to use up her power!”

The others agreed, and they all looked over at Celestia, “Don’t worry about me, do what you need to.”

“If you say so.” said Saber.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning.

“SUPER-MODE, ACTIVATE!!”

The fighters donned their super armor to withstand the heat from the attacks.

“Go!!” shouted Lightning.

He and Starla rushed in. Daybreaky punched at them, but they both dodged and kicked her hard in the chest.

“Argh!!” groaned Celestia as sparks billowed out from her.

Rhymey and Saber rushed in and struck hard with their swords, hurting both Daybreaker and Celestia.

Daybreaker then punched them both hard, knocking them away.

“BURNING STRIKE”

Her flaming X rushed forth, making a huge explosion that shook the grounds and knocked everyone about.

“That does it!” growled Rainbow.

Her mane and tail glowed brightly as she concentrated her inner energy hard, and she charged forth in a blinding rage of speed, colliding straight into Daybreaker, sending her clear through the air, straight for the mountains in the distance.

WHAMM!! Daybreaker crashed into the rock wall making a huge avalanche fall on her!

“OHH!!” shrieked Celestia as she felt every bit of the pain strike her.

Rainbow rubbed her sore head, Pinkie and applejack ran up to help her up to her feet.

“Are you alright?” asked Pinkie.

“Ohh… that was brutal!” groaned Rainbow.

Applejack looked around for Daybreaker. “Where is she?”

She was obviously still alive if Celestia was alive too, and that’s when the rock pile began to rumble and the rocks themselves began to turn red with heat as Daybreaker burst up into the air, flaming mad, and with a fierce roar and huge blast of fire from her horn, she sent the barrage of flaming rocks at everyone, forcing them all to swerve and dodge.

“I have plenty!” shouted Daybreaker, and she unleashed even more stones making it harder to dodge.

Rarity suddenly got struck by a rock and was downed.

“Rarity!” cried Spike. He got down scooping her up, “Are you okay?”

His wife felt alright, hardly damaged too much. “I don’t understand.” she said “That rock hit me square on; I should be scorched, burned!”

Then she realized this was because of her new dragon strength.

Spike smiled at her “See, it’s not so bad after all is it?”

She smiled at him, but then a large boulder came hurling straight at them, forcing them to dodge.

“Hey, check out Daybreaker!” said Artie.

She was starting to pant, and her flames didn’t seem as bright or hot.

“She’s getting weaker.” cried Buddy “This could be our chance.”

Celestia stepped forth, bruised, battered, scorched, but still standing “My… chance… you mean!”

Everyone gawked at her with concern.

“I just… need… the sign.”

“The sign?” asked Pinkie.

Daybreaker suddenly began to groan and wail as she held her head. “What’s… happening…!!”

Celestia saw it, and she charged straight at Daybreaker with all her might.

Daybreaker raised her arm to attack, but went right back to clutching her head, unable to use her power. “No…!!” she groaned, and then… Celestis was standing right before her, and grabbed her by her flaming horn, which burned to the touch, but she held on with all her might.

“No!! What are you doing?!” shouted Daybreaker.

“Exactly what you’ve been wanting…!” thundered Celestia “…The two… will now be one again!!”

There was a large flash of light, so bright that all the others covered their eyes.

“That light!
So bright!” cried Rhymey.

“What’s happening?!” cried Fluttershy.

The light didn’t seem to fade out at all. It just remained stationary in the same level of super brightness.

What happened was, Celestia had transferred herself inside Daybreaker’s horn, just like Daybreaker absorbed the others. This transferred her straight into Daybreaker’s subconscious, which naturally was a long, endless way of flames that stretched as far as they eye could see.

Of course it wasn’t hot inside; it was only the subconscious.

“Sister!” called a familiar voice.

“Celestia!” called another.

It was her sister and her husband, exactly where she knew they’d be.

She couldn’t run to them fast enough, and she jumped into her husband’s arms as he twirled her, and Luna joined in the hug.

“Everything is going just as we planned.” said Grand Ruler.

Luna and Celestia agreed, and that’s when Daybreaker appeared inside her own subconscious.

“You!!” she thundered “You all tricked me!!”

“You tricked yourself, Daybreaker!” sneered Grand Ruler “Your overconfidence and your lust for power was the key to your downfall.”

Luna nodded and added, “We figured you’d try and absorb us all so that none would be in your way. I should know-- as Nightmare Moon I tried to eliminate my sister for full control…” she paused and looked remorseful “…An action today that forever haunts me and that I regret.”

She straightened herself out.

Grand Ruler then explained “You absorbed us as we figured and hoped you would. The more you used our powers and the more you were weakened, it made that much easier for us to regain control from within the subconscious and hold you back to give Celestia the opening she needed.”

Celestia smirked while Daybreaker was outraged, “You and your family and friends will resist and defy me no longer! I will vanquish you all within the borders of my subconscious!”

That’s what she wanted, but as she flared up, roaring and growling, ready to deliver what would be the finishing blow, when suddenly, the fire all around began to cease, and rendering her powers useless.

“What? What now?! How can this be?!” she groaned, and suddenly she felt herself being held down by magical white lights that covered her front he legs up.

“You forget…” Celesita called to her “This is also MY subconscious, Daybreaker. You and I shared the same body, but that doesn’t change the fact that you were created as a nightmare by my own fears and doubts.

Now that I’ve conjured up the ultimate courage and strength, I’ve rendered you completely useless.”

“You can’t do this to me!!” squealed Daybreaker “I am part of you! You need me!!”

“You’re wrong!” said Grand Ruler “She was always fine without you. She never needed or wanted such uncontrollable powers, or the evil that came with them.”

“My sister is one of the bravest, most honorable, caring creatures I know,” added Luna “And there is no need or desire for things like you to be in her life.”

Daybreaker refused to believe this was the end! “I’ll see you all ashes for this!!!”

Celestia, with her eyes glowing like her horn, smirked and said, “No Daybreaker! I’ll see you… only in my nightmares!”

She then blasted her with a bright force of light!

Daybreaker screamed and roared as the entire realm seemed to rumble and collapse, almost as if the scary evil was disappearing!

The light grew brighter, blinding even, which consumed the trio.

Outside, there was a big flash of light so bright that it stretched way up high into the sky, and its force knocked all the fighters off their feet.

“Galloping Galaxies, what was that?!” cried Lightning.

The light finally faded away.

“Look!” cried Starla.

There stood their majesties, all three of them. Celestia looked fully healed from her ordeals and injuries. Her husband and her sister were beside her, and both looking fine as well.

“Their majesties!” cried Spike.

“They’re alright!” added Rarity.

Saber suddenly felt strange, the sides of his head were burning softly, and then they just stopped. Daybreaker’s hot flames that welded his mask in place were no more.

“Hey…” he said as he reached up and actually pulled off his mask, changing back into Shining Armor. “It’s not stuck anymore!”

Cadance de-transformed, “Oh, darling!” and she tackled her husband to the ground in a loving embrace.

The rest of the team ran over to them, and all de-transformed.

Grand Ruler and Luna helped Celestia up onto her feet, and the trio smiled proudly at the team.

“Look…!” Cadance said pointing down at Celestia’s feet “She’s casting a shadow again!”

“Does that mean… she’s gone, really gone?” asked Pinkie.

“Yes,” answered Celestia “She’s gone… at least that much.” She noted the concerned looks everyone had. “Daybreaker will be a part of me in some way, but we have destroyed her powers and energy. She will never return again; at least not in that forum or way.”

Everyone felt relieved to hear that, and Celestia was ever so thankful to everyone for helping her confront her evil side for good.

“We’d do it again for you, your majesty.” said Lightning “You do so much for us-- all three of you.”

Starla agreed, and added “How could we not risk ourselves over and over for what we fight for, for what we believe in?”

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

Grand Ruler bowed his head to the fighters, “You do us, your planets, and your galaxy well. Never give up the fight, My Brave Ponies.”

Everyone bowed to their majesties with pride.

Once back on the planet, they were relieved to find that Daybreaker’s hold over the sun had ceased ever since she was warped off the planet.

The temperatures were back to normal, and the sun resumed its normal motion and distance.

The planet did, however, sustain some damage… to its vegetation. Forest fires were being put out by the pegasi making it rain on them, farmlands lost a deal of their crops, grasses, trees and other planet life had been charred a bit.

This left Buddy Rose, Applejack and all other gardening and farming ponies with a lot of work to do to compensate for the loss and revive whatever plants could be saved.

There were a few other casualties as well, as many ponies and other creatures had suffered from touches of heatstroke, as well as fevers, and the hospitals were jam-packed treating patients.

The team spent the rest of the day making inspections, helping out wherever and however they could, and worked hard to fix things.

By nightfall, all-in-all, things were on the verge of getting back to normal.

Shining Armor was rocking Flurry Heart in his arms, and the baby seemed happy and joyful.

“Oh, honey, I missed moments like this.” he cooed.

Cadance wiped a tear from her eye at the touching scene.

Celestia pecked her own children goodnight after tucking them into bed.

“Goodnight, mother.” they both said as they drifted off to sleep.

“Pleasant dreams my darlings.” she whispered to them, and with Daybreaker gone she felt that their dreams would be far more pleasant.

Easily one of the best things of all, was Rarity finally being out of the hospital, and finally on her way to accepting herself as she was.

She had just put Twilight down in her crib, and kissed her on her little head.

Her daughter smiled up at her, completely unfazed by her mother’s new appearance, as she herself was a dragony as well.

“Oh, Twilight, my precious…” Rarity said soothingly “How could I ever neglect my own child? Can you ever forgive me?”

Of course her baby couldn’t answer her, but just gave her another smile before slowly drifting off to sleep.

Rarity could only peck her again before leaving her to doze the night away.

“I can forgive you.” whispered Spike.

His wife turned to face him and her scales and shiny new skin seemed to glisten in the soft dimmed lights.

He quietly approached her and looked at her lovingly.

“I have to know… what made you decide to leave your room? I thought for sure you’d… that you…” he couldn’t bring himself to say obvious words.

Rarity felt ashamed for the way she had behaved the past few days.

“I… I felt you were in trouble. You know how I get whenever I feel that something is wrong, especially if it has to do with our friends or family.

I just couldn’t stay there any longer, I knew I had to see if you alright.”

She looked down at her claws, and how they were still very much like her hands before, but now and would always be different like the rest of her.

Spike held her claws together in his, and took a liking in how different they felt.

“Rarity… I’m just so happy that you’re alive. I almost lost you-- WE almost lost you. Saving your life was a miracle that I’ll never forget, even if it changed you a little.”

His wife finally realized the full extent of that, and now felt grateful to be alive herself.

“I supposed I will have to get used to how I am, and I will need to train up to understand my new strengths and abilities.” She looked up at him “…If you’ll show me how?”

He smiled lovingly at her and brought her closer, “Well, I can tell you one thing I like about this change.” he paused and giggled softly “Now that you’re part dragon, you’ll have a much longer lifespan.”

Rarity realized this as well. The meant that Spike would no longer have to worry about their ages factors as much anymore.

Spike blushed for what he was about to say next, “It just means I’ll have a long time to love you more and more.”

Moved to tears by his love, she reached up, curling her arms around his neck, and brought her lips to his.

The two just stood there in the most romantic embrace they ever had in a long time.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Rarity’s newfound fame starts to go to her head as she is showered by praise and offers beyond her dreams, which puts a strain on her training and her family duties. Meanwhile, Starla investigates the mysterious locket and comes to an astounding discovery, while Dearka makes plans to retrieve the locket and any cost.

Will Rarity’s newfound fame end up costing her… and what discovery has Starla made?

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

(Next Episode: “Path of Least Insistence.”)