My Little Pony Mystic Season 4

Chapters

Episode 2: School of Friendship (II)
Episode 3: Journey to the East
Episode 4: Twisted
Episode 5: Old Folks of Las Pegasus
Episode 6: Surf or/and Turf
Episode 7: Mines of Gold
Episode 9: The Parents Map
Episode 10: The Zebra Shaman
Episode 11: Rivals to the Core
Crossover Special: Unsung Heroes
Episode 12: Molt Down
Episode 13: Break Up, Break Down
Episode 14: Marks for Effort
Episode 15: A Matter of Principals
Episode 16: The Legacy
Episode 17: Jurassic Dominion
Episode 18: Friendship University
Episode 19: Pies Made with Love
Episode 20: Road to Friendship
Episode 21: The Washouts
Episode 22: The Warrior's Spirit
Episode 23: Father Knows Beast
Episode 24: Cold Comfort
Episode 25: Sounds of Silence
Episode 26: Only Human
Episode 1: School of Friendship (I)
Episode 8: The Ballad of Sky Princess
Crossover Special: Only A Matter of Time

Episode 2: School of Friendship (II)

After receiving reports of School of Friendship's poor results, Chancellor Neighsay has decided to close down the school with magical chains and lockpad. This shocked everyone to witness it. Twilight was sad, hurt and heartbroken to watch her very dream crushed before her. The school inspector Lockdown whined tearfully and upset while rocking himself.

Twilight dropped her hooves to the ground. She sniffled tearfully in despair as tears poured and dropped on the ground, "This can't be… This can't be happening…"

Her friends and family approached to Twilight. They gave her a warm and gentle hug. The leaders of various nations remained silent yet sympathy and concern for her.

"That takes care of the mistake," Chancellor Neighsay remarked dryly.

Lance groaned as she shouted angrily, "You can't do this! After everything my dad and Twilight have worked hard to do!"

Chancellor Neighsay scoffed and rebuffed, "My decision is final!"

Laxtinct whispered to his older brother, "Man, that guy's worse than Nezha!"

Blazefist replied quietly, "Except he isn't violent like him."

The chancellor glared at Twilight, "If not for you and your friends' incompetence and failed to follow the EEA guidebook, then the school wouldn't be closed down. The students ae now missing because of you!"

Annoyed and angered by the chancellor's attitude, Shadow Dragon stood up and gave hardened glare at him, "You're wrong! It's your EEA Guidebook cause of this mess in the first place!"

Offended by his insults, Chancellor Neighsay snapped angrily, "How dare you?!"

"I dare!" Shadow Dragon shouted angrily at Chancellor Neighsay, "Maybe if you 'pay attention' carefully to everything especially our own teaching styles, then you would understand that ours is better than your stupid EEA policy! The students liked it better!"

"Nothing is better than EEA policy! And do you honestly believed that these creatures are willing to learn 'friendship' under your tutelage freestyles?!"

"Yes! I've proven the fact that showing them is better than telling and writing on board! They're all interested in my teaching style!"

"Nonsense! This is truly nonsense!" Chancellor Neighsay snapped angrily. He groaned, "If I've known of your rebellious and arrogant attitude, then I would have against it! The teaching of Friendship should be for ponies, not for these creatures!"

Twilight and her friends were shocked yet offended by his insults. The leaders of various kingdoms were much more furious and angered by his.

Princess Rutherford growled at Chancellor Neighsay, "Unicorn think yaks no need friendship? Maybe yaks no need pony school!"

Though frightened by his intimidation, Chancellor Neighsay calmed himself down and spoke, "Well, perhaps you should return to your kind."

"'Your kind'?!" Dragon Lord Ember asked angrily, "Oh, we would like to do that if Smolder hadn't gone missing!"

Queen Novo nodded, "And to think that Blazefist and his family I should be weary of. But instead, you've proven that the ponies can't be trusted!"

Grandpa Gruff scoffed, "Well, this place seemed lame anyways."

"Guess Skullitron's right…" Roughneck grumbled.

Soul Sweetie sighed, "Yes. We should never have agreed with this. We shouldn't have sent Melody here!"

Almost all of Mystic Councilponies chattered and muttered in concern yet anger and annoyed. They're agreeing with them about Chancellor Neighsay's attitude and disrespect to them as well. Azure Phoenix, Mystic Tao, Black Alpha, Yuko and Dragon Kick remained silent yet calm and firm of the situation.

"Everyone, please! Calm down!" Thorax spoke calmly and firmly, "There is no reason to blame ponies because of him! Twilight and her friends have proven that friendship can reach to all of us. She trusted and helped all of us a lot! Friendship is for all of us to learn and share!"

"Wrong! She should not have done that!" Chancellor Neighsay disagreed angrily. He turned and glared at Thorax, "What she should have done is finish your kind because you are the threat that almost destroyed our home twice! You don't deserve pony's friendship! So, the rest of your hive!"

Thorax was hurt by his insults. Dragon Lord Ember spoke up, "Take that back! No one insults my friend and gets away with it!"

"No one insults YAKS!" Prince Rutherford exclaimed angrily.

"Or us!" Queen Novo and Royal Seapony Sisters agreed.

Chancellor Neighsay groaned, "I insult you all because I have proven right on how dangerous and uncivilized you beasts are!"

Grandpa Gruff screeched out, "Bring it on, you old goat!"

His insult to them was the last straw. The leaders of various kingdoms angrily and violently shouted and started the argument with not just him but also at each other. Azure Phoenix, Mystic Tao, Black Alpha, Yuko and Dragon Kick reacted to stop and calm the situation down.

This shocked and concerned both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force to see the situation. It has become much worse than they expected.

"That doesn't look good," Starlight said in concern.

Shadow Dragon hissed, "No, it isn't. We have to do something now."

"Exactly," Applejack agreed. She turned to her depressed friend, "Twilight, I hope you've got the plan. Coz we really need it now."

Still looking at the ground, Twilight sighed in defeat, "I don't know. I really don't know."

Both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force were in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. They did not expect her to not have a plan now.

"Damn it, Twilight. You can't be serious!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in disbelief.

Twilight still looked down in shame, "Sorry, Shadow Dragon. I don't have one."

"Well, I have one," Blazefist said firmly and calmly, "We've got the students to find now."

"What about the school? And also Chancellor Neighsay? What should we do about them?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Rarity nodded in concern, "Indeed, he's going to cause more problematic to the leaders and us. No doubt, he's going to start the civil war."

"We can't think of that now." Terrorcreep said firmly and seriously.

"Terrorcreep's right." Shorty said in agreement and firmly, "For now, we have to leave the political situation to our friends to handle. Saving the students is our priority."

"Plus, we could take a big break from this school mess," Rainbow remarked amusingly, earning everyone's glare at her. She cleared her throat, "Sorry. Just wanna lighten the mood."

"Dash. Leave it to the real professional," Pinkie said firmly and calmly.

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force chattered in agreement about finding and saving the students. Shadow Dragon approached to Twilight as he shook her a bit.

"Twilight, come on. Get up. We need to find the students now," Shadow Dragon said calmly. His wife remained silent yet heartbroken. He sighed, "Twilight, I know you want to make your dream come true. And I really want to help you out. But right now, the students need us. We're the only ones, who can find and save them."

Hearing what her husband has said to her, Twilight took a deep breath and spoke calmly, "You're right, Shadow Dragon. Nothing is more important than finding and saving the students." She stood up firmly, "But first, we need to stop them first."

Both Chancellor Neighsay and the leaders from various kingdoms continued arguing and shouting at each other. Twilight and her friends approached them. She then cleared her throat, attracting their attention.

Twilight sighed, "I'm sorry for the interruption, but this is not the time for the argument when our students are still missing."

Though still annoyed and angry with each other and even the chancellor, the leaders of various kingdoms knew that their own kindred are still missing. They chattered and muttered in concern about it.

"You've made a valid and concerned points, Princess Twilight," Chancellor Neighsay said firmly, "We must find the students now. I'll alert the Princesses now. They'll send the Royal Guards to find them."

"There's not much time, Chancellor. It might be too late for us to get them in time. But my teams and I will get them."

"What makes you think I'm willing to trust you after you have failed to run the school?"

"I know that the students are out there. Somewhere. And we've gotta find and save them before something bad happen to them," Twilight said firmly and determinedly. Chancellor Neighsay was skeptical about it. She continued, "We may not be qualified for teaching the students, but we're good at finding and protecting them from harm. Just as we did with saving the Equestria and Mystic Realm for many times."

"If it makes you feel better, Shorty and I might have a way to find them," Tailtech said calmly. He shown his tracker device-like, revealing the screen of multiple red dots on the east. He continued, "This tacker allowed us to track and locate the students via student ID cards."

"Wait! You two make the tracker to track on student ID cards?" Aqua asked in surprise.

Shorty nodded, "Well, Lockdown complain about some students' absentee and skipping classes a lot. He wanted to know where and what they're up to. And for a prototype, it works well now."

Chancellor Neighsay was still skeptical and doubtful of her. However, most of the leaders chattered and nodded in agreement, having confidence and belief in Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force for saving them a lot.

"Let them do it. They can handle it," Azure Phoenix said firmly.

Mystic Tao nodded in agreement, "Indeed. They will find and bring the students back home. I have confidence in them."

Though skeptical and doubtful, Chancellor Neighsay sighed reluctantly, "Fine. Until Princess Celestia and her Royal Guards arrived, I will let you all go to perform your mission. But that doesn't change anything about your school. Understand?"

Twilight nodded in understanding, "Understand."

"I'll have former school inspector Lockdown to assist you," Chancellor Neighsay said firmly, shocking everyone. He turned and glared at Lockdown, "I'm giving you the chance to redeem your mistakes and regain your position. Do not fail me again."

Lockdown sighed upset while saluted, "Understood, sir."

"Neighsay's very hard on him now. I really feel sorry for Lockdown," Icy commented in concern.

Tailtech nodded, "Yeah. I think he needs a better job than this."

"No kidding," Saber agreed, "Chancellor Neighsay need some timeout for blowing out bout not following his damn EEA policy. Kinda pathetic."

Mystic Tao gave a whack on Chancellor Neighsay's forehead, making him yelped in pain. He then scolded, "And you, sir, we are going to have a talk about your attitude towards the creatures! Did your mother teach you some manners and respect?!"

Chancellor Neighsay groaned in pain, "Good Councilpony! You can't expect me to-!"

Mystic Tao slapped on Chancellor Neighsay's head again, "Do not interrupt when I'm talking!"

"But-!" Chancellor Neighsay yelped in pain, feeling another slap on his head, "Will you stop that?!"

Mystic Tao gave another whack on the chancellor's head, "Respect the elders!"

Chancellor Neighsay tried to protest but got interrupted and whacked by Mystic Tao, who grumbled and complained about his attitude. The leaders of various kingdoms snickered and laughed amusingly to watch it. Twilight and her friends couldn't help but snicker at it.

"Go now. Tao and I will take care of this political mess," Azure Phoenix said firmly.

"Okay," Twilight nodded. She turned and looked at the children, "You guys stay here. Contact Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Tell them of what happen. I hope she can talk some sense into him."

"Leave it to us," Lance said firmly.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. Chancellor's gonna get what he deserved for being a racist jerk. EEA sucks for School of Friendship."

"She's right." Spike agreed as he took out and wrote down on the letter, "Go. We'll be fine."

Twilight nodded in agreement. Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force trotted off to the Everfree Forest, hoping to find and rescue the students. During their trotting off and searching for their allies, Lockdown still seemed down and upset, which Sunset and Starlight noticed.

"Uh, Lockdown, are you… okay?" Sunset asked in concern.

"Oh sure. Everything's fine," Lockdown remarked sarcastically. And just before anyone could ask, he then shouted out loud, "No! I'm not okay! Thanks to you two, I just got demoted!"

Starlight groaned, "Seriously?! That wasn't us! We were with our friends, making preparation for the event!"

Lockdown snarled, "Shows what you know!"

"Cool it, Mr. L. No need to get angry," Saber said firmly and calmly, "They're telling the truth. They're really with us."

"Then, who took them in the first place?!" Lockdown demanded angrily and frustratingly, "No one escapes my detention class! No one!"

Terrorcreep hummed suspiciously, "Whoever took or kidnap the students, I believed that they have personal grudge against us. I have the feeling that we might be walking into a trap."

"Whatever the case, we have to find and rescue them," Fluttershy said firmly.

Applejack nodded, "And take the bad guys down before they could do anything else!"

Twilight hummed thoughtfully yet concerned, knowing her friends were right about the situation. Hopefully that they're not too late.

Still trapped within the sticky cocoons, he students from the School of Friendship have witnessed the newly birth of Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force clones. They were shocked and scared of them and Queen Chrysalis is now hatching her new master plan.

"Their birth is complete…" Queen Chrysalis said calmly yet amusingly, "But I have to be sure that they're perfect as the originals. Show me your skills, warriors!"

As commanded, the evil clones of Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force armed and performed their mental and combat skills, and even the latter's Elemental Elements of Harmony powers.

Queen Chrysalis laughed pleasingly and happily, "Excellent. The perfect evil clones are ready. My Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force are my greatest creation and achievement for revenge!"

"Okay. This would be so cool if not for evil plot against our heroes and the world! Oh! What a world! What a world!" Heatwave exclaimed frantically and dramatically. He cleared his throat, "Gotta admit it. That is very classic of evil revenge against our heroes, though 'the evil clones against the originals' is so overused over many franchises."

"Is he for real?" Ocellus and Silverstream asked in disbelief.

Kindy shrugged, "I have no idea."

"Seriously, dude? Not only womanizer, but dramatic much?" Sandbar asked in disbelief. He groaned, "You're seriously out of whack, dude."

"Not to mention, you admire the evil." Solflare asked in annoyance.

"Hey, come on! I loved making scene, you know," Heatwave said defensively, "Plus, there's nothing wrong to admire 'good vs evil' classic stories. They're always the best."

Smolder and Melody groaned, "Weirdo…"

"Big nerd loser," Bella muttered with rolling her eyes.

"And even dumb…" Aero commented in annoyance.

Shaking her head, Blackwitch sighed in frustration, "Out of all the idiots, it has to be him. We are doom…"

"Yak no understand at all," Yona commented in uncertain and confusion.

"Now, everything is ready. We can begin!" Queen Chrysalis declared proudly and determinedly. She cleared her throat, "But first, the girls need the Elements of Harmony now since the boys has theirs."

"So, what do you wish us to do?" Mean Blazefist asked stoically yet dryly, "We will obey and fulfill our order, no matter the cost!"

"Do you wish us to take care of your enemies?" Mean Saber asked delightfully. He smirked evilly, "I'm happy to get rid of my goody side! I'd never like the idea of benevolence and justice! Yuck! They're disgusting! Being villain is the best!"

Mean Laxtinct laughed crazily and madly, "Get rid… Get rid… The goody sides!"

"Patient, my faithful evil clones, you'll get that chance. But first, we must retrieve the Elements of Harmony," Queen Chrysalis said firmly and determinedly, "We must have them if you were to fight and defeat your original selves."

"Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant, your highness!" Mean Shorty groveled happily, Truly brilliant! You have come up with the evilest brilliant plan yet! I applaud you!"

Mean Tailtech nodded, "Yes. We can use them to break our enemies! This would be perfect!"

"That is so wrong!" Rak commented in shock.

Ciel groaned in disgust within her cocoon, "I cannot believe that his evil counterpart is a suck up. I hate to see my real brother be like this."

"At least, this one is not worse and mad as my brother," Kindy commented in annoyance, "He's horribly evil for saying those things. If he gets replaced, my father would be furious about it!"

"Hunting down some lame Elements?!" Mean Pinkie asked with groaned of frustration, "This is the worst day ever!"

Mean Fluttershy kicked and thrown the mud on Mean Pinkie's face.

"No! Now it's the worst day ever!" Mean Fluttershy commented cruelly. And just before she could laugh, she yelped in shock upon looking at the axe throwing and almost cutting her head if she didn't dodge down. She groaned, "You idiot! Watch where you throw at!"

"I am! At your face, you, weakling and excusable wife of mine!" Mean Terrorcreep snarled with hissing tone, "I loathed you a lot! Always me to take care of you!"

Mean Fluttershy groaned, "Well, I hate you even more! I don't have to babysit you all the time!"

Mean Terrorcreep and Mean Fluttershy growled and glared at each other. Mean Icy laughed playfully, "Calm yourself, my evilness brother and sister. There is no reason for you to be mad at each other. After all, you're not even married."

Mean Fluttershy and Mean Terrorcreep groaned in disgust, "Disgusting!"

"Those Elements are mine!" Mean Rarity exclaimed greedily. She then looked at the rock and twig. She smirked, "Along with this rock! Oh, and that twig!"

"I got all kinds o' Elements right here under my hat," Mean Applejack said amusingly yet deceptively while pointing at her hat to her friends. She smirked, "I'll you see 'em for five bits."

"Losers," Mean Rainbow scoffed while rolled her eyes. She got punched and thrown against the tree. She groaned painfully while glaring at Mean Aqua, "What the f# $ was that, bitch?!"

"It's call fighting, loser! And I don't see you do anything, loser!" Mean Aqua exclaimed in rapping style. She spitted out, "But me, I am so in the fighting, and ready to hammer and pummel them to pieces, yo!"

"Hold still, fool! We will do no such thing without our queen's order!" Mean Blazefist exclaimed firmly, "We will do it by the book!"

Mean Aqua spitted on Mean Blazefist's face. She scoffed, "Yo! I do not need some lame order to tell me what to do! Coz this bad girl is all about the fighting! I'm ready for anything that throw at me! I ain't afraid of no fighting!"

Mean Saber laughed, "Yeah, right. You couldn't even use your head to think and plan evilly like me!"

Mean Aqua growled dryly, "I'd like to see you try, loser! Coz this bad girl is ready!"

Mean Blazefist groaned, "Why do I have this team?!"

"Why didn't you just attack them?!" Mean Twilight asked suspiciously, alerting Queen Chrysalis to turn and glare at her. She questioned, "You were close enough to pull hairs from their manes. Why not just take your revenge then?"

Mean Shadow Dragon nodded firmly, "I agreed. Such powerful warrior like you could have taken care of them?! Instead you created us to fight them?! Pathetic!"

Mean Starlight hummed curiously, "They do have the point. You have the advantage to take care of them. Why didn't you do it?"

Mean Sunset chuckled a bit, "Well, she is a coward and lazy. Isn't a bit obvious?"

Both Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force chattered and complained about Queen Chrysalis's capability to finish off her enemies. The students then softly snickered amusingly at her being criticized by her own minions.

"I should have known this would happen. That's what I get for not reading instruction of creating perfect evil clones without personality. This is going to be pain of my ass," Queen Chrysalis complained. She sighed, "Your originals have defeated and turned my army against me! I know better than to strike alone. I need-!"

"Friends?" Mean Twilight asked amusingly.

Mean Shadow Dragon chuckled out loud, "Good one! Queenie needs her friends because no one's there for her!"

"Ouch! That burns!" Leo commented amusingly.

Gallus laughed out loud, "For evil clones, they sure got crazy and awesome ways to burn the villain. Almost cool than our teachers."

"You cannot be serious…" DECK asked in disbelief.

Gallus groaned, "It was just a comment, tin-can. I'm not really on their sides. Just loved seeing them burn her."

"You know. I'm almost feel sorry for her," Mano commented amusingly. Everyone turned and looked at him. He cleared his throat, "Almost."

"You'd better not," Aero growled at Mano.

Hearing the students laughed at her, Queen Chrysalis growled and snarled at Mean Twilight and Mean Shadow Dragon, "Servants! And the power of Elements!"

"Right. So, where are these Elements of Harmony?" Mean Starlight asked in annoyance.

Mean Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Don't just talk the talk. Do the walk the walk, your highness."

"Don't mock me, fools! I know where they are. You will learn to respect me, fools!" Queen Chrysalis snarled angrily, "The location of the most powerful weapon in Equestria isn't something made known to just anypony. Just before my Changelings turned on me, I learned they were hidden beneath some kind of ruins called 'The Castle of Two Sisters'."

"So, why didn't you just take and pass them to us instead?" Mean Twilight asked in annoyance, "That would have save the time, you know."

"I would have if not for the Tree of Harmony's powerful protection spell!" Queen Chrysalis snapped at Mean Twilight. She groaned, "Obviously, only the Chosen Ones can reach them. Which is why I created you eight, so you can get and use them! Do I make myself clear?!"

"Crystal…" Mean Twilight commented dryly, "So, we're going?"

"Yes, we are." Queen Chrysalis said firmly, "While we, including our hostages, will go and retrieve the Elements, the rest of Chaos Strike Force will deal with our little friends. I have no doubt they'll be coming after us. Mean Tailtech and Mean Icy will follow me as well."

Mean Blazefist saluted stoically, "It will be done, ma'am! Chaos Strike Force, move out!"

Queen Chrysalis nodded, "Let us go. Time is wasting…"

Queen Chrysalis led Mean Eight, Mean Tailtech and Mean Icy while bringing along with the crate of cocoon trapping the students within, heading straight to the Castle of Twin Sisters. The rest of Chaos Strike Force headed off to deal with the originals.

Back at the School of Friendship, the leaders and even the students were still chatting and waiting at the closing grounds of School of Friendship, waiting for the reports from Twilight and her friends. And at the same time, Mystic Tao was scolding and lecturing Chancellor Neighsay, who was annoyed and tried to argue about trusting 'creatures', prompting the old Mystic Councilpony to whack on his forehead a lot. This amuse everyone to see it.

Lance, Nyx and Spike were watching and looking at the School of Friendship's entrance being locked up by magical padlock. Three of them sighed in frustration and disappointment about it.

Nyx sighed, "I still can't get over this, guys. I still can't believe that jerk closed down. All because he thinks we didn't follow the EEA rules."

"Tell me about it." Spike agreed, "He won't even let Twilight explain why his rules stinks and need to use their freestyle to teach the students. And not to mention, he's being a jerk to other creatures after what they've done for us."

"There's nothing we can do but wait," Lance said calmly yet frustratingly. He sighed a bit, "Even if they did find them, then what will happen next?"

Nyx hummed in concern, "That's a really good question. Knowing my mom, she'd be upset and sad to do anything about the School of Friendship since Neighsay doesn't want to give her a second chance."

"No kidding. Well, hopefully that our guys can talk some sense into her. She just has to realize that we don't need stinking EEA rules for our school rocks. It's already is" Spike agreed. He turned and spotted Photo Finish arriving to the scene. He looked surprise, "Photo Finish? What are you doing here?"

"What does it looks like?" Photo Finish said firmly, "I am here for taking photos of Princess Twilight and her friends for founding this school!"

The children looked shock and disbelief. Lance spoke, "What are you talking about? I thought that photo was taken a month ago."

"What?! That cannot be right!" Photo Finish exclaimed in shock and concern.

"It's true. A pony came here to take photo of us from last month. Man, she's very pushy," Spike commented dryly.

"No! That is not right," Photo Finish protested, "The Canterlot Historical Society has already deliver the mail to you from last month, informing you all that our photographers are not available to do the shoot! We were dealing with other projects! We even told him that I'll be available today!"

The children were in shock and concern of the reports. They then looked at each other for having discussion.

"Something's not right," Spike said in concern, "If they didn't send the photographer here from last month, who was that?"

"I don't know. But there's something off with her especially her voice, no doubt." Lance said firmly. He hummed thoughtfully, "Why did she come here in the first place?"

Nyx gave some thoughts carefully as her eyes widened in shock and concern. She gasped, "Chrysalis! That photographer was Chrysalis?!"

"Huh?! Are you serious?!" Spike asked in surprise, "How did you know?"

"One thing for sure, Chrysalis's really need to work on her acting skills. She's very terrible at it, even if she tried to be nice. Guess she never learn from her mistakes," Nyx commented, "And the reason Ace behave aggressive towards her is because Mole Rats are fierce enemies to bugs especially Changelings!"

"Wow. That's something." Lance remarked in surprise. He hissed, "We've gotta warn Twilight! Now!"

Spike nodded firmly as he quickly took out both quill and scroll, "On it!"

Queen Chrysalis, Mean Eight, Mean Tailtech and Mean Icy continued their journey to the Castle of Two Sisters, bringing along with their hostages. The students grunted and groaned, struggling to move and break through the coccons. Upon arriving to their destination, the former queen of Changelings laughed amusingly yet pleasingly of it.

"Yes, we are here…" Queen Chrysalis said in pleasant tone, "Soon, the Elements of Harmony will be mine to command!"

Queen Chrysalis and her forces have entered the ruined castle's hall. The captive students were then placed and attached to staircases. They're all groaned and grunted, struggling to escape.

"Four of you, remain here and keep your eyes on them," Queen Chrysalis said firmly and dryly, "Now, my Mean Six, let us go and find the Elements quickly. They must be here somewhere."

Mean Twilight nodded reluctantly and frustratingly, "Understood. We'll get the job done."

Queen Chrysalis marched out at once. Mean Six followed her from behind. She then gathered the rest of her 'friends' close together for secret discussion.

"Once we get the power of the Elements," Mean Twilight said sinisterly and darkly, "No creature – not even her majesty – can tell us what to do."

"Seriously? You wanna turn on her?" Mean Rainbow asked in surprise yet amusingly.

"I thought you agreed with her…" Mean Pinkie said suspiciously, "If this is a joke, thenI hated it."

Mean Twilight scoffed, "I pretended to agree with her until we get the Elements. So, we can take the chance to take her down."

Mean Applejack hummed amusingly, "You know what I think? That's gotta be the worst plan you ever come up with." She then laughed out loud, "I am enjoying this!"

"As long as I have something that is mine!" Mean Rarity exclaimed greedily. She then laughed sinisterly, "Mine… Mine… My precious…"

"I'm loving it too," Mean Fluttershy agreed.

"Then, we'll wait for the rest when they returned," Mean Starlight said calmly.

Mean Sunset smirked, "Yes. We'll strike at her before she makes her move."

"Yeah…" Mean Tailtech and Mean Icy agreed.

"Good… Good…" Mean Twilight smirked amusingly and sinisterly, "Once we find and take them, then we regroup with my evil husband and others. We're gonna take her and the rest down!"

Liking her evil plot, Mean Eight and two mean members of Chaos Strike Force laughed evilly and sinisterly as they agreed with it. Mean Six headed and followed Queen Chrysalis. Mean Starlight, Mean Sunset, Mean Tailtech and Mean Icy remained behind, guarding the student hostages.

Travelling the Everfree Forest; Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and Lockdown were still looking out and searching for the missing students via using the Student ID Tracker Device. And so far, they haven't found anyone or even a trap they have to deal with yet.

"Anything?" Rainbow asked impatiently.

Tailtech sighed while looking at his tracker device, "No. The tracker keep saying that the students are somewhere on the north."

"North?" Rarity asked curiously. She gasped in surprise, "That is the Castle of Two Sisters, and also where the Tree of Harmony is hidden!"

"That is true. But why there?" Shorty asked in concern, "If this kidnapper wanted to wield the Elements of Harmony, then he's mistaken. Only the Chosen Ones can wield them."

Terrorcreep hummed suspiciously, "Unless he knows there's a way to wield them."

"Whatever it is, we've gotta get there and stop him before he could do some damages. And of course, we need to save the students too," Blazefist said firmly, "Head straight to the Castle of Two Sisters. Time is short! Let's move it!"

With everyone's in agreement, they're all trotted off and headed straight to the Castle of Two Sisters. And at the same time, Lockdown was seemed down and upset over his demotion and Chancellor Neighsay being mad at him.

"Are you still upset over demotion?" Starlight asked in concern.

"Of course, I am still upset of that! That position means everything to me," Lockdown said in disappointment.

"Yeah. For you to bully some teachers and students," Laxtinct complained.

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah. We and some students were kinda bumped by you for messing up our fun."

"So, you'd think I'm some kind of bully?! Is that how you all think of me when the school started?" Lockdown asked angrily and annoyingly. This makes everyone uneasy and worried. He groaned, "Wow. I have never felt offended in my life! Thinking that my job is about making ponies' lives miserable when I'm trying to make sure the school never close down and students get the education they need!"

Everyone was shocked by Lockdown's reasons. Aqua asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Is there a reason why you're being stick in the mud?" Rainbow asked curiously.

Lockdown sighed in upset tone, "Yeah. I have. I did it for Camp Chipmunk."

"You're kidding me," Terrorcreep asked in disbelief.

"Camp Chipmunk?" Fluttershy asked in surprise. She awed happily, "I loved that camp a lot! I enjoyed nature activities and meeting lots of animal critters too! It was the best camp I ever been to."

"I also loved that camp too and even done the squirrel communication too," Lockdown said happily with tears.

"Really? You talk to squirrels?" Pinkie asked in surprise. Lockdown nodded firmly. She hummed, "You sure you're not related to Kronk?"

Lockdown gasped, "How did you know about my squirrel pet's name? Are you psychic?!"

Pinkie looked surprise with a blink, "Uh, never mind." She muttered, "I was kinda talking about the other guy from movie."

"So, you did it for Camp Everfree? Why?" Saber asked curiously.

"It was closed down because it refused to obey and follow the EEA guidebook!" Lockdown exclaimed, shocking everyone. He sighed, "Yeah. That's true. The camp consultants didn't believe in the EEA Rules suitable for the camp. So, they tried their own teaching style. This got EEA on the wrong side to close it down."

"Oh my…" Fluttershy said in shock and concern, "I thought it was closed down because the forest is dangerous with wild animals."

"No. The animals and even the carnivores are very friendly." Lockdown corrected the reason.

"I don't believe it. How could they do that?!" Icy said in shock.

Pinkie hissed in concern, "No wonder you wanted to make us follow the EEA rules, knowing it doesn't work well."

"Oh, believe me, I know it doesn't work for some schools because telling and writing on board are not always the best teachings to students," Lockdown said firmly. He sighed, "But if I let them go and do what they wanted, the EEA will close down the school. That's why I had to be hard on the schools to make sure that they will never closed and get accredited, no matter what."

Everyone couldn't help but feel sympathy and pity for Lockdown's reasons and strict with EEA Rules.

"I'm kinda feel bad for saying that to you," Rainbow said in shame.

"Me too…" Pinkie agreed in shame.

"I think all of us feel the same," Sunset said in concern, "Sorry, Lockdown."

Lockdown sighed, "Well, it doesn't matter. The school is already closed down. No matter what anyone said, Chancellor Neighsay deemed it failure. It's gonna be tough to change his mind."

"That is true, I supposed…" Starlight agreed. She turned and looked at Twilight, who is upset and disappointed over her school being closed. "And it's affecting her."

"But not for long," Shadow Dragon disagreed. He then approached to Twilight. He spoke firmly, "Twilight, it's not gonna help us find and rescue the students if you're not concetrating."

"Oh! Sorry about that," Twilight apologized in shame. She sighed in frustration, "It's… It's just so hard to get over what has happened."

"Twilight, you can't let Neighsay get to you! He's wrong about ponies and creatures become friends, our school, our teaching skills and what the friendship is really about. Plus, his EEA Guidebook didn't work well for our school. It caused the mess in the first place."

"Still… I can't help but feel like that he was right about one thing. The school was a disaster and students went missing because of me. I've let everyone down."

"Twilight, don't you think you give up too easily?" Starlight asked firmly. Twilight turned and glared at her. She laughed a bit, "Hey, you made me a guidance counselor. That means tough love."

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Not helping, Starlight."

"Hear me out, guys," Starlight said firmly, "I was a disaster when I became your apprentice. But you showed me that when you know in your heart something is right, you stand up for it. You did that for me. Why not for the School of Friendship?"

Everyone looked surprised by Starlight's counsel. She's asking Twilight to do something unexpected for the School of Friendship?

"Somehow, I know where this is going," Blazefist commented amusingly. He turned and looked at Twilight, "Remember what I told you?"

Twilight gasped, "Oh no! No! I am not going to do that! I am not going through it!"

"Twilight, you have to. And this is politics," Blazefist said seriously and firmly, "Neighsay is too stubborn and ignorant to listen because he thinks he's doing 'greater good' for ponies. But in reality, he's a xenophobic coward and wanted to prove that ponies are better than creatures. So, if you prove your valued point over his, then others will support and agree with you. And therefore, he will be forced to step down and submit to your vision."

Twilight shook her head and protested, "But I want him to change and accept my vision, not forced him! There has to be a better way!"

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Sorry, Twilight. But I have to agree with Blaze. This is politics. No one is gonna play nice and fair to each other. You have to make a stand and show your point is better than Neighsay's, no matter what."

Twilight hissed, "I can't go against the EEA! They're in charge of all the schools in Equestria!"

"No, Twilight!" Starlight disagreed, "You're in-charge of all the friendship in Equestria. Why should you let somepony else stop you from doing your job?"

Twilight looked uneasy and concern, "But Neighsay-!"

"Doesn't matter!" Starlight interrupted loudly yet firmly to surprised and shocked Twilight, "You can write your own rules! Because you are doing something new. Something important! Not just for students! For Equestria and Mystic Realm! That is the greater good! Better than Neighsay's! Make your stand now!"

Twilight was still stunned and surprised. She turned and looked at the rest of her friends and even Lockdown, who shown their confidence and determination while nodded firmly that they're willing to stand by her side and support her vision, no matter what. She even realized what is really going on.

"You're right," Twilight said in realization, "Why we're doing this is way more important than how we're doing this! And we are doing this!"

Everyone cheered out wildly and happily about Twilight's resolve. She finally got her confidence and determination back.

Blazefist scoffed, "About time you realized of what you have to do."

"Now, that's the Twilight we know." Starlight exclaimed happily.

"You're ready for the mission?" Shadow Dragon asked calmly.

"Yes, I am," Twilight said firmly and calmly. Suddenly, the magically scroll appeared before her and her friends. She unrolled the scroll for her to read. She gasped in shock, "Oh no! Now, we finally know who is responsible of kidnapping the students and want the Elements of Harmony! It's Chrysalis!"

"Chrysalis?!" Everyone asked in shock and disbelief.

"She's behind this? How?!" Aqua asked in concern.

Twilight hissed, "According to the children, the photographer we met was actually her, in disguise! Canterlot Historical Society is unable to send their photographers until today."

"That explains why Ace reacted badly at her. Naked mole rats are bad with the bugs especially Changelings," Saber said in shock and concern, "Still why need our hair and pictures."

"Still hurts," Rainbow complained while rubbing her head.

Rarity nodded in frustration, "Nearly ruin my fashion style too."

"For the Elements of Harmony. She created the clones to get them," Terrorcreep said firmly and dryly.

Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "Terrorcreep's right. By my calculation, Chrysalis might have the chance to get and use them against us."

"And I'm guessing the students are the bait for us to come after," Applejack said in concern, "Definitely a trap for us."

"This is really bad. We need to act now," Blazefist said firmly and determinedly.

"Then, we better act quickly!" Twilight exclaimed firmly and angrily. She then heard laughter, which annoyed her. She groaned, "Lax! Pinkie! Please stop laughing! This is serious!"

"Uh, Twilight, I don't think it's us," Pinkie said in concern.

"Yeah. It's not us do the laughing. We'd never do that, unless we're so down," Laxtinct said in concern.

Laxtinct turned on his left, where he found an evil doppelganger of himself emerged out from the bushes. Mean Laxtinct even armed himself with darkish aura around his body. He also armed with his Rock Hammer and Elemental Element of Earth powers. He wasn't alone. Mean Shadow Dragon, Mean Blazefist, Mean Aqua, Mean Saber, Mean Shorty and Mean Terrorcreep. They armed with both weapons and Elemental Elements.

Laxtinct yelped, "Guys, is it me or am I seeing doubles with freakish dark powers?!"

"You're not the only one." Terrorcreep said in concern. "All of us did!"

"Who are they?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Rarity quivered in fear while hiding behind Shorty's back, "What is the meaning of this?"

Shorty hissed, "Double Trouble…"

"Clones…" Saber said in concern, "Looks like she did it."

Twilight growled, "Whoever they are, they're not gonna getting in our way to find and save the students!"

Armed with his Darkness Blade, Shadow Dragon narrowed his determined eyes, "Let's take them down now!"

Mean Shadow Dragon smirked, "Try if you can. We're stronger and better than you!"

"Oh shit!" Lockdown exclaimed in concern.

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force charged and engaged fiercely against Seven of Chaos Strike Force. They're all fought fiercely and determinedly against each other.

Shadow Dragon and Twilight teamed up against Mean Shadow Dragon. Saber and Applejack faced off Mean Saber. Rarity covered up for Tailtech and Shorty to fire at Mean Shorty, who blasted back as well. Aqua and her evil clone fought in combat, but the former was assisted by Rainbow. Terrorcreep protected and kept Fluttershy safe while facing off Mean Terrorcreep. Blazefist and Mean Blazefist engaged a fire fighting with each other. Pinkie, Laxtinct and Icy were fighting with Mean Laxtinct.

While the teams were battling the evil clones; Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown took advantage to escape the battlefield and headed to the Castle of Two Sisters to find and rescue the students.

The students, still trapped inside the cocoons, struggled and unable to break through and escaped their captivity. Mean Tailtech was working and inventing on his new inventions. Mean Icy was cooking on her cooks. Mean Starlight and Mean Sunset, bored and annoyed, were playing the chess game.

"What are we gonna do?!" Yona asked in concern.

Arcee grunted, "If we don't stop her now there's no telling what kind of plans she has for the Elements."

"Or worse," Ciel said in concern, "She could corrupt and turn them against the professors including my brother."

Ocellus quivered in fear, "I hate to think the worst possible to deal with."

"Yeah. This reminds me of Storm King!" Silverstream exclaimed in fear.

Melody whined and cried tearfully, "I don't want to go through that again! I don't want it again!"

"Then, we've gotta make sure it won't happen!" Sandbar exclaimed firmly and determinedly.

Heatwave groaned in concern, "Hopefully, we make it back for rest and recreation. Trust me. This aching me, you know!"

Gallus groaned, "Really?! At a time like this?!"

"Any bright idea?" Smolder asked in annoyance.

"Simple. You'd give me what I want," Mean Tailtech said sinisterly at the students, who yelped and quivered in fear. He cackled amusingly while patting his wrench, "All I need is the parts from this little bot. I'd love to break and build new toy!"

DECK yelped before blew his steam out literally, "Excuse me?! I'm not a robot! And I'm not your toy too!"

"It's always fun to insult sensitive creatures like you," Mean Tailtech commented amusingly.

Melody gasped before scolded angrily, "Calling him bad name is not nice. You should be ashamed of yourself, Professor Tailtech!"

"Melody, that is not Professor Tailtech. It's his evil clone," Blackwicth corrected her firmly.

Melody yelped in realization, "Oh. Right. Sorry."

"Still! Melody's right! No one makes fun of DECK to get away with it!" Silverstream exclaimed firmly.

Jesuits nodded, "I'm with Silverstream! If we're out, we will pound you to submission and make you regret for kidnapping and hurting us!"

"Indeed! I will defend DECK!" Aero agreed proudly, "Justice will prevail!"

"You know that he's just insulting, brother?" Rak asked in annoyance.

Aero groaned, "Are you with us or against us, brother?"

Rak sighed, "Always with you, you know. I'm just stating the facts."

"The fact is that we or teachers will stop you and your queen from getting away with this," Arcee said firmly and determinedly, "Trust us. They especially Master Shadow Dragon have fought and defeated many villains including the Dark Lord himself."

Ciel nodded, "I seconded it!"

"Your queen will fail again," Kindy said firmly and determinedly, "You'll lose again."

"Don't you mean she lose?" Mean Starlight asked amusingly, shocking the group. She scoffed, "Did you honestly think that we're some kind of obedient clone troopers? That is so cliché classic…"

Mean Sunset smirked, "Tell me about it. The sooner they get the Elements and the rest of our friends return, we're gonna take everything down."

"Wow… Definitely they take the whole new level of evil clones," Leo commented in surprise, "Wouldn't you agreed, Jessie?"

"Indeed. Guess Chrysalis was very desperate to create the clones that she forgot to make sure their loyalties," Jesuit said firmly and calmly, "Please, stop calling me that, Leo. We're not some kind of mates."

"You won't get away with this!" Mano exclaimed firmly.

"You're in no position to do anything. Even if your professors did arrive, they're too late to stop this." Mean Icy commented sinisterly. She brought the tray of dumplings an apple fritters, "Care to try one of my dumplings? And I even made apple fritters."

The students were confused and shocked by Mean Icy's offer. They looked at each other for the moment. They're all shrugged in uncertainty. They remained firmly and cautiously picked the food up.

"I don't know why you're serving us, but…" Smolder muttered. She put a dumpling in her mouth. After chewing on it, she looked surprise of eating it. She smiled happily, "Mmm! This is really good!"

"Seriously?" Gallus asked in surprise.

Eating another dumpling, Mano hummed happily, "She's right!"

"No kidding!" Heatwave agreed while eating an apple fritter.

The students chattered and muttered happily while eating the dumplings and apple fritters.

"She may be evil, but I gotta say. Her cooking is spot-on," Sandbar commented while eating his dumpling. He yelped in concern, "No offense, Solflare!"

"None taken. Normally, my sister's a terrible cook," Solflare remarked amusingly, "But I don't tell her that."

Sandbar gulped nervously, "Uh, could you not tell her what I said either, please?"

Noticing DECK didn't pick and eat the food, Ocellus asked, "DECK, why aren't you eating?"

"Metal Ponies don't eat. We weren't built to consume anything, after all," DECK said calmly, "Electrical source is our only supply to regenerate our source."

Mean Icy scoffed, "Too bad for you."

"Stupidest question of all time, why are we eating the enemy food?" Blackwitch asked calmly and annoyingly, "And also, aren't we supposed to do something? Oh, I don't know – get the heck out of this stupid cocoons, and also stop the bad guys?!"

Everyone stopped at once, realizing of what Blackwitch has asked. They then looked at each other for the moment. They're all became very serious and determined to glare at each other.

"You'll be stopped! Count on it!" Arcee exclaimed firmly.

Mean Starlight sighed, "And I supposed to say 'Sorry, little ones. We've already won.'"

"Nope. You've already lost," The confident voice shouted.

This shocked and alerted everyone inside the hall. Four evil clones got blasted straight against the wall. The students looked up and found Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown arrived and entered into the scene. They approached and free the students out from the captives.

"The teachers are here! YEAH!" Yona cheered wildly and happily.

"About time," Blackwitch sighed in annoyance, "I almost died with these idiots making things worse!"

"HEY!" The students protested in annoyance.

"No time! Lockdown, get the students to safety!" Starlight ordered firmly. She turned and glared at the evil clones, "Sunset and I will take care of the clones!"

Sunset groaned, "If there's one thing I can't stand the most, it's the evil clones. Why does everyone think cloning good guys to be evil is great?!"

"On it!"Lockdown saluted. He turned and pushed the students off, "Let's move it, creatures! Time's not on our side!"

"But Chrysalis-!" Arcee protested in concern. She got pushed by Lockdown. She grunted, "She and Mean Six are trying to get the Elements of Harmony! You have to stop them!"

"Don't worry! We've got this!" Starlight said firmly.

Sunset nodded, "Go! Get to safety!"

Lockdown pushed and moved the students to the safety zone. Starlight and Sunset charged and engaged the evil clones at once.

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force were still battling the Chaos Strike Force, who has proven to be equal and strong as the originals.

Shadow Dragon swung and struck his Darkness Blade against Mean Shadow Dragon, who firmly and calmly yet fiercely block the attacks while fought back for couple of rounds. When they clashed for the moment, the evil clone quickly headbutt against the original's before nudging him by guts and then punches him for few times. Just before he could do anything, Twilight levitated and thrown the clone against the tree. And just before she could do anything, she got blasted by Chaos Hyper Blast. He then swiftly and quickly punched at her for few times. He then kicked her to the ground. Just before he could finish her off, Shadow Dragon jumped and kicked his evil clone off. Mean Shadow Dragon snarled as he attacked both his original and wife. Twilight summoned and used the barrier spell to block and deflect the attacks while allowing Shadow Dragon to strike back at him. Seeing him weakened, Twilight and Shadow Dragon summoned and unleashed Darkness Oblivion Beam and Sparkling Star Blast at Mean Shadow Dragon, who barely summoned Shield of Darkness to hold off the attacks. They pierced through the barrier and knocked him straight against the tree trunk hard.

Mean Saber summoned and launched Tornado Beam Blast at Applejack and Saber, who barely dodge and evade the attacks, though they got hit and stroke by some attacks. He then summoned and blasted Wind Storm at them straight and knocked on the large rocks. He then swung and blasted Zen Air Slashes at them. She yelped in concern as she quickly grabbed and thrown the large rock at the attacks. It got shredded to pieces. Saber jumped and unleashed Air Raid to slam him to the ground before unleashing Hurricane Speed Raid in ramming and knocking him out, allowing Applejack to throw a punch at his face.

Rarity used her Diamond Barrier in blocking and deflecting the blasts, allowing Tailtech and Shorty to fire back at Mean Shorty, who crazily and wildly firing his Gatling Blaster at them. He then armed and fired his missiles at them. They're all panicked and screamed in fear. They quickly abandoned it and ran for their lives at once. They're all barely dodge the attacks. Mean Shorty fired the missile again at them again. Rarity summoned the Diamond Barrier to deflect, allowing Shorty and Tailtech fired both Flame Volley Blaster and Typhon Blaster's powerful laser beams at Mean Shorty off.

Aqua screamed angrily and determinedly as she swung and struck punches at Mean Aqua, who was grooving and dancing wildly and calmly to dodge the attacks and even Rainbow's speed attack. She easily summoned and struck Water Torpedo Shards and Hydro Cannon at them. They both barely dodge and block the attacks, as well as trying to punch back. And at the same time, Blazefist and Mean Blazefist were punching at each other fiercely and determinedly for couple of times. They then unleashed Firestorm Phoenix at each other before ignited the explosion. Mean Blazefist jumped and is about to unleash Fire Fist but got kicked and thrown over at Mean Aqua. Aqua quickly summon and fire the Hydro Cannon in throwing them off.

Mean Terrorcreep summoned and launched Grizzly Wings and Crimson Lightning at Terrorcreep and Fluttershy, who yelped and grunted in pain and fear while struggling to overcome them. The evil clone then unleashed Thunderstorm on them. Terrorcreep quickly summon and blasted his Nightmare Thunder Destroyer in obliterating the Thunderstorm. Fluttershy charged and gave the Star at Mean Terrorcreep, who panicked and backed away from her. This allowed her husband to jump and struck his Crimson Lightning at him to the ground.

Mean Laxtinct laughed evilly as he was hammering his Rock Hammer on Laxtinct, Pinkie and Icy. Three of them barely dodge and evaded multiple attacks from him. He even unleashed the quake on the ground, shaking them to fall down. He was about to slam his Rock Hammer on them. Icy fired her Ice Beam on the ground, causing him to slip wildly and crazily. Laxtinct charged as he struck his Rock Fist at his face. Pinkie then fired her Party Cannon at him off.

Chaos Strike Force grunted and groaned in pain while glaring at the enemies. They all quickly retreated at once.

"That takes care of them," Terrorcreep grunted in pain, "I don't think we're out."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Definitely. Yeah. The students are still with Chrysalis! And she's gonna get the Elements!"

Twilight gave her narrowed angry looks, "Not on our watch!"

Recalling her former scouts' reports, Queen Chrysalis and Mean Six have arrived at the cave beneath the Castle of Two Sisters. They're now looking at the Tree of Harmony.

Queen Chrysalis smiled pleasantly, "Yes… The Elements of Harmony is ours! Now get them!"

"Yes, your majesty…" Mean Twilight said calmly, "Let's go and get them."

Mean Six chuckled sinisterly and amusingly. They're all approached to the Tree of Harmony. Mean Twilight levitated and took them out from the tree. She placed them on her and her friends. While she was wearing Element of Magic tiara, the rest of her friends worn the necklaces-like with Elements of Harmony.

"We are ready, ma'am," Mean Twilight reported happily.

Queen Chrysalis smirked, "Good. Very good. We are ready."

Lockdown has guided and taken the students to the top level of Castle of Two Sisters. They're all panted heavily, exhaustingly and tiredly. They're now resting and taking a break from running.

"Close call…" Lockdown said in relief, "We're safe for now. No one can find us here."

"Man. That was tensed…" Sandbar commented.

"Well, it's much worse than you think, kid." Leo commented calmly, "Trust me on this."

Aero nodded, "Indeed. When you're on battlefield, it'll be much more tense and worse. Be ready to face them. Kill or get killed."

"I don't think I wanna know," DECK said in concern.

Yona groaned in concern, "Yona agreed."

"Do you think it's good idea to leave them by themselves to handle their evil clones?" Ocellus asked in concern, "What if Chrysalis got the Elements in time?!"

Mano groaned, "I cannot imagine of what happen next."

"She won't. I'm confident that my brother and others won't let it happen," Ciel said firmly, "I know it."

"Ciel's right. They've been in worse situation but they always come out at the end," Kindy said calmly, "I'm sure this is nothing they can't handle."

Solflare sighed calmly, "We must have faith in them. I will not lose mine. They're our only hope to stop them…"

"Hopefully, they turned out to be heroes you guys talked about," Smolder grumbled.

Gallus nodded, "Yeah. The last thing we need is to find out that they're the jokers in the Equestria. I still have a hard time to believe they actually beat Storm King."

"Killed him! Not just beat him," Silverstream corrected Gallus. She smiled, "I'm sure that they can do this."

Melody nodded happily, "It's true. The professors did beat and kill the Storm King, and even scared the evil Dark Mystic Ponies too."

"Indeed," Jesuit said firmly and calmly, "They can get through this."

"So, what now?" Rak asked in concern. He then noticed Arcee got up and marched out. He asked in surprise, "Hey, Arcee! Where are you going?"

"You're not seriously about challenging and picking a serious fight with them, aren't you?!" Blackwitch asked suspiciously.

Arcee remained silent yet firm and calm. Everyone was in shock and concerned by her planning.

"Wow! You're serious about this!" Bella asked in shock and concern.

"I don't know about you. But if I were you, I wouldn't do something stupid," Heatwave said seriously and firmly, "We're talking about dealing with one of the most dangerous villain in Equestria! You do not wanna mess with her!"

Sandbar hissed, "For once, I'm with Heatwave. She's dangerous and scary bad guy to fight with."

"I can't stand here and do nothing," Arcee said angrily and firmly, "If Queen Chrysalis has the Elements now, there is no way that Master Shadow Dragon and his friends could stop them. They could be dead! I have to help them now!"

"I told you before. The Elements won't work on them," Blackwitch said seriously and firmly.

"And why?" Smolder asked suspiciously.

Ocellus nodded, "I have to agree with Smolder. What makes you say that? How did you know about it?"

"I said it won't work. That's all you need to know," Blackwitch said firmly.

Mano groaned, "That's some help she has."

Solflare sighed, "As they said about Wisdom Seekers, 'Wisdom has funny ways to show'."

"I don't care what you all think. I'm going in and help them out, no matter what," Arcee said firmly and determinedly. She sighed, "Don't try to stop me."

"No one tries to stop you, Arcee," Yona said firmly. She smiled warmly, "Yona wants to help!"

Arcee was surprised yet touched by Yona's answer. One-by-one, the rest of students also declared and joined in as well. Silverstream, Melody, Ocellus, Ciel, Kindy and Rak gave them a warm and passionate hug. They too wanted to help her and their teachers as well.

"You guys…" Arcee said in surprise. She sighed, "Thanks…"

"Not so fast, you're not going anywhere," Lockdown said seriously. The students groaned in frustration by his protest. He continued, "Not without the supervisor. Trust me. I'm good at this."

The students looked at each other curiously and thoughtfully. They're all shrugged in uncertain yet relief. They're all nodded firmly and determinedly that they're going to help their friends.

And just before the students and Lockdown could move out, they spotted Maul and some of Demon Changelings were shouting and grumbling at each other over 'their missions' while climbing up the stairs. They're all halted as they're facing at the students and Lockdown. They're all awkward and shocked by it.

"Well, that was awkward…" Heatwave commented in surprise yet awkward.

Maul and his Demon Changelings gave their loud growling and hissing at the students. They're all yelped in fear and concern by them. This caused the students and Lockdown stay closed together while facing at them.

"Not awkward! Scary!" Ocellus corrected fearfully.

Arcee hissed, "Damn it…"

Starlight and Sunset continued fighting and battling the evil clones at the lobby. Starlight summoned and used the Diamond Barrier in blocking and deflecting the attacks, allowing Sunset to fire her Sun Buster Blast at the clones. They all dodged the attacks and fought back. Both Starlight and Sunset charged and fired their powerful Unicorn Bursts at their originals' force field for couple of times. The barrier slowly formed some cracked and breaking. Mean Tailtech fired his Typhoon Blaster's powerful missile in destroying it into pieces, allowing Mean Icy to fire and blasted her ice beam in freezing and trapping them.

Starlight and Sunset grunted in pain while struggling to free themselves from their prison cells. Their evil clones approached as they concentrated and combined their magical powers, unleashing Repulsive Force in knocking them straight against the walls. Both groaned in pain, struggled to get up and face off their enemies.

Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis has arrived at the lobby, along with both Mean Six and Chaos Strike Force. She found Starlight and Sunset on the ground.

Queen Chrysalis laughed amusingly, "How interesting to see you both here. Looks like I can finally have my revenge." She then found the students were missing. She groaned, "Where are the students?!"

"They escaped, madam," Mean Tailtech reported firmly and calmly.

Mean Icy nodded, "Yeah. No thanks to them!"

Queen Chrysalis scoffed, "Well, it doesn't matter now. Twilight and her friends will be here soon. Let us finish them off before they caused us more problems."

"As you wish," Mean Twilight obliged calmly and pleasingly.

And just before Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force could finish Starlight and Sunset, they're all got shot and blasted by powerful magical blasts. The former protégés of Twilight Sparkle were surprised by it. They turned back and found Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have arrived.

"Need a hoof?" Twilight asked calmly while raising her hoof out.

Sunset and Starlight nodded happily as they grabbed and held on hers, pulling them up. She and her team turned and faced at Queen Chrysalis and the evil clones.

Queen Chrysalis laughed amusingly, "Princess Twilight Sparkle – my favorite little brat! I've been looking forward to get my revenge on you and your friends for not only dethroning me, but also turned my hive against me!"

"You could have accepted our friendship. You could have changed for better. The hive would have accepted you. But instead, you rejected it," Twilight said firmly and angrily, "You have no one else but yourself to blame!"

Queen Chrysalis snarled angrily, "How dare you!"

"Chrysalis, we're giving you one last chance," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Surrender now and we will spare your life."

"I don't think so. This time, I will be victorious!" Queen Chrysalis exclaimed arrogantly and proudly, "My nemeses, meet your match! Now, my evil servants, take them down!"

"Yes, your highness!" Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force obliged.

Starlight sighed, "Shouldn't have known she wouldn't give up easily."

"Guess we do the hard way. Again…" Sunset remarked dryly.

"It's time to take her down," Shadow Dragon said firmly and determinedly.

Twilight nodded determinedly, "Everypony, take them down!"

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force gave their loud battle cry. Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force did the same thing as well. Both originals and their clones charged straight to the battlefield. They have their fierce clashes with each other.

Mean Twilight has unleashed powerful Unicorn Burst at Twilight, who quickly summoned Magical Barrier to block and deflect the beams. As soon as she dispersed her barrier down, her evil clone charged and rammed her off. She then unleashed and fired Dark Sparkling Star Burst at her. She barely dodged and evade the attacks. She then fired back at her evil clone, who quickly summoned and used the Magical Barrier to block the attacks. The clone got levitated and thrown straight against the walls. Both Twilight and her evil clone unleashed their full powerful Magical Magnum Blast in clashing and ramming at each other.

"I have the Element of Magic! I am much more powerful and stronger than you!" Mean Twilight bragged proudly, "You cannot win! Give up now!"

Twilight groaned, "I don't think so! You may have the Element! It doesn't mean you actually have its power!"

Shadow Dragon and his evil clone were facing at each other while armed themselves in fighting stance. Using the Blazing Dragon Style and Black Serpent Strikes, they both charged and launched multiple punches and kicks at each other, though they blocked and deflected them off. They then launched fierce punches at each other's faces before stumbled back. They then armed with their Darkness Blades. They charged and engaged a fierce sword fighting at each other for few times. They then have the fierce clashes at each other for the moment.

"For a clone, you're strong and skilled fighter," Shadow Dragon commented.

Mean Shadow Dragon scoffed, "Why thank you. But you being a good guy stinks. Being evil is better and perfect. Your wife stinks."

Shadow Dragon gave a headbutt against Mean Shadow Dragon's. He grunted, "Don't insult me that again!"

Both Shadow Dragon and Mean Shadow Dragon resumed their sword fighting as well as punching and kicking at each other for couple of rounds.

Mean Blazefist and Mean Aqua unleashed both Phoenix Firestorm and Hydro Cannon at their originals and Rainbow Dash. Blazefist summoned his Fire Shield to block and withstand the attacks. And at the same time, Aqua summoned and fired Water Torpedo Shards at the clones. Unfortunately, Mean Rainbow sped very fast in knocking and blocking off the attacks before activated and charged her Sonic Rainboom at the Fire Shield, ramming three originals. Fortunately, Rainbow managed to kick her off as both of them began a fierce brawl. Blazefist swung his Falcon Spear, engaging and battling with his evil clone as well unleashing Fireball Shots and Phoenix Firestorm at each other. Aqua and her clone used their Water Tiger Claws and Tsunami Blades at each other while using Surf across the area.

Rainbow charged up and rammed her Sonic Rainboom at her clone, who dodged and flew up, allowing her to ram and knock Mean Blazefist and Mean Aqua off against the wall. And just Mean Rainbow could do anything, Blazefist and Aqua combined and fired Firespin Strike and Water Torpedo Shard, aiming and blasting her off. She dropped and fell on them.

"You idiot! What the hell was that?!" Mean Blazefist demanded angrily.

Mean Aqua groaned and rapped angrily, "Yeah, yo! What the heck?! You're supposed to help us out, fool! Not let us burn!"

Mean Rainbow scoffed and blew raspberry at them, "You'd think I care?!"

Mean Blazefist groaned, "That does it! I've had enough with you two!"

"Couldn't say better myself, yo!" Mean Aqua agreed angrily.

Mean Blazefist, Mean Aqua and Mean Rainbow screamed angrily as they've gotten into a fierce fight with each other. Their originals were stunned and dumbfounded of what they have seen. They looked at each other as they shrugged in uncertain. Nevertheless, they attacked the clones. Blazefst blasted Phoenix Fire Storm and Hydro Cannon in blasting the evil clones off, followed by Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom. Three of them groaned and moaned.

"Man, for the evil clones, they're not very smart and good at teamwork," Rainbow commented.

Blazefist nodded, "Yeah. They may have our powers and abilities, but they don't have our spirits."

"Well, at least, you're all don't have to listen to her rap," Aqua grumbled, "Man, it gives me a headache to listen to that. I'm suck at it."

Spotting the clones grunting and getting up, Blazefist gasped, "In position! Here they come again!"

Blazefist, Aqua and Rainbow engaged another fierce battle with their evil clones again. And this time, they worked together to defeat each other.

Saber summoned and blasted his Wind Storm at Mean Saber and Mean Applejack, who struggled yet determined to march forward. Applejack grabbed and thrown large debris at them. She quickly used and tangled her Mind Whiplash in tying both of them up. They both approached and glared at their evil clones.

"That was easy." Applejack commented.

Saber hummed, "Hopefully, it is. I get the feeling thing's about to get rough."

"Unlikely, pals." Mean Applejack lied with snickers, "I mean it's not like we purposely make you lowered your guard down or something. I mean if we did, then we wouldn't be in like this. Plus, you're all can't be that stupid to fall for it. If you did, then you would have been in this position, not the other way around."

"Did you get what she said? Coz I can't tell if she lied or not," Applejack said in concern.

Saber hummed in concern, "I hope it's not a trap." He noticed Mean Saber's smile, "Why are you smiling about? And why do I get the feeling that it is a trap."

"Oh, it is, my weak hearted original!" Mean Saber said squeakily yet evilly. He then laughed out loud, "Your justice and benevolent will not prevail! Prepare to die!"

Mean Saber activated and used his Air Choke on both Saber and Applejack, making them both suffocating and choking a lot. They felt the air within them are slowly drained out. With that, the evil clones freed themselves. Mean Applejack laughed evilly as she grabbed and about to throw a large boulder on them. Luckily, Ace, coming out from his master's bag, jumped and attacked Mean Applejack. Feeling the bites and scratches from it, she yelped in pain while bouncing around before knocked Mean Saber off. This gave Saber and Applejack chance to breath slowly and calmly.

Mean Applejack managed to grab and removed Ace out from her face. Just before she could kill it, Applejack jumped and attacked her evil clone. Both of them punched and kicked at each other fiercely and determinedly for couple of times. Saber and Mean Saber charged and engaged a sword-fighting with each other. Both of them simultaneously unleashed their Elemental Element of Wind against each other such as Zen Air Slashes, Wind Blade and Air Raid in high speed and agility. They both got cuts and bruises on their bodies. Both of them unleashed Tornado Beam Blast, charging and ramming at each other fiercely and wildly.

Rarity used Diamond Gem to summon the large barriers, protecting and covering both Tailtech and Shorty. Three of them then fired and blasted their blasters back at the clones, who also did the same thing as they did. Both sides struggled of shooting down their targets, and the only they hit are the walls and barriers only.

"Magnificent, my friends! You have proven yourselves to be worthy opponent!" Mean Shorty said sincerely and calmly yet sinisterly, "I'm truly amazed by your capabilities."

Mean Rarity laughed sinisterly and greedily, "Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! My precious!"

Mean Tailtech groaned, "Of all the idiots, I have to work with these useless ones!"

"I don't know what freaks me the most – fighting the clones or seeing their weird and crazy personality," Tailtech asked in concern.

Shorty sighed, "Clearly, Chrysalis was trying to create the perfect evil clones, but instead, she created the opposites, without some specific ingredients."

Rarity groaned, "I am truly disgust when looking at my clone. She's complete greedy! I would never become like that."

"Neither do we," Shorty said in agreement, "I'd say we end this."

With his teammates agreed, Shorty's team prepared to strike back. Charged up his own powers, Shorty and Rarity fired both Solar Beam and Crystallized Laser Beam in blasting and knocking down the barriers and repel their clones off. Tailtech summoned Trapper Claws in trapping the clones within. Instead, the clones unleashed their powerful blast, breaking themselves freed. Mean Shorty even healed himself and his allies. They then unleashed their barrage of blasts on the original. Tailtech used his Armor Mode to block and deflect the blasts, giving Shorty to summoned and swung his Vine Whip and Razor Leaf. Rarity fired her Diamond Gem Blasters at them. Tailtech fired his Typhon Blaster. Their clones also did the same thing as well to them.

Terrorcreep and Fluttershy stayed close together as they're facing their clones, who armed with Dual Thunder Axes and Animal Ruby. Mean Terrorcreep unleashed his Grizzly Wings while Mean Fluttershy sued Bat Spirit to screech on them both. Both grunted in pain and struggle to withstand the attacks for the moment. The Mystic Vampire Pony summoned and blasted Thunder Balls in knocking them off. Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby to summon and use Porcupine's spikes in shooting and blasting them back at the clones. Terrorcreep then summoned and unleashed the Thunderstorm on them, followed by Fluttershy unleashing her Lion's Mighty Roar to blow them off against the walls. Both the clones groaned and moaned in pain.

"You idiot! Do something!" Mean Fluttershy snapped angrily.

Mean Terrorcreep groaned, "I am! But I don't see you doing anything, you uselss whore!"

Mean Fluttershy groaned angrily, "How dare you, you weakling?!"

Both clones gotten into argument, and even gotten into a fierce fight, shocking and confusing Terrorcreep and Fluttershy about it.

"Oh my… I didn't think these clones would hate each other," Fluttershy said in concern.

Terrorcreep sighed, "Well, I can't be surprise of these clones. They have our opposite personality."

"Thank goodness that we don't hate each other." Fluttershy said calmly. She gently patted on her husband's hoof. She sighed, "At least, you and I will always be loved and stay together."

Terrorcreep smiled warmly, "Yes. I agreed. I love you, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy smiled back at him, "I know."

"How disgusting!" Mean Fluttershy exclaimed in disgust, "I can't stand it!"

Mean Terrorcreep snarled, "Neither do I!"

Mean Terrorcreep and Mean Fluttershy screamed out loud as they're all charged and attacked the couples. Terrorcreep and Fluttershy stayed close together as they both fought and engaged their clones while watching each other's back. Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby's power – Lion's Might Roar, Bear's Strength, Snake's Agility and Slippery and even Mantis's Fighting Skills to block their attacks. Terrorcreep used his Crimson Lightning, Nightmare Raid and Thunder Balls to strike back. Their clones did the same tactic as others.

Pinkie, Laxtinct and Icy are facing off their clones, who are armed and readied to fight. Just before they could do anything, Mean Laxtinct slammed his hoof on the ground, creating the quake to shake the originals off. Mean Pinkie screamed in anger as she fired her Party Cannon while Icy blasted her Ice Beam at them. They're all panicked as Laxtinct and Icy summoned the Fortress Wall and Wall of Ice to block the attacks, allowing Pinkie to fire her Party Cannon at them. Laxtinct and Icy fired Stone Gatling and Ice Shards at them as well. The clones all dodged and evaded the attacks while shooting back at them.

Despite the effort, Laxtinct and his team struggled to overcome their clones especially they almost tripped and fell down. This triggered Mean Laxtinct to laugh crazily and oddly, and his has annoyed Mean Icy and Mean Pinkie.

"What are you laughing about?!" Mean Pinkie asked angrily.

Mean Laxtinct laughed crazily, "Them… Funny…"

Mean Pinkie groaned, "There is nothing funny about them, idiot!"

"You know what's funny?" Mean Icy asked amusingly. Her teammates turned and looked at her. She snickered, "My cooking's better than the original's!"

Heard what Mean Icy has said, Icy peeked out from her Wall of Ice and glared at her evil clone, "What did you say?!"

"You heard right," Mean Icy said amusingly, "I made the best dumplings and apple fritters. In fact, one of your students said my cooking was... What was the word?" She hummed thoughtfully before formed smirked, "Spot on! Guess that makes me... The best cook in all of Equestria and the Mystic Realm!"

"WHAT?!" Icy asked angrily as her eyes were twitching annoyingly, "But... You ... I... better cook… Can't... Be…"

"Uh oh! Now you've done it!" Pinkie yelped in concern.

Laxtinct quivered in fear, "Brace yourselves!"

Pinkie and Laxtinct quickly hide inside the pot. Icy's face began turn in red while her ears shot some steam out. Her eyes is filled with volcanoes erupted.

Icy screamed in anger, "I'M GONNNA KILL YOU!"

Icy jumped and attacked her evil clone, along with Mean Laxtinct and Mean Pinkie. They're all screamed in pain and agony. Laxtinct and Pinkie emerged out from the pots, witnessing Icy attacking them.

"Everyone should have learned that insulting Icy's cook is very bad," Pinkie commented.

Laxtinct nodded, "No shit. Come on. Let's help her out."

Pinkie and Laxtinct charged and joined in the fight as they helped Icy and engaged their evil clones.

Starlight and Sunset armed with Glimmering Staff and Blazing Fan, facing off their evil clones, who also have the same weapons.

"Are you ready to die?" Mean Sunset asked curiously.

Mean Starlight snickered, "Yeah. If I kill you, I might ask Amon to come and join me for invasion on enemy base."

"Yeah. That's not gonna happen," Starlight said determinedly.

Sunset nodded, "I'm with Starlight. You're all gonna lose."

Four of them charged and engaged a fierce battle with each other. Starlight fired her Unicorn Burst at Mean Starlight, who summoned her Barrier and fired back at her. And at the same time, they used their Glimmering Staffs in swinging and slamming at each other, as well as casting Elemental Spells against each other. Sunset and her evil clone fought and battled against each other determinedly and firmly for couple of rounds. They even used their Blazing Fans in blocking and deflecting the attacking while strike back at them.

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force have done their best to fight off their evil clones, with everything they have. However, Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force have proven themselves to be equal and match with. The heroes were able to regroup and facing off their enemies as they have surrounded them now. All of them were panting in exhaustion and tiresome.

Mean Shadow Dragon snarled, "Give it up now! You don't stand a chance!"

Mean Twilight nodded, "Indeed. We're victorious!"

"Not a chance," Saber panted in exhaustion.

"Got that right," Blazefist agreed, "We're not down!"

Rainbow grunted a bit, "Yeah! Just because you've got our moves and powers doesn't mean you're winning!"

Twilight glared at Queen Chrysalis, "We will stop you, Chrysalis!"

Queen Chrysalis laughed amusingly, "Go ahead and try. It will be your last thing you do."

Shadow Dragon grunted as he armed himself with his Darkness Blade, "We will or die trying!"

"Good for you…" Queen Chrysalis said amusingly, "Now my minions. Finish them off now! Unleash your power!"

"Yes, your highness. We will destroy them-" Mean Twilight said amusingly. She then levitated Queen Chrysalis, who is stunned and shocked by her action. She threw her straight to the ground. She smirked, "-Along with you!"

Queen Chrysalis hissed in anger, "How dare you?! I created you!"

"We know, but we preferred to be independent," Mean Shadow Dragon remarked amusingly, "You've outlive your usefulness."

Mean Twilight nodded, "Indeed. It is time to take our place as the new rulers of Equestria and Mystic Realm!"

Laxtinct gulped, "So much for obedient Clone Troopers."

Queen Chrysalis groaned, "That's what I get for not creating a proper spell of Clones! Damn it!"

"Time to end this," Mean Shadow Dragon declared.

Mean Twilight nodded, "This is where it ends!"

Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force cheered wildly and happily. They're all concentrated their energies and powers within while aiming at Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force, who prepared to face for their doom. Unknown to either of them, jewelries and even the clones themselves glowed in darkness like something bad is happening to them. And at the same time, the Tree of Harmony's six holes for Elements of Harmony glowed in darkness.

And just before Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force could do anything, Elements of Harmony jewels sparked out the white lights-like tentacles. They coiled around Mean Eight before engulfed them into cocoons. Chaos Strike Force groaned and moaned in pain, feeling something coming out from them. Like the jewels, the white lights-like tentacles emerged out to engulf them into their cocoons.

Everyone was shocked and surprised by the events. They're witnessing both Mean Eight and Chaos Strike Force withering and weakening like they're dying.

"Imbeciles! You ruined everythiiiiiiiing!" Mean Twilight screamed in pain and agony.

BOOM! The cocoons exploded in bright white light, blinding everyone. As soon as the white light dispersed, the scene revealed couple of pale colourful wooden logs and six Elements of Harmony dropped on the floor. Everyone was still stunned and shocked by the event.

"Wow. I did not see that coming," Laxtinct commented.

Pinkie nodded, "It's not even in the script."

Queen Chrysalis sighed, "That was close. Serves them right for betraying me."

POW! Queen Chrysalis got knocked out by Shadow Dragon's punch. She groaned and moaned in pain while feeling dizziness around her head. Blazefist placed the magical cuffs on her hooves.

"This time, we've got you," Blazefist commented firmly.

"Everypony, let's move now! We have to find and rescue the student!" Twilight commanded firmly.

Everyone nodded firmly in agreement with Twilight's order. Mane Six quickly picked up and placed the Elements of Harmony on them, just to be safe and prepare for possible enemy attacks. They all then headed off to find and rescue the students and Lockdown.

The students and Lockdown are completely surrounded by Maul and his Demon Changelings. Most of the students were frightened and worried while others remained firm and brave to face them. The Demon Changelings chuckled amusingly and sinisterly while glaring at their preys.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Maul asked amusingly.

Snarl chuckled, "Preys, my lord. No doubt that they're from the School of Friendship."

Maul hummed thoughtfully and amusingly, "Interesting. I wonder what are they doing here?"

"The question is what are you doing here?" Arcee asked firmly, "There has been no news of you and your master making any move. So, why now?"

Blackwitch hummed suspiciously, "I can answer that. They're here because of all the fighting going on. Isn't that right, Maul?"

"Why is that?" Smolder asked curiously.

Ocellus gulped in fear, "Unlike the Changelings, Demon Changelings require the negative emotions to feast. The more negative energy they eat, the stronger and powerful they've become."

Maul laughed playfully and amusingly, "Yeah. You've got that right, kiddo. However, that's not the reason why we're here."

"What would that be?" Mano asked suspiciously, "We demand know the answer."

Solflare sighed, "Mano, I don't think they're willing to tell us."

"You've got that right," Maul agreed calmly. He hummed thoughtfully, "We did complete our mission already. So, why not have some fun with these? They're full of negative for us to feast upon!"

Snarl chuckled, "I'd never thought he asked."

Rippersnapper growled, "It will be done, my lord!"

Demon Changelings snarled and chuckled amusingly. They're all slowly crawled towards their preys. The students remained close and stick together. Some of them are scared and worried. Other remained brave, firm and determined to face them. Though scared and worried, Lockdown quickly picked up and armed with a large club as he readied for the fight.

"Stay close, students. I'll keep you safe!" Lockdown said firmly. He swung his club in knocking couple of Demon Changelings. He growled, "Anyone want to feast on these kids will have to go through me! Bring the pain, freaks!"

Instead of intimidated, Demon Changelings laughed out loud at Lockdown's defense. This annoyed and embarrassed the school inspector. He screamed out loud as he was about to swing at them. However, Rippersnapper quickly grabbed and taken the club away from him. He broke it into two while growling at Lockdown, who slowly back off and return to the group.

"Any bright idea?" Rak asked in concern and fearfully.

Yona scoffed, "Yak plan better!"

Yona gave the loud battle cry as she charged straight at Rippersnapper, who remained firm and calm while glaring at the yak. The Zmena Dravec gave the loud roar at the young yak. She quickly halted at once before screamed in fear for facing him. And just before he could attack her, Aero jumped and attacked him fiercely. Rak quickly moved and guided Yona to safety. As Aero gave couple of punches on his enemy, Rippersnapper doesn't feel the pain as he swung a punch, knocking him back to others.

Both Rippersnapper and Snarl gave loud roar, signaling the Demon Changelingts to march and engage the students at once. The students were intimidated by them. However, Arcee remained firm and determined as she gave some thoughts of what she can do to help and save her friends. Looking at Maul, she realized that defeating him is the only to save them.

Arcee gave the loud battle cry as she charged and engaged Maul, who playfully and calmly dodge and evade the attacks from her. Demon Changelings were about to attack the rest of students. Witnessing Arcee engaging Maul, they decided to do the same. They're all charged and engaged the enemies while protecting and saving each other.

Heatwave swung and struck his sword at the enemies, as well as firing his arrows and boomerang at them. Sandbar did his best to punch and kick them off, though not strong and swift as others. Both of them helped each other to defeat them. Silverstream covered and kept Melody close to her from the enemy. Luckily, Gallus and Blackwitch came to their aid, the former clawed and struck at them while the latter used her Time and Dark Magic to repel them. Smolder unleashed her flamethrower on them. Yona charged and rammed at most of them. Ocellus, transformed into various animals, fought and defeated them. Using his telekinesis, Mano levitated them up for Solflare to punch and even firing her Fire Shots at them. Aero and Rak engaged Rippersnapper while covering each other's back. Ciel used her blaster in shooting them off. Kindy protected her by charging and swinging his swords at them around her. Bella gave the loud battle cry as she firmly and determinedly punched and engaged them. Leo and Jesuits charged and engaged a fierce battle against Snarl and his scouts. Whenever they're injured, DECK did his best to help and treat their injuries. Lockdown also helped and kept the students safe from harm.

Despite the effort the students have make, Demon Changelings overwhelmed and defeated them at ease. All of them got thrown back together to one area. As Arcee continued battling with Maul, she has grown exhausted and tired before. The leader of Demon Changelings quickly grabbed and blocked her punch as he quickly gave the barrage of punches on her guts. He then kicked her straight back to the group. All of them panted and breathed heavily.

"Well, that was fun. But too that it has to end," Maul remarked playfully and calmly, "Finish them…"

"It could have been worse than this." Heatwave commented fearfully.

Silverstream grabbed and hugged Heatwave tightly, "What are we gonna do now?!"

Sandbar gulped in fear, "They're getting really close…"

Kindy hissed while held a grip on his sword, "I'm scared now. I don't think I can do this."

"Hey, kid. Don't give in. We're not out yet," Aero said determinedly.

Gallus patted Kindy's back while giving him a warm smile, "No worry, buddy. You don't have to do this alone!"

"Gallus's right. We're in this together," Ciel said firmly and calmly.

Yona huffed, "Yona not scared! Yona have friends."

"I couldn't agree more, Yona," Arcee agreed firmly and proudly, "We're a team! We're gonna take them down together! Ready?!"

"READY!" The students cheered out loud.

"Isn't that sweet?" Maul asked in mockery tone. He chuckled, "Too bad. I'll be sad to see you're all died!"

The Demon Changelings chuckled sinisterly and evilly. They're all approached and crawled towards Lockdown and the students. And just before they could do anything, one of them got hit and blasted by Unicorn Burst. Maul and his Demon Changelings turned to their left, where they found Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force charged to the battlefield. They even left captured Queen Chrysalis against the walls.

"No way!" Gallus asked in disbelief.

Arcee smirked, "Yes, way! Here comes the cavalry!"

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force bravely and determinedly engaged and fought the Demon Changelings.

Twilight, Starlight and Sunset used and blasted both Unicorn Burst and Sparkling Star Burst. Shadow Dragon swung and struck his Darkness Blade at them. Blazefist and Aqua stayed close together as they engaged and fought the enemy forces. Rainbow flew and rammed straight at them. Applejack punched and knocked them off. Saber swung his Twin Dragoon Sabers at them in high speed. Fluttershy used her Stare and Animal Ruby's power at the enemies, allowing Terrorcreep to summon Thunderstorm and Crimson Lightning at them. Rarity summoned Diamond Barrier while Shorty and Tailtech fired their blasters at them. Laxtinct yelled out loud as he swung and slammed his Rock Hammer on them. Icy blasted her Ice Beam in freezing them off. Pinkie cheered as she fired her Party Cannon at the Demon Changelings.

To everyone's surprise, Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force have defeated and killed the Demon Changelings. The students awed in amazement and surprise to see the action of two teams. This earned Maul's annoyance.

"I don't believe it…" Maul remarked in annoyance, "You'd think your minions are supposed to be stronger and better than regulars…"

"We've got you now, Maul! There's no escape!" Shadow Dragon declared firmly.

Twilight nodded, "Don't know what you or your master were planning. But you have lost."

Maul chuckled amusingly, "Sorry to disappoint. The mission is a success. And of course, we're not here to start the fight. So, see you next time, pals!"

And just before anyone could react, Maul quickly summoned the portal for him and his trusted officers to make their escape. Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force grunted in frustration.

After barely escaped the Castle of Two Sisters, Maul and his Demon Changelings were now at the throne chamber. Dark Curse was sitting on his throne chair.

"Did you get them?" Dark Curse asked calmly.

Maul cleared his throat, signaling both Rippersnapper and Snarl to held out 16 vials of blood and crystal shards. The Demon Changeling smirked, "We got them."

Dark Curse smiled in pleasant tone, "Perfect…"

"Damn it. They've got away!" Starlight exclaimed in frustration.

"We'll get them next time. But now, we came what we're looking for," Twilight said calmly. She and her friends turned their attention to the students. She asked, "Is everycreature alright?"

The students chattered and nodded happily and calmly. Arcee smiled, "We're all fine, Headmare, thanks to all of you including Lockdown for saving us."

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force were in surprise and shocked by Arcee's speaking. Shadow Dragon asked, "You speak English?"

Arcee nodded calmly. Rainbow groaned a bit, "Why didn't you say so? I thought you understand China Language."

"You'd never ask," Arcee answered bluntly, which earned Rainbow's annoyance. She then noticed Mane Six have the Elements of Harmony on them, and even the captured Queen Chrysalis. She asked, "You guys got the Elements and Queen Chrysalis?!"

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. We beaten them and Chrysalis. Looks like the clones can't use the Elements. Instead, they got themselves exploded."

Blackwitch scoffed, "Told you."

"You never told us why and how!" Gallus complained.

"Alright, it's time to get back to School now," Blazefist said firmly.

The students sighed in disappointment and frustration, which alerted their teachers to look at them.

"Sounds like they don't want to go back," Laxtinct said in concern.

Terrorcreep sighed, "Can't say I'm that surprise."

"Can you blame them? EEA did some serious number on us and them," Saber commented with a sigh.

"Yeah, about that. If you want our honest opinions, we kinda hate it a lot," Heatwave said uneasily with hiss sounds. Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force remained firm and calm to look at the students. He continued, "No offense, but your school is kinda sucks."

Smolder nodded, "Heatwave's right. You guys are awesome but your teachings are kinda boring and lame."

"Yona not really like school." Yona declared firmly. She then grabbed and hugged Silverstream, Rak, DECK, Kindy and even Smolder. She smiled, "But Yona like new friends!"

Kindy sighed, "We appreciate that very much, Yona."

Rak nodded, "Without the lessons, we'll always be friends together."

Smolder choked in pain, feeling herself choked, "Smolder... like breathing!"

Ocellus smiled, "You're not nearly as strange as the stories say."

DECK smiled warmly, "I feel the same as well."

"Gee, thanks." Leo scoffed while crossed his hands, "But yeah, hanging out with other creatures is actually... not bad."

Jesuits nodded, "Indeed. Black Alpha was right about making new friends and get to know more about others. It's kinda fun."

"We preferred your other teaching style, instead of EEA," Aero said firmly and calmly while bowed humbly, "If you forgive us of our bluntness."

Mano cleared his throat a bit, "Yeah. The showing and demonstrating the skills are way better than just talking."

"I agreed with them," Solflare said sincerely. She turned and looked at Icy, "Wouldn't you agree, sister?"

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force looked at each other. They're all smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, we do," Icy agreed calmly.

"Really?!" Students asked in surprise.

"Yup. It's time for some new changes," Aqua said determinedly.

Twilight nodded in confirmation, "It's pretty clear you've already started learning friendship without your teachers. But we'd like to show you even more... if you'd come back to school?"

"She's right." Shadow Dragon agreed, "There's a lot of things you could learn from us. Trust us. It'll be the blast."

Blackwitch rolled her eyes, "Whatever."

Bella nodded, "Yeah. It'll be the worst school ever."

"No. It's the truth," Applejack insisted calmly, "And don't worry, we're not gonna make you're bored and disappointed of it."

"Don't worry, everycreature. Our science will be better," Shorty said firmly and calmly.

Tailtech nodded, "In fact, all of our subjects will be great and better too!"

"We guarantee it shall be different." Rarity added.

"Oh, yeah!" Rainbow cheered, "With class run my way, it'll be two hundred and twenty percent cooler."

Fluttershy continued, "And without the EEA, it'll be much friendlier."

"Do you mean it?" Ciel asked hopefully.

Shorty smiled as he patted Ciel's head, "Yes, Ciel. It's not going to be very boring school that you and your friends have been through."

Melody squealed happily, "Yeah! I can't wait for new lessons! Hopefully better one!"

Silverstream nodded, "Me too!"

"Wow. Looks like things are getting interesting," Gallus commented.

Sandbar nodded, "I know what you mean. Hopefully nothing goes wrong."

"I'm sure everything's alright," Arcee said calmly.

"I wouldn't to be sure," Pinkie said in concern yet uneasily, "Chancellor Neighsay got mad about you guys having gone missing! He even demoted Lockdown and closed down the school."

"WHAT?!" The students asked in disbelief.

Lockdown sighed, "It's true."

After returning the Elements of Harmony to the Tree, Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force escorted Lockdown, the students and the captured Queen Chrysalis back to the School of Friendship. Upon arriving to their destination; Lance, Spike and Nyx quickly moved and greeted them.

"Hey, kids. Everything alright?" Shadow Dragon asked calmly.

Lance nodded, "Yup. Nothing bad is happening."

Nyx snickered, "Other than Grandpa Tao scolding and whacking Chancellor for his attitude problem."

"Yeah. That never gets old," Spike commented. He cleared his throat, "By the way, Princess Celestia is here. And of course, Spell Nexus came too."

Twilight smiled confidently, "Good. Time to make my stand."

"Huh?" Lance, Spike and Nyx asked in confusion.

Shadow Dragon winked at them, "You'll see."

Twilight and the rest of her friends and students approached to both the leaders and other students. Mystic Tao and Chancellor Neighsay were whacking each other's foreheads while shouting and scolding angrily and annoyingly. Princess Celestia has arrived at the scene, bringing along with Spell Nexus and the Royal Guards.

Princess Celestia gasped in relief, "Twilight! I was so relieved to get your letter!"

"Indeed. I don't know how long I can take with this fool!" Chancellor Neighsay complained in frustration. He then gets another whack from Mystic Tao's. He yelped in pain, "Please, stop doing that!"

Mystic Tao scoffed, "Respect the elders first!"

The leaders chatted happily as they approached to the students. They all chattered in relief and happy to see them safe from danger.

"What happen to you?" Frozen Sage asked calmly.

Glaring at Royal Guards taking and moving Queen Chrysalis into prison wagon, Solflare sighed, "My friends and I were kidnapped by former Changeling Queen."

"That's not all! She made some evil clones of me and my friends!" Icy complained angrily yet frustratingly. She groaned in anger, "Can you believe that bitch?! She made an evil clone of me being good at cook?!"

"What?" Frozen Sage asked in surprise.

"It's true. She made great dumplings and apple fritters and-!" Solflare paused for the moment as she noticed Icy's glaring at her. She cleared her throat, "I'm gonna stop right not."

"Damn right you are." Icy agreed angrily.

Frozen Sage giggled softy, "Imagine that. An evil clone of my daughter is an excellent cook…"

Chancellor Neighsay scoffed, "Either way, you have your students back. Now return home and never come here again!"

"Why would they do that?" Spell Nexus asked suspiciously.

"I disapprove and closed down the School of Friendship," Chancellor Neighsay answered bluntly and firmly, "Princess Twilight and her friends have failed to follow the EEA Guidebook and did nothing to keep the students in check, resulting them to be kidnapped by Chrysalis!"

Princess Celestia hummed suspiciously, "Is there anything else you wish to add, chancellor? I am certain there is a reason behind this."

"Nothing else, Princess." Chancellor Neighsay rebuffed angrily.

"Well, I'm glad that you are safe, Silverstream," Queen Novo said warmly as she gave Silverstream a warm hug, "Your father will not forgive if anything bad happens to you."

"Same goes to us," Soul Sweetie and Roughneck agreed as they held Melody close to them.

"Either way, we're done with this place!" Grandpa Gruff exclaimed angrily, "It's time you got home!"

As Grandpa Gruff bite and dragged Gallus off by his ear, the latter gave a slap on his beak. The blue Griffon grunted, "I'm not leaving."

Grandpa Gruff gasped, "Whaaaat?!"

"None of us are." Ocellus agreed. She then hides behind Bella's back. She continued, "Sorry, Thorax."

One-by-one, both Sandbar's and Arcee's Groups came and stood together as one. This shocked and surprised all of the leaders, and even the chancellor himself.

"Is this some kind of joke?!" Chancellor Neighsay demanded.

"No," Ciel disagreed, "All of us are going back to school."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed suspiciously, "And what makes you think you all can?"

Suddenly, everyone heard a loud magic channeling its powers. They all turned to the School of Friendship's entrance. Charging up her magical powers, Twilight blasted at the padlocks and the chains, breaking them apart and allowing the School of Friendship to be open.

Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and the children were happy about it. Her action shocked and surprised the leaders, the students and even Chancellor Neighsay.

"School is back in session!" Twilight declared proudly.

The students gave the loud cheers and applause for it. The leaders were surprised and shocked by Twilight's action. Her friends and family were proud of it.

"How. Dare. You?!" Chancellor Neighsay demanded angrily as he approached to Twilight at the entrance. He groaned, "Do you realize of what you have done?!"

"I do, Chancellor Neighsay!" Twilight answered firmly and calmly, "And I respectfully ask you to step aside, or classes will start late."

"Classes won't start at all! I meant what I said about your school! It will not happen!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed angrily, "The EEA has spoken, and none shall pass!"

"Then, explain yourself, Chancellor. I would like to know," Princess Celestia demanded firmly and calmly yet suspiciously.

"The school was disorganized, the teachers unqualified!" Chancellor Neighsay explained seriously and firmly, "And those dangerous and unpredictable 'students' have caused some problems such as caused infighting among them, gone missing purposely ad almost put themselves in danger because they do not like the school."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, Princess Celestia. That is how it happens from Lockdown's reports and my observation."

Princess Celestia hummed in unconvincing tone. She turned and looked at Twilight, "Twilight, I am certain that you have a reason why you did it."

"I do, Princess…" Twilight confirmed firmly. She then explained, "I admit it. We did our best to follow the EEA, but instead, it only makes us difficult and frustrated to teach the students or even them enjoyed our classes. Therefore, the school did not receive warm reception from the students."

"So, you agreed with my report?!" Chancellor Neighsay asked in annoyance.

Despite his intimidation, Twilight remained composure and firm to continue her explanation, "However, I still believe the school has some potential. Thanks to my husband's style of teachings, I have decided that we make some changes such as overhaul the lesson plans, modify classes sizes and of course, we make our own styles to teach the students."

"Unacceptable!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in fury, "Did you honestly think that your school is better without the EEA accredited?!"

"It doesn't need to be. Do you know why I built the school in the first place?" Twilight asked firmly. Chancellor Neighsay remained silent yet skeptical and doubtful. She continued, "My school is for both ponies and creatures to learn and understand the 'Magic of Friendship', so they can build a better future."

"Do you believe that?!" Chancellor Neighsay questioned.

"I do." Twilight said confidently. She turned and looked at Sandbar's and Arcee's students. She smiled proudly, "They have proven my point. These students reminded me that every friendship is special, so the way we teach it has to be just as unique. My school is going to do things differently."

"Allowing all of these creatures to attend your school, changing the rules for them – it simply won't work!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed angrily.

"Funny. Where have I heard that before?" Spell Nexus hummed thoughtfully, "I recall something about Earth ponies, unicorns, and Pegasi doing something similar, don't you?"

Princess Celestia nodded, "Indeed. The previous EEA Head told me the same thing about my school and my reason. They do not believe it would work. But at the end, I have proven them that some students were able to advance magical spells and abilities. I was proud of them."

Chancellor Neighsay groaned, "That is different, Princess Celestia! Unlike you, her school failed and unable to produce some good results because she did not follow the EEA rules."

"Hmm… Funny. The way I see it is that the EEA Guidebook is the cause of the problems in the first place," Princess Celestia said humbly and calmly. Levitated the document, she continued, "Recognize this? It's the same document Lockdown has deliver to you."

Chancellor Neighsay gasped, "What?! How?!"

Spell Nexus chuckled a bit, "Princess Celestia and I secretly ordered Lockdown to deliver his recommendation letter to us first. So, we can judge and decide on it, just in case if you tried to destroy it."

Chancellor Neighysay gulped, "You knew it?"

"And not only that, the children informed me that you thoughtlessly challenge and insult our allies and even being racist at them, despite they have helped and assisted us to defeat our enemies?!" Princess Celestia said firmly and seriously, with a nod. Chancellor Neighsay was a bit uneasy. She continued, "Chancellor, may I remind you that you're the minister and in-charge over education, not internal and foreign affairs!"

"Princess Celestia, I'm doing this for greater good!" Chancellor Neighsay protested in concern.

Princess Celestia shook her head in disagreement, "I'm afraid I do not agree with your 'greater good'. It is completely absurd and unreasonable especially it involved of racism. I believed Twilight's reasons is fair, true and indeed for 'greater good'. Making friends with creatures have proven her point. I trust her to continue that."

"So am I," Azure Phoenix agreed.

"Uncle agreed with this," Mystic Tao supported. He then whacked Chancellor Neighsay's forehead again, "And of course, Chancellor's reason is not important!"

The leaders chattered and nodded in agreement. They're all have agreed and supported Twilight's visions.

"If they agreed, so should I," The firm voice spoke up. Everyone turned and looked back. They found Nezha, his Mystic Royal Guards and more of young Mystic Ponies and Creatures. He continued, "After all, they have achieved so many achievements. We should not disagree with her. Plus, I brought more students to come and learn about it."

"Really?" Twilight asked in surprise.

"You're serious?" Shadow Dragon asked suspiciously.

Nezha nodded, "Yes. Consider this a debt for saving my sister's life from danger."

"Sister?!" Everyone asked in surprise.

Bella approached and gave Nezha a warm hug. She turned and spoke, "Yeah. Nezha is my brother."

Everyone yelped and awed in shock and disbelief to hear it. They all could not believe it.

"He's your brother?!" Nyx asked in surprise.

Bella shrugged, "Yeah. It's true."

"Ooh! Now I remember!" Starlight and Sunset exclaimed in realization. They blushed a bit, "Sorry. We've forgot."

Witnessing almost all the leaders including Princess Celestia have agreed and supported Twilight's vision, Chancellor Neighsay groaned in frustration that his has been rejected while allowing the Princess of Friendship to open and continue the School of Friendship.

"I promise you, Chancellor. My school will help protect Equestria and Mystic." Twilight said firmly and determinedly.

"Or destroy it!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in anger and frustration. He sighed, "However, I know when to admit my defeat and back off. But mark my word, Princess Twilight, you'll be responsible of this problem."

"She won't be alone." Shadow Dragon said firmly as he and the rest of his friends stayed close to Twilight. He declared, "We'll be there for her. Count on it."

Chancellor Neighsay rebuffed, "We shall see. I will return to my office now. Lockdown, with me!"

"No," Lockdown disagreed, shocking everyone.

"How dare you defy me?!" Chancellor Neighsay demanded angrily, "I am the Head of EEA! Your leader! You will obey my command or suffer the consequence!"

"Yeah, about that. The thing is I have a confession to make," Lockdown said seriously while gesturing the chancellor to come closer. As he did, the school inspect slammed the document on his face hard. He shouted out loud, "I QUIT!"

Chancellor Neighsay grunted angrily as he pulled down the document, "Fine! You will learn to regret this moment!"

Chancellor Neighsay summoned the portal for him to use and return to EEA Building. With him gone, the students including Sandbar's and Arcee's groups gave a round of applause and cheers that they not only got the school, but also the classes will be different than EEA's.

"Hmph. How is this school going to be any different from last time?" Grandpa Gruff asked in annoyance.

Twilight smiled confidently and calmly while winking at the leaders. She has the idea.

Twilight levitated and opened the door. She and the rest of her friends and students marched into the school. They even brought some stuffs that Chancellor Neighsay has forced them to throw out. And at the same time, the song began.

Twilight: This brand new school of friendship

Is home to everyone

Ocellus: We're learning how to trust

Bella: We're here to all have fun

Rarity helped tied the ribbon on Yona's braided mane, avoiding her to get tripped by hers too many times. This pleased and make her happy to hug the white unicorn. The students awed happily to see it.

Applejack and Rainbow passed a couple of drinks to the students and even Lockdown for them to enjoy. Twilight gave the former school inspector a badge and documents of his job, which its title is 'Discipline Teacher'. He couldn't help but cried in tears of joy about his new position.

Rarity: With friendship ties that bind us

Applejack: Tighter than the strongest bonds

Both Arcee's and Sandbar's group gathered together in one big circle. Fluttershy held both Sandbar's and Heatwave's hooves close. Though still hostile and weary of each other, they both reluctantly held their hooves to each other firmly and humbly. Staring with Heatwave, the students reached out from one to another until Silverstream held onto Sandbar's. They all raised their hands, hooves and claws up high while cheering out loudly and proudly.

Fluttershy: We're hoof-in-hoof

All: In hand in hoof in wing or even claw

At the School of Friendship, Gallus was flying around the School of Friendship as he was returning and meeting up with the rest of his team at the garden. They're now discussing about their project. Twilight smiled happily while looking at them working together as a team.

Twilight then meet up with Rainbow and the children. They're walking down the hallway, where they found Shadow Dragon was discussing with Arcee and Silverstream about martial art skills.

Sandbar, Heatwave, Kindy, Smolder, Yona, Aero, Rak and couple of students were running in the hall. They're all shown worried and scared. Lockdown was chasing after them over their studies.

Twilight: There's a griffon in the garden

Rainbow: Hippogriffs hang in the hall

Lance, Spike and Nyx: And the door will be open

To all creatures great and small

Pinkie and Laxtinct were playing ten music instruments, along with three yaks singing together. The students cheered happily for it. Starlight and Sunset were passing Pinkie's class. Surprisingly, another Fluttershy and another Sunset have arrived at the scene. This shocked and confused Terrorcreep and Angel.

Pinkie: And a yak or two or three

Yaks: Sing in perfect harmony

Starlight: That might have been a changeling

Fluttershy and Sunset: But it kind of looks like you/me

Almost a month has passed, Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force resumed their teachings to the students. Unlike before, they're teaching the students with their own styles and not following the EEA rules. And the students loved and enjoyed it very much and able to keep up with the studies.

Applejack was teaching the students about how teamwork works. Blazefist was telling the history and story of his experience to them, who got excited and happy about it. Rarity helped and taught Melody and Solflare over making the dress. Rainbow and Aqua were training and coaching the students over sports such as Sandbar, Gallus, Smolder and Kindy were challenging Heatwave, Aero, Mano and DECK over the throwing the ball into loopholes.

All: This school of friendship is for all of us

A place where we belong

Where we all learn to share and trust

The only rule here is to find your way

And friendship always wins at the end of the day

Inside her classroom, Twilight was teaching and mentoring the students over the 'Magic of Friendship'. This has make them awed in amazement and surprise about it.

Twilight: Some things you just can't teach with books

Some things you only know

So trust your heart and let us lead

And your friendship's sure to grow

Inside the classroom, Fluttershy was teaching the students about kindness lessons and even befriending couple of puckwedgies. They're all got intrigued about it.

Students: And once we master kindness

We will spread it 'cross this land

Watching over the students' progress of learning and passing Friendship Tests, Twilight has become proud and happy of warm reception the School of Friendship has from them. The leaders have received the reports from the school. They're all amazed and impressed with it.

All: And give the gift that's ours to share

So others understand

After great success over the School of Friendship, everyone has gathered at outside of the School of Friendship. The students helped their teachers to set up the bench for picture. Lance, Spike and Nyx helped putting up two emblems on the ground, consisting of shield-like with large sparkling star on middle with six colorful diamonds around it – Mane Six's Emblem and A Chinese word – '龍' and its left side was replaced with 'Dragoking' Symbol that almost chew on Yin-Yang Symbol.

Both teachers and students quickly take their seats on the benches. Lance, Spike and Nyx were holding two emblems on the ground. On the lowered roll of bench is filled with Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and even Lockdown. Both Arcee's and Sanbar's were sitting on middle roll. At the highest one is filled with other students. Photo Finish taken the photo on them.

The School of Friendship has proven success for one month.

All: This school of friendship is for all of us

A place where we belong

Where we all learn to share and trust

The only rule here is to find your way

And friendship always wins at the end of the day!

One month later, Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force met up with the leaders, along with the representative students gathered there. They all passed the photo frames for the leaders to keep.

"Ugh, Fine! If you promise to stop singing, Smolder can stay!" Ember complained while covering her ears. Smolder cheered out loud and happily about it. She smiled proudly, "Keep this up, your brother will be free dragon. I promised you that."

Spike sighed, "Just hope he doesn't do anything bad again."

Ember smiled as he patted Spike's head, "Don't worry, it won't happen. I promised."

"Ember and Spike, sitting in the-!" Smolder paused, noticing Ember and Spike glaring at her. She giggled a bit, "Shutting my mouth."

"Uh, if dragon stay, yak stay." Prince Rutherford supported as he gave Yona a hug, making the latter smiled.

"I can see some improvement in you, my nephew." Azure Phoenix said proudly to Heatwave. He continued, "I expect more from you. Hoping that one day, you'll take over the command of the army. Do not disappoint me."

Heatwave saluted firmly, "You can count on me."

Mr. and Mrs. Sandbar, and even his younger sister approached and gave Sandbar a hug. The father spoke, "I am so proud of you, son."

"Yes. Perhaps, this is the right place for you," Mrs. Sandbar said warmly while looking at some creatures, "Especially making some new friends."

Sandbar smiled happily, "Aw, thanks, mom and dad. Thanks for the support."

Courage Tiger approached to Ciel, Shorty and Aqua. He spoke, "With them and their teachings around, I am confident that you will bring success and honor to our kingdom."

Ciel smiled firmly, "I won't fail, my lord."

"I expect nothing less from you two. With brains and brawn, you can overcome anything. Do not disappoint me," Scar said firmly. Aero and Rak saluted. He nodded, "Good. That is all I asked."

Yuko hugged her daughter happily and warmly while kissing her forehead and check. Blackwitch groaned, "Mother, please. Stop you're embarrassing me!"

"Aw. Can you give me the best moment for this?" Yuko said teasingly and playfully, "Mother won't get to do this, every day."

Blackwitch groaned, "This is so humiliating…"

"Leopardos and Jesuits, I wish you all success," Black Alpha said seriously and humbly, making both of the young ones to bow humbly to him.

"To see my daughters off has always been difficult for me," Frozen Sage said sadly, making Solflare and Icy uneasy and sad. She gave them both warm hug, "But there are times that I have to let you go and grow up. But remember this, you both will always be my daughters."

Solflare smiled sadly to hug back, "I won't disappoint you, mother."

"And you will always be our mother, no matter how much we grow," Icy said calmly.

"Learn well from them, Mano. I am confident that you'll do this." Lightning Wisdom said calmly and sincerely, while showing a thumbs up to him. Mano nodded as he returned thumbs to him.

Thorax gently patted Ocellus's head, "I know you will make the changelings proud, Ocellus."

While looking at both Nezha and Death Tactic, Bella remained firm and calm to face them. The Emperor spoke firmly, "Do not fail me. I do not tolerate failures. I have great expectation from you. Make sure you do well on your job."

Bella sighed a bit, "Yes, brother. I will do my best."

"Not best, sister. I want you to be better than them," Nezha said firmly and dryly at her.

"Hey! Can't you be more encouraging and compassionate to her?" Ocellus asked in upset tone, "She's only just started."

"Mind your manner, bug. This is family matters. It does not concern you," Nezha said dryly. He scoffed a bit, "I have the internal and foreign affairs to deal with. It cannot wait."

Death Tactic nodded, "We shall leave now. Let us hope that she will reach your expectation."

Summoning the Mystic Portal, Nezha and Death Tactic turned and left the School of Friendship. Bella looked down in upset mood. Ocellus approached and gave her a warm hug. It shocked and surprised her, but it also made her relieved and happy about it.

Iron Brave looked at DECK, "I know you can do it, kid. Do your best."

Metalgear nodded, "Yes. Remember. Use the weapons as the last resort if it goes wrong."

"Yes, sir," DECK saluted.

"You belong here, Silverstream," Queen Novo said compassionately towards Silverstream. Her niece jumped and hugged her. She sighed a bit, "Now, how am I gonna explain to my brother about you staying here for long time?"

Princess Skystar giggled, "I'm sure Uncle Skybeak will understand about it."

"Melody, just remember if you ever get into trouble, you know who to call?" Soul Sweetie said seriously and firmly.

Roughneck nodded, "Yeah. And also, if there's a bully, show him that you're no pushover. Got it?"

Melody smiled as she hugged her sisters, "Yes, sisters! I've got this!"

"So, what do you think of her, son?" Mystic Tao asked calmly.

"She certainly got some skills but she lacked patience and restrain to control her strength and prowess on the field especially when dealing with cunning and manipulative enemy." Shadow Dragon said seriously and firmly. Arcee looked disappointed. He patted her head, "But with mine and my friends' guidance and teachings, she will do better. Who knows? She might beat me and taken my place as the new master."

Arcee blushed a bit, "Please, Master Shadow Dragon. There is no way I can easily become the master. There's so much I need to learn."

"Don't be modest, Arcee." Princess Leaf said calmly, "I am confident that you will become the master, just as you are the leader of the team."

Arcee giggled a bit, "Not really. I wasn't good at leading the team. I'm just doing what I can to keep them and my soldiers safe."

"Which prove us right about you," Dragon Kick said calmly and proudly. He whispered to Shadow Dragon, "Think you can boost her confidence to be a leader?"

Shadow Dragon chuckled, "Don't worry. I'll make sure it will happen."

Witnessing so many leaders gave their bless and confidence to the students, Gallus turned and looked at Grandpa Gruff. The elder Griffon scoffed, "What? You belong at home! You think I care if you've made friends?"

Gallus sighed in defeat, "I guess not."

"Please, Grandpa Gruff. Let him stay here." Kindy pleaded as he humbly bowed to Grandpa Gruff. The elder Griffon huffed angrily while looking away from him. He continued pleading, "Sir, I owe this to Gallus. If not for him, I wouldn't have make this far. He is my first and best friend I ever have in life."

"WHAT?!" Grandpa Gruff asked in surprise. Kindy nodded firmly. He laughed out loud, "Now that's something!"

"Grandpa Gruff, please!" Gallus pleaded.

Choked and wheezed uncontrollably, Grandpa Gruff cleared his throat, "Relax, Gallus. To find out a Griffon teaching a pony? Now that's something. Maybe ponies can learn more from us. We're better teachers. Gallus can stay. Just show them that we're better as they are, got it?"

"I… I…" Gallus stuttered a bit. Shaking his head, he cleared his throat, "Sure. I got this."

"Thank you very much," Kindy said happily.

Grandpa Gruff scoffed, "Whatever."

Gallus whispered to Kindy, "Seriously, Kindy, thanks."

"What are friends for," Kindy said proudly.

"I agreed," Virtue Dragon agreed as he and Saber approached his younger son. He continued, "I know I wasn't the best father you wanted. But I'm proud of you standing up for your friend. Because of this place, you're getting better."

"Don't worry, kiddo, I'd be there for you," Saber said calmly.

Kindy couldn't help but smile happily, "Thank you so much."

"Come on, every creature! To the school now!" Lockdown commanded, "It's school time! Move it!"

The students cheered happily and wildly as all of them headed and quickly inside the School of Friendship. And at the same time, the leaders turned and left the school, returning to their home for dealing with governing their land. Heatwave gasped in realization.

"That's it! I've got it! I know what we're gonna call ourselves!" Heatwave exclaimed happily. His friends looked at him. He continued, "Sandbar's group will be Student Seven because they've got seven different kind of creatures and eager to learn about friendship. My team will be Rescue Warriors Club, you know, because we're good at the rescuing ponies' flanks. Of course, I am the leader of the team!"

Both Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club thought of what Heatwave has suggested. They're all then laughed out loud at him. This has earned him annoyance and frustration, prompting two teams to run off. He then chased after them. Lockdown sighed as he marched inside the building.

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force couldn't help but feel proud and happy to see the students being happy about the school. The children smiled happily about it.

"Looks like everything's alright. I'm so happy that we have the supports for this school." Twilight said happily. Everyone chattered happily about it. She then noticed Shadow Dragon's concern looks. She asked, "Shadow Dragon, what's wrong?"

Shadow Dragon sighed, "It's Nezha. Something's not right about this. And I have to be honest with you. Him helping and supporting us? This is very unlikely of him to do this. Why?"

"True, I supposed. But after what he has done from the past, his authority and power have been diminished and transferred to Mystic Council. So, all he can do is play along and be nice with them." Twilight said seriously yet calmly, "But I doubt he can do anything to make them convinced and let him regain his power."

Shadow Dragon hummed, "I hope you're right, Twilight. I hope you're right…"

Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and the children marched into the school, resuming their duty to help teaching the students about 'Magic of Friendship'.

With Queen Chrysalis has been judged guilty, she has been sentenced in prison at the Realm of Tarturus. She is now trapped inside the prison cage, stranding besides with Lord Tirek's.

"Well, I didn't expect some company," Lord Tirek commented in mockery tone, "It's a good change of pace."

Queen Chrysalis groaned, "I cannot believe that I have to do this nonsense…"

"For what is worth, you have done well of what we expected," Death Tactic said calmly as he and Nezha emerged out from the shadows. He continued, "Just as I suspected, the Tree of Harmony is truly sentient being and very aware of the difference between originals and clones."

"Hope you're happy about the results…" Queen Chrysalis grumbled angrily and annoyingly, "So, when can I be freed? When will I get my hive back?!"

"What about me?!" Lord Tirek demanded angrily, "I've helped you too with lots of suggestion. I deserve to be freed!"

"Patient, you two. You will be rewarded very soon. We must time it perfectly," Nezha said firmly and calmly. He continued to ask, "Do you have what I asked?"

"I did." Queen Chrysalis confirmed as she took out the vial, consisting of mane strands. She continued, "I got it from the brat you have asked for."

"Just remember the spell I taught you to create a different and better being," Lord Tirek said firmly.

Taking the vial from the Changeling Queen's, Nezha smirked proudly, "Do not worry. Your lessons and effort will not be wasted."

"All pieces are in places," Death Tactic commented calmly.

"Excellent," Nezha remarked proudly, "Soon, Operation Trump will commence when I regain both my authority and powers from the Council. The Mystic Ponies will reclaim what is rightfully ours. These mortals will be reminded to know their place. My time will come…"

END?

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Melody Bubbles, Mean Twilight

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon, Mean Shadow Dragon

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Mean Applejack, Mean Rainbow

Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Mean Pinkie, Mean Fluttershy

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Mean Rarity, Photo Finish

Josh Keaton: Blazefist, Mean Blazefist

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking, Mean Shorty, Snarl

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon, Mean Saber

Christy Carlson Romano: Aqaustroke, Mean Aqua

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep, Mean Terrorcreep

P.J. Bryne: Laxtinct, Mean Laxtinct

Kate Higgins: Tailtech, Mean Tailtech

Cristina Vee: Icy, Mean Icy

Kathleen Barr: Queen Chrysalis

Singing Voice:

Rebecca Shoichet: Twilight Sparkle's Singing Voice

Shannon Chan-Kent: Pinkie Pie's Singing Voice

Kazumi Evans: Rarity's Singing Voice

Vincent Tong: Shadow Dragon's Singing Voice

Roger Bart: Blazefist's Singing Voice

Brad Kane: Terrorcreep's Singing Voice

Dee Bradley Baker: Shorty Thinking's Singing Voice

Secondary Casts:

Maurice LaMarche: Chancellor Neighsay

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Vincent Tong: Sandbar

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Devyn Dalton: Ocellus

Shannon Chan-Kent: Smolder

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Jack DeSana: Heatwave

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Stephanie Sheh: Dr. Ciel

Steve Staley: Kindy Dragoon

Steve Burton: Aero

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Jeremy Shada: DECK

Erica Schroeder: Solflare

Pete Capella: Mano Telekinesis

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Taissa Farmiga: Blackwitch

Scott Porter: Leopardos 'Leo' Chi

Kathreen Khavari: Jesuits Omnicron

Minor Casts:

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Cathy Weseluck: Spike

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia

Corey Burton: Spell Nexus

Wil Wheaton: Maul

Djimon Hounsou: Rippersnapper

Cameo:

Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao

Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick

Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Lars Mikkelson: Death Tactic

Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix

Dave B. Mitchell: Virtue Dragon

Gideon Emery: Courage Tiger

Josh Grelle: Scar Brilliance

Brad Pitt: Iron Brave

Angelina Jolie: Frozen Sage

Jeff Nimoy: Lightning Wisdom

Lara Jill Miller: Princess Leaf

Kevin Conroy: Black Alpha

Colleen Clinkenbeard: Yuko the Blackwitch

Kyle Rideout: Thorax

Ali Milner: Dragon Lord Ember

Gary Chalk: Prince Rutherford

Richard Ian Cox: Grandpa Gruff

Uzo Aduba: Queen Novo

Juliet Simmons: Princess Skystar

Cathy Cavidini: Soul Sweetie

Elizabeth G. Daily: Roughneck Rumble

Latham Gaines: Dark Curse

Mark Acheson: Lord Tirek

Author's Note

There you have it! Happy 10th Anniversary for My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. It's not exactly the grand movie-like as the Transformers Prime IV: Guardians, but it will do to honor the show.

But like I said about this Mystic Season 4, it will be far more different from the original Season 8 especially its ending. How? Time can tell…

There was an original plan about DECK got his voice box being ripped out by Maul or Rippersnapper as he will end up beeping noise for whole time until the end of this season. I chose not to do so, out of respect to P-for-Phantasm because it's his OC.

Episode 3: Journey to the East

Author's Note

If you're expecting for 'Maud Couple', sorry to disappoint you all, I'd never like that episode. It's horrible, plus, not fan of Maud Pie either. So, I'm gonna have to remove it.

This episode will be based on both Wizard of Oz and Journey to the West, which are my favorite shows. Kinda find something common in them.

Episode 3: Journey to the East

Twilight groaned in pain as she slowly opened her eyes, though her vision was a bit blur. With her vision became clear, she found herself at the strange area, which is filled with red bricked road, forest and colorful villages. This shocked yet confused her as she has no idea of where she is now.

"W-Where am I? What is this place?" Twilight asked herself in concern.

While looking around of her surroundings, Twilight found Spike and Nyx were lying down unconsciously on the ground. She approached and shook them immediately, waking them up. They both groaned and moaned a bit before slowly waking up.

"Mummy?" Nyx asked in confusion.

Twilight sighed in relief as she gave both of them warm hug, "Thank Celestia! You're both alright. I was so worried."

"Yeah. We're alright," Spike said calmly. As Twilight departed from hugging the children, the little dragon looked around of his surroundings. He looked confuse and uncertain to ask, "What happened? Where the heck are we?"

Twilight hummed in concern as she admitted, "I don't know, Spike. The last thing I remember is that I was sleeping with Shadow Dragon. And the next, we're all end up here. Whatever this place is, I don't recognize it."

"Daddy, Lance and our friends are gonna be worried sick if they found out we're gone," Nyx said in concern, "We should try and find a way to get back home."

Spike sighed in frustration, "So, how are we gonna do that?"

"I'm not sure," Twilight admitted in defeat. Suddenly, she and the children heard some chattering and chittering noise. They turned and looked back at the village, where the noise comes from. She gulped, "Hopefully, we don't stay here for too long. We're about to have some welcoming committee!"

Alerted, both Nyx and Spike hid behind Twilight's back. They both quivered in fear and concern.

"Good guy or bad guy?!" Spike asked in concern.

Nyx gulped, "Hopefully, the good guy side! We're in the middle of nowhere now!"

Twilight and the children braced themselves to face the locals. They're all emerging out from the colorful village. They revealed themselves to be multiple colorful furry small creatures-like with hands. They all made some cute animal noise before them.

"Wow. I did not expect that," Spike commented.

"Aw… They're so cute and adorable! Kinda like baby Seaponies and Hippogriffs!" Nyx commented in high squeak tone, "What are they? I'd never seen them before."

While looking and analyzing the small creatures carefully, Twilight hummed curiously and thoughtfully, "I don't believe it! I've read about them from 'Mystical Creatures of Equestria' Book. They're called 'Bushwoolies'. They're very rare for small and cute creatures in Equestria. I'd never thought that we could see them here."

"Are they dangerous?" Nyx asked curiously.

"As far as I know of, Bushwoolies are very harmless and herbivore creatures. Plus, they're too adorable and innocent to fight or even hunt down the big monster. Not sure if they're intelligent being." Twilight answered in uncertain tone. She hummed a bit, "Though they're very good at working together like family and friends."

"Don't suppose they inspired Princess Celestia about 'friendship'?" Spike asked curiously yet amusingly.

Twilight shrugged a bit, "I'm not very sure of that."

"Stranger…" Bushwoolie #1 commented.

Bushwoolie #2 purred, "From outside…"

Bushwoolies awed and purred happily and cutely, making Twilight and her children awed back at them.

"Okay. That is cute," Spike commented amusingly.

"Hey, Bushwoolies. Hope you don't mind asking. Where is this place?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Home! Home! Home!" Bushwoolies answered happily with purring noise, "Bushwoolies Home! Bushwoolies Home!"

Spike groaned a bit, "Well, that's helpful. Ever heard of that?"

"Not that I know of," Nyx admitted in uncertain and concern, "And I don't think it's in Equestria."

"Truthfully, I have no idea. Bushwoolies are very hard to find in modern times. And we're lost too." Twilight said in concern.

Suddenly, Twilight and the children noticed Bushwoolies making cutie awed noise while looking up at the clear sky. It revealed some sparkling pixie dust flowing across the clear sky. It was then descended to the ground. This surprised them too.

"Somehow, I have the feeling that someone's coming here to help us out." Nyx commented in surprise.

As soon as the pixie dusts landed on the ground, it quickly merged and formed together into the form of Xuan Oogway.

"Mr. Oogway!" Twilight and Nyx asked in surprise.

"Greetings, my little pony…" Xuan Oogway greeted warmly, though he was staring at the Bushwoolies, who cooed at him. He sighed in frustration, "I'm talking to Bushwoolies, aren't I?"

"Yes. Yes, you are." Spike agreed, "For a blind turtle, you're not good at Magical Sense?"

Xuan Oogway turned his back as he whacked his stick on Spike's head. He scoffed, "I'll have you know, little dragon that I personally trained and taught blinded little pony to be better at it. And I can hear it well."

"So, what are you doing? How did you get here? Where's here?" Nyx asked in confusion.

"For certain, you're not in Equestria. You're at another dimension," Xuan Oogway answered calmly.

"Please, don't tell me that we ended up at Ben 10's world again?" Twilight asked in concern and uncertain, "I am still uncomfortable with Hex Guy for absorbing my powers for his stupid Charms of Bezel."

Xuan Oogway chuckled amusingly, "Nope. This is called 'Middle' Realm."

"Middle Realm? Really?" Spike commented dryly.

"I'd never heard of it before." Twilight said in surprise and concern, "But how did we end up here in the first place?"

"The ancient enemy is responsible of trapping you and the children in this realm," Xuan Oogway answered grimly, "I believed you know her very well for trying to seduce your husband. And she is assisted by Chaos Herald of Manipulation – Cursecon."

Twilight gasped, "Kyuubi Lilith!" She groaned, "I should've known! She and her crazy obsession on Shadow Dragon!"

Spike groaned, "Tell me about it. She's really need to move on and get a new boyfriend."

"Spike, she's called 'Chaos Herald of Lust' because she doesn't let go of him easily," Nyx answered dryly. She groaned, "I hate her too for screwing up Lance's mum. No one does that to her!"

Twilight sighed, "So, how do we get back home? I don't suppose you can just teleport us back home?"

Xuan Oogway shook his head with a sigh, "Unfortunately, not, my friends. The Chaos Heralds' powers are stronger and powerful than mine to return you home safe, my dear. I am sorry."

Twilight groaned, "Ooh! I really hate that witch!"

"What do we do now?" Spike asked in concern, "Isn't there anything you can do?"

Xuan Oogway hummed thoughtfully, "If you wish to return to home, then you must travel to the East. From there, you shall seek out the Ancient Sage of East. He shall help you whatever you require."

"Ancient Sage of East…" Bushwoolies wooed happily and amazement.

"Who is that?" Spike asked in surprise.

"She is the most powerful, noblest and wisest sage in the Middle Realm. With the Power of her Wisdom and Ancient Magic, she shall help you to return to your home." Xuan Oogway explained humbly and calmly. Twilight and the children awed in amazement. He cleared his throat, "Be warned, Twilight. She has the fierce temper. I recommended you to listen to all of her questions before answering them. And tried to ask her too much. It only makes her angry."

Spike scoffed, "For a Sage, she sure got the temper."

"So, where can we find her?" Twilight asked firmly.

Xuan Oogway smiled warmly as he pointed at the red bricked road, "Just follow the red bricked road, my little ponies. It will lead you to the ancient Shrine of Sutra. That's where you will meet her."

Nyx nodded, "I heard about this from somewhere…"

"Okay. Then, we're off to our journey," Twilight said firmly and calmly.

"Before you go, Princess Twilight, there's one thing I can help you out for this journey," Xuan Oogway said calmly, "During your journey, you will meet and recruit my three apprentices. They will assist and protect you from the enemy."

Twilight sighed, "That would be great, Mr. Oogway. Thank you."

"So, anything else," Nyx asked happily.

Mr. Oogway smiled warmly, "One more thing – Enjoy the 'Bushwoolie's Goodbye Song'."

Mr. Oogway slowly transformed and dispersed into pixie dust. They're all flew to the clear sky. Bushwoolies cheered and waved 'goodbye' to him. Noticing the red brick road on the floor, Twilight and her family approached and followed the road. They then looked up as they found where the red bricked road was leading to.

Twilight hummed, "I'm guessing this must be it."

"What does he mean 'Bushwoolie's Goodbye Song'?" Nyx asked curiously.

"No idea." Spike shrugged in uncertain. He then noticed Bushwoolies surrounded him and his family. He asked, "What are they doing?"

Bushwoolie #1: Follow the red brick road!

Bushwoolie #2: Follow the red brick road!

Bushwoolie Girl: Follow the red brick road!

Bushwoolie Elder: Follow the red brick road!

As Bushwoolies were singing and cheering out wildly and happily and even playing their musical instruments, Twilight and her children can't help but giggled by their cheerful and cutie singing. Nevertheless, they're all moved out by following the red brick road.

Bushwoolies: Follow the red brick road, follow the red brick road

Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the red-brick road

Follow the red-brick, follow the red-brick

Follow the red-brick road

As Twilight and her children were walking on the red brick road, Bushwoolies followed them as they continued singing and cheering for them.

Bushwoolies: You're off to see the Sage, the Ancient Sage of East

She maybe the ancient, but she's still the magical and powerful being

If you ever need help for your problems,

the Ancient Sage of East is one because

Because, because, because, because, because

Because of the wonderful things she does

Towards the end of Bushwoolie's large gate, two Bushwoolie Gatekeepers opened the door, allowing Twilight and her children exited out. They're all waved goodbye to the family happily and heartily. They waved goodbye to them as well. Twilight and her children moved out now, heading to the East.

Bushwoolies: You're off to see the sage,

the Ancient Sage of East!

Unknown to Twilight and her children, they were being spied and watched. Inside the dark chamber, it revealed two evil figures watching at the crystal ball. One was fully recovered Kyuubi Lilith with her beauty looks while another was grayish demonically elder elf-like with three serpentine pupils within blackish eyeballs worn blackish armored hooded robe.

"Curses! It appears Athena and Paladin Knight are helping their favorite little sister again." Kyuubi snarled angrily. She growled, "She's going to ruin my revenge again. I will have to confront and deal with her at once."

"Calm down, Kyuubi. There is no reason for you to be furious," The elf said calmly and amusingly, "And also, they can't do anything about it."

"True, Cursecon. True." Kyuubi agreed. She scoffed, "Since we have her now, my dear brother, it is time for my revenge. Now or never."

"Patient, my dear sister. Patient." Cursecon said calmly and amusingly. He then gave a cackling laughter, "You will have your revenge soon. For now, we watch and learn more what she is capable of."

Kyuubi growled, "I hate waiting, Cursecon especially that little bitch stole my beloved husband away from me!"

Cursecon sighed, "Your obsession and lust are the reason for your failures and 'downfall' twice. If you had kept them in check, then perhaps he would have been ours. Above else, we would have succeeded our mission!"

"Do. Not. Test. Me." Kyuubi snarled at Cursecon, who remained calm and did not faze by her fury. She continued, "I will have him back. She will die by my claw."

"Keep this up. You will get nothing again," Cursecon said dryly. He turned and looked at the crystal ball, "Now, time to see what she is capable. We must study and learn more about Hikari. To see if her power has return to her."

Kyuubi chuckled a bit, "I doubt she will regain her power. I doubt it."

"Do not be certain, witch," Cursecon said firmly.

"And stop calling me that, Dark Elf!"

While following the red brick road, Twilight and her children have arrived at the forest with some hills. Spike even sang 'Follow the Red Brick Road' happily, making two girls giggled at him. He groaned of embarrassment.

"Hey! There's nothing wrong about singing it," Spike complained, "I mean we sang a lot for most of our adventures."

Twilight giggled, "True, I supposed so. That song was quite catchy…"

"I'm sure I've heard that song before. It was very old movie," Nyx commented playfully. She then gave some concerned thoughts over Xuan Oogway's words. She asked, "Mummy, do you think the Ancient Sage of East can help us to get back home?"

Twilight sighed, "I don't know, but there's no other ways."

"Let's hope that we don't come across to some problems." Spike said hopefully. He groaned a bit, "I don't even want to come across to any of Chaos Heralds. We're on our own."

Twilight hummed in concern, "If we do come across to some problems, we have to be prepare to face them. Or at least, tried to make a new friend and ask for his help."

"Like Oogway's apprentices?" Spike asked curiously, "Think they can help us?"

"I hope so," Twilight said in concern, "Come to think of it. I don't think me and my friends have ever met them since the Trials of Wisdom."

"Hopefully, they're nice creatures," Nyx commented hopefully.

Suddenly, something just bounced and knocked Twilight and her children off to the ground hard. They're all groaned and moaned in pain.

"What the heck was that?" Spike asked in pain while rubbing his head.

Twilight groaned in pain, "No idea. It hurts."

As soon as she recovered, Nyx found a Chinese Golden Monkey growling in pain while rubbing his head. She yelped in shock and fear, going behind her mother's back. Even Spike go behind her back as well.

"What is that?" Spike asked in concern.

Nyx gulped, "I think it's a monkey. I think he's from China."

"What on Equestria is he doing here?" Twilight asked in confusion. The Chinse Golden Monkey shook his head of recovery. She approached to him. She asked, "Hey there… Are you alright?"

The Chinese Golden Monkey howled wildly and frantically, making Twilight and her children nervous and worried. They have no idea what he was talking about.

"Do any of you understand him?" Twilight asked.

"Nope." Spike admitted before groaned, "Wish Fluttershy was around to help us out. Sometimes, I wish I could learn how to speak to animals."

"Maybe someday…" Nyx commented playfully.

The Chinese Golden Monkey grew impatient and frustration. He then quickly pushed Twilight and her children to move. They then followed him as he guided them to climb up some hills. Eventually, they're all arrived at their destination. They've come across to the largest five pillars-like mountain. It was surrounded by a group of monkeys, who were howling and moaning out loud.

Twilight and her children were confused and uncertain of what's really going on. The Chinese Golden Monkey nudged and pushed them to continue moving out. They're all approached to the mountain. And to their shock, they found another deceased Chinese Golden Monkey was trapped beneath the large mountain.

"Wow. How did he end up here?" Spike asked in concern.

Twilight hummed in concern while looking at the deceased monkey, "Poor monkey. He must have gotten himself killed when climbing up the mountain."

"I can't imagine how much hurt and scared these monkeys have suffered to see him died," Nyx said in tears, "I feel very sorry about him."

Twilight sighed as she grabbed and hugged her daughter, "Me too, Nyx. I cannot imagine if I was that position while my friends mourn for my death."

Suddenly, the supposed-deceased Chinese Golden Monkey opened his eyes in shock and anger. He shouted in Cantonese Language, "I am not dead, dumb ponies!"

Seeing 'deceased' Chinese Golden Monkey awakened, Twilight and her children screamed and panicked in fear. They even held on each other. As the monkey screamed in fear, they screamed back. Everyone screamed out loud.

"Aieyah! Enough!" Chinese Golden Monkey shouted in frustration with the tone of Cantonese. He groaned, "Now are you trying to kill me with your screams?! Honestly! Bad enough that I'm stuck underneath this stupid big fat mountain!"

"Does anypony understand him?" Spike asked in concern, "I'm not good at it."

Nyx blushed in embarrassment, "I haven't started learning the language yet."

"Good think I know a way to understand him," Twilight commented proudly as her horn lighted up with magic. She blasted it on herself and her children. The monkey was confused and uncertain. She smiled, "Translation Spell. Allow us to listen and understand any creatures with different kind of language."

"Cool!" Spike and Nyx cheered.

Twilight turned and looked at the monkey. She hissed in embarrassment, "Sorry about that especially saying you're dead. But who-? What are you? You're definitely not ordinary monkey."

The Chinese Golden Monkey smiled proudly, "I'm glad you asked." He cleared his throat as he made some dramatic speech, "I am the bravest monkey you ever encounter! I am the most mischievous and cunning trickster that you can rely on! I am the unbeatable warrior that no one can beat me! I am the Legendary and Mighty Warrior of the Mystic Realm - Monkey Kong!"

"Monkey Kong?" Nyx asked in surprise. She hummed, "Okay. I definitely heard something about this before."

Spike groaned, "And I thought Trixie is bad enough to be mouthful."

"Yo! It's called heroic dramatic pose and speech!" Monkey Kong cheered, "Everyone does that! I'm sure Master Oogway appreciate it!"

"Master Oogway?!" Twilight and her children asked in surprise.

"You're his apprentice?" Spike asked in surprise.

Monkey Kong nodded happily, "Yup! That would be moi! Good to meet you all, whoever you are." Twilight and her children introduced themselves to him. He looked surprised and amazed. He whistled, "Wow! Really! About time you got here!"

"So, how did you end up like this?" Nyx asked curiously and concerned.

Monkey Kong groaned, "I got punished for messing up the Heaven and even picking a fight with some guys. Yeesh, someone needs some serious cool off. Really need get a life." He sighed, "Good thing that I have some monkeys accompany me…"

"That's something…" Spike commented. He continued, "And how do we know you're not lying?"

"Come on! I don't lie. I'm always truthful!" Monkey Kong exclaimed proudly. He scoffed, "And of course, you need some strong super fighter. And I'm the monkey you can count on. There's no one else can help you out."

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "I suppose that is true. So, what can we do to help you out?"

"Get that stupid parchment out from the mountain!" Monkey Kong exclaimed, "And I'd be free!"

Twilight looked up and found ancient parchment attached to the walls of mountain. She flew up towards it. Lighted up her Unicorn Magic, she has her magical aura surrounded the parchment as she struggled pulling it out. For the moment later, she took it out.

Suddenly, the mountain was shaking wildly and crazily as it began crumbling down with smoke. Twilight, her children and the monkeys panicked and ran away for their lives. As soon as the smoke dispersed, the monkey revealed himself to be a brown colored humanoid Chinese Golden Monkey wearing a crimson pants, black jet boots and gauntlets. He even has a golden circlet.

Monkey Kong took a deep breath and released it. He cheered and howled happily, "YEAH! Good to be freed! I hate getting trapped! Thanks, ponies."

"You're welcome," Twilight said warmly.

"So, what's next?" Monkey Kong asked, "Ready for Ancient Sage of East? Master Oogway told me about this."

"Yup," Nyx nodded, "Just need to follow the red brick road."

Monkey Kong smirked, "Sound simple enough! Let's move it." He turned and looked at the monkeys, "Thanks for the help, monkeys! Take care!"

The monkeys cheered out wildly and happily while waving 'goodbye' to their friends. Twilight and her companions continued their journey.

Twilight, the children and their newly companion – Monkey Kong continued travelling through the forest. For nearly two hours passed, they exited out and come across to a small village. They then found a village pony emerged out from the place.

"Help! Somepony help!" The villager cried in fear and tears. He then found Twilight and her companions arrived at the scene. He approached to them. He pleaded, "Please help us! You must help us!"

Just before Twilight can answer, Monkey Kong spoke arrogantly, "No can do, villager. We've got more important thing to deal with your mess. Seriously, no time to waste!"

"What can we do, sir?" Twilight asked firmly, surprising both Monkey Kong and villager.

"Are you serious?!" Monkey Kong asked, "We don't have time for this!"

Twilight turned and glared at Monkey Kong, "Monkey Kong, I know you want to help me. But when there's trouble, I helped them out, no matter what."

"Is this about making up from 'Stealing Orb of Lost Soul'?"

"What?! I did not steal it! And for the record, it was a stupid big fight about helping the world! How did you know that?"

"Newspaper. News feed. And even the history got the latest info. Every creature got them."

Twilight sighed in annoyance, "Right. Anyway, we're going to help them! You're not gonna stop me."

"Yeah. You can't change her," Spike said confidently.

Nyx nodded, "Yup."

Monkey Kong hummed thoughtfully, "You know what? I'll just have to hit you, so we can go and move to the East."

Summoning the Golden Rod, Monkey Kong was about to wreck it at Twilight and her children. Twilight and her children yelped in concern. They quickly chanted out 'Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao', causing his circlet tightened on the monkey's head. He howled and screamed in pain and agony for the moment.

She and her family stopped the chant, Twilight spoke, "Had enough?"

"Yes! Sorry!" Monkey Kong moaned in pain. He sighed, "How on Heaven did you know about the chant?!"

"Grandpa Tao," Nyx and Spike answered playfully.

Monkey Kong growled angrily, "I hate that old pony. Fine. I'll work with you."

"Good to hear." Twilight said in pleasant tone. She turned and looked at the villager, "Tell us what's happen."

"Really?! Thank you!" The Villager exclaimed in relief, "We're in need of help now! There's a pig at our village! He's been terrorizing and destroying our home!"

"A pig? Really?" Spike asked in disbelief.

The villager hissed, "I think you should see this with your own eyes. This pig is not really a normal pig."

With the villager's leading and guiding, Twilight and her companions marched straight into the village. They're all marched straight to the center of the village.

And to their shock and disgust, they've found fattiest pinkish pig worn a blue sleeveless vest and pants, and even a small hat on his head sitting on the large stage. He was happily and wildly eating and chewing couple of fruits, vegetables and even meat. He drank couple of wines and jars. He even molested some female ponies, and trying to kiss and nuzzle them happily.

"This is the best day ever!" The Humanoid Pig cheered.

Nyx groaned in disgust, "That is so not good!"

"What is that thing?!" Spike asked in concern.

Monkey Kong scoffed, "Isn't it obvious? He's just biggest and fattest pig, who enjoyed stealing food and even molesting the girls. What a pig."

The Humanoid Pig squeaked in shock and anger, hearing the comment. He squeaked out loud as he slowly turned his head to his back. He made a squeaky noise with angry glare at Twilight and her companions.

"What did you say?!" Humanoid Pig demanded angrily and frustratingly.

Monkey Kong blew raspberry at him, "You heard me! 'What a Pig'!"

"Who are you calling 'pig', monkey?!"

"I am monkey, stupid pig."

"Stop calling me 'Pig'. I'm Pigsy Greed the greatest, humblest and noblest of this town." Pigsy declared proudly and happily. He then heard some laughter. He then glared at Twilight and her children, who shook their heads. He turned and glared at Monkey Kong, who was laughing amusingly. He shouted, "Hey! That wasn't funny!"

"It is." Monkey Kong exclaimed happily, "Coz none of them fit your personality, stupid pig!"

"Hey! Stop calling me 'stupid', stupid monkey! At least, I'm smarter and handsome than you are!"

"Yeah. I still don't see how that fits you."

"You filthy monkey! You're gonna be sorry for insulting me!"

"Come on! Give your best insult you can make. Because you're just too chicken!"

"Shut up!"

Monkey Kong and Pigsy have gotten into a fierce argument and insults at each other. This shocked and confused Twilight and her children, and even the villagers.

"Yeesh. This is awkward," Spike commented, "And I thought Applejack and Rainbow have the worst rival."

Nyx nodded, "Good think that Monkey Kong stopped Pigsy from eating village's food and drinks, and even from bullying the girls too."

"That does it! No more mister nice monkey!" Monkey Kong exclaimed in anger as he jumped up high and was about to hit Pigsy, "Time to get smackdown, piggy!"

Pigsy squeaked out loud, "Don't hit me!"

"Monkey Kong! Don't make me chant again!" Twilight exclaimed angrily, scaring Monkey Kong to get slammed on the ground hard. She sighed in annoyance, "Pigsy, don't you think that stealing and eating ponies' food and drink or even playing with the girls is a good idea?"

Pigsy shrugged a bit, "Well, I deserve some rewards. I mean I did lots and lots of work and farming. I mean it is fair."

Twilight sighed, "Pigsy, this isn't about 'reward' or 'fair'. In fact, it is about helping ponies with kindness and noble, no matter what. After all, you did claim that you're noble, humble and kindhearted pig."

"Do you really mean it?!" Pigsy asked hopefully. Twilight nodded. He sighed as he turned and looked at the ponies. He bowed humbly, "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your lives. You're all deserve better. I won't bother you."

Though still annoyed and angry with Pigsy's selfishness and ruining their home, the villagers sighed in annoyance as they decided to let him off the hook. Pigsy sighed in relief. He then yelped in pain, feeling a whack from Monkey Kong's golden rod.

"You're lucky that Master Oogway doesn't find out about the mess you make." Monkey Kong remarked dryly. Twilight and her children looked shock and disbelief. He scoffed, "Of course, he is. He's the laziest and hopeless troublemaker pig. I always end up clean up his mess."

Pigsy groaned in pain, "Jeez! You don't have to hit my head that hard!"

Spike groaned, "Okay. This is definitely reminded me of Applejack and Rainbow."

"So, I'm guessing that you're gonna help us?" Twilight asked seriously. Pigsy nodded happily. She sighed, "Good. But let's get this straight for one thing. You'd better not try to be funny, lazy and fooling around especially trying to be pervert. Asking Monkey Kong to beat you up is the least of you to be worried. Got it?"

Pigsy gulped fearfully, "Yes, ma'am."

Monkey Kong whistled in surprise, "I'd never thought that she got some backbone."

"Trust me, monkey. You do not wanna test her fiery temper. That is the worst," Spike commented in concern.

After leaving the village, Twilight and her team continued their journey. Taking for two hours, they have arrived at the ashore, which has the largest dirty lake.

"That's one big lake," Spike commented. He even touched it a bit. Looking at his dirty watery hand, he groaned in disgust, "That is so not clean."

Twilight looked up ahead as she spotted another shore ahead. She hummed, "I'm guessing it's up ahead?"

"Gee. What do you think?" Monkey Kong asked sarcastically.

"So, how do we get there?" Nyx asked in concern, "It doesn't look like we're gonna have the boat to cross."

"And did I forget to mention that I can't swim?" Pigsy asked in concern and feared tone.

While looking at the shore up ahead, Twilight then tried lighted up her magical horn. But instead, it dispersed. She looked concern and worried, "Something tells me that magic isn't gonna help us get there now."

"Great. What's next?" Spike asked in concern.

Monkey Kong smirked, "Leave it to me. All I need to do is call a friend of mine."

"Really? Who?" Nyx asked curiously.

And just before Monkey Kong could answer, he and his companions spotted something bubbling wildly on the large lake like something's trying to come out. Sensing danger, Monkey Kong and Pigsy armed themselves with Golden Rod and Nine-toothed Rake, preparing to fight suspicious enemy.

As expected, something just jumped out from the lake. He landed on the ground, shaking it and unleashing the shockwave to blow Twilight and her companions off. He revealed himself to be large, fierce and terrifying Tibetan Mastiff Diamond Dog worn dark greenish robe-like with praying beads around him armed a large double-headed staff with a crescent-moon blade-like on front and its end was a spade.

Diamond Dog growled, "Who dares to enter the territory of Sandy the Demon Dog?!"

Spike gulped, "That's one big dog!"

Nyx quivered in fear, "Yeah, no kidding."

Pigsy turned and looked at Monkey Kong, "Think we can take him out?"

"What do you think?" Monkey Kong asked in annoyance, "Of course, we can! Let's take him out now!"

Monkey Kong and Pigsy armed and faced off at Sandy, who is armed with his own weapon. The humanoid monkey howled wildly as he jumped and slammed his rod on top while the pig slammed his on sides. The Diamond Dog quickly blocked the attacks for the moment. Deflecting it off, he then swung and slammed his Double Voulge at both of them. They both swiftly and determinedly blocked and deflected the attacks for two to five times. He swung and slammed it in knocking them off.

As both of them slammed on the ground hard, Sandy roared out loud as he charged and rammed at both Monkey Kong and Pigsy. They both firmly to block and withstood the attacks for the moment. While the humanoid pig endured and held on, the humanoid monkey jumped and slammed his golden rod on the Diamond Dog's head to back off. Both of them charged and engaged him in another fierce duel for couple of rounds. As they rammed and pushed him straight to the edge of beach, Sandy firmly and determinedly slammed his paws against the ground before swung them away from him. He then gave the loudest and terrifying wild roar at them.

Twilight and her companions were scared and alerted by his roar. Nevertheless, both Monkey Kong and Pigsy, armed and still in battle position, ready for the next fight.

"No, wait!" Twilight called. Everyone turned and looked at her. She continued, "We should try another method."

Monkey Kong scoffed, "What would that be?"

Twilight smiled confidently, "Friendship."

Monkey Kong sighed, "You've gotta be kidding me. That is stupid idea I ever heard!"

"Monkey's right. I mean Sandy's not a friendly type of guy," Pigsy commented in concern.

"If we ever seek out the Ancient Sage of the East, we need to work together as one to get there and meet him." Twilight said firmly and calmly. She sighed, "Or else, we won't able to make it out alive..."

"She has the point," Spike agreed.

Monkey Kong and Pigsy groaned a bit about the idea. They reluctantly stand down, allowing Twilight to move and approach Sandy, who remained vigilant and weary of her.

"S-Stay back! You do not wish me to cut you down! Leave now!" Sandy demanded angrily and firmly.

"It's okay, Sandy. We're not here to fight. We just wanna talk," Twilight said calmly. Sandy was suspicious yet uncertain. She continued, "Look! I've got no weapons. I've come in peace."

Sandy hummed suspiciously, "Fine. What do you want?"

"We just want a safe passage for us to travel and continue our journey to the East."

"Hmm… Why would you want to go there? What are you after?"

"We need to see the Ancient Sage of East. We need her help to send us home. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Ancient Sage of East?" Sandy asked in surprise yet curious. He hummed thoughtfully, "Are you Twilight Sparkle, Nyx and Spike?"

"Yes, I am," Twilight confirmed, "And I have to assume that you've been sent here by Master Oogway?"

"How did you know?" Pigsy asked in disbelief.

"Please. Ever since Monkey Kong revealed about you, I suspect that Sandy is one of his apprentices," Twilight said firmly with rolling her eyes. She turned and looked at Sandy, "Seriously, you don't have to be hostile at us."

Sandy blushed a bit, "Sorry. Master Oogway warned me to keep an eye on trouble especially shapeshifting witch and Dark Elf. We have to make sure no one will get the chance to sail and reach her. Sorry for going wild."

"No need to worry, Sandy. Your reason is understanding," Monkey Kong commented playfully. He scoffed with his crossed arms, "Better than piggy here."

Pigsy squeaked angrily, "Hey! Watch it!"

"So, you'd think you can help us out?" Twilight asked.

Sandy nodded while bowed humbly, "It would be my pleasure. Allow me to summon the boat for you! We shall set sails to the East!"

Sandy howled out loud while slamming his blade on the ground, causing the lake to cut in halves and formed a large and long road to the shore. Twilight and her children were surprised and amazed by it. He turned and bowed before them.

"We're ready, my princess!" Sandy reported firmly.

Twilight smiled in relief, "Let's get going."

Monkey Kong groaned, "Could have summon the Nimbus Cloud to get us there."

Twilight and her companions marched out at once. They're all headed straight to the northern shore. Upon arriving at their destination, the lake's halves slammed down and returned to its original position. They then continued their journey to the East.

Almost two hours of travelling, Twilight and her companions have arrived at the large ancient temple, which is mixed of Chinese and Indian architecture designs. At the main entrance, it was heavily guarded by group of ten, wearing ancient brownish robe-like with blackish shoulder pads and eagle-like mask.

"Who goes there?" Eastern Guard #1 demanded.

Eastern Guard #2 hummed suspiciously, "What are you all doing here?"

Twilight gulped nervously, "Sorry. We're here to see the Ancient Sage of East. We were told that she can help us out."

Eastern Guards looked shock yet suspicious. Eastern Guard #1 asked, "What business do you have with her? The Ancient Sage of East does not wish to welcome and see anyone, unless you have the reason."

Monkey Kong growled as he armed with his Golden Rod, "How about a big whack would be good reason enough?!"

Sandy yelped as he held Monkey Kong back, "Wow, Monkey Kong! Don't do something stupid!"

Pigsy nodded, "Yeah! Don't get us into trouble again!"

"You dare threaten us?!" Eastern Guard #2 demanded.

"No, sir! In fact, we were sent here by Master Oogway." Twilight explained humbly and firmly.

The Eastern Guards were surprised and shocked by her claim. Eastern Guard #1 asked, "You know 'Master Oogway'?"

"Yes. He told us to seek Ancient Sage of East for her help," Twilight confirmed humbly.

Eastern Guard #1 nodded in understanding, "I see. Very well. A friend of Master Oogway is the friend to the Ancient Sage of East. We shall bring you all to her now."

Everyone sighed in relief and happy to hear the news. Eastern Guards let and guide Twilight and her friends into their temple, leading straight to Ancient Sage of East.

Eastern Guards led Twilight and her companions to the decorated Japanese-themed throne chamber, filled with piano, ancient artifacts, portraits of ancient artworks, jewelries, statues and so on. This surprised and shocked the group. Sitting on the throne chair was a mysterious bluish energy being-like female creature-like worn blackish-whitish colored Ancient Japanese Female Robe and has ancient hairstyle.

"Who dares to enter my throne chamber?" The mysterious being demanded calmly yet loudly, shocking Twilight and her family. She narrowed her suspicious eyes, "I want answers now…"

Twilight gulped, "Sorry. Not used to this. My name is Twilight Sparkle. My children – Nyx and Spike, and my friends – Monkey Kong, Pigsy and Sandy. We have come in peace."

"Why do you come here? What is it do you wish to seek from me? You must have a reason."

"Yes. Yes, I do, ma'am. We were told that you can help all of us send back to home. That is all."

"Is that all? Or are there more you have to ask?" Ancient Sage of East demanded firmly. Everyone shook their heads. She hummed thoughtfully, "Very well. I will help you."

"Really?!" Everyone asked hopefully.

Ancient Sage of East interjected, "But you must perform your deed first. Prove it to me that you were succeeded. Failure will not be tolerated."

"Are you kidding me?! You can't mean that!" Pigsy demanded angrily, "She wants to go home! So, let her go!"

Ancient Sage of East snarled, "Silence!"

Pigsy gulped in fear, "Sorry!"

Had the feeling that there might be a 'catch', Twilight asked, "What must we do? We'd do anything to get back home."

"Are you certain? Are you ready to face your challenge?" Ancient Sage of East asked firmly. Twilight and her companions nodded firmly. She spoke, "Go to the West. Seek out two Chaos Heralds. Defeat them! Bring me the Eye of Beholder for the proof. That is all."

Twilight and her companions were in shock and disbelief to hear the request. Spike asked, "You've gotta be kidding me…"

Nyx groaned, "Somehow, I've seen and heard this story before. It doesn't end good either."

"If you refused, then you shall be in this domain for eternal…" Ancient Sage of East hissed in anger and fury.

"Looks like we have no choice…" Twilight said in concern. She sighed before showing her brave and determined looks, "Ancient Sage of East, we accept your request. We will defeat the Chaos Heralds! And bring the artifact here!"

Ancient Sage of East narrowed her fierce and determined eyes, "Then, go and defeat them. Do not fail!"

And just before anyone could say anything, the Ancient Sage of East gave a snap on her fingers, causing Twilight and her companions. Where could she teleport them to now?

Twilight and her companions have been teleported to the darkest and scariest forest of the West. Twilight and the rest of her companions felt uneasy and scared of the area, though Monkey Kong remained confident and calm yet cocky as well.

Spike groaned, "Wish that stupid Sage would give us time to make preparation than just teleport here."

"No kidding. Is she expecting us to take down Chaos Heralds?" Nyx asked in annoyance. She groaned, "We barely beat Kyuubi Lilith or even Lelouch Skarr, let alone we have to fight two of them now."

"I know what you mean. Without our friends, I don't think we can beat them," Twilight said in concern and uneasy tone. She hissed, "I'm not sure how we can do this."

"Run for your lives?" Pigsy asked stupidity.

"Don't be stupid, piggy," Monkey Kong groaned as he whacked his rod at Pigsy's head. He continued, "Even if we want to run, where can we go? Or worse, how can we get out of here?!"

Twilight sighed, "Monkey Kong's got the point. Defeating them is our only option."

"Rest assure, Princess Twilight. We will protect you!" Sandy said firmly and determinedly, "We will not let them harm you."

Pigsy squeaked nervously and concernedly, "What he said!"

"Thanks, guys," Twilight said in relief. She hummed thoughtfully, "If we're gonna defeat them, then we need to know their weakness. And so far, we know Kyuubi's weakness – her beauty. Cursecon is the only Herald we don't know about his weakness. Do anyone know about it?"

Everyone shrugged in uncertain and concern as none of them have the idea about Cursecon's weakness.

Spike groaned, "That's helpful…"

"We'll find it. I'm sure of it," Nyx said confidently.

Though still worried and uncertain, Twilight couldn't help but smile at her daughter's optimism and confidence, "I guess you're right. Hopefully, we're lucky to find out of his weakness…"

Monkey Kong scoffed, "Don't worry. We can do this."

Twilight and her companions continued marching through the dark forest, searching for the hideout of Chaos Heralds.

Witnessing Twilight and her friends travelling the dark forest within the crystal ball, both Kyuubi Lilith and Cursecon smiled amusingly and pleasingly.

"Good. They're here. Athena was truly fool to send her here," Kyuubi Lilith said pleasingly, "I shall take care of them."

"No. I will," Cursecon said dryly and firmly, "Cannot afford you to get distracted with pathetic obsession of yours again."

Cursecon snapped his fingers, triggering his disappearing within the dark smoke. Kyuubi Lilith groaned and muttered angrily about him insulting her.

As Twilight and her companions continued travelling through the dark forest, they suddenly felt a strong breeze blow on them, alerting them to arm for battle. They looked around, but found nothing. And even, the sound of dark forest has been silence. This has made them uneasy and worried.

"I don't like where this is going," Pigsy said in concern and feared.

Spike quivered in fear, "Think they know we're here?"

Monkey Kong armed himself with his Golden Rod, "As long as Monkey Kong's here, no one can get pass us that easily! Count on it!"

Suddenly, the dark forests and bushes were rustling wildly and crazily. The lake was puddling. The animals made various loud wild noises aggressively and scarily. Suddenly, the forest is slowly engulfed by very thick fog, blinding and covering Twilight and her companions. This has make them nervous and worried.

And just before anyone could do anything, something or someone assaulted on Twilight and her companions. They're all screamed in pain and agony from the attack. As soon as the thick fog dispersed, it revealed most of them were defeated and laid on the ground. Cursecon was holding unconscious Twilight on his shoulder. Spike and Nyx groaned in pain while looking up and glaring at him.

"Mummy!" Nyx said weakly.

Spike groaned, "Let her go!"

"I apologize, my little friends. I'm afraid I have to decline it," Cursecon said calmly and sincerely yet darkly. He gave crackling laughter a bit, "But your mother has some discussion with us. Kyuubi is looking forward for this discussion."

And just before Spike and Nyx could do anything, Cursecon snapped his fingers, activating and summoning thick fog of engulfing and covering him and his captive. They then disappeared as the fog dispersed.

"We've gotta rescue her now!" Spike exclaimed in concern.

"I'm with you, Spike," Nyx agreed. She turned back to the rest of her companions, "Guys, we need your help now!"

To their shock and disbelief, Nyx and Spike witnessed something odd happens to their companions, who were covered in dark auras. Monkey Kong screeched and howled angrily and wildly as he whacked and smashed everything around him. Pigsy greedily eating and drinking nonstop wildly and happily. Sandy was cowering himself in fear and worry like something spooked him.

Nyx groaned in frustration, "Not this again!"

"W-What just happen?" Spike asked in shock.

"That Dark Elf did something to them. He must manipulate and turned them to their opposites. Monkey Kong's angry. Pigsy's greedy. And Sandy's scaredy cat!"

"What are we gonna do?!"

"To be honest, I don't know. But we have to snap them out of it. Or else, mummy will be in grave danger."

Spike groaned, "Sure wish our friends were around…"

Nyx sighed, "You and me both. They know what they can do."

After capturing Twilight, she was imprisoned and chained up against the wall, inside the dark and demonic laboratory, which was filled with scarier version of scientific equipment. She grunted, struggling to break free from the chains. Both Cursecon and Kyuubi Lilith were looking at her amusingly and pleasingly.

"Enjoy the comfort, nemesis?" Kyuubi Lilith asked amusingly. She giggled childishly, "Well, I do. I enjoyed watching you suffered after my defeat!"

Twilight scoffed a bit, "Maybe for you. But for me, I enjoyed seeing your real ugly face when we beat you to the pulp!" Kyuubi Lilith snarled in anger as she grabbed by neck before slammed the Princess of Friendship against the wall. She grunted in pain, "What's wrong? I was joking, bitch."

Kyuubi Lilith growled a bit, "Arrogant witch! That is unlike of you to say such a thing!"

"What can I say? My friends have rub it in me a lot," Twilight joked, "Because of them, I would never have make this far."

Kyuubi Lilith rebuffed as she armed with her claws, "Not for long…"

"Enough!" Cursecon shouted angrily while slapping his sister's hand, letting go of Twilight's neck. He continued sternly, "I have warned you before, Kyuubi! Keep your obsession to minimum! Do not let it blind you of our objective."

"Do not remind me, foolish elf!" Kyuubi Lilith scowled angrily.

Twilight panted, "What is exactly your objective? What were you after now? Were you hoping to free your master from his imprisonment?"

"For that, my child, it will have to wait." Cursecon said calmly as he turned and looked at Twilight. He gave her a sinister yet calm smile, "For now, we would have to research and experiment on you."

"For what purpose?" Twilight questioned suspiciously.

Cursecon smiled amusingly, "To see if you truly returned, Hikari…"

"Why did you calling me that? I am not her," Twilight said painfully yet weakly.

"I'm very aware of that, child," Cursecon said calmly, "However, what you do not know is that you're slowly inheriting powers ever since you acquire both the Element of Magic and Elemental Element of Light. Both of them belongs to Mystic Guardian of Light."

"What's that gotta to do with me?"

"I want to see how powerful and strong you've become. As far as I know, you have survived the death due to its power assisted you. You were not supposed to escape your fate and live."

"Sorry to disappoint you, elf. I'm not ready to die until you and your masters are stopped!"

"I wouldn't be too sure of it," Kyuubi Lilith rebuffed with a scoff, "Coz you will die again. I promise you that your suffering will be worse than before."

"Turning into Iris to make me jealous again?" Twilight asked amusingly. She scoffed as she commented sarcastically, "Yeah… Like I'm gonna fall for that again. Besides, Shadow Dragon's not gonna fall for it twice. He and Lance hate you a lot for pretending to be her."

Kyuubi Lilith snarled, "Why you little-?!"

"I'm sure she has learned her lesson now. And rest assure, child, we will not repeat same tactic again," Cursecon said calmly. He took out a dark colored orb with large pupil within. He smiled amusingly, "Do you know what is this?"

"I'm guessing the Eye of Beholder?" Twilight asked dryly.

Cursecon gave soft cackling laughter, "Smart little girl. Do you even know why Athena wants it?"

Twilight was confused, "Athena? Don't you mean the Ancient Sage of East?"

"Yes, child. However, that title is nothing but disguise to hide her true identity. Athena is her true name, and also the Mystic Guardian of Wisdom," Cursecon said amusingly and calmly, shocking Twilight. He continued, "Tell me, why has she not send you home when you reach her palace?"

"I don't know. But I have the feeling that it has something to do with your orb."

"True. My Eye of Beholder is capable of creating and manipulating the dreams, nightmares, illusions and even the reality as well."

"Henceforth, you were called as Chaos Herald of Manipulation. You manipulate and control reality and fantasy? And I'm guessing this is your doing?"

"Yes and no."

"Huh?! What's that supposed to be mean?"

"Though I am responsible of this, it does not mean Athena is capable of destroying the illusion and send you home. She could have dealt with us at once than waiting. Both Mystic Guardians and Chaos Heralds are equals. So, why has she not done it now? Have you ever wonder of it?"

Twilight was in shock and disbelieved by Cursecon's statement. If Ancient Sage of East is truly Athena and powerful as Chaos Heralds, why didn't she send her back and be done with it? There must be a reason behind it.

"Obviously, the truth is that Athena believed that you are her. And wanted you to face us alone." Kyuubi Lilith commented amusingly yet evilly. She chuckled amusingly, "To think she has learned from her mistakes, she allows and send you here to die again."

Cursecon chuckled, "Indeed. For Mystic Guardian of Wisdom, she has make a poor judgment and decision."

Scared and worried of what they have said, Twilight became uncertain of what she can do now. Nevertheless, she remembered what is more important than the revelation of 'Ancient Sage of Wisdom' and her being 'Hikari, Mystic Guardian of Light."

"It doesn't matter now," Twilight said dryly, shocking two Chaos Heralds. She continued with her determined looks, "Whatever the reason Ancient Sage or Athena asked me to do this, I don't care. One thing certain is that I want to go back home, with my children. To help my friends and my family. To protect Equestria. And to defeat Dark Curse and any evil beings like you two."

"Such heroic nonsense…" Kyuubi Lilith snarled angrily, "Still tenacious and of belief in the Magic and Light of Friendship. You are her indeed."

Cursecon smirked, "Regardless, we have you now. It is time to test your powers. How strong you truly become. Experience the power of Chaos Heralds!"

"If you ever survive this," Kyuubi Lilith said cruelly, "If not, I'll take Yami back to us. I'll make sure he will forget about you."

While holding the Eye of Beholder, Cursecon chanted darkly and sinisterly with forbidden dark language. It ignited and energized with lightning energy. It then fired at Twilight, who screamed in pain and agony to feel the electrical shocks on her.

Cursecon remained calm and firm while Kyuubi Lilith smiled amusingly and pleasingly to see Twilight struggled enduring the attacks. Will Twilight make it out alive?

Back to Nyx's and Spike's side, they're witnessing their companions, who are still trapped inside of Cursecon's dark manipulative influence.

"We have to do something!" Spike exclaimed in concern, watching Monkey Kong and his friends gone crazy with the influence they have suffered. He hissed, "This is worse as Discord's magic!"

"No kidding. There must be a way to snap them out," Nyx said in concern.

"How? I don't think pep talk will work on them," Spike said in concern and uncertain, "To tell you the truth, I'd prefer to slap them to wake up and give them some serious talk about their attitude."

Nyx hummed thoughtfully, "That's not a bad idea, Spike."

Spike yelped, "I was kidding! If you do that, they're gonna kill you!"

"I have to try or else we all get killed!" Nyx exclaimed determinedly. She approached to three humanoids. She cleared her throat, attracting their attention to her. She gave them a very hard slap, making them yelled in pain. She shouted, "Alright, three of you! Knock it off before I even hit you hard!"

Monkey Kong growled, "You wanna do that again?! No one does that to Monkey Kong and gets away with this! I'll kill you all!"

Pigsy groaned in pain while eating and drinking wildly, "Yeah. I was busy eating and drinking! And not to mention, you have to hit me so hard."

"Please don't hurt me! Please don't hurt me!" Sandy pleaded fearfully.

"I said 'Knock it off'!" Nyx whacked on three Humanoids' heads hard, making them yelled in pain. She continued, "You've gotta snap out of it! You can't let that Dark Elf's magic influence you to do something bad! You're better than this."

"So what? We are better!" Monkey Kong howled angrily, "In fact, I'm the best fighter in the Heaven anyone has seen before!"

"You won't be if you act like this!" Nyx exclaimed at Monkey Kong, who yelped in fear and worry. She continued, "You maybe one of some bravest and courageous fighters in the Mystic Realm, but you don't even have a brain in it because you don't want to think first before act. If you have wisdom and conscience, you would have become more than some fighter, but also a role model and great commander among the warriors."

Monkey Kong was about to protest but gave the thoughts. He hummed as his body's dark aura dispersed, "I didn't think about it…"

Nyx turned to greedy Pigsy, "Pigsy, you're better than this! You're more than being a pig. You're very nice and kind piggy. So what if people laugh at you? So what if they insult you? You would never let it get to your head. You won't get some food and girls in your head. Because you're always there for us and friends when they need. You may not be strongest and smartest, but you're very kind too."

Touched by Nyx's words, Pigsy cried tearfully while his body's dark aura dispersed, "You mean it? Do you really mean it?"

"I mean it," Nyx said firmly. She turned and looked at worried and scared Sandy, "Come on, Sandy, you can't be scaredy cat."

"W-What can I do?! I'm too scared and worried to do anything!" Sandy exclaimed in fear, "I can't be brave as you all. I'm too hopeless!"

Spike groaned in frustration, "Enough is enough! Snap out of it!" He gave a big slap at Sandy's face hard. He shouted, "For cry out loud! You're a Diamond Dog! And not to mention, you're the big mountain dog! You're supposed to be fierce, strong and determined warrior! You're not supposed to be afraid of anything! I know some guys are tough and scary but you won't let them get to you no matter what! In fact, no one could ever measure up to your courage! No one! You're the beast!"

Sandy blinked in disbelief and shock while his body's dark aura dispersed, "I am?"

"Yes! You are, dude! You are!" Spike exclaimed proudly.

Sandy sighed in relief, "You're right. I can't let fear get to me!"

As soon as the dark aura dispersed, Monkey Kong and his companions have returned to normal. They all smiled proudly while looking at Nyx and Spike.

"Thanks, kids. We owe you one," Monkey Kong thanked happily, "So, what say we rescue the princess and kick some couple of Chaos Heralds?!"

"YEAH!" Pigsy and Sandy cheered.

"So, how and where can we find them?" Spike asked in concern.

"Leave that to me!" Monkey Kong cheered. He whistled out loud, "Nimbus Cloud!"

As ordered, the puffy golden Nimbus Cloud dived down before Nyx and her friends. Both Nyx and Spike gasped in surprise and shock to see it.

"Wow! No way! A cloud that can fly and act like a wagon?!" Spike asked in surprise.

"Now, this is definitely I read this before." Nyx exclaimed happily.

Monkey Kong smirked, "Everyone, climbed on aboard! We're going on airbond!"

Everyone climbed aboard on the Nimbus Cloud. Sandy and Pigsy held on Nyx and Spike tightly as Monkey Kong leaned forward while posing searching gesture and holding his golden rod on back. They all flew off, searching for Twilight now.

Two Chaos Heralds continued torturing and testing on Twilight, who groaned and screamed in pain while struggling to endure and overcome it. She even experienced some horrid nightmares and illusions such as failing her tests, feared of becoming princess, struggled to keep her family together, breaking up with her friends and even Shadow Dragon.

Surprisingly, the bright white-lavender mixed aura-like within Twilight glowed brightly. She was using magical barrier to block and deflect the attacks. She grunted in pain, resisting the pain and power from Eye of Beholder.

"Quite strong you are…" Cursecon commented amusingly, "To think that you were able to resist the illusion and nightmares, despite it was from subconscious…"

Kyuubi Lilith narrowed her suspicious eyes to glare at Twilight carefully. Through her magical eyes, she's seeing both spiritual forms of Iris Crystal and Midnight Sparkle were using their magical powers to protect Twilight from harms.

Kyuubi Lilith growled, "These two again. They're the responsible for my downfall and failures." She groaned, "I truly hate shoulder angel and shoulder devil. Always interfere my plans while thinking of what is right and wrong to solve the problem."

Twilight groaned in pain, "FYI, bitch, they're my best friends for saving my live!"

Cursecon chuckled a bit, "Well, pitiful, how long can they hold against my Eye of Beholder? It is ancient artifact that will keep on using the illusion and nightmares. I know they can't hold against it much longer."

Looking at Iris and Midnight continued using their magical powers, Twilight narrowed her determined eyes, "As long as we're together, we can hold it much longer!"

Kyuub Lilith smirked, "We shall see. Shall I assist, Elf?"

Cursecon smirked amusingly, "Proceed. The more the merrier."

Cursecon continued chanted softly and darkly in his forbidden language, powering up his Eye of Beholder. Kyuubi Lilith smirked as she joined in to chant darkly and unleashed her Song of Death on it. This has powered up the orb, emerging and electrifying its power on Twilight's barrier. It is now damaging and weakening her powers, and even the spiritual forms of Iris Crystal and Midnight Sparkle.

As the barrier slowly formed some cracks, both Cursecon and Kyuubi smirked amusingly and pleasingly of the results. They both unleashed Chaos Demon Power, blasting and breaking through the barrier and throwing Twilight against the wall. She groaned in pain, weakened to get up.

Kyuubi Lilith laughed amusingly, "It appears your powers have been weakened! How pathetic!"

"However, sister, to be aided by the spiritual of light and darkness? It has proven that Hikari's power is infesting within this girl. No doubt that she's returning…" Cursecon concluded calmly, "We might as well finish her off and take her blood to our Demon Father."

"Indeed. We will free him!" Kyuubi Lilith agreed, "I shall finish this."

Armed with her golden claws, Kyuubi Lilith approached to Twilight, preparing to finish her off once and for all.

And just before she could do it, something rushed and rammed both Kyuubi and Cursecon against the wall. Twilight was surprised. Everyone looked up as they found Nyx, Spike and three companions were on top of Nimbus Cloud. They jumped and landed on the ground.

"Yo! Monkey Kong and his friends have arrived! So, who will be the first dumb demon to face me?" Monkey Kong declared proudly, "I am the bravest monkey you ever encounter! I am the most mischievous and cunning trickster that you can rely on! I am the unbeatable warrior that no one can beat me! I am the Legendary and Mighty Warrior of the Mystic Realm - Monkey Kong!"

"Nyx! Spike!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she approached and gave two children a hug. She sighed, "I'm glad you're alright and safe."

Spike scoffed, "Can't get rid of us easily."

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. We snapped those two out of their negative influence."

"Good to hear. Thanks guys," Twilight thanked happily. Monkey Kong, Pigsy and Sandy smiled and gave thumbs up to her. She turned and glared at Cursecon and Kyuubi Lilith, "It's over now!"

"Not quite!" Cursecon exclaimed in fury. Harpy Minions and grayish skinned and armored Dark Elf Warriors appeared. He held his Eye of Beholder, "Prepare to meet your doom!"

Kyuubi Lilith snarled, "This time. You're mine!"

"Hey! No one hurts our friend, ugly bitch!" Pigsy exclaimed proudly.

"Ugly?! Bitch?!" Kyuubi Lilith demanded angrily. She groaned in anger, "No one insults me and gets away with it!"

Kyuubi Lilith yowled out loud as she jumped and attacked Pigsy, who panicked and ran away for his life. Twilight jumped and unleashed her Unicorn Burst to blast her off. Her mask got damaged and broke into two, and revealed a large black mark on her whole face. Twilight giggled at the Kyuubi's face.

Knowing what she's laughing at, Kyuubi Lilith snarled, "Laughing at me will be your mistake, Hikari!"

Kyuubi Lilith blasted her Dark Magic at Twilight, who got thrown at the wall. She then fired and struck her Curse Spell on her. She barely dodged and evade the attacks for couple of times. She's unleashed and blasted her Chaos Demon Power at the Alicorn. Luckily, Monkey Kong jumped in front as he swung and deflect his Golden Rod against the blasts. He took out some of his hair before blowing them off, creating the clones. They all charged and attacked her. She blocked and deflected the attacks while firing her Dark Magic at him and his clones. She even blasted her Curse Spell on him, paralyzing and weakening him, and even danced crazily for the moment.

Just before Kyuubi Lilith could finish him off, Twilight jumped in front of Monkey Kong as she summoned the barrier to block and deflect the attacks before unleashed her Sparkling Star Burst at her off. She quickly healed Monkey Kong. Angered and annoyed by their resistance, Kyuubi Lilith unleashed Song of Death at them, weakening them more. Still weak and tired, Monkey Kong struggled to pluck out some of his hairs before blowing them. This created powerful gust to blow her off. And at the same time, Twilight blasted the Magical Orb of Lights to blast and knock her off. The Chaos Herald of Lust blocked and deflected the attacks. She charged in as she engaged her Trickster Fox Style against Twilight's Blazing Dragoon Style and Monkey Kong's Monkey Charming Style for blocking and deflecting the attacks.

Pigsy and Sandy surrounded Cursecon, who remained still calm and firm while glaring at them both. They both charged and attacked him. He swiftly and calmly dodged and evaded the attacks for eight to ten times. He then unleashed Reaper Ghouls to blow them off. They managed to recover and landed on the ground hard. Pigsy snorted out loud as he charged and rammed the Dark Elf, followed by Sandy's swinging his weapon at him off. Both of them charged and swung their weapons at him. He quickly summoned and launched his holographic clones to charge and engage them.

Pigsy and Sandy struggled to fight the clones. While using his Hidden Shadow Mode to blend in shadows with disappearance and appearing; Cursecon and his clones blasted Dark Magic, Shadow Claws, Dark Fire, Dark Ice, Dark Lightning and Poison Shot at two of them. As one of them was about to use Shadow Claws on them, Nyx summoned the Barrier to defend Pigsy and Sandy from the attacks. Spike jumped and fired his Dragon Flame on the clones, burning them to disintegration. Only one Cursecon remained, allowing Pigsy and Sandy charged and attacked him.

And at the same time, Twilight and her friends were fighting both Harpy Minions and Dark Elf Warriors. Despite their skills and teamwork, they're still overwhelmed by them. Eventually, they've got surrounded by the enemy force.

"Looks like we've cornered you," Kyuubi Lilith said amusingly.

Cursecon smirked, "What a pitiful. I still have many ways to experiment and test your powers, Hikari."

Twilight groaned, "When will you guys ever realize that I'm not her?!"

"Doesn't matter! Die now!" Kyuubi Lilith exclaimed proudly, "Feel the burn, bitch!"

Just as Kyuubi Lilith fired her Curse Spell on Twilight, Monkey Kong pushed her aside before got his head shot and burnt with flames.

Monkey Kong howled in pain, "Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Call fire department now!"

Pigsy and Sandy panicked and screamed in agony, "Gotta do something! Gotta do something!"

Twilight hissed in concern as she looked around to find water. She found a bucket of water. She levitated and threw it at Monkey Kong's head, putting out the fire. And at the same time, water also poured on both Chaos Heralds. They both screamed in pain and agony as if they're feeling some burning acid on their faces.

"You accursed bitch! Look what have you done?!" Kyuubi screamed in pain, feeling her face melting down literally. She screamed, "I'm melting! Melting! Oh! What a world! What a world! My beautiful face is ruined! How could I be weakened by mere Sacred Water?! I warned you not to bring it here, idiot!"

Feeling his face and body melting down, Cursecon groaned and screamed in pain, "I have to! I must research and experiment on it, so I can find a way to turn the Scared Water against them!" He glared at his enemies while armed with smoke bombs, "This is not over! Rest assure! Your world will fall and recreated! Mark my word! Demon God will return!"

Cursecon throw down the smoke bomb on the ground, creating the smoke. This allowed him and Kyuubi Lilith to escape. And at the same time, all of Harpy Minions and Dark Elf Warriors disappeared from the sights. Everyone was in shock and surprised.

"So, their weakness is water?" Spike asked in shock. He groaned, "Lame…"

"Not any water, Spike. Sacred Water," Twilight corrected while looking at the bucket of water, "This Sacred Water is made by Mystic Ponies themselves for protection to defy and defeat the pure evil. The Chaos Heralds are evil. And now of these days, it's very hard to find them especially you can't differentiate it from normal water."

Nyx nodded, "No kidding." She approached and picked up the Eye of Beholder, "Guess we've got the artifact."

"Oh yeah!" Monkey Kong cheered.

"Let's get back to Ancient Sage of East," Twilight commanded happily.

Twilight and her companions returned to the Shrine of Sutra, meeting up with Ancient Sage of East. They're now at the throne chamber. They bowed before her. They even brought the Eye of Beholder. Spike passed it to the Ancient Sage of East.

"Here you go! The Eye of Beholder!" Spike declared happily, "Hope you're happy with it."

"Indeed, I am. Well done." Ancient Sage of East said calmly and pleasingly. She held it up high, "With it, I will send you back to your home now. As promised."

"Before you do that, I have a question to ask," Twilight asked firmly.

Ancient Sage of East narrowed her firm eyes, "Master Oogway has warned you that I do not answer my visitors' questions, only they answer mine. I am not in good mood to answer."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you'd like to hear this, Athena – Mystic Guardian of Wisdom!" Twilight exclaimed firmly, shocking everyone and even Ancient Sage of East herself in the room. She continued, "So, they were telling me the truth about you. You really are the Mystic Guardian."

Ancient Sage of Wisdom hummed in concern, "I see. You're wondering why I didn't just send you home."

Twilight narrowed her angry eyes, "Yeah, I do. Cursecon told me that you could have destroyed the illusion and send me. So, why waste the time to send us and deal with Chaos Heralds? You're strong and powerful as them."

"That is true. However, even if I did defeat them or even send you back home, there is a big flaw in it."

"What would that be?"

"Eye of Beholder has another powerful yet dangerous special ability – Reset. Should they be defeated by me or even send you back home, the 'Reset' will reverse and replay everything from the start and even erased your memories to recall how to start and end. Therefore, I cannot do anything about it."

"Man. That sucks," Pigsy remarked in shock and concern.

"But what about me? Why every Chaos Heralds I've encountered call me 'Hikari'?" Twilight demanded, "I have no relation to her. I mean she's just a historical and legendary mystical being."

Ancient Sage of East sighed, "More than that, child. You and her are almost similar. Like Iris Crystal, you are her latest reincarnation, who is capable of using both Element of Magic and Elemental Element of Light."

Twilight, Nyx and Spike were in deep shock and disbelief. Spike gulped, "N-No way… Then that means-!"

"Daddy is really reincarnation of Yami!" Nyx exclaimed in surprise, "Wow. Talk about 'Red Thread of Fate'."

Ancient Sage of East gave a soft giggle, "Funny that you should mention. Yami and Hikari did set off with 'Red Thread of Fate', which cause the chain reaction till they reunited like today."

Pigsy whistled, "That is deep."

"Tell me about it," Sandy agreed.

"T-This is unbelievable and unreality," Twilight commented in shock, "Still, I'm not sure if I can do this. In fact, I'm not sure if we're all ready for this. To fight Demon God and his Chaos Heralds. Bad enough we have to deal with Demon Lords and Dark Mystic Ponies."

Ancient Sage of East smiled, "You've come this far. I am certain that you and your friends are ready. All you need to do is keep training and be prepared. You're all our last hope."

Still uncertain and scared of the situation, Twilight sighed, "We'll do our best."

"I know you can. Till we meet again, sister," Ancient Sage of East said calmly and warmly. She held the Eye of Beholder, "Return her home…"

The Eye of Beholder glowed brightly and wildly. It then blasted on Twilight, Nyx and Spike. Three of them got blinded by the bright light.

Twilight groaned in pain as she slowly opened her eyes. She found herself to be inside her bedroom. The rest of her family and friends were looking at her. Nyx and Spike were there. They're all looked happy and relief to see her.

"Guys?' Twilight asked in surprise. Shadow Dragon quickly held and hugged her warmly. She yelped, "Did I miss something?"

"You tell me. I'm just glad you finally got up from your long sleep," Shadow Dragon exclaimed in relieved.

"What?" Twilight asked in shock.

"It's true." Master Oogway confirmed as he and his apprentices arrived at the scene. He continued, "Chaos Heralds of Lust and Manipulation used the Eye of Beholder to trap you within the dream for their experiment."

"So, it wasn't a dream?" Twilight asked in confusion and concern.

"No. It is real," Master Oogway confirmed.

"This must be crazy dream and adventure I ever been." Twilight remarked in shock. She groaned, "Still, I really want a piece of my mind on that bitch!"

"Well, don't think about it too much," Shadow Dragon said calmly and warmly, "How about dinner since it's evening?"

Twilight shrugged, "Sure, why not. I could use a big break from this adventure."

"I got it! I remember now!" Nyx exclaimed happily, "The adventure we've been through is kinda like 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Journey to the West'! That's kind awesome for books."

Spike groaned, "I think movies and shows are better."

Twilight, her friends and family laughed out happily and amusingly. Master Oogway and his apprentices turned their attention away from them. They're all arrived at the lobby, meeting up with Yuko, Black Alpha and Susano.

"Hikari is safe from harm," Master Oogway reported.

"Thank you, Oogway," Yuko said calmly. She turned and looked at Black Alpha and Susano, "Mission Accomplished!"

"Thank the Mystic Heaven," Black Alpha commented in relief.

"What you two did is very reckless and foolish," Susano scolded firmly, "You should not have interfered and assisted Hikari and her friends' journey and growth of restoring their true powers!"

"And let them died?!" Black Alpha asked angrily, "Never! Never again!"

"I'm afraid he's right, Susano." Yuko said seriously and firmly, "With all of Chaos Heralds returned, the Demon God's freedom is imminent. His reign of chaos and destruction will rise again."

Black Alpha narrowed his angry and serious eyes, "All because of him. Jade Emperor has deceived two worlds for too long. They all deserve the truth especially Yami. He has helped us save the worlds. They must know who is the real 'The Rising Mystic Demon'."

"Old friend, you know we are not allowed to interfere both Mystic and Equestria affairs," Susano said firmly and seriously, "We no longer have the sovereignty of two worlds. It is theirs now."

"And how long will that last?" Yuko asked dryly, "He will destroy everything we have stand for since the Beginning. Mystic and Equestrians will be ceased of its existence."

Black Alpha nodded firmly, "Indeed. We must prepare. I do not care of the consequence I've faced. I will not let her died again."

Yuko nodded, "I agreed."

"Honestly, you two. All this for this reincarnation of our deceased sister. You have let emotion and guilt blinded you," Susano said seriously and dryly. He sighed, "However, I cannot ignore your concerns. We shall do this."

"Thank you, brother," Yuko said in relieved.

Black Alpha nodded, "You won't regret it, Fafnir."

Susano hummed in concern while crossed his hooves, "I hope so, Paladin and Athena. The Era of Mystic is coming to the end."

Dark Curse was sitting on his throne chair while looking at the defeated Cursecon and Kyuubi Lilith. Both of them have make report to him. Instead of disappointment and frustration, the Dark Lord smiled pleasingly and proudly.

"Perfect…" Dark Curse commented in pleasant tone, "Just as I have expected. The powers of Elements and the Elementals of Harmony are manifesting with Hikari and her friends. Their powers will be the perfect step to my Grand Master Plan. For now, we watch and enjoy the show. Let us see how long their alliance can stand…"

END…

Review & Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Cathy Weseluck: Spike, Bushwoolie Elder

Kira Tozer: Nyx, Bushwoolie Girl

Dicky Cheung: Monkey Kong

Jack Black: Pigsy Greed

Seth Rogen: Sandy Loyalwise, Bushwoolie #1

Ian McDiarmind: Cursecon

Eva Green: Kyuubi Lilith

Minor Casts:

Randall Duk Kim: Master Oogway

Colleen Clinkenbeard: Ancient Sage of East/Yuko the Great Black Witch/Athena

Cameo:

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon, Eastern Guard #2

Kevin Conroy: Black Alpha/Paladin, Eastern Guard #1

Idris Elba: Susano/Fafnir

Latham Gaines: Dark Curse

Episode 4: Twisted

Author's Note

I don't hate 'Fake It 'Til You Make It' but I don't see any purpose of other Mystic Ponies especially her husband Terrorcreep to be involved. I mean, he would just give her some confident and advise while making sure that she doesn't overstep the line.

So, I decided to make different kind of episode, which has the return of Demon Successors and also got some elements from Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 6 Episode 1 – 4. This foreshadow Season 4 Finale.

Episode 4: Twisted

Two months since the School of Friendship's opening, it has become not only successful school but also the center of new education for the students from far and wide to come and enrolled in it. Twilight and all of her friends have did their best to teach and educate the students, with all the knowledge and experience about the friendship. And at the same time, they make some time to perform and work on their real job, with the help from Shadow Five to take over and work on them. Everything seems to be well for them and their school.

At Fluttershy's Cottage, the wedded couples – Fluttershy and Terrorcreep were sleeping peacefully and quietly on their king sized bed in the master bedroom after they helped Rarity look after the 'Rarity for You' Boutique when the white unicorn was involved with fashion designs at Canterlot, along with her close aides. Oddly, Mystic Vampire Pony groaned in pain and frustration as he was struggling and moving around crazily and wildly on the bed.

"Execute… Yes, my emperor… Kill them! Every one last of them! Good soldiers follow orders! Terrorcreep! Don't! Don't do it! Please! Noooooooooo! What have I done?!"

Witnessing his nightmares, Terrorcreep screamed in shock and fear as he gotten up from the bed. He panted heavily yet exhaustingly. This alerted Fluttershy to get up as well.

"Terrorcreep, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Terrorcreep breathed slowly and calmly, "I'm alright. Just a bad dream." Feeling ache on his head, he groaned in pain while rubbing it gently, "And a headache too."

Fluttershy sighed as she gave her husband a kiss on cheek, "Try to sleep and not to think hard."

Terrorcreep nodded in understanding, "Of course."

Both Fluttershy and Terrorcreep tucked themselves into the bed, going back to their sleep peacefully and quietly. As they were sleeping, the Mystic Vampire Pony groaned in pain, still feeling a headache.

Within the Dark Forest, the army of Demon Successors continued recruiting and training themselves, keeping themselves fit. They even raided and stolen supplies and animals from pony farms and markets. They have been hidden in the forest of darkness for the last three years. There was no word from their leaders as well.

Hak Xing and the rest of her cousins met up and gathered inside the main camp. They were now having some discussion for their next plans. They even made contact with their parents as well. They were not pleased with their children's progress.

"Over three years since we have given order," Shendu snarled dryly, "You have yet made any progress of conquering the Equestria or even capturing the traitor!"

Tso Lan growled a bit, "Shendu's right. So far, you have failed us miserably and achieve nothing at all."

"Indeed." Bai Tza hissed in anger, "And you were not able to find a way to free us from this prison realm!"

Po Kong cried out in fear, "I can't stand it! It's too bland and boring here!"

Hsi Wu grumbled, "Not to mention, we have to take up to her attitude."

Frustrated and annoyed with her past failures, Hak Xing remained calm and kept composure as she bowed humbly, "Forgive us, father. Rest assure, we are not finished."

"Is that supposed to be a joke?!" Dai Gui demanded angrily.

Tchang Zu growled, "Dai Gui's right! You have repeated that statement for too many times! And you were unable to produce the results!"

Xiao Fung growled, "This is tiresome and frustrating."

"Hey, relax. We'll get it done. Count on it!" Drago exclaimed firmly.

Gusty nodded, "This time, it'll be different and better. We're not gonna fail this time."

"Yeah. Have we ever let you down?" Song Wing asked cockily.

Demon Lords were very skeptical and doubtful of their children's words. Mei Kai approached and bowed humbly before her, "Mother, please trust us. We will succeed it. If we can locate the artifact, we will set you free."

"Free… Free… Free…" Avalanche giggled happily.

Voltscar and Quake groaned, "Idiots."

Still skeptical and doubtful, the Demon Lords reluctantly yet frustratingly chattered and muttered over Demon Successors' statements. They all nodded firmly in agreement.

Tso Lan turned and glared at Hak Xing, "Do not fail us again, daughter. Go and finish your mission."

"It will be done, father," Hak Xing said firmly and humbly. As the communication portal closed, she turned and looked at her cousins. While clenching her fist, she declared, "It is time to reclaim the artifact. It will help us accomplish our very first objective!"

"Ladies and gentle-demon, the Demon Successor are back in action, baby!" Drago cheered wildly and proudly, sounding his cousins to cheer out loud. He scoffed, "Do I make some dramatic entrance or what?"

Coiling her tail around Drago, Mei Kai gave a deep kiss to his lips. She smiled, "You're such a sweet, baby. Love it."

Drago chuckled as he held Mei Kai close to him, "And you know how to steal my heart, baby. The usual night?"

"The usual night," Mei Kai teased playfully.

Drago and Mei Kai gave each other a deep passionate long kiss, with sound of moaning pleasantly. The rest of their cousins groaned in frustration and disgust with the scene.

"I'd never get over this," Song Wing commented.

Voltscar groaned in disgust, "Disgusting..."

"Tell me about it..." Quake agreed dryly.

Narrowing her determined eyes, Hak Xing declared, "By dawn, it will be our time to shine."

On the next day, Twilight and the rest of their friends continued helping and teaching the students on friendship studies and various kind of activities they're good at. Though everything seems to be fine, Terrorcreep is still suffering some headaches and often hallucinated with nightmares he has from last night. This often scared and make some students scared and uneasy about him.

At the teacher lounge, Twilight and the rest of her friends were taking a break from teaching the students and the real jobs they have. They were all chattering happily with each other while enjoying their lunch, though Saber, Laxtinct and Pinkie were having eating nachos competition.

And at the same time, Terrorcreep groaned in pain, feeling some headache on his head. He rubbed it hard as much as he can. This made Fluttershy concern and worried.

"You still have a headache?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Yeah," Terrorcreep confirmed, though still feeling pain. He hissed a bit, "I'll be fine."

Not convinced, Fluttershy suggested, "Since Shorty's here, you might as well ask him for medication. He might able to help you out."

Though annoyed yet understood his wife's concerns, Terrorcreep nodded, "I'll get it. Don't worry."

"Alright, listen up, ponies!" Lockdown called out. Everyone turned and looked at him. Ever since he quit his old job, he became discipline teacher to the School of Friendship. He now worn beige shirt, brownish jacket and dark chocolate tie. He continued, "Got more good news. Our students' study performance and results have improved and getting better. And not to mention, we're getting more positive review over our school. Heck! They even asking for some teaching tips and advice for friendship problems. Just two months, the ponies and creatures really want to enroll here."

Everyone cheered while giving the round of applause over the news. Twilight smiled, "Wow. I can't believe this is happening."

"It sure is," Blazefist agreed, "And I don't suppose that Neighsay is not happy about this."

Lockdown scoffed, "Obviously. That guy doesn't know when to quit. He keeps on rambling about how bad it is for letting the creatures in and be the students."

"Again?" Laxtinct asked in annoyance.

"No kidding," Rainbow agreed, "Even after what has happen from 'Battle of Canterlot City', that guy's still a jerk to other creatures."

Applejack nodded, "Yeah. I would like to see him get his flank get kicked when Twittermites zapped some shocks on him. See if he ever gets real help from anyone else."

"Calm down, everyone. No need to bother about him," Saber said firmly while eating his burrito, "We got the results. We should be happy about it."

Tailtech smiled, "Saber's right. As long we get some supports and reviews from the world, School of Friendship won't be closing down."

"Not to mention, keeping Neighsay out from here," Shadow Dragon said proudly.

Twilight sighed, "One thing for certain, it is very good for this year. Nothing could go wrong."

BAM! The door is opened in two. Rexstrike and his two Royal Guards marched in at once. Everyone turned and looked at them, with surprised looks.

"General Rexstrike?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.

"General Shadow Dragon," Rexstrike saluted firmly. He then noticed everyone was staring at him. He even spotted lunch on the table. Realizing of what's going on, he looked awkward and embarrassed a bit, "Sorry. Didn't realize that you were having lunch."

"Well, we're almost finish with it. I don't suppose that you're here for your kid's enrollment?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Uh, no. I'm still single. Didn't have time for date and family, unfortunately." Rexstrike said awkwardly. He cleared his throat a bit, "Anyway, I've bring news. This involved of Demon Successors."

Everyone gasped in shock and concern. Rarity spoke in concern, "Oh my... Haven't seen them for a while."

"Rarity, we only met them once from the Applewood Derby," Pinkie commented, "Plus, they're bad guys for Cutie Mark Crusaders and Freedom Fighters. Kinda like Dark Mystic Ponies are our bad guys. Shouldn't they handle them?"

"Pinkie!" Everyone scolded Pinkie.

"What?!" Pinkie asked in confusion.

"Still, I'm surprised that they're still alive," Shorty commented in surprise, "I mean Storm King and Dark Lord have launched the invasion on Equestria. I expected them to get killed or return home."

"Guess not," Aqua said in concern with crossed her hooves, "Looks like they finally show their faces. Wonder what they're up to?"

Rexstrike passed the file reports to Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force. They're looking at it.

"Recently, we've received some reports that Demon Successors are attacking some antique shops across the Equestria. They're now invading Manehattan!" Rexstrike explained firmly, "We don't know why they went there, but it's not good."

"That is odd," Icy said in concern, "What do you think they could be after?"

"No idea. But we're gonna check it out," Twilight said in concern. She turned and looked at Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown. She spoke, "Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown, watch over the School. We'll be right back."

Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown saluted firmly, with nodded of understanding. Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force finished their lunch. They got up and exited out of the lounge, along with Rexstrike and his unit.

At the sudden moment, Terrorcreep yelped in pain as he dropped his legs to the ground hard. He felt his headache again. Spotted him on the ground; Shadow Dragon, Fluttershy and Saber halted at once. They approached and checked on him. They helped him to stand up.

"Terrorcreep! Are you alright?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Terrorcreep grunted a bit while rubbing his head, "I'm fine. Just a headache."

"You sure?" Saber asked, "I don't think it's a 'headache'. Maybe you should set this one out."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "He's right. I'll call Shorty to check on you."

"I said I'm fine!" Terrorcreep snapped firmly. He grunted a bit, "Besides, you all need the help to fight off the Demon Successors."

Though they're not convinced with Terrorcreep being 'fine'; Shadow Dragon, Fluttershy and Saber knew he was right about fighting off the Demon Successors. They reluctantly agreed and let him join them.

The Manehatten Citizens were screaming, panicking and running for their lives. And at the same time, Manehattan Police were engaging and attacking Demon Successors, who were fighting back and repelling them off.

Hak Xing, using her Gravity Power, levitated and thrown the police aside. Drago and Mei Kai unleashed their Demon Dragon Flame and Water Shoot at them off. Using their Earth and Thunder Powers, Quake and Voltscar are engaging them, Avalanche was playing them like they were his toys. Inside the old antique ship, Gusty and Song Wing were interrogating the shop keeper over the artifact they were looking for.

Kicking a Police Pony aside, Drago groaned, "How long do we need to get the answer? I'm getting impatient, you know!"

"Until Song Wing and Gusty got what we're looking for, we will wait and deal with these imbeciles!" Hak Xing scolded Drago, "Stop complaining and do your job, idiot!"

Drago growled angrily as he was about to attack his eldest cousin, "I'd like to kick your ass, right about now!"

"Drago! Focus on the mission! Forget about her!" Mei Kai exclaimed at her 'boyfriend', "Besides, scaring them is much fun than dealing with Xiao Yue and her friends. They have been on my bad sides for too long!"

Quake chuckled happily as he continued punching and knocking ponies off, "Agreed, cousin! At least, we're having fun here!"

Song Wing and Gusty emerged out from the antique shop. They approached to Hak Xing. The bat demon spoke, "Bad news! That fool doesn't have it!"

Hak Xing groaned, "Another dead end! The sources told us that the antique shop should have the artifact we seek!"

"On contrary, cousin, the shopkeeper did give us the hint," Gusty said calmly and amusingly. Hak Xing turned and looked at him curiously. He smiled, "He said that we should seek the Restricted Section from Canterlot Library. It has the answer we seek."

Voltscar growled in frustration, "You're kidding me?! "I hate research!"

"So do I," Quake growled in annoyance.

"Stop complaining, fools!" Hak Xing snapped angrily and annoyingly, "We have the mission to perform! We must find that artifact now! And we will free our family from their prison realm, no matter what!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, Hak Xing." Twilight said firmly, alerting Demon Successor to turn and found Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force stood before them. The Princess spoke, "But you're not gonna break your family out from the prison! Coz we're gonna stop you!"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle…" Hak Xing said amusingly, "It's been a while since the Applewood Derby."

Twilight glared at Hak Xing, "Feeling's mutual. Whatever the artifact you're looking for, we won't let it happen."

Hak Xing scoffed, "Don't be certain. Demon Successor, engage the enemies!"

Shadow Dragon turned and looked at Rexstrike, "General, you better get the police out of here! We'll deal with them!"

"Will do!" Rexstrike saluted. He turned and looked at Manehattan Police Chief, "Chief, you'd better clear your force out now! Move it!"

Manehattan Police Chief saluted as he and Rexstrike quickly ordered and gathered the rest of the police forces to move away from the fight. Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force charged and engaged Demon Successors.

Hak Xing levitated and thrown couple of wagons at Shadow Dragon and Twilight. The Alicorn Princess quickly levitated and moved them aside, allowing her husband to charge and attack the eldest Demon Successor, who swiftly and calmly dodge and evade the attacks for few times. She then unleashed Dark Beam to blast him off. She was about to unleash her Blackish Blade at him. Twilight jumped to the front as she summoned the Barrier to block and repel her off. She then blasted her Unicorn Burst and Sparkling Star Burst at Hak Xing, who grunted in pain while summoning the Barrier to block it off for the moment. She then deflected and knocked it back at them off. Twilight and Shadow Dragon managed to recover from it. Just before they could do anything, she dashed in as she unleashed Night Beam to blast them off but not before Shadow Dragon launched his Darkness Spheres at her, which thrown her off guard. Summoning Blackish Blades, Hak Xing charged and struck them at Twilight and Shadow Dragon, who summoned and used their Star Sparkling Sword and Darkness Blade to block and strike back.

Drago unleashed his Demon Dragon Flames while Mei Kai summoned Dragoon Tsunami out. Blazefist and Aqua jumped in front as they both launched and combined their Megastorm Phoenix Flame and Hydro Cannon into hydro beam-like with twisting blazing flames around it. Both sides have clashed at each other for the moment. The attacks are completely powerful yet equal as they unable to push each other. While Drago and Mei Kai were distracted, Rainbow charged and rammed them off, allowing Blazefist and Aqua to boost up and blast their attacks to thrown them off.

Armed with Earthquake Punches, Quake roared angrily as he thrown couple of punches at Applejack, who firmly and determinedly to block the attacks as much as she can. And at the same time, Saber went around while unleashing and swinging his Zen Air Slashes at him. Pinkie and Laxtinct were panicking and running for their lives as Avalanche was chasing after them as he wanted to play with them. Gusty unleashed his Gas Burst Blast at Tailtech and Icy barely dodge and evade the smells while firing their Typhoon Blast and Ice Beam at him. Song Wing protected him by unleashing her Sonic Screech and Wing Cutter at them. She was about to unleash her Wind Storm but got knocked and rammed by Shorty and Rarity, who used their Volley Flame Blaster and Diamond Gatling Blaster at her. She barely dodged and summoned her Wing Cutter at them.

Fluttershy and Terrorcreep barely dodge and evade Voltscar's swinging his Lightning Sword for couple of rounds. He slammed his at her. He came in and blocked the Dual Thunder Axe against the attack for the moment. A sudden headache, he yelled in pain. This allowed Voltscar to slam and knock Terrorcreep against the wall. He was about to finish her off. He suddenly got rammed by Rainbow. Both of them engaged a fierce fight with each other for couple of rounds.

Fluttershy approached and checked on Terrorcreep, who is recovering from the attack. Still feeling a headache, he groaned in pain, feeling headache as he whammed on his head firmly.

"Terrorcreep, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'll be fine... Just a headache." Terrorcreep grumbled.

"Terrorcreep, I think you should sit this one out. I'm worried that you might have a tumor on your head."

"I told you before-!"

"Look, you need to rest first. As soon as we're done with this fight, Shorty will check on your condition. Hopefully that you'll get better."

"Sigh… Fine. I'll stay put."

"Alright. Don't push yourself too hard!"

"Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'll be fine," Terrorcreep grumbled. Fluttershy activated her Animal Ruby's power of Rabbit Speed and Elephant's Enduran as she went and help Rainbow to fight off Voltscar. He yelled in pain, feeling his head hurt a lot, "Damn it. Still hurts. What the hell is wrong with me?"

"Good soldiers must follow order... Good soldiers must follow order..."

Terrorcreep yelped in shock and confusion upon hearing strange voice in his head. He asked, "What the hell?"

"Good soldiers must follow order... Good soldiers must follow order..."

As he kept on listening to strange voice in his head, Terrorcreep's eyes widened in shock yet trance as if he was hypnotized. He spoke robotically, "G-good soldier must follow order… Good soldier must follow order... Good soldier must follow order..."

Still trapped in trance, Terrorcreep turned and looked around of his surroundings as if he was searching and going after something. He turned and found Shorty and Rarity were firing their blasters at Song Wing, who was flying and dodging the attacks.

While repeated the same chant, Terrorcreep slowly got up while armed with his Thunder Dual Axe. He slowly approached to them from behind. Shorty and Rarity were busy shooting and blasting their blasters at her. At that very moment, Terrorcreep raised his left axe up while glaring at Rarity.

As Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force continued battling the Demon Successors, they're all halted upon hearing the loud scream of pain and agony. They turned and found Rarity got her back cut by Terrorcreep's swinging axe. They're all in deep shock and disbelief of what they just saw.

"No!" Fluttershy said in disbelief.

"Rarity! "Nooooooo!" Shorty screamed in concern. Terrorcreep raised his axe, preparing to strike her down. He groaned, "Damn it, Terrorcreep! Stop!"

Shorty jumped and rammed Terrorcreep off. Both of them were fighting and rolling wildly. Fluttershy and Rainbow quickly abandoned the fight as they went and checked on Rarity.

"What the hell was that?!" Laxtinct asked in concern.

"I don't know. But Terrorcreep's gone rogue!" Blazefist ordered firmly, "Abort mission! Contain him now before he could hurt someone else!"

Agreeing with Blazefist's command, both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force aborted the mission and turned their attention on Terrorcreep and Shorty were fighting with each other.

Seeing his enemies turned their back on him, Drago armed himself with Fireball Shots. He was about to throw fireballs at them. Hak Xing quickly grabbed and held him.

"Leave them now!" Hak Xing commanded firmly.

Drago growled, "You're kidding me?! I wanna get rid of them for good, so I can feast on her stupid wings!"

Tightened her grip on her dragon demon's claws, Hak Xing growled, "I said 'leave them now', Drago! That is an order!"

"Damn the order, bitch!" Drago snarled at her.

"Drago, for once in your damn life, obey the command!" Song Wing snapped angrily, "Play smart!"

"She's right. We're outnumbered! Look!" Gusty exclaimed in concern as he pointed his finger out. Drago looked up ahead, where Rexstrike and his Royal Guards arriving at the scene. He continued, "You wanna try that?!"

Frustrated and annoyed that he lost his chance, Drago growled, "Fine."

As Rexstrike and his Royal Guards arrived at the scene, they were about to fire their blasters. Hak Xing roared out loud as she unleashed Teleportation Smokescreen on her and her cousins. The Royal Guards fired their blasters at the blackish smoke. As soon as the smoke dispersed, Hak Xing and her cousins disappeared from sights.

"Damn it. They've got away!" Rexstrike exclaimed in frustration.

Terrorcreep growling angrily as he was strangling Shorty by neck. He chocked painfully, "T-T- Terrorcreep! S-Stop! Stop it!"

"Good soldiers must follow order… Good soldiers must follow order…" Terrorcreep said trancelike yet dryly while strangling Shorty, "Good soldiers must follow order…"

Shorty was suffocating to near death. Just in time, Laxtinct swung and slammed his Earth Fist on Terrorcreep's head, knocking him out. Blazefist, Shadow Dragon and Saber quickly grabbed and held him to the ground hard. Shorty coughed heavily yet weakly, trying to breathe properly. Tailtech and Icy checked on him now. Aqua quickly used her water power to heal Rarity's back.

Fluttershy looked at Terrorcreep, with shock and hurt looks. She cried and sobbed in tears. Rainbow approached and patted her best friend for a comfort.

"Terrorcreep… Why?" Fluttershy asked in concern and fear.

As the entrance opened in two, the mysterious black armored commander marched into the unknown chamber. The door closed at once.

"Reporting for duty, sir," Mysterious Commander reported firmly.

"Good, you are here, commander. Punctual and on time as always," Mysterious Commanding Officer spoke firmly, "We have a mission for you."

"What is it?"

"One of them seems to be malfunction. He's already engage the enemy."

Mysterious Commander hummed, "What should we do?"

"You already know the answer." Mysterious Superior said darkly and firmly, "Dispose of the subject. Let no witnesses live. I want this to be kept in the dark until the time is come.

"Yes, your majesty..." Mysterious Commander agreed, "I'll take care of it."

At the Manehattan Hospital, Terrorcreep groaned in pain yet agony while slowly opening his eyes, regaining his consciousness. He then found himself strapped to the patient bed.

"What the hell?! What the hell is this?!" Terrorcreep demanded angrily. He growled, "I'd swear if this is one of Laxtinct's bloody ass joke, then I'm gonna-!"

"Calm down, TC. Don't blame my brother. He has nothing to do with it," Blazefist said firmly as he and his friends surrounded him. He continued, "It's about you."

"What about me?" Terrorcreep asked in confusion, "What is this about?"

"You don't remember?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.

Terrorcreep was confused and uncertain. Shorty snapped angrily yet firmly, "You almost killed Rarity! That's what?!"

"And here's the proof!" Rarity exclaimed in fury as she revealed her back with a scar, "It doesn't look good for my fashion! I look hideous!"

"W-What?! Why would I do that?!" Terrorcreep asked in uncertain, "I have nothing against her except she criticized my suit. That was given by my mother!"

Rarity groaned, "Well, you do need some change of wardrobe, you know."

"The point is that we all saw what you did! So, you're gonna tell us of what's going on!" Blazefist said firmly, "What has gotten in you?!"

Fluttershy pleaded, "Terrorcreep, please tell us. Is this about your tumor?"

"Tumor?!" Everyone asked in shock and concern.

"Why in the name of Claw Tiger didn't you tell me?!" Shorty asked angrily, "I could have treat it!"

"A bit off from the subject, you know?" Saber commented dryly.

Pinkie nodded with tears, "Well, I've seen this before. It was scary and hurtful to watch one of my favorite clones to die! I hate seeing heroes died! I hate it."

Feeling his head pain again, Terrorcreep groaned in pain, "My… Headache… It hurts! Still hurts!" He screamed in agony, "Voice! I'm hearing them! They're inside my head!"

"Voice?" Twilight asked in concern.

Terrorcreep yelped in pain as his eyeball went up for the moment, entering the trance while chanting and muttering dryly and firmly. This shocked and alerted everyone else.

"I don't like where this is going!" Rainbow commented in concern.

Icy hissed, "No kidding! I'm now more worried about what he's gonna do next!"

His eyeball returned its original position, Terrorcreep groaned before looked up and glared at his own friends. His eyes are now in trance. He growled while glaring at Mane Six. He yelled wildly and angrily, trying to break free of himself from the patient bed. This scared everyone off.

"Okay! That is freaky!" Pinkie and Rainbow exclaimed in fear while hugging each other tight.

Tailtech nodded, "No kidding! What is wrong with him?!"

"I don't know," Shadow Dragon admitted in concern, "Something's not right with him. He would never act like this."

Laxtint quivered in fear, "You'd tell me. He's way creepier than before!"

"No idea. But I'm gonna find out." Shorty said firmly. He approached and checked on Terrorcreep's face, "I'd never seen him so aggressive before. He's usually so calm and collective."

"Oh, Terrorcreep." Fluttershy said in concern.

"What caused him like this in the first place?" Aqua asked. She gasped in concern, "Oh no! Don't tell me that he's suffering T.P.L.S.!"

"T.P.L.S.?!" Mane Six asked in concern.

"Doesn't that spell 'Time to Party for Laughter and Smile'?" Pinkie asked hopefully.

"No, Pinkie. It stands for 'Trapped in Past Life Syndrome," Tailtech corrected, "A very rare disease that affected Mystic Ponies to suffer and trapped living in the past life while unable to focus on present timeline. They think themselves to be incarnation."

"Meaning?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

"It means Terrorcreep thinks himself to be a 'Ruthless Strategist' Incarnation for serving under Arthur Warfate from the 'End of Three Kingdoms Era'," Shorty explained in concern, "If we don't do something about it soon, he might not only hurt other but killed himself if he followed the history to the letter."

"What the heck?!" Rarity asked in shock and concern.

"You have to do something!" Fluttershy pleaded.

"I hate to break more bad news," Rexstrike said firmly, "We still got Demon Successors on the loose! I've already interviewed with the shopkeeper about what they really after. According to him, he told them to head to some restricted section at Canterlot Library."

Twilight gasped, "Oh no! They know the restricted section?! We can't let them get away!"

"But we can't just leave Terrorcreep like this especially he has the tumor in his head," Fluttershy exclaimed in concern.

"I will stay behind to treat his tumor," Shorty said firmly, "Hopefully, the syndrome is not severe for me. In the meantime, you all should focus on dealing with Demon Successors now."

Blazefist nodded, "Yeah. We will."

"I'll stay here as well," Saber said firmly, shocking the group. He continued, "Shorty could use some help to hold Terrorcreep down while he works on his surgery."

"I wanna stay too," Fluttershy volunteered while looking at Terrorcreep. She sighed, "He's my husband."

"If she stays, then I'll stay. Somepony gotta make sure that jerk doesn't hurt her when I'm around," Rainbow said firmly.

"Alright. Watch yourself," Twilight said firmly.

"And if he gone rogue, don't hold back. Take him out," Shadow Dragon said seriously, "Terrorcreep wouldn't want his wife to get killed by him."

Though they do not like the idea of hurting and killing Terrorcreep; Shorty, Saber, Fluttershy and Rainbow nodded firmly that they will do it. The rest of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force headed off to find and hunt down on Demon Successors, with the help of Rexstrike and his Royal Guards.

Unknown to anyone else, the mysterious black armored commander is hiding behind the edge of wall, watching at the event. She sighed firmly and calmly, determined to complete her mission.

At the Canterlot City, Demon Successors have drove out most of the librarian and students from Canterlot Library. They even defeated and knocked out the Royal Guards. Thanks to Quake's sense of smell, he has located the restricted section. Hak Xing used her Gravity Powers to ripped the book shelf out, revealing the entrance.

Demon Successors marched and entered the entrance, which led them straight to the underground restricted library section. Hak Xing smirked amusingly yet proudly upon looking at the library section.

"Perfect… Truly perfect…" Hak Xing commented with pride, "I am certain that one of these books will lead us straight to the artifact."

"Better hope that it doesn't waste our time," Drago grumbled angrily and annoyingly.

Mei Kai giggled a bit, "I am certain that it won't. Our parents especially my mother will be proud of our accomplishment. We will succeed!"

Quake groaned, "Quake hates research…"

Demon Successors began looking through and searching for specific books from bookshelves. Hak Xing was using the archive mechanical catalog, searching for specific artifact. Drago grumbled whenever he's unable to find the specific book. While flying, Song Wing was looking at the top part of the bookshelves. Mei Kai and Gusty were reading some books. Avalanche grumbled and muttered as he was eating some books. Quake and Voltscar snored loudly and wildly as both of them were sleeping. They've been at their work for 2 hours.

Quake groaned as he woke up, "What are we looking for?! This is a waste of time!"

Drago grumbled in agreement, "Tell me about it!"

"Don't be such a brat, idiots!" Song Wing snapped angrily, "We have to find a very specific artifact."

Hak Xing nodded firmly and calmly, "Affirmative. With it, we can finally free our parents from imprisonment. The world will know the return of Demon Lords!"

Gusty hummed while reading the book, "Still, do any of you realize something odd about that vampire?"

"Is that supposed to be mean something?" Drago asked in annoyance.

Remembering what has happened, Song Wing hummed suspiciously, "It means this vampire seems to be different than before."

"I still don't understand at all," Voltscar growled a bit.

"It doesn't matter. As long those ponies do not interfere with our plans, then we will succeed our mission! The artifact will be ours!" Hak Xing said while looking through the archive mechanical catalog. She gasped in surprise as she has located what she was looking for, "Gusty! Song Wing! Mei Kai! Locate 'Ancient Mystic Artifacts'!"

As commanded; three Demon Successors look through the books, searching for a specific book. Spotted 'Ancient Mystic Artifacts' Book, Song Wing quickly open and read them through. She gasped in relief and happy.

"I've found it!" Song Wing called out. Demon Successors turned and looked at her. She reported, "I know where the artifact is!"

"Excellent. The Pan'ku Box will be ours!" Hak Xing exclaimed with pride. Suddenly, the door burst in two. Twilight and her friends arrived at the scene. She smirked, "You're too late, princess. We have what we need."

And just before anyone could do anything, Hak Xing summoned her Teleportation Smokescreen on herself and her cousins. They all have disappeared and teleported now.

"Damn it! They've got away again!" Rexstrike cursed in frustration.

"Okay. What's exactly they're after?!" Pinkie asked in frustration, "Can't the bad guys just give us a hint for once in a lifetime?!"

Twilight approached to the archive mechanical catalog as she was checking on it. She read it out, "Ancient Mystic Artifact?"

"What is that?" Shadow Dragon asked.

"That book is about Mystic Ponies' ancient artifact," Twilight explained firmly and seriously. She looked scared and concern, "I've got a bad feeling that they might know where to find what they're looking for. We don't even know where to go."

"Great. This is so not good," Applejack exclaimed in concern.

Blazefist hummed thoughtfully, "I think I might know where we can look for."

Back to Manehattan Hospital, Terrorcreep was gagged and strapped to the patient bed. The doctors and nurses lifted and moved him to MRI Scanner. He grumbled and muttered angrily while struggling to free himself. The nurses quickly injected the sedative serum on his system, making him numb and calm down. The doctor began pressing some buttons, initiating the machine to scan on his head now.

Shorty, Saber, Rainbow and Fluttershy were inside the control room, along with the medical staffs. They all can't help but pray and hope that Terrorcreep's alright and that tumor he has suffered isn't severe as they thought.

"Thank you for helping us to scan on him, doctor," Shorty thanked the Head Doctor.

Head Doctor nodded, "Of course. It's the least I can do for Dr. Black Jack helping us cure one of Rarity's important friend – Ms. Coco Pommel especially making Midsummer Theater Revival happening again."

"Well, it was Coco did the work," Saber corrected. He turned and looked at Terrorcreep, "Doctor, what really happen to him?"

"To be honest, I thought it could be PTSD. It happens to most of brave soldiers and even Royal Guards to get stress and hallucinated from terrible war they have suffered," Head Doctor answered firmly and calmly. He sighed, "If it's tumor, then it should have weakened him and make him dizzier, not make him aggressive and violent."

"I agree with you, doctor," Shorty agreed, "But I only hope it's not T.P.L.S. Because if it is, then it is very serious."

"How bad this T.P.L.S. is?" Rainbow asked in confusion yet worried.

"Very bad. And it is very beyond for me, Mystic Healers and even Dr. Black Jack to save and bring him back from incarnation past life." Shorty said seriously, scaring Fluttershy and Rainbow. He sighed, "I can only hope the condition isn't severe for me to save him."

"Please. Please, make sure he's alright, Shorty," Fluttershy pleaded.

Shorty smiled warmly, "Don't worry. I won't let him down."

BEEP! Everyone was alerted by the control panel's alarm. They all turned and looked at the computer screen, which revealed the X-Ray Forms of Terrorcreep's head and brain system on all sides.

"Anything?" Saber asked.

Head Doctor hummed firmly and calmly, "Everything seems fine. I don't see any tumor on his head. And I'm not certain of how T.P.L.S. mark looks like either."

"The large blackish patch on the center of the brain. Usually, it's very easy to spot," Saber answered. He hummed in concern, "And so far, I don't see anything on it."

"Not yet. Something amiss around his mind," Shorty disagreed as he observed carefully on the X-ray.

Spotting something on the right side of brain, Shorty used the computer mouse to select and zoom in to the specific area. The screen digitally revealed the clear shot of the photo. It made some beeping noise.

Everyone was shocked by the revelation of X-ray photo they just saw. It revealed the small and strange reddish part on brain's logical side.

"Oh my," Shorty remarked in shock and concern.

"What?! What is it?!" Saber asked in concern.

"I think I've just found out what's going in his head. And it's not very good too." Shorty said in concern. He looked closely on the brain X-Ray picture, "This is definitely not a tumor or T.P.L.S. either for sure."

"So, you think this thing caused Terrorcreep to go crazy or something?" Rainbow asked in concern.

"Could be," Shorty admitted, "We need to start the surgery now."

"Wait!" Fluttershy asked in concern, "If you remove that thing, will he be back to normal?"

Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "I certainly hope so. We're gonna find out what and why made him mad in the first place."

"Yeah." Saber agreed, "Still… I've got a bad feeling that we might not like what we're finding."

"Agreed. But we need to know," Shorty said firmly, "Doctor."

Head Doctor nodded, "Yes, sir! To the operation now!"

Head Doctor and Shorty marched out at once as they met up with the rest of medical staffs. They're moving and guiding the sedated Terrorcreep to the operation room for surgery. Saber, Fluttershy and Rainbow followed them from behind.

Unknown to them, the mysterious black armored commander was behind the cornered, watching the event. She lighted up her horn as she turned into invisible. She's now going after them.

With the guidance of 'Ancient Mystic Artifact' book that they have stolen, the Demon Successors have found and located the Pan'ku Box. The ancient artifact was located at Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa. The historical landmark was where the Convocation of Creatures event held, and also the alliance and peace between various creatures made from last year's September.

Arriving to the location, Demon Successors entered the Hall of Unity's entrance. Following the historical flyer's map, they climbed up the stairs to third level. They have now entered the exhibition hall, where ancient artifacts and antiques were kept and displayed for visitors sightseeing. Gusty gasped while happily looking around of the exhibit. The rest of his cousins were annoyed and bored about it. Hak Xing remained firm and calm as she was very focused on her mission than the exhibition.

"Oh my goodness! Look at this place!" Gusty exclaimed happily. He drooled happily, "This place is amazing! I'm in heaven!"

Song Wing groaned a bit as she closed her cousin's mouth to prevent more drooling. She commented, "You're drooling again, Gusty…"

"Boring…" Avalanche grumbled.

"Never understand why you like this kind of stuffs, Gusty," Drago remarked dryly and annoyingly, "It's so boring…"

"Hey!" Gusty exclaimed in annoyance.

"Stop fooling around!" Hak Xing exclaimed dryly and firmly, "We must find and retrieve the Pan'ku Box before those fools come and ruin it!"

Demon Successors nodded firmly and determinedly. They all split up to search for the artifact. Drago and Mei Kai were looking around jewelry cases, which the she tried all of them out while he checked and commented on how they fit for her. Song Wing was flying around the exhibition while playing some ancient instruments for fun. Gusty was busy checking and reading some historical books. Avalanche was eating and chewing some artifacts and souvenirs. Quake and Voltscar grumbled impatiently as they moved and destroyed them to search for the artifact.

Hak Xing arrived and entered the China Exhibition, which was filled with has ancient paintings, armors, pottery and many more artifacts. While searching in the chamber, she sensed something amiss. Something pure good magic. She turned to her left, where she spotted some strange object at the end of corner. She approached towards it. She found a blue colored octahedronal puzzle box with truncated upper and lower vertexes, has red diamonds above the yellow octagonal mark centered on each of the box's four faces.

Sensing pure magic around the box, Hak Xing smirked proudly, "Yes! I have found it! Cousins, come to me!"

Arriving to the China Exhibition, Demon Successors regrouped and reunited with Hak Xing. They're all looked and stared in awe at the Pan'ku Box.

"Is this it?" Quake asked impatiently.

"It has to be! It must be!" Voltscar grumbled, "I hate wild goose chase! This better worth the time!"

"This is it," Hak Xing confirmed, "I can sense it. The pure good magic around it."

"That's good and all. How the hell we can get it?" Drago asked in annoyance, "After all, it won't let us touch and hold on."

Mei Kai took out the metallic strange box-like, "That is why I brought the Anti-Magic Container. It will prevent both good and evil magic from harming us, and also contain it within."

"Good, Mei Kai. Extract it," Hak Xing commanded firmly.

And just before Mei Kai could began to extract the artifact out, she and the rest of Demon Successors halted their progress, sensing a presence in the area. They all turned back and found Twilight and her friends stood before them.

"So, that's the artifact you were looking for," Twilight said firmly.

"What does that artifact do again?" Applejack asked in concern.

"That Pan'ku Box is both the tracker and the key to open and close the Demon Lords' Portals," Blazefist explained seriously and firmly, shocking his friends. He nodded, "Yeah. That is what they were after. If they solve the puzzle, they can find and locate new portals to open and free them."

"Oh shit! That is so not good!" Laxtinct exclaimed in concern.

Aqua nodded firmly, "No kidding! The last thing we need is more enemies to deal with than Dark Mystic Ponies."

Shadow Dragon hissed, "Not if we stop them first!"

Hak Xing growled in anger, "You will not stop our progress! We are closed! Demon Successors, attack! Do not let them ruin our first victory!"

Demon Successors gave the loud battle cry. They all charged and attacked Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force, who retaliated and fought back against them firmly and fiercely. They're now fighting over the Pan'ku Box.

The medical staffs have moved sedated Terrorcreep to the operation room. Saber, Fluttershy and Rainbow were sitting on the bench, outside of the chamber.

The medical staffs then transferred him to another patient bed, where they have placed many medical and surgery tools to use and perform surgery, along with the Mystic Vampire Pony's Brain X-Ray photos acted as reference and guidance for their work. They even placed the sedated breathing mask on him, making sure him remained numb and sleeping for the operation. All of them including Shorty have now worn their surgeon uniforms and masks around their mouths. They're all prepared to perform surgery on him.

"Doctor, we are ready," Nurse Pony reported.

"Good." Head Doctor said firmly and calmly, "We can start the operation. As long as the patient has sedative breathing mask on him, we can proceed with surgery. Slow and steady."

"Good. The last thing we need is him go rampage on us," Shorty said firmly and determinedly, "I am certain that red patch must be responsible of making him go rampage."

"Indeed. Whatever it is, we have to remove it before it could cause damage to his brain or worse, creating a tumor in his brain." Head Doctor said in concern. He then commanded, "We shall begin now. Begin the operation."

And just before the surgeons could do anything, one of them yelped in pain, feeling something zapped on his back. One-by-one, most of them got hit and shocked by unknown attacks. This shocked and alerted Shorty, Head Doctor and Nurse Pony. They looked around to find the attacker, but found no one. Both of them got stunned and lost conscience before they dropped on the floor.

Shorty hissed in concern as he quickly to grab his Flame Volley Blaster. But instead, it got blasted and away from him. He hissed in concern while looking around of his surroundings. Suddenly, the mysterious attacker deactivated her cloaking ability and revealed to be Mysterious Commander.

"What the?! Who are you?!" Shorty demanded.

Mysterious Commander spoke firmly and dryly, "Make certain that there will be no witnesses."

"W-What?! Are you responsible for Terrorcreep's condition?!" Shorty asked suspiciously.

Mysterious Commander scoffed beneath her mask "Maybe. But you won't get any answer from me when you're dead!"

And just before the Mysterious Commander could finish him off, someone just charged and rammed her off against the wall. It revealed to be Rainbow as she started punching on the commander. The latter punched back. Saber and Fluttershy have also entered the chamber as well. They helped Shorty up.

"Who's your new friend?" Saber asked in concern.

"No idea. But she's no friendly either," Shorty answered firmly, "And I suspect that she's responsible for inserting something inside Terrorcreep's brain!"

"What?!" Fluttershy asked in disbelief yet fury.

"Tell me that you have a shortcut to get that thing off?!" Saber asked firmly.

"I do. But it's going to be risky!" Shorty exclaimed in concern.

Armed with his Twin Dragoon Sabers, Saber said firmly, "Do it quickly! Rainbow and I are gonna hold that commander off. Fluttershy help Shorty with surgery!"

Fluttershy nodded firmly, determined to save her husband. She and Shorty turned their attention to Terrorcreep as they prepared the surgical tools and equipment. They're about to start the surgery now. And at the same time, Saber charged and assisted Rainbow, who is struggling to fight back against the Mysterious Commander.

Rainbow threw couple of punches at the Mysterious Commander, who firmly and swiftly deflect and block the attacks while strike back at her for few times. The daredevil Pegasus got exhausted and wounded a bit. The commander quickly gave a swipe kick on her face to fall down. Before she could finish her off, Saber jumped and crossed his Twin Dragoon Sabers in Cross Formation at Mysterious Commander, who barely leaned back and evaded the attacks while kicked him off by guts. He grunted a bit but managed to recover as he resumed swinging and slamming his swords at her. Barely dodging the attack, she quickly grabbed and used the pole to block them and also fighting back against him. Both of them are equally matched in their fighting skills.

As Rainbow slowly recovered from the exhaustion, she quickly summoned and used her Mystical Magic Spear before charged to the battlefield. Saber swung and slammed his Twin Dragoon Sabers on her, the Mysterious Commander has her pole's end to block and flip the attacks off before kicked him off. She turned and charged straight at Shorty and Fluttershy, trying to stop them perform the surgery. Rainbow came and deflect the attack off. She and Mysterious Commander have a fierce duel with each other for couple of times. They both have the fierce clash for the moment until Saber jumped in to kick it off. They both engaged a fierce fight against the Mysterious Commander, who remained firm and determined to fight back.

Fluttershy had make sure that Terrorcreep is sedated and numb from the sedative breathing mask. Shorty has prepared the medical equipment to begin surgery. Using his advanced driller-like device that shoots out twin lasers, he slowly and cautiously drilled through the skin and skull on his left side of head. The shy pony was disgusted and scared by the scene as she looked away.

After drilling a hole on his sedated friend's head, Shorty quickly placed a rectangle suction device-like on the head's hole. With the push of a button, the suction device vacuumed something out from his head. He removed his device before using a sewing laser device to sealed Terrorcreep's wounds.

"Did you get it?" Fluttershy asked as she turned and looked at Shorty.

"Yeah. Yeah, I did," Shorty confirmed. He shown the suction device, which consisted of strange reddish organic cell-like device. He continued, "I got the little bug out."

"What is it?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Shorty hummed, "No idea. I'm gonna study and find out."

The Mysterious Commander blocked and held off against Saber's and Rainbow's weapons. She spotted Shorty holding the suction device containing of the 'tumor' within. She gasped in shock and concern. Firmly and strongly to push her pole to throw them both off, she quickly unleashed her Electrical Shock Blast at Shorty.

Fluttershy spotted the attack as she quickly pushed and moved the scientist aside. He accidentally dropped the device in midair. The shock blast hit and destroyed the device. And at the same time, they accidentally knocked the sedated breathing mask off from her mask. They both recovered from the fall.

Spotting the destruction of 'mysterious tumor' he has found, Shorty screamed in shock, "Nooooooooo! I needed that!"

"You needed to stay alive, fool!" Mysterious Commander said firmly as she charged up her powers, "I won't let any more witness alive!"

Just before she could unleash her Thunderstorm Power Beam, the Mysterious Commander got whipped by the Crimson Lightning before struck thrice and then thrown off against the wall.

Everyone looked surprise and shock by the attack. They all turned and looked at Terrorcreep, who panted heavily yet exhaustingly, armed with his Crimson Lightning power.

"T-Terrorcreep? Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Y-Yeah. I'm alright." Terrorcreep panted a bit. He groaned a bit while rubbing his cut on left side of head, "What a headache. What did I miss? And please, not a single bloody joke from Discord. That idiot owed me a strawberry drink."

"A lot," Shorty answered in concern.

Saber and Rainbow armed and aimed their weapons at Mysterious Commander, who just recovered from the attack and sat down straight.

"It's over!" Rainbow said firmly.

Saber nodded, "Now tell us what is really going on?! What was that thing you destroyed?! Why get rid of us for being witness?!"

Mysterious Commander scoffed as she quickly smoke bombs, creating smokescreen to blind everyone within the chamber. They coughed a bit while smokescreen slowly dispersed and disappeared, revealing her to disappear in sights.

"Damn it. She got away," Rainbow grumbled angrily.

Saber groaned, "Yeah. We'd never get some answers about this."

"Well, I'm glad that my husband is alright," Fluttershy said in relief as she gave him a warm hug.

Terrorcreep sighed as he hugged her back, "Still, what really happen?"

Fluttershy gave a gentle kiss on his cut, "Don't worry. I'll explain everything."

Picking up the damaged reddish organic cell-like device, Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "Hmm… Maybe there's still a chance to analyze it…"

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force continued battling and fighting off Demon Successors, who got frustrated and annoyed as they're losing the fight to them.

Hak Xing unleashed her Twin Dark Beams at Shadow Dragon and Twilight, who armed and blocked both Darkness Blade and Sparkling Star Sword against the beams for the moment. At that very moment, the Mystic Earth Pony summoned and used the Shield of Darkness to block and deflect back at her. The Demon Successor of Moon quickly levitated to the midair but got thrown and knocked off by couple of crates. As she got recovered, both of them unleashed and combined Chaos Hyper Blast and Sparkling Star Burst to knock her straight against the Pan'ku Box case. The artifact caused powerful electrical surge to wound her a lot.

Drago and Mei Kai surrounded both Blazefist and Aqua, who have each other back to back and facing at them. They both unleashed Demon Dragon Flame and Water Torpedo Blast at the couple. As they're getting close to them, both Blazefist and Aqua smirked and nodded firmly. The blue Pegasus unleashed the Hydro Cannon with Surf Ability for strong defense around them both. Her husband activated his Firestorm Phoenix and blasted two sides. Combining with Hydro Cannons, they both formed powerful tornado-like beam, pouring and ramming Drago and Mei Kai. They both recovered but got hit on guts by Blazefist's Fire Punch and Aqua's Ice Punch. They both knocked out.

Song Wing unleashed both Sonic Screech and Wing Cutter at both Rarity and Shorty. The white unicorn summoned and used her Diamond Bracelet's Barrier Form, followed by her boyfriend shooting and blasting his Flame Volley Blaster at her. The Bat Demon-like swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks while firing back at them. He quickly and struck his Razor Leaf at her, cutting and wounding her before unleashed and slammed his Vine Whip in knocking her off. Rarity unleashed her Diamond Bracelet's Beam of Light to knock her out.

Voltscar summoned and unleashed his Thunderstorm Strike at Rexstrike and his Royal Guards. They quickly hid behind the crates while firing back at him. However, due to his strong armor, the reptilian demon withstood the attack. The general gave some thoughts on how to beat him. He then noticed a grenade on his belt. He got out from his hideout as he charged and rammed straight at Voltscar, who quickly punch him five times before kicked him off. As the reptilian warrior was about to unleash his Thunderbolt Blast, he heard some beeping noise. He looked down and found the grenade was beeping and blinking, shocking and scaring him. Just before he could react, it exploded and knocked him to the ground.

Applejack and Quake charged and engaged a fierce fist fight with each other for couple of rounds. They both then held each other for the moment while groaning in frustration and determination to fight. The cowgirl feigned her exhaustion, allowing him to push and slam to the ground. This allowed her to fall on back and kicked him over to the large set of knights, knocking him unconscious. Gusty unleashed Gas Burst Blast at both Icy and Tailtech, who got thrown straight against the wall. He then unleashed Poisonous Frog's Slime at them both. They barely dodge and evade the attacks. Icy quickly fired her Frozen Shards at him. He yelped to dodge and evade the attacks but got rammed and knocked out by Tailtech's Bullet Punch. Avalanche roared at both Pinkie and Laxtinct. And just before he could do anything, they then performed circus activity, making him giggled and clapped happily to watch them.

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force gathered and moved Demon Successors to one area. Pinkie was playfully and happily holding Pan'ku Box.

"You're beaten," Twilight said firmly, "This time, we're gonna send you all to that place."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. You're not gonna threaten our family and ponies again."

Hak Xing groaned before screamed in frustration, "So close! So close! I… I can't afford to fail my father again! I refused!"

"Honey. Get use to it. You've already fail the moment you and your pals came here," Applejack commented.

"Yeah! No shame to admit that you've lost!" Pinkie giggled happily.

Demon Successors continued glaring and snarling at Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force. Just before anyone could do anything, couple of strange grenades rolled towards them. They all unleashed powerful electrical shocks on them all, knocking them out. Suddenly, a large portal appeared and slammed on Demon Successors.

The portal reappeared and launched Demon Successors out from it. They all groaned and grunted in pain before getting up from the ground. They all looked at Pan'ku Box in front of them.

"W-What the?!" Mei Kai asked in shock.

"How the hell did we end up here?" Song Wing asked in confusion.

"So, you have finally did it?" Bai Tza's voice asked in surprise yet proud. Demon Successors looked and found Demon Lords in Communication Portals, staring and looking at them. She continued, "For the first time, you have completed your mission!"

"It seems we have underestimated you," Shendu commented.

Dai Gui chuckled, "You all have finally step up to this. Well done!"

Demon Successors were still dumbfounded and confused over the problems. Hak Xing asked, "H-How? We were defeated. We almost lost!"

"Is that so?" Tso Lan asked curiously, making Hak Xing bowed to the ground in defeat. He spoke, "There is no need for you to bow down in shame and defeat. Bow humbly with pride looks, daughter. You have done well."

Shocked and disbelieved, Hak Xing looked up and spoke, "But father-!"

Tso Lan interrupted firmly, "I am well aware that you and your cousins might fail again. That is why he came."

"He?" Drago asked suspiciously, "Who's he? Who saved our ass?"

"Over here, dragon boy," The mad yet calm voice called. Demon Successors turned and looked back. They found and looked back. He revealed himself to be Ripper. He chucked a bit, "Nice to see you here!"

"What the hell?! What is this?!" Quake demanded.

Voltscar growled, "Why is this psychopath fool here?!"

"He helped you escape. You should appreciate that, son!" Tchang Zu growled.

Po Kong nodded, "Indeed. If not for him, you all would be send here instead! This realm is still horrible! So little food! It's driving me mad!"

"Yes," Xiao Fung agreed humbly and calmly, "After all, it was he, who deliver the information to you for learning and finding that artifact across. It was he, who has helped you to escape! From now on, he shall be your informant and assistant. And also, he's the only pony, who can solve and open the portal when the time is right."

Demon Successors were skeptical and suspicious about Mystic Pony helping them with their mission. By their parents' order, they have reluctant and have no choice but to obey and follow the order.

"One question that puzzle me," Gusty said suspiciously while looking at Ripper, "Why? Why help us now?"

Ripper smirked, "Let's just say that it's time for a new era. An era, where mortals are supposed to obey and serve immortals like us. Back to the real old school. My contact wanted the way it was. Screw the modern days. It's bloody mess up."

Demon Successors were intrigued and impressed by Ripper's proposal. Hak Xing commented, "Sounds promising."

"Sounds fun," Drago remarked in amusement.

"I assume that you all agreed to this?" Hsi Wu asked.

Demon Successors looked at each other as they all smiled and nodded firmly. Hak Xing smirked, "We accepted. Tell your leader that we agreed with his proposal."

Ripper chuckled, "Will do. Now let us crack the puzzle box."

"Can Avalanche asked," Avalanche asked dumbly. Everyone looked at him. He asked, "Can we have some snacks? I'm hungry."

Everyone facefaulted in annoyance and frustration with Avalanche's usual hunger over food. Nevertheless, the Demon Successors and Demon Lords are now in league with Ripper and his mysterious contact for making new era.

After removing the tumor from Terrorcreep's brain, he was placed in patient ward for resting and recovery as he was still suffering some headache. Fluttershy, Rainbow, Saber and Shorty told him of what really happened to him. The rest of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have returned to Manehattan Hospital for a visit and check on him.

After listening to their story, Terrorcreep was disbelieved and confused about today's event. He hissed while rubbed his head, "I still can't remember of that event, other than a big headache."

"Well, at least, you didn't go crazy and rampage like your old pony," Laxtinct joked. He got his head whacked by a kettle. He yelped in pain, "That really hurt!"

"Hope you're okay alright now," Fluttershy said sincerely and calmly.

"I still feel the worse, but I'm alright now." Terrorcreep said calmly. He sighed in concern, "Still… I have a strange nightmare."

"Nightmare?" Shadow Dragon asked in confusion, "That's something. The only nightmare you have is losing your mother. Thought you got over it."

"Not that. It's something else… Something worse…" Terrorcreep said in concern and fear, recalling the nightmares he has suffered.

Nightmares…

The large numbers of Mystic Ponies marched across the Equestria including Ponyville. They have burnt down and destroyed most of the cities, and even slaughtered and executed many innocent Equestria Ponies. Armed with his Dual Thunder Axes, Terrorcreep approached to an injured pony, who revealed to be none other than Fluttershy.

Fluttershy gasped in fear, "Terrorcreep, don't do this!"

"Good soldier must follow order." Terrorcreep muttered in trance. Raising his axe up, he spoke darkly, "The Mortals will fall..."

Fluttershy screamed in fear, "Nooooooooooooooo!"

Nightmares Ends…

After recalling the nightmares, Terrorcreep sighed in shame, "Just like how you described it. Damn it. It hurts…."

Fluttershy approached and gave her husband a gentle nuzzle, "It's okay, Terrorcreep. The nightmare is over. You'll be okay."

"You've been through a lot. When we reach home, both of you will take leave for a week," Twilight said calmly.

Terrorcreep sighed, "Sure. Thanks."

"Well. Glad today's nightmare is over," Rainbow commented in relief.

While the rest of their friends chatted happily and calmly, both Shorty and Saber can't help but feel uneasy and worry that they're not through with it especially they have the damaged reddish organic cell-like device in their hooves.

As soon as they and their friends returned to home, both Shorty and Saber headed off straight to the former's secret laboratory, making sure that no one including their own friends find out what they're up to. They have been in two days of researching and studying the damaged chip, hoping to find the answer. Eventually…

His computer screen revealed the information behind the damaged chip, though some parts looked corrupted and damaged.

"Oh my…" Shorty said in concern and fear.

"What? What did you find out?" Saber asked.

"Based on the data I've salvaged, I'm afraid that Terrorcreep's nightmares and the event we've been through might be serious. And not to mention, this is the conspiracy against both Equestria and Mystic Realm," Shorty explained seriously and firmly. Saber looked concern. He continued, "According to this data, this inhibitor chip will activate and make the pony in trance, so they can proceed and complete their mission, with no remorse or hesitation. Military, innocent or neutral; the pony will kill their target."

"You're kidding me?!"

"I'm afraid not, Saber. Once this 'Operation' is initiated, Mystic and Equestria will be in danger."

"Damn it." Saber cursed while slammed his fist against the wall, "This is not good. Whoever invent and insert the chip inside Terrorcreep is clearly has the motive against Equestria. And I have my own suspicious."

Knowing what Terrorcreep was talking about, Shorty nodded in agreement, "No kidding." He then gave some thoughts of the previous event, "And I don't think it's just Terrorcreep to have this chip in his head. It's all of us!"

Saber looked shock and concern, "T-That can't be good."

"We have to warn the Council now!" Shorty exclaimed in concern.

"No!" Saber disagreed. Shorty looked shock and disbelief. He continued, "If Terrorcreep's chip malfunction, the assassin was sent here to eliminate him or destroyed the chip. It's clearly that he doesn't want to find out about this. Because if we do, he will get rid of us."

"It's the reason why we should make the report now!"

"No. We don't have enough of evidence to make report. And not to mention, we don't even know if it's him. If we make one wrong move, we not only put ourselves in danger but our family and friends."

"Then, what should we do?!" Shorty asked in concern.

Saber sighed, "For now, we lay low and pretended that everything's fine. We also should make some contingency plans to save ourselves and our team if the operation initiated. Hopefully, our friends can figure it out."

Thinking over Saber's plan, Shorty sighed, "I suppose it will have to do. I believe that I have another way to save us too if we ever regroup and gain upper hand. I still think we should make report."

"I supposed you're right," Saber said in agreement, "I know who can help us with this."

Shorty smiled in relief, "Glad you see it in my way. I should prepare some necessary tools. And hopefully, I'm correct with secondary contingency plan."

Saber nodded, "Let's get started."

Failing to complete her mission, the Mysterious Commander returned to the command and meet up with both her commanding officer and superior over it. She bowed to the ground firmly and seriously.

"You have failed, commander," Mysterious Superior remarked dryly.

"I know, sir. I deserved to be punished now," Mysterious Commander said firmly.

"That maybe so. However, this is a minor setback," Mysterious Superior said firmly.

"But sire, what if they discover the truth behind this?" Mysterious Commander asked in concern.

"What could they possibly do?" Mysterious Superior asked curiously and amusingly, surprising the commander. He continued, "Even if they did discover and removed the chip from their brain, this will not stop the operation. They're not the only ones to have them. If they think that they can get more allies to their side and stop this, the Grand General and I have made many alternate plans including Ripper 'gone rogue' and assist his new friends to distract and prevent them succeeded. I am confident that Operation: Trump will continue until the Equestria will be nothing but ashes. Mystic Ponies will reclaim what belongs to them."

Mysterious Commanding Officer nodded, "Indeed. They can try all they can. In the end, they will fail."

Giving some thoughts and concerns, Mysterious Commander questioned, "Sire, are you certain that you're willing to go through with it?"

"I am. I will avenge my family and their honor. I will restore true order and peace. I will reverse the damages that my grandfather and former Emperor Avatar have done. Mystic Ponies will regain and reclaim what is theirs," Mysterious Superior said firmly. The lights turned on and revealed the true mastermind. Nezha continued, "Nothing will stop my revenge. I hope you will continue your part, Commander Tempest. After all, it was Grand General Death Tactic recommend you to this important mission. He helped you to restore what you have lost. Failure will not be tolerated."

Two figures have revealed themselves to be both Death Tactic and Tempest Shadow. They both bowed down humbly to the ground.

"As you commanded, my emperor," Tempest said firmly and humbly, "I-I will do my best."

"I am confident that you will," Death Tactic said calmly while patted Tempest's back. He continued, "You may be Twilight's Commander of her Friendship Guards, but do not forget where you truly belong and the mission. You are the Grand Commander of the Army and also Ultimate Warrior of Stealth."

Though indebted to Death Tactic for saving her and restore her horn, Tempest was conflicted on spy mission involving of Twilight, who has saved her from Storm King and willing give her second chance to become a friend. However, she cannot ignore her true allegiance and superior's commands.

Tempest said firmly, "Do not worry, your majesty, I will not fail."

Nezha hummed suspiciously yet reluctantly, "Do not fail me, commander…"

"And also, we would like you to bring our latest spy in as well," Death Tactic said firmly and calmly, "Dr. Wong has succeeded his assignment. She will help you and Bella with the mission."

"Golly! That's nice of you to say that. But don't worry, I won't let you down!" The cute yet squeaky voice reported.

Tempest groaned with her rolling eyes, "This is going to be my nightmares…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie

Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep, Tso Lan

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow

Secondary Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Christy Carlson Romano: Aquastroke

P.J. Bryne: Laxtinct

Kate Higgins: Tailtech

Cristina Vee: Icy

Dee Bradley Baker: Rexstrike

Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Hynden Walch: Mei Kai

Kevin Michael Richardson: Quake

David Sobolov: Voltscar

Charlie Schlatter: Gusty

Cree Summer: Song Wing

Jeff Bennett: Avalanche

Minor Casts:

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic

James Sie: Shendu

Mona Marshall: Bai Tza, Po Kong

Frank Welker: Dai Gui

Clancy Brown: Tchang Zu

Corey Burton: Xiao Fung

Andre Sogliuzzo: His Wu

Alec Newman: Ripper

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Episode 5: Old Folks of Las Pegasus

After successfully located and retrieved the Pan'ku Box, Demon Successors are now working to solve the puzzle box, hoping that it can lead them to new portal and open it. Ripper, the representative and secret agent to Nezha, is assisting them with the problem.

Demon Successors were glaring at the Pan'ku Box. They were thinking and trying to solve and open it. Voltscar summoned his Thunderstrike Blade on it. The box's magical force-field repel him off. Quake tried to grab it, which caused powerful electrical shock on him. Avalanche tried to eat it, which gave him more shocking again. Demon Successors and even Ripper were annoyed and embarrassed to see them being fools.

"What part of 'good magic' do any three of you cannot understand?!" Hak Xing asked angrily and annoyingly. Quake, Voltscar and Avalanche groaned and moaned painfully while lying on the ground. She groaned, "Anyone?!"

"It would be very difficult to solve it," Gusty grumbled while glaring at the Pan'ku Box. He groaned, "It's impossible!"

Song Wing scoffed while whacked Gusty's head, "Thank you for the obvious answer, froggy. Anyone got a better idea?"

"Why don't you help us, Ripper?" Drago asked in annoyance, "You are Mystic Pony, you know!"

Ripper chuckled uneasily, "Yeah. Solving the puzzle is not my game. Plus, isn't it your job to save your parents?"

Annoyed by Ripper's jokes, Drago groaned angrily, "Why I oughta-?! You think it's funny?! I'll show what funny means, psychopath moron!"

"Drago, stand down!" Hak Xing ordered angrily and firmly.

"Shut the hell up with the order, will ya?!" Drago screamed angrily.

Drago quickly snatched and grabbed the Pan'ku Box, despite it gave powerful electrical shocks on him. He ignored the pain. He threw it right at Ripper, who quickly dodged down at once. The puzzle box thrown very hard straight at the wall. It then bounced and dropped to the ground. It opened in half.

Shocked and disbelieved, Demon Successors turned and glared at Drago, who was already annoyed and angry.

"What?! It's not my fault if Ripper wouldn't help us! And he's a Mystic Pony! He can use the good magic, for Scorpan's Sake!" Drago exclaimed in annoyance.

Hak Xing snarled at Drago, "I am warning you again, Drago. If you ever-!"

Drago snarled at Hak Xing, "Well, bring it, bitch! I'm sick of taking order from you! All you did is come up with the dumbest strategies, which didn't help us win anything!"

"So be it!" Hak Xing remarked dryly and angrily.

Hak Xing and Drago snarled angrily as they were about to start the fight if not for Mei Kai, who prevented and held them apart from fighting each other.

Noticing Pan'ku Box slowly levitated in midair, Gusty yelped, "Uh, guys. You need to see this."

Demon Successors turned their attention to the Pan'ku Box, which is now in midair. And to their surprise; the puzzle box was sliding, twisting and rotating by itself magically.

Drago gasped, "What the hell?!"

"Agreed. The Pan'ku Box is opening itself now," Hak Xing said in surprise. She then remarked sarcastically, "It looks like you finally contribute to some useful, Drago."

"Thanks," Drago smirked with pride. Realizing her meaning, he snapped angrily, "Hey!"

Gusty shushed Drago and Hak Xing as he and his cousins continued watching the Pan'ku Box continued twisting, sliding and moving its parts around. Aftermath, it halted at once. It opened its top right and shot greenish beam out. The beam then created the map of Las Pegasus with the mark of Mystic Symbol within the Ponet Fantastique Resort. It even has 'Xiao Fung' Name on it. Demon Successors awed in amazement about the map.

"Looks like we have found our first portal, cousins!" Mei Kai exclaimed happily.

Hak Xing nodded, "It appears this is your chance to free your father, Gusty."

Gusty smirked as he cracked and stretched himself out, "Viva Las Pegasus! Here I come!"

At the School of Friendship's Lobby, the students were chatting happily with each other while walking around within the area as well. Lockdown was there as well. While still writing down on his notepad, he was keeping an eye on anything suspicious or troubling.

"Hey Lockdown!" Rainbow called, alerting and scaring Lockdown to trip and fall down hard. The discipline teacher turned and glared at her. She laughed awkwardly, "S-Sorry."

Lockdown sighed in annoyance while getting himself up, "What is it, Rainbow Dash? This better be good."

"Yeah, I was hoping that you let me off for a day off? I'm heading to Las Pegasus." Rainbow asked hopefully.

"Why am I not surprise? So, why a day off?" Lockdown asked suspiciously. Rainbow explained her reason of wanted to go to Las Pegasus for a week. He was annoyed and irritated. With his raised eyebrow, he asked dryly, "So, let me get this straight. You want a week off, so that you can enjoy riding this ridiculous rollercoaster because your Wonder Flyers told you how excited and great this Wild Blue Yonder is?!"

Rainbow smiled meekly and innocently, "Yes…"

"Did you have someone to take over your class for a day?" Lockdown asked in annoyance. Rainbow gulped in concern and worried. He gave dry and serious looks, "No!"

Rainbow whined unhappily, "Please!"

"No!"

"But!"

"No!"

"Come on, Lockdown! You've gotta help me with this!" Rainbow pleaded, "Can't you just take over my class?!"

Lockdown gave Rainbow a dry and firm glare, "Unless you have a substitute teacher to take over, you can kiss your trip to rollercoaster adventure goodbye! And FYI!" He screamed out loud, "I am very busy!"

Rainbow groaned in frustration, "Aw, come on! Why won't you help me out?!"

"Coz Applejack's already taken a day off! So, I'm not gonna let you off," Lockdown said firmly. He then spotted Heatwave and Sandbar were brawling with each other. He shouted, "Hey! Why did I tell you about fighting at Lobby?! You wanna go to detention class again?!"

Lockdown angrily approached to Heatwave and Sandbar, halting their brawl and berated their attitude problems.

Rainbow gave some thoughts of what Lockdown. She smirked happily as she realized that she might have a substitute teacher to take over her class now.

Rainbow went to Sweet Apple Acres, seeking Applejack. Lucky for her, she has found her best friend and rival at the Apple Orchard, where she was doing apple bucking. She approached and talked to the cowgirl, convincing her to let her go to enjoy the Wild Blue Yonder at Las Pegasus for a day.

"The ride closes this week! Forever! But I can't go to Las Pegasus because I have to teach at Twilight's school. I'm gonna miss out on the coolest rollercoaster of all time!" Rainbow explained in upset tone. She then smiled slyly, "Unless..."

Applejack hummed suspiciously, "Why do I feel like you're about to ask me a mighty big favor?"

"Can you cover my classes?" Rainbow asked hopefully before whimpered sadly.

Applejack smiled happily, "Absolutely!"

Rainbow gasped happily, "Really? Awesome!"

And just before Rainbow could fly off, Applejack quickly used her lasso to capture and bring her down hard.

"On one condition." Applejack said firmly, "You tag along with a few other ponies goin' to Las Pegasus."

As Applejack looked behind, Rainbow followed her friend's direction. They both found Granny Smith arriving at the orchard.

Rainbow laughed, "Surely you don't mean Granny Smith!"

"No, no, of course not." Applejack disagreed. Spotted three shadowy figures following Granny Smith from behind, she smiled warmly, "I mean Granny Smith and the rest of the Gold Horseshoe Gals."

Granny Smith called out, "Hurry your haunches, hinnies!"

Three figures revealed themselves to be Grand Auntie Applesauce, cousin Apple Rose, and cousin Goldie Delicious. Three of them were headed straight to Sweet Apple Acre's House/

Applejack introduced happily, "Grand Auntie Applesauce, cousin Apple Rose and cousin Goldie Delicious. Why, I'm sure they'd be plumb tickled to have you join their annual grandmares' trip to Las Pegasus. It'll be perfect. I'll teach your classes, and you can look after them for me.

Rainbow scoffed in disbelief, "Look after them? You've gotta be kidding!"

"So they don't get too carried away." Applejack commented. She turned and looked at Big Mac, who was bringing tons of luggage and bags, heading towards his family's house. She continued, "Usually Big Mac goes along as a chaperone, but I'm sure he'd love a break."

"There is no way I'm going to Las Pegasus with a bunch of old, slow grannies!"

"So you don't mind missin' your only chance to ride the Wild Blue Yonder?"

After thinking over what Applejack has said, Rainbow groaned in frustration, "Ugh, fine! I'll go!"

"Ha! That's the spirit!" Applejack exclaimed happily. She smiled, "Now skedaddle so I can help them get ready."

Applejack returned to her family's home, helping her grandmother and other elders out with packing up the stuffs. Rainbow groaned in frustration and annoyance about accepting her friend's request.

Almost an hour or two have passed; Rainbow waited impatiently, standing near to Hot Air Balloon Parking Zone. She even looked at the clock tower, which is now 1pm. This made her more frustrated and impatient.

Rainbow groaned, "Why is this taking so long? The Wild Blue Yonder's gonna close before we even get to Las Pegasus."

Rainbow then looked up and found Applejack and four Apple Elders have arrived at the scene. They even brought their lighter luggage. While the Granny Smith and her Gold Horseshoe Gals were climbing up and entering the hot air balloon, both Applejack and Rainbow were discussing.

"What took you long?!" Rainbow asked impatiently.

"Sorry, Rainbow. Granny Smith was looking for her 'Flank Cream'. That took for a while." Applejack explained uneasily. She cleared her throat, "And of course, I have to write and send a letter to Saber, letting him know that you're in-charge of the group."

"Wait? Saber?"

"Of course, you're gonna meet up with Saber too. He said that he's chaperone for his crew."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Rainbow Dash. Gold Horseshoe Gals and the Veterans of Three Kingdoms have always been together and have a great time with their vacation for quite a while. I'd tell ya. They're crazy with it."

Rainbow scoffed a bit, "Yeah, right."

"Here. I made a list to help you keep the grandmares out of trouble." Applejack said firmly as she passed the paper to Rainbow. She continued, "Don't wanna have to bring 'em back home before you get to go on your rollercoaster."

"That could happen?" Rainbow asked in shock.

"Only if you don't follow the rules." Applejack said seriously, "These grannies need a lot of care. If one of 'em overdoes it, it's bye-bye Las Pegasus for the lot of ya.:

"'Make sure they get their naps'. 'Eat only soft foods'. 'Careful when dancing'? 'Don't get too excited'? Seriously?!" Rainbow asked in shock.

Applejack nodded firmly, "And don't let 'em out of your sight. Ever."

"Wait. Then how am I supposed to go on the rollercoaster?"

"You'll find time. And you might even learn a thing or two about havin' a good time from these old gals."

"Yeah. That'll happen." Rainbow grumbled.

Applejack smiled, "Trust me. It'll be fine. Just make sure they don't overdo it while enjoy their vacation. If you need help, Saber's the guy to help you out."

Rainbow sighed, "Fine. Whatever."

Applejack turned to Granny Smith, "Now, Granny, just remember not to-!"

Granny Smith scoffed as she interrupted, "Applejack, you worry too much! We know when to enjoy our fun and when to rest for our beauty sleep. Besides, having Rainbow around means we're gonna have great time at Las Pegasus."

"I know. Just don't overdo it like last time," Applejack said sternly yet calmly.

Granny Smith giggled, "You've got it."

"Okay, then. Enjoy your fun, grannies!" Applejack called happily.

The Hot Air Balloon Captain bring up the anchor. She then pulled the rope down, activated the air balloon to ascend to the sky. Applejack waved goodbye to Granny Smith and her relatives, who returned it to her as well. They're now off to Las Pegasus. Hopefully, Rainbow made it there in time.

It took Rainbow and Gold Horseshoe Gals an hour to reach Las Pegasus. Upon arriving to their destination, an aircraft marshal was standing on the platform, signaling the hot air balloon to descend and land carefully on it. They have arrived at Las Pegasus.

While Gold Horseshoe Gals were unloading their luggage, Rainbow was waiting for them while looking up ahead, searching for Wild Blue Yonder. And to her surprise yet excitement, she spotted the rollercoaster on top of Ponet Fanastique Resort.

Rainbow squealed happily and excitably, "The Wild Blue Yonder is in our hotel?!"

Rainbow turned and looked at Gold Horseshoe Gals have unloaded their luggage down. She then gave some thoughts of getting to the Wild Blue Yonder. She smiled slyly yet again.

"Uh, I bet you grannies are feeling super tired from your journey." Rainbow asked curiously.

"Nope!" Granny Smith disagreed. She then looked at her cousins, "How about a trot down the avenue to see the sights, girls?"

"Oh, forget the sights," Goldie Delicious exclaimed excitably. She smirked, "I came here to play some serious horseshoe toss!"

"Oh, can we see the rainbow fountains at the water show?" Apple Rose asked sincerely. She sighed, "They're so magical!"

"My pores are crying for a mud mask at the Prism Palace Spa!" Auntie Applesauce said hopefully while touching her face.

Though upset and anxious of getting to the rollercoaster, Rainbow is determined to get off from responsibility. While approaching and pushing the tons of luggage, she asked, "You know what would be really fun? Relaxing in our room!"

Gold Horseshow Gals shrugged amusingly as they headed off to the hotel. Rainbow followed them from behind while still pushing and moving the luggage.

Unknown to Rainbow and the Apple Elders, a shadowy figure was floating and flying around wildly on the midair. Upon reaching to the Las Pegasus, he landed on the top of the building's rooftop. He then looked around of his surroundings. Gusty smirked amusingly and happily that he has arrived to his destination.

"Las Pegasus, I've arrived," Gusty said playfully. Hummed thoughtfully, he smirked, "Better put myself in disguise. I wouldn't want to ruin ponies' fun while I'm looking for my dad."

Gusty magically transformed into fatty lighter purple colored Pegasus with greenish mohawk hairstyle, wearing purple shirt and purplish-navy colored jacket. He even has the Pan'ku Box on his bagpack. He hopped and landed on the ground hard. He purred playfully like a cat.

"Show time," Gusty commented happily.

Gusty made a sailor's whistle while heading off to find the portal now…

Still carrying tons of luggage on her back, Rainbow and the Goldie Horseshoe Gals arrived and entered the Ponet Fantisque Hotel. The daredevil Pegasus put down them down. She suddenly has the shocking yet exciting face as she witnessing the largest blue-black colored rollercoaster with wild and crazy designs of roller tracks around the hotel's interior.

Rainbow squealed happily and wildly, "Oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh! There it is! The best rollercoaster ever!"

"Beautiful, isn't it?" A familiar cocky and calm voice asked.

"It sure is-! Huh?!" Rainbow got interrupted as she snapped back to reality. She turned to her right. She was completely shocked and surprised, "Wow! Soarin?! What are you doing here?! I thought you're done with it."

Soarin laughed uneasily and embarrassingly, "Can't help it. I enjoyed this ride so much. I wanna go with it again. Plus, I owe you a date."

"Cool…" Rainbow commented in surprise. Remembering what Applejack has said before, she cleared her throat a bit, "Well, we'll get that ride late. I've got something to do first."

"Whatever it is, I'd be grateful to help you out," Soarin said calmly.

Rainbow smiled, "Thanks. By the way, have you seen Saber?"

"No." Soarin answered calmly.

"Looking for me?" Saber's voice asked. Rainbow and Soarin turned and looked on right. They found him. He worn a reddish T-Shirt with white ring around his collar and blackish sleeves. He even has Ace on his shoulder. He smirked, "What up, ya'll!"

"Saber! Glad to see you again, buddy," Rainbow exclaimed happily. She asked, "So, who's your crew? Hopefully, it's not old folks again. I've got mind full hooves now. The last thing I need is AJ getting mad at me again."

Surprised yet worried by Rainbow's complain, Saber chuckled uneasily, "Funny story, AJ. I kinda did bring the old folks here as well."

Rainbow was in shock and disbelief of what she just heard. She looked behind of Saber. She found couple of old ponies and creatures – Armorhide, a darker sky blue colored Pegasus dwarf with dark greenish-bluish little beard and short tail and his cutie mark is heavy shield, Axen, Anchor, Apollo Python - a yellowish-brownish colored Griffin with white feathers worn crimson Tiger Armor, Veteran Shot and Gutsy the Steel Dragon, arriving at the scene.

"Aw! Come on! Again!" Rainbow exclaimed angrily, "Why do I have to end up with old ponies?!"

Saber shushed Rainbow while dragging her and Soarin behind the water fountain. He then spoke, "Rainbow! For crying out loud, lower your voice! You wanna mess with these guys?!"

"What?! What are you talking about?!"

"I'm talking about those guys! The veterans! These guys maybe 'old', but they're a lot of tougher and smarter than anyone else. You do not wanna get on their bad sides!"

"Come on, Saber. How bad they can be?!"

"Veteran Shot is the oldest but very strong and cunning warrior, and also one of Five Dragon Generals. He is very skilled with archery. Armorhide is the Great Defender for using his penetrable armor and shield against anything that they can throw at him. Anchor is the boldest warrior and seasoning navy general. Axen, Apollo and Gutsy are close friends and companions to the veterans, and they will not hesitate to take you down for insults. If I were you, I would not try to make fun of them or even underestimate them."

Rainbow groaned, "Man. I don't know what scares me the most – Applejack's demanding me to keep an eye on her grannies or your warning about those old folks."

Saber chuckled a bit, "Or could be worse, they end up getting early retirement."

Rainbow laughed a bit, "That's a good one!"

Soarin hummed while looking at Granny Smith's talking with her relatives. He spoke, "Man, I can't believe that Applejack's grandma came here…"

"You okay?" Rainbow asked.

Snapped back to reality, Soarin cleared his throat, "Oh yeah! I'm fine."

"Hey, fellows! Guess who's around here?" Veteran Shot called out.

Veterans of Three Kingdoms approached and greeted the Goldie Horseshoe Gals. They all chattered happily and amusingly to see each other and have fun together again.

"Good to see you handsomes around. I hope that you're ready for the worst!" Granny Smith challenged amusingly yet cockily.

Anchor laughed heartily, "Ooh! Someone's already want to start the challenge."

"I'd prefer we take a breath first before we do it," Armorhide said firmly.

Apollo sighed while shaking his head, "Indeed, Master Armorhide. I would advise that we take it slow and not to rush things."

"Then, it wouldn't be much fun, now would it, Mr. A.P?" Goldie Delicious joked, annoyed Apollo to growl a bit. She continued, "Warm up those withers, ladies! There's a horseshoe-hurlin' trophy with our names on it!"

"That's an indeed good idea!" Axen exclaimed in agreement. He stretched himself out, "I could use some stretching!"

Gusty chuckled happily, "Gusty… Loved… Exercise…"

The old ponies and their companies grunted a bit as they began stretching out themselves. Axen, Gusty and Apollo have no problems with their stretching. The old ponies were slow and cautious yet rushing as they tried to stretch out as much as they can.

Soarin whistled in amazement while looking at the old ponies stretching. Saber chuckled while clapping his hooves. Ace blew his whistle and cheer for them. Rainbow became uneasy and worried to watch the old ponies struggling and stretching out. She even recalled Applejack's warning if they get too excited.

Rainbow panicked and called out, "Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa. That sounds a little too exciting. Why don't we get you checked in first?"

"What's the matter, lass? Worried that we break our backs?" Veteran Shot asked teasingly yet sarcastically.

Anchor scoffed, "I think she worried too much about our old age."

"Regardless, my comrades, we should check in now," Armorhide suggested, "After that, then we can proceed with our activity."

Everyone chattered and nodded in agreement with Armorhide's suggestion. Luggage Cart arrived as he approached to help and carry their luggage on the cart. All of them headed off to their suite now.

Gusty, still in his pony disguise, arrived and entered the hotel. He hummed thoughtfully while looking around of his surroundings. And so far, he only found ponies marveled at the hotel while chatted with each other. He took the map out, looking around and trying to find the location.

Gusty used Anti-Magic Glove to hold on the Pan'ku Box to search and locate it. He pointed it around the direction until it glowed and pointed west. He smirked amusingly as he has located it. He then headed off to the location.

Luggage Cart guided and led his guests to their high classed suite. Rainbow and her friends entered the suit. They all awed in amazement and surprise of what they're looking at. The suite is huge and very decorated with comfortable sofa, mirror, drawers, bed and couple of palm trees as well.

"Welcome to our Gold Horseshoe Suite." Luggage Cart introduced to their suite, "Only the best of the best for our favorite guests. Which, of course, means you lovely mares and friends."

Auntie Applesauce approached to Luggage Cart as she gave him a sincere yet warm smile. She thanked, "Why, thank you a bushel and a peck, you scrumptious morsel of frosted carrot cake."

Auntie Applesauce picked the bit by her mouth, showing towards at Luggage Cart. He looked nervous and uneasy about getting it. And just before he could do anything, Apollo patted her back, making her spill and flip the bit out. Luggage Cart quickly used his hat to catch it.

"Thank you, sir!" Luggage Cart thanked happily.

"Anytime," Apollo said warmly. Luggage Cart turned and headed off at once. He then found Auntie Applesauce glaring at him. He was annoyed to ask, "What?"

"I was being polite and giving him the bit! Thank you for being rude to me," Auntie Applesauce scolded Apollo.

Unfazed by her temper, Apollo commented sarcastically, "Has anyone told you that you're being creepy to him.

Everyone laughed at Apollo's sarcastic remark of Auntie Applesauce, who was annoyed and offended by it.

While reading the notes, Rainbow spoke out, "Hey, folks. How about a nice nap so you can really enjoy Las Pegasus?"

"What?! So, we can miss out the fun?" Veteran Shot asked in annoyance.

Anchor chuckled, "I agreed with him. We don't have time to rest. We're just getting started!"

"You're right." Auntie Applesauce exclaimed in agreement, "Better see what else is out there first. The day is young, and I am not!"

The Gold Horseshoe Gals laughed out loud about Auntie Applesauce's jokes. They're all agreed with one thing. They wanted to have fun while they still have the time. Rainbow was a bit annoyed yet worried and nervous.

Rainbow pleaded, "B-But-!"

"Rainbow, relax. They're not kids," Saber said firmly and calmly, "If it makes you feel better, why don't I watch over them while you and Soarin head off to your Wild Blue Yonder for a ride?"

"R-Really?" Rainbow asked hopefully. She halted, remembering about Applejack's instruction. She hissed, "I-I don't know."

"You sure you can handle it?" Soarin asked in concern. He looked at the elders were chatting and talking with each other. He hummed, "That's awful lots of responsibility."

Saber smiled, "Don't worry about it, Soarin. Applejack and I have been doing this for quite a while. I can manage it. Plus, Axen, Gutsy and Apollo are helping me out to watch over them. The elders can handle anything. Trust me."

"You go along now and explore while we have our fun, sugar booger." Granny Smith insisted calmly, "Saber and the boys can look after us. They're quite strong."

Though not convinced and didn't like to leave the job unattended, Rainbow's reluctantly agree, "If you say so. Just make sure that-!"

Granny Smith interrupted, "Don't you worry about us getting overdo. I already told Applejack that we'll be fine. Just go and have fun."

"We've got this," Saber blinked at Rainbow.

Rainbow smiled happily, "Cool! Thanks!"

"I guess it's cool," Soarin commented in concern.

Rainbow and Soarin exited the suite's entrance, heading straight to the Wild Blue Yonder. Saber then take and guided the rest of the elder for their activities now.

Flying across the hallway, both Soarin and Rainbow came across to the receptionist, who is handling with the rollercoaster ticket and behind him was the entrance to Wild Blue Yonder. They both approached to him.

"Two tickets for the coolest rollercoaster of all time, please." Rainbow asked politely. The receptionist gave two tickets to her and Soarin. She neighed happily, "Ooh! This is it!"

Soarin smiled, "Trust me, Rainbow. You'll love it."

As soon as the curtains raised up, both of them yelped in shock and disbelief as they're witnessing the longest line of ponies wanted to try and ride on the rollercoaster.

"But... But... this line never ends!" Rainbow exclaimed in shock.

"I know, right?" Cranberry Muffin asked happily, "Good thing we can just stand here all day without any responsibilities waiting for us!"

Hearing what the pony has said, Rainbow can't help but feel guilty and shame about abandoning her responsibility to look after Applejack's relatives. She decided to drop the ticket and walk away. Soarin went after her.

"Rainbow! Where are you going?!" Soarin asked in concern.

Rainbow asked, "Going back to look after the grannies."

"But Saber said-!"

"I know. But I promised AJ that I watch over her grannies. It's time I do what I'm supposed to do, even if I have to give this up. You go on ahead."

"Forget it. I may have been on this ride for too many times. But going to ride without you is no fun. I'll help you."

Rainbow can't help but smiled happily and relieved to hear what Soarin has said. They both headed off to find and meet up with the rest of their friends.

After leaving the Wild Blue Yonder rollercoaster, Rainbow and Soarin returned to their suite, where they found a note on the table. It revealed that Saber, Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms are now inside at the arcade. They both headed off to the location.

Arriving and entering the arcade, Rainbow and Soarin looked around of their surroundings, searching for their friends. Suddenly, they heard the loud chanting noise calling 'Goldie' and 'Veteran Shot'. This surprise them. They headed off to the source.

Rainbow and Soarin found both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms were playing the muckers. Goldie Delicious and Veteran Shot were now playing it. Their own teammates and the crowd were cheering and applauding for them to win it.

"Can they do it? Can good old Goldie Delicious and the Gold Horseshoe Gals break the all-time resort record, folks?" Carnival Barker asked through his microphone.

Goldie Delicious was shaking and swinging the metal red horseshoe around her hoof. She threw it straight at the metal pole. She scored a goal. The crowd went wild.

"Now that's how you hurl a horseshoe!" Goldie Delicious exclaimed happily.

"Score one for Gold Horseshoe Gals! Can Veteran Shot get his score back for his team?!" Carnival Barker asked dramatically yet excitedly.

Veteran Shot scoffed, "I've seen better, young lady. Watch and learn!"

Goldie Delicious smirked, "Go ahead and try. You'll miss it."

"Don't be sure," Veteran Shot remarked confidently as he armed with his blue horseshoe.

While swinging his horseshoe for the moment, Veteran Shot jumped high before threw and struck it at the metal pole hard. The crowd went wild again. His own teammates cheered for him. He scoffed confidently while giving a smirk to Goldie Delicious, who groaned in annoyance.

"How do you like that?" Veteran Shot asked proudly.

Goldie Delicious grumbled, "Lucky Shot."

"Ooh! Veteran Shot won back again!" Carnival Barker exclaimed in surprise, "Make some noise for the best-played game of horseshoes this resort has ever seen! Can you believe your eyes, folks?"

The crowd went wild again for both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms. Rainbow and Soarin were shocked and amazement about the event. They then found Saber and Ace sitting down on the bench, watching the event. They then sat down close to their friends.

"Hey, guys. That was quick," Saber commented in surprise.

Rainbow sighed, "It was a long line. I decided to drop out and get back here instead. I did promise AJ about looking after her grannies."

"I told you already, Rainbow. I can handle it. Plus, these old folks are very tough. They can handle it."

"I know. But I've got the list to follow and make sure that nothing bad happen to the grannies."

"What am I surprise? I hope that she's not being overprotective pony with 'looking after her relatives' again."

"What do you mean?"

"AJ tends to get crazy over how to look after them properly when she knows that they can handle it by themselves. I just hoped that Flim-Flam's stunt didn't scare her."

"Right. The stupid tonic con. They really don't care of what happen to some ponies as long as they get the bits. Jerks."

"Well, they've got what they deserve. They're now under Scar Brilliance's control. They're not getting off that easily. Make one wrong move. Cutting their salary is the least of their worries."

"Good riddance," Rainbow said firmly. She turned and looked at how serious and determined Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious with the mucker. She whistled, "Wow! Goldie's and Veteran Shot's got game!"

Saber smirked, "They sure are. They've been rival to the core for almost any kind of game. And trust me, you do not wanna mess with them!"

"I hope she doesn't get too excited," Rainbow said hopefully.

Saber smiled, "Don't worry, Rainbow. They won't. And when Applejack said 'don't let them get too excited', she meant not to let them go overboard more than two hours."

"Got it," Rainbow nodded understandingly. She turned and looked at the game. She cheered, "Yeah! Go, Goldie!"

Rainbow, Saber and Soarin continued watching the game as Goldie Delicious and Veteran Shot were determined to win the mucker. The crowd continued go wild for them.

Gusty has spent for two hours, travelling through the maze of the hotel, following the Pan'ku Box's glowing direction. He grumbled and muttered angrily and annoyingly that he has found the portal yet.

"Gusty!" Xiao Fung's voice shouted angrily, scaring Gusty to turn back. He found his father's ghostly form of face glaring at him. He continued, "I've grown impatiently, son! When are you going to open the portal?!"

Gusty groaned, "I'm trying to find that stupid portal. But this place is a maze! The Pan'ku Box isn't much of helping."

"No excuses, son! Just get me out of here!" Xiao Fung exclaimed in frustration.

"Yes, father…" Gusty obliged. He called out, "Hopper! Mulch!"

Hopper and Mulch appeared behind of their masters. They revealed to be dark blue and dark greenish humanoid frogs-like worn blackish ninja suits and masks to cover their faces. They both bowed to the ground.

"We need to pick up the pace. We must find that portal quickly," Gusty ordered firmly and determinedly. He took out two wands-like sticks with glowing greenish energy on the top. He passed them to his minions, "These are Wayfinder Wands. They have the Pan'ku Box's magic scent. They will help you find and locate the portal. When you do find it, call me."

Hopper and Mulch nodded while bowed humbly and firmly. They then hopped and disappeared from his sights. Gusty continued his search for the portal.

After the tensed rivalry between Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious, Rainbow and her group are taking a break. They're now having snacks. They're at the cafeteria, where they were picking up their favorite snacks from the buffet.

"I love me some nachos." Granny Smith exclaimed happily as she picked up the plate of nachos, "I'mma set my dentures loose on these vittles until the crumbs cry uncle!"

After picking up his own nachos and taco, Saber smiled, "So do I! Wait till you guys try the Naco!"

"Naco?!" Granny Smith asked in surprise. She then laughed heartily, "Can't wait to try it!"

Not only Granny Smith chose nachos as her snacks, other chose their own snacks as well. Both Auntie Applesauce and Apple Rose decided to eat the sweets and cakes. Goldie Delicious chose the fruits as her snacks.

Alerted by Granny Smith and her relatives' choice of food, Rainbow hissed, recalling what Applejack has warned her. She asked Saber, "Saber, you sure that is a good idea for them to eat something crunchy and hard? I mean, they're supposed to eat something soft."

Saber scoffed, "Of course, they can eat them. Let me guess, AJ again?"

"Yeah." Rainbow confirmed.

"That pony really need to loosen it up." Saber grumbled a bit. He cleared his throat, "The grannies know what meal they can eat, and what not. So, just for today, they can have those bites only. And of course, the food they picked aren't very hard and rough."

Rainbow sighed, "I supposed so."

"Hey. Why don't we give them the carrot soup? Just in case, they don't like their snacks?" Soarin suggested.

Saber hummed thoughtfully, "Well, it that helps you not to worry too much."

"Totally!" Rainbow agreed. She brought and put the carrot soup on the elders' trays. This surprised and shocked them to look at her. She cleared her throat, "Just in case if you don't like it."

Granny Smith scoffed, "Don't threat, Rainbow Dash. I ain't gonna lose my denture that easily."

After gathering their food, Rainbow's group headed off and taken their seats. They all have their snacks and drinks to eat and drink now. Apple Rose looked surprise when she looked at Armorhide's dishes, which consisted of Chinese Dumplings, Carrot Soup, Bak Choy Bun, An Apple and Orange.

"Hey, how come you ain't eating other things?" Apple Rose asked curiously.

After eating his dumpling, Armorhide sighed, "I wish to keep my diet healthy and clean as much as possible with less carbon and oil food. And of course, I want to keep myself fit and strong for my duty when we returned home."

"Oh my!" Apple Rose said in surprise.

Axen smiled and nodded in agreement, "It is true. I have never seen Master Armorhide eat anything than the healthy food." He chuckled a bit, "Except the wine. He gone mad with it."

"Only because we're celebrating for special occasions," Armorhide said defensively.

Apple Rose giggled a bit, "That is cute."

"What about you three?" Auntie Applesauce asked Anchor, Gutsy the Steel Dragon and Apollo. She continued, "I'm pretty sure vegetables and fruits aren't good enough for you."

"Don't worry about me. I can handle with my diet well. And of course, I've done more exercise than eating," Anchor said proudly. He then showed off his muscle, "How else I get these bad boys?"

Apollo chuckled amusingly while eating apple, "It's true. Anchor is the strongest and toughest Diamond Dog we ever had. And I'd prefer apples over meat."

Gutsy munched happily with his Naco, "Nacos… Me… Like… Them… But… Gems… Best…."

Goldie Delicious scoffed, "I still won that game, you know."

Veteran Shot chuckled, "Not a chance, goldie. You can never best my archery!"

"Wanna a bet?"

"Ooh! I'd love to see you try!"

Both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdom chatted happily while eating and drinking. Saber and Soarin laughed at the scene while eating their snacks. Rainbow couldn't help but also laugh at it.

"Attention all, thrill-seekers!" Carnival Barker's Voice shouted through the P.A. "There's only one day left to ride the ride of all rides, the Wild Blue Yonder, before it's gone for good! Get in line! Now!"

Rainbow yelped in concern. She turned and looked at the elders, "So... what does everypony want to do tonight? I was thinking go to our room and put on eye masks and earplugs?"

"Really?" Saber asked in annoyance.

Apple Rose scoffed in disagreement, "I'd rather hit the club and show off my dance moves. I'm quite a legend when it comes to rumba."

Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement with Apple Rose's suggestion.

"Sounds kind of intense. Aren't you all exhausted from your big day?" Soarin asked curiously.

"Heck no! We save up our energy all year for Las Pegasus weekend, isn't that right, everypony?" Goldie Delicious asked excitedly yet hyped. Her relatives and friends agreed. She scoffed, "And of course, I wanna kick his flank too."

Veteran Shot laughed out loud, "I'd like to see you try. Coz no one can ever best the Veteran Shot!"

"Even dancing?"

"Is that a challenge?"

"Bring it on, old timer!"

"Old timer?!" Veteran Shot demanded, feeling offended. He scoffed, "Look who's talking!"

Everyone chatted and laughed out loud over Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious rivalry with each other.

Rainbow groaned reluctantly, "Dancing it is, then. I'll be there."

Shaking his head, Saber spoke, "Rainbow Dash, you really need to chill and trust me. Everything will be fine. Nothing bad is gonna happen."

Still searching for the portal, Gusty was walking and looking around within casino. He got annoyed and frustrated that he's still unable to find it. He then received magical message in midair, he read it softly. He was happy and pleased that Hopper and Mulch have located the portal.

With their magical beacon activated, Gusty was led straight to the basement, which is filled with metallic pipes around the ceiling. He even found his lieutenants bowed to the ground. He then looked at the pipe vault carefully. He picked up and aimed Pan'ku Box at the vault. It then glowed brightly as if it has located its target.

Pan'ku Box levitated up in midair. It then flew and attached itself to the vault's lock. It magically opened the large portal. Xiao Fung slowly emerged out from it. Gusty and twin Frog Ninjas bowed to the ground. He sighed calmly and happily.

"Yes! Freedom at last!" Xiao Fung exclaimed proudly and happily.

Gusty smiled, "Welcome home, dad."

Xiao Fung smiled, "Good to be home. Finally get away from Po Kong's smelly butt! Pee Yew! I can't stand that smell!"

"What should we do, father?" Gusty asked hopefully.

Xiao Fung smirked while stretched himself out, "We're going to have greatest fun at this land. I loved gambling especially when I'm winning!"

At the dancing night club, DJ Pon-3 was playing the DJ Jockey happily and wildly. Everyone including Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms were dancing happily and wildly. Saber, Soarin and even Ace also joined. Rainbow was annoyed and upset to dance due to still unable to get her chance to ride on Wild Blue Yonder.

Found most of the elders' dancing happily and wildly, Rainbow recalled Applejack's warning about them dancing.

"Uh, that's probably enough dancing for now!" Rainbow called out, "Right, Apple Rose?"

Apple Rose smiled while still dancing happily, "Oh, that was just my warm-up."

"Try not to worry so much, kid!" Anchor cheered wildly while making his biceps moving and dancing, "It's all about having fun!"

Apollo nodded while spun himself in curling form, "Agreed! Enjoy it while you can!"

Rainbow groaned in frustration and concern as she watched elders dancing happily. She's even more worried and scared while biting her hooves' nails over what happen if Applejack finds out of what happen to them.

Saber and Soarin noticed Rainbow's anxiety. They decided to help and calm her down.

"Rainbow, you need to relax," Saber commented calmly, "You've got nothing to worry about."

Soarin nodded happily, "Yeah. So, why don't you and I head to Wild Blue Yonder while we have the chance? After all, we're on date."

Rainbow groaned in frustration, "I can't! I promised AJ that I'll watch over them! If I screw this up, then I am so dead for this!"

Ace shook his head. Saber sighed in annoyance, "Rainbow Dash, you're being exaggerating."

"I am not!" Rainbow shouted at Saber's face, "I'm just doing my job!"

Soarin hissed, "Wow. She's been stressed with it."

Saber nodded in agreement yet concern, "This might not end well."

As the elders were dancing for the fun, they were being watched by two gentleponies. One was a lighter purple colored Earth Pony with light greenish colored mane and tail, wearing black shirt and beige colored jacket, and his cutie mark is hat popped the star out. Another was a blue unicorn male with white mane and tail worn beige colored sweater and brown jacket, and his cutie mark is three stars. They both winked at the ladies.

"Look! It's our favorite magicians, Big Bucks and Jack Pot!" Auntie Applesauce exclaimed in surprise, upon looking at the ponies. She sighed, "And aren't they lookin' handsome as ever?"

The Veterans of Three Kingdoms groaned in disgust, "Not!"

"Jack Pot?" Rainbow asked in surprise, "Isn't he Trixie's dad or something?"

Saber looked at Jack Pot carefully, "Hmm… Well, he does have the same colors and style. Yeah. Definitely him."

"Wow. Who would have thought that we might end up meeting him and his partner here?" Soarin asked in surprise. He continued, "I was told that they're the best stage magician especially their famous trick is Splashtasic Escape. Nopony could ever do that trick as they did."

Rainbow scoffed, "Well, that explains why she's so bragging about her being 'Great and Powerful'. She really looked up to him a lot."

Big Bucks and Jack Pot have whispered discussion. They both nodded in agreement. As they were approaching to the elders, Granny Smith removed the ribbon, letting out her mane gracefully before them. The rest of her relatives giggled amusingly.

Veteran Shot, Anchor and Armorhide facefaulted hard. Axen buffed in disgust before grabbed and vomited out into the ice bucket. Gutsy the Steel Drago covered his helmet's visor. Apollo groaned in frustration to see it.

"You little fillies have got some smooth moves!" Jack Pot commented, earning the grannies' giggles.

"Say, how would you Gold Horseshoe Gals like to bring some of that good energy into our magic show tonight?" Big Bucks asked sincerely.

Magically summoned thirteen golden tickets, Jack Pot commented, "Here's thirteen complimentary VIP tickets to our most amazing trick in the Ponet Fantastique Theater," He pointed at the curtain covered the entrance, "just over there."

"Sugarcube, we never miss your show." Auntie Applesauce commented, with winking her eyes.

"Fabulous. We'll save a spot for you on stage." Jack Pot commented.

Big Bucks nodded with a wink at the grannies, "And in our hearts."

"So gross." Rainbow remarked dryly.

"Tell me about it," Saber, Soarin and Veterans of Three Kingdoms agreed.

As the grannies were cheering wildly and happily, Granny Smith smiled, "Yeehaw, girls! Applesauce landed us some Very Important Pony tickets for the show tonight!"

Rainbow groaned, "Oh, come on! You said you were going back to the room after dancing! So each pony could have some alone time?"

"Rainbow Dash!" Saber scolded Rainbow.

"Oh, now don't be a stick in the mud!" Veteran Shot remarked dryly, "Trust me, you'll loooove this show! It's the best thing in Las Pegasus! Assuming Goldie don't lose her life."

Goldie Delicious scoffed before whacked on Veteran Shot's back, "Rub it in, why don't ya?!"

Both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms then laughed and cheered out loud happily about it. Rainbow was frustrated and annoyed with the elders for not listening to her.

"Oh, hey!" Cranberry Muffin called, getting Rainbow's attention. She smiled, "Thanks for giving me your place in line. They said I'm one of the last ponies ever to ride the Wild Blue Yonder! Ha!"

Shocked and disbelieved of what she heard, Rainbow screamed in frustration before fall on her back. Saber and Soarin sighed while shaking their heads.

As planned, Xiao Fung and his gangster headed off to the casino for gambling and getting more bits as he has planned via disguising themselves to be ponies. They have gained lots of bits under their favor. They're now at playing poker game. Xiao Fung, disguised as himself to be dark purple fatty Earth Pony with greenish Elvis-Mane Style worn his black suit with greenish tie, won most of the poker game.

Xiao Fung gathered the bits close to him. He smiled, "Always a pleasure to have with you all. We'd be leaving now. We have our fun."

"Hold it right, mister!" The manager of Casino shouted firmly. Xiao Fung turned and looked at him, He demanded, "How on Equestria can you win these games?! No one can win that much!"

"Is that threatening?!"

"It is if you're cheating. We don't play nice with cheaters."

Couple of pony bodyguards arrived and surrounded Frog Demon Gangster. Xiao Fung smirked amusingly. Just before the bodyguards could do anything, he transformed into his Demon Lord form, scaring the ponies before them. Gusty and his twin minions did the same thing.

"For the records, manager, I don't play cheats," Xiao Fung smirked as he slowly seeping something within his mouth, "But I do hate being accursed when gambling is my favorite game."

Many ponies were gasping and breathing heavily and weakly like they're losing air. Xiao Fung, his son and two minions were standing on the stage while glaring at the ponies. The giant frog Demon Lord took deep breath like he was vacuuming the air into his body system especially when it comes from the ponies.

After the moment, Xiao Fung stopped sucking the air. He smirked amusingly, "These foolish ponies should not have challenge me when their lives depend on it. I am the master of gambling."

"No kidding, dad. I wouldn't wanna mess with you," Gusty remarked sarcastically, "So, what's next?"

Noticed a magician show poster on the pillar, Xiao Fung smirked, "Oh. A Magic Show? Time to see if this magician has what it takes to upstage the Wind Demon Lord…"

Many ponies including Rainbow, Saber, Soarin and the elders were gathered and taking their seats, witnessing and watching both Big Bucks and Jack Pot, who worn their magician uniforms. They were performing various kind of magic tricks. Almost everyone enjoyed it. Rainbow was upset and annoyed over unable to get on her rollercoaster ride.

Big Buck smiled, "And now, for the trick that made us famous!"

"The most dangerous magical feat known to ponykind," Jack Pot added proudly. As the music played on cue, he continued, "We'd like to invite some very special mares to the stage."

Auntie Applesauce smiled as she looked at her relatives, "That's our cue, girls!"

Apollo scoffed, "Good luck with phony magic, mares."

"Hey! Zip it, Griffy!" Auntie Applesauce scolded Apollo, "You ruined the fun part."

Apollo yawned, "Every show I watch is the most boring show I ever seen."

"I agreed. I'd never like it very much," Armorhide agreed.

"Hush it," Apple Rose scolded Armorhide. She turned to her relatives, "Let's get going, ladies. Don't wanna be late."

Gold Horseshoe Gals got out from their seats and then headed off. Rainbow noticed them leaving their seats.

"Hey, where are you going? Come back!" Rainbow exclaimed in concern.

Anchor hushed Rainbow, "Quiet! The show's getting good! I hope they haven't lost their touch."

Veteran Shot groaned, "You've seen it a lot of time."

"I've gotta follow them!" Rainbow exclaimed in concern. Saber held her down. She grunted, "Dang it, Saber! Would you let me go?!"

"Rainbow, just take a seat." Saber said firmly.

"But Granny Smith and others-!"

"They'll be fine. Just enjoy the show."

"Dude, you're too calm," Soarin said in concern. He awed in fear, "It kinda freaks me out."

Rainbow gulped, "AJ is gonna kill me!"

As the Gold Horseshoe Gals worn headwear with feathers were on the stage, Big Bucks smiled, "Meet our lovely assistants!"

The crowd went wild. Jack Pot continued, "They will make a splashtastic escape using only the instructions we give them... with our minds."

The crowd awed in surprise, Big Bucks added, "Don't try this at home, folks!"

As Big Bucks and Jack Pot gave the signal, the large glassed aquarium-like was lowered down upon Gold Horseshoe Gals. The water emerged out from drainage sink. It was flowing up the aquarium. The Apple Elders didn't seem to be bothered about it. This shocked and surprised the crowd including Rainbow and Soarin.

"Okay, is this the part where we panicked and save them?!" Soarin asked in concern.

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah! Roll to the Rescue!"

Saber gasped, "Rainbow! Soarin! Wait! Don't!"

Saber didn't get his chance to stop them as Rainbow and Soarin charged and rammed the aquarium for few times. This shocked and concerned the crowd.

"What are your friends doing?!" Veteran Shot demanded in annoyance.

Saber groaned while slapped on his forehead, "I'm gonna regret for not telling them soon!"

Rainbow and Soarin gave their last push and knock the aquarium over while the water pouring out from the glass tank to the ground. The Gold Horseshoe Gals are freed from it. Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just saw.

"This is gonna be ugly," Saber commented in concern.

Granny Smith approached to Rainbow, whom she dragged her down. She demanded angrily, "What'd ya go and do that for?! That was our big star moment!"

"Y-You were in danger! I saw the water! You were trapped!" Rainbow exclaimed in concern.

"Oh, pish-tosh!" Goldie Delicious grumbled, "This is a magic show! We've seen it a thousand times! Everypony always escapes."

Everyone chattered and muttered in surprise. Apollo groaned, "That is way it's the most boring magic show I ever seen."

"Master Apollo, you've always say any magic show boring," Axen muttered in annoyance.

Apollo scoffed, "It's still the most boring show I ever seen."

Big Buck gulped uneasily, "Uh, that's right, folks! Because of our, um, skill as magicians!"

"And now, a disappearing act!" Jack Pot added.

Jack Pot threw the smoke bombs on the ground, creating smokescreen. He and Big Buck made the run for their lives. The curtain falls down. Saber and the Veterans of Three Kingdoms leave and gotten into the stage.

"Wow. He's definitely Trixie's dad," Rainbow remarked in surprise. She found the elders glared at her. She gulped, "I'm in trouble, aren't I?"

"Well, I hope you're happy!" Auntie Applesauce exclaimed in frustration, "We've been waiting to be picked as the lovely assistants in that trick for years!"

"I was happy that you didn't ruining' our fun!" Goldie Delicious exclaimed firmly. She turned and glared at Veteran Shot, "Otherwise, I'd go mad that I didn't win it."

"I appreciate that you let me eat those nachos," Granny Smith added firmly. She continued, "though carrot soup is very unnecessary."

"And I could have torn up the dance floor if you didn't keep stopping me!" Apple Rose said sadly.

Veterans of Three Kingdoms chattered and nodded in agreement. Saber looked worry and uneasy about the situation.

Granny Smith sighed, "They're bein' too polite to say it, so I will! Rainbow Dash, we thought you'd be a hoot, but I ain't never met a wetter hen!"

Veteran Shots scoffed, "I hope you're happy, las! The next time I ever come here, I would never see you here again! You hear us?!"

Rainbow, hurt and shocked, stuttered, "I-I-I-!"

"Alright, that's it!" Soarin exclaimed in frustration. He glared at Rainbow, "All Rainbow's been trying to do is keep you folks from hurting yourselves!"

"This is none of your concern, young one!" Veteran Shot exclaimed angrily.

"Calm down, Master Veteran Shot," Axen said firmly and calmly, "They didn't mean to insult you."

"Better be good one," Anchor grumbled, "Our vacation was supposed to be perfect."

"No… Kidding…" Gutsy the Steel Dragon agreed.

"Is something the matter, dear?" Apple Rose asked softly yet kindly.

And just before Rainbow could explain, something sparked and exploded on the stage, alerting and scaring her and her group. They all accidentally fall on each other out from the stage. The spectators gasped and yelped in shock and concern as they're witnessing a large patch of black smokescreen on the stage.

As soon as the smoke dispersed, Xiao Fung and his Frog Minion revealed themselves. This shocked and alerted Rainbow's Group and the spectators.

Gusty smirked amusingly, "Ladies and Gentlemen, let us welcome the one and the only Demon Lord of Wind – Xiao Fung!"

Xiao Fung chuckled happily while bowed humbly, "Ole, senorita! It is an honor to be here."

"Giant frogs?!" Soarin asked in shock and concern.

"Worse! Xiao Fung – Demon Lord of Wind," Saber exclaimed in concern. He hissed in frustration, "Damn it! Gusty must have used the Pan'ku Box to find and open the portal!"

Rainbow groaned, "How come we didn't know about this?! Didn't we have another Pan'ku Box or maybe able to track them."

"Unfortunately, no. That is the only box we have. We don't have a way to track them either." Saber said in concern.

Xiao Fung smirked, "Since you're all here, I will help myself with the snacks."

And just before anyone could do anything, Xiao Fung took a deep breath, slowly sucking the air into his mouth. This caused ponies gasped and breathed heavily, losing their air.

"Dang it! Not good!" Rainbow yelped in pain yet weak.

"Can't breathe…" Soarin said weakly and painfully.

Saber groaned in pain, "S-Stop… Stop… Him… Stop him!"

Unfortunately, Rainbow and her group struggled and can't do anything to move and stop Xiao Fung. Gusty and his two henchmen stood there and watch the event. They were amazed and amused of it.

Unknown to anyone, Ace has already on top of catwalk's lights. He jumped out and landed in front of Xiao Fung's face. He made funny and crazy faces at him. This scared Demon Lord of Wind to jump back. And at the same time, Saber summoned and launched his Wind Storm to thrown and know them straight at the backdrop walls hard. Freed from Xiao Fung's control of air, everyone was breathing properly and calmly now.

"Everyone, get out of here now!" Soarin commanded firmly.

As the spectators make the run for their lives, Rainbow turned to Granny Smith and her relatives, "Granny Smith, you'd better go with them! Now!"

Granny Smith was about to protest, "B-But!"

Rainbow snapped firmly, "Look! We can argue about this later! You and the rest need to get out of here first! I already promised to AJ that I'll look after you and protect you at all cost, even if I have to give up my Celestia's Damn Wild Blue Yonder! Now go before I lose it!"

Granny Smith groaned a bit as she reluctantly agreed with Rainbow's order. She and the rest of her relatives and friends quickly moved out at once while guiding and leading the spectators to safety. Rainbow, Saber and Soarin are now facing Xiao Fun, Gusty, Hopper and Mulch. Saber armed with his Twin Dragoon Sabers and Soarin wielded with Cloudsdale Thunder Spear.

"Alright, froggies! Today is so not my mood!" Rainbow exclaimed firmly and angrily. She armed with her Mystical Spear, "Fighting you guys will get my mood off!"

Xiao Fung chuckled, "Go ahead and try, pony. Gusty, make your daddy proud. Avenge my fallen general and my pet."

"Yes, dad," Gusty exclaimed proudly. He turned and looked at his henchmen, "Hopper! Mulch! Take care of them now!"

Hopper and Mulch summoned their Naginata and Kusarigama. They spun their weapons wildly and firmly while approaching to Rainbow and her team. They firmly yet cautiously moved back, avoiding the attacks until Saber charged and thrust his twin blades to block the spinning attacks. He then swung and struck his twin sabers at the frog demon henchmen, who firmly blocked and deflected the attacks for five times. Hopper swung his Naginata on the floor, alerting Saber to jump but he got himself caught and coiled by Mulch's Kusarigama.

Just before Hopper could finish Saber off, Soarin charged and thrust his Cloudsdale Thunder Spear at him. The dark blue humanoid frog back off. Both of them engage a fierce battle. Rainbow slammed and cut the Kusarigama's chains, freeing Saber. She then charged and engaged Mulch, who firmly and swiftly dodge and evade the attacks. With the henchmen distracted, Saber charged and attacked Xiao Fung and Gusty. The son jumped in front as he spitted couple of Acid Slime at Saber, who quickly backed away from poisonous slime. And at the same time, he summoned and struck his Zen Air Slashes at him. As Saber moved away from the attacks, Shadow Mantises emerged out and attacked him. Some assisted Hopper and Mulch to fight off Rainbow and Soarin. He firmly blocked and deflected the attacks while fighting back against them. Gusty even joined the fight as well. He used and swung both Wind Slash and Airhead Balls at Saber, who used Wind Blade to deflect the attacks.

As Rainbow and her team continued battling Frog Demon and the shadow minions, Xiao Fung smirked amusingly and playfully, watching the event. He took a deep breath before unleashing and launching Stink Gas towards the ponies. When they smell the stench, they yelped and coughed frantically from it. This allowed Gusty and his minions swiftly and knocked them to the ground hard.

"Gotcha," Xiao Fung exclaimed.

Saber groaned, "This just gets ugly."

"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Xiao Fung commented, "After I'm done with you, I'm going after an orange little filly. That brat sent me to Netherworld in the first place."

Held to the ground by Hopper, Rainbow groaned in pain yet anger, "Damn you! You leave Scootaloo alone!"

Xiao Fung smirked, "Interesting. You're her sister. I'd be sure that she received your goodbye message."

Rainbow grunted, "No kidding! We need some serious help!"

And just before the Demon Lord of Wind could do anything, a large sofa hit and slammed on his head hard. And at the same time, couple of metal horseshoes thrown and hit on Gusty and his minions hard.

Rainbow and her teammates grunted in pain while slowly recovering from the attacks. They then looked up and found both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms came to their aids.

"Are you alright?" Apple Rose asked compassionately.

"Hope that ugly frog didn't hurt you a lot," Auntie Applesauce commented.

"If he did, we're gonna give these frogs the mean of pain!" Anchor remarked amusingly while cracked his fists. He then took out his giant anchor-like club from his back.

"W-What? What are you doing here?" Rainbow asked weakly.

"Why does it looks like, lass? Taking over your fight now," Veteran Shot said proudly.

Goldie Delicious nodded, "Oh yeah! Our game isn't over yet!"

Armed with Double Blade-Voulge, Gutsy the Steel Dragon smirked, "Gutsy… In…"

Apollo smirked while armed with his Wildcat Spear with double-edged blazing flames-like blades, "I'm with you as well. I've looking forward for this fight as well."

"Focus on the task, generals," Armorhide said firmly and determinedly while armed with Armored Shield with Small Double Edged Sword, "We must not let our guard down especially fighting the Demon!"

Axen nodded while armed with his giant axe, "Master Armorhide's right. However, I look forward for a fight."

Granny Smith approached to Rainbow. She smiled, "You rest now, dearie. Leave this to us!" She turned and looked at her relatives and friends, "You ready, boys and girls?"

"Ready!" Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms responded.

Both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms stood before Xiao Fung and his forces. For the moment of staring at the elders, the frog demons gave the amusingly and teasing laughter at them. This annoyed the elders a lot.

"Well now. Looks like the elders ready to die," Xiao Fung commented amusingly. He gave cackling laughter, "As they all said, 'Ages before Beauty'."

Granny Smith took out her horn. She blew it out loud. She cried, "CHARGE!"

Both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms gave the loud battle cries. They all charged straight at Xiao Fung and his frog demons, who were too busy laughing and not focusing on the battlefield.

Rainbow gasped, "Nooooooooooo!"

Xiao Fung smirked, "Alright. Let's gas them out!"

As Xiao Fung and Gutsy took a deep breath, they were about to unleash their Stink Gas. At that moment, Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious armed and threw their horseshoes straight at two Demon Frogs. At the moment frog demons release their gas, the old veteran of Dragoon Republic Nation armed and fired two arrows at the horseshoes, igniting the sparks on it. It exploded and knocked both of them straight against the walls.

Hopper and Mulch groaned in fury as they both led the Shadow Mantises and charged at the elders. Auntie Applesauce armed and launched couple of dentures at the Shadow Mantises' visual, blinding them. And at the same time, Apple Rose jump on the ground as she spun herself around, knocking them off. She was then surrounded and blocked by Hopper and his minions. They were about to slam their weapons on her. They were blocked and held off by Armorhide's shield, allowing Apple Rose to escape. Hopper and his Shadow Mantises continued swinging and slamming their Naginata and scythes on him. With his shield, the Marshal of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom continued endure and withstand the attacks as long as he can. Feeling the attacks lost its strength, he quickly pushed and rammed the shield against them off. He then swung and slammed his shield to knock and kill them. They tried to attack again. He quickly blocked the attacks before repelled and strike back.

As Armorhide continued blocking and repelling Shadow Mantises, Hopper grew impatient and annoyed. He hopped to the back of his enemy. He was about to attack but blocked by Axen. They both swung and struck their blades at each other for couple of times. They then have the clash for the moment. The bluish humanoid frog quickly kicked and tripped him over to the ground. He was about to strike his Naginata down on him. Armorhide charged and rammed Hopper off. And at the same time, Apple Rose tripped him over. This allowed Axen jumped and slammed his axe on the frog ninja, cutting him in half. Three of them gave each other a hoof palm.

Mulch growled while glaring at Anchor and Apollo, how are armed and readied to fight. Apollo was the first to jump and attack him. Mulch was swift and quick to dodge and evade the attacks before kicked him from his back. He swung his Kusarigama's flail in coiling and holding tight on Anchor's weapon. They both grunted and struggled to pull and drag down their weapons. Auntie Applesauce armed and threw couple of dentures at Mulch, who was annoyed and frustrated, forced to dodge and evade the attacks. The distraction allowed both Anchor and Apollo to charge and ram at him. Instead, the greenish frog quickly jumped up high, allowing them to knock and butted heads for the moment. The ninja was about to kill her. At the very last moment, she spits her denture, out from her mouth, at his face, making him yelled in pain while falling in midair. Apollo swung and slam him straight at Anchor, who grabbed and slammed the ninja on his knee, breaking the back. This killed him at once.

Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious were facing at Gusty, who was annoyed and frustrated by the defeat. They all armed with their own gears. At that very moment, Gusty summoned and struck his Wind Slashes at them both. Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious armed and fired their arrows and horseshoes at the attacks as much as they can. As soon as they hit all the attacks, Gusty launched and fired his Wind Storm to blow them away. He is armed with his Poisonous Frog's Slime within his mouth, preparing to finish them off. He was then grabbed and held up by Gutsy the Steel Dragon, who then swung and slammed him on the back. As the young Demon Successor was recovering, both Veteran Shot and Goldie Delicious swung and threw their horseshoes at his head, knocking him out.

Granny Smith and Xiao Fung were facing at each other. They both were glaring at each other.

Xiao Fung groaned, "Did you honestly believe that you can beat me, old timer?!"

"I don't think I can. I know," Granny Smith answered determinedly, with her narrowing the eyebrow.

"What can you possibly do, fool?!"

"Distracting you, obviously."

"Distracting me?! With what?!"

Granny Smith took the bag out, filled with apples. She threw them at Xiao Fung's face, which annoyed and irritated him a lot. He used his Wind Storm to blow her away. She was then grabbed and held by Soarin. Saber then unleashed his Wind Storm to block and deflect the attacks back. And at the same time, Rainbow charged and rammed on the Demon Lord of Wind for couple of times. Saber also joined and used his Air Raid to strike on him. The Demon Lord of Wind grunted in pain, weakened by the attacks.

The attacks have frustrated and annoyed him a lot. Xiao Fung then unleashed Stink Gas, making the ponies dizzy and disgusted. He was about to use Air Suction on them. Granny Smith quickly grabbed and threw couple of apple straight into his mouth, making him yelped and chocked in pain. This allowed Rainbow and Saber charged and rammed him by guts, forcing him to spill out them.

Xiao Fung groaned in pain. Gusty quickly approached and helped his father up. They then looked up and found themselves surrounded by the ponies.

Gusty groaned, "This isn't over!"

And just before anyone could do anything, Gusty chanted firmly as he summoned the portal for him and his father to escape.

Seeing the Frog Demons escaped to the portal with a tail between two legs, Rainbow and her group gave the loud cheers and battle cry that they have won the fight.

"Looks like we've won," Soarin cheered.

Saber hummed, "Yeah. They'd be back. We should be high alert. If they ever tried to open the portal for their parents to return, we need the specific item to banish them back."

"Good point," Rainbow said in agreement. She turned and looked at the rest of elders. She sighed, "Hey guys. Thanks for saving our lives."

Veteran Shot smirked, "Not too bad for old timers, aren't we?"

"Yeah," Rainbow agreed, "I'm sorry I misjudged you for being older ponies. You mares are actually pretty cool. The truth is, all I wanted to do for this whole trip is ride the Wild Blue Yonder. I mean, it's why I came to Las Pegasus in the first place! Applejack told me not to let you out of my sight, or you might overdo it and we'd have to go home early."

Granny Smith groaned, "I should have known. She and her little overprotective…"

"Don't worry, Granny Smith. I made sure that Rainbow understand what Applejack meant except the magic show." Saber apologized.

"It doesn't matter," Rainbow said in upset tone, "I ruined your trip, and it's the last day ever to ride the Wild Blue Yonder! The line is so long, I'll never get to go on it."

"Rainbow…" Soarin said in concern.

To both Soarin and Rainbow's surprise, both Gold Horseshoe Gals and Veterans of Three Kingdoms laughed out loud.

"Uh… Did I miss something?" Soarin asked in confusion.

Granny Smith smiled, "If it makes you happy, then we can make an arrangement for the rollercoaster ride."

"Huh?!" Rainbow asked in surprise.

"All of us are Gold Horseshoe members. The most exclusive club in Las Pegasus." Granny Smith explained, "We've been comin' here every moon since we can remember. Even some we don't remember."

"Wait. You mean to say that-?!" Soarin looked surprise.

"Like fancy suites and rollercoaster rides?" Rainbow asked in surprise.

"Yup. It is," Saber confirmed.

Rainbow squealed happily, "COOL!" She then realized something as she asked, "You sure-!"

"Don't start that again!" The elders exclaimed in annoyance yet amusingly.

Everyone then laughed at the joke happily and amusingly.

Rainbow and her group headed off to Wild Blue Yonder. With the Gold Horseshoe membership, they passed the long line and gotten into the rollercoaster. They all have crazy yet excited and amazing ride for their lives. And at the same time, they gotten the pictures on them.

After the crazy and excited ride, Rainbow and her group returned to their suite for a rest. While they were chatting and having some snacks, Rainbow and Soarin were outside of balcony for discussion.

"Hey Soarin. I just wanted to thank you," Rainbow thanked warmly, surprising Soarin. She continued, "Well, for coming to my aid back there. But you didn't really need to snap at them."

Soarin sighed, "I couldn't just stand there and let them yell at you."

"I kinda deserve it, actually." Rainbow said in embarrassingly, "But you gotta admit, these old folks can pack a punch."

"They sure did. It's cool that Applejack has an awesome grandma like her." Soarin agreed. He turned and looked at Granny Smith. He sighed, "I wish mine could've been the same. She passed away when I was really young."

"What?!"

"I didn't know my grandma very well except that she was a cool mare in her youth."

"Wow…"

"Almost. One day, she got very sick and had to stay in bed. After a few days, I got to see her one last time."

"Oh, Soarin…"

Soarin sighed, "You know, I've always wondered. Can you miss someone you don't know very well?" He chuckled sadly with tears, "That's silly. I mean, of course, you can't…"

Suddenly, he felt something patting on his back. Soarin looked back and found Granny Smith was patting him. She smiled sadly, "It's alright, big fella. You've got us around…"

Soarin smiled sadly, "Thanks…"

"I promised not to ruin your fun again, Granny," Rainbow said firmly.

"I'm sure you won't. The folks and I have been talkin', and, well..." Granny Smith said calmly. She smiled as she passed both T-Shirts to Soarin and Rainbow. She smiled, "We think you're a hoot after all! We'd like to invite you to become a permanent member of the Gold Horseshoe Gals!"

"Wow! Really?" Rainbow asked in surprise.

"Yup," Granny Smith agreed. She turned and looked at Soarin, "I hope you get spend some time to look after us too. Same time next year?"

Rainbow and Soarin looked at each other as they both smiled happily, "We wouldn't miss it for anything!"

"You hear that, folks?" Granny Smith called.

Hearing the answer, everyone cheered out loud and happily for it. They have now gained two new members in their club. They can't wait to have another crazy vacation again…

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack

Matt Hill: Soarin

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Charlie Schlatter: Gusty

Tabitha St. Germain: Granny Smith, Cranberry Muffin

Minor Casts:

Nancy Cartwright: Ace

Marcy Goldberg: Auntie Applesauce

Peter New: Goldie Delicious, Luggage Cart

Shirley Millner: Apple Rose

Corey Burton: Xiao Fung, Carnival Barker

Alan Shearman: Veteran Shot, Gutsy the Steel Dragon

Beau Billingslea: Armorhide

Travis Willingham: Axen

Douglas Lee: Anchor

Richard Epcar: Apollo Python

Alex Zahara: Jack Pot

Tariq Leslie: Big Bucks

Cameo:

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing

Michael Rossebaum: Drago

Hynden Walch: Mei Kai

Cree Summer: Song Wing

Alec Newman: Ripper

Author's Note

This episode served the tribute to a friend of mine, P-for-Phantasm, whose grandmother has passed away from last Tuesday.
Originally, Flim and Flam were supposed to appear as secondary antagonist and also acted as Gusty's henchmen for owing him the 'debt' and earn more money after their salary being cut off as punishment for trickery and conning ponies. But I decided to drop the idea due to the fact is that they're not stupid to make deal with the devil, otherwise they may get themselves into troubles and killed. So, I created two new henchmen to be silent ninja warriors.

Episode 6: Surf or/and Turf

Two weeks have passed…

Twilight, alone, sitting inside the Castle of Friendship's Council Chamber. She was looking through the students' files and results after four months have passed. She's now reading and analyzing on 'Arcee' File. She then heard the door knocked.

Twilight noticed the Cutie Map is reacting by its bright light, and also revealed some cutie marks on two specific locations.

Twilight gasped, "The cutie map is summoning some ponies for their Friendship Mission."

As expected, the door was opened. Twilight turned and looked back. They both found Flash, Sunset and five Cutie Mark Crusaders marched inside the chamber.

"Mummy!" Nyx called out happily as she and her friends approached to Twilight. She squealed happily, "Guess what we've got!

Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, "We're glowing!"

"And so are we," Sunset added calmly.

While looking at his cutie mark, Flash chuckled softly, "Yeah. I've never been summoned for a quest before. That's the first."

Twilight giggled playfully, "That's what happens when you're summoned by the Map."

"Somepony needs our help?" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.

"We're being called by the Map?!" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

Scootaloo squealed happily, "Did I mention we're glowing?!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders became excited and happy over their glowing cutie marks. Twilight and Sunset giggled amusingly about them. Flash even smiled at them as well. Arcee sighed while shaking her head in annoyance.

Everyone gathered and looked at the cutie map. Cutie Mark Crusaders awed in surprise at it.

"So where exactly in Equestria are we needed?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.

Twilight corrected calmly, "Actually, where you're going isn't even in Equestria."

As Twilight pointed at the edge of cutie map, Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at her pointing direction. They were shocked and surprised of what they were looking at. Their cutie marks were glowing and floating around Mount Aris.

"Wow! That's almost…" Sweetie Belle said in surprise, "off the table!"

"But what's way out there?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"No way! That's Mount Aris, the home of the Hippogriffs!" Nyx answered happily. She whistled, "Never thought we'd be going there again."

"Whoa…" Cutie Mark Crusaders remarked in surprise.

"And us?" Flash asked curiously.

Sunset turned and looked at the cutie map, where she found both hers and Flash's cutie marks floating around the Rambling Rock Ridge.

"What's that place?" Sunset asked curiously.

Twilight looked at the location. She scoffed a bit, "Oh. That's Rambling Rock Ridge." Realizing of what she just said, she turned and looked at the location again. She exclaimed in realization, "Wait! Rambling Rock Ridge?! That's the home of the Diamond Dogs?!"

"Oh boy…" Cutie Mark Crusaders commented in concern.

"What's wrong?" Sunset asked curiously.

"It was where me and my friends come across with the Diamond Dogs. They kidnapped Rarity and wanted to use her magic to find and collect more jewels. Thanks to her drama, they quickly gave up without the fight." Twilight explained calmly and firmly, "Even though they didn't bother us since that time, but that doesn't mean they're gonna be problem to us. So, better watch out for them."

"Got it," Flash and Sunset saluted firmly.

"I hope we don't run into any trouble out there," Nyx said in concer.

Jade scoffed, "Don't worry. There won't be any Dark Mystics or demons to mess with us. Besides, what could happen?"

At the Demon Successor's Headquarter, Mei Kai was packing up her stuffs into her swimming bag inside her room. The Pan'ku Box was solved. The next portal is Bai Tza's. She was chosen to go and free her from the location.

Instead of knocking the door or even calling her out, Drago marched into the tent. He sneakily approached her from behind. He quickly grabbed and hugged her tightly close to him, allowing him to rub and message her breast. She giggled amusingly before hissed and licked on his face.

"You sure that you don't need me, babe?" Drago asked slyly. He hissed before licked her cheek. He smirked, "I can provide you some serious firepower and the boys to help you out quickly."

Mei Kai giggled teasingly, "You're so cute, babe. But don't worry. I can handle it. After all, I'm not some damsel in distress."

Drago smiled, "If you say so, babe. Just give me the best one before you leave."

Mai Kai smiled warmly, "Sure, why not, babe?"

As Mei Kai turned her attention to her boyfriend, they both embraced each other closely. They then gave each other warm and passionate kiss by lips. While kissing, they both swiftly and quickly undressed their own clothes. As Drago has his bottom interacted with hers, Mei Kai has her mermaid fin to coil him up tightly.

Drago pushed his against her slowly and firmly before moving quickly, making Mei Kai sighed happily and warmly. She then grabbed and held him against her breast. They both began nuzzling against each other wildly and crazily. They both moaned and groaned happily while kissing each other warmly. They both then gave out loud roar during their love interaction.

After seeing Flash and Sunset off for their Friendship Mission; Twilight, Arcee and Cutie Mark Crusaders have arrived at the train station. It was where they met up with Silverstream and Laxtinct. The station was crowded with some ponies and Hippogriffs, who also wanted to go to Mount Aris as well.

Twilight and her group are near to the train's entrance. They were chatting and discussing about Mount Aris.

"You really don't need to come with us, mummy." Nyx said firmly yet innocently, "We can take care of this mission just fine on our own."

Three of Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement with Nyx's. Suddenly, Scootaloo was playing her scooter across the station until she bumped and rammed into luggage carrier. The luggage fell on the rest of her friends. They all groaned and moaned in pain. They all turned and glared at Scootaloo, who whistled innocently and looked away from them.

Twilight giggled playfully as she levitated and put all of luggage back on the carrier, which was pushed by luggage porter.

"I know that. But I'm not so sure the ponies who care about you want you going off so far on your own." Twilight answered calmly as she levitated the fillies to stand up. She continued, "Besides, there's some school business I need to take care of on Mount Aris."

"My permission slip?" Silverstream asked happily as she showed her paper to her Headmare. Twilight nodded. She smiled, "No worry, Headmare Twilight. I will get it done. I know it's very important that her mother and father sign it, or else no field trips. Still I don't know why they call that?"

Arcee sighed, "It's just the name about teachers and students going to another place for their specific studies and assignments. Didn't your home have this kind of event."

Silverstream shrugged playfully, "Never done it before. I spent my whole life under the sea since the day Storm King and Dark Curse stormed our home." She squealed happily as she hugged Arcee happily, "But first time to try! Right?"

Arcee hummed thoughtfully, "Right. I almost forgot about that."

Apple Bloom looked at Twilight and said, "Still, that doesn't explain of why you wanted to come."

Jade nodded while crossed her arms, "Yeah. We've got everything under control."

"Well, I have to come to…" Embarrassed and worried as Twilight cleared her throat, "Make sure that Silverstream get her permission slip signed. After all, that is the Headmare's job. Always make certain that her students are doing well with their studies. Keep an eye on you girls and make sure that you're on the right track for your mission."

"No, it isn't!" Laxtinct disagreed, prompting Twilight levitated frying pan to whack his head. He yelped in pain, "Ow! What did I say?!"

Her angry vibe appeared on her forehead, Twilight gave her gentle yet death glare at Laxtinct, "Do me a favor and zip it before I lose my cool."

Laxtinct yelped in fear upon looking at Twilight's angry looks. Cutie Mark Crusaders and two Hippogriffs laughed and giggled amusingly at the scene. And at the same time, they also gave some thoughts of why she wanted to go to Mount Aris.

Scootaloo whispered to her friends, "Sounds like somepony just wants a vacation."

Arcee scoffed, "I figured that much."

Everyone giggled and laughed amusingly about Twilight's excuse of going to Mount Aris. This make Twilight annoyed yet embarrassed about it.

"Okay, yes, I have been wanting to visit Mount Aris ever since the Hippogriffs moved back." Twilight admitted sheepishly, "But it's purely research."

"Well, enjoy your vacation, Headmare," Arcee said teasingly, "I'll be heading back home to study."

"Not so fast, Arcee," Twilight said sternly, using her levitation spell to stop Arcee from moving. She continued, "You're coming with me."

"What?! Why?!"

"It's about your school performance."

"D-Did I do something wrong?"

"No. Nothing wrong, Arcee. I was impressed and proud of you doing well with school studies, work in school and even helped out both your friends and other students. But I do received report about you skipping and also failed Fluttershy's class a lot."

"Well. I'm don't exactly liked nature a lot or even want to look after some critters because it's kinda…" Acee hissed in concern yet nervous, "Boring and waste of time."

"I have the feeling that this might be the case," Twilight said calmly yet firmly, "That's why I wanted you to come with me for this trip. So, I can teach you about it."

"Headmare Twilight, are you certain that you really need me be there?" Arcee questioned, "I can study hard at home. It's not like there's anything I can do there."

Twilight smiled warmly, "No. But I want to help teaching and showing you that there's more beauty and life about nature. Not everything is about martial arts."

"With all due respect, your highness. I highly doubt that when we're still on war with the enemy. I mean you wanted to help all students to share, unite and work together to overcome the obstacles. Isn't the reason why you started the school?"

"True. But there's no harm to enjoy it, even for a little moment. Just to relax and calm down after working so hard on studies and works, and even battles. You do want to relax."

"I supposed so."

Twilight smiled "Good. For this trip, I wanted you to be open-minded and learn to appreciate and enjoy life. So, you can pass Fluttershy's class and advance to new level. Can you do that?"

Though not thrilled with the trip, Arcee can't disobey her headmare. She sighed, "Fine. I'll do my best."

"Good girl," Twilight said happily.

Silverstream squealed happily before tightly grabbing and hugging Arcee, "Looks like every creature are on board! I can't wait to show you guys around my houses, and also meet my family including my favorite baby brother! Terramar is the best brother I ever had!"

"Huh?! You have more than one house?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

Twilight hummed curiously, "The social structure of the Hippogriffs and Seaponies is a bit of a mystery. But then again, they were close friends and allies through the political marriage of Sky Beak and Ocean Flow."

Silverstream hissed in uneasiness tone with a shrug, "Something like that."

"All aboard! Last stop – the new Mount Aris Station!" All Board called out.

The ponies chattered happily as they're all boarding into the train. Twilight and her group are next. Laxtinct remained behind to look at them to boarding on the train.

"I wish I could come," Laxtinct said sadly, "Maybe then, I could see Skystar."

Suddenly, someone jumped and slammed him to the ground. The person revealed to be Princess Skystar.

Princess Skystar smiled, "Did someone say my name?!"

Happy and relieved, Laxtinct squealed happily, "Never mind! See you guys when you get back!"

Laxtinct and Princess Skystar chattered happily and lovely with each other. Twilight and her group looked at each other. They all shrugged a bit of not sure about it. Nevertheless, they're on their way to Mount Aris.

As the train continued travelling to the south, the ponies were chattering with each other and resting for the moment. Twilight and her group were sitting in one row for chatting and discussing about Mount Aris and Seaquestria.

While reading the flyer, Sweetie Belle commented, "I don't know if I'd like being a Hippogriff. Part bird, part pony..."

Scootaloo nodded while looking at her wings, "I'm happy with just my pony parts, thanks."

Arcee cleared her throat, attracting both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo's attention to look at her. The Hippogriff Warrior was annoyed. They both giggled uneasily and nervously about how they said about her kind. Silverstream waved off, gesturing them that she's alright and not offended.

"I think Hippogriffs are pretty neat. Same goes to Seaponies," Apple Bloom commented playfully. She then narrated about her older sister's adventure, "I learned all about them from Applejack. The Hippogriffs all once lived happily on Mount Aris while Seapony stay under the sea kingdom called Seaquestria. But when the Storm King and Dark Mystic Ponies invaded, both of them escaped to their own secret worlds for a long time until you guys came and meet them. Twilight and our friends encouraged them to make the stand and fight for their freedom. Then, in the Battle of Canterlot, when Applejack defeated the Storm King, Dark Curse and Kyuubi Lilith—"

"Wait a second!" Arcee called out. She hummed suspiciously, "I don't recall Applejack defeated Storm King and Kyuubi Lilith by herself. Dark Curse wasn't involved of final fight. He escaped the mad king's wrath and reappeared after Kyuubi's defeat."

Silverstream nodded in agreement, "I was told that two Ancient Beasts ate Storm King alive. Yikes! I hate to be him."

Apple Bloom laughed uneasily, "Uh, maybe she didn't say that exactly. But it makes for a better story."

Twilight giggled amusingly. Jade sighed with her rolling eyes, "And they say that I loved exaggerating the story so much."

As the train whistle blown, All Board announced 'Final stop – Mount Aris Station'. This prompted Cutie Mark Crusaders to look through the window, along with Twilight, Arcee, Silverstream and the rest of ponies. They all awed in amazement and surprise, witnessing the fully beauty site of Mount Aris.

"Well?" Twilight asked Arcee.

Arcee rolled her eyes while sighed, "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to check this place out, and learn more about life."

"Good girl," Twilight commented playfully.

Arriving at the Mount Aris Station, ponies and Hippogriffs came out from the train. They all chattered happily while marveled at the area. Twilight and her group also emerged out as well.

Silverstream sighed, "Home Sweet Home!"

"All right. So what kind of cutie mark-related friendship problem do you think we're supposed to solve?" Sweetie Bell asked curiously.

Twilight hummed, "I don't know. But Hippogriffs don't have cutie marks. So it might not have anything to do with that at all."

Silverstream nodded, "True, Headmare Twilight." She squealed happily while looking at her flank, "But just imagine if we have one! I would like mine to be an eagle soaring through the sky or maybe dolphin swimming through the ocean."

"Why would you want those kind of cutie marks?" Arcee asked curiously.

Silverstream smiled and shrugged, "Coz I like animals, sky and sea. They're so me!"

Looking and finding out that Hippogriffs' flanks have no cutie marks, Apple Bloom hummed, "Huh. Still, the Map called us, so it must be a kind of problem that only we can solve."

Jade smiled confidently, "I'm sure we can find out."

"Go, Crusaders!" Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered while giving each other hoof bump.

"But how do we know exactly who we're supposed to help?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

Scootaloo winked at her friends. She called out loud, "Ahem. Attention, please! Anygriff here have a problem?"

Surprised yet curious, the Hippogriffs looked at each other for the moment. They the shook their heads, gesturing that they do not have the problem. They then continued minding their own business.

Scootaloo shrugged, "Eh. That's all I got."

"Maybe if the Map could be a little more specific about our mission, like maybe... an address?" Apple Bloom asked Twilight.

Twilight shook her head, "The Map doesn't really work like that. But I'm sure you and whoever needs help will find each other."

Arcee hummed while crossed her claws to remark sarcastically, "Well, that's convenient."

"We're use to that," Twilight answered calmly.

"Come on. Let's find my brother! He's here somewhere," Silverstream suggested happily.

Since she has lived in Mount Aris, Twilight and her group followed Silverstream from behind. They climbed down the stairs to the shores. They looked around, looking for her younger brother. And at the same time, they looked and marveled at the sight of beach and shores. Arcee was amazed and touched by the scenery.

"Silverstream! Over here!" The boy's voice called, alerting Silverstream and her group. They turned and looked on the right, where they found an apple-greenish white colored Seapony with moderate and pale turquoise mane and fin-like. He waved at them. He smiled, "Sorry I'm late."

Silverstream greeted happily while waved at him, "Terramar!"

Nyx awed happily, "It's always nice to see brother and sister to be together again."

"A Hippogriff can have a Seapony for a brother? How does that work exactly?" Apple Bloom asked curiously yet confused.

Arcee shushed Apple Bloom, "Shhh! It's rude to ask a question like that!"

With the touch of his Pearl of Transformation necklace, Terramar transformed from Seapony to his Hippogriff form. He came out from the ocean, and then flew over to the shore. He approached and hugged Silverstream, who returned it to her brother.

"Can I ask now?" Apple Bloom asked in annoyance.

Terramar chuckled a bit, "It is kind of strange. Our dad is the Hippogriff while our mom is the Seapony. So, we're kinda both of them. But thanks to our Pearl of Transformation shard, we can become either forms. It is also helped us escaped Storm King and get sheltered from Mr. Skullitron. He's such a nice skeleton demon."

"But since Storm King's dead and Dark Lord's not showing his scary face again, so, everyone gone back home – Mount Aris and Seaquestria," Silverstream added on.

"But surprisingly, some Seapony decided to stay on the land while other Hippogriff became Seapony to go under the sea," Twilight said thoughtfully, "Wow. I guess their alliance and friendship between them are still strong."

"And me? Well, I kind of go back and forth." Terramar said calmly while showing his shard to his new friends. Cutie Mark Crusaders awed in amazement and surprise at it. He turned and noticed how similar his sister and Arcee are. He commented, "You both realize that you two are kinda look alike?"

Arcee and Silverstream looked surprised. They looked at each other for the moment. Twilight and her friends also noticed how similar both are to each other.

"Wow! I also didn't realize how we look alike!" Silverstream exclaimed in realization yet happy.

Arcee groaned a bit, "Aw, come on! We're nothing alike!"

"But he's kinda right, you know," Scootaloo commented in surprise.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! You both look like twin sisters." She squealed cutely, "How cute is that!"

Terramar nodded, "Yeah. I have serious and strict sister, and another sister is fun and cuddly."

Silverstream giggled playfully while nuzzled her little brother, "Can you imagine that?"

"I can imagine the worse…" Arcee remarked sarcastically.

"Well, I'm pretty eager to see the Hippogriff village. You know, to..." Twilight said uneasy yet nervously and embarrassingly, "help Silverstream get this form signed. And... research, along with Arcee! So..."

Almost everyone giggled and laughed amusingly about Twilight's 'reason' of coming to Mount Aris. Arcee was a bit annoyed yet amused about it. They're all then marched off at once, heading straight to the village, with Silverstream and Terramar leading them.

"Hey, Terramar? Does anygriff you know up there have a problem they need help with?" Apple Bloom asked.

Terramar chuckled a bit, "On Mount Aris? No. Everygriff is pretty happy up there." He sighed a bit, "It's a great place to live."

As Twilight and her group were heading straight to Mount Aris, they weren't aware of something bubbling in the ocean. It revealed to be Mei Kai emerged out from ocean, taking a peek on the area.

"So, this is where my mother's portal can be found…" Mei Kai commented curiously. She then looked at Mount Aris for the moment. She continued, "I doubt her portal would be there. However, it wouldn't hurt to check it out for the moment. Scylla…"

The humanoid turquoise colored mermaid-like with medusa-like hair and has six dragon-like tentacles emerged out from the ocean as well. She bowed humbly before her mistress.

"Milady…" Scylla asked calmly.

"I need you to scout and recon on the Hippogriff's Capital City. Find anything that can help us lead to the portal," Mei Kai ordered firmly. She took out the shell that is filled with greenish glowing light. She passed it to Scylla, "Use this, my faithful friend. It will help you lead to that portal."

Scylla nodded firmly, "Understood, milady. I will not fail you…"

"Make sure you do not. My mother is depending on us," Mei Kai said firmly.

Scylla swam towards Mount Aris, bringing along with the glowing shell. Mei Kai submerged into the sea now.

For nearly two hours, Twilight and the group have arrived at the top of Mount Aris. They then marched and entered the entrance to Hippogriff Village. And to both Twilight and Nyx's, they and their friends are now looking at the newly site of restored Hippogriff Village and the forest are clean and green again, compare to their last visit during the war against Storm Kingdom and Dark Mystic Ponies.

Twilight and her group amazingly awed and marveled at the scenery of Hippogriff Village.

"Whoa! This looks amazing!" Twilight commented in surprise, "Last time I was here, it was a ghost town!"

"Yeah. Queen Novo thought it was important to return our village to its former glory." Terramar answered happily and warmly.

"At least, it doesn't look so spooky," Nyx remarked amusingly.

"Yeah. It was very spooky," Silverstream commented in fear and concern. She continued, "It could have taken us months to rebuild both Mount Aris and Seaquestria if not for Thanatos Enterprise."

Arcee looked shocked yet annoyed to ask, "Thanatos Enterprise?"

Silverstream nodded, "Yeah. Mr. Thanatos is a nice Mystic Hippogriff. He helped us fixing and rebuilding our home, and even gave us some special treats like candies. Plus, I get to try and have fun with stairs, lifts and even 'escalator'! That was fun!"

Everyone looked at Terramar, who sighed in annoyance, "She's crazy with stairs ever since Mr. Thanatos came and help us."

"I assumed that Mr. Thanatos is here?" Arcee asked suspiciously.

Terramar nodded, "Yeah. He said he's on official business with mom and dad about adding carnival. He said the theme is made after both Princess Twilight and the rest of Southern Equestria Army. I can't wait to try it!"

Silverstream squealed happily, "Me too! This is gonna be fun!"

"Yeah, fun…" Arcee remarked sarcastically, attracting Twilight and Nyx's attention. She cleared her throat, "Headmare Twilight, may I be excuse to check around another area?"

"Huh? Why?" Silverstream asked in confusion.

"My dad's putting up the show!" Terramar added in concern, "You can't miss it!"

"Uh… For studying," Arcee excused uneasily. She cleared her throat a bit, "After all, you did say that I should learn and understand more about 'beauty of life' than just focusing of martial arts."

Twilight hummed, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Arcee chuckled uneasily while waved a bit, "N-Nothing to worry about! I can handle it! I just want to learn and understand 'life' and beauty behind it."

Though suspicious and weary of Arcee's little white lie, Twilight decided not to bother and gave a nod, gesturing that she allowed her to go. Twilight and the group headed off to see Sky Beak's event. Arcee proceed with her 'studies'.

Twilight and her group arrived at the central park of Hippogriff Village, where many Hippogriffs were gathered to watch the event. The flag of Hippogriff was raised on flagpole. Hippogriffs blew the trumpets with pride. Wearing his guard armor, Sky Beak descended to the ground. He smiled proudly before his kind.

Sky Beak declared, "And now, I officially open the 'Glad to Be Home' Festival!"

As signaled, the Hippogriffs blew the trumpets, starting the event now. The rest of the creatures gave cheers and applaud for the event. Twilight and her group are watching now.

Sky Beak is facing a dark magenta colored Hippogriff with brownish-blond mane in ponytail, tail and even has a beard around his beak worn the grayish armor. Both of them smiled proudly and happily. They bowed down humbly. With their might and speed, they ascended to the sky, where they made various kind of aerial tricks and movement.

Everyone including Twilight and her group were amazed and intrigued by the event. They're all marveled at the scene.

"Wow! We picked a good day to show up!" Scootaloo commented happily.

"Not really. We do this, every weekend." Terramar remarked dryly yet disappointingly, "Hippogriffs really loved flying in the sky."

"True, Terramar. But come on, dad and the rest of our family and friends have been stuck in the Hidden City for too long. It's driving them crazy," Silverstream commented happily.

Terramar scoffed a bit, "Like us being trying to be a fish and crab while Cousin Soul Sweetie get to play a beautiful Seapony?"

Silverstream giggled playfully, "That was funny."

After finishing the performance, both Sky Beak and his partner descended and landed on the ground before the crowd. And they went wild. While greeting and thanking the crowd, Sky Beak spotted his two children among the crowd.

"Bless the Whiger's Claws! My kids!" Sky Beak exclaimed happily. Both Silverstream and Terramar greeted their father. Three of them gave each other warm and passionate hug. He smiled while patted their heads, "Good to have you back, Silverstream. Haven't seen you both in days, son. Wish you both'd come around more often."

Silverstream giggled playfully, "Come on, dad. You know that School of Friendship is miles from here. It would take a while reaching back home."

"Plus, I always come and visit you," Terramar said calmly.

Sky Beak chuckled, "I know. It's just a wishful thinking."

"Oh! Daddy! I've brought some friends of mine here!" Silverstream exclaimed happily.

Sky Beak looked up and found Twilight and her group waved at him. He gasped, "Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

Sky Beak gave the loud screech, hurting Cutie Mark Crusaders and also attracting the rest of Hippogriffs' attention as well.

"Attention, everygriff! Princess Twilight Sparkle is here! She's Silverstream's teacher!" Sky Beak announced happily.

The Hippogriffs gasped and chattered happily to hear about Twilight's visiting Mount Aris. They're all surrounded her while commented of her coming to their home. A Hippogriff Guard heard the commotion as it got his attention. He approached to Twilight and her group.

"Excuse me," The magenta Hippogriff asked. Twilight and her group turned and looked at him. He smiled warmly, "Are you Princess Twilight? The Princess of Friendship? The Prized Pupil of Princess Celestia? And the wife of the mighty General Shadow Dragon?"

Twilight smiled and nodded, "Yup. That's me. And you are?"

"Where are my manners? My name is Thanatos Gambit. It's an honor to meet you," Thanatos greeted Twilight by shaking their hoof and claw. He turned and looked at Silverstream and Terramar, "Hello, kids. Good to see you around. Glad you both came back."

"Hi, Mr. Thanatos!" Silverstream greeted happily.

Terramar smiled, "Yeah, me too. Don't you get bored with this for every weekend?"

"Never. I enjoy it too much. And of course, I do need to sharpen my aerial and combat skills too. You'd never know when you get attacked especially the richest guy like me." Thanatos joked playfully.

Sky Beak chuckled a bit, "Nonsense! You're doing fine, Mr. Thanatos! You helped us repel the remains of Storm Guards. You even fought and drove out one of Storm King's War Council of Five – Admiral Gideon. Nasty troublemaker pests. Don't know when to quit."

"Happy to help out," Thanatos said calmly. He turned and looked at Silverstream, "So, how's everything at School of Friendship? Better than EEA?"

Silverstream nodded, "Yup! The best! I've made a lot of friends including another Hippogriff! She looked like me! She's the best pal I ever had. She's good at fighting too!"

Terramar chuckled, "Yeah! Like having twin sister."

"Oh really? I wish I could meet her," Sky Beak commented amusingly, "I'd be surprise and confused to know which one is my real daughter."

"Interesting…" Thanatos said intriguingly. He turned and looked at Twilight, "So, I'm guessing that my daughter's doing well with her studies, Headmare Twilight?"

"Daughter?!" Twilight and Nyx asked in surprise.

Suspecting yet finding it amusing, Thanatos sighed playfully, "Why am I not surprise? She hasn't told you anything, has she?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Thanatos. I don't think I ever met her. The only Hippogriffs I have as students are Silverstream and Arcee."

"Arcee, huh? So, it is her name now. How interesting yet clever and conniving of her. Just like her old man. I'm so proud of her."

"I'm sorry?"

Thanatos smiled warmly, "Princess Twilight or should I call you Headmare Twilight. My favorite youngest daughter Thanatos Aerial is none other than Arcee."

Twilight, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Silverstream and Terramar gasped in shock and disbelief of what they just heard and found out. Arcee wasn't orphan from the start?! She's Thanatos's daughter?!

Arcee was walking across the Hippogriff's Village while looking and checking around of her surroundings. And so far; she was looking at group of Hippogriffs were spending time together for chatting, helping and caring for each other. She smiled warmly to see them.

"You know. I kinda miss this the most." Thanatos's voice spoked amusingly.

Anger boiled up in her blood, Arcee turned and glared at her 'father'. She snarled, "What are you doing here, Thanatos?"

Thanatos smiled warmly yet amusingly, "What's the matter, Arcee? Can't a father pay a visit and see his favorite daughter? After all, we're family."

"You're not my father! We're not family either!" Arcee screamed in anger.

"You shouldn't have talked to your dad like that!" Silverstream scolded Arcee. Twilight and her group arrived at the scene. She glared at her, "Or should I call you Thanatos Ariel?!"

"It is your name, right?" Terramar demanded angrily.

Narrowing her eyebrow down Arcee snapped firmly yet angrily, "I no longer go by that name! My true name is Arcee!" She turned and glared at Thanatos, "Not after what he has done! To me! To my squad! And to Anastasia! And I will never forgive you! Not now! Not ever!"

Thanatos sighed in annoyance, "You always loved being a drama queen. You did say that you loved to play an actress. And you overplay the act again, pumpkin pie. That's why you got dropped out from the club and career earlier."

Arcee groaned, "Don't toy me, Thanatos! Whatever you're doing here, I know for certain that you're planning and going after something. I am certain of it."

"What could I be possibly after?" Thanatos asked playfully yet amusingly. He chuckled, "After all, Pearl of Transformation shards are for every Hippogriff and Seapony. The Orb of Lost Soul is gone. I doubt there is anything for me to go after."

Arcee glared at Thanatos, "I know you're here for a reason…"

Everyone couldn't help but feel uneasy and worried over the tension between Thanatos and Arcee. They can tell that there is family strained between two of them.

Twilight became worried yet nervous to think why Mystic Tao, Dragon Kick and even Princess Leaf lied about Arcee being an orphan.

"Don't suppose this is the Friendship Problem we need to solve?" Jade asked curiously.

Nyx shrugged, "Maybe. This is gonna be a problem for us to help her out if she's not open-minded and willing to tell us."

Sky Beak cleared his throat, "Here to take in the marvel that is Mount Aris, your Highness?"

Snapping back to reality, Twilight answered quickly, "Absolutely! And to have you sign a form for Silverstream."

Silverstream took out her permission slip out, "Here it is!"

Picking the slip, Sky Beak smiled happily, "Glad to! But first, let's show the princess and Mr. Thanatos some real Mount Aris hospitality! To the refreshment tent for a stein of salmon juice!"

"I'd be happy." Thanatos said happily, "I'll be happy to pay everything for my daughter and my new friends."

Arcee glared at Thanatos for the moment, "I don't need your 'charity', Thanatos. In fact, I'm not in the mood for drinks either."

Instead of being angry to scold his daughter, Thanatos shrugged, "Suit yourself, kiddo. More salmon drinks for me. They taste the best."

Sky Beak then held his claws out in gentleman gesture, letting Thanatos to head off. Twilight was about to go but she turned and looked at both her students and children especially Arcee, whom she's concern with the most.

"Don't worry, Headmare Twilight. I'll be fine. I just need to take some timeout. That's all," Arcee said firmly yet gently, "But please, don't listen and trust Thanatos. I am certain that he is here for something."

Twilight hummed in concern about Arcee's suspicious of her own father. She sighed, "Alright. I just hope that you're ready to talk with me. And hopefully, it is an honest one. I'm certain that Shadow Dragon and Applejack taught you how important that honest and honor especially open up to everyone. It's very important aspect to friendship."

Begrudging about the lessons, Arcee sighed, "Yes, ma'am."

Silverstream said calmly, "I'll stay with Arcee. You know, helping her out."

The headmare nodded in understanding. Twilight headed off and followed both Sky Beak and Thanatos, who were heading to the buffet for the refreshment. Silverstream, Terramar and Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and looked at Arcee.

"Don't ask me anything especially when it comes to my damn father," Arcee said firmly.

"Well, we were hoping that you can tell us. I mean we are friends," Silverstream said gently.

Arcee gave her angry glare at Silverstream, "Just because we're friends doesn't mean that I'm willing to share anything with you."

"If you say so, Arcee. Just remember that if you need anything, we're here for you," Nyx said firmly, "But you have to be honest with yourself before others."

Arcee sighed, "Whatever."

Decided to ease everything, Sweetie Belle asked Terramar and Silverstream "Well, your dad's certainly... outgoing, isn't he?"

Silverstream nodded. Terramar smiled, "He's a great guy. All our relatives are nice. That's kind of the problem—"

Heard something sincere and gentle sound of music in her ears, Sweetie Belle interrupted while listening to the sound, "Wait, stop. What's that wonderful sound?"

Everyone the listen to the sound that Sweetie Belle has mentioned. They're all amazed and surprised by it. Both Silverstream and Terramar smiled as they know about the music. They took and led them to the large arch-like entrance, leading them to the forest area.

"Here we are!" Terramar said calmly.

Silverstream smiled, "Those are the Harmonizing Heights. Legend says that-"

Sweetie Belle headed off and ran towards the entrance of Harmonizing Heights. Arcee went after her, making sure that she doesn't get herself hurt or trouble. They trotted across the land while looking around of their surroundings – large portion of graceful greenish forest, various shape of hills, cleaned river, birds chirping happily and the wind whistling gently and calmly like a music.

Sweetie Belle then cheered happily while singing and dancing across the field. Arcee was speechless, surprised and amazed of how beautiful and graceful Harmonizing Heights is as she has never seen before in life, despite she was Mystic Hippogriff of Wood. For most of her life, she lived in the Hikari Capital City and never been to Elvish Forestland before. This was her first time to see the beauty of nature. The rest of her friends have arrived at the scene as well.

"Woo-hoo! Yeah! Awesome! I love this!" Sweetie Belle cheered.

"Uh, is she okay?" Terramar asked curiously.

Jade shrugged, "First time happen to her."

After the dancing and singing, Sweetie Belle approached to Silverstream and Terramar, "This is absolutely the best place ever! You both are so lucky!"

"And you get to swim in the ocean! You both have two great places to live!" Terramar said happily.

"How do you make up your mind which one to stay in?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"I can't. That's the problem." Terramar admitted in concern.

"Did you say... 'problem'?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

Sweetie Belle gasped, "You have a problem?!"

Terramar nodded in confirmation, Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered happily and wildly while giving each other hoof bump.

This shocked and surprised both Silverstream and Terramar. Arcee sighed in annoyance about their enthusiasm. Cutie Mark Crusaders chuckled nervously and embarrassingly about it.

After Sky Beak led and guide Twilight and Thanatos to a restaurant, they and the rest of Hippogriffs try out and drank some salmon drinks. They also were chatting happily and amusingly, involving of War against Storm Kingdom-Dark Mystic Ponies, and also Arcee's school performance.

"Really? She kept quiet for most of the classes?" Thanatos asked in surprise. Twilight nodded. He chuckled a bit, "You know? Arcee isn't that kind of girl acted like a silent but deadly ninja to accept any kind of orders and deal with difficulties. She would ask everything to make sure she got it right. She never seems to be good at martial arts either."

Twilight smiled a bit, "Well, since our school's opening, Arcee never seem to be questioning anyone and even me or Shadow Dragon of everything. She spoke mostly in Chinese Language while ignoring almost everyone and even Silverstream for focusing on her studies and practice. She was close to Shadow Dragon for training and teaching her."

"Quite conniving and analytical girl. She's testing you and the rest of teachers' intelligence, strength and skills. She wanted to know and be sure that you're all real especially Shadow Dragon. He is her inspired hero. She did say that she wanted to work under him or anyone's working together with him."

"Well, she got her dream come true. she doesn't need to do that. It's very unnecessary."

"Well, as I always said to my kids including her, 'be prepare for everything'. You can never tell when the things gone south."

"True, I supposed. But we're not at war or something. Nothing's going south."

"Right. I supposed that is true. But it's best to be prepared."

"Yes. I guess so. Arcee is very hardworking and discipline student we ever had in our school. She helped out most of the students including her friends and team." Twilight commented. She cleared her throat while looking at Sky Beak, "No offense, Mr. Sky Beak. But I assure you that she works very hard too."

Sky Beak chuckled, "Don't worry, Princess Twilight. I'm not mad about it. Silverstream may have been quite optimistic little girl but when it comes to study or work, she will be serious and focus. She always does her best."

"True enough." Twilight agreed.

"And she was right about Arcee. She almost looked like her!" Sky Beak joked, making his friend laughed.

Thanatos smiled, "Well, Arcee could be like Silverstream. She was an optimistic and happy funny girl."

"Really?" Twilight asked in surprise, "She's very serious and strict with almost everything. Plus, she's not exactly an open minded Hippogriff, who loved and appreciate the life, nature and animals. She missed Fluttershy's class."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about her, Princess Twilight. I'm happy to share with you all." Thanatos said sincerely.

Sky Beak hummed, "That would be interesting. I'm curious of why you and her have strain family relationship. She's seems very angry with you."

Twilight nodded, "I also wondered why my in-law family and Princess Leaf lied to me about Arcee. Why didn't you go after and bring her back home? And how did you know that she enrolled in my school?"

"I'm a rich Hippogriff. I've got many connections to everything like business, politic, military, charity, marketing, media and so on. They helped me find Arcee," Thanatos explained calmly. He sighed, "And why didn't I bring her back home, you asked? If she sees me again, it might agitate and annoy her too much after what happen before. So, I just did what she wanted. Leave her alone."

"That sounds like abandoning or disowning her," Sky Beak said in shock and concern.

Twilight nodded, "What exactly did you do to her? What happen to this Anastasia?"

Thanatos sighed sadly, "Let's just say that I did something foolish and regrettably put everyone including my family in danger. I was working on experiment, involving of creating super soldiers for Mystic Military, 3 centuries ago. My children – Checkmate, Hunter, Anastasia and even Arcee volunteered for this project. But it gone horribly wrong. It killed both Hunter and Anastasia."

"Oh my…" Sky Beak said in shock and concern.

Twilight hissed, "That's terrible."

"It was," Thanatos admitted in shame, "I won't hold the grudge against my daughter for blaming me. Anastasia is very close to her the most. Seeing her died, it hurts Arcee a lot. My family deserved better. That's why I decide not to go after her. But I did provide some finance, gears and the best squadron she required to survive, even though she wasn't aware of it."

Though heartbroken and saddened over Thanatos's and Arcee's loss, Twilight and Sky Beak were relieved that he looked after and cared for her, despite the problem they have with each other.

Unknown to anyone, the shadowy form of Scylla was scaling around the Hippogriff Village, seeking and searching for the portal. She groaned and hissed angrily that she's unable to locate it.

"What was that about?" Terramar asked in surprise.

"Friendship Mission," Arcee answered dryly. She continued, "They're here to solve ponies or creatures' friendship problem such as you."

"And also you," Jade added. Arcee looked at her curiously. She continued, "Well, you have an issue with your dad, so-!"

Arcee interrupted and glared at Jade, "Don't push it, kid! I told you before. I don't want to have anything to deal with Thanatos Gambit because I am not his daughter anymore!"

"Yeesh. She really got daddy issue," Nyx commented uneasily.

"No kidding," Scootaloo agreed in concern. She turned and looked at Terramar. She asked, "You were talking about your problem?"

"Right. Like I said, Mount Aris is one great place to live. That's why Silverstream and my dad and some of my cousins came back here." Terramar explained. He then looked at the lake, "But Seaquestria is another great place to live. That's where my mom is."

"Ohhhh. I-I didn't know that." Sweetie Belle said in concern.

"So, that's what you mean two houses," Arcee said in surprise.

Silverstream nodded, "Yeah, it is. Dad has to watch over Mount Aris when Queen Novo is off with her business. Same goes to my mom. Soul Sweetie and Roughneck gone and visit cousin Melody now. They're not divorced, just focusing on their work. We're still together."

Terramar sighed, "Still. No matter where I am, I feel like I'm letting someone down.

"No wonder you're having such a hard time deciding." Apple Bloom said in concern.

"And I have to choose soon." Terramar said in concern, "Every other griff and Seapony my age already knows where they belong. I'm still not sure."

"Terramar…" Silverstream said in concern while patted Terramar's back, "I already told you before. You're not gonna choose. You can go and live at either places. No one forcing you."

Terramar shook his head, "Still… My parents are always worried sick and kept telling me to stay and live with either of them. I really don't want to upset them."

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other before smiled happily as they actually have some idea. They then helped drew and designed out the chart involved of Mount Aris and Seaquestria. They placed it in front of Terramar.

Scootaloo explained, "Now, we put down everything great about each place and everything not so great. Compare them, and... your decision is made for you!"

"Well, it's obvious, isn't it?" Sweetie Belle said happily as she put some marks on the chart, "Mount Aris is the best of all possible worlds. Pro – it's beautiful. Con – too far from Equestria. I think that pretty much sums it up."

"And Seaquestria?" Silverstream asked curiously.

Terramar nodded, "You haven't been to Seaquestria yet. How can you even compare them?"

"Terramar's right, Sweetie Belle." Apple Bloom agreed, making Sweetie Belle annoyed. She continued, "It'd be fair if we visited both places before we decide."

Jade smiled, "Okay, we'll get to that soon. But now for Arcee, so-!"

Arcee interrupted angrily, "What did I say about talking about Thanatos?! The answer is no!"

Nyx sighed, "But Arcee, we only-!"

"I said 'no'! Don't make me repeat it again!" Arcee shouted angrily and annoyingly, scaring Cutie Mark Crusaders, Silverstream and Terramar. She sighed, "Sorry. But please, stop asking me about that. I get irritated a lot. Sometimes I wonder how on earth did my parents handle me being a spoiled brat."

"Spoiled brat?!" Cutie Mark Crusaders asked in surprise.

"You? You're kidding?" Silverstream asked amusingly.

"You don't want to know." Arcee answered dryly. She turned and looked up. She then spotted Twilight arrived at the scene. She sighed, "I supposed you enjoyed your research?"

Twilight smiled, "This festival is fantastic! Look what I won at the ring toss booth!" She then showed her trophy to them, surprising her group. She cleared her throat, "Ahem. But of course, I'm really here on business. Sky Beak's already signed the form. Now I just need your mom's signature."

Arcee scoffed a bit, "You're in luck, Headmare Twilight. We're heading to Seaquestria. That's where their mom lived there."

After searching around the Mount Aris, Scylla returned and regrouped with Mei Kai, who also returned from the outskirt of ocean. They're now at the shore. She made the report to her.

"It's not at Mount Aris?!" Mei Kai asked angrily. She groaned, "Damn it! This is difficult than I thought! I've scoured around the outskirt of ocean, and found nothing. The only place we have yet to check is Seaquestria."

"Milady. It is too dangerous to go there," Scylla said cautiously and concerned, "I fear that Seaponies may possessed powerful magical defense mechanism."

Mei Kai sighed, "True. But we cannot delay anymore. My mother's expecting me. I cannot afford to fail her."

"I understand, milady. We will accomplish it. And I'll make certain that you will return to your love." Scylla said seriously before commented playfully, "You and him are still in progress of mating. I'm surprise that he hasn't break you over seducing other men.

Mei Kai scoffed, "I sure do. I enjoyed seducing and tempting boys to do my bidding but Drago's a best suitor for my liking and mating. I will have it more."

Sensing someone's coming to their location, Scylla hissed, "Milady! Someone's coming!"

Both Mei Kai and Scylla swam straight behind the large rock for hiding. They found Twilight and her group have arrived at the shore. They approached to the sea. They all formed in circle especially Silverstream and Terramar were in middle.

"How exactly are we gonna visit underwater?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"Yeah, so what happens now?" Jade asked curiously.

Nyx smiled, "Watch and learn. You're gonna love this one."

Twilight and her group held each other's hooves and claws. Silverstream and Terramar touched their necklaces, which glowed brightly and magically. All of them transformed into their Seapony Forms. They then dived and submerged into the ocean.

Both four of Cutie Mark Crusaders and Arcee awed in amazement while looking and marveling at their new form of Seapony. Without hesitation or concern, Scootaloo swam off! She excitedly and happily swimming in high speed around the area. And at the same, she was cheering happily during her inspection of swimming ability.

"She seems happy," Arcee said in surprise.

"Yeah. First time to see somepony liked swimming under the sea," Silverstream commented happily.

Apple Bloom looked at Nyx's Seapony Form, "So, that's what you looked like when you were a Seapony."

Nyx nodded happily, "Yep! My mommy, her friends and I turned into these when we were saved by Soul Sweetie and Roughneck from Tempest, Maul and Kyuubi."

After happily swimming around, Scootaloo returned to her group. She gave her excited exclamation about her Seapony Form, "This must be just like flying! Woo-hoo!"

"Where's your mom's house, guys?" Jade asked.

Silverstream and Terramar smiled happily as they swam and lead the way. Twilight and her friends followed them from behind. However, unknown to anyone, they were being spied and followed by Mei Kai and Scylla.

Silverstream and Terramar led Twilight and her group through the large yet long rocky cavern. They saw through it for a few minutes. They then arrived and entered at sea kingdom called Seaquestria. It was Twilight and her friends' first time to come.

"So, this is Seaquestria…" Twilight said in surprise, "It's beautiful."

"Yeah… Soul Sweetie always said that she wanted to bring us here after Storm King's defeat," Nyx commented in amazement.

Twilight and her group were passing by couple of Seaponies, who were both chatting and swimming around their village. The group ascended and swam towards to one of the lantern-like village.

Upon entering the village, Twilight and her group arrived at the dining hall, where they found Ocean Flow and her servants were setting up some dishes and cutlery on table for lunch.

"Mom!" Silverstream and Terramar called.

"Silverstream! Terramar! Welcome home, my babies!" Ocean Flow greeted her children. They gave a warm hug. Departing from the hug, she teasingly 'scolded', "No excuses. This time, you're staying for dinner."

"Oh! Mom! You know I can't," Silverstream joked.

Ocean Flow laughed a bit, "I know. But I still miss having you and your father around here."

"Mom, we brought some friends of ours," Terramar said calmly while showing to the rest of his friends.

Ocean Flow gasped, "Princess Twilight Sparkle! What an honor!" She approached to the Princess of Friendship, "I really want to thank you and your friends especially Terrorcreep and Fluttershy for helping us very much and bringing all of our family back together."

"It was nothing. All of us glad to help out every creature and save the day," Twilight commented, "After all, Friendship is Magic."

Ocean Flow smiled, "So, I've heard. You know, Silverstream just raves about you and Fluttershy a lot."

"Same goes to my daughter as well," Thanatos's voice called. Everyone looked at the kitchen. They found him wearing metallic yet futuristic simple designed grayish diving suit. He smiled within, "Arcee really admire both you and Shadow Dragon a lot. You both are inspiration to her. Wise and courage, and also skillful too. Just like her old man."

"I'm nothing like you, father…" Arcee remarked dryly.

Thanatos sighed amusingly, "If only that is true. You're more like me than you realize, Thanatos Ariel. You just make your old man proud"

Finding it to be insulting, Arcee groaned, "Why you-!"

Twilight interrupted quickly, "Well, both Silverstream and Arcee are one of our most hardworking students." She levitated the permission form, which was surprisingly and magically protected from getting wet. She smiled, "In fact, I brought this form for you to sign so that—"

Ocean Flow interrupted and commented, "Both my children are so smart. Would you like to see their baby pictures?"

"Mom!" Silverstream and Terramar exclaimed in annoyance.

"That sounds adorable! I'd love to!" Twilight exclaimed in excitement.

Thanatos smirked playfully, "If you want, I can show you my pictures of my children too especially Arcee, who loved playing bath together with all siblings. She didn't want to be separated from them especially Anastasia. And I have the best and cutest moment I've treasured in my life."

"Thanatos! I'm warning you!" Arcee exclaimed in fury.

"Calm down, Arcee. It's only pictures. I'm just showing them to Princess Twilight. You're taking it too serious, you know," Thanatos said calmly yet amusingly, "Guess your guardian Mr. Tao has rubbed it in you."

Her anger was boiling up, Arcee groaned in annoyance and fury as she was about to attack Thanatos. She was prevented and held by the children.

Twilight cleared her throat and said nervously, "Excuse us. Let's take this to somewhere else about what we just talked about. And you know, to find out about aquatic pony early development and, uh..."

Everyone sans Arcee laughed and giggled a bit before answered, "Research."

Warned by her husband about Arcee's angry at Thanatos, Ocean Flow cleared her throat a bit, "Oh, well, maybe your friends would like a snack while we're gone? Some kelp chips? Fish oil tea?"

Terramar shook his head gently, "No, thanks, Mom. We're gonna go show them around."

Silverstream nodded nervously, "And of course, get Arcee to cool her head off."

"Not funny," Arcee grumbled in annoyance.

Silverstream and Terramar took and led both Arcee and Cutie Mark Crusades out of their home. They're now exploring the Seaquestria.

As Silverstream and Terramar were showing their friends around the Seaquestria, Cutie Mark Crusaders especially Arcee and Scootaloo seemed to enjoy the undersea kingdom very much, though Sweetie Belle is less thrill about it.

Scootaloo played cannonball-like diving, playing with fish for 'catch me' game, playing shell-like drums with other Seapony, dancing and singing happily, playing with other marine animals and even blowing up the large shell for bubbles to come out.

Arcee was amazed, touched and mesmerized by how beautiful and amazing the undersea scenery and marine creatures are, much like Harmonizing Heights. For the first time in her life, she actually learned to appreciate and enjoy the nature of land and sea. Both worlds are amazing to her. And she has forgotten about Thanatos.

While almost everyone enjoyed undersea adventure, Sweetie Belle wasn't. She complained about the sea environment and even marine creatures.

"Okay. I've seen everything I need to." Sweetie Belle said in annoyance, "So, uh, why don't we find Twilight Sparkle, finish the chart, and, uh, head back up the mountain? I have some serious field twirling to do."

Everyone looked surprised and confused by Sweetie Belle's sudden declaration and departure to find Twilight.

"Where's she going? I want to stay and swim some more!" Scootaloo declared happily while swimming around.

"What was that about?" Nyx asked.

Jade shrugged, "No idea. But if I have to guess, she'd prefer land more than the undersea."

Regardless, Arcee and her group returned to Ocean Flow's home, finding and meeting up with Twilight. Mei Kai and Scylla were watching the event. They're both curious and interested as if they have the idea to locate the portal.

After meeting up with Twilight and Thanatos, the group are now heading back to Mount Aris shore. They all transformed back into their normal forms. Thanatos removed his scuba diving suits out, some of them seems to be tight for him to get them out.

Arcee giggled amusingly, "Looks like you're having problem with your gear. Too bad. Thanks to Pearl of Transformation, we can turn into Seapony and back to our form instantly."

Instead of being offended, Thanatos smiled as his daughter's insults, "I don't mind it. Plus, the new scuba diving suit is just a prototype for me to test it. I got the results. Like you said, I do need to improve some parts or maybe using the transformation magic instead. Thank you for your criticism."

Seeing Thanatos didn't seem to be fazed and upset, Arcee groaned in annoyance that she didn't get back at him.

Noticed something glowing within his pocket, Thanatos cleared his throat, "Excuse me. I've got business to attend. Enjoy your vacation, ladies."

Thanatos whistled happily as he climbed up the stairs, returning to Mount Aris now. Twilight and her grouped waved goodbye at him. Arcee narrowed her suspicious glaring eyes at him as if she suspecting that he's up to no good again.

"He seems to be nice guy," Twilight commented sincerely.

Arcee sighed, "Trust me, Headmare Twilight. There is nothing nice about him, not after what he has done."

"Is this about your siblings' death?" Twilight asked in concern. Arcee was shocked and alerted by her question. Everyone was confused. She continued seriously yet sadly, "Thanatos told me about why you're angry and upset with him. I'm so sorry about your loss. Your father felt ashamed and guilty for putting you through. He really loved you so much, Ariel."

Furious and angered, Arcee snapped at Twilight, "Stop calling me that! My father doesn't give a damn about anything or anyone especially his own family! He knew that the experiment is not ready, and yet he's still willing to go through it! Anastasia and Hunter's dead because of him! I HATE HIM!"

Arcee screeched in anger and fury before taking her flight to the sky. She was heading straight to Harmonizing Heights. Everyone especially Silverstream ad Twilight was in shock and worried. They never seen her so rage before.

"Maybe I should go and get her back," Silverstream said in concern.

"No. I'll take care of it." Twilight said firmly. She sighed before showing her serious looks, "It's time that she tells me the truth."

Twilight flapped her wings, flying after Arcee now. Cutie Mark Crusaders and two Hippogriffs gathered around, begin their discussion now.

"All right! Let's add some positives to the Seaquestria side!" Scootaloo exclaimed excitedly. Apple Bloom took out the CMC Chart out, and readied with her pencil. She answered happily, "Swimming is like flying, multi-color fish, and did I mention the flying thing?!"

"You forgot the cons." Sweetie Belle said dryly. Taking the pencil from Apple Bloom, she wrote down on the chart, "Dark, wet, sea monsters..."

"Uh. I don't remember any sea monsters, unless you're talking about Death Shark or Whalemonger. They're extinct," Jade said seriously and concern.

"What about you three?" Scootaloo asked curiously, "What do you think?"

Jade shrugged, "I've seen better than here. No offense. They're nothing special to me. I'm a city girl."

"Actually, I'm not very sure. They're both great," Nyx admitted in concern.

"Same here," Apple Bloom answered with a sigh. She turned and looked at Silverstream and Terramar. She said, "I can understand why it's hard for you to decide."

As Apple Bloom was singing, she looked at both Mount Aris's edge and sea. This make Terramar looked upset and worried, prompted Silverstream to pat her younger brother. Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered around as Sweetie Belle joined in as well.

Apple Bloom: Your heart is in two places, you can only live in one

You're torn between the hilltops and the tide

Sweetie Belle: Thank goodness that the Cutie Mark Crusaders have begun

To give you hope and help you to decide

Both Cutie Mark Crusaders and Hippogriff Siblings headed off to Harmonizing Heights. During the walk across the area; Sweetie Belle sang sincerely and calmly, describing and talking about how good Harmonizing Height is.

Sweetie Bell: These hills, they call to you, they say "Harmonizing Heights"

This is your home, simple and serene

The sun-dappled leaves or a mountain terrace

You can see twenty-three different shades of green

To dare to compare anywhere to there

Is unfair and just plain wrong

Colt or mare or you wear feathers, fins, or hair

This is where you belong

Approaching to Terramar, Scootaloo smiled proudly, "Well, on the other hoof, I can think of a place that's way more exciting and cool, not to mention more you! Come on, you know exactly where I mean!"

Scootaloo grabbed Terramar as they both jumped and dived into the waterfall. They both transformed into their Seapony Forms. The rest followed them as well. Swimming towards the Seaquestria, Scootaloo sang excitedly and determinedly about how great the sea kingdom.

Scootaloo: Seaquestria's the most, you're supposed to be there

Underneath the sea where you can feel at home

Swimmin' with your friends, you can spend all day here

Playin' in the bay here, splashin' in the foam

Sailin' through the wavy blue

You'll view a slew of tortoises

Forget the rest, the sea's the best

For all intents and "porpoises"

As soon as Cutie Mark Crusaders and Hippogriff Siblings returned to the shore, both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo continued singing about Harmonizing Heights and Sequestria, slowly sparked the rivalry and argument between two over the area they loved to go.

This has made the rest of their friends worried and uneasy. Apple Bloom, Nyx and Jade didn't like where this was leading to now. And at the same time, Terramar is becoming frustrated and annoyed with their argument as well.

Sweetie Bell: Build your nest here on Harmonizing Heights

Scootaloo: Live it up here in Seaquestria

Sweetie Belle: Nothing compares to Harmonizing Heights

The eagles are regal

Scootaloo: But the schools are cooler

Sweetie Belle: Their claws are so awesome

Scootaloo: With their sweet maneuvers

Sweetie Belle: Star wishes every night

Scootaloo: Starfish by eel light

Sweetie Belle: Better

Scootaloo: Wetter

Sweetie Belle: Shinier

Scootaloo: Brinier

Seaquestria!

Sweetie Belle: Harmonizing Heights!

Scootaloo: Seaquestria!

Sweetie Belle: Harmonizing Heights!

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle: That's it! This is the end!

Don't ever talk to me again!

After a fierce singing of argument, both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo angrily turned their attention away from each other.

"So much for teamwork," Jade remarked sarcastically.

Disgruntled and frustrated, Terramar walked away from his friends and sister. Silverstream called, "Terramar, where're you going?"

Terramar groaned in frustration, "If they all can't even agree amongst themselves, how am I supposed to make up my mind?! By Whiger's Claw! It's hopeless!"

Touching his shard, Terramar transformed into his Seapony Form as he dived into the ocean, swimming away from his friends and family. Silverstream called out her brother but she was ignored. She looked sad and upset before sat down sadly and worriedly. Cutie Mark Crusaders couldn't help but feel guilty for this mess in the first place.

Jade scoffed in annoyance while crossed her hooves, "I can think of another thing Mount Aris and Seaquestria have in common. They make friends turn on each other."

Nyx nudged Jade's elbow, "Not helping!"

Silverstream sighed sadly, "Oh Terramar…"

Unknown to Cutie Mark Crusaders and Silverstream; Mei Kai, Scylla and Thanatos have watched the scene at the train station.

Thanatos smiled amusingly, "What did I tell you, ladies?"

"You were right for once, Mr. Thanatos," Mei Kai said dryly and annoyingly. She cleared her throat while looking at the sea, "That boy might be some use to use, after all."

Thanatos nodded, "He is. Because his parents split up to do their royal duty, Terramar is in dilemma to decide what he wants. He will be easily manipulated to help you out to find the portal."

"Yes, Thanatos. I agreed with you for once," Mei Kai said calmly, "I shall take care of him."

Thanatos smiled amusingly and proudly, "Happy to obliged, under my Emperor's order. I shall be leaving now."

"I'm afraid you can't leave yet," Scylla snarled while aimed her knife at his throat. She continued dryly, "Our mission is yet to complete."

Thanatos sighed, "Why am I not surprise? Demons always like to go back to words, even the most honest one."

"You're too crafty and conniving to be left alone. I have not forgotten what you have done to my family during the 'Battle of Demon Land'!" Mei Kai said dryly and suspiciously. She smirked, "Better play safe than sorry as they said. I have no doubt that you have devised a plot against me."

"If that makes you feel better, be my guess." Thanatos said calmly and amusingly while having his tightened grips to be cuffed by magical water cuffs. He smiled, "A little warning. Don't underestimate me or your enemies as well."

Mei Kai scoffed, "I'm counting on it."

Scylla summoned and placed the breathable bubble on Thanatos's head. While moving towards the shore, the rich Hippogriff dropped a square shaped device on the sand before kicked it off, few meter to Cutie Mark Crusaders, who were busy arguing with each other over Terramar's predicament. Mei Kai, her lieutenant and prisoner dived into the ocean, going after Terramar.

At the Harmonizing Height, Arcee was alone and sitting down on large rock, near to the pond. She was angry and annoyed yet upset over her loss of her two siblings and she blamed Thanatos for their death. And at the same time, she was thinking over Mount Aris and Seaquestria as a way to get over her anger and loss. She looked very conflicted and uneasy now.

Flying and searching for her distressed student, Twilight came across to the small pond, where she found and located Arcee. She dived and landed on the ground. Worried that she's still angry, the princess slowly approached her while thinking of way to talk with her, without mentioning about Thanatos.

And just before Twilight could say anything, Arcee sighed, "Headmare Twilight, I am so sorry for snapping at you. I shouldn't have done that."

"Arcee…" Twilight said in concern, "You seemed to be distressed and upset lately ever since Thanatos came. Something on your mind?"

Arcee sighed, "To be honest, I'm not really sure how I feel now."

"Really? What makes you say that?"

"All I've been since I was a hatchling is to fight and survive. Be either street fighter or soldier. I'd never know what it means to have family, friends or even love in the first place."

"What about Thanatos? And your own family?"

"My family… They're not who you think they are. They may be rich, they're far from perfect or normal family I have. It wasn't my happy childhood." Arcee said seriously yet sadly. Twilight was curious yet concerned. She continued seriously, "I didn't get along with most of them including my own father. They're all have high expectation of me to be the best and wanted me to be business rather than what I really wanted. It's frustrating for me to handle. I couldn't stand it."

Twilight hummed, "I'm guessing Anastasia is the only sibling you're close to?"

"Yeah. Anastasia has been there for me, taught me, helped me, support me and spent time with me a lot. She knew me. She understood me so much. She loved and cared me so much. I felt the same for her. She's the best sister I ever had."

"I don't mean to pry your privacy. But how did your sister die?"

"My father told you about his experiment of creating super soldier?" Arcee asked. Twilight nodded in confirmation. She sighed, "He was right about most part. The real reason why experiment gone wrong because the formula was incomplete and toxic. Scientist warned him not to test on us, but he didn't listen and used it on us. We almost gone raving mad, destroyed everything and almost killed everyone including my family."

"WHAT?! How could he?!" Twilight exclaimed in disbelief and shock.

"It's true. We almost died if not for Anastasia. She managed to retain her will and create the antidote for us. Checkmate and I were cured." Arcee then cried tearfully with tears flowing down, "But Anastasia and Hunter couldn't make it."

"Arcee…"

"And the worst is that my father dared to say that they died for giving the best results he need to perfect the super soldier serum! He treated us like a guinea pigs for his science and business! He doesn't care or worried about his own family and children! He doesn't even give remorse or damn about it! It's all about business."

"Thanatos… How could a person like him treat his own family like business?"

Arcee sighed, "My father was the famed Ultimate Warrior of Strategy for deploying the most dangerous strategy called 'Roulette Gambit' involved of succeeding and completing many objectives, no matter how dire the consequence as long he gets the results and win in the end."

"I can't believe Susanoo would hire and promoted him to be one of his Ultimate Warriors. What was he thinking?"

"He thought my father has potential, but didn't realize how dangerous and scrupulous he really is when it comes to strategy and make deals with shady business. Susanoo fired and forced Thanatos to retire immediately."

"Death Tactic took over his position, I assumed."

"Yeah…" Arcee confirmed. She sighed while looking at the pond, "Now you know why I ran away from home, and why I abandon my family's name. I couldn't forgive my father for what he has done. Truthfully, I'm scared that I might become like him…"

Feel sympathy for Arcee, Twilight sat down close to her. She spoke, "You're wrong, Arcee. You are nothing like him. In fact, you're better than him."

"Really? Did you mean it?" Arcee asked in surprise.

Twilight nodded, "Yes. Unlike your father, you do feel remorse and concern for others. Not just courage and intelligent, you also have compassion and kindness. You're willing to help and protect them from harms. And of course, you made some friends too. That's what make you different from him."

Arcee hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah, I guess so."

Twilight smiled warmly, "You know, Arcee, you kinda remind me of someone else. "

"Really? Who?"

"Me. Ever since I met my friends when I moved to Ponyville, they open my mind and made me realize how important and magical friendship is. And of course, I've gone many adventure and learn so many things and lessons from other ponies too. I'm sure you felt the same way too."

Arcee hummed, "Hmm… I guess you're right. Harmonizing Height and Seaquestria are best and beautiful place I ever seen. I'm glad to be on this trip."

"Yup," Twilight agreed, "And like I said before, there is more to beauty and life than martial arts. Don't you agree?"

Arcee couldn't help but smile at Twilight, knowing that she is right. She nodded happily. And just before the princess could say anything, pink Hippogriff gave her a warm hug. This prompted her to hug back.

"Headmare Twilight, thank you so much," Arcee said in relief.

Twilight smiled warmly, "Anything to help my students, Ariel. I mean, Arcee!"

Arcee giggled a bit, "I don't mind it. Only my friends and my real family are allowed to call me that."

Twilight nodded in understanding. She sighed, "Well, I'm used to calling you 'Arcee', anyway. Let's go and check on Crusaders. Hopefully, they're doing their job alright."

Twilight and Arcee got up and exited out of Harmonizing Heights, searching and meeting up with others now.

After swimming away from his sister and friends, Terramar arrived at the garden of seaweed and shells. He sat down on the large rock before lying down on it. He was too upset and frustrated yet conflicted over Mount Aris and Seaquestria. He's unable to decide of what he wants now.

Mei Kai, Scylla and imprisoned Thanatos arrived at the garden. While her trusted general held the prisoner back, the Demon Princess of Water hid behind the shell as she transformed into her old persona form – Ocean Health in Seapony Form. She then emerged out from a large shell. She swam towards Terramar from behind.

'Ocean Health' awed 'sincerely', "What's the matter? You seem sad and upset."

Alerted by someone behind him, Terramar gasped. He turned and found 'Ocean Health'. He asked, "W-Who are you?"

While approaching nervous Terramar, 'Ocean Health' smiled seductively and lovely, "A friend. I can help solve your problems, my dear."

Terramar gulped nervously with reddish blush. He stuttered, "I-I don't think I've seen you before. W-What's your name again?"

'Ocean Health' winked at Terramar with a smile, "Call me Ocean Health. I have a way to make your life happier and lovely.

Just before Terramar could say anything, 'Ocean Health' coiled and wrapped her tail around his tail before dragged him close to her. She grabbed his head, allowing her to give him a passionate kiss, shocking and confusing him. He grunted, struggling to depart from her kiss.

However, her kiss gave some magical sparkling into his mouth, which slowly make him dizzy and tired. Terramar's eyes slowly turned into dark purplish color while groaned and moaned tiredly.

"Mission accomplished," Scylla commented.

Thanatos groaned in disgust, "That is disgusting. This is something the kids should not do."

'Ocean Health' and Terramar departed from kissing each other while lovely looking at each other. She transformed back into Mei Kai. While touching and holding his face, she asked, "Feeling happy now?"

Terramar nodded, "Yes, milady."

"Good little boy. I have a job for you to do." Mei Kai said firmly yet sincerely. Using her Anti-Magic Glove, she took out the Pan'ku Box. She passed it to Terramar, "I want you help me find the portal. Answer and solve the riddle. Can you do that."

"Yes, milady," Terramar said robotically.

Back at the shore, Cutie Mark Crusaders are having teamwork problem now. Both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo refused to look at each other, thinking it was her fault for causing Terramar distressed.

"Come on, guys! If you don't get your act together, we'd never gonna solve this problem." Nyx said in concern.

Silverstream sighed while looking at the sea, "Not to mention, I'm really worried about Terramar. I hope he's alright."

Nyx nodded, "You and me both."

"Well, you tell Sweetie Belle that if it weren't for her, our mission would've been over by now! And a success!" Scootaloo snapped angrily.

Sweetie Belle huffed angrily, "Well, tell her that I'm not the one who dashed all of Terramar's hopes and made him give up on the world! Both worlds!"

Jade groaned frustratingly, "They do realize it's their fault, right?"

Apple Bloom sighed while shrugged, "I don't think they care. This is gonna take a while."

As both Twilight and Arcee arrived at the shore, the princess asked, "Uh, what's going on? Where's Terramar?"

Jade rolled her eyes while pointed at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, "Why don't you ask the bickering duo?"

"Which was not my fault!" Scootaloo protested.

"Mine, either!" Sweetie Belle protested as well.

"Well, of course not. Why would you think that?" Twilight asked in confusion.

As they calm themselves do while giving thoughts about Terramar, both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have realized of what caused him upset in the first place. They exclaimed in unison yet ashamed, "Because it was our fault."

"All we had to do was help him choose which world to live in." Scootaloo said in shame.

Sweetie Belle nodded in guilt, "And we let him down."

"Whoever said that he had to choose?" Twilight asked in confusion.

"Well, he did." Apple Bloom, Nyx and Jade answered in unison.

Twilight hummed in thoughts, "Hmmm... Maybe Terramar's making it harder than it has to be."

"It's more than that, Headmare Twilight," Silversteram disagreed, "It was actually-!"

"Yoo-hoo! Princess!" Ocean Flow's voice called out. Twilight and her group turned to the ocean. They found her and some of Seapony emerged out from the sea. She continued, "We're having a seashell-crafting circle. Care to join us?"

And just before Twilight could say anything, Sky Beak and his Hippogriffs arrived as well. He exclaimed happily, "There you are! The flag-folding ceremony's about to begin!"

After looking at both Hippogriffs and Seaponies, Twilight became uneasy and worried of which event she choose and go with, "Thank you, really. I've had a great time in both places today, but..." She then whispered to the students and Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Wow. This must be how Terramar feels all the time."

Silverstream nodded, "Yeah. He loved two worlds, and wanted to part of them but he felt like he has to choose one because he doesn't want to upset and disappoint mom and dad."

"Has he or you ever talk with them in the first place?" Arcee asked curiously.

Realized of what Arcee has suggested, Silverstream chuckled nervously, "Uh. Nope. We didn't think about that. For me, I just jumped and followed dad for new adventure and fun in the sky or ocean."

Spotted Sky Beak on the cliff's edge, Ocean Flow called, "Oh! Hello, Sky Beak."

"Ocean Flow!" Sky Beak exclaimed in surprise. He dived and approached to his wife. He smiled, "You're looking well."

Sky Beak and Ocean Flow gave each other a warm hug. The rest of Hippogriffs and Seaponies joined in as well for some chats.

Witnessing Hippogriffs and Seaponies chatting to each other, Cutie Mark Crusaders gave some thoughts while looking at each other. They now have the idea to solve Terramar's problem.

"Hmmm... This gives me an idea." Sweetie Belle commented, "We need to find Terramar first."

"I'll go find him," Silverstream said happily.

"Hold the moment," Arcee called out as she spotted something on the sand. She cautiously approached to it. She then picked it up. The object revealed itself to be a tracking device, which has greenish beeping dot on screen and made noise. She hummed suspiciously, "I think I know where Thanatos and Terramar are."

"Thanatos? What makes you say that?" Nyx asked in concern.

"And why would you think he's with Terramar?" Apple Bloom asked in confusion.

Using tracking device, it pointed at Mount Aris. Arcee narrowed her suspicious eyes, "Coz I have the hunch that he's using Terramar to find whatever he's after. Terramar could be in danger."

Hearing Arcee's tone being serious has make Twilight and her group worried and scared. They feared that Terramar might be in grave danger.

Thanks to brainwashed Terramar, he helped Mei Kai solved the puzzle and located Bai Tza's Portal. She, Scylla and two prisoners were now at the Hidden City's Ancient Temple.

Terramar held the Pan'ku Box, facing at the temple's water fountain. The puzzle box levitated above the water fountain as it fired its laser beam and hit the water fountain's statues. It the created the large portal, allowing Bai Tza to emerge out. She screeched out loud happily as she is finally freed from her imprisonment. Both Mei Kai and Scylla bowed to the ground humbly.

"At last! I am freed!" Bai Tza cheered happily.

Mei Kai smiled warmly, "Welcome home, mother. I missed you!"

Turned and looked at Mei Kai, Bai Tza slithered towards her. She gave her daughter a warm and comfort hug, "Yes, so have I, my dear daughter. It's all thanks to you. I am so proud and pleased of you."

"Thank you, mother," Mei Kai said in pleasant tone. She turned and looked at Terramar, who is now a Hippogriff and still brainwashed. She smiled, "You have outlived your usefulness, slave."

With the snap of her fingers, Terramar got snapped back to reality. While rubbing his head, he groaned in pain, "W-What happen?! Where am I?! How did I end up here?!"

"So, they let you out?" Thanatos asked curiously while he was being cuffed to the wall. Terramar looked confuse and scared as he nodded, wanting to know. He continued, "Long story short. Mei Kai, the girl who claimed to be Ocean Health, seduced and brainwashed you to be her slave, so she can free her mother from portal. And you helped her."

"W-What?! No!" Terramar exclaimed in disbelief. He looked up and found Bai Tza and Mei Kai stood before him. Feared and worried, he gulped, "W-What have I done?!"

Thanatos shrugged, "Could be worse."

Bai Tza hissed amusingly while looking at nervous Terramar, "Well, what do we have here? A little hatchling?"

"Yes, mother. He was my slave for helping and opening the portal for you," Mei Kai said happily and calmly. She smirked, "And of course, he's our lunch too."

Bai Tza smirked, "Excellent work, my child. Let us share the meal together, my dearest daughter."

Hearing what two Water Demons have said, Terramar panicked, "Actually, I taste the worst! Better not eat me for your sake! And you know what?! I gotta go! See ya!"

As Terramar made the run, his back legs got caught and coiled by Scylla, who dragged and brought him back to her mistress. He gulped in fear while facing at Bai Tza and Mei Kai.

"On contrary, you will be going into our stomach," Bai Tza said calmly, "This will make up for all the food that worthless Po Kong has stolen and eaten!"

Seductively coiling up Terramar, Mei Kai held him close to her, "This will be the last time we both share the tenderness. Let's make the best one, but not the best as my boyfriend."

Terramar panicked but Mei Kai gave him a passionate kiss on his beak, making him grunted and struggled to get her off. After the kiss, she hissed and screeched wildly at him, scaring him off. And just before she and her mother could do anything, a large rock was thrown at Mei Kai, who was then thrown and knocked Bai Tza and Scylla off.

And at the same time, both Thanatos and Terramar have been levitated and brought to Twilight and her group. Silverstream jumped and hugged her younger brother happily and warmly.

"Oh! Terramar! Thank goodness, you're alright! I thought I was gonna lose you forever!" Silverstream exclaimed in relief and happily while hugging Terramar happily. Terramar sighed while looking guilty for making his sister worried. Departing from hugging him, she exclaimed in fury, "And seriously?! You kissed the Demon?! Eew! What were you thinking?!"

"Eew!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in disgust.

"What?! No! I didn't! Honest! That witch kissed me! She forced herself to kiss me! I'd never even like her!" Terramar protested.

"Oh! That explains it," Silverstream said in relief.

Nyx groaned, "Somehow, I'm not surprise. Mei Kai is always seductive to get boys like her and do her bidding. What a witch!"

"Yeah. She got what she wanted. She freed her mother from the Netherworld!" Arcee exclaimed in concern while glaring at Thanatos, "You've got explaining of what you really after, Thanatos! I know you helped them out with this."

"Hey! I resent that! They forced me to force Terramar help them!" Thanatos protested in annoyance, feeling offended. He huffed while showing the small pit with red lighting, "If not for my tracking device and my homing beacon, you all wouldn't able to find us or worse, we'd be dead."

"Somehow, I'm still not convinced." Arcee said dryly. Armed with her katana and wakizashi, she's facing at Bai Tza and her Water Demons. She spoke firmly and determinedly, "Either way, we've gotta stop them!"

"Agreed. Good thing I have special ingredient to send her back," Twilight said firmly while looking at her bag. She unpacked and took out most of ingredients and gourd. She continued, "I need some cover to make the banishment spell!"

"I'll cover you!" Arcee said firmly. She turned and looked at Silverstream, Terramar and Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Protect her."

Cutie Mark Crusaders, Silverstream and Terramar nodded firmly, "Got it!"

"Me too," Thanatos joined in as well. Arcee glared at him, he armed himself with long sword while saying, "I'm not asking you to trust or put your faith in me, Arcee. I do need your cooperation to stop them."

Though still suspicious of her father's ulterior motive, Arcee sighed begrudgingly, "Fine. Don't make me regret this, father!"

Touched by Arcee calling him 'father', Thanatos smirked proudly, "Wouldn't want to disappoint you, my dear."

Bai Tza screeched angrily, "I will not be denied again! Stop them!"

"Rest assure, mother! I will protect you!" Mei Kai exclaimed determinedly. And just before Arcee and Thanatos could do anything, she unleashed Water Torpedo Blast in knocking them both. She turned Scylla, "Go, Scylla! Take that princess down now!"

Scylla hissed amusingly, "Understood!"

As Scylla charged and slithered towards Twilight and her students, Arcee and Thanatos charged towards the Water Demon General, trying to stop and block her attack. They both got rammed and knocked aside by Bai Tza and Mei Kai. Both parents and their daughters are battling with each other determinedly and firmly.

Scylla was charging and preparing to finish Twilight off but she got pushed and rammed by Silverstream and Terramar, who both are ready to fight.

Scylla chuckled amusingly, "Little chickens, I will not show mercy to either of you. And when I'm done with you two, I shall make sure you both are roasted for my lady to feast upon!"

Silverstream gave her angry screech noise, shocking everyone. She growled, "Let me make this clear to you! No one roasting my brother and gets away with it! You hear that, monster! No one!"

Silverstream screeched angrily as she jumped and attacked Scylla. Both of them started a fierce fight with each other. This shocked and surprised Terramar and Cutie Mark Crusaders,

"Wow. And I thought our sisters and brothers are madly protective of us," Nyx commented in surprise, "Silverstream takes the cake."

Terramar chuckled uneasily, "You'd be surprise. I got myself humiliated and pranked during Hero's Festival Day. My sister charged and take down the bullies. She maybe 'airhead', she's the best sister I ever had."

"Yeah. Hopefully, they can hold them off for long," Apple Bloom said in concern.

"Twilight, how long?!" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I need time!" Twilight exclaimed in concern. She hissed while mixing ingredients together, "Mr. Tao wasn't joking about making banishment spell. It's difficult than I thought!"

"I'll help you out!" Jade exclaimed happily while checking on ingredients, "I maybe not my great uncle's apprentice, I still know how to make spells."

"Make it quick! Make it quick!" Scootaloo exclaimed in concern.

While Cutie Mark Crusaders are defending Twilight and Jade making the banishment spell for Bai Tza; three Hippogriffs continued fiercely and determinedly battling with the Water Demon.

Thanatos and Arcee teamed up against Bai Tza and Mei Kai. They both tried to swing and slam their swords at the Water Demons. They have proved to be slippery and cunning for dodging and evading the attacks quickly and swiftly. On the seventh time, both mother and daughter swung and slapped their tails in knocking them both aside. They then unleashed their Water Torpedo Blast at them. Both Thanatos and Arcee dodged the attacks while flying towards their enemies. They both rammed and slammed Bai Tza and Mei Kai to the ground, engaging a fierce battle.

Arcee swung and struck her katana and wakizashi at Mei Kai, who slowly backed off from the attack while fought against her. They both have a fierce clash with each other for couple of times. And just before Arcee could do anything, Mei Kai launched her Jellyfish Sting, paralyzing and her for the moment. The Water Demon Princess blasted her Water Blast at her for the moment. She the unleashed her full-powered Hydro Beam to knock her out. As she approached towards her target and attempted to finish her off, luckily, Arcee managed to block and before kick her off. As they both battled again, Arcee performed Falcon Wing Deflect to block attacks and also deployed Black Serpentine Strike to punch and kick Mei Kai, who struggled to block and fight back before got her head punched off. As she was recovering from the attack, the pink Hippogriff charged and slammed her to the ground. They both rolled around while attacking each other relentlessly and determinedly.

Thanatos and Bai Tza are glaring and facing off at each other for the moment. While still armed in standoff, they're waiting for their opponent to make a move. With the drip of water droplet, Bai Tza charged as she swung and thrust her claws at Thanatos, who swiftly and firmly dodged and blocked the attacks for couple of times. She then swung her tail at him. He dodged down before kicked her by face. He then launched couple of punches against her body before hit on guts and then kicked her off. Armed with his long sword, he jumped and slammed his blade on her but swung off by her tail. She then summoned and blasted both Jellyfish Sting and Poison Bubbles at him. He swiftly and firmly blocked and deflected the attacks for the moment. He then charged and attacked her. She quickly dodged and evaded his attacks, and at the same time, she fought back as well.

Angered and fury over Water Demons' threatening her brother, Silverstream angrily and firmly attacked Scylla, who firmly blocked and deflected the couple of claw strikes. As the pink Hippogriff launched and thrust her claw at the humanoid sea monster, who quickly has her six headed dragons-like tentacles to grab and slam her on the ground for three to five times. Silverstream got thrown against the wall and floor for few times, making the rest of her friends cringed to see it. Throwing her aside, Scylla turned her attention on Cutie Mark Crusaders, Terramar and Twilight, who is still making the banishment spell. She was about to unleash her Scorching Water on them. Silverstream jumped and slammed her to the ground. She then punched on the monster from back for couple of times. But she was then grabbed by six headed dragons-like tentacles, which swung and slammed her to the ground hard, crippling and injuring her further. Coiling and wrapping her tightly in her tentacles, Scylla slowly got up from the ground as she turned and glared at Silverstream. The sea monster hissed angrily at her.

And just before the sea monster could finish her off, couple of stones were throne and hit by her dragon-like tentacle. Terramar and the rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders were throwing more stones at Scylla until one of them hit her head hard, forcing her to let go of Silverstream. Terramar dashed and rescued her in time. Cutie Mark Crusaders continued throwing couple of stones at Scylla, who was forced to her dragon-like tentacles to unleash Water Burst for defense.

"Mummy, are you done?!" Nyx asked frantically.

After mixing up most of ingredients, she poured the flask o the gourd, which glowed brightly in green. Twilight gasped, "Yes! We're ready! Tell Arcee and Thanatos to lure them here! Time to send them back!"

With everyone nodded firmly, Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Hippogriffs Siblings shouted 'it's ready' to Thanatos and Arcee, who were busy battling with Bai Tza and Mei Kai. They both heard their shouts. They then looked at each other before giving serious nod. They then turned their backs away from the Water Demons, who were annoyed and infuriated to chase after them both at once.

By the time, Thanatos and Arcee reached their destination. They quickly moved aside, revealing Twilight and her group chanted firmly and determinedly while armed and aimed the glowing gourd at Bai Tza and Mei Kai. The Water Demons yelped in realization, finding out they're now trapped. The gourd blasted and hit them both. The Water Demons got covered in greenish smoke.

Twilight and her group looked relief while Scylla was in shock and hurt to see both Bai Tza and Mei Kai got hit by banishment spell. As soon as the smoke dispersed, powerful Hydro Beam blasted and hit Twilight and her group off. They all groaned and moaned painfully, slowly recovered. They looked up and found Bai Tza and Mei Kai stood before them.

"N-No way!" Scootaloo and Jade exclaimed in disbelief.

Sweetie Belle hissed in fear, "That should have banished you demons back to Netherworld!"

"I couldn't have mix the ingredients wrongly," Twilight said in concern.

"No. It was the right ingredient," Mei Kai said calmly. She took out the test tube of blackish goo liquid with sparkles. She smirked, "I just add powerful Anti-Banishment Spell, preventing us to be banished back to Netherworld. Courtesy of our secret benefactor."

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Everyone shouted in disbelief.

Thanatos groaned, "Just terrific… This is gonna be problem."

"No kidding," Arcee agreed, "Now what?"

"Now you died!" Bai Tza hissed angrily, "It is time to feast on you and the hatchlings, Princess Twilight."

And just before Bai Tza could do anything, a spear was thrown and jabbed her by her left shoulder. This shocked and alerted everyone in the temple. They looked behind, where they found Sky Beak and the army of Hippogriff Guards arrived at the scene.

"Get away from my kids!" Sky Beak exclaimed determinedly.

Just before Mei Kai and Scylla could react, they got shot and blasted by more spikes. They looked at the pond, where Ocean Flow and group of Seapony, armed with their sea spears and spike arrows.

Ocean Flow growled angrily, "You're not gonna harm my babies either!"

"Hippogriffs/Seaponies, attack!" Sky Beak and Ocean Flow ordered firmly.

As commanded, both Sky Beak and Ocean Flow led their kind charged and attacked Bai Tza, Mei Kai and Scylla. Demon Lord and her daughter were unable to summon their Shadow Squid as they're being overwhelm by the enemy numbers. They're all punched and kicked, and even tried to tear them apart as well. They have ripped Scylla apart.

Bai Tza hissed angrily, "No! I refused to be destroyed! Mei Kai, get us out of here now!"

"Understood!" Mei Kai exclaimed firmly. She snarled, "This isn't over yet! Mark my word!"

Mei Kai chanted darkly as she summoned the portal for her and her mother to escape.

Witnessing the enemy force has been driven off, both Hippogriffs and Seaponies cheered out wildly and happily. Twilight and her group were shocked yet amazed and impressed of two kinds' teamwork and determination. Both Sky Beak and Ocean Flow approached to their children. All four of them gave each other some warm and comfort hug.

Everyone gathered at Mount Aris's shore. Most of Seaponies and Hippogriffs were enjoyed having great time together and did some activities such as having picnic, playing bongo drums, playing beach ball, swimming and so on.

Twilight and her group including Thanatos were having picnic and discussion. Both Silverstream and Terramar were treated and bandaged.

"You did all this for me?" Terramar asked in surprise.

As Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded firmly, Scootaloo nodded, "Yeah. This is to make up for not helping you out.

Sweetie Belle continued, "We just ended up confusing you more. It's all our fault. We thought we'd get every creature together for a picnic on the beach."

Nyx nodded happily, "And we mean every creature! Just to show you that even though they're far apart, both Hippogriffs and Seaponies will always be together."

"Indeed. It will always be," Sky Beak said proudly while patted his son's head, "Your friends told us how you've been feeling."

Ocean Flow nodded, "And we're sorry if we ever made you think you had to choose between worlds. We never meant to split up for our duty. That wasn't our intention, honey."

"Your Hippogriff heritage is something to be proud of, certainly."

"But you're more than just where you're from or who you live with. We love you because you're you, no matter where you choose to be."

"You don't have to decide. You can keep doing what you've been doing – going back and forth."

"And enjoying both places."

"Really?" Terramar asked hopefully. Sky Beak and Ocean Flow nodded proudly. Formed the tears of joy, he gave his family a warm hug, "Thank you, everyone. I love you all so much."

Silverstream giggled happily while hugging Terramar, "We love you too, Terra!"

"Something we forgot to add that both places have –" Scootaloo said calmly. Apple Bloom took out the chart for Sweetie Belle to write on it. She continued, "family and friends who love you."

Nyx nodded happily, "Yeah. Nothing could change that."

"Thanks for everything." Terramar thanked Cutie Mark Crusaders. He and his family then noticed some amiss on them. He asked, "Hey, uh, are you glowing?"

Turned their attentions on the flanks, Cutie Mark Crusaders have found their cutie marks were glowing. They realized of what it means. They cheered, "Yes! We did it!"

"Congratulations! Your first map mission is a success!" Twilight commented.

"Is that how the Friendship Problems work for Headmare Twilight and others?" Silverstream asked curiously.

Arcee shrugged, "Probably."

"Guess that means we're officially done here." Sweetie Belle commented happily.

"Not quite yet." Nyx disagreed. She turned to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. She sternly asked, "Don't you two have something to say?"

Realizing of what Nyx was referring to, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shamefully looked at each other. They both sighed. The daredevil Pegasus spoke, "Look, Sweetie Belle, for all the stuff we said to each other..." She sighed, "I'm sorry."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "I'm sorry too, Scootaloo. I didn't mean for either of us to put so much pressure on Terramar and have him get brainwashed. I guess we were both selfish."

Nyx nodded, "I just didn't want a repeat of what happened with your sisters and my family last time we were here. Kyuubi Lilith ruined our friendships."

"Seems like you girls had a lot to learn today with each other." Arcee commented. She turned and looked at how close Silverstream, Terramar and their parents are. She smiled, "I definitely learn more too."

"Like stop being a dick?" Thanatos asked amusingly.

"How stop lying to me the next time you talk to me," Twilight said sternly, surprising Thanatos. She continued, "Arcee told me of what really happened. I don't know why Mei Kai kidnapped you, but if my student is right about you, then you're there for a reason."

Thanatos sighed, "How many times do I have to tell you? I don't have ulterior motive."

"If you're telling the truth," Arcee said firmly and dryly.

"I see…" Thanatos said calmly yet firmly while looking at Arcee. He sighed in disappointment, "Can't say I'm surprised that you hated me since Anastasia and Hunter's death. It'd be best that I should stay out of your life. It is what you wanted after all."

"I'd never hated you in the first place, father," Arcee corrected Thanatos firmly. This surprised everyone. She continued sternly, "But I hated of what you really think and going after."

Surprised by Arcee's declaration, Thanatos couldn't help but smiled warmly, "Thanks, kiddo. But I really meant of what I said before. I'm sorry."

"I know…" Arcee said calmly. She sighed, "I still can't forgive you. I can't…"

"I know." Thanatos said seriously. He got up from the ground. He spoke, "But let me give your heads up. Watch out for three troublemakers at the school, they're not what they seem to be. Be careful of whom you trust especially with your friends."

Everyone was alerted and confused by Thanatos's 'heads up'. Arcee became concern and suspicious of it. Nevertheless, the rich Hippogriff turned and headed to train station now.

"What was that about?" Silverstream asked in confusion.

Arcee hummed in concern, "To be honest, I don't know. But I hope I'm wrong about this…"

"Whatever it is, I'm sure he's trying to mess with you," Twilight commented sternly, "You did warn me of what he's capable of. Being a ruthless and manipulative troublemaker for getting what he wants."

"Maybe…" Arcee said in uncertain.

As soon as Thanatos reached to train station, he met up with a beige colored Hippogriff with dark indigo colored gentle mane and worn blue dark butler suit and glasses. He bowed humbly before him.

"Aw, Stickler. You're on time as usual," Thanatos commented amusingly. Stickler nodded firmly. He smirked, "Did you get what I requested?

"I did, Mr. Thanatos…" Stickler answered firmly. He took out the box from his pocket. He opened it up, revealing rarest yet unusual crimson colored gem that possessed spiritual within. He continued, "I have located and retrieved the Soul Gem of Whiger as you have instructed."

Thanatos smiled, "Excellent. It was from the Hidden City's Sacred Temple, wasn't it?"

"Indeed, it was. Thanks to Bai Tza and Mei Kai causing commotion, Twilight and the children were focused on dealing with them. I was able to sneak in and retrieve it. We have completed our mission, sir."

"Yes, Stickler. Indeed, we have."

Stickler nodded, "Emperor Nezha will be pleased of your mission, sir. We now possessed Water and Earth."

Thanatos smirked, "Other than that, Stickler. I did test out my latest anti-banishment spell on Bai Tza, and it worked perfectly. Demon Lords will distract Twilight and her friends as long as they wanted, bidding more time for the Emperor's preparation and his Operation: Trump."

"May I ask, sire?" Stickler asked suspiciously, "Why do you tell Arcee about three spies in the school? The Emperor does not want more complication to his operation since Saber and Shorty were able to deduce and dare not make a move, unless we make ours."

"True. But he did require more distraction to keep them occupied. So, I did," Thanatos commented playfully, "Distrustful, suspicious and even accusation will turn friends on each other, giving more problems for Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force to deal with than just everyday superhero duty. Ponies and creatures will start questioning and distrusting Twilight's vision and 'Magic of Friendship'. And of course, this will not only boost the Emperor's propaganda, but also earn the public's and council's trust and respect. They will soon rally and support him. Thus, Nezha will regain his authority and power over politics and military. He will become the hero they deserved."

Stickler hummed curiously, "You've planned it well, sir. And you even calculated the risks."

"Indeed, I have, Stickler," Thanatos confirmed with pride. He smirked, "I always have contingency plans for everything including Nezha's turn on me."

"Do you believe he would?" Stickler asked in concern.

Thanatos shrugged, "Who knows? It's best to be prepare for everything. After all, the black and white area becomes much more grayish than before…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom

Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle

Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure, Scylla

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Hynden Walch: Mei Kai

Minor Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Jason Isaac: Thanatos Gambit

Cole Howard: Terramar

Mona Marshall: Bai Tza

Brian Dobson: Sky Beak, All Board

Advah Soudack: Ocean Flow

Cameo:

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

P.J. Byrne: Laxtinct

Juliet Simmons: Princess Skystar

Jeff Bennett: Stickler

Author's Note

Yeah. I switched and changed episodes' positions, despite I have written episodes' guide. I did it because Mei Kai is still holding Pan'ku Box while finding the portal, so it wouldn't make sense of how quickly Quake gets it when two Friendship Problems happened at the same time.

Episode 7: Mines of Gold

After responding to the summon, Flash and Sunset set off to Rambling Rock Ridge now. Twilight, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even two Hippogriff Students waved and wished them both luck on their Friendship Mission. It took them two hours to reach the land.

Flash and Sunset were walking and climbing up on the mountain rocks. And at the same time, they were keeping their eyes out for Diamond Dogs, worrying that they might be up to no good again.

While looking around of her surroundings, Sunset hummed curiously, "Hey, Flash. Isn't the Rambling Rock Ridge supposed to be some kind of mines for gold, jewelries or something?"

"Of course, it is," Flash confirmed calmly. He approached to a small rock. He took out his small sword. He used its handler, giving a gentle knock on the rock. It revealed colorful jewelries on two sides. He smiled, "Just that looks can be deceiving."

"Wow. This is amazing. No wonder, Rarity and Spike always come here more often. Can't believe I'm actually seeing this for the first time."

"Yeah. In fact, it is also where almost all of creatures including ponies come and seek them out. They worth the fortunes. Trust me on this."

"Isn't this place belonged to Diamond Dogs? I mean this is where Rarity was ponynapped by those dogs, huh?"

"Well, I wouldn't say 'belong', Sunset. They owned the half of the area. Dimondia is their home, much like how Abyssinians come from Abyssinia or Pirates from Ornithia."

"I see. So, do you think that Diamond Dogs gonna cause the problem?"

Flash hummed in concern, "Truthfully, I'm not very sure about it. Diamond Dogs are not really dangerous, just mischievous grunts. They only after the jewels and gems only. Nothing else."

"Still, they did help us defeat Storm Kingdom-Dark Mystic Force during the Battle of Canterlot." Sunset said curiously, "Should we consider them to be our friends or something?"

Flash sighed, "To be honest, I'm not very sure. If we do, then looks like our alliance will grow."

"Yeah. That's what I was thinking." Sunset said in agreement.

"Well, assuming me that they don't give us the problem," Flash commented playfully. Suddenly, both he and Sunset heard the loud explosion. They looked up ahead, where the smoke was coming from. He sighed, "I spoke too soon…"

Both Flash and Sunset ran up ahead. They reached to the top of hill, where they found a large battle between Diamond Dogs and Abyssinians on the large open field. They're all swung and struck their paws, claws, swords, spears, pikes and more at each other wildly and determinedly. They even used the cannons, catapults and arbalests to attack their opponents.

"What in the world?" Flash asked in shock and surprise.

"Okay. This is definitely qualified as Friendship Problem." Sunset exclaimed in concern, "Looks like they're having some cat and dog fight. I mean, serious literally."

Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over Flash and Sunset. The Commander of Crystal Royal Guards looked up, "I don't think it's just them, Sunset. Look up!"

Sunset looked up. To her shock and disbelief, she and her boyfriend found couple of pirate navy airships-like especially the large ones have arrived and entered the battlefield. They unleashed the barrage of cannons and blasters upon Diamond Dogs and Abyssinians. This scared and drove them off to their hiding place for evading the blasts.

Sunset groaned, "Oh great! Now the pirates? What's so special about this place?!"

Flash sighed, "Well, there's one thing these guys got in common - gold and jewelries. They make some big damn jackpot for everything."

"Rhetorical question, Flash." Sunset said in annoyance, "So, any brilliant idea of how we stop the fight?"

Flash groaned, "If only I have Ancient Beast or Hydragoon, I could scare those guys off. They might stop the battlefield."

"Big… Scary… Monster…" Sunset said thoughtfully. She hummed amusingly, "Good idea, Flash."

"It is?"

"Yeah. I've learned the illusion spell from Starlight. It's gonna help us to scare those guys off," Sunset said firmly yet determinedly. She sighed while charging up her magical horn, "Here goes nothing. Illusive Spell – Chaos Slayer!"

With her horn charged up with magical amber powers, Sunset blasted it up to the sky. It created the form of Chaos Slayer. The Tyranno Chaos gave the loud animalistic roar, alerting Diamond Dogs, Abyssinians and Pirates. They all turned and looked at how large Chaos Slayer is. He gave hungry looks at them. They all panicked and screamed in fear, running away for their lives while abandoning their battle with their opponents.

As soon as all the creatures left and abandon the battlefield, Sunset smiled secretly and amusingly as she dispersed the spell now. She and Flash gave each other a hoof bump.

"Nice one, Sunset," Flash commented amusingly,

Sunset scoffed a bit, "Yeah. It's a good thing that I've practice with it. Using illusion spell for a while. It's my favorite spell."

"Well, we did stop the war for the moment. Now, we need to find the ambassador or someone to talk to," Flash said seriously and firmly, "So, what are we gonna do? If we tried to talk with any of them, no way they would listen to us."

Sunset sighed, "True, but we have to try. I mean, we're all allies, right? "

Flash shook his head, "Temporary. But yeah, we can try. I can hope that nothing goes wrong."

"Right. Question is who can we talk to," Sunset said seriously.

"How about some old friends?" The gentle and smoothing voice asked amusingly, which surprise Sunset and Flash. They turned back and found Capper, Captain Celaeno and her crew stood before them. He winked at them, "Nice to see you guys around."

"Capper, Celaeno! So good to see you two!" Sunset exclaimed happily.

"You're those ponies' friends we met, uh…" Capper said in uncertain while thinking of their names, "What're your names again?"

Flash sighed, "Flash Sentry, and this is Sunset Shimmer."

"A pleasure to meet you," Captain Celaeno greeted warmly as she shook both Flash and Sunset's hooves. She asked, "What brings you here?"

"We were about to ask you the same thing," Sunset asked amusingly.

Flash nodded, "Yeah. What was that about?"

Capper sighed, "Problems between three nations. But best we talk somewhere else safe and not getting unwanted attention."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Captain Celaeno and Capper headed off while leading Sunset and Flash to their tent now.

On the southern of Rambling Rock Ridge, a small group has arrived at the largest cavern mine. It revealed to be Sushi Tsunami and her own Suicide Squad, which consisted of Hideyoshi, Terrorspike, Deadblast, Skycrush, Psychic Freeze and Harley Witch.

Terrorspike groaned, "You sure this is where the artifact located? We've spent five days to find it from all of the mines. We've found nothing."

Harley scoffed, "Yeah. It's just a waste of time!"

Annoyed and angered by their insubordination, Sushi summoned her magical water power to slam and struck both Terrorspike and Harley against the walls. She snarled at them, "Question me one more time again, then you shall find something very discomforting. I assure you. Your death will be painless."

"Wow! Wow! Wow! Easy there, Grand Admiral! No need to get rile up!" Hideyoshi said calmly yet panicked to Sushi, "We'll get the job done. I assure you for that."

Deadblast scoffed while crossed his arms, "If we ever find it."

"Yeah. No kidding," Skycrush agreed dryly, "Never understand why the Emperor wanted this artifact so badly."

Deadblast groaned a bit, "We'll never know."

Using his scanner to scan on the southern cavern mine, Psychic Freeze received a signal within it. He reported, "Grand Admiral! I've confirmed that target is inside! This time, the signal is stronger and clearer than before."

"Excellent," Sushi said pleasingly as she released both Terrorspike and Harley down. She turned and approached to the mine, "Come. Let us get in. I want it to be found!"

Psychic Freeze saluted, "Yes, ma'am."

Psychic Freeze headed off as he used his scanner to scan and follow the signal. Sushi followed him from behind. The rest of Suicide Squad also followed them both now.

"Terrorspike…" Hideyoshi said in concern.

Terrorspike sighed, "I know. I know, Hideyoshi. But that doesn't mean I have to like it especially using that mutt bounty hunter to do the bloody distraction."

"I know. I felt the same…" Skycrush said seriously and firmly, "There is no honor of turning our own allies against each other for the artifact."

"None of us like it too," Hideyoshi added in frustration. He then pointed on his head, "But as long we have the 'bomb' inside our head, we can't take the risk. So, we have to play smart and get along with our lady boss. Please, Terrorspike."

Terrorspike groaned, "Fine. But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

"No one likes it…" Skycrush remarked dryly.

Sushi and her Suicide Squad continued their venture to the southern cavern mine, searching and locating the artifact.

After meeting with Capper and Captain Celaeno's crew, Flash and Sunset were being guided and led by both of them to their own camp for discussion.

"Aw man. Glad to see you guys around," Flash greeted warmly.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Haven't seen you guys around since the Festival of Friendship."

"Yeah. All of us got job to do," Captain Celaeno commented amusingly. She chuckled a bit, "Since the death of Storm King, we looted most of his treasures. Sure worth a lot!"

Capper scoffed a bit, "Well. I returned home to start a new life too. Giving up my con artist life for good and doing motivational speaker."

"Really? You?" Flash asked amusingly.

Capper nodded, "Of course, I am. I did inspire and encourage your buddies to stand up and fight."

"Right…" Flash remarked suspiciously. He then asked, "So, what are you guys doing here? Aren't you doing something else?"

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. And what's up with The Battle of the Three Armies?"

Both Capper and Captain Celaeno's crew gave an uneasy and worried looks about the question they asked. They knew that Sunset and Flash would ask sooner or later.

"We did say after Storm King's death and Festival of Friendship, we all gone home," Capper explained calmly yet sadly. He sighed, "But you both know what happen to our home when Storm King took over those places."

Captain Celaeno sighed, "Yeah. We weren't the only ones that is broken and lose almost everything."

Realized what Capper was talking about, Sunset asked, "So, both of your home have been in ruined for years since Storm King's conquest?"

Captain Celaeno nodded sadly, "Yeah. Our homes were in worst shape we ever seen. Storm King has ransacked and taken everything we have."

Capper nodded in concern, "Yeah. We barely have enough money to pay off the repairs."

"So, that's why you come here. To mine more jewelries and gold." Flash asked curiously.

Captain Celaeno nodded in confirmation, "That was the plan. We even negotiate with Diamond Dogs about it. They did agree to help us out, but..."

"They attacked us from behind! The nerve of those mutts!" Capper added in anger.

"What?!" Sunset asked in shock and disbelief.

Flash asked, "Why would they do that?"

"No idea…" Capper admitted in concern, "As you can see, the Abyssinian King and the Pirate Lord made the deal with the Diamondia Chancellor about sharing and giving some of their gems and golds to us, and in-return, we provide some best arsenals and weapons for defense at their homeland. That was supposed to be agreement."

Captain Celaeno groaned in anger, "And the next thing you know, those mutts ambushed us and stole most of our treasures and goods during our mining works! Aye. I hate those dogs!"

Capper groaned in concern, "Boy, Abyssinian King and Pirate Lord weren't happy about it."

"Yeah. They demanded us to attack and take over the mine. But..."

"It got complicated when we got news about the infighting too."

Captain Celaeno turned and glared at Capper, "At least, one of your boys did."

Capper yowled angrily, "Hey! I'm telling it wasn't my guys! They told me that there some feathers lying around our place! Your mates sabotage our arsenals and supplies! Do you have any idea how hard it is for us to find milk?!"

Captain Celaeno growled at him, "Why don't you explain about the claws and furball around our ships?! Cannons and powder don't come in cheap!"

"Well, excuse me, captain!" Capper snapped angrily and firmly, "Maybe you should learn how to take care of them if you're a good captain!"

Mullet groaned while glaring at Capper, "Hey! No creature insults our captain gets away with it!"

Armed with his golden claw, Boyle growled, "We're gonna make you walk the plank!"

"Yup! Walk the plank is much worse than you imagine!" Lix Spittle grumbled, along with Squabble squawked out loud.

Both Capper and the pirates gotten into an argument. Both Sunset and Flash couldn't help but watch the event.

Thinking of what they have said, Flash hummed in concern, "Something's not right around here."

"Yeah. I smell setup." Sunset said suspiciously,

"Question is why? Why would they do this in the first place?" Flash asked in concern.

"No idea. But we should check out on this," Sunset said, "But we need to stop the birds and cat from fighting each other."

Flash smirked, "Leave that to me."

As Capper and the pirates were arguing and shouting at each other angrily and wildly, Flash picked up and held the bucket of water. He threw it on them. They're all wet. They turned and glared at him before making animal noise.

"Cool off with your wild animal attitude, pals," Flash said firmly and seriously, "Just wanna talk."

Though annoyed and irritated over Flash throwing the bucket of water on them, Capper and the pirates sighed and calmed themselves down. They decided to listen and wondered what Flash and Sunset have in their mind.

"Look, I don't believe that you guys really sabotage on each other's supplies and weapons," Sunset explained firmly.

Captain Celaeno sighed while remarked sarcastically, "That's the first."

"Not that I don't trust you or anything, but what makes you say that?" Capper asked curiously, "The cat got curious."

"You guys are pals since the day you fight against the Storm Kingdom and Dark Mystic Ponies. You hardly have a fight and work together well, you know. In fact, you guys are better than crazy monkey," Flash explained firmly. He continued, "And also, I doubt that you guys are sloppy with your works. You're too good to get sloppy."

Both Capper and the pirates gave some thoughts of what Flash has said. Sunset added, "And I don't think Diamond Dogs would do that either. After what happen from Battle of the Canterlot, the Dark Lord will do anything to make sure the Mystic-Equestria Alliance break."

Capper hummed thoughtfully, "You've make an excellent point. We did some numbers on him and his forces."

"You don't think he's responsible of this?" Captain Celaeno asked in concern.

"If you ask me, that sounds about right," Sunset said firmly and calmly.

Mullet groaned, "That make sense. After all, we just got our home back. And our military forces aren't 100% at full strength."

"I can't believe it. We're sitting ducks!" Boyle exclaimed in disbelief. He groaned, "No pun intended."

"So, what are we gonna do now?" Lix asked in concern.

"Flash and I were thinking of we should pay a visit to Diamond Dogs while you guys stop your leaders and begged them to negotiate with them," Sunset suggested.

Boyle hummed in concern, "Won't be that easy. Pirate Lord can be stubborn and got anger issues since Dark Mystic Ponies and Storm Kingdom taken over Ornithinia."

"And of course, both Abyssinian King and Queen are now suspicious and fraidy cats. Storm King hit them very hard and taking everything," Capper explained in concern, "The last thing they want is curiosity to kill them."

"Like they said, not easy," Mullet answered bluntly.

"You gotta try it." Flash said firmly, "The last thing we want is some crazy war with each other. I have the feeling that some of Storm Kingdom remnants are waiting for this chance to attack."

Squabble yelped and whined in fear, Lix gulped, "You really think so?"

"No need to make a second guess of whether that happens or not," Sunset said seriously and firmly.

Captain Celaeno groaned, "Gideon… That nasty piece of work. He helped Storm King to track us down and cost us everything. The next time I see him, I'll make sure that he loses his face!"

"Wow. Sounds personal." Capper commented in surprise.

"Can you do it?" Sunset asked hopefully.

"We'll do. Talk some sense to mutt," Captain Celaeno said seriously and firmly.

Capper nodded, "And also, if you see Rover, tell him that he owed me some serious bucks and milk for betting that pony friends will be here to solve the problem. Seriously, I need that."

Flash rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Somehow, I'm not surprise." He turned and looked at Sunset, "Come on, Sunset. We should get going."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Sunset said calmly.

Flash and Sunset have left the camp, heading towards the Diamond Dog's territory now. And at the same time, both Capper and the pirates headed off to meet their leaders.

Flash and Sunset travelled to the northern part of Rambling Rock Ridge. As they continued walking across the rocky road, they looked around the surroundings while keeping their eyes out for Diamond Dogs. It was nothing but the land filled with rocky hills and some stones.

Reading and following Twilight's Friendship History, they tried to find the dog-hole that could lead to underground or even using couple of Rarity's gems to lure them out. And so far, nothing happens.

"You sure it's gonna work?" Flash asked in concern, "I mean it works on cats and dogs, but not sure about Diamond Dogs."

"It should work. I mean the Diamond Dogs took the bait and got Twilight and her friends to the underground." Sunset said firmly and calmly while magically holding the fishing rod with gem on it. She continued, "After all, these guys aren't smart as any kind of dogs."

Flash hummed, "Point taken. But let's just say that we found them, then how should we do? I mean, those guys aren't gonna just let us talk with them. They prefer us to do the dirty work."

Sunset smirked slyly, "We used their worst fear – screeching and whining noise. Rarity made lots of whining noise that none of Diamond Dogs could stand on it and stand down at once."

"Wow. Rarity save the day by herself?" Flash asked in disbelief yet amazed, "I am scared or impressed. Are we close to any hole to their underground?"

"Not very sure." Sunset admitted in concern while looking at the fishing rod, "If this little gem doesn't get their attention, I don't know what does."

While Sunset and Flash were busy talking with each other, a large paw emerged out from the hole. It grabbed the gem before dragging and pulling down, bringing both of them down, causing them to scream and yell in shock and concern.

For the moment later, both of them slammed to the ground hard. Both Sunset and Flash groaned and moaned painfully. They slowly got up. They found themselves in the large cavern with many tunnels.

"Well, what do you know it work," Sunset said happily. They got surrounded by armored Diamond Dogs, led by Rover, Fido and Spot. They all aimed their spears at her and her boyfriend. She gulped, "Well, works too well. Those are some big dogs."

Rover growled in annoyance, "Great… Just what we need… More ponies…"

"Well, at least, it's not that white unicorn again," Spot said in relief.

Fido whined in fear, "Yeah! I can't stand on her!"

"I'm guessing you three are Rover, Fido and Spot?" Flash asked curiously, surprising three Diamond Dogs. He continued, "I guess correctly."

The arrogant voice chuckled amusingly, "Well, well, who do we have here?"

Rover and his gang yelped in fear and worry as they turned and looked back. Flash and Sunset turned to see another Diamond Dog leaning against the wall and picking his teeth. He looked almost like an Alaskan Malamute with black and white-colored fur and icy blue eyes, and he wore a brown collar around his neck.

Sunset quietly asked, "Who's the husky?"

Spot answered fearfully, "That's Nervso Steele."

"But you can just call me Steele." Steele introduced himself amusingly and arrogantly with a smirk. He then gave the glare at Flash and Sunset, "And you two are trespassing our property."

"Do you have a Plan B?" Flash nervously asked Sunset.

While Sunset and Flash sought out for Diamond Dogs, Capper and Captain Celaeno had the audience with their leaders about negotiating with Diamond Dogs.

Capper, now at the main camp of his leaders, is discussing and chatting with both Abyssinian King and Queen over the alliance with both Diamond Dogs and Ornithians. The Abyssinian Royal were less please about the idea especially putting their trust in ponies to do so.

"Are you certain this is a good idea?" Abyssinian Queen questioned, "While we appreciate you for saving our land, we're not certain about making friend with ponies. Let alone with both Diamond Dogs and Ornithians."

Abyssinian King nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Since the Storm Kingdom invasion, the Storm King did not show any mercy to our people and ransacked everything we have. Can these ponies be trusted?"

Capper shook his head calmly while smiling calmly, "Your majesty, I am certain that they can be trusted. It was them, who inspire me to overcome my fear and help them win the war. I trust them with the rest of my nine lives. They won't let us down."

Abyssinian King and Queen are still uncertain and worried of the alliance. Nevertheless, they willingly trust Capper since he was part of Southern Equestria Army that fight off both Storm Kingdom and Dark Mystic Ponies at the Battle of Canterlot.

"Very well. We're putting trust in you, Capper. Do not let us down," Abyssinian King said seriously and firmly with the hint of nervous.

Capper bowed humbly, "Your majesty, you have my word. I will not let you down."

Using her newly armored Pirate Airship Model – Gamora, Captain Celaeno and her crew flew back to the sky. They headed straight to the largest pirate cruiser called 'Blackbeard', has many cannons and arsenals on it. Both Mullet and Squabble used and swung their flag, signaling the largest cruiser about their arrival. They then spotted greenish lights on top of the cruiser bridge's rooftop, allowing them to board on it.

Gamora Airship sailed closely to the large cruiser, which opened the metallic bridges to connect with it. Captain Celaeno and her crew approached and entered the cruiser. They met up with couple of the Pirate Guards. The captain nodded firmly as he led the guests to his leader – the Pirate King.

Making their way to the king's quarter, Captain Celaeno and her crew found and met the Pirate King, who is white colored Sulphur-crested cockatoo worn the decorated black colored Pirate-theme with ten rings, his left peg leg is made of amethyst jewel, his right claw is replaced with hook and has an eyepatch on left eye. Captain Celaeno and her crew bowed humbly before their king.

"Ahoy, my loyal subject, the best captain of the best pirate crew – Captain Celaeno," Pirate King greeted humbly and firmly, "Welcome to my great ship!"

Captain Celaeno bowed humbly, "An honor to see you, your majesty!"

"So, what can I do for ya, my war hero? I assume that you came here for a favor," Pirate King asked humbly. Captain Celaeno explained her reason and suggestion to him. He was very displeased and annoyed, "Ai! You cannot be serious! You're expecting me to stop the fight with doggies and pussycats because of your ponyfriend?!"

"Yes, sir." Captain Celaeno admitted sheepishly.

Pirate King growled angrily, "Belay it! Not gonna happen! We, Pirates, will not negotiate with those troublemakers! They cost us a lot of supplies and ammo! Why should we talk with them when they started the mess?! In fact, I don't even understand why we're doing a favor to ponies?! What have they done for us?!"

"Your majesty, these ponyfriends helped us escape the claws of Storm King and helped us kill that monster." Captain Celaeno explained firmly and seriously, "If not for them, then we would not be here. We owe them, sire."

Pirate King hummed thoughtfully, "And you're certain that they will ceased fire and not backstab at us during our 'negotiation'?"

Captain Celaeno gave her firm looks, "You have my word, sire! I trust them! They're the friends of Rainbow Dash. I can vouch for that."

After thinking over Captain Celaeno's requests, Pirate King sighed in defeat, "Very well, matey. I shall grant your request. I'll meet their leaders."

Captain Celaeno smiled happily while her crewmates cheered happily and wildly about it. They then bowed humbly before their king, thanking him for accepting their request. They then left the king's quarter, meeting up with their friends outside.

After being captured and imprisoned, the Diamond Dogs escorted and led Sunset and Flash to their leader's chamber. They now arrived at the large cavern that is filled with decorated royal-theme. They found Diamondia Chancellor Jim sitting down on his seat while looking at them.

"Who are you?" Chancellor Jim demanded firmly.

"My name is Sunset Shimmer. This is my boyfriend – Flash Sentry." Sunset explained firmly and calmly.

"So, what are you doing here? Why have you come here?" Chancellor Jim asked suspiciously, "Are you here to steal our gems?!"

"Uh! No way, chancellor, sir!" Flash protested in concern.

Sunset nodded in agreement, "Yeah. We were sent here to deal with the problem. And we were told that you guys were fighting with Abyssinians and Orthinians."

"What did you hear?" Chancellor Jim asked firmly.

"We were told that you guys made some serious negotiation with their leaders. But for some reason, you guys attacked from their back," Flash explained firmly.

Diamond Dogs gasped in shock and disbelief. Sunset nodded in confirmation, "It's true. That is why we're here to find out the reason why you betrayed and attacked them."

"That's what they told you?!" Rover asked angrily and annoyingly. Sunset and Flash nodded firmly. He roared angrily, "Lies! Nothing but lies!"

Flash hummed suspiciously, "Care to explain, Rover?"

Rover huffed angrily while crossed his arms, "We did agree to share jewels and gold with them. When we came to the mine at the specific time, we found most of jewels and gold have been stolen. Our guards were slaughtered!"

Chancellor Jim growled angrily, "This action cannot be tolerated! Bad enough that trickster and her friend make us lose faith on them, but this is the worst!"

Not convinced, Flash asked, "You sure you didn't provoke them?"

Rover growled in annoyance, "We maybe dirty mutts, but we're not backstabber and dishonorable! We're nothing like the Abyssinians and their pirate friends!"

Sunset hummed suspiciously, "I guess we're right. They're being set up. But who and why?"

"Better question is what exactly they're going after?" Flash asked in concern.

Steele scoffed while crossed his arms, "If you want my opinion, my friend, they don't give dog poops. Best to stay out of it."

Flash groaned in disgust, "You did not just do that."

"Ignore him. Right now, we've got a bigger thing going on." Sunset said seriously and firmly. She turned her attention to Chancellor Jim. She asked, "Chancellor, I understand that you're still mad at Abyssinians and Ornithians, but I assure you that they did not attack you."

"Why should we believe in you?!" Chancellor Jim demanded dryly.

"They're our friends," Sunset answered firmly.

Rover scoffed, "Why am I not surprise? Of course, you're both friends with those troublemakers since they're the heroes, who saved Equestria from Storm Kingdom and Dark Mystic Ponies!"

"Yeah, they're. But they and your kind can be friends too, you know," Flash said firmly and calmly.

"What?! You're not suggesting make friendship with them?!" Rover exclaimed in disbelief.

Sunset nodded in confirmation, "That's the idea."

Rover growled angrily, "Forget it! Not gonna happen! We will not make friends with them!"

"Yeah!" Fido and Spot exclaimed in agreement.

Most of the Diamond Dogs barked out loud angrily and wildly, protesting against Sunset and Flash's proposal. They hated the idea of making friends with Abyssinians and Ornithians.

"They're right. Why should we make friends with them?!" Chancellor Jim demanded dryly and angrily.

Flash approached to the chancellor. He bowed humbly, "With all due respect, Chancellor. The war with Storm Kingdom maybe over, but Dark Mystic Ponies are still out there, waiting for the chance to attack and take us out. And seeing you guys get killed, they could steal your gems for themselves."

Diamond Dogs gasped in shock and concern about it. Sunset continued, "It's true. If we don't work together as a team, then we might lose everything including our home. I beg you all to reconsider and talk with both Abyssinians and Ornithians for the sake of your home."

Though most of Diamond Dogs disliked the idea very much, they can't ignore and deny Sunset's concerns. Chancellor Jim sighed, "Very well. We shall 'talk' with them for the sake of our home."

"Thank you so much, Chancellor. You won't regret it," Sunset said in relief.

"So, where's the meeting?" Chancellor Jim asked seriously.

"The meeting will be held at the small summit. They'll be there," Flash said confidently. He gulped a bit, "I hope."

"Very well. We shall be there. As long there is no trick again…" Chancellor Jim grumbled a bit.

Sunset and Flash bowed humbly before they headed off, meeting up with their friends about good news. Chancellor Jim groaned in concern about meeting with Abyssinian and Ornithian leaders.

Before exited out of the cavern, Flash turned to Rover, "Oh yeah! Capper said that you owe him some bucks and milk as well!"

Rover growled in annoyance by Flash's message, given by Capper. Flash quickly headed off and meet up with Sunset.

"You're not serious about this?" Steele asked angrily.

"I don't have much a choice," Chancellor Jim admitted in concern, "To protect our home, we must make friendship and negotiate with them."

Steele growled angrily, "How can we be certain that they're not lying?!"

Chancellor Jim sighed, "Like I said, not much of choice." He turned and looked at Rover and his gang. He spoke, "I'm counting on you three now. This is your chance to redeem it. Don't let me down. Now go and follow them, and see to it that not tricks and problems during our meeting."

Rover, Fido and Spot saluted proudly and firmly, "You can count on us, sir! We won't let you down!"

Rover, Fido and Spot headed off now, finding and following Sunset and Flash for their mission.

Steele scoffed, "Not while I'm still standing, puppies. Not while I'm still standing…"

Following Psychic Freeze's tracking device, Suicide Squad arrived and entered into a very deep underground cavern. They began scouring the area while digging and checking out everywhere for a specific artifact.

Sushi chanted humbly and firmly as if she was trying to sense and locate the artifact. Psychic Freeze used his scanner to scan on the cavern walls and couple of stones. Terrorspike swung and slammed his Twin Demonical Spears and broadsword on large stones. Skycrush slammed her punches against the walls, bringing out some couple of jewels. Deadblast used his twin blasters at rocks. Hideyoshi was sniffing and looking closely and carefully on them. Harley was bashing some stones and jewelries happily. So far, they found nothing but crumbled and crushed jewelries and gold.

After slamming his broadsword on the largest rock, Terrorspike groaned in frustration when he found and looked at the crumbled jewelries. He groaned, "Hey, Grand Admiral! What the hell are we looking for?! You sure went a lot of troubles to ask the bounty hunter to cause some ruckus on the neighborhood."

Skycrush nodded firmly while punching against the cavern's walls, "I agreed. Was that necessary?"

Sushi hissed in anger while glaring at Terrorspike and Skycrush, "We must find and locate that Soul Gem of Metallikato. Death Tactic confirmed it's somewhere here."

Hideyoshi hummed suspiciously, "Okay. What's so special about it?"

"Nothing that concerns you, monkey. As we speak, my colleagues are seeking out the rest of Soul Gems across the land." Sushi said firmly and seriously while chanting firmly and calmly. She groaned, "The last thing we want is those mortal fools getting in our way."

Hideyoshi groaned, "Yeesh. Someone sure got problem with mortals."

"Agreed. But was this necessary? To cause chaos on them?" Skycrush asked in annoyance, "All this for a gem? We could have negotiated with them for us to find it."

"No. They will not honor and agree our condition. If we tell them, they will find and sell it to the highest bidder. I won't allow it." Sushi snarled dryly, "That's why I hire the bounty hunter to make sure they stay out of our way."

Hideyoshi sighed, "If you ask me, I really don't like it especially doing that to our allies."

"Neither do I," Terrorspike said in frustration.

"I don't give a damn," Psychic Freeze answered dryly.

Deadblast scoffed while blasting his blasters on rocks, "Well, too bad. No one's gonna do it because we're looking for a gem, which we have no idea of what it really looks like."

"That caused us days to find it…" Harley grumbled, "What a waste of time."

"Stop complaining and start finding it, fools! The Soul Gem is unbreakable and indestructible gem. Break them as much as you can until you find one that cannot be break," Sushi exclaimed angrily and annoyingly. She groaned, "Firmtact could have picked a better mercenary for this job."

"Sounds like you're having problems with your team," The low yet growling voice spoke.

"So, you've arrived." Sushi asked in annoyance as she and her teammates turned and looked ahead. She found a mysterious figure clad in armor, and his face was hidden by a dog-shaped helmet. He was accompanied by a female Demon Changeling which has small fangs and shorty spiky mane and tail-like. He had a blaster on his back and other weapons. She growled, "You took your sweet time to get here…"

"My apologies. Just having meeting with my 'leader'," Bounty Hunter said amusingly. He then gave serious tone, "But we have a problem now. Flash Sentry and Sunset Shimmer, student to Twilight, have arrived here. They planned to have Diamond Dogs, Abyssinians and Ornithians to renegotiate and form the alliance."

Sushi growled, "Damn it! Must be that stupid Tree of Harmony! It senses the disturbance here! I hate interference!"

"You want me to take care of the problem?"

"Yes. My unit need more time to find Soul Gem of Metallikato. Do whatever it takes to disrupt their cooperation, bounty hunter! Those foolish mindless animals must continue fighting amongst themselves. Make those brats failed their mission and get them out!"

"Understood. My partner and I will take care of it."

"Do not fail us, fool!"

"Please, when have I ever failed? Am I right, Ms. Poison?"

Poison the Demon Changeling giggled playfully, "Yes, sir. We will make sure they failed. After all, the Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs have lost so much of their supplies and weapons. It should be easy."

Bounty Hunter chuckled amusingly as he turned his attention away while walking through the tunnels. Most of Suicide Squad were annoyed and irritated by him.

"I hate that dog especially that bug," Psychic Freeze snarled.

Deadblast scoffed, "Tell me about it. I don't trust him. I have the gut feeling that he's gonna cause more problems to us than helping."

"And you're certain that letting Demon Changeling help is a good idea? She's part of Dark Mystic Ponies," Hideyoshi asked in concern, "I mean what if she was actually sent by Maul here to kill all of us."

"If that makes you feel better, why don't you go and keep any eye on him?" Sushi asked in annoyance. She huffed, "I am more concern of finding and getting the Soul Gem quickly."

"I'll go! I'll make sure that he won't fail," Terrorspike said firmly.

Hideyoshi raised his hand, "Me too!"

Skycrush spoke firmly and determinedly, "Allow me. Should the mission failed, we will provide the assistance."

Sushi scoffed while waved a bit, gesturing 'whatever'. Terrorspike, Hideyoshi and Skycrush turned and headed off at once, going after the Bounty Hunter. They then have some chats.

"TS, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you want him to fail than helping him," Hideyoshi said suspiciously yet seriously. Terrorspike remained silent while looking ahead. He continued, "Look, Terrorspike. I don't like causing troubles for the alliance, just to find this gem. But if you try to defy her-!"

"I know. Bye-bye to my head," Terrorspike said seriously, "I don't care. I don't want our allies fight among themselves. It's wrong."

Skycrush nodded firmly, "Agreed. There is no honor for this."

Hideyoshi sighed, "I don't like it too. But we need to be smart and careful too."

"I was hoping that you have the idea, buddy," Terrorspike said firmly.

Hideyoshi smiled amusingly yet calmly, "Don't worry, TS. It'll come to me. We just need to follow and see what plans bounty hunter coop up with. If we do, we might turn the tide without risking our necks."

"Whatever it is, it'd better work well," Skycrush said dryly.

Terrorspike sighed, "Agreed. I hope that we can prevent the war."

After talking with Chancellor Jim, Flash and Sunset are heading off to meet up with the rest of their friends at the summit, which is located in the middle of rocky field that is filled with various kind of gems. Capper, Captain Celaeno and her crew have arrived and meet up with them.

"I take it that your leaders agree to meet with Chancellor Jim?" Flash asked curiously.

Capper smiled charmingly, "Yup, we did, though they were still having trust issues with each other."

"No kidding. Can't say I blame them," Captain Celaeno said sympathetically, "I mean Storm King did some serious damages to our home. And not to mention, whoever start the mess between our kind."

Sunset huffed a bit, "Well, he'd better stay away from the summit. If he did show his face, we're so gonna kick his freaking ass."

Flash crossed his hooves while nodded firmly, "Yup. Don't mess with her."

"So, you'd think the Diamond Dogs will come?" Boyle asked curiously.

"Yeah. Those mutts always have some funny ways to deal with politics," Mullet grumbled in annoyance. He groaned while crossed his claws, "Last time we were here for making deals, they tried to pluck my feathers for their trophy! Can you believe it?"

Squabble squawked wildly while covering his beak about the Diamond Dog's smell. Lix huffed in annoyance, "You said it, Squabble. They could sue some bath! Not to mention, they're being rude to my cook!"

"We're being rude to your cook because it's the worse!" Spot's voice complained. Everyone looked back as they found Rover and his gang arrived at the scene. He scoffed, "We don't take bath because we've been working underground for days. Just to find some more gems."

Fido looked confuse as he asked, "I thought we hate the bath."

Capper scoffed while crossed his arms, "Nice of you to join us, Rover. Thought you mutts are comfortable with your den."

"Very funny! Here's your stupid milk and money!" Rover grumbled with growling noise as he threw milk bottle and some money to Capper. He scoffed, "Ordered by the Chancellor, we make sure that everything's in order and no tricks from all of you."

Captain Celaeno huffed in annoyance, "Oh, don't worry about us. We won't do such a thing. You should be worry about your side."

"Hey! What's that supposed to be mean?!" Fido asked angrily and annoyingly.

Spot growled angrily, "Yeah! What's up with that?! We're not some dishonorable mutts!"

Capper hummed suspiciously, "Could have fool me…"

And just before three humanoid type of animals could start the fight, Sunset jumped to the front as she spoke firmly and seriously, "Stop it! All of you! We're here is because we have to make sure that nothing bad happens to the meeting. And of course, we want to be good friends to each other too. I'm certain that none of your kind wouldn't do something like this."

"Right. You wouldn't want to start the war, would you?" Flash asked seriously and firmly. Almost everyone was a bit annoyed yet reluctant to agree with his statement. He sighed, "Good. We'd better get started before the leaders show up. Let's get started."

Sunset, Flash and the rest of their friends began setting up the meeting for Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs to negotiate and make the alliance with each other. While preparing and setting up the event, Sunset and Flash also have to deal with the rest of teammates, who have issues with each other due to their suspicious and weariness of hidden agendas.

Regardless, they managed to put their difference aside and able to get everything done in time. The meeting is now held within the decorated tent, filled with large table, portraits and banners of three kinds, food, drinks and buckets of gems and jewelries. Sunset and her group were standing before it.

"Not bad," Sunset commented proudly, "Despite the setbacks, we managed to get it done in time."

Flash nodded, "Yeah. No kidding. You guys almost at each other's throat. You could have got yourselves killed before the meeting even started."

"It was his/her fault!" Capper, Captain Celaeno and her crew, Rover and his gang exclaimed in unison while pointed at each other.

"You guys better learn how to get along and become friends now or else you started the early war." Sunset said calmly yet seriously, "You guys are representing your people. Because if you start the fight, then they will follow and start the war. Believe me, you might end up something you regret."

Flash nodded in agreement, "She's right. Your homes have been invaded and lost most of resources and supplies, and don't have enough money to repair the damages. If you guys start the war now, I can guarantee you that no one wins. Everyone lose."

Though annoyed and irritated by ponies' doubting them; Capper, Captain Celaeno's crew, and even Rover's Gang couldn't help but think and agreed to the ponies' concerns and stern warning. Because if they resumed and continued the war, they're not lose the soldiers but also homelands as well. They all nodded firmly yet begrudgingly that they agreed not to start the fight.

Sunset sighed, "What a relief. Glad you all got common sense about this."

Almost everyone nodded in agreement, Rover yelped in realization, "Hey! What's that supposed to be mean?!"

Just before Sunset could explain, she and her group heard a loud trumpet blown, howling sounded and also the cannon exploded. They turned and looked around of their surroundings as they found the large army of Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs have arrived at the destination.

Abyssinian King and Queen marched to the front, accompanied by their five amethyst colored armored guards. Pirate King marched forward, with his guards armed with guns and formed a circle around him. Chancellor Jim, Steele and the Diamond Dog Guards marched forward as well. And at the same time, their armies stand down but also remained vigilant and alert of each other if they tried to start the attack. The leaders have arrived at the meeting grounds. And at the same time, they were glaring and growling at each other, unable to forgive and forget of what the damages they have done.

The tension between three species have make Sunset and Flash uneasy and worried. And even the rest of their group also have the same reaction as well.

Sunset cleared her throat, "Greetings, Leaders of Abyssinia, Ornithia and Diamondia! Welcome to the summit! While we begin the discussion and negotiation, I hope that we're all can be allies and friends together."

Instead of giving cheerful and joyous response, the leaders of Abyssinia, Ortnithia and Diamondia gave each other cold glares at each other. This make Sunset tensed and nervous. The rest of her friends turned and looked at her dryly and annoyingly

"Really?" Capper asked in annoyance.

Captain Celaeno sighed, "They're not in good mood to make friends when one of them start the war."

Rover nodded in agreement, "Yeah. The moment they start talking is the time they start some serious fight." He then scoffed, "Good luck with that."

Flash groaned, "Why do I get the feeling he's right?"

"Let's hope he's wrong," Sunset said hopefully yet fearfully. She cleared her throat, "Every creature, shall we get started?"

Though still resenting and suspicious of each other, the creatures nodded firmly yet begrudgingly. They then followed Sunset and her group as they entered inside the tent. Unknown to them, they were being watched and spied. Terrorspike, Hideyoshi and Skycrush were on top of small hill's cavern, watching the event via using the binocular. They're also keeping their eyes out for the bounty hunter as well.

Inside the meeting tent, everyone has taken their seats. And at the same time, the leaders and their guards were glaring at each other. Sunset and her group were still nervous, worried and tense about it.

Sunset cleared her throat, "Every creature, I want to say thank you for joining us for this meeting and discussion. I have hope that we all can get along well." The creatures ignored her compliment as they were still glaring at each other. She sighed, "Okay, then. Shall we get started? Who would like to start first?"

"I'll start first!" Abyssinian King exclaimed firmly. He turned and glared at Chancellor Jim. He hissed, "I demanded to know why you attacked us?! I thought we agreed to work together to mine gems and jewelries!"

Pirate King growled, "Argh! I agreed with the Cat King! How dare you attack us?!"

"Us?! Attack you?! How dare you accuse us when you're both attacked us first!" Chancellor Jim shouted angrily. He growled, "When my mine workers meet up with yours, you already mined and taken most of the gems away from us! We didn't even get what we wanted! How do you explain, filthy thieves?!"

Steele nodded firmly, "I've saw them! I tried to stop them! They almost blown up the mines and bury us alive! The nerve of your kinds, bandits!"

Pirate King squawked angrily, "I'm a pirate, mutt! How dare you accuse me mateys for this?! We do no such thing!" He turned and glared at Abyssinian King, "Maybe you did this! After all, your kind sabotaged my cannons!"

Abyssinian King hissed in anger, "Hold your tongue, pirate! My people are incapable of such thing! In fact, I received reports that you destroyed our supplies! Do you have any idea how much that cost especially milk?! They don't fall from the sky, you know!"

"Oh yeah?! How do you explain the damages at the mine and the stolen goods?!" Chancellor Jim demanded.

Pirate King squawked angrily, "What about me cannons and powder?! Where can we get them now?!" He then slammed his fist against the table hard, "I want them now!"

The leaders of three kinds have the fierce argument over their supplies and resources, accusing each other for the losses and predicaments they're facing. Sunset and her group looked shock and worried about it now.

"Seriously?! The first thing they want to talk is about their supplies and resources?" Sunset asked in disbelief and shocked.

Capper shrugged, "What do you expect? These items are not only supplies and resources, but also what they represent to our kingdoms. You could say that they're our treasures."

Captain Celaeno sighed while rubbing her head, "Capper's right. If something bad happen to those items, our kingdoms won't back away until the problem is resolved. That's why the war was started in the first place."

Flash hissed in concern, "Aw man. This is very bad."

"Ya think?" Rover asked in annoyance and frustration, "So, how are you gonna deal with this? Don't tell me the 'Magic of Friendship' is gonna help us with this. I swear it's driving me crazy to think about that whinny white unicorn! I can't stand with her!"

Fido and Spot whined fearfully, "Me too!"

Sunset hummed thoughtfully and calmly, "Don't worry, we've got this."

"Seriously? How?" Flash asked in concern.

"No idea. I'm not really good at politics," Sunset admitted sheepishly, making her friends fell to the ground hard. They were all in shocked and disbelieved by her. She continued, "But if there's one thing I learned from Twilight is that we tried and compromise everything as much as possible."

Flash groaned in concern, "I hope you know what you're doing. Make one wrong move, then we're dead."

"I'll figure this out," Sunset said calmly. As the leaders continued shouting and arguing with each other, she used her Flash Spell, blinding them for the moment. They're all have stopped their argument. They turned and glared at her. She sighed, "Sorry. I think we're on the rocky start of this meeting. Maybe we should try again."

"What's there to try again?" Steele asked in annoyance, "We all hate each other for the mess we make!"

"YEAH!" The leaders exclaimed in agreement and frustration.

"That maybe so, I'm sure we can compromise to the agreement if we talk about it," Sunset said calmly yet seriously, shocking and surprising the leaders. She continued, "Since the supplies and resources are your main concern, then we should discuss of how we can deal with this problem."

The leaders chattered and muttered in concern yet intrigued and curious. Abyssinian Queen questioned, "What do you suggest we do about it?"

"How can this problem resolved?" Chancellor Jim asked in concern.

"Princess Twilight has the connection to our allies. They might able to provide what we need." Sunset answered calmly and thoughtfully. Everyone chattered and muttered in surprise. She continued, "Skull Demon Army and Metal Armor Sentinels can provide and replace the arsenals that you have lost, Pirate King. Abyssinian King and Queen, you can receive all the supplies from Yakaykistan and Peace Nature Guardians. And lastly, the Dragon Kingdom and Thunder Science Division can locate and deliver the gems to you all, Chancellor Jim."

Everyone awed in surprise and amazement by Sunset's suggestion. They're all chattered that they might able to get what they needed.

Steele scoffed, "Really? You honestly think that they will just let us have them, not return to them something?"

Rover yelped in concern, "He's right! Even if we do get some help from pony friends, we owe them too much! And I don't think they're gonna let us off easily! I heard that Mystic Ponies are very strict with the negotiation."

Everyone chattered and muttered in concern about the situation. Sunset cleared her throat, "I'm sure that our allies will understand and compromise to help us out. After all, Equestria and Mystic Ponies aren't just the only allies, it's all of us."

"That maybe so. But can we guarantee that they're willing to help us?" Abyssinian King asked suspiciously and firmly.

"What if the condition they have is something that we do not like and unwilling to accept?" Abyssinian Queen asked in concern.

Pirate King nodded, "Aie! Can they be trusted not to backstab and turn on us?"

Chancellor Jim groaned in frustration, "Yeah. We've already suffer lots of setbacks and problems! We can't afford to suffer more again. We've already lost so much."

Sunset hissed in concern about it. Flash spoke up, "Regardless of whatever the condition our allies have, they won't turn back on us. They will help us. I can guarantee it."

Abyssinian Royalty, Diamondia Chancellor and Pirate King were still doubtful and concern about it.

Capper spoke up, "Your majesty, I meant what I've said. These ponies have given their words. And they helped us regain what we've lost. They beat and killed the Storm King and drove Dark Mystic Ponies back!"

Captain Celeano nodded firmly, "Capper's right. They gave their lives to help us out a lot. They can be trusted. I trust them with my life. Whatever they have for us, we will deal and handle it."

Rover sighed, "Besides, it's not like we have other ways. They're the only ones we have now."

The leaders chatted and muttered in concern to each other about their decision. Sunset and her friends remain firm and calm, waiting for the answer. After some discussion, the leaders turned and looked at them.

"We have come to the conclusion," Abyssinian King spoke firmly, making Sunset and her group nervous and worried. He continued, "We've decided to accept your offer, Sunset Shimmer."

Sunset and her friends gasped in surprise while Steele was annoyed. Pirate King added, "Because of our heroes spoke highly of you all, we're willing to put our trust in you."

Chancellor Jim sighed, "As long as the condition doesn't give us hard time, and hopefully that your allies can help us out as much as they can. We will do our best to return that favor."

Abyssinian Queen nodded firmly, "We trust you that you can speak for us, not to make things difficult?"

Sunset and her friends were surprised and happy to hear. The amber unicorn smiled and bowed humbly, "We'll be honor, your lordships."

As everyone chattered happily and wildly, Steele was annoyed and irritated about the meeting. He did something on his left wrist, which made lots of beeping noise as if he was giving some signals out.

Suddenly, the explosion and scream have sounded and alerted almost everyone. They're all got scared and panicked.

"We're under attacked!" Chancellor Jim cried in fear.

"What is going on?!" Abyssinian Queen demanded in concern.

Abyssinian King yowled and panicked in fear, "Who's attacking us?!"

Pirate King stood up from his seat. He then exited out of the tent as he witnessed three army panicked while fighting and battling with each other in anger, fear and agony. The rest of his allies also have arrived and witnessed the fight as well.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Pirate King demanded in shock yet fury.

The army of Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs shouted angrily at each other, "We don't know, your lordship! There was large explosion everywhere! One of them attacked us! They betrayed us! Liar! Traitor! You start the fight! You won't get away with it! Down with the traitor!"

Abyssinian King groaned in frustration, "Damn it! I don't know who started this, but I will not tolerate this!"

"Agreed!" Chancellor Jim agreed sternly, "I agree to let you stay here to mine some gems and gold, and even agree to come to the summit. But instead, the war is brought upon here! This is unacceptable!"

"Don't blame me for this!" Pirate King snapped angrily and annoyingly, "I merely come here for gold, not start the war!"

Abyssinian Queen groaned, "I'm not surprise at all. After all, you bird brains are nothing but bloody pirates, compare to barbaric dogs!"

"How dare you, cowardly pussycats!" Chancellor Jim snapped angrily.

Pirate King screeched in anger, "You want to say that to my face again, stupid cat!"

Though scared and worried, Abyssinian King disliked how they insulted his queen as he snapped, "Mind your manners, uncouth fools! That's my queen you're insulting!"

"Why don't you make me?!" Chancellor Jim and Pirate King demanded angrily and annoyingly.

The leaders have gotten into a fierce argument while the rest of their army were brawling and fight with each other fiercely and angrily. The negotiation between three nations have failed. Sunset and her friends were in deep shock and disbelief of the situation now.

"So much for negotiation…" Mullet remarked in annoyance.

"T-This is not supposed to be happen!" Sunset said in shock and disbelief, "Oh, great. This is going to be like Hooffield and McColt problem again."

Flash groaned, "What went wrong?!"

"We'll figure this out later. First thing first, we need to stop the fight now," Capper exclaimed in concern.

Captain Celaeno nodded, "Yeah. This will be big mess!"

Rover whined, "You don't have to tell me twice!"

Sunset and her group tried their best to calm down both the leaders and their army, and also tried to stop their fight as well. Hideyoshi, Terrorspike and Skycrush have seen everything. Three of them were deeply shocked and disbelieved of the situation.

"Damn it. She's willing to go through this?" Hideyoshi asked in concern and shock.

"This is wrong." Terrorspike said dryly and frustratingly. He then grabbed his sword up, "We have to do something."

Skycrush held Terrorspike and protested, "Master Terrorspike, if you do this, they will surely execute you at once! Do not act recklessly!"

"But still..." Terrorspike hissed in frustration. He screamed out loud, "Forget it! I'm not gonna let our allies destroyed themselves. I surrendered to Mystic Force for redemption and regain my honor after countless of innocents' lives I've taken. I rather die for the right thing than doing nothing here."

"Terrorspike, don't you dare-!" Hideyoshi protested in concern. Terrorspike thrust a punch on his best friend's face. He then jumped off while sliding down the mountain. Skycrush helped Hideyoshi up. He gasped, "Terrorspike, you idiot!"

Continued sliding down on the mountain, Terrorspike reached to the ground. He then charged and rammed almost everyone to the middle. He then jumped and slammed his Twin Demonic Spears on the ground, causing powerful shockwave to repel and knock everyone to the ground.

"Huh?! What the-?!" Rover asked in shock and concern.

Sunset looked closely at Terrorspike. She asked, "Wait a sec, isn't he-?"

"Terrorspike?! Former Akuma's General?! What is he doing here?" Flash asked in surprise.

"What the hell is he doing?! He's ruining my plan!" Steele muttered angrily. He turned and looked at his wristband, "We've got problem. One of your boys is gonna ruin the plan!"

The sinister yet annoyed voice groaned, "Should have known. I'll take care of that fool now."

"What is the meaning of this?!" Abyssinian Royalty, Pirate King and Chancellor Jim demanded firmly.

"I am Terrorspike! I've come to warn you all! But you must stop fighting!" Terrorspike shouted in concern, "None of you all are at this fault! There was a traitor, who is trying to sabotage your alliance, so my liege can continue her search for the ancient Soul Gem!"

Everyone chattered and muttered in disbelief and concern about it. Sunset and her friends couldn't believe it either as well. And just before he could explain, he yelped in shock, feeling pain in his head. Everyone was alerted by his pain.

"I don't have much time!" Terrorspike exclaimed in concern while holding his head tight, "The traitor is-!"

BOOM! Terrorspike's head got exploded into pieces, shocking and scaring everyone. The rest of his body dropped and fell to the ground hard. Some of them screamed in fear and agony to look at it while the rest panicked and chattered about it.

Hideyoshi and Skycrush were shocked of what they saw. The monkey cried and screamed in agony while slammed his fists on the ground. The warrior shamefully and sadly looked away.

"Oh my god… What just happened?!" Lix asked in concern.

"He blew himself up?! Why?!" Boyle asked in shock.

"He didn't. He was being executed," Sunset said in disbelief, "That make sense now. But question is who and why doing this?"

Flash nodded in agreement, "Yeah. That guy sure went a lot of trouble to start the brawl between three nations, just to help his boss to find some gem. So, who's the traitor to cause this?"

"Indeed. He will not get away with this!" Abyssinian King snapped angrily.

Pirate King groaned angrily, "Argh! He shall walk the plank! And I mean literally from the air!"

"Huh?! Steele?! Where is he?!" Chancellor Jim asked in shock and concern, finding Steele disappeared.

Everyone looked around of their surroundings, searching for Steele. He was nowhere to be seen.

Capper hummed curiously, "Interesting. Looks like we've found the traitor."

"Steele?! Steele is the traitor?!" Rover asked in disbelief and shock, "How could he?!"

"No idea. He's gonna pay for this mess. Doesn't he know how much trouble he has caused?!" Captain Celaeno exclaimed angrily, "When I'm get the claw on her, I'll-!"

"Hold on! We'll deal with him and find out of who's the boss he's working for," Sunset said firmly and determinedly, "We also need to know more about this Soul Gem too. What's so special about it?"

Flash nodded in agreement, "Yeah. You guys continue the negotiation. And please, try not to start another fight."

"As if!" Abyssinian Royalty, Pirate King and Chancellor Jim exclaimed in annoyance.

"They might have the point," Capper said dryly and annoyingly.

Rover groaned, "Cat Con is right. Best we settle this first. We'll be here to make sure no fight."

"Agree," Captain Celaeno agreed with her crossing arms, "When you see that troublemaking dog, bring him here alive! I really want a piece of him!"

Sunset and Flash nodded firmly and calmly. They then headed off at once, looking and hunting down on Steele. And at the same time, the leaders of three nations continued their negotiation and discussion.

"So, Sunset, do you have any idea where we can find him?" Flash asked in concern. He groaned, "For a big dog, he's very good at hiding and getting out of here."

"No idea…" Sunset admitted in concern. She then recalled where Terrorspike came from. She turned and looked at the small hill, where he came from. She even noticed Skycrush and Hideyoshi turned and entered the cavern. She hummed thoughtfully, "I think I know where we can find him…"

Skycrush and Hideyoshi made their way back to the underground cavern. And just before they could do anything, they both got grabbed and thrown against the wall. They looked down and found Sushi used her water powered limb to hold them both.

"You imbecile! Do you have any idea what you have done?!" Sushi asked angrily and annoyingly.

Hideyoshi gulped, "Please, forgive us, Lady Sushi! We didn't mean this to happen! Honest!"

Skycrush grunted, "Master Hideyoshi tells the truth! Master Terrorspike couldn't stand idly by and ended the fight at once."

"Useless fools!" Sushi snapped angrily and annoyingly, "Out of all the idiots Firmtact has to pick, it has to be an honorable! Damn it!"

"It was you!" Sunset's voice asked angrily.

Sushi and her Suicide Squad turned and looked at their back. They then found Sunset and Flash stood before them. He demanded, "You did this?!"

Though annoyed and irritated, Sushi calmed herself while smiled amusingly, "Yes, I did. My bounty hunter did exactly what I wanted. And I finally found it! You will not get in our way for long!"

Sunset narrowed her suspicious eyes, "I'm guessing Steele is your bounty hunter."

"That's right." The firm yet sadistic voice agreed amusingly. Flash and Sunset looked back as they found Steele in his black armor and Poison was with him. He smirked, "Glad to see you all join the party. I hate waiting around."

Flash huffed while armed with his Whirlwind Spear, "Neither do I."

"This is something we can agree upon," Sunset said firmly while armed with her Blazing Fan. She turned and glared at Sushi, "What is Soul Gem? Why do you want that gem so badly?"

Sushi smirked, "I'm afraid that is classified, fool!"

"Then, I'll make you talk!" Sunset snapped firmly and seriously.

"Try me," Sushi said amusingly. Turned to Hideyoshi and Psychic Freeze, she ordered, "Monkey! Brain Freeze! Continue your search for Soul Gem! The rest of you, deal with the intruder!"

Hideyoshi and Psychic Freeze continued scanning and searching around the cavern for the Soul Gem. Sushi and the rest of her Suicide Squad charged and engaged Sunset and Flash. Sunset fought and battled Sushi, Deadblast and Harley. Flash fought Steele, Poison and Skycrush.

Forming her scythes-like water power, Sushi swung and struck them at Sunset, who firmly and swiftly dodged and evaded the attacks. She then fired her Unicorn Burst at the Ultimate Warrior of Witchcraft, who blocked and deflected the blasts and then fired back at her. While she was being distracted to fight off with Sushi, both Deadblast and Harley took the chance to attack her. The sharpshooter fired his Twin Blasters while the maniac swung and slammed her hammer on Sunset. The amber unicorn spotted the attackers charging and attacking her. She quickly summoned and used her Magical Repel to know three of them off. Deadblast and Harley got thrown off. Sushi managed to stand on her ground. She swung and slapped her Water Whip at Sunset, who firmly and barely dodged and evaded the attacks while fighting back against for few times. Both Deadblast and Harley managed to recover and resumed to attack on her.

Flash swung and slammed his Whirlwind Spear against Steele, who used his claws to block and fight against for couple of times. As they both clashed, the Diamond Dog grabbed and slammed the Royal Guard against the walls for five times. He then threw him at Skycrush, who then knock him aside. Poison grabbed and held him to the ground.

Poison hissed amusingly, "Ooh. You looked delicious. How lovely…"

Flash groaned in disgust, "Didn't know you hire Demon Changeling on your side, bounty hunter."

Steele smirked, "She maybe Demon Changeling, but she got lot of potential. I like her fiery! And I promised her the feast."

"No thanks!" Flash grunted as he kicked and thrown Poison over him. He got up and faced both Steele and Skycrush. He continued, "I'm so not gonna get eaten alive today!"

"Aw, you hurt my feeling," Poison hissed amusingly as she transformed into Vileraptor. She hissed playfully while licking her mouth, "Don't worry. I'll make this pain quickly and painlessly."

Flash groaned, "I so hate evil shapeshifter."

Poison's Vileraptor gave loud screeching noise as she charged and attacked Flash, who swiftly and quickly dodge and evade the attacks for few times. But he got his back slashed by Skycrush, who then slammed him to the ground. She gave multiple punches on him. He managed to withstand it before kicked her off. She turned and faced off Steele. Both of them gave each other punches for few times.

While Sunset and Flash continued battling with Sushi and her Suicide Squad, Hideyoshi and Psychic Freeze continued searching for the Soul Gem. Using the scanner, it gave loud beeping noise from the wall. They both looked at each other for the moment. They then nodded in agreement. They used the pickaxe to hammer and dig on the wall. It then revealed rarest grayish colored gem that possessed metallic being-like spiritual within.

"We've found it! We found the Soul Gem of Metallikato!" Hideyoshi cheered happily.

Everyone's alerted by Hideyoshi's call. They all turned to his direction. They were all shocked and surprised of what they just saw.

"That's Soul Gem?!" Flash asked in surprise.

Sushi hissed, "Fool! Get that gem out of here! Protect it!"

"If that gem is so valuable, then we're gonna have to take it!" Sunset exclaimed firmly and sternly. She turned to Flash, "Flash, get ready!"

Flash nodded firmly, "On it!"

And just before Sushi and her Suicide Squad could do anything, Sunset activated and summoned Flash Spell, blinding everyone. This prompted Flash dashed out. He then punched and kicked both Psychic Freeze and Hideyoshi while getting hold on the Soul Gem of Metalikano.

And to his shock and surprise, the gem is glowing in grayish color. Flash was stoked by it. He then looked at the gem as if he's seeing the vision. He witnessed the fierce battle between Mystic Guardians and Chaos Heralds, they have the argument amongst themselves and in his final moment as he chanted while holding magical gem high. He heard statement from the Mystic Guardian of Metal.

"The prophecy… The Demon within Mystic… It's time for Age of Mystic to end…"

"What the-?!" Flash asked in confusion and shock.

"FLASH!" Sunset called out in concern.

Steele jumped and slammed Flash to the ground hard. Both of them then punched at each other while wrestling over the Soul Gem of Metallikato. Sunset tried to help her boyfriend, but got surrounded by Sushi and her Suicide Squad. She was forced to fight them off by using her Barrier, Magical Repel and Unicorn Burst.

"Give me that gem now!" Steele snapped angrily.

"Not a chance!" Flash said firmly while struggling to hold on the Soul Gem. He continued angrily, "Why'd you do all this?"

Steele smirked, "Why? There's no way I'm gonna live in peace with a bunch of hairball-spitting cats and squawking birds or even stubborn horses!"

"But you teamed up with a Demon Changeling! And by the way, we're not horses, we're ponies!"

"Says you!"

Steele gave a headbutt on Flash's head before grabbed and slammed him to the ground. He then took the Soul Gem of Metallikato. He then stomped his feet on the Pegasus's body.

"Any last words, horsie?" Steele asked amusingly.

Flash grunted, "Yeah… You're a bad dog!"

And just before Steele could do anything, Flash took out the knife to stab on his feet, making him yelled in pain. He kicked him off. He then grabbed and swung his Whirlwind Spear at Steele's ear. The Diamond Dog yelled in pain and anger. Steele then grabbed and thrown him at Sunset off straight to the wall.

Just before Sunset and Flash could do anything, they got slammed against the wall by Poison's Bear form.

"Well done, bounty hunter," Sushi said firmly and calmly, "Now hand that gem to us now!"

"Actually, I have a better idea," Steele said amusingly, making Sushi suspicious and weary. He smirked, "I'm delivering this to Dark Curse or Admiral Gideon since they pay me much higher!"

And just before Sushi and her Suicide Squad could do anything, Steele took out his blasters to fire on the ceiling, causing the rocks crumbling and tumbling down upon her and Suicide Squad. Everyone screamed and panicked in shock and concern.

Steele smirked, "Looks like this is my cue to go! Poison, let's get the heck out of here now!"

"Traitor!" Sushi screamed in anger.

Just as Sushi was about to attack Steele, the Diamond Dog took out and fired his blaster at her, blasting her off to the ground. As soon as Poison regrouped with her partner, Psychic Freeze unleashed his Sub Zero Beam to trap them both to the ground. As soon as she recovered, she quickly used her Water Whip to take back the Soul Gem of Metallikato to her.

"Yes!" Sushi exclaimed happily.

"No! I won't let you get away with my prize!" Steele exclaimed angrily while armed with his blaster, "It belongs to me!"

Steele blasted his gun as it hit and kill Psychic Freeze by head. Sushi unleashed her powerful Death Scream on Steele, killing him at once. Poison yelped in concern as she quickly transformed into a fly and flew the scene at once.

However, her powerful attack has caused more cave in again. Both front and back entrance have been blocked by more bolders. Luckily, everyone quickly held the ceiling up high, despite how heavy it was.

"Will you knock it off?! You're gonna kill everyone in!" Flash exclaimed in annoyance.

Hideyoshi grunted in pain, "He's right. I can feel my legs breaking! If we make any wrong move of attack, we'd be dead!"

"Any idea of how the hell we get out of here?!" Harley asked in concern.

"Not unless you have a bigger gun!" Deadblast exclaimed in concern.

"Damn it! If we don't do something soon, all of us will be crushed!" Flash exclaimed in concern.

Sunset groaned, "This is so not happening!"

"I know." Flash agreed sadly. He turned and looked at Sunset, "So much for our first adventure to solve Friendship Problem."

Sunset sighed, "Yeah. We failed. We couldn't get everyone work together now. Guess this is it..."

"Will you give it a rest for your stupid love?!" Sushi asked in annoyance, "Has anyone told you that human and pony could never love?!"

"Maybe to you. But I love Sunset, no matter what!" Flash said firmly.

Sunset nodded, "Me too. If this is the end, we'll die together as one."

As the cavern continued caving in, everyone then heard some loud banging noise and even shouts as well. To their surprise, the back entrance that was blocked has been breached and opened a hole. They're all found Capper, Captain Celaeno, Rover and his gang were leading their army to dig out the rocks.

"Need a hand, mates?" Captain Celaeno asked calmly.

"You all came!" Flash asked in surprise.

"Yep!" Capper nodded proudly and firmly, "We managed to negotiate and put our differences aside!"

"Cats and dogs working together. Imagine that." Rover cheered. He then noticed Steele's body. He groaned, "So, he's dead. Good riddance for almost destroying everything. Bastard!"

Capper gave his firm and determined looks, "Alright, every creature! Let's get them out of here!"

Diamond Dogs and Ornithians charged in as they quickly held the ceiling while placing couple of metallic poles in-between floor and ceilings. Abyssinians quickly helped and moved both Sunset, Flash and the rest of Suicide Squad including Sushi out from the cavern. Everyone quickly make their way out of the cavern before more rocks cave in.

After barely escaping alive; Sunset, Flash and the rest of her allies were taking a breath. And at the same time, Diamond Dogs have tied up Sushi and the rest of her Suicide Squad for interrogation and questions.

"So, this is Steele's boss?" Captain Celaeno asked curiously and firmly. She scoffed, "I was expecting a bigger pony."

Capper held the Soul Gem of Metallikato. He asked, "All the trouble for this? What's so special about it?"

"No idea," Flash admitted in concern before showing his firm looks, "One thing I know is that this gem has some kind of dangerous powers."

Sunset gave a glare at Sushi, "Start talking. What is Soul Gem? Why go after it? Why cause the problems to your own alliance?"

"I do not speak to some weaklings," Sushi answered dryly and darkly. She then gave her sinister smile, "But I'll tell you this. Your rule of this world will not last…"

And just before anyone could do anything, Deadblast dropped couple of smoke bombs. They exploded and unleashed the smokescreen to blind everyone. And at the same time, Skycrush and Harley broke themselves out before freeing the rest of their teammates. The Suicide Squad quickly punched and knocked Susnet and her group quickly.

Sushi quickly summoned the Mystic Portal. She and her Suicide Squad quickly make their escape now. As soon as the smokescreen dispersed, Sunset and her group groaned in pain, slowly recovered from the ground.

"Damn it. They got away!" Spot exclaimed in frustration.

Boyle groaned, "I was gonna punch the monkey. I hate monkeys."

Mullet nodded, "Yeah. They're mischievous and troublemaking too."

"We'd never find out of what's so special about Soul Gem," Sunset said firmly and seriously. She turned and looked at the rest of her friends. She smiled, "Thanks for the help, guys. We owe you."

Capper smiled, "It was nothing. After all, that's friends do."

"Yup. We don't let our friends down, no matter what." Captain Celaeno said confidently and firmly. She sighed, "Thanks to Terrorspike's warning and exposing Steele for being a traitor, our leaders have come in peace and form the alliance to protect our interests and supplies, and to fight anyone that come to threaten us."

"Yeah." Rover agreed. He then groaned in frustration, "To bad that we didn't get to rip that traitor apart. I want to rip his head."

"Well, we've got more bad news too. Because of Steele setting bomb on it, you've lost a mine. Sorry," Flash apologized.

Everyone awed in upset and disappointment. Capper smiled warmly instead, "Despite that, I'm sure we can survive it. We'll find the way. We always do."

Captain Celaeno nodded in agreement, "We sure do." She then noticed many Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs were rushing, bringing along with shovels, pickaxes, wagon and so on. She asked, "What the heck was going on?"

"Let's check it out," Sunset suggested.

Sunset and her group followed three creature kinds, who were running towards the ruins of southern mines. Upon their arrival, they witnessed something unbelievably shocking and surprising. They found a large hole, filled with large amount of gold, gems and jewelries. Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs began mining and digging out of them, and even loading up and transporting them out from the hole. They even helped each other out on their work.

"Wow… I did not expect this…" Sunset said in surprise.

"The mine's cave in caused tons of gold and gems to come out," Flash explained about the situation, "Wow. Never thought I'd say this but thank you, Suicide Squad."

"Yeah. Too bad that guy was killed for warning us," Capper said sadly.

Captain Celaeno smiled while patted Capper's shoulder, "But we won't forget for what he has done for us. He saved us. That guy's a hero."

"He is. So are the ponies," Rover said gratefully, "Thank you."

"Rover's right. We owe you," Chancellor Jim said humbly as he and the rest of the leaders approached to Sunset and her group.

Pirate King nodded, "Argh. You've stopped us from starting the war. If you didn't, then I can't imagine how bad we may have suffered."

"Indeed, regardless of how different we are, we're allies," Abyssinian King said humbly while patted his queen. He smiled, "We thank you, Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry."

Abyssinians, Ornithians and Diamond Dogs bowed humbly and thanked Sunset and Flash for stopping them from starting the war. The ponies laughed nervously while waving back to them.

Noticing something amiss, Captain Celaeno asked, "Uh, what's with your flanks?"

Confused, Flash and Sunset looked at their cutie marks, which were flashing. This surprised everyone else.

"Looks like we succeeded after all." Flash commented in surprise.

"Twilight's gonna be happy when she hears about this." Sunset said happily, "And who knows? Maybe some of those creatures will want to attend the school someday."

"So, what was that about?" Rover asked.

"It's sort of like a mission for us to handle and solve it. We did it," Flash explained calmly.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Still, I wonder what Nezha's really after now. Why go after the Soul Gem?"

Flash shrugged, "We may never know. Best to let Twilight, SD and the rest know about it. It could be serious."

"I know what you mean," Sunset agreed.

After barely escape with her own life, Poison returned to Dark Mystic Palace as she was meeting both Maul and Dark Curse. She made the reports to them.

Dark Curse hummed amusingly, "How interesting. So, the Mystic Guardians are still alive."

"Should we go after them?" Maul asked curiously.

"No." Dark Curse answered calmly, "It's best that we stay put and watch the entertainment. Why battle the enemies when it's better to have the allies fight among themselves?"

Maul hummed amusingly, "I see. Mystic Ponies and Equestria Ponies may have been the allies, but Nezha despised them a lot. So, he will lead his army to destroy them. Or they him…"

"Exactly…" Dark Curse smiled darkly and amusingly.

Sushi and her Suicide Squad have returned to Golden Jade Palace. The Suicide Squad is taking a break and timeout after what has happened to both Terrorspike and Psychic Freeze.

Sushi is at the throne chamber, where she met up with both Nezha and Death Tactic. Both Thanatos and his trusted butler Stickler were there as well. They both presented both the Soul Gem of Whiger and Metallikano to the Emperor.

"Excellent work, my warriors. We now have Torterra the Earth, Whiger the Water and now Metallikato the Metal," Nezha said in pleasant tone. He took and placed both gems inside the box, along with yellowish colored gem. He smiled, "The rest will follow as well."

Death Tactic nodded, "Indeed. Ever since you've made discovery of Torterra during the War with Humanity, we now know that the Mystic Guardian did not die. They merely have sealed themselves within the Soul Gems for long hibernation and recovery."

"Yes. They have slept too long after they have passed and entrusted their leadership to our ancestors," Nezha said firmly, "They will be awakened."

"Sire, I apologize for my reckless and foolishness," Sushi said in shame, "If I've had located and get that gem out sooner, our enemy wouldn't learn anything about it."

"It matters now. They may have learned about this, but they do not possess enough time and resources to locate the Soul Gems since they have other problems to deal with," Death Tactic explained calmly and firmly, "With Demon Lords on the loose, running the school, protecting the Mystic and Equestria from enemies, learning more about spies among Mystic Ponies and many more; Twilight and her friends will not able to spare to find and get the Soul Gems while also make preparation of Operation: Trump. We will."

"Indeed. Thanks to Mr. Thanatos, we have gain more advantages," Nezha said proudly and calmly. Thanatos smiled proudly. He smiled, "Once we gathered all 12 of them, we shall awaken and use their powers to restore order and put the mortals back to their place. It will be ours, not theirs. We, Mystic Ponies, are the true masters of the world, not them. They will be reminded. I promised you for that."

Death Tactic nodded firmly, "We shall do our best to accomplish that."

Nezha smiled warmly, "I know you do. We will succeed…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry

Grey Griffin: Sushi Tsunami, Abyssinian Queen

Jim Cummings: Nervso Steele, Chancellor Jim

Taye Diggs: Capper

Zoe Saldana: Captain Celaeno

Scott McNeil: Rover, Abyssinian King

Minor Casts:

Mark Oliver: Mullet, Pirate King

Max Martini: Boyle

Nicole Oliver: Lix Spittle

Gary Chalk: Fido

Lee Tocker: Spot

Danny Coleman: Hideyoshi

Will Smith: Deadblast

Lauren Landa: Skycrush

Steven Blum: Terrorspike

Maurice LaMarche: Psychic Freeze

Tara Strong: Harley Witch

Amy Sedaris: Poison

Cameo:

Sean Schemmal: Nezha Vengito

Lars Mikkelson: Death Tactic

Latham Gaines: Dark Curse

Whil Wheaton: Maul

Episode 9: The Parents Map

At the Twilight was having discussion with Lockdown and Blazefist about the field trip. To their surprise, the door was opened and revealed Sunburst himself to enter. He looked very excited and happy than his calm demeanor.

"Sunburst?" Twilight asked in surprise.

"Princess Twilight! You won't believe what has happened to me!" Sunburst exclaimed happily and excitedly. He then held up his cape, revealing his glowing cutie mark. He smiled, "My cutie mark is glowing."

Twilight gasped before squealed happily, "No way!" She turned and looked at Lockdown and Blazefist. She cleared her throat, "We'll discuss this another time. I have the feelings others will be there."

Lockdown and Blazefist nodded firmly as they have been dismissed and left the Castle of Friendship. Twilight then took and guided Sunburst to the Friendship Council Chamber. At the same time, they were discussing and chatting as well.

"Princess Twilight, what an honor this is! I-I mean, it is, right?" Sunburst said excitedly and frantically, "I'm called for a friendship mission?"

Twilight smiled, "You sure are. And it must be a special one, just like Flash."

Just as Twilight and Sunburst entered the chamber; they found Starlight, Lance and Shiroi were already there. Three of them were looking at the Cutie Map. Though the couple looked thrill and excited yet curious, Starlight wasn't thrilled about it.

"Starlight! You mean we've both been called? This is great!" Sunburst exclaimed excitedly and happily. He then noticed Starlight's disappointed looks. He asked, "Aren't you excited? You and me on a mission together! Plus, we get to go on our fifth date!"

"I was…" Starlight admitted sheepishly before showing her nervous and uneasy looks. Sunburst was confused. She then looked at Cutie Map. She explained while pointed at the location she disliked, "Just... not so excited about where."

Looking at where Starlight's pointing, Sunburst looked disbelief and annoyed to ask, "Sire's Hollow?"

Starlight confirmed, "Yep. Home."

"Oh. Great." Sunburst grumbled in deflated tone.

"What's wrong with going back to your old home?" Lance asked in surprise.

"You don't want to know," Sunburst and Starlight grumbled angrily.

"What about you two?" Twilight asked. Lance and Shiroi pointed at the Cutie Map. She was stoked as she was looking at vast landscape of desert with city buildings and trees. She gasped, "Zebrat? Zecora's old home?"

"Looks like it. We're going to Farasi. Who knew?" Lance commented, "Can't wait to see some wild animals."

"Careful. I heard they terrorized ponies," Shiroi teased playfully, making Lance uneasy. She cleared her throat, "Anyhow. I supposed that we ask Zecora?"

"You should. She knows her home more than anyone." Twilight said calmly. She turned and looked at Sunburst and Starlight, "Look, I don't know what's your issue with your home, but you have Friendship Mission to solve. So, just get there and solve it. Got it?"

Sunburst and Starlight sighed, "Got it…"

Unknown to Twilight and her friends, a group of seven shadowy figures were eavesdropping on the conversation. Who are they? What are they up to?

Starlight, Sunburst, Lance and Shiroi have set out for their Friendship Mission. Lance, Shiroi and their guide – Zecora head to Zebrat, Farasi. Starlight and Sunburst boarded into the Ponyville Express as they travel and headed straight to their childhood home – Sire's Hollow.

Inside the Ponyville Express, both Starlight and Sunburst have been silent ever since they left Ponyville. To think about Friendship Problem at Sire's Hollow has made them very uneasy and worried about it.

Starlight sighed, "It's not that I don't want to go home. It's just that whenever I do, my dad treats me like a filly. Like nothing's changed since I was a foal."

"Huh…" Sunburst said in surprise, "mom actually does kind of the same thing."

"Really?" Starlight asked in surprise.

"I don't even have to go home. She sends me letters constantly asking about my plans for the future." Sunburst complained in annoyance. He then imitated his mother's behavior, "'You're a grown-up pony, Sunburst! You need a plan!'" He sighed in frustration, "I haven't been home in a while either."

Starlight hummed curiously, "Hmph. We'll just have to explain to our parents that we're on an important friendship mission so they can't bother us."

"Do you really think that will work?" Sunburst asked in concern.

"Nope!" Starlight answered dryly.

"Do you really hate your parents so much?" Ocellus's voice asked in surprise and concern.

Bella's voice scoffed, "Parents issues always the problem."

Kindy's voice sighed, "I know the feeling well."

Alerted by three voices, Starlight and Sunburst yelped in shock and surprise, "What the-?!"

Starlight and Sunset turned back and found Ocellus, Bella and Kindy were hiding behind their seats. Three of them smiled nervously and uneasily while waving to them. The couple couldn't believe in their own eyes of what they just saw. And just before they could make the demands, the train's brake made a loud hiss while blowing whistle as it has arrived the destination.

Rather than scolding the students now inside the train, Starlight and Sunburst decided to have discussion outside. They climbed down from the Ponyville Express before it headed off at once. They both gave the firm glare at three nervous students.

"What are you three doing here?!" Starlight demanded dryly, "You were supposed to be in science class."

"We were!" Ocellus admitted firmly, earning Starlight gave suspicious glare at her. She gulped fearfully, "It wasn't mine and Kindy's fault. Bella and Heatwave dragged me and some of my friends out because they're bored with it."

Starlight groaned in annoyance, "I shouldn't have known. Bella…"

"Come on, Counselor Starlight! Professor Shorty's class is so boring! We're having hard time to understand his theories and research. That literally makes no sense!" Bella complained, earning both Starlight and Sunburst to glare at her. She gulped in fear, "No offense?"

"So, why are you all here?" Sunburst asked dryly.

"Ever since Silverstream got back from home; she told us about how CMC solve Friendship Problem, having adventure and beating the bad guys." Bella explained happily and excitedly, "So, Heatwave and I thought why don't we join them for our extra-curriculum and also making up with bad grades."

"Really?" Starlight asked in annoyance.

"I told you this is a very bad idea. They're not happy about this," Kindy commented dryly as he and Ocellus glare at nervous Bella. He turned and looked at Starlight, "You're sending us back now?"

Though tempted to send the students, both Starlight and Sunburst knew that it would take too much of time to wait for the train to return and send the students back. It would be best to have them around than letting them to get into trouble again…

"Fine. You can stay with us for your extra curriculum," Starlight said firmly, "But no funny business especially from you, Bella."

Everyone looked at Bella, who was whistling amusingly. Sunburst sighed, "Well, let's get going. Hope you enjoy history and geography field trip class since you can't handle the science class."

Starlight added, "And when we get back you three and your buddies are going for the detention!"

Ocellus, Bella and Kindy smiled uneasily but also nodded nervously as well. But at the same time, Ocellus and Kindy gave the brief glare at their classmate for getting into trouble again.

"So, what are you gonna do with your parents?" Bella asked curiously.

"For one thing, you all are not allow to tell them about our pasts because they don't know," Starlight said sternly and firmly.

Sunburst nodded, "Affirmative. The last thing we want is lecture and distraction."

Just as the couple and their students were walking by some beautiful garden and long walls, the young ones all awed and marveled at the scenery. Bella looked bored and annoyed about it.

"It's beautiful…" Ocellus commented while sniffing out on some flowers. She even ate a golden petal. She hummed in satisfied tone, "They taste good too!"

"I didn't know Changelings eat flowers," Kindy commented in surprise.

Ocellus giggled, "Emotion of love and positive feelings aren't the only thing that we eat or share. Flowers too. They're pretty."

Bella giggled, "I wonder how Smolder felt when she has too much flowery food."

"She'd be getting sick especially when it comes to Dragon Sneeze Tree," Ocellus joked, making Bella giggled a bit.

"Glad you like it much," Sunburst said calmly and sincerely. He sighed, "The great thing about home is it always stays just how you le—"

THUD! Sunburst got his head slammed by something very hard and metallic, alerting everyone to stop at once. Just as he was recovered, he and his friends looked up and found a large metallic gate stood before them.

"Where did that come from?" Starlight asked in surprise.

"You mean the gate wasn't here before?" Bella asked in surprise.

"No. It wasn't," Starlight answered in surprise.

Just as Sunburst opened the gate, The Automated Voice greeted, "Welcome to Sire's Hollow!"

"Convenient…" Kindy commented in amazement.

"Wait a minute." Ocellus called out as she transformed into her yellow nerdy Earth Pony form, confusing everyone. She then explained, "I don't want anypony there to see my real self."

"Don't tell me that you're worried about ponies judging Changeling," Kindy asked in concern.

Ocellus nodded sheepishly and nervously. Bella scoffed as she held her friend close to her, "Well, if they're gonna mess with you, then they're gonna have to get through me first!"

Ocellus smiled warmly, "Thanks. But, I'm gonna have to stay in this form. I don't want cause troubles."

Bella sighed, "Whatever you say, Ocelly. Trouble always follow us."

Just as Starlight, Sunburst and their students marched and entered Sire's Hollow; they looked around of their surroundings of the city. They then come across to an advertiser named Ever Essence, who was holding the perfume.

"Essence?" Ever Essence asked gently.

"Essence of what?" Bella asked curiously.

"You tell me." Ever Essence answered playfully as she pressed the perfume's button by mouth. It sprayed on Bella's face, making her choked and coughed heavily. She smiled, "So, what do you think?"

Bella coughed heavily, "What I'd think?! I hate perfume especially it's made of 'chocolate'. It is, right?"

"Chocolate definitely!" Ever Essence confirmed sincerely and happily, "And all of the benefits with none of the drawbacks."

"Chocolate!" Ocellus exclaimed happily. She quickly grabbed the perfume bottle as she pops its lid off. Just before anyone could ask, she quickly drank and sipped the perfume's essence. This shocked and alerted them all. For the moment, she spat out in disgust. She groaned, "This taste awful!"

Ever Essence sighed while taking the bottle away from her, "That is because it is not for drinking."

Ever Essence trotted sincerely and happily, returning to her Perfume Shop, which has a small stall with set of perfumes outside. Starlight, Sunburst and their students approached to her.

"Didn't this used to be a fruit stand?" Sunburst asked.

"I don't know what it used to be." Ever Essence said sincerely, "The Sire's Hollow Development Committee determined what it is."

"The Sire's Hollow Development what?" Sunburst asked in shock and disbelief, "Where do ponies buy fruit?"

"You can get a fruit smoothie two doors down." Ever Essence answered calmly while pointed at the Fruit Smoothie Shop.

Kindy hummed thoughtfully, "I could use some drink."

"Me too!" Ocellus agreed. She turned and teasingly looked at Bella. She giggled, "You're buying us our drinks."

Bella gasped and groaned, "Hey! I am so not, Ocellus!"

Three students cheered happily and wildly as they're heading and entering the Fruit Smoothie Shop for getting their own drinks. Sunburst and Starlight looked around of their surroundings. They looked uncertain and confused.

"All the shops are different. Everything's changed!" Sunburst said in shock and confusion.

"Not everything." Starlight disagreed in annoyance as she spotted and pointed at her left direction – terrace shops with curved crimson-colored rooftops and towers-like. She commented, "That's the same as it ever was."

After the students managed got their own smoothies – strawberry, avocado and banana, they regrouped with their teachers and headed off to the terrace shops and checking them out. They approached to the bookstore. Just as they were about to enter it, the door was opened and blocked by two ponies.

Raspberry Latter spoke up, "Sorry. Our bookstore's been declared a site of historical significance by the Sire's Hollow Preservation Society."

Minty Mocha nodded in agreement, "You'll have to experience the books from here." Her friend levitated and placed the stanchion post in front of the entrance. She continued, "That's why windows are see-through."

Just before Sunburst could ask, the librarians quickly returned and closed the door, shocking and disheartened him a lot.

"Well, that was rude," Ocellus commented in annoyance.

Bella scoffed while crossed her hooves, "And not to mention, it's stupid. Who comes up with that idea?"

Kindy hummed in concern, "First the Development Committee, and now the Preservation Society. What are they trying to do?"

"That's a good question," Starlight said in agreement and concern, "What is happening around here?"

"I'll explain it to you, sugarplum!" A calm and lighthearted voice spoke. Starlight, Sunburst and the students turned back. They found a dark purple male Unicorn with dark greenish and lime colored curvy mane and tail, he has golden flame-like Cutie Mark worn beige colored uniform, crimson vast and yellowish tie. He chuckled a bit while touching and rubbing Starlight's face, "You are just as cutesy-wutesy as ever!"

"Uh… Who is that?" Bella asked in annoyance.

"Uh-oh…" Sunburst said in concern.

"Dad!" Starlight muffled angrily as she pushed his hooves aside. The students were stunned by her revelation of mysterious stallion. She spoke, "Quit it! What is going on?"

Firelight smiled happily as he explained, "Oh, just a father wanting to preserve our town's rich history for his little pumpky-wumpkin!"

Almost Sunburst and the students stifled the laughter, Starlight groaned in annoyance, "Dad, you promised no 'pumpky-wumpkin's in public especially right in front of my boyfriend!"

Firelight gasped, "What?! Sunburst's your boyfriend?!"

"Yeah. He is my boyfriend," Starlight commented firmly. Firelight looked uneasy and worried. She hummed suspiciously, "Dad, is there a problem with him dating me?"

Firelight looked uneasy as he muffled nervously, "Uh… No… Just as long as his mother don't use him to hurt you, chipmunk cheeks."

Starlight scoffed, "That's ridiculous, dad. Sunburst doesn't always agree with his mom all the time like saying that I'm being a bad influence to him."

Firelight hummed suspiciously, "I see… Good thing that you didn't trained by lunatic Amon. What a troublesome scary pony."

Starlight looked uneasy and nervous as she laughed a bit, "Yeah. Good thing."

Firelight also noticed three students as he asked, "And who are these three?"

"These are students from the School of Friendship." Starlight answered calmly, "This is Bella, Ocellus, and Kindy."

"Ah, nice to meet you three. My name is Firelight." Firelight introduced himself. He then whispered quietly to the students, "I'm Starlight's papa."

Bella scoffed a bit, "Yeah, we saw."

Three students approached to Sunburst to have some secret discussion about Starlight and her secret.

"I didn't know Counselor Starlight has a biological father." Ocellus commented in surprise, "I thought she was an orphan and then adopted by Amon."

Kindy nodded in agreement, "Not to mention, why would she lie to her own father about her being part of Amon's Revolution Group?"

Sunburst hissed while tapping his hooves, "Yeah. Let's just say that Firelight is very distrustful and dislike Amon for being too close to her, and acted like a better father to her. And he's very jealous of Amon a lot."

"So, her dad has no idea of what she has done?" Bella asked amusingly, making Sunburst sighed while shaking his head. She giggled, "Family drama much?"

"Really?" Ocellus asked in annoyance.

"I feel sorry for her…" Kindy said in concern.

Sunburst sighed, "Just keep quiet and tell him nothing. The last thing Starlight ever wants is her father being heartbroken to find out that she chose Amon over him. And of course, I don't want him to kill me for not being her good boyfriend."

"Right…" Three students agreed playfully.

"Back to the real topic. You're preserving the whole town? That's crazy!" Starlight exclaimed in disbelief.

"That's exactly what I told him! I said, 'Firelight, you're crazy!'" The female voice shouted. Everyone turned to left, where they found an amber colored female Unicorn arrived at the scene. She has dark orange and maroon colors of gentle combed mane and tail and her cutie mark is sunny cutie mark wearing a pearl necklace.

"Okay. Who is that?" Bella asked in annoyance.

"Mom?" Sunburst asked in surprise, shocking the students.

"Hi, Sunburst! Good to see you finally coming home and visit me," Sunburst's Mother or Stellar Flare exclaimed happily. She approached to Sunburst as she explained while showing her long scroll of plans, "Our village needs the same thing you do, Sunburst – a clear plan for the future. That's why I started the Sire's Hollow Development Committee. And I've got plans for this little town. Big plans!"

Firelight was annoyed as he spoke up, "Listen here, Stellar Flare! I'm not gonna let you turn our historical heritage into Las Pegasus!"

Stellar Flare snapped angrily, "And I'm not gonna let you turn it into a museum!"

Firelight and Stellar Flare glared and growled at each other angrily. This surprised and shocked the group.

"W-Wait. Are you two fighting over this?" Starlight asked in surprise and concern.

"Like having a friendship problem?" Sunburst asked.

"Oh, there's no problem." Stellar Flare disagreed.

Firelight huffed, "Because there is no friendship!"

Sunburst hummed, "Well, the good news is we know why we're here."

Bella whistled, "Sounds like fun. Glad we ditch the school."

"Really?!" Kindy and Ocellus asked in annoyance.

Few meters away from the Sire's Hollow City, an abandoned yet burnt and ruined farmland was filled with some of Dark Mystic Troopers and Chimera Berserkers. Inside the old abandoned yet crisped farmer's house, there was a basement, where Guildernstern and Ghoul Acolytes were researching and experimenting on their project, involving the Elements of Harmony shards and several blueprint designs.

Climbing down the stairs, Amon has arrived at the basement, meeting up with the mad scientist. He has not placed the mask on his face, revealing scarred and burnt marks around his.

"Good to see you around, Master Statham," Guildenstern greeted warmly yet sinisterly with a chuckle, "So, I assumed that there is no interlopers and stragglers around here."

"No, Guildenstern. No one has come here since the day 'Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow' was born. And the folklore was created and passed down for generation," Amon answered calmly yet stoically. He sighed while looking around the surroundings, "I have never thought that I would return here after so long."

Guildenstern chuckled amusingly, "You miss home so much, do you, Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow?"

"After what has happened to me from 300 years ago?" Amon asked calmly yet annoyingly while looking at his mask. He huffed dryly while clenching it tightly, almost causing to have small cracks. He continued, "No, I do not. However, the Dark Lord sent us here for a mission. We shall complete it."

"Indeed." Guildenstern agreed calmly. He turned and looked at one of his Ghoul Acolyte, who was making report to him. He groaned in annoyance, "And also, there's been report that Starlight is here for Friendship Problem. Clearly, another interference from Tree of Harmony again."

Amon nodded dryly and firmly, "Leave that to me, Guildenstern."

"Are you certain that you want to deal with her?" Guildenstern asked amusingly.

Amon narrowed his angry yet determined eyes, "Trust me, Guildenstern. I will."

Both Firelight and Stellar Flare continued glaring at each other. This made both Sunburst and Starlight uneasy and concern about the latest Friendship Problem to deal with. The students noticed the counselor and her boyfriend haven't made the move.

"Aren't you gonna do something?" Ocellus asked in concern.

Bella nodded, "Yeah. The Friendship Problem won't solve by itself."

"And they're your parents too," Kindy added.

Sunburst sighed reluctantly, "They have the point. Let's just get over it."

Starlight cleared her throat, attracting two ponies' attention. She explained, "Sunburst and I were called here to do a job, and it looks like you two are it."

Firelight and Stellar Flare looked surprise. Sunburst's mother asked, "You mean your success depends on us?"

Sunburst sighed while nodded sheepishly. Firelight smiled warmly and happily as he asked, "And you have to hang out with us the whole time you're here?!"

Starlight nodded nervously, making both Firelight and Stellar Flare smiled happily about it. They also looked away from each other as they disagreed with the ideals they have for Sire's Hollow.

"Well, I'll hear what you have to say." Stellar Flare said firmly and calmly, "But every plan I've made for this town is perfectly reasonable."

Firelight scoffed dryly, "Good luck convincing me my preservation efforts don't make sense."

Starlight and Sunburst sighed in annoyance and frustration with their parents' stubbornness. Ocellus, Bella and Kindy looked at each other as they shrugged a bit about it.

And so, Starlight's group followed both Firelight and Stellar Flare, checking out their ideals and see which one is suitable for Sire's Hollow. However, they find the ideals and execution of both Development Committee and Preservation Society seemed to be 'ridiculous' and 'nuisance' to them such as opening the gate with automated annoying voice greeted repeatedly, the bookstore was treated as museum and forbidden anyone to read and buy the books, testing out the perfume that almost annoyed and nearly drive Bella mad; Starlight, Sunburst and the surprisingly students find the smoothies to be distasteful, and lastly the ridiculous preserved yet hardened 'ancient pony grains', which shocked and made uneasy to the students.

Nearly spent a whole day understanding and analyzing both Development Committee and Preservation Society's ideals and progress, Starlight's group including Firelight and Stellar Flare met up at the water fountain site. They're having discussion about the ideals for Sire's Hollow.

"I hate to say it but you two got some crazy but dumbest way to do for Sire's Hollow," Bella remarked rudely, prompted both Ocellus and Kindy to nudge her chest. She grunted a bit, "Would you quit it?!"

Ocellus sighed, "Truthfully, she has the point. The first and second time we tried with fruit smoothies; they taste the worst."

"And not to mention, preserving bookstore and 'ancient' bread are not good either," Kindy added as well.

While looking at the baker Cracked Wheat struggled to push the wagon with heavy ancient bread, Firelight hissed in concern while rubbing his head, "Maybe my preservation efforts were a little over the top."

Stellar Flare gulped while looking at Ever Essence tried the perfume on frightened Raspberry Latter and Minty Mocha to run off. She commented, "And I might have been trying to turn the town into a shopping mall."

"Ya think?" Bella asked annoyingly. She then noticed both Ocellus and Kindy were about to nudge her. She grabbed and held them, "Don't you dare!"

"Well, whatever direction the town takes from now on, how about we work together on it?" Firelight said humbly as he held his hoof up.

After some thinking, Stellar Flare smiled as she raised and shook her partner's hoof, "Deal!" She turned and looked at her son. While combing Sunburst's mane, she spoke happily, "Sunburst, you should move closer to Ponyville. From what Firelight told me, you're dating his daughter. So, it would be good to stay close with her. I'd be happy to have her in my family. She would make a good future wife to you. And of course, after this success, I'm sure the Princess of Friendship will want to send you on more missions."

"That's not really how it works." Sunburst disagreed. He then pushed and moved Starlight and students away from his mother. He spoke nervously, "Oh, look at the time! We should get going now that we solved the friendship problem, right, Starlight?"

Starlight halted at once as she spoke, "Yeah... The thing is, I don't think we did solve it." She then looked at her cutie mark on flank. She explained, "When we solve a friendship problem, our cutie marks are supposed to glow.

The students looked shock. Ocellus asked, "You mean the parents' problems are not the problem?"

Bella groaned, "Or maybe, Cutie Map is just dumb."

"Bella!" Ocellus scolded Bella.

Starlight shook head in disagreement, "Unlikely. Cutie Map wouldn't send us for goose chase without a reason. It must be something else..."

Firelight awed calmly and playfully as he patted Starlight's face, "Don't be disappointed, puddin'. Your papa will work this out for ya."

The students stifled the laughter a bit. Starlight sighed, "Heh. My papa wasn't called by the map in Twilight's castle. I was."

"How are you gonna explain this to the princess?" Stellar Flare asked in concern and fear, "What's your plan if she fires you from friendship quests? Or worst! What if she forbids you to have relationship with Starlight?!"

Sunburst muttered in annoyance, "Mom! She doesn't—! It-It's not—!"

"Use your words, Sunburst." Stellar Flare gently scolded Sunburst, making him groaned in anger.

"I guess you two weren't the problem we were sent to solve after all." Starlight commented in uncertain tone.

"So now you don't even know why you're here?" Stellar Flare asked in concern, "Ah! We have to figure this out before we run out of time!"

Sunburst sighed in annoyance, "Mom, there isn't a time limit."

"So you're here for an extra long visit?" Firelight asked in surprise. He laughed heartily while hugging him warmly, "You can stay in your old room, punkie wunk! It's just like you left it!"

"So, what's her room like?" Bella asked playfully.

"Is it friendly? Cutesy? Or maybe, very studious as Princess Twilight?" Ocellus asked hopefully.

"Nope!" Firelight answered humbly. He smiled teasingly, "Her room is gothic and skull crunching Rockstar! She liked Rockstar KISS! And it's good thing that she doesn't have some lunatic Amon's posters, trophies, merchandise and gears in there. I hate to see that."

"DAD!" Starlight exclaimed in annoyance.

Bella and Ocellus were deeply stunned and shocked as their eyes widened and opened their wide mouths. Kindy hissed, "I believe the term is 'Mind Blown'?"

"Yeah…" Bella and Ocellus answered in stunned.

Starlight hissed as she whispered to both Sunburst and students, "We need to find this friendship problem now!"

Sunburst nodded nervously, "Yeah. Make it quick!"

"You really can't stand them, do you?" Kindy asked in uncertain tone.

"Now, I know you have your little job to do, but Stellar and I know the town a lot better than you two." Firelight said humbly and calmly.

Stellar Flare nodded in agreement, "That's right! Neither of you have been home in ages. You're gonna need our help to succeed!"

Starlight and Sunburst hummed in uncertain yet thoughtfully. She answered reluctantly, "I guess that makes sense..."

Firelight and Stellar Flare laughed happily and heartily, making Starlight and Sunburst annoyed about the idea.

"I already have some ideas!" Stellar Flare exclaimed happily while revealing the long scroll.

Firelight nodded happily while revealing his long scroll, "Me, too!"

Sunburst groaned, "I think I liked it better when they were fighting."

"So, what's leave us to do?" Bella asked curiously and teasingly.

Instead of following the teachers for solving their problems, the students were placed and sat inside the bookstore's small table. They were having juice to drink.

Bella groaned, "I cannot believe that they ditch us here…"

"Well, you did make fun of teachers, you know?" Ocellus asked in annoyance.

"Either way, I don't know what is worse." Belle complained in annoyance, "Their parents being stupid or don't care of what our teachers needed to do with Friendship Problem."

Ocellus shrugged while drinking her strawberry juice, "I have no idea..."

Kindy hummed thoughtfully as he was eating the cake, "To be honest, I don't believe their parents or whatever are the friendship problems."

Bella looked at Kindy oddly as she asked, "Uh, Kindy, has anyone told you that you make literally no sense?"

Kindy hummed thoughtfully, "Actually, Pinkie understands me the most."

Ocellus sighed while facepalmed on her head, "I'd take that as a no."

Bella groaned before slammed on the table, "So boring! Where is the excitement? Or fighting some bad guys! Saving the world! I need that kind of action!"

Ocellus sighed in annoyance, "I'd prefer not to have that. The last thing I want is to lose my head."

Spotted something at the alley, Kindy asked, "Hey. There's something at the alley."

Bella and Ocellus turned and looked at the alley. They spotted Starkiller was looking around of his surroundings.

"Starkiller?" Bella asked in surprise.

"You know him?" Ocellus asked.

"Yeah. One of the Ultimate Warriors and he's the Dusk," Bella answered calmly, "But what the heck is he doing here?"

"Shopping? Sports?" Kindy asked curiously.

Bella shook her head, "No. Ultimate Warriors never come to Equestria for shopping and sports, unless they're on the mission. I think he has one."

Ocellus gulped in concern, "Why do I get the feeling that we're going to do this?" Bella smirked amusingly, making her nervous and uneasy. She groaned, "Sorry I asked."

Starlight returned to her old home, with her father. Inside the library, Firelight was using the chalk to write down on the chalkboard about Sire's Hollow and its history as well.

Firelight smiled as he explained, "Okay! Now that I've explained how Sire's Hollow was founded, we can start to explore all the possible friendship problems that might have developed over time."

Starlight shook her head in frustration as she explained, "I appreciate the history lesson, Dad, but I need to find the problem now. In the present."

"Aw, now, hon-bun. How are you gonna do that without all the backstory, huh?" Firelight asked sincerely yet playfully, making Starlight annoyed. He smiled a bit as he brought and wrapped old baby blanket around her head, "Oh! Of course! I know how hard it is for you to sit still and focus, soooo... would it help you pay attention to hold on to your bwankie?"

Starlight was annoyed by her father's treatment towards her. Added to the worst, Firelight brought the glass of milk and two cookies before her. This angered her to groan in frustration.

As for Sunburst, he was following Stellar Flare as she believed that she might 'help' him to solve the Friendship Problem. He doubted it very much due to her has no idea of what and how 'Solving Friendship Problem' works.

"Now, you've had a little setback." Stellar Flare said calmly and humbly, "But don't worry. I know exactly what you need to do."

"Make a plan?" Sunburst asked in annoyance.

Stellar Flare smirked proudly while showing up her long scroll, "Already got one! Step one – interview the suspects. Step two – use your talents to solve the issue. Step three – get the Princess of Friendship to send you on more missions!"

"Mom! It does not work like that!" Sunburst protested in annoyance.

Just as Sunburst and his mother arrived at the market stall; they found Ever Essence, Raspberry Latte and Minty Mocha. Stellar Flare moved and nudged her head a bit, pointing at her son. Though they're confused and uncertain, she cleared her throat out loud while pointed at her son. They got alerted before nodded understandingly.

"Thank goodness you are here!" Ever Essence acted poorly to complain and glare at both ponies, "These two ponies refuse to use my essences."

"Maybe because we don't like to cover our natural scent!" Raspberry Latte answered poorly while raising her armpit to Ever Essence, who responded to cover her muzzle.

Stellar Flare was annoyed and irritably to glare at three ponies, making them annoyed and frustrated to play along.

Minty Mocha poorly acted back, "And she refuses to buy our books."

Ever Essence, Raspberry Latte and Minty Mocha poorly acted and responded, "Surely this is a friendship problem."

Stellar Flare smiled uneasily at her son. Sunburst groaned in annoyance as he scolded her, "Ugh! It needs to be a real friendship problem! You can't just make one up!"

Sunburst turned and walked away from his mother. Stellar Flare was annoyed to turn and glare at three ponies, "This is what happens when we don't rehearse! Ugh!"

After finding out Starkiller at the Sire's Hollow town; Bella, Ocellus and Kindy left the bookstore and went after him. As they were following the Ultimate Warrior, they can't help but wonder of what his mission is and what is he going after. Eventually, they have already left the town's outskirt.

Starkiller was now looking around the forest, searching for specific item. Bella, Kindy and Ocellus were hiding behind the bushes, keeping their eyes out on him. They noticed something off about him. He is now wearing some demonically yet metallic skull armor-like and even the mask. He even made some unusually beastly growl and breathing heavily.

"Starkiller…" Belle said in concern, "What's he doing here?"

Ocellus gulped in fear, "Whatever it is, I don't like it. Not one bit."

"Do any of you noticed something amiss about him?" Kindy asked in fear. Looking at Starkiller's appearance, he quivered while gulped in fear, "I'd never seen him wearing an armor that is so scary."

"Yeah…" Bella said in disbelief and concern, "In fact, I don't remember him wearing it before."

"You don't suppose that he was badly injured during one of his missions," Ocellus asked in concern.

Bella hummed thoughtfully, "Not very sure. My brother never told me anything including his missions and his everyday ruling the Mystic Realm, even though I wanted to help him out."

"Really?" Ocellus asked in shock and disbelief, "What kind of brother is he? He's such a jerk."

Bella yelped and waved in concern, "What! No! He wasn't like that, Ocellus! He's a very nice and strong brother I ever had. In fact, the only brother I ever had."

"Oh… Your mother and father were killed during the Human War. I forgot about that."

"Oh no, Ocellus. I don't have parents when I was a little girl. And plus, Nezha adopted me to be his family after his parents died.

"Oh." Ocellus said in surprise with the blink of her eyes, "That's kind weird to adopt you. I mean he was an adult. Shouldn't he adopt you as his daughter?"

Bella shrugged, "I have no idea. To be honest, not everyone ever understands what's really going on in my brother's mind. I do know one thing about him. He's very brave, strong, noble and also very caring brother I ever had."

"Caring brother? I have hard time to believe it…" Kindy said in concern while carefully looking at Starkiller, who was approaching to the farm. He hummed, "Does anyone what this place is again?"

Ocellus hummed thoughtfully and calmly, "If I remember correctly, this place belongs to the Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow." Both Bella and Kindy looked at her. She explained, "I read 'The Facts and Fictions Documentary Book'. This farm used to belong to the peaceful and humble family. They've work on farming peacefully for years until the bandits came and destroyed them for not paying them. However, one of the farmers survived and slaughtered the bandits at once. And then next thing you know, he disappeared. But his legend lives on as anyone with bad intention dared to enter his land shall be haunted and slaughtered by the vengeful spirit. Hence, he was called 'Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow'."

"And you think the legend is real?" Bella asked sarcastically.

Ocellus shrugged a bit, "Well, it has to be."

Kindy hissed in fear and concern, "I think we're about to find out!"

The students looked up and found Dark Mystic Troopers and Chimera Berserkers emerged out from their hidings. They all aimed their blasters and blades at Starkiller, who remained firm and calm yet breathing heavily and darkly as he was armed with his Twin Crimson Lightsabers.

"That does not look good…" Bella commented in shock and concern.

"No! That's the worst!" Ocellus said in concern as she spotted Amon emerged out from the farm house. She gasped, "The mask… The appearance… It's him! The Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow!"

Bella gulped in fear, "No way…"

"Ultimate Warrior of Dusk… What an honor to see you here…" Amon said humbly yet amusingly. Starkiller growled a bit. He hummed, "That is unusual looks of yours. I didn't expect you to wear the mask."

"Must… Find… It…" Starkiller growled softly.

Amon hummed, "The Soul Gem? Is that why you're here?" Starkiller snarled a bit. He continued, "Don't be surprised. Hiring our Demon Changeling is foolish. Your leaders should know that. But better yet, they don't care as long as they get what they want, right?"

"Hand it… To me…" Starkiller demanded dryly.

"I will tell you this, Warrior. I don't have it," Amon said firmly and calmly, "But you wouldn't believe a word of a Revolunist."

"All I see is Terrorist…" Starkiller said darkly and angrily. He armed himself while glaring at Amon, "Are you ready to die?"

"Go and try." Amon said humbly and calmly, "I guarantee you that you will not survive and win this."

Starkiller growled a bit before howled out loud, prompted the Dark Mystic Soldiers and Chimera Berserkers to charge and attack him. The Ultimate Warrior retaliated and strike back against them. He swiftly yet firmly blocked and deflected both blades and blasts before swung and struck down his blades at them.

And at the same time, he also fought and battled against Amon, who firmly evaded the attacks while punching and kicking back at him. This annoyed and angered Starkiller to go mad and fought back. Both of them fought and battled against each other fiercely and determinedly.

"This is so not good…" Kindy said in fear, "We need to tell Starlight and Sunburst now!"

Ocellus nodded fearfully, "No argument here!"

Bella groaned, "Can't we just-?!"

"NO!" Ocellus and Kindy shouted angrily and annoyingly.

Bella pleaded and begged to stay and watch the fight but both her friends just dragged and pulled her away from the fight. They're returning to Sire's Hollow as fast as they can.

"Starlight? Sweetie?" Firelight called out while looking around at the town square, "I found a really old town bylaw that nopony agrees on. Apparently, we're not supposed to prance or canter after dinnertime. Could that be the problem? Silly-filly?"

As Firelight was headed off to another section, Starlight sighed in relief as she was hiding behind the water fountain. Just as she was about to leave, she found Sunburst was quivering moving back quickly like he was hiding.

"What are you doing?" Starlight asked in surprise, alerting Sunburst a bit.

Sunburst sighed, "Hiding from my mother. She started making up friendship problems for me to solve."

Starlight scoffed in frustration, "My dad won't even let me talk to anypony, in case they're 'strangers'. I'm a grown mare!"

Sunburst sighed, "We're never going to find the friendship problem with them around, let alone solve it."

"Counselor Starlight! Mr. Sunburst!" The voice called out, alerting and scaring Starlight and Sunburst off.

Both Starlight and Sunburst turned back and found three students were running towards them. They both gestured their shaking hands and shushed quietly, begging them not to call them, not wanting their parents to find them. Unfortunately, it was too late for them as the parents are behind them now. The students have just arrived at the scene.

"There you are!" Firelight and Stellar Flare exclaimed happily.

Starlight and Sunburst yelped in fear, "Oh no!"

As the parents dragged out their children from their hideouts, Firelight continued reading his book and explaining about his theory to Starlight, "...And then, I thought the best way to look for a friendship problem in the present was to look back in our town history even farther!"

"Dad!" Starlight angrily exclaimed with groan.

Stellar Flare spoke with her son, "Now, I know you don't want me to make up a problem, but what if I start one?"

"That's not how this—!" Sunburst was interrupted by Stellar Flare's hoof.

"I mean, nopony ever became a success by following all the rules, right?" Stellar Flare asked amusingly, angering Sunburst. She turned to Firelight, "How are things on your end?"

Firelight smiled, "Couldn't be better! New leads and such!"

"Guys...?" Starlight called impatiently.

Stellar Flare smiled happily, "We really are providing excellent assistance, aren't we?"

"Guys!" Sunburst called in frustration.

"I dare say our children should be grateful for our help." Firelight exclaimed happily.

Their arrogance and ignorance have tested their patient for the last time, Starlight and Sunburst shouted angrily and annoyingly, "Guys! We don't want your help!"

To their shock, the disbelieved Firelight and Stellar Flare turned and looked at their children. Both Starlight and Sunburst are very angry and annoyed, making three students uneasy and worried.

Bella blinked in shock, "Wow. Family Drama."

Ocellus hissed in concern, "This might not end well..."

"I'm sorry. You don't want our help?" Stellar Flare asked in disbelief.

Firelight chuckled uneasily, "That's... That's ridiculous! What reason could you possibly have for that?"

Starlight snapped angrily at Firelight, "Because you're driving us crazy!"

"Oh, really? And just how am I driving you crazy?" Stellar Flare demanded.

Sunburst snapped angrily while showing all the plans his mother has made, "By always coming up with plans! I don't need a plan! I mean, maybe I do, but it'll be mine, not yours!"

Hurt and disheartened by her son, Stellar Flare choked up sadly, "Well... I'm sorry for trying to help!"

Stellar Flare then cried out loud while running off sadly. Firelight can't help but feel sad and worried for her. He then spotted his daughter approaching him.

"And you're not any better!" Starlight snapped angrily, "I'm not a filly! I'm a grown pony with a job to do, and I'll do it on my own!"

Firelight looked down in shame, "Well. I'll let you get to it then."

"Counsellor Starlight! You can't talk to him like that!" Ocellus exclaimed in concern.

Bella nodded angrily, "Yeah! He's your dad! So, what if he's not the best dad, at least, he's not Amon doing lots of bad things like you did!"

"Bella!" Ocellus and Kindy exclaimed in panicked tone.

Firelight was stunned by Bella's statement. He asked, "What did she mean 'doing lots of bad things like you did'? What did you do? Has that masked lunatic done something to do with you?"

Starlight gulped in fear, "Dad, I was hoping that you didn't hear this. But I'd better show you of what happened." She summoned her holographic displays of her past sins for her father to look. He was in deep shock and disbelief. She quickly answered fearfully, "But now I've changed, and I've proven myself to be a better pony. I'm proud of what I am, and I want you to be proud of me."

Instead of his usual friendly and happy smiles, Firelight was very angry and disappointed as he glared at his daughter.

"Proud?! Proud?! I can't be proud of my daughter for not only ignoring my concerns and warnings, but also chose the lunatic masked pony over me! And you think he's a better father and teacher than me! You know what actually hurts me the most?!" Firelight exclaimed angrily, scaring Starlight, Sunburst and the students. He continued with tears of hurt and anger, "I have to disowned her since she doesn't think of me as a good father. And I wouldn't want my family legacy to be made of mockery and ruined by you! So, I hope you're happy of being disowned by me!"

Firelight cried tearfully as he ran off. Ocellus and Kindy gave the glare at Bella, who smiled uneasily and sheepishly about her mistakes. Though she was relieved that her father finally backed off from interfering her work, Starlight was upset and sad that she has humiliated and hurt him for choosing Amon over him more than he done to her.

"Starlight, I am very sorry," Sunburst apologized while comforted Starlight.

Starlight sighed, "If only I have spent more time with my dad, then none of this wouldn't happen."

"I don't think it would make any different especially how we talk to them," Sunburst said in concern.

"Sorry to ruin your sad family ending! But we're got more important things to deal with!" Bella screamed in concern, "We got Starkiller and Amon here at Sire's Hollow!"

"WHAT?!" Starlight and Sunburst asked in disbelief and shocked.

Kindy and Ocellus nodded fearfully, "It's true."

"Guess we have to amend with our parents later," Starlight said firmly and determinedly, "Time to find out what those two troublemakers up to."

Sunburst gulped, "Do we need to? I'm not a good fighter! And I don't have a weapon or a tank to fight back!"

Starlight smiled, "Sunburst, just leave the fighting to me and the students."

"Is that a good idea?" Sunburst asked in concern.

"You'd be surprise," Starlight remarked sarcastically.

Arriving to her destination, Starlight marched and entered the abandoned farm house's lobby. She looked up and found Amon, whose face is revealed, standing on top of staircase.

"Impressive. You've defeated the units…" Amon commented calmly, "So, how's your reunion with your daddy?"

"Sour…" Starlight remarked dryly with her narrowed angry eyes, "Never thought I would see you here again."

"Neither do I. We both know what we're about to do."

"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry."

"For this?" Amon asked curiously, assuming his apprentice referring to the fight he and Starlight were about to engage.

"No. I'm sorry that you have to come here, despite it was your home. And I know this was where your real life ends badly." Starlight said sympathetically, "It's where you become Amon for equality revolution, Bender Ethan Quality."

Amon narrowed his angry eyes, "I no longer go by that name, daughter."

Angered by Amon's calling, Starlight answered dryly, "I am not your daughter either. I am the daughter of Firelight!" She sighed sadly with tears, "I regret for all the things I've done before especially to my own dad. I want to make amends so badly with him. To tell him that no matter what, he will always be my father in my heart. I just want him to be proud of me that I'm a grown mare."

Though touched, Amon spoke firmly and sternly as he placed his mask on the statue, "If you amended with your father, then you will face and defeat me! Claim that mask as the proof that you truly love your father. Show me that you truly are grown mare. Prove me, my apprentice."

Starlight narrowed her determined eyes, "Bring it, Master! No worries, no magic. Just a fair fight."

"Good. That's all I need to hear, my dear," Amon said humbly.

Amon and Starlight firmly positioned themselves in fighting position, preparing to face and defeat the opponent. They both charged in as they engaged a fierce duel with each other. Both of them swiftly and firmly swung and struck punches at each other for couple of times, as well as blocked and deflected the attacks. Starlight struck her punch at Amon, who blocked it before kicked her off. He then struck couple of punches on her, injuring and bruising her a lot. He then kicked her off. As he approached and prepared to finish her off, she thrust her horn to injure and scar his face before kicked him off. She then swung a punch on his guts before struck two to three punches before gave a swift kick on his face.

Amon and Starlight continued battling with each other. Sunburst, Ocellus, Bella and Kindy managed to sneak inside. Sunburst climbed down the basement. Three students headed off to the west hallway.

Ocellus, Bella and Kindy were walking across the west hallway, searching for Starkliller. Thanks to her shapeshifting ability, the Changeling managed to trick the Dark Mystic Ponies by talking and distracting them, allowing Bella and Kindy swiftly to knock them out at once. They have arrived at the library, where they found two more soldiers were guarding the entrance.

Just before Ocellus could do anything, Bella charged in as she swiftly and firmly killed them slit through their throat, killing them out.

Ocellus groaned, "Really? Would it be better if we just knock them out instead?"

"Ocellus, we're at war against these guys. If you show mercy, then you'd be dead. No matter what, beat and kill them. That's how the war works." Bella answered dryly, "Believe me. My brother and I have fought them for a long time."

Ocellus wasn't convinced and distasted it. Kindy approached and patted her back, "I'm afraid Bella's right. The Dark Mystic Ponies will use chaos and destruction, kill anyone and destroy anything to create new order and world. They have no kindness and sympathy to anyone but power and control. When that time comes, you have to be ready."

"And don't worry, I'm not gonna let my first best friend to get killed," Bella said firmly.

"I'm your first best friend?!" Ocellus asked in surprise, "Really?"

Bella nodded of confirmation, "Yeah. Never had friends in my life other than my brother, trainers and officers. Plus, who's gonna help me with my training, creating some cartoons and give a big hell of lectures about studying?"

Ocellus giggled playfully, "Sure, why not? Appreciate it very much."

"Can we focus here?" Kindy asked while pointed at the door, "I rather not stay here too long."

The girls nodded in agreement. The students opened the door at once. They found the defeated yet badly injured and wounded Starkiller was chained to the ground. And to their shock and fear, they're looking at his true face – heavily scarred and marks of crimson on his two burning eyes. He roared angrily and painfully.

"By the Dragon's Scale! What happened to his face?!" Kindy asked in fear and anxiety.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Ocellus asked in fear and concern.

Bella gulped, "No. But he's the only one, who can help us now."

Starkiller growled a bit, "B-Bella…"

"Yeah, it's me," Bella confirmed firmly while approaching to the cage, "We need your help now."

After managed to pass by Amon and Starlight duel, Sunburst climbed down the stairs, leading him to the basement. He has arrived and entered Guildenstern's laboratory, which shocked and disgusted him to see some horrifying plans, researches and experiments.

"Oh my! I don't know what is worst? Facing my mom's wrath or dealing with sickening ghoul's works?" Sunburst said in disgust with groan. He then approached to the drawer, where he found the blueprint involved with the Elements of Harmony, ancient darker Dark Stones and the vial of blood. He hummed thoughtfully, "What in the name of Equestria is this? What is mad scientist planning with the Elements?"

"I'm afraid I can't let you know!" the sinister voice answered with a chuckle. Sunburst gulped in fear for hearing it. He slowly turned his head and found Guilnderstern. The mad scientist smiled gleefully, "Hello there…"

Completely paled and shocked, Sunburst screamed and panicked in fear. Guildenstern tried to grab him but he swiftly grabbed and thrown blueprints on his face. He ran off at once. The ghoulish scientist still went after him.

"Now I know why Starlight scared of you!" Sunburst screamed, "Hell! I even afraid of you! You're the worst!"

"That's nothing new, boy!" Guildenstern mocked. The Ghoul Acolytes appeared and surrounded Sunburst at every corner, preventing him to escape. He chuckled gleefully, "It appears that you're surrounded. There is no escape, little boy. Now, I can finally experiment on my little pet's boyfriend. Time to see what make you tick."

Sunburst gulped while quivered in fear, "I don't think you want to see what I made of! After all, I'm too soft for your science experiment!"

Guildenstern smirked, "That's what makes you interesting…"

Just as he raised his staff up high and prepared to attack Sunburst, he got blasted by Death Beam. The Ghoul Acolytes looked back from the stairs, where they found the attackers. The students were attacking and defeating the Ghoul Acolytes. Kindy unleashed his Wind Storm to blow the ghouls away, allowing Bella firmly and swiftly defeated them via using her Mantis's Blade Strikes. Ocellus helped and saved Sunburst while moving him away from the fight.

Just as Sunburst and Ocellus were making their way out, Guildenstern appeared in front of them. Just before he could unleash his demonic powers on them, Starkiller kicked him before unleashing powerful Thunderstorm Strikes on the mad scientist to fall down the stairs. And at the same time, he also attacked on both ghouls and laboratory. This shocked and alerted Guildenstern.

As the mad scientist panicked and tried to save his works especially Elements of Harmony project, Guildenstern screamed angrily, "Imbecile! You ruined my work!" He turned and snarled at his enemies, "You will pay for this, maggots! Mark my words!"

Starkiller roared angrily as he jumped and struck his punch straight at Guildenstern, who phased through him. He landed a powerful punch against the wall. Guildenstern raised and slammed his Soulless Death Staff to the ground, unleashing smokescreen. This blinded almost everyone at once.

As soon as the smokescreen dispersed, both Guildenstern and his Ghoul Acolytes have disappeared, along with their science projects. This shocked and worried Sunburst and the students.

"Where the hell they go to?" Bella asked in shock.

"Escaped. Not to mention, Guildenstern took the projects too," Sunburst said in concern while staring at the drawer, "Why would Dark Mystic Ponies be interested in the Elements of Harmony? Were they tried to replicate and recreate the Dark Rainbow Powers?"

"Didn't the Dark Lord try that before?" Ocellus asked in confusion.

"Yeah, he did during Third Mystic War. He was defeated by Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force's Rainbow Powers," Sunburst nodded in confirmation. He sighed in concern, "But when I looked at the plans, I don't think it involved of Dark Rainbow Powers again. It must be something else."

"What is it?" Ocellus asked in fear.

"I don't know. But I have the feeling that it could be the worst thing we're about to face," Sunburst admitted in concern. He then looked around of his surroundings. He asked, "Where's Starkiller?"

Kindy shrugged while pointed at the wall with a hole in it, "Don't know. He was there a second ago!"

Sunburst approached to the wall for inspection. He looked at the hole closely, hoping to find some answers in it.

"Whatever it was, he got it," Sunburst said in concern, "I have the feeling he's here for Soul Gem again."

"What is Soul Gem, Mr. Sunburst?" Ocellus asked.

"I have no idea." Sunburst admitted in concern before hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe Starlight's father might know something about it."

"Counselor Starlight! We've forgot about her!" Kindy exclaimed in concern.

Starlight and Amon continued fighting with each other determinedly and relentlessly. They both launched couple of punches and rapid kicks on each other but they blocked and deflected the attacks as fast as they can. She jumped up while swiping the kick on his head. He moved back before grabbed and swung her around of his surroundings before thrown her off against the door. He approached her slowly and firmly. She pounced and tried to land some punches on him but he blocked and deflected the attacks swiftly and calmly. And at the same time, he firmly punched her face thrice, hitting on limbs for six times and then kicked her straight against the stair.

Amon approached to Starlight calmly. She struggled to get up and face him again. She screamed angrily as she charged and attacked Amon. Instead, he kicked her back to the stairs. He held his hoof on her to the ground.

"How disappointed. I was expecting more from you," Amon said dryly, "So, how can you ever face Firelight now?"

Starlight snarled a bit, "Shut up!"

"No matter how hard you tried, Firelight would never be proud of you. He would never be happy for you. To him, you are nothing but a little hopeless and spoiled girl. That is why you abandoned him and chose me."

"Shut up!"

"Starlight… I truly pity you the most. What kind of father is he if he cannot support or even believed in his own daughter to do what she can? He can't even accept who she is and let her be happy with hers."

"Shut up!"

"I am truly relieved that he disowned you, so it proved me that he doesn't have what it takes to be a good father. Unlike me, I made you who you are. I am the father you truly wanted the most. A better father than he can never become."

Though angered and furious by Amon's insult, Starlight remained calm and thought of what he has said. She knew he was right about her and her father, but she missed something else. She slowly and firmly got up to face him again.

"Maybe you're right. I've always thought of you as a father. More than Firelight." Starlight admitted firmly with tears. She sighed firmly, "But he is still my father by blood while you're just my mentor. I chose not to talk with him because I couldn't stand with him embarrassing me. But it was my fault as well, I should have talked with him and tell him how I felt. And maybe, he and I would been closer. I love him very much, just as he loved me too! You can never take that place, Amon."

Amon narrowed his firm eyes, "Show me how much you love your father! Prove to me!"

Starlight and Amon charged towards at each other again. Just as they began punching and kicking at each other, she swiftly and calmly dodged and evaded the attacks by him. Just he launched a punch on her, she managed to block and grab his before kicked him hard. She approached towards him. Just as he swung couple of punches, she blocked and deflected the attacks before punched back for couple of times. Both of them continued punching and kicking at each other for few rounds.

Just as they launched punches on each other's, they swiftly moved back for the moment. Armed with their punch, they screamed out loud as they charged and landed on each other's. Starlight dodged the attack before punched on his face, which thrown Amon straight at the staircase. Sunburst and the students have just arrived at the scene. They were shocked and surprised by it. They also commented happily to her.

As Amon slowly got up from the ground, Starlight and her group armed themselves for the next fight. Instead of continuing the fight, he grabbed and thrown the mask at her. Everyone's surprise by Amon's gesture.

"Well done, daughter," Amon mocked as he summoned Dark Mystic Portal. While slowly and calmly entered the portal, he spoke calmly, "Now show this to your true father. Let him know that we're not together again…"

The portal disappeared at once. Starlight and her group sighed in relief that the fight.

"Well, good news is that we've taken care of the bad guys," Bella commented.

Ocellus sighed, "Bad news is that they've got away."

"More bad news is that we have to smooth things over with our parents on top of finding and solving a friendship problem." Starlight said in shame and guilty while looking at Amon's mask, "I doubt my dad would forgive me after I've shown him the memory…"

Sunburst groaned, "Don't remind me…"

Kindy hummed thoughtfully, "Have you guys actually that the friendship problem is your relationship with your parents?"

"Gimme a break, Kindy," Bella grumbled, "How can parents be 'friendship problem'?"

Ocellus gave some thoughts, "Actually, he's right. From what I've learned from Silverstream and adventures Headmare Twilight and her friends been through, friendship problem is not necessary 'friendship' but rather the ponies and their relationship with each other and the world. So therefore, the problem has been Counselor Starlight, Mr. Sunburst and their parents from the start."

"Seriously?!" Bella asked in disbelief.

Starlight and Sunburst looked shocked and disbelieved of what they just heard. They facepalmed and facefaulted to the ground. They both groaned angrily and annoyingly as they couldn't believe that they didn't realize about it from the start.

Back at Starlight's Old Home; Firelight, hurt and sad, was wiping off his theories from the chalkboard, with his daughter's old blanket. Starlight has returned and found her father in the library. She was accompanied by Kindy.

"Dad?" Starlight Glimmer called, surprising her father,

Refused to face his daughter, Firelight greeted in hurt yet dry and angry tone, "Hello, Ms. Glimmer. How is your friendship problem search going?" He whimpered a bit, "I only ask as an interested observer, since I know you are an adult who's capable of doing things without help from anypony else especially the jealous and useless father like me. I'm sure Amon helped you out."

"Actually, it's she kicked Amon's flank," Kindy corrected.

Firelight was surprised as he turned and looked at Starlight. She approached to him while showing her mentor's mask, "Yeah. He sort of advise me to kick his ass to prove that I really love you more than him."

"Huh… I did not expect that. I thought he was gonna adopted you to be his daughter and become 'Equalizer' for 'saving the world'." Firelight commented in surprise, "For once in my lifetime, I'm glad he gave a better advice to you. So, does that solve your friendship problem? Stellar and I weren't really helpful after all."

"Well, we haven't actually solved it." Starlight disagreed. She looked at her father sincerely. She pleaded, "And I don't think we can. Not without you."

Firelight was surprised by Starlight's gesture and asking. He couldn't help but smiled warmly that his daughter has finally asked him to help her problem.

Stellar Flare was at the Perfume Stall. While writing down on her notepad, she then tested one of the perfumes on herself. She yelped before coughed in disgust over the scent she has smelled.

"Pungent. Ugh." Stellar Flare coughed. She then found Sunburst, Ocellus in her Earth Pony form and Bella approached to her. She asked dryly and annoyingly, "Oh. Did you come by to be driven crazy by more of your mother's plans?"

"No, I came to apologize." Sunburst answered calmly.

Stellar Flare huffed in upset tone, "Well, it's going to take more than an apology to make up for telling me you don't want my help finding your friendship problem."

Sunburst smirked as he answered, "Oh, I'm not sorry for that. The students already figured out what the problem is."

"This is a terrible apology." Stellar Flare commented in disbelief.

"Well, you did start the mess," Bella commented, prompted Ocellus to nudge on her elbow.

Ocellus cleared her throat and explained, "What Mr. Sunburst and Bella meant is that we know the problem, but it requires some important assistance, Mrs. Flare."

Sunburst nodded in agreement, "Well, if you come with us and help fix it, I'll give you a better one."

Stellar Flare was touched and relieved that Sunburst has finally asked for her help. And hopefully, she doesn't want to mess it up again.

Starlight, Sunburst and their students brought their parents out to town square. They can begin the discussion about the friendship problem.

Starlight smiled and explained, "Usually, Twilight or one of our other friends gets called to a place with a friendship problem to fix."

"Thanks to our students," Sunburst said calmly while pointed at the students, "Starlight and I realized we came here to fix a friendship problem we already had."

Starlight approached to Firelight, "I'm sorry I've been avoiding coming home, Dad. And not to mention, I chose Amon over you. But you can't keep treating me like a foal."

"I'm sorry, sugarbun." Firelight apologized humbly but stopped realized of his mistake as he found Starlight was annoyed. He sighed in embarrassed tone, "I just know how hard things were for you when you left home. And of course, I'm worried that you might go into a wrong crowd like that lunatic masked pony. I guess I wanted you to feel safe, like... when you were young."

Touched and understand her father's concerns, Starlight said calmly, "Dad, I know I've made some mistakes, and I'll probably make a bunch more. But I learn from them. I think that's what growing up is."

"I guess you're right. I have to learn to treat you as a grown mare, not a little girl. And of course, doing my best to give you advice you need," Firelight said humbly and calmly as he gave his daughter a warm hug, "Starlight, forget what I've said about disowning you. I'm proud to call you, my daughter."

Starlight smiled as she hugged her father back, "Thanks, dad. I'll always love you too."

Sunburst apologized humbly to Stellar Flare, "I'm sorry I never told you how much your plans bothered me, and I know you just want me to succeed. But I need to do that on my own."

Stellar Flare sighed as she sadly looked at her son, "I remember how lost you were when you flunked out of magic school. I thought as long as you had a plan, you'd never feel that way again."

"You don't have to worry, Mom. I need to find my own way." Sunburst said humbly and calmly as he hugged his mother, "And I definitely don't feel lost anymore because I have my own girlfriend."

Stellar Flare sighed, "Hopefully you and her have good life."

As the parents and children were having tender moment of hugging each other, they then soon find out their cutie marks were glowing brightly. Starlight and Sunburst smiled proudly and happily as they have solved the friendship problems. The students awed happily to see it.

"I loved happy endings!" Ocellus said tearfully and happily. Just as she blew her nose, she accidentally transformed back into her true form. The ponies gasped in shock and surprise of what they saw. She blushed in red while waved, "Uh, hi!"

Firelight and Stellar Flare looked at Starlight and Sunburst as both of them laughed uneasily and nervously about it. They have some explanation to do.

Starlight and her group made their way to the train station, accompanied by Stellar Flare and Firelight. They explained about Ocellus being a good Changeling, which both parents have warmed up to her.

"The glowing cutie mark is such a symbol of accomplishment." Stellar Flare commented, "I don't suppose there's a way for you to get it to glow all the time."

Sunburst chuckled a bit, "Pretty sure it doesn't work that way."

Starlight nodded in agreement, "Not unless we solved a friendship problem every few seconds, and I kinda hope this one will be it for a while."

Firelight hummed thoughtfully, "You know, it seems to me your map is saying we're not just your parents. Heh. We're your friends, too."

"Told ya!" Kindy and Ocellus exclaimed happily.

Starlight giggled a bit, "I guess so."

"So if I promise to treat you less like a little filly and more like a friend, will you visit more?" Firelight asked hopefully.

"Absolutely." Starlight answered happily as she hugged her father.

"And if you start to drive me crazy again," Sunburst threatened playfully at his mother, "I'll tell you instead of never coming home."

"That's lovely of you to say, dear." Stellar Flare nodded in understanding. She hummed thoughtfully, "But you know, I can always visit you."

"Stellar, you're a genius!" Firelight exclaimed happily, "How do you feel about a road trip?"

Stellar Flare smiled as she held couple of scrolls out, "I might have a few plans for that."

Starlight and Sunburst looked shock and concern before facefaulted to the ground hard. The students giggled playfully about them.

"Say, Kindy, how did you know it was their parents being Friendship Problem?" Ocellus asked in surprise.

"Because I have the same problem with my family too," Kindy admitted shamefully yet upset tone, surprising his friends. He continued, "I'm never gotten along well with my father. And not to mention, I'm jealous of my brother and cousins. I'll never be good as them."

Ocellus and Bella were in shock and surprise. They couldn't believe in their own ears and eyes. They approached and gave Kindy a comfort hug, making him surprise yet relieved.

"To us, Kindy, you're a good friend," Ocellus said humbly.

Bella nodded, "If you need anything, you call us to be there and help you out. It's what friends do."

Touched by his friends' words, Kindy sighed as he gave his friends comfort hug, "Thank you, guys. Thank you very much."

"We're friends, duh," Bella commented.

Ocellus nodded, "Indeed, we are."

Starkiller has managed to escape and returned to Golden Jade Palace. Inside the throne chamber, he bowed humbly to the ground as he presented the greenish-colored Soul Gem of Azulong before his master. Nezha, sitting down on his throne chair, smiled proudly yet calmly, along with Death Tactic. They both are pleased with the results.

"Well done, Starkiller. Four down, nine more to go…" Nezha said in pleasant tone.

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Ian Hanlin: Sunburst

Devyn Delton: Ocellus

Steve Staley: Kindy Dragoon

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Minor Casts:

Trish Pattendon: Stellar Flare

Adam Greydon Reid: Firelight

Jinjara Mitchell: Ever Essence

Dolores Drake: Raspberry Latter

Jennifer Copping: Minty Mocha

Sam Wither: Starkiller

Michael Fassbender: Amon Blood Statham

Neil Ross: Guildenstern

Cameo:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Episode 10: The Zebra Shaman

After finding out that they've been send to Zebrat – home of the zebras and Zecora as well; Lance and Shiroi are now seeking out the Zebra Shaman for her assistance and guidance for their Friendship Mission. They're now travelling through the Everfree Forest's Dark Woods.

"Can you believe it, Lance?" Shiroi asked excitedly and happily, "Me? Being summoned by Cutie Map to solve Friendship Problem? Who would have thought that this would happen?"

Lance laughed amusingly, "Well, no one for sure, Shiroi. I'm just glad that we're on this together."

"Yeah. I'm happy for it. But do you really think that Cutie Map chose the right pony? I mean I'm not exactly a normal unicorn."

"Hey, just because you got Demon Magic doesn't mean you're a monster. Besides, you helped us a lot. So, the Cutie Map thinks you're the right pony for this job. Just like others too."

"You really think so?" Shiroi asked hopefully.

Lance gave a confident smile and wink at her, "I'm sure, Shiroi. No worries. You've got me to keep you safe. Plus, we're still on date."

Shiroi giggled a bit, "Yeah, not how we planned. Let's find Zecora and ask for her help."

Lance saluted playfully, "Aye, aye, commander."

After walking through the dark woods, Lance and Shiroi have arrived at the Shaman Hut. They knocked the door gently. They then heard the Zebra Shaman called them to come in. They did. They found the shaman was busy mixing and stirring the potion within the cauldron.

"Hey, Zecora/Good Morning, Zecora," Lance and Shiroi greeted in unison.

Zecora smiled as she rhymed to greet her friends, "Why, hello to you, my friends. How may I be humble to assist you now?"

"Well, we're hoping that you can help us for our Friendship Problem." Lance said casually.

"Oh? I am surprised that you seek my advice for your Friendship Problem." Zecora rhymed in surprise tone, "Normally, your stepmother and her friends never require my assistance and advice before."

Shiroi nodded understandingly, "Well, let's just the place we're going need your expertise."

"I see…" Zecora nodded in understanding, "So, where is this place that Cutie Map has sent you both to?"

Lance smiled, "Yeah. We're going to Zebrat from Farasi. Your old home! Get it?"

"Going to where?!" Zecora shouted in shock and disbelief, scaring Lance and Shiroi. She groaned angrily as she unintentionally kicked and thrown off her cauldron, "Absolutely not! I shall not return to that place! Never again!"

Zecora then looked at her cauldron. She groaned in frustration. While searching some potions from the shelf, she muttered and grumbled angrily about Zebrat. Lance and Shiroi were in shock and surprise by the shaman's reaction.

"Uh… Did I miss something?" Lance asked in confusion.

Shiroi shrugged, "No idea. But we can't leave without her. She knows her home better than us. Plus, we don't know any zebra friends at Zebrat."

"Yeah," Lance nodded in agreement. He and his girlfriend approached to Zecora. He spoke, "Come on, Zecora. We really need your help for this Friendship Problem."

"I've given my answer. Do not make me repeat this in anger," Zecora rhymed angrily yet firmly. After gathering the potions and ingredients, she approached to her cauldron, beginning to put them in. She continued, "I will not go with you to return to my homeland, even if it is your first Friendship Problem to solve."

"Zecora, please." Shiroi insisted, "From what Twilight and her friends have told us, you were always there to help them out with the problems they faced. You'd never let them down."

Lance nodded in agreement, "Look, Zecora, I don't know what happened or why you never want to go home. But we seriously need your help now. We need you to guide us there."

"Zebrat was your home and you know it better than us." Shiroi pleaded, "Please help us. We promised not to ask your what's your problem with homeland."

After hearing and looking at Lance and Shiroi, Zecora gave some thoughts before sighed, "Very well. I shall help you, my friends. Do not question of my past. It is something I do not like to talk about."

Lance and Shiroi nodded, "Sure."

"When do we leave?" Zecora asked calmly.

"Now," Lance answered casually.

Lance, Shiroi and Zecora have packed some necessary items for their trip to Zebrat, Farasi. They quickly boarded on the cruise ship before it sailed off to the homeland of zebras. Unknown to them, they were being followed by five figures, who seemed to be interesting with the Friendship Problem. Still hiding from them, they also distant away from them as these five mysterious figures do not want to get into trouble with Lance and his team.

The travelling took Lance and his friends three days to reach and arrive at Zebrat, Farasi. They are now on at the cruiser's edge. They're now looking at the metropolitan modern city with unique and different kind of designs and style, surrounded and covered by tropical forest and small residential huts. Both Lance and Shiroi awed in amazement while looking at the new place.

Wow... This is very beautiful. You have an amazing home, Zecora." Shiroi complimented warmly.

Lance nodded in agreement, "Yeah. It doesn't seem so bad, though I thought your home would be old and traditional kind."

"Lance!" Shiroi scolded Lance while nudging her boyfriend's shoulder.

Zecora sighed while shaking her head. She was looking at her former homeland, "There is a lot of things you have yet to understand me. I have my own reason to leave this place..."

After hearing Zebra Shaman's lament, Shiroi and Lance couldn't help but feel pity and concern for her.

Shiroi hummed in concern, "She has a lot of issues about this place."

"I know what you mean, Shiroi." Lance agreed. He then gave some thoughts about Friendship Problem and Zecora. He continued, "But I have the feeling that she and her home are the Friendship Problem."

Suddenly, Lance detected someone's contacting him via Mental Link. He then responded to the call now.

"Yeah?" Lance called curiously.

"Lance, it's your dad. Hope I haven't interrupted your mission." Shadow Dragon's voice responded.

"Nope. We just arrived. So, what's up? You need anything?"

"Yeah. I was hoping that you've spotted them." Shadow Dragon's asked in concern that surprise Lance. He continued, "We just found out that eight students went missing. Starlight and Sunburst found three on their side. Did you see the rest of them?"

Just before Lance could answer, he and his friends heard a loud thudded noise. They all turned and looked behind as they spotted some movement behind the crates and barrels.

"I might have the idea. I'll take care of them," Lance said firmly and calmly. He and his friends approached to the crates and barrels. He crossed his hooves as he spoke dryly, "You guys can come out now. We know you five are there."

As Lance has expected, five students emerged out from the hiding spots – Heatwave and Sandbar inside the barrels, Aero was hiding behind the tallest crate, Gallus emerged out from vent pipe and Arcee came out from the crate. They all stood before Lance and his friends.

Gallus chuckled nervously, "Surprise?"

"You wanna explain of why you guys are here, and not in class?" Lance asked dryly.

"Don't worry, young Lance, I've got explanation about this mess," Heatwave said calmly. He then pointed his hoof at Sandbar, "It was Sandbar's idea, not mine! I just followed him!"

"W-What?! Hey! That is so not true!" Sandbar asked angrily.

Gallus nodded angrily, "Yeah! It was your idea, not Sandbar! You told us to follow you because you couldn't stand with Professor Pinkie and Professor Laxtinct!"

"And not to mention, you and Bella said we should follow Silverstream's and Arcee's example to follow our teachers to see some serious action and Friendship Problem to solve too!" Aero snapped angrily, making Heatwave nervous and scared. He growled, "The nerve of you putting the blame on others, instead of yourself. And you call yourself 'honest pony'…"

Heatwave chuckled uneasily, "Gimme a break, guys!"

Arcee scoffed while crossed her claws, "Well, that is true. You guys agreed to follow them while I don't!"

Shiroi scoffed, "Well, you're the one to talk, Arcee. How do you explain of why you're here since you already seen the action and how to solve the Friendship Problem?"

Arcee sighed in annoyance while glaring at the boys, "I was trying to stop the boys from following you. Unfortunately, by the time I caught up with them on the cruise ship, it already set for sail."

"Just admit, Arcee. You like adventures and action too," Heatwave playfully teased the pink Mystic Hippogriff while poking on her shoulder, "After all, this is way better than the studies."

POW! Arcee whacked on Heatwave's head, knocking him unconscious and have swirling eyes. This scared the rest of the boys while hugging and holding each other, fearing her wrath now. Lance, Shiroi and Zecora have sweatdrop of what they just saw.

"Don't talk something stupid, Heatwave!" Arcee snapped angrily. She groaned, "I'm trying to get you guys to stay out of troubles! Honestly!"

"Sorry…" Heatwave apologized fearfully.

Sandbar chuckled amusingly, "You should know better than to tease and annoy Arcee."

Aero nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Arcee's very serious with her duty and studies."

Lance, Shiroi and Zecora sighed in annoyance about the students' argument and antics.

"So, now what?" Shiroi asked in concern, "We can't just send them back. It might cost some bits and time too."

"Well now, we might as well bring them along." Zecora suggested calmly, "You might never know when the trouble comes or bless to have them here to help us to solve the current problem."

Lance hummed thoughtfully, "Good point…" He then looked at the students, "You guys can come along, but no funny business. The last thing we need is getting into troubles. I'm looking at you, Heatwave."

Everyone looked and glared at Heatwave. He groaned while crossed his hooves, "Hey! I never cause troubles, but it always finds us, you know." He scoffed while glanced at Lance, "Besides, I'm your uncle and older than you. So, I should be the one to say that to you, not the other way around, kid."

"Well, maybe so, but the way you behaved now sure acts like you're younger than me, 'Unc'. So, that makes me older than you," Lance remarked teasingly, annoying Heatwave and making others laughed as well. He smirked, "Besides, my grandfather Lord Azure told me to keep an eye on you and make sure you stayed out of trouble. He also asked me to treat you like a kid and student, not give you any favor."

Heatwave gave the annoyance looks while his friends laughed amusingly at him. Gallus remarked with a sly smirk, "Ooh… Burn, Heatwave."

Sandbar snickered, "Yeah. Looks like your uncle doesn't want to give you some good treatment."

"Shut up," Heatwave grumbled in annoyance.

"Anyway, we should get going," Shiroi said calmly, "Friendship Problem won't solved by itself."

Zecora nodded in agreement, "Indeed. And hopefully that we don't stay here too long."

"Right," Lance nodded in agreement. He turned and looked at Arcee, "Arcee, watch over them. You're in-charge."

Arcee looked nervous and uncertain about her being 'in-charge', "I don't know, Lance. I'm not the right Mystic for this job."

"Well, better than giving the job to Heatwave and Sandbar if those two won't work this out," Lance gave his reason, which annoyed two students to exclaimed 'hey' to him. He continued, "Plus, Aero and Gallus will help you out if you feel stress or need help. Being in-charge doesn't mean you have to do everything by yourself, you know."

Gallus nodded in agreement, "Yeah. You can count on me, Arcee. I won't let anything bad happen to you."

Aero nodded firmly while armed with Lances of Justice, "Indeed. I shall protect you from harm."

Arcee sighed in annoyance, "Oh brother…"

As the cruise ship arrived at the harbor's dock; Lance, his friends and five students climbed down the ramp and headed off to the capital city of Farasi – Zebrat.

Lance and his team continued walking across the huts-like designed town while looking around of their surroundings. They were shocked and surprised to find out the Zebrat doesn't just harbor zebras but other creatures such as strange ponies with two horns on the nose and a group of water-like ponies. Some of them were marketing and selling food, drinks, accessories and gifts from small and large market stalls. Others show up their talents and skills such as arts, pottery, poetic, storytelling and many more entertainment and activities.

"Wow… I didn't know there were more other creatures in Zebra Land," Sandbar commented in surprise.

Gallus scoffed, "Nah. I already know what they are." This prompted Arcee to nudge on him by shoulder. He grunted a bit while rubbing it, "What gives?"

Arcee scolded, "Don't try to act 'know it all', Gallus. Just say that you don't know, otherwise, you get yourself into trouble again."

Gallus groaned a bit, "Fine, fine. Whatever."

Aero hummed curiously while looking at rhino-like ponies, "If Rak was here with him, he'd be surprise and curious to know more about them. I've always thought that China Unicorns have that kind of curved horns except they have two."

"Not to mention, they've got some watery-like ponies. Some kind of Seaponies?" Heatwave asked amusingly.

"No. I don't think so," Arcee disagreed. She turned and looked at Zecora, "So, what exactly are they, Zecora?"

"Those unicorns with two horns? They're called 'Abadas'. Though they possess magic powers, they are not unicorns," Zecora explained while looking at couple of Abadas using magic for pottery and art works. She turned and looked at watery-like ponies, who were singing harmonically and calmy on the stage before the audience. She smiled, "Those are Kelpies. The sea-like ponies, who has the magic and power to control and use water and singing. And of course, they're capable of shape-shifting as well."

Aero groaned, "I'd better stay away from those watery ponies. Last thing I want is my fire goes off…"

"Really? Shape shifting?" Sandbar asked in surprise. He whistled, "Wish Ocellus should have come with us for this field trip. She would be happy to hang around with this kind of guys."

"Ooh. Asking her for a date, aren't ya, Sandbar?" Heatwave teasingly asked.

Sandbar blushed in red on his face. Gallus nodded playfully, "Yeah. No surprise that she's very pretty for him to hang around with. You liked her very much."

"S-Shut up!" Sandbar grumbled in annoyance.

"As my brother's research said, 'denying the fact and feelings means you really like her a lot'," Aero joked.

Sandbar scoffed, "Oh yeah! From what I've heard, your brother got crazy crush on Yona, despite they're different creatures."

"That's ridiculous!" Aero snapped in annoyance, "Dragons and Yaks don't get along well especially when it comes from different countries."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that. Rak and Yona sitting on the tree!" Heatwave singing teasingly, causing Aero to strangle and choked on him. He yelled in pain, "Uncle! Uncle! Uncle! Uncle!"

Aero snarled angrily, "Wanna say that again, your obnoxious brat?!"

"Okay, that's enough, both of you!" Arcee snapped while trying to separate Aero from strangling Heatwave.

Lance and his friends sighed in annoyance with the students fighting among themselves. They then looked around of their surroundings to see if there were any more problems. So far, everything seems to be peaceful and quiet, and no tension from anyone else.

Zecora hummed curiously, "I do not sense any troubles on my former homeland. Are you certain that Cutie Map send you here for Friendship Problem?"

"I'm sure, Zecora," Lance said firmly and calmly, "We just haven't come across to it yet."

"Speaking haven't come across, do you somepony we can meet and ask for help and assistance?" Shiroi asked.

Just before Zecora could answer, she bumped onto some ponies very hard. She fell to the ground hard.

"Hey, watch it!" The cocky voice exclaimed in annoyance.

Zecora groaned in pain while recovering, "My apology, dear sir. I should have watch where am I-!"

Zecora gasped upon looking at two zebras – one was a pale zebra with curvy stripes and black mohawk with pink and white streaks and another was a darker colored zebra with greenish stripes and brownish curvy mane and tail worn crimson jumpsuit with blackish skirt, greenish sleeves, and yellowish ancient crown-like. They also gasped in surprise as well.

"Marini? Zanda?" Zecora asked in shock.

Zanda giggled playfully as she helped Zecora up, "Hello, little Zecora!"

"It is you…" Marini said in surprise yet relief. She dashed and hugged Zecora warmly and happily. She sighed with tears, "I have missed you so much, my dear sister! Ol' Sunshine Flank, how are you doing?! I have not heard from you since the day you journey to Equestria!"

Though surprised yet relieved to hear Marini still care, Zecora sighed in shame before pushing her aside, "Been busy. Hoping not to be reminded by the past."

Marini looked surprised and confused by Zecora's statement, "Zecora?"

Zanda laughed out loud, "Of course, worried that I've bested you?"

Zecora groaned in annoyance while glaring at Zanda, "Nonsense. That's not the reason!"

Marini giggled a bit as she patted Zecora's back, "Indeed nonsense, my dear Zecora! Why would you think of that? I wasn't bother about it for a long time. I've forgotten about it."

Zecora hummed and gave a bit of scowl, "But I have not…"

After carefully looking at how Zecora reacted and reason towards her 'friends'; Lance, Shiroi and five students gave the bland looks while looking at each other.

"Definitely Zecora has friendship problem." Lance, Shiroi and five students said in unison yet softly.

"So, what are we waiting for?!" Gallus asked impatiently, "Let's solve it!"

Aero smirked as he gave a high-five on Gallus's back, "Indeed. Let us do it!"

Just before Gallus and Aero could do anything, Shiroi quickly blast her magic, halting and preventing them going on.

"Don't do something stupid, guys!" Shiroi commanded firmly.

"Uh, why not? Just tell her and solve it," Heatwave remarked calmly.

Arcee groaned as she whacked Heatwave's head, "That's not how it works, dumbass! You have to understand why she has this problem in the first place before you solve it. You charge in and tell them like this. They'll blow the fuse at your face. Don't do something stupid again!"

Lance sighed and nodded in agreement, "She's right. For now, we need to know more Zecora's past and problems with her friends."

"How are we gonna do that?" Gallus asked.

Deactivating her magic on halting Gallus and Aero, who just fell to the ground, Shiroi smiled and explained, "We get to know more about Zecora's old friends, and then learn of what's going on." She then lowered down before two of them as she gave them her scary angry looks, "And also, don't try to jump the gun."

Lance nodded, "Trust me. Don't push the wrong button." He approached to Zecora, "Hey, Zecora, who are these friends of yours?"

Zecora sighed as she approached to Lance and his friends, "My old classmates from old school days - Marini and Zanda."

Zanda scoffed proudly and arrogantly as she held Zecora close to her, "Yeah right! I was more than just classmate. I was her rival – the better and smarter than you, Zeco. And also, got good looking than you. I'm always good at using shaman magic and potion making than you."

Zecora groaned in annoyance, "I forgot to mention that she is very annoying too for me to bear. Such annoyance is something I cannot tolerate for ruining my focus on my work."

Marini laughed a bit, "I see you're still rhyming, even though our favorite shaman teacher told you that is not necessary."

"Really?!" Everyone asked in surprise.

Zecora sighed, "In ancient times, shamans always speak in rhymes and riddles because they represent themselves as wise and humble wizards-like and also possessed knowledge and wisdom to guide and help the locals and ponies to their problem. Both my mentor and ancient textbooks inspired me to do so. I wish to respect that tradition, even if it's unnecessary."

"Which I kept telling it's unnecessary. Just be yourself, not someone else," Marini said playfully while patted Zecora's back. She laughed a bit. She noticed ponies looked at her. She cleared her throat, "Where are my manners? My name is Marini. As my dear sister Zecora has said, I was her classmate but also her close and best friend. We used to work together as a team for using and creating tons of magic potions and medicine."

"That is until you decide not to continue," Zecora grumbled a bit.

Marini sighed, "I'm sorry, Zecora. I could never keep up with you. You're too good. So, I look for new job. Guess who's the mayor of Zebrat?"

Everyone but Zanda gasped in shock and disbelief, "You?!"

"Y-You're what?!" Zecora asked in disbelief and shocked.

Marini nodded while showing her mayor's badge, "It is true. I became the Mayor of Zebrat, five years ago. And believe me, it was difficult at first but I managed to handle both administration and situation especially fighting against the Storm Kingdom and monsters. Better than shaman."

"You don't say…" Zecora commented dryly.

"Anyway, what brings you here, my dear friends? I don't suppose it's a social visit or diplomat?" Marini asked amusingly.

"Maybe they're trying to attack Prince Abraxas," Zanda said teasingly.

Marini whacked Zanda's hoof, "Zanda!"

"Who's Prince Abraxas?" Gallus asked confusingly.

Sandbar nodded, "Yeah. Why do I get the feeling that he's a royalty or something?"

"He is. Prince Abraxas is one of four princes at Farasi. He is wise, strong and brave ruler we ever had. And, he also possessed the ancient power of Black Panther – an ancient deity that served as protector and guardian to watch over and guard our land for generations," Marini explained, "I'm surprise that Zecora never told you anything."

Zecora was a bit embarrassed and uneasy. Shiroi spoke calmly to protect Zecora's reason, "Well, Zecora has been very busy for providing the medication and potions for Ponyville since her arrival. I don't think she has the time to tell us about her homeland."

"I see… That's Zecora," Marini said teasingly and calmly, "Always know what ingredients and potions for everypony's health. Thoughtful and noble she is."

Lance cleared his throat, "We were sent here to solve Friendship Problem."

"Really? What kind of Friendship Problem is?" Zanda asked curiously.

Despite knowing Zecora has Friendship Problem, Shiroi lied, "We're not sure yet. But we hope that Prince Abraxas can help us."

"Of course, he can. In fact, we're heading to the palace to meet him for discussion about Zebrat's condition," Marini said calmly, "No doubt that he would be happy to see you, Zecora. He also missed you."

Zecora sighed, "I supposed it wouldn't hurt to visit him. I have not seen him since I left for Ponyville."

Marini smiled as she patted Zecora, "That's my sunshine flank."

Zecora groaned, "Please stop calling me that."

"Why? It was your favorite nickname, kiddo," Zanda joked playfully, "And you like it."

"No, I don't!" Zecora snapped in annoyance.

Marini chuckled while separating Zecora from attacking Zanda, "Okay, okay, okay, calm down now, Zecora. No need to get fuss up with Zanda. Besides, you have more important matters to attend to such as visiting Prince Abraxas for assistance with Friendship Problem. Plus, our old friends would be happy to see you."

Zecora calmed down a bit before saying, "Fine. Let us go."

Marini and Zanda headed off while leading Lance and his team to the Black Panther Palace, where Prince Abraxas resides. And at the same time, Lance and Shiroi were staying close to Zecora, who was annoyed and irritated from the last conversation with her friends, looking at them suspiciously.

"You already know the Friendship Problem, did you not?" Zecora asked with a sigh.

Shiroi giggled uneasily, "What makes you say that?"

"Your expression told me the truth when you deceived Marini and Zanda about the Friendship Problem," Zecora answered dryly, "And I'm well aware that I have a Friendship Problem with my friends."

Lance and Shiroi were surprised. He asked, "You knew it?! When? Why didn't you tell us?!"

"Since you mentioned 'Zebrat'," Zecora answered dryly, stoking Lance and Shiroi. She continued, "I supposed you wished to know why I'm having problems with them."

"Pretty obvious, isn't it?" Heatwave asked amusingly.

Sandbar scoffed, "Yeah. No thanks to your big mouth."

Heatwave groaned as he jumped and tackled Sandbar, who fought back against him. Both of them have a brief fighting with each other for the moment, prompting Gallus and Aero to grab and hold them tight from fighting. Lance, Shiroi, Arcee and even Zecora sighed in annoyance about it.

Shiroi sighed while looking at Zecora, "We could have asked you. But from my experience, not everyone's willing to talk about it because of the incident."

Zecora was surprised. Lance nodded, "Yeah. No worries. If you feel like talking about it, you know who to talk to. We'll help and solve the problem."

Still surprised by their statement, Zecora sighed before smiled in relief, "Thank you, my friends. I appreciate it very much."

Lance and his friends continued following Marini and Zanda as they're heading straight to Black Panther Palace now.

A few minutes have passed, Lance and his team have arrived at the large golden ancient African Palace-like with couple of Black Panther statue stood on the pillar including the largest one with fierce and strong looks. With the Zebrat Elite Warriors' guidance, they led their guests straight to the throne chamber.

Just as Lance and his friends entered the throne chamber, they found Prince Abraxas – a large and muscular zebra male with blazing yellowish and blackish mane-like and tail worn blackish armor and yellowish sarong-like was speaking and chatting with his ministers over the situation.

After listening to his minister, Prince Abraxas nodded firmly, "Understood, Professor Cactus Rose." He turned to brownish Abada with grayish-golden patches on hooves and mane and three colorful streaks – red, blue and yellow, who worn blackish armor. He continued, "Dust Devil, you and your squad must protect the village since they have suffered drought. Capture and punish those bandits and demons."

Dust Devil saluted proudly, "Will be done, sir! You with me, Crystal?"

A crystallized and icy form of blue Kelpie with dark purplish mane called Crystal wearing her Elite Warrior Armor groaned, "Boring as always." This prompted Dust Devil to nudge on her shoulder. She grunted, "Quit it, will ya! I'm just saying!"

Dust Devil groaned, "We're saving lives, you know. Wouldn't hurt to be proud and happy for it?"

Crystal scoffed, "Whatever."

Prince Abraxas turned to both pale yellowish Abada with light blue-nature green colored patches and fluffy mane colors of mint green and cyan colored, and Dark greenish-pale cyan colored Kelpie. He asked, "How is the situation on your side, Cactus Rose and Medley Brook?"

Medley squealed happily, "You bet! I can't wait to sing and dance in front of audience, making sure they're happy customers and not get upset over drought problem! It's gonna be fun!"

"What Medley meant is that we have prepared humanitarian supplies and resources for the villages. We'll make sure that they all have them," Cactus Rose said sincerely and calmly, "And of course, I'll make sure that Medley don't go overboard."

"Hey!" Medley Brook exclaimed, feeling offended.

"Good. That is indeed some good news," Prince Abraxas said in relief. He sighed, "Let us hope that Farasi recovered from the droughts and bandits. The last thing I want is unexpected troubles coming to us again."

Zebrat Elite Warrior cleared his throat, "Your highness, we brought Mayor Marini, Lady Zanda and the guests here. They wish to speak with you."

Prince Abraxas looked up and to see his guests. To his surprise and please, he found Zecora among the guests. Dust Devil, Cactus Rose, Crystal and Medley Brook were also surprised as well.

"Zecora? Is that you?!" Prince Abraxas asked hopefully. Zecora nodded and bowed before him. He smiled happily as he got off the chair. He rushed in and gave her a warm hug, "Zecora, you have returned! It is good to see you again, my dear friend. I have missed you so much!"

Zecora grunted, feeling his hugging tight, "It's good to see you too as well, your highness." Departing from hugging with the prince, she turned and looked at four creatures. She spoke, "My old friends…"

"Good to see you, deary!" Cactus Rose said happily.

"Hey," Crystal said plainly and boring tone.

Medley Brook cheered while hugging Zecora, "Welcome home!"

Dust Devil laughed heartily, "Great to have you back, kiddo!"

Her old friends jumped and hugged the Zebra Shaman happily and warmly. Zecora was surprised as she didn't expect her old friends welcomed her home warmly and happily. She hugged them back as well. Marini smiled and winked at her, making her sighed in annoyance a bit.

Heatwave whistled, "That's some welcoming committee…"

"Yeah. Shaman Zecora got some good friends," Sandbar agreed before looking at Heatwave, who looked back at him. They both huffed angrily while looking away. He continued, "Unlike somepony I know!"

Heatwave snapped in annoyance, "Look who's talking!"

Gallus groaned, "They never stopped, don't they?"

Aero sighed while nodded in annoyance, "Unlikely, Gallus. Very unlikely…"

After the hugging, Zecora departed hugging from her old friends. She returned to her own friends, who gave a bit of snickering about her being missed and greeted by her old friends. They turned and faced to Prince Abraxas.

"Now that we put it aside. Can you tell me about these new friends?" Prince Abraxas asked calmly.

Zecora nodded as she introduced them to her prince, "Lance Justicestrike – son of Shadow Dragon and late Princess Iris Crystal. Shiroi Bai – his girlfriend. And the rest are students – Heatwave, Sandbar, Gallus, Aero and Arcee – for field trip."

Lance and his friends bowed humbly before Prince Abraxas, "Your majesty."

Heatwave cleared his throat a bit, "You forgot to add 'Heatwave the nephew of my awesome uncle Azure Phoenix, Mystic Councilpony of Fire. And this-" He grabbed and held Lance close to him, "-is my first-cousin-once-removed or nephew to shorten it – Lance Justicestrike!"

Everyone groaned in annoyance especially Sandbar and Gallus facepalmed over his arrogance.

Prince Abraxas laughed, "You are a funny Pegasus, my young friend." He cleared his throat before bowed humbly, "It is an honor to have Equestria Ponies to visit my land. I am Prince T'Challa Chadwick Abraxas. Welcome to Farasi. And I also wish to thank you for allowing Zecora to live and work amongst you to show that both Equestria and Farasi can live and work together in harmony."

"We are honored, your majesty," Shiroi said humbly.

"So… What can I do for you? Surely, you didn't travel here for sightseeing and tourism," Prince Abraxas asked humbly.

Lance cleared his throat, "Yeah. We were kinda send here to solve Friendship Problem, your majesty."

Ministers chattered and muttered in surprise. Prince Abraxas asked, "Friendship Problem? What is that?"

"Some kind of mission to solve ponies or other creatures' relationship or other problems to deal with," Shiroi explained.

Zecora nodded firmly, "Yes. I have witnessed such an event before, my lord. I don't suppose there were problems here?"

Prince Abraxas hummed calmly and thoughtfully, "Not that I could think of, other than dealing with bandits or solving the land's drought, locusts and faminity. However-!"

"Your majesty! Your majesty!" An injured Zebra Elite Warrior barged into the throne room. He grunted in pain as he bowed before the Prince. He reported, "He's here! The Demon has returned!"

Everyone including Lance and his friends gasped and yelped in shock. Prince Abraxas narrowed his angry and determined eyes.

"Him again…" Prince Abraxas snarled a bit.

As soon as Lance and his friend including Prince Abraxas quickly exited out of the palace, they began to feel the entrance grounds shaking and quaking wildly and crazily. Not only that area, the whole courtyard and metropolitan Zebrat City also suffered the earthquake as well. Many zebras, abadas and kelpies screamed and panicked in fear while holding tight on trees, pillars and hiding underneath bench, tables and so on.

"W-What's going on?!" Aero asked in concern.

"Earthquake?!" Shiroi asked in concern.

Sandbar screamed, "I hate earthquake! It's the worst disaster to deal with!"

"Impossible! There shouldn't be an earthquake in this land!" Zecora exclaimed in disbelief.

"It is not an earthquake!" Marini said in disagreement, "He's here!"

"WHO?!" Lance and his team asked in concern.

BOOM! Everyone was alerted by the loud explosion. They looked up and found something has emerged and popped out from the large hole, which was located in the middle of courtyard. It landed on the ground. It revealed itself to be a familiar bull demon-like, shocking everyone. He the roared angrily and wildly at Prince Abraxas.

"QUAKE?!" Lance and Shiroi asked in shock.

"Who the what now?!" Gallus asked in fear.

Aero hissed as he armed himself with lances, "I have heard about him. He's the spawn of the Demon Lord of Earth – Dai Gui!"

Sandbar quivered in fear, "This is so not good!"

"What's wrong? Scared?!" Heatwave mocked Sandbar.

Sandbar screamed at Heatwave, "Of course, I'm scared! Who isn't afraid of big demons?!"

"Everyone! Cut the chatter! Be ready!" Arcee said firmly.

Zecora turned to Marini and asked, "Marini. What is Son of Dai Gui doing here?"

Marini sighed, "He's looking for something. We're not sure what and why. But he's very demanding with our prince for a week."

Quake snarled angrily, "Where is it?! Where is it?!"

Prince Abraxas narrowed his firm eyes and answered, "I'm afraid I do not know what you're seeking, demon! But I demand you to leave this land now!"

Still glaring at both zebra prince and his allies especially Zanda, Quake growled before roared angrily, "Never!"

Shocked and alerted by Quake's anger, Lance ordered angrily and determinedly, "Everyone, move now!"

Just as Lance summoned his Oblivion Dragon and Oathkeeper Blossom Blades while Shiroi readied her magical spells to defend the students and their friends, Prince Abraxas charged and rammed at Quake's guts, throwing him off to the garden. The attack surprise everyone else.

"D-Did he just ram Quake?!" Lance asked in shock.

Shiroi nodded in disbelief, "Yeah. I didn't expect him to pick a fight with demon!"

"Have you forgotten of what Marini has said?" Zecora asked calmly with a smile. She then looked at Prince Abraxas was fighting and battling Quake. She continued, "He possessed the ancient power of Black Panther."

Marini smiled in agreement, "Yes. He won't be easily defeated."

"Yeah. That idiot will think twice about coming here again," Zanda grumbled in anger tone while clenching her crossed arms, which alerted Heatwave and Gallus to notice about her.

Quake angrily trying to swing and slam his punches at Prince Abraxas, who firmly and swiftly dodge and evade the attacks for couple of times. And at the same time, his hooves are covered by blackish-purplish colored claws-like aura as he swung and struck them at his enemy's chest and limbs for few times. He then jumped and kicked the Bull Demon Prince by head before slamming him to the ground hard.

Quake grunted angrily and painfully as he slowly recovered and got up from the ground. He growled angrily as he used his Geokinesis Power to levitate and throw couple of large rocks at Prince Abraxas, who firmly and swiftly dodged the attacks while charging straight at him. The Bull Demon tried to slam a punch at Zebra Prince, who dodged and slide down to evade the attack before jumped and kicked him on his back. Both of them fiercely and firmly launched couple of punches at each other for few rounds. Just as Quake summoned small rock behind, Prince Abraxas tripped and fell on his back. The Bull Demon jumped and prepared to unleash Quake Crusher on him. The zebra prince concentrated his power within to unleash powerful battle cry, blowing the demon off to the entrance. He then charged in high speed as he unleashed Fury Claw Strikes, injuring and wounding the demon badly before kicked him off to the ground.

Just as Quake slowly yet weakly getting up, he found himself surrounded by the Dust Devil and Zebra Elite Warriors. Lance and his friends also armed and aimed their weapons at him.

Prince Abraxas glared at Quake, "Leave… Now…"

Quake snarled, "This is not over…"

Quake quickly dug a hole for him to enter and making the escape at once. Though they all have won the battle, Lance and his friends sighed in relief as they have survived the fight. However, Prince Abraxas grunted in pain before dropping down on his knee. Both Zecora and Marini approached and checked on him.

"Your highness, are you alright?" Zecora asked in concern.

Prince Abraxas sighed calmly while nodded firmly, "I am fine, Zecora. Just tired. Relying and using too much of Black Panther's power to fight Quake has taken toll on me."

"WHAT?! A WEEK?! You've been fighting him for a week?!" Zecora asked in shock and disbelief. She turned and glared at Marini, "Why didn't you help or fight off the demon?! He could have get killed!"

Marini groaned in frustration, "You think I don't know that?! I've spent a week to make sure Dust Devil, Crystal and the Zebra Elite Warriors are prepared to fight off the demon and defend the Prince."

Zecora scoffed angrily, "Not good enough! If that demon finds out about this, he could have killed the Prince! You should have tried harder!"

"Don't tell me what I can or can't do!" Marini snapped angrily, "I am the Mayor! My duty is to protect and secured the safety of the citizens! That is my priority!"

"So, you can just let the prince died?! Is that what you want?!"

"How dare you?!"

"I dare you because that's who you are! Always abandon on some of the most important ponies, who really needed you to be there for them especially me!"

"I'd never abandon my friends when you are the one who abandoned us because of your mistakes!"

"I'd never make mistakes!"

"Yes, you did! Stop lying!"

"Enough!" Prince Abraxas snapped angrily and firmly, shocking Zecora and Marini. He sighed, "This is not the time to argue when the Demon Prince of Earth is on the loose!"

Lance nodded firmly, "He's right. We need to deal with Quake before he caused more problems. And not to mention, we have to solve the Friendship Problem."

Shiroi approached to the Zebra Prince, "Prince Abraxas, what's exactly Quake after?"

"I am not very certain. All I know is that he was looking for portal." Prince Abraxas answered in concern.

Both Lance and Shiroi groaned in frustration. He spoke, "Shouldn't have known."

"Do you know something?" Medley Brook asked in concern.

Crystal scoffed, "Pretty sure it's lame." This prompted Cactus Rose to nudged at her elbow. She grumbled, "What?!"

"Yeah, we do," Shiroi confirmed firmly, "Quake's trying to free his father from his imprisoned Netherworld."

The Zebra Prince and his subjects gasped in shock and fear. Dust Devil exclaimed in shock and fear, "Say what?!"

"You're kidding!" Marini said in concern.

Prince Abraxas hissed in fear, "If what you said is true, then my homeland will be in grave danger. The Demon Lord of Earth must not be freed. I will not allow the monster roam freely and destroy everything they touch."

"Don't suppose that you know where to find it?" Heatwave asked hopefully.

Sandbar nodded, "Yeah. It would be easy for us to find it first before Quake gets there."

"Wow. Did not expect that," Gallus exclaimed in surprise to see both Heatwave and Sandbar agreed.

"Yeah. Never thought those two agreed on something," Aero commented in shock.

"I do not." Prince Abraxas admitted in concern, making Lance and his team to groan in disappointed. He continued, "But I heard some rumors that there's an ancient temple, somewhere deep in the jungle. The portal could be in there."

Heatwave yelped, "D-Did he said 'j-jungle'?!"

"Yup. Why? Scared?" Sandbar asked teasingly, prompting Heatwave punched him on face. He groaned, "That is it!"

As Sandbar jumped on Heatwave, both of them have fierce fighting, making everyone annoyed by their rivalry.

"So, you do know where it is?" Arcee asked.

Aero smiled, "This sounds easily than I thought."

"Sadly though, we do not have the location of ancient temple," Prince Abraxas admitted in concern, making everyone facefaulted again. He continued, "But I have faith that Zanda, Marini and Zecora can locate it."

Just before Marini and Zanda could say anything, Zecora spoke up immediately, "I shall do my best, my prince. I will locate the location of portal."

"Wow there, Zecora!" Marini protested firmly while turning Zecora to face her. She continued, "Did you not hear what the Prince has said?! He's counting on us to find it."

Zanda nodded in agreement, "Yeah, Zecora. You're not the only one with some voodoo magic tricks. We do too."

"Not good as mine! I can handle it without your help!" Zecora said firmly and determinedly.

Marini shook her head firmly, "No, Zecora. You need help! You may be good with potion, medicine and magic tricks, but you're not good at fighting. And not to mention, these children are very young and unskilled warriors as well! They can't protect themselves!"

"Uh, hate to break it to you but we can handle it," Lance said, feeling offended, "I mean I am Mystic Pony, and so are those three."

Shiroi nodded firmly, "Don't worry, Marini, we can handle it."

Marini sighed, "Even so, you do not know much of jungle like Zanda and I do. It would be best to have us help you than just go blindly and get lost."

Arcee hummed thoughtfully, "They do have the point. It would be good to have some help."

"Yeah. Plus, it's our first time here in Farasi," Aero agreed firmly.

Still annoyed and angry with her former friends, Zecora couldn't ignore the reason of having Marini and Zanda helping her. She sighed, "Fine. However, leave the magic of locating one we seek to me, or else, it would lead us to wrong path to defeat."

"Really? Another rhyme?" Zanda asked in annoyance.

Marini turned and looked at Prince Abraxas as she bowed firmly and calmly, "We shall do our best, your highness!"

Zanda smirked while holding Zecora close to her, "You can count on us!"

Zecora sighed, "Perhaps..."

Dust Devil, Cactus Rose, Crystal and Medley Brook stood firmly as the speed devil Abada spoke, "We wish to help as well!"

"No, Dust Devil, I need you and the rest to stay here," Zecora disagreed firmly.

Marini nodded understandingly of Zecora's reason, "She is right. The demon could come back and attack the prince again. I want you all stay here and protect him."

Though disappointed, they knew it's important. Cactus Rose spoke, "You can count on us, Marini and Zecora. We won't let them get harmed!"

"Oh yeah! You can count on us!" Medley Brook cheered.

Crystal groaned, "Oh joy…"

"Then, it is settled. Zecora, Marini and Zanda, you should get started soon," Prince Abraxas said firmly. He turned and looked at Lance, Shiroi and the students, "My dear friends, please watch over them especially Zecora."

"No problem, Prince Abraxas. We won't let anything bad happen to them," Lance said confidently.

Shiroi nodded, "Yeah. After all, Zecora helps us a lot."

"I know. But I also fear that she and Marini might not get along after what has happened from few years ago," Prince Abraxas said in concern, confusing Lance and his friends. He continued, "Both Zecora and Marini have been friends since they were children. But after what has happened from the Shaman Test, they drift apart."

"Any idea of what happen?" Shiroi asked.

Prince Abraxas sighed, "I'm afraid that I do not. I do wish they reconciled and work as a team. We always must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe, no matter how different we are."

Lance hummed thoughtfully, "That sounds like friendship."

Shiroi nodded in agreement, "Don't worry, your highness. We'll help them out after all this is Friendship Problem."

"Interesting…" Prince Abraxas commented in surprise, "I thought you sought me out to help you find it. I did not realize that Zecora and Marini are friendship problem."

Shiroi giggled a bit, "Well, we already figure that out. We just want to double check on our theory."

Lance smiled confidently, "Don't worry, Prince Abraxas. We'll help them out."

Prince Abraxas smiled warmly, "Thank you, my friends. I wish you all luck."

Zecora, Marini, Zanda, Lance and the rest of his team nodded firmly as they agreed to make preparation and head out to find the ancient temple and the portal to Dai Gui's imprisoned cell.

"You guys go ahead. I need to head home and get something," Zanda said calmly. She smiled calmly, "Don't worry. I'll be back."

Marini nodded firmly, "Alright. Don't take it too long."

Zanda winked happily, "Count on it, my dear friends."

Zanda headed off and returning to home now. Zecora, Marini, Lance and the rest of his were heading off to Marini's Mayor Office for preparation and making locator spell for the ancient temple's location.

Heatwave and Gallus became suspicious and weary of her since they noticed her tone and reaction towards Quake. What's exactly she up to now?

For odd reason, Zanda did not seem to be returning home as she's arriving at the middle of dark forest. She seems to be alone. She then some loud noise and shouts in the depth of forest. Suddenly, a Pan'ku Box was thrown straight on her feet. She looked up and found Quake approached towards her.

"You couldn't wait," Zanda asked dryly and annoyingly.

"How long do you think Quake must wait?! Quake has been here for a week!" Quake asked angrily and impatiently. He grabbed and clenched Pan'ku Box, despite it gave some electrical shock on him. He roared while throwing it at the tree trunk. He snarled, "How in the name of Demon Father can I find that stupid portal?! Quake hates waiting and solving puzzle!"

Zanda scoffed, "Patient, my friend, you will get it. I promised you."

Quake growled, "This better be good. Quake hates waiting."

"Trust me, it will be." Zanda said calmly. She then heard tree rustling as if something's coming towards her. She turned to her left side, where she found a large shadowy figure stood before her. She smiled, "Right on time. Give them the best hell you've got, Mabaya."

The mysterious shadowy giant creature growled a bit before giving out a loud elephant noise-like.

At Mayor Office's kitchen, both her and Zecora have gathered the necessary ingredients and potions including chip of Quake's horn and Dai Gui's banishment spell ingredient – flower. They then mix all of them together in the large cauldron. They placed the buffalo's horn into it. The cauldron exploded with greenish mist before throwing it back out. The horn is now glowing with greenish magical light as it became the magical locator spell. It took them nearly an hour to get it right.

Marini smiled, "We did it, Zecora! We finally create the locator spell!"

"Indeed, we did," Zecora said in relief. She turned and looked at Marini, "And you still think that you're not good."

"I am not, Zecora." Marini disagreed with a gentle smile, "But because of you, we managed to achieve this. Just like old times…"

"Old times?" Zecora asked dryly. She scoffed a bit, "Like what you have done to me?"

"Zecora, you must believe in me. I didn't do it. You know that."

"I thought I did, but after what witnessing your action from the past, how can I be certain that you won't repeat this again?"

"Zecora…" Marini said in hurt tone.

Zecora sighed in annoyance, "Let us go. Time is not on our side."

Picking up the glowing horn, Zecora turned and exited out of the kitchen's entrance. Marini sighed in frustration, upset with her old friend still not trusting and believing in her after what has happened in the past. Regardless of what happen, she has the mission to do and at the same time, she hoped to reconcile with her friend.

Zecora and Marini met up with Lance, Shiroi and the students at the living hall. Zanda has just arrived and returned home, bringing the bag as well.

"Looks like everyone's ready," Marini said happily and calmly.

Zecora nodded in agreement while holding the buffalo horn, "So as this one. With this locator spell, we might able to locate and get the portal in time."

Lance smiled, "Cool!"

"Before we go, there's something bothering me," Shiroi said in concern while thinking. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "If Quake's looking for his father's portal, why didn't he use the Pan'ku Box to find it in the first place?"

"Really?!" The students asked in surprise.

Arcee hummed thoughtfully, "She's right. However, Pan'ku Box doesn't actually give specific location of the portal. Mei Kai has a hard time to find it."

Lance nodded understandingly, "Then again, Nyx and her friends told me that Quake isn't very good at reading the map or using Pan'ku Box. So, we should be one step ahead of him to find and get the portal."

"Indeed, we do," Zecora agreed calmly.

"So, where is the ancient temple again?" Heatwave asked.

"In the jungle, of course," Marini answered casually, prompting Heatwave to scream in fear. She looked confuse, "What? You thought temples can be found in cities? Not necessary!"

Zecora nodded in agreement, "Indeed. This ancient temple that Prince Abraxas spoke of is very sacred and important to Farasi. It would be unwise to cut down the forest and build the city over it. Or else, we may suffer the wrath of Black Panther."

Heatwave screamed and panicked in fear and anger, "Oh, nononononono! We are NOT going through that scary jungle!"

Heatwave groaned in annoyance, "I can't believe we're going through a scary jungle!"

"Must you always complain?!" Sandbar asked in annoyance.

Gallus nodded playfully, "This is your idea of getting away from the class. Think of it as mental health break."

Aero chuckled, "Yeah. Be careful of what you wish for as they say."

Despite the objection Heatwave has made, Lance and his team dragged him out and all the way to the jungle's entrance. Zecora and Marini held their buffalo horns as they were glowing brightly when they aimed at northeast direction.

"This must be it," Zecora said firmly.

Lance nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Let find that temple first before Quake does."

"If possible, we should get the Pan'ku Box too," Shiroi suggested. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "So, we don't have to worry about the next Demon Lords' getting out of their portals. Plus, we can find a way to seal them back. They give me enough headaches."

"Good point," Lance said understandingly, "Let's move out."

"Before we go, we should be alert of something," Zanda said seriously and firmly. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "We should be careful and weary of dangerous elephant – Mabaya."

"Mabaya?" Lance, Shiroi and the students asked in confusion.

Zecora scoffed, "For Celestia's Sake, Zanda! Every zebra knows that Mabaya the Cursed Elephant is nothing but a story! A myth! A legend! It does not exist."

"Actually, it does." Marini answered in embarrassment tone. Zecora and her friends turned and looked at her in disbelief. She hissed, "Yes, it's true. Some zebras and other creatures have come across to it when they gathered some fruits and water. I've seen it once when I tried to deal with it but its looks scared me off. That was embarrassment of me."

"T-That's impossible!" Zecora said in disbelief.

"Wanna tell us what is Mabaya?" Gallus asked in annoyance.

Aero nodded in agreement, "Yeah. What's so dangerous about this 'Cursed Elephant'?"

Zecora sighed as she explained, "Mabaya was an ancient yet cursed and dangerous elephant. They said that he has been cursed, disfigured and his eyes are blinded in redness for destroying the land of Zebras and marking it as his own territories. So, he's been roaming around the jungle, finding a worthy opponent to face and end his life. However, other than that, he has been placed as guardian and protector of ancient temple we're looking for. So, if anyone dare to cross a path with him or the temple, he will hunt them down until either they or him be destroyed…"

Everyone gasped in shock and fear while looking at Marini and Zanda, who nodded firmly and fearfully about it.

Heatwave gulped, "You know what? I'm outta here!" Heatwave was grabbed and held by his own annoyed classmates He screamed, "Let me go! Let me go now!"

"We're not leaving until we find that temple and seal it off for good," Lance said determinedly.

Shiroi nodded, "And get the Pan'ku Box too."

"Let us go, then," Zecora said firmly, "Time is of the essence."

Zanda shrugged a bit with a sly smirk, "Let's hope that we don't come across Mabaya. Hate to be his dinner."

With Zecora and Marini using the buffalo horns as the compose, Lance and his team followed them from behind. Heatwave tried to escape but got caught and dragged by Gallus and Sandbar, making sure that he doesn't tried to escape during the mission.

Unknown to them, Quake has been watching the scene from the small hill. He quickly dug a hole to the underground, following after his prey.

Lance and his friends continued travelling across the depths of the jungle, following Zecora's and Marini's glowing horns, hoping to locate and get to the ancient temple before Quake reach his destination.

However, there were complication during their journey. While still following Zecora's and Marini's glowing horns, Lance and his friends noticed something off with them as it pointed different direction. It often misled them to wrong way or ran into some troubles such as dealing with wild and dangerous wild animals, rushing river, quick sand, rockslide, fell into holes and avoiding deadliest plants. Zecora and Marini often argued with each other for misdirection and problems they have caused to the team, prompting Lance and his team to calm them down from it. However, Zanda didn't seem to be bother to help out or even stop the fight, making Gallus and Heatwave suspicious of her.

But mostly Heatwave suffered the most such as he was chased by bees, tripping over a log into mud, getting stuck in quicksand, but gets pulled out thankfully, his bandana gets stolen by a monkey but got it back due to Aero chased it off, he got pinched and stung by a scorpion, chased by a lion and prickled by a porcupine. This irritated and annoyed him a lot.

Heatwave screamed, "I HATE THIS JUNGLE!"

Everyone groaned in annoyance and frustration with Heatwave's hatred over the jungle. They also can't help but agreed with him. Not because they have same mutual feeling with him, but they were mad at Zecora and Marini for leading us to wrong direction and gotten into troubles. Zanda didn't seem to be bothered about the situation.

Lance and his friends were taking break in the middle of largest tree trunk for shades and resting. They also have discussion about the problems especially if it is Zecora's Friendship Problem.

"So much for mental health break," Sandbar commented in annoyance.

Gallus groaned while crossed his claws, "Dang it. This is a total bogus especially two zebra shamans that give me a bad headache."

Marini groaned, "I am a mayor, not shaman!"

"Because you're not trying hard as always!" Zecora snapped in annoyance.

"Don't you dare tell me about 'not trying when you're the one, who do not wish for others help you!"

"Like how you abandoned me?!"

"Will you stop bringing that up?!"

"I will not!"

"Guys, stop it!" Lance shouted in annoyance, silencing Zecora and Marini. He sighed, "You both need to get your act together, not fighting each other. We need to find that temple before Quake does."

Shiroi nodded in agreement, "Lance's right. Time is wasting. We have to find it now."

Marini sighed, "You're right, my pony friends." She turned and looked at Zecora, "Zecora, if we do not work together, then our land will be in grave danger!"

Zecora snorted angrily, "How can we work together after what you have done to me?!"

"Say what?" Aero asked in confusion.

"What is she talking about?" Arcee asked in concern.

Marini sighed in frustration before speaking calmly, "Zecora, do not misunderstand me! I could never abandon you! I would never do that!"

"Yes, you did! In fact, you have ruined my life all because you couldn't stand of me being better than you!" Zecora snapped angrily and annoyingly, "You despise me being a better Shaman while you could not pass the test!"

Everyone was in shock and surprised by Zecora's reason. Zanda smiled amusingly, attracted Gallus and Heatwave's attention.

Marini growled angrily, "Don't you dare start with that again!"

"Admit it, 'sister'!" Zecora snapped angrily at Marini, "The only reason why I left is because I couldn't stand with you being jealous, upset and angry with me! All I ever want is to be a good shaman to help my people and others. And you ruined my whole life!"

Everyone gasped in deeply shocked and disbelieved by Zecora's claim. Did Marini truly ruin Zecora's life before moving out to Ponyville?

Marini groaned in anger, "I have warned you for the last time!"

"Correction, old friend…" Zecora disagreed dryly, "You were warned before!"

Zanda laughed teasingly, "This ought to be fun. Always like to see you two fighting with each other."

"Seriously?!" Sandbar, Arcee and Aero asked in disbelief.

Heatwave hummed suspiciously, "Something's off with her."

"Thinking what I'm thinking?" Gallus asked curiously yet softly.

Heatwave nodded while eating banana, "Yeah. The answer of this problem…"

Gallus nodded secretly, "Yeah. Any idea?"

"Watch and wait for the right opportunity," Heatwave said calmly, making Gallus nodded in agreement with him.

"Guys, stop it now!" Lance pleaded firmly.

Shiroi came in-between Zecora and Marini as she pleaded, "Please, let us talk this out! Let us solve this Friendship Problem now!"

Zecora glared at Marini as she declared, "There is nothing to talk about!"

"Despite what I've done for you, you will never be happy with it," Marini said angrily and dryly, "I should never have met and befriend with you. You're truly an unappreciated zebra, who can't let go of the past. It's no wonder you didn't become the shaman in the first place."

Marini's insult has offended Zecora badly, prompting her to jump and slam her to the ground hard. While rolling on the ground, both of them swung and struck punches and kicks at each other angrily and firmly for couple of times. Lance and Shiroi yelped in concern as they tried to stop and prevent the fighting.

Zanda cheered wildly and happily for them to fight. Both Heatwave and Gallus nodded firmly and seriously. They both approached to her as they began questioning her about her relationship with them.

"So, wanna tell us why you're okay with this?" Heatwave asked suspiciously.

Gallus nodded, "Shouldn't you be stopping them?"

"Why would I do that?" Zanda asked amusingly while clapping her hooves, "It's fun to watch them fight with each other. They maybe friends, they're still idiots. I couldn't stand with them so much."

"Why would you say that?" Gallus asked curiously.

Zanda scoffed, "They're very besties, worked together so well and solved any kind of problems they have. They were the Shaman Acolytes, but I wasn't because I lacked the skills and knowledge! They made me so mad and annoyed that I wanna kicked their flank or screw them out. I deserved to be the Shaman!"

"Wow. You really got issues with them," Heatwave commented in surprise yet suspiciously, "I wonder… Do you happen to do something about this?"

"Yes…" Zanda answered, making Heatwave and Gallus shock. She giggled, "Pranking them is always the best to ruin their friendship."

Gallus asked suspiciously while looking at "So, nothing bad to make them like this?"

"Nothing to do with Shaman Stuffs?" Heatwave asked curiously.

"Nope. I've got nothing to do with it. They screw up their own tests badly, not me." Zanda answered calmly. She smirked calmly, "Well, their screw ups could have done much better than this."

Heatwave and Gallus hummed suspiciously while narrowed their eyes at Zanda, who glanced back at them.

Zanda asked, "Anything else you want to know more issues with Zecora and Marini."

"Nope," Heatwave and Gallus answered immediately before headed off.

Heatwave and Gallus were behind the large tree trunk, where they found Arcee, Aero and Sandbar were looking at her.

"What are you up to now?" Arcee asked suspiciously.

Both Heatwave and Gallus shrugged innocently. Sandbar spoke firmly, "Don't play dumb. I know you guys well. You guys are definitely up to something. And it's very bad that led us into troubles."

"So, spill it," Aero said sternly while cracked up his fists, "Or else!"

Gallus groaned as he snapped softly, "Fine! Zanda cause Zecora's Friendship Problem with Marini! She screwed up with their Shaman Tests."

Everyone was in shock and disbelief. Heatwave nodded, "Trust me. The way she talks about her friends, I'd say that she really hates them a lot for being better than her in voodoo magic and potions."

"Are you sure about this?" Arcee asked in concern, "You know jumping to conclusion is not good."

Gallus nodded firmly, "Trust me, guys. It's real deal. We need to find a way to expose her."

"Not to mention, we have to tell others of what we found," Heatwave added firmly and calmly, "They need to know what really happened!"

Sandbar sighed, "Can't believe I'm saying this again. Let's do it now!"

The students approached to Lance and Shiroi, who were still trying to stop Zecora and Marini from fighting and killing each other badly.

"Guys! We need to talk now!" Heatwave called out.

Gallus nodded firmly, "Yeah. We figure out the friendship problem!"

"Kinda busy here!" Lance exclaimed in concern while dragging Zecora back.

Shiroi used her magic to levitate and pull Marini back as well, "Yeah. Got some stubborn zebras to deal with! They really got some bloody issue with each other over 'shaman stuff'."

"Yeah. We know what's caused their big problem!" Heatwave exclaimed happily.

Gallus nodded, "It's-!" He gasped in shock while pointed out to the front, "W-What is that?!"

Everyone looked at where Gallus was pointing at. They found a desaturated red colored yet decayed and deformed Heavytusk-like with large ears with some holes, crimson eyes, broken horns, and his large body exposed some of bones. It growled a bit while glaring at its enemies.

"It cannot be!" Zecora exclaimed in disbelief.

Marini hissed, "It is, Zecora. It's him! It's Mabaya!"

"Still think it's a myth?!" Zanda asked sarcastically.

Mabaya made a loud trumpet noise-like with growling, scaring Lance and his team to scream and panic.

Zecora gulped in fear, "Not a myth! Run!"

Lance and his team panicked and screamed in fear as they quickly ran off at once. Mabaya chased after them, even if it has to go and ram through the forest and destroy anything that stands in his way.

"What the hell kind of elephant is that?!" Aero asked in shock and concern.

Sandbar quivered in fear, "Dude. I don't think that's even an elephant!"

"It's not," Lance agreed firmly. He inspected the large elephant carefully. He gasped in shock, "It's a Heavytusk!"

"Heavytusk?!" The students asked in shock and confusion.

"I read it from the history textbook! It's an ancient and prehistoric elephant from Ancient Jurassic Period!" Shiroi explained in concern while looking closely at the decayed elephant. She hissed, "But something's not right with it. It doesn't look like any normal Heaytusk! It looks almost dying! What happen to it?"

Lance hissed, "I don't know! Must be one of Dr. Wong's failed cloning experiment!"

"Can we talk after we get the hell out of here!" Heatwave screamed in fear.

Lance and his team screamed and panicked while continued running through the jungle. Mabaya was still chasing after them. While they continued running down the small hill, they came across with Quake and his army of Demon Buffalo Warriors and Shadow Crabs.

"No way!" Everyone exclaimed in shock.

Zanda groaned before muttered, "Idiot!"

"Huh?! Ponies?!" Quake asked in disbelief. He roared, "Tell me where is the portal now!"

Lance grunted, "Go ask that elephant friend of yours!"

Just before Quake could ask, Lance and his friends rammed him and some of his army off. They then continued screaming and panicking in fear while running away from them. Just before Quake and his minions could react, they then heard loud trumpet noise-like. They turned to their back and found Mabaya is coming too close to them. He rammed them off hard before they dropped to the ground hard.

Quake growled angrily, "Quake hates jungle now…"

Passing through the forest, Lance and his friends have arrived at the open field, that is filled with various wild animals. Knowing that Mabaya is still following them, they continued running as fast as they can. As they expected, Mabaya has emerged out from the forest. It gave another loud trumpet noise again. This time, it scared and prompted the animals to panic and gone stampede at once. All of them including Lance and his friends are running across the large field. And at the same time, the decayed Heavytusk is now following after them now. Quake and his army have exited out of the jungle as well. His Shadow Crabs submered and transformed into shadows while Quake and his Demon Buffalo Warriors dug and submerged below the unground as they're now joining the chase as well.

Lance and his friends did their best to avoid from hitting and ramming on the panicking animals as they almost got rammed, pushed and knocked out by them. Mabaya continued charging while ramming and knocking the animals aside. Quake and his minions continued digging through the underground, scaring and frightening the animals moved aside. Whenever the Demon Prince of Earth and his minions got closed to his targets, they jumped out and tried to pounce and attack Lance and his friends. They barely dodged and evaded their claws and weapons before they retaliated and knocked their opponent aside.

Barely escaping the animal stampede and the enemies, Lance and his team entered another site of jungle. Continued following Zecora's and Marini's glowing horns, they ran through the hallway of trees and bushes. During their running, they spotted a large ancient yet ruined African-themed temple with some towers that have dome-like rooftop.

"I see it! That must be it!" Aero shouted in surprise, "We're almost there!"

Arriving to their destination, Lance and his team quickly stopped at once. They saw the old yet badly damaged bridge that leads to the ancient temple ahead.

"What are we waiting for?! Let's go now!" Gallus asked frantically and fearfully.

"Uh, hello! The bridge is the problem! Everypony knows that once you crossed the old bridge, it'll break! All of us will fall into it!" Sandbar exclaimed in concern.

"Not issue for Pegasi, though," Heatwave commented.

"Time is wasting! Keep going now!" Lance shouted firmly, "We'll have to carry and fly over there now!"

As commanded; Lance and four flying creatures carried up their friends. Lance carried Shiroi on his back. Gallus held Sandbar's hooves. Arcee held Zecora on her back. Heatwave and Aero carried Zanda and Marini.

Just as they were about to fly over the bridge, one of the arrows hit on Heatwave's wing, prompting him to drop on the ground hard. They all turned back as they found more of Demon Buffalo Warriors were firing and raining the hail of arrows upon them, forcing Lance and his team to dodge and hid behind some large rocks. Shadow Crabs were charging straight at them.

"That went well," Aero grunted in frustration and annoying.

"What now?! We can't fly now!" Heatwave complained in frustration, with his wing being shot by an arrow.

Lance grunted as he summoned his Dual Blades, "We have no choice. Arcee, Aero, you guys are with me. We're gonna hold the enemy line now. Shiroi, get others to the temple now!"

Didn't like the idea of leaving Lance behind, Shiroi also knew that he and his team are buying them time to get inside the temple and find a way to seal off the portal before Quake gets his chance. She nodded firmly, "Alright, we will. Please, stay alive."

Lance gave his confident smirk, "Don't worry, Shiroi. You can count on us. He turned and looked at Arcee and Aero. He asked, "You guys ready?"

Arcee smirked while armed with both katana and wakizashi, "I am. Don't worry about me. I can handle it. After all, I was trained by your father."

Aero chuckled a bit as he armed himself with Lance of Justice, "I've been looking forward for this fight. I am ready!"

Lance nodded, "Alright, everyone! Hold the line now!"

Lance, Arcee and Aero charged straight at the Shadow Crabs, whom they have engaged and fought against. The blue humanoid dragon proudly and determinedly charged and battled against the shadow brute warriors. Both black Pegasus and pinkish Hippogriff Warrior stayed close together to defend each other while fighting and knocking the enemy off. They're all trying to reach and stop the archers but they were blocked and held back by Shadow Crabs. And at the same time, Shiroi and her team quickly walked on the bridge while dodging and evading the hail storm of arrows.

Shiroi and her team were almost reached to the temple's entrance. Couple of arrows have hit and cut off the ropes, causing the supports on damaged bridge to break. Gallus, Sandbar, Heatwave and Zanda have barely escaped and entered the entrance. Shiroi and two zebras held on the bridge's plank as its whole thing fell and slam against the wall.

Upon seeing his girlfriend's situation, Lance gasped, "SHIROI! No!"

Lance tried to go back and help Shiroi and others but he was blocked by more of Shadow Crabs. Arcee and Aero came to his aid and fend off the enemies.

Shiroi, Zecora and Marini struggled climbing up the vertical bridge's plank, trying to reach the top. And at the same time; Sandbar, Gallus and Heatwave tried to help and reach them. However, more of arrows flew, almost struck and hit them as they all barely dodged the attacks.

Luckily, the students managed to get Shiroi and Marini up. Zecora was the last to reach. Unfortunately, more arrows have been released and almost hit on them including damaging the bridge and injuring Zecora's hips, prompting her to scream and almost lose the grip. Luckily, Marini grab on her while Shiroi tried to use her levitation magic spell on her.

"Zecora, hold on! I've got you!" Marini called.

"M-Marini…" Zecora said in surprise. Marini smiled warmly while she and Shiroi tried to get her up. Unfortunately, more of arrows have been released and almost hit them again. She hissed, "You can't keep up with this!"

Marini hissed in frustration, "Yes, we can! I'm gonna let you down again! Never! So, hold on. We almost got you up!"

Touched by Marini's trying to help her, Zecora also knew that it would be dangerous for her and the rest of friends stayed there to help her as more arrows have been released and struck on them again especially one of them hit on Shiroi's chest. Heatwave and Sandbar dragged her to safety. She sighed in frustration as she knew what she must do now.

"Marini…" Zecora said sadly, shocking her friends. She sighed, "Forgive me, sister..."

Just before anyone could do anything, Zecora grunted as she forcefully pulled out her hooves from being held on by Marini. She's now falling into the depths of abyss. Everyone was in shock of what they saw.

"ZECORA!" Marini cried in shock and tears, "Nooooooooooooo!"

Just as Lance and his team were holding out the enemy attacks, they noticed something off with them. Shadow Crabs and Buffalo Demon Warriors quickly turned and retreated at once, shocking and confusing them. They then spotted Mabaya emerged out from the jungle forest, shocking and alerting them.

The decayed yet cursed elephant made another trumpet noise-like again, scaring Lance, Arcee and Aero to flap their wings and flew off at once. They quickly returned and entered the temple's entrance, meeting up with others.

"Everyone, alright?" Lance asked. Arcee and Aero nodded firmly. Shiroi and the rest of her friends remained silent. He knew what has happening. He sighed, "Damn it, Zecora… What was she thinking?!"

Marini cried tearfully, "Zecora always think of the land more than her life. She always wants to protect and save it as the shaman. She couldn't risk our lives." She grunted as she slammed her hoof on the ground hard, "Damn it, Zecora! Damn you being fool! I told you not to do something stupid."

"Now what?" Sandbar asked in concern.

"I don't believe Zecora's dead," Lance said firmly before sighed, "I'm gonna look for her now."

"But what about Dai Gui's portal? We can't just leave it alone," Aero asked in concern and fear, "Quake could be there by now."

"Not to mention, where's Zanda too?" Arcee asked anxiously.

Heatwave and Gallus looked at each other as they suspected that she might be responsible of dealing with Quake and Mabaya.

"We're gonna find Zanda and stop Quake from getting to the portal." Shiroi answered calmly. She turned and looked at Lance, "Lance, take Gallus and Arcee with you. There might be more troubles."

Lance nodded in agreement, "Sure. You'd be careful."

Shiroi nodded firmly and determinedly, "You too as well."

Shiroi and her team turned and entered the temple, finding the portal and Zanda as well. Lance, Gallus and Arcee flew off and dived into the abyss, hoping to find and locate Zecora. During their diving, Lance turned and looked at Gallus, with his serious looks.

"Yeah, Lance?" Gallus asked uneasily.

"Gallus, tell me what you know," Lance said seriously, surprising Gallus. He continued, "I want to know what happen to Zecora and Marini's friendship problem, and also Zanda. Something tells me that she's behind it."

Gallus nodded, "She is. She's up to something. Heatwave will keep his eyes on her. She's gonna show her ugly side."

Lance sighed, "Hope so. Hopefully, they can get to the portal in time."

Shiroi and her team were walking down the hallway, following Marini as she was using her glowing horn to locate the portal. And at the same time, they're keeping their eyes out for both Zanda and Quake. So far, they haven't found any of them from halls and chambers.

While continued searching, Shiroi noticed Marini was still looking down sadly yet hurt while not focusing on where the glowing horn was pointing at. She can tell that the zebra was upset over Zecora's 'demise'. She wished that she could help her out but what can she do. She then remembered why she and Lance were send here in the place. She decided to do it for finding out the problem and also help comforting Marini.

"Marini…" Shiroi called, getting Marini's attention. She then asked, "Can I ask you? Something personal?"

Marini sighed in shame, "You want to know more about my friendship and problem with Zecora, don't you?"

"Yes. But if you don't feel like talking about it, then-!"

"No, it's okay, my dear. I need to get off my chest about it."

"Will you include of how you and Zecora have friendship problem?"

Marini nodded a bit, "Yes…"

Flashback

Few years ago, when Marini was a filly, she was playing 'catch a ball' with Zanda and her friends until a ball bounced and knocked on young Zecora, who was reading the book. She approached and greeted her, and also apologized to her about the accident.

Just as Zecora returned the ball to Marini, the latter befriended and invited her to join her group. They both became close friends while enjoyed playing games and activities, working and studying together as a team, working on their daily jobs and so on.

Marini narrated, "For as long as I can remember, I met Zecora when we were just little fillies. She's not exactly sociable and wise as you remembered, and she doesn't have friends either. So, I befriended her and also invited her to become part of my group. We became very close friends and have fun together."

During the teenage years, Zecora was hospitalized due to her suffered leukemia. The doctors struggled treating her condition. Marini, Zanda and their friends looked helpless and scared to do anything to help their friend.

Suddenly, Prince Abraxas and Rafiki – an older wise male zebra with white beard worn the shaman robe and has the blue and reddish marks on his cheeks and face while holding the ancient staff with papaya fruit tied on it. The shaman gathered the necessary ingredients to mix and mash together while chanting in Sewali Language. He succeeded creating the liquid medicine. Rafiki helped Zecora drank it.

Five days have passed, Zecora's condition has improved and become healthy now. She awakened from her sleep. She was greeted by her friends, who told her what happened. She then met Prince Abraxas and Rafiki to greet her. She was touched and happy to meet them, and also inspired to become the shaman.

"When we were teens, Zecora was hospitalized because she suffered some leukemia in her body system. The doctors did their best to find a way to cure her sickness, but only get worst. Until one day, the Zebra Shaman named Rafiki came. He used both potions and some strange magic tricks to mix and create medicine for her to use. For next five days, she has become better. The old wise zebra inspired her to become the shaman."

After meeting the shaman, Zecora has decided what to do with her career – becoming the shaman. Though her friends didn't seem to be interested of it, they supported her to do it. Zanda and Marini decided to follow and join her in the shaman class, making certain that she's not alone.

Zecora and Zanda excelled and did well with potions, medicine and so on. Marini struggled of handling with her studies, but Zecora helped and assisted her to pass them. They remained close friends.

"Zecora decided to join the shaman class for her career. Though most of my friends are not interested, Zanda and I decided to follow and join her. Zanda also want to become shaman. But for me, I only joined to support and help her. To be honest, it was very challenging and difficult for me to keep up but I enjoyed working together with Zecora on both classes and projects. But then…"

Zecora was very close to become the shaman as she must not passed her final exam, with Marini be there to assist. Following her instruction, Marini provided all the necessary ingredient for her soon-to-be-shaman friend to complete her medicine.

Zecora provided the medicine for the patient to drink it. To his shock, he screamed in pain and agony as he suffered very critically pain in his system. Everyone panicked while trying to calm him down. Rafiki managed to create another antidote for the patient to drink. He is safe from harm. However, it does not bode well for Zecora as she has failed her exam and almost killed the patient.

"Zecora's very close to become the shaman. All she needs to do is pass her final test – creating cure for leukaemia. I did not have the chance but to help and support her with everything I've got. But that is where things gone wrong when I gave Zecora a wrong ingredient. The medicine almost killed the patient if not for Rafiki to save his life. Zecora failed her exam."

Zecora and Marini have serious argument and fight about the ingredients. The rest of their friends became scared and worried while Zanda smiled amusingly. As the argument worsened, Marini slapped on Zecora's face and called her out.

However, Marini has realized of what she has done. Just before she could apologize, Zecora cried and ran off at once. Everyone couldn't help but feel pity and shame about it. On the next day, Marini and her friends went to their friend's home to apologize but found out that Zecora has already left and head to Equestria now.

Because of what happened, Marini couldn't help but cried in tears of shame and upset about losing her friends.

"It was an accident. I tried to apologize to Zecora but she blamed me for ruining her chance and career. We argued and fought with each other until I slapped her face and calling her out for being 'selfish'. I've crossed that line. And the next day, I know is that Zecora left and went to Equestria. I didn't get the chance to apologize."

Flashback Ends…

After listening to Marini's story, Shiroi and her friends feel pity and sad for her. The zebra remained silent while looking at the glowing horn, pointing on north.

"That is rough…" Sandbar commented in concern.

"I'm sorry, Marini," Shiroi apologized. She sighed, "Lance and I should have solved the friendship problem first before we go after Quake, then Zecora would have been safe."

Marini shook her head in disagreement, "I do not think so, Shiroi. It would end up like now." She sighed in defeat, "Still… I wish I could tell her how much I'm sorry and missed her so much. But now, she's gone."

Heatwave hissed, "Hey, come on, Marini! She's not dead yet. Lance and others are looking for her."

Aero nodded, "Indeed. Do not lose hope. They will find her. Once we see her again, then you'll tell her how you feel."

Though not convinced, Marini could not help but hope that Zecora would return to her safely. She gave them a comfort and calm nodded.

"Let's focus on the mission now. We can't let Quake open the portal for his father out," Shiroi said firmly. She held the glowing flower out, "Trust me. You don't wanna see his ugly face when he's angry."

Marini nodded, "Understood. Let's hope that Zecora's effort of creating the banishment spell did not waste."

"Yeah. Hopefully we can find that bitch," Heatwave said firmly.

Shiroi and her friends headed off at once, continued their search now.

As Shiroi and her team continued travelling down the hallway, they heard some shouts from the distance. As they arrived behind the entrance, they found Zanda and Quake were shouting and arguing with each other. Almost everyone couldn't believe in their own eyes of what they just saw.

"I knew it!" Heatwave snapped softly.

"I don't believe it…" Sandbar commented in shock, "She works for Quake?!"

"Zanda… How could you?" Marini asked in disbelief.

"I can bet that she's behind Zecora's friendship problem and this mess as well." Aero said dryly.

Shiroi nodded in agreement, "Yeah. That sums it up."

"Honestly, why can't you wait until I give the signal?!" Zanda asked in annoyance, "It's simple! Wait for my signal!"

Quake growled, "Quake hates waiting! Wants to finish this now!" He picked and slammed the Pan'ku Box on her, "Now finish it!"

Zanda groaned, "Of all the idiotic clients I have to work for. Makes me wish to work for Storm Kingdom."

Zanda approached to the wall painting as she held the Pan'ku Box in front of it. For the moment, the box glowed brightly before fired the beam on the wall. It then created the large portal. Dai Gui firmly and angrily marched out from it. He gave a loud roar.

Dai Gui roared proudly, "Dai Gui is free!"

"Just as I promised you." Zanda commented amusingly. Quake knocked her off to the wall. She groaned, "A little 'thank you' wouldn't hurt!"

"Shut up!" Quake snapped dryly. He then bowed humbly to the ground before his father, "Father, welcome home!"

"Yes. Home, at last! Thank you, Quake," Dai Gui said in relief. He growled at Zanda, "Who is this accursed servant pony?"

"Zebra, you moron! I am servant to no one!" Zanda snapped angrily. Dai Gui and Quake snorted a bit while shrugged. She groaned in frustration, "Like father, like son. Should have known."

"I should have known that you worked with them!" Marini snapped angrily as she stepped out from the entrance. Shiroi and her friends stood beside with her. She continued, "How long have you been working with these monsters?!"

Zanda scoffed while glaring at Marini, "Since last week when that idiot demon come and attack us. Prince Abraxas has done a lot of damages to him. Luckily, I helped patch him up."

"Why?! Why did you betray our prince and us?! What have we done to you, Zanda?!" Marini demanded angrily.

"Simple. Zanda was denied to become the shaman by Rafiki." Heatwave answered firmly, shocking his teammates and surprising Zanda. He continued, "Yeah, I did some research from Marini's home. Rafiki deemed you too irresponsible and sociopath with unquestionable ethic to create magic and dangerous potion for experimenting on Farasians."

"What?!" Everyone asked in disbelief and shock.

"H-How?! How did you figure this out?!" Zanda asked in disbelief.

"Earlier from Black Panther Palace, both you and Quake gave me and Gallus some hints." Heatwave answered firmly and calmly, surprising everyone. He explained, "Quake wasn't attacking Prince Abraxas. He was trying to get you, Zanda. He was getting impatient with you for not helping him to find and get the portal because you don't know how to create the locator spell. And best of all, you weren't just angry but happy to see him get beaten up by Prince Abraxas as a lesson for bothering her."

"Unbelievable…" Aero said in disgust.

"There's more. She's responsible of making Zecora failed her final exam, not Marini!" Heatwave added firmly, shocking Marini and the rest of his team.

"You're responsible of Zecora's Friendship Problem?!" Shiroi asked in disbelief.

Zanda groaned, knowing that there is no point to deny it, exclaimed, "Yes, I did. I did it to spite and ruin her!"

Everyone was in shock and disbelief. Sandbar grumbled at Heatwave, "How did you come up with this stuff?"

Heatwave stuck his tongue at him, "They don't call me 'Captain of the Guard' for nothing. Plus, I'm smarter than you too. Plus, I'm way cooler than you."

Sandbar groaned, "Oh, I really hate you."

Marini hissed angrily while glaring at Zanda, "Why?! Why did you sabotage Zecora's final exam?!"

Zanda growled angrily while glaring at Marini, "Something that you and none of our friends would understand me! She has stolen everything including my dream to become greatest shaman of this land! She thinks she's better than me?! I think not! No zebra could be better than me!"

"Zecora is a better shaman than you, Zanda! She will always help and save the innocents without compromising her morality or seeking the glory!" Marini snapped angrily and firmly. She then shed some tears in anger, "And you ruined her friendship and career. And now you killed my friend. I will never forgive you…"

Zanda scoffed, "I don't remember asking forgiveness, fool."

"Well, we're gonna take you down now," Shiroi said determinedly and firmly.

Shiroi and her team armed themselves for the fight against Zanda, Dai Gui and Quake. Just before they could do anything, the demonic buffalo-like father and son stomped their feet on the ground, causing the fissure towards them. It then created couple of holes for them to fall in and get trapped at once. They're all struggled to get out from there.

"Dai Gui is tired of this nonense!" Dai Gui snarled angrily. He scoffed, "Now that I'm freed, I can finally begin rebuilding my kingdom!"

Quake chuckled, "Yes, father. We shall start with revenge with the Black Panther Prince! He shall regret for delaying my effort to free you!"

"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Do whatever you want," Zanda commented as she took out couple of potions while glaring at her former friends, "I have someone to finish off first."

Marini growled, "Damn you, Zanda…"

As Zanda approached to her former friends, she was prepared to pour yellowish potion on them. Unexpectedly, something thrown straight to the ground, causing a small explosion to blow her and her allies off at once. And at the same time, Shiroi and her team got thrown out from the trapped holes. They all grunted in pain while still recovering from surprise attacks.

As Shiroi and her friends slowly got up, they then found Lance and his friends stood before. What surprise them is bruised Zecora is standing beside with her friends.

"ZECORA!" Shiroi and her team shouted in surprise.

"No!" Zanda exclaimed in disbelief.

Marini almost wanted to cry while looking at Zecora, "Y-You're alright! Thank the Black Panther!"

"Yes, I am, my friend. I have heard everything," Zecora said calmly while hugged Marini.

"You found her!" Shiroi asked in surprise.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. We found her on the shore. We managed to get her out of there."

"And of course, I told Lance and Arcee of what really happen," Gallus added, "And Heatwave solved the mystery too."

Arcee sighed, "For a wise and perverted Pegasus, he's quite smart."

Departing from hugging her, she turned and glared at Zanda. Zecora spoke firmly, "I should have known that it was you, who ruined my career and friendship! You could not stand with me being a shaman while all you ever did is keep repeating the same mistakes, same problems and same failures. You are the reason why I cannot stand with you especially turning me against my own friends!"

"Oh! Boohoo! Zecora! I don't give the crap!" Zanda exclaimed in annoyance, "All I ever want is to become the shaman. And you've stood in my way for too long!"

"Giving the same excuse as always, I see," Zecora rhymed in annoyance, "No many lessons can help and guide you to perform the righteous way. You are the disgrace not as shaman, but as zebra."

Zanda groaned, "Enough with your stupid rhyme. Let's end this!"

"Agreed!" Dai Gui and Quake roared, "Warriors, come!"

As commanded, the army of Demon Buffalo Warriors and Shadow Crabs emerged out from the shadowy portals. Dai Gui and Quake gave the loud battle cry as they all led the army and charged straight at Lance and his team, who responded and engaged the enemy head on.

Lance and Shiroi teamed up to fight off Dai Gui. The students are engaging Quake. Zecora and Marini fought Zanda. And at the same time, they also battled and fought against the army as well. Though Demon Buffalo Warriors and Shadow Crabs have proven to be strong and tough soldiers to deal with, Lance and his team managed to fight and defeat them.

Wanted the revenge on the children for imprisoning him in Netherworld, Dai Gui roared angrily as he swung and slammed his punches on Lance and Shiroi. They both dodged and evaded the attacks as quickly as they can. And at the same time, the white unicorn summoned her Barrier to block and deflect the attacks, allowing the black Pegasus to charge and swung his Dual Blades at the Demon Lord of Earth, who has thick skin to withstand and block the attacks while punching back at him. As Lance struck and clashed his Dual Blades on the buffalo-like demon, Dai Gui scoffed as he used his Geokinetic Power to levitate a large boulder to throw and ram him off. His fists are coated by rocks, he used his Earthquake Punches at the black Pegasus's face and body for couple of times. Before he could finish her, he got blasted by Shiroi's Hikari Shots. She approached and healed her boyfriend as quickly as she can. Unfortunately for them, the Demon Lord of Earth sent his minions to attack them. Both of them fought and battled against them. Still using Barrier to defend against the attacks, Shiroi fired Hikari Shots at Shadow Crabs. Lance swung and struck his Dual Blades with Falcon Wing Deflect style to block the attacks and Blazing Dragoon Strikes to fight off Demon Buffalo Warriors.

As the couples were busy deflecting the attacks, Dai Gui dug out a hole and then travelled underground. He emerged out behind them. He then stomped on the ground, causing serious quakes and making them drop to the ground. Just before they could do anything, he quickly used his Burial to trap them to the ground. Dai Gui smirked as he armed himself with Earthquake Punch while his minions armed and aimed their weapons at Lance and Shiroi.

"Finally, Dai Gui finally has his revenge!" Dai Gui declared happily, "You two first, then the little ones especially that traitorous Yue! I will devour all of them, then I will rebuild my kingdom!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but you're gonna have to wait!" Shiroi exclaimed determinedly as she unleashed Blind Light, blinding Dai Gui and his army.

"Bet on it," Lance nodded in agreement as he used Dual Blades' Dragon Cross Strike, freeing himself and his girlfriend out.

Lance and Shiroi armed themselves for the second round of the fight. Dai Gui roared in anger as he and his minions charged again. Lance used both Oblivion Dragon Blade's Night Curse Strike and Oathkeeper Blossom Blade's Dawn Blade Strike at Dai Gui, who used both his Geokinesis Powers and Earthquake Punches against him back. And at the same time, Shiroi fired her Hikari Shots at both Demon Buffalo Warriors and Shadow Crab while fighting them off.

Arcee and her team surrounded Quake, who was growling and snarling at them while preparing to strike them down. Just as Arcee and Aero charged and engaged them at once, the Demon Prince of Earth roared angrily as he summoned the Burial on them. Just before he could do anything, Heatwave fired his arrows at him, backing him off while giving Sandbar and Gallus the time to help free their friends out. As Heatwave continued firing his arrows, Quake grew annoyed and frustrated with it as he summoned the Earthen Walls for defense while slammed his left foot on the ground, creating the earthquake upon them. They all fell to the ground. He charged and attacked them at once.

Quake almost pounced on Sandbar and Gallus. Aero jumped and pushed the Demon Prince back to the ground. Both of them were rolling around and punching on each other for couple of times. And at the same time, Arcee grabbed and held Sandbar and Gallus up.

"Sandbar, Gallus, get to safety now!" Arcee ordered firmly, surprising them. She continued while armed with her katana and wakizashi, "Leave the fight to us."

Sandbar and Gallus looked concern to ask, "But-!"

"Don't argue our Senior! Get going!" Heatwave interrupted firmly. He then gave cocky smirk, "No worry, kid. We're not gonna die."

Sandbar and Gallus hissed in concern as they nodded reluctantly. They turned and headed off at once, get to their safety. Arcee and Heatwave turned and faced off Quake, who just thrown Aero off to the wall. The cocky Captain of the Guard fired his arrow, backing the enemy off while allowing the pinkish Hippogriff to engage him. Quake angrily blocked and punched against Arcee, who swiftly and quickly dodge the attacks while fighting back against him for couple of times.

Both of them were busy fighting with each other for couple of times until Demon Buffalo Prince stomp his foot, summoning small rock for the Hippogriff to trip. He was about to stomp on her if not for the cyan dragon dashed and rammed him off. Quake grunted as he managed to stand firmly and fought against Aero and Arcee, who swiftly and quickly dodge the attacks while fighting back. And at the same time, Heatwave fired his arrows on him from all directions. Unfortunately, this infuriated and annoyed him to slam his fist on the ground, unleashing earthquake to knock them off to the ground. Just before he could finish them off, he got hit by pebbles from Sandbar and Gallus. This allowed Aero to summon Thunderstorm on Quake while Arcee dashed and kicked him off. Quake fell to the ground hard.

Arcee turned and glared at Sandbar and Gallus, "Really?!"

"Sorry!" Sandbar and Gallus apologized.

"Bad guy's coming back! Besides, we could use some help now!" Aero said determinedly while looking at Quake's getting up/

Heatwave nodded, "Yeah. Try not to slow us down, Sandy."

"It's Sandbar!" Sandbar exclaimed in annoyance.

Arcee and Aero charged and attacked Quake, who fought back. And at the same time; Heatwave, Sandbar and Gallus armed and fired their arrows and pebbles at him.

Zecora and Marini are facing off Zanda, who smirked gleefully while holding the Summoner Gem.

"The Summoner Gem?!" Zecora asked in shock. She gasped, "Don't tell me-!"

Zanda smirked as she threw her Summoner Gem out. It opened and summoned Mabaya out. It shocked and scared Zecora and Marini. The ancient elephant gave the loud trumpet noise.

"Mabaya?!" Marini asked in shock, "You're its master?! How?!"

Zanda smirked cockily while patted Mabaya's back, "You bet. I've found this guy when he was drifting away from wherever he came from. He was badly hurt and almost died if not for me. He is now my faithful friend."

"But, also your arsenal and weapon. Just like how you think of shaman because you can use any kind of potions and ingredients to make weapons, instead of saving lives." Marini said in disgust, "How despicable of you, Zanda."

"I am, am I not?" Zanda asked playfully and amusingly. She then laughed out loud, "Well, then. After I'm done with you, then I'll go after the Prince and Rafiki. Those two will regret for not promoting me to be the shaman."

Zecora nodded firmly, "We will stop you, Zanda. For treason against the Farasi!"

Zanda smirked as she climbed on Mabaya's back. She declared, "Go ahead and try, my old friends." She gave the loud battle cry, "Mabaya, charge!"

Mabaya gave the loud yet scary trumpet noise, scaring and prompting both Zecora and Marini to panic and run for their lives. The Heavytusk gave chase after them both as it was trying to ram and knock them out. They both barely dodge and evade the attack. As he turned around, he unleashed the Frozen Mist on them. Zanda also threw couple of potions. They yelped as they quickly dodge and evade the attack while running away from the attacks. One of them crashed on the ground, creating vines to emerge and coil Marini. The cursed ancient elephant was about to slam his feet on her. Seeing her friend in danger, Zecora quickly turned around and then throwing couple of gray potions, which exploded into smokescreen, blinding the elephant. She quickly helped free Marini out from the vine. They quickly ran off at once.

Recovering from being blinded, Zanda found her enemies are trying to escape. She screamed angrily while nudged Mabaya to chase after them. Heavytusk tried to ram and swing his trunk at them while the sociopath shaman threw more of dangerous potions on them, but keep missing. Despite able to dodge and evade the attacks, Zecora and Marini barely dodge the attacks while getting exhausted and tired as well.

"Zecora, we can't keep up with this!" Marini exclaimed in concern.

Zecora panted, "I know. But what can we do?! Mabaya is too strong for us to fight back. All we can do is run!"

Marini groaned, "There must be something we can do like magic potion or something!"

Zecora gave some quick thoughts while looking at her bag. She hissed, "There is one way to stop her. We have to use it. Used my failed medical potion!"

Marini looked shocked and disbelief to ask, "What?! Are you crazy?! And you kept it for a long time?! Why?! To remember how much you hate me?!"

"No! To remind myself to never make the mistake again," Zecora explained in shame tone, surprising Marini. She sighed, "Marini, I should never have blamed you for what you did to me. I should have listened and believed in you because you're my best friend and closest sister I ever had. I regret for hurting you."

Marini sighed, "Oh, Zecora. I too am sorry for hurting you too. You will always be my friend. The best shaman we ever had."

Zanda groaned in disgust, "Don't you ever shut up?! It's getting on my nerve!"

"Like you ever understand!" Zecora snapped angrily. She turned and looked at Marini, "Do you trust me?"

Marini nodded firmly, "With my life, old friend." She turned and glared at Zanda, "Zanda, come and get me! Zecora isn't the only, who crushed your dream! I also did it because you're a loser!"

Zanda screamed angrily, feeling offended, "Marini, I'm gonna destroy you now!"

Zanda nudged Mabaya, which gave a loud wild yet angry trumpet noise. He turned and chased after Marini, who did her best to dodge and evade their attacks as quickly as she can. And at the same time, Zecora went to the chamber's entrance, where she quickly made a quick mixing and mashing up the potion, creating the failed leukamia cure potion.

While insulting and making fun of her former friend, Marini did her best to run as fast and swift as she can, though she's getting tired and exhausted. Zanda and Mabaya were getting very close to her while trying to take her down. At the very last moment, Zanda threw a dangerous explosive potion on the ground, exploding and knocking her to the ground. Just as she was recovering, she found Mabaya stood before her. Zanda armed with her last explosive potion.

"Bye-bye, my friend," Zanda remarked playfully with goodbye wave.

"GOODBYE TO MABAYA!" Zecora shouted determinedly.

Just before anyone could do anything, Zecora screamed out loudly as she threw couple of failed leukamia cure potions at Mabaya. The decayed Heavytusk gave the painful trumpet noise, feeling the potion's melting and burning its skin, jumped and stomped around madly and wildly. It even shook Zanda off from his back as she's unable to hold on him. And at the same time, she accidentally dropped the explosive potion on him, which ignited and engulfed the ancient elephant in blazing flames.

Zanda grunted in pain, recovering from the fall. She saw Mabaya is melting and disintegrating into ashes.

"MABAYA! Noooooooooooooo!" Zanda screamed in sad and agony. She then cried tearfully and madly, "Noooooooooooooooooo!"

Marini and Zecora approached to Zanda, who is now suffering mental breakdown while witnessing the death of her pet. They couldn't help but feel pitiful to her for being so lonely but also contain anger yet sadness of wanting to make her dream come true while distancing herself from friends.

Lance and his team have managed and succeeded defeating and killing the army of Demon Buffalo Warriors and Shadow Crabs. They cornered Quake and Dai Gui to the corner.

"Time to go back to home, demons!" Shiroi said firmly while holding the glowing flower.

"No!" Quake and Dai Gui shouted in concern and fear.

Quake snarled, "I forgot about the anti-banishment spell! We must escape now!"

Dai Gui growled, "This is not over, ponies!"

Just as Shiroi blasted her ancient banishment flower at Dai Gui and Quake, the Shadow Crabs quickly formed and summoned the portal for them to escape before getting hit. Everyone was annoyed and frustrated that they're unable to stop them in time.

"They got away…" Lance cursed angrily and annoyingly.

Shiroi patted Lance, "We'll get them another time." She turned and looked at Zecora and Marini hugging each other warmly. She smiled, "I'd say we managed to solve friendship problem."

Lance nodded firmly, "Yeah. Thanks to Heatwave and Gallus."

Heatwave and Gallus scoffed while waved cockily, making the rest of their friends annoyed and irritated with them for being cocky for their success.

Though failed to stop Dai Gui's escape, Lance and his team managed to capture and sending Zanda to asylum for her treatment when they returned to Zebrat safely. To thank Lance and his team for saving the Farasi, Prince Abraxas held the victory celebration for their heroes, which the locals were happy about it.

During nighttime, the local celebrated enjoyably and happily by dancing, singing and having fun before the guests. Lance and his team including Zecora and Marini were sitting down on guest's table, with Prince Abraxas and his other three rulers were on their royal tables. Rafiki was standing beside with him. The zebra prince nodded to his shaman, who nodded a bit. Rafiki gave the howling monkey noise, silencing the locals.

While standing up, Prince Abraxas spoke up firmly with tone of pride yet humble,

"My people, let us give thanks to these brave heroes including Mayor Marini and Zecora for not only stopping and capturing the traitor, but also saving our land falling into her hooves. So, let us celebrate for their victory and saving our land. We are grateful for them!"

The Farasian cheered and gave the round of applause. Prince Abraxas continued with his speech.

"So, in return for their heroics, the council have decided to form the alliance with Equestria to protect both ours and their land, as well as making friendship with ponies as well. Just as Zecora has done for the pony land. Should the enemy ever cross us again, we shall make a stand and fight to protect our land and friends. They shall know that Black Panther is standing beside with us and fight till the last of his breath!"

The Farasian cheered wildly and happily. Prince Abraxas turned and nodded to Rafiki. The wise Shaman humbly and firmly stood up as he made his speech, "And above else, the council and I have decided to not only promote Zecora as the new shaman, but also zebra representative and friendship ambassador for our people. Let us celebrate for her honor!"

The Farasian including Lance's Team and Marini's Team gave another cheers and applause for Zecora's promotion. Zecora was touched and amazed by this news as she blushed a bit. Her old friends jumped and hugged her happily while cheering out loud. Both Prince Abraxas and Rafiki approached to her. They're all bowed humbly before them.

"Congratulation, Shaman Zecora. You have made me proud. We're counting on you now, my dear apprentice," Rafiki said warmly.

Zecora nodded, "I will not fail you, sir."

"I know. You will never let us down. Keep up with your work, my friend," Prince Abraxas said calmly. Zecora nodded proudly and firmly. He smiled as he held his drink up. He cheered, "Farasi Forever!"

Farasian cheered, "FARASI FOREVER!"

The Farasian gave another applause and cheers as the celebration continues. Zecora and Marini turned and looked at Lance and his team.

"Thank you, friends," Zecora said warmly.

"Indeed. You have help us restore our friendship. We're in your debts," Marini thanked humbly. Lance and his friends smiled and bowed back. She then noticed something about Lance and Shiroi's flank. She asked, "Is something wrong with you?"

Lance and Shiroi looked at their flanks. To their surprise, their cutie marks were glowing brightly. They both smiled warmly and happily that they have solved the friendship problem.

"No. We're alright. We solved the friendship problem," Shiroi said calmly.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. Mission Accomplished."

Heatwave sighed, "Finally. But now it looks like Lockdown's gonna whoop our flanks when we get back."

Sandbar scoffed, "Yeah. He's really gonna kick yours."

Arcee nodded, "Or probably give you five weeks of detention."

"Oh, man." Heatwave panicked and screamed frantically, "I, uh, changed my mind! I think I'll stay here for a couple more days!"

"Oh brother…" Everyone grumbled in annoyance while listening to Heatwave's ranting about staying at Farasi and not getting in trouble with Mr. Lockdown.

END…

Review and suggest…

Main Casts:

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai

Brenda Circhlow: Zecora

Letita Wright: Marini

Mela Lee: Zanda

Kevin Michael Richardson: Quake

Jack DeSena: Heatwave

Vincent Tong: Sandbar

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Steven Burton: Aero

Minor Casts:

James Mathias III: Prince Abraxas

Frank Welker: Dai Gui, Mabaya

Forest Whitaker: Rafiki

Dove Cameron: Dust Devil

Daisy Lightfoot: Medley Brook

Linda Larkin: Cactus Rose

Melanie Minichino: Crystal

Author's Note

1) I really didn't like MLP: FIM Season 10 comic, which involved of Elements of Harmony. Originally, it was created by Tree of Harmony, but planted by The Pillars of Old Equestria. Then, suddenly, it turned out that there were more of them for everyone to use. I really hate the 'mess-up origin' because it creates too complicated and messy origins, defeating the purpose of why it was there and meant to be, unless it's different universe.

Therefore, I stand with my own origins and history of how it goes – Elements of Harmony and the Tree are created by Hikari, the Mystic Guardian of Light. While they still can be wielded by everyone with only pure goodness until the chosen ones with specific traits appeared and used the true power to fight off the greater threat.

2) This episode is an important tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who passed away on 28 August 2020. Therefore, Prince T'Challa Chadwick Abraxas is named after him and his best role in MCU, plus I added Black Panther skills and powers within him as well.

3) Zanda and Mabaya are P-for-Phantasm's OC, which was based after Princess Zanda from Avengers Assemble TV Series while the decayed Heavytusk is based on Mabaya from The Legend of Tarzan.

Episode 11: Rivals to the Core

Two weeks later after two Friendship Problems have been solved, everything has been normal and peaceful for Mystic-Equestria Alliance and their allies. There weren't any news or updates from war against the Dark Mystic Ponies, who have been unusually silenced for a while since the Battle of Canterlot.

At the School of Friendship, Rainbow was flying in high speed through the school hallway as if she's late for something important. She just arrived and entered the school lounge, where all of her friends were gathered and sat down on their seats. Lockdown stood before the podium as if he was making an announcement. She stood beside Applejack, who was sitting on the sofa.

"Did I miss the Teacher of the Month announcement?" Rainbow asked excitedly.

Applejack smiled, "You're just in time. But it's gonna be me."

Rainbow scoffed cockily, "Yeah, right. I got this one nailed."

"And the Friendship School Teacher of the Month is..." Lockdown said firmly and calmly on his podium's microphone. Both Applejack and Rainbow looked excited for it. He announced, "Fluttershy!"

Applejack groaned in disappointment while crossed her hooves, "Again?"

"Come on!" Rainbow complained.

"Oh, my! I don't know how I keep winning." Fluttershy said in surprise.

Just before she could do anything, Spike used the camera to take the picture of Fluttershy. The shy Pegasus shook her head of recovery.

"Yeah. Me, neither." Rainbow grumbled in annoyance while looking at the fireplace, where eight photo frames of her friends were placed on.

"The award is based on the students' vote. They must really like you." Twilight commented calmly as she passed the golden academic-like trophy to Fluttershy, "Congratulations, Fluttershy!"

Both Applejack and Rainbow groaned in frustration while crossed their hooves as they couldn't believe that Fluttershy won the Teacher of the Month trophies for eight months

"Okay! Listen up, ponies! Next item of business – Headmare Twilight and I have been looking into a new activity for our friendship classes." Lockdown said firmly and sternly. He picked the School of Friendship rulebook. He flipped the pages until he found where he was looking for. He read it out, "Section one-forty-seven, paragraph two states that teamwork is a key part of friendship. And section two-two-nine, paragraph nine says outdoor activity reinforces learning. Add that together, and what do you get?"

Pinkie gasped happily as she calculated, "Ooh, ooh! Okay, let me see. One-forty-seven, two-twenty-nine, carry the two... Three hundred and eighty-seven?"

"It's a school rulebook, not mathematic, Little Madeline!" Lockdown answered dryly.

Twilight giggled a bit as she answered, "A teamwork field trip. Leading it is a Teacher of the Month-type job, so I thought I'd ask-"

Applejack volunteered, "I'm your pony, Twilight! Sweet Apple Acres has taught me a thing or two about workin' together."

Rainbow pushed Applejack aside while exclaimed determinedly, "Yeah, but being a Wonderbolt's the definition of teamwork."

Applejack chuckled a bit, "I'm sure you're not sayin' fancy flyin' makes ya a better choice than me."

Rainbow laughed a bit, "I wouldn't say 'better'. Just a little more qualified. No offense."

"Maybe you can lead the field trip together." Fluttershy suggested.

Applejack and Rainbow were alerted by Fluttershy's suggestion, Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "That would be-!

"Absolutely worse idea!" Lockdown screamed out loud, scaring the whole lounge. He continued angrily, "Don't you remember what happen when you let these two worked together?!" He then held his notepad for everyone to look at, "I have the list of the big mess this duo had make!"

Just as Lockdown listed the activities and troubles that Applejack and Rainbow have done, everyone looked uneasy and worried while glancing at them. They were embarrassed and awkward about it.

Twilight sighed, "Any suggestion?"

Carefully looking at his notepad, Lockdown hummed curiously, "Interestingly. I know some ponies, who can do a better job with teamwork – Blazefist, Aquastroke and Saber Dragoon will be handling job. They're perfect example of how the teamwork works!"

"Huh?!" Everyone asked in surprise and disbelief.

"Wow. Did not expect that," Saber commented in surprise.

Aqua shrugged, "Yeah. Didn't realize we'd be a good model for teamwork."

"You've gotta kidding me?!" Applejack and Rainbow exclaimed in disbelief with groan.

"I am not," Lockdown disagreed firmly. He sighed firmly while pointed at Blazefist, "Unlike you two, these three ponies have better experience with fighting and teamwork, and also never putting civilians at risks, despite coming from different nations. Most importantly, keeping their rivalry at minimum, which you two failed to do so for couple of times. All in favor?"

Almost everyone including Blazefist, Aqua and Saber chattered and muttered in agreement with Lockdown's assessment. Both Applejack and Rainbow groaned in annoyance to heard the compliments.

"Think you can handle it, Commander?" Lockdown asked amusingly.

Blazefist saluted firmly, "Don't worry, sir. We can handle it."

Appointing Blazefist, Aqua and Saber as the field trip teachers; they including Twilight and Lockdown have organized and prepared the teamwork fieldtrip to China. Applejack and Rainbow got tagged along to learn more of teamwork from their friends, suggested by Lockdown. They requested Commander Tempest to provide them the starship cruiser for the trip, which she reluctantly yet firmly complied.

After gathering the classes including Student Seven and Rescue Warrior Club, the teachers led them boarded into Friendship Mystic Prime Cruiser as they're now setting off to China.

"Thanks for letting us board your warship, Tempest," Twilight thanked Tempest.

"It's the least I can do for saving my life and also allowing me to be commander of your forces," Tempest said calmly and warmly. She sighed, "Most of your friends and your husband don't trust me."

Twilight smiled while patted Tempest's shoulder, "Don't let it bother you. I'm sure they'll get over it and warm up to you. Besides, you deserve the second chance. You'll do it fine."

Tempest hummed in concern and uncertainty, "Perhaps…"

While setting course to destination, the students chattered happily and excitedly while talking and chatting with technicians, soldiers and pilots about their war story, space cruiser's weapons and system and so on. Grubber, Tempest's trusted second-in-command and lieutenant, baked and gave the snacks and treats for the students to eat and drink.

"Wee!" Melody cheered happily while running around the command bridge, "I'm so excited for 'field trip'! It must be something exciting and adventurous for us to enjoy. I hope I get to see some cute and cuddly animals! I can't wait for it!"

Ocellus nodded happily, "Me too! I've never been on a field trip before."

"Well, first time for everyone as they said," Bella said calmly while holding Ocellus close to her, "Hopefully, this trip wouldn't be bored as cooping up inside the castle for years."

Ocellus gasped, "T-That's terrible."

"You have no idea," Bella grumbled.

Blackwitch groaned, "I'd prefer to stay home and read my books, not bothering with this nonsense."

"Yeah, what's the point of this exactly?" Smolder asked dryly.

"Getting out of the classroom. Duh." Gallus said calmly.

"Yeah. It's good to be out of detention! I thought I'm gonna stuck in there," Heatwave exclaimed happily while stretching out his hooves, "I almost got cramps on my back."

"Indeed. I can't handle it either," Aero said firmly.

"Well, that's what you get for skipping the class for some crazy adventure," Rak reprimanded his twin brother.

Aero groaned as he gave a punch on his twin brother's chest, "Way to spoil my mood, bro!"

"I still can't believe we're going on an actual field trip." Mano said happily.

Gallus scoffed, "Well, it beats being chased by a giant elephant."

"Don't you mean 'Heavytusk'?" Sandbar corrected his friend, who shrugged off.

Bella turned and looked at Heatwave, "By the way, how's your wing, Heatwave?"

"Well, it's doing fine since Zecora fixed it with that healing potion." Heatwave said calmly while looking at his wing, which is completely healed. He continued, "Plus we ended up putting her jealous ex-friend into the nut house."

Ciel groaned while crossed her hooves, "Still, I can't believe you guys ran into an actual Heavytusk."

Yona stomped happily, "Yak best at field-tripping!"

Silverstream gasped happily as she joined in as well, "That's what we're doing?! So fun!"

"Silverstream, I told you weeks ago about what fieldtrip is. And also stop, bouncing on the ship. You're making me nausea," Arcee said sternly and strictly at Silverstream. Instead of listening, both her and Yona were still bouncing happily. She groaned, "Really?"

Sandbar chuckled a bit, "Calm down, Arcee. No need to get so serious. They're just having fun. Plus, it's their first time to board on the ship."

"Still, does anyone know what plans headmare has for this fieldtrip?" Kindy asked curiously.

Ciel shrugged a bit, "Whatever it is, I'm just happy to come back home and pay a visit to our family. I'm sure you feel the same, Kindy."

Kindy hummed in concern, "Maybe…"

As the students were chatting and playing around, Twilight and the rest of the staffs moved to the front, where they faced and looked at them. Lockdown blew his whistle out loud to get their attention.

"Quiet, every creature!" Lockdown ordered firmly, "Headmare Twilight got something to say!"

As the students quickly lined up and kept quiet, Twilight approached to the front and make announcement, "All right, class. Today you'll learn how important working together is for building a strong friendship."

"What she said!" Lockdown said firmly and sternly, "I expect you all pay attention to Blazefist, Aquastroke and Saber Dragoon. They have the experience of working together, despite they came from three kingdoms and how different their ideologies are. The best of the best!"

Applejack groaned while crossed her hooves, "We were the best."

Rainbow scoffed, "Yeah. No kidding. That's our spot."

"Be glad that I got you two here to learn of how teamwork works," Lockdown said sternly to Applejack and Rainbow, who groaned in annoyance. He continued, "We're leaving 'field trip lessons' to our experts now."

Blazefist cleared his throat, "Thank you, Mr. Lockdown. Hope you guys are ready for this teamwork. We're expecting no failures."

Aqua scoffed confidently, "No worries, guys. Just do your best and show us what you can do. I'm sure you can rock this world!"

"Yeah. And trust us, we've been through lots of tough situation, but in the end, we work as a team and overcome anything." Saber said calmly, "We're gonna show you all of what we can do."

The students awed in amazement while cheering and applauding for their teachers' inspirational speech.

Leopardos scoffed a bit, "The warriors from famous Three Kingdoms of China. This should be fun."

"I know! This is amazing!" Mano commented excitedly and amazingly, "I'm inspired and astounded by their teamwork! I'm willing to follow!"

Solflare giggled a bit, "Careful, Mano. You don't wanna get your hopes high. The last thing you want is get your heart crushed."

"And what teamwork activity do you two have planned for today?" Twilight asked curiously.

Blazefist, Aqua and Saber smiled proudly as they declared, "Shed Building! Strategy and Battle Formation! Navy Battles!"

Everyone and even the teachers themselves looked surprised and astounded by the teamwork activities choice they've made.

"Wow. Think we might end up like this?" Rainbow asked curiously.

Applejack teasingly shrugged, "Who knows?"

"No... way. We get to do three?!" Silverstream asked in surprise.

"A bit overkill, don't you think?" D. . asked in concern, "Doing too many activities would exhaust too much of everyone's energy and strength. And also, that could lead them to a long hibernation or worse."

"Don't go too much of detail, D.E.C.K." Jesuits said firmly and calmly, "Yeah. So, which activity we should do?"

Lockdown hummed in agreement, "Yeah. That's a good question."

"Well, whatever it is, I bet that's exactly what your teachers had in mind." Twilight said confidently and calmly, "Why don't you start with shed building first? After that, then we'll do with Blazefist's strategy and battle formation, and finally Aqua's Navy Battles."

Blazefist and Aqua were disappointed and annoyed. Saber smiled humbly, "I am honored, Twilight. And don't worry, I've got this."

"Well, despite how different their ideas for teamwork, I'm sure they can work it out." Twilight said, "I'll leave the assessment to Lockdown on you guys and the teamwork performance."

"You can count on me, Headmare!" Lockdown saluted proudly and firmly.

Suddenly, the control panel's alarm went off. Grubber approached to the technician, who reported to him about it. He nodded firmly. He turned and looked at Tempest, "Tempest! We're almost there now!"

Everyone turned and looked at the command bridge's windows. They all looking above the land of Republic Dragoon Nation. They all awed happily yet amazingly as they have never seen how large yet beautiful and agricultural the nation is.

While everyone is busy mesmerized by the landscape, they weren't aware of a stowaway – Song Wing, who was hiding and holding on one of the ship's turrets while looking at its direction. She was struggling to hold tight on the turret.

Song Wing groaned, "Well, that's peachy…"

Friendship Mystic Prime Cruiser descended and landed at the Dragoon Hangar Bay. Since Western China is his home, Saber acted as guide and fieldtrip teacher to lead both his friends and the rest of students straight to Dragoon Capital City. They have passed through the agricultural farmland, where most of the students awed and commented happily about how beautiful and bountiful the land is. The peasants and civilians greeted warmly to Saber, who greeted back to them. However, when they saw Kindy Dragoon, they rudely ignored or walked away from him. The greetings upset him a lot, which was noticed by Gallus, Ocellus, Bella, D.E.C.K. and Jesuit. They were disgusted of how the civilians treated Kindy.

Saber, the rest of his friends and students have arrived and entered the Dragoon Capital City, where the modern Chinese-themed city is a vast yet beautiful and cleaned place for ponies, dragons and apes to live and work together peacefully. The citizens warmly and calmly greeted Saber and his friends, though not Kindy. This frustrated and annoyed his friends.

"Some welcoming they have for you…" Gallus muttered angrily, "I thought Griffonstone is the worse, but this takes the cake."

Mano was confused to ask, "What are you talking about, Gallus? This place is beautiful and great! I mean this is the Republic Dragoon Nation – the Benevolent Land for ponies and creatures to work together."

"Then, why are they treating Kindy differently?" Gallus angrily asked Mano, who was shocked and confused. He continued, "And you're supposed to be a smart Griffon from Thunder Science Division."

"W-What did I say?" Mano asked in confusion.

"It's not you that Gallus was upset," Jesuit said firmly and sternly while glaring at civilians and soldiers coldly ignored Kindy. She continued, "It's how these ponies treated Kindy."

D.E.C.K. nodded in agreement, "Such disrespectful they are to their own prince. Why would they do that to him?"

Gallus scoffed angrily, "That's what I would like to know."

"I do," Ocellus said timidly yet worriedly. Gallus looked at her. She explained, "In ancient times, Kindy may have been the biological son of Virtue Dragon, however, he failed to live up to his father's name and legacy. They call him 'the incompetent ruler'. And the worst is that when he surrendered to spare his people's lives, they coldly insulted and blamed him for destroying the legacy of his father. It was very cruel of them to paint him the worst ruler of this kingdom."

Bella commented in annoyance, "F#$# my ass. Republic Dragoon Nation is a hypocrisy nation for believing themselves to be benevolent people, who fight for justice and peace when they housed the criminals in, and also make a big mess with Water Tiger Kingdom."

"Bella!" Ocellus scolded her.

Kindy hissed at Bella, "Don't annoy my brother."

Heard Bella's comments, Saber sternly turned and glared at her, "Young lady, I advise you not talk bad of my family. Otherwise, karma will strike you. After all, your brother is no better than my home." Bella remained firm and calm, though scared. He continued, "But you're right about one thing. What my father and Prime Minister did to Water Tiger Kingdom or civilians in the past is unforgivable and unacceptable. But this time around, we're doing the right way to create a true benevolent land. No more shady and dishonest way to achieve the goal now."

"Well, how do you explained about Kindy's being mistreated by people?" Gallus asked in annoyance while pointed at the civilians and soldiers.

Bella nodded, "Yeah. They're not treating him well like they did with you. And you call yourself 'the detective'."

Kindy hissed in concern, "Guys, please! Don't!"

"Really? They did that?" Saber asked in annoyance. Kindy shook his head but his friends nodded firmly. He sighed as he turned and glared at civilians and soldiers, "Listen up carefully! If I find out about my brother ever get mistreated or disrespected all because of his bad history life, then some of you will get a serious punishment. I prayed that it's taxes or prison, and not facing my uncle's temper. Got it?!"

Civilians and Dragoon Republic Soldiers yelped in concern as they frantically bowed and apologized to Saber for their shameful slander and insults to his brother. They then quickly went off and hid inside their own resident.

"Hypocrites… Damn it…" Saber grumbled in annoyance. He turned and looked at Kindy, "Kindy, why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I… I didn't want to trouble you. I'm sorry," Kindy said in guilt, "Plus, they're not wrong. I did destroy our father's legacy."

"No, you did not. You saved these people when you're at the limits. Only idiots, who cared about winning and destroying the enemies than realizing the weaknesses and problems to deal with."

"But still…"

"Not your fault!" Saber said firmly while holding Kindy's shoulder. He continued, "It's those selfish and corrupted politicians and military that destroy the legacy of our kingdom. But now, it's back the way it was. You've got nothing to worry about, okay?"

Though uneasy and scared, Kindy nodded, "Understood."

"Good," Saber said in relief, "Seriously, anyone tried to threaten you or disrespect you, you come to me or your friends. Then, we'll take care of this problem. Got it?"

Kindy nodded, "Yes."

Saber cleared his throat as he headed to the front while continued the tour. Though relieved and touched by his brother and friends defending him, Kindy still ashamed and upset over his past. His friends approached and checked on him.

Kindy said firmly, "You shouldn't have done that. You'll get yourselves into trouble."

Gallus scoffed, "Trouble always come after us anyway."

"Besides, we're your friends. We want to help you," Ocellus said gently, "You deserve better."

With his friends chatted in agreement, Kindy couldn't help but feel uneasy and worried yet relief to have friends like them. He felt someone patted on his shoulder. He turned and found Applejack patting him.

"They're right, Kindy. Friends always help each other, no matter what kind of problems they have," Applejack said calmly, "Plus, this is what I called teamwork."

Gallus, Ocellus, Bella, D.E.C.K. and Jesuits were surprised yet happy to hear Applejack commented them for defending Kindy. They all thanked her.

Saber, his friends and the students have arrived and entered Dragoon Benevolent Palace, where they were greeted warmly and welcomed to their palace. Upon arriving to the staircase, they found Virtue Dragon, Skysoar Intellect and Marvel McBuild – a young brighter brown Pegasus with long blond-brown mane and tail, her cutie mark is wood ox invention stood before them.

"Saber! Kindy! Welcome home! It's good to see you both around," Virtue Dragon said happily and warmly while hugging his sons. He departed while looking at the students, "Students from School of Friendship, welcome to the Dragoon Republic Nation! We are honored to have you all here for the fieldtrip lessons. We hope that you're all enjoy hospitality and fieldtrip here."

Skysoar nodded and bowed humbly, "Yes. We have prepared all the materials and tools as per Prince Saber's request. And if you need assistance, my wife will provide it. We wish you all luck with your lessons."

Marvel smiled warmly while bow down, "I will do my best to assist you with your lessons. If you have the questions, I shall provide it."

"Thank you. We'll be sure to use it," Saber said firmly and calmly. Just before he could say anything, he found Death Tactic and Sushi emerged out from the guest room. He asked firmly, "What are they doing here?"

"My apology, Prince Saber. They're here for politic discussion," Skysoar said firmly and calmly.

Virtue Dragon hissed, "It's something that I rather not discussed."

Skysoar whispered to Virtue Dragon. "My lord, it is best to deal with it. We don't want another incident again."

Virtue Dragon sighed, "Fine. I'll deal with it. Saber, continue with your fieldtrip. Don't let it bother you. Just focus on your lessons now."

"I will," Saber said firmly and calmly, "But father, don't trust them. They're up to no good."

"I know. Don't worry about it, son. Skysoar and I can handle this," Virtue Dragon said humbly.

Virtue Dragon and Skysoar turned and approached to Death Tactic, Thanatos and Sushi. Five of them headed off and went through the hallway, heading straight to the office for political discussion.

"I don't know politics but they're up to no good," Saber said in concern.

Twilight nodded in agreement, "This has Nezha's hoof-written everywhere. I'll go check this out." She turned to the students, "Continue with your fieldtrip. Remember to work together!"

With Marvel McBuild act as guide; Saber, his friends and the students followed her to another room for fieldtrip lesson. Twilight headed off to the hallway, trying to find out what Death Tactic and his allies' purpose.

Arriving to the eastern part of Dragon Benevolent Palace, Marvel guided and led Saber and the rest of students to a larger open field, which was filled with armory warehouses, tools and materials. They all awed in surprise and amazement over the area.

Applejack whistled, "Now this is my kind of activity. I would suggest this kind of teamwork actvitiy."

"Jealous much?" Lockdown asked amusingly.

"No." Applejack answered dryly.

"Just as you've instructed, Prince Saber," Marvel said firmly and calmly.

"Thanks, Mrs. Intellect," Saber said humbly. He took a deep breath before released it before turned and faced at the students. He continued, "And here it is. The promise of... teamwork!"

"So, what's exactly are we building?" Gallus asked in confusion.

Aero scoffed, "Hopefully, it's just simple to build. I hate building on some kind of large warships or complicated machinery."

"No worries, every creature. Nothing difficult. I promise you for that," Saber answered calmly. Nodded to Marvel, she nodded back to him as she set up the blueprints of different kind arsenal and buildings. He continued, "Here's the blueprints for you guys to work on."

Applejack awed in surprise while looking at the blueprint, "Here! This here is an apple shed! Now I'm liking it! Nothin' brings friends together like a little hard work and honest sweat."

"So, let me get this straight. We can choose and build any kind of buildings or arsenals?" Jesuits asked curiously.

"Yup. The team will have five members to work and build together on whatever blueprint you've choose. And above else, be nice and have some fun," Saber said confidently and calmly.

The students chattered and cheered happily while discussing on whose team they're in and what kind of building they want to build on.

Arcee, Heatwave, Silverstream, Solflare and Mano were on Team A to work on arbalest. Bella, Ocellus, Smolder, D.E.C.K. and Leopardos are on Team B to construct on the carriage. Sandbar, Gallus, Kindy, Ciel and Blackwitch worked on apple shed. Yona, Jesuit, Aero, Rak and Melody were building catapult. Some of them chose to work on small buildings-like while others were doing with ancient arsenals-like. Lockdown was assessing on their teamwork performance.

Saber sighed, "Oh yeah. My teamwork style will work well for 'Teacher of the Month'."

Blazefist groaned, "Somehow, I'm not surprise with this. I always have the feeling that this is what he was after."

Aqua nudged on her husband's stomach, "Oh, don't play coy with me, Blazefist. You also want that trophy too. I would have too."

Blazefist sighed, "You're gonna talk some sense into me from doing this, aren't ya?"

Aqua scoffed, "Nope. But I can promise you one thing. I'm not gonna lose this competition to you."

"Wow. And they said we both have the crazy rivalry," Rainbow whispered amusingly.

Applejack shrugged, "Well. Let's keep an eye on the students. I have the feeling that they might screw things up."

With her rival nodded in agreement, both Applejack and Rainbow headed off and checked on the students, preparing to assist and help them out with the problems.

Twilight followed Virtue Dragon, Skysoar Intellect, Death Tactic and Sushi Tsunami all the way to the councilpony's office. She's quite suspicious yet concern and uneasy with Nezha's loyalists as she believed they're here for a purpose. Stayed close to the office's wall, she eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Can I assume that you're willing to agree with the emperor's proposal?" Death Tactic questioned firmly yet calmly.

"I've already told you that I need more time," Virtue Dragon said sternly.

"Time? I believed you mean 'delaying' it." Sushi snapped angrily and annoyingly, "The Emperor will not tolerate with your incompetence and excuse! So, you will answer it now!"

"Lord Virtue Dragon will answer it when the time is right." Skysoar said firmly, "What you propose to us is something we're not confident of."

"Why? Is there a problem with our proposal?" Sushi asked impatiently.

"Well… I just don't understand why would you suggest this to us." Virtue Dragon commented in concern, "You must have realized that I do not support the emperor much especially he did not provide the humanitarian to the ponies."

"Councilpony of Wind, this is a greater good for Mystic-Equestria Alliance." Death Tactic said firmly and calmly, "This is the best way to defend both Mystic and Equestria. If you do so, then your army will be stronger, faster and invincible. They will help you to fight the enemies while defending the civilians. I'm sure you know this is the best way to ensure your benevolent legacy lived on."

"I… I…"

Twilight became uneasy and worried of Death Tactic's proposal to Virtue Dragon. She then heard some screeching noise and flapping noise. She quickly moved to the garden, where she spotted a shadowy figure was flying around the Dragon Benevolent Palace.

Looking closely at the mysterious figure, Twilight gasped in concern as she realized of who she is…

"Song Wing…" Twilight said in concern. She then spotted Song Wing was holding the Pan'ku Box. She hissed, "She must be looking for Hsi Wu's portal. That can't be good. I have to stop her first!"

Back to Saber's fieldtrip lessons, the students were working in progress with their own inventions, with the help of the teachers' assistance – Marvel McBuild's explanation of what the buildings and arsenals are, Applejack's construction advice, Aqua's strength, Rainbow's speed and Blazefist're fire welded the metals together with Saber's Wind to cool off the heat and concreted the metals. Lockdown was assessing and reviewing the students' teamwork performance.

After inspecting the students' teamwork progress, Saber smiled, "That's it. Keep it up. I'm pretty sure that most of you will able to succeed it!"

"I can't believe his lesson's working…" Aqua grumbled.

Blazefist sighed, "No kidding. Guess we won't have the chance to shine our own."

Heard his friends muttering and complaining, Saber teasingly mocked, "What's the matter? Jealous of me winning the 'Teacher of the Month'?"

"YOU WISH!" Aqua and Blazefist snapped angrily.

While Saber, Aqua and Blazefist were arguing with each other about him being 'Teacher of the Month', the students became determined and competitive to complete their projects. Some of them mocked on other's team to lower down their morality via throwing insults and garbage, resulting a nearly fighting between team or teammates. Sandbar, Gallus, Smolder, Heatwave, Aero, Leopardos, Bella and Solflare were among them. The fighting was averted, thanks to their own teammates stopping them from doing reckless.

Just as Song Wing was flying and passing by the armory, she was annoyed and frustrated with her mission.

"This mission is really pain to my ass. I need a break…" Song Wing complained. To her surprise and curious, she spotted students working on projects. She smirked thoughtfully, "Well, well, what do we have here? Projects, huh? I might have some diabolical idea to do with my break…"

The students were checking and finalizing their works, making sure that the projects function properly without problem and side effects. Applejack, Rainbow and Marvel helped checking on their works. Saber, Aqua and Blazefist were too busy arguing and complaining with each other, which Lockdown tried to calm them down. Unknown to any of them, Song Wing was hiding behind the armory's wall. She secretly summoned her Shadow Bats, sneakily creeping and passing everyone by as they all set something up with the projects.

Just as Team C have finished up with their project, Blackwitch noticed something amiss with the apple shed. It wasn't just hers. The rest of projects seemed to be reacting strangely, making everyone uneasy and worried.

To their shock and fear, most of their projects including Student Seven and Rescue Warrior Club have breakdown and collapsed, falling upon them. The students panicked and screamed in fear as they quickly ran away, alerting the teachers to respond to it. Applejack rammed and knocked the debris aside through brute strength. Saber summoned his Wind Storm to blow them off. Blazefist unleashed his Firestorm Phoenix to burn down the debris. Through the use of speed and Surf Ability, both Rainbow and Aqua rescued and saved the students as fast as they can. Lockdown panicked in fear as he rammed and knocked the debris while saving the students.

Everyone has barely escaped and moved to the safety zone. They're all panting and breathing exhaustingly and tiredly from running and panicking. They're all looking at the destruction of school projects. Song Wing laughed out loud teasingly of her prank. She took a flight to the sky in high speed before she gets caught.

Applejack asked, "Is every creature alright?" Everyone answered to her question. She sighed, "What a relief."

Rainbow looked at the damaged projects, "So much for shed building. I hate to see this sight and imagine for the worst."

"M-My shed building teamwork project! H-How?!" Saber stuttered in shock and disbelief, "What happened?!"

"We don't know, Professor Saber." Arcee admitted in concern while looking at the damaged arbalest and other projects, "It looks like they've been sabotaged."

"And I know who did it!" Heatwave said angrily while glaring at Sandbar and Gallus, "It was you two!"

"WHAT?!" Sandbar and Gallus asked in shock and disbelief.

Heatwave snapped angrily, "Admit it! You couldn't stand with my skills, so you have to sabotage my work!"

"You mean 'ours'," Mano asked in annoyance.

"Whatever!" Heatwave exclaimed in frustration.

"Why don't you watch that mouth, pal?!" Gallus snapped angrily, "How do we it wasn't you, who set this mess up?!"

Sandbar nodded angrily, "Gallus's right. You've always up to no good!"

"Well, you're the one to talk! Always playing pranks on us!" Bella exclaimed in annoyance.

"Don't you mean you?" Smolder asked in annoyance.

"Hey, I'm your teammate, dumbass!"

"Doesn't mean I have to like you, girly!"

"Come on, guys, no need to get so mad over this," Rak pleaded.

Yona roared angrily, "Yona's mad because Yona work so hard to build throwing rock machine!" She cried angrily, "Yona loved 'throwing rock machine'! Yona's favorite!"

"Me too!" Melody cried sensitively.

The students got into a heated argument with each other, and even have the fight. The teachers tried to calm down them before it gets worst. Lockdown took out his whistle to blow it out loud, silencing them.

"Quiet, every creature! I don't know what happen, but I can be certain that this project is not suitable for students' teamwork performance. Sorry, Saber, you're flunked." Lockdown said firmly while writing down on his notepad, shocking Saber while Blazefist and Aqua stiffed their small laughter. He sighed, "Looks like we'll do with Blazefist's teamwork lesson."

Blazefist smirked, "Oh yeah! I'll show you guys why Imperial Phoenix Kingdom is the best and strongest nation Mystic-Equestria Alliance ever have! And believe me, we're good at strategy and battle formation."

"Yeah right," Saber remarked sarcastically, "Skysoar's the best with that."

"That's just exaggerating, Saber." Aqua remarked sarcastically before scoffed, "But I doubt his work would be any better than any of our friends."

Blazefist laughed a bit, "Well, one way to find out, Aqua. I'm pretty sure Indigo would agree with my lesson than yours."

Aqua shook her head in disagreement, "Yeah, no…"

"Is everypony alright?" Twilight asked in concern as she arrived at the scene.

Lockdown groaned, "Just peachy. I'll explain of what happen when we moved to Xuchang Palace now since Saber's teamwork lesson is hazardous to the students."

Twilight was in shock and concern about Saber's teamwork lesson. And at the same time, she couldn't find Song Wing either, suspecting that she' could be behind sabotage and already escaped before anyone could find her.

After Twilight and Saber apologized for the mess to Marvel McBuild, who calmly said that it wasn't big deal as long as no one gets hurt and cost wasn't expensive; they, the rest of their friend and students returned and boarded the Friendship Mystic Prime Cruiser. They're now lifted off and headed to Imperial Phoenix Kingdom.

Upon arriving and landing at the docking bay; Blazefist led his friends and classmates straight to Xuchang Capital City. To their amazement and stoked, the students witnessed how serious and strict the Imperial Phoenix Soldiers are with patrolling and guarding the castle and town, and making sure no sign of troubles. The citizens were seemed to be organized and discipline with their business works.

Most of the soldiers and citizens greeted him, Heatwave waved and greeted back charmingly and calmly. He sighed, "It's good to be back home. I miss this the most. Lots of girls around here liked me." He took out the rose and gave it to Silverstream, "Like you, the most beautiful Hippogriff in this world."

Silverstream blushed a bit before getting flustered about it, "Well, I-! I don't think-! I was that-!"

"Heatwave!" Arcee scolded firmly as she pulled Heatwave's ear, "What did I say about you flattering the girls again?! You don't wanna get the wrong side of Rarity again."

"Ow! Ow! Ow! I wasn't trying to! Just be nice!" Heatwave grunted in pain, feeling his ear being pulled.

Sandbar and Gallus snickered playfully. The blue griffon spoke, "That will teach him a lesson for getting my girl."

"Excuse me?" Sandbar asked in surprise.

Gallus yelped and cleared his throat, "I mean 'teammate'! My teammate! That's what I meant!"

Sandbar scoffed, "Right. But better get to her before he gets her."

Gallus was annoyed to ask, "What's that supposed to be mean?!"

Kindy sighed, "Just ask her. It's simple, Gallus."

Gallus shushed Kindy, "Shut up, Kindy! Stop embarrassing me!"

"I was trying to help," Kindy said innocently yet playfully, "But seriously, Gallus, just ask her."

Gallus groaned, "Just keep quiet, okay? I'll think about it."

They all headed off to the Xuchang Palace's Entrance, where they met up with a purple-colored Pegasus with twisted mustache worn turban and Arabian advisor robe-like - Snaptrap, Navy Arrow and Clawdestroyer, stood before them.

"Hey, if it isn't Colonel Blazefist!" Navy Arrow greeted warmly and happily. He chuckled as he grabbed and gave his friend a noogie, "Good to see you again! Haven't seen you a while."

Blazefist grunted as he departed from Navy Arrow's grip. He sighed, "Me too, General Navy Arrow. Still optimistic and funny as always, I see."

Navy Arrow chuckled, "Well, somepony needs to brighten the mood. You know how strict and moody my cousin and brother can be. And I told you not to call me 'General'. It kinda makes me look like boring commander."

"True enough," Blazefist admitted playfully. He turned and bowed humbly to Clawdestroyer, "Master Clawdestroyer."

Clawdestroyer smiled humbly, "Master Blazefist. An honor to have you returned here."

"So, these are the students from School of Friendship?" Snaptrap asked curiously and amusingly. Blazefist nodded firmly. He hummed thoughtfully while carefully inspecting on the students, "They don't seem to have talents and potential for anything."

Clawdestroyer nudged Snaptrap, "Mind your manners, Master Clawdestroyer. These students came here for a visit. Show them some respect. They might surprise you."

Snaptrap scoffed, "Hardly. But since they're here, we might as well start with the 'fieldtrip lesson'. Assuming these students willing to learn 'strategy and battle formation'. I don't like wasting my breathe."

"Relax, Snaptrap. I've got this. Plus, Navy Arrow will be helping me out with demonstration," Blazefist commented playfully.

Navy Arrow chuckled amusingly, "Real funny, wise guy. Anyhow, we'd better get to the war council. It's where the fun begins."

Blazefist nodded firmly and understandingly. His colleagues helped leading and guiding him, his friends and students into Xuchang Capital's war council chamber.

Twilight asked, "By the way, where is Lord Azure? I arrange this event for him to meet and give advice to the students on how to be a brave and smart leader as he is."

Navy Arrow sighed in annoyance, "Well, he was until Thanatos came and visit him for political matter. Jeez, don't these guys take the hint?"

Snaptrap shrugged calmly, "Since he's the Mystic Councilpony of Fire, they would need his approval for the emperor's proposal before they could proceed it. Curiously though, why didn't they suggest this early when Emperor Takei was alive? And not to mention, this could have helped us end the war earlier."

"Sometimes, it would be best not to question it," Clawdestroyer said firmly.

Navy Arrow shook his head, "And sometimes, it's best to ask if it's to help and look after our home."

Clawdestroyer hummed curiously, "You've made a good point."

"I see…" Twilight said in concern. She cleared her throat, "You don't mind if I go and visit him. I would like to talk something important with him."

"Not sure what, but go on ahead. But stay out of trouble. You don't want to get the wrong attention," Snaptrap warned calmly.

Twilight nodded firmly as she departed from the group again and headed off to Azure Phoenix's office now. The rest of her friends and students headed off to the war council chamber, beginning with fieldtrip lesson.

Everyone arrived at the war council chamber, where couples of each battlefield map-like machine table with five seats, pencil cases, set of papers and textbooks were placed.

"You've gotta be kidding," Smolder grumbled.

Bella groaned, "We're going to study for strategy and battle formation? For real?!"

Gallus muttered, "And here I thought we really on mental break from crazy studies…"

As the students complained about fieldtrip became their studies and tests, Lockdown was irritated and annoyed by it. He shouted, "Quiet, every creature! Whatever this is, I am certain that Mr. Blazefist has explanation about his fieldtrip lesson. So, zip it and listen."

The students groaned as they quiet down now. Blazefist sighed while approaching to the battlefield map and chalkboard, "Thank you, Mr. Lockdown. I know some of you would be expecting some kind of excitement. Sorry to disappoint you all. We're not going to do any of that since Marshal One-Eyed Anger and General Bladestrike are not available for combat training."

The students groaned in disappointment and upset about it. Lockdown cleared his throat angrily, silencing them again.

Blazefist said firmly, "This is more than fight for your nation. It's also about using your talents, strategies, skills and also teamwork to outsmart your enemies and complete your mission. So therefore, I want you all to study our military book and come up with your own style of strategy and battle formation. You will be assisted by us." He then pointed at the battlefield map-like table, "Once you completed, then you will come to battlefield map. Snaptrap and I will deploy our own formation while you deploy yours. I will test and see if yours actually overcome and win it. You have one hour to do so. So, get to it."

The students chattered either happily or annoyingly about Blazefist's fieldtrip. Nevertheless, they rather not get into trouble again. They're now studying and reading the military history and textbook while discussing with their teammates on how to handle with strategy and battle formation. They were assisted and checked by teachers and their colleague.

Blazefist and Snaptrap remained standing while looking at the battlefield map-like tables for thinking of strategy and battle formation. Saber worked together with Team A on how to be quick witted. Rainbow assisted Team B with her speed strategy. Aqua assisted and taught Team C about battle formation and siege weapons. Applejack checked and helped teaching Team D with how to deploy the strength strategy. Navy Arrow and Clawdestroyer checked and helped other students with their military studies.

Just as she arrived at the Xuchang Palace's Throne Chamber, Twilight found Thanatos Gambit emerged out from it, along with Azure Phoenix and his two advisors – Master Ratio and Woren. He bowed humbly before them. They bowed a bit before him. Just before he could leave, the Mystic Hippogriff spotted her from distance. He gave a wink at her before turned and headed off for the exit.

His wink surprised yet confused her. Twilight became suspicious of Thanatos Gambit's motive especially he's representing to Nezha now.

Spotting Twilight on distance, Azure Phoenix greeted her warmly, "Ah, Twilight. I didn't see you there. I apologize for not greeting the students. I was caught up with meeting the Emperor Nezha's emissary."

"Yeah. I noticed," Twilight confirmed, "What was that about?"

Azure Phoenix sighed, "I'm sorry, Twilight. This is a classified information for Mystic Council only."

"I see…Guess whatever it is, you agreed to it?"

"No, Twilight. I didn't."

"What? Why?"

"I can't tell you much. But I'll say this once. Nezha has yet to earn my trust. Whatever he has in his mind, I will never approve it."

Twilight was stoked and surprised by Azure Phoenix's resolve. She muttered, "Lord Azure…"

"Twilight, whatever happens, you must look after your kingdom and never hesitate to fight and defeat whoever the enemies. That is the role of leadership," Azure Phoenix said sternly and strictly. He surprised and concerned her. He continued, "So, you have to prepare."

"Dark Mystic Ponies?" Twilight asked.

"Within…" Azure Phoenix answered bluntly, confusing yet worrying Twilight. He continued, "It be wise that you and your allies watch yourselves of whom to trust and deal with. You may never know…"

Though not understanding of what Azure Phoenix was implying, Twilight trusted him a lot to say, "Understood, sir…"

Azure Phoenix smiled, "Come. I wish to see your students' progress. I would love to see how they performed with Blazefist's teamwork lessons."

Azure Phoenix and Twilight arrived and entered the war council chamber, where they witnessed many students were working and studying hard with discussing and planning on how to use and deploy strategies and battle formation, with help of their teachers and colleagues. Blazefist was leaning against the pillar while Snaptrap yawned out while looking at the battlefield map.

As soon as one hour has passed, Snaptrap took the alarm clock out for ringing out very loud, scaring off the students.

"Time's up! Hope, you guys are ready for this test. Show me what you all can do," Blazefist said determinedly. He gave playful evil snicker at Aqua and Saber, "That trophy is good as mine."

"He did not just do that," Saber grumbled angrily and annoyingly.

Aqua groaned, "Yeah, he did. I maybe love my husband, but sometimes, I don't like his smug. That ticked me off a lot."

"Wow. For somepony good at teamwork, sure got some rivalry in them," Applejack commented.

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. Let's just hope that there will be no accident like just now."

Using control panel, Blazefist and Snaptrap has set up their own crimson colored chess pieces on all of the teams' battlefield map-like machine table. The students challenged and deployed their strategies and formation of their own style against them such as Team A's quick-witted attack, Team B's speed strategy to outrun and hit the enemies in high speed, Team C's use of siege weapons and surroundings to fight, and Team D's strength and endurance to withstand the attacks. Lockdown was writing down on his notepad.

Azure Phoenix hummed, "It seems that your students have studied and worked together very hard for this lesson. Their battle formation and strategies are quite creative and intriguing as well. They're quite effective against Blazefist and Snaptrap."

Twilight smiled warmly, "Thank you, Lord Azure. My friends and I tried our best. And they did theirs too."

Azure Phoenix nodded calmly, "I see. I can see my nephew works well with his new teammates. He doesn't seem to be distracted from flattering the girls. I apologize if he caused some unnecessary troubles to you and your school."

Twilight giggled nervously, "Well, he's a bit rough for beginning especially flittering with the girls and get heated rivalry with some students. But he does know his fault and make up for it. They're getting along. Almost."

"I see." Azure Phoenix said curiously, "But either way, thank you for accepting and allowing Heatwave to enroll in your school."

"Your welcome, Lord Azure," Twilight said warmly.

Unknown to anyone, Song Wing was on top of war council chamber's rooftop. She gave some thoughts of how she can play pranks on them. After a minute and so, she has the sinister idea, which would knock them off. She flapped her wings hard to fly away from it. Concentrating her powers, she unleashed the power of Wind Storm and Wing Cutter on the war council chamber. Her powers have not only destroyed the rooftop, but also blowing, knocking and injuring both teachers and students, as well as destroying stationaries and battlefield map-like table. Everyone got knocked out.

Song Wing laughed out loud, "Okay! Now that's what I called 'Twist'!" She sighed happily, "Still no sign of portal. Gotta fly!"

Everyone groaned and moaned painfully as they slowly got up and recovered from the ground.

Snaptrap grumbled, "So much for test. It's a big mess now."

"Okay, who did this now?!" Blazefist asked angrily. He turned and glared at Aqua and Saber, "Did you two do this?! I know you guys want to win that 'Teacher of the Month'!"

"Hey!" Saber exclaimed, feeling offended.

Aqua groaned, "We didn't do anything! We were just watching!"

"Yeah, right," Blazefist said in disbelief. He turned and looked at Lockdown, "Please tell me that my teamwork lesson's doing well?!"

Lockdown showed his damaged notepad, "What do you think?!"

Blazefist groaned before slammed his head against the pillar, "Aw, come on! Gimme a break!"

"Guess it's my turn now," Aqua said cockily, annoying both Blazefist and Saber.

Twilight hummed in concern, giving suspicious thoughts that she believed Song Wing was here to ruin their teamwork lesson. Both Applejack and Rainbow noticed her seriousness look, meaning that something bugging her. They tend to find out what and why.

Friendship Mystic Prime Cruiser has taken off and flew to Water Tiger Kingdom now. Just as they landed at the docking bay, both teachers and students are now following Aqua, who is now leading and guiding them through the capital city and heading straight to Tiger Fury Castle. Students were chatting with each other happily and warmly. Both Blazefist and Saber grumbled angrily about their failed teamwork performance.

Yona gulped while looking at the river, "Yak hate water."

Rak patted Yona, "No worries, Yona. I'm pretty sure we won't be involved with water activity."

"Don't make promise, Rak." Jesuits warned Rak.

Leopardos nodded, "Yeah. Karma may bite you back for a little white lie."

Ciel sighed while breathing some air in, "I miss this the most. The fresh air. The land. The sea. They're still beautiful as I remembered."

Blackwitch rolled her eyes in annoyance, "I still don't see how great this place is."

"Must you always be so moody." D.E.C.K. asked in annoyance yet confusing, "I've seen this land from pictures for many times. But to look at this landscape personally, it's truly marvelous and beautiful I ever seen!"

Mano nodded, "Yeah! Nothing compares to Thunder Agency Domain. My land is nothing but wasteland with bad atmosphere. Always stuck inside the building for 'safety' and 'precaution'."

"True. My land is covered in snow." Solflare said calmly and warmly, "Good think that my mother and sister enroll me here."

Smolder scoffed while crossed her arms, "If you ask me, it's lame. Totally lame."

Ocellus nudged Smolder, "Smolder, be nice. We're visitors here."

"Yeah. You wouldn't want to get into trouble, do you?" Bella asked playfully.

Smolder groaned and glared at Bella, "I'm gonna wipe that smirk of yours! I promised you for that!"

Bella smirked, "I can't wait."

Ocellus groaned, "Rivalry…"

And at the same time, Applejack and Rainbow were talking with Twilight.

"Twilight, we need to talk," Applejack said seriously, surprised Twilight. She asked, "Did you find something bothering you?"

Twilight was surprised by Applejack's question. Rainbow added, "Don't try to make it up. We know you too well. So, spill it out. Did you know something up especially what happen to Saber and Blazefist's teamwork fieldtrip?"

Impressed by her friends' deduction, Twilight sighed, "While I was out to check on Nezha's loyalists, I spotted Song Wing."

"Song Wing?!" Applejack and Rainbow asked in surprised.

Twilight nodded in confirmation, "Yeah. I saw her when I was spying on Death Tactic and Sushi Tsunami. She's definitely came to this nation for finding and opening the portal for her daddy."

"That is not good…" Rainbow said in concern.

"Is she responsible for messing up with Saber and Blazefist's fieldtrip lessons?" Applejack asked suspiciously. Twilight nodded. She groaned, "Why that no good snake?! She's gonna be sorry for this!"

"But still… If she was looking for the portal, why started this mess?" Rainbow asked in concern.

Twilight sighed, "Not very sure. According to Cutie Mark Crusaders, Song Wing is notorious and tricky prankster for pranking everyone. She thinks watching us fighting each other is fun."

Rainbow groaned in anger, "The nerve of her. When I see her ugly face again, I'm gonna kick her ass!"

"Well, we have to keep our eyes out for her," Applejack said seriously.

Twilight nodded in agreement, "Yeah."

Just as Aqua and the rest of her crew have arrived at the Tiger Fury Castle's courtyard, they all then heard some shouts and fights from the palace. To their shock and concern, they found Scarblade got thrown out to the ground from the palace's entrance. Starkiller emerged out from it as well while holding tight on Hammerod by neck. He then thrown him off at his ally as well. He then armed with his Red Lightning Blade, preparing to finish them off.

Just before Starkiller could do so, he was held back by Soki, who was annoyed and angry with him. Just before the Ultimate Warrior of Dusk could do anything, the Ultimate Warrior of Juggernaut struck a punch on him to the ground. He turned and faced Courage Tiger, Tigress and Riverstrike, who were standing on the palace's entrance. Soki bowed humbly in apologetic gesture.

"Leave. Now." Courage Tiger said firmly and dryly, "I'm not in good mood."

Soki nodded firmly. He summoned the Mystic Portal. He then carried his unconscious friend on his back as he marched into it. It then dispersed. Just as Courage and his allies helped Hammerod and Scarblade up, they all found Aqua and the rest of her crew stood before them.

"Aqua!" Courage Tiger exclaimed in surprise. He and his allies approached greeted Aqua and her crew. He smiled, "It's good to see you, sister. Welcome back."

Aqua smiled, "Great to be back. What was that about?"

Courage Tiger sighed, "It's just a political discussion. Nothing more."

Tigress scoffed in annoyance, "That is until Starkiller insulted us to be weak and pathetic. What a jerk."

Courage Tiger hushed his sister, "That's enough, sister. We should focus on helping the students with fieldtrip now."

Aqua nodded, "Yeah. That would be great. Hopefully that you guys haven'tlost your touch."

Almost all Water Tiger Officials laughed at Aqua's insult. Courage Tiger scoffed, "We shall see, sister."

"You guys, go on ahead. I wish to speak with Mystic Councilpony of Water privately," Twilight requested, surprising Courage Tiger.

"Uh, sure. Why not?" Courage Tiger said calmly. He turned and looked at Tigress, "Can look after it?"

Tigress smiled, "Leave it to me, brother."

"Okay. Don't take it too long. After all, Water Tiger need its strong leader to be there for them," Aqua teased playfully.

Courage Tiger scoffed, "Sure…"

Aqua and Tigress led both their friends and students off to docking bay for the next fieldtrip lesson. Courage Tiger and Twilight remained behind, accompanied by Scarblade.

"So, what is it you want to talk with me?" Courage Tiger asked.

Twilight sighed, "I need to know what are the Ultimate Warriors doing here. What are they planning now?"

With her family and officials joining, Aqua and the rest of her crew headed off to the naval docking bay, where most of the naval main battleships, light versions and even boats were placed at. Just as they arrived at the location, Aqua turned and faced at the students. She turned and gleefully glared at Blazefist and Saber.

"Okay, boys. Watch and learn how masters works," Aqua mocked playfully, earning Blazefist and Saber's annoyed growl. She turned and looked at the students, "Alright, kids. Who's ready to become the marines?! We, Water Tiger, pride ourselves to be the best marines and naval expert! Am I right, boys?!"

Water Tiger Marines, and even her family and officials, gave out battle cries and cheers for Aqua. The students yelped in surprise by the outburst.

"Wee!" Melody cheered happily, "I do!"

Rak looked shock and disbelief by Aqua's instruction. Jesuit and Leopardos spoke, "Told you!"

Yona looked scared and worried, "Yona doesn't want to…"

"What? Scared?" Aero asked amusingly, earning Rak to nudge him by shouldewr. He grunted while rubbing on it a bit, "What?"

"Be nice," Rak sternly scolded Aero.

"So, what are we supposed to do?" Blackwitch asked bluntly.

Aqua smirked, "Glad someone asked. Unlike these two, we're not gonna do some crazy and dangerous stuffs. We're gonna do some serious training on how to sail the battleships and boats with old fashion style. After that, then we'll have the race."

Everyone yelped in surprise by Aqua's suggestion. Twilight whistled, "This should be interesting…"

Rainbow asked, "Wow?! Seriously?! Not using the modern kind of battleships?"

"You sure that using your military ships is a good idea?" Applejack asked in concern.

Aqua smirked, "No worries. They allow it. Plus, they're gonna help us out too. So, any questions?"

Everyone remained calm and firm as they seemed to be confident and willing to try out to be marines while sailing the ships.

"Uh, Yona has questions." Yona asked nervously. Everyone turned and looked at her. She gulped fearfully, "Yak not like water. Does Yona need to do it?"

"Really?" Mano asked in confusion.

D.E.C.K. hummed thoughtfully, "Technically, Yakyakistan is from the northern land. Its landscape is completely filled with snowfield and the atmosphere is cold as well. Therefore, they do not have experience with sailing the ships or swimming either. Yona has a good reason of why she's scared."

Yona nodded shamefully, "D.E.C.K. is right about Yona. Yona's scared of water."

"So, we just kicked her out?" Heatwave asked curiously, earning Arcee pulled his ear. This prompted him to scream in pain, "Uncle! Uncle! Uncle!"

Though annoyed to find out about Yona's fear of water, Aqua sighed calmly as she explained, "Even so, everyone has to face and overcome their own fears. And also, this is every creature's teamwork performance. So, whatever happens, we work and help each other to overcome the problem. Got it?"

The students including Yona chattered and nodded in agreement and understanding, complying and obeying Aqua's teachings.

Aqua smiled, "Well then, let's get started! Riverstrike will give you guys the tour about battleships and boats. And how they work too."

Leopardos scoffed, "This should be fun."

"Tell me about it," Smolder remarked sarcastically, with her eyes rolled over in annoyance.

Just as the Water Tiger Marines set up the stairway to the battleship, Riverstrike led and guide all the students into it. Their teachers followed them from behind. He began explained on how the ship function and what it does. They all awed in amazement and surprise about it.

Yona was still nervous and scared about getting involved with sailing boat on water. Ocellus approached and patted her back, "Sometimes, when I'm scared to try something new, I whistle."

"Really?" Yona asked curiously.

Melody cheered happily, "No need to worry, Yona! If you ever in trouble, you know who to call?!"

"She's right," Jesuit said calmly as she approached and comforted Yona, "We're a team. We won't let anything bad happen to you."

Yona smiled warmly, "Swan Knight is nice. Yona thank you."

Ocellus smiled happily to see her friend's comfortable and alright. She turned and found Bella and Smolder glared at her. She looked confused and uncertain why they glared at her.

Aqua and the rest of her friends are watching the event. And at the same time, they were having discussion as well.

"You really think that training and racing with sailing boats will get you that Teacher of the Month trophy?" Blazefist asked in annoyance.

"What's the matter? Jealous?" Aqua asked amusingly.

Saber scoffed while crossed his hooves, "Just because our fieldtrip lessons failed, doesn't mean you won't too."

Blazefist nodded in agreement, "Yeah, Aqua. Don't try to be funny with us."

"Yeah, right," Aqua said cockily, "I'm pretty sure everycreature's gonna like it a lot better than building and planning. Lame."

Both Blazefist and Saber got vexed, "It is not!"

Rainbow whispered, "Wow. And everyone said that we're the worst with rivalry."

Applejack rolled her eyes a bit, "Tell me something I don't know, Rainbow Dash. Still think Lockdown will change his mind?"

"Nope," Rainbow answered dryly.

After the explanation of battleships and history of how Water Tiger Kingdom won the 'Battle of Red Cliff' was completed, the students quickly boarded on the small boats, where they began practicing with sailing and stroke the paddle as hard as they can under supervision of their teachers. Aqua and Rainbow supervised Team A through speed. Blazefist and Hammerod assisted Team B with strong determination. Tigress and Riverstrike helped teaching Team C. Saber and Applejack worked with Team D through patient and slow. The rest of marines helped and assisted other students on handling with the sailing ships. Lockdown was making the assessment on the students' progress.

With everyone have completed the practice, they all prepared their sailing boats for the race. The teachers and marines were sticking together with the students, making sure that they don't get hurt or stray from the race. Just as the Water Tiger Soldier set and fired the firecracker up to the sky, the students set off for the race. They all paddled their boat as hard and fast as they can to reach to the entrance of gorge, where they make a big turn and returned to the docking bay as fast as they can. They're almost reaching to the finish line.

Unknown to them, they were being watched by Song Wing from the sky. She was thinking of how to prank them. She then was visited by a greenish colored demonic gargoyle-like with wingspan attached to his hands and legs flew towards her.

"About time you show up, Klar. Took your time to get here," Song Wing grumbled in annoyance.

Klar smirked and shrugged, "My bad, your lovely princess. The China is quite large and difficult for me to navigate and search for the portal, with this gizmo. Wasn't easy, ma'am."

"Yeah. That's why I follow these bitches. They might have the clue to my father's portal."

"I don't know, ma'am. They don't seem to know about it."

Song Wing smirked playfully, "Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, they're the key to get us there."

"Hope you're right, princess," Klar said in uncertain, "So, what's next?"

"I might have few of ideas," Song Wing answered calmly as she summoned her Shadow Bats, "Follow my lead, boys!"

As Song Wing dived down, her minions followed them from behind. They're flying straight towards the boats from behind. Close to their targets, their wings are armed as they all unleashed their Wing Cutters. The attacks launched and struck down upon the boats, damaging most of its parts and sailing sheets. Both teachers and students got thrown off from the boat and fell into the water.

Song Wing and her minions flew and ascended to the sky. They all then laughed out loud of their successful prank. They continued watching teachers and some students emerging out from the water. They all coughed and panted heavily and exhaustingly. A battleship sailed and approached towards them. The marines and soldiers helped and gotten some students aboard.

"What was that?!" Tigress asked in confusion.

Aqua shrugged in concern, "No clue."

"So much for better teamwork lesson," Saber grumbled.

"Yeah. No kidding," Blazefist agreed in annoyance.

Aqua groaned, "Just shut up…"

"Can we save the argument later?" Rainbow snapped angrily, "We've gotta save the students now!"

"She's right. Some students can't swim!" Applejack exclaimed in concern as she swam towards some students, whom she moved and guided to battleship.

Everyone was alerted when they heard someone was coughing and breathing very hard. They all turned and found Yona coughed out loud while struggling and panicking to swim.

"Help! Yak not swim!" Yona cried for help.

Just before anyone could do anything, Yona got drowned into the river. Everyone gasped in shock and concern for her. Rak quickly submerged and dived down into the sea, trying to rescue her. Melody, Silverstream and Ocellus looked at each other as they nodded firmly. Using their Pearl of Transformation, Melody and Silverstream transformed into Seaponies while Ocellus used her Changeling Ability to do so. They submerged and went after them as well.

While diving down, three Seaponies looked around of their surroundings while trying to find Rak and Yona. Three of them spotted the cyan colored nerdy dragon struggled swimming back to the surface while pulling the yak. Silverstream, Ocellus and Melody swam towards them at once. Silverstream and Melody held on Yona while Ocellus grabbed Rak.

"That's okay, Yona!" Melody said calmly while holding Yona, "Your friends can change into creatures that do!"

"We've got you. Hang on!" Silverstream said determinedly and firmly.

Felt ashamed and embarrassed for not getting Yona out, Rak sighed, "Sorry, guys."

"Don't worry. That was brave of you for trying to help Yona," Ocellus said calmly while holding Rak on her, "Not every dragon is brave enough to dive into the water like you."

Touched by Ocellus's kindness, Rak sighed in relief, "Thanks, Ocellus. No one has ever said nice things to me. I feel appreciated."

Five students emerged out from the river, where they met up with Applejack and Rainbow. They guided and led them to the battleship safely. Water Tiger Officials, teachers and students were covered by blankets from getting cold.

"You guys, okay?" Rainbow asked in concern.

Rak nodded a bit, "Yeah."

"We're alright," Ocellus answered calmly.

"That's a relief. Good thinking, you three," Applejack said in relief. Ocellus, Silverstream and Melody smiled happily. She turned and looked at Yona, "Are you alright, Yona?"

Yona groaned a bit, "Yak really hate water."

The Water Tiger battleship made its way back to the docking bay, where Twilight, Courage Tiger and Scarblade were waiting. Everyone climbed down from the battleship. They were in shocked and concerned of what they saw.

"What happened?!" Twilight asked in concern.

Lockdown groaned while looking at the soaked notepad, "This is not what I have in mind!"

"Long story short – Aqua's teamwork lessons got flunked," Rainbow answered in concern.

Applejack sighed, "If she, Blazefist and Saber hadn't gotten into argument like last two teamwork lessons."

Gallus nodded in agreement, "Yup. It's been like this all day."

"I wouldn't say all day. Just... ninety-nine percent of it." Sandbar corrected uneasily yet nervously.

Heatwave scoffed, "That's like what Gallus said, dumbass."

Sandbar groaned, "Shut up, dumbass."

Though suspecting that it was Song Wing's responsible for ruining the teamwork lessons, Twilight can't ignore what three teachers have done either for being competitive and blaming each other about the mess. She suddenly has the idea of using it to her advantage.

Pretending to furious with Blazefist, Aqua and Saber; Twilight scolded them, "I can't believe this! You're not teaching teamwork! You're competing with each other! I thought you were better than this!"

Applejack and Rainbow were shocked and confused by Twilight's sudden angry, despite knowing Song Wing's responsible of this mess.

"We are!" Aqua insisted in concern. She then found Courage Tiger and Tigress glared at her as if she's not telling them the truth. She hissed, "Mostly…"

Saber nodded in agreement, "Come on, Twilight. We really worked very hard to help students to learn on what teamwork is about."

"Yeah. We just got carried away with wanting to be the Teacher of the Month is all." Blazefist said in embarrassment while rubbing on the back of his head.

Lockdown groaned while facepalmed, "I don't believe this!"

"The Teacher of the Month wouldn't care about being the Teacher of the Month! I know Fluttershy would be thrilled to see another pony win." Twilight scolded three teachers, "That's it! I'm taking over this field trip!"

"Wait, Twilight! Don't do this!" Blazefist pleaded in concern.

Aqua begged fearfully, "Yeah! I promise you that we'll do better!"

Saber nodded in agreement, "Just give us the chance, and we can prove it!"

"I don't know..." Twilight said in uncertain tone.

Blazefist, Aqua and Saber pleaded, "Please! We'll do it as a team! No more competition!"

As Twilight gave some thoughts about their suggestion, Rainbow whispered to Applejack and asked, "Think it will end well?"

Applejack shrugged, "No clue."

After some thinking, Twilight sighed, "Fine. But I'm picking the next activity you three lead – a nature walk. Nopony could possibly argue over that. Right?"

"Right!" Blazefist, Aqua and Saber exclaimed in agreement.

"If anything goes wrong, Lockdown will take over and take all students back to School of Friendship!" Twilight said sternly, which Lockdown nodded to agree with her suggestion.

Twilight turned and looked at Applejack and Rainbow. She gestured her head to another direction. They nodded and followed her to other side for discussion. Blazefist, Aqua and Saber organized and checked on the students, making sure they're alright before they could proceed with the nature walk.

"Twilight, why would you be mad at them?" Applejack asked firmly.

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. Song Wing did it. You should know that!"

"I know that. I pretended to get mad with them for screw up, so that she can take the bait," Twilight said firmly, surprising Rainbow and Applejack. She continued, "I'm pretty sure that she won't resist with giving one last prank on us. Once she gets closer to us, then we'll spring a trap on her. We'll get that Pan'ku Box back to us."

"Really? Wouldn't she know about this?" Rainbow asked in concern.

Applejack nodded, "Yeah. She could be spying on us."

"I'm counting on it," Twilight said firmly, "I'm counting on you two to watch over them and see anything suspicious like something to do with the portal. I'll be right behind you. Can you do it?"

Surprised and happy by their friend's trusting them, Applejack and Rainbow nodded determinedly, "Got it."

Just as Twilight expected, Song Wing and her minions have overheard what Twilight has instructed to three teachers. They all chuckled sinisterly and playfully.

"A nature walk. Me like it…" Song Wing commented amusingly.

As instructed by Twilight, both teachers and students travelled to the Jing Province's Forest for the nature walk. With Blazefist, Aqua and Saber acted as the in-charge over the fieldtrip again, the students are now following them from behind. Lockdown was writing and assessing their performance. Rainbow and Applejack were keeping their eyes out for Song Wing, suspecting that she's not far from behind.

They all come across to a forked road – left side led to deeper forest while the right led to clearer path.

"Well, look at that. The path splits up ahead. Left or right?" Blazefist asked curiously.

Leopardos groaned in annoyance, "Ugh. Here we go again."

"Tell me about it," Heatwave agreed in annoyance, "I wonder what's the worst thing they're gonna do now."

"Probably the worst," Smolder grumbled.

"Where to, Blazefist?" Saber asked.

"I was thinking right... unless you want to go left." Blazefist said calmly, "Because what makes you happy makes me happy."

"Actually, I was thinking the same thing," Aqua said firmly and calmly. She uneasily glared at Saber, unless you want to go left."

Saber shrugged, "I'm cool. Let's go to right."

Three teachers turned and moved out to the right. The students were surprised by their sudden agreement than the usual argument and competitiveness.

"That was unexpected…" Ciel commented.

Bella shrugged, "Well, it's better than having another argument."

Just as the students moved out, Applejack looked at the sky and asked, "Any sign of Song Wing?"

Rainbow hummed suspiciously as she spotted some shadowy figures from the trees, "Yeah. She's right behind us. Just like Twilight said, she couldn't resist the prank. Let's keep this up."

Applejack and Rainbow moved out and followed their friends and the students. Song Wing and her minions followed them from behind, waiting and planning the idea to launch the best prank on them.

As Blazefist, Aqua and Saber were leading the students for nature walk; they have unfortunately run into some troubles such as coming across to some roadblock, going into wrong direction, travelling through the corridors of forest and even going around in circle. This frustrated and annoyed the students and Lockdown. But thanks to Rainbow's sharped scouting and Applejack's sense of direction on forest, they were able to led and guide the students out of danger and forest.

And at the same time, Song Wing and her minions were following them from behind. They were getting bored and impatient with the teachers and students for getting lost. Song Wing was playing her flute calmly and harmoniously.

"Uh… You sure Boss Hsi Wu won't get mad with you?" Klar asked in concern.

"Nah. He won't be bother. It's not like he's calling me," Song Wing said calmly. To her shock and surprise, the communication portal appeared with screeching noise. She groaned, "Speak of the Demon…"

Hsi Wu groaned angrily and annoyingly as he shouted while covering his ears, "How long are you gonna find that portal?!"

"Soon, daddy. I assure you that I'll get there." Song Wing said calmly yet playfully. She smiled as she readied with her flute, "For the moment, let's listen to my flute. It will cure you."

Hsi Wu groaned angrily, "No thank you!"

The communication portal turned off. Song Wing giggled a bit of amusement. She then found Klar glared at her. She scoffed while looking away from him as she's now focusing on her targets.

Nearly an hour or two have passed, the teachers and students have arrived at the ruins of ancient city that is filled with trees and bushes covering them. The students awed curiously and amazingly of the location.

"Well, this is something…" Mano commented, "Kindy, ever been here?"

"No. I do not think so," Kindy admitted.

"So, what is this place?" Ocellus asked.

"One thing for certain, this was definitely another ancient city that none of our nation has ever find out," Saber answered calmly.

Aqua sighed, "Well, whatever the case, we'll take a break now."

"Yeah. That's a good idea," Blazefist said in agreement.

The students sighed in relief and chattered happily about taking the break. They were all resting and relaxing. Lockdown was writing down on his notepad about the latest situation. Blazefist, Aqua and Saber were discussing of what they can do to improve their teamwork lessons. Applejack and Rainbow looked around to find anything that is related to the portal. They came across to a large ancient tea house-like in ruins.

"Tea house, huh?" Rainbow asked curiously, "Think it's in there?"

"Unlikely. I don't think this place has to do anything with demons," Applejack said in disagreement. To her shock and concern, she found the tea house's signboard glowed in greenish. Suddenly, a Pan'ku Box slammed and attached to the board, creating and opening the portal. She gulped, "I could be wrong…"

Song Wing laughed as she and her minions arrived at the scene, "Yes, you are, ponies."

Just before Applejack and Rainbow could do anything, they heard loud screech. They turned and looked at the portal, where they've been attacked and thrown off by powerful screeching attack. They both got thrown and slammed back at the rest of their group. They all got up and checked on them.

"What happened?!" Blazefist asked in concern.

Rainbow groaned in pain, "Song Wing… Here! His Wu's coming!"

Applejack looked up and gasped in concern, "Here they come!"

Everyone turned and looked at the front. They found Hsi Wu, Song Wing, Klar and the rest of Shadow Bats stood before them.

Hsi Wu sighed happily, "Freedom! At last!"

Sandbar panicked, "Oh great! It's Quake and Mabaya all over again!"

"Can't we catch a break?!" Smolder asked angrily and annoyingly.

Spotting students in front of him, Hsi Wu gave a cackling laughter, "Well, well, well, what do we have here? More snacks for me to feast upon?"

"Indeed, it is, daddy," Song Wing said amusingly, "I've already had my fun for screwing up their 'teamwork' lessons."

"What?!" Blazefist, Aqua and Saber asked angrily, "That was you?!"

"Oops! Did I say that out loud?" Song Wing asked teasingly.

Aqua groaned, "You're gonna wish that you hadn't mess with us! I'm gonna kill you now!"

Aqua screamed angrily as she charged and slammed a punch on Song Wing straight at the wall. She jumped and angrily attacked the winged demon. Just before Hsi Wu and Klar could do anything, Blazefist and Saber charged and attacked them at once. And at the same time, they also fought and battled Shadow Bats as well.

While punching and kicking Hsi Wu's face, Blazefist turned and looked at Lockdown, "Lockdown, get the students to safety zone. Keep them safe!"

Lockdown saluted, "You've got it!" He turned and looked at the students, "You've heard them! Move it now! This is not the drill!"

"He's right. We can't risk them," Applejack said firmly.

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. Come on, every creature, let's move it!"

Lockdown, Applejack and Rainbow guided and moved the students to safety zone while fending off the Shadow Bats, who were flying close to them.

Blazefist and his team continued battling Hsi Wu and his sky demonic warriors. Though defeating Shadow Bats was easy, three Dragon Strike Force struggled with fighting and defeating Hsi Wu, Song Wing and Klar, who have proven to be very fast and swift for them to handle.

Angered over her pranking on teamwork lesson, Aqua ferociously and angrily launched her punches at Song Wing, who swiftly and quickly dodged and evaded the attacks before swung and struck her punches and claws at her for few times. She then kicked her high before flew up and dash at her target. She used her Wing Cutters at her, giving her lots of cuts. She then slammed a punch against her to the top. She flew behind of her, where she unleashed Sonic Screech to blow her straight to the ground. She dived and slammed her Death Claw at her. Luckily, Aqua summoned her Hydro Cannon to blast her off. Armed with her Tiger Claws, she charged and engaged Song Wing in a fierce duel.

Blazefist fired his Fire Shots at Hsi Wu, who flew very fast to dodge and evade the attacks for couple of times. But at the same time, he was fighting off the Shadow Bats. While being distracted, the Sky Demon Lord took advantage of it by diving and ramming straight him. Both of them swung and slammed punched at each other for couple of times. While fighting on midair, Hsi Wu unleashed his powerful Sonic Screech to blow him off, followed by Laser Eye Beam. Blazefist barely dodge and evaded the attacks unleashing his Phoenix Firestorm upon the Sky Demon Lord, who got hit and fell to the ground. The commander dived and slammed his Fire Kicks to the ground. Using his tail, he coiled up the commander's leg before thrown him off. Armed with his Death Claw, Hsi Wu charged and attacked Blazefist, who used his Falcon Spear to fight back.

Armed with his Twin Dragoon Sabers, Saber is facing off Klar, who is armed with twin spears and readied to attack. Just before the detective could do anything, the greenish gargoyle dashed and thrust his twin spears at him. He barely dodged and evaded the attacks while deflecting and knocking them off. Through speed and agility, both of them swung and clashed their weapons at each other for couple of times. They both are equally matched. Using his Zen Air Slashes, Saber swung and struck at Klar, who barely dodged and evaded the attacks before unleashing his Air Cutter at him. He quickly summoned and fired his Wind Storm to deflect the attacks. He found Klar was trying to fly to the sky. Activating his Air Raid, he flew up to charge and raid at him. The gargoyle got injured but remained strong to endure and withstand the attack before fighting back.

Despite the effort Blazefist, Aqua and Saber have; they're outnumbered and outmatched against Sky Demon Lord and his minions. More of Shadow Bats kept on appearing and overwhelming them. Lockdown, Applejack and Rainbow were fighting off some of them.

"Aw man! There're so many of them…" Smolder commented in shock and concern.

Solflare nodded, "I wonder if they can actually overcome them…"

"If they can't?" Mano asked in fear.

"We die, obviously," Blackwitch remarked dryly.

The students panicked as they all muttered and commented in concern about it. Applejack and Rainbow noticed their scared and worried. They both looked at each other as they both have the same thoughts before nodded firmly.

"Hey, every creature!" Rainbow snapped firmly, alerting everyone. She continued, "This is not the time to sit down and whine like losers! We have to stand and work together as a team!"

Applejack continued, "Rainbow's right. We need everyone to stand and fight now!"

"W-What if we lose?!" Ocellus asked in concern, making both Bella and Smolder comforted her.

Rak quivered in fear, "What if we gonna die?!"

Melody cried in fear, "I don't want to die! I just started to have fun and make some friends!"

"Trust me. No creature's gonna die!" Rainbow said firmly and determinedly.

Applejack nodded, "You bet. As Twilight always said, United we stand. No matter what happen, we're not going down without the fight. So, stand and fight as a team!"

"Cooperation!"

"Togetherness!"

"We're a team!" Applejack and Rainbow exclaimed in unison while armed with Mind Whiplash and Mystical Magic Spear.

The students awed inspired by Applejack and Rainbow's speech. Lockdown was even touched by their words as well. They all chattered and commented firmly while nodded in agreement as they know what they have to do.

"We're with you, Professors!" Arcee said firmly.

Gallus nodded, "Yeah. You can count on us. We're gonna show these demons what teamwork is all about!"

The students cheered out proudly and excitedly. Applejack smirked, "That's the spirit. Remember the lessons you've learned today!"

Rainbow scoffed with a smirk, "Oh yeah! Time to put all three lessons into action!"

Applejack and Rainbow gathered all the students around for discussion of the plans against the enemies, with the help of three lessons they have learnt.

Blazefist, Aqua and Saber got repelled and defeated by the Sky Demon Lord and his minions. They're all got cornered and surrounded by them.

"We've got them, boss!" Klar exclaimed happily.

Song Wing smiled proudly, "Oh yeah! Hey, dad. Ready for our final tune?"

Hsi Wu gave a cackling laughter, "Oh, yes, I am. Time to end this. Together!"

As commanded, Hsi Wu and the rest of his minions unleashed Sonic Screech on Blazefist, Aqua and Saber. Three of them struggled to withstand the attack and unable to fight back as well. Just as they were about to win the fight, they all bot rammed and knocked out by unknown units. Three Dragon Strike Force members grunted in pain before dropped to the ground for recovery.

Just as he and his minions were recovering, Hsi Wu looked up and found Lockdown and Team D stood before them. They all made some funny and mockery faces at him. They then ran off to the valley at once. The Sky Demon Lord screeched out loud in anger as he and his minions chased after them at once.

While still running down the valley; Lockdown and Team D met up with Applejack, Team C and Unicorn Students, who are armed with newly-built arbalest, catapult and siege towers. They safely returned to their allies while armed with their weapons as well. They all found Hsi Wu and his minions charging down towards them. Giving out loud of 'Yeehaw', Applejack signaled the rest of students activated catapults and arbalests to launch the rocks and fire arrows on them. Though Hsi Wu, Song Wing and Klar have swiftly and quickly block and knock the attacks off; the Shadow Bats got hit and struck down by the attacks.

Refused to be defeated and lost to weak ponies, Hsi Wu signaled Song Wing and Klar to split their forces up to attack them on sides. They nodded and obeyed his command. Song Wing's units flew up to the sky while Klar's moved to the narrowed route, which led them to behind of enemy's lines.

While flying up to the sky, Song Wing's unit got ambushed and attacked by Rainbow, Team A and couple of Pegasi Students with throwing rocks and sticks. She even used her Sonic Rainboom to knock her. Song Wing grunted a bit as she managed to escape the attack before unleashing her Wind Storm to blow her off. She got her back struck by Heatwave and some students firing their arrows on her. She dodged and evaded the attacks while charged straight at them. Luckily, Arcee charged and engaged her in a fierce duel. Both of them swung and struck punches and kicks at each other for couple of rounds. Just as the pinkish Hippogriff kicked on the winged demon, the latter grabbed and swung the former around before throwing her at Heatwave and some Pegasi off. She charged and launched her Wing Cutters. Luckily, Mano levitated the rocks to block the attacks. With Solflare's fiery powers, both her and Mano fired the fire rocks on her. She barely dodged and evaded the attacks. Just before she could charge, she got rammed and pushed back by Silverstream and some of her classmates. Just as Song Wing struggled to fly and pushing forward, she came across to Rainbow, who slammed her Sonic Rainboom at her to the ground.

As Klar and his minions tried to navigate through the narrowed valley, they suddenly came across to the slope, where Team B and unicorn students unleashed the rock slide on them, killing most of them. Klar barely escaped the rockslide but got attacked by the unicorn's blasts. Bella and Leopardos jumped and attacked the greenish winged gargoyle, who swiftly and quickly dodged and evaded the attacks while fighting back against them for couple of rounds. Just as both of them swung and struck their blades at him, he grabbed and held their hoof/arm for the moment, twisting them. Smolder charged while slammed a punch on his face, freeing her friends. She continued punching on him for couple of times before unleashing flamethrower on his face. He then grabbed and slammed the orange dragon to the ground. He stomped on her for few times. He got shot and blasted by D.E.C.K.'s Blue and Ion Blaster. Just before he could react, Klar grabbed and thrown the spear on his throat, damaging him badly. He then unleashed his Wing Cutters on both Team B and the students, badly injured them. Just before he could finish them off, he got whacked and slammed to death by Ocellus' Insectoid Monster Form, who was furious and angry to see them get hurt. She transformed back to her Changeling, approaching and checking on them. Though most of them were bruised but alright, D.E.C.K. suffered the worst as his throat structure was badly damaged.

Hsi Wu was in shock and disbelief as he screeched angrily, refusing to be defeated. He unleashed his powerful Sonic Screech to knock most of the students off. He charged and rammed straight at his targets. He was blocked by Applejack. He continued pushing and ramming her off. To his shock and surprise; Yona charged and pushed him back. They both pushed him back as hard as they can. Blackwitch and Jesuit levitated and thrown couple of boulders at him. He barely dodged and evaded the attacks until one of them hit him to the ground. Just as he recovered, he was attacked by Aero and Rak, who both fiercely and determinedly fend him off. Hsi Wu was fast and swift to dodge and evade the attacks before knocking them off. Just as they tried to gang up on him, he unleashed his Lase Eye Beam on the ground. Kindy summoned and fired Lightning Strike on Hsi Wu, weakening him for the moment. Sandbar and Gallus jumped and attacked him. Using the Blazing Dragon Strikes, they both fiercely and bravely fought and attacked the Sky Demon Lord, who struggled to keep up with the attacks until he used his tail to knock them off. Just before he could do anything, he found Melody, who gave him a cutie pleading eyes. He growled at her. Instead of being scared, she screamed in anger as she struck a punch on his face, throwing him at Applejack, who kicked him up to another side, where Lockdown slammed his frying pan on his face, knocking him out.

Hsi Wu grunted in pain as he struggled to make a stand while regrouping with Song Wing, who just recovered from the attack. They both grunted painfully while trying to stand up. They found themselves surrounded by Applejack, Rainbow and the rest of students, who are armed and readied to fight. They turned back and found Blazefist, Aqua, Saber, Twilight, Tempest and the rest of Friendship Royal Guards, armed and aimed their weapons at them as well.

Holding the glowing flute, Twilight smirked, "Ready to go back home?!"

Hsi Wu and Song Wing screamed in fear while holding each other. His daughter quickly summoned the Dark Portal for them to escape before they get hit. Seeing the Sky Demon Lord and his daughter, they're all cheered wildly and happily as they have won the fight. And at the same time, Jesuit and Balckwitch were checking on D.E.C.K.'s wounded throat.

Twilight approached to her friends and students, "Is everyone alright?"

"We sure did," Rainbow commented.

Applejack nodded, "Yup. Thanks to Blazefist, Aqua and Saber's lessons; everyone worked together as team and use their lessons to fight them off. We make a pretty good team."

"Really?" Blazefist, Aqua and Saber asked in surprise. Everyone nodded happily. They sighed, "Wow? Who knew?"

"It's true," Lockdown confirmed. Nearly have tears on his right eye, he wiped it off. He continued, "I'm so proud of this."

Twilight smiled, "Good job, everyone. You all have done well with this fieldtrip. Why do we say we go back home?"

The students cheered and applauded happily and agreed with Headmare's suggestions.

"Best... field trip... ever!" Silverstream and Melody cheered happily.

One month later after the fieldtrip event, students have returned to School of Friendship safely to continued their studies and usual hangout with their friends. Everything seems to be normal. However, despite the effort Jesuit and Blackwitch have made, D.E.C.K.'s voice box was badly damaged, resulting him to lose voice and replaced with prosthetic voice box to beep and communicate. This prompted Metalgear determined to find a solution to fix his apprentice's voice box.

Twilight didn't get the chance to find out the 'proposal' that Ultimate Warriors have for Virtue Dragon, Azure Phoenix and Courage Tiger. However, due to Azure Phoenix's warning, she and her friends have to be ready to face whatever may come, whether it's Dark Mystic Ponies, regular villains or 'within'. They have to fight and defend their home, no matter the cost.

At the school lounge, both Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force have been gathered for another 'Teacher of the Month' event. The students' votes have been accounted since last month.

"And the winner goes to…" Lockdown said humbly while looking at the paper at podium. He announced proudly, "Applejack and Rainbow Dash!"

Applejack and Rainbow gasped, "We've won?!"

Everyone cheered and applauded happily and warmly. Fluttershy smiled, "Congratulation, you two. I knew both of you have the spirit of teamwork."

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. The students really loved what you did during the fieldtrip especially fighting off Hsi Wu and his minions. You guys inspire and show them about what teamwork is really about. Well done!"

"Nice work, kiddo. I'm kinda proud of you." Aqua commented. She sighed, "Even though I wanted to win it so badly."

Saber nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Not to mention, you've used our lessons to fight off the bad guys. That's some skills."

"What do you say, Lockdown?" Blazefist asked playfully, "Still think they're not good with this kind of teamwork?

Lockdown sighed, "Fine. I've made my mistake. I'm sorry to doubt you for not showing the spirit of teamwork."

Applejack and Rainbow smiled and blushed a bit, "Geez. Thanks."

Twilight approached to them as she passed the trophy to them, "Here you go. You've won 'Teacher of the Month'."

Just as Applejack and Rainbow grabbed and held on the trophy, they tried to take it with them. They were in shocked yet annoyed to see their own friend's doing.

"Hey! What are you doing?! What am I doing?! What are you doing with my trophy?!" Applejack and Rainbow demanded angrily and annoyingly, "It's mine! Give it! Let go now!"

Applejack and Rainbow started the argument over the trophy while shouting and screaming at each other. Everyone groaned in annoyance and frustration by their usual competitiveness. They never changed.

Lockdown groaned before fell on podium, "This is so not my day…"

At the Golden Jade Palace's private office, Nezha was speaking with Death Tactic, Sushi Tsunami, Starkiller and Thanatos Gambit over the important matters. Death Tactic passed the reports to him. He read it carefully and calmly. The emperor smiled proudly and happily before putting it down.

"Well done, old friend. Dragoon Republic Nation have the inhibitor chips in their mind now," Nezha said calmly and warmly. He hissed in frustration, "Pity that Water Tiger Kingdom and Imperial Phoenix Kingdom refused to comply for power and control."

"Despite some minor setbacks, sire, I am confident that we will win their trust. They will see and agreed with our vision," Death Tactic said calmly, "It's only matter of time. We'll continue with the rest now."

"Yes…" Nezha agreed. He heard the door knocked. The Mystic Elite Guard entered and bowed before him. He asked, "What is it?"

"Sir, we just received that we have the intruders at both our and Equestria Realm!" Mystic Elite Guard reported.

Nezha scoffed, "Send the law enforcers to deal with them. I'm certain that they're Kludgetowner or some lost Storm Guards."

Mystic Elite Guard gulped in concern, "But sir, they're humans."

The Mystic Ponies got stoked by the reports. Death Tactic was surprised yet curious and intrigued. Sushi Tsunami hissed in anger. Starkiller growled a bit as he has no feeling about it. Thanatos Gambit was intrigued by the report.

Hearing the report, Nezha furiously stood up and asked, "WHAT?! Humans in my land?! HOW?!"

"We don't know, my lord! All we know is that some strange portals appeared out of nowhere and landed on three specific area!" Mystic Elite Guard exclaimed frantically and fearfully.

"Show me," Nezha demanded angrily. Mystic Elite Guard approached and shown the Mystic Realm and Equestria Realm Maps, pinpointing the locations of humans - two at Imperial City, three at Everfree Forest and two more with a dog at Ponyville Town's alley. He growled, "I will deal with them by myself."

"Your majesty, calm down." Death Tactic said firmly and calmly. Nezha turned and glared at him. He explained, "It would be wise that they should be captured and studied, instead of executing them for trespassing. They might have some interesting intel for us to use."

Though disliked the idea to let humans roam around his land, Nezha knew Death Tactic has the point about it. He sighed, "Fine. We shall capture them. Get Commander Tempest to find and capture the humans from Equestria."

Death Tactic nodded firmly, "As you wish."

Just as Nezha moved away from his table, his allies quickly lined up and stood proudly for their leader to pass by. They then followed him from behind as they're now heading off to deal with the intruders.

Both Ocellus and Bella were at the Ponyville's Outskirt. They both were watching and looking at the clear sky. They both were imagining and guessing what kind of shapes the clouds has. They even laughed and joked about it such as 'Tyranno Chaos', 'Grumpy Pharynx', 'Shadow Dragon vs. Tempest' and so on.

"Wow. I'd never knew that imagining and guessing what shapes the clouds can make would be so much fun," Bella commented happily. She sighed, "This is so awesome…"

Ocellus smiled, "I'm glad you like it. I'm surprise that you never have this kind of fun before."

"Well, that's because I've never actually had 'real fun' for my whole life," Bella admitted sadly yet calmly, shocking Ocellus. She continued, "All my life has always been about studying, training and working very hard to be strong, fast and smart as my brother and other Ultimate Warriors. Never had the time to have fun or let alone to go outside to make some friends and hangout."

"Oh my. I know he's secretive but protective? Doesn't he trust his own sister?"

"Of course, he does. He just doesn't want me to waste time like this, and focused more on training and studies. He has always been expecting me to be at the best and powerful as he is. He wants me to be Ultimate Warrior like he was. It's what he wants."

"But what about you want?"

"Hmm… To be honest, I have no idea. I never thought of other things than being a warrior."

Ocellus smiled as she patted Bella's shoulder, "Well, I'll help you find out of what you really want to be than following your brother's wants. Plus, me and my friends will teach you more about 'fun' and 'hangout'. It'll be fun."

"Really? You mean it?" Bella asked in surprise.

Ocellus nodded, "Yeah. We're friends, right?"

Bella was touched and happy to say, "Yeah, we are."

BOOM! Ocellus and Bella yelped in surprise by loud explosion. They turned and looked back, where they found a smoke flowing out from somewhere, deep in Everfree Forest.

"What was that?" Ocellus asked in concern.

"No idea." Bella admitted in confusion yet curious. She got up from the ground. She held her hoof out to Ocellus, "Wanna check it out, friend?"

After thinking, Ocellus smiled as she grabbed and held on Bella's, "Yeah."

Bella helped Ocellus to get up. They both headed inside the Everfree Forest, finding out of what's happening at there.

To Be Continue…

(In Ben 10 True Omniverse Season 3 Episode 5: Unsung Heroes…)

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Christy Carlson Romano: Aqaustroke

Cree Summer: Song Wing

Secondary Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Melody Bubbles,

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Vincent Tong: Sandbar

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Devyn Dalton: Ocellus

Shannon Chan-Kent: Smolder

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Jack DeSana: Heatwave

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Stephanie Sheh: Dr. Ciel

Steve Staley: Kindy Dragoon

Steve Burton: Aero

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Jeremy Shada: DECK

Erica Schroeder: Solflare

Pete Capella: Mano Telekinesis

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Taissa Farmiga: Blackwitch

Scott Porter: Leopardos 'Leo' Chi

Kathreen Khavari: Jesuits Omnicron

Minor Casts:

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie

Andre Sogliuzzo: Hsi Wu

Thom Adcox-Hernandez: Klar

Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow

Michael Pena: Grubber

Dave B. Mitchell: Virtue Dragon

Lex Lang: Skysoar Intellect

Laura Bailey: Marvel McBuild

Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix

Tony Oliver: Navy Arrow

Eric Bauza: Clawdestroyer

Vic Mignogna: Snaptrap

Gideon Emery: Courage Tiger, Mystic Elite Soldier

G.K. Bowes: Tigress

Cameo:

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic

Grey Griffin: Sushi Tsunami

Author's Note

The next episode involved crossover between Ben 10 True Omniverse and My Little Pony: Mystic Series will not happen in Season 4, but happens in Ben 10 True Omniverse Season 3. But of course, I've already the first crossover called Ben 10 True Omniverse Season 1 Episode 10: The Magic of Friendship. Be sure to read the Season 1 Episode 10 before you jump over to Season 3 Episode 5. Enjoy!

Crossover Special: Unsung Heroes

Since the attack on 'Olde Bellwood Day' event, things have become different and uneasy. Gwen and Kevin have returned to Friedkin University. Team Ben continued patrolling and hunting down for Malware and his accomplices while saving the day from villains, without Julie and Ship. They both were resting and recovering from the psychopathic Mechamorph's attack and almost kidnapped, though often summoned to assist their teammates. However, there was no sign of Malware and his accomplice.

Three weeks have passed, there's been a robbery at the university, involving of two certain individuals stolen Gwen's personal item. She called her friends to help her out to find and capture the thieves, and also retrieve hers back. Eventually, they have located the thieves and the stolen item.

Nearby the Friedkin University, Team Ben was battling and engaging with some thugs and also two familiar enemies at the warehouse. Billy, in his Billion Armor, is engaging and battling Ben in his Mecha Bloxx form and Armorstrike. Rook and Tetrax faced off Mazuma. The team also were fighting off the thugs as well. Though outnumbered by the enemies, Team Ben managed to defeat most of the thugs at ease while swiftly and fiercely defeat Billy and Mazuma, who struggled to fight back.

Inside the warehouse, Darkstar was looking through the spell book as he was about to use and activate the spell on the Teleporter Pod. Sensing someone or two behind him, he sighed in annoyance while cracked up his neck a bit.

"Kevin Levin. And Lovely Gwen..." Darkstar said calmly yet amusingly. He slowly turned to his back, found Lucky Girl and Kevin in his Ground Mode. Zed was snarling and glaring at him. He smirked within his mask, "I shouldn't have expected that you two would be able to-!"

Kevin thrust the punch at Darkstar's mask to the ground. He scoffed, "Dude. Just shut up for once."

"And also, even if you're able to access to Ledgerdomain, Charmcaster is still pretty mad at you for lying and breaking her heart," Lucky Girl said firmly and calmly. She levitated and moving the spell book towards her, "And also, I would like to have my book back now."

Darkstar grunted in anger. He quickly blasted his Dark Energy Blast, knocking out Lucky Girl, Kevin and Zed out. He quickly grabbed the book at once.

"No! I won't be denied! I deserve it!" Darkstar exclaimed in frustration. He turned and glared at Teleporter Pod. He began chanting, "It belongs to me! I must have the power!"

"Dude! Would you get over your stupid obsession with magic powers?!" Kevin asked in annoyance, "It's only get you killed more than turning you into ugly mug!"

Lucky Girl groaned as she summoned her magic powers to hold Darkstar's down, "Give it up, Michael! Now!"

Darkstar screamed in anger, "Never! I almost there!"

Finishing up his chanting, Darkstar's body glowed in dark purple colored glow. He fired his beam at the Teleporter Pod, causing it activated and revealed the entrance to Ledgerdomain.

Darkstar exclaimed in relief, "Yes! Now I can finally enter that domain!"

BOOM! Darkstar, Lucky Girl, Kevin and Zed turned to their back. They found Rook and Tetrax held and grounded both Billy and Mazuma down. Ben, as Spidermonkey, and Armorstrike charged straight at Darkstar. They were about to attack him at once.

Darkstar broke himself freed from the energy prison. He then fired his dark energy beams in electrocuting and trapping all of Team Ben. Billy and Mazuma got up from the ground. They began gave some serious beating on the team.

Billy chuckled happily and crazily as he gave some punches at Spidermonkey, "How do you like it now, Ben?! How does it feel to be a loser?!"

Spidermonkey groaned, "Just shut up, Monkey!"

Billy screamed in anger as he continued punching at Spidermonkey's face, "Stop giving me the wrong name!"

"You will not stop me this time!" Darkstar said proudly, "I am almost there now!"

Armorstrike grunted in pain as she armed and aimed at Darkstar, "Think again, freak!"

And just before Armorstrike could fire, she saw something behind of Darkstar. She saw 'Malware' snarling and readying to grab her. She gasped in fear before screamed out while firing her blaster crazily and fearfully at everything. This shocked and scared everyone to move away and dodge the attacks at once. Spidermonkey quickly punched at Billy's face, knocking him out. Tetrax and Rook grabbed and slammed Mazuma to the ground hard. Lucky Girl fired her magical blast at Darkstar, knocking him down, allowing Kevin to punch and hold him down

Unfortunately, during her guns in blaze, one of her blast has hit the Teleporter Pod's top core. This caused it to go shocking and haywire like it's about to explode. The portal to Ledgerdomain disappeared before forming into a black hole-like, sucking everything and everyone in it.

"You fool! Look at what have you done?!" Darkstar exclaimed in anger, "You are sending us to oblivion!"

"Sorry!" Armorstrike apologized in fear.

Spidermonkey howled, "Everyone, hang on!"

Everyone screamed in fear as they all tried to grab and hold on something heavy and strong objects. But instead, most of them got pulled and dragged straight into the portal. Tetrax fired his shard at Teleporter Pod's wire to cutting off the power. But he was too late as the rest of Team Ben, Darkstar and Billy got sucked into the portal before shutting it down.

"Master Billy?" Mazuma asked in concern yet damaged.

Tetrax was in shock and concern, "No... I'm too late..."

Arriving to the strange yet dark forest; Ben, Gwen and Armorstrike descended and slammed on the ground, knocking out unconsciously. They all got separated from Kevin, Rook, Zed, Darkstar and Billy.

"Hey, are you alright? Wake up, please," Timid voice asked in concern.

Ben grunted, "I'm okay. Just a headache. Thanks for asking. So, who-?!"

Ben was interrupted upon looking at the cyan colored insect-like pony called Ocellus and a young lighter brown Pegasus with brown-blonde long mane and tail, and her cutie mark is duel card deck - Bella Anime. Both of them were worried yet curious upon looking at him. To Ben however, he screamed in fear, scaring them both off. He quickly moved away from the creatures before got his head bumped on tree trunk.

"Ow! That really hurt!" Ben grunted and grumbled while rubbing his head, "Okay! I hit my head hard. I would like to wake up now! Hopefully, I'm in Kansas, not in Oz!"

"What's with this guy?" Bella asked in confusion.

"I have no idea," Ocellus admitted in concern, "Though I don't know about these places either."

"Must be Human's cities or something," Bella suggested. She then noticed Ocellus is approaching to worried Ben. She yelped while holding her back, "Ocellus, are you crazy?! Don't you know what that thing is?!"

"Of course, I know. It's a human. I just want to help him."

"Ocellus, come on, everyone knows how dangerous the human can be. And it's best not to go near him. Or maybe, we should kill him."

"Bella! That is cruel and brutal! We're not supposed to do that to defenseless creature like her."

"Aw come! You're not seriously gonna fall for his tricks. Trust me, Ocellus. Humans like him are very dangerous, deceptive and manipulative Dreathis. And it's best that we get out of here and leave him and his friends to die."

"No. I'm gonna help him." Ocellus said firmly. She turned and approached to Ben, who looked nervous and worried. She shushed a bit while raising her hoof up, "It's okay. We're just trying to help."

Though Ben was uncertain and uneasy about it, he nevertheless grabbed and held the pony's. He stood up gently while dusted off his shirt. He spoke, "Thanks for the help, horsies."

"Actually I'm a Changeling while she is Mystic Pony, not horsey. There's the different," Ocellus corrected calmly, "I'm Ocellus. And that's Bella."

Bella waved and greeted uneasily, "Hiya..."

"Where am I?" Ben asked in concern while looking around of his surroundings.

"Well, you at the most dangerous and unnatural area called Everfree Forest." Ocellus explained, "And this place is called Equestria."

"Wait!? Did you say 'Equestria'?" Ben asked in surprise. Ocellus nodded in confirmation. He continued in surprise tone, "It can't be..."

Interrupted by someone's moaning like waking up from their unconsciousness, Ben turned and found his friends slowly getting up. He approached and checked on them, making sure they're alright.

"Gwen! Julie! You guys alright?" Ben asked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm alright," Julie said calmly. She then noticed behind of Ben. She found Ocellus and Bella standing and waiting. She squealed happily, scaring them a bit. She then grabbed and hugged both of them happily and wildly while exclaimed out loud, "Oh my gosh! Who are these cutie smoochie animals? I'd never have seen them before in my life!"

Ship groaned and snared angrily yet annoying at seven creatures, who were nervous and uneasy. Ben laughed uneasily to see him get mad. He patted the Mechamorph Pup, making it meowed calmly.

"Please tell me that the Dreathis did not call me 'cutie'," Bella asked in annoyance.

"Bella, stop it," Ocellus scolded Bella, "She's being nice. And we should be helping and comforting, not against them."

Bella scoffed, "Whatever..."

"Ben, I hate to ask. Where are we?" Gwen asked in concern.

Ben smiled uneasily, "Would you believe the 'Land of Magical Ponies'?"

Gwen was in shock and surprised, "N-No way... We're in Equestria?"

"Yeah," Ben nodded in confirmation. He turned and looked at Student Seven. He asked, "Hey, think you can help us? We need someone's help. Someone I think you know of."

Kevin, Rook and Zed groaned in pain as they slowly getting up from the ground while recovering from the fall. Three of them got separated from Team Ben during entering and falling into new dimension.

"Man, that really hurt." Kevin grunted while patting Zed's head gently. He looked around of his surroundings an isolated downtown with no one around, "Where the heck are we? I have the feeling that we're not on Earth."

Checking on his gauntlet's scanner identifying the world, Rook yelped in concern and fear, "I-I'm not sure. My scanner is unable to identify the planet or city. I believe we've been transported to another dimension."

Kevin sighed in annoyance, "At least, it's not Ledgedomain again. We've gotta find them now. Just hope things couldn't get any worse!"

"Stop where you are, intruders!"

Kevin and Rook yelped in shock and concern. They then looked around and found themselves to be surrounded by the large army of purple colored armored ponies and large hairy brutes, aiming their swords, spears, pikes and blasters at them. Zed yelped and whined as she hid behind Kevin's back. They both raised their hands up in gesture of surrender.

"The situation has become much dire..." Rook said in concern, "And of course, I believe this is phrase I should use - 'You jinx it'."

Kevin groaned, "Terrific..."

In an unknown yet strange realm, both Billy and Darkstar got themselves trapped at the advanced golden decorated and futuristic metropolitan capital city-like, filled with cloudy clouds surrounded the street. Billy was sleeping yet lying down on the ground. Someone approached and gave a hard kick against his guts, making him yelped and woke up.

"What was that about?!" Billy demanded in annoyance.

"Get up now, idiot. This is not the time to sleep," Darkstar snarled a bit. He then looked around of his surroundings. He hummed in concern, "We have to move now."

Billy grunted as he slowly get up, "Why? Isn't this Ledgerdomain?"

"No, it is not. We're on another dimension, thanks to Tennyson and his friends' interference!" Darkstar groaned. He screamed in anger before firing his Dark Energy Blasts at the sky, "Damn it! My plan is ruined again! I'll never gain my true power again!"

Billy groaned, "Damn those losers. So, any idea where are we going?"

"Unfortunately, I have no idea," Darkstar answered in uncertain yet frustrating tone. He then looked at the city carefully, "If this is metropolitan city, then that means there should be science laboratory. They might have the teleporter pod to help us get off this realm."

Billy scoffed, "Then, let's move it now!"

"You're not going anywhere, intruder..."

Billy and Darkstar got alerted as they turned to their back, where they found golden armored ponies armed and aimed their blasters at them. They even found couple of steel armored elite pony-like warriors, and one of them has a long crimson spiky mane and short tail worn a yellowish Chinese Emperor's robe around his greenish armor and has metallic wings.

Ocellus and reluctant Bella helped guiding and leading their human friends to Ponyville Town. Before they could march and enter the town, they gave Team Ben some hooded cloak for cover their faces and bodies.

"So, why are we using the hooded cloak for?" Ben asked while putting the cloak around him.

"Well, let's just say that ponies and many creatures have never seen humans before," Ocellus explained before nervously continued, "And of course, Mystic Ponies got issue with them. It might scared them, Mr. Tennyson."

"Drop the 'mister'. It makes me like an old man. Just call me 'Ben'. " Ben commented annoyingly. He sighed, "Alright, let's do this. Just hope Twilight's in the castle."

Gwen nodded, "Me too, Ben. Hopefully, she has the spell that can teleport and transport us back home."

"Speaking of 'she', how did you know Headmare Twilight?" Bella asked suspiciously.

"It's a long story," Ben answered uneasily with a soft laugh.

While Bella and Ocellus led Team Ben to the Castle of Friendship, Ben and Gwen narrated the story of how they met and teamed up with Twilight against Hex and Charmcaster. Both of them were amazed and impressed by the story especially Ben able to turn into various aliens, though they were skeptical about him turned into aliens or saving the universe billion times.

"I don't know. That sounds stretchy..." Bella remarked sarcastically, "Comparing you to Mystic Ponies, you are no close strong or powerful as us."

Ocellus nodded, "I have to agree with her. I don't believe that you actually have saved the universe 'billion times'. It's kinda exaggerating."

"Aw come on!" Ben protested in annoyance. He then shown his disappointed and upset looks with tears in anime style, "That is very cruel of you to say that. How can Mystic Ponies be better than me?"

Gwen giggled, "Wow. Looks like you've been roasted, Ben."

"Eeyup." Julie agreed calmly, "That will teach you a lesson for not being modest."

Ben groaned in defeat, "Thanks a lot..."

"Well, you have to find a way to prove us that you're real deal. Too bad, there isn't one, Dreathis," Bella remarked sarcastically, which annoyed Ocellus. Suddenly, an explosion has occurred ahead of them. He groaned, "Oh great..."

Ben smirked, "You want demonstration? It's Hero Time!"

Tech laughed evilly and sinisterly as he was leading the army of new and improved silver armored Techbots with strong claws and powerful arsenal of blasters and missiles. They were attacking and destroying some parts of Ponyville Town's city and residents; causing the ponies to scream, panic and run in fear from the battlefield.

"Oh yeah! You all better run! You all better hide. Coz Tech's coming after you now!" Tech screamed happily and wildly. He then laughed amusingly, "Tech, Emperor of all Evil and Best Demon Generals of all!" He then shrunk himself down with worried looks, "Just hope my boss doesn't hear that part, otherwise, I'd be in big trouble."

"Oh yes, you are, buddy." Ben said confidently, scaring and alerting Tech a bit. He turned and found him and his team stood before him. He smirked, "We're gonna kick your ass. So, why don't you give up now, and we won't hurt you."

Instead of showing scared of worried, Tech laughed out loud in amusement and wildly. This shocked and confused Ben and his team while annoyed Ocellus and Bella.

"Oh yeah. That really scares him, hero..." Bella said sarcastically.

Ocellus sighed, "Because humans aren't truly a threat to Mystic Ponies because they considered them to be the lowest and weakest specimen of all."

"Thanks a lot, pals..." Ben commented sarcastically and annoyingly.

Tech sighed, "Yeah. You really think you can beat me? Think again, loser. You're just some stupid and weak humans, who thinks they can beat the gods. Yeah. I'd like to see you try and kick my ass, losers!"

Students Seven were worried and scared for their new Human Friends, who seem remained confident and calm, despite Tech make the threat and insults to him.

"Dude. If you think you're the first 'god' I have to fight, think again," Ben said proudly and confidently, with a smirk, "And trust me, pal, you don't scare me easily. You're nothing but mama's whiny little boy."

Tech snarled, "Who the hell do you think are?!"

Ben smirked, "Why don't you try and find out, Mama's Boy?!"

Tech screamed in anger as he activated his backpack, revealing blasters and missile launchers. He fired them out, heading straight at Ben. Ocellus and Bella panicked and hid behind the crates to avoid the blasts.

Ben smirked as he readied and activated his Omnitrix before engulfed into black explosive smokes. Ocellus and Bella yelped in concern and fear for their new friends.

Tech scoffed proudly and amusingly. And just before he could do anything, something blasted out and almost hit him by face. He barely dodged the attack. He looked back and found something shocking and scary for him to see. He found Eye-Guy, Lucky Girl and Armorstrike stood before him. Ocellus and Bella were surprised as well.

Techbots blasted off and charged straight at Team Ben at once. Some armed with swords, spears and shields. Others readied and blasted their blasters at them. Team Ben smirked a bit as they charged and engaged them at once. Eye-Guy used all of his eyes in shooting out his lasers at them from all direction. Lucky Girl and Armorstrike fired and blasted their magical orbs and blasters at the Techbots from distance. And at the same time, they also combated and defeated the Techbot Warriors, though they did cause some damages to properties and items.

After a fearsome fight between Team Ben and Techbots, most of the mechanical drones were defeated and destroyed. This shocked the world of what they saw, and still they couldn't believe it either.

"No way... He really turned into monsters. Those girls turned into some kind of magical and mechanical beings?! They defeated Tech and his Techbots?!" Bella asked in shock and surprise.

"No... It couldn't be..." Ocellus said in shock and surprise yet realization.

"Still think I'm loser?" Eye-Guy asked cockily. Tech quivered and shivered in fear before launched his arsenal at him. Eye-Guy hit his Omnitrix, turning him into Chromastone. He managed to absorbed the blasts into him before firing it back at the missiles. Tech was about to fly away but he managed to shoot him down. He approached and stomped his left foot on his chest, "Gotcha, loser!"

Tech screamed, "Please, don't hurt me! I bruised easily!"

"Is it me or does he sounds like Billy?" Julie asked curiously.

Gwen shrugged a bit, "He sure sound like one, but he doesn't act like Billy. This guy's too cocky and whiny like mama's boy."

"Well, it doesn't matter. We win," Chromastone said confidently.

Suddenly, everyone heard the alarm blaring out loud. Some ponies hid inside their residents while others were hiding behind the walls and damaged properties to see the event. Ocellus and Bella remained at the same area.

Team Ben looked around of their surroundings, spotting couple of armored ponies charging to the battlefield, followed by the armored tanks, armored walkers and flying armored gunships arriving to the scene. They all armed and readied their weapons, surrounding both Team Ben and Tech.

"Friendship Guards!" Ocellus exclaimed in relief and surprise.

The hedgehog emerged out from the armored tank. He approached to the scene, "This is Lieutenant Grubber! What's causing the ruckus here?!"

"Caught the bad guy for you, chief," Chromastone said calmly while pointed at defeated Tech. Grubber gestured the soldiers to apprehend Dark Mystic Pony. He smirked, "No need to thank me. Just doing a hero job."

"Hero's Job?! You kidding me, blockhead?!" Grubber asked in annoyance. He pointed at Chromastone, "You and your buddies are under arrest too!"

Chromastone and his friends gasped in shock and concern. Both Ocellus and Bella also have the same reaction as well. They've been arrested?!

"What are you talking about?!" Gwen asked in concern, "Why arrest us?! We've helped beaten and caught the bad guys for you, you know!"

Armorstrike nodded, "Yeah! We didn't do anything wrong!"

"I wouldn't be sure of that, humanoids!" Grubber said firmly while pointed at the damaged properties, "Look at the mess you make! You guys did worse than the Mama's Boy! Arrest them now!"

Chromastone grunted as he armed and readied himself for a fight, "Wait! I don't wanna fight you! Let us explain first!"

"Well, you can explain this when you Humanoids get into the prison!" Grubber snapped firmly, "Get them now!"

Friendship Guards approached and readied to apprehend Team Ben. Chromastone hits his Omnitrix as he transformed into XLR8. Using his high speed ability, he charged and disarmed most of the guards' weapons and blasters, and even shutting down the military transports. He brought all of weapons and keys in front of Grubber.

The hedgehog yelped in fear and shock. And just before he could do anything, XLR8 grabbed and held Grubber up.

"I could have easily taken you and your buddies out. But instead, I removed all of your weapons and keys," XLR8 said firmly, "Now, you're gonna help me find someone I need to see."

"Put my lieutenant down, Humanoid Lizard," The calm yet angry voice spoke.

XLR8 turned and found magenta scarred pony has entered the scene, along with metallic armored ponies holding and bringing the strange armored cages of Kevin, Rook and Zed.

"Tempest!" Grubber called.

Spotted Kevin and Rook trapped inside the prison cages, XLR8 groaned, "Let them go now, so I'll let him go. I don't want to fight."

"No..." Tempest said firmly yet calmly, shocking XLR8. She readied with her electrical powers within her broken horn, "We don't negotiate with enemies like you. But I have ways to make you stand down."

And just before XLR8 could do anything, Tempest fired her electrical magic at the cages, causing powerful shocks to Kevin, Rook and Zed. This alerted and shocked him and his team!

"NO! Stop it!" XLR8 snapped in anger.

"Kevin, use your power!" Lucky Girl shouted in concern.

Kevin groaned and screamed in pain, "I CAN'T! This stupid cage did something to me! It somehow stopped me using my powers!"

"Agreed!" Rook exclaimed in pain, "I couldn't penetrate it out too!"

Tempest smirked, "These are Obsidian Cages. They immune to your powers and prevented them to be used against it, unless powerful force could pierce through it. I doubt you have the power to free them." Team Ben grunted in anger. She continued with sincere, "I will let them go if you stand down and surrender to me now. Or else, my power will continued to destroy them for good."

XLR8 groaned in anger and fury. And just before he could do anything, he was halted by Lucky Girl and Armorstrike. They shook their heads, gesturing him that its not worth the risk. He hated losing but knew what they meant. He put down Grubber, who ran and hid behind Tempest's back. They all stand down at once, powering down their powers. They revealed their true species to the ponies.

"What the-?!" Grubber asked in shock.

"More humans..." Tempest snarled a bit, "I don't know what you all doing here, but I can assure you that none of you are welcome to this realm. Not after what you have done to us from the past! Arrest them now! They shall be judged by Mystic Council!"

Team Ben yelped in shock and concern. Friendship Guards were about to arrest Ben, Gwen and Julie. Bella and Ocellus were in concern and scared as they have to do something to stop the fight. The quickly moved to protest and defend their newfound friends. Suddenly, a familiar lavender Alicorn and five colorful ponies have arrived at the scene.

"What is going on around here?!" Twilight demanded firmly.

Grubber yelped in surprise, "Princess Twilight!"

"Twilight?!" Ben and Gwen asked in surprise.

"Princess Twilight, what are you doing here?" Tempest asked seriously, "I told you that I have the situation under control."

"I know," Twilight said calmly, "But when you reported me about the humans are here in this realm, I have to come and see it with my own eyes."

"Hoowee! This town must've got hit by the tornado," Applejack commented calmly, "Think the humans did it?"

"I certainly hope they're not dread off as the history claimed them to be." Rarity said in fear and concern.

Fluttershy sighed, "Rarity, that is very rude to jump into conclusion without even asking and understanding the situation."

"Yeah! Thanks for not trying to think me did it!" Ben agreed firmly.

Twilight and her friends turned and looked at him curiously. She asked, "Do I know you? You kinda look familiar..."

"You mean you don't remember?" Ben asked in shock, "It's me, Ben. You know, Ben Tennyson? And this is Gwen."

"You know them?" Rainbow asked curiously yet suspiciously.

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah. They seem to know you a lot.

Twilight hummed in concern, "I'm still not convinced."

Ben grunted a bit of disappointment. He gave some thinking of how he can convinced Twilight that he was her friend. When he looked at his Omnitrix, he gasped in realization.

"Maybe this'll jog your memory." Ben scrolled the Omnitrix's dial until he lands on Magnus Magic. He smiled, "Hope you remember this guy."

With the slam on his Omnitrix, Ben transformed into Magnus Magic, in front of everyone. Most of ponies were in shocked by the transformation. However, Twilight was surprised by the appearance as she realized of who he really is.

"Oh my gosh! It is you!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise as she trotted and gave Magnus Magic a hug.

Magnus Magic smiled, "You bet!"

As they both departed from hugging, Magnus Magic transformed back into Ben, who is smiling at her. Gwen also smiled happily as well.

"Look how big you've both gotten!" Twilight commented.

Gwen smiled, "It's great to see you too, Twi."

Twilight turned and looked at Julie, "Julie? Is that you?"

"Excuse me? Do you know me?" Julie asked in surprise.

Ben and Gwen yelped in concern as they have forgotten that Twilight and Nyx did meet her when they were 12. And just before Twilight could explain, Kevin grunted while trying break down the cage.

"Hello! Do you mind?!" Kevin demanded angrily, "Seriously, what's going on? And who are these horsies?!"

"I beg of your pardon?! Horsies?!" Rarity demanded angrily.

"Dude. We're ponies, not horses. Seriously, can't you tell the difference?" Rainbow asked in annoyance.

Pinkie sighed, "Beast Boy, you really need to work with your animal power skills, otherwise, you'll never get to turn into any animals."

"Huh?" Kevin asked in confusion.

Ben chuckled a bit, "We've got a lot to discuss."

Twilight giggled, "Yeah, we sure do. So much things to tell you all."

Tempest narrowed her suspicious eyes before muttered in concern, "Humans..."

At the scientific laboratory within Golden Jade Palace, both Darkstar and Billy got cuffed and trapped to the metallic beds. Surprisingly, Darkstar's metallic mask was removed. They were hanging upside down, making them dizzy and sick. Couple of scientists and technicians were studying and analyzing them and their anatomies while working and recording on their computers, getting more data and information about them.

Nezha was glaring at both Darkstar and Billy, filled with rage and hatred as he has never forgotten or forgiven them for what their kind has done to him. Suddenly, Death Tactic has arrived and entered the laboratory.

"Grand Admiral Death Tactic..." Nezha said calmly yet coldly.

"Your majesty..." Death Tactic greeted warmly. He turned and looked at two humans, "How curious and intriguing. I look forward to study them again. Clearly, they're far different from the Human War."

Nezha scoffed, "Do as you pleased, Grand Admiral. I want the information that will help us exterminate all of its kind and the greatest enemy to Mystic Realm, and to secure my rule over the Mystic and Equestria."

Death Tactic bowed a bit, "As you command, my lord."

Billy whined, "They're gonna kill us! They're gonna kill us!"

"Shut up, idiot! You're going to get us killed!" Darkstar snapped in anger at Billy. He then saw Death Tactic slowly and calmly approaching them. He spoke, "Wait! Wait! Don't interrogate us! Don't kill us! I'll give you the information willingly for our lives!"

Intrigued by Darkstar's statement, Death Tactic raised his left eyebrow in both curious and suspicious, "How odd yet curious. So, you are willing to surrender the information of your kind and civilization to us? Why would you do that?"

"I don't care of what happen to my world or even my own kind at all," Darkstar said darkly and calmly, "All I want is go to another dimension, where I can get more power and revenge against my enemies. And I promise you that we won't bother you and your land! You have my word!"

Death Tactic hummed calmly, "You surprise me. So, you have no loyalty at all to anyone but yourself. And more, you're quite an ambitious too..."

"I am not convinced, nor do I accept your surrender," Nezha said dryly and darkly, surprising both Darkstar and Billy. He continued, "I rather have a duel with the opponent and earn his surrender than accepting it. There is no honor. But there is one thing I hate more than opponent's betrayal and refused to fight is the filthy and worthless Dreathis like you!"

"What is Dreathis?" Billy asked fearfully.

"Obviously, it's very racism insult. And I believed these ponies hate us a lot," Darkstar said suspiciously yet fearfully. Nezha summoned his Whirlwind Spear, scaring him off. He shouted at once, "Wait! Wait! Please! We're not working for them! Honest! You have to believe in me! I'm willing to give you anything you want! Please, I'm already ugly enough to get beaten and killed!"

"Your majesty," A golden decorated yet demonic armored Elite Guard called out. Nezha and Death Tactic turned to their back. He spoke, "Sir, Grand Commander of Stealth is contacting you. She said that she has the report to make."

"Bring her here," Death Tactic said firmly. The Elite Guard nodded as he placed down the small metallic disk on the floor, activating the hologram of Tempest Shadow. He continued, "Grand Commander Tempest Shadow. Good to see you."

Tempest nodded and bowed humbly, "As to you, sir."

"What do you have to report," Nezha demanded calmly.

"Sir, we have the situation. There're more humans at the Equestria," Tempest reported seriously and calmly. This increased Nezha's anger and hatred of it. She continued, "These five creatures claimed to be the friends of Princess Twilight. They're consisting of a human possessing a watch that turn him into demons, magical female, technological being, mutant and Abyssinian Warrior."

"Human with watch? Magical Female?" Darkstar asked in surprise, "Ben Tennyson and Lovely Gwen."

Billy screamed, "I hate that guy!"

"You know them?" Death Tactic asked curiously and suspiciously.

"Yes." Darkstar said calmly, "And I know all of the aliens as well including one that possessed the ultimate power that controls time, space and reality."

The statement peeked his interest, Nezha narrowed his eyes, "Tell me... Everything, Human. You shall be rewarded..."

Darkstar smirked, "With pleasure..."

After a surprise reunion between humans and ponies, Mane Six guided and led Team Ben across the Ponyville Town for a tour and chatted. They were accompanied by Student Seven, Tempest and squadron of ten Friendship Guards. Ben and Gwen explained the story about their adventure from 12 years old (leaving out the details about Julie being part of it) and 15 - 17 years old adventure.

Twilight and her friends were surprised and amazed by it. Twilight then told her friends about what she and her friends have been through since their last adventure at Ben 10 Universe. This shocked and surprise Ben and Gwen.

"So let me get this straight. The Changelings are all good now and Chrysalis isn't the queen anymore?" Ben asked in surprise.

Twilight nodded happily, "That's right, and it's all thanks to Starlight."

Gwen turned and looked at Ocellus, "You know. I thought there was something familiar about you, even though you're not in black color."

"So do I," Ocellus added, "My father told me about his encounter with human with a watch. He was once part of Queen Chrysalis's squadron to your world before he retired and became the artist."

"That's kinda cool." Ben commented.

Rook nodded, "I agreed, though I actually find difficult to believe that your kind has advanced technological as we are. No offense."

"None taken," Applejack shrugged, "Besides, the technology is done by Mystic Ponies. They're pretty good with it."

Rarity giggled, "Trust me, darling. My boyfriend is the technician and genius behind these kind of technologies. You'll love it."

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah! You'd be surprise and crazy to see their technologies are based on Star Wars and Transformers, and not to mention, most of them are based on video game characters. You'll love them! Trust me, it'll be fun and crazy. But not as crazy and wild as my party!"

"I don't know what is the worse. Couple of crazy talking ponies or them befriending with Ben and Gwen," Kevin grumbled, "I still think these horsies are talking garbage. There is no way that they actually built machines like Star Wars."

"Believe it or not. It's real deal, buddy," Rainbow scoffed at Kevin. She then smacked on his head, "And by the way, we're ponies, not horse! That's the difference."

Fluttershy nodded while said softly, "Yes. Our legs aren't tall as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."

"Did she say something?" Kevin asked in annoyance.

"Clearly, Fluttershy's quite shy." Rook said calmly, "The trait does fit her name well."

"I'm kinda surprised that you're married now," Gwen said in surprise to Twilight, "Congratulation."

"Aw man. We missed it," Ben said in disappointment, "Wish you could sent us the invitation, so we could come and visit you here."

"Really? I thought you hated it," Gwen commented amusingly.

Ben scoffed, "I outgrow that problem. Like how I did with Mr. Smoothie."

Twilight giggled playfully, "I would have but I don't have a way to get to your world. Sorry. Either way, I'm so happy that you two are here, especially Julie."

"That reminds me. How did you know me?" Julie asked curiously while holding Ship. Twilight turned and looked at her. She continued, "I'd never met you before."

Ben and Gwen yelped in concern. Kevin looked uneasy and nervous while Rook is confused. Twilight looked confuse and worried about Julie's statement. Most of her friends are confused as well.

And just before the princess could explain, Ben gasped in surprise as he pointed at both Castle of Friendship on left and School of Friendship on right.

"Wow. What is that?" Ben asked out loud, with nervous tone.

"Yeah. They're beautiful!" Gwen agreed in surprise yet nervous.

"On the left is Headmare Twilight's Castle of Friendship," Ocellus explained calmly and happily, "While on the right is the School of Friendship."

"Wait? What?" Kevin asked in confusion and shock.

"No way! A friendship school?" Ben asked in surprise.

Rook looked surprise and amazement, "I didn't know there's such a school."

Twilight nodded happily, "You betcha!"

"And you're teaching friendship to other creatures?" Gwen asked curiously.

Rainbow scoffed with a laugh, "Well, that is the point."

"But not just friendship, we teach them tons of other activities and games," Applejack added.

"And it's great and fun for every creature to enjoy and learn," Fluttershy added gently and calmly, "You will love it."

"Lame..." Kevin remarked dryly.

"Interesting..." Rook said calmly, "I could learn something about 'friendship'. It could help the home to befriend with the off-worlders, and also lessened their concerns and fears of them."

"I see someone's started liking the Friendship of School!" Twilight exclaimed happily. She squealed happily, "this is first time to have some humans in my school!"

"So, what are you again?" Bella asked curiously, "You definitely don't look like a human. Definitely, not an Abyssinian."

Rook blushed a bit, "I'm neithr. I'm a Revonnahgander. That means I'm a proud alien farmer and warrior."

"Ooh!" Ocellus said in interest.

Julie sighed, "Sorry for interrupting. But please, Princess Twilight, can you-?!"

Ben interrupted, "Show us around the school? I would love to learn and know more about friendship."

Gwen agreed, "I agreed. It'd be great for us to make more friends."

"BEN! GWEN!" Julie scolded angrily.

"Awesome!" Ocellus commented happily.

Bella groaned, "For Dreathis? Great..."

"Why certainly, darling! We'd be happy to give you the tour. You'll love it here," Rarity commented happily.

Julie groaned while glaring at Ben and Gwen, who whistled innocently and nervously. She then gave a facepalm while Ship and Zed were confused.

Pinkie giggled, "But, what is tour without a little music?"

"Well. This is ought to be good..." Tempest remarked dryly.

"Music?!" Kevin asked in shock and annoyance, "Are you kidding me?! I hate singing, you know!"

Pinkie scoffed as she flicked her fingers at his head, "Relax. Enjoy the music. After all, this is first time for Ben 10 x My Little Pony: Mystic Series Musical!"

Kevin looked shock and confuse, "How did she do that?! Hers is hoof, not fingers!"

The School of Friendship's door was opened, allowing Twilight and her friends to march inside the school. As Twilight began singing harmonically and calmly, she was joined by the rest of her friends. The ponies warmly and happily greeted Team Ben to their school. This surprised and amazed them, though Kevin was extremely annoyed about it.

Twilight: This brand new school of friendship
Is home to everyone

Fluttershy: Everyone's learning how to trust

Pinkie: Everyone's here to all have fun

Rarity then levitated and brought out couple of beautiful and fashionable clothes, and also jewels and accessories for Gwen and Julie to look and try out. Applejack brought out the cups of Apple Cider for Kevin and Rook to try, which shock and surprised them. Rainbow took their drinks away before drinking it. This annoyed Kevin and Rook to chase after her. Fluttershy approached and treated both Zed's and Ship's injuries, as well as giving them to feed and drink. The alienated animals happily pounced and licked on her face happily, making her to giggle.

Ben whistled in amazement of what he saw seeing. He then found Ocellus and Bella joined up with their own team. They placed their hooves and claws in friendship circle, joined by Twilight. Ben smirked proudly and amusingly as he joined in as well. All of them are happy to have him part of friendship circle.

Rarity: With friendship ties that bind us

Applejack: Tighter than the strongest bonds

Rainbow: We're hoof-in-hoof

All: In hand in hoof in wing or even claw

Mane Six continued guiding and leading Team Ben across the School of Friendship. Ben and his friends are witnessing so many ponies were not just learning about friendship lessons, but also befriending and helping each other with problems they're having. And to their surprise, they also found more creatures, other than Student Student, also part of the school.

Twilight: This school is not just for the ponies

Applejack: Also other creatures from far and wide

Fluttershy: And the door will be open
To everyone great and small

Pinkie performed ten instruments in front of Team Ben, joined by chorus of ponies and creatures. They all sang out loud happily and wildly. Rainbow held and hugged both Fluttershy and Applejack close to her. Rarity levitated and placed the friendship bracelet on Team Ben's, though Kevin was disgusted and annoyed.

Pinkie Pie: This school is not just for learning

Students: Also having fun and great time

Rainbow: It's awesome to make and have some buddies

Rarity: Making our friendship magical

Mane Six shown Team Ben to various friendship lessons, activities, events, and even performed how important teamwork and friendship to them such as their Dragon Strike Force teaching and training the students. Starlight helped consulting the students about their problems. Sunset helped students get comfortable in new places. Spike went around the school, checking and making sure everything's alright

All: This school of friendship is for all of us
A place where we belong
Where we all learn to share and trust
The only rule here is to find your way
And friendship always wins at the end of the day

Inside the magical classroom with library, Twilight was standing on the stage that has chalkboard, where many students were gathered and listening to her lecture. Mane Five, Team Ben, Bella and Ocellus were among them.

Twilight: Some things you just can't teach with books
Some things you only know
So trust your heart and let us lead
And your friendship's sure to grow

Called to the stage, Bella and Ocellus eventually performed their friendship and teamwork admirably to everyone. This Rook hugged his friends happily and warmly. Gwen and Julie find it cute while Ben and Kevin were embarrassed and nervous.

Students: And once we master kindness
We will spread it 'cross this land

All: And give the gift that's ours to share
So others understand

Mane Six and their friends guided and led Team Ben to the balcony, where they all were looking at the beautiful land of Ponyville Town, and even found many ponies were befriending and helping each other out. Zed and Ship barked out wildly yet happily and excitably.

During the tour in the School of Friendship, Team Ben met with more warm and friendly greeting and reception from more students, who also shown them what they can do with their talents, teamwork and friendship lessons. They were impressed by it, wishing their world could do the same as this world.

They were gathered at lobby, where Mane Six, Ocellus and Bella were having group photo together with them. As soon as the photo printed out, Twilight passed them to Team Ben.

"So, what do you think? Do you like it?" Pinkie asked happily.

"Lame..." Kevin commented bluntly, annoying the ponies and students. Gwen nudged Kevin's chest, "What?"

"That was rude," Gwen said dryly.

"Either way, that was amazing," Rook commented, "Are singing and dancing part of your culture?"

"Yes, siree!" Pinkie cheered happily.

"I'm glad that everything's over. Can we get back to our discussion? Like how did you know who I am?" Julie asked impatiently. Ben was about to interrupt, but she placed a finger on his mouth, silencing him, "Don't you even try to make another excuse, Benjamin-Kun! I want to listen to her explanation."

Twilight raised her right eyebrow in suspicious and concern, "Okay. I'm kinda surprise that she doesn't remember me."

"Can you explain, please?" Julie pleaded.

And just before Twilight could explain, Team Ben and their friends heard a school bell ringing out loud, surprising them a lot.

"Oh no! We forgot about our class!" Ocellus exclaimed in realization, "We're gonna be late again!"

"Shit! No kidding! The Fighting Club!" Bella exclaimed in concern.

"What is this about?" Ben asked in surprise.

"Martial Art Lesson. We'd better go before Shadow Dragon throw the fit at me," Ocellus said in concern.

"Mostly at the Dreathis." Bella said with a scoff, annoyed Ocellus.

Bella and Ocellus rushed off at once to their class. This reaction surprised and shocked Team Ben.

"Fighting Club?" Ben and Kevin asked in surprise.

"Martial Art," Gwen and Rook corrected.

"Who cares?! I've gotta see it!" Ben exclaimed happily.

And just before Julie could protest, Ben grabbed and dragged her along with him, following after Bella and Ocellus to Martial Art Club. Mane Six and the rest of Team Ben followed them as well.

Back at the Golden Jade Palace's throne chamber, Darkstar and Bill have agreed to cooperate and provide the information of Ben 10's Alien Powers to Nezha and Death Tactic. And in-return, they will be freed and gain some interesting powers and technology. To Darkstar, his facial was restored to handsome looks and gained more powerful dark energy.

"Yes... Yes... Yes!" Darkstar exclaimed happily as he was looking at the mirror's reflection of his handsome face. He even looked at his hand, energized with dark powers. He sighed, "Incredible. I feel so much powerful and stronger as before! And also, got my good looks. This feels almost like I'm back at Ledgerdomain's! Thank you, sir."

Billy groaned in disgust while tinkering and weaponizing his armor, "Who thinks like that?"

"Don't get use to it, human. I only work with you because you have provided me the information I need for my ambition," Nezha said firmly and seriously, "Rest assure. If I find out this is a deception-!"

Darkstar spoke up firmly, "I assure you, your majesty. Alien X is the alien you can use to change the world, but be careful of their powers. From what I heard, it has three minds to debate the course of action that could change everything. Beware of it."

"Your warning is not necessary, Human," Nezha said firmly and calmly, "I can handle it. I've fought and defeated powerful and strong opponents. This is nothing..."

"That makes me wonder..." Darkstar said calmly, "Why do you hate humans? What did they to you?"

Nezha turned and glared at Darkstar and Billy, who were nervous and worried of what he will do next. He then narrated the story behind his hatred on Humans. He has never forgotten of that fateful day, which turned him into hateful yet powerful warrior today.

Nezha: The humans are the reason what make me today
The humans destroyed the lives
I was a boy who escape the cruel fate of death but no one got away

Nezha recalled how he was captured, tortured and experimented by humans for conquest on Equestria. He was scared and worried to fight back, despite him being Mystic Pony. His father stood up and face the oppressors while defending his family.

Nezha: I was among the victims as the humans cornered all
I'm nothing but a frightened little boy
My father standing up to the oppressors on that fateful day
He shown no fear till his end

Nezha gritted his teeth in anger, remembering his father was defeated by them. But nevertheless, he remembered that he must not fear the humans, and must fight back with everything he has to avenge his family and protect his kind.

Nezha: Fear No Humans
Fight them with fire
And soon my pride will be victor
I'll have my revenge
Their kind will fall
A retaliation is a simple thing

"I heard the slaughter. I heard the screams." Nezha said dryly, scaring Billy while amused Darkstar. He continued, "But its the silence after I remember most."

Nezha hasn't forgotten of what the humans have done to both his parents and himself. They indeed have tortured and experimented him, cost his body. Despite the heavy losses and pain, his parents advised him to be strong and brave, not let the fear stop him. Though they died, Nezha managed to escape and lived for his revenge.

Nezha: The world stopped breathing
And I was no longer a flesh
My father shook his head and told me to be brave
My mother said I must live and win
And they died for me, but I will keep my promise to them
To honor my family's name

After the escape, Nezha remembered the very day he returned home safely. The Mystic Ponies did everything they can to save his life by turning him into a powerful armored yet mechanical warrior. He then led his army to slaughter and kill every last of human kind, causing most of them retreat and return home safely before they get slaughtered.

Nezha: Fear No Humans
Fight them with fire
And soon my pride will be victor
I'll have my revenge
Their kind will fall

Nezha sighed as he turned and looked at Darkstar and Billy. He gave his angry and serious yet ambitious looks that he will find and kill all of humanity.

Nezha: I will do whatever necessary to fulfill my destiny
I'll destroy all of the Dreathis filth.
Retaliation is a simple thing

"Tragic, isn't it..." Death Tactic said sadly.

Billy hissed, "Man. That is sad story if I actually cry at all..."

Darkstar smiled, "Rest assure. I will help you take revenge against them. As I've said before, I have no loyalty to them at all."

Nezha hummed suspiciously, "We shall see, Darkstar. Is there anyway we can make Ben 10 bow and serve under me?"

Darkstar smirked sinisterly, "If there's a hero, there's a damsel, which will weaken and forced him to obey you, sire."

"Just like Shadow Dragon and Twilight?" Nezha asked curiously. He scoffed, "How amusing..."

Upon arriving to their dojo, Bella and Ocellus entered the classroom at once. They then found most of the students firmly and seriously practicing and engaging wooden man posts. They all sighed in relief that they have made it in time.

"Good thing that Shadow Dragon Sensei's always good at coming late," Bella commented in relief.

Suddenly, Ocellus and Bella heard a loud thud, making them very nervous and worried, fearing that someone was indeed waiting for them. They turned back and found a familiar pale Earth Pony with spiky mane and tail stood before them. He gave them a stern glare.

Bella gulped nervously, "I'm guessing you were waiting from the ceiling, sensei?"

"Your awareness is getting sharper than before," Shadow Dragon commented humbly. He sighed in annoyance, "But I am still disappointed in you two. You're always punctual for my class. Looks like, you have detention class later."

Ocellus and Bella groaned in disappointment. They hated going to Lockdown's detention as it is worst punishment for them to face.

"Lighten up, Shadow Dragon, it wasn't their fault," The soft gentle voice spoke, attracting Shadow Dragon's attention. He turned and found Twilight and her friends standing before him. She approached to him, "It was mine. I asked them to do special assignment to do. So, no need to send them to detention. How about it?"

"Fine..." Shadow Dragon said dryly with a sigh. Ocellus and Bella sighed in relief before approached to wooden man posts for practice. He approached and smiled at her, "Good to see you here, Beautiful Blossom..."

Twilight giggled, "To you as well, Handsome Warrior."

Shadow Dragon and Twilight gave each other a gentle nuzzle before giving a passionate kiss. Mane Five laughed a bit to see them being lovely birds. Gwen and Julie awed a bit. Ben, Kevin and Rook were a bit of annoyed by the scene. Zed and Ship were confused.

"That would be..." Ben asked curiously.

"Shadow Dragon. Twilight's lover and husband. He's a Mystic Pony, and also the Master of Dragon and Serpent Martial Arts." Applejack answered, "Aw. Look at them. They looked so adorable and cute together. They make a quite the couple."

Rainbow groaned a bit, "Yeah. If they hadn't make me a bit too sick."

"It sure is," Gwen agreed, "Kinda reminds me of Ben and Julie."

"You're sure you're not talking about us," Kevin asked curiously.

Gwen nodded, "I am certain."

Departing from kissing, Shadow Dragon noticed Ben and his friends were standing in front of his dojo's entrance, "These are?"

"These are my Human Friends that I've told you about from another adventure in another universe," Twilight said calmly, "Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen, his girlfriend Julie, and these two are new - Kevin and Rook."

Shadow Dragon smiled and bowed humbly, "It is an honor to meet you all, Humans."

Ben and his friends bowed. He spoke, "An honor to meet you too, Master Shadow Dragon."

"Just call me 'Shadow Dragon', only my students are allow to call me 'Master', 'Sifu', 'Senpai' and 'Sensei'," Shadow Dragon said humbly and calmly. He continued while looking at Ben, "Twilight told me a lot about you, Ben."

"She did?" Ben asked in surprise. He then cleared his throat, "I mean she did. I did save the universe billion times. It's no big deal. After all, I'm the best and greatest hero the Earth has ever had. Not to mention, I'm good looking guy."

Team Ben groaned in annoyance to hear his bragging again. Mane Five especially Twilight was surprised, though uneasy about Ben being arrogant. Students chatted and muttered in surprise by his claim. Student Seven were a bit of concern and annoyed by the claim.

"Really? You honestly think I would believe that? Shadow Dragon asked in annoyance, shocking and surprising Ben. He continued, "'Saving the universe billion times' to my hoof! There's no way people can achieve that."

"Hold up! Are you saying I'm a liar?!" Ben asked dryly and angrily. He shown his Omnitrix to Shadow Dragon, "Not sure if Twilight told you, but I've got an Omnitrix. Got the tons of aliens in it. It helped me use them and their powers to beat the bad guys and save the day. Think I make that up?"

"Really? So, your watch allowed you stealing and using alien powers to save the world?"

"I wouldn't say 'stealing' and 'using'. It's just part of the watch. That's all."

"Right. Unlike you, I'd never steal and use alien powers. I've gained and earned the skills through training and experience to fight ans save the day. In fact, I worked together with my wife, my friends and family to save the day! I bet you don't well with your team!"

"Hey! Of course, I do. I am what the team needs! Without me, there won't be an earth."

"Right. You're indeed an arrogant, selfish and stupid kid, who just want to be famous." Shadow Dragon remarked dryly, annoyed and angered Ben a lot. He scoffed, "For me, I used my powers carefully and take the matters seriously."

Ben groaned, "Oh yeah? You think you can do a better job, Mystic Pony?"

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "In fact, I do. As protector and heroes, we do our job, not showing off and become famous. And of course, we depend on and help each other to save the day. But for you, Ben; without the Omnitrix, you're nothing but hopeless and pathetic human."

Ben groaned, "Okay, that's it! I'm gonna-!"

"Enough!" Twilight shouted firmly, silencing everyone. She continued calmly and firmly, "You two need to knock it off. In fact, I don't care who is better. You two are heroes. So, why don't we just calm down and settle the situation calmly."

"She's not wrong," Gwen agreed calmly, "This argument is pointless, you know. Plus, we're guests and visitors here."

Ben and Shadow Dragon gave some thinking of what Twilight has said. They both smirked amusingly yet slyly as they have the idea.

"You're right, Gwen. It is pointless," Ben agreed calmly, pleasing Gwen. He then raised his Omnitrix up, "So, why don't we settle this in a fight? Time to show the world of who's the real hero? How about it?"

Everyone was shocked by Ben's proposal. Twilight hissed, "You know that is not what I mean, guys. When I said 'settle the situation', I mean to say-!"

Shadow Dragon scoffed, interrupting Twilight's concerns, "If this helps me to shut you up, fine by me. Believe me, Ben, I am one Mystic Pony that you don't stand a chance against me."

"Whatever. You're not the first guy I have to fight. I won't go down easily," Ben said proudly as he activated and slammed his Omnitrix, turning him into Karate Hawk, "It's Hero Time!"

"Seriously? 'Hero Time'?" Shadow Dragon asked in annoyance. He stood up in two hind hooves while his left hoof place on the front and right hoof on back. He declared, "Blazing Dragoon-Serpent Master - Shadow Dragon! Battle Station!"

Karate Hawk scoffed, "Lame. Let's kicking it!"

Karate Hawk charged and engaged Shadow Dragon, who swiftly and quickly in blocking and deflecting the punches for few times. The hawk-like alien got distracted in punching at him, Mystic Pony dodged down before stroke four times of punches on chest before kicked him off. Recovered from the surprise attack, Karate Hawk squawked, thrust another punch at him. Shadow Dragon grabbed and held his arm down before thrust his hoof at him. Karate Hawk blocked the attack. Shadow Dragon smirked as he quickly grabbed on his left leg, flipping Karate Hawk over before dropped to the ground.

Karate Hawk groaned in frustration, getting up and fiercely engaged Shadow Dragon, who swiftly used his elbows and hoof to block and deflect the attacks, and used his hind hooves in kicking on both his legs and chest. Everyone was in shock and amazed by duel.

"There is no way that Dreathis could beat Sensei," Bella remarked amusingly, "There's no one can beat him. He's invincible."

Tempest scoffed, "Not quite. Some of Dark Mystic Ponies including Demon Generals, Maul and Dark Curse have beaten him before. And of course, I also fought him once. I would have won if that stupid fox hadn't interrupt my fight."

"Either way, Ben shouldn't have challenge him. He'll be defeated..." Ocellus said in concern.

Bella scoffed, "It's his loss. Stupid Dreathis."

Ocellus grumbled, "I hate that word..."

"Wait a minute. That move? Is that Wing Chun?!" Gwen asked in surprise.

"Wing Chun? What's a Wing Chun?" Everyone sans Gwen, Rook and Julie asked.

"It's one of Kung Fu Self-Defense Martial Arts for quick arm movements and strong legs to defeat opponents. It's also flexible and relaxed techniques to use." Gwen explained, "I've always wanted to learn that move."

"I see." Twilight nodded in understanding, "Shadow Dragon favored and used 'Blazing Dragoon-Serpent' Style in battle because his father, cousin and Grandmaster Zhao Long taught him that style."

"Think he can teach me?"

Twilight hummed in concern, "That depends if Ben doesn't crush my husband too hard."

Watching Karate Hawk struggled to fend off Shadow Dragon's attacks, Gwen hissed in concern, "I don't think that'd be a problem for your husband. On other hand, Ben's not really good at martial arts."

Karate Hawk yelled as he tried to launch another counterattack but easily blocked and deflected in three times by Shadow Dragon. Mystic Pony grabbed and pulled him down, tripping him off. He yelped as he was about to fall on the trophy shelf. Shadow Dragon quickly grabbed Karate Hawk's right leg, preventing him falling down.

"Watch the trophies!" Shadow Dragon scolded, "They belonged to my family's and master's trophies!"

"What about yours?" Karate Hawk asked curiously.

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "I don't need to show mine because I'm not important. But they are. They are the ones, who helped and trained me at the best. I can bet that you don't care about yours when they helped and trained you."

Offended by Shadow Dragon's insults, Karate Hawk squawked out loud as he spun himself around. He began struck out his punches at him, but easily and firmly blocked yet again for three times. Using his elbows, Shadow Dragon hit his opponent by face, followed by chest before going around his back before strike back.

Karate Hawk yelped in pain as he turned back and engaged the Mystic Pony, who firmly and fiercely launched multiple punches against the chest, weakening and wounding him a lot. He then tripped his left leg before knocking and pushing two legs aside, pushing him down hard. Shadow Dragon then gave a furious punch on his face.

"Had enough?!" Shadow Dragon demanded firmly.

Karate Hawk grunted, struggling to get up, "Buddy, I'm just warming up!" He hit his Omnitrix, turning him into Rath. He roared out loud, scared most of the ponies, "RATH! Let me tell you something, Shadow Dragon Sensei! You think you can win this fight?! Think again! Rath's gonna show why I'm the greatest hero in the world! Rath's gonna tear your apart!"

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "Once again, you have proved me right. You have no skill at all, Ben. You're nothing without Omnitrix. Are you afraid to admit losing to me? Is your pride that important to you?"

"Dude, is he crazy?!" Kevin asked in concern.

Rook nodded in fear, "Rath's power is pure rage and will fight on until he killed his opponent. Shadow Dragon has no chance against him!"

Offended by insults, Rath roared in anger, "SHUT UP! I'M GONNA SHRED YOU TO PIECES, YELLOW PALE JERK!"

Hurt by insults, Julie gasped, "Ben!"

"Ben, that was horrible!" Gwen scolded Ben angrily, "No! That is racism! Shame on you!"

Rath roared in anger, "Who cares! I wanna win! I wanna prove that I'm the greatest hero of all time! No one will ever best that, ass!"

Rath charged straight at Shadow Dragon. And just before Mystic Pony could do anything, the wild tiger alien slammed him straight against the wall. He rammed him against the wall before launched powerful and fierce multiple punches against his chest and face until he got bruised and bleed out a lot.

Everyone got worried and scared of what they just saw. Most of the students chatted and muttered in concern of what they just saw. Bella was disgusted and angered while Ocellus was in shock and scared of the battle. Tempest remained silent and firm.

"Ben, stop! You're killing him!" Twilight shouted in concern.

Gwen nodded fearfully as she and her friends moved out to stop Ben from hurting and killing Shadow Dragon. Gwen used her magical bubble around his head, Kevin and Rook held his hands back and Julie held him back around his neck. Twilight and her friends also tired to pull him away.

"Ben, stop it!" Gwen demanded.

"It's over now!" Julie exclaimed in concern, "Stop it!"

"No, I'm not!" Rath roared in anger before slammed both Kevin and Rook at each other. He then grabbed and thrown Julie at Gwen to the ground. He snarled, "Let me tell you something, buddies and ponies. My fight with this jerk is not over! When I said it's over, then it's over! I'm gonna kill this yellow pale pony for good." He then grabbed and held Shadow Dragon's face up high, "Rath's gonna prove him that I'm the greatest hero, unless he give up! Ready?!"

Shadow Dragon grunted in pain, "You're... No... HERO!"

And just Rath could do anything, Shadow Dragon raised his right leg up before struck down on his head, making him dizzy. The Mystic Pony gave a loud battle cry as he began the barrage of punches and kicks against the Appolexian, who struggled and tried to grab and attack him but missed it and being pushed back.

With him being dizzy, Shadow Dragon quickly kicked him three times until the hero got rammed against the wooden man post. He then fiercely and swiftly launched the barrage of punches, karate chops, elbow strike and kicks at Appolexian's head, neck, chest, back, limbs, hands and legs. Receiving a lot of bruises and injuries around his body, Rath groaned and moaned in defeat and exhaustion. Shadow Dragon ceased his attack while glaring at injured Rath, who growled and snarled weakly and painfully, desired to fight on.

"L-L-Let me... T-Tell you... I'm... not down..." Rath grumbled painfully, "Rath's... Rath's... The best hero! You're... You're... Loser... Big... Loser..."

Annoyed and frustrated by Rath's insult, Shadow Dragon armed with his hoof, readying to finish him off. Rath closed his eyes, ready for his defeat. He launched the punch out, aiming his punch straight at the throat. Everyone shouted and pleaded him not to do it.

Luckily, Shadow Dragon halted his punch in time while glaring at Rath. The Appolexian opened his eyes while looked at him in shock and surprise. He lowered down his hoof while glaring at him.

"W-What are you waiting for?! Finish me!" Rath asked in annoyance.

"No. This fight is over, Ben." Shadow Dragon said dryly before spitted some blood out. His statement shocked Rath. He sighed, "In fact, we both lose. No one wins."

Surprised and confused as Rath turned back into Ben to ask, "What do you mean?! I don't get it."

"We weren't sparring. We were trying to kill each other. All this for the sake to see who is a better hero. I'm ashamed of myself." Shadow Dragon snarled a bit of pain. He turned and glared at Ben, "But you should be ashamed of yourself too for going too far..."

While confused of what Shadow Dragon has said, Ben turned and looked at Team Ben. They were all disappointed and disgusted while Julie was hurt and upset. And just before he could do say anything, she turned and ran off at once. Ship went after her. Ben quickly followed her as he has to make up for what he has done to her.

And just before Gwen, Kevin and Rook could move out; Belle cried out angrily, "Dreathis! Dreathis freak! Shadow Dragon wins! You're sore loser, Dreathis!"

Mane Six and Shadow Dragon were alerted by her shouts. And soon, the students also joined to shouts and called out 'Dreathis' at Team Ben. They were confused yet worried and uneasy about it. However, Ocellus was furious and angered by it.

"Will you shut up, Bella?! Do you even know what you have done?!" Ocellus shouted angrily, shocking the class and even. She continued with tears of anger and pain, "You should be ashamed of yourself! Calling out names to some species you don't like! Thinking that you're better than them! Well, you are not! You're worse!"

Bella was in shock and stunned by her friend's words, "Ocellus, h-how could you say that?! You saw what he did! You know what he's capable of! He could have killed Shadow Dragon! He's no better than anyone else at all! Like my brother has said, humans are filthy dangerous monsters! He deserved to be called 'Dreathis'!"

"What about me?! Do I look like monster?! Don't I deserved to be called that because how monstrous and terrible I am for what I've done before?!"

"What! No! You don't! Why would you think that?!"

"Because that kind of word hurts me a lot," Ocellus exclaimed angrily yet tearfully. It shocked and worried Bella. She continued, "That word's maybe for humans, but it still hurts me. Because it related to what we were before. And it's very hard for me to forget and move on. I hate that word a lot..."

"Ocellus... I..." Bella said in shock. She looked down while hissed in shame and anger for the moment. She looked up and approached Ocellus. She gave the Changeling a comfort hug, "I'm so sorry, Ocellus. I really am. I didn't mean to."

Ocellus cried tearfully, "I know... I know... It still hurts..."

Both Bella and Ocellus continued hugging warmly and comfortably. The students remained silent while showing worried and upset looks. Mane Six and Shadow Dragon sighed in concern.

"This 'Dreathis'..." Rook asked in concern, "Does it related to racism?"

"Wait? How'd you know?" Kevin asked suspiciously.

Rook sighed, "I've encountered some ponies. And I presumed them to be Mystic Ponies, call me 'Dreathis'. I can't shake the feeling that I felt insulted and offended by the word, despite never heard of it before."

"That's because it was designed with a curse, hitting and breaking both human's spirit and heart until he is at the lowest point where they can no longer fight back and become slaves," Twilight explained seriously yet angrily. She sighed, "Oh for Celestia's sake, this racism nonsense gotta stop. In fact, someone need to dethrone and replace that asshole! He's gone too far."

"Who is this asshole?" Kevin demanded.

"Nezha Vengito," Shadow Dragon explained seriously, "That guy hates the humanity a lot since the beginning of Human War. They hunted, tortured and even experimented him and his parents, causing almost their lives but he survived. Now he is more machine than pony, filled with anger and hatred to both humans and demons. He will find and kill them."

"From what I heard, he eats their meats. Who does that?" Pinkie asked in confusion.

"Oh my god..." Gwen said in concern and worried.

"Damn. Worse than my childhood," Kevin commented.

Twilight nodded, "Worse than anyone's else. Nezha's showing no mercy to anyone especially the Humans. And believe me it's not good either. Best that none of you go to Mystic Realm. My buddies from another realm almost got killed if not for Tempest."

Rook looked shock and worry, "Damn it. What kind of the world is this..."

After what happen from the fight; Julie continued running away in both angry and upset, along with Ship followed her. Ben was chasing after them both across the school. They both arrived at the lobby, where he managed to catch up with her.

"Julie, wait!" Ben called in concern.

"Get away form me," Julie scolded angrily. Ben quickly grabbed and turned her to him. She slapped his face hard, "Do you have any idea what you just did?! You think you're talking bad at him, but how you said to him affects me. It got me mad."

Ben hissed while rubbing his slap marks before sighed in shame, "I know. And I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. You know that."

"That's not the only thing got me mad. You're hiding something from me. Billy. Malware. And now Twilight. They all know who I am but I don't. It's like something or someone erased my memory! I tried to find answers from computer, but found nothing about our relationship and why you ended your hero in that time. And every time I asked Twilight about this, you purposely make her to elude my question! You know something. And I want to know what and why! Tell me now, Ben."

"Julie, I-!"

"Tell me now! I want the truth now! Please..." Julie demanded angrily yet upset, scaring Ben off. Though wanted to tell her the truth, he looked down in shame and guilt over what happen 5 years ago. She sighed in upset, "I shouldn't have known. Shadow Dragon was right about. You're always selfish and arrogant. I thought I knew you better. See you later, hero..."

Julie pushed Ben aside. She turned and walked towards the entrance door, exiting it. He sighed in shame before looked away from it. Unknown to any of them, Tempest has seen everything from the balcony. She then activated her com-link.

"My lord, just as we planned..."

After running away from Ben, Julie was sitting alone on large rock, looking and glaring tearfully and angrily at the lake. Though she was extremely upset and angry at Ben's refusing to tell her the truth, she can't help but feel guilty and hurt like she did wrong, which she couldn't understand what and why. Nevertheless, she cried in tears. Ship stayed close to her for comfort.

"Julie? Is that really you?" The childish voice asked in surprise, alerting Julie. She turned and found Nyx stood before her. While she was confused and uncertain, the black filly gasped happily as she jumped and hugged her, "It is you! I knew there's something familiar about you! Welcome to Equestria."

"W-Who are you?" Julie asked in confusion.

"Y-You don't remember me? It's me - Nyx! You hugged me too tight because I was cute."

"Oh... Uh... I'm sorry. I don't remember."

"What?! How?!"

"I wish I knew. I wish I knew. I... I just can't get them back now..."

"Maybe... Maybe I can help," Nyx said calmly. Julie turned and looked at her. She continued, "I have a spell that could restore the memories, though it might sting a bit."

"Really?!" Julie asked hopefully, Then, do so now! I need to know. I have to remember now!"

Though reluctant and worried about decision, Nyx sighed in defeat as her horn lighted up. Julie lowered down before her, the black Alicorn placed her horn on forehead, creating a spark on it. It gave a powerful electrical shock on her, making Julie yelped in pain and fell on the ground hard.

Julie groaned in pain while slowly getting up from the ground. And at the same time, she began to have some vision of her lost past including the very day that she gave Ben a kiss before her mind wiped out. She gasped in shock before pouring more tears out.

"Oh, Ben... W-What have I done? How could I?! I-I thought... I'm so sorry, Ben for everything I said about you..." Julie asked tearfully and shamefully. She sighed before looked at Nyx, "Nyx, thank you, my little pony."

"Glad to help," Nyx commented in relief.

Found shadow looming over her and Julie, Nyx gasped with fear and worried looks. Julie noticed the look. She whistled to Ship to jump and merge together with her. She turned into Armorstrike. She turned and tried to punch but instead, she was held down by powerful Darkstar, who smiled at her.

"I've been looking for you, Yamamoto. And the Emperor wish to see you now."

Ben was alone, sitting down on the balcony's bars. He looked upset and disappointed due to him has hurt Julie. He then looked at some couple ponies were dating, chatting, laughing, playing and so on. He began singing sadly about his cowardice and weak to tell her about his history with her and others.

Ben: Am I a hero?
Would they understand that
If they know my struggles
Still, I can't run from my past
It's enough
Gotta tell the truth, I can't ignore
Even if it means our love will end
Even if she walks away from me

"Where have I heard that sad story before?" A familiar voice asked calmly. Ben was surprise as he turned and found Shadow Dragon arrived and entered the scene. He continued, "Relax. I'm not here for a fight or a lecture. Just want to tell you that I know how you feel."

"Really?" Ben asked in surprise, "You have relationship and heroic problems in this world?"

"Obviously. No one's perfect like a fairytale. Twilight and I, and even our own friends aren't perfect; but we both loved and cared each other so much, and do anything to help and protect, no matter the cost."

"Wow. That's something. Still you were right about me, SD. I'm such a jerk, all because I want to prove that I'm the best hero. But instead, I lost her because of my ego and attitude when I said bad things that hurt Julie. I'm such a racist jackass."

"That's true. But I don't believe you're racist. You just lost your temper because you hate losing. I'm sure you'll make it up."

"You think she'll forgive me for hiding the truth?"

"I don't know why you did it. But I'm sure that you want to protect her from danger or the things you could never forgive yourself."

"Wow. You sounded like you know me a lot."

"Would you believe that you and I aren't different?" Shadow Dragon asked calmly. Ben turned and looked at him. He continued, "I was like you. Arrogant and proud hero, who thinks he's the best the team and world need. However, I've made some mistakes and done some terrible things. So, I have to face my consequence. Eventually, I'm trying to make amends and helped ponies. And in the end, I reunite with my friends, my family and found my love and gain a new family. That's my reward."

"Wow... I guess you're not wrong," Ben said in surprise. He sighed, "You're right. It's time to make the right decision."

"That's the spirit," Twilight said calmly. Ben and Shadow Dragon turned and found Mane Six and Team Ben stood before them. She smiled, "We'll be there for you. After all, we're friends."

Gwen nodded, "She's right. I'm sure Julie will understand why you did it."

"Thanks guys..." Ben said in relief.

"Mummy! Daddy!" Nyx's voice cried tearfully. Everyone turned to their back, found Nyx and Ship have arrived at the balcony. They were bit of bruised. Twilight and Shadow Dragon got alerted and asked her if she was alright and what happen. She hissed, "I'm fine! But Julie's been kidnapped by some creepy guy called 'Darkstar'."

Team Ben gasped in concern. Kevin groaned, "Darkstar!"

"Why would he go after her, not me? I'm his real target," Gwen asked in concern, "Why her?"

Nyx groaned as she shown the damaged recorder disk. It revealed the hologram of Nezha in front of everyone. Team Ben was confused while Mane Six and Shadow Dragon grunted a bit to see him.

"Nezha..." Shadow Dragon said dryly.

"Greetings, Shadow Dragon and Twilight. I know you're harboring the Humans in your city. I want Ben Tennyson to surrender Alien X to me," Nezha said dryly and darkly, "Come to my palace if you do accept the agreement. If you refused, I shall execute the Human for trespassing our realm. Rest assured. I show no mercy to Dreathis like you."

Everyone looked worry and scared of the latest situation. Team Ben looked shock and surprise to see that Nezha able to find out about Alien X. Mane Six and Shadow Dragon looked worry and uneasy as they do not like where would it lead them to.

"It's a trap..." Shadow Dragon said in concern, "And something tells me that Alien X is the most powerful alien you have."

Ben nodded fearfully, "Yeah. It is. There's no telling he wants to do with him. But what choice do I have?"

"You're not alone," Twilight said firmly, "We're in this together."

At the Golden Jade Palace's dungeon, Julie was beaten up badly and was locked up by cuffs inside the prison cells. Nezha, Death Tactic, mysterious masked warrior, Darkstar and Bill were glaring at her. She grunted in pain before glared at them.

"If you think that threatening me will force Ben to give Alien X to you, think again," Julie snarled angrily, "Once he entered that form, he will crush you!"

"I'm counting on it. I look forward to destroy Dreathis especially eating their flesh." Nezha said cruelly and darkly, scaring Julie. He turned to his companions, "Prepare for their arrival. I will have that power to control and change the realities. Commander, keep your eye on her."

"As you command," Masked Commander bowed humbly.

"And we get what we want?" Billy asked hopefully. Nezha turned and glared at him. He yelped, "I'm sure we can do it!"

"We will help you and you'll give us what we want." Darkstar said calmly.

Nezha smirked slyly, "Indeed, you will..."

Nezha and his companion turned and moved out at once, leaving both masked commander and Julie to stay behind. Julie hissed angrily while crying tearfully, feared that Ben would be walking into a trap and get killed because of her. She began singing tearfully and shamefully.

Julie: Had I've known my forgotten past,
Not letting anger and hurt blinding me
Now the enemy used me against my friends,
Leading him to his cruel fate
But now, I've gotta find and save them
So come on and try
Try to stop me from protecting him

Thinking of what would Nezha to her friends, Ship and Ben; Julie gave the scream, shocking and surprising masked commander and her soldiers. She then sang out loud.

Julie: I won't stand down, I'm not afraid of you
Won't tremble when you threaten me
I'm not the type of damsel you know of
I won't stand down!

Julie turned and glared at the guard ponies, she continued singing firmly and determinedly as she refused to bow and stand down. She'll find a way to get out and saved her frieds.

Julie: Try to lock me in this cage
I won't watch my friends lay down and die
I will breakthrough this prison
And will fight till the end of the line
Hear the echoes saying I
Won't be standing down
'Cause I'll keep on fighting to protect my friends
Don't you underestimate me
'Cause I know that I won't go quietly
You'll know that I won't stand down
I won't stand down!

"Impressive," The masked commander said calmly and firmly. She then quickly knocked the guards out. She then removed her mask, "You remind me of someone I know of. Despite the defeat she suffered, she refused to surrender."

Julie gasped, "Y-You?!"

Using the Mystic Portal; Shadow Dragon, Twilight and Ben have arrived at the Golden Jade Palace. They then marched straight into the palace. They were heading straight to the throne chamber, where Nezha was sitting down his throne chair, accompanied by Death Tactic.

"So, this is great Ben Tennyson?" Nezha asked curiously. He scoffed, "Look like another Dreathis to me. I could have taken them at ease."

"My lord, do not underestimate the opponent," Death Tactic said firmly.

"Where is she?!" Ben demanded in anger.

"Do you have what I want first?" Nezha asked firmly.

"Why do you want with Alien X? Do you even realize how powerful and dangerous he can be?" Ben asked angrily.

Twilight nodded, "Based on what I understand, Alien X is like the god of the universe. If you use or abused its power wrongly, it could bring unspeakable destruction to the multiverse. Please, reconsider about it. You'll destroy everything."

"Believe me. No one can control that power, not even me," Ben added.

"I'm not asking your opinion," Nezha said dryly and darkly, "I am demanding it."

"Nezha, don't do this. Revenge won't bring your family back or even restore your body," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Are you willing to use that kind of power for revenge?"

Nezha scoffed, "I am willing to exterminate my hated enemies for peace, justice and security to my kingdom. If you will not hand that power to me, then that filthy Dreathis Woe will die because of your arrogance and selfishness, 'hero'."

Angered by insult, Ben hit his Omnitrix, turning him into Humongousaur. He then grabbed and slammed Nezha against the chair, alerting everyone by his attack.

"BEN!" Twilight and Shadow Dragon exclaimed in concern.

Humongousaur snarled at Nezha, "I'll kill you for this, Nezha!"

Nezha smirked, "We shall see, weakling..."

Nezha screamed in anger as he unleashed his powerful Death Beam in blasting off Humongousaur. Armed with his Whirlwind Spear, he swung his, striking down and injuring the giant dinosaur-like alien, who missed and struggled to take him down. He hits his Omnitrix, turned him into XLR8, which allowed him to keep up the pace and attacked Nezha, who firmly and strongly repelled and fight back against him.

Shadow Dragon and Twilight were about to assist them, but instead, they got blasted by dark energy blasts. They both dropped to the floor hard. As they were about to get up, they got hit again. This time, their energy and powers have been drained down and absorbed by Darkstar. He was accompanied by Billy in his armor suit.

"So, these are the ponies posing threat to Nezha?" Darkstar asked amusingly. He scoffed, "How pathetic."

Billy nodded, "Yeah. We could have taken them down at ease. You two are alone to finish us off."

Twilight scoffed weakly, "Whoever said we're alone?"

And just before Billy could asked, something or someone dashed in to knock him and Darkstar away from Twilight and Shadow Dragon. As they recovered from the surprise attack, they both looked up and found Mane Six and the rest of Team Ben stood besides with Twilight and Shadow Dragon. They then helped them up at once.

"We have friends helping us," Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Twilight nodded, "We're on this together."

"Please. You're not seriously thinking that your 'magic of friendship' actually can defeat us?" Darkstar scoffed with amusement, "Pathetic. I have gained the power of Mystic Magic. You don't-!"

POW! Rainbow charged and punched at Darkstar's face, knocking him straight to the walls hard. Billy panicked in fear and worry. And just he could attack, Pinkie fired her Party Bazooka at him, throwing him off as well.

"Always the same. Talk too much," Rainbow said confidently.

"Eeyup. They need to learn to shut up," Applejack said firmly. She turned and found Nezha was fighting fiercely against Ben as Four Arms, who struggled to fight back. She hissed, "Twi. Shadow Dragon. You both better help them. Don't think he can handle him. We'll take care of these jokers."

Twilight and Shadow Dragon nodded firmly. They both turned and headed to assist Ben to fight off Nezha. The rest of Mane Six and Team Ben turned and engaged Death Tactic, Darkstar and Billy. Gwen teamed with Fluttershy and Rarity to fight off Darkstar. Kevin joined with Rainbow and Pinkie against Billy. Rook and Applejack cornered Death Tactic.

Darkstar scoffed amusingly as he unleashed Dark Energy Blasts at Gwen, Rarity and Fluttershy. Both ponies yelped in fear as they both ran behind the Lucky Girl, who summoned and used her Magical Barrier to block and deflect the blasts, and also fired the magic blasts at him. He easily blocked and absorbed the magical blasts. And at the same time, he glowed brightly as he has grown stronger and powerful. He got distracted due to Lucky Girl jumped and kicked at him by head and then cchest to the ground. She then engaged and fought off Darkstar, who swiftly dodged and evaded the attacks while fighting back with his Golden Energy Power. As soon as he reached into full power, Darkstar launched and fired golden beam in hitting and knocking the girls off.

Darkstar laughed amusingly, "Wow. These ponies are supposed to be heroes? How pathetic." He then levitated and brought Lucky Girl towards him. She was in restrained. He touched her cheek as he smirked amusingly at her, "I pity you that you have to look after them like some lost puppies. But now you're mine."

Lucky Girl grunted in frustration as she gave some thoughts of how to defeat him. She gasped of the idea. She smirked, "You know what's your problem, Darkstar? You keep underestimating girl powers. For example, did you know that you killed animals for your survival? And not to mention, the worst thing is that you used, cheated and hurt her heart all because you can't stand on the girl's drama and fashion sense."

"So, what? I don't care about them. They hardly matters to me," Darkstar said amusingly, "After all, they're weak and pathetic like your stupid pony friends." He noticed Lucky Girl's sly smile at him. He looked surprise, "Why are you smiling?"

"Like I said. Never underestimating the girl powers," Lucky Girl joked, "You just make two ponies angry and annoyed."

"You hurt and kill animals?!" Fluttershy demanded in anger.

Rarity made angry and annoyed face, "You cheated on your girlfriends for Gwen because of their drama and sense of fashion?!"

"Yeah, so what?!" Darkstar asked in annoyance.

Fluttershy and Rarity roared in anger as they activated and used their Animal Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, scaring Darkstar. And just before he could do anything, Fluttershy charged via using Animal Ruby's Cheetah Speed before slammed him to the ground, with Bear Strength and Bat Screech at his face. She then gave him 'The Stare', trapping and holding him down. Rarity used her Diamond Bracelet in summoning a large megaton hammer in slamming and whacking Darkstar down for few times. Darkstar got weakened and turned into zombie state. Aftermath, she redesign and changed his wardrobe into more beautiful yet girly dress.

Upon looking at his new dress, Darkstar screamed and panicked in fear of what he just worn. Lucky Girl gave a powerful punch at his face. She then kicked at his bottom, making him screamed and yelled in pain.

"That's for screwing up all girls including mine and Charmcaster, jackass," Gwen snapped firmly. She turned and looked at Rarity and Fluttershy, "Nice work, girls."

"Not a problem, Gwen. And good thinking. When we return home, I would like to make new best dress for you and Julie," Rarity commented.

Fluttershy smiled, "Yay. And thank you so much for trusting us too."

Lucky Girl smiled, "Like I said, don't underestimate the girl power."

Kevin, Rainbow and Pinkie were facing off at Billy in his Billion Armor. All of them were glaring and snarling at each other. And just before he could fire his weapons, Pinkie began dancing and singing 'One Small Thing', which shocked and surprised Billy and Kevin. She even used the Party Bazooka at him, making him dodge and blasts at the attacks.

"W-What the hell are you doing?!" Billy demanded angrily and annoyingly, "Do I look like Elvis Presley to you?! I don't frigging dance and sing, you stupid horse!"

"Aw. Don't be such a party popper! Just relax and enjoy. And also, I'm a pony, not horse! Geez. Can't any you guys tell the difference?" Pinkie danced happily and wildly before pointing on her right, "And besides, Rainbow got surprise for you."

Billy was confused of what the pink pony has said. When he looked at his right, he found Rainbow in her Sonic Rainboom Mode, heading and ramming him off, causing a powerful explosion. With his armor destroyed, Billy survived the explosion yet he was dizzy. Kevin approached and gave him a punch. He turned and looked at Rainbow and Pinkie.

"I take back everything I said. You guys are cool," Kevin commented, "So, think you can give the schematic for H.A.M. Walker and materials?"

Rainbow smirked, "Sure. Why not? Just need to talk with Coach and Shorty about it. But is why that rich brat sounded like Tech?"

"Hard to tell?" Kevin shrugged, "I don't get parallel world."

"Well, that's because they'e voiced by Danny Cocksey! Duh! Shall we do the 'Teen Titans' Song?! Loving it?!" Pinkie cheered happily, "Beast Boy, you do the dance and singing! I wanna hear it!"

Pinkie began singing 'Teen Titans Song' while dancing happily and wildly, confusing Kevin and Rainbow to look at each other. They both shrugged a bit.

Rook and Applejack approached while readying to fight off Death Tactic, who remained still and in his Chameleon Stealth Style. Rook charged as he tried to launch some punches at the Grand General, who swiftly yet stealthily dodge and evade the attacks for few times. As soon as Rook launched his Stone Cutter at Death Tactic, the latter immediately grabbed the punch firmly. While grabbing his hand, he moved to the back of Plumber Cadet, twisting and holding his while kicking and tripping him to the ground. Death Tactic began cracking and injuring Rook's hand while slowly twisting and snapping his neck.

Applejack charged and launched his punches at Death Tactic, who easily and firmly blocked and deflect the attacks. He then kicked her off. She tried to punch at him but he used Rook as his human shield to block and deflect the attacks, and used him to kick and headbutt against her for few times. Grabbing and flipping Rook over, Death Tactic jumped and kicked him straight at Applejack to the ground. He then activated and used his telekinesis powers in trapping and holding them to the ground.

"You have underestimated me so easily," Death Tactic commented bluntly, "I expected more from you both especially one is related to so-called detective."

"Partner. Insulting Saber means trouble like making a bull to chase after the red," Applejack said dryly, "No one's gonna get away with this."

"Even here, I don't understand the expression," Rook said in concern. He looked at Death Tactic's appearance carefully. He hummed thoughtfully, "Grand Admiral, before you could finish us, I would like to present you a gifted knowledge. I was told that you have great interest of our worlds's history, culture, custom and even arts. My world Revonnah Kai is the most interesting world for you to learn and even get to do peacefully and quietly, with no wars."

"Hmm. How intriguing..." Death Tactic said amusingly.

As Death Tactic and Rook were discussing about Revonnah Kai, Applejack was confused by his doing. She was about to argue, but she gave some thoughts of why he did it. She quickly use and lassoed around Death Tactic, who easily dodged it before grabbed and brought her to him. And just before he could do anything, Rook threw a strange orange colored fruit at him, causing some stickiness.

"What is this?!" Death Tactic demanded calmly yet angrily while struggling to remove the stickiness, "This is no ordinary fruit."

Rook smirked, "No, it wasn't. Good thing I've got some spares. That is Amber Ogio. The fruit is quite multitask source for food, clothing, construction and even fuel. And also, quite stickiness. I hope you enjoy the delicacy." He whistled, "I did it. My first Earth Expression! That is fun!"

"Way to go, partner. That was quite clever of you," Applejack commented.

Rook smiled, "Thank you. I owe this strategy to Ben and Kevin for lending me watch 'Star Wars' and its various media, but mostly books. Death Tactic does remind me of 'Grand Admiral Thrawn'. He's my favorite character."

XLR8 yelped in pain, knocking straight to the wall due to Nezha managed to catch up and launched multiple punches at him. He quickly hit his Omnitrix, turning him into Four Arms. He began swinging his punches at Nezha, who quickly and firmly dodged the attacks while punching and kicking him on limbs, hands and even punched at him from head. Hitting his Omnitrix again, he transformed into Spidermonkey. Both of them began the fierce and wild brawl while climbing and jumping on the wall and pillars. As Spidermonkey launched his webs at Nezha's face, the latter grunted in anger as he grabbed the web, pulling the former towards him to punch his enemy. He jumped and slammed Spidermonkey to the ground. As timed out, Spidermonkey reverted back to Ben, allowing Nezha to punch and attack him violently.

Twilight levitated and thrown Shadow Dragon at his arch-rival, knocking and kicking him off. Both of them began the fierce fight with each other while rolling around wildly and crazily. Twilight approached and healed Ben's injuries. Nezha held and slammed Shadow Dragon against the floor.

"Why are you helping Dreathis like him?! He and his kind are the enemies to ponies!" Nezha snapped in anger.

Shadow Dragon grunted as he held Nezha back, "No, they're not. Dark Mystic Ponies are. In fact, they have nothing to do with you or your family. They're not even from here!"

"That makes no different. They're filthy barbaric animals!"

"What do you want with Alien X?!"

"Changing the rules. Bringing my enemies to their extinction!"

Nezha grabbed and thrown Shadow Dragon aside. He readied with Blazing Dragoon-Serpent Style, and Shadow Dragon did the same. They both charged and engaged with each other fiercely and firmly for few times by punching, elbowing and kicking at each other's body and limbs. Launching the punches twice on head, Mystic Pony of Darkness quickly thrust his punch against Mystic Emperor's guts before launched the barrage of punches on chest before knocked and tripped him to the ground, allowing him to attack again. He then dodged down before grabbed and thrown him over. Shadow Dragon got up, but kicked off a bit. Both of them began launched the barrage of punches, kicks, elbowing and karate chops while blocking and deflected the attacks for few times.

As soon as Ben got recovered, he hit his Omnitrix, turning into Karate Hawk. Bot Nezha and Shadow Dragon are almost at equal of fighting. He charged to assist his ally. Seeing him coming in, the Mystic Emperor quickly grabbed and used Mystic Pony of Darkness as shield for Karate Hawk to punch and kick for few times. He even used him to attack him for few times, annoying and irritating him.

"Hey, that's cheating! Using pony as shield is not cool!" Karate Hawk complained angrily, "Stop hiding behind him and fight me like a warrior, coward!"

Nezha scoffed, "Hypocrite. You dare call me 'coward' when you and your kind are! And you believe that you are better than me? Don't make me laugh!"

"I wasn't joking. So, come and fight me now, coward!"

"No. You make the move, coward. Or do you need something pathetic to defeat me."

Karate Hawk groaned as he hit his Omnitrix, turning him into Goop, "You asked for this, jackass Emperor!"

Goop flew towards at Nezha, who held up Shadow Dragon while readying to attack. Unknown to him, Twilight jumped and launched a punch on his head, freeing her husband. She quickly grabbed and moved him to safety, allowing Goop to jump, wrapped and coiled him tightly, melting his armor. Nezha groaned and snarled in pain and anger as he quickly unleashed Death Beam, damaging the gravity flying disk which immobile Goop to the ground. He then unleashed Dragon Flames on him, weakening and wounding him.

Twilight fired her Unicorn Burst at Nezha's back. Shadow Dragon grabbed and thrown the Mystic Emperor aside. Both of them positioned themselves in Blazing Dragoon-Serpent style as they fought and engaged Nezha, who blocked and deflect the attacks by head, neck and limbs for few times. When the princess tried to perform swipe kick at him, he grabbed and swung her at Shadow Dragon, who was forced to moved and dodged from attacking her for the moment. He then unleashed and fired his Death Beam, wounding Shadow Dragon. He then threw Twilight at him to the ground. Armed with Whirlwind Spear, he approached and readying to finish them both. Luckily, both Shadow Dragon and Twilight quickly fired Sparkling Star Blast and Chaos Hyper Blast at him off. They then quickly and firmly attacked him at once, but he blocked and deflect the attacks for few times.

Goop groaned in pain as he reached and hit his Omnitrix, transforming back to his human self. He then witnessed Shadow Dragon and Twilight struggled to fight Nezha, who was strong and powerful to strike back. They're both slowly weakening and losing to him.

Ben gave some thinking of how to defeat Nezha while looking at his Omnitrix, "There's no option. Even if I use Way Big, I'll be an easy target for Mystic Pony to attack. And not to mention, I could make more ponies hate humans. I have to use Alien X. He's close enough to beat him."

Ben activated his Omnitrix, turning him into Alien X. He readied for the serious and dangerous fight. He turned and found Nezha unleashed his powerful Mega Rage Power and Destructive Explosion at Twilight and Shadow Dragon, who both fire Darkness Oblivion Beam and Shinning Light Beam pushing the attack back. Due to them being exhausted and lost so much of powers, Nezha's raging and destructive power pushed and knocked them both back.

And just before Nezha could finish them, Alien X teleported and stood before him. He swiftly and easily defeated the Mystic Emperor by punching and kicking three times. He then grabbed him by collar He then glared at him.

"You have been defeated," Alien X declared firmly, "Submit to your defeat and return Yamamoto Julie to us now!"

"I knew you couldn't resist using the godlike power. You did exactly what I have planned." Nezha said with a scoff of arrogance, confusing Alien X. And just before he could do anything, he slammed and held on the Omnitrix Symbol, giving it some electrical static, "Now... The power of time, space and reality is mine! I can finally have my revenge on those filthy humans!"

With the scream of his anger and determination, Nezha held tightly on the Omnitrix Symbol, causing a powerful yet destructive purple colored electrical shocks. It not only damaged the device, but also surging, spreading and injuring Alien X. He screamed in pain, feeling his powers siphoning and going out of control. He tried to move or use his powers, but instead, he's been restrained by Mystic Emperor's powers.

Nezha: My destiny, my revenge
For too long, I've been waited
The time to act is now!
For Mystic, my kingdom
They shall paid for their crimes
This is where your end is, Dreathis

Ensemble: Fear No Humans
Fight them with fire

Nezha and Ensemble: And soon my pride will be victor
I'll have my revenge
Your kind will fall

Nezha: I'll destroy all of the Dreathis filth.
Retaliation is a simple thing

The Golden Jade Palace's throne chamber began unusual and dramatic changes into more unstable, random and out of control state. Everyone got affected by the changes as well. Feeling their bodies crippling, damaging and suffocating; they all screamed in pain and agony from the attack.

"What's going on?!" Shadow Dragon asked.

"Alien X! The Emperor's hurting Ben!" Gwen exclaimed in concern, "He must have done something to him!"

"That's not the worst part," Twilight said in concern and feared, "If Nezha continued abusing Alien X's powers, he not only gets his revenge but also destroying the multiverse including us in it. Time, Space and Reality will become unstable and out of control. We won't able to restore it."

"Aw man! That's not good," Kevin said in concern.

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Damn it! Nezha, stop it now! You're killing all of us!"

"That's the price I'm willing to pay..." Nezha said cruelly, continued unleashing his control powers over Alien X, "Revenge is mine!"

Within Alien X's mind, dark purple lightning strike down everywhere. The blackish space began shattering and breaking apart as if the universe is meeting its end. Ben, Bellicus and Serena were screaming in pain and agony, feeling the effects on them.

"W-What is happening?!" Ben asked in pain.

Bellicus groaned in pain, "So much hate. So much rage. So much powerful. I have never seen anything like this before. This Mystic Pony's trying to control our body and power to fulfill his destiny. The destruction of all humanity is inevitable!"

"Without even making the debating?" Ben asked in shock and concern, "Is that even possible?! I thought Alien X can be controlled when they were born."

"That is true. But only the most powerful creatures or gods are capable to do so. This Mystic Pony is truly powerful and dangerous for able to defeat and control us at ease!" Serena exclaimed in pain and agony with tears, "And it's hurting me! I can't bear it!"

"Neither can I," Bellicus said in defeat, "We're getting weaker and losing our powers and mind. Once we reach at the end, I'm afraid we'll be destroyed forever."

"No... There must be something we can do," Ben pleaded, "He must have some weak spot to exploit."

Serena sighed in defeat, "I am sorry, Ben. I do not know much but..."

"There is one such powerful alien species that can help you defeat him," Bellicus said firmly, "If we can access the Omnitrix-!"

"Then, do it! We don't have much time!" Ben exclaimed in concern.

"Ben, listen to us. Once we used our last remaining of powers to turn into that alien we can recommend, Alien X's DNA will be forever locked down," Serena said sadly.

Ben was in shock and concern. Bellicus nodded, "The Mystic Pony's power has damaged our body and our power is almost depleting. We all will be in devastated state, easy preyed and defeated by anyone."

"How long will you able to recover?" Ben asked.

"I do not know..." Serena admitted in concern, "But for the sake of us, our home and for you; you must lock us out for protection and safety."

"It's the only way. You have to save the universe, without us," Bellicus said firmly.

Ben said in concern, "Still..."

"You can do it, Ben," Serena said calmly.

Bellicus nodded, "Indeed. You have faced the worse opponents than this, without our help. You can do it again. Be strong and confident, Ben Tennyson."

Though felt guilty and shame to see them sacrificed their powers to help him, Ben groaned in anger and defeat as he knew that he has to stop Nezha from exterminating the humanity. He nodded firmly with tears as he has to do it. Both Bellicus and Serena's eyes glowed brightly as they're using their last remaining of powers to stop Nezha and turn into new alien to stop him.

Nezha laughed out happily and proudly as he almost there. Suddenly, he noticed something on the Omnitrix as it is glowing in green. Alien X's eyes glowed in green as well. This alerted everyone to see it as they wondered of what is going on.

"Second it! Accessing the Omnitrix to turn into new powerful alien, and lock down Alien X DNA forever motion carried!" Alien X declared.

Just before anyone could react, Alien X engulfed in bright green glowing light, blinding everyone's sights for the moment. He transformed into new alien - whitish muscular armored alien that has a Omnitrix-like Jar filled with radiation and an Omnitrix Symbol, smaller greenish orb-like on shoulder pads with sharped spikes, glowing radiation-like hands, blackish pants, whitish pair boots with radiation jars-like, large blackish jetpack on his back and he has blackish-greenish colored rounded head with white metal plate and radiation jar as face.

Everyone was in shock and surprise as they're looking at the new alien. Angered and furious, Nezha screamed in frustration that his chance to fulfill his destiny is ruined.

"Wow. That's something..." New alien commented, "I feel powerful in this one. Must be Bellicus and Serena were talking about..."

"Wow! New alien!" Kevin exclaimed in surprise, "Why would he do that?"

"Seeing Alien X is badly injured, they have to turn into new alien," Lucky Girl said thoughtfully, "Hopefully, he's powerful enough to defeat Nezha."

"Think he can beat Nezha?" Twilight asked.

Shadow Dragon sighed, "If it's not, then we'll be finished for good..."

"It doesn't what alien you used. I still can defeat you at ease," Nezha said arrogantly and calmly. He readied with his Whirlwind Spear, "I will have that Alien X's power!"

New alien groaned as he readied in battle position, "Try if you want to, jackass!"

Nezha screamed in anger as he charged and swung his Whirlwind Spear at the new alien, who swiftly dodge and evade the attacks for ten times. As the Mystic Emperor thrust his spear at him, he quickly grabbed it before slammed his hand at the pony off. He charged and swung some punches at him. He groaned in anger as he fired his Death Beam at him. The radioactive warrior summoned and fired his Radiation Beam in blocking and pushing the beam off. He charged and slammed a powerful punch at Nezha straight to the throne chair, destroying it.

Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they just saw. They couldn't believe it that he was able to fight and defeat Nezha.

"Wow! Incredible! I did not expect this alien be so powerful!" New alien exclaimed in surprise, "Still, I must name him. He's gotta be incredibly amazing and powerful name. Something to do with his powers. I have no clue of what I'm made of, though."

Twilight hummed thoughtfully and then gasped, "Atomix!" Everyone looked at her. She continued, "Based on my analysis and understanding on your alien's appearance and powers, they're consisted of radiation and atomic molecules as well. Though they're incredible and effectively powerful source, theirs are truly dangerous that could pose dangerous side effects and nuclear meltdown."

"That does sound right for him," Shadow Dragon agreed.

Applejack smiled, "Woo whee! Sounds like a perfect name for new alien."

"Atomix, huh? Cool name," Rainbow commented.

Everyone chatted and commented happily as they agreed to call new alien 'Atomix'.

Atomix smiled, "Alright, then. Atomix, it is!" He turned and glared at Nezha, "Are you ready to give up, your majesty? You do not stand a chance against me and my powers. I could cause dangerous nuclear meltdown on your home."

Nezha snarled, "I'd take my chance. No creatures can defeat the Ultimate Warriors of Vengeance!"

Nezha screamed in anger as he fiercely charged and attacked Atomix, who activated his jetpack to fly off. The emperor chased after him. Both of them began the fierce brawl with each other through punching, elbowing and kicking through the use of Blazing Dragoon-Serpent Style for few times.

Both Nezha and Atomix have the brief launching the punches by attacking and blocking. As Mystic Pony launched two punches from both hooves, the armored radioactive alien dodge and evade the attacks before gave the Karate Chop on the neck, shocking him down hard. He groaned in anger as he quickly and fiercely gave some kicks at the alien, who firmly and quickly evade and dodge the attacks until he got blocked against the walls. Nezha quickly launched some punches and kicks at all of his body. However, Atomix did not feel the pain, though he does have some cracks on radioactive jars, alerting to dodge and block the attacks for few times. When the Mystic Emperor launched his punch and kick from right side, the armored alien quickly grabbed his on right before struck a slam on guts, followed by the kick on the thigh and then gave a headbutt against him off.

Angered and furious of defeat, Nezha charged and slammed his punch at Atomix by face before kicked at the thigh three times, followed by slamming him to the ground for five times. The mechanical armored alien quickly nudged him off. Activating his radioactive powers, he fiercely and swiftly launched the barrage of serious punches and kicks, injuring and wounding the Mystic Emperor's limbs, just as Shadow Dragon did to him. As soon as he wounded his enemy, Atomix readied his powerful energy punch.

"Big Bang Nuclear Punch!" Atomix exclaimed as swung his powerful energy punch at Nezha's face, blasting him off. He then hummed calmly and firmly, channeling energy into him, "Everyone, shelter yourself now! I am about to unleash the nuclear meltdown! Radioactive Explosive Bomb!"

Alerted by Atomix's warning, Twilight levitated the rest of her friends and even three defeated enemies into one location before teleported off to another area. Atomix gave the loud battle cry as he unleashed his Radioactive Explosive Bomb, which caused powerful explosion in destroying the whole throne chamber.

The throne chamber was destroyed and in ruins. Nezha grunted in pain as he fell to the ground hard, with most of his robotic parts are damaged and destroyed. Atomix stood before him. He transformed back into his human form. Twilight and her friends reappeared again.

"Wow. That's some explosion..." Pinkie commented. She squealed, "Can we do it again?"

"No. It's too scary," Fluttersy protested.

Rarity nodded, "I agreed. I don't want nuclear meltdown on my boutique."

"That's an awesome alien, Ben!" Kevin commented.

"Yeah. I owe it to Bellicus and Serena. They helped me out. They deserve the break," Ben commented while looking at his watch. He turned and glared at Nezha, "Where's Julie?!"

Nezha snarled, "I will not lose to Dreathis like you!"

And just everyone could react, Nezha armed and thrust his Whirlwind Spear at Ben's throat. Suddenly, someone jumped and slammed on his body, furthering damage his body and shutting them down. Nezha screamed in pain and anger as he's unable to move.

Everyone looked up and found Julie stood before them. They cried out in relief. They all chatted and commented to see her alive. Ben gave her a warm hug.

Ben sighed, "Julie, I'm sorry for everything. I'll tell you everything! I'll tell you about-!"

"I know, Ben. I already know about my true past," Julie said calmly, surprising the group. She smiled, "Don't worry, Ben. I'm not mad. In fact, I understand why you keep this a secret and being protective of me from joining the team. I appreciate it."

"Julie..." Ben said in surprise. Julie gave him a passionate kiss. He sighed, "Thanks."

Ben: You Are My Destiny.

Julie: You Are My World

Ben and Julie: We'll always be together...

Ben and Julie gave each other a passionate kiss. Mane Six, Shadow Dragon and Team Ben laughed amusingly and playfully.

"Sounds familiar?" Shadow Dragon asked.

Twilight giggled, "Eeyup. That song's never get out of my head. It's one of the best."

"So, what do we do with these jerks?" Kevin asked while pointed at Nezha and Death Tactic. He held both Darkstar and Billy, "We've got the bad guys."

"Leave them be." Shadow Dragon commented, "We've already make a report to the council. They'll take care of him. Be glad the Jade Emperor's not in same room as they are. My father's looking after him now."

Twilight glared at Nezha, "If you ever pull this stunt again, I assure you that we won't be playing nice. And the council aren't very forgiving either. Stay the hell away from my school and my human friends."

Nezha grunted in defeat but admitted that he will not bother them again. Shadow Dragon summoned the Mystic Portal, leading the rest of his friends to enter and returned home safely. Just before Julie could enter, she glanced at mysterious commander enter the scene. She smiled briefly before entered it.

The mysterious commander removed the mask and revealed to be Tempest Shadow. She turned and looked at both Mystic Emperor and Grand General.

"I assumed that everything didn't go well," Tempest asked calmly.

Nezha snarled a bit before scoffed with a smirk, "Despite the defeat I have suffered, we have what we need for Project: Abomination. Dr. Wong can begin soon." He then shown the small device that is containing most of Ben 10's Alien DNAs. He smirked, "My revenge will be complete."

Death Tactic sighed, "Pity that you corrupted and damaged the Alien X DNA."

"That matters nothing, old friend," Nezha said calmly, "Both Mystic and Equestria Realm will be under my control."

Twilight and her friends managed to return home safely. All of them are now inside Castle of Friendship's Library. She tinkered the Magic Mirror Portal mechanism, that would helped her to send Team Ben home. She managed to locate their home. And of course, both Darkstar and Billy are in cuffs. Ocellus and Bella were there as well. It is time for them to say goodbye now.

"Do they have to go?" Pinkie asked in disappointed, "I haven't even started the party! It's so unfair."

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. And we just meet again. It's not fair!"

"Sorry, Nyx. But our home need some heroes to be there for them." Julie said calmly. Nyx looked down in shame and guilt. She smiled as she patted the black filly's head, "No worries. When we're free, we'll come to your place."

Nyx smiled as she jumped and hugged Julie, "Thanks! I wanna show you and meet my friends. They're the best girls for helping you find your talents and cutie marks!"

Julie smiled, "Can't wait to find out."

Rarity presented beautiful bluish western gown with shinny patterns for Gwen and Japanese pinkish-whitish kimono with flower patterns for Julie. She smiled, "I hope you'll like them. They fit for your size."

"Thanks, Rarity. You sure you've got our size right?" Gwen asked.

Rarity smiled, "Absolutely, darlings."

Fluttershy nodded, "Rarity's very good at fashion. She hardly make any mistakes." She turned and glared at Darkstar and Billy, "If you two ever think about hurting animals, you'd better hope that I don't get my husband and Draconequus to use the portal to find and hunt you down!"

Darkstar and Billy yelped as they hugged each other fearfully, "Yes, ma'am!"

Rainbow passed the blueprints of 'H.A.M. Walker' and others to Kevin, "As promised, got them for you to build and use."

"Thanks. Can't wait to try them again. No more anyone tried to stop me again," Kevin commented amusingly, "But seriously, dude. Thanks. You're kinda awesome pony."

Rainbow laughed a bit, "Obviously. And you're not bad too for an alien guy."

Applejack sighed, "Sure wish I could invite you to Apple Family Reunion. You'll love them especially Saber. You and him love the detective works."

"Indeed. I felt the same as well," Rook said in disappointment. He smiled, "Nevertheless, I am honored that we work together as a team, even if it's temporary."

Applejack smiled, "Eeyup."

"Guess this is goodbye..." Ben commented.

"Yes. It's good to see you again, Ben." Twilight said in relief, "Until the situation between Mystic and Equestria calm down, best that you guys stay at your world for now. Will let you know about it."

"Thanks, Twi. Look forward to see your school for fun again," Ben commented playfully.

"Very funny." Twilight scoffed with a scoff. She then passed the large elixir bottle to Ben, "This is Magic Healing Elixir. Its magic is very powerful and effective to heal the wounds and restore the powers as well. Hopefully, it works on Alien X."

"I'm sure they appreciate it, Twi. Thanks." Ben said calmly. He turned and looked at Shadow Dragon, "Thanks for helping me out. And sorry for trashing your dojo and talking bad about you."

Shadow Dragon smirked, "No worries. I'm used to it when I was young. But just make sure that you're humble and modest to everyone, and take things serious too."

"Hey. I am serious," Ben protested, "Well, even though our fight hasn't been settle, I was wondering if we ever get the rematch. And this time, it's just for sparring and no more killing each other to show off about being hero."

Shadow Dragon smiled, "That'd be great. I would love to. Promised me not to boast your arrogance again."

"Got it," Ben nodded playfully. He turned and looked at Ocellus and Bella, "Thanks for the help, girls."

"No problem," Ocellus said calmly.

"Yeah. And sorry about the racism. It wasn't very nice of me especially how much I've hurt my own best friend," Bella said in guilt. She then shown the T-Shirt with Pony and Human standing together with 'Stop Bullying Humans' tagline, surprised Team Ben. She smiled, "Ocellus and I are gonna build the campaign to fight for humans' rights and freedom. Wanna show them that ponies and humans can be friends."

Ocellus nodded, "Yeah. It is time to end some stupid racism for good, with the help of our friends."

"That's awesome," Ben commented, "So, see ya guys. Hopefully, we'll have some time together, without some problems."

Twilight smiled, "Hopefully. See ya, Ben!"

Both Team Ben and ponies said each other goodbyes. Team Ben entered the Magic Mirror Portal, which led them straight back to home. And they'll be ready to face the danger including Malware and his faction but will Julie be ready to face them when she's still traumatized?

END...

Review and Suggest...

Main Cast:
Johnny Yong Bosh: Ben Tennyson, Albedo
Kelly Hu: Julie Yamamoto/Armorstrike, Ship
Bumper Robinson: Rook Blonko
Ashley Johnson: Gwen Tennyson/Lucky Girl
Greg Cipes: Kevin Levin
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Mazuma, Serena
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Minor Casts:
Devyn Dalton: Ocellus
Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime
Wil Wheaton: Darkstar
Danny Cocksey: Billy Billions, Tech
Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic
Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow
Michael Pena: Grubber
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Dee Bradley Baker: Spidermonkey, Eye Guy, Chromastone
Yuri Lowenthall: Karate Hawk
John DiMaggio: Rath
Fred Tatesciore: Humongousaur
Jim Ward: XLR8
Richard McGonagle: Four Arms
Christopher Sabat: Bellicus, Atomix
Paul Eiding: Zed

Cameo:
Dave Fennoy: Tetrax Shard
Rebecca Shoichet: Twilight Sparkle's Singing Voice
Kazumi Evans: Rarity's Singing Voice
Shannon Chan-Kent: Pinkie Pie's Singing Voice

Author's Note

Author's Notes:

There were lots of characters and scenes that I wanted to put in it but found them to be distraction and didn't seem they actually have purpose or role to play in this episode:
a) Tetrax was supposed to be main character in this episode, as well as serving comedian for running away from dragons, who wanted to eat him alive due to him made of crystals. It would have been funny but also distracted and mean. So, I made him as cameo only.
b) The rest of Student Seven were supposed to appear together with Ocellus and Bella Anime in this episode, but again they're kinda distraction and took too much of story. And of course, the main focus is to stop the racism and work together as one, which fits well for Ocellus and Bella because they were close friends since the first day of school.
c) There was a music scene involved of Kevin challenged Shorty Thinking over machinery and transports especially trying to ride new H.A.M. Walker. The song was called 'Bring it', which was based on 'Michael Jackson's Beat It', covered by Michelle Creber and BlackGryphon, who were supposed to appear in it as well. But I removed it.
d) There was a music scene involved of Julie lost her trust in Ben for knowing their friendship from 5 years ago. The song is called 'How can I trust you now?', which is based on 'Gotta Go My Own Way' from High School Musical 2. This was set after also Nyx restored her memories scene, and also during Shadow Dragon vs Ben scene. But I do another way to show that Julie's becoming aware that Ben purposely preventing her to learn the truth, and lose the trust in him.
e) Originally, Kevin used H.A.M. Walker to fire and destroy the palace especially engaging Billy in his new Guardian Armor. But felt it's kinda overkill. I'll probably put that scene to somewhere else to fight off against the powerful dangerous monster.
f) Prior to the climax fight, Professor Paradox would have originally appear to Ben, and warn him not to use 'Alien X' due to Nezha would use his powers to destroy the universe. I removed the scene because a simple logic that he could have just rescue and get Team Ben out at ease. However, Professor Paradox would be having hard time to track and locate them due to many dimensions and multiverse, and he has to be careful not to interfere and upset the balance.
g) Originally, Jade Emperor Takei was supposed to appear and still in coma after Nezha vs Atomix battle. The scene involved of Takei barely stay alive and almost got killed from Atomix's 'Radioactive Explosion Bomb', allowing Nezha to accuse the humans are still reckless and selfish creatures for destroying everything, turning most of Mystic Ponies to his side until Ocellus and Bella stood up to him while turned the crowd against him to defend the Humans. I against it because Twilight was smart enough to alert the Council about the situation and Nezha's plans, and of course, Mystic Tao (Shadow Dragon's adopted father) is tasked of looking after Jade Emperor Takei, than leaving him alone to Nezha, whom Mystic Council suspect to use him as leverage.

2) 'Friendship Always Wins' comes from MLP: FIM Season 8 Episode 2, with the change of lyrics.

3) 'Fear No Human' and its reprise are based on 'The Neva Flow & its reprise' from Anastasia Broadway.

4) 'Ben's Regret Song' is based on 'One Jump Ahead Reprise 2' from Aladdin (2019).

5) 'I won't stand down' is based on 'Speechless' from Aladdin (2019).

6) This episode is the based on and also tribute to 'Ip Man Film Series', as well as to historical figures - Wing Chun Masters - Ip Man (who died in 1972 from throat cancer), Ip Chun (His eldest son, and 95-years-old but alive and still teaching Wing Chun) Ip Ching (Second Son to Ip Man, who sadly passed away on 25 January 2020).

Episode 12: Molt Down

Ben Tennyson and his friends (consisting of Julie Yamamoto, Gwen Tennyson, Kevin Levin, Rook Blonko and Zed) have safely returned to their dimension via Magic Dimension Portal Mirror after a team-up with Mane Six and Shadow Dragon in against Nezha, who worked with Darkstar and Billy Billions for the attempt to take control of Alien X.

The Mystic Council was furious with his action. They punished Nezha by confining him in his family manor for a month, instead of prison since he's the heir and grandson to Jade Emperor Takei. The Mystic Elite Guards were patrolling and guarding the area, watching and keeping their eyes on him as wanting to find out what he's planning next. For the moment, he meditated quietly and calmly before he could train his martial arts for the next fight.

Inside the abandoned yet ruined secret laboratory at a small island, a small space shuttle was descending and landing on the platform. Just as the shuttle opened and lowered down the ramp, Death Tactic and his Mystic Elite Guards emerged and walked down. They then entered the lift, which led them to the basement. The area is completely filled with scientific tools, machineries and equipment including large chemical test tubes that has strange creatures within. Many scientists and assistants were studying, analyzing, researching and experimenting on their works.

After passing through the scientists, Death Tactic met up with a familiar Head of Science Division, who is busy with studying and researching on Ben 10's DNAs, thanks to the copy device-like.

"Dr. Vector Wong," Death Tactic called calmly, getting Dr. Wong's attention to him. He approached to him. He asked, "How is your research, my friend?"

"Working smoothly, sir," Dr. Wong answered warmly with a hint of excitement. He turned and looked through the microscope on the DNA. He remarked in pleasant tone, "Incredible. The DNA samples you have collected are truly intriguing and amazing! I've never seen this kind of species in my life. Definitely worth to research and study especially creating new life. They could be the missing link I was looking for Project: Abomination!"

"I'm glad that you enjoy it very much. But tell me, can these Alien DNA samples be used for our military weapons?"

"Yes."

"Good. The emperor would be pleased of it."

"And no," Dr. Wong answered in concern. Death Tactic raised her eyebrow of suspicious. The scientist stopped looking at the microscope. He turned and looked at him. He explained, "Grand General, other than that immature adolescent human, I cannot be certain if the Alien DNA sample can work on our soldiers. His Omnitrix is the only device that could control the transformation and abilities of aliens. And adding to this concerning theory, there could be a side-effect that Aliens' powers could overwhelm and kill them."

Death Tactic hummed in concern, "I see. With such dangerous powers like them, our super soldiers could be turned against us, instead of the enemies. So, I assume that we should perform some testing before we could proceed with final product?"

Dr. Wong nodded in agreement, "Yes. That's what I was thinking, sir. Once we know the effects of alien powers, then I should able to devise a countermeasure against it."

"Then, you should get started, Dr. Wong," Death Tactic said firmly, "We must be prepared."

"Understood, sir. I need a test subject and a good Alien Sample for this work," Dr. Wong said firmly while looking at the computer screen, choosing an Alien DNA sample to use. At the same time, he also looked through the book of species, finding a test subject. He came across to an interesting species and Alien DNA Sample. He smiled amusingly, "Well, now. This is an interesting species to study now."

At the late night, Spike was sleeping peacefully and quietly on his bedroom. He even muttered and sang happily and casually. He even has a pleasant dream as well. Unknown to him, someone opened the door and infiltrated into his room. It was revealed to be a small pony with wings, who carefully and quietly sneaked towards him.

Taking out a syringe and bottle, the mysterious filly pumped the chemical into it. She then injected it on the little dragon's left arm, slowly finishing up the chemical. This made him grunted in pain, though continued sleeping peacefully. She made an evil giggle before making her escape out of Spike's bedroom.

As Spike continued his peaceful sleeping, the night slowly turned into a day. The little dragon is still asleep. The door was opened up as Lance and Nyx quickly entered in. Concerning for their brother, they want to check on him and making sure he's alright.

Nyx called out while shaking Spike's bed, "Spike, wake up!"

Disbelief to see Spike still asleep, Lance hissed, "Yeesh! I can't believe you're still asleep!"

Spike grumbled while still sleeping, "Just five more minutes..."

"It's nearly noon." Nyx said while using her magic horn to open the window curtain, letting sunlight in. She continued, "You're gonna be late for your performance with Drake Trio. They would be upset if you don't meet up with them."

"What?! Noon!" Spike asked in disbelief as he quickly got up from facing down on the bed. He continued, "Whoa! I slept like a rock! Sorry about that, guys. Don't ever remember being got knocked out."

Just as Spike turned and looked at his friends, Lance and Nyx yelped in shock and concern of what they're looking at.

"What?" Spike asked.

"N-Nothing..." Lance stuttered in concern.

Spotted the mirror in front of the bedroom, Nyx yelped in concern, "D-Don't look at the mirror!"

"Huh?" Spike was confused by Nyx's warning. He turned and looked at the mirror. Looking at his reflection, he found his face is covered by reddish colored scale marks. He screamed in shock, "MY FACE!"

Nyx groaned while facepalmed, "I told you not to look at the mirror!"

Spike screamed and panicked fearfully and frantically as he quickly covered up the window with curtains. He quickly wrapped himself up with the blanket, refusing to let anyone look at his face again.

"Spike, what are you doing?" Lance asked in concern.

Spike grumbled in his blanket, "Hiding from my hideous face!"

"I'm sure it feels terrible, but it's just a breakout." Nyx said calmly while patted her brother's back, "It's not the end of the world."

"That's easy for you to say." Spike grumbled as he removed the blanket. While scratching his face, he glared at Nyx and Lance, "Your face isn't covered in itchy red spots!"

"Jeez. What a drama king," Nyx remarked dryly.

Lance chuckled a bit while patted Nyx, "Well, we can't blame Spike for being one since he's got terrible breakouts and worried of how ponies react to him. I had the worst as well because of my stress. Pretty sure that you have one, Spike."

"Not likely," Spike disagreed.

"Well, either way, you should ask Zecora," Nyx suggested calmly, "She makes a cream that works wonders. She did help us to know about your dragon greedy growth."

Spike groaned, "I know. I know. I know." He climbed out from his bed. He approached to the mirror. He continued while trying peeling off his stone scale, which pain him, "But I'm not leaving the castle until my face is back to its adorable self. Gotta get rid of stone scale."

"Spike, stop being stubborn. And just go to Zecora for her help," Lance said sternly.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. We'll talk with Boomer and Mr. Lockdown about your condition. I'm sure they'll understand."

Hearing what Nyx has said, Spike panicked, "Oh no! I've forgotten about my performance! I'd better go now!"

Just before anyone could protest him, Spike quickly puton his trench coat and hat. He then left his bedroom. Both Lance and Nyx groaned in annoyance by his stubbornness and mixed-up priorities.

"I hate it when he keeps doing that," Lance grumbled.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. No kidding. We'd better follow him and make sure he doesn't mess it up badly especially his condition is getting worse.

Somewhere deep inside the Dark Forest, Mei Kai seductively humming while slowly stripped her clothes and removing her ribbon, letting her hair out. She then climbed down and slowly laid down on the hot spring. She sighed happily and warmly.

"Now, this is life," Mei Kai said calmly and warmly while relaxing and leaning on the hot spring's wall. She sighed, "I need it for warming up my body."

While still relaxing, Mei Kai noticed some bubbles on hot spring. Just before she could do anything, she got dragged into the pond, alerting and scaring her off. It went in silent for the moment. Suddenly, the pond bubbled up again as Drago slowly emerged out from it as he was holding and carrying Mei Kai up.

"Surprise, babe." Drago remarked teasingly, making Mei Kai giggled playfully. Just as demonic mermaid held her hands around his neck, she then kissed him by lips for the moment. Departing from it, he chuckled, "Mind if I join in?"

Mei Kai giggled, "Silly Drago. You're always welcome to join with me. After all, we're married. So, shall we?"

"We shall," Drago remarked playfully, "I ain't holding back, babe."

Mei Kai nodded understandingly, "Neither do I."

Just as Mei Kai has her mermaid tail transformed into legs, Drago grabbed and held her thighs while putting her bottom close to his. And at the same time, she was holding around his neck. He bounced and pushed his against her for few times, making her grunt and moaned warmly and happily. And at the same time, she pushed her breast against his wildly, making him comfortable and touchy. They both laughed and giggled happily before kissing and licking each other's lips and tongues while holding and pushing against each other tight and wildly.

Drago continued pushing his bottom against her roughly and wildly, Mei Kai grunted and moaned happily to feel it inside her before giving out loud scream and roar of happiness. They both slowly sighed happily. The teenage dragon slowly sat down while still holding her close to him. He then massaged her breast gently and softly while she holding on him by shoulders as she gently shaking and moving her bottom against him. Both of them moaned and groaned happily while looking at each other.

"Handsome, I really love you," Mei Kai said warmly while being flustered.

Drago blushed before licked on her face, "I f# love you too. No one will ever take your place. I want us to keep doing this for a long time. Not caring of the world."

Mei Kai giggled, "You're so f # cute to say that. I felt the same way."

Drago and Mei Kai slowly held and hugged each other warmly as they both kissed each other passionately and happily while shaking and moving their bodies against each other within the hot spring. As they continued kissing, the spiritual form of Hak Xing's head appeared behind them. She was disgusted and annoyed to see them.

"DRAGO, you useless and pathetic imbecile! Stop this garbage now!" Hak Xing shouted angrily, alerting Drago and Mei Kai to stop and look at her. She continued, "Get your ass here now! The Pan'ku Box has located your father's portal!"

Hak Xing's spiritual head disappeared. Dargo groaned angrily and annoyingly, "I hate when she does that. I haven't finish it."

Mei Kai shushed gently at Drago while having her face to nuzzle him, "Don't worry, my love. We'll continue this when you get back. Hopefully, you bring the best meal for this too."

Still annoyed with his cousin's interruption, Drago couldn't stay mad as he knew Mei Kai was right. He chuckled, "Sure. Why not?"

Both Drago and Mei Kai got out of hot spring. They quickly get dressed before heading out and returning to Demon Successor Main Camp, where their cousins and four Demon Lords were gathered. They both met up with Hak Xing, who glared at him.

"You're late…" Hak Xing remarked dryly.

Drago scoffed, "Well, I'm here, right? So, let's get this over."

Though disliked of her cousin's attitude, Hak Xing needed Drago to complete his mission by freeing his father. She let him through. He looked at Pan'ku Box's revealing the map, pinpointing the location of his father's portal.

"Well, well, looks like I'm next. Who knew the portal I was gonna find could be nearer than I thought?" Drago chuckled, "Spike. I'm coming for you."

"Just be sure that you focus on your mission," Hak Xing said dryly with snarl.

"I will, dumbass!" Drago snapped in annoyance. He glared at Mei Kai, "At least it will go accordingly, unlike that little stunt you pulled with that Hippogriff at Mount Aris."

"Am I detecting a hint of jealousy in you, Drago?" Mei Kai asked teasingly, making Drago annoyed. She slithered towards her husband as she gave him a warm and passionate kiss. She continued, "You should know that I would never cheat on you. Besides, I'm just using him to get what I'm looking I doubt he ever kissed a girl before."

Drago rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Yeah, right. But I'll forgive you for this time."

Mei Kai smiled, "I knew you would understand it. Just make sure you come back."

"Don't worry, I will," Drago commented.

Hak Xing groaned, "Gimme a break…"

After leaving his bedroom, Spike was on the rush as he was trying get to the performing stage, which was located at Applejack's workshop. But at the same time, he's becoming uneasy and worried about his condition that may cause some problems to his performance. Nevertheless, he can't afford to let Drake Trio down since they were his first Dragon Friends before Dragon Lord Ember and Thorax came to his life.

Just as he arrived and entered the School of Friendship, Spike began to suffer some kind of sickness within him. When he was helping the customers and students, he's unable to control his volume when it goes too soft for them difficult to listen and understand or too loud to scare them off. When his body gets so itchy, Spike's unable to withstand but scratch his body in public, making everyone disgusted and uneasy. Whenever ponies or creatures get too close to him, they smell his terrible odor, making them panicked and run. Oddly, he has unusual super strength when he helped moving some heavy objects and cupboards. He also talked with the plants, which stoked Starlight and her newly plant pet Phyllis before she walked away. His face and body grew more stone scales, his claws and feet slowly become greenish and side of cheeks slowly form two reddish spikes and yellowish on his top one. His condition became much worse and unusual than before.

Spike managed to arrive at Applejack's Workshop, where he found many students including Student Seven and Rescue Warrior Club were gathered for the musical show. His family and friends were there as well. Seeing them makes him nervous and scared especially with his condition. Nevertheless, the show must go on. Spike quickly headed to the backstage, where Drake Trio were setting up their instruments. Just as he approached to his friends, Boomer slammed his microphone on his face.

"What the heck?!" Spike asked angrily yet painfully.

Boomer shouted, "The hell where you were!? You're almost late for our show! What the hell were you doing all this time? Soaking over Rarity again?!"

"The hell with you, Boomer! I'm over that! I just had a crazy night!" Spike grumbled while scratching his back, "Damn it! So! Itchy!"

"Well, knock it off, pal! We're on the show!" Boomer said firmly, "Don't try to screw it up!"

"I won't!" Spike shouted with his volume shifted to loud, scaring his friends.

Boomer whistled, "Now! That's what I called 'SCREAM'! That's gonna work for the show, Spike."

Rob grunted while digging the dirt out of his ear, "Seriously, control your volume. You don't need to shout."

Spike gulped in concern as he answered in quiet and soft tone, "Sorry."

"What?" Boomer and Rob asked in surprise.

"I said… SORRRY!" Spike shouted from soft to normal volume, shocking Boomer and Rob. Boomer and Rob groaned in pain while holding their ears tight. He yelped, "Sorry."

"I am Grunt," Grunt said firmly while crossed his arms.

Spike groaned while scratching his face, "Hey, it wasn't my fault for purposely shouting. Plus, I need your guys' help with the problem I have."

"I'm sure you do," Rob said firmly.

"Anyway! Let's rock and roll, boys!" Boomer cheered.

Drake Trio gave the loud cheers. The curtains slowly raised up. The dragon boys moved up to the stage, where they took their position themselves. Spike and Boomer held their own guitar, Rob was playing the piano keyboard and Grunt was playing the drum. The crowd went wild.

Rob was the first dragon to play the music while singing calmly, followed by Grunt to start the drum and sang out loud, and then Boomer and Spike joined in to play their guitar and sang out loud.

Rob: Sertu Mismo, what a wonder phrase!

Grunt: I am Grunt, I am Grunt… (Sertu Mismo, ain't no passing craze!)

Boomer and Spike: It means 'be yourself' for the rest of your life!

Drake Trio: It's our buddies' tough philosophy

Sertu Mismo!

Some of the crowd gave the applause while others did it heartily, despite the music is off for them to enjoy. Silverstream, Yona, Aero, Rak and even Smolder enjoyed dancing happily to hear it.

Boomer: Why, when he was a young Wood Dragon

Grunt: I am GRUNT! (When I was a young Wood Dragon)

Rob grunted while digging his ear, "That was unnecessary."

Spike groaned while scratching his face, "No kidding!"

Just as Drake Trio was playing their instrument, they all sang out loud, telling the tale of Grunt's sad story. This involved of Grunt loved doing gardening and planting new plants at the Dragon Land. He was then bullied and assaulted by other dragons for his weakness. The audience couldn't help but feel pity and sympathized him.

Boomer: My buddy always likes to do gardening

It always makes him a very happy dragon.

Rob: He maybe look strong and big

But Grunt's a very nice dragon.

Grunt: I am Grunt… (And it hurts that Dragon Bullies bullied me badly…)

I am Grunt! (Ooh the shame!)

Boomer: He was ashamed!

Grunt: I am Grunt! (Thought of wanting to hide!)

Rob: Oh, why him! Why him?!

Grunt: I am Grunt! (And I was too heartbroken!)

Boomer and Rob: How did you feel?

Grunt: I am Grunt! (And every time that I wanna fart!)

Boomer and Rob yelped in shock by Grunt's lyric. They turned and glared at Grunt, who shrugged and looked embarrassed by his lyrics.

Boomer groaned, "You're lucky that no one understand you!"

Rob nodded, "No kidding! There're kids around here!"

Grunt chuckled embarrassingly before apologized, "I am Grunt."

Drake Trio continued singing happily and wildly. Just as Spike was playing his part, his singing voice suddenly go soft and quiet as mice, making everyone confuse and uncertain of what he was singing.

Boomer and Rob: Sertu Mismo, what a wonder phrase!

Sertu Mismo, ain't no passing craze!)

Spike (Soft): It means 'be yourself' for the rest of your life!

Grunt: I am Grunt (You okay, Spike)

As Drake Trio was singing for their last lyric, Spike's singing voice suddenly go up high and loud, almost making everyone deaf. This made Twilight and Shadow Dragon worried for him.

Drake Trio continued playing instrument for calming down the audience and make them certain that their song is still smooth and enjoyable for them to listen.

Drake Trio: Sertu Mismo!

Sertu Mismo!

However, Spike's condition worsened as he was singing his song too fast and quickly while scratching his body, face and even a sudden vine, launched out of nowhere, almost damaged the school properties. Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they're looking at.

Spike: It means 'be yourself' for the rest of your life!

Drake Trio: It's our buddies' tough philosophy

Sertu Mismo!

Drake Trio Rock!

Drake Trio quickly ended their song while posing out wildly and happily. Though not certain and worried of what's going on, the audience gave the round of applause and cheers for them. Lance and Nyx have arrived at the scene. They sighed in relief that nothing goes wrong.

Just as Spike was about to leave, the little dragon yelped in shock as he felt something went wrong with his stomach. He accidentally unleashed uncontrollable dragon flames out, burning his cover up clothes. Everyone gasped of what they just saw. He revealed his body condition to the crowd. Feared and worried of the crowd's reaction, Spike quickly ran off at once before he gets more humiliation.

Everyone chattered in concern and worried of what they just saw. Smolder was a bit suspicious of Spike's condition as she went after him now. Drake Trio then have discussion about what they just saw.

Lance and Nyx hissed, "Oh no…"

"What just happen?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.

"Something's wrong with Spike." Twilight said in concern, "I'd never seen his condition so bad. He needs some help."

"We might have some few ideas…" Boomer answered uneasily with chuckle. Rob and Grunt nodded in fear.

Twilight narrowed her angry eyes at Drake Trio, "Start talking!"

Smolder was flying across the hallway, searching and looking for Spike. Just as she has passed third corridor, she heard and spotted the burping noise and dragon flames being unleashed behind the janitor closet. She approached to it. She opened it as she found annoyed and upset Spike grumbled and muttered about his uncontrollable Dragon Flame.

"If you're trying to hide, you need to do a better job. All I had to do was follow the smoke." Smolder commented teasingly.

Annoyed by Garble's sister, Spike grumbled as he waved the black smoke off. He shouted but in low yet strained voice, "Leave me alone!"

"What?" Smolder asked as she couldn't hear it.

"Leave! Me! Alone!" Spike shouted yet still in his low voice.

"I can't under... Was that 'sleeves made of foam'?" Smolder asked in confusion.

Annoyed and irritated, as Spike snapped in low voice, "I said, leave-" He shouted in normal tone, "me alone!"

Suddenly, feeling another gastric and pain in his stomach, Spike accidentally unleashed his big Dragon Flames, burning down the sweeping brooms, mop and scrubbing brooms to ashes. And at the same time, Smolder barely dodged and fly up to the ceiling for the cover. Seeing how much damage the place is, Spike sighed in frustration over his uncontrollable Dragon Flames.

Smolder laughed impressively before remarked, "Wow! I have seen some pretty bad molts in my time, but yours takes the cake!"

"Molts?" Spike asked in confusion.

Just as Smolder landed on the ground, she explained, "The molt? Super painful stone scales, fire burps, uncontrollable volume shifts? It's all part of growing up dragon. Congrats!"

Just as Smolder gave a happy slap on Spike's back, he yelped and winced in pain, feeling the ache on it. He glared at her for the moment. She shrugged before apologized to him. Despite the pain he has, he has more concerning matters to deal with it – the dragon growth.

"No-no-no-no-no." Spike panicked in fear, "The last time I grew up, I turned into a giant greedy monster."

"Greed-induced bigness. That's totally different." Smolder explained calmly, "The molt is completely normal. Every dragon goes through it. Pretty soon, you'll leave and strike out on your own."

"Why would I do that?"

"Have you been living with ponies your whole life?"

"Uh-huh."

Realizing of what Spike has said, Smolder continued with her speech, "Oh. Well, in the Dragon Lands, a molter's loved ones kicks them out at the first stone scale."

Spike asked, "What? Why?"

Smolder shrugged, "I think it's biological. We call it the 'molt effect'. I haven't even told you about the smell."

"Smell?" Spike asked before sniffed on his body. He groaned in disgust, "Ugh! That smells like Swampfire! Never understand how Ben 10 and his buddies handle that smell when fighting the bad guys."

"Yeah. I mean, I love my brother and all, but one whiff, and I was all 'See ya!' That happens to me too." Smolder teasingly remarked. She then sniffed on Spike's body. She yelped, "Wow! You weren't kidding about the smell. Almost smell like Swampfire!"

"Wait! Does the molt effect happen to ponies too?" Spike asked in concern while thinking of what happened today. He gasped, "After what has happened today, there's no way my own family including Twilight would let me stay! They'll ask me to leave! They wouldn't… Right?"

"I'm sure you'll find a nice..." Smolder shrugged playfully. She then listed down of what dragons can do, "...hoard of gems to guard or a village to terrorize. Oh, now that dragons and ponies are friends, I guess that's off the table."

"So no creature's gonna wanna be around me?"

"Oh, I didn't say that. That molt stench is a magnet for predators. Tatzlwurms, hydras, not sure about Ancient Beasts, rocs..."

"Dragons are scared of rocks? Seriously, Smolder?"

"R-O-C-S. Rocs? Humongous Saddle Arabia birds of prey that can snack on a molting dragon like candy!"

"So Twilight's kicking me out, and the only creatures who don't find me disgusting want to eat me?" Spike asked in fear with low voice. Smolder shrugged as she can't hear him. He then screamed in loud voice, "Twilight's kicking me out, and the only creatures who don't find me disgusting want to eat me?!"

"Yup," Smolder nodded in confirmation. Spike groaned in frustration before slammed his fists against the wall. He then grumbled and muttered angrily about his molt effects. She sighed, "If it makes you happy, I'll be around and help you with your molt effects. Heck, I can take you to the safest place, where no predators could find you."

Though relieved that someone was willing to help him, Spike was suspicious and uncertain of Smolder. He questioned her, "Why should I trust you? Not after what your brother has done to me."

Annoyed that Spike still hasn't forgive her brother, Smolder sighed, "Look, I get it that you're still mad at Garble for all the things he has done. But I'm telling you that I'm not doing anything bad or even helping Drago."

"You sure?" Spike asked in uncertain.

"Absolutely. Dragon's Code of Honor!" Smolder nodded firmly and proudly. After thinking of what she has said, Spike sighed in annoyance as he nodded firmly and agreed to accept her help. She smiled, "Cool. You can bring your buddies along too. I'll bring mine. After all, dragons gotta stick together."

Spike sighed, "Sure. Hopefully, that dummy Boomer doesn't try to make fun of me. Bad enough that he has to make fun of my crush."

Smolder snickered, "Spike and Ember, Sitting on the Tree…"

Spike scolded, "Smolder!"

"Okay! Kidding! Let's get going!" Smolder said in annoyance, "Yeesh. Sensitive much?"

Still at Applejack's workshop, Twilight and her family listened to Drake Trio's explanation of Spike's molt condition. This shocked and concerned them the most.

"Well, that explains about his condition," Lance remarked in concern.

Nyx nodded in fear, "Yeah. Spike's freaking out now."

Twilight sighed, concerning of Spike, asked, "Oh Spike. How long does the molt last?"

"Days, weeks or months," Boomer answered in concern with shrug, "Who knows? The molt always has some serious side effects we dragons have to deal with."

Rob nodded in agreement while listed down of side effects, "Well, there's itchy stone scales, uncontrollable dragon flames, bad smells, shifting volume, elemental power go haywire, inner beast, hot tempered, personality shift, hungry for food or greed, maybe not so hungry, madness and so on."

"I am Grunt," Grunt said in annoyance while crossed his arms.

"Yeesh. You don't have to be so sensitive about the smell. It's not your bad smell could get wrong attention," Rob remarked in annoyance. After some thinking, he yelped in concern, "This is bad! Real bad! I can't believe I didn't recognize his condition! We should help him now!"

"Robby, would you just relax? You're worrying for nothing." Boomer remarked dryly.

Grunt roared, "I am Grunt!"

"Geez, Grunt! What's with you?!" Boomer asked in annoyance, "I get that he got Molt Effect. Nothing bad's gonna happen to him."

Whacking his friend's head, Rob shouted, "In case, if you hadn't notice but we've got some predators from Everfree Forest! Or worst-!"

Grunt panicked, "I AM GRUNT!"

After hearing what his friends have said, Boomer yelped in concern, "Oh yeah... Drago... This is really bad..." He shouted angrily, "Why didn't you tell me, you moron?!"

Offended and annoyed, Rob shouted back at Boomer, "Me?! You're the one, who was so busy with his singing than realizing of what's going on especially when his friend need help, dwarf!"

Boomer screamed angrily as he jumped and attacked Rob, "Don't you dare call me that!"

Just as Boomer and Rob were punching and attacking each other, Grunt grunted angrily as he tried to stop them. Their infighting and concerning of Spike's condition frustrated and annoyed her to shout.

"WOULD YOU GUYS CUT IT OUT?!" Twilight screamed angrily, scaring the Drake Trio and her family. She groaned, "If this molt is gonna be problem, we need to solve it now! Do you know how to stop the smell of molt?"

Drake Trio shrugged a bit. Boomer answered, "You can't stop the smell. You just have to let it out while staying and hiding at the safe place until the predators are gone for good. That's how you survived until your molt wears off."

"Not necessary. Lava or water bath can help and stopped the smell, but the molt effects still continue," Rob said in concern.

Twilight groaned in annoyance. Shadow Dragon patted his wife's back, "Twilight, calm down. We'll find a way to help Spike. There's always a way."

"I know," Twilight nodded in agreement, "I just hope Spike wasn't thinking about me kicking him out. He should know that I would never do that."

Nyx scoffed, "I'm sure he understands it, mummy. He's not that stupid as Storm King. Still, we need to do something with his smell. It might attract wrong crowd."

Lance hummed thoughtfully, "Guys, we should ask Zecora. She might have the idea of solving Spike's molt problem."

"Good idea, Lance…" Twilight said in agreement. She turned to Drake Trio, "Guys, you should go and find Spike. Hide him somewhere safe, where predators or Drago can't find and attack him. And of course, we don't wanna have the School of Friendship smells terrible."

Drake Trio saluted firmly. Boomer said, "You can count on us, Princess!"

"Alright. We should go now," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Time's wasting."

Twilight nodded in agreement, "Yeah. And you'd better keep Dragoking in."

"Why?"

"Coz he might Spike. He's a predator."

"Good point."

Twilight and her family exited out of Applejack's workshop, heading out to Zecora's Hut now.

Drake Trio went inside the School of Friendship, searching Spike now. Just as they arrived and entered the hallway, they got ran into Spike, Smolder, Aero and Rak. They all got knocked out and fell on their backs hard. They all groaned and moaned in pain before recovered and getting up.

"Spike! You're alright! So sorry of what happened just now!" Boomer exclaimed happily with tears while hugging his best friend. He cleared his throat, "Spike, we need to talk! You got some serious molt effect!"

"I already know about it, Boomer. Smolder told me," Spike answered calmly, surprising Drake Trio. He continued, "That's why Smolder and I were looking for some dragons and you guys to help me."

"Wow! Really?" Rob asked in surprise.

Spike nodded in agreement. Boomer leaned close to his best friend, "Spike, hate to be a bearer of bad news. She's the bad news! She's Garble's sister. The bully, who screw you up!"

Smolder groaned and glared at Boomer, "Hey! Just because my big brother did some bad things doesn't mean I have to be bad too! I told him of what 'molt' do. Plus, I'm helping him, with the twins here."

Aero nodded, "It's true. Smolder wouldn't ask us if it's not important. To have molt today means trouble. Best to deal with it."

"Yes. The molt is no joke if we're not careful," Rak said seriously. He curled up to the ground as he was embarrassed to remark, "I'd never forget how the day when I have molt. It's horrible! I was embarrassed in class! The smell. The uncontrollable voice. The worst is that I've lost my wings…"

"You lost your wings on molt?!" Everyone except Aero asked in disbelief, making Rak looked in shame and embarrassed.

"Dramatic much?" Aero asked in annoyance

"You're the one to talk, Mr. Action Hero!" Rak snapped, "Yours is much worse than mine when you have to fart and pooped a lot during your molting season!"

Aero yelped in disbelief and annoyance, "HEY!"

Smolder groaned, "I don't think I wanna know."

Boomer was suspicious and distrustful of Smolder. Spike spoke, "Boomer, please. I need all the help I can get to deal with this. Please. Let her help."

Rob and Grunt nodded in agreement that they would allow her. Boomer sighed reluctantly, "Fine. But if you're up to no good, kid…"

Smolder interrupted, "I won't. Trust me. Let's get going now."

With everyone's in agreement, Spike and his Dragon gang headed out now, seeking a place to hide from the predators' seeking and attacking him until molt effect is done.

Spike and his Dragon Gang were now walking through the Everfree Forest, finding a place to hide from the predators until the molt season reach its end. Drake Trio were taking the lead. Smolder stayed close with Spike, who was busy scratching his stone scales and trying to control his dragon flames. Aero and Rak were covering the rear, keeping their eyes out for troubles.

While searching a hideout, they were having discussion including about Twilight and her family heading and meeting with Zecora for advice and medicine to help him. Though grateful and happy that his family was helping, he couldn't help but feel guilty and shame about it.

Noticing his best friend's mood, Boomer asked, "Yo, Spikey! What's the matter with you? You're not still worried about predators finding and killing, aren't ya?" He scoffed, "Don't worry, you've got us around to back you up."

"Yeah. I know. It's… It's just that…" Spike said in concern. Everyone looked at him, wondering what he was thinking. He sighed, "Twilight… Lance… And Nyx… They all willing to help me out, even though my molt condition have caused problems to them and my friends."

"What do you expect, Spike? They're your friends," Rob commented calmly.

Grunt nodded in agreement, "I am Grunt."

"I know. I know, Grunt. I'm grateful," Spike said warmly and happily before frowned, "But still, I'm worried that they might not able to get what they're looking for my molt problems. As Smolder has said, they might kick me out."

Smolder nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Of course, they will. My family kicked Garble and me out because of molt effect. No way they would let us back until the molt season is finished. And who knows how long it takes?"

Spike groaned, "That's what worried me…"

"Really, Smolder? Must you be mean?" Rak asked in annoyance.

Aero nodded, "You don't need to be harsh. He's just a kid."

"Hey. I was being honest!" Smolder exclaimed, feeling offended.

"Hey! You shouldn't let that bother you, Spike," Rob said in comfort to Spike, "Besides, unlike your family, they won't do such a thing to you."

Grunt smiled warmly as he patted Spike's head, "I am Grunt."

"You said it, Grunt," Boomer said proudly and firmly as he held Spike close to him, "Spikey, your family really cared for you. If I were you, I'd appreciate them. No matter what happens, they'll always be your family."

Spike was surprised yet touched by his friends'. Smolder couldn't help but agreed with Drake Trio's talk. She spoke, "They kinda got the point, Spike. You're real lucky to have a family be there for you, unlike mine. So, try not to worry about it, okay?"

Spike was surprised yet relieved to smile, "Yeah. Thanks, guys. You really are the real dragon friends I ever had. Better than Garble."

"Seriously, though, what got you so rile up with my brother? I always wonder why he also get angry with you."

"Well, Smolder, it's something that you might not gonna like."

Just as Spike explained his story of how he met, befriend and end his friendship with Garble; both Aero and Rak became uneasy and worried with the forest as they're armed with their weapons while looking around.

"I don't like the look of this," Rak said in concern.

"I agreed, brother." Aero nodded in agreement while holding a grip on his spear. He turned to his friends, "Guys, keep your eyes sharp. We might be expecting an ambush."

Boomer scoffed, "Yeah, right. It's not like we're bumping on someone we hated the most."

Suddenly, Spike and his Dragon Friends got bumped into another group before falling on their backs hard. They all groaned and moaned painfully before slowly getting up. And to their shock and disbelief, they've found Drago and his Dragon Minions stood before them.

"So much for not bumping on someone we hated the most," Rob muttered.

Annoyed to slam his spear on his friend's head, Boomer snapped, "Shut it, idiot!"

"Hey, Spike. It's been a while." Drago greeted with snarl. He then looked at Spike's new appearance filled with stone scales, greenish hands and legs and his cheeks are getting sharper and spikier. He chuckled, "Nice look. Did you get a haircut?"

Strikemaster Ice sniffed off the scent. He grunted in disgust while covering his nose, "Pee you! Dude! You seriously need some bath!"

"Yeah. Lava bath, shorty!" MC Cobra mocked with a chuckle.

Feeling offended by the name, Boomer growled while armed with his spear, "I'll show you who needs bath and who's shorty, asshole!"

Rob sighed in annoyance while facepalmed, "You do realize that they were talking about Spike."

"Huh? Really?" Boomer asked in surprise.

Everyone sighed in annoyance while Grunt commented, "I am Grunt…"

"Enough Talk! Tackle them!" Drago ordered angrily. He growled, "Once I have your head, I'll present it to my dad! He would be proud to see me finally killed the son of so-called Legendary Dragon Hero Spiketail the Brave!"

As commanded, Strikemaster Ice and his crew charged. Drago also has summoned his army of Shadow Ninjas and the Demon Dragon Warriors jumped out from the bushes and trees. They all charged and attacked Spike and his gang. To his relief, his friends charged and fought back at once while Smolder stayed close to Spike, making sure he's protected from Drago.

Drake Trio faced off Strikemaster Ice and his crew again. Strikemaster Ice unleashed his Fireballs and Dragon Flames at Boomer, who screamed and panicked in fear to dodge the attack. But at the same time, the shorty dragon tried to slam and strike his spear at him. Rob struggled against MC Cobra, who has proven to be fast and quick for him to catch on. Grunt and DJ Fist firmly and relentlessly launching fists on each other's faces for couple of times. Neither side has gained the upper hand since they're equally matched.

Both Aero and Rak armed with their Twin Lance of Justice and Thunderstorm Spear as they engaged and attacked Shadow Ninjas and Demon Dragon Warriors. And at the same time, they tried to tackle and stop Drago, who tried to reach and attack Spike and Smolder. The Demon Dragon Prince has easily outmaneuvered and knocked them out at ease. He then tried to attack Spike. Smolder rammed and pushed him away from her friend. He slammed his punch on her to the ground before kicking her aside. Both Aero and Rak jumped on him from the back while Smolder rammed and pushed him very hard. And at the same time, they were all punching and knocking him very hard, annoying Drago a lot. He unleashed his powerful Dragon Fire Repel, knocking them and other allies off. He panted angrily and firmly while trying to calm himself down.

Spike was shocked and scared to see his friends got knocked out. He then found Drago stood before him. He armed himself with his Fiery Fists, preparing to finish him off for good. His warriors also about to do the same at his friends. Feared and worried that they might get killed, Spike screamed in fear and called out for 'help'. As if responded to his call, the vines from trees reacted and launched out, capturing and coiling both Drago and the rest of his minions before bringing them up high. The Demon Dragons shouted angrily and annoyingly while struggling to free themselves as more of vines continued pouring and coiling them up.

While regrouping, Spike and his friends were in shock and surprise of what they just saw. They didn't expect the trees come to life and help them.

"What was that?!" Aero asked in shock.

"Who cares?!" Rob exclaimed in concern, "We have to get out of here!"

Boomer nodded, "Yeah. I'm with you."

Spike and his Dragon Gang quickly made the run for their lives, heading straight to north. Just as they were running down the hill, more of vines emerged out of nowhere as they merged and formed a large wall-like. Drago and his gang managed to break themselves free from the vines before dropping to the ground. They all groaned in pain while recovering.

"Don't you stand dare! Get them!" Drago shouted angrily.

Noticing Pan'ku Box glowed brightly, Strikemaster Ice took it out from his pocket, "Uh, boss, you might wanna check this out."

Drago turned and looked at Strikemaster Ice. He found the Pan'ku Box was glowing and pointed at the west.

Drago growled in frustration, "Fine. Guess we have to deal with my dad's homecoming first." Just as he and his gang headed off to the wets now, he turned and looked back at the north. He hummed, "Since when did that brat able to use nature powers?"

Spike and his gang managed to escape to the north. They have arrived and entered a large cavern. They panted heavily and exhaustingly, resting and recovering from running for their lives.

"Man, that was close," Rak panted heavily.

Aero nodded, "No kidding. Drago is truly a worthy and strong opponent. They don't call him 'Son of Shendu' for nothing."

"Never understand why my big brother being dumb enough to support Drago," Smolder grumbled. She turned and looked at Spike, "By the way, what's up with Everfree Forest? Since when did they help us?"

"They don't," Spike disagreed. He then looked at his claws, "Or maybe, I did something to it."

"Yeah, right!" Boomer disagreed, "Spike, you and me are Fire-Type Dragon. We don't do asking nature to help us."

"I am Grunt," Grunt agreed humbly.

Spike hummed in concern, "Yeah, maybe I'm bit tired. So, we just wait here until Twilight and others come back?"

"That's the plan," Rob said firmly while writing down on the scroll. After finishing up his work, he took a deep breathe before unleashed his Magical Delivery Flames on the scroll. He continued, "I'm sending it to Twilight. Hopefully, she and her family get here without confronting Drago and his gang."

Spike sighed in concern, "Yeah. Hope they're alright…"

Following the Pan'ku Box's beacon, Drago and his Dragon Minions have arrived at the western area, which was filled with ruins of old temple. Just as they were looking and searching around of the surroundings, DJ Fist came across to a ruined site of altar. And to everyone's shock and surprise, the Pan'ku Box has been lifted up in midair before flew and attached to the altar's statue. It then summoned and created the portal.

Just as Drago and the rest of Dragon Minions stood before the portal, they heard a loud roar as Shendu stomped out of the portal. The Demon Lord of Fire gave a loud roar, prompting Drago and his warriors to bow down before him.

"I am free!" Shendu declared happily.

Drago smirked, "Welcome home, dad. Sorry for not bringing you a present. The head of Spike would have been your first meal to feast."

"Yes, it would have," Shendu agreed, "But like his father, Spike can be very slippery dragon to deal with. But not invulnerable as he has the same weakness."

"Yeah. I get you, dad," Drago said slyly, "But I've got something you might like about Spike."

Suddenly, he heard a twig being snapped from deep of the dark forest. He and his gang took a peek and found Twilight and her family were walking and passing through it. Shendu, using his Snake Talisman to turn into invisible, also spied the situation. Both father and son smirked slyly and darkly.

"Ready for the main course?" Drago asked slyly.

Shendu chuckled, "You speaking out of my mind, son. It is time for Spike to feel our wrath!"

Shendu, Drago and the rest of their minions were discussing and planning on how they should deal with their enemies. After visiting Zecora for the advice and medicine, Twilight and her family are heading to Spike's location now when they received Rob's letter.

"Good thing that Zecora has what we need," Lance commented while holding the cream packet, "She always knows what we needed. This cream will definitely make Spike's scales better."

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. Spike will be a happy dragon again."

Shadow Dragon noticed Twilight's worried looks. He asked, "Something bothering you, Twilight?"

Twilight sighed, "Well, even we did stop the smell, Spike's molt has more other side effects that might be hazard to the students, friends and us. We don't even know how the effect last. I'm just afraid that he might leave us."

"Twilight…"

"I know that you guys say that he won't do it. What if he thinks that? What if he wanted to leave us now?"

"Then, we have to be there for him. After all, we're family. We stick and protect each other, no matter what happens. It's what we always do." Shadow Dragon said in assurance and firm tone, "Don't forget that, Twi."

After thinking of what Shadow Dragon has said, Twilight couldn't help but smile, "Yeah. You're right. Thanks, Shadow Dragon. Why are you so good at this?"

Shadow Dragon smirked as he gave a kiss on her cheek, "Coz you're my wife. It's my job to make you assured and not worried too much."

Twilight rolled her eyes with glee before giggled, "Right. But appreciated. Come on, let's find Spike."

Just before Twilight and her family could proceed, they all got hit and blasted by powerful blazing blast, knocking them to the ground. The Dragon Minions charged in as they all tied up Twilight and her family. Shendu, Drago and his friends approached to them.

Shendu smirked, "Now to lure that boy out for my revenge."

Back at the cavern, Spike and his Dragon Friends were still waiting for Twilight and her family's return. Drake Trio was busy finding and collecting bugs for their friends to eat. Rak was reading his poem books. Aero was training and sharpening his lance skills. Smolder was leaning against the wall for relaxation. Still worried and scared, Spike was pacing around, making his friends nervous.

"Yo, Spike, chillax, will ya?" Boomer asked in annoyance. He passed the blue beetle to Spike, "Your family will be here. So, eat up now."

Spike sighed, "I know. I'm just nervous and scared of how they react when I'm like this. And if things go wrong-!"

"It's not gonna happen. They're you family. It'll be fine," Boomer said casually yet calmly, "Just relax."

Smolder nodded, "Yeah. He does have the point."

"I know. I know. I can't help it," Spike said in agreement yet scared, "I'm just worried for her. Hope she's alright."

Boomer scoffed, "Relax. That Alicorn is tough, and she got some badass husband and fighter kids. No way bad things could happen to them!"

Rob yelped in pain before burped and launched out the scroll. He held it out while reading it. He gasped in concern, "Oh no!"

"What! What happened?!" Spike asked in concern.

Rob hissed, "You're not gonna like this."

Spike became scared and worried, "I already am…"

Twilight, Shadow Dragon, Lance and Nyx panicked frantically as they were being levitated and spinning around above the palm of Shendu, who looked amusing and pleasing at the scene. Drago and his Dragon Minions enjoyed watching their lord's torturing his enemies.

Twilight groaned, "You won't get away with this!"

"I already have, my dear." Shendu said darkly, "Your death will be sweet and perfect for my revenge against Spike for defying me. That I can promised you for that. After all, a parent's death will be very devastating and painful for a child to bear. Spike shall feel the pain again."

"The hell we would let you!" Shadow Dragon snapped angrily.

"Yeah. I don't think you're in any position to do anything," Drago mocked amusingly.

Nyx stuck her tongue out, "Bite me, asshole!"

Lance nodded firmly, "You said it, sis. You're gonna get what's coming, Drago!"

Drago scoffed, "And I'm shaking in my scales!"

"You should be…" Spike's voice answered dryly.

Everyone turned to corridor of forest, where Spike emerged out. The Dragon Minions and Shadow Ninjas armed themselves while aimed their weapons at him. Drago and his gang stood before him.

"Ah… Spike, so good to see you again," Shendu greeted mockingly.

"Spike, no!" Twilight and her family shouted in concern.

"Just like you said, I've come alone," Spike said firmly, "Now let them go! They've got nothing to do with banishing you to Netherworld! I did!"

Shendu chuckled amusingly, "How noble yet naïve as always. Just like your father. I never made such promise to let them go when you arrive." Spike groaned angrily to hear that. He continued, "In fact, what better way to get my revenge than making you watch your family suffered!"

Spike growled before shouted in low voice, "Let them go!"

Shendu, Drago and his minions were confused of Spike's shout. Twilight and her family were in concern until they noticed something amiss among the trees. Whatever it was, they have to be prepared for it.

"Dude, was that the best shout you've got?" Drago asked in annoyance as he grabbed and held Spike up. He snarled, "Speak louder, idiot! I'm not some kind of old Gecko!"

"I said-!" Spike said softly before shouting out loud, "LET THEM GO, YOU OVERSIZED STUPID GECKOS! ARGGGHHHH!"

Due to Spike's shouting and roaring very loud, he shocked and scared Drago and his Dragon Minions off. He even startled Shendu to lose his focus on levitating Twilight and her family. And at the same time; Rob, Grunt and Aero emerged out from the forest as they quickly pounced and knocked the Demon Lord of Fire to the ground. Boomer, Smolder and Rak charged and rammed most of the minions off. This allowed Twilight and her family made their escape.

The rest of his family and friends quickly regrouped and reunited with Spike, who sighed in relief and hugged them back. They all chattered happily and warmly that they're alright.

"Wow, Spike. I didn't know you can do that," Lance remarked, "How did you know when to do that?"

Spike chuckled a bit, "To be honest, I didn't. I sort of go with whatever molt effect I can use against them. I was hoping for uncontrollable flames to do trick but shouting is better."

Smolder snickered, "Whatever the effects kick in, we swoop in and gave them the scare."

Boomer nodded proudly, "He got some serious plan."

"Clever. Risky but clever," Shadow Dragon remarked in amazement.

Nyx smiled warmly, "That's my big brother."

Twilight hugged Spike, "Spike, I'm so sorry for dragging you into this. I should have been quicker and got to you soon."

"It's okay, Twi. It's mostly my fault for this mess in the first place," Spike apologized, "I'm glad you're alright."

Drago groaned in disgust, "You guys disgust me. Never like this kind of scene!"

"Neither do I!" Shendu agreed angrily before roared out loud. He glared at Drago, "Did I not warn you to make sure you find and secure his friends?! I told you they would cause the problems if we let them roam free!"

"No, you did not! I suggested that! You ignored me and say I was too stupid to think like that!"

"You, insufferable and arrogant brat! Still haven't learn to respect the elders as always! This is why you always failed and unable to upstage Hak Xing!"

"Don't you dare start with that again, old Gecko!"

"You're hopeless! Worthless! Insolent! Unworthy child!"

"Say that to my face again, useless mother#$ %!"

Shendu and Drago have a fierce argument and shouts at each other. This shocked and annoyed everyone at the scene to see it. And at the same time, Spike's body was glowing in red, prompting him to scratch it hard.

"Wow. I thought my parents and Garble have the worst fight," Smolder commented in surprise.

Boomer nodded, "No kidding."

Shendu groaned, "Enough of this! We'll have this pointless argument for another time!"

"Fine by me!" Drago snapped angrily. He turned and glared at Spike, "I'm gonna rip you apart, you piece of shit!"

Drago roared angrily as he jumped and about to attack Spike, who yelped in concern and fear. Lance jumped and rammed him off. Just as he recovered, he and the rest of his allies roared and charged to the battlefield.

"Not good!" Rob panicked.

"Smolder, get Spike to safety! Now!" Twilight ordered while looking at Spike, who struggled with scratching his body.

Smolder saluted, "Got it! Let's get a move on, Spike!"

Smolder grabbed and moved Spike to a safe location, heading back to the deep forest. Twilight and the rest of her friends charged and engaged Shendu and his forces.

Both Shadow Dragon and Twilight charged and attacked Shendu by unleashing their combined Chaos Hyper Blast and Sparkling Star Blast on his chest. Though badly injured, his Horse Talisman healed and restored his wounds. Shendu unleashed Pig Talisman's Heat Beam Eye and Dragon Talisman's Combustion at them. Twilight summoned the Barrier, allowing her husband to fire his Darkness Sphere to blast on him. They both charged and attacked him. He firmly used his both Talisman Powers and Fire Magic against them.

Lance and Nyx, who just transformed into her teenage form, were facing off Drago, who was annoyed yet entertained to face them now. Drake Trio battled and fought against their rival – Strikemaster Ice and his gang again. Aero and Rak fought and battled against the enemy troops, giving their allies the cover.

After entering the forest, Smolder managed to guide and move Spike to the middle of field for a safe location. After reaching their destination, they panted heavily and calmy for resting. And at the same time, Spike was scratching his body as his was glowing in red.

"Smolder, is there anything I can do to stop scratching?!" Spike asked in concern, "So, I can go back and help them!"

"With the size like this? Not a chance!" Smolder disagreed, "Besides, the stone scales won't go away that quick until the molt stage is complete. I don't even know how long it will take!"

To their surprise, Spike's glowing body has dimmed down and disappeared while his red colored stone scales disappeared as well. And at the same time, the little dragon no longer feels itchy on his body.

"Oh, I could be wrong…" Smolder remarked in surprise.

Spike sighed in relief, "Finally! I didn't think that itching would ever stop!"

However, the rock, appeared out of nowhere, slowly formed and spread around Spike's body. This shocked and alerted both him and Smolder.

"No way?! Now?!" Smolder asked in concern.

"What's happening?! I... I can't move!" Spike asked in concern.

Just before Smolder could explain, the coated rock has already covered Spike's whole body including his face. Spike has completely coated and turned into stoned?! What will happen to him now?!

Smolder hissed, "This can't be right. Spike shouldn't be on final stage until the end of a week or month. In fact, none of his side effects shouldn't be active on one day. But why now?!"

To her shock and surprise, the Spike Statue made some cracked sound. It then slowly formed more cracks around his body, breaking out the coated rock and freeing some part of his flesh. With more cracks have been formed, the greenish light suddenly glowed and shinned out bright, shocking Smolder. Just before she could do anything, the Spike Statue exploded and engulfed her view in bright white light, blinding her.

As soon as the light dispersed, Smolder's eyesight slowly recovered from blur to normal. She's now looking at the debris of Spike's statue. And to her surprise, she's now looking at Spike, but not at his small regular size. He is now a teenager with small bicep and some muscles, his claws and feet are now in dark greenish colored, his shoulders have three reddish spikes, his cheek has sideburn-like of reddish and yellowish spikes and sprouted his large wings. He groaned in pain, recovered from the molt effect.

"S-Spike?" Smolder called. Spike was still groaning, regaining his consciousness. She asked, "I-Is that you?"

"Y-Yeah… It's me, Smolder." 'Spike' confirmed with deeper yet gentle voice, surprise Smolder. He groaned in pain while rubbing his head, "Aw man. I have such a headache. What just… happened?"

"You tell me. You're different now."

"Different how? What's up with my voice?"

"Well…" Smolder said in uncertain tone as she picked up the perfume compact. Using the mirror for Spike to look, she continued, "You'll need to see it for yourself."

As Spike used his compact's mirror to look, he found himself to be teenager. He gasped, "N-No way! I'm a teenager?! And I just sprout the wings?! What's up with my claws and cheek?" He then looked at his whole body. He whistled, "Wow! I look cooler and better than with the mustache. Not to mention, I'm bigger and taller too!"

Smolder nodded, "You sure are. Now you and Dragon Lord Ember can finally get a date. Plus, you two can finally do it."

Spike flustered, "What the hell, Smolder?! This isn't funny! And my family needs help! I have to help them!"

"Sorry! My bad," Smolder apologized, "But you sure you can do it? You just sprout the wings. And no telling what kind of side effect you might have after the molt."

"I don't have a choice when my family is on the line. I don't f#$& like when this happens right in front of me again," Spike said angrily with his fists clenched, ignited the blazing flames, "That demon bastards especially Drago are gonna be sorry when I'm through with them! They'll learn that this dragon's not for small friendly chat now."

Smolder whistled, "My big brother keeps saying that you're a wuss. But not me, Spike, you're a badass."

"Let's fly, Dragon Warrior," Spike said firmly.

Spike and Smolder flapped their wings as they began flying up to the sky. However, the purple teenage dragon grunted and struggled with his flying as he never done it before. It was good thing that orange dragon was there to assist him to get to their destination.

Twilight and her family continued the fight and struggles against Shendu and his forces. Despite the effort they have put up, the Demon Dragons have proven to be stubborn yet dangerously hotheaded monsters to deal with.

Twilight and Shadow Dragon unleashed their Darkness Oblivion Beam and Rainbow Hope Beam at Shendu, who despite has Healing and Immortality Powers, grunted and struggled against the powers. Using Rabbit Talisman's Speed and Ox Talisman's Super Strength, he charged in and grabbed the hold on both of them. He then began squeezing them hard and tight. Luckily, Shadow Dragon firmly held on the claws while Twilight struggled to use her magic to push them aside.

"I will slaughter you once and for all!" Shendu screamed angrily, "Rest assured that your death will be swift and painless. Then, I'll come after Spike!"

"The hell you will!" Spike's voice cried.

Shendu looked up. And to his shock, a ball of fire got thrown straight at his face, burning and injuring his face, unintentionally letting and dropping Twilight and Shadow Dragon down. Teenage Spike flew down as he arrived and landed on the ground, besides them.

"Spike?!" Twilight and Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.

"Yeah. That's me," Teenage Spike exclaimed cockily with a wink. He showed off his new body and wings, "Pretty cool, huh?"

"Yeah…" Shadow Dragon said in stunned.

"Still… How?" Twilight asked in surprise.

Shendu roared in anger as he got up and glared at his enemies. Teenage Spike hissed, "We'll talk later. Let's take care of Old Gecko first!"

Shadow Dragon nodded as he armed with his Darkness Blade, "Took the words out of my mouth, Spike!"

Shendu growled, "Just because you've molted out doesn't mean you have the chance to defeat me! You do not possess any ability to defeat me! I have thirteen of them!"

Though Spike's scared and worried about his ability, Twilight spoke firmly and confidently, "Let's find out."

Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Spike charged and engaged Shendu, who charged attacked them relentlessly and ruthlessly.

Drake Trio were still battling and pushing against Strikemaster Ice and his gang, who have put up some serious fight against them. Strikemaster Ice continued mocking and insulting Boomer of his height and ability, making him very annoyed to attack recklessly and carelessly. Strikemaster Ice swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks while pushing and knocking him off. MC Cobra, swift and fast, punched and kicked on Rob from all sides. Grunt was lifted by DJ Fist before he got slammed down to the ground. He jumped and landed on him as he gave the relentless punches on him but the wooden dragon endured and withstand the attacks as long as they can.

Both Aero and Rak swiftly and quickly charged and defeated most of Shadow Ninjas and Demon Dragons while covering and protecting each other from incoming attack of all sides. Defeating and knocking enemy troops, they turned and found Drake Trio struggled to hold their ground against Strikemaster Ice and his gang. They both nodded to each other. They both dashed in while swiftly and quickly punched and knocked three of them out, allowing Drake Trio to punch them off. They and two students regrouped and unleashed combined power of Dragon Flames at Strikemaster Ice and his gang, knocking them off.

Lance and teenage Spike were facing off Drago, who firmly and calmly facing off against them both. They both charged and attacked him through the use of Black Serpent Strikes. Unfortunately, he firmly blocked and deflect the attacks while using his Dragon Fists to punch and knock them off. Despite getting up and keep fighting, they're unable to land a hit on him. He unleashed his Dragon Flames on them. Teenage Nyx barely summoned her Barrier to block while Lance charged to attack him. Unfortunately, the teenage dragon swung and swiped his long tail at Lance back at teenage Nyx. Just before he could finish them, he got blocked by Dragon Flames. He found Smolder dived and slammed him to the ground. She angrily punched on him for couple of times.

Smolder screamed, "This is for my brother! You ruined his life because of you!"

"Get off me, brat!" Drago exclaimed angrily as he kicked her off. He spitted some blood out. He scoffed, "You're gonna have to be specific, kid! I've used lots of useless and stupid Dragons for my vengeance against Spike and his family. Even if they died, I won't apologize of what I have to do!"

Shocked and hurt yet angered, Smolder screamed angrily, "Garble is not your pawn to use! I won't let you, mother# $%!"

Smolder charged as she tried to slam her punches at Drago, who swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks. Just as she tried to thrust her punch on his gut, he moved back before elbowed on her back before kicked her back. Lance and Nyx helped her up.

"You're gonna have to do better than that," Drago exclaimed arrogantly.

Lance narrowed his determined eyes, "Don't push it, jackass!"

"Yeah! Get ready for another kickass!" Nyx snapped angrily.

Lance, Smolder and Nyx charged and attacked Drago, who firmly and calmly dodged and evaded the attacks while fighting back.

Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Spike are facing off Shendu, who has unleashed his Dragon Flame, Dragon Talisman's Combustion and Pig Talisman's Heat-Beam Eyes at them. They all barely dodged and evaded the attacks. Shadow Dragon unleashed his Chaos Hyper Blast at the Demon Lord of Fire, who used Sheep Talisman's Ability for phased through the attacks before engaged Snake Talisman's Invisibility to hide his existence. This alerted them to be weary and alert of their enemy. They all got punched and knocked by invisible demon.

While they struggled to withstand the attack, Teenage Spike noticed the footprints on the ground. He tried to attack him but got tripped and slammed on the ground. Unbeknownst to him, his claws touched on the ground, glowing brightly. The vines emerged out and coiled up Shendu, who deactivated his power and revealed himself. He roared angrily.

"How did you do that?" Shadow Dragon asked.

Teenage Spike shrugged, "I-I have no idea. I always thought talking to plants is weird."

"You talked to plants?!" Twilight asked in surprise.

Shendu broke himself freed, with his Ox Talisman's Super Strength. Using both his super strength and Rabbit's Speed Talisman, he charged and attacked Spike and his family. They barely dodged and evaded the attacks. They all quickly stayed close as they're being surrounded by Shendu's running around while striking them from all direction. While both Twilight and Spike struggled against the attacks, Shadow Dragon remained calm and firm while closing his eyes as if he was concentrating on his targets. At the right moment, he ran straight on his left before slide down and tripped the Demon Lord of Fire to the ground.

This allowed Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Teenage Spike combined their powers and wounded him badly. Shendu was badly injured. But thanks to Dog Talisman's Immortality and Horse Talisman's Healing, Shendu recovered from his wounds. Using both Monkey Talisman's Animal Shapeshifting and Tiger Talisman's Balance Power, he unleashed his powers on them. They barely dodge and evade the beams. The beam did hit on his minions, which either turned them into various animals or making them pure good/bad. They're now hiding behind the large boulder.

"We can't hold against him much longer!" Twilight exclaimed.

Teenage Spike hissed, "No kidding! Any idea?"

"How many abilities did Shendu use?" Shadow Dragon asked.

"Twelve of them. Why?" Twilight asked in concern.

"Perfect! I know what we can do!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed firmly, making Twilight and Spike confused. He explained, "If we get the Rat Talisman, Shendu will be weakened and reverted back to his weakened form!"

"What?" Teenage Spike asked in concern.

No time to explain, Shadow Dragon explained his plan, "Spike, distract as long as you can! Twilight, I hope you can use phase spell coz I need it!"

Teenage Spike and Twilight nodded firmly. Teenage Spike charged off as he engaged and provoked Shendu to come and chase after him. And at the same time, Twilight helped holding Shadow Dragon as they're flying behind of Shendu. Using her Phase Spell ability on her husband's hooves, Twilight flew and dived straight at the Demon Lord of Fire. Shendu was busy attacking Teenage Spike, who swiftly and quickly dodge while strongly punched at him.

Twilight slammed Shadow Dragon on the back of Shendu, shocking and alerting him. Teenage Spike jumped and slammed on his head as he unleashed both Dragon Flames and Fiery Fists to hold him. Using Phase Ability, Shadow Dragon searched through his back, trying to find and get Talisman. Feeling something, he pulled it out and found a Rat Talisman. He nodded to Twilight, who nodded and brought him to the front of Demon Lord.

"Guess what I've got?" Shadow Dragon mocked while holding Rat Talisman.

Shendu gasped, "No! Not that! Not again!"

Too late! Shendu screamed in agony and shock as he was glowed brightly before transformed and turned into rounded-like statue with dragon head. It fell to the ground. Just as three of them landed, they approached and looked at his state.

Shendu screamed, "DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU ALL!"

"No way…" Teenage Spike commented in disbelief.

"That's his weakened form?" Twilight asked in surprise.

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. When Shendu stolen the first copies of original Talismans, former Mystic Councilpony of Thunder placed the cursed on it that should Rat Talisman ever be removed, he shall transform and stuck in his statue forever. The Rat Talisman brings inanimate objects to life."

"Wow." Teenage Spike commented. He smirked, "How do you like it now?"

Just as Drago defeated and thrown Smolder at Lance and Nyx to the ground, he looked up and found his father turned into statue. He screamed angrily as he charged straight at his defeated father. He quickly and swiftly knocked the enemies off. He quickly gets the Rat Talisman from Shadow Dragon. He stayed close to his father.

Drago snarled, "This isn't over!"

Drago roared angrily as he summoned the portal. He whistled to the rest of his Shadow Ninjas and Demon Dragons. They quickly returned to him as they helped and moved Shendu's Statue Form into it at once before they get killed by the enemies.

With Drago and his army retreated to the portal, Spike and the rest of his family and friends regrouped and reunited. They cheered happily and wildly as they have won the fight. And at the same time, they were commenting to Spike's teenage form.

"[Lance] Wow, Spike! You're grown! [Nyx giggled] Looks like I've got my real big brother now. [Rob] Incredible! I did not expect you to be molt for one day! [Boomer scoffed] He's not bad. I kinda missed little Spike, makes me older than him. [Grunt] I am Grunt… [Rak] He has the wings too! [Aero] Not to mention, he has nature powers too. Did not expect Fire-Type Dragon to do that."

Teenage Spike flustered, "Thanks, guys…"

"This is amazing!" Twilight exclaimed happily while looking at Spike, "Wow. So, this is what molt does to you? Incredible."

"Thanks…" Teenage Spike thanked in relief. And at the same time, he thought of what happened today. He sighed, "We were lucky today, but next time, it won't be. I wish I could stop it, but I can't. I-I should go."

"Go? What are you talking about?"

"In the Dragon Lands, families make molters leave home. It's called the molt effect."

"Well, this isn't the Dragon Lands, and molt effect or no, I don't want you going anywhere."

"But I'm growing up. What if something even worse happens?"

"You're supposed to grow up, but you'll always be you." Twilight said in comfort, "And whatever happens, we'll get through it together."

Touched by Twilight's comfort, Teenage Spike approached and hugged her warmly. She hugged him back. Lance and Nyx came and hugged him as well.

"We will never abandon you, Spike!" Nyx exclaimed firmly.

"Yeah. We're family. We stick together," Lance said firmly and calmly.

"See? I told you!" Rob said firmly.

Boomer nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Your family will always be there for you."

"Yeah. I know," Teenage Spike said calmly. He turned and looked at Smolder, "Thanks, Smolder. For helping me."

Smolder smiled, "Don't mention it. We're friends. Plus, I can finally help Garble to be pardoned for good!"

Teenage Spike sighed, "Well, make sure he behaved good or else he will be back where he started."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't," Smolder said confidently.

"Well, then, shall we go home?" Rob suggested.

Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement. They all turned and heading back to their home now.

"By the way, I forgot to ask you guys," Nyx said happily. Everyone looked at her. She asked, "If you guys got molt to grow up, why doesn't Boomer become bigger and taller?"

Both Grunt and Rob yelped in concern while Boomer was annoyed by question. Everyone looked at them curiously, wondering why the short red dragon did grow up to become bigger.

Rob gulped, "Because he's a dwarf!"

Boomer screamed angrily while armed with his spear, "ROBBY! You, ugly son of the-!"

Rob screamed and ran for his life. Boomer chased after him at once, wanting to kill him. They both were shouting and taunting at each other madly and crazily. Everyone else laughed at the scene. Twilight looked at Shadow Dragon.

"What's wrong, Shadow Dragon?" Twilight asked.

Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "Boomer and Smolder said that molt stages last for weeks or months, but Spike's only last for one day. He became teenager, not a kid with wings. Something's off…"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. I just have the bad feeling about this."

At the abandoned yet ruined secret laboratory, both Dr. Wong and Death Tactic have observed the event from computer screen, thanks to the Drone, which was spying on Spike's progress with Swampfire ability.

"Well, doctor, does the result pleased you?" Death Tactic asked calmly.

Dr. Wong hummed thoughtfully and calmly while looking at the video, "Brilliant result. Despite the side effect Subject Spike has suffered due to his molt season, he still able to use Swampfire ability. His performance is brilliant. Now Project: Super Soldiers & Project: Abomination can finally proceed."

"Excellent. The Emperor would be pleased of this," Death Tactic remarked with pride.

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Cathy Weseluck: Spike

Erik Kimerer: Teenage Spike

Shannon Chan-Kent: Smolder

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Minor Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

James Sie: Shendu

Ben Diskin: Boomer Bang

Rob Paulsen: Rob

Vin Diesel: Grunt

Mike Erwin: Strikemaster Ice

Jeff Fischer: MC Cobra

Steven Burton: Aero

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Cameo:

Lars Mikkelson: Death Tactic

B.D. Wong: Dr. Vector Wong

Hynden Walch: Mei Kai

Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing

Author's Note

A friendly reminder that this episode is set after Ben 10 True Omniverse Season 3 Episode 5: Unsung Heroes. Best to read this from either PowerMaster17 Deviantart or Power Master Fanfiction before you start reading here. As I've said before, Spike will not be the same as Canon.
Sertu Mismo is based on Hakuna Matata from the Lion King.

Episode 13: Break Up, Break Down

At the Dragon Land's Meeting Chamber, Dragon Lord Ember was having discussion with General Echo Fire, and the rest of council involving of changing and improving dragon society and their relationship with the ponies since she formed the alliance and friendship with them. After a long meeting with them and also finished signing documentary rocks that involved of education and new activities, they all bowed humbly and firmly before her. They then leave and exited out of the throne chamber.

Ember sighed in exhaustion before lying against the throne chair, "That was rough. How on Dragon Land did my father handle this?"

"Well, mostly he burnt them off because they bored him," Echo Fire joked.

"Figures. He's not really interested in politics because he's more worried about protecting Dragon Land and fending off the enemies. It's no wonder there's a lot of work need to do when it comes to the alliance," Ember grumbled in annoyance. She then spotted a greeting card that has 'Hearts and Hooves Day'. She picked it before reading out, "Hearts and Hooves Day? What the heck is this?"

Echo Five looked at the greeting card. He yelped in surprise, "Ooh! Well, your highness… You see… Hearts and Hooves Day is… Kinda… Something special…"

"Spit it out, General. I'm not a kid."

"It's a special day involved of two ponies or creatures to spend time together for dating and loving for one whole day."

"WHAT?! Are you kidding me?!" Ember asked while flustered in red. She groaned while covering her face with greeting card. She muttered angrily, "Who would dare to send this kind of stupid card to me?! Doesn't any dragon know I'm allergic to it?! Is this some kind of a joke?! Now I'm very pissed!"

Echo Five hummed thoughtfully, "Well, if I'm not mistaken, this came together with Smolder's letter."

Ember groaned, "Why would she sent me this kind of letter to me?! For what?! Prank me?!"

Echo Five shrugged, "No clue." He took the card away from her. He read it, "Hmm… Interesting…"

"What? What is it now?"

"Believe it or not, Ember, the reason she sent this invitation letter to you, so that you can come to Equestria and date Spike. She knows you liked him so much."

"As if! Even if that is true, Spike's a kid. I can't date a kid. It will look ridiculous and embarrassment. This must be a prank."

"Well, believe it or not, according to this letter is that Spike's now a teenager."

"Huh? What makes you say that?"

"Smolder knows better not to challenge and prank on you especially you're her only hope to give full pardon for Garble. I believed that she's telling the truth. Plus, you do need a break. It wouldn't hurt to check on him, right?"

Though annoyed by Smolder's inviting her to Equestria for Hearts and Hooves Day, Ember sighed, "Fine. I guess I could use the break. I'll travel to Equestria." She huffed a bit, "But I only go there for a visit and check on Spike. I want to see if the rumor is true."

Echo Five scoffed, "Sure. If you say so…"

A week later, the Hearts and Hooves Day is here at Ponyville! A lot of couple ponies and even creatures were enjoying the day such as dating, having fun and playing games at the outdoors or indoors, eating and drinking, watching movies, sporting, enjoying the sceneries, walking on the park and many more.

One pony, a unicorn particularly, couldn't wait for it. At the Carousal Boutique, Rarity was working and finishing up with sewing the dresses. With the help of her assistant – Sunny Flare, they both added some final details on it. Aftermath, they packed and put them inside four boxes, which were to be delivered to both Canterlot Boutique and Manehattan Boutique for the Hearts and Hooves Day special promotion. DJ Red, Clumsy Rat and Shades have arrived and received the packages, loading them up on the wagon.

"Thank you for helping me with the delivery, boys," Rarity thanked the former Dark Enforcers, who blushed and said 'you're welcome' to her. She levitated some bits, passing them to the delivery ponies. She continued, "As the reward for helping me with the delivery, I'll give you ten bits for the effort."

DJ Red whistled, "Wow. Thanks, Rarity! You're the best!"

"Hope you enjoy your Hearts and Hooves Day!" Clumsy Rat said happily.

Shades nodded, "Yeah. Make the best of it."

After putting the bits into their pockets, DJ Red and his gang headed off for delivering the package. And at the same time, Rarity hummed happily while organizing and packing up her sewing tools and products back to its places.

"Finally! That's the last work I need to do! Now, I can meet up with Shorty!" Rarity remarked warmly. She sighed, "I wonder what romantic plans he has for me. For a smartest pony, I'm sure he will make it the best!"

Surprised by her boss's behavior, Sunny Flare commented, "You seemed to be exciting lately."

Rarity sighed, "How could I not? Today is Hearts and Hooves Day! I can't wait for it..."

"Oh brother..." Sunny Flare remarked with her eyes rolling, "Well, whatever he's planning for you, you'd better prepare a present for him. I'm pretty sure he has a great present for you to like."

Rarity gasped in realization, "Oh my! You're right! I forgot the present!"

Rarity panicked frantically as she looked through the clothes, finding the perfect suit for her boyfriend. And she also exclaimed in concern about her makeup and getting dressed up. Sunny Flare sighed while shaking her head as she muttered 'should've known about it'.

Inside his newly renovated bedroom, Spike is lying down on his larger new crystallized bed frame. It was filled with lots of stuffs such as movie posters, newly Power Ponies action figures, fortress toys-like and gameboards on the first shelves, comic books and dragon books on second, Television placed on the drawer filled with tapes, crystallized lamps, large wardrobe and so on.

Spike hummed happily and warmly while reading his new comic books while eating his popcorn enjoyably. He then heard the door knocked. He grunted as he jumped off and got up. He approached to it. He opened the door and found Ember stood before him. Nyx and Jade were there as well.

"Dragon Lord Ember!" Spike yelped in surprise. He quickly bowed down before her, "W-What a surprise to see you here!"

"Y-Yeah! N-Nice to see you too. Again…" Ember said in surprise with blush. She cleared her throat as she helped him getting up. She then looked at Spike's teenage body. She couldn't help but feel surprised and mesmerized by his new looks. She asked, "So, this is your new looks?"

Spike blushed a bit, "Yeah. I didn't expect to end up being a teenager."

"It's kinda a good look on you." Ember remarked with blush. While looking at his body pec, she was nervous and tempting about him. She quickly and swiftly touched his before withdraw hers at once. She awed in surprise, "W-Wow. Oh my gosh! It's so real. Your pec's so real. And kinda handsome."

Surprised and amazed by her remark, Spike's face burnt in red, "I-er-! Thanks." He then looked at Ember again. To him being mesmerized, she looked very beautiful with a perfect body shape like a beautiful ocean. He awed, "And you're beautiful and cool too."

Ember blushed and flustered in disbelief, "Me?! N-No! I'm just being plain Ember. Just a good friend and Dragon Lord. Nothing special about me."

Spike couldn't help but smile, "But to me. You still are cool and beautiful."

Nyx and Jade made 'ooh' sound, making Spike and Ember alerted and annoyed. The dragons glared at them for the moment.

"Do you mind?" Spike asked in annoyance.

"What? Just wanna help my big brother to get a date," Nyx teased playfully, "After all, everyone got theirs. Even Rarity."

Spike groaned, "Did you have to bring that up?"

Nyx gave her sly smirk, "Well, I wouldn't wanna my brother being left out with no date."

Jade nodded playfully, "Yeah, she has the point, cousin. You're a teenager, thus, you should get a date." She turned to Ember, "I can bet that's why she's here for. A date with you."

Ember yelped in concern while flustered in red by Jade's teasing. Spike was annoyed as he flickered his fingers on both fillies' back of heads.

"Will you two knock it off?!" Spike scolded Jade and Nyx, who yelped in pain. He continued, "Don't teased Dragon Lord Ember like that. It's very rude and annoying. Pretty sure that she came here for something important."

Ember cleared her throat with reddish blush, "Actually, I came here to take a break from crazy work."

"Wait?! What?!" Spike was surprised by her answer. He looked at her, "Really?"

"Yeah. I've had a very stress work especially when it comes to politics and changing Dragon Society for making ourselves better and friendship with the ponies."

"Wow. Must be serious work you have."

"Tell me about it," Ember agreed calmly. She cleared her throat, "So, I was kinda wondering if you're not so busy, maybe you… You could… Uh… I don't know - hangout with me? Have some fun in this town? Maybe teach me about 'Hearts and Hooves Day'? I would like to know about it."

Spike was shocked and surprised by her request. He blushed in red and stuttered, "Y-You're asking me for a date?"

Ember was embarrassed about it. She gulped, "Kind of…"

Spike hissed in concern with sweat drops. Both Nyx and Jade made another 'ooh' noise again, making him glared at them both.

"I-I don't know what to say. I mean you asking me out. I thought I was supposed to do that. I mean it's guy thing – asking the girl he likes for a date! I mean I'm not like against having girl asking." Spike jabbered frantically. Ember blinked in confusion. Seeing her looks, he was embarrassed while facepalm for it. He cleared his throat, "Sorry. I mean yes. Yes, Dragon Lord Ember! Yes! That's what I meant!"

Ember stifled her laughter before giggled a bit, "Aw man! I don't remember you being so funny and cute too." Spike blushed a bit. She cleared her throat before held his hands, "Thanks, Spike. I-I'm happy for this."

Spike cleared his throat, "Yeah, sure. Can give me a minute to get myself ready?"

Ember smiled, "Sure. Why not? I'll be downstair."

"Okay." Spike answered politely. Ember, Nyx and Jade headed off downstairs now. He closed his room's door. He cheered, "Wow! I mean seriously wow! I didn't expect this happen. She. Me. Dating. So cool." He yelped in realization, "What am I gonna do now? I don't wanna embarrassed her. I mean she asked me for a date. I can't make her look bad! What am I supposed to do?!"

"Isn't it pretty obvious?" The cute yet cruel voice spoke, surprised Spike, "Just dump her!"

Spike looked at his left shoulder, where the small tiny Spike wearing Devil suit with holding a fork-like. He asked, "What the? A shoulder devil?"

"Please, don't listen to this guy!" The gentle and humble voice spoke. Spike looked on his right shoulder, where an angelic Spike with his white robe and ring on his head appeared. He continued, "The last thing you want is to get into a trouble with her."

"Hey! I'm trying to get him out of trouble, doofus!" Devil Spike snapped in annoyance.

Angel Spike scoffed, "Oh yeah? Like what happen to Owlowiscious Incident? And don't forget the worst thing ever happen to us – the Greed-induced Bigness?! That is the worst!"

"Come on. That isn't that bad!"

"Right. And seeing Ember and Thorax fighting isn't?!"

"Hey! That bitch started the mess you know!"

"It was Thorax, not her. He forgot to send invitation to us because he was too busy for making some changes for his hive!"

"As if!"

"Guys!" Spike shouted in annoyance. Both his shoulder angel and devil looked at him. He continued, "Back to topic?"

"Right, sorry, Spike." Devil Spike apologized. He cleared his throat, "If I were you, I ditched her! Tell her that you got some serious sickness and can't make it for the date. That way you won't get into trouble!"

Spike hummed thoughtfully. Angel Spike grabbed and made him look at him. He explained, "You can't be serious! If you do that, you not only hurt her feelings but also make her very angry and suffered her wrath!"

Spike yelped in concern. Devil Spike, "As if! She's a tough dragon! She wouldn't let some bad feelings get to her. Dragons especially her don't make love!"

"But she asked you out for a date! You can't just reject her like that! It's rude and selfish!"

"Dragons are supposed to be rude and cold-stone. So, we rejected her!"

"Not if you're worried for consequence. Trust me. It won't be pretty if you do that, Spike!"

"Nothing bad is gonna happen. For sure!"

"Guys!" Spike said firmly. Both Angel and Devil Spikes turned and looked at him. He sighed, "Ember asked me out. I think I should hang out with her. After all, she wanna learn more about Hearts and Hooves Day. Plus, it won't hurt to get to know more about her."

"Good one, Spike!" Angel Spike cheered with thumbs up.

Devil Spike groaned, "Why do I always lose!"

Both Angel and Devil Spikes disappeared in puff of smokes. Spike sighed calmly as he began tidying himself up for the date with Ember. The last thing he wants is getting into trouble with her.

Ember, Nyx and Jade were at the lobby, waiting for Spike. They both brought the plate of bugs for her to eat, which she enjoyed it a lot. Three of them have been quiet lately.

"So, you like Spike, don't ya?" Nyx asked teasingly.

"Kind of." Ember admitted sheepishly with blush. Nyx and Jade made another 'ooh' noise. She sighed, "Guess Smolder's right about Spike. He's not a kid. Thought I have to wait for long to grow up. Guess I don't need to."

"Yup. I'm guessing she sent the invitation letter to you?" Jade asked curiously.

Ember sighed, "Yeah. Probably another way to win me, so I can give full pardon to Garble. She's smart but sneaky too like you two."

"Yeah, right." Nyx and Jade playfully.

Ember sighed in concern, "I just hope our date didn't go worst. This is my first time."

"It'll be fine. Trust me. You and him are gonna have the best date," Nyx commented. She gasped upon looking at Spike climbing down the stairs. She smiled, "Here he comes!"

Reaching to the ground, Spike approached to Ember as he commented, "Sorry, I'm late. Gotta tidy myself up. Don't wanna look bad on our first hangout." He held his hand out, "Shall we?"

Ember smiled as she reached his, "We shall. Take me to the best one, Sir Spike."

Spike nodded as he and Ember headed off for their Hearts and Hooves Day. Both Nyx and Jade awed happily to see them hangout. And at the same time, they have some interesting idea of what to do next.

"You're thinking of what I'm thinking?" Jade asked.

Nyx nodded, "You bet, Jade. I know what to do next..."

Nyx and Jade called and regrouped with the rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders at the CMC Clubhouse for an important meeting. They even brought Alyson Joy here as well. They were chatting and discussing happily about what to do today.

Apple Bloom cleared her throat while hammering on the podium. She spoke, "Hear ye, hear ye! This special Hearts and Hooves Day meetin' of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is now in session!" She moved aside, allowing Nyx to take over the podium, "But Nyx will be in-charge of it since it's her idea now."

"Well, this ought to be good," Scootaloo remarked amusingly.

"So, what is it?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

"Glad you girls asked," Nyx said happily before shouted out, "Spike finally got his date! He and Dragon Lord Ember are dating!"

"WHAT?!" Cutie Mark Crusaders sans Jade asked in surprise.

"Really? Spike? He got a date with the Dragon Lord Ember?" Alyson asked in surprise. Nyx answered 'yes'. She smiled, "Wow. That's so cool."

"Who knew Spike has it in him," Scootaloo remarked amusingly.

Sweetie Belle sighed, "Yeah. I think almost everyone's lucky to have somepony they loved with. I wish ours is."

"Well, Applejack said not to think about it. Wait till you're a teenager or adult, then we can find our love," Apple Blook remarked happily. She turned and looked at Nyx, "So, Nyx, what do you want us to do?"

Nyx hummed thoughtfully, "Well, for starters we need to do some decoration at the Castle of Friendship, preparing a special dinner and some awesome activities and fun games for them to enjoy."

"Ooh! I loved this one! I loved decorating!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily, "We're gonna decorated the Castle with some balloons, beautiful banners, colorful ribbons, playing some romantic songs and movie for them to enjoy, some games, and of course, we're gonna make the best pony food for them to enjoy! It's gonna be the best Hearts and Hooves Day!"

"Uh… I hate to burst your bubbles, Sweetie Belle. Dragons especially Ember don't do something too cute and cuddly stuffs," Jade said calmly, disappointing Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo awed in surprise, "So, you're saying that they want some kind of action?" Jade nodded in confirmation. She whistled, "Now that's kind of my thing! I can do that! More action and adventurous style!"

Jade smirked, "Yup. You get it right."

"Guess we're gonna to some shop to get some stuffs?" Alyson asked.

"That's the plan. I wanna make the best Hearts and Hooves Day for Spike and Dragon Lord Ember," Nyx said proudly and determinedly, "Remember. No embarrassment and silly cutie stuffs. Dragons don't like it. Well, Ember doesn't."

"Right!" Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.

After the meeting, Cutie Mark Crusaders headed off to the Ponyville Town, searching and collecting some action and adventurous props and games, and also some of Hearts and Hooves Day celebration stuffs for Spike and Ember. Aftermath, they're heading off to the Castle of Friendship now. They all looked around of their surroundings as they were amazed and happy to see many ponies chatting and enjoyed their Hearts and Hooves Day.

While happily chatting and talking with each other, Cutie Mark Crusaders came across to Shorty's laboratory house, where they heard the commotion. They took a peek on the window. They found Shorty talking with Riverstrike and Tailtech.

"Wow. What's going on?" Scootaloo asked curiously.

Jade shrugged, "Beats me. I'm kinda surprise to see Prime Minister here. Thought he would be spending some quality time with his wife. Must be something going on."

Alyson shushed, "Guys. I can't hear something. They're talking about Rarity!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders continued eavesdropping on Water Tiger members' conversation, wondering of what topic they're having.

"Wow. I mean 'wow'. Guess you're serious about this." Tailtech remarked in surprise.

"Yes. I know it's time," Shorty said firmly.

Riverstrike chuckled a bit, "Well, Shorty, I'm sure Rarity won't be expecting it."

"I wonder what they're talking about?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

Apple Bloom shrugged, "Who knows? You can never tell what's going on his mind…"

"Whatever it was, maybe we should get Rarity here," Nyx suggested, "After all, it could be surprise."

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Good idea. Shorty does like my sister ever since me, Tailtech and Icy set up the blind date for them."

"Wow. Many ponies sure loved romantic surprises," Alyson remarked happily.

"Uh… What about the decoration for Spike and Ember?" Jade asked in annoyance.

"Chillax. It will be a while," Apple Bloom said calmly.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders quickly leave Shorty's Laboratory House now. They're heading off to Carousal Boutique, finding and getting Rarity to his house for the big surprise. Miles away from his place, they accidentally bumped on somepony. They all groaned and moaned in pain while recovering from it.

"Sweetie Belle? What are you doing here?" Rarity's voice asked in surprise and pain. She got up from the ground. Before she could ask anything, she gasped, "My Hearts and Hooves Day Present! Where is it?!"

Alyson groaned in pain while holding a present on her hooves, "Am I holding a present?"

Rarity quickly levitated it as she checked on her present. She sighed in relief, "Thank Celestia. It's still in good condition. Now what are you doing here, Sweetie Belle?"

"We're here to get you to Shorty's Lab! He said that he's got something surprise for you!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily.

"Really?" Rarity asked in surprise.

Nyx nodded in agreement, "Yeah. We sort of eavesdropped on it but we don't know what."

"Well, whatever the surprise Shorty has in mind, I can't wait to find out." Rarity said happily with squeal, "I'm so excited for this. This is gonna be the best Hearts and Hooves Day!"

Rarity headed off at once. Cutie Mark Crusaders followed her as well. They're heading straight to Shorty's Laboratory House now. They then spotted Shorty and his friends just exited out of the house while chatting and talking with each other.

Just before Rarity could call him, Shorty spoke firmly, "I hope she'll be okay without me."

His words and tone shocked and alerted Rarity. She quickly hid behind the bushes. She even levitated and dragged Cutie Mark Crusaders in. They're now eavesdropping and listening to Shorty and his friends' conversation. She became more scared and concerned of what might happen next is something that she doesn't want it comes true.

Just as Shorty and his friends were walking and passing by the bushes that Rarity and Crusaders were hiding, he commented, "I mean, she has been on her own before. So, she'll be fine, right?"

The question shocked and worried Rarity, making her realized that he could be talking about her. Her fear is coming true…

Shorty sighed in concern as he asked, "How should I tell Rarity tonight? 'You won't need to come visits me in my lab anymore'? 'We need to talk.'"

Riverstrike sighed while patting on his shoulder pad, "Look, Shorty, just be honest with her."

Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "You're right. Okay! 'We're finished.'"

Rarity and Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. Her heart is now broken. Has Shorty planned to break up with her, and ending the relationship?! Why?! Why would he do this?!

Tailtech sighed in concern, "She might not like how you said to her."

"Well, I have to. I don't want to continue with this anymore." Shorty said firmly. He sighed, "Anyway, I'd better find what I need for my work."

Shorty and his friends headed off for their item to use with it. As soon as they're miles away from them, Rarity wailed in tears and heartbroken as she headed back to Carousal Boutique. Cutie Mark Crusaders were shocked yet confused of what happened.

"No. This can't be right!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in disbelief, "Shorty loved her! He can't break up with her!"

Apple Bloom hummed in concern, "Well, we've got two problems to deal with."

"What are we gonna do?" Scootaloo asked in concern, "We can't handle two things at the same time."

"We're gonna split up and help them out. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Alyson, check and comfort Rarity. The rest of us will make some serious preparation for Spike's Hearts and Hooves Day." Nyx said firmly and seriously. Her friends were surprised and amazed by her plan, which they agreed. She continued, "No matter what happen, they both deserve the love!"

Her friends nodded in agreement with Nyx's plan. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Alyson Joy went after Rarity. Nyx, Scootaloo and Jade headed off to Castle of Friendship for decoration and preparation for Spike's Hearts and Hooves Day with Ember.

Spike and Ember were now walking across the Ponyville Town while looking around of their surroundings. He helped explained to her about what Hearts and Hooves Day do, despite she was a bit bored about it.

Though was bored and annoyed to see the same thing like before, Ember couldn't help but peek curious on some things that ponies do such as talking and chatting lovely to each other, playing games happily and enjoyably together, competitively challenging each other on games, eating their lunch and snack, getting photos, singing and dancing, buying stuffs and gifts for each other, and interestingly, some of them were nuzzling, holding the hooves and kissing each other. The ponies' actions and activities surprised and intrigued her, though she did feel tinkling on her noise. She nearly sneezed out her flames if not for Spike's magical flameproof handkerchief to stop it.

"Thanks," Ember thanked in relief. She breathed calmly, "Still can't get over that, even though it was… curious."

Spike looked surprise, "Hold up! Did I hear correctly? Ember said 'Hearts and Hooves Day' curious?" Ember gave her annoying glare at him. He cleared his throat, "Sorry. I'm just surprise."

Ember sighed, "Well, I hate to admit it but your home is the most beautiful thing I ever see. I can't help but feel loving it more than annoyed now."

"Wow. Seriously?"

"Yeah. You don't see this kind of activity and friendship back at the Dragon Land. Fighting, challenging, dominating and becoming stronger is what dragons do since the day our ancestor founded the land. Plus, not all dragons did it for love. Some just want him or her because of beauty and power they have."

"I'm guessing our parents are no different."

"Well, ours a bit different. Dad said that he not only admired my mom's beauty, but also her determination and intelligent for overcoming him, even though he beaten and defeated some of other female dragons that he considered strong as he is. He considered her to be his equal."

"Wow. If you asked me, that sounded like 'love' than 'dominating'."

Ember giggled a bit, "Yeah. I always said 'dragons don't do love', but my dad said he did it for my mom with his heart. I'm kinda a bit shocked but impressed."

"Cool," Spike remarked impressively, "But what about my parents? Do they feel the same?"

Ember smiled at Spike, "Yeah, they do. Unlike many dragons, your parents never resolve with violence and domination but rather compassion and friendship. It's something unexpected for dragons but some said that they changed their ways because of a pony showing mercy to them."

"Wow. Really?"

"Yeah. Your parents claimed that we can make peace and friendship with the ponies. We thought it's a joke and foolish dream. Until now, you really did it. You make their dream come true. Never thought it could happen."

Spike blushed a bit while rubbing his head, "Aw jeez… I didn't realize that. I was raised by Twilight and her family. They're the only family I ever had since I was an egg."

"I see…" Ember said in realization and concern, "It must be hard for you about not finding out about your parents…"

Spike sighed, "Yeah. I used to think like that, but I'm through because I already have family. Nothing to be sad."

"I guess you're right…" Ember said uncertainty before sighed, "Maybe I could-!"

"SPIKE!" Boomer's voice shouted happily and wildly.

Spike turned and looked on the front. He yelped when Boomer jumped and slammed him to the ground, shocking and alerting Ember. The dwarf dragon grumbled and jabbered angrily while grabbing and shaking his friend's neck hard about him going out without letting him know about it. Luckily, Rob and Grunt quickly grabbed and restrained him. He managed to break himself out before

Spike groaned in pain, "Damn it, Boomer! Did you have to hit me that hard?!"

"Well, only because when you're doing something stupid without me," Boomer grumbled, "Like a bug hunt."

"I wasn't on bug hunt. I was with Dragon Lord Ember," Spike explained.

Boomer scoffed, "Like I'm gonna believe that."

"Uh… Boomer… On your right," Rob said fearfully.

Boomer looked on his left, where he found Ember stood before him. He yelped, "Dragon Lord Ember! W-What an unexpected surprise to see you here! Sorry about the mess! You see Spike was supposed to-!"

"I heard, Boomer. And I assure you that he's not on the bug hunt," Ember said seriously. She then quickly held Spike's arm close to her. She firmly smiled with blush, "In fact, we both are hanging out."

Rob and Grunt yelped in shock and disbelief with wide mouth gap while Boomer laughed amusingly in disbelief. He then noticed everyone glared at him. He realized that Spike and Ember were very serious.

"F-For real?! I mean really?!" Boomer asked in disbelief and shock. Spike and Ember nodded in confirmation. He screamed in shock, "WHAT THE HELL?! No fricking way!"

"It's true," Ember confirmed.

Spike nodded with awkward smile, "Yeah. Ember asked me out for a date. I kinda accept it."

"The hell?! No way!" Boomer asked in shock. He chuckled nervously, "W-Who knew? Wow!"

"Yeah. Hanging out with the Dragon Lord is something unexpected." Rob commented in concern, "And also, this is very big responsibility for you to do because you don't wanna get in trouble with her."

Grunt nodded, "I am Grunt."

Spike chuckled uneasily, "Come on. You're pressuring me."

"Don't worry. I'm not gonna be hard on him. It is my first-time hangout with him," Ember remarked with smile, making Spike blushed a bit. She cleared her throat, "Shall we continue with it, Spike?"

Spike nodded, "Yeah."

"Don't mind us. Coz we're going too," Boomer said firmly while crossed his arms, shocking everyone. He continued, "What? Nothing's wrong with us hanging with you guys."

"Boomer!" Rob scolded firmly.

Spike sighed as he explained, "Uh, Boomer. Ember and I aren't just hanging out, you know? We're on special day since it's called 'Hearts and Hooves Day', remember?"

"So?" Boomer asked in annoyance before he got whacked by Rob's pole. He yelled in pain, "What the hell?!"

"Zip it! This is their date! Give them the privacy!" Rob scolded Boomer. He looked at Spike, "Sorry about that, Spike. We're leaving."

Grunt nodded nervously, "I am Grunt."

Both Rob and Grunt quickly dragged and pulled Boomer away. The dwarf dragon grumbled and complained about him need to be released and wanna stay with them. They all moved away and hid behind the café's building.

Spike sighed while shaking his head, "Sorry about Boomer. He sometimes never gets it, but he's a real good friend."

Ember smiled, "I know. Spike, you're lucky to have some good friends." She even moved casually and closer to him. He held and touched his chest while lying on him. She nuzzled him, "And you're lucky that you have a girl too."

Spike blushed with smile, "Thanks, Ember."

"There you are!" Nyx called out as she and her friends arrived at the scene, surprising Spike and Ember. She sighed, "We've been looking everywhere for you."

"Since we found ya, we've got something special for you all," Jade said proudly.

Spike and Ember looked worry about Cutie Mark Crusaders' special. Scootaloo smiled, "Don't worry. We're not doing any 'smoochie' and 'nappy-pants' stuff for you. We've got something better and awesome."

Spike hissed, "I don't know…"

"I don't mind it," Ember commented, surprising Spike. She continued, "Hey, it's Hearts and Hooves Day. I don't mind trying new stuffs. Who knows? I might able to get rid of my allergy."

Spike sighed, "I guess so…"

Nyx and her friends guided and led Spike and Ember to their special date. And at the same, Drake Trio were watching the whole scene.

Rob sighed, "Love... How lovely..."

"This stink..." Boomer grumbled.

Grunt yelped with embarrassed looks, "Huh? I am Grunt."

"Not you, bonehead!" Boomer scolded Grunt. He looked at Spike and Ember holding each other's hands. He continued, "Them! Him! Her! Love! OUR NIGHTMARES!"

"Yeesh. What's up with you, Boomer? I thought you think of them loving each other." Rob asked in disbelief.

Grunt nodded, "I am Grunt."

"I was teasing him, not really supporting it! Dang it!" Boomer snapped angrily yet frustratingly. He sighed, "All I can say is this might be the end of friendship." He then cried a bit, "I'm not ready to say goodbye! I'm not!"

"I don't get it." Rob asked in confusion, "They're just hanging out and dating. It's not like the end of the world."

Boomer groaned as he began singing sadly and fearfully, making both Rob and Grunt scared and worried that he could be right. Once Spike and Ember truly fell in love with each other, their friendship could be the end.

Boomer: I can't believe it's happening.

Rob: What?

Boomer: And they really gonna do it.

Grunt: I am Grunt (Who)?

Boomer: If they really fall in love

And this means one thing

No more guys' hangout!

Rob and Grunt (Concern): Oh!

Boomer: Never thought this is happening!

I can feel the love in the air!

Our buddy and lady are feeling it now!

The end of our friendship!

Nyx and her friends guided and led Spike and Ember to the Carnival Challenge Game, where couple ponies were competitively and enjoyably playing games stall and challenging with each other to win the prize. Both the dragons were surprised and amazed by Nyx and her friends' surprise. They all smiled and nodded happily that they will enjoy it.

Chorus: Can you feel the love right now?

I can feel it in my heart

With you around, I feel peace and harmony

We're now in this together…

Spike and Ember are at the baseball stall, where they found many ponies tried to throw the balls to knock down the pyramid of bottles or cans, but no avail. Some were lucky to hit the bottles and get lowered prize. Others didn't and lost the game. This intrigued and amused her to enter the competition. She picked some baseballs as she began throwing them straight at all pyramid bottles from 5 counters, knocking them down. This shocked and surprised the crowd. She even picked and threw up the prizes she won for the ponies to get. Eventually, she did the same thing with other game stalls. Everyone cheered and applauded for her.

Spike was impressed and amazed by how strong and determined Ember is when it comes to challenge, and also willing to give up the prizes for other ponies to take. And at the same time, he was having doubts and concerns about his relationship with her since he was raised by ponies and nobody to Dragon Society.

Spike: Never thought this could happen

My friend became my girl

But does she feel the same for me? No way.

I'm a nobody for her.

As everyone was walking down the street, Ember noticed Spike being off and uncertain. She can tell that he's worried about his relationship with her. She sighed firmly as she determined to prove that she's really serious about it. She also doesn't care what his status is because he's the one that she loved with.

Ember: He's holding back but why?

Is it because of me?

I don't care if he's a noble or a nobody

Coz he's the one I love

Ember quickly grabbed and dragged Spike to other carnival activities for them to try out and play such as bumper cars, hurricane, kamikaze, taking photos of themselves and the props, solving puzzles, playing chess games, video games arcade and even the things that she didn't like but try such as singing karaoke, eating pony food and even boarding the Ferris Wheel. Despite disliking some activities, Ember did enjoy it with Spike.

Spike and Ember: Can you feel the love right now?

I can feel it in my heart

With you around, I felt peace and harmony

We're now in this together…

Every pony including Spike, Ember, Nyx and her friends were gathered at center of carnival. Just as Octavia and her musical friends began playing harmonically yet festivity, the ponies grabbed and hold each other's hooves as they dance around of big circle. They then performed the Folk Dance with their own partner. After first to fifth rounds, they exchanged their partners to another for another dance. Spike and Ember also joined in as well. Nyx, Scootaloo and Jade danced happily and passionately.

After performing Folk Dance, everyone returned to their own partners as they performed gentle and graceful Slow Dance with each other. Spike and Ember did the same thing. As they were dancing slowly and gracefully, they then looked at each other closely with the sparkles lighted within their pupils. While blushed in red, they warmly and sincerely smiled at each other as they can no longer turn away. After spending time together for one whole day, they realized that it's time to accept their feelings now.

Slowly stopped their dance, both Spike and Ember held and hugged each other passionately before their face leaned closer to each other. They gave each other a long passionate kiss by lips. Nyx, Scootaloo and Jade awed happily to see it. Spike and Ember has fallen in love with each other now.

Spike and Ember: Can you feel the love right now?

Coz I can truly feel it with you now.

Of all the dragons, it's you that I fell for

Loving you with all my heart

Ember: And if he feels the love right now

In the way I do

Spike: It's enough for this silly dragon

Spike and Ember: Just to be with you.

Unbeknownst to Spike and Ember, Drake Trio was hiding behind the large tree as they saw everything. They all couldn't believe it but they have to accept it because this might be the end of their friendship. They all then cried out in sad tears while hugging each other.

Boomer: I can't believe our fear comes true

Grunt: I am Grunt (Spike's falling for Ember)

Rob: Our friendship with him has truly comes to end.

Drake Trio: This is truly goodbye to him…

Back at the Carousal Boutique…

Rarity cried tearfully and unhappily while eating the buckets of ice-cream. She was drowning down in sorrows. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Alyson and even Sunny Flare were uneasy and worried for her health condition.

Rarity cried in tears, "W-Why?! Why me?!"

"I can't believe it…" Sunny Flare said in disbelief, "She's still eating her ice-cream after almost ten buckets! This is crazy!"

"Tell me about it," Apple Bloom agreed.

"I… I just can't believe that Shorty planned to break up with her," Sweetie Belle said in disbelief, causing Rarity to wail in tears while eating her ice-cream. She continued, "Why? Why would he do that?"

Sunny Flare shrugged, "How should I know? That guy maybe good at science and medic, but not good with socializing ponies. You can never tell of what he was doing."

"I suppose that is true…" Apple Bloom agreed in concern.

"Even so, I still don't believe that he would do this!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in disbelief, "No! He and Rarity got along so well. There must be reason why he said that!"

"Or maybe he has no idea of what he was talking about?" Alyson suggested. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle glared at her. She sighed, "It was just a suggestion."

Apple Bloom sighed, "Maybe we should check this out. We need to find out if Shorty's really telling the truth about break-!" Noticing Rarity was wailing, she cleared her throat to correct it, "I mean this."

Sweetie Belle hummed, "Good thinking, Apple Bloom. Ms. Flare and Aly, watch over Rarity. We'll be right back to get right info."

Alyson and Sunny Flare nodded firmly and calmly. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom headed off to find and talk with Shorty about his real reason. Rarity continued wailing and sobbing tearfully while still eating her ice-cream. Just before she could proceed with another one, Sunny Flare grabbed and moved it aside.

"I think you have enough with ice-cream," Sunny Flare said sternly, annoying Rarity to glare at her. She continued, "Hey! I'm not the one with bad mood. So, if I were you, I'd stop mopping around and feel sorry for myself. Start doing something now."

Rarity huffed angrily, "Easy for you to say! You're not the one, who has suffered many breakups and heartbroken from bad boyfriends." She then wailed again tearfully, "Why now?! Why him?! I thought he and I are inseparable! How could he do this to me?!"

"Yeesh. What a drama queen," Alyson remarked.

Sunny Flare sighed, "Maybe you should do something like now, Rarity."

"Yeah. Instead of letting Shorty breakup with you, you should talk with him first," Alyson suggested, "Once you guys talk over it, then I'm sure you guys won't breakup!"

Sunny Flare nodded, "Yup. I'm with her on this one. So, get your hide out and go to Shorty. Tell him off about breakup and make demands of why he did it!"

"But we can wait for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom get back, once they got the answer from Shorty first." Alyson added.

After wiping tears off, Rarity gave some thoughts about what Alyson and Sunny Flare have suggested and also recalled her past about her poor relationships with boys. She then gave her fierce and serious looks.

"You're right. I am gonna do something with Shorty," Rarity said firmly. Sunny Flare and Alyson smiled happily about it. She shouted, "I'm gonna breakup with him before he makes his! He's gonna be sorry for ever think about breaking up with me!"

"WHAT?!" Sunny Flare and Alyson asked in disbelief.

Rarity snorted angrily, "Time for the girl to stand up now!"

"Rarity, don't!" Sunny Flare exclaimed in concern. Unfortunately, Rarity got up and headed off to deal with Shorty. She groaned, "I really hate it when she does that!"

Alyson groaned, "We'd better stop her now!"

Sunny Flare and Alyson went after Rarity before she made something terrible and regretful now for the rest of her life.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went to Shorty's Laboratory House for confrontation with Shorty about his plan to breakup with Rarity. However, he explained the real reason to them, who were shocked and disbelief.

"Wow… I mean wow," Apple Bloom said in shock and surprise, "You really mean it?"

Shorty nodded firmly. Sweetie Belle sighed in relief, "I was right. But of course, Ms. Flare and Aly were right. You're really bad at this."

Shorty chuckled uneasily, "My bad. I was trying to make a good surprise for her. I mean I was just practicing my conversation."

Tailtech nodded firmly, "I told you that she won't like how you talk."

"Indeed. Rarity will think you're breaking up with her." Riverstrike said firmly and calmly, "Trust me. My wife misunderstood my statement sometimes."

"Break up with her?!" Shorty asked in disbelief, "Never! She maybe a dramatic fashionista but she's a special pony I loved about! She treats me with generosity and love. I cherished that very much. She knows that."

"Knows or not, Shorty, you must be very careful with words. Sometimes, it could create misunderstanding between two ponies." Riverstrike said calmly yet sternly, "The last thing you ever want is to have argument and fight."

Shorty nodded, "Yes, sir."

"So, are you ready for the big surprise?" Tailtech asked.

Shorty sighed, "Nervous but ready. I hope she's happy."

"We'll tell Rarity that you were just preparing the best surprise, not breakup with her," Apple Bloom said happily.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. I don't wanna get her mad for no reason."

Before Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom could leave the laboratory house, the entrance door was opened and revealed an angry and upset Rarity. This alerted everyone to see her. She marched straight into the room.

"Shorty… We need to talk…" Rarity said firmly and seriously, making Shorty nervous and worried.

"I was afraid of this…" Sweetie Belle said with gulp. Just as Rarity marched towards Shorty, she quickly come in-between, "Rarity, wait!"

"Move aside, Sweetie Belle! Grownups talking!" Rarity said firmly levitated and moved Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom aside. She glared at Shorty, "Shorty, I know what surprise you have. But I'm gonna have to say first before you do."

"Rarity, wait! This isn't what you think," Shorty explained in concern as he quickly tried to find something from his lab coat's pocket, "Just gimme a minute and I'll explain the surprise. I'm telling you it's something that you'll be happy about. It will be worth it!"

Rarity shook her head, "I don't want to know. Because it's over. You and me. Over!"

"What?! You're breaking up with me!"

"Yes! We're breaking up!"

"Rarity, please don't!"

"I'm sorry! I don't want to be heartbroken again! Never again! I don't want to go through it!"

Shorty quickly grabbed and held Rarity's hooves, "Rarity, you don't understand! I'm not gonna break up with you! I really got the surprise!"

Rarity sobbed in tear, "I-I don't want to hear it! I can't!"

Shorty pleaded, "Rarity, please. Talk with me. Just listen to me!"

"I'm sorry, Shorty, I can't!" Rarity apologized in tears, "I can't bear for another heartbroken! Goodbye, Shorty Thinking!"

Before anyone could do anything, Rarity turned and ran off in tears while knocking Sunny Flare and Alyson Joy off. She wailed unhappily and sadly, heading straight home. Everyone couldn't believe that she said that before he could explain it.

"We'll get her back," Sweetie Belle said firmly, "We'll make her understand of what's going on!"

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Alyson Joy and Sunny Flare quickly got up and went after Rarity.

Shorty sighed in frustration before kicked the crates off. He screamed in anger and sad before dropped on his knees down. Riverstrike and Tailtech approached to comfort him now.

After spending time together at Carnival Challenge Game; Spike, Ember and three of Cutie Mark Crusaders made their way back to Castle of Friendship now. Two newly couples were sitting on the couch, where the purple dragon leaned against its corner while Ember leaned on top of him. They both hummed happily and harmonically with the tune of 'Can you feel the love right now'. They were very happy.

Nyx and her friends appeared before them as they brought more stuffs such as crispy snacks, gems, setting up the music and even putting the pillows properly on their seats. This annoyed Spike a bit while Ember giggled of how dedicative and cute they are for serving them.

"Anything else you need?" Nyx asked.

Spike was about to scold but Ember spoke gently, "No. No need. We've got enough. Thanks. Why don't you girls take a break? Spike and I would like to have a privacy."

Nyx smiled, "Sure. Call us if you need anything."

Nyx and her friends nodded a bit before turned and exited out of the living room. And at the same time, they giggled happily that they're glad that Spike and Ember are enjoying their date, with no problems. They're now hiding behind the entrance, continued watching them.

"Sorry about that," Spike apologized.

Ember scoffed, "Nah. I've seen the worse than this one. At least, your sister and pony friends are nice."

"Yeah…" Spike agreed. He then found Ember continued leaning and nuzzle against his chest. He chuckled a bit, "You really like that, don't you?"

Ember gave her charming looks, "Can you blame a girl? Normally, I hate muscle guy with no brain like Garble. But you. You're better."

"Thanks, Ember," Spike blushed a bit. He cleared his throat, "So… How's your break so far? Did you enjoy the Hearts and Hooves Day?"

Ember smiled warmly while looking at him, "Yeah. I did. And you know? For the first time, I don't feel allergy about talking feelings. Ha. How weird is that?"

Spike nuzzled Ember's face, "I wouldn't say 'weird', Ember. I'd say you're changing. For better."

"W-Wow. You really think so?"

"Yeah, I do. You are cool and beautiful dragon I ever met."

"T-Thanks. I appreciate that much. You're something alright, Spike," Ember said warmly. She sighed as she slowly got up while turning and looking at him. She continued, "Spike, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Sure. Go ahead and ask." Spike said calmly with a smile, "I'm happy to help you out."

Ember held Spike's hands as she spoke, "Come with me." This surprised him. She continued, "Let's go back to Dragon Land. You can start living with us now. I can ask Echo Five helped and trained you to become a better dragon. And who knows? You might become the best warrior."

Spike was shocked and conflicted, "W-Why that's great and all. But I can't."

"Why not?"

"Well, let's just say that the dragons especially Garble are not so welcoming to have me there. Let alone they approve you and me dating. Plus, your dad might wanna eat me alive."

"If that's what bothering you, you've got nothing to worry about. I'll take care of that."

"It's not just that, Ember. I-I just can't leave this place. This isn't just a home to my friends and my family. It's also my home too."

"Well, you can visit them anytime you want."

"You don't get it! Twilight needs me! Rarity needs me! Nyx needs me! Other guys need me! I can't just pack and leave them behind like that!"

"What part of 'visit them', don't you get?"

"A part when I said 'no'?!" Spike snapped angrily and annoying, shocking Ember. He grunted, "Damn it. Ember, when did you get so pushy and bitchy?!"

"Pushy?! Bitchy?!" Ember asked angrily, "You did not just insult me! I was doing a big favor for you! And you dare say 'pushy' and 'bitchy' to me?!"

"Well, when you behaved like that, then yes, you are. Seriously, Ember, I really like you but I don't like how you talk to me or even treat me like I'm your property. It's something that piss me off!"

"And your pony friends aren't?!"

"They aren't. Twilight, Shadow Dragon, Nyx and others. They don't see me as servant and assistant. They see me as a friend and family! Just the way I see them!"

Ember sighed, "Okay, I get that. But don't you wanna know your parents? Your real family? I can help you with that."

Shocked and surprised by her gesture, Spike looked down and said, "I used to. But no one knows who I am. Why should this one be any different?"

"You have me! Echo Five! My dad! They can help you out!"

"I'm not going back to Dragon Land and make it a new home there."

"So, that's it? You're just giving it up because no one told you about your family?!

"No! But let's face the fact, my real mom and dad are gone when I was an egg. Twilight hatched me! I owe that to her. This is my home now."

"I can't believe you." Ember said dryly, "Your real parents would be ashamed of how you behaved and talk to them. Treating them like trash. Some dragon you turned out to be. You're soft like ponies!"

Offended by Ember's remark, Spike stood up and snapped at her, "Listen, you think you can just show up and tell me how to live my life! You have no idea what kind of dragon stuffs that I don't even wanna go through again especially how they threatened my friends and family."

"I would if you tell me!" Ember pleaded firmly

Frustrated and annoyed to talk about the past with Dragon Land, Spike groaned while walked away, "Forget it!"

"Fine! You're an asshole!" Ember snapped angrily.

"Bitch!" Spike snapped angrily. He then left and exited out of living room entrance. He found Nyx, Jade and Scootaloo stood beside them. He growled, "This is a mistake!"

"Spike, wait!" Nyx called out, but held by Jade.

"Let him go. He needs to cool off his steam," Jade said firmly. She looked back and found Ember was sitting alone on the sofa. She continued, "I think she needs some help."

"Why would we do that? She started the mess," Scootaloo said firmly.

"Listen," Jade said firmly. She and her friends listened as they heard Ember sobbed tearfully, surprising them. She sighed, "She's mad and upset. Not because of Spike, but herself."

Nyx couldn't help but feel empathy for Ember but she couldn't just let Spike go off. Unfortunately, he already left the Castle of Friendship due to him slamming the door very hard.

"Come on. Let's check on Ember first," Nyx said firmly and calmly.

Nyx and her friends approached to Ember. The Dragon Lord was crying tearfully and shamefully over the argument she has with Spike. The Cutie Mark Crusaders gave her a warm hug.

"W-What are you doing?" Ember asked in surprise.

"We're hugging you," Nyx answered.

Ember was confused as she asked, "W-Why?"

"Coz you need it." Nyx explained calmly, "I don't understand what went wrong. But I know you and Spike make it up."

Ember was still shocked and disbelief. Despite how she talked with Spike and her plans, the Cutie Mark Crusaders comforted her. She couldn't help but feel guilty and ashamed of what happen. She hugged them back as a repaid for their kindness and concerns.

In the evening, Drake Trio was drowning and mourning in sorrows while drinking couple of soda bottles and eating worms. They couldn't get over the fact that Spike will be leaving for Ember now. Their friendship has come to the end.

Boomer cried, "Oh Spike! Why?! Why?! Why thou must leave thy friends?!"

"I know I was happy but I'm not ready for this," Rob cried in tears as well.

Grunt sniffed, "I am Grunt."

"So, what?! I'm not gonna miss that jerk!" Boomer exclaimed angrily with tears, "Who needs him?! Who cares about him now?! Screw him!"

"Well, I do," Rob said firmly.

Grunt nodded, "I am Grunt… I am Grunt!"

Boomer groaned, "You guys… Damn it!"

"You really miss him, right?" Rob asked, annoying Boomer to look away. He sighed, "No need to get upset, Boomer. As much as it hurts me to spend time with Ember, I'm proud of him to get a girl."

"I am Grunt…" Grunt agreed, "I am Grunt."

"Friends till the end? Cheesy, aren't ya, Grunt?" Boomer asked in annoyance, making Grunt shrugged teasingly. He sighed, "Fine. Guess I can't keep him around for long. If Spike's happy, then I'm happy for him. We are his buddies after all. The very first dragon buddies he ever has."

Rob smiled, "Now, that's what I called 'mature'."

"After I kicked his freaking ass for goofing off with his girlfriend!" Boomer added with chuckles.

Rob groaned, "Or not…"

Grunt facepalmed, "I am Grunt…" He then noticed Spike, moody and angry, walking across the town's street. He called his friends, "I am Grunt!"

Both Rob and Boomer spotted Spike. The scrawny dragon asked, "Is that Spike? What's wrong with him? Why isn't he with Ember?"

Boomer hummed seriously, "Let's find out."

Drake Trio went after Spike while hiding behind the buildings, following him all the way to the Ponyville City Hall. They wondered what happen to him and Ember.

Just as Spike entered the City Hall, he looked around of his surroundings, which was filled and decorated with Hearts and Hooves Day props. He felt nostalgic about it because it was the same place where he met Rarity, whom he has crush on since the adventure began. At the same time, he felt bad and upset – not because Rarity chose Shorty, but the argument he had with Ember, whom he started to falling in love with. He just ruined his date.

"Wow. Way to go, Romeo," Devil Spike commented proudly as he appeared, "I was right again."

Angel Spike scoffed angrily as he appeared, "Rub it in why don't ya?!"

"Should have ditched when she asked for the date."

"Hey. She's being nice and kind, you know! Plus, she didn't really know why Spike's so against going to Dragon Land."

"It's a sensitive subject, genius! Shame on you!"

"Shame on you for being a jerk."

Spike, annoyed and irritated, snapped at both, "Buzz off! I'm not in mood."

"Fine. Don't blame me for your mess!" Devil Spike said firmly.

Angel Spike sighed while patted Spike's head, "I won't force you to do this. But try talk with her. She'll understand and help you. After all, she's your girlfriend."

Both Angel and Devil Spikes puffed in smokes. Spike sighed, "She was…"

Arriving to the stage's stairs, Spike took a seat on it while sighed calmly as he was thinking of what he's gonna do. He felt awful, hurt and heartbroken now.

"Spike?" Rarity's voice asked in surprise. Spike turned and looked on his left. He was shocked and surprise to see her here. She remarked in surprise, "You look awful."

"Yeah? I think you have the worse than mine." Spike remarked while looking at Rarity's looks. He continued, "I just had a fight with Ember."

Rarity sighed, "Same too."

"W-What happened?"

"Shorty planned to breakup with me. I breakup with him first before he does."

"What?! Why would he do that?!"

"I don't know! I-I just couldn't bear to have another heartbreak again! I can't! It's too much!"

"You just broke up with him without knowing why he did it?!" Spike asked in disbelief. Rarity looked away in shame. He snapped, "T-That's selfish of you!"

"What about you?! Didn't you do the same thing with Ember?!" Rarity asked angrily.

"Well, at least, mine has a better reason than yours! She wanted me to go with her to the Dragon Land! Get training! Get stronger and faster! Become her warrior and get to know more about family! But I couldn't because of what happen before. If I couldn't bear to kill anyone, be it innocent or animal…"

"Spike…"

"That's why I break up with her." Spike admitted in shame with tears, "I don't want to disappoint her. She deserves a better dragon than me."

Rarity shook her head in disagreement, "Spike, you are the dragon she deserved. If you just tell her the truth of how you felt, maybe she could change it. After all, she's a Dragon Lord."

"I don't know…"

"Try, Spike. She's not liked any dragons we met. She's a reasonable and smart dragon."

"I supposed I could try it," Spike said calmly. He turned and looked at Rarity, "Rarity, maybe you should try to talk with Shorty. I'm sure he has the reason."

Rarity looked down in shame, "I can't, Spike. I broke up with him. There is no way we could repair our relationship. The harm is done."

"But that doesn't mean it's over now. There's still time for you and him to patch it up."

"Do you really think so, Spike?"

"I know so, Rarity. Shorty is really a smart and caring pony. He helped you, treated you, cared for you and really love you. A better boyfriend than anypony I know of. You can never find someone like him."

"Spike…"

"Don't waste the chance, Rarity. Fix it…"

After thinking of Spike's suggestion, Rarity couldn't help but smile, "You're right, Spike. I will. I don't know what I'll do without you."

"Well, we're friends. We always help each other," Spike said firmly yet proudly. He looked up at the ceiling window, watching at the full moon. He sighed, "Do you remember when we first met?"

'Why yes, Spike. It's where our adventure begins. And you became my first dragon friend."

"Yeah. I got a crush on you because you're pretty…"

"Oh yes. I'm aware of that. But I didn't have the courage to tell you that I can't accept you as lover but a friend. I don't want to break your heart."

"I see…"

"I'm sorry if you're disappointed about this."

"It's okay. But still, Rarity, have you ever wondered about us?" Spike asked, stoking Rarity's attention. He continued, "You know, more than friends? Truthfully, the first time I met you, I kinda have crush on you. Hoping that you notice and accept me.

Rarity hummed, "To be honest, Spike, I'm not very sure.

"I see..."

"Still, if we met, do you believe that we would be destined to fall in love?

"That was my first thought. But now, I'm not very sure. Love is so mess up." Spike said in concern.

Rarity sighed, "Believe me, Spike, it is. Now, I'm not sure what I can do."

"Me too..." Spike agreed.

Both Rarity and Spike turned and looked at each other, thinking and wondering if they ever find love or more than that. They also thought about talking with their current loved ones as well. What should they do?

"Spike… Whatever we do now or future, you'll always be my friend. Nothing can change that," Rarity said calmly while holding his claws, "And I appreciate for giving the advice. I'm sorry about not telling you the truth of how I felt with you."

Spike shook his head, "It's cool, Rarity. I'm not mad. In fact, this is for the best. Because if we hadn't met our real loved ones, then we would be fooling ourselves that our fantasy does come true."

"True enough, Spike. I'm happy with Shorty. I'm gonna make up with him."

"Me too. I'm happy with Ember. She deserves a better treatment. I wanna apologize and tell her why I didn't want to go. And hopefully, we can solve this mess."

"I'm sure you and her can."

Rarity and Spike gave each other a warm and passionate hug while smiling warmly. Just as they departed, they found Boomer, Rob and Grunt were watching at the scene. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Alyson Joy and Sunny Flare have just arrived as well.

Sweetie Belle dashed and jumped on Rarity, giving the latter a hug, "You're okay! Don't ever do that again!"

Rarity sighed, "I won't, Sweetie Belle."

"You need to come back. Shorty really didn't want to break up with you," Sweetie Belle explained, surprised Rarity. She continued, "He's just practicing his conversation, so he can give you the surprise."

"Really? What would that be?"

"Can't tell you. I promised Shorty that I bring you back for him to surprise."

"Fair enough…"

Boomer groaned, "I was gonna give the speech. I miss it! Some friend I turned out to be."

Spike hummed thoughtfully, "Actually, Boomer. I could use some help for me and Rarity."

Drake Trio gasped in surprise. Boomer smiled warmly, "Name it, kid! We'll get the job done!"

After losing his tantrum, Shorty was drinking a lot of coffee while working on his science project, getting his mind out from breakup with Rarity. Despite that, he struggled to get over it while his science work seemed to be half-complete or messy. Riverstrike and Tailtech were worried for him.

"It'll be alright, Shorty. They'll be back," Tailtech comforted.

Riverstrike nodded, "Indeed. I'm certain that Sweetie Belle will convince Rarity that you're not breaking up with her." Shorty remained silent. He sighed, "As I've said before, you must tread the words carefully especially to mares. They're very sensitive and always misunderstand what you really want to do. By your action and deed, she will see the truth."

"I really hope so…" Shorty said hopefully. He then looked at the small black box, "She means a lot to me. I really love her…"

"I know…" Rarity's voice answered with calm and gentle tone. Shorty and his friends were surprised by the answer. They turned and found her standing at the entrance while levitating the present, bouquet of flowers and sweet box. She sighed, "H-Hi…"

"Rarity…" Shorty said in surprise, "Y-You came back."

"Yes, I did." Rarity confirmed with sad and guilty tone. Shorty was about to speak. She spoke up while passing the presents to him, "Let me. Sweetie Belle told me that you really didn't want to break me up, just having trouble on how to start the proper conversation with the surprise."

Shorty chuckled awkwardly, "Yeah. I'm not much of social pony." He opened a present and found a newly and cleaned lab coat. He awed, "New lab coat. Thanks."

"You're welcome, Shorty. This new lab coat has special ability to withstand any kind of experiment you make, so you won't have to worry about changing them." She cleared her throat, "About your socialization, I indeed forgot about that. But I'm so sorry for what I've said to you without realizing of what's really going on. I'm sorry for assuming that my nightmare's coming true because I don't want to go through it again. Above all, I really do love you, Shorty. I won't trade our adventure, relationship and love for anything. You're the pony I really love."

"Rarity…"

"Whatever the surprise you have for me, I will accept it. I wouldn't mind coming and visiting to your lab house, even though I'm worried about chemical and untested experiment. I'll never be okay without you because you helped me so much."

"Rarity… Thank you for kind words…" Shorty said warmly, "I too can never be okay without you either."

Rarity was confused, "Really? But I eavesdropped about you said I'm gonna be on my own."

"Actually, I was talking about Asami," Shorty awkwardly corrected, surprising Rarity. He continued, "I was worried about her handling herself at Sea Laboratory since Ciel is the Friendship Student and me moving with my next life."

"I see. Your sister handled it well without you. She is smart and good at science, like you."

"True enough."

Realized of what Shorty's last words, Rarity asked, "What do you mean 'moving with my next life'?"

"This is where my big surprise comes in," Shorty said calmly with little tone of excitement. He kneeled down while showing the black box. He opened it as it revealed the golden ring, surprising Rarity to gasp. He smiled as he asked, "This is what I meant. I hoped you can accept this as our new life."

"You're asking for my marriage?" Rarity asked in surprise. Shorty nodded. Forming the tears of joy, she cheered while hugging him, "YES! I do! I really do! Now I'm alright with you!"

Shorty smiled as he hugged her back, "Thank you, Rarity. I suppose there's a lesson here somewhere about communication, talking instead of assuming, or eavesdropping is wrong. Wouldn't you say?"

Rarity sighed, "Agreed. I will never do that again."

"Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Rarity," Shorty greeted with smile.

"To you as well," Rarity said with pride and joy. She cheered, "This is THE! BEST! POSSIBLE! THING! EVER!"

Both Shorty and Rarity gave each other a deep passionate kiss. Everyone cheered out while applauded for them.

Riverstrike smiled, "Well done, Shorty. Looks like you finally earn it."

"Way to go, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle cheered. She sighed, "I loved happy ending."

Sunny Flare sighed, "Agreed. Too bad that I couldn't find my own girlfriend to date with especially today."

Three Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in surprise, "HUH?!"

Returning to the Castle of Friendship, Spike and Drake Trio have just arrived and entered the hall. They then turned to their right, where Ember and the rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders were still inside the living room. This makes the teenager nervous and worried.

"You ready?" Boomer asked. Spike looked nervous and worried. He groaned, "Don't tell me that you're backing off."

Spike sighed, "I'm worried that she might be angry and upset with me. She won't forgive me. She hates me for hurting her."

Boomer scoffed as he gave his buddy a whack on his back, "Spike, stop blaming yourself! Whether she forgive you or not, depends on how much sorry you really are. So, say sorry to her first!" He shrugged, "Who knows? Maybe she felt the same way."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I maybe not a good at understanding and knowing 'love', but I can tell how much you really care for her. If you really love her, then go in there and make it up. Be the dragon, kid! Tell her how much she means to you. Just give the signal. We'll go right in!"

"Boomer…" Spike said in surprise yet touched. He sighed, "Thanks, buddy. You're a good friend."

Boomer scoffed a bit, "Just get in there. Get the girl back!"

Spike nodded firmly as he turned and looked at the living room's entrance. He took a deep breathe before opening the door and marched into the room. To his surprise, he found Ember was talking with Nyx, Scootaloo and Jade over the photo album. He even found her smiled a bit as he suspected that she might cool off from the fight.

Spike cleared his throat, getting Ember, Nyx and her friends. They all turned and looked behind, where the teenage dragon was standing.

"Hey," Spike greeted awkwardly.

"Hey," Ember greeted awkwardly yet worried. She cleared her throat, "You came back."

"Yeah… I did." Spike confirmed. He sighed firmly and calmly, "Listen… About the fight and what I've said to you… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you so badly. If I had just-!"

Ember shushed while pointing her finger on his mouth, silencing him. She spoke, "I already know about this. Your sister told me."

"She did?" Spike asked in surprise. He looked at Nyx, who nodded.

Ember sighed, "I understand why you didn't want to go back. I can't imagine how upset and angry you are about how dragons behaved especially what Garble has taught you."

“Yeah. The dragons may have some awesome stuffs, but not all. I’m not cool with attacking ponies to steal gold and stuffs or worst – destroying an egg.”

“Yeah. I was so disgusted and sick to hear that. But Spike, you need to know about the dragons. We maybe brave, strong and fierce beasts; but we’re not very heartless and cruel especially to the innocents.”

"Really?"

“Yeah. When my father was still Dragon Lord, he sternly put a strict law that the dragons can steal gold and food if they want as long as they don’t harm the innocents. If they do so, they will be severely punished for disobeying and defying him.”

“Wow. I can imagine why Garble’s afraid of your dad in the first place. He was punished for terrible act.”

"Yup," Ember confirmed with a giggle. She then held Spike's hands, "Spike, if that really bothers you so much, I will make some changes with it. After all, I'm a Dragon Lord."

Spike was pleased to hear it but worried as he asked, "Does this mean I have to go back with you now?"

"No…" Ember said firmly, surprised Spike. She continued, "After talking with Nyx, I realized how much you care for this place and why you treasured these ponies as family. I could not bear to take you away from the family."

"Ember…" Spike said in surprise.

"But I was thinking that maybe weekends or Fridays, we could take a break and have a date together." Ember suggested, "But who knows? Maybe I can help you about learning of your true family and trained you to be a proper fierce warrior. So that you not only fight the enemies, but also protect and save lives especially your family and friends."

"And you…" Spike added teasingly, making Ember blushed. He kissed on her cheek, surprised her. He smiled, "I like it. This might work."

Ember awed, "Thanks, Spike." She then gave him a punch on his shoulder, "See? If you told me, then I would help you out. You don't have to get upset about the subject. I won't be mad and angry about it."

Spike chuckled, "Yeah. Sorry for getting angry for no reason."

Nyx sighed, "Honestly, you two. You guys are such hotheaded."

"HEY!" Spike and Ember exclaimed, feeling offended.

Everyone then laughed out happily and amusingly about Spike and Ember being hotheaded. Even Drake Trio couldn't contain their laughter of what they just heard.

"So, what's next, babe? Anything special for our Hearts and Hooves Day?" Ember asked curiously.

Spike smirked while snapped his fingers, "You're gonna love this one."

As signaled, Drake Trio jumped into the living room as they brought some special gifts. Boomer was holding the plate of gems, Rob held the hanging dark purple-navy slim gown-like and Grunt has the box of necklace of flowers. This shocked and surprised Ember.

"TA-DAH!" Drake Trio exclaimed happily with crazy pose.

"W-What are these?" Ember asked.

Spike smiled warmly, "Hearts and Hooves Day presents for you."

"Presents?!" Ember asked in disbelief. She groaned a bit, "Aw man! I didn't prepare mine!"

"Hey! Hey! No! You already did give me present," Spike said calmly, surprising Ember. He smiled while holding her hands, "With you here and being my girlfriend is more than enough a present. Plus, you allowed me to stay with my family and having our date planned on weekends. That's the best present I ever had."

Surprised and touched by Spike's words, Ember blushed in red, "That's real cheesy, you know?" Spike shrugged. She giggled, "Well. I can accept that. Thanks for showing me around in this town about 'Hearts and Hooves Day'. It's the best."

"No problem," Spike said warmly.

Ember took the gown from Rob. She examined it carefully while hummed thoughtfully, "This looks nice. Be right back, handsome."

Ember turned and headed to the dressing room, where she's wearing them up. Spike sighed in relief to see that everything's back to normal. Both Drake Trio and Nyx's Crusaders made 'ooh' noise at him.

"Way to go, Spike," Nyx commented warmly, "Looks like you and her back together."

Boomer nodded in agreement, "Yup. You got this big time, buddy! Cheers for lover boy!"

Spike blushed a bit, "Well, thanks. But I couldn't have done it without you. You helped me out a lot."

Boomer scoffed, "That's what friends are for."

"Yup," Rob agreed, "If you need anything, you can always count on us."

Grunt nodded, "I am Grunt!"

Spike smiled warmly, "Thanks, guys."

Spike and his friends heard a cleared throat. They all turned to the entrance, where they found Ember worn a beautiful gown. They awed in surprised and amazement of what they're looking at.

"So, what do you think?" Ember asked with blush on her face.

Spike approached and held her hand, "Like I've said before, Ember, you're the most beautiful and coolest dragon I ever met. It fits you well."

"Thanks…" Ember thanked warmly, "Ready for the last dance?"

Spike smiled, "Definitely."

Nyx turned on the music. Spike and Ember gave a bow before each other. They then held each other's hands, beginning their slow dance. Everyone watched the event as Drake Trio sang warmly and happily before they cried in tears of joy. This annoyed Scootaloo and Jade about it.

Boomer: And if they're happy with love they have

Grunt: I am Grunt (Then we're happy too)

Rob Here's the best part, our friendship is not at the end…

Drake Trio: We'll always be there for him…

Nyx smiled warmly, "Now, this is a happy ending. Well for this part, of course…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Erik Kimerer: Spike

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Ali Milner: Dragon Lord Ember

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle

Cathy Weseluck: Angel/Devil Spike

Minor Casts:

Michelle Crober: Apple Bloom

Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure

Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy

Michael Sinterniklaas: Riverstrike

Kate Higgins: Tailtech

Britt Irvin: Sunny Flare

Ben Diskin: Boomer

Rob Paulsen: Rob

Vin Diesel: Grunt

Cameo:

Jason David Frank: Echo Five

Adam Baldwin: DJ Red

Clancy Brown: Clumsy Rat

James Sie: Shades

Author's Note

The reason I changed the whole episode to focus on Rarity and Spike because the relationship between has never been resolved since the end of MLP Series. It's best for them to talk with each other at once before they can move on with the ones they truly felt and loved with.
'Can you feel the love right now?' is inspired by 'Can you feel the love tonight' from the Lion King including two endings.

Episode 14: Marks for Effort

Author's Note

Yeah. Normally, I would have start working on Ben 10 True Omniverse but because I took a month on working Crossover Special Stories or Two Parts for too long. So, it wouldn't be fair for just working one episode for MLP Mystic Series. So, Ben 10 True Omniverse Season 4 will be delay after this.

So, here comes the infamous episode for Twilight being harsh and distrustful towards Cutie Mark Crusaders because she trusted Cozy Glow's words than her own friends' sisters. But it will be much more different on how it goes and ends, though some part will be part in this episode.

Episode 14: Marks for Effort

At the Dark Forest, Hak Xing was inside her own camp. While magically meditating and levitating in midair, she was reading couple of books as well as chanting darkly yet calmly. She was preparing, mastering and perfecting her dark magical and gravity powers. She wanted to be strong and powerful whenever she encounters and face her enemies.

The camp's entrance was opened and revealed her trusted lieutenant. She revealed herself to be a bluish colored Dark Elf with crimson eyes, spiral ram horns-like and dark shorty purple hair worn a halves of black and white colored Chinese Sorceress robe with dark purple colored Elite Guard aluminum armor. She bowed to the ground.

"Lady Hak Xing…" The Elite Guard Warrior spoke firmly and calmly.

"Ah, Mowu…" Hak Xing greeted warmly before descended to the ground. She turned and looked at Mowu. She approached to her subordinate, whom she gave her a warm and passionate kiss by lips. Departing from it, she continued, "What brings you here?"

"It is time, sister…" Mowu reported.

"I see…" Hak Xing said calmly and proudly.

Hak Xing and Mowu departed and left the camp. They're all headed off to the war council camp, where the rest of her cousins and 4 Demon Lords were gathered. They found Ripper was checking and trying to solve Pan'ku Box to open and reveal the location.

"You're late," Drago snarled.

Hak Xing growled, "Unlike you, I have good excuse such as sharpening and mastering my power should the time has come."

Drago scoffed, "Whatever. You're next."

Ripper has just solved and activated Pan'ku Box. It opened and revealed the map, pinpointing the next location of Demon Lord's portal. It revealed the name of 'Tso Lan' in the map. She clenched her fists tightly and firmly while showing firm and serious looks.

"My time has come…" Hak Xing said firmly, "It is time to free my father. Mowu?"

Mowu nodded firmly, "We're ready, milady. Awaiting your command."

"Let us got now…" Hak Xing said firmly.

Hak Xing and Mowu arrived at the Everfree Forest's entrance, hiding behind the bushes while peeking on Ponyville.

"How should we proceed, milady?" Mowu asked calmly, "Should I send the Shadow Razors and Dark Elves to terrorize them as distraction, buying you more time to search and locate it?"

Hak Xing hummed thoughtfully, "No. I have a better idea." She began her transformation through dark mist, "I will use my disguise to find it. Once I do, launch the attack this town and buy me enough time to escape with my father."

Mowu nodded, "Understood. I wish you luck, milady."

A month later since the Hearts and Hooves Day, Spike and Ember are officially dating while Rarity and Shorty are married. Things have gone smoothly and normal. And yet, surprisingly, there were no sign of Dark Mystic Ponies or even they tried to invade their homeland again. Despite that, everyone enjoyed the peaceful moment for now.

From the Castle of Friendship, Metalgear and Nyx emerged out from the lobby's entrance. He passed both school bag and lunch box to her. She headed off while waving goodbye to him. He waved back to her.

While on her way to the school, Nyx came across to a mysterious cyan-colored Unicorn filly with purple-colored long mane in ponytail worn a dark blue-white Chinese Noble Maiden's robe, who just left the water fountain.

"Oh! Hey there!" Nyx greeted warmly, "You must be new in this town?"

Chinese Unicorn nodded, "Yeah. You could say that. And you are?"

Nyx smiled, "I'm Nyx. And you?"

"Starfire," Starfire answered calmly, "Where are you heading now?"

"Ponyville Schoolhouse! Ms. Cheerilee said that she has the special announcement. I can't wait to find out," Nyx said happily, "You coming? You are new to school, right?"

Starfire nodded happily, "Yeah, I'm new to this town especially school. I enjoyed studying."

Nyx giggled, "Cool!"

Nyx and Starfire are heading straight to the Ponyville Schoolhouse, where almost everypony including her friends have just arrived and entered the school now.

"Who's this new filly?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

Nyx smiled, "Girls, I'd like you to meet Starfire."

Cutie Mark Crusaders warmly greeted Starfire. She smiled, "Ah, you must be Nyx's friends. She told me all about you fillies."

"Ooh! Can't wait to get to know you more." Scootaloo chatted happily.

While the classmates continued chatting and playing around for the moment, Nyx introduced Starfire to her friends, who were surprised and happy to meet and befriend her. Cheerilee arrived and entered the classroom. She stomped her hoof on her table, getting her students' attentions.

"Okay, class, settle down!" Cheerilee called calmly. The students quickly took their seats while facing and looking at her. She continued, "I've got an interesting news for you all."

Sweetie Belle gasped, "You're getting dancing job?"

"You're getting married?" Apple Bloom asked excitedly.

"You're getting fired?" Scootaloo joked teasingly.

"No. No. Not that kind of surprise," Cheerilee said dryly, making Scootaloo squeaked meekly. She cleared her throat, "But before I get to that, we have a new student here today. I'd like you all to meet Starfire."

Starfire stood up from her seat as she greeted, "Hello, everypony. I just moved here, and I hope to make new friends."

Everyone greeted warmly to Starfire. Cheerilee smiled, "For the surprise. We're going to have a field trip!"

The students gasped in surprise before cheered out wildly and happily about the latest news. Another field trip for them.

"So, what kind of fieldtrip?" Alyson asked curiously.

"I'm sure you all will like this one. The moment you all have been waiting for." Cheerilee said warmly with smile. The students looked at her curiously yet excited, wondering of what surprise is it. She cheered, "The School of Friendship!"

The students gasped happily before the loud cheers and applauds about it. They all wanted to go and visit the School of Friendship, or at least be part of it for a while. They never thought they would the chance to go to that place.

"Wow. Never thought this would happen," Nyx commented in surprise. She sighed, "Mummy never let me or my friends in because we have school here."

"What's this about?" Starfire asked curiously.

Nyx smiled, "You'll see, Starfire."

"So, Ms. Cheerilee, when is our field trip?" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.

Cheerilee smiled, "Starting on Monday. It'll be one week to spend time and work together with the School of Friendship students. They'll show you what friendship is all about. It'll be one week before the final exam by end of the week."

"So, awesome…" Scootaloo commented happily, "I wonder what kind of partner I'm gonna have."

"Yeah. We're gonna learn more friendship from them!" Alyson said hopefully.

Cheerilee giggled a bit, "Don't worry. The Guidance Counsellor and Admission Recruiter will handle that. Just make sure you bring some necessary stationary stuffs and books for Monday because it's important to take some notes of what you need to do."

"Yes, Ms. Cheerilee," The students answered calmly and firmly.

On Monday now; Twilight, Spike and Nyx were waiting at the School of Friendship's entrance, waiting for Ms. Cheerilee and the students. Nyx was happily bouncing and hopping as she was excited for today's fieldtrip.

"Ooh! I can't wait to start!" Nyx cheered.

Spike scoffed a bit, "Someone's excited for this."

"Who could blame her?" Twilight teased playfully while patted her daughter's mane, "You and your friends were really looking forward for this, aren't ya?"

Nyx nodded, "Yup! We wanna learn more about friendship! I wonder who's gonna be my partner."

Twilight giggled playfully, "Don't you worry, Nyx. I've got a special plan for you and your friends." She then spotted Cheerilee and her group. She gasped, "There they are!"

Nyx approached to greet and chat with Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Starfire. They all chattered excitedly sand happily about the fieldtrip.

Just arrived, Cheerilee approached and met up with Twilight, "Princess Twilight! It's good to see you again!"

"Good to see you too," Twilight said happily as she shook Cheerilee's hoof, "Glad you and your students make it."

Cheerilee smiled, "Well, we did say we want to make a joint school between us."

"Close enough I would say," Twilight joked. She and Cheerilee laughed a bit. She sighed, "But still, I'm glad that School of Friendship received some good reception and able to get some visits from other schools."

"Yes, I read the newspaper. Your school did well so far." Cheerilee said calmly She gave some concerns, "However, I'm more concern with Chancellor Neighsay. He kept on sprouting more terrible insults to your school. He might do something drastic to you and your school. Are you gonna do anything about it?"

"As far as I can tell, Lord Azure has already made a serious threat to him if Chancellor Neighsay dare to sabotage my school. Trust me, Miss Cheerilee, Lord Azure is not type of Councilpony you should mess with. Chancellor Neighsay knows it."

"I see. Well then, I don't have to worry now," Cheerilee said calmly, "Shall we?"

Twilight nodded, "Yup. The event is about to start. Let's get in."

Twilight turned to the entrance, where she knocked the door hard. Signaled, the entrance doors are opened in two by Starlight and Sunset. Everyone marched into the school, where they found other school also joined in for fieldtrip such as Manehattan, Fillydelphia, Appleloosa, Sacred Light and Peace Nature Guardians. Twilight, Spike, Starlight and Sunset moved to the stage, where the teachers were gathered and stood before them.

Starlight smiled, "Everypony, welcome to the School of Friendship!"

Sunset nodded calmly, "Hope you all enjoy it!"

The students chattered and muttered happily and excitedly about School of Friendship. They all can't wait to start it.

Standing on the stage, Twilight continued speaking with her speech, "Thank you all for coming here. Now, we're moving to a special activity – the Friends' Partnership Week Program." The students cheered happily. She continued, "You all will be pairing with one of our Friendship Students for this week. And together, both partners will work together to understand and solve the Friendship Problems throughout the event and daily life. By the end of the week, all of you will be facing the tests. This requires trust and teamwork. Now I'll leave it to Lockdown to sort this out."

The students cheered out happily and excitedly as they all can't wait to start their partnership with SOF students on solving the Friendship Problem.

"Quiet, ponies. This is not rock-n-roll concert!" Lockdown said firmly and seriously. Everyone became silent. He continued, "Alright, then. As Headmare Twilight has said, I'll be sorting out on whom you'll be partnering and working with. When I call the names, come and get your star badge before you can find and meet up with your partner. Let's get started."

Twilight smiled while winked happily, "Hope you all enjoy it."

Lockdown cleared his throat, began calling out the students while pairing with SOF students before giving the different kind of colorful star badges. Most of the students looked excited and happy about the partners they're working with.

"Oh! I'm so excited for this!" Apple Bloom said happily, "If it were to me, I'd be partnering with Sandbar! I heard he's a nice and friendly guy. Or maybe, Yona! She must be a strong yak!"

"I hope it's Gallus, Smolder, Leo or maybe Aero!" Scootaloo commented excitedly, "Rainbow told me they're the best!"

Sweetie Belle smiled, "I would sure like to meet Ciel and Melody Bubbles. I was told that they're smart and cute. Not to mention, Ciel is my sister-in-law now. That makes us sisters!"

"Yeah, right." Jade disagreed, "If you ask me, I'd prefer the Dark Sacred Knights or at least, Solflare. They're the fierce fighter."

Alyson hummed thoughtfully, "I hope I can get the chance to meet smart ponies or creatures like DECK and Mano."

"Were they really great?" Starfire asked.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. They are. Mine is Arcee, Ocellus, Silverstream or maybe Solflare. Better not be Heatwave. I heard he's a pervert and womanizer."

Starfire hissed, "I don't think I wanna know."

"Hey girls. I need to talk with you," Twilight called out while she and Cheerilee approached to Cutie Mark Crusaders. She continued, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but… You won't be partaking this program."

Shocked and disappointed, Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed while looked down. Sweetie Belle asked, "Why not?"

"I thought we're supposed to be partnering with SOF student for solving Friendship Problem for a week," Scootaloo asked in confusion.

Twilight nodded understandingly, "Yes, but you already know all about helping ponies in need and being there for each other. So, you don't need the partners to solve the friendship problem."

"Come on, Twilight," Jade begging, "Can't you just give us a chance?"

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaase?" Cutie Mark Crusaders pleaded with pouty looks.

"And I'm kinda new here too," Starfire added in concern.

"Who's your new friend?" Twilight asked in surprise.

Nyx smiled, "Mummy, this is Starfire. She's the new filly at my school."

Starfire bowed humbly, "It's an honor to meet you, Princess Twilight. Nyx told me everything about you."

Twilight smiled, "An honor to meet you. New member to CMC?"

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. She maybe a new, but she doesn't know much about friendship."

"So, why not let us partner with SOF Student?" Alyson suggested.

"Now, girls. Stop pestering the Headmare," Cheerilee said sternly yet calmly, "she has already given her answer."

Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed in disappointment. Nyx sighed, "I thought you said you have something for us. Guess this is it."

"Now, hold on. I didn't say that," Twilight said calmly, surprising Cutie Mark Crusaders. She continued with a smile, "I really got something special work for you."

"Really? What is it?' Alyson asked hopefully.

Jade scoffed while shrugged, "Hopefully, something excited as this one."

"Don't worry, you won't regret it. Now listen carefully. This is very important," Twilight said calmly yet firmly. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at her as they listened to her now. She gave the instruction, "Your task is very different from others. I want you to help one of our students. She's having some troubles with the Friendship Studies."

"Huh?!" Cutie Mark Crusaders looked surprise and shocked to hear it.

"Wow! Really?" Jade asked in surprise.

"You're asking us to be some kind of teachers to your SOF student?" Scootaloo asked in disbelief yet nervous.

Twilight nodded calmly. Apple Bloom gulped, "I don't know, Twilight. Aren't we a bit young for being a tutor to someone else?"

"This might be a bad idea," Starfire remarked in concern.

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, "They have the point. You really think we can do this?"

"Yes, you can, Sweetie Belle," Twilight answered calmly, "But as I explained before, you all have learned and knew so much about Magic of Friendship from experience and us. I have confidence that you can help her."

"Okay. I did not expect that," Alyson commented in surprise.

After hearing what Twilight has said, Nyx proudly and firmly stood and said, "Don't worry, mummy, we've got this!"

"Huh?! We do?!" Cutie Mark Crusaders asked in surprise.

Cheerilee smiled while clapped her hooves, "Now. That's the spirit, Nyx. Always be there to help those who needs it."

"I'm so glad you accept it, girls," Twilight said warmly and calmly, "If you girls can help her to catch up with her studies, then I have some special gifts for you all. You girls would be proud of it."

"Got it!" Nyx cheered proudly.

"You're serious?" Starfire asked in disbelief.

Apple Bloom whispered, "Are you sure?"

Nyx winked at her, "Hey, we're Cutie Mark Crusaders. We've got this."

Apple Bloom shrugged, "If you say so. But we're in. Right, Crusaders?"

Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded happily. Nyx smiled, "So, who's the pony that needs some help?"

Twilight levitated and passed the student file to Cutie Mark Crusaders. She spoke, "Her name is Cozy Glow. She should be at the Friendship Garden. I'm counting you girls to do it."

"Got it!" Cutie Mark Crusaders saluted.

"You really think we can do this?" Starfire asked in concern, "B-But I'm new to this!"

"Don't worry, Starfire. You got us," Alyson said calmly.

Jade nodded with scoff, "Yeah. While we're helping and teaching 'Cozy Glow', you just watch and learn what we can do."

Starfire was uncertain and worried. Nyx patted her, "Don't worry. We've got this."

Cutie Mark Crusaders headed off to Friendship Garden, where they can find and help Cozy Glow. They're now running through the hallway. Twilight and Cheerilee watched them go and help the other student. Shadow Dragon has just arrived to the scene.

"Wow, Twilight. Didn't expect you to give 'teaching job' to the kids," Shadow Dragon commented in surprise.

"Well, Cozy Glow need some serious help," Twilight explained, "I doubt the top and senior students are best for her. It might make her pressured and nervous around them because of the age. So, I thought of some group in her age could help her."

Cheerilee nodded understandingly, "I see where you're going, Twilight. And you make the right call. Cutie Mark Crusaders will help them out."

Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "And you really think they're up for this?"

"I don't think, Shadow Dragon," Twilight answered calmly before smiled proudly, "I know they can. After all, they were personally taught by me."

Shadow Dragon chuckled, "Can't argue for that."

After running through the hallway, Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived and entered the Friendship Garden, where they found some ponies were there. Some chattered and discussed about many things. Others were studying and working on their homework and project. A few were playing some boardgame and sports.

"Wow. Would you look at that," Jade commented, "Man, this place is awesome!"

Scootaloo nodded, "Yeah, no kidding. I wanna play buckball in class. I thought if I partner with one of them, I get the chance to play it."

"Well, we're not," Starfire answered dryly, upset Scootaloo. She found Nyx looked at her. She asked, "What? I'm being honest."

"Even so, that's harsh," Nyx said firmly. She sighed, "Still, mummy does have the point. We learn so much of what friendship is all about. I guess we don't need the partner for Friends' Partnership Week Program."

Sweetie Belle awed in disappointment, "I was looking forward to have one. I wanna talk and hangout with one of them."

"At least, we're helping a student with her studies," Apple Bloom said happily, "Plus, we're inside, so we can look around and check this place out. And of course, we might able to talk and hangout with them if we have the problem."

"Oh. Nice one. I get to play buckball!" Scootaloo remarked excitedly.

"So, then we're in, right?" Alyson asked. Everyone chattered in agreement. She asked, "So, who's the student we're supposed to help?"

Looking at the student file, Apple Bloom read out loud, "Her name is Cozy Glow. And wow! She's a filly and young like us!"

"Really?!" Everyone asked in disbelief and confuse.

"No wonder Twilight chose us to do this," Sweetie Belle said in realization, "We're in the same age as her. Plus, we know about friendship."

Alyson nodded, "That make sense. She must have been scared and uncomfortable with grownups or older students. Not to mention, she's alone."

"So, what does she look like?" Starfire asked.

Before Apple Bloom could say anything, she and her friends heard someone's crying in tears. They looked around of their surroundings, searching for the source. They then found a filly sitting down under the tree's shade. She's a pinkish gray colored Pegasus filly with pale, light grayish artic blue and light artic bluish gray mane and tail in swirling and curly with pale yellow ribbons, and has three white freckles on both sides of cheek. She has a bag-pack and couple of books with her. She was crying in tears sadly.

"Don't suppose it's her?" Nyx asked curiously.

Apple Bloom looked at the student file carefully while hummed, "The description definitely matched with her. She must be Cozy Glow."

"And I'm guessing that she's having another Friendship Problem," Starfire joked.

Alyson giggled a bit, "That's a good one. But let's go. She could use some help."

Cutie Mark Crusaders approached to the filly, checking on her if she's alright. The filly was still crying sadly, didn't seem to notice of her. Starfire looked suspicious and serious about her.

Apple Bloom asked, "Hey. Are you okay?"

Heard someone's talking to her, the filly wiped her tears and looked at the company. She answered, "Thank you for asking. But no. I'm having real trouble with-!" She sniffled while looking at her books, "-the School of Friendship."

This confirmed their suspicious. Scootaloo spike, "You must be the student we were looking for. Cozy Glow, right?"

Cozy Glow looked surprise as she asked, "Huh? H-How did you know?"

Jade smiled, "Twilight told us. She sent us here to help you out."

"Really?" Cozy Glow asked in surprise yet hopeful.

Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah. I'm Apple Bloom. This is Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Alyson Joy, Jade Adventure, Nyx and newest member – Starfire. We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"It's very nice to meet you," Cozy Glow greeted warmly. She then looked at her books, "but I don't know if I'll stay long. I'll probably flunk out. I'm having so much trouble with my friendship lessons. Even though I was in Headmare Twilight's class, it's too hard."

"That can't be that hard," Alyson said in disagreement.

Cozy Glow sighed, "Well, I just moved here to go to school, but everything's so new and different. I don't know anypony."

Jade smiled confidently, "Well, you do now. Us."

"We can help with those!" Sweetie Belle said happily.

Nyx nodded, "We know all about friendship!"

"And studyin' with you would be almost as good as bein' partners with SOF Student!" Apple Bloom added confidently.

"But why would you help me? What's in it for you?" Cozy Glow asked suspiciously.

Alyson smiled warmly, "That's how friendship works. When you give from your heart, you don't expect anything back."

"Well, golly, if you really mean it…" Cozy Glow said in uncertain yet relief tone. Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded happily. She took out the pictures of three that has Bon-Bon, Mrs. Cake and Lance. She explained, "I could use some help with my homework. I have to do something nice for each of these ponies. But I don't know anything about them. And it's so hard to talk to ponies you've never met."

Apple Bloom smiled, "Well, you're in luck, 'cause we know all of those ponies!"

"Get ready for a friendship A-plus!" Scootaloo said happily.

Cozy Glow looked so happy and excited about it. Cutie Mark Crusaders and her headed off at once now. Starfire moved close to Nyx for discussion.

"Don't trust her," Starfire said seriously and firmly.

"Huh? Why? Why would you say that?" Nyx asked in confusion.

Starfire gave her serious looks, "Because she's not who she seems to be."

Scootaloo was scooting off, straight to the market street, bringing Jade and Cozy Glow along with her via using and riding her scooter. They're now hiding behind the barrel of pears. They were now spying and looking at Bon-Bon, who was looking at Roseluck's plants, wondering what

"That's Bon Bon." Scootaloo explained, "If you wanna do something nice for her, first you gotta figure out what she needs."

"Well, how am I supposed to do that?" Cozy Glow asked.

Jade smiled while looking at Bon-Bon, "Just pay attention. Friendship is about listening to others."

As three fillies continued watching and spying on the event, Bon-Bon bought the cactus from Roseluck, who packed it up in the bag. Upon receiving the package, she began walking out, but at the same time, she felt some pain from its spikes. It's quite painful to her, and yet she continued walking to home.

"Uh-oh. That cactus keeps pricking her every step she takes." Jade said in concern.

Scootaloo hummed thoughtfully, "Hmm, if only there was something to protect her from those spines."

Just as three fillies were thinking, the Cozy Glow noticed Jade's scooting helmet, giving her the idea. She quickly grabbed it before flew off to meet Bon-Bon. The Earth Pony put the bag down as she was rubbing her face off from the cactus's spikes. She flew and approached to her.

"It looks like you need help carrying your cactus," Cozy Glow said nervously with a bit of laughter while putting the helmet on the cactus, "so here's a safe way to take it home."

Bon-Bon was surprised yet happy as she thanked her, "Thank you! That's so thoughtful."

Bon-Bon picked up her bag before moving out, without feeling pain from the cactus poking her due to helmet covered it. Cozy Glow became very happy about it. She returned to Scootaloo and Jade.

"I did it!" Cozy Glow cheered.

"Good job!" Scootaloo congratulated. She continued, "But, uh, next time, maybe don't give away her helmet."

Realize of her mistakes, Cozy Glow yelped, "Oopsie."

"But what the heck?" Jade joked, "No big deal. I can buy a new one."

At the Sugarcube Corner; Sweetie Belle and Cozy Glow were sorting out the colorful sprinkles to their respective sprinkle shakers. At the entrance door, Alyson was keeping her eyes out for Mrs. Cake via using her Magical Sense of her movement. Both ponies managed to sort them out.

Sweetie Belle sighed, "Whew. Sorting all those took longer than I thought."

"You really think Mrs. Cake will like these new sprinkle shakers?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Mm-hmm. Now she won't have to use rainbow sprinkles all the time." Sweetie Belle nodded while levitating the sprinkle shakers inside the present box before tying it up, "She can just pick the color she wants!"

"If you ask me, I don't think she really mind about using rainbow sprinkles. After all, it's her favorite sprinkle," Alyson joked. Her Magical Sensor detected Mrs. Cake's movement, she spoke, "Everypony, into your position! She's coming!"

Alyson regrouped with her friends as Mrs. Cake has arrived and entered her bakery shop. Just before she does anything, she spotted three fillies on the ground.

"Ooh! I'm sorry, I was out to lunch." Mrs. Cake said in surprise, "Were you fillies waiting for me long?"

"No. Um, these are for you!" Cozy Glow said happily as she passed the present box to Mrs. Cake.

Putting the present on counter table, Mrs. Cake found the sprinkle shakers in it, "Oh, well, what a lovely surprise! I can't wait to try them out!" She started shaking them on her cream Cake. She showed it to the fillies, "Look! I made rainbow sprinkles! Aren't they wonderful?"

This shocked and surprised Sweetie Belle and Cozy Glow. Alyson smiled playfully, "Told ya."

"But… she… I…" Cozy Glow asked in disbelief.

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat, "At least she likes her present? Thoughts count, right?"

Cozy Glow sighed, "Uh-huh…"

Inside the Castle of Friendship, Lance has just cleaned his bedroom. He grumbled and muttered in frustration about cleaning the whole castle due to Metal Ponies are now in recharge mode. He then emerged out from it. And to his surprise and amazement, the whole castle was completely cleaned and sparkled.

"What the…" Lance asked in surprise while looking around of his surroundings. He then heard whistling. He turned and looked at his left – Cozy Glow, Apple Bloom, Nyx and Starfire were standing. He asked, "You guys did this?"

Nyx smiled, "We sure did."

"Wow! Thanks a lot! Owe you a lot!" Lance said happily, "But seriously, Nyx, you don't need to overdo it."

"Hey. What are siblings for," Nyx said happily, "Better get going. Don't wanna miss your date."

Lance smiled, "Fine. See ya."

Lance exited out of the Castle of Friendship's entrance, where Shiroi was waiting. Both of them laughed happily and warmly before heading off for their date.

"Golly. How'd you know that would make him so happy?" Cozy Glow asked.

Apple Bloom smiled, "Friendship means pitchin' in to help others' chores go faster. 'Specially when their special somepony's waitin' for 'em. Just like Lance and my big brother."

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. We help each other a lot. I know my brother behind my back."

"You shouldn't trust her," Starfire said firmly. Nyx looked at her. She continued, "I'm telling you. She's up to no good."

Nyx hummed in uncertain, "As far as I can tell, she hasn't done anything bad."

"I can assure you that she can't be trusted," Starfire said seriously, "She's not what she seems."

Nyx looked doubtful yet concern of what she has said. She has a hard time to believe that Cozy Glow is bad. And at the same time, Starfire gave her serious and stern looks while thinking of a way to convince her. She gave a sly smirk as she has the idea.

Mowu was hiding in the Everfree Forest, watching and observing ponies doing their daily life. She awaiting the command from Hak Xing, who is nowhere in sight with her. She hummed thoughtfully yet concern for her mistress. Suddenly, the communication portal appeared before her as it revealed Hak Xing's face.

Mowu bowed and asked, "Milady! Were you successful?"

"Not quite," Hak Xing said calmly, "There's been a change of plan now. I require some assistance from you."

Mowu nodded, "Whatever you require, I will make it happen."

"Good. Time to use our little 'friends' for our advantage."

"Understood. I will make it happen. They will be put to good use now."

Mowu chanted calmly and firmly as she summoned two clones. They then transformed into two different beings. They listened to what Hak Xing has said, making the shapeshifting clones laughed amusingly and sinisterly about it. They can't wait to start it.

After completing the tasks, both Cozy Glow and Cutie Mark Crusaders have made and deliver the report to Twilight. And on the next day, they were summoned to her office, where she's giving the result of her homework. Shadow Dragon and Spike were there as well. The fillies looked very nervous and worried about the result.

"After checking on the report," Twilight said firmly yet calmly. She smiled, "Well doe, Cozy. You got an 'A' on your homework!"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Cozy Glow cheered out happily and excitedly about it. Twilight smiled proudly that the fillies were happy about it.

"Nice goin'!" Apple Bloom cheered.

Cozy Glow smiled, "And I never could have done it without your help!"

"No problem!" Sweetie Belle said happily.

"Guess that we're done with helping her, right?" Scootaloo asked with little bit of disappointment, "We just wish we could have done more."

"Actually, you can," Twilight said calmly, surprising the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She continued, "Remember, the Friends' Partnership Week Program still continues until the big test at the end of the week. And since I made you girls to be her tutors, you can still continue teaching her with the studies."

"Wow! Really?" Jade asked excitedly.

"You really want us to continue?" Alyson asked in surprise.

"Yup. Can I count on you?" Twilight asked calmly.

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other before nodded proudly and firmly. Nyx answered, "You can count on us, mummy."

Apple Bloom smiled while looking at Cozy Glow, "Yeah. Helpin' you has been even more fun! You can count on us!"

Cozy Glow smiled warmly, "Thank you so much, everypony. I'll go get my books and pencil case ready. I want to be prepared for this week's exam."

Scootaloo nodded, "Okay. We'll meet you at the clubhouse."

Just as Cutie Mark Crusaders and Cozy Glow exited out of the office, they both split up and headed off to their own direction. The fillies are going to their clubhouse for preparation while Cozy Glow's returned to her dorm to get some books. Just as Nyx was about to leave, Starfire held her back.

"Nyx, can I talk with you in privacy? It's important," Starfire insisted calmly.

Nyx looked confuse yet concern of what Starfire's suggestion. She turned and looked at her friends, "Girls, you go on ahead. I need to get something. For Cozy Glow's studies."

Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded understandingly before headed off now. Starfire then guide and lead Nyx away from them. They're heading straight to Cozy Glow's dorm.

"Wait. Why are we going to Cozy Glow's dorm?" Nyx asked in confusion.

Starfire explained, "To find out what that brat's up to."

"Oh, for the love-! Starfire!" Nyx said firmly with groan as she halted her movement, making her new friend to stop. She continued, "I thought I told you already. Cozy Glow doesn't seem to be bad! Why are you so persistent to prove that she is?"

"Because I can sense her aura. She's a threat and cannot be trusted."

"Yeesh. Don't you think you're overreacting?"

"I'm not. I know she's up to no good." Starfire said firmly and seriously, "If you just follow me, then I can show you that she's not who she seems to be."

Nyx was irritated and annoyed before sighed, "Fine. I'll go."

"Thank you," Starfire said happily.

Nyx shook her head in annoyance, "I don't know why you're so obsess with proving that Cozy Glow's bad."

Starfire smiled, "You'll see. And you won't regret it."

Nyx sighed in annoyance, "Somehow, I'm gonna be."

Nyx and Starfire quickly headed off to the east wing, where Cozy Glow's dorm was located at. By the time they arrived, they're now at the corridor of dorms. While searching and eavesdropping on each door to find her, all they heard is the SOF students chatting and talking with her classmates or other schools' students over the Friendship Problem.

They then come across to the last corner room, where they heard two voices – one belongs to Cozy Glow while another was different and unfamiliar yet angry.

"You fool!" The angry voice scolded Cozy Glow. She continued, "You were supposed to fail your homework, not pass! So, why did you get an 'A'?"

Cozy Glow hissed, "Golly! I didn't mean to! But I can't keep this up much longer!"

"Why not?! Chancellor Neighsay didn't send you here to learn and study friendship! He sent you here to fail her school!" The angry voice snapped, shocked Nyx and Starfire. She continued, "So, the world will know that Twilight Sparkle's School of Friendship is nothing but short-sighted, naivety and foolish idealistic due to allowing the creatures to live and study here."

Cozy Glow sighed, "Even so, if I keep up with this, I'll get flunked much earlier before the end of the year. So, I have to pass the exams."

"You useless-!"

"Now, now, I'm not done yet! If I can keep pass the tests and did some favors for teachers, I not only become their favorite student, but I also can become the Friendship Assistant. That allows me access to her school facilities and even the classified information! We can use it against her!"

"Is that so?"

"I know so! It will work! I promised!"

The angry voice sighed in annoyance, "Very well, I shall make a report to Chancellor Neighsay. You'd better make sure you kept your word, Cozy Glow."

"I assure you that I will," Cozy Glow said calmly, "But first, I need to pass the test."

Nyx was shocked and disbelief of what she heard, "I-I don't believe it. How could she…?"

Starfire nodded firmly, "I told you so…"

"We have to tell others now," Nyx said firmly.

Nyx and Starfire quickly left the dorm at once, returning to the clubhouse to warn their friends about it. As soon as they left, the dorm's door opened and revealed Mowu and Cozy Glow. They both smirked sinisterly.

"Good. Everything goes according to your plan, Lady Hak Xing," Mowu commented proudly. She turned and looked at Pegasus Filly. She snapped her fingers, "You have served your purpose well, my illusion clone."

Cozy Glow puffed into smokes. What was that about? Why did Mowu elaborate such conspired conversation? What are Hak Xing and her lieutenant planning for?

Nyx and Starfire were on their way back to Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse. Just as they entered it, they were surprised to see Cozy Glow here earlier. They thought that she was still talking with Chancellor Neighsay's Aide.

"Cozy Glow?! When did you get here?" Nyx asked in surprise, "I thought you were getting some books and pencil case ready."

"I did. I already left like fifteen minutes ago," Cozy Glow answered in confusion tone, "Why did you ask?"

"Well, we thought you were inside the dorm when Starfire and I were getting something from the east wing. We heard you talking about 'getting ready to pass the exam'."

"That was odd."

"Yeah, odd…" Nyx said suspiciously yet concerned.

"Well, it's kinda true, Nyx," Jade said calmly. Nyx looked at her. She continued, "By the time we got out of the School of Friendship, Cozy Glow managed to catch up to us. Boy, she's fast."

Scootaloo nodded while patted Cozy Glow's back, "Gotta say – she's really dedicated to her studies."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. So, we made the way back here, waiting for you."

"Either way, should we get started?" Alyson asked, "We only got four days before the test starts."

"Aly's right. Time's wasting! Cutie Mark Crusaders, let's start teaching!" Apple Bloom said happily. Her friends cheered out loud and happily. She noticed Nyx's looks, "Hey, Nyx, are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah. I'm just surprise that she got here so quickly," Nyx said uneasy yet worried, "Still, who was inside Cozy Glow's dorm if she already left so early."

"I'm pretty sure you're a bit tired after some crazy cleaning on Castle of Friendship," Jade joked.

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "She does have the point. We were a bit of exhausted when cleaning the big castle after the Metal Ponies just entered recharge mode."

Nyx hummed in uncertain, "I guess so. Anyway, let's get back to topic."

"Right. Let the teaching begin!" Apple Bloom cheered happily, making her friends cheered as well.

And so, Cutie Mark Crusaders helped teaching and preparing Cozy Glow for her upcoming exam by going through some activities and understanding the Friendship Values.

The first activity was about 'Generosity'. Cutie Mark Crusaders were having lunch except Cozy Glow, who lost hers due to Angel eaten everything. Sweetie Belle showed her generosity by providing her carrot and apple to her to eat it. The second activity involved of 'Laughter' during she and her friends were painting the barn's walls. Cozy Glow accidentally knocked the ladder, which Scootaloo and bucket of red paint fell on her friends. Instead of arguing, they all laughed amusingly and happily. On third activity, Cutie Mark Crusaders were cleaning Fluttershy's cottage. Apple Bloom taught Cozy Glow about 'Honesty' when the latter tried to hide the spilled seed underneath the carpet, avoiding getting into trouble. The fourth activity involved of helping and assisting Pipsqueak get his kite down from the tree. Alyson taught her about 'Kindness'. Fifth activity involved of Jade showing her brave and determination by standing beside Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon when they were bullied by bigger pony. She showed her about 'Loyalty'. Finally, Nyx taught Cozy Glow about the Magic of Friendship by staying and spending time together with her friends till the end, despite her reluctance and suspicious.

After four days have passed, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Cozy Glow gathered at the clubhouse, where they're making final preparation. Showing the Elements of Harmony slideshow on the chalkboard, she answered the question with determination and pride correctly. Seeing her managed to complete her activities and passed the quiz tests, they all cheered out wildly and happily for her success.

Nyx and Starfire became uneasy and worried due to Cozy Glow's behavior and tone when she answered the quiz about Elements of Harmony like she was obsessed and wanted them for herself. Nevertheless, they kept quiet, out of respect and care for their friends.

Nyx and Starfire returned to School of Friendship, on their way to report to Twilight about the teachings on Cozy Glow. They also come across to some students, who were in the rush, asked them to deliver their books and files to her as well. They're now on their way to her office.

"You noticed something," Starfire asked.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. You were right. Something's off about her."

Starfire nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Keep your eyes on her. I have the feeling she's up to no good again."

"I hope not," Nyx said firmly, "I still don't get it on how she met up with my friends when we just arrived and eavesdropped on two ponies' conversation from her dorm at the same time. She's not a unicorn."

Starfire shrugged, "You'll never know."

Nyx and Starfire arrived at the office, where they knocked the door. The Headmare called them to come in. And they did.

"Oh, hey, Nyx and Starfire. Nice of you all dropping by," Twilight said warmly and happily. Nyx and Starfire approached while putting the books and files on her table. She asked, "So, how's the teaching? Did she improve?"

"Yeah, she did. She learned and studied very hard for the test," Nyx answered calmly.

"Splendid. I can't wait to see how good she did with the exams. Thanks to you and your friends. I knew you guys are the right ponies for the job."

"Mummy, can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"It's about Cozy Glow. Where did she comes from? Why did she come here for? Does her parents know about it?'

"Hmm… I didn't expect you to ask that kind of questions," Twilight said in surprise before cleared her throat while passing Cozy Glow's student file and letter to her daughter to read. She continued, "About Cozy Glow, Nyx. She came from Las Pegasus. And according to her parents' letter, Cozy Glow is having a hard time at her place and didn't do well with her studies. So, they sent her here instead because they believed my School of Friendship will help and improve her to be better."

"Wow Really?" Nyx asked. Twilight nodded. She then realized something, "Cozy Glow came here by herself? Her parents didn't come?"

"Yes, Nyx. I was shocked and surprised as well." Twilight admitted while looking at Cozy Glow's letter, "But once I read the letter, I found out that they're very rich and prestigious family for handling enterprise, scientific research and philanthropy company as well. Guess they were too busy with their works than spending time."

Nyx hummed, "I see. That explains of her behavior when she answered 'control' and 'intelligence'. She wants to be powerful as her parents."

Twilight nodded in agreement, "Yeah. It's the reason why she failed her homework and exams. She misunderstood the concept."

"Well, it's good thing that we're here to help her out," Nyx said humbly, "Thanks for telling me this."

Twilight smiled, "No problem. Happy to help."

Nyx and Starfire nodded calmly. Just as they turned, they were almost about to leave.

"Nyx, before you go, I want to tell you something," Twilight called out. Nyx and Starfire looked at her. She continued, "I know you and your friends were upset that you all didn't take part in this Program. But I'm glad that you were willing to help the ponies out. And I promised you that tomorrow, I'm gonna give you all the special gifts."

"Wow. Really?" Nyx asked in surprise. Twilight nodded. She smiled, "Thanks, mummy. I'll make you proud."

Twilight smiled, "You already did. But promise me that you tell no one about this. Cozy Glow's very sensitive about it."

"I see. Guess she doesn't like anyone come and befriend her for the bits. She would feel cheated that she's a bank manager."

"Yup. That's about it."

"Got it, Mummy."

"Good girl. Now, run along. Get some break, sweetie."

Nyx nodded happily as she and Starfire has just left the office. Now they're walking way to the School of Friendship's lobby now.

"You're not seriously buying this, aren't you?" Starfire asked in disbelief.

Nyx sighed, "Well, after hearing my mummy's explanation about Cozy Glow, I should give her the benefit of doubt. She doesn't seem bad. And she's learning and understanding about the friendship now."

Starfire shook her head, "Oh, Nyx. You're gonna regret this. She will turn against you. We know her true colors very well."

Nyx looked worry and scared about Starfire's warning, "I hope not…"

Nyx and Starfire exited out of School of Friendship's entrance. And at the same time, Cozy Glow came from the East Wing dorm, heading straight to Twilight's office. She then come across with another pony, making her confused and worried.

"Uh… Can I help you?" Cozy Glow asked.

Mysterious pony gave angry looks, "Yeah. You can. I need you to do something for me…"

During the nighttime, Mowu was waiting at the Dark Forest, where Hak Xing appeared before her. They both hugged each other warmly.

"Were you successful?" Hak Xing asked.

Mowu nodded, "Everything has been set in motion, just as you planned, milady."

"Good. Come. Let us continue our search now while we still can."

"Milady, we have searched in the town for a week. And yet, we found nothing."

"True enough. But there is one place we have yet to locate – the School of Friendship."

Hak Xing and Mowu used their teleportation spell to enter the School of Friendship, which is now closed. In their invisibility form, they were walking down the School of Friendship hallway and corridors, searching and locating for the Demon Portal via magically levitating the Pan'ku Box. Thanks to their spell of invisibility, they won't get detected and found by the ponies especially Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force. Despite that, they have to avoid from getting caught by them or their allies.

They now arrived at the library, which the Pan'Ku Box glowed brightly. While slowly moving the device, it pointed at the far end of library. When they arrived at their destination, they found a floor grate, which Pan'Ku Box glowed brightly.

"We found it!" Mowu exclaimed in surprise, "Let us free your father now."

"No. Not yet…" Hak Xing said calmly, surprising Mowu. She smirked, "I should bring my sister here for our family reunion. Father would be pleased to see her again. After all, you've already set in motion, didn't you?"

Mowu nodded, "Yes, I did. They will turn on each other by Monday for the betrayal. She will be left alone, sad and pain by the betrayal."

Hak Xing smiled in pleasing, "Perfect…"

By the end of the week, the final day of Friends' Partnership Week Program has come. It involved of SOF students and other school students to perform their teamwork capabilities, solving puzzles and riddles, and also doing the exam papers. The activities and exams are based on their partnership and bonding experience and learning during one week program. Though difficult, complex and challenging the tasks are; the SOF students and their partners from five schools worked together to handle them well. This takes for one whole day to complete it.

On Monday, Cutie Mark Crusaders including Nyx and Starfire were sitting outside of School of Friendship, waiting for Cozy Glow to come and meet with. They hoped that she can pass her test. The school bell rang as the SOF students and their partners from other schools emerged out while chatting with each other happily and warmly. Cozy Glow was the last one to come out. Cutie Mark Crusaders approached and asked her.

Cutie Mark Crusaders asked happily, "[Apple Bloom] How'd the test go? [Sweetie Belle] Were there essay questions? [Scootaloo] Did you remember what we taught you? [Jade] Did you do any kind of activities we do? [Alyson] Yeah. Hopefully, it doesn't give you a headache. And normally, I don't because I'm blind."

Instead of happy and proud face, Cozy Glow started to cry in tears before shouted out, "I… failed!"

Cozy Glow cried in tears while running away from the School of Friendship. Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just saw.

"But how could Cozy Glow fail her friendship test?" Apple Bloom asked in disbelief.

Jade nodded, "Yeah. We helped her with homework. And she scored 'A', but she failed."

"Ahem." Twilight cleared her throat. Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and looked behind as they found her angrily stood before them. She said firmly, "I'd like to see you all in my office!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked scared and worried. When Twilight's angry means she's not happy with the results that Cozy Glow has put.

Inside the office, Cutie Mark Crusaders scared and worriedly stood before Twilight, who was busy looking at the test papers.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Alyson said in fear, "Even though I'm blind, I can sense how angry she is with us now."

Putting down the test paper, Twilight demanded firmly, "I can't believe you'd do something like this!"

Apple Bloom gulped, "Like what?"

Jade shrugged fearfully, "Yeah. We didn't do anything wrong."

"We just helped teaching Cozy Glow, just like you said," Scootaloo said in fear.

Sweetie Belle nodded in fear, "But we taught her all the right things!"

"I know you all didn't do anything wrong," Twilight said firmly. She sternly turned and glared at Nyx, "I was talking about Nyx!"

"WHAT?!" Cutie Mark Crusaders asked in disbelief.

"W-What do you mean?!" Nyx asked in shock and disbelief, "I don't understand."

"You've set her up to fail. That's what," Twilight said sternly and angrily, shocking her and her friends. She continued, "Nyx, what is going on?! Why would you do this to her?!"

Nyx shook her head in disbelief, "I didn't! Really! I didn't do anything to her!"

"I… I don't understand. Why would you think she did that to Cozy Glow, Twilight?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Jade nodded in agreement, "Yeah. There's no way Nyx could have done that without a reason."

Twilight sighed in upset, "I know but I couldn't believe it either. Cozy Glow told me that Nyx threatened her to fail this exam." Everyone and even Nyx was shocked to hear it. She continued with dry and stern looks, "Last Friday, she told me if she dared to pass my exams, you will expose the truth about her to the world."

"No way!" Jade exclaimed in disbelief, "That's gotta be a joke!"

Apple Bloom asked in concern yet suspicious, "Truth about what?"

"What's going on?!" Alyson demaned.

"I really didn't do it! Honest!" Nyx insisted in concern.

Starfire nodded, "Yeah. I was with her. I didn't see her talking with Cozy Glow."

"The exams don't lie, Nyx!" Twilight exclaimed in fury while showing the exams to Nyx and her friends. She continued, "How do you explain about these friendship test answers? All of them are wrong and jokes! All because of you!"

"No way…" Scootaloo said in disbelief.

Nyx stuttered in shock and disbelief, "B-B-But I didn't do it! You have to believe me!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked uncertain and worried as they're not sure if they should believe in her or not because the evidence is pointing at her.

Ignored her daughter's pleading, Twilight sighed in disappointment, "I wish I could. But the evidence is here. I never thought you would pull such a mean prank. I'm very disappointed in you, Nyx."

"How could you say that?! I really didn't do it!" Nyx insisted angrily and upset, "I really kept the secret to myself! I never threatened her!"

Twilight firmly snapped, "I don't want to hear this again, Nyx! You're grounded for a year until you really take this responsible of your action, young lady! You're not allowed to hang out with your friends anymore! You're not allowed to play games or watch the shows either. You're not allow to have games and toys as well! Above else, you're not allow to come to this school again! My decision is final!"

Nyx was hurt and upset of what Twilight has said. Cutie Mark Crusaders couldn't believe it either. How could she talk to her like that?!

Nyx cried angrily, "Why won't you believe me?! Mothers supposed to believe in their own daughters! And you didn't!"

Nyx turned and ran straight out of the office's door while crying in tears. Twilight was shocked and hurt to hear what she has said. Cutie Mark Crusaders were worried and concerned for her.

"Some friends you turned out to be," Starfire commented dryly at Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Never stood up for her when she really didn't do it."

Starfire headed off at once, following after Nyx now. Cutie Mark Crusaders couldn't help but feel ashamed of their actions because they did nothing but watch. Twilight felt very bad and upset for threatening her own daughter, despite the evidence has pointed at her.

"I can't believe you talked to her like that," Apple Bloom said in disbelief.

Scootaloo sighed in shame, "I couldn't believe we didn't stand up for her. We stood there and do nothing like idiots."

"How could we?" Sweetie Belle asked, "We don't even know what truth that Twilight and Nyx were talking about."

"I supposed it's true," Jade said in agreement, "But I don't believe Nyx would do this. I mean she never prank on someone else in her life. That's for sure."

Alyson nodded, "Yeah. She's too nice for this. Sure, got tempered when she gets annoyed and hurt to see her friends and family get hurt. But no way she could do this."

"No, she wouldn't," Apple Bloom said in disagreement. She looked at Twilight, "Twilight, I'm sorry but, there is no way she would do such thing! And you know it too!"

Sweetie Belle nodded in tears, "Yeah! I didn't want to say it but I'm scared because you would be mad for helping her with this when we don't know anything."

"Yeah. But we're gonna talk and make up with her," Scootaloo said firmly, "If you had to ban us from coming here, that's fine for us. Nohing is worth than losing your own friends."

Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and exited out of the office without looking back or even talked with Twilight more. This made her gave some thoughts of what she did. Could she have made the mistake?

Shadow Dragon, Spike and Lance entered the office. They looked serious and angry as they wanted to talk with her.

"Twilight, we need to talk now." Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Twilight held her hoof, "Before you demand the questions of what happened just now, then yes, it did happen."

Shadow Dragon slammed on the table, "Twilight, what the hell were thinking?! Accusing and grounding her because of her 'prank' made Cozy Glow failed her exams?! T-That's the dumbest thing I ever heard of! You know she never prank on anyone else in her life! And you accuse her like that?!"

Twilight kept silent. Spike groaned, "I don't believe it. Is this school all you care about?!"

Lance shook his head as he sternly answered, "If this is it, then you're no different from Chancellor Neighsay!"

"Don't you dare compare me to him! Not after what he tried to do to me!" Twilight snapped angrily, confusing them. She sighed, "When Cozy Glow came here, she's been struggling with her studies and exams. When Chancellor Neighsay heard about this, he took the opportunity to slander my school due to my incompetence and other creatures' frightening her. My students were trying to help her but she kept herself away from them."

"And that's why you ask the Crusaders to help," Shadow Dragon asked firmly. Twilight nodded. He sighed, "Should have known. That chancellor really asking for troubles, doesn't he? Political nonsense…"

"Well, what can you do?" Spike shrugged, "Twilight, you should have asked us or Mr. Tao to help us to take care of him."

Twilight sighed, "I did. But I don't want to be so inconvenience to them for dealing with the chancellor. They have other matters to deal with."

"Even so, that's no excuse of you doing to Nyx," Lance said firmly, "You should know that. I don't believe Cozy Glow's bullshit. S'cuse of my language."

Spike nodded, "Yeah. Nyx is nowhere near to Cozy Glow from last Friday. She was with her friends."

Twilight hummed in concern, "That doesn't make sense. Some of my students saw her talking with Cozy Glow. I don't think she would use her Cloning Technique to just talk with her. She wouldn't do that."

"No, she wouldn't…" Shadow Dragon said suspiciously. He then realized suspiciously, "Twilight, this Starfire, did Nyx ever tell us where she came from? Or who's her parents are?"

"No. Why?" Twilight asked in concern,

Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "Not sure. But Nyx wasn't the only pony know about Cozy Glow's background, right?"

Twilight looked concern and worried, "You don't mean Starfire set this up?! Why?! What's she trying to accomplish for?!"

"Good question," Shadow Dragon said in agreement, "Luckily, I already have sent someone to keep an eye on her now. I've got bad feeling about this…"

Nyx was running through the hallway while ignoring some SOF students, who were just passing her by. She then come across to Cozy Glow, who looked scared and worried, hiding behind the Starswirl the Bearded Statue.

"You!" Nyx snapped angrily.

Cozy Glow yelped while hiding behind the statue, "Don't hurt me! I did what you asked! Just leave me alone!"

Nyx scowled, "How dare you framed me?! After what my friends and I have done for you!"

"Maybe if you hadn't threatened me, then none of this wouldn't happened." Cozy Glow snapped back at her. Nyx growled angrily. She yelped, "Look! I'm sorry what I've done! I can talk with Twilight about this."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah! Can't we just be friends? I promised that I'll be a good girl and help you girls out with other cutie mark problems. I won't cause the problem!"

Nyx growled, "You and I will only be friends the day you stop lying, Cozy Glow!"

Cozy Glow sighed, "Golly. I'm not the liar. You are."

Nyx narrowed her angry eyes, "Whatever liar. Consider yourself lucky that I'm in no mood to deal with you."

Nyx walked away from the lobby as she exited out of School of Friendship. She approached to the large lake, where she's taken the seat on it.

"I thought Diamond Tiara was evil before me and my friends changed her, but Cozy Glow really takes the whole cake! She's like a Changeling who doesn't even need a disguise!" Nyx muttered angrily before hissed angrily, "All the crusading. All those friendship lessons? And for what?! To get ignored?! And it's all because of that liar!"

Starfire arrived and approached to Nyx. She sat closed to her friend now.

"I know how you feel," Starfire said in comfort, "You deserve better."

"Damn it…"

"Just forget about this. In fact, I think I can help you out."

"What do you mean?"

"To get away from this mess. Just follow my lead. You will like it."

Nyx was confused and uncertain of what Starfire was talking about. Whatever the case, she needed to get away from her family and friends for accusing her about threatening Cozy Glow, which she has nothing to do with.

Nyx followed Starfire, who was leading her to the back of School of Friendship. They then headed off to the library, where they come across to the floor grate at the end of corner. They climbed down to the cavern underground, which was covered by the chunks of crystallized shards.

"What is this place?" Nyx asked in shock, "I'd never seen it before. It's kinda beautiful."

Starfire smiled, "Yeah. I just found out from last week. I thought this would cheer you up."

Nyx sighed, "Yeah. I do need this. Where to now?"

"The fun part," Starfire commented, "You'll love this one the most."

Starfire led Nyx all the way to the large crystallized hall-like, which is completely empty but the ceiling, which has strange crystallized roots-like pillars to the ground while the middle of the room has the symbol of Hikari the Mystic Guardian of Light.

"What is this place?" Nyx asked in surprise yet curious. Starfire smirked darkly as she chanted darkly and sinisterly. Dark Magic Chains-like appeared to get a hold on her to the ground. She grunted, "Hey! What's the big idea?!"

Starfire smirked, "Just as I promised, Xiao Yue…"

Her calling that name shocked and surprised Nyx. Starfire's body began transforming into a familiar enemy that she never wanted to come across.

"H-Hak Xing?!" Nyx asked in disbelief.

Hak Xing smirked, "Indeed, I am, sister. My Spell Binding has trapped you at the specific area. Everything has gone according to my plan."

"Your plan?! What's that supposed to be mean?!"

"You'll see. Mowu, did you bring it here?"

"I did," Mowu said calmly as she emerged out from the entrance hole. She smiled darkly while levitating the Pan'ku Box. She smiled, "The time is now for Family Reunion, milady."

"Yes…" Hak Xing agreed calmly and proudly. She turned and glared at Nyx, "All thanks to you, Nyx."

"W-What?!" Nyx asked in disbelief and shock.

Hak Xing smirked, "Yes. You helped me with my plan well, sister. You see. I originally wanted to locate my father's portal, to be honest. When I come across you and the plans for fieldtrip to School of Friendship, I adapted and made some changes to my plan. As such, isolated you from your family."

After hearing what Hak Xing has said, Nyx spoke in realization, "Cozy Glow. You used her against me. You manipulate me to be suspicious and weary of her! You even framed her that she was working for Chancellor Neighsay! You even got the secrets from Twilight! And the worst is you used me to threaten her to fail the exam and turn everyone against me! Because I know about the truth of Cozy Glow."

Mowu laughed amusingly, "Actually, that would be my work, little brat."

"Indeed…" Hak Xing said calmly and amusingly, "You did exactly what I've planned."

"Damn you! You lied to me! You used me!"

"Correction. Manipulation and deception are different. I manipulate and devise strategy and events to turn to my favor. I don't deceive my opponent."

"What's that supposed to be mean?! Damn it!"

"I wasn't lying about Cozy Glow. She's not she seems to be. In fact, she doesn't exist in this world, in this first place."

"I am not gonna fall for the same trick, bitch!" Nyx snapped angrily.

Hak Xing scoffed, "Do as you will. All I can say is that she is one of the three in this school."

Her claim shocked and surprised Nyx as she recalled what Thanatos told her about three troublemakers at the school. Could both of them telling the truth?!

"Well then. Father has waited enough for this. Time to bring him home," Hak Xing said calmly, "Mowu!"

Mowu nodded firmly, "Yes, milady!"

Mowu held the Pan'ku Box out. It then activated and opened the portal in middle of the chamber, where Tso Lan emerged out from it. Hak Xing and Mowu bowed before him while Nyx quivered in fear to look at him.

"Hello, father…" Hak Xing greeted.

"Hak Xing, so good to see you, my dear child," Tso Lan said calmly. He turned and looked at Nyx, "Xiao Yue, it's been a while."

Nyx gulped in fear, "Oh no…"

"Indeed. You shall pay for what you have done!" Tso Lan said angrily and darkly with narrowing eyes. His hands glowed magically and darkly, he continued, "First, I will take back that gift! To think that I thought you would accept your heritage! What a fool of me! Hak Xing is the perfect heir I need to continue my legacy!"

Just before Nyx could do anything, Tso Land's hands blasted on her, making scream and squirm in pain. And at the same time, her Teenage Mode flow back to him at once, draining her out of the energy. Hak Xing and Mowu enjoyed watching her to suffer. She dropped to the ground.

"Well done, father," Hak Xing commented with smile.

"Where are we, daughter? What is this place? I smell this place has…" Tso Lan demanded before he growled in disgust, "Good and pure Light Magic. How much I loathed it."

Hak Xing sighed while bowed down, "Forgive me, father. We're underneath Princess Twilight's School of Friendship. This is where your portal was located."

"I see. I shouldn't have known. Disgusted to be in the Realm of Light," Tso Lan said dryly. While looking at Nyx, he hummed thoughtfully, "How intriguing."

"Father?" Hak Xing asked in confusion.

"Since she has rejected my heritage and turned on her kind, Xiao Yue should be punished. What punishment would be fitful for her than to watch her 'family' suffered for her betrayal."

"I see. I know what you mean, father. And you would be pleased with this. I turned her family against her."

"Interesting. Now the family is still heartbroken and wounded by the betrayal. No doubt it's the perfect chance to take revenge." Tso Lan commented proudly and calmly. He turned and glared at Nyx, "Time for you to suffer the pain you have put through on your family, child!"

Before Tso Land could do anything, he and his family got shot and blasted by Hikari Shots. And at the same time, the Spell Binding that trapped and held her down got cut off and dispelled. She was confused and shocked by it. The invisibility spell disappeared and revealed Shiroi and Arcee.

"Shiroi! Arcee!" Nyx exclaimed in surprise yet relief.

"You okay?" Shiroi asked in concern, "You're not hurt, aren't you?"

"No. Just my pride. And I lose my ability to access my Battle Mode now," Nyx grunted in pain and frustration. She sighed, "You two have been following me?"

"Well, your dad was worried about you after what happened," Shiroi answered calmly, "And since you're already angry and upset, we just go invisibility while watch over you."

Arcee glared at Tso Lan and his family. She remarked, "To be honest, we didn't expect your friend to be a bad girl for using you to get her dad out. Good thing we keep on track with you."

"More insects? How interesting yet annoying…" Tso Lan remarked dryly yet annoyingly. He floated in midair, "Tell me now. Did you really think you have the chance against me?!"

Shiroi Bai transformed into Kasai Songbird as she loaded up and armed with her Twin Pistols. Arcee armed with her Katana and Wakizashi. Nyx wanted to fight but got levitated and moved aside.

"Hey!" Nyx exclaimed in annoyance.

"Sorry, Nyx. For your safety!" Kasai said firmly, "You can't use your Battle Form again."

Arcee nodded, "Yeah. Plus, Tso Lan and his family are seriously pissed after what we did. We can hope that we get more helps soon! Now, stay put!"

Nyx groaned in annoyance before moved and hid behind the walls. Tso Lan, Hak Xing and Mowu stood before Kasai and Arcee, who were armed and readied to fight.

"Behold… My master of gravity! And my powerful warriors!" Tso Lan declared firmly and darkly, "ARISE!"

As commanded, the army of Shadow Razors and Dark Demon Warriors emerged out from the shadows. Tso Lan and Hak Xing glowed darkly and magically as they activated their Gravity Powers. Mowu chanted darkly as she summoned her Sorceress's Staff Spear, readied to fight. Their minions charged and attacked Kasai and Arcee.

Kasai accurately fired and shoot down the charging enemies. And at the same time, Arcee bravely and firmly blocked and deflected the attacks while fighting back and defeating them. She also defended and kept her friend safe from danger. And at the same time, they watched each other's back while shooting and repelling the enemies off. Tso Lan and his family remained still while watching the battlefield. Fighting the minions has tired and exhausted both Arcee and Kasai as more of them continued pouring and attacking them. Just as they were distracted of fighting the enemies off, Tso Lan and Hak Xing unleashed the Darkness Beam on them both. Mowu magically levitated and pinned them including Nyx.

"It appears your so-called reinforcement has been dealt with," Tso Lan remarked mockingly, "You're alone now…"

Hak Xing smirked, "Time to finish this, right, father?"

Tso Lan nodded in agreement, "Indeed…"

Armed with his Blackish Blade, Tso Lan approached towards Nyx and her friends as he prepared to finish them off for good. To his shock and surprise, a powerful magical blasted on him. More Chaos Hyper Blast struck and knocked both Hak Xing and Mowu off as well. Nyx, Arcee and Shiroi dropped to the ground. This surprised and confused Nyx and her friends.

Twilight, Shadow Dragon, Lance, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived at the scene. Nyx was surprised while looking at them. Cutie Mark Crusaders jumped and hugged her happily and warmly.

"Mummy? Daddy? Guys?" Nyx asked in surprise.

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. We're here. Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I guess," Nyx answered in uncertainty.

"Thank goodness. I know you're still upset and angry with me, but we'll talk later," Twilight said calmly and firmly. She turned and glared at Tso Lan, "Right now. Mummy got a word with Demon Lord of Moon."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Trust us, Nyx. We're very pissed when someone used our kid for their evil plot."

"Ah… Twilight Sparkle… And Shadow Dragon… An honor to meet you," Tso Lan commented calmly and amusingly, "So I can personally destroy you both for ruining my daughter!"

"Well, we would like to have a word with you too!" Twilight said firmly.

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. With pain!"

Twilight and Shadow Dragon charged and attacked Tso Lan, who summoned his Blackish Blades to fight back against them. Hak Xing and Mowu were about to assist the Demon Lord of Moon but blocked by Lance, Spike, Kasai, Arcee and Cutie Mark Crusaders. The teenagers were annoyed as they quickly moved and pushed the children aside, making them annoyed. They resumed their fight against them. Lance and Kasai battled Hak Xing while Arcee and Spike attacked Mowu. And at the same time, the heroes also fought and battled against the minions as well.

Armed with her Sorceress's Staff Spear, Mowu rotated and spun it around her while charging and attacking Arcee and Spike, who slowly retreated and avoided the spinning attacks. And at the same time, they also have to face off and defeat some of her minions. Seeing them distracted, she summoned and fired Dark Fire, which they barely dodged and evaded the attacks. She thrust her Ice Spear Strike, which the Mystic Hippogriff deflect the attacks before jumped and swung her kick at her off. The dragon jumped and slammed a punch on her face. He then tried to punched on her. Arcee joined in as well. Hak Xing's Lieutenant firmly and calmly dodge and evade the attacks for couple of times. She then summoned and unleashed her Storm Blast to blow them off. She jumped and attacked them at once. They all dodged and evaded the attacks for couple of times. Mowu again summoned and fired her Storm Blast to blow them off before activating and firing her Dark Fire to blow them off. Luckily, Spike used his Dragon Wing to block and deflect the attacks before Arcee jumped and attacked her. Both of them firmly swung and crossed their weapons at each other for couple of times. Just as they have their blade clashed, Mowu slammed and struck Arcee to the ground. To her shock and surprise, Spike unleashed his Dragon Flames on her. Using her Ice Power to cool off the flames, Mowu regrouped with the rest of her minions. They then charged and attacked Arcee and Spike, who fought back.

Hak Xing chanted darkly and calmly as she fired Dark Beam at Lance and Kasai, who firmly and calmly dodged and evaded the blasts for few times. She then tried to unleash her powerful Night Beam at them. The female unicorn summoned the barrier to block and deflect the blasts before the Pegasus jumped off and attacked her. She swiftly and calmly dodged and evaded the attacks while fighting back with her Blackish Blades. Both of them were swift and quick to attack at each other but only clashing their blades. Kasai ran around and firing her Twin Blasters at Hak Xing, who summoned and used the Barrier to block and deflect the attacks. While busy attacking both of them, she used her Gravity Power to levitate couple of rocks before throwing and struck down on them both. They both barely dodge and evade the attacks. She dashed in as she swung and struck her Blackish Blades at them, knocking both off against the wall. She then activated and unleashed her Darkness Destroyer on them. They barely dodged down before dashed straight at her, where they swung and struck the punches on her back and front before kicking her straight at the wall. Just as she recovered, she found Lance and Kasai charged attacked her. She fought back against them.

Shadow Dragon and Twilight were facing off Tso Lan, who remained calm and firm while glaring at them. Just as the Mystic Pony charged and tried to swing his Darkness Blade at his enemy, the Demon Lord of Moon teleported behind of Princess of Friendship. He fired his Dark Energy Ball to blast her off. She turned and tried to attack but he teleported off to side of Shadow Dragon, whom he levitated and knocked him at his wife. Just as they recovered, they tried to attack him but he kept on teleporting and appearing on different directions while firing Dark Energy Balls and Dark Beams on them. Despite the attacks he has put, two ponies remained firm and determined as they refused to beaten down. While they stick close together, Tso Lan reappeared on top of them, alerting Shadow Dragon to fire his Dark Spheres to blind him. Twilight blasted her Magical Beam on him. Just as he recovered, the Mystic Pony charged and attacked him relentlessly and fiercely before kicked his guts. The princess joined in as she fired her Sparkle Star Burst to blow him off. They both charged and attacked him. Tso Lan quickly summoned and used his Blackish Blades to block it before engaged the attacks on them. They both fought back against him.

Cutie Mark Crusaders continued watching her friends fighting off the enemies. They were worried and scared that the heroes might able to defeat the enemies.

"Dang it! I forgot how scary and tough Tso Lan is," Scootaloo remarked in fear.

"No kidding," Jade agreed, "Tall and dark creepy is gonna creamed them! We need to do something now!"

"Like how?! We don't even have the lotus to banish him!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in concern.

Alyson groaned, "Tell me something we already know, Sweetie Belle. Got any better idea now?!"

"I have no idea! We have no chance against them!" Sweetie Belle said in concern.

Nyx hissed angrily, "T-This is all my fault. If I hadn't befriend Hak Xing in the first place, none of this would have happened!"

"If you wanna blame ponies, blame us," Apple Bloom said firmly yet sadly, shocking Nyx. She continued, "We're so sorry for not standing up for you. Cutie Mark Crusaders would never let one member to get hurt."

"Yeah. If one member gets hurt, then all of us do!" Scootaloo said firmly.

Alyson nodded, "Yeah. We're the team."

"And also friends," Sweetie Belle added.

"And a family. Don't forget that," Jade said proudly while holding Nyx close to her, "We'll always be friends till the end."

Touched by her friends' words, Nyx sighed, "Thanks guys. I owe you one."

Cutie Mark Crusaders hugged each other warmly and passionately. Unknown to anyone especially the heroes and villains were battling with each other, the whole chamber's pillars-like roots were glowing brightly in Mane Six's respective colors. This shocked and alerted everyone to see it.

Just before anyone could do anything, the pillars shinned brightly while unleashing powerful blasts on Tso Lan and his family. The power has weakened and wounded Tso Lan, Hak Xing and Mowu while the rest of their minions have burnt to crisp. As soon as the enemies have been weakened, the pillars-like roots dispersed the lighting. Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they saw.

"Damn it. The light… It burns me!" Hak Xing screamed in pain.

Tso Lan snarled, "We will meet again, fools!"

Hak Xing summoned the portal. She, her father and second-in-command quickly made their escape before they get caught and destroyed by their enemies.

"Wow. I did not expect that," Arcee commented.

Kasai nodded, "Me neither. What was that?"

"No clue. But glad it's on our side," Lance remarked in relief.

"Glad that's over." Twilight said calmly. She turned and looked at Nyx, who was still upset and angry. She turned and looked away from her. She sighed, "Nyx, can we talk? I didn't mean to hurt you."

Nyx huffed angrily, "You should've thought of that before kicking me out of your school."

"Nyx, please hear me," Twilight insisted in concern. She sighed, "When you and your friends helped Cozy Glow passed her homework, I was confident that she can pass her test as well. If she did, Chancellor Neighsay would back off from slandering my school."

"He slandered your school because of Cozy Glow failed the exams?!"

"Yeah. I got my anger and frustration blinded me because of that. But it's no excuse for what I've done to you. I should have listened more or get more I'm so sorry for what I did. Can you forgive me, Nyx?"

Nyx turned and looked at Twilight, who gave sad sobbing over her guilt and what she did to her. She can tell how much that she really cared for her.

Nyx walked over to Twilight as she gave her a warm hug, "Twilight... No, I mean... mummy... I forgive you."

Twilight sighed as she hugged her daughter back, "Thank you, Nyx."

Inside the School of Friendship's Lobby; everyone, both School of Friendship's and five other schools' staff members and students, have been gathered. Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and Lockdown were standing on the stage before their students and other five schools'. Cutie Mark Crusaders stood on the stairs, and surprisingly, they worn the graduation formal suits.

"I would like to thank both our students and other schools for participating and working together on Friends' Partnership Week Program. All of you have proven success and pass the tests and activities we have given. We are all proud of you all with this one-week fieldtrip and partnership with each other. Thank you so much," Twilight spoke calmly yet proudly. Everyone gave the applause and cheers for the program. She continued, "And now, we shall proceed to the most important event. Some students of mine have not only passed some tests and activities we have done from the past, but also proving themselves that they were able to help teaching one SOF student to pass her homework and tests."

Everyone chattered happily yet curiously about it, though Cheerilee and her students especially Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon knew it very much. They were proud and happy for their friends' achievement and success.

"And therefore, they have the right to earn their graduation. They're now officially honorary diplomas," Twilight said calmly yet proudly. She cleared her throat, "May I present you all to our finest students – Nyx Midnight, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Jade Adventure and Alyson Joy. No longer the students, they're now guidance counselors and Friendship Tutors."

Everyone gave the round of applause and cheers. Cutie Mark Crusaders climbed the stairs to the stage, where they received their honorary diploma certificates from Lockdown, who couldn't help but shed tears of joy while trying himself to be firm and calm yet proud to salute to them. They saluted back to him.

Cheerilee sighed, "Well done, girls."

"Congratulation, girls," Twilight said proudly. Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled proudly back to her. She turned and continued her speech, "So, anyone struggle with their homework and studies especially in young age, you all can look for Cutie Mark Crusaders to tutor you with this. But please, don't try to invade their privacy and school activities. They're still children. Set the date and time with them. Then, they will handle it."

Everyone chattered and nodded understandingly and happily about it. They can't wait to get to know more about Cutie Mark Crusaders, and also get some tutoring and lessons from them.

Cozy Glow approached to Cutie Mark Crusaders as she bowed humbly and apolegetic to Cutie Mark Crusaders. She spoke, "This is all my fault. I messed up my test on purpose because of someone who looked like you to threaten me. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Cozy Glow. I'm sorry for accusing you," Nyx said calmly with apologetic tone, though she was weary about her being one of three troublemakers that Mr. Thanatos and Hak Xing have mentioned. She continued warmly, "No thanks to the Demon."

Cozy Glow nodded, "Yes. They're very terrible and mean. We should be very careful."

Nyx nodded in agreement, "Yeah. No kidding. But water under the bridge."

"Agreed." Cozy Glow said in agreement.

After the graduation ceremony; Cutie Mark Crusaders, Lance, Shiroi, Spike and Arcee were gathered inside the library. They were discussing and chatting over the latest situation, which involved of Cozy Glow being one of three troublemakers that Mr. Thanatos and Hak Xing have mentioned. They became uneasy and worried about it.

"What the heck?!" Alyson said in shock.

"Y-You're kidding me?!" Scootaloo asked in disbelief.

"You really think that Cozy Glow is one of three troublemakers in the School of Friendship?" Sweetie Belle asked in concern. Nyx looked down in concern as she's not one hundred percent sure that she's the one. She hummed, "Okay, so what exactly she's really up to?"

Nyx shook her head in uncertainty, "I don't know."

"As far as I know of, she doesn't cause much troubles so far," Spike said firmly.

Arcee nodded in agreement, "Either way, we should keep our eyes out on her and her 'allies'."

"Yeah. She's right." Shiroi agreed as well, "I'm also wondering. What does Hak Xing mean 'she doesn't exist in this world, in this first place'?"

Apple Bloom looked worry as she asked, "You really think Cozy Glow's background is a lie? Why?"

Spike shrugged, "Hard to tell. All we know is that her parents never came and visit her here, or even calling us either. Weirdly enough, we never get a single letter for Cozy Glow. They're so neglectful to their own kid."

"Wow. That is weird," Jade said in shock, "I mean. I know I'm far away when I was a kid but my parents always keep on tabs with me when they're still alive."

"Whatever the case, like Arcee said, we should keep our eyes on her and her two buddies," Lance said firmly, "We have to be very careful now. No telling what they really after."

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. Do you think we should tell Mummy and others?"

Arcee answered, "We don't. We need more evidence and confirmation about Cozy Glow and her friends first before we make the report. That way she won't turn everyone against us."

"Good idea, Arcee." Lance agreed, "So, watch your backs and find anything that has to do with Cozy Glow."

Everyone chattered and nodded in agreement. Just as they exited out of library, they then found Cozy Glow was walking on the hallway.

"Cozy Glow?" Everyone asked in surprise.

Cozy Glow yelped, "Oh! Hey friends! I was just passing by. That's all. Congratulation!"

Nyx narrowed her firm and serious eyes, "Cozy Glow, what's exactly ware you doing here? What are you really after?"

"Gosh. That sounds like accusation and suspicious," Cozy Glow remarked innocently, "Why would you all think like that?"

"I don't know what's going on. But we will find out," Nyx said determinedly.

Cozy Glow smiled amusingly, "Is that so? Well, I wish you luck to do it. I'm looking forward to stay here and pass the tests. It's gonna be fun now…"

Cozy Glow then headed off now while humming calmly. Everyone was suspicious of why she was coming here, but decided to keep themselves. And hopefully, they would uncover the truth behind her and her friends, and their true purpose of coming here as well…

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight

Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom

Claire Corlette: Sweetie Belle

Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure

Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy

Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing/Starfire

Sunni Westbrook: Cozy Glow

Minor Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Matthew Mercer: Tso Lan

Karen Fukuhara: Mowu

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Erik Kimerer: Spike

Nicole Oliver: Cheerilee

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai/Kasai Songbird

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Cameo:

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Episode 15: A Matter of Principals

Author's Note

I really hate Discord in both Season 8 & 9 as he did nothing but caused more problems than helping. The most notorious is that he played 'Grogar' to unite all villains to defeat Mane Six. And they say that he's been reformed. Reform to my foot. I really hate him with my heart. Needless to say, whatever I have plans for him will either be better or the worse. He will face the consequence.

Episode 15: A Matter of Principals

After the incident has been dealt with, Cutie Mark Crusaders have been officially graduated and earned their diploma certificate. They also became the Friendship Guidance Counselor and Tutors for any SOF Students, who have the problem with friendship studies, though they're available if both set up time and date for tutoring.

A week later, the SOF Students continued their lessons and studies under the tutelage of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force. The students including Sandbar, Ocellus, Yona, Blackwitch, Rak, Bella, Kindy and Jesuit were taking Twilight's Magical Lesson. Inside Magic Classroom, everyone was sitting down rounded seats while Twilight was teaching them with the new lesson now.

Spike helped open the chest, revealing seven ancient artifacts from different countries. It consisted of silver colored amulet with bluish gem-like – Amulet of Aurora, bug-themed scepter with golden gem – Talisman of Mirage, ancient armored helmet with horns – Helm of Yksler, golden Griffon-themed crown – the Crown of Grover, rainbow-colored wings-like medal with bluish colored gem – Angelic Wings of Hope, blue colored ancient shell with pattern – Knuckerbocker's Shell and ancient mage's bluish colored hooded robe – Clover the Clever's Cloak.

Twilight levitated seven ancient artifacts in midair for the students to look at. They awed in amazement about them.

"Who can tell me what these are?" Twilight asked calmly.

The students muttered happily about the artifact. Belle groaned, "More junks?"

"Nope! They're all legendary magical artifacts!" Ocellus answered happily while holding the book. Everyone looked at her curiously. She giggled nervously, "I've read ahead in Equestrian Cultures and Camaraderie: Volume Seven."

Bella groaned, "Figures. You couldn't resist reading the book."

Ocellus shrugged a bit, "Yeah. I got too excited for it."

"You're right, Ocellus." Twilight said calmly while introducing each and every artifact, "This is the Amulet of Aurora, the Talisman of Mirage, the Helm of Yksler, the Crown of Grover, Knuckerbocker's Shell, Angelic Wings of Hope and Clover the Clever's Cloak."

"And the gems are real!" Spike exclaimed happily, making Twilight suspiciously looked at him. He yelped, "Eh, not that I... tasted them."

Twilight smiled and continued her lesson, "Princess Celestia gifted these to our school, since they each represent one of the cultures our students come from. And we'll learn all about them in a Spell-venger Hunt!"

"Spell-venger? Really?" Blackwitch asked in annoyance.

Jesuit shrugged, "I heard the worst nickname than this."

"It's a magical scavenger hunt." Twilight explained, "Each of you will work in pairs to try to find where in the school these artifacts are hidden."

Spike nodded, "The team that finds the most wins a private tour of the Canterlot Archives with Princess Celestia."

"Learning and fun?" Kindy asked curiously, "Now that's interesting…"

Rak chuckled, "Just imagine if my brother or any of our friends learn about this, they might go crazy."

Sandbar smirked, "I know the first pony to get crazy."

"I've already listed down the pairs on the note pad," Twilight said calmly yet humbly. The students gasped in shock. She asked, "What? Did I say something wrong again?"

Blackwitch raised her hoof up, "Ma'am, you've been summoned."

"Summoned?" Twilight asked in surprise. She turned and looked at her flank, which her cutie mark is glowing brightly. She gasped, "M-My cutie mark?!"

Rushed out from the School of Friendship, Twilight and Spike made their way to the Castle of Friendship's Council Chamber. And to their surprise, their friends – Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force, have been gathered inside the chamber.

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force were gathered at the Council of Friendship, where they found their Cutie Marks were glowing and floating on the table.

"Wait. You all were called on this friendship quest, too?" Twilight asked in surprise.

Blazefist nodded while hummed firmly, "It must be a really important one."

Rarity added while pointed at the Cutie Map, "And terribly far away."

Everyone approached to the Cutie Map. They're looking at their own cutie marks floating and levitating at unknown area, which is located very far away from the Equestria. They all looked worry and concern about the situation.

"Getting there will take days," Terrorcreep said seriously.

Applejack hissed in concern, "Do y'all know what this means? There won't be any teachers left to run the school!"

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief while looking at the Cutie Map. They all became concern and worried that they're now in tight situation.

Shadow Dragon hissed in anger, "Just what we need now…"

"What are we gonna do now? How can we handle two jobs now?" Shorty asked in concern, "We can't go to fulfil our Friendship Quest while dealing with teaching the students as well."

"Should we send our students home?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"I say we take 'em with us! Road trip!" Pinkie cheered happily. She got head whacked very hard. She yelped in pain, "Darn it, Blazefist! Did you have to hit my head that hard?! I haven't felt that since the Battle of Canterlot!"

Blazefist huffed angrily, "Yeah. Because you have a harebrain idea like nearly blowing us up!"

"Blazefist's right," Rarity said in agreement, "In the middle of my friendship quilting class? I think not! All of those unfinished seams!"

Rainbow sighed, "Problem is we don't even know how long we'll be gone."

"Don't worry, everypony." Twilight said confidently while levitating a very long and big scroll, "I already have a seventy-point plan in place for this very situation."

Everyone looked shocked and surprised. Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance, "Why do I get the feeling that your plan is gonna be a serious backfire?"

Twilight groaned, "Have a little faith on your wife, will ya? I really got a plan."

After the discussion with her friends, Twilight and Spike returned to the School of Friendship's Headmare Office. She summoned Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown to her place for discussing with them about the latest situation that she and her friends will be dealing with. They were in shock and concern about it.

"You want us to become headmare and vice-headmare?!" Starlight asked in concern and disbelief.

Twilight nodded firmly, "You two are perfect choice! You both are good leaders and experts in friendship. I trust you both to run this school exactly as I would."

Sunset looked uneasy and worried, "Uh, that's a pretty big responsibility, Twilight."

Sunset and Starlight were about to run, Twilight teleported to in front of them. She teleported them to headmare's seat.

Twilight smiled, "Which is why I've prepared everything you need."

Lockdown blew his whistle, signaling a group of Metal Ponies bringing the wheelbarrows of documents, files, books and so on. They placed them in front of both Starlight and Sunset, who were in shock and surprise of what they're looking at.

Twilight smiled as she explained, "The curriculum, rules for the Spell-venger Hunt, dining hall menus for the next six months…"

"Six months?! You're not really gonna be gone that long, are you?" Spike asked in disbelief.

Lockdown groaned in concern, "That's not a good sign."

"Both Spike and Lockdown will assist you with this." Twilight added calmly, "Anything that isn't covered in my files, they'll be able to help you with."

"Then why not put them in charge?" Starlight asked curiously.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Spike and Lance are considered to be part of your family. They should take over and lead it. Not to mention, Lockdown is a discipline teacher and has great experience with teaching and handling school matters. Plus, he's a good substitute teacher too."

Spike panicked, "No-ho-ho, thanks. Eh, being a princess for Twilight was hard enough. Plus, Lance wasn't really interested in politics."

Lockdown cleared his throat nervously, "Well, yeah, about that. I'm not really that good with being headmaster."

"Looks like we're on our own…" Sunset said in annoyance.

Starlight sighed with facepalm, "I'm gonna pretend that made sense. But if you're sure it's what you really want, we promise we won't let you down."

Twilight smiled happily, "I knew I could count on you. As I've said before, Lockdown and Spike will help you guys out."

Lockdown saluted firmly, "You can count on us."

"Great. What could possibly go wrong?" Starlight asked dryly.

Sunset looked at Starlight dryly, "Do you really want to know how bad it might turn out to be?"

Starlight groaned, "Please, don't."

After settling and preparing Starlight and Sunset for their assignment as the Headmare and Vice-Headmare, Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have set off for their journey to the unknown area. Hearing what happened, Lance met up with Starlight, Sunset, Lockdown and Spike to help them out with the School of Friendship. They all waved goodbye to their friends, and also wishing them luck for their quest.

"Come back soon! Please!" Starlight said hopefully.

"Don't worry, Starlight. You've got this," Lance said calmly, "Plus, you got us to help around."

Sunset sighed, "I hope you're right, Lance. Because being a headmare or principal to the school is no joke."

Starlight nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Hopefully, it goes smoothly…"

Just as Starlight and her team were about to leave and return to the School of Friendship, they found Discord's standing beside them. He blew his nose with a handkerchief.

"I hate goodbyes, don't you?" Discord mocked with tears. He then broke into pieces while exclaimed, "I just go to pieces."

"Discord! What a... heh... nice surprise!" Starlight greeted uneasily and nervously, making Discord gave thumbs up.

Sunset cleared her throat as she asked, "This is your first time at our new school, isn't it?"

Discord quickly reformed and restored his pieces into one solid body. He split into three clones – one worn a grayish colored suit, another worn sailor uniform and kid's propeller cap and last one worn a graduation suit.

"Oh, was I not invited to the grand opening? Friends and Family Day? Baccalaureate?" Discord Clones asked one-by-one before asked in unison annoyingly, "I hadn't noticed."

The Discord Clones magically disappeared before reemerged into one as he was still glaring at his friends.

"Well, at least you're here now." Sunset smiled uneasily.

Starlight looked worried as she asked, "Um, why are you here now?"

Discord smiled slyly and cunningly while looking at the School of Friendship, "To fill in for Twilight, of course, as head-draconequus. I seem to recall a whole song about how this school is where you make your own rules. Now, who better at that than me?"

Lockdown scoffed, "Haven't you heard, bonehead? Starlight and Sunset are in-charge now."

Discord glared at Lockdown, "Really? I thought there must be some mistake."

Starlight shook her head calmly while showing her scroll, "Nope. Twilight picked me for the job. And she left pretty detailed instructions for me to follow."

Sunset nodded, "We intended to follow the letter till the end."

Picking the scroll up, Discord smiled slyly while looking through it, "Well, I'm sure that she wouldn't mind a few tiny suggestions."

"I don't think so, Mr. Pennywise!" Lockdown snapped firmly as he quickly jumped up to grab and bring the scroll down. While rolling up his scroll, he continued sternly, "Not gonna happen. Whatever kind of screw loose idea you have is not gonna happen here! Not after what that troublemaking humans have done here!"

"You do realize is Emperor Nezha did that," Lance corrected firmly. Lockdown glared at him. He cleared his throat, "I-I was just pointing out. Nothing else."

Lockdown huffed angrily, "Either way, Discord is not permitted to do anything with the school!"

"EXCUSE ME?!" Discord asked angrily and annoyingly.

Starlight sighed, "Lockdown does have the point. We promised Twilight I'd handle this her way."

Sunset nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Sorry, Discord. But you're welcome to check around if you want?"

"Reeeeeeally?" Discord asked annoyingly. He scoffed, "Well, we'll see if you change your mind."

With that, he snapped his fingers as Discord magically teleported out. Everyone sighed in relief that he hasn't start causing the problem now.

"That was close," Lance said in relief. He groaned, "I really hate to go through that."

Spike nodded, "Yeah. But I have a bad feeling about this. Discord's not gonna like this one."

"Don't worry, Spike. Discord and us are old 'save Equestria' buddies. He'll be fine." Starlight reassured.

"She's right. I don't think Discord's type of guy would let this bother him," Sunset agreed calmly.

Spike hummed in concern, "If you say so. Still, did we ever send the invitation card to Discord before?"

Lance shrugged, "I actually not sure. If she or Fluttershy did, then Discord must have purposely ignored it for a reason."

"Whatever the case is, we can't let it bother us," Starlight said firmly while looking at the scroll, "Now, what's next on Twilight's list?"

Starlight was reading her scroll as she and her friends turned and returned to the School of Friendship, proceed with working on the tasks that Twilight have set for them. However, unknown to them, Discord was hiding behind the bushes while looking at the School of Friendship.

"So close… So close to get inside. I need to start my work ASAP. They have to know who are these spies, and need to be dealt with. But I need more solid evidence that these troublemakers really work for Nezha," Discord grumbled. He sighed in frustration, "I hate to do this. But this is for Fluttershy."

On the next day, Starlight and her school staffs continued their duty in the School of Friendship. They have handled and managed the school administration, teachings and counsels especially preparing the upcoming event – Spell-venger Hunt. The students were chatting happily while heading off to their class.

Starlight and her school staffs are at the school lobby while discussing for the latest report they have. They're heading straight to the headmare's office now.

"Okay. I hid the artifacts for the Spell-venger Hunt and ordered school supplies for the week." Spike said calmly while looking through the scroll, "All you have to worry about is teaching class."

Lockdown nodded while looking at his clipboard, "Yup. I've already arranged the substitute teachers for the school subjects and lessons they're capable of. The Student and Teacher Staff ID tracking system is still working, making sure that they won't tried anything funny or if they ever get kidnapped."

"That's a bit overkill, don't you think?" Sunset asked in concern.

"After what happened before, I'm not taking any chance," Lockdown said seriously and firmly, "We already have two incidents with the school before. We can't afford to have another one. This might give Chancellor Neighsay the chance to slander us again."

Sunset hummed thoughtfully about Lockdown's reasons, "You make a good point."

"Best of all, no sign of troubles from either Discord or Dark Mystic Ponies," Lance added calmly, "Plus, some of my friends would be helping us with this."

Starlight sighed, "Thanks, Everyone. Maybe we will get through this okay."

"Well, let's hope that nothing goes wrong," Lance said hopefully.

Just as Starlight and her school staffs arrived and entered the Headmare's Office, they found something shocking and disbelieving. The office is completely in chaos and disorder, filled with ridiculous yet unusual and messy atmosphere and designs. The place is almost like a jungle, pillars became a tree-like pillars with peacocks on top and were surrounded by miniature houseblocks, two windows trapdoors-like with thundering storm inside, antique cupboards with unusual materials, an office table set on top of the tree and a large cup on small island in middle of the pond, where Discord happily working and typing on his typewriter on the bread.

"What the?!" Sunset asked in shock and confusing.

"Come in, come in." Discord said sternly while eating the bread, "You'll let the twittermites out."

"Twittermites?" Spike and Lance asked in confusion.

Suddenly, the swarm of Twittermites were flying straight towards Spike and Lance. They gave a powerful electrical shock on both of them, making them yelped in pain before jumped into the pond. They both coughed heavily before getting off from the pond.

"Discord! What are you doing?!" Starlight demanded.

"Nopony was at your desk. Imagine what Twilight would say." Discord mocked amusingly. He then transformed into Twilight. She mocked, "Oh, how could you, Starlight?! You've broken my trust and failed me completely!"

Lance groaned, "That wasn't funny, Discord."

Discord shrugged happily, "Oh, don't worry. I'll cover for you. By the way, I hope you like Limburger cheese. I got a month's supply for the teacher's lounge."

With the snap of his finger, Discord has magically summoned the Dark Warrior Trio and the large crate before them. To everyone's shock and concern, the crate opened and revealed a large rounded cheese, rolling straight towards them. They all panicked in fear and worry as they quickly run for their lives. They barely escaped it, though a large cheese slammed on Lockdown to the ground.

Got out from the rounded cheese, Lockdown groaned in annoyance, "Now, I'm getting really mad with him!"

Almost everyone gagged sickly to smell the smelly cheese, Starlight grunted as she pushed Discord out, "We'll take it from here, Discord. Go relax. Have a cup of tea. At home."

Annoyed and irritated, Discord stomped on his hoof to the ground for halting, He turned and glared at Starlight, "Oh! Some thanks for all my help. And after I hired all those substitute teachers for you."

"You did what?!" Lockdown asked in shock and disbelief.

Spike hissed in concern, "Actually, that does sound kinda helpful. And it was next on our to-do list."

"Which teachers did you hire?" Sunset asked in concern.

Discord smirked slyly, "I'm glad you asked." He whispered quietly to the readers, "A perfect chance to expose some spies."

Discord guide and led Starlight and her school staffs to Fluttershy's Classroom. They found most of the students including Sandbar, Melody, Ocellus, Yona, Heatwave, DECK, Blackwitch, Mano and Rak looked very nervous and scared. They're facing and looking at Iron Will, who sternly glanced at them.

"They call it 'making friends', because you have to make creatures be your friends!" Iron Will said firmly and seriously. He then pointed at Yona, "Show me what you've got, yak!"

As commanded, Yona moved to the front. She gulped fearfully as she spoke quietly, "Be my friend."

"If you're quiet, I don't buy it!" Iron Will snapped at worried Yona.

Feared and worried, Yona roared out loud, "Be my friend!"

Iron Will groaned as he shouted, "I've heard pudding that's more convincing!"

Panicked and scared now, Yona screamed in fear yet louder, "Be! My! Friend!"

The students looked scared and feared especially Rak, Heatwave and even the stoic Blackwitch screamed and panicked in fear before ran off at once. Yona was shocked and hurt to see it, though Iron Will looked very pleased with the results.

Lockdown stuttered in disbelief, "W-What?!"

"That's not how Twilight teaches friendship." Sunset said in disbelief.

Starlight nodded fearfully, "Yeah. This isn't right."

At the Buckball Field, the students were helping and given the hospitality to Cranky Doodle Donkey, who was resting on the beach chair in middle of the field. Cozy Glow, disgusted, used nail file on his hooves. Jesuit groaned in frustration as he was massaging his back legs. Ciel looked tired while fanning on her. Kindy and Leo grunted as they were holding the umbrella to cover him from the shade. Bella was bringing the iced tea jug and a glassed cup.

"Some fieldtrip! Where's my iced tea?!" Cranky Doodle Donkey complained. He sipped the iced tea cup. He yelped before spitted out on her, "It is too cold!"

Bella groaned in annoyance as she headed off to get another drink. She returned, bringing a barrel cup for him to drink. Again, he spitted it on her face.

"Now it's too hot!" Cranky Doodle Donkey complained angrily.

Bella groaned angrily as she headed off to get another set of tea jug and cup. She gave it to Cranky Doodle to drink. And again, he spit on her face.

"Now it's too tea-flavored! You call yourselves friends?!" Cranky Doodle grumbled angrily.

Bella screamed angrily, "That's it! I've had it with him! Let's take him out! My brother always said 'Friendship doesn't solve anything'! Fist does!"

Cozy Glow scowled, "I second it! I'm done being too nice for this! One nasty fight won't hurt a bit! F#$ king donkey!"

Bella and Cozy Glow screamed angrily as they jumped and attacked Cranky Doodle Donkey, who made the donkey noise and screamed for help. This shocked and alerted Ciel, Kindy, Leo and Jesuit panicked and tried to reason and restrain them from hurting the old donkey.

Starlight and her teaching staffs were in shock and concern of what they just saw. Lance hissed, "That is definitely not how Twilight teaches friendship."

"No kidding," Spike agreed.

Spike noticed Discord smiled pleasingly while drinking his ice tea glass. The first clone was using the video camera to film and record on them. The second clone was looking at two students file – Cozy Glow and Bella Anime. The third one was writing down on his notes. The fourth was putting some charts about them.

"What are you doing?" Spike asked suspiciously.

Discord smiled, "Nothing much. Just writing a report about those two. They don't seem to be doing well with Friendship Studies."

"They're learning," Lance said sternly, "Bella's getting better with her friendship lessons, thanks to Ocellus, though she tends to get impatient with someone messing with her. Cozy Glow's just a kid. No need to make report about this."

Discord shook his head, "If only you knew who they really are. After all, you have three troublemakers you're dealing with. Who knows what kind of mess they could cause?"

His remarks shocked and surprised Lance and Spike, making them suspicious that he must be aware of 'three troublemakers'. Though they were aware of Cozy Glow being one of them, they never thought Bella could be one of them. They need to keep their eyes out for them now.

On the next class, Starlight's school staff headed off to another class. They then heard some shouting and cheering, making them worried and concern. Just as they arrived at Shadow Dragon's classroom, Arcee got kicked and thrown against the wall. And to their shock and disbelief, they found Drago emerged out while glaring at her. The students including Smolder, Solflare, Aero, Gallus and Silverstream looked worry and scared of the situation while wondering what they can do next when dealing with him.

"You got some nerve thinking you can take me down, pinky?" Drago asked in annoyance.

Arcee groaned while positioned herself in Blazing Dragoon Style, "Do your worst, gecko!"

Drago roared, "Nobody calls me that!"

Drago dashed and attacked Arcee, who firmly and determinedly dodge and evaded the attacks while using her Black Serpent Strikes at him by face and chest. This annoyed and angered him to attack her, as well as unleashing flamethrower on her, which she barely dodged it.

"Drago?! Here?!" Spike asked in disbelief.

"You hired a most dangerous criminal in our school?!" Starlight asked angrily.

Sunset groaned, "Have you lost your mind, Discord?!"

Discord chuckled uneasily, "Well, he was a buddy of Spike."

Spike facepalmed, "My buddy is Boomer, not Drago! He's my archrival and a killer too, and son of Demon Lord of Fire!"

"SHENDU?!" Discord asked in fear. He turned and looked at Drago, who slammed and struck Arcee to the ground. She managed to kick him off before resumed a fierce fight. He chuckled uneasily with fear and worried looks, "Uh oh. Wrong guy!"

"WHAT KIND OF MORON WOULD BRING A VILLAIN TO THE SCHOOL?! THE NEXT THING YOU WANNA KNOW IS THAT YOU BECOME GROGAR TO UNITE ALL VILLAINS TO BEAT HEROES! ARE YOU ALWAYS SO CHAOTICALLY IDIOT?!" Lockdown screamed angrily at Discord's face, and even the whole school. He panted heavily, "I almost have a heart attack."

Before anyone could do anything, Drago roared angrily as he rammed and pushed Arcee all the way to the school hallway. Starlight and her school staffs went after them to the location, where they found it getting more chaotic and out of control. Yona continued rampaging and demanding everyone to be her friend. Gallus, Silverstream, Leo and Kindy struggled with restraining Bella and Cozy from attacking Cranky Doodle Donkey. Arcee continued battling with Drago.

"W-W-W-Wait! Calm down, everycreature! It's gonna be okay!" Starlight called out.

However, the students unable to stop and calm down as they were still screaming and panicking in fear, confusion, pain and agony about the latest situation they've had. The school hallway is receiving more damages from the students' fight and panic. Starlight was stunned in disbelief and worry as she's unable to calm them down.

"Mmmm, my, my, my. You do seem like you're in over your head." Discord mocked amusingly while gave 'petting' pat on Starlight's head. He smirked, "Won't Twilight be so disappointed with how you're ruining—I mean, running her school?"

Starlight became extremely annoyed and irritated with Discord's mockery as she almost explodes. She screamed out loud, "QUIET!"

Everyone quickly stopped and get quiet at once while shockingly yet fearfully looked at her. Her school staffs also were worried about her and her temper. Discord looked surprise by her reaction.

"All the so-called 'substitute' teachers, leave the school at once!" Starlight ordered firmly while using her megaphone, "All the students that have suffered some minor injuries, go to medical wing and see Metal Ponies for treatment now! Those who are not, clean this place at once!"

"And if we don't?!" Drago demanded.

Starlight activated and fired her powerful Starlight Explosion Blast at Drago, sending him all the way back to the Dark Forest. His scream of pain can still be heard inside the school. Everyone turned and looked at her.

"Anymore objection?!" Starlight demanded impatiently.

All the substitute teachers including Iron Will and Cranky Doodle Donkey panicked and ran for their lives by exiting out of the school. And at the same time, the injured and wounded students including Arcee, Yona, Bella and Cozy Glow were sent to medical wing for treatment. The rest of students including Rescue Warrior Club and Students Seven quickly cleaned up the mess and repair the school damages. The last thing they ever want is getting on Starlight's nerve.

Starlight panted heavily and exhaustingly as she tried to calm down. Sunset, Lockdown, Lance and Spike were worried and scared now while Discord has mixed feelings of amusing yet worried and nervous about her temper.

"Remind me not to get on her bad side," Lance said fearfully.

Spike nodded, "Ditto."

Starlight turned and glared at Discord, "Discord! This is all your fault!"

"Mine?" Discord asked in disbelief, "I thought you were in charge here."

"We were if an idiot like you hadn't interfere with our work!" Lockdown snapped angrily. He shown his clipboard, "I've already prepared the substitute teachers, not some wannabes!"

Discord shrugged innocently, "But I'm happy to pitch in if you need me."

"What I need is for you to leave!" Starlight said sternly.

Discord smirked slyly as he snapped his fingers. He magically transformed into a big grayish-brownish leaf-like. He playfully nuzzled her.

"Happy now?" Discord asked.

Lockdown groaned, "That's it! I'm gonna-!"

"Calm down, everyone!" Sunset said firmly. Everyone turned to her. She sighed, "Discord, please. Just leave. Now. And we don't want your crazy antics to get some bad reviews again."

Discord groaned with his rolling eyes, "Fine! From now on, I won't try to help. At! All!"

Discord's Leaf Form flew straight out of the opened window. He's now blown away to another place. Everyone sighed in relief.

"Thanks, Sunset," Starlight said in relief, "Let's just hope he stays gone."

Knowing that Discord is searching for three troublemakers, Spike shook his head in disagreement, "I wouldn't count on it. He'll be back."

Recalling Discord researching on Bella Anime and Cozy Glow, Lance nodded, "Yeah. I think Discord has a reason of why he wants to come to the school."

"Like what? Testing us?" Lockdown asked in disbelief, "As if!"

"Lockdown's right. Why couldn't he just tell me of what he really wants?" Starlight questioned in confusion, "I thought we were friends."

Spike sighed, "Well, it's kinda what he does. Even to ponies or dragons he cares about."

"So now what?" Sunset asked, "If he really does come back with nasty tricks, we have to be ready."

"I'm with you, Sunset. We have to make some necessary preparation for him." Starlight said firmly. She turned and looked at Twilight's portrait, "I told Twilight we'd run her school right, and I'm gonna keep that promise. No matter what."

Sunset sighed, "I hope you're right. The last thing we want is more chaotic problem in this school."

Returning to his home, Discord is now inside the Chaosville's basement, where he was working and dealing with his spy project. He was going through all the recorded video, student profiles, notes, chart plans and the stolen computer for him to use and access through. He hummed thoughtfully as he was typing on the computer while looking at two pictures of Bella Anime and Cozy Glow. It's making him very uneasy and worried.

"Nezha isn't the type of Mystic Pony, who's willing to adopt and accept any pony to be part of his family. So, what makes her so special for him to accept? What does he see in her?" Discord asked suspiciously and thoughtfully while looking at the picture of Bella Anime and Ocellus working on 'Stop Bullying Humans'. He commented, "While she does have the spirited image and attitude of her brother, but she's more open-minded and humbly than him. Perhaps, she can be reasoned and turned for better. Better yet, becoming a hero that Nezha could never achieve."

Looking at Cozy Glow's picture profile, Discord hummed, "Still, Cozy Glow is another story. Based on the student profile, I can't seem to find anything that relates and connection to her. No family relatives. No organization. Or even any event that has her or family involved of. Nothing at all. Like Hak Xing said, she doesn't exist in this world. So, what is she?"

Discord hummed thoughtfully while looking at Tempest Shadow picture, "Tempest Shadow – a former Commander of Storm Kingdom has sincerely surrendered to Twilight and was pardoned from the war crime. She became a Commander of newly formed 'Friendship Guards' to atone her sins." He scoffed while looking at the pictures of Tempest talking with Death Tactic, "If that is true, then why are you so secretly communicating, no, working with Death Tactic for various missions?"

Putting three pictures of Tempest, Bella and Cozy Glow together; Discord hummed suspiciously with narrowed eyes to glare at them.

"Three of them have different backgrounds, histories and events; but they shared one thing in common. Spies for Nezha Vengito to infiltrate Twilight's Kingdom and School of Friendship. For what purpose? I'll never know." Discord said suspiciously and firmly. He hummed, "I need to go deeper. Starlight won't allow me to be teacher staff, then I'll have to think something clever as Clover."

On the next day, Starlight and her school staffs have managed to repair and restore the School of Friendship's damages, thanks to the effort and help of Metal Ponies and SOF Students. Since Starlight has removed 'substitute teachers', Lockdown has brought the proper and better ones to the school. They were Shiroi, Burnblast, Lightningblade, Wild Maniac, Asami, Shadow Five, Cheerilee and Cutie Mark Crusaders, and even Tempest Shadow and Grubber.

Everyone has been gathered at the lobby, where Starlight, her remaining school staffs and substitute teachers were making announcement to the students.

"Good morning, students! I know there's been a little bit of adjustment since the professors left for their trip. But thanks to Mr. Lockdown, we've brought in new, new teachers." Starlight said humbly and calmly while pointing at the substitute teachers. She continued, "And now everything should run smoothly. Now it's time for class. And don't forget, this afternoon is the Spell-venger Hunt!"

The students chattered happily before heading off and returning to their classrooms now. The substitute teachers also joined as well. Starlight and her school staffs including Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled happily and warmly about it.

"Can't believe that Discord would do this? Why?" Nyx asked.

Spike hummed, "I don't know, Nyx. But I have the feeling that he might know about three troublemakers. We've confirmed that Cozy Glow and Bella are the troublemakers. Only one more to find out."

"Either way, let's keep an eye on them and also Discord," Lance said firmly, "If he did come back here, we really need to talk with him privately about what he really knows."

Spike, Nyx and even Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded firmly yet agreement about the situation. They need to find out what Discord know about three troublemakers.

Inside Shadow Dragon's Martial Art Dojo, Tempest Shadow is now a substitute teacher and sensei to his students including Arcee, Solflare, Aero, Gallus and Silverstream. Sunset and Lance have just arrived to check on the Friendship Guard Commander's teaching progress. Comparing to Shadow Dragon's teaching style to be patient and calm while showing off his fighting style and helped the students to develop and create their own fighting skills, Tempest Shadow is very strict and stern with the students to follow the basic rules and training of fighting style before developed with their own and engaging her.

Tempest is now facing and dealing with Arcee, who used her combined her speed and swift, struck her Rabbit Speed Kicks before struck her Black Serpent Strikes and Blazing Dragon Style at her. Tempest firmly and calmly dodged and blocked the attacks, though she received some attacks. Just as the young student struck her kick at her, she grabbed it before twist and flipped her around. She then channeled and focus her own energy within before struck her Storming Punch at the pink Hippogriff's face before launch her Lightning Kick at her off to the ground. Just as Arcee recovered, she found Tempest dashed in like lightning as she quickly grabbed and caught her by throat while holding her claws on the back. This shocked and surprised everyone in the room.

"Wow. She's good," Lance commented in surprise.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. She gave your dad a hard time. They both are quite equal and almost beaten each other to the pulp."

"Yikes," Lance remarked in amusement, "She's now in third place to be my dad's rival."

"She sure is," Sunset agreed.

Tempest released her holding on Arcee. She smiled warmly, "Well done, Arcee. You have mastered the arts and powers of Dragon and Black Serpent. You're truly indeed your master's apprentice."

Arcee bowed humbly, "Thank you, Commander. I did a lot of practice, but I'm still not close and good as he is."

Tempest shook her head calmly while patted Arcee, "Don't sell yourself short, young apprentice. The way I see it. You have good potential to become a warrior with courage, kindness and intelligent for defending your soldiers and civilians. Possibly that you could become a leader."

Arcee hissed, "You give too much credits to me, ma'am. I'm not very good at leading the team like you or my master."

Tempest smiled warmly, "Arcee, I am confident that you are good and capable leader for possessing courage, wisdom, kindness and honor. Even if there's a mistake or defeat, you learn from it and do it better. Not just for yourself, but also the team and legion. That's what makes you a better leader. Master Shadow Dragon would agree so."

Surprised and inspired by her substitute teacher, Arcee bowed humbly before Tempest, "Thank you, Commander Tempest. I'm honored. I will do my best."

Tempest nodded while patted Arcee's back, "Good to hear you, young warrior."

Suddenly, the door got burst out in two. Everyone yelped in alert and surprised. They turned and looked back at the entrance. They found Discord, wearing martial art robe, marched inside while singing 'Everypony Love Kung Fu Fighting' and dancing in Kung Fu Style.

"You've gotta be kidding me…" Tempest grumbled in annoyance, "What are you doing here, Discord? You're banished from coming to this school!"

Discord scoffed, "That's true. But I was banished from becoming teacher staff. So, I've come here to become a student instead."

"Somehow, I doubt of this." Tempest remarked dryly, "Either way, I want no interruption during my classroom. The students require a great discipline and concentration to perfect their martial art skills."

"Whatever you say," Discord mocked playfully. He gasped, "Say! Why don't you train me? I would like to show you what I can do!"

Tempest huffed, "No. I won't train a slacker like you. You hardly worth my time."

"What's the matter, Commander? Scared that I expose of who you really are?" Discord taunted.

Tempest was annoyed and irritated yet suspicious by Discord's taunt, "Perhaps, I could teach you a lesson. You should learn when to open your big mouth or else karma will haunt you down."

Discord chuckled, "I'm shaking my boots. Let's do this, baby!"

Tempest narrowed her angry eyes, "You will regret that, fool…"

Discord yelled happily and mockingly while showing off his 'Kung Fu' moves. He charged and struck his attacks at her. She calmly and swiftly dodged and evaded the attacks while swinging her punches and kicks on him for couple of times. Though irritated and annoyed by her constant dodging and fighting back, the Draconequus smirked slyly like he has the idea. While relentlessly attacking the commander, he began mocking and insulting Tempest, who has grown annoyed and irritated by him.

"You know, I find something funny and interesting about you. You sure have a lot of dark secrets in you. Something involved with your restored horn?" Discord mocked amusingly, shocking Tempest. She continued angrily attacking. He swiftly and slippery to dodge and evade them. He continued mocking and insulting, "Did you really join the Storm Kingdom for your horn? Or maybe, you were sent there to provoke and make him attack Equestria, just like what you're about to do here? Sabotaging and ruining the School of Friendship. After what Twilight has done for you, you're gonna turn your back on her? Shame on you, Tempest! Did you really feel sorry for all the things you've done? Tell me more about your boyfriend. Is he really a blue unicorn with red eyes? Quite handsome and smart, isn't he? I think you and him fit well for each other. After all, you were working for him, right? Answer this, dear Tempest, do you even care of your friends especially Twilight Sparkle, the only one who gave you're the chance of redemption? You're very, very heartless like what general did to you and your squad. You bring shame to them and even Grubber."

Angered by Discord's insults, Tempest screamed in anger as she unleashed her powerful Thunderstorm Power Beam on him, shocking and injuring him for the moment. He has turned into burnt and crisped form. He groaned before falling down on his back. Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just saw.

Tempest panted firmly with her gritted teeth, "Class dismiss!"

Tempest turned and exited out of the dojo. Everyone became uneasy and worried of what they have just witnessed. The students muttered in concern about Tempest lost her cool. Lance and Sunset approached to crisped Discord.

"What was that, Discord? Did you have to insult her badly?" Sunset demanded firmly.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. What were you thinking?"

"Worth it…" Discord said weakly and painfully yet dizzy, "Found the truth…"

"Truth?" Sunset and Lance asked in surprise and confusion.

Lance looked shock and concern as he gave some thoughts, "Don't tell me. Tempest is the last one of three troublemakers?! Is she really working for Nezha and Death Tactic from the start?"

After leaving the dojo, Tempest entered the restroom, where she took out her commlink as she was contacting her ally.

"Grand General, we've got situation! Discord onto us!"

Inside the science lab; Asami, taking over her older brother's position as science teacher, was teaching the students of handling and managing the chemistry. Two pairs were working together as a team mixing and mashing up chemicals and potions into healing potion. Cutie Mark Crusaders have just arrived to check on the science class, making sure it's alright.

Almost all struggled with chemistry while others understood and achieved creating the healing potion. Leo and Jesuits excelled with their chemistry. Kindy struggled with understanding the chemistry if not for Ciel's assistance. Cozy Glow is working together with Mano, who remained patient and calm with her while teaching what kind of potion to use for healing potion. Just as they finished up with their potion, it exploded and poured out on their face. Everyone looked worry and concern for her.

As soon as the smoke dispersed, both Mano and Cozy Glow recovered. However, her body has some black patches, her mane even shown some purple-colored streaks and her cutie mark has a familiar shield with crescent moon. Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just saw.

"What in the world?!" Nyx asked in shock.

LAUGHTER! Everyone looked around to find the source of laughter. To their shock and surprise, a blackish goo bubbled up from Asami's flask as it popped and formed into Discord. He amusingly glared at Cozy Glow.

Discord smirked, "How do you like it now, little fake?"

Cozy Glow cried in tear as she quickly ran out of the classroom while crying in tears. Almost everyone turned and glared at Discord for not only pranking on them, but also bullying them.

"Discord! What did you do?!" Asami demanded angrily and firmly, "That was horrible to Cozy Glow!"

Discord shrugged, "If that's her real name. As far as you all know, her so-called appearance is not even real like she doesn't exist."

Asami groaned in annoyance, "Get out now! Before I make the report to Starlight! She will have the word with you!"

"Whatever. I done my part. Adding another to my report," Discord said happily before teleported at once.

Asami groaned in annoyance before calming her muttering and worrying students to resume the lessons. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked shock and confuse of what they just saw.

"What was that?" Nyx asked in thoughts, "her 'Rook Chess Piece' cutie mark suddenly turned into a shield with moon in it. She even has some black patches on her. What is she? Is she even a pony?"

Inside the Headmare's Office; Sunset, Lockdown, Lance and Nyx were making the report to Starlight and Spike about Discord's activity in the school. This annoyed and frustrated her.

"I don't believe it…" Starlight hissed in frustration while reading the reports. She groaned before slammed her head against the table, "Damn it, Discord!"

Everyone looked worry and uneasy about it. Sunset nodded in concern, "Discord's getting out of control! He's really pissed about what happened when the School of Friendship was opened."

Starlight sighed, "No kidding. We need to deal with it somehow."

"Agreed." Lockdown said firmly and seriously. He looked at his student tracking device, "According to my device, he's heading to Wild Maniac's class now! That guy maybe trickster, but I outsmart him."

"Well, let's go now," Starlight said firmly, "He's really gone too far now. He and I are gonna have a talk."

Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown marched out of the office. Lance, Spike and Nyx followed them from behind while having their own private discussion.

"Guys, you noticed what Discord was trying to do, right?" Spike asked calmly.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. Even though Tempest never admitted, her reaction and attacks on Discord proved that she's one of three troublemakers." Spike and Nyx looked shock and disbelief. He sighed, "I didn't want to believe it but Tempest never lose her cool no matter what happens, unless something like her closest friend or being insult about horn. As far as I can tell, he mentioned about a blue unicorn with red eyes."

"Death Tactic…" Nyx answered in concern. Lance nodded in confirmation. She continued, "Discord targeted Cozy Glow again. You won't believe of what Crusaders and I found out. That filly got some patches and same cutie mark as mine."

Lance and Spike were in shock. The dragon hissed, "Yikes. What happened?"

"No idea," Nyx admitted in concern, "But she's not really who she seems to be. Something to do with Hak Xing's riddle about her."

Spike hummed in concern, "Maybe you're right. Now, he's heading for Bella Anime. No doubt that he's gonna expose her that she's a spy for Nezha."

Lance nodded, "Yeah. If there's one thing that Bella got in common with her human counterpart from Equestria Girls, they both loved her brother and will do whatever it takes to complete their mission, for their brother. He's gonna exposed her soon."

Spike sighed, "When she does, I hope she do it a right thing."

Wild Maniac, serving as coach, was coaching and training the students including Sandbar, Melody, Ocellus, Yona, Heatwave, DECK, Blackwitch, Mano and Rak. They ran very fast and quick as they can, going around the large Buckball Field for almost 10 laps. Seeing they have put up the effort, he made a loud whistle, making them stopped at once.

"Woo! Now, that's what I called 'wild', baby! Way to go!" Wild Maniac cheered happily. The students cheered happily, though exhausted and tired. He smiled, "Take a break, yo. I'm gonna get some drinks for you all."

The students chattered and complied to his command as they're now taking the seat and rest. Wild Maniac turned and headed off to get some drinks for his students. As soon as their substitute teacher left, Discord, dressed in yellow shirt, blue pants, a cap and a fake mustache while holding a clipboard and wearing a whistle around his neck, appeared before them.

"Take a lap, team!" Discord ordered firmly and calmly.

"Uh, actually, we just finished Professor Wild Maniac's workout." Sandbar said calmly.

"Yeah. We haven't even pass 5-minute break," Heatwave added in agreement. He glared at Sandbar, "Sandbar doesn't mind doing it."

Sandbar groaned, "Why you-!"

Discord hummed as he interrupted slyly, "Sounds like somepony needs a little motivation."

Discord blew a whistle, but at the same time, something appeared behind the students. Everyone looked behind as they found couple of Vileraptors climbing up to the top of seats. The ancient velociraptors-like screeched at them. The students screamed and panicked in fear as they quickly got off and ran for their lives. Vileraptors went after them at once. They all gone around the buckball field.

"Way to go, idiots!" Bella screamed in fear.

"It wasn't my fault!" Sandbar and Heatwave screamed and panicked.

The students managed to outrun the Vilreaptors while taking a break after third lap. Discord approached while glaring at them.

"We really need a break," Rak panted.

"Friendship is about honesty. So believe me when I say-" Discord said calmly before shouted at Rak's face, "-we're not stopping!"

Discord whistled out loud again, making Vileraptors screeched out loud to give chase. Seeing the creatures are on the move, the students panicked and ran for their lives at once. They all ran as fast as they can. Unfortunately for Ocellus, she's getting tired and exhausted from running.

"I… I… can't run… anymore…!" Ocellus panted heavily before tripped and fell to the ground hard. She grunted in pain while recovering. She looked behind and found Vileraptors were about to pounce on her. She screamed, "HELP!"

"Ocellus!" Bella and Sandbar screamed in concern, "Hang on!"

Just as Sandbar arrived and covered Ocellus, Bella charged and pushed the Vileraptors back, with the use of her Mantis Blade Strikes and Death Beam. However, the ancient velociraptors weren't badly injured.

Just before Vileraptors could do anything, they all got shot and blasted by two magical beams. They then got teleported off to 'Jurassic Land' at once. They all turned to back and found Starlight and her school staffs arrived at the scene. They're now very angry as they approach and confront Discord for the mess he has make.

"Discord, that's enough!" Starlight exclaimed in fury while glaring at Discord, "Endangering students crosses the line! I don't know why you're trying to ruin this school, but it stops now!"

Sunset said sternly, "Yeah! We won't tolerate this anymore!"

Discord scoffed as he magically removed his coaching suit, "I wouldn't be so sure."

Angered by his mockery, Starlight readied with her horn lighting up with magic, "This is your last warning."

"You tell her, sister!" Lockdown agreed firmly, "Teach that bothersome pest a lesson!"

Worried for her friend's rashness, Sunset spoke up while calmed her friend down, "Hey-hey-hey! Take it easy, Starlight! Discord's your friend, remember?"

"Well, he's not acting like it!" Starlight said firmly yet angrily.

Though he was aware Discord's purpose of trying to figure out and expose three troublemakers, Spike can't help but feel that he has gone too far. He spoke, "She's right, Discord. What's your problem?"

"My problem?" Discord asked angrily, "How is the fact that Twilight decided to put an incompetent, power-hungry unicorn and her friend human-turned-to-unicorn in charge of her school my problem?!"

Angered by his mockery, Starlight almost wanted to fire her magical beam. Suddenly, Lockdown stepped in and snapped firmly and sternly at Discord, "I can think of many reasons that they're better and smarter than you!"

"Excuse me?!" Discord demanded angrily.

"You heard me!" Lockdown said firmly while showing his clipboard. He listed down his reasons, "The only reasons why Headmare Twilight would never hire you because you're completely incompetent, irresponsible, insensitive, selfish, cruel, horrible, terrible, not intelligent and worst of all – completely obnoxious and irritated being, who never consider how important the friendship is! Both Starlight and Sunset do. They're better than you!"

Discord gasped in shock and anger, "How dare you?! You're gonna be sorry for this, KRONK!"

Discord snapped his fingers as he magically something that frightened Lockdown. He looked back and found something or someone has terrifying to make him scream. A couple of clowns made some funny and terrifying faces at him. He screamed in fear while running and hiding behind the chairs. This has made a last straw for Starlight to bear.

"That does it! Discord, you're fired!" Starlight snapped angrily.

Just before Discord could do anything, Starlight fired her powerful magical beam to blast him away from School of Friendship, sending him straight to Fluttershy's Cottage. She panted heavily while calming herself down. Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just saw. They muttered in fear and concern.

"Starlight, what the hell?!" Sunset asked in shock, "Did you realize of what you've done?! You scared the students off!"

Recovered from his nightmares, Lockdown groaned, "She does make a point."

As soon as Starlight calmed herself down, she turned and looked back as she found some students were and scared and worried of what they just saw. She realized of what she has done.

Starlight sighed calmly, "Everyone, don't worry. I only banished him to Fluttershy's Cottage, making sure that he doesn't cause more problems to the school again."

"I'm not sure that'd be a good idea," Spike said in concern, "Why didn't you just talk to Discord?"

"I would if he hadn't been a jerk in the first place," Starlight said angrily and firmly. She then gave some thoughts, "Or maybe, I'm just upset that he might be right. I've been doing a terrible job as headmare."

"That's ridiculous! Why would you think like that?!" Lockdown asked in disbelief.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. You just need to control your temper. That's all."

"Exactly," Starlight said firmly, surprising everyone. She sighed, "I did let my anger get to me again. I take it out on Discord. I'm worried and scared that I might disappoint Twilight. She's expecting me to do a good job for being a headmare."

Spike shook his head, "Just be yourself, Starlight. Twilight chose you to be Headmare because you got the knowledge and experience about friendship. Not to mention, you did provide the counsel to the students with their problems too."

"He does have the point," Sunset agreed calmly, "You did a fine job being a Headmare."

Starlight couldn't help but smile a bit, "I guess you're right. But still, I wonder why me being in charge bothers him so much."

"Yeah. That's a good question. Discord never get bothered about wanting more power," Sunset said in concern, "I mean he is the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. That's considered him powerful, right?"

Hearing the school bell rang, Spike spoke, "We can figure that out after the Spell-venger Hunt. C'mon!"

Just as Starlight and her school staffs were about to leave, Nyx spoke up, "If it helps you, Starlight; Lance and I can check on Discord to see what he really wants."

"And who knows? Try to talk some sense into him," Lance suggested.

Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "Alright. Just be careful with him. He's unpredictable."

"Got it." Lance and Nyx nodded firmly.

Lance and Nyx headed off to find Discord while Starlight and her school staffs returned to the School of Friendship, begin the Spell-venger Hunt. On their way out to the school's pond, they then spotted Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were hiding behind the large rock. They followed behind them. They shushed at them while pointed something from the School of Friendship's tower-like, where three figures talking.

"We should make things quicker! Discord is gonna expose us!" Cozy exclaimed in concern.

"I make the rules here! I won't have you go behind my back again! Just like what you did before!" Tempest said angrily while holding her Summoner Gem, "Trust me. You do not want to test me!"

Cozy Glow looked scared and worried before panicked, "I-It wasn't my fault! Really! I didn't know she was a fake! That fake could have exposed my secret to the world! I have to get rid of her!"

Tempest growled in anger. Bella stood in while speaking, "Calm down, Commander! She's just a kid!"

"Spare me of your lecture, Bella. You and I know that she doesn't even exist in this world," Tempest said sternly and firmly, "She's a disposable."

"Come on, Tempest. Don't do something stupid!" Bella said firmly and seriously, "The last thing you want is regret and lose what you have gained!"

Though annoyed yet frustrated, Tempest groaned, "The thing is I'm not sure what I'm gonna regret and lose – my horn or open up to my friendship." She sighed, "Fine. Now go. You have Spell-venger Hunt to do."

Both Bella and Cozy Glow turned and headed off for their Spell-Venger Hunt event now. Tempest remained behind while looking at the sky, wondering about her decision.

"What was that about?" Lance asked.

Apple Bloom sighed, "No clue. Diamond Tiara called us when she and her workers were bringing more supplies for the school."

Diamond Tiara nodded, "Yeah. I just saw how Tempest threatened and dragged Cozy Glow out for the talk. Whatever is going on, it's not good."

"How did you two about this?" Nyx asked.

"I told her," Apple Bloom admitted. Nyx looked at her sternly. She sighed, "Well, we gonna need some help for this. Diamond Tiara's family got some serious connection to anyone for helping us with this. It would be great help."

Diamond Tiara huffed, "Yup. After what that brat did to you, I want to make her pay for it. What she did makes me mad for what I did before!"

Nyx patted Diamond Tiara, "No need to go that far, Diamond Tiara. Just do what you can to learn more about Cozy Glow. And also, stay away from her. The last thing I want is you all get in trouble because of me."

Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Snotty Duo nodded in understanding. Lance spoke, "Let's get going now."

Lance and Nyx headed off to find Discord while Cutie Mark Crusaders and Snotty Dup returned and entered the School of Friendship.

Lance and Nyx have arrived at Fluttershy's Cottage, searching and looking for Discord while checking if he was alright. Just as they entered the cottage, they were surprised and shocked to see him and his clones were researching and studying on the latest findings and the video about Tempest Shadow, Cozy Glow and Bella Anime.

"Discord?" Nyx asked in surprise.

"Ah, my friends! Welcome! Welcome! Come on in!" Discord exclaimed happily. Lance and Nyx did so and entered the cottage. Writing down on his report, he smiled happily, "You're just in time to see my latest report about my findings!"

"So, you're not mad at Starlight?" Lance asked in concern.

"What? Banished by her?" Discord asked playfully. He chuckled, "Nope. I'm not mad. In fact, I'm glad that she and the whole school got distracted by my crazy antics, so that I can conduct my 'real' work. Once I got everything I need, I just need someone to blast me away from the school."

"Wait a sec! You mean to tell me that everything happened from today and just now was a big distraction for you to multitask with researching and spying on three spies?!" Lance asked in disbelief and shock. Discord nodded happily. He hissed, "Man, you're really crazy."

Discord chuckled, "That's me."

Looked at the works, Nyx asked, "You really tried to find out about the three troublemakers?"

Discord nodded happily, "Yes, I did. I confirmed my suspicions that Tempest Shadow, Bella Anime and Cozy Glow are the spies working for Nezha."

"What?!" Nyx and Lance asked in disbelief and shock.

"Oh yes, I did! Check them out by yourself! I really did my research!" Discord said firmly and calmly. Nyx and Lance approached and checked on the reports that he has made. They were in shock and disbelief. He asked, "I'd take your silence means I'm right, right?"

"Damn it. I always knew Cozy Glow is a spy but Bella and Tempest?" Nyx asked in disbelief. She sighed while facepalmed, "I can't believe this…"

Lance nodded in concern, "Yeah. I've thought that they really accept friendship being important to them. Guess we were wrong."

"Don't feel bad. You wouldn't know," Discord said playfully.

"Still, when did you find out about them?" Lance asked.

"Yeah. We never told anyone about this." Nyx added suspiciously, "How do we know you're not a spy for Nezha?"

"Me? A spy? For arrogant blockheaded fool?" Discord asked in disbelief. He scoffed, "I think not! I happened to hear some gossips from this school."

"Just checking," Nyx said firmly and calmly. She then looked at the reports, "So, now that you've got the reports and evidence about three spies, what are you gonna do now? You're gonna show it to my mummy?"

Discord hummed thoughtfully, "Nope."

"Okay. Why? And who you're gonna give to?" Lance asked in uncertain yet worried.

Discord gave a sly face, "You'll see. Just wait for the right signal."

Lance and Nyx became uneasy and worried with Discord's plan, but they have to trust him because he's the one, who has been gathering the information and evidence about three spies. Question remained is how Draconequus get inside the School of Friendship or even Castle of Friendship since he was banished?

In the afternoon, the students have gathered at the lobby as they're preparing for the Spell-venger Hunt. Starlight and the rest of school staffs were gathered on top of stage as they're now giving out the instruction to them now. The students were excited and happy as they can't wait to start the game very soon.

Starlight explained while projecting the holographic forms of seven artifacts, "For this afternoon's Spell-venger Hunt, you'll need to use the artifacts' history to find where they're hidden in the castle."

Projecting the steps of how two pairs can track and signaled their confirmation on the artifact they found, Sunset continued, "When you spot one, touch it with a magic shield to keep track of your score."

Lockdown stepped out as he held out his scroll, "Twilight left the list of your hunt partners before she left. Spike will pass out the shields."

Lockdown listed down on two students to partner with for Spell-venger Hunt. Spike passed the magic shield watches-like to them. All the students have paired up and got their own magic shield-like wrists such as Sandbar-Heatwave, Arcee-Blackwitch, Gallus-Silverstream, Ocellus-Bella, Rak-Yona, Aero-Smolder, Ciel-Kindy, Mano-Solflare, DECK-Melody Bubbles and Leo-Jesuits. They're all readied for the event now.

Seeing the students are readied for the event, Starlight turned and nodded to Sunset, who levitated and readied with the gong and drumstick.

"Ready… Set… Spell-venger Hunt!" Starlight exclaimed happily, signaling Sunset to bang the gong.

The students chattered happily as they split up and went into different directions, searching and finding the artifacts.

"C'mon! We can use Twilight's observatory to watch the teams!" Spike suggested happily.

Starlight nodded calmly and firmly as she and her school staffs headed straight to the observatory tower. So, they can watch and see how the students' progress goes with the Spell-venger Hunt event.

Many students chattered happily while searching and locating for the artifacts in the School of Friendship. Ocellus and Bella were walking down the school hallway as they're keeping their eyes out for the artifact.

"I hope you know where you're going." Bella said in concern.

Ocellus cheered happily, "To the Helm of Yksler!"

Surprised, Bella shrugged, "Eh, works for me."

Ocellus and Bella arrived at another hallway, filled with two rows of armored medieval knights. They walked down the path, looking for helm.

While reading the book, Ocellus smiled and explained, "In our book, it says Yksler was an honorable yak warrior. Any enemies that saw him put down their weapons in peace. I think his artifact must be in one of these suits of armor."

While looking around of her surroundings, Bella spotted a familiar Helm of Yksler on one of the armored knights. She cleared her throat, "I'm guessing that one."

Ocellus stopped before turned and looked at her friend. Bella pointed at the armored knight with Helm of Yksler. She looked very surprise and happy about it. They quickly held their hooves up, close to the artifact. The magic shield flashed out with greenish tick.

"Yes! One down, five to go!" Ocellus exclaimed happily while holding her hoof up.

Giving Ocellus a hoof bump, Bella cheered, "Booyah!"

Heatwave, Sandbar, Aero and Smolder have arrived at the hallway of armored knights. They were in shock and surprised of what they just. While Smolder and Aero gave a thumbs up to Bella and Ocellus, both Heatwave and Sandbar snarled while glaring and arguing with each other over it.

From the observatory tower, Starlight and her school staffs using the large telescopes to watch and observe the students' progress. They saw how Ocellus and Bella managed to search and located the first artifact.

"Awww, Ocellus and Bella found their first artifact!" Starlight commented happily. Sunset, Lockdown and Spike smiled and nodded happily. They turned to the lift, where Lance and Nyx were meeting up with them. She smiled, "Hey guys! Did you find Discord? Is he still angry at me?"

"Yeah, we did," Lance admitted in concern, "And it's kinda complicated."

Starlight and her school staffs looked confuse and uncertain. Nyx cleared her throat, "All you need to know is that Discord has something else in his mind."

"That does not make us feel better," Spike said in concern.

Noticed something off from her telescope, Sunset gasped, "Guys! Something up!"

Everyone quickly used their telescopes to look at Sunset's direction. And to their shock and disbelief, they found the armored knight with Helm of Yksler climbed down and marched towards three team, who looked scared and worried of facing it. It then just about to ram at them. They barely dodged before making run for their lives.

Everyone looked shocked and concern about the situation. Lockdown panicked, "The school is haunted!"

In the School of Friendship's Library, some of the students were still searching and looking for the artifacts, believing that they should studying some books or look through the bookshelf to find it. Arcee and Blackwitch were looking through some bookshelves to find it. DECK was lecturing and teaching Melody about the artifacts and the previous owner wield them. Gallus and Silverstream have just arrived and entered the library.

"We're totally gonna win this Spell-venger Hunt!" Silverstream cheered happily.

"Yeah, I doubt that." Gallus said playfully, disappointing her. He remained calm and answered, "But at least I know where one of the artifacts is. Saw Spike hide it yesterday."

Silverstream became excited and happy again as she followed Gallus, who was heading straight to the wall that filled with the portraits of Owner of Artifacts including King Grover. The blue Griffon held his Magic Shield-like Wrist, which is pointing at it. He smirked confidently and slyly as he knew that he's on the right track.

Gallus gave a bump against the King Grover's portrait, which opened and revealed a vault that contained the crown inside. Arcee, Blackwitch, DECK and Melody arrived and checked it out. They were surprised that blue Griffon was able to find it.

"The Crown of Grover! Score!" Gallus cheered happily as he and Silverstream used their Magic Shield to detect and confirmed the artifact. He smiled, "They say it's magic and King Grover used it to become the first ruler of Griffonstone. I know, pretty sweet, right?"

"You paid attention in class!" Silverstream cheered happily.

Arcee smiled and nodded proudly, "Yeah, I'm impressed. Looks like a slacker finally show his true potential. Nice work, Gallus. I'm proud of you."

Gallus squawked in concern, "What?! I-If you both ever tell an–!"

To their shock and surprise, the portrait has suddenly slammed back and closed the vault by itself. Everyone was confused and worried as they turned and looked at it. King Grover's portrait has suddenly come to life while screeching at them.

"Whoa!" Gallus exclaimed in surprise.

"3D painting!" Silverstream asked in surprise, "Cool! When did your dad do that?"

"He didn't," Arcee admitted in concern. Everyone worriedly looked at her. She gulped, "I've got a bad feeling about this."

Just as she feared, King Grover's Portrait managed to yank itself out before scaring Arcee and her friends off. They all panicked and ran for their lives at once. It gave chase after them now. It wasn't the only one as more of portraits have come to life and chased after other students. They all panicked and ran for their lives.

Amidst of the chaos in library, spiritual form of Discord emerged out from bookshelf as he laughed playfully and happily of what he saw.

Starlight and her school staffs have saw what really happened at the school library from inside the observatory. Almost everyone was annoyed about this now.

"You're right," Sunset said firmly, "That's definitely Discord. This is not good."

"I thought you banished him from the school." Lockdown asked in disbelief.

"Only his body. Apparently, his ghost can come and go just fine." Starlight explained in frustration. She turned and looked at Lance and Nyx. She asked, "What was that about him not being mad at me?"

Lance and Nyx smiled nervously and fearfully, "We didn't. We said it's complicated."

Lockdown screamed in anger, "This thing is out of control! We need to do something!"

Spike nodded in fear, "No kidding. But what can we do now?!"

Starlight sighed in frustration, "I don't know, but I'm gonna do what I have to keep the school safe, even if it means giving up my position to save it. We have to stop this."

"How?" Sunset asked in concern, "No offense, but I don't think magic is the answer to deal with Discord. The last thing we need is more chaotic in School of Friendship."

Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "You know, Sunset? You make a good point."

"So, what's the plan?" Lance asked in concern.

Starlight sighed, "Let's hope Discord's cooperative with us."

Rak, Yona, Mano, Solflare, Ciel, Kindy, Leo and Jesuits were looking around at the small hallway that has staircase to next level. They were looking around, searching for another artifact.

"Hmm... What Yona look for?" Yona asked.

"The Shell of Knuckerbocker. It's like a seashell, but if you blow into it, you call a dragon!" Rak explained before chuckled a bit, "I have had a hard time to believe that."

Ciel hummed thought, "There's a sweet poem in our book about it. 'Climb to the heights with dragon flight.'" She gasped when she looked at where Rak was standing. She exclaimed, "Like flight of stairs!"

Rak looked down at the staircase, "Huh… I didn't think of that."

Yona shrugged, "Yona take pony word for it."

Just as everyone was climbing up the staircase, they felt something sticky on the steps. Is step suddenly changed from solid into muddy quicksand-like. It's dragging them down.

Ciel grunted, "W-What's happening?!"

Yona groaned and struggled to get out, "Ugh! Yona not know! But Yona do know Yona not like Spell-venger Hunt!"

Rak, Yona, Ciel, Kindy, Mano, Solflare, Leo and Jesuit struggled of getting out from the quicksand. The rest of their friends and the students were running away at the school hallway as they were being chased by the portraits and armored knights. And at the same time, Ghost Discord was flying and phasing through walls as he was searching for the artifacts.

After barely escaped the portraits and armored knights, Arcee and her team came across to Rak and the rest of his friends trapped in the sinking sand. While six of Student Seven helped to get their friends out, Arcee and the rest of her Rescue Warrior Club fought and repelled against the incoming portraits and armored knights. Though succeeded, they're now surrounded by more of armored knights and portraits while other students being chased and scared off.

"EVERYCREATURE, STOP!"

Both Student Seven and Rescue Warrior Club were alerted and surprised by the shout. They looked up ahead, where they found Starlight and her school staffs arrived at the scene.

"Headmare Starlight!" Arcee exclaimed happily. She yelped, feeling Silverstream held around her neck. She grunted in pain, "Silverstream! Y-You're chocking me!"

Silverstream panicked, "B-B-B-But the school is haunted!"

"It's not haunted. It's Discord." Starlight answered dryly.

Suddenly, the whole chaotic scene disappeared and turned everything back to normal. Discord's Ghost appeared while have all the seven artifacts before them.

"Headmare Starlight! Look at me! Look! I won the Spell-venger Hunt! Well done, me!" Discord's Ghost exclaimed happily, "Now what's my prize?

"Detention!" Lockdown snarled.

Discord's Ghost scoffed, "Well, that's disappointing."

Discord's Ghost magically thrown all seven artifacts on his back, prompting Lockdown and Spike to jump and grab all of them in time.

"Discord, that has gone far enough!" Lance snapped firmly and angrily, "I thought you won't do this again!"

Nyx nodded angrily, "You can't keep messing up the school."

Discord's Ghost scoffed, "On the contrary. I think I rather can. And will."

Sunset groaned, "Discord…"

"It's okay, Sunset," Starlight said firmly and calmly as she approached and faced the Draconequus, "Then I have just one thing to say to you."

Discord's Ghost smirked, "Oh, do go on."

"I'm sorry," Starlight answered humbly yet sadly, shocking and confusing everyone in the room. She then fired her magic blast on him, restoring and bringing his body back. She explained, "As headmare and guidance counselor, I shouldn't just think about the school property but also the students and my own friends. You felt left out, didn't you?"

Discord looked surprise and disbelief by Starlight's deduction as he stuttered, "I-I don't know what you're getting at."

"You don't have to lie to me, Discord," Starlight said calmly, "Nopony ever invited you to the school. And when you offered to help, I didn't listen. I was so worried about handling the school matters as headmare. I chose to ignore my own friends and do what I think it's best for the school. I'm really sorry for that, Discord. I would like to offer you a job."

Everyone was in shocked and disbelief by Starlight's proposal. They all protested and objected hers to allow Discord in. The Draconequus remained silent while processing of what Starlight has offered to him.

Discord sighed in shame, "The thing is Twilight and Fluttershy did invite me to come here."

"What?!" Everyone asked in disbelief.

"I knew it!" Spike exclaimed happily.

"Why?" Starlight asked in confusion.

"Well, I was a bit late when I was making a special gift for Fluttershy. I was on my way to the School of Friendship. That was when that some jerk called out bad at Twilight, her friends and other creatures. I was gonna beat him for being rude and jerk as many bullies did to poor guys, but I couldn't," Discord admitted in concern. Everyone looked confuse. He continued, "The last thing I want is ruin their chance to prove that ponies and creatures can be friends. So, I stayed away from the school for a while."

Though shocked by the revelation, Starlight asked sternly, "So, why now? Why did you go through the troubles to cause here?"

"Like you said, I felt I was left out for too long." Discord admitted in shame, "So, I tried to be nice and hope to join your crew. Since you rejected me…"

Starlight sighed, "I get the picture, Discord. That's why I'm offering you a job."

Discord smiled, "It's a deal. And don't worry, no more causing problems. I could take over Pinkie's class. Making ponies smiles and pranks are my style!"

Starlight giggled, "Sure. Why not? Try not to overdo again?"

Discord shrugged, "Sure. What's next?"

"Well, Discord, if you'll help me get this Spell-venger Hunt back in order."

With the snap of his fingers, all of seven artifacts disappeared and re-hidden at the different locations. Discord smiled, "Everything is re-hidden. Well, with a few surprises. You just have to find out by yourselves."

Heatwave groaned, "I really don't like him. He's the worst."

"DISCORD!" Twilight's voice called angrily.

Everyone looked at the entrance, where they found Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have emerged out and approaching them. They also find their appearances to be messy, dirty, wet, bruised and injured. And of course, they are now very angry and annoyed.

Twilight continued angrily, "I can't believe you tricked us into going on a friendship quest that wasn't real!"

Shadow Dragon nodded, "You've got some serious explaining to do!"

"Oh, back so soon?" Discord asked in annoyance.

"A glamour spell on our cutie marks?" Rarity asked in disbelief.

Terrorcreep added, "A fake summons from the map?"

"Hey, at least we got to go spelunking in that really creepy cave with all those eyeless worm creatures chasing us." Pinkie cheered happily. Almost some of Dragon Strike Force turned and gave her a glare. She gulped nervously, "Sorry."

"Master! You've returned! Thank goodness!" Arcee exclaimed happily as she and her friends bowed humbly before her master.

"Uh. Yeah, me too…" Shadow Dragon said in confusion.

"Uh, y'all get the feelin' we missed somethin'?" Applejack asked in concern, making everyone shrugged in uncertain.

"Alright, class, get back to Spell-venger Event," Starlight said calmly and firmly. The students chattered and muttered calmly as they headed off to continue their Spell-venger Hunt. She turned and looked at Twilight, "Glad to see you guys back."

Twilight smiled and nodded, "Yeah. Thanks for taking care of the school, Starlight and Sunset."

"It was a challenge. Heh." Starlight admitted, "But I think things turned out just the way you'd have handled them."

Sunset giggled, "Yeah. You can trust us to handle here. We've got everything under control now. Nothing bad has happened."

"I bet the differ," Tempest said sternly.

Everyone looked behind, where they found Tempest, Death Tactic and his Elite Guards have entered the hallway. They especially Discord all looked confused and worried now.

"Arrest him now!" Death Tactic said sternly and angrily.

Elite Guards quickly moved out as they used their Electrical Staffs to shock and electrocute Discord. He dropped to the ground hard. They quickly electrocuted and shocked him, allowing one of them to place the Power Cuff on him. It prevented him from using his Chaotic Powers.

"What are you doing?!" Starlight asked in shock and concern.

"Arresting him for treason against Mystic and Equestria Alliance," Death Tactic said sternly and firmly. Everyone was in shock and disbelief. He continued, "He hacked and stolen our military classified information! He intended to sell them to the enemies."

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief. Fluttershy snapped, "Discord would never do this! He never sides with the enemy."

"He did. I have the evidence and proof that he did." Death Tactic said sternly. He even shown the warrant arrest form to Twilight and her friends. He explained, "Both Emperor Nezha and Mystic Council have gave me the permission to arrest him. I have the warrant arrest. Anyone refused to cooperate with us will be arrested as well!"

Everyone groaned angrily as they were about to argue and fight with Death Tactic and his Elite Guards, who were prepared to fight as well. Discord came in-between them.

"Stop! I'll come with you!" Discord said firmly, "Just leave them alone!"

Everyone was in shocked and concerned. Fluttershy spoke in concern, "But Discord-!"

"I'll be fine. I'll prove to them that I've got nothing to do with this." Discord said cockily with a wink. He looked at Starlight, "I'll be out in not time. Call me if you need a Laughter Teacher. And I left a gift at your office. Hope it makes up for everything."

Starlight was shocked to speak, "Discord, I-!"

"I'll be fine," Discord said calmly and happily, "Let's get the show on the road!"

Death Tactic nodded, "Wise decision, Discord."

Death Tactic and his Elite Guards turned and escorted Discord out of the School of Friendship. Everyone turned and glared at Tempest.

"Why, Tempest?" Starlight asked firmly.

"To protect our home from a greater threat," Tempest said firmly, "Discord has betrayed us before. I won't let that happen again."

"No…" Fluttershy said in hurt tone, making Rainbow and Terrorcreep to pat her in comfort.

Starlight narrowed her angry eyes at Tempest, "I don't believe you. Discord is not a culprit. He maybe a prankster, but not a devious traitor."

"Believe what you want, Starlight. I did what is necessary," Tempest said sternly. She humbly bowed, "I shall leave now and return to my post. Thank you for inviting me to this school for training the students."

Tempest turned and headed towards the entrance. She turned and looked at Shadow Dragon, "You have a promising student. Train her well. She might become your successor."

Shadow Dragon knew what Tempest was talking. He nodded, "Yeah. I have the same feeling too."

Tempest approached and exited out of the School of Friendship. Everyone else gave some thoughts and prayed that Discord would be alright and proved that he's innocent.

After capturing Discord, Death Tactic and his Elite Guards escorted him straight to their classified location via using the Mystic Hawk Gunship. Upon arriving to the Dr. Wong's Secret Laboratory, the gunship descended and landed on the platform. They then led and escorted him straight to the basement, where Dr. Wong and his scientists were working on their Project: Abomination and Project: Super Soldiers.

"This isn't a prison, is it?" Discord asked in concern.

"No, it isn't," Death Tactic said calmly. He turned and looked at Dr. Wong, "Dr. Wong, I've brought the sample for you to use for Project Abomination."

Readying with his tranquilizer injector, Dr. Wong smirked, "Good. Discord's DNA and blood will be perfect to modify and sustain the mutation gene. Project Abomination will be successful. Thank you for volunteer and cooperation, Mr. Discord."

"Indeed. If you think you could just hack and learn more of our three spies, you're sadly mistaken," Death Tactic mocked calmly, "We've waiting for you to make a mistake. Hacking and stealing the information is a perfect example."

Discord gulped, "Oh no…"

Before Discord could do anything, Elite Guards quickly used their electrical staffs, electrocuting and shocking him. Dr. Wong quickly injected the tranquilizer dose on him. This weakened and exhausted him to become unconsciousness and dropped on the ground hard.

"Doctor, I believe that you can finally finish your project," Death Tactic said firmly.

Dr. Wong nodded, "It will be done, sir."

After the event of Spell-venger Hunt, Starlight and Sunset returned to the guidance counselor's office as they're taking the break from the event. And to their shock and surprise, they found couple of files, notes and information on the table. They read the notes:

'Keep your eyes out on three troublemakers! They're bad news to Fluttershy and her friends, and also the School of Friendship! Lance, Spike, Arcee, Shiroi and Crusaders know about this.

Love,

Discord!'

Starlight and Sunset looked worry about the message. They then looked through the files and notes that Discord has left behind. They're all couldn't believe in their own eyes of what they just read and the pictures they saw.

"I-I can't believe it…" Starlight said in disbelief.

"What's next?" Sunset asked in concern.

Starlight sighed, "We owe this to Discord. We keep our eyes out on them. If they make a move, we have to stop and detain them at once before they get the chance..."

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

John de Lancie: Discord

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Erik Kimerer: Spike

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Minor Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep

Ashley EcksteinL Arcee

Vincent Tong: Sandbar

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Jack DeSana: Heatwave

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Taissa Farmiga: Blackwitch

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom

Chantal Strand: Diamond Tiara

Sunni Westbrook: Cozy Glow

Cameo:

Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow

Seychelle Gabriel: Asami

T.J. Miller: Wild Maniac

Trevor Devall: Iron Will

Richard Newman: Cranky Doodle Donkey

Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic

B.D. Wong: Dr. Wong

Episode 16: The Legacy

Author's Note

Shadowzone Realm (Based on DC Injustice Video Game) was one of the episodes I originally wanted to write but I decided not to. This episode will be very much like travelling to another dimension and fight the opposites. Too cliché and I don't want to make another spinoff series. Besides, Equestria Girls is already a spinoff series for me to work.

Either way, this episode is replaced with The Legacy, which will blow your mind! Hope you enjoy this one!

Episode 16: The Legacy

Two weeks later since Discord's arrested for causing chaos and stealing Mystic Intel, Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force continued teaching and helping students learn about friendship, though they also have to deal with Rarity and Rainbow's Friendship Case. Nezha has returned to the throne but still under watchful eye by the Mystic Council. Discord was nowhere to be seen in Equestria since he was the prisoner to Mystic Ponies.

One day, Mystic Tao and Dragon Kick summoned Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and even Blackwitch for their help to deal with the intruder. At the Arimaspi Territory's outskirt, they were walking and travelling through the forest before exiting out of the corridor. They've arrived and came across to a large yet creepy and scary cave with Arimaspi's Skull-like.

Everyone marched and entered the cave. Blazefist helped lighting up the torches for everypony to use while walking down the corridor caves, with Mystic Tao, Dragon Kick and Blackwitch leading them.

Blackwitch narrowed her firm eyes, "This is it. We must act now."

"It has to be Arimaspi's Place… Whose idea of putting this 'relic' here again?" Rainbow grumbled in annoyance. Annoyed, Mystic Tao whacked on her head very hard. She yelped in pain before rubbed on her head, "Ow!"

"Respect the elders, Dash!" Mystic Tao sternly scolded Rainbow. He scoffed, "Uncle Tao believed Arimaspi Territory is the best and safest place for protecting the relic. Arimaspis are very territorial and protective creatures. They will never allow any creatures especially Griffons from getting in."

"And you give them the relic why?" Icy asked curiously.

Mystic Tao scoffed a bit, "Arimaspi and Mystic Ponies are good friends and made peaceful trades with each other a lot."

"I see." Twilight nodded understandingly, "Still what kind of relic we're supposed to protect?"

Shadow Dragon nodded in concern while looking at Mystic Tao, "Yeah. It must be serious for you and Kicker to call all of us here."

Dragon Kick sighed, "It really is. This 'relic' belongs to Mystic Guardian of Time." Everyone sans Mystic Tao and Blackwitch looked shock and concern. He continued grimly, "Yes, it is true. This one is important and powerful but also can be very dangerous on the wrong hoof. So, we have to get it before anyone does."

"What kind of relic we're dealing?" Fluttershy asked in fear while holding Terrorcreep's hoof.

"The Element of Time and Space," Blackwitch answered dryly. Everyone looked at her in disbelief. She continued, "It's true. Anyone who use that portal could travel to past, present and even future. It'll be unlimited but also unpredictable and dangerous too."

"No way…" Rainbow said in disbelief.

Rarity nodded, "I agreed with you, Rainbow Dash. That does sound awfully like Flare Tiger's Element. But how is that possible?"

"I was wondering the same thing. But we're going to find out," Twilight said firmly and sternly. She looked at Mystic Tao, "I'm kinda surprised that Star Swirl doesn't know about this."

"That's because we never told him," Mystic Tao said sternly and humbly with huff. Twilight annoyingly looked at him. He scoffed, "Just because he, Blackwitch and I were old colleagues doesn't mean we share secrets including this one. The last thing you want is someone to cheat and change their future for their selfish desires. That could cause some serios distortion and paradox."

Icy gulped, "I don't like to think of that."

Recalling the Time Travel with Starlight, Twilight hummed in thoughts, "I guess you make a good point."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Well, let's hope that we make sure no one gets in and out with it."

"I have one question," Blazefist said seriously and firmly, "Who else know about this? And why?"

Dragon Kick hummed in concern, "Good question. I fear it might be one of ours…"

Just as Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their allies continued walking through the long and dark cavern; they heard some chattering noise and steep hoof-step. They all armed themselves while preparing to fight against whoever the intruder is. As soon as four figures marched and almost close to them, everyone quickly armed and aimed their weapons at the intruders. And at the same time, Dragon Kick shined the torches at them.

"DON'T HURT US!" Four intruders panicked in fear.

Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they're looking at. They found Yona, Melody, Ciel and Rak were holding and hugging each other tightly yet frantically and fearfully. They all groaned in disbelief and annoyance.

"You've gotta be kidding me," Terrorcreep said in disbelief and annoyance.

"Ciel! What are you and your friends doing here?!" Shorty asked angrily.

Laxtinct nodded sternly, "Yeah! You guys should be in the class, not fieldtrip! We've already done that months ago."

"We're sorry. But ever since our friends talked about going adventures with you, I thought we would like to try it too," Ciel explained calmly. Noticing how angry and annoyed Shorty is, she gulped, "Maybe this is a bad idea."

"Ya think?!" Rak asked in annoyance while facepalmed, "We're in deep trouble! I told you we shouldn't do this."

Melody shrugged a bit, "I don't know. I think it's okay to tag alone. I mean they bring Blackwitch with them here. So, we should do the same."

Blackwitch groaned in annoyance while facepalmed, "That's different. I came here with them because I know how to use and deactivate the Element of Time and Space!"

"So, what's your point," Melody asked in confusion, making everyone facefaulted hard. She giggled, "I always want to know what kind of Arimaspi looked like. I hope they're cute."

Yona groaned, "Yona doesn't believe it. Yona's parents told us that they're very ugly and scary monsters. Stay away from them."

"Now, that's mean, Yona," Melody gently and sternly scolded Yona.

Everyone groaned in disbelief. Pinkie groaned, "Yeesh. You would think that watching over our siblings would be harder than the students…"

Saber interrupted angrily, "Guys! This is a mission, not some kind of adventure! Now get back home before something bad happens!"

"I'm with Saber. No telling who's the bad guy we're dealing with. Not to mention, he could have the relic with him," Applejack said in concern.

"Now, move it. Get out of here before something bad happen," Aqua said firmly as she tried to move and push the students off.

"Wait! Wait! We have it!" Ciel exclaimed frantically while holding up the stoned sphere-like with Element of Time and Space. Everyone stopped while looking at it, with surprise and shocked. She continued, "Yeah! We sort of found and brought it. You did say you want to find it."

Rak nodded in agreement, "Yeah. This is the Element of Time and Space, right?"

"It is…" Mystic Tao said in confirmation while scratching his head, "How did you bypass the traps without our Magic Words?"

"There were traps?" Students asked in surprise.

Everyone was surprised that the students didn't do it. Tailtech gasped, "Guys, if the students didn't do it, then that means-!"

Becoming concern and realizing Tailtech's concerns, Blazefist quickly armed with his Falcon Spear while exclaimed in concern, "Everyone, battle position now!"

Just before anyone could do anything, a true intruder was charging and running straight at Mane Six and their allies. With his speed and agility, he swiftly and quickly attacked and knocked them very hard to the ground or the wall. They all groaned and moaned in pain and dizziness.

While recovering, Mane Six and their allies gasped in shock and concern as they found a familiar sadistic Ultimate Warrior of Death was holding the Element of Time and Space on his left hoof while grabbing and holding Blackwitch a hostage.

"RIPPER?!" Everyone asked in disbelief.

Ripper chuckled amusingly, "Many thanks, mate, for bringing her daughter here. Time to test the theory."

Ripper moved and placed the Element of Time and Space on the tip of Blackwitch's horn, causing a magical spark on it. The Element magically glowed brightly in turquoise color. It then blasted and created the Time Portal before everyone else.

Ripper smirked beneath his mask, "Ah-ha! So, it is true!"

"The Time Portal!" Icy exclaimed in concern.

"Well then, shall we?" Ripper asked amusingly at angry Blackwitch. He then pushed and moved her towards the Time Portal. He smirked while glancing at the enemies, "Tata for now, my old friends. I have a mission to perform in the future."

"Stop him!" Twilight shouted firmly.

Shadow Dragon grunted angrily, "On it! Everyone, charge now!"

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and four Students quickly got up and charged straight at Ripper, who is holding the Element of Time and Space while still trying to move and push Blackwitch into the portal. They all jumped and pounced both of them into the portal before it disappeared. Mystic Tao and Dragon Kick gasped in shock and concern of what they saw.

"Aieyah!" Mystic Tao exclaimed in concern.

Dragon Kick gulped in fear, "You could say that again, Uncle. Where did they go?"

"Not where, when," Mystic Tao explained firmly yet concerned, "Whenever they are, we have to find and get them back here soon. The timeline is in grave danger."

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, five students and even Ripper were screaming and panicking in fear while whirling around through the long swirling tunnel-like Time Portal. After a long travelling, they were coming towards its end, where they spotted a bright light that blinds them for the moment. They all dropped and slammed to the ground unconsciously. They groaned and moaned in pain after a fall they had.

For the moment later; Mane Six, their friends and even Ripper were slowly regained their conscious while recovering and getting up from the ground. They then looked around of the surroundings. They found themselves at the newly yet unknown modern low-rise residential town-like Town Square, which is located at the shore. It was filled with Unicorns, Pegasi and even Earth Ponies, who were happily hanging out and chatting with each other especially some children were having fun while playing games and activities. They seemed to be more modernized and using some technologies like smartphones, watching tablet pads, streetcar and various kind of technologies. They're almost like the humans from Equestria Girls Realm.

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and the students were deeply shocked, surprised and amazed yet disbelieved and confused of what they're looking at. The modernized ponies noticed them. Some of them quickly walked away, out of fear and concern. Others were surprised while chattered and gossiping about them. A few were quite curious and intriguing about them.

"Okay. I did not expect that," Rak commented in surprise.

"Yeah. Something off about this town," Ciel said in concern yet curious. She looked at some ponies talking to the smartphones, using tablet pads, reading comic books or even watching the TV Series. She continued, "And I meant how good and modern the ponies are with technologies and gizmos."

Analyzing the surroundings, Shorty looked surprised, "You could be right, Ciel. I am surprised too."

Laxtinct looked at his whole body before exclaimed, "Whoa! Check us out! We look different!"

Mane Six and their friends looked at themselves. They found their usual colors and bodies looked very different yet unique and modernized as the modern ponies.

Pinkie whistled happily, "Hey, you're right! We look just like those guys!"

"This just keeps getting weirder…" Tailtech muttered in annoyance.

Icy nodded, "I'm with you, Tailtech."

"W-What in Equestria is going on?" Rarity asked in confusion.

"I don't know," Applejack admitted in concern while looking at the surroundings, "But is this Ponyville? It looks very different."

Carefully looking and analyzing the new unknown city and ponies, Twilight became concern and feared of the situation, "One thing for sure, everypony, we're not in Ponyville."

"WHAT?!" Fluttershy, Yona and Melody panicked and screamed in fear while hugging and holding each other.

Holding the Element of Time and Space close to him, Ripper chuckled happily yet pleasingly while trying to get up, "It worked! Perfectly work!"

Noticing Ripper was in front of him, Shadow Dragon groaned, "Ripper! What the hell is going on?! You've got explaining to do!"

Just as Mane Six and their friends were about to apprehend him, Ripper quickly threw down couple of smoke bombs, that ignite and unleash smokescreen. It blinded them for the moment while scaring the ponies to scream and panic in fear.

"No can do, fool! I've got a mission to do!" Ripper exclaimed happily yet madly, "Gotta go now!"

As soon as the smokescreen dispersed, Mane Six and their friends managed to recover and found Ripper was running straight to the crowd, trying to escape. They all quickly chased after him at once. As they continued trotting and chasing after him, the Ultimate Warrior of Death grabbed and thrown couple of ponies at them. They yelped in concern as they quickly responded by saving and putting the civilians safely down on the ground.

Despite got sidetracked, Mane Six and their friends continued chasing after Ripper, who was getting annoyed and irritated that they won't back off. He then found couple of children ahead of them. He quickly dashed in and jumped on them. They all screamed before ran off separately. He managed to grabbed three Earth Ponies while holding the knife on their throat, making the heroes to stop at once.

Ripper chuckled madly, "Yeah! That's right, mate! I have the hostages! You'd better back off if you know what's good for ya!"

"HEY! No fair!" Yona exclaimed angrily.

Rak groaned, "Classic bad guys holding hostages. Don't they ever get tired of doing that?"

"Certainly not," Blazefist said in concern yet frustrated. He then ordered, "Everyone, stand down now. Moved back now!"

As commanded, Mane Six and their friends quickly moved back away from Ripper, though they keep their guard up in case of the latter's deception.

"Good. Good, my little ponies," Ripper mocked amusingly with chuckles.

"Back off now. Or else, the little brats got what they deserve," Ripper mocked amusingly. He then held his knife close to the children's neck, alerting everyone. He smirked beneath his mask, "But I win!"

Just before Ripper could kill the children while the heroes were about to stop him, a light pink colored Pegasus with curved yet combed gentle violet mane and tail with a purple music-note with spikes containing gold crown and white notes cutie mark appeared out of nowhere, taking selfie on her and the captive with her own cellphone. This shocked and confused everyone.

"What up, Pippsqueaks! Guess what I'm taking part now?" The Pegasus Selfie exclaimed happily while looking at the cellphone. She smiled warmly while hugging and holding Ripper, "I'm hanging out with a crazy clown, who actually hugging and playing with the kids!"

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and even the students yelped in disbelief while facefaulted to the ground hard, with the shout of 'ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!'. Ripper looked shocked and disbelief of how dense and dumb the Pegasus can really be as she continued filming on herself, him and the hostages.

The Pegasus Selfie continued mocking playfully yet calmly while walking around Ripper, "I mean seriously? What kind of clown holding the knife on the children's neck? He's supposed to cut the cake, not the flesh. That would be very bad idea. I mean, come on, everyone knows Clown Rulebook 101. And I'm looking at the poorest amateur, who doesn't know how to make ponies laugh and happy, just laugh for no reason. Wow. He's gotta be the worst clown I ever met. And you know who always make ponies laugh and smile?"

"Me?" Pinkie and Laxtinct asked curiously.

"Nope! My best friend!" Pegasus Selfie exclaimed happily and proudly, annoying two comedic ponies. She continued, "You know if she were here, she'd be a great teacher to help you out on how to make ponies laugh, not make yourself laugh. That makes you a very sad clown."

Agitated and annoyed by mockery, Ripper snapped angrily while aiming his knife at the Pegasus Selfie, "ENOUGH! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Though intimidated, Pegasus Selfie remained calm and firm with a smile while looking at her cellphone, "Wow. Did you see that, Pippsqueaks? The clown doesn't really know what I'm doing. He doesn't know the meaning of 'distraction', so my sister can kick his flank!"

Disbelieved of what Pegasus Selfie has said, Ripper looked behind, where a white Pegasus with multicolored wings has the curved-up spiked hot pink colored mane and tail with streaks of aqua and pink and her cutie mark is a lightning bolt with a crown on its top, charged and rammed him off while letting the children thrown up in midair. Just before Mane Six and their friends could do anything, a lilac-colored unicorn with cerulean blue messy and bushy mane and tail has a blue heart with a light blue button and three pink and purple pins cutie mark arrived at the scene as she quickly and magically levitated the children to the ground safely. She smiled happily before approached and gave a hoof-bump with Pegasus Selfie.

The white Pegasus Athlete engaged a hoof fight with Ripper, who just barely dodged and parried them off while thrust his knife back at her for the moment. Just as she tried to kick on his face, he barely dodged on his back before grabbed it and then throwing her off. He turned and tried to attack her but instead, he got lassoed by a light amber Earth Pony with aqua green colored combed mane and short tail with brown belt with badge and has a gold shield with a teal horseshoe in center with teal heart on its sides.

"Release me now, you mother-!" Ripper got interrupted when the Earth Pony Sheriff scrubbed the soap on his mask. He coughed, "What the hell?!"

"Hey! No swearing on my town!" The Sheriff snapped firmly and sternly, "Calm down now, sir. Or I'll be forced to use lethal to make you!"

Ripper snarled angrily as he managed to break himself free. He pounced and slammed the sheriff to the ground. He grabbed and thrown him straight at the sea if not for the white Pegasus to grab and save him in time. Both lilac Unicorn and pink Pegasus tried to attack him. He screamed and yelled at them. They both yelped in fear while moving away from him. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, the students and even their newfound allies surrounded him.

"Yeah! You'd better fear me!" Ripper snapped angrily and firmly, "Anyone else want to try and mess with me?! Coz nopony can ever get the chance to finish the Ultimate Warrior of D-!"

POW! A large pile of bricks was thrown straight at Ripper off and fell into the sea. Mane Six and their allies looked shocked and surprised of what they just saw. Who in the right mind do that?!

The lilac unicorn hissed in concern, "Uh-oh. She did it again."

The Earth Pony Sheriff groaned while facepalmed, "Sunny!"

"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!" The gentle yet adventurous voice exclaimed. Everyone looked behind, where they found an apricot-colored female Alicorn with magenta-purple mane and tail with rainbow streaks that has a one large pink star with blue trail and two smaller pink stars, who struggled with flying straight before slammed right straight to the ground hard. Her name is Sunny. She groaned in pain, "I'm really sorry, Hitch. I was trying to levitate a brick to knock him unconscious. I didn't mean a lot to throw him off."

Hitch sighed while helping Sunny to get up, "I know. I know. You're getting use to new magic and wing powers. Seriously though? How can you be struggling with them while others handle it well? Care to explain scientifically, Zipp?"

"It comes naturally, sheriff," Zipp the white Pegasus Athlete shrugged in uncertain, "I mean we were born with wings or horns, right, Izzy?"

Izzy the lilac unicorn nodded in agreement, "That's kinda true. It just happened. We sort of got a hang with them."

"Either way. Glad that was over." The Pegasus Selfie said in relief with a sigh, "I thought I'm going to lose my life again."

Zipp smiled while nudged on her a bit, "Don't worry too much, sis. Everything's cool. You did well for distracting him, Pipp." Pipp blushed a bit. She turned to Sunny, "Another day to save."

"Yeah. Just like before," Sunny remarked in agreement yet happily. She gasped in realization, "Oh! We almost forgot about checking on others especially new visitors. Is everyone alright?"

Just as Sunny turned and looked at the civilians, she gasped in surprise and shock. Her friends have the same reaction as hers. They were staring and looking at Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and even the students. It's as if they're looking at the ghost.

"Uh, why are they looking us like that?" Rak uneasily and nervously asked Tailtech.

Tailtech shrugged a bit, "I have no clue. Hopefully, nothing bad goes wrong."

"Me too," Icy agreed fearfully while hiding behind Tailtech.

Sunny approached to Twilight as she nervously yet uncertain asked, "A-Are you really… Princess Twilight? The Princess of Friendship? Headmare and Founder of School of Friendship? The student and successor of Princess Celestia? The wielder of Element of Magic and Element of Light? The leader of Mane Six? One of greatest heroines among Equestria? Are you really that pony?"

Twilight looked surprised yet uncertain as she remarked, "Um, that was a mouthful. But yes. I am her."

Shocked yet happy to hear it, Sunny squealed out loud, shocking and scaring everyone off. She exclaimed happily, "N-NO WAY! You really are her! The P-Princess Twilight?! Here?! Alive?!" She turned and looked at her friends, "You see and heard that, right?!"

Her friends were surprised and disbelieved yet amazed of what they're looking at. Izzy squealed happily, "Wow. The Princess Twilight and her friends here?! Before our very own eyes?! Who knew?!"

Hitch asked, "H-how is that possible? I thought they're just foal's bedtime story!"

"Well, they're the real deal," Zipp remarked in surprise, "If they're here and alive, this means that the story of pony unity is real."

"Well, seeing and hearing is believing, Zipp," Pipp remarked. She then selfie of herself, Mane Six and their allies. She speaks to the phone in livestream mode, "You hear that? You see it, Pippsqueaks? The story about Pony Unity? The story about Twilight and her friends? They're the real deal! Everything about them is so true! Better believe it, Pipsqueaks. They're really here!"

Looking at the phone's comments and emojis pouring in her livestream mode, Pipp squealed happily before continued talking with it. Sunny and her friends continued chatting and talking with each other about Twilight and her friends.

"Did I just miss something?" Terrorcreep asked in annoyance yet confusion.

"This is just getting weird," Applejack remarked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm with you, Applejack. This is getting us to nowhere," Shadow Dragon said in annoyance. Everyone nodded in agreement. He continued, "We really need to know what the heck's going on."

"Yeah. And we're about to find out," Twilight said firmly. She approached to Sunny. She patted on her shoulder to get the attention. The apricot colored Alicorn turned and looked at her. She asked, "I don't mean to be rude. But who are you? Can you tell us what's really going on?"

Sunny giggled a bit, "Sorry. We just got so excited to find out that you and your friends here and alive at our home and also in the future!"

"Yeah… I can see that but-!" Twilight got interrupted as she and her friends realized of what Sunny has said. She asked, "Wait! 'Alive'?! 'Future'?! What do you mean by that?"

Seeing her favorite idols and heroes were completely confused, Sunny and her friends have to explained to them of what's going on. She answered calmly, "I think it's best that I show you."

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their students followed Sunny's team as the former led and guided them out of the Maretime Bay while heading straight to the newly rebuilt lighthouse-like resident, which was located on a peninsula at the edge of the town. At the same time, Sunny and her friends introduced themselves to Mane Six and their allies, who did the same for them too, though they were surprised that modern ponies were aware of them so much.

Upon arriving to their destination, they all entered the apricot Alicorn's home. They went to the research basement, which is filled with four bookshelves, ancient artifacts and items, old documents, broken statues and so on.

"Here we are," Sunny said warmly. Approaching to the table which was filled with archaeology works, she picked and passed them to Twilight, "These are my father's works. I thought you guys might want to see it."

Everyone awed and remarked in amazement and surprise. Twilight asked, "So, what was your father researching on?"

"You and your friends…" Sunny answered calmly yet concerned. Mane Six and their friends looked shocked yet confused and concern. She continued, "Yeah. My dad has been working and researching to find the proof that all of you, your history and even the 'pony unity' are real and true. With you all here, it proves that my dad was right all along. You guys are real and now in our future."

"Yeah. That was like right before our pony kind got split into three tribes again," Hitch teased nervously and uneasily. Everyone looked at him. Sunny's friends were annoyed while Mane Six and their friends were in deep and shock. He chuckled a bit, "Ironic, right?"

"That was a bad joke, Hitch," Izzy commented bluntly, making Hitch annoyed.

Zipp nodded, "Seriously bad idea to bring that up, sheriff. You're scaring them."

Hitch groaned, "My bad…"

Mane Six and their friends couldn't believe in their eyes and ears of what they have just found out. Even Sunny's team agreed with her about it as well. They all looked through the archaeology and research work. Almost every artifact, item and even books about themselves were actually true.

"Wow… T-This is something." Rainbow remarked in surprise.

"So, we really got time-travel to the future…" Shorty said in shock and concern. He sighed, "Damn it…"

Fluttershy nodded sadly while looking at her ancient animal whistle, "I can't believe that we're in the future. That's something I wasn't expecting of."

"So, everything and everyone we know is in ancient past?" Rarity asked in disbelief and concern. Everyone especially Sunny's Team kept silent while looking away. She gasped in concern, "Sweet Celestia…"

"T-This is unbelievable." Twilight commented in disbelief. While looking at the ancient map, she sighed, "It's like Starlight and Seekcurse travelling through time all over again."

"No kidding. No thanks to Ripper using the Element of Time and Space." Shadow Dragon said sternly yet angry. He then approached and patted Twilight's back, "On the bright side, we're not in any bad alternate timelines again."

After thinking of what her husband has said, Twilight sighed, "I supposed this beats the alternatives. At least, I know that there's no great evil or villain destroying this world yet."

Sunny approached to Twilight and Shadow Dragon as she spoke, "I'm really sorry. I know this isn't something you're not expecting but if there's anything you need, we would like to help."

"We do?" Sunny's friends asked in surprise.

"I appreciate that, Sunny," Twilight said in relief as she turned and looked at Sunny, "But still, do you know what happened and why three pony kind got separated?"

Sunny sighed, "For that case, I'm not very sure, Princess Twilight. All I know is that ever since three pony tribes got separated, they have lost their Unicorn Magic and Flying Magic."

"Again?" Applejack asked in disbelief, along with her friends groaned in annoyance and disbelief. She continued, "Don't tell me it's Tirek again."

"Or Queen Chrysalis?" Rarity asked fearfully, making Shorty held her close to him.

Pinkie yelped in concern, "Not the Dark Lord and his Dark Mystic Ponies!"

"Not any of them. No need to worry about them since both Dark Lord and the Goat Emperor's Legion of Doom are gone for good," Izzy assured them with a sigh.

"Well, three pony tribes became feared and paranoid of each other. We make stories about each other for being scary boogie monsters," Hitch added, prompting Sunny to nudge him on his shoulder. He hissed, "Too much?"

Sunny groaned, "Ya think?"

"Well, if that is true, then how come three pony kinds are together again? And how did you all get the magic back?" Aqua asked curiously.

Saber nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Did something happen here?"

"Yeah. Happened three months ago. Sunny helped brought both back the magic and the unity to ponies," Zipp said proudly while flapped her wings a bit. She giggled a bit, "We owe it to her a lot."

Izzy nodded happily before hugged and held Sunny close to her, "And don't forget the most important thing – we became very close and best friends ever!"

Pipp then showed her cellphone for Mane Six and their friends to look through the picture gallery about her and her friends through both adventures and events they have been through. She smiled, "I even have the proof here too! We're definitely the BFFs."

"Well, technically, I was her foalhood and best friend first. She was after all an Earth Pony," Hitch corrected calmly. His friends slyly looked at him. He sighed, "But if not for her, I wouldn't open my eyes and see the world especially making new friends with them too."

Sunny smiled with a blush, "T-Thanks, everypony. But I couldn't have done it without my friends." Her friends smiled warmly and proudly for her to say that. She then turned and looked at Mane Six and their friends. She continued, "But of course, you and your friends are my inspiration and role models. We were able to work and achieve together to unite all three pony kinds. It wasn't easy but we managed to get it through."

Mane Six and their allies were surprised and amazed of what they have learned of Sunny and her friends' journey to become friends and unite three tribes together as one.

Melody awed happily, "That is so sweet."

Rak whistled, "Guess the legacy of Princess Twilight lives on."

"Yona likes happy ending!" Yona exclaimed happily, "Just like Headmare Twilight!"

Ciel hummed thoughtfully, "You know, Yona, you could be right. Like Twilight, Sunny did become an Alicorn because she did something amazing and incredible like making peace and uniting three pony tribes as one."

Giving some thoughts of what Ciel has said, Twilight couldn't help but smile, "Ciel's right. I'd say you guys did well for this. Sunny, you'd make a fine princess for this land."

"Princess?" Sunny asked in surprise. Twilight nodded. She hummed in concern, "I-I'd never thought of that."

"Wait! Alicorns can be princesses? As in a royalty?" Pipp asked in surprised yet curious tone. Twilight nodded in confirmation. She hummed amusingly, "Mom would flip if she finds out about this."

Zipp giggled a bit, "Yeah, definitely. And she just found her new crown to wear from last month."

"Sunny the Princess of Equestria? Who knew?" Hitch remarked. He chuckled softly, "She always does want to become one when she was a kid."

"Really? Does she become some kind of heroine like Princess Twilight?" Izzy asked hopefully.

Hitch smirked, "Definitely. She's quite supportive and fan of Princess Twilight and her friends a lot. She's also a fan of Shadow Dragon-Twilight Sparkle Shipping too. She even wrote tons of stories about them. She really believed in Magic of Friendship."

Almost everyone was intrigued as they approached and talked with Sunny's friends about her being the new Princess of Equestria. Hearing what her friends have said about her, Sunny became scared, worried and uneasy about her being Princess. For all of her life, she has no idea of how to be a princess or even lead and govern the land. All she ever wants is to prove that her father's archaeology work is true, not to become a leader of Equestria.

While listening to the modern ponies, Twilight noticed Sunny's scared and worried looks. She has seen this multiple times before. She had the feeling that the young Alicorn might be scared and worried about her new role.

Approaching to Sunny, Twilight patted her in comfort while asking her, "Sunny, are you alright?"

Sunny yelped and panicked, "I-I'm fine! I'm fine! Why wouldn't I'd be? I mean it's not like it has something to with me being princess has me worked up for nothing?! Right?!"

Seeing Sunny's reaction has confirmed Twilight's suspicious and concern that the young Alicorn's indeed scared and worried about her new role. It would be best to help her to deal with it while she's still around.

Clearing his throat to get everyone's attention, Blazefist spoke firmly, "Guys, I don't mean to be rude. But we have other things to be concern of."

Blackwitch nodded firmly and seriously, "Yeah. Like finding and dealing with Ripper, and also get the Element of Time and Space."

"Ripper?" Hitch asked in confusion, "Who's that?"

After thinking of the name carefully, Izzy gasped in fear, "Oh no! I know this one! He's the boogie pony that every unicorn foal including me afraid of! He's the worst and scary Earth Pony that many unicorns afraid of." Everyone looked at her, with concern and feared looks. She continued, "The story goes with whenever anyone is alone in the dark alley, a mysterious bird-like masked pony appeared out of nowhere and slaughtered you at sight without reasons. And the worse about him is he eats pony flesh!"

Everyone yelped in fear and concern, even Hitch yelled while hiding behind the barrel. He quivered in fear, "Dang it! Hearing that story really got me scared out of my pants!"

Blazefist sighed while crossed his hooves, "Well, you almost got it right, Izzy. But some got a mixed-up. One, Ripper is not only a Mystic Earth Pony, but also a dangerous and terrifying among the Ultimate Warriors. He's no cannibal but a real racist and serial killer ass."

"Wow. Freaky…" Zipp commented in shock. She hummed thoughtfully, "I don't think any of pony can handle and deal with Mystic Ponies like him."

Pipp nodded fearfully, "Tell me about it. I almost lost my life to him."

Rainbow groaned in disbelief, "Didn't think that someone like Ripper could be a boogie pony."

"Trust me, Dash. He's somepony you don't want to mess with," Aqua said seriously and firmly. She sighed firmly, "But still, we have to find and stop him before he does some serious damage to this future."

"I'm with Aqua. But where do we start?" Saber asked firmly, "He was thrown into the sea."

Sunny sighed in shame, "Sorry."

"It's alright, Sunny. We'll get him and the Element too," Shadow Dragon said determinedly. He turSned sand looked at Blackwitch, "Blackwitch, do you think you can still access and use it again like just now?"

Blackwitch looked uneasy yet nervous and worried before spoke, "It might be tricky. I have never used that power before." Her classmate especially Melody noticed on her scared looks, which was rare of her to have expression. She continued, "I'll try."

"Good to hear," Shadow Dragon said in relief, "We'd better move out now."

"I know you guys are worried about stopping Ripper and getting back home but it wouldn't hurt to hang out with us and check this place out," Izzy suggested happily. She shrugged happily, "And who knows? We might learn something from each other."

Pinkie awed happily, "Can we hang around for a while?"

Laxtinct nodded, "I kinda with Pinkie. It wouldn't hurt to look around here."

"Forget it, idiots," Terrorcreep said sternly, annoyed the comedic ponies. He continued, "In case if you hadn't noticed, we have a mission to deal with. We cannot afford the luxury to enjoy roaming around in the future."

Shorty nodded thoughtfully, "Terrorcreep does have the point. If we learn too much of future or even dare to bring one back, it might cause the time paradox."

"Bummer…" Izzy, Pinkie, Laxtinct and even Melody grumbled.

"Maybe not…" Tailtech said thoughtfully. Everyone looked at him. He explained, "Guys, if we do a little research, we might uncover the truth behind the history of how three tribes split up and lost their magic again. And who knows? We might change the future too."

Almost all of Dragon Strike Force and Mane Six were about to protest it until Fluttershy spoke, "I think it's a great idea." Everyone was disbelieved by her support. She spoke, "Tailtech's right. If we learn more about what really happen, we might able to change it and make things better for the modern world. I rather have them be friends for a long time than break up after our era. I don't want that kind of world for this timeline."

"Yeah. That's a great idea," Laxtinct said happily. He held Terrorcreep close to him as he slyly smirked at him, "You can't say 'no' to her, Batcreep."

Rainbow nodded playfully, "Yup. No one can say 'no' to Fluttershy."

Terrorcreep glared at Laxtinct and Rainbow, who nervously moved away. Looking at his innocent wife's looks, he sighed in disbelief but with a gentle smile, "Ever the gentle again. Even for this era."

Fluttershy gasped hopefully, "Does this mean?"

Twilight nodded with a smile, "We'll learn and find out more about this world's history." She turned and looked at Sunny and her friends. She spoke, "In fact, the three tribes' magical crystals that you guys found and used could be the key to help us prevent the possible future disaster especially today."

Sunny and her friends gasped in surprise. She asked, "So, you're saying that you might able to change our time era?"

"Possibly…" Twilight answered in concern. She sighed, "But there's no guarantee that it might happen. But we will try with everything we have. Right, everyone?"

Though they worried about learning and possible changing future, everyone happily agreed and supported of the idea as they're willing to help.

Zipp hummed thoughtfully, "But once you guys got the answer about our history, there might be no guarantee of how it goes. But hopefully, our timeline doesn't turn into worse kind."

Hitch groaned in fear, "I hope not."

"Wow. Thanks, everypony," Izzy said happily.

Pipp squealed happily, "This is incredible! Everyone will love it!"

"But if we got what we need," Yona asked in concern, "How we get back to the past?"

Blackwitch groaned, "We've just explained, Yona. The Element of Time and Space is the only thing that help us get back here."

Yona yelped before giggled uneasily, "Sorry, Yona forgets. Yona confused about Elements."

"Either way, we should get started," Saber suggested firmly and seriously, "So, where do we start? And how should we handle the situation?"

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "We split into five groups. Sunny and her friends will show us around their hometown and help us learn more about their history and also magical crystals. And at the same time, we keep an eye out for Ripper. No doubt that he's trying to do some harm to this world. When you do find him, call out. We have to work together to beat him. That guy's Ultimate Warrior."

Rainbow cheered, "I'm so in!"

Shadow Dragon nodded firmly, "I approve the plan, Twilight. You're getting good with strategies."

Twilight smiled proudly, "I learned from the best. Particularly, Lord Azure and his Strategist Five."

"Well then, we should get started," Sunny said firmly with pride. She held her hoof out for her friends to hoof-bump. She shouted, "Hooves-to-Hearts!"

"Hooves-to-Hearts!" Hitch, Izzy, Zipp and Pipp exclaimed happily.

"Hooves-to-Hearts?" Ciel asked in surprise, "Some kind of battle cry? That's something my big brother and his friends would do."

Izzy giggled, "I wouldn't say 'battle cry'. It's more like a happy catchphrase. To show that we're off to the next adventure."

Terrorcreep and Rainbow groaned in disgust, "Lame…"

"I think it's cute," Fluttershy said happily, "Hooves-to-Hearts. I liked it."

As Twilight explained about her plans, Blackwitch noticed something on the table. She slowly approached to the table, which has books and documents. She moved them aside, where she read a document called 'The Dark Truth of Mystic Demon'. This made her uneasy and worried about it.

Somewhere in middle of ocean, something or somepony emerged out from the water, with the gasp of air. Ripper coughed out loud as he has survived both being thrown and drowned in the sea. He breathed calmly yet firmly before swimming towards the beach. Reaching to the land, he dropped and landed on the ground as he panted heavily and exhaustingly.

"Damn that bloody Alicorn! I almost died from drowning!" Ripper grumbled angrily. He sighed calmly before looking at the Element of Time and Space. He smirked beneath his mask, "No matter. Since I'm here, I should start the mission to find out more about our kinds' fate and history. I have to ensure my master's and our kind's future is secured."

Ripper shook his whole body firmly, drying himself out. He then headed off to begin his mission now.

While Izzy, Zipp and Pipp led the rest of their friends to both Zephyr Heights and Bridlewood with the search; Sunny and Hitch guide Twilight, Blazefist, Shadow Dragon, Terrorcreep, Blackwitch, Yona and Rak through the Maretime Bay. They were heading straight to Canterlogic Headquarter, which might have the information about Earth Pony Magical Crystal and also history of how Earth Pony separated from Pegasi and Unicorn Tribe.

Walking through the Maretime Bay, the modern ponies were looking at Twilight and her friends, with awe of surprise and chattering happily about them. Some of them took pictures of them. Others like fans and children approached and asked them for autographs and even selfies, making the heroes uneasy and nervous. A few also talked and questioned them about their relationships, history and adventures.

Looked around of his surroundings, Shadow Dragon commented, "It's so hard to believe that we're in the future."

"Well, if I have to be honest, meeting and seeing you here is hardest thing to believe! This is the best of my life!" Hitch exclaimed happily. Everyone looked at him in surprise. Sunny smirked slyly and amusingly. Blushed in red, he cleared his throat, "Sorry. I always watched the television about you guys especially my favorites are Commander Blazefist and Master Shadow Dragon! You guys are the best!"

Blazefist scoffed, "That's something. Never thought a sheriff like you would be our biggest fan."

"Well, it's true. Still…" Hitch admitted before giving some thoughts about the Earth Pony Tribe History and conversation with Sunny. He sighed, "I feel bad for ignoring and berating Sunny for believing in foalhood's stories."

"Hitch, come on, I'm not mad about that," Sunny said calmly while looking at her foalhood friend. She continued, "Besides, you were right about need a proof that three tribes were friends. And I got them."

Twilight giggled a bit, "Plus, with all of us here, it added more proof that our timeline is aligned with the future."

"Cheer up, kid. Everyone doesn't easily believe in this kind of story." Shadow Dragon said calmly while comforting Hitch, "I mean Mystic Ponies were old pony's tale, right?"

"Yeah. Point taken." Hitch nodded understandingly.

Sunny looked at Rak and Yona while smiled happily, "Wow. I never thought I'd see a yak and dragon like you two in real life!"

Hitch nodded, "Yeah. Surprisingly, we never actually encounter any of them so far."

"R-Really?" Rak asked in surprise. Sunny nodded. He flustered in red, "W-Wow. I didn't expect that. Seriously. No one has ever comment me that."

Yona scoffed, "Yeah. But Ponies think Yaks are tough and strong but also good at friends, right?"

"Well, we don't know that much since the pony tribes split and lost contact with other creatures too," Sunny admitted in concern. Yona and Rak sighed. She smiled, "But you two are great couple."

Rak and Yona blushed and flustered in red, "We're not a couple! We're just friends."

Blackwitch groaned, "Oh brother…"

"Out of curious, were there any Mystic Ponies here?" Blazefist asked calmly yet firmly, "We didn't reveal ourselves until Dark Mystic Ponies invade the Equestria."

"Excluding you guys?" Hitch asked curiously. Everyone nodded firmly and calmly. He sighed, "Nope. There were none."

"Really? You sure nopony can do some Elemental Tricks?" Twilight asked curiously.

Sunny sighed, "Well, no. Never seen anypony can use Elemental Power or even looked very young. Most of us thought about Mystic Ponies to be a myth, but I didn't. I have a feeling that we might come across to them."

Hitch scoffed, "Well, I just hope we don't have to come across with demons. They scared the heck out of me."

"Really?" Sunny asked teasingly, "I thought you liked heroes beat them."

"Beat them, yes. But seeing the Demons do something scary is something I can't stand the most. Okay?"

"Whatever you say, Hitch."

Terrorcreep chuckled amusingly, "I'm actually kinda surprised that you're the only guy joined the girls' club. More makeup and lipstick, pony girl?"

"Hey! That wasn't funny!" Hitch exclaimed angrily yet annoyingly.

Sunny giggled a bit, "I think it was. After all, you're just the only guy in our team."

Hitch groaned, "Not funny."

"STOP! THIEF!"

Sunny, Hitch and Twilight's group yelped in surprise. And just before they could react, something moved very fast to bypass them. And at the same time, another pony screamed and panicked in fear before rammed and knocked on them to the ground. They all groaned in pain while regaining their conscious. They all found a red Earth Pony with a combed blond mane and short tail with a purple beet with green leaves cutie mark grumbled and muttered angrily.

"What hit us?" Terrorcreep grumbled in pain.

Hitch recognized the red Earth Pony as he demanded, "Sprout?! What are you doing?!"

Sprout groaned in pain while rubbing his head, "What does it looks like? Getting the thief! I'm gonna get embarrassed for this!" He screamed angrily, "Come back here, you little thief!"

Sprout screamed angrily before ran off and chased after a 'thief'. While Twilight's group was confused and uncertain, Hitch and Sunny looked worry and concerned about him.

"What just happened?" Rak asked in confusion.

"Not this again," Hitch grumbled, "We have to stop him before he gets himself more into trouble. We have to go now!"

Everyone quickly got up at once before running and giving chase after Sprout, who is still chasing after the thief. The old-ragged hooded thief swiftly and quickly dodged and evaded the ponies, who were just got rammed and knocked off by Sprout.

Sunny asked, "Remind me why you just demoted him?"

Hitch sighed in annoyance, "His mom pleaded me not to send him to jail or even fired him. Demotion is a better option to teach him a lesson."

"Clearly, it's not."

"Can we argue after we stop him?"

"Wanna tell us of what the heck's going on?" Shadow Dragon asked in annoyance.

Hitch sighed, "Sprout was my friend and deputy sheriff. But instead of listening to me, he made ponies scared and panicked, started the war and almost got everyone killed! That knucklehead!"

"I'm kinda surprise that you didn't fire him," Blazefist commented.

Hitch groaned, "His mom insisted me not to fire and send him to jail. So, I demoted him to perform the community service while still working as police officer. His mom should have kept an eye on him more!"

Shadow Dragon whistled, "Wow. And I thought Tech was a mamma's boy but this guy takes the cake."

Sprout screamed angrily as he continued chase after the thief while shouting and cursing angrily at her for messing with him. While running down the street, the thief managed to flap the wings before flew up to the ice-cream shop building. He grumbled angrily and annoyingly as he quicky head to the side building, where he climbed fire escape ladder to top. Upon arriving to the top, he found the hooded thief standing with the flock of pigeons. He gulped in fear, worrying what it's gonna happen next. She suddenly created a magical spark to scared the flock. They flew straight at him, scaring and throwing him on top level's fire escape ladder balcony. He groaned in pain.

The hooded thief quickly headed off and dived down before landed on the alley. Before she could do anything, she found herself surrounded by Hitch, Sunny and Twilight's group. She groaned angrily as she has nowhere to run. Sprout grumbled angrily as he arrived at the scene from climbing down the fire escape ladder.

Sprout panted, "I-I almost had her!"

"Sure you did," Hitch mocked. He turned and looked at the hooded thief, "Okay, kid. Let's do this easy. No need to start the fight."

Just as Hitch tried to approach, the hooded thief hissed angrily while backed to the corner. She quickly threw the bag at Hitch to back off. She almost acted like a wildcat, surprising the ponies.

"Okay. Freaky," Sprout commented, "I'd say we tranquilized her!"

"No! We're not going to do that! You're scaring her, Sprout!" Sunny said firmly. Everyone looked at her with surprise yet concerned looks. She suggested, "I might have a better way."

Just as Sunny approached to the hooded thief, the latter hissed angrily while still backing away from her. Instead of worried and scared, the apricot Alicorn picked up an apple before approached to her. She then knelt down before her while showing an apple before her.

"It's okay. You can take the apple," Sunny suggested calmly and gently.

Surprised by her gesture, the hooded thief approached towards Sunny. She quickly swiped the apple. She then ate it quickly as if she hasn't eaten for days. The Alicorn picked up some fruits for her to eat. The thief quickly picked and ate them at once.

Sunny sighed, "Poor thing. She must be very hungry. With no money, she has no choice but to steal it."

"Aw come on! You can't be serious!" Sprout exclaimed angrily and annoyingly. He groaned, "How can you feel sorry for a thief?!"

"Imagine if you were one, jerk," Shadow Dragon remarked with a snarl, scaring Sprout.

"I agree with Shadow Dragon. You should be careful of what you said, officer," Twilight said dryly, making Sprout worried. She approached to Sunny, "You did the right thing."

Sunny smiled and nodded for Twilight's appreciation. She looked at the thief, who has finished her food before giving out a burp. She giggled a bit, making the thief blushed a bit.

"Looks like you're full. May I put down your hood?" Sunny asked calmly. The hooded thief looked hesitated and worried. She continued, "It's okay. I'm not gonna hurt you. I just want to help."

After carefully consideration, the hooded thief nodded a bit. Sunny smiled in relief as she helped pull down the hood, revealing her true face. Everyone gasped. While Hitch and Sprout looked scared and feared, Sunny and Twilight's Group were surprised of what they're looking at. The hooded thief revealed to be a 12-years-old of a familiar friend.

"Wow! That's a nasty and ugly monster I ever seen!" Sprout remarked amusingly with laughter. This prompted Yona and Rak to whacked his head. He yelped in pain, "OW! What did I do?!"

"Nasty! You pony say very nasty and rude!" Yona scolded angrily.

"Yeah. Shame on you to call a kid 'monster'." Rak remarked angrily. He hummed thoughtfully, "Still though, I'm surprise to actually meet a pony hybrid. This is a first."

"I don't believe it…" Shadow Dragon said in surprise.

"Flare Tiger?" Twilight asked in surprise. Everyone looked at her. She continued asking, "Is that really you?"

"F-Flare… T-Tiger…" Kid Flare Tiger asked in confusion yet scared, "I-Is that my name? Who are you?"

Everyone was surprised yet confused by Kid Flare Tiger's question. Twilight and her friends couldn't believe that she didn't recognize them while Sunny's team were uncertain of what's really going on.

Terrorcreep hummed thoughtfully, "She's the same pony we used to know. She doesn't know about us. But I have no doubt that she's the younger self of our Time Travel friend."

Blazefist nodded in agreement, "I think you're right, TC. But what's she doing here?"

"Good question." Shadow Dragon agreed in concern. While giving some thoughts about Flare Tiger and her connection to Element of Time and Space, he asked, "Could this be…"

"Uh, guys," Sunny called while patting Kid Flare Tiger's head. She continued, "You know her?"

Shadow Dragon sighed, "It's a long story. But best to bring her along."

Realizing and knowing what her husband's thinking, Twilight nodded, "I agreed with him. I believe she might be key to stop Ripper from using the Element of Time and Space."

Using her magic powers to sense in the future, Blackwitch nodded, "Yes. We need her for this."

Sunny's group were confused and uncertain while their own friends by Shadow Dragon and Twilight's thinking. But nevertheless, they went along with their plans that can help them to change the future for better.

Izzy was leading and guiding Applejack, Pinkie, Saber, Icy, Laxtinct and even Melody to Bridlewood. They were heading straight to Crystal Tearoom, where Alphabittle was residing and has possible information that involved with unicorn history and magical crystal.

During their travelling through the corridor of forest trees, Applejack's group awed in amazement and surprised to see unicorn ponies living in the forest. They have never expected them to live in such rural and forest area because the unicorns they know always lived in the capital cities.

Laxtinct whistled, "Wow. I always though unicorns used to live in city, not in the woods. This is unexpected…"

Icy nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Never thought I would see this."

"What do you mean?" Izzy asked in confusion.

"In our time, unicorns are kinda nobles and rich ponies to live in metropolitan or capital cities." Saber explained calmly. Izzy looked surprised. He then asked, "When did this happen again?"

Izzy shrugged a bit, "It's kinda a long time ago when our ancestors lost the magic."

Pinkie awed in concern, "Must be bummer to have no magic for a long time. I feel sorry for you."

"Yeah. I know that feeling," Melody agreed in fear. She then looked at her necklace, "Just imagine if I've lost mine, I may never get back home and see my sisters again. Or worse, can't do anything good."

"Aw… You poor thing…" Izzy said sympathetically while patted Melody's mane. She then smiled warmly, "It may be so, but it never bothers me. I don't always need magic to be myself coz I am me."

Everyone was amazed by Izzy's optimism. Icy remarked, "Wow. You're quite an optimistic, aren't ya?"

"That's me. Glow up is my middle name," Izzy commented happily, "Plus, I've made some greatest and best friends I ever had in my life. Sunny is the first and real best friend I make."

Pinkie awed happily while holding Applejack close to her, "Applejack and I felt the same too! Did you know she and Princess Twilight are like sisters?"

Izzy gasped in surprise, "No way! Really!"

Applejack nodded proudly with a smile, "It's true. Whenever we have the problem, we go to her. I mostly close to her because I helped her get settle down at Ponyville and learn more what we do. So, I'm thinking that you and Sunny must have been quite good friends."

Izzy giggled happily, "You have no idea. Say wanna try my gigs and stuffs? You're gonna love it. Plus, I can make some solo song!"

"Ooh! Can you do 'Fit Right In'?!" Pinkie asked happily.

Izzy smiled, "Sure. Can you do the 'One Small Thing' too? Maybe we can do duet too!"

Pinkie giggled, "You read my mind!"

As Izzy was singing 'Fit Right In', Pinkie joined in with her 'One Small Thing' Song. Applejack's team was in disbelief and shocked of how much similar they really are, though Laxtinct hummed happily while listening to their song.

Applejack groaned, "Great. Another random pony..."

"Could be worse," Icy joked.

"Izzy!" Applejack called. Izzy looked at her. She asked, "How far is Alphabittle's café is?"

"Not far." Izzy answered calmly. Looking at the front, she gasped happily, "Ooh! We're here!"

Everyone looked up and found a large tree café-like with the signage called 'Crystal Tearoom'. Just as they entered the café, they found unicorns chatting with some of Earth Ponies and Pegasi while having cup of tea or coffee to drink. They even listen to Beatnik Pony, who was reciting the poem in both beat yet emo style.

Izzy hummed happily, "Looks like the café became much more cheerful than before. Being gloomy is no fun."

Pinkie groaned, "Gloomy is my nemesis…"

"So, where's Alphabittle?" Saber asked calmly.

"At the counter," Izzy said happily while pointed at the beverage counter, where a grayish muscular Unicorn with white spiky mane and short tail, has sideburns and goatee on his face and his cutie mark is teapot. She and her friends approached him. She greeted happily, "Hi, Alphabittle!"

Alphabittle looked surprised as he greeted her, "Oh Hey, Izzy. Nice to see you come back again." He then noticed Applejack's team. He asked, "New friends of yours?"

Izzy nodded happily, "Yup. And you won't believe this but they're from the past. These are Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Saber Dragoon, Laxtinct, Icy and little Melody Bubbles!"

"What?! The Legendary Heroes of Equestria and Mystic?!" Alphabittle asked in disbelief and shocked. Izzy nodded. He laughed out loud, "Ha! You must be joking! How can these ponies be them? I don't believe it."

"Like you don't believe that Sunny is the winner?" Izzy asked teasingly, making Alphabittle was annoyed about losing to her. She smiled, "I'm telling you. It's really them. Would I lie to you?"

"Once. You led Earth Ponies and Pegasi here to get the Magical Unicorn Crystal from me," Alphabittle answered dryly while pointing at the Unicorn Magical Crystal. He continued, "And of course, Sunny owed me a rematch. I still don't believe she can beat me. Nopony beats me in Ultimate Challenge! Nopony!"

"Sore loser, much?" Laxtinct whispered to Saber, who nodded a bit.

Izzy sighed, "I can't believe you're still upset of that."

Alphabittle scoffed while crossed his arms, "I'm not upset. Just didn't believe that she's the winner. I still want a rematch."

"Is there anything we can change your mind, Mr. Alphabittle?" Applejack asked.

Alphabittle hummed thoughtfully, "Well, I might have a thing or two to find out how true you ponies are." He gave his confident smirk, "Challenge me."

"Wait! Serious?"

"All you got to do is beat me in the game. Then, I'll believe that you are them. Think you can handle it?"

Applejack hummed in concern, "I don't know."

"Do it. If you beat him in his game, Alphabittle might help us with your mission," Izzy insisted calmly.

"She does have the point," Pinkie said happily, "I mean he did issue a challenge."

Applejack sighed, "Fine. We accept it."

"Very good. Bring forth the Ultimate Challenge!" Alphabittle called out loud yet dramatic.

The ceiling's spotlight lighted up and aimed its lighting on the dancing arcade game machine-like contraption, made of wood with cocky Alphabittle's artwork wearing sunglass on top of flames prop and its signage called 'Just Prance'.

"A dancing game? Seriously?" Saber asked in disbelief.

"Wee! I love it!" Melody cheered happily.

"Yes. Yes, it is. And I'm always the best at it," Alphabittle said confidently. He smirked slyly yet cockily while glancing at Saber and his friends. He asked cockily, "What's the matter? Scared?"

"No. Not really." Saber protested, "Just thought something scary and fierce."

"I wouldn't go that far." Alphabittle remarked playfully, "So are we in or what?"

Applejack looked at Pinkie as she asked, "Think you can handle it, Pinkie?"

Pinkie smirked while stretched herself out, "Oh yeah! Bring it on!"

Alphabittle chuckled a bit, "I'm going to win this one."

A few moments later…

Alphabittle was in disbelief and shocked as he remarked, "I've lost?! Again?!"

He then looked up while looking at Pinkie, who still dancing happily and wildly on the dancing arcade game machine. Everyone cheered for her.

"She really is the legendary Pinkie Pie. The best Party Pony and also the 'The Jinx' too!" Alphabittle exclaimed in shock and disbelief. Everyone looked at him. He yelped, "Please, don't jinx me!"

"The Jinx?" Icy asked in confusion, "Am I missing something?"

Izzy giggled uneasily, "Well, since the day our ancestors lost the magic, the unicorns became superstitious and scared of the jinxes. They all thought Discord to be responsible of jinxing ponies because of his unnatural ability. He was called as 'Father of Jinxes'. So, anyone possess unusual ability as his are considered to be 'The Jinx' like Pinkie Pie." Pinkie was offended and annoyed. She cleared her throat, "Anypony said any forbidden words like 'magic', 'feather', 'wing' and 'mayonnaise' will be cursed with jinx. Unicorns have to do the ritual to ward off the jinx and appease Discord not to do that."

"You're kidding me?!" Laxtinct asked in disbelief.

Pinkie groaned, "That was meanie! Sure, I do unusual stuffs. But that doesn't mean I'm with Discord. He did it for chaos while I did it for party."

"Speak for yourself," Alphabittle grumbled in fear. He sighed, "Okay, what do you need? Pretty sure you didn't come here for a tea or chatty."

Applejack pointed at the Unicorn Magic Crystal, "That. And also tell us more about how you ponies lose your unicorn magic in the first place."

"Figures. I have the feeling that you might look for the crystal." Alphabittle scoffed while levitating and passing the Unicorn Magic Crystal to Applejack. He sighed, "As for how our ancestors lost the magic, it's a mystery and unknown."

"Why is that?" Melody asked in confusion.

Alphabittle looked serious and worried as he continued explanation, "That's because no one really knows what happen. The history only claimed that the last Princess of Equestria fought and battled a Dark Warlord from destroying the Equestria. By doing so, she made an ultimate sacrifice to defeat him. And the next thing we know is that we suddenly lost our magic. And the rest is history of how we unicorns became distrustful of others."

Everyone was in shock and surprised of Alphabittle's history. Icy hissed, "That's very sad. I'm very sorry, Alphabittle. Is it the Dark Mystic Pony?"

"I don't know." Alphabittle admitted, "But I do know is that this Warlord is very powerful and almost destroyed almost everything if not for the last Princess of Equestria. I hope this information can help you out."

Applejack nodded, "Much appreciated. Mind if we take this crystal along?"

Alphabittle nodded warmly, "Sure. Take very good care of the crystal. It's very priceless and an important reminder to me."

"Really?" Izzy asked in surprise, "Like what?"

Alphabittle smiled, "To have friends like yours, Izzy. Don't you agree?"

Looking at Applejack and her friends, and also recalling the adventure she has with Sunny and her friends; Izzy smiled warmly, "Yeah, I do."

Applejack's Team turned and exited out of the Crystal Tearoom. However; Ripper, under the guise of using brown-colored cowl to cover his face and avoid being found, entered the café. He approached to Alphabittle, who has just returned to the counter for preparing the drinks for his next customers.

"Oh. Hello there," Alphabittle greeted warmly yet calmly, "What can I get for ya?"

Looking at the gray unicorn, Ripper hissed calmly, "Information… Regarding with the legends and myths behind Mystic Ponies and their dark counterparts… Tell me more about them…"

Alphabittle looked suspicious yet worried and uneasy about the pony. He has the feeling that he's a troublemaker. He'd better deal with him soon.

Zipp and Pipp were leading Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Aqua, Shorty, Tailtech and Ciel to Zephyr Heights – new homeland of Pegasi now. They travelled through the gorge, followed by climbing or flying up to the top of mountains. They have arrived at the modernized metropolitan-like capital city, filled with shopping lots, restaurants, theater, stadiums and so on that almost like human's capital city. Looking at new city has surprised and amazed Rarity's team a lot.

"Wow… T-This is nothing like our home," Rainbow remarked in surprise.

Aqua agreed, "Or even mine…"

Rarity awed in amazement, "T-This is most spectacular and beautiful capital city I ever seen." She sighed happily, "Reminds me so much of Manehattan. I wonder if it's still existed in this timeline."

"I can't believe that Pegasi are not living in some kind of Canterlot City," Fluttershy commented. She turned and looked at Zipp and Pipp. She asked, "May I know why this city was called by 'Zephyr Heights'?"

Zipp nodded calmly as she explained, "I can do that. In ancient history, the story goes on with our ancestors finding a new home after they have lost their flight magic and also their original homeland – Cloudsdale. They came across a ruined capital city, which was kinda badly damaged and abandoned during the war. They rebuilt it and make it into a new home called 'Zephyr Heights'. Named after the words of 'breeze' and 'heights' for making us safe and sound from danger."

"On other hoof, it was named after Zephyr Breeze," Pipp said happily yet cutely.

Almost everyone was disbelieved of what they just heard. Shorty asked, "Why is that?"

Pipp smiled, "They said that Zephyr Breeze was bravest and fastest Pegasus has ever known for challenging and humiliating the scary Warlord called 'Cunning Fury', right in front of the public."

Everyone yelped in shock and disbelief while facefaulted to the ground. Ciel gasped before stuttered, "I-I-I can't believe that incident is actually part of history."

Rainbow groaned in concern, "Be glad that he's not here to hear this one."

Shorty nodded, "Yeah. I hate to imagine how bad temper former Mystic Councilpony is about to unleash on this world."

Zipp groaned in annoyance as she scolded Pipp, "Pipp! I told you a hundred times before! That is just a ridiculous fairytale! I mean challenging and humiliating a cunning yet terrifying Mystic Councilpony of Earth is dumbest thing I ever heard. Zephyr Breeze may have been Fluttershy's brother, he's not brave or smart enough to do that."

Pipp scoffed while rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Maybe to you but this one is my favorite and better than some history books." She sighed happily, "I can't imagine how handsome and charming this Zephyr Breeze. His wife must be very lucky to have him."

Rainbow groaned in disgust, "Yuck. I can imagine how terrible it goes especially with his girlfriend."

Aqua nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I heard that Sour Sweet kicked his ass for trying to makeup with her." She sighed in disbelief, "I can't imagine how much trouble you have with him."

Rolled her eyes in annoyance, Rainbow grumbled, "You have no idea."

"Anyhow, who are we meeting?" Shorty asked.

"Our mom," Pipp answered happily while flapping her wings.

Zipp nodded, "Yeah. She kept the Pegasus Magic Crystal with her and might know about the history too."

"How intriguing." Rarity remarked calmly, "A librarian, no doubt."

Zipp and Pipp scoffed before burst in laughter, making Rarity confused. The white Pegasus spoke, "Yeah. Not exactly…"

"Zephyrina Storm! Pipp Ruby Petals!" The pale pink colored Pegasus with periwinkle colored mane and tail with lilac streaks worn purple royal gown and newly winged-like crown demanded out loud yet firmly, "Where have you been?! You've got some explaining to do when you both supposed to be here in time."

Almost everyone including Zipp and Pipp yelped in fear and concern of what they're facing with. They're now at the Royal Throne Chamber, where the queen herself was sitting on her golden chair while holding and patting her flying dog-like.

Rarity gulped in concern, "You never told us that she's the queen."

"Now we did," Zipp answered amusingly, "Everypony, meet our mom and the Queen of Zephyr Heights – Queen Haven."

Pipp whispered to her new friends, "And be advised, she can be a drama queen sometimes."

Rainbow snickered amusingly, "Sounds familiar."

Almost everyone stifled their laughter amusingly while Rarity looked confuse.

Queen Haven raised her eyebrow as she asked annoyingly, "Would somepony tell me what is going on? And who are these ponies, Zipp and Pipp?"

Zipp sighed, "Mom, we told you this morning that we were meeting up with our friends, making sure Pipp's Concert Ticket Sales goes well."

"They're our friends, mom," Pipp explained with a smile. She continued, "Ms. Rarity, Ms. Fluttershy, Ms. Rainbow Dash, Mr. Shorty Thinking, Mr. Tailtech, Ms. Aqua and Ms. Icy. They're the Legendary Heroes of Equestria and Mystic!"

Queen Haven laughed dramatically yet poorly out loud, making almost everyone covered their ears as they can't stand with her poor laughter. But at the same time, they were confused and uncertain of why she laughed.

"That's a laughable, my daughters. Everypony knows that they're just legends and myths. They're not even real." Queen Haven remarked with scoff.

"Mom, they're real," Zipp insisted firmly.

"I'm sure they are," Queen Haven commented while showing ignorance. She noticed her flying dog was licking its paws while snarling and growling in frustration. She sighed, "Oh good heavens! What is wrong with you, Cloudpuff?! Don't tell me that you need a bath again?!"

"Uh, your highness?" Fluttershy calmly called out. Queen Haven turned and looked at her. She continued, "May I can be assistant? I'm very good with the animals."

Though uncertain and worried, Queen Haven reluctantly passed her flying dog to Fluttershy. The yellow Pegasus held the worried Cloudpuff before gently shushed it to calm down. She smiled warmly, making the dog revealed its paw with a thorn on it. She slowly yet gently plucked it out. Cleared her throat while looking at Shorty, the scientist quickly approached her while giving her the medical kit. She swiftly and quickly put ointment before bandaged its paw.

Cloudpuff was surprised yet happy as its tail was shaking happily. It then nuzzled on her. Everyone was surprised by it.

"H-How did you know that?" Queen Haven asked in surprise.

Fluttershy smiled, "I talked with Cloudpuff. He showed me the problem. And I helped him."

Rainbow smiled while nodded proudly, "Yup. Fluttershy's really good with animals. She always listened, talked and even helped them a lot."

Queen Haven gawked in disbelief and shock before spoke, "T-This is unbelievable. And impossible. They're real?!"

Zipp nodded, "Yes, mom. They're very real."

"And also, we need your help too," Pipp added.

"Is this about the Pegasus Magical Crystal?" Queen Haven asked calmly. Zipp and Pipp nodded firmly. She sighed, "Somehow I'm not surprised that my old crown is gonna be involved with this again. Be right back."

"There's more, your highness," Aqua added firmly, "We wish you could help us out with Pegasi History that has something to do with Pegasi losing Flight Magic. We want to know how and when, so we can prevent it."

"Really?" Queen Haven asked in surprise. Everyone nodded. She sighed, "Very well. I'll be right back with both the Pegasus Magic Crystal and also the history. In the meantime, Pipp and Zipp should entertain the guests, or better yet, make some preparation for the concert too. I don't want any more embarrassment to the royal family again. It's such a heartache to get stuck in prison. I almost faint."

Queen Haven sighed unhappily before falling down on her seat. Everyone sighed amusingly yet annoyingly, reminding them so much of Rarity. They all looked at her amusingly and playfully.

Rarity groaned, "Don't you dare look at me. I'm nothing like her!"

"Either way. Like mom said, we should handle our stuffs first," Zipp suggested calmly.

Pipp nodded, "Yeah. I need to prepare myself for my upcoming concert. This time, it's not gonna be Pegasi, but all three tribes. I'm so nervous and worried about my costume or dress to wear for it. And not to mention, I want to make sure that my newly decorated stage and even special effects are good."

"Ooh! I can handle with that," Rarity volunteered.

Fluttershy shrugged, "I guess I could help too."

Shorty smiled warmly, "My assistants and I will handle with the stage and special effects. We're good at that kind of work."

Tailtech nodded, "Yup. Trust us. We can build stuffs, fix stuffs and even upgrade them. That's our work motto."

Ciel smiled warmly, "You can count on us to help you."

Pipp smiled warmly, "Thank you, guys."

Pipp then led and guided Rarity, Fluttershy, Shorty, Ciel and Tailtech to her dressing room and the stage that she's gonna used for her concert.

Zipp turned and looked at Aqua and Rainbow, "Since my sister's gonna be busy with her rehearsal, dressing and working on special effects, wanna hang out with me? I've got something awesome you might gonna like."

Rainbow looked intrigued and impressed, "Oh. This ought to be interesting."

"Well, better than researching and doing nothing," Aqua agreed before sighed, "Not kind of my style."

Zipp smiled, "Cool. I've got something I wanna show you."

Zipp led and guide Rainbow and Aqua to the old abandoned airport hall-like via using the air-balloon's basket to climb and lowered to the ground. The place was filled with lampposts, old flight technologies, air balloons from hangar bays, various books, chalkboard, Wonderbolt Posters and also the stained-glass windows with Pegasus on left, Unicorn on right, middle is Earth Pony as they all held the Magical Crystals and top has Twilight Sparkle's cutie marks.

Zipp smiled warmly, "Welcome to my hideout."

"Wow…" Rainbow remarked in surprise. She gasped while looking at the Wonderbolt Poster, "Wow! Cool! I didn't know you were the fan of Wonderbolts!"

"Huh. So, that's what they're called." Zipp asked curiously as she approached and looked at the poster. She sighed in surprise, "I always thought they're called Storm Raiders or Rainbow Squad since you founded it."

Rainbow looked disbelief and shocked, "Wowza. Your history really messed up as three ponies hating each other going back to the time before the Founders of Old Equestria's."

Zipp shrugged with a sigh, "What can you do when you got very incomplete history?"

"I supposed it is true enough." Aqua remarked understandingly. She approached to chalkboard which involved of wing structure and also flight formation, and also found other books like science, mathematics and technology. She whistled, "Still I'm impressed that you have this kind of stuffs."

Rainbow checked on the books, "Wow! You studied and worked on these?"

"Yeah." Zipp admitted proudly while looking at some technologies and obstacle course, "Other than sports, I loved science and math. Heck, I even did some serious research and experiment on my flight test. It works pretty great."

"Wow! You mean you worked on this kind of stuffs?!" Rainbow asked in surprise while looking at the obstacle course. Zipp chuckled a bit while nodded. While looking at the chalkboard, she continued, "Okay. I always thought you're an athletic like me and Aqua, but didn't realize that you can be an egghead."

Zipp smirked playfully, "There's nothing wrong with being smart. I've got no problem with it. Plus, with lots of inventions and machines, it could help me out with my flying skills since I just got flight magic."

"I see." Rainbow nodded understanding. While thinking, she smirked playfully, "Say. You wanna do some serious race on machine?"

"Is that a challenge?"

"Only if you say 'yes'."

"Alright! I'm always on the challenge. Time for the new beat the old."

"Hey! I am not old as old pony Veteran Shot or Anchor," Rainbow grumbled.

Zipp smirked, "Then prove it old timer."

Rainbow chuckled amusingly, "Oh! You're so gonna get this!"

Both Rainbow and Zipp laughed out loud and happily as they were racing through the obstacle course. And at the same time, they were shouting, taunting and commenting at each other's speed and skills through the course.

Aqua chuckled a bit while rolled her eyes, "This should be interesting. Reminds me of Indigo and Rainbow's rivalry. Just hope that they don't go overboard again."

Pipp led Rarity, Fluttershy, Shorty, Tailtech and Ciel to the backstage garage, which was located at the basement. It was where rehearsal for singing and dancing, decorating sets on concert stage and making some props, sewing and working on costumes, and some special effect technical machine, which were handled by the Pegasi Technician and Designers. Rarity and her team awed in amazement and surprise to look at it.

"Oh my…" Fluttershy remarked in surprise.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. This is incredible. I'd never seen this kind of concert before."

Shorty approached to the special effects machine, "Me too. This machine's amazing. I've always wanted to try this kind of technology."

"Well, here you are," Pipp said calmly with a smile, "Feel free to use it. So, Rarity, can you really handle with dress?"

"Can I?" Rarity giggled amusingly, "Darling, I've created and sew thousands and more kinds of dresses, suits and everything for my pleasing customers. All I really need is inspiration to match with you."

Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully, "How about the song? You did the same thing for both Sapphire Shore and Countess Coloratura."

Rarity smiled while nodded in agreement, "Splendid idea, Fluttershy! I can do that! Would you help us, Princess Pipp?"

Pipp smiled, "My pleasure. And please, call me 'Pipp'. Friends are allowed to call me that."

Pipp guide and led Rarity and Fluttershy to the dressing room, where two ponies worked on the dress while the princess was rehearsing and singing 'Glowin' Up' song. And at the same time, Shorty and his two assistants were checking and working on the special effects machines, lightings and even automatic filming cameras.

"Gotta hand it to them. These technologies are almost modern and same as ours," Tailtech remarked while checking on camera. He hummed thoughtfully, "You think that these comes from Mystic Ponies?"

Shorty shrugged in concern while studying technologies, "Maybe. By the looks of these, it doesn't require Crystals or even Magic to power and activate them. They used electrical energy to do so. Ingenious…"

"Not to mention, those devices they're using…" Ciel said while pointing at some ponies were using cellphones for talking, typing messages or entertainment. She continued, "Don't they look familiar?"

Tailtech hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah, they do. If I'm not mistaken, Twilight mentioned about humans using these 'cellphones' for communication."

"It is," Shorty confirmed, "In fact, that was one of my unfinished projects I was working on. Gotta admit it. This is really trick to work on."

"Say what if we bring one of them back to our timeline," Tailtech suggested playfully.

Ciel hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah. That would be a great idea. This will help us solve the problem with cellphone project."

Shorty was annoyed as he pulled their ears hard, making them yelped in pain. He remarked dryly, "Don't even think about it."

Inside the dressing room, while listening to her song, Rarity and Fluttershy got the inspiration and idea on creating a good dress for Pipp to wear.

After nearly two hours of working on the dress, it is ready. Pipp is now wearing a white-silver-colored dress with blue decorated lines and wearing pinkish colored furred coat-like, pair of white sleeves gloves-like, and also silver flower earrings-like. She was looking at the long mirror stand. She was impressed and amazed of what she was looking at.

"O-Oh my…" Pip remarked in surprise. Flapping her wings happily, she then took a selfie of herself, "Selfie! This is so gorgeous!"

"Rarity did it again. She makes another best and beautiful dress again." Fluttershy commented.

Pipp nodded in agreement, "I agreed. This is the best dress I ever wear and seen! I didn't realize that unicorns are good with designing the dresses. Not to mention, have good manners too."

Rarity giggled a bit, "Why thank you. Though I'm curious, why would you say that?"

Remembering of what Sunny told her about Rarity, Pip giggled a bit of nervous, "Funny story." She sighed in frustration, "Sure wish I could have taken pictures of where unicorns live. Never imagined that unicorns actually lived in sophisticated city than rural land."

"Beg your pardon?! Did you say 'rural land'?!" Rarity asked in disbelief.

Felt the sudden vibration, Pipp answered her cellphone. She listened carefully while nodded understandingly. Turning it off, she spoke, "Mom found them. Better meet up with them now. Time to find out about the answer of our history."

Both Pipp's and Zipp's group returned to the throne chamber, where Queen Haven has brought both the Pegasus Magic Crystal and the Pegasi's Ancient History Book. She approached and passed them to her daughters.

"Just as I promised, here are the crystal and the history book," Queen Haven said firmly yet humbly.

Pipp smiled, "Thanks, mom. You're the best as always!"

"Say did you find anything else with the history?" Zipp asked calmly.

Queen Haven hummed thoughtfully, "Not that I know of. However, the librarian did mention about these crystals…"

"Really?" Rarity asked curiously.

Fluttershy looked worried and scared as she asked, "W-What is it? Do these crystals have something to do with the history?"

Queen Haven sighed, "I cannot be very sure since history is not my favorite subject. However, if I recall correctly is that the Last Princess of Equestria owed three magical powerful crystals. These crystals were created for bringing peace and harmony to the Equestria Land, and also to protect and safeguard ponies' magic powers from falling into wrong hooves while also battle and defeat the pure evil like the Dark Warlord."

"Oh my…" Fluttershy remarked in concern, "That's almost sound like Elements of Harmony."

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. These crystals must be very powerful and magical…"

"I'm surprise that you never told me about this," Zipp commented in surprise.

"As I've said before, Zipp, I wasn't very good with history," Queen Haven admitted humbly, "And if I did find out, we were still suspicious and paranoid of trusting and making friends with other ponies."

"Can't blame her for that," Pipp said calmly.

"Well, as long as we have the information and crystal, we should report back to Twilight," Shorty said firmly and calmly, "She might have the idea about what to do."

"Good thinking, Shorty. We should get going now," Ciel suggested calmly.

Everyone nodded and chattered in agreement. Both Zipp's and Pipp's groups are heading off and returning to Maretime Bay, regrouping and meeting up with their friends about the information they have found. As soon as they left the throne chamber, Queen Haven sighed while sitting down on her throne chair. Cloudpuff hopped and landed on his mistress's lap for resting.

While listening to her daughter's recorded song for almost ten minutes, both Queen Haven and Cloudpuff suddenly heard a loud noise and shouting from the outside of throne chamber. This annoyed and irritated them a lot.

"What in the world is going on out there?!" Queen Haven demanded angrily and annoyingly. To her shock and concern, an injured and bruised Alphabittle got thrown straight to the ground. She asked, "Alphabittle?! Oh my god! What happened to you?!"

Alphabittle groaned in pain, "R-Run… Haven, Run!"

Just before she could do anything, Queen Haven found Cloudpuff snarled and barked out loud as something someone. She looked up and found Ripper, his coat was covered in blood, approached to her.

"W-Who are you?! What do you want?!" Queen Haven demanded in anger yet fear.

Ripper sighed while twist his neck for a stretch, "I want the information. Tell me more about Mystic Realm… Where is it now?! Where is my home?!"

Bringing Kid Flare Tiger along, Twilight and Shadow Dragon revealed her heritage, as well as explaining about her ties with the Element of Time and Space and responsible of making sure the timeline is stable and balanced. Both Sunny and Hitch were shocked and surprised about it, though Sprout find it boring and uninterested. And at the same time, they were all heading straight to the Canterlogic Factory.

Still processing the information, Sunny then asked in uncertain, "So, this hybrid is not only your descendant, but also the wielder and guardian of Element of Time and Space, so that she can travel back to the past and make sure that timeline is stable and balance, without constant paradox and interruption?"

Twilight nodded a bit, "That's sum it up."

"Wow… A Time Traveler…" Hitch commented in surprise. He then looked at Kid Flare Tiger, who was still hiding besides Sunny. He smiled warmly, "Who knew?"

"Well, truthfully, I also have a hard time to believe that she's your descendant, Headmare Twilight," Rak admitted in surprise.

Yona nodded, "Yona never knew too."

"All of us have hard time to believe it," Shadow Dragon added calmly and firmly. He smiled proudly and calmly while looking at Kid Flare Tiger, "But if it weren't for her, Lance wouldn't be alive and reunite with us. And not to mention, we also have ensured a better future for ourselves too."

Twilight nodded in agreement while nuzzled her husband, "Yeah. We owe it to her. Plus, she did keep marriage ring safely for us to get married."

Sunny awed happily while patted Kid Flare Tiger's head, "Aw… That's so sweet and romantic too."

Sprout made a retched noise of disgust, "If you ask me, that's gotta be stupidest thing I ever heard." He glared at Kid Flare Tiger, "And not to mention, I don't believe that she's the old fossils' kid too. She's a freak."

Sunny and Hitch turned and glared at Sprout as they shouted in unison, "[Sunny] Sprout! [Hitch] Not cool! And it's rude too!"

"What? It's the truth," Sprout exclaimed bluntly, "I don't know why you guys so riled up for a freak like her and ancient fossils like them."

Just before anyone could do anything, Terrorcreep swiftly and quickly tripped Sprout to the ground. The ex-Deputy Sheriff tried to get up but slammed to the ground by the Mystic Vampire Pony, who armed and held his Thunder Axe close to his neck. Everyone yelped in concern and worried of what he was doing.

Sprout screamed in fear, "Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Don't kill me!"

Terrorcreep hissed angrily and darkly, "Insult one more time. Your life is mine to take."

Sprout panicked frantically, "No! No! Noooooo! Don't take my life!"

"Hey! Hey! Hey! You cannot do that to my officer! Let him go now!" Hitch firmly scolded Terrorcreep.

"What makes you think that I would comply?" Terrorcreep asked mockingly.

Hitch showed his sheriff badge to him, "Coz I'm the sheriff. And I ordered you to let him go now!"

Terrorcreep scoffed, "I don't take orders from naïve and cocky sheriff for not taking good care of the worthless officer."

"Excuse me?!" Hitch asked angrily, feeling offended

Blazefist cleared his throat, "Come on, TC. Let that idiot go. He gets the message."

"I am," Terrorcreep said calmly before disengaged his weapons. He smirked while looking at how scared Sprout is. He remarked, "Remember this. Or else…"

Sprout yelped in fear, "I won't forget this! Honest! I'll be good!"

"Was that really necessary?" Sunny asked in annoyance.

Shadow Dragon shrugged, "That's Terrorcreep. He has ways to deal with ponies, who dared to disrespect him, even if it means he has to bite them."

Hitch groaned, "Right. Now I remember why Earth Ponies are afraid of Pegasi. All because of him as a vampire."

Sunny and her friends have arrived and entered the laboratory, where the scientists were studying and analyzing on Earth Pony Magic Crystal. They even were researching and checking on the Earth Pony history as well. A light peach pink colored Earth Pony with golden blonde curved twister-like mane and short tail wearing pair of glasses, pearl necklace and even access tag and has a bar graph depicting rising stocks cutie mark was checking and supervising them with their work. She hummed curiously yet interestingly while studying the crystal.

Sunny cleared her throat, "Mrs. Cloverleaf?"

Mrs. Cloverleaf yelped in surprise before looked back, "Oh my! Sunny Starscout and Sheriff Hitch! Good to see you around." She smiled warmly while hugging Sprout, "Hi, Son. How are you doing? Doing alright with the community service?"

Sprout grumbled, "Fine, mummy. Everything's fine…"

"That's his mom?" Blazefist asked Hitch.

Hitch nodded, "Yeah. She's his mom. Phyllis Cloverleaf is the founder and president of Canterlogic, and also act as De-facto Leader of Maretime Bay."

Terrorcreep rolled his eyes in annoyance, "She must be very proud of his achievement."

Hitch shook his head in disagreement, "Well, I don't think she's happy for him and even herself since she got bigot against the Pegasi and Unicorn. She didn't realize it until Sprout screw it up big time."

Mrs. Cloverleaf turned her attention to Twilight and her friends. She asked, "These are…"

"Friends of ours, Mrs. Cloverleaf," Sunny explained calmly, "These are Princess Twilight, her husband Shadow Dragon, Commander Blazefist, Terrorcreep, and the students – Yona, Rak and Blackwitch."

Mrs. Cloverleaf looked surprised and disbelieved, "Oh my… The rumors about you ponies come from the past are true." She giggled in disbelief while rolled her eyes in frustration, "Butter biscuit! Guess I owe Argyle a big time for not believing in his research."

"Is that what you're doing now? Researching and getting the right history?" Hitch asked in confusion.

Mrs. Cloverfield nodded, "Indeed, I am. We're trying to piece Argyle's research work together with our history. So far, they seem to be connected. And of course, we're doing another thoroughly research on the crystal. I'm still having trouble to believe that this crystal has special magic for us to use."

Sunny hummed thoughtfully, "I supposed that's true, Mrs. Cloverfield."

"I have the feeling that you didn't come here for a tour or chat with me," Mrs. Cloverfield said calmly, "So, what do you need, Sunny and Sheriff Hitch?"

"Hey, what about me?!" Sprout asked in annoyance.

Mrs. Cloverfield sighed, "I'll get you what you want later, honey. But I'm talking with our guests now."

"Well, we were hoping that you can help us with the history or anything happen to the crystal," Sunny asked calmly, "Princess Twilight believed that once we find out how the history went, they might able to change our future."

Mrs. Cloverfield looked surprised, "Oh. I see. Well then, let me get the crystal now." She cleared her throat, making the assistant quickly to get and brought the Earth Pony Magic Crystal to her. She passed it to Sunny. She continued, "As for the history, there're some missing gap between Princess Nyx's reign and present time. But we do know is that the disappearance of Last Princess caused pony tribes and other creatures to turn on each other and went separate ways. They grew suspicious, fearful and paranoid of each other as they went very far to create propaganda to protect themselves from the enemies. The true version became legend and bedtime stories."

Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. Yona sighed, "Yona doesn't believe it. Why go that far?"

Mrs. Cloverfield sighed, "Sad to say. Losing the only sole ruler to Equestria has made ponies paranoid and angry to blame each other for the mess. I mean you saw what happened today."

"Yeah, I do." Sunny nodded understandingly. She then heard some loud magical noise. She and her friends looked back and found rest of their friends teleported before them. She gasped, "Wow! You guys are back!"

"Yup! We sure did," Izzy said happily.

Applejack held the Magical Unicorn Crystal, "And we got the crystal and history about unicorn."

"Same with us too," Shorty added on, signaling Rarity and Fluttershy held both Pegasi History Book and Magical Crystal.

Zipp smiled, "And you won't believe of what we just found."

"Well, let's hear it," Sunny said excitedly. Both Applejack's and Rarity's teams explained of what they have found and learned from Alphabittle and Queen Haven. Sunny's team were surprised of what they just heard. She remarked, "W-Wow. That was unexpected…"

"Unexpected is a bit of understatement," Terrorcreep remarked dryly.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "But still, there's some dot that connects with Earth Pony's History like the Last Princess sacrificed herself to use three magical crystals to defeat the Dark Lord, which caused the ponies to lose magic. They became paranoid and fear of each other before went separate ways."

Sunny nodded understandingly, "That is true. Sounds like the crystals are the key to this."

"If I may." Mrs. Cloverfield said thoughtfully while looking at Earth Pony Magic Crystal, "There's a legend say that these crystals were actually made from the Tree of Harmony."

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in surprise.

"I don't believe it," Shadow Dragon commented in shock.

"The Tree of Harmony created the crystals? How is that possible?" Twilight asked in surprise. Mrs. Cloverfield shrugged in uncertain. She sighed, "Guess we'd never know when or how it happened. Or maybe… There's more to the Tree of Harmony than meets the eye…"

Mrs. Cloverfield nodded, "Indeed. Like both tribes' histories, the crystals were used to fight and protect the ponies from pure evil. They also maintained peace and harmony for the land. But I also believe that they're also the key restore magic but only if three pony tribe must reunite as one."

Izzy gasped happily, "Just like what you did, Sunny. You united three pony tribes as one."

Everyone chattered and gave the applause happily while Sunny blushed warmly as she didn't expect some compliment especially from Mrs. Cloverfield since she was very against to believe in Argyle's research.

Hitch nodded happily, "Izzy does have the point. You showed the world that ponies can be friends and united. Heck, you even helped them regain their magic from using the crystals."

Rak smiled, "Yeah, they also make you an Alicorn Princess."

The whole community gasped in shock and surprised of what they just heard while looking at Sunny. The apricot Alicorn looked nervous and worried about it now.

"Oh my…" Mrs. Cloverfield remarked in surprise, "I didn't think about that. If Princess Twilight is an Alicorn, then Sunny Starscout is also a princess too! She's now our new ruler of the Equestria!"

The community gasped before chattered with each other. Sunny became nervous as she spoke, "Well, I'm not sure-!"

The community swarmed over Sunny while pushing and moving the rest of her friends and even the ponies from ancient time. While her friends tried to reach her and push the crowd aside, Blackwitch quickly magically teleported out. But her teleportation didn't go unnoticed. Her classmates spotted her doing it. Confused yet worried for her, they decided to return to one place that they're familiar with. They quickly and stealthily used the magical aura sense and teleportation spell to follow after her.

The community from three tribes wildly and happily complimented, admired and asked her about her new role as the ruler of Equestria.

"Are you really going to be the new Princess of Equestria? Does this mean that you'll be leading all three tribes of ponies? You're becoming Princess Twilight's Successor now! This is awesome! Incredible! Astounding! I'm willing to follow you! You're the best! I knew you were right from the start about. You'd never give up from proving that you were right! You must be proud of your accomplishment! I mean I would! You inspire me! Your father must be so proud of you for this! You made his dream come true! No doubt that you're gonna be the best princess in this land!"

Hearing their compliments and remarks has made her more agitated yet nervous and scared than before. And the only thing Sunny has to do is magically teleported at once before they overwhelmed her.

Everyone chattered and muttered in concern, wondering where Sunny has gone off to. Even the rest of her friends also became worried and concern now.

"Oh no. Sunny! Where is she?!" Hitch asked in concern.

Mrs. Cloverfield looked worry and concern as she answered, "I don't know, sheriff. She just disappeared."

"Not disappeared," Twilight disagreed as her horn lighted up magically. Sensing the magic aura carefully, she answered, "I know where she is. She's back at home now."

"Let's go now!" Izzy exclaimed in concern.

Zipp nodded, "Yeah. We need check on her. Hope she's alright."

"We will. But I have to talk with her alone," Twilight said firmly and seriously. Everyone was confused and uncertain. She continued, "I might know what's really going on with her. But I'm the only pony can help her out. I need you guys to give me and Sunny some space to sort out her problem."

While Sunny's friends were worried and uncertain, Twilight's teams and allies remained calm and firm as they have some confidence and belief in her. Regardless, they all nodded firmly and calmly in agreement. Twilight smiled warmly and happily that her friends from her past and future era trusted her to do so. Holding Kid Flare Tiger close to her, she magically teleported off to Sunny's latest location now.

"What do you think it's going on with Sunny?" Pipp asked in concern, "This isn't like her to just leave like that."

Zipp sighed in concern, "Hope nothing happens to her."

"Do you think your wife can reach her out?" Hitch asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon smiled confidently, "Don't worry, sheriff. She can. I have faith in her. Twilight will talk with your girlfriend over what problem she has."

"That's a relief," Hitch said in relief. He yelped in realization, "Hey! She's not my girlfriend!"

Shadow Dragon smirked teasingly, "Sure, she is. One day."

"Hey… Have anyone seen the students?" Icy asked in concern.

Everyone looked around of their surroundings. They found five students went missing. While Sunny's friends were worried and scared, Shadow Dragon and his friends groaned in annoyance and frustration about this.

Terrorcreep groaned while crossed his hooves, "I really hate when they do that. They just can't sit still."

"Well, we'd better find them now before they get us into trouble," Sabe said firmly and seriously.

"We'll help too!" Izzy volunteered, making her friends agreed as well.

Shadow Dragon and his friends smiled warmly to hear that Sunny's team is willing to help them out. They all headed out of Canterlogic Garage. They have to find the students. And at the same time, Mrs. Cloverfield dispersed the community and asked them to return to their duties at once. And they did.

Sprout was on his way out of the garage, he was grabbed and held against the wall. He found Ripper held and aimed his knife at him by neck. He gave a cackling yet maniacal laughter.

"W-What the?! Who are you?!" Sprout demanded fearfully and frantically. Ripper ignored his question as he aimed and placed the knife close to his neck. He yelped, "W-What do you want from me?!"

Ripper smirked, "Answer. What happen to Nezha and my allies?! Did they really win the war? Where are they now?!"

"T-The Evil God of War?! Him?! Win?! Mystic Ponies?! What the heck are you talking about?!" Sprout panicked, "He didn't win the war! He lost it! He committed suicide for destroying the Mystic-Equestria Alliance and the Equestria! Everypony knows that!

"Are you lying to me?!" Ripper asked with snarl.

"No! I'm saying they all went extinct because of Nezha! He's destroyed everything and even his own homeland!"

"I-Impossible!"

"I'm telling you the truth!"

Ripper snarled angrily after hearing the history from both Alphabittle and Queen Haven. He sighed calmly while glaring at Sprout, "Well then. Looks like I'm gonna change the future. I just need to get that brat activate the Element again. And for the insurance, I make sure that they stayed dead here for good."

Sprout gulped in fear, "W-What are you going to do?"

Ripper smirked, "You're gonna help me with something… I heard that you built the powerful war machine to destroy your enemies. I want that."

Widened his eyes in fear and shock, Sprout panicked, "No! No! No! Not that! Please! Don't force me to use that again! I don't want to be that pony again!"

Ripper gave an evil laughter while strangling to choke fearful Sprout, "I'm not asking, fool…"

After barely escaped and returned to her home via magical teleportation, Sunny was standing at the lighthouse's balcony, looking at Maretime Bay, and also Bridlewood and Zephyr Height. She recalled the adventure she has been through with her friends and the lessons she has learned especially becoming the Alicorn from the power of three Pony Magical Crystals. She sighed in upset, worried and uncertain about her role as the first Alicorn and new ruler of Equestria.

While Sunny was thinking about the situation, Twilight and Kid Flare Tiger teleported inside the lighthouse's lantern room. They looked around to find her. They spotted her at the balcony. They approached and checked on her.

Sensing two ponies behind her, Sunny sighed before turned and looked back, "Hey, Princess Twilight. I'm so sorry for bailing out. I-I'm kinda freak out."

"Yeah. I noticed," Twilight said calmly, "I can tell that you're bothered about being the first pony to be an Alicorn and 'Princess of Equestria'."

"Don't call me that! I am not a princess like you or your predecessors!" Sunny snapped in frustration and annoyance. Twilight remained calm and firm while looking at her in concern. Kid Flare Tiger became afraid of her before hiding behind the Alicorn Princess's. She gasped of her mistake. She looked down in shame, "I'm sorry again…"

"Do you want to talk about this? I can tell that you've been bothered by this a lot."

"Yeah. But is it okay if I can be emotional about how I feel about being Princess?"

"You may, Sunny. Let it out as much as you want."

Relieved that Twilight was alright with it, Sunny sighed before expressed out, "Princess Twilight, I have to be honest with you. I don't think I'm fit for being a princess. Let alone to rule the Equestria. It's gotta be joke and stupid too."

"Why is that?" Twilight asked calmly.

"All I ever want is to prove that my father's right about the three pony tribes were and can be friends. I want them to get along and help each other like friends or family. I want them stop treating each other like enemies or monsters." Sunny exclaimed in frustration and upset tone. Tears formed on her eyelids, she cried out sadly, "But I also really want is ponies stopped treating me like I'm an outsider or special or even princess! I felt so isolated and lonely to have this kind of treatment! I don't want to be alone! I can't do this! I just can't!"

"Sunny…" Twilight said sympathetically.

Sunny sighed while wiping tears off, "I'm so sorry again, Princess Twilight. Being an Alicorn or even becoming the princess isn't something I was expecting. I'm not very sure that I'm ready for this. I don't think I can do it…"

Just as she suspected, Sunny is indeed scared and uncomfortable about being a princess. Twilight was about to talk and comfort her but Kid Flare Tiger approached and gave Sunny a warm and gently hug.

"Don't be sad… You, not alone…" Kid Flare Tiger answered gently while nuzzling her legs. This surprised Sunny. While looking at her, she formed tears and said sadly, "Me… Flare Tiger… Is here for you… Me… Help you… Me… care for you…"

"Flare Tiger…" Sunny said in surprise.

Twilight approached towards her, "It'll be fine, Sunny. Like Flare Tiger said, you're not alone."

"What do you mean, Princess Twilight?"

"I've been in your hoofsteps before, Sunny. I wasn't sure if I'm ready for the new role too when I achieved my Alicorn Form. So, I know that feeling very well, Sunny."

"I see. Must have been hard and pressured for you to handle with the princess role. You've been pressured a lot to make your ponies and do what is right. Not to mention, you've been alone for a while."

"Yes. Being princess is no joke," Twilight admitted calmly before formed a gentle smile, "But that doesn't mean it has to be bad thing or everything comes to the end."

Sunny looked surprise as she asked, "Really?"

"Yeah. As long you have friends with you, you'll never be alone." Twilight said calmly and gently with a nod. She turned and looked at Kid Flare Tiger, who was staying close to Sunny while nuzzling her. She smiled warmly, "Even Flare Tiger agrees with me. She'll be standing by your side."

Touched and relieved by Twilight's advice and even Kid Flare Tiger's kindness, Sunny smiled happily yet warmly while patted the filly's mane, "Thank you, Flare Tiger. I appreciate for standing by my side." She turned and looked at Twilight, "Thank you, Princess Twilight. You're the best, just like the folktale. The wise and powerful Princess of Friendship give the advice to poor soul."

Twilight sighed in disbelief, "Oh boy. That seems to be exaggerating…"

Both Twilight and Sunny giggled happily. Kid Flare Tiger smiled happily to see them happy again. She then smelled something foul yet burning.

"B-Burning… I smell burning!" Kid Flare Tiger exclaimed in concern.

"WHAT?!" Twilight and Sunny asked in concern.

Twilight, Sunny and Kid Flare Tiger used the elevator to reach to the ground. To their shock and concern, they found the smoke coming out from the basement. They also heard some shouting from it as well. They looked worry and scared that someone's burning her father's research and works. They quickly climbed down at once to save them before it's too late.

Upon reaching to the basement, they found Rak and Yona were holding Blackwitch, who was struggling to use magic to levitate and tear out the research papers. And at the same time, Ciel and Melody used their Hydro Pump to put out the fire from both library shelves and research papers. They managed to save the works, but most of them were burnt and destroyed.

"Nooooooooooo!" Sunny screamed in shock and pain. She trotted towards the research papers. Forming tears of sadness and pain, she cried, "M-My dad's research! They're gone! They're gone! Damn it!"

Furiously Twilight glared at the students, "Would you like to explain about this?! Why would you all burn down the research?!"

The students except Blackwitch panicked in fear. Yona exclaimed while pointing at her, "Yona and her friends didn't do it! Scary pony did it!"

"It's true! She teleported to this basement and started burning the research papers!" Rak explained frantically and fearfully, "We tried to stop her! Honest!"

Twilight couldn't believe in her own eyes as she turned and glared at Blackwitch, "Blackwitch! Care to explain of what's really going on?!"

Ciel nodded firmly, "You can't destroy the future ponies' historical papers about us!"

Blackwitch hissed in frustration and upset while looking away, "I-I have to destroy them! No one from our timeline should learn the truth! Shadow Dragon mustn't learn the truth!"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Melody asked in confusion.

"Yona not understand why creepy pony do it?!" Yona asked in concern.

"Blackwitch, tell us the truth." Twilight demanded firmly yet seriously, "What is this about? Why are you doing this?"

Ciel nodded, "Why are you so desperate to destroy the history books and research?!"

"I… I can't," Blackwitch admitted in shame, "I just can't…"

"Because the Jade Emperor Lau ordered you to keep silence and destroy the truth?!" Sunny asked angrily yet firmly. Everyone was confused and shocked as they turned and looked at her. She looked very angry and furious yet firm to continue, "The truth about Mystic Demon and also the reincarnation of Yami. Is that why you want to destroy my father's research?!"

Blackwitch gasped, "H-How did you-?!"

Sunny interrupted firmly, "I read my father's research and 'The Legend of Shadow Dragon' from Hitch. You knew who's the real monster and who's the real hero, right?"

Blackwitch was in disbelief and shocked by her discovery as she remarked, "I… I…"

"Should I tell them the truth? Or you do?" Sunny asked firmly yet angrily.

"I don't understand. What's really going on?" Rak asked in confusion.

Twilight looked at Blackwitch as she demanded calmly, "The truth. Now."

Blackwitch sighed in defeat and shame, "The Alicorn Princess of this era is right. The Jade Emperor entrusted me to destroy the truth about a dangerous and powerful being that will bring the destruction to Mystic Realm." She looked at her friends with shameful and hurtful looks to continue, "Shadow Dragon… He is not the Destroyer, but the reincarnated hero to save us from the monster…"

"WHAT?!" Everyone sans Sunny asked in shock.

Sunny nodded firmly, "Yes. Keep telling, Blackwitch. They especially Shadow Dragon deserve the truth."

Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force and Sunny's Team have split up and searched for five missing students at both Maretime Bay's residents, square and even shopping lots. Nearly an hour has passed, they all met up at the square.

"Did you find them?" Shadow Dragon asked firmly. Everyone shook their heads in concern. He sighed, "Where the heck they have gone to?"

Blazefist shook his head in concern, "No clue. Honestly, why can't the kids be the good students and stayed in the classroom?"

Glaring at Rainbow, Terrorcreep remarked while crossed his hooves, "Maybe somepony needs to learn how to be quiet and not bragging about adventures to them, so the students wouldn't get some funny ideas to do this."

"He does have the point," Tailtech agreed calmly.

Rainbow groaned, "Gimme a break…"

"Seriously. Why didn't you just punish and suspend them?" Hitch asked in confusion.

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh no! We can't do that. That would be harsh."

"Not to mention, it might make School of Friendship looks bad because the school is for both ponies and other creatures to learn and studied the Magic of Friendship," Rarity added in concern, "It's only have been one and half year. We have to play it safe."

Izzy hummed thoughtfully, "She does have a good point."

"Still, where could they be?" Zipp asked in concern.

Before anyone could answer, something or someone teleported in middle of the square. This shocked and alerted three heroic teams as they found bruised yet unconscious Alphabittle and Queen Haven on the ground.

"MOM?!" Zipp and Pipp asked in concern and fear.

Izzy gasped, "Alphabittle! Are you alright?! What happened?!"

"Move aside! Let us heal them!" Aqua said firmly as she used her Water Healing on Queen Haven while Shorty used his medical treatment on Alphabittle. She hummed in concern while magically healing her wounds, "Damn it. Their wounds are very serious."

"Who could have done to them?" Hitch asked in concern.

SCREAM! Everyone was alerted by the loud screams as they turned and looked back. They found many ponies were running for their lives. They then found Mrs. Cloverfield was running towards them.

"Mrs. Cloverfield? What happened?!" Saber asked in concern.

Mrs. Cloverfield gasped and panted heavily, "It's my son! He was held captive by some eagle-like masked Earth Pony! He's now using the War Machine against us!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in disbelief.

"I thought we destroyed the machine?!" Pipp asked in shock and annoyed.

Mrs. Cloverfield sighed, "Clearly Sprout has more behind the garage. Honestly that boy…"

"Never mind that. Where are they?!" Blazefist asked firmly and seriously.

And to their fear and concern, three heroic teams and their allies looked up and found a new and improved Sprout's War Machine, which is now equipped with machine guns and missile launchers. It is now driven by Ripper and the captured Sprout, who was gagged and tied up to the front of War Machine.

Ripper chuckled amusingly, "Here's Ripper! I will eliminate you first before I returned home! I will make sure that none of you will live!"

Everyone was intimidated and scared as Shadow Dragon cursed in disbelief and anger, "Damn it! Just what we need…"

Back at Sunny's Lighthouse Home, Blackwitch revealed her reason to her teacher and friends. They were all deeply shocked and couldn't believe it while Sunny remained calm and firm as she nodded in confirmation about what she has said.

"That can't be…" Twilight said in disbelief.

Rak sighed, "I can't believe he would go that far."

Blackwitch nodded firmly before asked, "What will you do now?"

"I won't do anything, but you will tell everyone else especially Shadow Dragon and Mr. Tao about the Jade Emperor's secret." Twilight said firmly, "They all deserve it. No more lies and secrets. Understand?"

Blackwitch nodded firmly, "Understand."

"And of course, you owe Sunny an apology," Twilight added firmly and seriously.

Blackwitch sighed as she faced Sunny, "I'm sorry, Sunny for trying to burn down the research your father has been working for."

Though still angry and upset over it, Sunny sighed calmly, "It's alright. I don't hold a grudge against you for doing what you have to do."

"Sunny…" Ciel said in concern. Sunny looked at her. She asked, "You never told us what happened to your father."

"Yeah. What happened to him?" Rak asked.

Sunny sighed, "My dad passed away because of the heart stroke. He worked so hard to prove that your history is real. But nopony believed in him."

Twilight looked sympathetically as she apologized, "I'm sorry. We're truly sorry for this mess, Sunny."

"I'll be fine," Sunny said calmly while looking at the research papers, "It's just papers. Besides, with you all here and alive is the proof enough that my father was right. Thank you, Princess Twilight."

Twilight smiled warmly, "You're welcome."

BOOM! Twilight and her friends a loud explosion as the ground was shaking. They quickly exited out of the house. They were in deep shock and concern, looking at the Maretime Bay. The black smokes emerged out from its five parts of town while more explosion ignited.

"W-What's going on?" Rak asked in concern.

Twilight hissed in fear, "Trouble…"

At the town square, three heroic team were engaging and battling the War Machine. And at the same time; Pipp, Fluttershy and Pinkie were guiding and leading the pony civilians to their safety. Finished with healing and treating Pegasus and Unicorn Leaders, Aqua held Alphabittle on her back while Shorty, Tailtech and Mrs. Cloverfield carried and moved Queen Haven to safety. After evacuating the civilians, they all quickly returned to the battlefield and helped their allies to fend off the enemy.

Just as Sprout's War Machine continued firing its machine guns at his enemies, both Laxtinct and Icy jumped to the front as they summoned and combined their powers into Fortress Walls of Ice to block and deflect the blasts. And at the same time, Blazefist and Terrorcreep fired and blasted their Fireball Shots and Thunderballs at him. While he was distracted to fire his weapons at them, Applejack quickly used and lassoed her Mind Whiplash on the weapons as she, Izzy and Hitch pulled and destroyed them. This allowed Shadow Dragon and Saber charged and cut the ropes, allowing Rainbow and Zipp dashed in and rescued Sprout and put him to the safety zone.

Three heroic teams continued attacking the War Machine. Ripper became very annoyed and irritated by their constant attacks. Looking at the console, he smirked sinisterly as he pushed all kinds of buttons. The War Machine unleashed the barrage of missiles on the heroes. They quickly dodged and evaded the attacks quickly and swiftly before hiding behind the large debris. He gave a cackling laughter, watching his enemies hiding from his War Machine's range of attacks.

Ripper chuckled evilly, "That's it! Die! Die! DIE! NOW!"

Hitch yelped, "Man, this guy's crazy?! What's his deal?!"

"Ripper is a psychopathic serial killer," Terrorcreep snapped firmly, "He doesn't care and hesitate at all! He will kill anyone that stand in his way!"

Izzy gulped, "He sure did some serious workout on the War Machine. This one is much scarier than Sprout's old one! Yeesh! I thought that's the only machine he has!"

"I thought so too!" Hitch admitted in concern.

Looking at the scientist, Blazefist called out, "Shorty! What we got here?"

"From the looks of it, it's not good." Shorty said in concern while studying and analyzing the War Machine, "It's unlike any tanks I ever seen, but I know it's very terrifying and dangerous especially it is equipped with weapons and arsenals. We have to take it out!"

"Easy for you to say! How?!" Tailtech asked in concern.

"Keep fighting! That's what!" Aqua said determinedly as she unleashed and fired her Hydro Cannon at the War Machine. She continued, "We need to give everything we have to beat that jackass!"

"She's right. He maybe the Ultimate Warrior of Death, but that doesn't mean he can beat all of us." Shadow Dragon said firmly and determinedly, "We need to combine our powers to take that machine down."

Blazefist nodded thoughtfully, "Good idea, Shadow Dragon. Pair up and give it all you've got! Let's show him why we're the best!"

"Not without Twilight and Sunny!" Pinkie exclaimed in concern, "Theyr'e the Main Characters of two shows! Can't start without them!"

"Lucky for you! We've just arrived!" Twilight exclaimed firmly as she and Sunny have teleported and entered the battlefield. She looked at her friends, "We're here now."

"About time," Shadow Dragon said in relief, "The students?"

"Safe at my home," Sunny said calmly. She then looked at the War Machine. She yelped in fear, "Are you kidding me?! Another Was Machine?! Just how many of them does Sprout make?"

"No clue. But I rather not find out," Hitch said in concern.

"It doesn't matter. We have him outnumbered and surrounded," Terrorcreep said firmly and seriously.

"Agree. Alright, everyone, give everything you've got!" Blazefist ordered firmly and seriously.

As Ripper continued unleashing the barrage of bullets and missiles; Shadow Dragon, Twilight and Sunny jumped out and fired their Chaos Hyper Blast, Sparkling Star Blast and Magical Starlight at him. The attacks blast and knocked him back a bit. Blazefist, Aqua and Saber jumped up as they combined and unleashed the power of Firestorm Phoenix, Hydro Cannon and Tornado Beam Blasts as they created powerful blast, ramming and knocking it off.

The War Machine managed to land safely on the ground before unleashed the missile barrage on them. Luckily, Laxtinct, Icy and Pinkie summoned and fired Gatling Stones, Frozen Shards and Party Launcher to cause them exploded. And at the same time, Rarity and Izzy summoned and used her Barriers to block and deflect the attacks. Terrorcreep unleashed his Thunderstorm on the War Machine, electrocuting and shocking both it and even Ripper. Rainbow and Zipp flew in as they both charged and rammed on the War Machine's both sides, shaking it hard as they can.

"Give him some hell, everyone!" Blazefist exclaimed firmly and determinedly, "Don't let up!"

"Hey! Watch your language!" Hitch exclaimed in annoyance.

While the rest of his team continued attacking Ripper and his War Machine, Shorty summoned the Vine Whip to coil up and held the War Machine down. This allowed Hitch and Applejack to use lasso in bringing down the machine guns and missile launchers. On the back of War Machine's backpack-like, Tailtech and Pipp were trying to deactivate and removed the large battery. Just as they did, they found Ripper glared at them as he prepared to finish them. He felt the tapping on his back. He turned and found Fluttershy narrowed her angry eyes, activating the Stare on him, paralyzing him. Activating his Armor Mode for himself and Pipp, they both charged and rammed him to the ground.

Ripper grunted in pain as he tried to get up but instead got coiled up by Shorty's Vine Whip and even Laxtinct's Stone Trap. He's now surrounded and trapped by three heroic teams.

"Damn it…" Ripper snarled in anger.

"We've got you now, Ripper. You've lost," Blazefist said seriously and firmly.

Ripper growled angrily, "No! No! No! I won't let our kind be extinct! Never again!" He glared at three heroic teams, "I will bring all of you down before I returned to my past! To ensure and secure Mystic Ponies' future! I promised you for that!"

"Yeesh. What is up with him?!" Sunny asked in concern.

Everyone shrugged in confusion. Saber remarked, "Well, Ripper is a mad pony with no reason and no conscience because he enjoyed killing the lives than saving them. He doesn't call himself 'Ultimate Warrior of Death'."

Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement, "Yeah. But still. What does he mean about our kind extinct?"

Fluttershy gulped, "I'm a little worried of that."

Everyone was uncertain and concern about the situation. Sunny spoke in concern, "This might have something to do with Mystic Demon."

"The powerful being that exists to destroy the world?" Aqua asked in disbelief and concern. Sunny nodded in confirmation. She hissed angrily, "No! There is no way Shadow Dragon would do such a thing! He can't be the Destroyer! He wouldn't kill all of us!"

Tailtech nodded firmly, "Yeah, me too! Besides, the prophecy was finished."

"No. Not finished." Hitch corrected his friends, who looked confuse and uncertain. He continued, "It's not Shadow Dragon. He wasn't the real Mystic Demon. It was his rival."

"WHAT?!" Everyone but Twilight and Sunny's Team asked in confusion.

"What do you mean by that?" Icy asked in confusion.

Applejack hissed in concern, "Don't tell me that-!"

"That's a lie!" Ripper exclaimed in anger. He snarled while armed with his knives, "I refused to believe that is the legend and history! I will not let you all make the mockery of my kind! I will kill you all for this!"

Ripper screamed angrily as he charged straight at three heroic teams. They all barely dodged and evaded the attack. Unfortunately, he was madly crazy and faster as he managed to keep up with them before swinging and slashing his knives, injuring and wounding them badly. They all dropped to the ground hard while moaning and groaning in pain and agony.

"Dang it…" Zipp grunted in pain, "This guy's quick and crazy…"

Rainbow groaned in pain while nodded, "He is. If only I could use my Sonic Rainboom, I could knock him out for good."

Aqua hissed in pain, "No! If you do that in close range, you could blow us or even the town."

Shadow Dragon groaned in pain, "Well… I don't care how fast he is. There is no way he's getting away from this."

"I'm with you," Saber agreed firmly while trying to get up and armed with his Twin Dragon Sabers, "We're not out yet!"

"Agreed. We will stop and beat him first and get the Element of Time and Space," Twilight said determinedly as she and her team also struggled to get up as well. She groaned, "We won't let you get back and destroy this future!"

Three heroic teams struggled yet painfully trying to stand up while armed themselves for the next fight. Ripper was annoyed and irritated that they're still persistent to keep on fighting. He found Sunny tried to get up as well. He quickly grabbed and held her as his hostage while pointing his knife at her neck. Everyone yelped in concern as they quickly halted at once.

"That's it, punks. Better stay away from me if you know what's good for you," Ripper taunted amusingly.

Three heroic teams hissed angrily as they can't do anything now. They halted their advance but remained vigilant and on guard to prepare for another strike.

Sunny grunted and struggled, "Don't worry about me! You have to take him out now! If you don't, he could destroy the future!"

"Quiet, bitch!" Ripper snapped angrily hitting on her head. Hitch growled in anger to see his childhood friend to get hurt. He tried to charge but halted by Shadow Dragon and Blazefist from doing anything rash. He continued, "Ah-Ah! I wouldn't do anything stupid if I were you. Now, you will get someone here immediately! I need her."

"Huh? Why can't he just use the Element of Time and Space to get back home?" Pipp asked in confusion.

Realizing about the Elements of Harmony, Terrorcreep spoke calmly, "He can't. Only the Chosen Ones or at least the ponies, who have pure goodness or magic connection to it can activate it."

"He needs Blackwitch!" Rarity said in realization. She hissed, "If we hand her over…"

Twilight interrupted with a sigh, "I know. But what choice do we have?"

Shadow Dragon hissed, "I don't think we have…"

"Good… Good… Now bring her here before I really get-! Arrrrrrrrrgggggh!" Ripper screamed in pain and agony. He looked back and found Kid Flare Tiger growling and biting on his flank. He growled in pain, "You little-!"

Sunny gasped, "Flare Tiger! Run!"

Ripper angrily and madly shook around his body, making Kid Flare Tiger dizzy and loosen her bite on his flank. Feeling her loosening, he quickly used his back leg to kick her off straight against the wall hard. She groaned and moaned in pain before dropped on the ground. Kid Flare Tiger sniffed in tears as she felt pain on her head.

Looking at young hybrid Alicorn badly injured, Sunny turned and glared at Ripper, who just turn his attention on her. She screamed angrily as she punched his mask hard before kicked him off. She levitated and thrown couple of items and bricks on him, injuring and wounding him as much as she wanted. Sunny's Team was surprised by her reaction as they didn't expect her to lose her composure like that. But Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force knew the feeling when it comes to someone they cared gets hurt. After firing her Unicorn Burst to knock him down, Sunny jumped on Ripper to the ground as she unleashed her punches on his face with fury and anger. He's unable to fight back due to her constant punching on him.

Unable to see her like that, Hitch quickly jumped in as he pulled and dragged Sunny away from punching Ripper. She angrily elbowed on his head as she tried to finish Ripper. Izzy, Zipp and Pipp have arrived and restrained her at once.

"Sunny! Stop!" Hitch pleaded.

Sunny screamed, "Let me go! He'll pay for what he did to Flare Tiger! I'll kill him! I'll rip him apart if it's the last thing I do!"

Pipp groaned, "And you think this Flare Tiger would be happy for this?!"

Sunny stopped while looked at her friends. Izzy nodded, "Please, Sunny! Don't kill him with hate! That's not how you do."

Zipp nodded in agreement, "Yeah. If you do that right in front of the kid, then she will be scarred for life. She won't think of you as a hero but monster."

Hearing what her friends have said to her, Sunny turned and looked at Kid Flare Tiger, who slowly recovered while rubbing her head. She then looked at her friends, who gave their concern and pleading looks. After careful consideration, she sighed calmly while calming down. Hitch gave her a warm hug as he was glad that she was alright.

Just before anyone could do anything, Ripper growled angrily as he quickly summoned and thrown couple of stones thrown at Sunny and her friends. Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force tried to help them. He then stomped on his foot, creating the Earthquake Shaker as it caused them to fall on the ground hard.

Ripper chuckled, "How noble but stupid you ponies are! You should have finished me when you have the chance! I won't ask again! Bring me Blackwitch now!" He summoned and levitated couple of boulders above the injured three heroic teams, "Or else, you die now!"

Kid Flare Tiger gasped, "Noooooooooooooo!"

Just as Kid Flare Tiger reached out her claw to Sunny, inside Ripper's trench coat, an Element of Time and Space was glowing brightly. Everyone was in shocked and confused to see it. Just before he could do anything, the Element magically flew out and knocked him by uppercut. It then flew straight to Kid Flare Tiger as it merging and combining its power together with her. She and the Element of Time and Space are now one.

Everyone gasped in surprise and shock of what they have witnessed. Kid Flare Tiger is now a wielder of Element of Time and Space!

"Wow. It did choose her!" Hitch remarked in surprise.

Shadow Dragon smiled in relief, "We were right!"

Twilight smirked, "Looks like you can't go back to the past, Ripper."

"You think this is funny?!" Ripper asked angrily. He scoffed, "Fine then! I'll force her to do it then!"

Ripper screamed in anger as he charged straight at Kid Flare Tiger. The rest of the heroes quickly get up and tried to stop him from using her.

Unexpectedly, Ciel teleported in front of Kid Flare Tiger as she summoned the Barrier to block and repel him off. Yona charged and rammed at Ripper off. Rak jumped as Bo Staff to whack and injured him by body thrice before struck on his head. Just as Melody unleashed her powerful yet loud scream, Blackwitch helped amplify her Enhanced Magic on her scream at him. He groaned in pain yet dizzy from hearing that scream. Just as he was trying to recover, Ripper yelled in pain as he felt something stabbed through his chest. He looked up and found frightened and worried Sprout used his Deadly Dagger to stab on him.

Ripper growled in pain, "Damn you… Damn you all… For deception and destroying our kind…"

As Sprout pulled out the dagger, Ripper fell on his back, lying motionless and dead. He dropped it to the ground before cried in tears of fear. Everyone was shocked and surprised of what they have witnessed.

Hitch approached and checked on his former partner, "Sprout?"

"I'm so sorry! I'm sorry!" Sprout cried in fear and concern, "I didn't want! I didn't want to! H-He forced me to give another War Machine! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry0"

Hitch sighed calmly while patted on his shoulder, "It's alright, Sprout. No one's blaming you. Just glad you're alright. And you saved us too."

Still scared and worried, Sprout slowly calmed down and spoke, "Y-Yeah. I did save the town, right? Right?"

Hitch nodded a bit, "You did. Still got long way to go to fix the mess."

Sprout nodded a bit, "Yeah… I guess so…"

Approaching to Kid Flare Tiger, Sunny asked, "Flare! Are you alright?"

Kid Flare Tiger nodded fearfully while hugging Sunny, "I'm fine. I-I'm happy to see you… Alright…"

Sunny sighed while hugging back, "Yeah. I'm okay. I'm okay."

Blackwitch briefly looked at the dead body of Ripper. Though she knew it was necessary to prevent him from destroying the future, she also has concerns and uncertainty if she made the right decision with revealing the truth behind her secret order from Jade Emperor to others. She turned and looked at both her friends and teachers.

"Are you ready?" Twilight asked firmly.

"Ready for what?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern yet confusion.

After careful consideration, Blackwitch sighed in defeat, "Yes, I am…"

Three heroic teams including Alphabittle, Queen Haven, Mrs. Cloverfield and even Sprout returned to the Lighthouse's outskirt, where Blackwitch has decided to reveal the dark secrets behind Mystic Demon and the prophecy. She was still nervous and worried yet feared about their reaction to Jade Emperor's Secret.

Shadow Dragon spoke firmly yet calmly, "Okay, Blackwitch. What is this about?"

"Do you remember the prophecy involved with Mystic Demon that was destined to destroy the Mystic Realm?" Blackwitch asked in concern with a sigh. Almost everyone nodded that they knew about it. She continued in regret and shame tone, "Shadow Dragon wasn't really him. He's not a threat to Mystic Realm. He never was."

Mane Five and Dragon Strike Force were confused and uncertain by her claim. And at the same time, they becme suspicious and worried that there might more to the prophecy than they realized. Twilight, Sunny, Hitch and the students remained silent as they knew about the truth.

"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked in confusion.

"If it wasn't Shadow Dragon, then who's the real Mystic Demon?" Icy asked.

Blackwitch sighed, "It was Nezha. Nezha Vengito. The true Mystic Demon that was destined to destroy the Mystic Realm and bring the end to Age of Mystic Ponies."

Everyone was deeply shocked and disbelieved of what they just head. Shadow Dragon was deeply angered and distraught about it as he couldn't believe of what he heard about the prophecy.

"Y-You're kidding, right?" Laxtinct asked in concern.

Blazefist was annoyed as he demanded, "Are you telling us that you lied to us and the whole world?! Why?! Why would you do this to him?!"

"I don't believe this…" Aqua remarked dryly and angrily.

Looking carefully at Blackwitch, Terrorcreep asked, "There's more to this, isn't it? Did Nezha asked you to hide the truth behind the prophecy and used Shadow Dragon as a threat like a scapegoat?"

"No. It wasn't him. It was his grandfather – Jade Emperor Lau," Blackwitch answered in shame tone.

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock and disbelief.

"What the hell?!" Applejack asked in disbelief.

While crossed his hooves, Saber asked firmly, "Does anyone else know about this? Did Tao know about this?"

"No…" Shadow Dragon said in disbelief and concern, "He couldn't have…"

"Only Wisdom Seekers, my mother, Susanoo and Black Alpha know about this. The rest of Mystic Councilponies including your father knew nothing about this," Blackwitch said firmly and calmly.

"W-Why would he go far for this?" Fluttershy asked in disbelief.

Rarity nodded firmly, "Indeed. If he's a threat, the Mystic Emperor should have done something with him."

Rainbow scoffed, "And now, that jerk has become the Mystic Emperor and no telling what kind of sick and dangerous plan he has now. That Jade Emperor is such an idiot! Compare to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, they're smarter than him!"

Blackwitch firmly glared at Rainbow, "If it were your family or at least the children, would you have the heart to finish them off?"

Everyone was shocked and surprised by Blackwitch's response to them. Most of them were still angry about giving the wrong prophecy.

"Yona understand," Yona said calmly. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "If it were pony family, pony do anything to protect them from the truth."

"You're kidding me?" Hitch, Laxtinct and Pinkie asked in disbelief.

Melody nodded in agreement, "Yona's right. The Mystic Emperor wants to protect his grandson because he's the only family he has. And of course, he doesn't believe that he's a monster."

"Guess we can't argue with that. Come to think of it, Mystic Tao did the same thing with his son for defending Master Shadow Dragon and never believe the prophecy," Ciel said in realization.

After careful thinking of what Yona, Melody and Ciel have said; almost everyone couldn't help but understand and sympathize the Jade Emperor for wanting to protect his grandson.

"That makes sense…" Shorty admitted in concern, "As much as I don't like this, the emperor did it because he loved his grandson so much and so he lost his son – Lord Pagoda Li. To lose another one will make him heartbroken and pain."

Tailtech sighed, "Yeah. I supposed it's true…"

Ciel patted Yona's back, "For a yak, you're quite smart and kind too."

Yona smiled, "Thank you, Ciel. Yona loved being smart and kind."

"Is there anything else we should know?" Terrorcreep asked firmly yet suspiciously.

"Yes, there is. Shadow Dragon is indeed the reincarnation of the former Chaos Herald of Ronin – Yami." Blackwitch said firmly, surprising everyone else. She continued, "The first prophecy prophesied that the Hero of Darkness shall rise and faced the Mystic Demon. The fate of Mystic Ponies will be decided."

"Me? Reincarnated from Yami?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise, along with his friends.

Aqua hummed thoughtfully, "That explains a lot. So, you're saying that Shadow Dragon and Nezha will face and fight till death?"

"And don't forget about Mystic Ponies. What will happen to them if either of them wins?" Saber added in concern.

Blazefist nodded in concern, "That's a good question. Our future is uncertain now…"

"If it helps you, then I can provide you the answer," Hitch suggested happily.

"No!" Blackwitch said sternly, scaring the sheriff off. She continued seriously and firmly, "We've learned enough. We do not want to take the risk and cause a paradox to our timeline especially when we're dealing with other prophecies."

"Prophecies? There were more?" Tailtech asked in surprise yet curious.

Blackwitch nodded, "Yes, two more. But I will tell you that for another time. We focused on present threat first."

Blazefist nodded firmly and agreement, "She's right. Nezha and Dark Curse are main problems that we need to deal with for."

"Don't we ever get a break?" Laxtinct grumbled.

"Well, we can tell you guys about it," Hitch suggested, prompting Izzy to nudge him. He yelped, "What did I say?"

Izzy scoffed, "Blackwitch has already said 'no'. Didn't you listen to her?"

Zipp nodded, "She's right. Best not to tell them about fighting the Goat Emperor and Demon God. They need more time to prepare themselves."

Hitch sighed, "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut…"

Twilight sighed calmly, "Even if we didn't learn much of our history, we did learn more about what caused pony tribes and other creatures to split."

Shorty nodded in agreement, "Agreed. We've learned that these three magical crystals were created by Tree of Harmony for unknown reason. The Last Princess of Equestria used them to fight the Dark Warlord. It resulted her to sacrifice her life to defeat him, but also cost her life and the ponies to lose their magic. This caused them to be paranoid and suspicious of each other before gone to their separate ways."

"That seems about it," Ciel agreed calmly, "But one thing concerns me is the Last Princess? Who was she?"

Twilight hissed in concern, "Please, don't tell me that Nyx is the Last Princess…"

"No. She wasn't. I can guarantee that," Sunny said calmly, making Twilight sighed in relief. She continued, "Nopony knew about the Last Princess but her legends only. She can be refereed as the last descendant of Princess Twilight and Shadow Dragon."

"Or so we thought," Pipp added in agreement while looking at Kid Flare Tiger. She smiled, "Guess this means her royal bloodline lived on."

"Speaking of bloodline," Mrs. Cloverfield said thoughtfully. She turned and looked at Sunny, "Sunny, you're an Alicorn and the Princess now. You are now our first Ruler and Princess of Equestria."

Alphabittle nodded, "Guess it's true. It's time for the Alicorn to take back its reign."

Queen Haven sighed, "As much as I want to be Royalty, I think it's time for me to abdicate and hand over my crown to her."

"No," Sunny said firmly and seriously, surprising everyone but Twilight. She continued with sigh, "I am not going to be the Princess or Ruler of Equestria. I'm not good at being a leader to ponies. I can't rule the Equestria."

"W-Why not? I'm sure we can help you with that," Mrs. Cloverfield suggested.

"Mummy, I don't mind becoming Princess," Sprout suggested happily. His mother gave him annoyed looks at him. He groaned, "Nopony ever take me serious."

"I get that you all want to follow and respect the tradition. But as far as I can tell, you three are the leaders the ponies need, not me or the Alicorns because they were long gone." Sunny said calmly yet firmly, surprising the group. She continued with a smile, "But my friends and I will be happy to help and defend our homes from bad guys. And who knows? There might be a new adventure for us to find and make friends with other creatures, just like Princess Twilight and her friends did before."

Everyone was surprised and amazed by Sunny's decision and proclamation. Though upset that they're unable to follow and respect the tradition, three pony leaders and even her friends smiled and nodded in agreement and understanding while bowing in respect to her. They will respect her choice now.

Twilight smiled warmly, "Not bad, Princess Sunny."

Sunny sighed with annoyed yet playful looks, "Please don't call me that."

"So, does anypony know how we get back to our time?" Pinkie asked in concern and confusion. She continued, "I mean Kid Flare Tiger has the Element of Time and Space now. I don't think she knows how to activate it."

Everyone yelped in concern before muttered as they have just realized and forgotten about getting back to their timeline. How would they able to get back home now?

"I don't think any of us can do that," Zipp said in concern.

Izzy nodded, "Yeah. Time Magic is very tricky and difficult to cast because no one knows how it works."

Rak sighed, "Guess we're stuck here forever…"

Yona looked sad and worried, "Guess we'll never seen them again."

Blackwitch cleared her throat in annoyance, "In case you've forgotten-" She then summoned Time Portal in front of everyone, "-I can summon and create Time Portal."

Everyone looked shocked and surprised of what they just saw. They all groaned in disbelief and annoyance that they have forgotten about it. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and even five students were standing before the Time Portal. They turned and looked at Sunny and her friends.

"Guess this is goodbye," Sunny said calmly yet sadly.

"Guess it is." Twilight said in agreement. Noticing the young Alicorn was upset and sad. She approached and patted her, "Hey, don't worry, Sunny. Remember, you're not alone. You've got friends and also new adventure for you all."

After thinking while looking at her friends, Sunny smiled warmly, "Yes, I guess so."

Looking at Kid Flare Tiger, Twilight spoke, "Sunny, watch over Flare Tiger. She is now the new Guardian of Time and Space. Meaning that she got whole new responsibility especially she might get involved with time travel to help us."

"Yeah. I got it. She's gonna be my little sister now. But how am I gonna help her with time travel or even finding out which part of history that she can appear."

"I wish I could tell you but I think it's best that you and Sunny find out on your own. Besides, your father's research will help you out to find the history."

"Yeah. I guess it is," Sunny agreed calmly. She gave Twilight a hug, "Goodbye, Princess Twilight. It's great to meet and hangout with you especially the advice. It was the best day I ever had."

Twilight smiled while hugging back, "Goodbye to you as well. And good luck with new adventure, Sunny."

"Got it," Sunny said calmly with a nod.

Everyone waved and said goodbye to each other warmly and happily. Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force and even five students entered Time Portal now, returning to their timeline. Twilight and Shadow Dragon were the last ponies to enter.

"Princess Twilight!" Sunny called out. Twilight turned and looked at her. She continued, "Even if you couldn't find the Pony Magical Crystals or can't change the future, we'll be alright with this. We can do it."

Twilight smiled calmly, "I know you can. Just remember that you're not alone."

Sunny nodded, "I know…"

Twilight and Shadow Dragon entered the Time Portal before it closed and disappeared into dust. Everyone chattered and muttered curiously about it.

"Think they made it back home?" Pipp asked.

Sunny nodded calmly while patted Kid Flare Tiger's head, "I'm sure they do. They're gonna do what they do best. And so are we."

Hitch smiled, "Yeah. I'm sure they do. After all, they're the Legendary Heroes of Equestria and Mystic."

"Ready for new adventure?" Izzy asked happily.

Zipp nodded, "If you are, we're with you. After all, we're friends together."

"Yes, we are," Sunny said confidently as she placed her hoof out, "Hoof-to-Hearts!"

Sunny's Friends and even Kid Flare Tiger cheered while giving out their hooves with Sunny's, "Hoof-to-Hearts!"

Mystic Tao and Dragon Kick were mixing and mashing potions and ingredients, hoping to create Time Portal, so they can rescue their friends.

And to their surprise, Time Portal was created in front of Mystic Tao and Dragon Kick. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and students emerged out from the portal before disappeared. Both Mystic Ponies shouted and called out for their names while approaching and hugging both Twilight and Shadow Dragon.

"You're both safe. Thank the Light…" Mystic Tao said in relief, "What happened to Ripper and Element of Time and Space?"

Twilight said, "Oh, Mr. Tao, have we got a story for you."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. You won't believe what we've been through."

Dragon Kick scoffed, "Try us."

Just as everyone was leaving the Arimaspi's Territory, Twilight and Shadow Dragon explained their adventure from the future to Mystic Tao and Dragon Kick. Their friends joined in to explain and agreed with them.

However, unknown to them, a strange yet mutated leech was hiding behind a small rock, which was near to the cavern's entrance. He growled angrily while glaring at them.

"Don't think it's over yet, fools. I've got what I need to tell Lord Nezha about what I've found from future," The mutated leech snarled before chuckled evilly, "You haven't seen the last of Ripper! I'll be back!"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Melody Bubbles

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Vanessa Hudgens: Sunny Starscout

Alec Newman: Ripper

Secondary Casts:

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Christy Carlson Romano: Aqaustroke

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep

P.J. Bryne: Laxtinct

Kate Higgins: Tailtech

Cristina Vee: Icy

Kimiko Glenn: Izzy Moonbow

James Marsden: Hitch Trailblazer

Sofia Carson: Pipp Petals

Liza Koshy: Zephyrina 'Zipp' Storm

Minor Casts:

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Stephanie Sheh: Dr. Ciel

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Taissa Farmiga: Blackwitch

Ken Jeong: Sprout Cloverleaf

Elizabeth Perkins: Phyllis Cloverleaf

Phil LaMarr: Alphabittle

Jane Krakowski: Queen Haven

Jennifer Hale: Kid Flare Tiger

Cameo:

Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao

Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick

Episode 17: Jurassic Dominion

In the deep jungle, a forklift, driven by the Mystic Pony, was lifting and moving a large mysterious metallic crate-like as it was heading and approaching to the military compound that has electrical fences around the large field-like. It was surrounded by large numbers of Mystic Soldiers, armed with their weapons and remained defensive as if they're expecting some danger to them. Among the army is Thanatos, Stickler and Silverclaw.

"I've got a bad feeling about this…" Silverclaw remarked in concern, "You sure it's gonna be alright?"

"Do not worry too much, Mr. Silverclaw. The soldiers can handle the crate," Thanatos brushed off his concerns. He turned to his associate as he gave stern command, "Just make sure it's secured and safely transferred to the compound. It cannot escape."

Silverclaw growled in annoyance, "Fine. We'll get the job done. Don't say that I didn't warn you about this."

Slowly approaching to its destination, the forklift slowly lowered down the crate. Some of Mystic Pony Workers helped bringing it down gently on the ground.

"Pushing team, move in there," Silverclaw commanded firmly and sternly, "I want taser full-charged."

As commanded, couple of Mystic Soldiers moved towards the crate while the rest of the army armed and readied with their electrical staffs and blasters. Just before the soldiers could move and push, the strange creature made a screeching noise that scared them to back off at once. Briefly recovered from being frightened, they returned to their position.

Silverclaw gave the gesture of 'go'. Mystic Soldiers pushed and moved the crate towards the compound's gate. As soon as it reached and entered the entrance, the computerized machine shown green lights on siren.

"Alright! Loading team, move away!" Silverclaw gave the order firmly. Mystic Soldiers moved away from the crate. He turned and looked at the Mystic Gatekeeper. He nodded firmly, "You're good to go, bub! Raise the bridge!"

Mystic Gatekeeper nodded firmly. He approached to the crate. He climbed its metallic ladder to its top. He then raised the gate up slowly and firmly.

Instead of marching towards the compound entrance, the creature gave the loud roar as it turned and rammed straight at its end. The crate got pushed back, knocking the gatekeep to fall down on the ground while closed to its entrance. And at the same time, two Mystic Soldiers tried to stop it but got knocked. The rest of them armed and readied with their weapons to engage.

Just as the gatekeep tried to get up, his tail got grabbed and dragged by the mysterious creature, pulling him straight to the crate.

"Damn it! Block the entrance! Block the entrance!" Silverclaw exclaimed in fear and concern, "Don't let that damn thing get out!"

As commanded, Mystic Soldiers quickly moved in and tased their electrical staffs on the creature's back via the crate's airholes. Some of them went inside to tase him, making the creature to back off and released its bite form the gatekeeper. And at the same time, Silverclaw tried to rescue and pull him out. The resistance annoyed and irritated it to unleash electrical shocks to repel and knock them off.

The mysterious creature resumed to grab and drag the Mystic Gatekeeper back to its crate. Silverclaw recovered and grabbed his soldier while trying to get him out.

"Get that ugly son of a bitch under control now!" Silverclaw screamed angrily.

Mystic Soldiers managed to recover and resume their tasering on the creature to back off. However, it continued resisting their attacks as it stubbornly biting and chewing on Mystic Gatekeeper's legs. He screamed and cried in pain and hallow.

After carefully looking at the creature's hungry yet demonic eyes, Silverclaw growled, "Shoot him! Shoot him now!"

"Silverclaw, don't you dare!" Thanatos screamed in anger, "The emperor wants it alive!"

"The hell with his majesty's order! I'm not risking my soldier's life for this!" Silverclaw screamed in anger, "Shoot him down!"

As commanded, the Mystic Soldiers fired their blasters at the mysterious creature, which continued chewing and eating Mystic Gatekeeper, who is still screaming and slowly dying. At the very last moment, Silverclaw unsheathed his claws as he jumped and attacked the creature's head. He cut and shredded its skin until he reached the skull, where he struck down on its brain. The creature died down.

Despite the effort of stopping the creature, Silverclaw failed to save his soldier, who just died from the loss of blood. This annoyed and angered him a lot. He exited out of the crate. He approached and confronted Thanatos, who looked annoyed and irritated.

"You just have to gone and ruin it, didn't you?" Thanatos asked in displeasure tone, "Do you have any idea of how much effort Dr. Wong has to put for his work?"

Silverclaw glared at him, "Listen well, buddy. I don't care how rich you are or how important this stupid creature is. But if it involved my soldiers' lives, I rather save them not that ugly mother# $%! Got it?!"

Thanatos narrowed his firm and angry eyes, "The emperor will hear about this. I can assure you that he will not be pleased."

Silverclaw glared back at him, "Let him try. I'm doing this to make sure that creature or any of Ancient Beasts don't get loose on our home or Equestria. Got it?"

Thanatos scoffed, "Whatever you say, Mr. Silverclaw…"

Silverclaw turned his attention back carry the fallen Mystic Gatekeeper to give him the proper burial, along with his soldiers to help out. Thanatos and his butler Stickler turned and headed straight to the officer as he wanted to talk with Mystic Emperor about the situation.

Unknown to the Mystic Ponies, they're being watched and spied by two familiar Storm Guards. They nodded firmly as they quickly turned and left the scene at once.

Deep in the jungle lies a large metallic yet damaged form of Storm Kingdom's Main Camp. Some of Storm Guards were on patrol while guarding the main camp. A few were eating some bugs to fill up their hunger. Others were checking and making sure their weapons and arsenals are well prepared for the upcoming battle.

Inside the main camp, a large and tall Storm Guard-like with black-colored mohawk and his tail has the black furred tips wearing black chest armored with black-red cape while armed with strange technological gauntlet-like was talking and discussing with his generals including an obese Storm Guard with pointed ears and muscular cloven hooves-like hands, who revealed his true face with white long beard that tied with a bind and hair, and has monkey-like tailTwo Storm Guards arrived and made the report to their leader.

"I see. Dismiss now," Storm Guard Leader spoke firmly. Two Storm Guards nodded before turned and left. He smirked, "Whatever the creature was, there is no doubt that it's not Ancient Beast. But rather, a new creature to suppress the old ones while killing and destroying his enemies, with no hesitation and no mercy."

Storm Guard General growled, "What must be done, Admiral Gideon? Should we destroy the facility at once?"

"Destroy it, Klavis?" Admiral Gideon asked in disbelief. Klavis nodded in confirmation. He scoffed, "Don't be such a thuggish, dear sir. We're not gonna destroy it. Oh no, we're not. We're going to conquer it and use their science project for ourselves."

Klavis hummed in uncertainty, "I'm not certain it's a good idea."

Admiral Gideon smiled confidently, "I assure you, my dear friend. It is. Storm Kingdom will rise again. That I can promise you. The King will be avenged…

A month has passed after the adventure to distant future…

Most of the students were gathered at the School of Friendship, where they were touring and checking out on Ancient Beasts exhibit. Inside the mess hall, it was filled with different sets of Ancient Beasts fossils, historical display board, chatting with paleontologists about the creatures, small library about the creatures, touring and watching on the automatic Ancient Beasts in front of them. At the outskirt of the school, it was filled with food stalls, carnival games, sport games, small movie theater to watch and even stage for everyone to show off their costumes and artworks about the Ancient Beasts. The students, townsponies and even tourists were having fun and entertaining happily and excitedly.

Walking down the street; Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Spike and Nyx were looking at the surroundings – ponies were entertaining and having fun with the Ancient Beasts exhibit. They then come across to the basketball field, where everyone was gathered as looking at the sight of two only living Ancient Beasts – Dragoking and Chaos Slayer. Shadow Dragon and Tempest were lecturing about their partners' species and capabilities. They were aweing in amazement yet excited and thrilled.

"As you all can see that Dragoking's species – the Hydragoons – are very intelligent, strong and noble creatures for not only bravely fighting the enemies and hunting down their preys but also leading and protecting its kind," Shadow Dragon lectured calmly and firmly. Dragoking smiled proudly and firmly. He continued, "Henceforth why they were called as 'King of Ancient Beasts'."

Amused by Shadow Dragon's claim, Tempest and Chaos Slayer stifled their chuckles, which annoyed their rivals.

As Chaos Slayer was showing off his muscle, Tempest smirked, "I'm sorry. But I disagreed with you, Master Shadow Dragon. Chaos Slayer's species is considered to be the true 'King of Ancient Beasts' due to its sheer might, brute strength and prowess. Above all else, the his Tyranno Chaos kind is known to be an ironfisted ruler that is stern but decisive with his decision to do what is necessary to win the fight."

Shadow Dragon was annoyed as he questioned, "So, you're saying that Tyranno Chaos is willing to sacrifice anyone including his own to be the king of the Ancient Beasts?"

"No. I'm saying if he has to be ruthless and cruel leader to make example and do what he has to do. They can call him 'monster' or 'tyrant' if they want because in the end, Tyranno Chaos will always be decisive with no fear, no hesitation and even no mercy."

"That is why Hydragoon is different but also way better than Tyranno Chaos. Hydragoon always knows what is important such as being fair, just and also honor to other creatures."

"Is that some kind of charity and kindness?"

"Other than that, they earned the respect and trust from other creatures. Which is why Hydragoon is always known to be the 'King of Ancient Beasts'."

"Is that so? Confident, aren't you?"

"I am very sure of it. Dragoking is my best partner I ever had. I put my trust in him for life."

"I disagreed. Chaos Slayer is the best partner. Through brute strength and might, I earned his trust and loyalty."

"Dragoking is the King of Ancient Beast!"

"No! Tyranno Chaos is!"

Despite their calm demeanor, both masters and their animalistic partners were secretly competitive and determined to prove the world that one of them is the powerful and better than the other. They were too excited and thrilled to care about which one is the best because they were too distracted to look at the creatures. Both the children and students went in while checking out and playing with both Dragoking and Chaos Slayer, who responded to play with them gently and calmly.

"Those two sure enjoyed this very much," Tailtech remarked playfully.

Twilight sighed, "Honestly, I wish those two get along, instead of being rivalry with each other so hard."

"Well, they're rivals. What do you expect?" Rainbow teased playfully, "Plus, being rivals isn't always bad. They can be friends too, just not very friendly type and very competitive when it comes to the challenges."

"That's still considered rivals…" Twilight asked dryly.

Fluttershy nodded in concern, "I agreed with Twilight. Shadow Dragon and Tempest haven't been friends since the Battle of Canterlot. I think they're still competitive to fight and win that duel so badly."

"If that happen, who you think win?" Rainbow asked curiously. Everyone glared at her. She looked in confusion, "What? I was curious. Plus, I vote SD to win."

Nyx hummed thoughtfully, "I thinking that both creatures are amazing. It's ashamed that they don't get along well."

After couple of debating about 'King of Ancient Beasts', both Shadow Dragon and Tempest panted heavily as they became exhausted to continue the argument about it.

"Wow. After hearing this, I am confident that Dragoking is the best Ancient Beast," Mano exclaimed with excitement.

Solflare scoffed with a shook of her head, "I doubt it. I still believe that Chaos Slayer is."

"Guess no one knows who is the right king. But we agree that they're both are amazing."

"Yeah. Two mightiest and powerful fearsome creatures ever lived during the ancient Jurassic Period. Nothing and no creatures can stand against them."

"Uh, Professor and Commander…" Sandbar called out. Both of them turned and looked at him. He continued, "I have a question."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "It better not be with Jurassic Land theme park. I don't wanna talk about that place."

"Agreed," Tempest nodded firmly and calmly, "Whatever I did there is something I'm not proud of."

"Uh… No, sir and ma'am," Sandbar disagreed. He cleared his throat, "I was gonna asked about even you guys were right about Ancient Beasts, some ponies might have trouble to believe in that. They rather go to the island to find out. Scientists likes to do some serious discovery. I know couple of my friends do."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Maybe. But I can tell you one thing, Sandbar. The 'real' Ancient Beasts died and fossilized in the rocks from 65 million years ago. And it was in those rocks that 'real scientists' make 'real discovery'."

"And the Jurassic Land?" Tempest asked firmly yet suspiciously.

Shadow Dragon turned and glared at Tempest, "Those creatures especially Chaos Slayer are nothing more than genetically engineered theme park monsters for Canter Zoom's new theme park business. Nothing more, nothing less."

Tempest gave the death glare at him, "Maybe to you. But to me, Chaos Slayer is the real deal. And how do we know that Dragoking isn't one of them? He could be a prototype for cloning experiment."

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "If that were true, Shorty and Tailtech would have told me. They're the expect with biology and technology."

"But, Professor Shadow Dragon, wouldn't it better if we go to Jurassic Land to study and learn more about Ancient Beasts?" Smolder asked curiously, "I mean it would be cool to see them in person."

"I'm with Smolder. I would like to meet MagiHare." Ocellus supported as she hugged her MagiHare stuffed toy, "I heard they're the cutest Ancient Beasts. If possible, I would like to pet it."

The students and even townsponies chattered happily about meeting and studying Ancient Beasts in person. Tempest smiled proudly and happily that they agreed to see Jurassic Land's Ancient Beasts to be real and wants to meet them. This however annoyed and irritated Shadow Dragon, making him crossed his hooves.

"All I can say is no force on Equestria or Mystic can get me on that island. Never again."

At the teacher's lounge,

Using Shadow Dragon's voice, Rainbow mocked playfully, "'No force on Equestria or Mystic can get me on that island. Never again.'." She and her friends laughed out loud. She breathed calmly, "Oh! That's a good one."

Shadow Dragon was annoyed and irritated by the mockery as he remarked, "That wasn't funny, Rainbow Dash."

"It is to me," Tempest said calmly. Sipping her tea, she sighed, "If it were to me, I would go there and have students learn more about them. But rest assured that my King of Ancient Beast will make sure no Ancient Beasts threaten them."

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "I wouldn't do that."

"Scared?" Tempest mocked.

Shadow Dragon glared at Tempest, "Don't tempt me, Tempest."

"Calm down, everyone. No need to start the argument," Twilight said calmly, calming down her friends. She continued, "But I'm with Shadow Dragon. Going to that island is not worth for our lives and even students. It's best to be left alone for good."

Shorty nodded while crossed his hooves, "Assuming that no one tried to buy the island and make it for profit."

"Speaking of profit, what happen to Mr. Zoom? We haven't heard of him lately," Fluttershy asked in concern.

Nyx nodded in concern, "Yeah. I hope Juniper is alright too. They're both very nice."

Twilight smiled calmly while showing the letters, "They're alright, Nyx. Even though Jurassic Land never come to fruition, Canter Zoom returned and resumed his career as film director and producer to make up for his losses. And surprisingly, the film he was working on is based on our adventure, with the help of with Crichton as his writer. And for Juniper, she's the main lead actress, which was based on me as a beautiful but strong and reasonable paleontologist. The film was a big success for storyline, Ancient Beasts designed props and even characters' development."

Everyone chattered and muttered in surprise by the news. They then read the newspaper as they were astounded and amazed by the report. They didn't expect him to make the comeback as film director.

"What a relief," Nyx sighed, "Looks like they're doing alright as well."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Well, I'm glad that Mr. Zoom didn't try to restart the Jurassic Land again. I hate to be the guy to teach him a lesson."

"Well, he didn't. He said that Ancient Beasts are to be left alone in their own island as their sanctuary and their home. No one has the right to purchase or do anything about them," Twilight said calmly while reading the letter. She smiled, "I'm glad that he made the statement and asked Princess Celestia to declare Ancient Beasts as endangered species and are to be left alone."

Fluttershy sighed, "That is good news."

Shorty hummed in uncertainty, "If you say so…"

The door was knocked. Twilight called the person to come in. And she did, revealing herself to be Arcee, who looked worry and concern.

"Arcee, what's wrong?" Shadow Dragon asked.

"It's Thanatos. He's here," Arcee reported in both fear and firm.

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard. Wherever Thanatos is around means he's up to his tricks for his secret agenda. They have to find out what he's up to before he does anything damages or dangerous to both students and school.

Twilight and her friends have left the office. They followed Arcee, who led and guide them straight to the school lobby. They found the group of grayish-colored Thanatos Enterprise promotors were advertising and distributing the flyers to the students and townsponies. They then spotted Thanatos, who was explaining to some students about his upcoming event. They were in shocked yet annoyed and irritated to see him around.

Just as Twilight and her friends approached to the businesspony, Thanatos smiled amusingly, "Why if it isn't Princess Twilight and her friends? An honor to see you guys again."

"Sweet Celestia! What the hell are you doing here, Thanatos?!" Twilight asked angrily and annoyingly.

"What does it look like? I'm advertising and distributing my flyers to the customers for my upcoming event," Thanatos joked playfully. Everyone gave the annoying glare at him. He sighed in disappointment, "Can't take a joke, huh? And I thought the comedian ponies are supposed to enjoy and laugh at the best and worst jokes."

"You can spare us the flattery, Thanatos," Arcee said dryly and firmly, "It's not just Headmare Twilight. I told everyone what you're capable of. You're not gonna fool anyone that easily."

Twilight nodded seriously and firmly, "So, why don't you tell us what are you really here for?"

"Fine. You win," Thanatos remarked calmly. He showed his serious look, "I need your help."

Everyone looked surprised and disbelief of what he just said. Shadow Dragon spoke, "You need our help? Ha! That's a bit of understatement."

"Oh no. It's true. I do need your help. I'm in serious trouble now." Thanatos said sincerely yet calmly. Still suspicious and distrustful of him, Twilight and her friends reluctantly agreed to listen to why he needs their help. They nodded firmly. He continued, "My Jurassic Land is in big trouble. So, I thought you and your friends are perfect for the job since you've been there before."

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock.

"Your Jurassic Land?! Since when?" Fluttershy asked in disbelief.

"Since months ago," Thanatos calmly answered. Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. He continued, "I'm surprised that you didn't know about it."

Shadow Dragon glared at Thanatos, "That island is supposed to be off-limits for endangered species only! It's not for business, entertainment or even military!"

Showing his document, Thanatos smirked, "Was, Master Shadow Dragon. I now owned the Jurassic Land."

Reading the documents, Twilight was in shock and disbelief, "H-How?! Princess Celestia couldn't have agreed to this! She couldn't have! What did you do to her?!"

"I didn't do anything. I have some good friends in high places to help me out. They have 'ways' to talk with her government. And they agreed to let me own it." Thanatos remarked calmly yet amusingly. This annoyed everyone else. He smiled warmly, "And this time, I'm going to do something different and better than Canter Zoom's theme amusement park. But I need your help to deal with some problems."

"Well, the answer is no," Shadow Dragon said firmly and angrily.

"No?" Thanatos asked in 'surprise' yet mocked tone. He looked at Twilight and her friends, "And the rest of you?"

Everyone remained silent while giving death glare at him. They all refused to cooperate and assist him to help him out with Jurassic Land.

"There's your answer now," Twilight said firmly, "Now get lost. Stop bothering us about Jurassic Land. Some of us rather want it to be forgotten."

"I understand." Thanatos sighed while nodded understandingly. He secretly smiled, "Since you won't be helping us with Jurassic Land's, then I guess I'll start asking other ponies around."

Everyone became suspicious and uneasy by his statement. Shadow Dragon asked, "What do you mean by that?"

As Twilight looked at Thanatos Enterprise promotors were promoting to the students and townsponies, she found something shocking and concerning to her. She found the posters and billboards' titles claimed 'Hiring Jobs for Thanatos' Upcoming Special Event'.

Twilight turned and glared at Thanatos as she angrily demanded, "You're hiring my students and citizens for Jurassic Land?!"

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief to hear it. They all couldn't believe what they have heard. They looked at the posters and billboards again. They were in shocked and concerned now.

Tempest narrowed her annoyed and angry eyes as she muttered, "Idiot…"

"H-How dare you?!" Shadow Dragon asked angrily.

Fluttershy demanded, "You would risk their lives for your problems at Jurassic Land?!"

"Well, I was hoping that you guys would do it," Thanatos said calmly yet amusingly. He sighed, "But since you refused, so I can tell my promotors to proceed advertising them to join my work."

"I can't believe you…" Twilight said angrily yet disgusted.

"You really have gone too far, Thanatos!" Arcee exclaimed in fury, "I won't let you involved my friends for your crazy job!"

As he made finger gesture of 'no', Thanatos shook his head amusingly, "Sorry. But there's nothing I can do about it. These ponies will do the job fine in Jurassic Land. They will be remembered for their hard-work and sacrifice."

Refused to let Thanatos involved the civilians with Jurassic Land, Twilight quickly spoke up, "Fine! We'll do it!"

Everyone was in shock and concern. Shadow Dragon tried to protest, "Twilight, don't!"

"We have no choice, Shadow Dragon. We have to get involved," Twilight said firmly and seriously. Still didn't like it, her friends reluctantly agreed with her about the situation. She turned and glared at Thanatos, "I accept this offer. I will bring Shadow Dragon, Tempest Shadow, Fluttershy, Shorty and Tailtech only."

Everyone was surprised by her choice. Thanatos asked, "Really? Just six of you only?"

Twilight nodded sternly, "Yeah. Shadow Dragon and Fluttershy are good with animals and Ancient Beasts. Tempest, Shorty and Tailtech will handle and improve technology and security. I need some of my friends to stay behind to look after the school and Equestria, just in case if things gone wrong."

Her friends wanted to argue and protest, but they gave some thoughts first. They realized that she was right about the situation. They reluctantly agreed with her plans.

Thanatos smiled while shrugged, "Whatever you say, Twilight. Whatever you say. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Don't be late."

Twilight was very annoyed as she sternly answered, "Just get out of my school."

Thanatos smiled and nodded in agreement. He ordered his promotors to call off the 'hiring jobs' and proclaimed he has found them. The students and townsponies awed in disappointment and frustration about it.

Twilight sighed before dropped her knees to the ground as almost everyone grabbed and hold onto her. Shadow Dragon asked, "Twilight, are you alright?!"

Twilight sighed in frustration, "No, Shadow Dragon. I'm not okay. I really am not…"

Shadow Dragon sighed as he gave Twilight a comfort and warm hug. The rest of her friends couldn't help but feel sympathize her for making hard decision to defend the civilians from being harmed. Tempest looked angry and annoyed as she glared at Thanatos for she disgusted of his plans and getting civilians involved with Nezha's plans.

Arcee and Nyx noticed her angry looks as they can tell that she's not happy with situation especially when she was a spy for Nezha Vengito. They have to do something about it as they're worried that she might do something she regret.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Arcee asked curiously yet calmly.

Nyx sighed, "I have the feeling mummy's not gonna like this one. But we have to stop her before she does something she regret."

Arcee nodded, "Other than that, my father might have the information to do with other spies as well. We should check this out."

On the next day; Twilight and her own team (consisting of Shadow Dragon, Fluttershy, Tempest, Shorty and Tailtech) boarded the newly repaired Armor Strike-III Gunship. They now then flew off straight to Jurassic Land.

Almost about two hours have passed, the gunship has arrived at the familiar two mountain cliffs-like. They all have mixed yet uneasy feelings about the place they would be returning to the island, even though it was to prevent Thanatos from employing the civilians to work with him.

"Back where we started. Am I right, old friend?" Tempest asked calmly yet amusingly as she looked at her Summoner Gem, which glowed in red and growl. She smiled, "Agreed. I agreed."

Serving as co-pilot for the gunship, Tailtech hummed in concern, "Never thought we'd be back there again."

"No kidding." Shadow Dragon remarked dryly. He turned and looked at Twilight, "You sure this is a good idea to do it?"

Twilight sighed while have a facepalm, "To be honest, no. But what choice do we have? Because if we refused-!"

Shadow Dragon sighed in frustration as he interrupted, "I know. I know. Doesn't mean I have to like this kind of idea."

Fluttershy sighed while nodded in agreement, "At least, no students are boarding and stowaway for the trip."

Feeling the turbulence hit its bottom, the Armor Strike-III bounced a bit, making almost everyone yelped in surprise while almost falling down. Unexpectedly, the trunk's large door opened up and revealed Nyx, Arcee, Ocellus, Smolder, DECK, Mano and Solflare to drop on the ground. The students groaned and moaned in pain for the moment.

As they recovered and found Twilight and her team were looking at them, the students waved and greeted nervously and uneasily at them.

Tailtech groaned, "You've gotta be kidding me! Really? Again?"

"Before you blame us again, I would like to say that it's Arcee and Nyx's fault!" Smolder exclaimed in concern. Ocellus angrily nudged her left shoulder, making her yelped in pain. She groaned while rubbed on it, "It's true! We only followed them to stop them before we got lifted off."

"She does have the point," Mano agreed with her, along with DECK beeped and nodded fearfully as well.

"Arcee…" Shadow Dragon said in disbelief while facepalm.

Twilight groaned, "Honestly. What were you two thinking? What are you up to now?"

Nyx was about to explain. Arcee spoke, "It's my fault, Headmare Twilight. Please don't blame Nyx for this. I convinced her to come with me and go after you because I was worried that Thanatos might done something horrible to you. I doubt that he hired you guys for 'security'."

Nyx nodded in agreement, "Arcee's right. We just wanna help you guys."

"Guys, we've been through a lot of missions and battles for years. We can handle whatever Thanatos can throw at us." Shadow Dragon said dryly, "You don't have to worry about us"

Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "But still, they can still help us. While we handle with Jurassic Land's security problems, the rest can check out on what Thanatos is doing with this place and Ancient Beasts."

"Hmm… That sounds like a good plan," Tailtech remarked in surprise.

"Might not be a good idea," Tempest protested, "Whatever our 'friends' were doing there, it can't be good. It's best that you don't get involved and stay away from them. After all, you're just young naïve and innocent creatures."

"With all due respect, Commander Tempest, we're braver and stronger than you think," Arcee said firmly.

Solflare nodded, "And besides, we're good with stealth too. You should be thankful that Heatwave, Aero and Yona aren't with us. They're terrible with stealth."

"Even so, it's still dangerous." Fluttershy said in concern.

"They're right. It's best that none of try to be spies. It's too dangerous," Twilight said in concern yet strict. Nyx and her friends awed in disappointment. She sighed while patted her head before said 'sternly' in calm tone, "But just 'look around' and 'touch nothing', okay?"

While showing her stern looks, Twilight gave a playful wink at Nyx, making her realize of what she meant. She nodded innocently with a wink, "Okay. Promised. We'll be just strolling and sightseeing the new places."

Arcee smiled slyly, "Yeah. No funny business as instructed."

The students were able to catch up of what Twilight and Nyx were doing that they nodded playfully yet innocently. Shorty and Tailtech smiled calmly that Twilight agreed, though Shadow Dragon, Tempest and Fluttershy were annoyed by her allowing them to do it.

Ocellus blinked in confusion, "Is that a yes or no for us to continue the mission?"

Smolder facepalmed, "Ocellus, you really are bad at this. Thought Bella trained you to understand the gesture."

Upon reaching its destination, Armor Strike-III came across to a new form of Jurassic Land's platform. Instead of amusement theme park, it is now replaced with an advanced and armored militaristic headquarter with couple of compounds around it. More of military turrets, arsenals, HAM-Walkers, Scout Walkers and Armored Tanks were protecting and guarding the area. More of Mystic Soldiers were patrolling and guarding it as well.

As soon as it landed on the platform, Twilight and her friends climbed down from it. They were deeply shocked and disbelieved of what they're looking at while Tempest remained calm and stoic. They have a hard time to believe the changes Thanatos has make after he bought and owned the island.

"Glad you guys make it here." Thanatos remarked playfully and amusingly. He, Mr. Stickler and a group of Mystic Soldiers approached them. He smiled, "I hope you enjoy the trip."

"Charming…" Twilight remarked dryly yet annoyingly.

Thanatos noticed Arcee and her friends were there. He scoffed playfully, "Wasn't expecting to see extra passengers."

"Hello to you too, father." Arcee greeted dryly.

"Well, I wasn't expecting her and her classmates to join the ride here," Twilight said sternly yet dryly before 'glaring' at her own daughter, "Especially my daughter."

Nyx 'huffed' while looking away, "Whatever. It's not like you won't listen to me."

Twilight 'scolded' Nyx, "Only because you're acting like a brat after what has happened. So, knock it off!"

Nyx groaned while crossed her huffed, "Yeah, yeah. I'll be good girl. Don't blame me if this happens."

Thanatos looked surprise yet amused, "Did I miss something."

Everyone sighed as they answered, "Don't ask."

Twilight demanded, "What is this, Thanatos? What's going on?"

Thanatos smiled calmly yet amusingly, "As I've said, different and better than Canter Zoom's ideal."

Looking carefully at the military compounds, Shadow Dragon hummed suspiciously, "Yeah. I can see that. You're gonna use them for military battles."

"Yes, but not quite what you think, Master Shadow Dragon," Thanatos joked playfully, stoking yet concerning Shadow Dragon. He continued, "Unlike Storm Kingdom's methods, we intend to form the bonding and relationship between ponies and Ancient Beasts, so that we can work together as family and team to defeat our common enemy. Just like you, Stride and Tempest. You three are amazing to bond well with your Ancient Beasts. Plus, we also want to do some research on their powers and capabilities before we can place them on the jobs they're fit for."

Shadow Dragon narrowed his suspicious yet concerned eyes, "Somehow I don't like where this is going to."

Thanatos chuckled amusingly, "Don't worry. We won't make our new buddies to fight you yet. For now, we're on first stage of befriending and bonding with them."

"Doubtful…" Tailtech remarked, making Shorty nodded in agreement.

"Whatever you're doing here, it'd better not be involved with fighting against us," Twilight said dryly, concerning about Blackwitch revealed the truth about Nezha will become their enemy the future. She continued, "I hate to be your enemy."

"Do not worry. We won't go that far yet." Thanatos reassured with a sincere smile, "Now. Shall we focus on task?"

"Yeah. Tell us more about your security problem," Shadow Dragon said seriously and firmly.

"Follow me. I don't want the kids get spooked by the problems we'd be dealing with," Thanatos said calmly while pointing at the compound. He continued, "And of course, there are some Hippogriffs happy to see you, Ariel. So, be nice and enjoy the family reunion."

Thanatos guided and led Twilight and her team to the compound while leaving Nyx, Arcee and their team behind. While the little filly and the students were confused and uncertain, the pink-colored Hippogriff has shown concern and uneasy of what he has said.

"Been a while, little baby…" The rude yet cocky and arrogant voice greeted dryly.

The voice surprised Arcee and her team. They all turned and looked back as they found an older yet serious silver-colored Hippogriff with combed short white-blond colored mane and tail while wearing Mystic Soldier's Armor stood before them. He glared darkly at her as if he knew her very well.

"Checker…" Arcee said dryly and annoyingly as she crossed her arms.

"You two know each other?" Ocellus asked with a gulp.

"Yeah, I do." Checker said dryly and rudely. He scoffed, "She's the black sheep and traitor to the family. That's who she really is. Running away from the family because she can't handle the truth and deal with the responsible that our father has given."

Mano hummed in concern, "Kinda a bit harsh, you know."

Checker glared at Mano as he explained, "What do you expect, nerd? When you have a traitor abandoned and ran away from her own family, she's not gonna get some nice treatment especially from me. Am I right, Arial?"

Remembering the incident that caused the death of her siblings, Arcee glared at Checker, "Only because of what Thanatos has done to Ana and Hunter. They're gone because of him. I'll never forget that day."

"Neither do I," Checker said dryly yet hurt tone. He narrowed his angry eyes at her, "But that doesn't mean I have to run away from home and problems. I'm not a coward and failure like you, Ariel!"

"I am not a coward! I am not a failure either! And it's Arcee, not Ariel, Checkmate!"

"Whatever you say, Ariel. To my eyes, you'll always be a failure and coward for leaving your own family behind because you can't do what must be done. But I can. I'll make sure that I'd never let that happen to MJ and Scorch again. What about you? Did you do the same for them as well?"

Annoyed and angry with Checker's insult, Arcee still couldn't help but feel ashamed and upset that he was right about her for running away from home and abandoned them when they needed the most.

"Back off!" Nyx snapped firmly and angrily at Checker, "Why don't you stopped treating her like a stranger?! She's your sister!"

"You should be ashamed of yourself!" Ocellus scolded.

Solflare nodded firmly and seriously, "I agreed with Princess Nyx. Arcee is a noble and honorable warrior with bravery and compassion. I've fought besides her. My friends and I know her well. Despite her mistakes, your father is to be blamed for their death, not her!"

"Even so, she betrayed her own family. I didn't," Checker said firmly sand seriously, "I am now the heir to his enterprise."

Showing her middle claw at Checker, Smolder stuck her tongue out, "Well, good for you, jerk. She has some better life than you."

DECK nodded and beeped, "Affirmative!"

Checker scoffed while crossed his arms, "Whatever, loser."

"Now, now, Checker. Be nice," The firm yet sincere woman's voice called out while holding her son back. She revealed to be a bright yet lighter orange colored Hippogriff with crimson straight yet curly and fluffy hair-like fox worn has blue birthmark on left part of face worn dark red blouse. She patted him, "No need to be so rude towards my favorite little girl. Am I right, Arcee?"

Arcee sighed while bowed down a bit, "Yes, mother."

"Huh? She's your mom?" Smolder asked in surprise. Arcee nodded. She whistled while looking at Arcee's mother, "Wow. She looked so badass than being a nice Hippogriff."

"Why thank you. I'm a fierce fighter with cunning than just some beauty model. That is so last season. Oh, by the way, it's Thanatos Foxkeen." Foxkeen greeted warmly while shaking the students' hooves and claws. She smiled, "You guys seem to be nice and friendly. I can see why Arcee loved staying and studying there so much."

"Why call her 'Arcee'? Wasn't Ariel her real name?" Nyx asked in surprise.

"'Arcee' is the name that both me and Ana thought of. But Gambit was so insistent to use 'Ariel' because it has special meaning as 'spirit of air'." Foxkeen explained calmly. She sighed while warmly hugging Arcee. She smiled, "But I'm glad she picked the right name. It means 'a skilled warrior fights for her loved ones'. Am I right?"

After a brief hugging, Arcee gently pushed Foxkeen out. She continued, "Don't play coy with me, mother. I chose the name to honor Ana. I'm not doing this for you."

Checker growled, "Watch it, sis…"

Foxkeen smiled sincerely while shrugged, "Whatever you say, my dearest daughter. I'm still proud of you using that name. There's some griffs want to see you."

"Ariel!" Two familiar voices called out.

Arcee looked behind as she found two Hippogriffs jumped and landed her to the ground. One of them seemed to be an older in turquoise-colored Hippogriff with cyan-white shaggy mane in braided ponytail style wearing black rockstar jacket while another is a young orange-colored Hippogriff with blazing flame-like manes and tail, and also wearing glasses. Three of them cheered and laughed out happily and warmly.

"MJ?! Scorch?!" Arcee asked in surprise.

Scorch smiled, "It's really you! It's really you!"

"Yeah. We made it in time too! When father told us about you alive and staying at School of Friendship, we both really want to check and see you again." MJ said happily before sighed, "It's great to see you again."

Surprised and touched by her siblings' love for her, Arcee sighed as she hugged them, "It's also great to see you two too. I missed you so much."

"No, she's not," Checker remarked dryly, earning everyone to glare at her. He groaned, "Why are you so happy to see her?! She deserted and abandoned us! She doesn't deserve this!"

MJ scoffed as she stood and glared at him, "Yes, she does. She has the right to be angry and upset. If it were to me, I would be upset and leave this family after what father has done. I have not forgiven him for what he did to Hunter and Ana."

Scorch nodded angrily, "Me too. Shouldn't you feel upset for that too, brother? Ana and Hunter are our siblings."

"I do." Checker said firmly and sternly. He sighed firmly while shaking his head in disgust, "Unlike that traitor, I remained loyal to my father. And I forgive him because he did what he has to do to save our family's honor and fortunes. I trust his judgment and decision. I won't leave him. You guys should do the same. Know your place…"

Checker turned and walked away from his siblings and the guests. Most of her friends were disgusted and annoyed by his attitude and treatment at Arcee, but her siblings remained firm and calm. Arcee has the mixed yet concerned feelings of it.

Nyx shook her head, "I'd never met someone like him being so hateful at his own siblings like that."

"What a jerk," Mano remarked.

DECK beeped, "Yeah. For someone acted as heir to Thanatos, he doesn't do well being a professional and serious Hippogriff especially talking and dealing with situation."

"He'll get over it. He always has the anger issue to deal with. Anyhow, it's so good to see you here," Foxkeen smiled warmly. She cleared her throat, "Anyhow. I'd better get going now. I have a mission to do. Have fun."

Foxkeen turned and headed towards the tanks as she was preparing to move out.

MJ smiled as she held her claw over Arcee's shoulder, "As long you're here, let's have some chat and lunch together, okay?"

Scorch nodded, "Yeah. I wanna show you something cool, sis. You'll love it!"

"Sure. Why not?" Arcee smiled with a sigh. She hugged her brother and sister, "But I really missed you. I'm so sorry for leaving you guys behind."

MJ smiled while patted her back, "Don't beat yourself up, Arcee. It's okay. It's okay. Come on, let's go. I'm sure some of our buddies especially Rubeus Hugbear missed you. And also, we want to show something you guys something. You're gonna love it."

Arcee nodded happily as she, her siblings and friends headed off to have lunch and chat. And at the same time, they can perform the mission to find out Thanatos's plans for the Jurassic Land.

Inside the military compound, both Thanatos and Twilight's team were gathered and taken the seat on long table that has the folders and projector, which now activated and lighted out on the screen wall that showed the map with red dots. Silverclaw was there as well while leaning against the wall to watch the event.

"So, what are we supposed to do?" Shadow Dragon asked firmly and seriously.

Tailtech nodded, "Yeah. What kind of security problems you'd be having with?"

"At first, it was minor situation. But lately, it became major now. Look at the screen," Thanatos explained calmly.

Everyone looked at the screen, which revealed the pictures of Mystic Soldiers were able to stop and chase off some smugglers and animal poachers from stealing Ancient Beasts, and they managed to capture some of them. On the next couple of scenes, it revealed that some smugglers, poachers and even Storm Guards became organized and firm to beat them up while stealing and moving the Ancient Beasts for a week or three out. This shocked and concern them.

"Storm Guards?" Shorty asked in surprise and concern, "I thought their Storm Kingdom has fallen and surrendered to Mystic-Equestria Alliance. Their land is now under the domain of Mystic Realm."

Thanatos sighed, "Unfortunately, not all agreed to that."

"Still, who's leading them to smuggle out the creatures?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Admiral Gideon," Thanatos said seriously and firmly.

Twilight looked surprise and concern to ask, "Gideon? The same admiral that you helped Sky Beak to defeat and drive him out?"

"Yeah. It's him. The very same guy, who is now leading his own forces after the death of his king," Thanatos confirmed firmly and seriously. He sighed in frustration, "You would think that he'd finally give up and surrender to us after the Storm Kingdom has lost their king…"

"So, what else do we know about him?" Twilight asked in concern.

"Allow me. I know him too well," Tempest volunteered firmly yet seriously, "He, Grubber and I were former colleagues…"

Flashback

After Tempest and Grubber failed to retrieve the Orb of Lost Soul, they were able to lower down their defenses and gave the flare signal to the Storm Kingdom's Armada. On top of the decorated yet armored long airship-type, Storm King and Admiral Gideon spotted the signal. The king gave a firm nod to his admiral, who nodded firmly. He shouted and gave the order for the armada to attack and invade the Hippogriff's Homeland.

Just as the Storm Armada's airships landed on the shores, the Storm Army charged and launched the invasion on the city. Admiral Gideon is leading the army to battle and engage the enemies especially dueling with Stratus Skyranger. During the duel against him, he also battled and killed some soldier and even the innocents ruthlessly and cruelly.

"Out of all the Storm Guards in the Storm King's army," Tempest narrated, "Gideon was the most ruthless and brilliant yet ambitious commanding officer for leading the army with the armada. He even attacked innocent lives and showed them no mercy."

Just as Mount Aris was lost and conquered, some of Hippogriffs tried to escape via flying out or even swimming on the sea. They were about to transform into their Seapony Forms, but their jewels have suddenly magically drained out immediately due to Admiral Gideon's magical gauntlet absorbing their magic powers and prevented them from using the transformation. This allowed his forces to move in and capture some of them.

"I advised you not to fight him with magic because Gideon possessed a mechanical glove that allowed him to absorb the magic power and used its power to fire at his enemies. This device possessed the same crystal as Storm King's Staff. And no, I was not responsible for building the machine."

Back at the Storm Kingdom's Palace, Storm King proudly and happily congratulated and praised Tempest for her successful battles and assaults. But at the same time, his Storm Officers including Shockwave, Deadlock, Phasma and even Gideon were annoyed and scowled at her for becoming his second-in-command and getting the praises, despite their loyalty and fought for him bravely.

"Like other council members, Gideon and I don't always see eye-to-eye and have clashed with each other on how to deal with the enemies."

Flashback Ends

Tempest has finished with her story about Admiral Gideon. Tailtech remarked in surprise, "Well, that certainly takes a lot…"

"Where was he during the Storm Kingdom's conquest?" Twilight asked in concern.

"The Storm King has Gideon to guard the Storm Kingdom and take care of Southern Region of Equestria," Tempest explained calmly. She hummed thoughtfully, "But thanks to your friends' influence to the Southern Equestrians, Skeletron has raised the army and unite the remaining rebellions to fight back. They have overrun and pushed him and his forces back."

"Oh my! I didn't think Skeletron would able to make impossible possible," Fluttershy said in surprise.

"Still what happened to them?" Shadow Dragon asked.

Thanatos smiled cunningly yet slyly, "That's easy. After the death of Storm King and most famous officers, the Storm Guards have been forced to submit including Storm Kingdom. That place is now mine to command. He and his remnants escaped and went into hiding. I suspect that his forces hiding at Black Skull Island."

"And you didn't finish him, why?" Shadow Dragon asked.

Thanatos sighed, "As I've said, I only have suspicious. My spies haven't confirm his stronghold yet."

"Looks like he's back for another fight to reclaim his homeland. So, what exactly is he after now?" Shorty asked in concern and suspicious. Recalling the event of 'Battle of Canterlot', he gasped, "Don't tell me that he intends to use them for War Beasts against us again."

Silverclaw nodded firmly while crossed his hooves, "That's our first guess, bob. We have to stop them. The last thing you want is them terrorizing and killing the civilians again. Your brother and Ponyville are damn lucky to survive and win the fight."

Shadow Dragon chuckled amusingly, "Yeah. I couldn't agree more. He sure has tough skin."

Tailtech hummed in concern while looking at the folder, "So, you want us to deal with them?"

"Yup." Thanatos nodded firmly, "It's quite simple. Hunt down and deal with the intruders and smugglers. And also, rescue the Ancient Beasts as well. We can't afford to let them use these poor creatures against us. Think you can handle it?"

Twilight and her friends looked at each other for the moment. They're all have concern and uncertainty about the situation but they knew that they can't afford to let their former enemy get away with Ancient Beasts to start the new Storm War again. They already have enough problems to deal with.

Twilight sighed, "Fine. We'll do it. But I expect you keep your word that you will not use Ancient Beasts against us."

Thanatos smiled warmly with a nod, "Promised. You have my word."

"We should get going now. Be prepared to move out." Twilight said firmly and seriously. Everyone nodded firmly in agreement. They all stood up and exited out of the meeting room. She turned and found Tempest stood before Thanatos. She asked, "Tempest?"

"You go on ahead, Princess Twilight. I wish to speak with him," Tempest said dryly yet firmly while glaring at Thanatos. She continued, "I assure you that it's just a talk."

Twilight was worried a bit but nodded firmly to let her handle the situation. She and the rest of her friends and even Silverclaw exited out of the meeting chamber, leaving Thanatos and Tempest alone now.

"Just a talk?" Thanatos asked curiously. He scoffed playfully, "Sounds like you want to threaten me when I do something wrong."

Tempest glared at Thanatos, "As a matter of fact, you did. I don't like what you did to get Twilight involved to deal with Gideon's remnants. Are you trying to get us in trouble?! They don't know Gideon's capability."

"Don't be worrisome, Commander. Twilight and her friends especially you are capable of handling Gideon and his remnants. They'll be dealt with, in no time," Thanatos said sternly yet firmly at Tempest, "Plus, I didn't summon them here for security problem."

Tempest's eyes narrowed down in suspicious as she asked, "I suspect much. What is it you really after now?"

As if it was on cue, Dr. Wong marched into the meeting chamber as he was meeting up with them. Thanatos smiled amusingly while Tempest was annoyed to see him in.

"Dr. Wong, so nice of you to join in. You remember Tempest?" Thanatos asked playfully. Dr. Wong annoyingly glared at Tempest, who glared back at him. He sighed, "I'd take that as a yes. How goes the project?"

"Almost there." Dr. Wong answered firmly yet proudly.

Tempest was surprised yet concern to ask, "You mean it's almost complete?"

"Yes. I just need two genetic components to complete the being." Dr. Wong said firmly and calmly, "And you know what I'm referring to?"

"I know. And don't worry, we will get them." Thanatos said firmly. He turned and looked at Tempest, "Tempest. As soon as you're done with Gideon and his forces, get the Hydragoon from Shadow Dragon. We need his and Chaos Slayer to finish the job."

"You want me to do what?!" Tempest asked in shock yet calmly. She hissed before grabbed and held him against the wall. She snapped, "Thanatos, are you a fool?! You want me to blow up my cover, just to get the Hydragoon for this project?!"

"That depends on how you handle the mission," Thanatos said firmly with crossing his claws, "And you know what, I think it's time for you to stop playing double agent, Commander."

"What do you mean by that?! Are you questioning my loyalty to the Mystic Kingdom?"

"No. But Nezha has concerns and doubts of your 'friendship' with them. You're getting too close to them. And so far, didn't report of what they really doing."

"I told you before. It's just the usual school days, working days and even fighting bad guys and save the day. Saber and Shorty haven't done anything to do with biochip investigation. They have no conspiracy and plans to usurp Mystic Kingdom. Nothing else."

"Perhaps. The emperor just wants to know where your true loyalty lies. So, consider this mission to be your test of loyalty. What's the outcome? That depends on what you're doing."

Tempest was not only angry but also conflicted and uneasy with her mission. Despite her friendship with Twilight and her friends, she owed of regaining her magical horn to Death Tactic. What can she do? She doesn't want to betray on both sides.

Tempest sighed, "I-I'll do what I can to get it."

"Good," Thanatos said calmly, "But remember which sides you're supposed to be."

Tempest narrowed her firm eyes, "Understood…"

Tempest turned and exited out of the meeting chamber. Thanatos and Dr. Wong leave as well. They're now heading off to the large laboratory, where they're still working on Project Abomination. They then approached to the largest glassed tube that consisted of unknown yet monstrous figure within, along with the smaller ones.

"Are you even certain this is even a good idea?" Dr. Wong questioned, "They will find out of what we're up to."

Thanatos smirked confidently, "Don't worry. We've got this."

Outside of military compound, the Mystic Soldiers armed themselves and prepared with their weapons, blasters and arsenal tanks especially readying the cargo trucks with cages. There were ten cargo trucks, five Armored Tanks and five AS Walkers. Twilight and her friends readied themselves with their weapons. Shadow Dragon was holding his Summoner Gem while looking at it as he wondered if he should use it to fight the monsters.

"I didn't expect to see you around, kid," Silverclaw's voice remarked calmly and casually.

Shadow Dragon looked up and found Silverclaw stood before him. For the moment, they were glancing at each other seriously before showing warm and friendly smiles. They chuckled before giving friendly hoof-shake.

"Great to see you, kid," Silverclaw said warmly.

"You too. I didn't expect you to be a 'White Hunter' here," Shadow Dragon remarked, "I thought you don't like hunting."

Silverclaw scoffed, "I still don't. But the emperor insisted and ordered me to do it. And now I can see why. Bunch of hopeless soldiers think that handling the animals is easy than fighting the war. Good thing I minimize the damages as much as I can."

"Well. They don't call you 'The Brave Hunter' for nothing."

"You've got that right. So, you're going on the hunt now?"

"Yeah. It's something I don't like but we have to. To make sure nothing leaves this island."

"Good to hear, bub," Silverclaw said in agreement. He sighed, "Listen, kid. You'd be careful out there. But something tells me that terrible thing is gonna happen. I can tell you for sure that it ain't Gideon."

Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "Thanatos…"

Silverclaw nodded, "Yeah. So, watch yourself and your buddies out there. I can't guarantee that I can help you out."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Understood. And thanks too. You've always help me when I was a rookie."

Silverclaw scoffed, "Of course. You and I are outsiders to society. You don't deserve to be treated like dirt. And I'd say you're a special and great as a hero."

"Thank you, Silverclaw," Shadow Dragon said calmly, "Just look after the kids."

"Gotcha. I got this." Silverclaw said firmly.

With almost everyone's ready with their weapons and transports, the Mystic Soldiers including Twilight's Team and even Tempest marched out at once. They're now searching and hunting down on Gideon's Remnants and retrieve the remaining Ancient Beasts. All Silverclaw can do is watch and hoped that they're alright with the hunt.

After having lunch, Arcee and her friends followed MJ and Scorch, who were guiding and leading them straight to the petting zoo land-like, filled with various herbivore and carnivore Ancient Beasts lived and settled down in their own yards. Some of them were playing, sparring and working tigether with each other. Others, acted as parents, taking care and raising their own young ones. A few were settling down to have some peace and quiet.

They then found a giant pony with dark blue and green colored hairy hair, mustache and beard worn a red shirt, blue vest and long trench coat with hairy on the collar, was feeding some straws and food to the Ancient Beasts. And at the same time, he was humming and singing warmly and happily.

Arcee scoffed with mischievous smirk as she called, "Busy as always to look after the animals, Mr. Hugbear?"

The giant pony or Mr. Hugbear looked surprise before turned and looked back. He found Arcee waved at him.

"Why blessed my soul! It's little Ariel!" Mr. Hugbear exclaimed in surprise,

Arcee smiled, "Hey, Mr. Hugbear."

Mr. Hugbear chuckled happily and warmly as he approached and gave Arcee a warm yet tight hug, "I miss you, you little birdie! Look how big you've gotten, lass!"

Arcee choked while groaned painfully, "It's nice to see you too, Hugbear! But you're choking me!"

"Oops, sorry, lass!" Mr. Hugbear yelped in concern as he quickly let go from hugging her. He then put her down. He chuckled while patted on her head, "But it's good to see you too, little Ariel."

"Yeah, me too," Arcee said warmly and happily. She then looked around of the surroundings. She hummed, "I know you loved animals especially raising and taking care of them. But I wasn't expecting you to look after the big ones especially the carnivores."

Looking at the Ancient Beasts, Mr. Hugbear commented, "These? Yeah. Mr. Thanatos promoted me to be a caretaker to look after these fellows, making sure they're fed, raised well and taken care of, and of course they be friends to each other. I'd tell you, it's no easy task, lass. But I'll managed it."

"You're kidding, right?" Mano asked in disbelief.

"All by yourself to look after these Ancient Beasts?!" Solflare asked in disbelief yet surprised.

Mr. Hugbear chuckled happily, "Yup. I sure did. Just like taking care of puppies."

Arcee smiled with a giggle, "You sure enjoy looking after the animals especially extraordinary and mythological ones, don't you?"

"I sure did," Mr. Hugbear agreed. He smiled, "I see you make some new friends. When you were a little chirp, you hardly make any friends. I was so worried and scared that you didn't until now. I'm so happy that you finally did."

Arcee nodded, "Thanks, Hugbear. Sorry for abandoning you."

MJ wrecked Arcee's head, "I thought I told you to drop that nonsense. We've got nothing against you."

Mr. Hugbear nodded, "I have nothing against you for that, Ariel. I'm still glad that you find a good life now."

Ocellus squealed happily as she was looking at the couple of colorful furred ancient rabbits-like with elemental-shaped tails-like, colorful stripes and its cheek has two red marks on both sides. They were all playing and having time together.

"It's them! It's really them! The MagiHare!" Ocellus cheered happily, "Oh my goodness! I can't believe that I really am here to see them! They really are so cute in person!"

"No kidding!" Smolder agreed. She whistled in amazement while looking at Rumblehorns were sparring against each other. She cheered, "Cool! Now this is the fight!"

"Hey, Solflare! Check this out!" Mano called out to Solflare. She approached him. He pointed out at two Cygneswans were approaching on the lake. Their necks formed a heart-shape while nuzzling and cozying on each other's head warmly and lovely. He sighed, "There! You see it. Cygneswans! You did say you wanted to see them."

"Yeah. I did." Solflare agreed. She gave a sly smirk. She then teased, "Mano, did you even realize what they're doing? Do you what they represent for?"

"Uh no… Why?"

"Love. If two lovers stand before those water Ancient Birds to form their love for each other. So, are you asking me for a date?"

Mano yelped while burnt in red as he flustered, "What?! No! I mean I wasn't! I was just-! That's not! Come on, Sol! I was just telling you! That's all!"

Solflare laughed amusingly, "I bet you do."

DECK approached to the yard, which to the large birdcage, where he found a group of bird trainers were training couple of Aeroskyes and some of purple colored ancient bat-like with wings, scorpion's tail-like and two pincers – Scorpio-Bat. He was intrigued and amazed to look at them. Scorch approached to the Metal Pony.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Scorch asked curiously. DECK nodded in agreement. He smiled, "I think so too. I especially like bats. They're my favorites."

"Really?" DECK asked.

"Yeah, I do. I can assume that you like the Aeroskyes than the bats?" Scorch said calmly. DECK looked surprise while looking at him. He nodded, "Yeah. I understand. In fact, I'm very good at computers and techs."

DECK was surprised yet amazed as he gave some thoughts. He smiled, "Would you assist me to fix my voice box?"

Scorch was surprise as he gave some thoughts, "I have to be honest with you. I have never done with fixing robots with their voice modules before. It's gonna be tricky to do it because I have no idea how your voice sound like." DECK looked down in upset. He continued with determined look, "But I will give my best."

DECK looked hopeful and happy to hear it as he thanked, "Thank you so much."

MJ smiled while nodded impressively, "Gotta say. You really got some friends there. I am so jealous of you now, Ariel."

"Well, you can follow me. You and Scorch. Come with me. Go to the School of Friendship." Arcee suggested, surprising MJ. She continued, "It'll be the best place you ever go. Better than here."

"I don't know. Both me and Scorch got the jobs and careers to do. I mean me as PR and Actress while Scorch is technician. Dad expected us to do our best to represent the Thanatos Enterprise." MJ said in concern and uncertainty. She then noticed Arcee upset. She sighed, "I'm sorry, Arcee."

Arcee shook her head, "I'm sorry. I guess I didn't keep track on you guys and what you were doing. I forgot that we're not on the same page anymore."

"Yeah. We're not," MJ agreed. She sighed while looking at the scene, "Sure wish Ana and Hunter were here. Hunter would sure like ride on Simba. I mean lion is his favorite animals He thinks them as brave, valor and heroic animal."

Arcee nodded, "Yeah. Anastasia would definitely take the Shingolong – the long neck Ancient Beast. She did consider to ride one of them like a cowboy."

Mr. Hugbear laughed out happily, "Yeah. I agree to that. She did enjoy riding animals."

"Hey. You don't mind showing us around the lab?" Nyx suggested. MJ, Scorch and Mr. Hugbear looked at her. She calmly stated, "It's just a tour. We're not doing anything silly or getting into trouble."

Scorch hummed, "I supposed it won't hurt to do that."

MJ shook her head, "No, Scorch. We're not doing that. Dad won't even let us to have the access cards to go in. E ven if we do have one, he'd be mad for what we're doing."

"He didn't mind do that to us?" Arcee asked in annoyance, making MJ concern. She continued, "C'mon, MJ. Just a peek. Promised that we won't get into trouble."

"I don't know, Arcee." MJ said in concern.

"I think we should do it," Mr. Hugbear said in agreement. They all looked at him as they were surprised that he agreed. The caretaker continued, "I'd be frank with you all. I'm concern with other Ancient Beasts being brought inside the lab. And I am not comfortable of what they're actually doing. I want to see if they're alright."

"Plus, I want to fix DECK's voice module," Scorch added innocently, making DECK nodded.

"'Being middle child sucks' as Hunter always said. Fine. We'll do it – just for the tour and check on the animals." MJ grumbled. Everyone cheered happily. She continued, "We need the access card first. Where to get one?"

DECK beeped happily, "You don't need one. I got this."

Everyone looked surprise and concern by DECK's meaning. They all wondered of what he's planning and how he can get them in.

The convoys, accompanied by five each AS Walkers and Armored Tanks, were travelling down the route of jungle. They were pushing and knocking down some trees and bushes while searching and hunting down Admiral Gideon's remnants. Nearly an hour has passed, they arrived at the large open field, which was filled with burnt-off campfire, leftover food, messy yet broken bushes and woods like the campers have left the camps.

Everyone including Twilight's Team emerged and climbed down from the cargo trucks. They looked around of their surroundings.

"I'm guessing this is where Gideon's remnants were?" Shadow Dragon asked firmly.

"It was," Foxkeen confirmed firmly while approached to the front. She smiled while looking at Twilight's team. She smiled, "It's an honor to meet you all. I'm Foxkeen – Arcee's Mom."

"Nice to meet you, ma'am. I wasn't expecting to have you to join our company," Twilight commented. She then noticed her armed and loaded with her blaster. She continued, "I'm surprise that you also join us on the hunt."

Foxkeen smiled, "What can I say? I'm a more of action mom than housewife. Plus, I don't like doing paperwork."

Everyone was surprised and stoked by her attitude. Fluttershy remarked, "Wow. I wish I could be like her."

"Let's focus on the mission," Tempest said firmly and seriously. She then looked around of their surroundings, "They couldn't have gone too far."

Shadow Dragon nodded firmly, "Agreed. But remember, everyone. Do not provoke or annoy the Ancient Beasts. The last thing you want is them to attack us, and not Storm Guards. They will do anything to protect themselves."

"He's right. Do not be foolish to challenge or even tried to catch them on your own," Tempest added firmly, "Just repel and drive the Storm Guards off the island."

Everyone nodded firmly. Couple of Mystic Soldiers split up and headed towards their different directions. Twilight's team headed off to the north. Foxkeen and couple of guards remained behind to guard the area.

As they were travelling and passing through the jungle trees, Twilight's team emerged out from the bushes. They suddenly come across a large Nympha carcass.

"It's dead." Shadow Dragon remarked in concern.

Fluttershy gulped, "What did this?"

As if her question is answered, another Ancient Beast raised its head up, munching on a piece of the Nympha. It was a green-brown colored and scaly Spinosaurus-like monster with large mouth that has sharp fangs, a big pair of sharped claws with fins, a big pair of fin-like feet and also a very long tail with crescent blade-like. He was growling while looking at them.

Shocked and scared, Twilight asked, "Please don't tell me that's…"

Shorty nodded, "Yep. It's a Spinogator."

Shadow Dragon and Tempest instructed firmly, "Nopony move a muscle."

Spinogator let out a loud dragon-like screeching roar, prompting Twilight's Team panicked and screamed in fear. They turned and ran for their lives. Both Shadow Dragon and Tempest were annoyed and irritated to see them off.

"Really?" Tempest asked.

Shadow Dragon shook his head in annoyance, "Oh, for the love of…"

Tempest and Shadow Dragon quickly went after them. Unfortunately for them, Spinogator gave chase after the ponies. 10 miles of running, Twilight's team have arrived and entered the forest. However, the Ancient Beast continued chasing after them as it barely tried to take the bite on them. They all barely dodged the attack.

Realizing that they'll be eaten alive soon, Tempest grabbed and thrown out her Summoner Gem in front of them. It popped and summoned Chaos Slayer out from it. It gave a loud battle roar at Spinogator, who also roared back at it.

"TEMPEST!" Shadow Dragon screamed in anger.

Twilight's team yelped and panicked in fear as they quickly moved aside while Shadow Dragon tripped and fell in-between two logs.

Chaos Slayer charged out at once as he almost stepped over the logs Shadow Dragon was trapped between. He yelled in fear as he almost crushed to death. The Tyranno Chaos bit the Spinogator's neck and pinned it to the ground, causing it to roar in pain. He then dragged the creature up and swung it around, during which it knocked down a tree with its tail, which almost crushed Fluttershy and Tailtech, who jumped out of the way. The Spinogator eventually shook itself loose from Chaos Slayer's jaws and roared at him. The two creatures soon began struggling with each other, while Shadow Dragon managed to get himself out of the logs.

Then, the Spinogator suddenly bit Chaos Slayer's neck, making him roar in pain. It began dragging the Tyranno Chaos around, trying to beat him to death. Chaos Slayer then suddenly pierced the Spinogator's shoulder with his nose blade, causing it to let go. He then bit the monster's neck again and dragged it around. He grabbed the Spinogator's head with his claws and then, with both his jaws and claws, snapped the creature's neck.

Shadow Dragon finally stood up, only to jump out of the way as the Spinogator dropped to the ground, dead. He then regrouped with his friends as they witnessed Chaos Slayer stood over the dead Spinogator and let out a victorious roar.

Tempest smiled proudly and happily, "Well done, old friend. You've defeated the Spinogator."

Chaos Slayer gave another battle roar happily. Twilight's friends sighed and commented that they're lucky to escape the fight. However, Shadow Dragon approached and gave Tempest a hard punch on her, making her to fall down hard. Chaos Slayer snarled angrily at the Mystic Pony of Darkness, who remained firm and serious.

"Shadow Dragon! What the heck?!" Tailtech called out angrily.

"That was reckless of you!" Shadow Dragon scolded angrily, "We almost died because you summoned Chaos Slayer in the middle of our running!"

Tempest grunted while wiping the blood off, "If I hadn't, we would have been eaten alive!"

Shadow Dragon almost wanted to argue before Twilight stepped in, "She's right, Shadow Dragon. We should be thankful that she saved us in time. If you were in her position, you would do the same."

Shadow Dragon was annoyed that Twilight defended Tempest but she wasn't wrong about what he would have done to stop and defeat Spinogator. He sighed, "Fine. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Tempest replied dryly.

"Let's keep going. I have the feeling that it wasn't coincidence that Spinogator was there, eating Nympha." Shorty said seriously and concern, "I have the feeling it was a setup."

"Think it's Gideon?" Tailtech asked in concern.

Shorty nodded seriously, "No doubt about it. We should get moving to find and stop him before he could cause some serious damages."

"Agreed. Let's move," Shadow Dragon said seriously.

"That won't be necessary, my dear friends…"

The voice surprised and shocked Twilight's team. They soon found themselves to be surrounded by the Storm Guards, armed with their spears and shields to prevent them from escaping. Both Admiral Gideon and Commander Klavis arrived to the scene. They all stood before them.

Admiral Gideon smiled amusingly, "Well, well, what do we have here?"

Tempest snarled calmly while glaring at her former colleague, "Admiral Gideon… And Major Klavis."

Klavis scoffed, "I'm Commander Klavis now, traitor!"

"Wait, you're Gideon?" Twilight asked surprisingly.

"Ah, it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Twilight." Admiral Gideon greeted while bowed humbly before her.

Shadow Dragon narrowed his firm eyes, "I'm guessing you're the intruders and smugglers for trying to get the Ancient Beasts for war."

"Guilty as charged." Admiral Gideon chuckled amusingly yet calmly while looking at Tempest, "But I'm not the only one, who is guilty here. Am I right, Tempest?"

Uneasy yet worried of what Admiral Gideon was talking about, Tempest remained firm and calm as she answered, "Are you certain of that, Gideon? As far as I'm concern, you're the only one is responsible for trespassing and invading Thanatos Enterprise's property."

Admiral Gideon chuckled amusingly, "Oh no. I wasn't referring to that. I was referring about you and your loyalty."

Tempest looked shock and concern about her former colleague was able to figure out about her true allegiance.

"What are you talking about?" Twilight demanded.

Tempest quickly speak in concern, "Don't listen to him! Whatever he tells you, it's not-!"

"Not true? Because I might tell them about your true allegiance?" Admiral Gideon asked in mocking tone. He chuckled, "Well, I can. Apparently, her friends were right to be suspicious and wary of her from the start."

"What?" Twilight asked in confusion.

Admiral Gideon smirked, "Your friend is the traitor from the start on both sides."

Everyone slowly turned and looked at Tempest Shadow. They all were shocked and disbelieved of what they have heard. They were still confused and uncertain of why he claimed Tempest to be traitor on both sides.

"Tempest, what does he mean by you being a traitor?" Twilight asked in concern.

Tempest sighed while pointed her 'damaged' horn, "All I wanted was to get this back?"

"Huh? But-but why?" Twilight asked in confusion.

Admiral Gideon smiled before taunted, "Why indeed? Enough lies, Tempest. If you don't tell them the truth, I will."

Tempest snapped back, "You wouldn't dare!"

Twilight demanded, "Tempest, what's going on?"

Fluttershy nodded in concern, "What lies?"

"Well, since you asked, did it ever occur to you ponies that your so-called friend here knew more than she was letting on?" Admiral Gideon questioned amusingly yet calmly, "That she was actually working not just for the Storm King, but also... for the Jade Emperor's grandson?"

Everyone was in shock and disbelieved of what they just heard. They all turned and looked at Tempest, who remained calm yet ashamed to look away.

"You've got to be kidding me." Tailtech remarked in shock and concern.

"Oops. Looks like I 'spilled the beans', as you ponies say." Admiral Gideon taunted.

"Tempest. Please tell me it's not true." Twilight pleaded in concern.

Tempest turned and faced at her friend, "I'm sorry, Twilight. I really am."

"I knew it…" Shadow Dragon said dryly and angrily before summoned his Darkness Blade, "I knew you can't be trusted!"

Just before anyone could do anything, Tempest quickly summoned and unleashed her Storm Shock on own her team and friends, knocking them unconsciousness. She then blasted her Thunder Shot at Admiral Gideon's forces. Some of the Storm Guards got struck and hit. Other withstand it while the admiral used his Absorption Gauntlet to absorb the attack.

Seeing them distracted, Tempest dashed in as she quickly grabbed and picked Dragoking Summoner Gem. She turned and quickly made her escape. Storm Guards quickly armed and fired their Thunder Blasters at her. She barely dodged the blast, though one of them hit her 'damaged' horn, which deactivated the cloaking device and revealed her dark cyan crystal horn-shaped with golden armored ring. She ran as fast as she can.

"Damn you!" Commander Klavis snapped while armed with his Thunder Blaster.

"Let her go. We have what we need." Admiral Gideon ordered firmly. He turned and looked at the unconscious Twilight's team. He turned and found Storm Guard arrived to make a report. As he listened, he nodded firmly, "So, they managed to reclaim the Ancient Beasts? Well, good for them. At least, that will throw them off the guard for now until we regroup and prepare for the assault."

"I don't understand," Commander Klavis said in confusion.

Admiral Gideon smirked, "I'm going for a bigger fish than these fries. Project Abomination is the prize I'm looking for."

With the assistance of her two siblings and butler, Arcee's team has been guided and led to the main laboratory, where the Ancient Beasts were brought there for 'checkup' and 'research'. This made most of them uneasy and worried. Wiring to the main laboratory's entrance, DECK began hacking and accessing the gate. And surprisingly, Ocellus has the yellow MagiHare on her back.

"And why you're bringing that rabbit with us?" Smolder asked in annoyance.

"Mr. Hugbear allow me to keep it with me." Ocellus explained. She then nuzzled her new pet's head, which liked it. She smiled, "And it likes me too. I'm gonna call him 'Chi'."

"Chi? Really?" Smolder asked in disbelief.

"I think it's cute to call him that," Mano commented.

"DECK, how's it going?" Arcee asked in concern. DECK made some beeping and whistling noise as he was still accessing the entrance's computer. The screen slowly shown green colored, making the entrance opened in two. She smiled while giving thumbs up, "Nice. Let's go."

MJ held Arcee back as she sternly spoke, "Now, remember, Arcee. We're here for the tour and check on the Ancient Beasts, not start the problem, okay?"

Arcee sighed while nodded a bit, "Yes, MJ. But I can't guarantee that promise."

Scorch groaned, "That is so like you. You, Ana and Hunter always say that but end up got into trouble."

"Let's get going," Arcee said firmly.

Everyone quickly entered the laboratory before anyone seen them. They then locked the entrance. They're now at the long-curved hallway-like with many kinds of rooms and chambers that involved with specific research and experiment to perform such as chemistry, physical, biology and so on.

While they were looking around, Arcee's Team were checking and keeping their eyes out for anything unusual and suspicious as well finding the rest of Ancient Beasts.

"Dang it. I didn't think the lab could have so many rooms," Scorch commented in concern.

MJ nodded, "Yeah. No kidding. How on Mystic did dad manage to keep up with this?"

"I don't think he does. He only focuses on big project while the smaller ones will take time to deal with," Arcee said suspiciously, "Is there anyone else work for him, other than Mr. Silverclaw? I mean there must be head of science department to oversee the project."

"Funny that you ask. There's someone else works for him and the emperor. I think his name is Dr. Wong." Mr. Hugbear said calmly while thinking about it. Nyx looked surprise and concern of what she heard. He asked, "You know him, lass?"

Nyx nodded a bit, "Yeah. We met once. He used to work for Canter Zoom to build the Jurassic Land theme park."

Everyone looked surprised and shocked. Smolder asked, "Wow! Really?"

"Yeah. But I don't get one thing," Nyx said in concern, "He's an Equestria Pony, not Mystic Pony. Why would Nezha allow him to work for him?"

Arcee hummed in concern, "Maybe he's really a Mystic Pony."

"Odd. I thought he said that Mystic Ponies wouldn't dare to resurrect and clone the Ancient Beasts to life. It's against the law." Nyx said in concern, "But why would he lie to us about this?"

"I don't think he's lying," Scorch spoke in his opinion, "He only lied about himself as Equestria Pony, and not Mystic Pony. That's the reason why he left Mystic Realm and work for Canter Zoom."

Solflare hummed suspiciously, "Whatever the case, we're going to find out soon. If I suspect correctly, we should head to the main office. That's where we should get the info."

"I might have an idea where it might be," Scorch said thoughtfully while looking at the map schematic. He turned and looked at his friends, "Follow me."

MJ remined firmly, "Remember, guys. We're there to check out only, not doing something stupid."

Arcee sighed in annoyance, "We know, MJ. We know."

Remembering where the main office is, Scorch helped guide and lead his sibling and the friends to that location. After nearly half an hour of walking through the hallway while avoiding from getting caught by the scientists and Mystic Soldiers, they all have arrived at the large main office, where Dr. Wong worked at.

With the help of DECK's hacking ability, they managed to bypass the security and entered the office. Arcee and her friends were shocked and uneasy of what they're looking at. While walking through the catwalk's bridge, they looked down and found many glassed cases that involved of Mystic Soldiers were whipping and tasering the Ancient Beasts to keep them in line, allowing the scientists to research, study and experiment on them. Some creatures were screeched and howled in pain yet anguish and frustration as they want to kill their torturers. Others remained strong and endured their torture as long as they can.

Arcee's team was completely disbelief, shocked and even horrifying of what the scientists and Mystic Soldiers were doing.

"No. No. This can't be," Scorch said in disbelief.

"H-How could they do this to these creatures?! Why?" Mano asked in disbelief.

"I don't know," Solflare said in concern, "But I have a bad feeling about this."

"Dad…" MJ said in shock.

Arcee held on MJ's shoulder, "Whatever the reason is, we're gonna find out soon. I have the feeling that Thanatos has other plans for them. And you might not gonna like this too."

"If we do, I would like to give him a piece of my mind," Mr. Hugbear muttered angrily.

Everyone became uneasy and worried as they have to find out what exactly Thanatos is planning with the Ancient Beasts.

After walking through the catwalk's bridge, Arcee's Team has arrived and entered another large laboratory. Unlike white yet modernized and friendly hallway and chamber, this area has darker yet sinister atmosphere, filled with couple of glassed tubes especially the large ones attached and wired by different kind of chemical flasks, and has the computer attached to them as well. The chamber is also filled with surgical table, tools, inventions and worse yet, more of animal carcasses and even Ancient Beasts. They were a bit disturbed and disgusted to see it.

"What the hell were they experimenting on?" Smolder asked in fear. She growled in fear, "Seriously. This is nothing like what our friends were talking about. So not cool."

"Any idea of what are those?" Arcee asked in concern.

Just as DECK pointed at the computer, Mano approached and accessed it by using the keyboards. The screen revealed more of information, pictures and data chart

Mano hummed in concern as he read it out loud, "Dr. Wong's Log 205 – Project Super Soldier – After nearly 700 years of hiatus, we have finally found a perfect solution to perfect our Super Soldiers. Thanks to the insufferable and arrogant human 'hero' – Ben Tennyson, we have now accessed his watch's aliens and their power. Pity. If only the emperor kept in check of his anger and power, Alien-X wouldn't have been corrupted and damaged for us to use. But we also have concerns of what these alien powers might to do our soldiers. To ensure that these alien powers doesn't have side effect, we tried Swampfire's DNA on our first test subject – a young child dragon. As the result, he now possessed not only plant and fire ability but also grown and matured into teenager as well due to the effect of his Molt and possibly Swampfire's natural growth. The soldiers are safe to use them now. However, the side effect of using the power is that they'll be stuck in the mutated forms for long, just like first test subject. Luckily, I've come up with the fail-safe to prevent such incident. With such power on our hooves especially we can combine them together, we will able to defeat our enemies and gain more victory. They will fall before the might of Emperor Nezha."

"Super Soldiers?!" DECK beeped in concern.

Scorch hissed in concern, "I-I can't believe that our father is still working on that failed project after what happen to Ana and Hunter!"

"Yeah. I can't believe it too," MJ said in shock.

"Damn you, Thanatos," Arcee said in disgust, "Can't say that I'm not surprise that he hasn't given up on it."

Solflare hummed in concern, "I also can't believe that they actually acquire the alien powers from Ben 10's. Now they truly become the Super Soldiers."

Reading about first test subject and picture of a familiar dragon, Nyx gasped in concern, "Wait a sec. No! It can't be!"

"What's up?" Smolder asked.

Nyx looked at Smolder, "Smolder, remember when Spike went through the molt that one time?"

Smolder gave some thoughts to remember while reading the notes. She gasped, "Hey yeah! And he got those weird plant powers just like what that Ben guy's plant alien and those guys have!" She hummed in concern, "But there's no way he could've gotten those and gone through the molt that quick! Unless…"

Nyx nodded in concern, "Dr. Wong somehow sent one of those spies to inject Spike with Swampfire's DNA! I can bet one is small but sly and cunning to sneak through our home."

Arcee nodded in agreement, "Cozy Glow…"

"It gets worst!" Mano said in concern as he continued reading the computer, "Dr. Wong's Log 275 –Project Abomination – requested by Grand General Death Tactic from two years ago, we were ordered to create the perfect fusion of the all fierce and powerful predatory Ancient Beasts including recent ones such as Dragoking and Chaos Slayer as the perfect beast partner for Emperor Nezha. With such incredible beast, it will bring swift end to our enemies and also restore order and peace to both realms. However, this creature seemed to be problematic than we thought. We have carefully connect and merged their genomes together and create its new existence, but its molecular cells have grown to be more unstable and the behavior has become more violent and out of control. Therefore, it will reach critical meltdown and destroyed in less than 10 minutes. But I believe that Draconuquus is the only being that is capable to stabilize it. Therefore, I requested that the last being is to be captured and brought here immediately to finish up the project ASAP."

Hearing about the Draconuquus, Nyx gasped in shock, "Discord?! Dr. Wong needs Discord for Project Abomination?!"

"Looks like it…" Arcee confirmed in concern. She gasped in realization, "Death Tactic's last visit didn't just come to stop and capture Discord for stealing data. He was trying to capture him for this project. It was a setup for him."

"And I know where he is!" Solflare exclaimed in concern while pointing at the glassed tube in middle.

Everyone looked at where she was pointing. They were in shock and concern as they found Discord was trapped inside the tube. He looked very pale, weak and thinner than before like he has suffered blood loss and didn't get much to eat. He has the breathing mask on his mouth as well as some wires and tubes attached on his whole body.

"Discord!" Nyx exclaimed with gasp, "W-What have they done to you?!"

"Dad… What have you done?" MJ said in shock and disbelief.

Nyx noticed something on computer screen, which has the folder called 'E84'. She moved the mouse to click on it. She and her friends read the file and even watching the video. They were deeply shocked and concerned of what they have discovered about 'E84'. Arcee turned and nodded to DECK, who nodded firmly as he quickly copied all of the information including 'E84', 'Project Super Soldier' & 'Project: Abomination'. They have to show the evidence to Twilight and her friends about it.

Heard the door was opening, Smolder yelped as she quickly pushed and moved the rest of her friends to the back of chemical tanks for hiding. After got themselves to hide, they took the peek and spotted both Tempest and Foxkeen were heading straight to the office, where they were having discussion with Thanatos, Dr. Wong and Mr. Stickler.

"Tempest? Mrs. Thanatos?" Ocellus asked in surprise, "What are they doing here?"

"Where's my parents and others?" Nyx asked in concern, "Don't tell me that-!"

Arcee calmly patted Nyx's head, "Let's not jump any conclusion. I don't think Tempest would do that to them. They did save her life before."

Nyx hummed in concern, "I hope you're right."

Suspicious yet concern of the situation, Arcee's team got up and stealthily approached to the couple of crates. They spied and also eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Hi, honey," Foxkeen greeted warmly as she and Thanatos gave each other a kiss on cheeks.

"Good to see you fine as always, love," Thanatos said warmly and happily, "I see you have accomplished the mission."

"Well, not exactly," Foxkeen admitted while shaking her head. Thanatos looked confuse and uncertain. She explained, "We've managed to catch and round up the Ancient Beasts that Gideon has tried to smuggle them out. Tempest return to us, without her team. Can I assume this is your plan to do that to them?"

"More or less, my dear," Thanatos teased. He turned and looked at Tempest, "Did you get it?"

Tempest sighed as she held the Dragoking Summoner Gem, "Yes, I managed to get his Summoner Gem. Gideon turned my own team against me for revealing my true allegiance."

"Oh?" Thanatos hummed amusingly as he picked it up, "Somehow, I'm not surprise that he figured out about your role and tell them the truth. Good thing that I brought you here soon, so that you can come back to us."

Tempest hummed in concern, "I left them behind…"

"Worry not. I'm sure they can survive it. Either they defeat Gideon's forces or join with him, I'd make sure that they won't try to interfere my plans," Thanatos said seriously yet calmly. He then passed the Summoner Gem to Dr. Wong. He asked, "Can it be done?"

Dr. Wong nodded firmly, "Yes. Project Abomination will be ready."

"Good. Good." Thanatos said in impressed tone. He turned to Mr. Stickler, "Stickler?"

Mr. Stickler nodded firmly, "Yes sir. Our guests are available for tonight. All the Ancient Beasts have been gathered and assembled for the auction."

"Excellent, Thanatos said in impressed tone, "Everything has gone according to the plan that we have devised."

Foxkeen hummed in concern, "The kids especially MJ and Scorch won't be happy about this."

"They don't need to know about it," Thanatos said firmly and calmly.

Arcee's Team looked concern and uneasy about the situation. They were about to leave but blocked by Checker and the rest of Mystic Soldiers. They were then moved and pushed to the front of everyone.

"Look at what I've found? Troublemakers as always," Checker mocked.

Thanatos shook his head amusingly, "I assumed that you heard everything."

"Yeah. Done with Project Super Soldier? Not doing any illegal stuffs and black market? Turning on your own friends," MJ asked in disbelief and anger, "You lied to us! Again!"

Scorch nodded, "And not to mention, you're gonna sell the Ancient Beasts to some business ponies?! Dad, do you even realize how dangerous they are if they're brought to the Equestria?!"

Mr. Hugbear nodded firmly, "I agreed with the lad! The Ancient Beasts will not only feel scared, confuse and lost but also will act aggressive if they feel threatened! You cannot do this!"

"I have to," Thanatos turned and looked away as he remarked, "It's just business, Scorch. It's what we do. Whatever they do with them, it's not my concern."

"I can't believe you…" Scorch was hurt as he remarked.

Arcee narrowed her angry eyes, "You'd never change, Thanatos. We won't let you get away with this. We will stop you."

Thanatos scoffed, "Good luck with that, Ariel. Checker, put them in detention cell."

"Yes, sir," Checker said in agreement. Armed and aimed his Long Sword at his sister, he spoke dryly sand firmly, "You should never have come back!"

"Damn it, Checker! Do you even know what are you doing?!" MJ asked in disbelief while defending Arcee.

Scorch nodded, "Yeah. What the hell is this about?!"

Though ashamed and upset of what his father's doing with horrible experiment, Checker remained firm and serious, "The revolution. To win the war against the Dark Mystic Ponies. And to change the world."

Just before anyone could do anything, Nyx quickly activated and used her Flash Spell that blinded almost everyone's eyes. Seeing them blinded, she and her friends quickly make their escape at once. DECK quickly armed and fired his Horn Blaster on the gas pipes to unleash some smokescreens to cover their escape.

Just as Thanatos and his group were recovering, they found Arcee's team have escaped. Checker and his units were about to move out and chase after them.

"Don't give pursuit. Let them go," Thanatos said firmly and seriously. Everyone looked at him in surprise. He turned his attention to the large glassed tube. He pressed some buttons, "I'd say it's time for clinical testing for the first prototype."

"Hunting down on our children?!" Foxkeen asked in disbelief, "You cannot be serious!"

Though loyal to his father, Checker has concerns and conflict about using the creature as he protested, "Father, don't! I can catch them before they make the report! Use it on the enemies, not them."

"You worried too much," Thanatos said firmly and seriously. He then shown his confident smirk, "With Arcee's leadership and fighting skill, she will keep them safe and overcome it. They will be fine."

"That doesn't make it feel better to do this again," Foxkeen said in guilt and concern. The thoughts of Ana and Hunter, she sighed, "Never again…"

"They will be fine." Thanatos insisted calmly and confidently, "Activate Night Slasher No. 1 now."

After accessing on the computer's keyboard, its siren blared out loud as its glassed tube slowly drained down the greenish colored. It then opened in two, revealing Night Slash – a more terrifying and scarier yet deformed black colored Vileraptor with some spikes on its head and back, has golden long stripes on both sides of body, long and sharper claws on hands and legs, its mouth became long with sharped fangs and its eye is pure dreaded-looking one. The creature growled for the moment before unleashed a loud screech, scaring almost everyone but Thanatos and Dr. Wong.

"As the old saying, 'Let the Hunt begin'," Thanatos mocked calmly.

Twilight and her friends were still lying on the ground unconsciously, though not exactly in the jungle. Someone approached to them as he gave a loud whistle, which prompting a familiar creature to make a screeching roar. This prompted them to wake up and screamed in fear. They were panicking and screaming for their lives like they were under attack.

Unexpectedly, they all got slapped on their faces. Twilight and her friends groaned and moaned painfully while rubbing their cheeks, feeling sore on it. They then found Silver Bat and Blue stood before them. They even found themselves in the military main camp, that is very black-purple colored with military table, tools and equipment.

"Jason Stride?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock.

Jason scoffed, "About time you wake up."

Just before he could ask anything, Shadow Dragon and his friends found Admiral Gideon was sitting on his chair while drinking his cup of warm tea and some biscuits. They were alerted as they were about to arm themselves for the fight.

"Cool your jets, guys. They're on our side," Jason reassured firmly and seriously. He looked at Admiral Gideon, "Am I right, Gideon?"

Finishing his tea, Admiral Gideon sighed with a smile, "Certainly. I have no quarrel with you all now."

Twilight's team was uncertain and doubtful of it. Tailtech remarked, "That's reassuring…"

Shadow Dragon glared at Jason, "What the hell are you doing here? Why side with the Storm Guards?"

Jason scoffed, "For a common goal and bounty too. That is to stop Thanatos and his boss as well."

Everyone looked surprise as Shorty remarked, "Huh. I know you can be quite rebellious and issue with authority. But I didn't think you want to turn against the emperor."

"Believe me. Nezha is no emperor. He's the usurper," Jason remarked in cold tone.

"Somehow I doubt it." Shadow Dragon said in disagreement, "But what is this about?"

"An alliance between us to stop Thanatos and his plans for Jurassic Land," Admiral Gideon answered calmly. Everyone looked shock and disbelief of what they just heard. He chuckled a bit, "Yes. Hilarious, isn't it? A bad guy asking good guys for help? Must be stupid to believe that."

"Not the first time that we worked with bad guys," Tailtech remarked dryly, along with everyone agreeing.

Twilight questioned, "Why the alliance, Admiral? What are you after?"

"So, he hasn't told you anything, has he?" Admiral Gideon asked amusingly, making everyone confused. He smiled, "Have you ever wonder why they even buy this island in the first place?"

Everyone nodded firmly and seriously. Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully, "Well, they're just researching and working on building the bond between ponies and Ancient Beasts."

Admiral Gideon shook his head with making 'tsk' noise, "Did you honestly believed that they're doing this for a Greater Good?"

"What you're getting at?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

"Tell me have you heard of 'Project Abomination' and 'Project Super Soldier'?" Admiral Gideon questioned firmly.

Everyone looked worry and uneasy as Shorty questioned, "What is that?"

"From what I've heard, they want to create a perfect war machine or monsters for war against Dark Mystic Ponies and even Equestria, under the direct order of Emperor Nezha. Am I right, Stride?" Admiral Gideon explained. Jason nodded firmly. He scoffed, "So much for the greater good."

Everyone looked concern and feared of the situation. They knew that Thanatos has the agenda but they didn't expect him to willing to create something monstrous and dangerous for Nezha to engage and win the war against Dark Mystic Ponies or even against them.

"No. They couldn't have." Shadow Dragon said in disbelief.

"Well, have you check on your Summoner Gem?" Jason asked seriously. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "Because Dragoking is gonna be part of that project."

Searching and looking for his Summoner Gem, Shadow Dragon was unable to find. He exclaimed frantically and concern, "No! No! No! No! No! I've lost it!"

Tailtech gasped in realization, "Oh no! She got Dragoking?!"

Everyone gasped in concern. Shadow Dragon screamed in anger, "TEMPEST! Damn you! We've gotta get him back!"

Twilight patted Shadow Dragon's back as she comforted, "Shadow Dragon, calm down! We will rescue him, eventually."

Shadow Dragon groaned, "I can't believe we trusted her! After everything that happened!"

"Well, technically, you didn't and have rivalry with her," Tailtech corrected Shadow Dragon, who looked annoyed and irritated. He cleared his throat, "Never mind."

"There's one thing I'm curious. How did you even know Tempest was working for Nezha?" Twilight asked suspiciously, "Tempest never let anyone find out of what she was doing. And not to mention, he was her second-in-command."

Admiral Gideon smirked slyly before sipping his tea, "Ever since she 'failed' her first mission, my colleagues and I became very suspicious and wary of her. We have some spies to keep an eye on her. They reported to me that she was talking to someone, but I doubt it's Grubber. She would never tell him anything. Eventually, prior to her journey to Jurassic Land, Klavis found out the identity of her 'contact' before she departs for her mission."

"Emperor Nezha…" Shadow Dragon said suspiciously before giving some thoughts, "So, he's one to set up the war between Storm Kingdom and us? Why would he go that far?"

"That's a good question…" Shorty agreed in concern. He hummed, "There's a lot of things she has done for Nezha especially putting Emperor Takei in camotose. No telling what they are…"

"We'll find out about that later. We have other concerns to worry about. Nyx and the students are back at the Jurassic Land," Fluttershy said in concern, "Who knows what kind of danger that Thanatos could do with them?!"

Twilight looked worried and scared, "Oh, Nyx. What have I done? I shouldn't have sent her and her friends to spy on them!"

"There was nothing you could have done. Besides, even if you did ask them not to, they will still do it," Shorty said seriously nad firmly.

Admiral Gideon suggested, "And that is why we must work together to defeat our common enemy."

Everyone glared at him suspiciously. Shorty questioned, "Why should we trust you for this, Gideon?"

Admiral Gideon smiled calmly, "You don't. In the end, you will make the hardest decision."

Hearing that statement, Twilight and her friends couldn't help but feel uneasy and worried that the Admiral Gideon might be right about the situation. They can't let Nezha and Thanatos to get away with their projects to win the war against the Dark Mystic Ponies or even turned against them. They have to make the choice now, even if it means working with the enemy…

After finding out of Thanatos's true plans of dealing with the Ancient Beasts, Nyx and her friends have managed to evade and escaped the Mystic Soldiers, who were alerted and almost tried to catch them. They all went into the depths of jungle, where they hoped they can lose them before they get caught.

After going into deep of jungle, Nyx and her friends stopped at once as they were now panting heavily and also resting after the run. It is now raining as well.

Mano panted while sighed in relief, "T-That was close. Too close. We're safe, right?"

Looking back for a checkup, Solflare sighed in relief, "For now, we are. Odd that they didn't try to catch up to us."

"I rather they don't," Smolder insisted in concern while panting, "Is this what happen during your cool time?"

Ocellus shrugged in concern while patting Chi's head, "Sort of. And believe me, it's never been fun and good when we're dealing with bad guys. I hope we're not doing this again."

"Even though you knew that we get into trouble?" Smolder teased playfully, making Ocellus annoyed and embarrassed. She scoffed, "Uh-huh. You enjoyed it, don't you?"

"NO, I'm not!" Ocellus flustered in frustration before grumbled, "I only come to stop my best friends from doing stupid."

Smolder giggled amusingly, "Right…"

"I can't believe this is happening…" MJ said in disbelief and shock. She facepalmed, "Damn it, dad. I can't believe he did this again."

Scorch shook his head, "Me neither. He never changed…"

"I'm sorry," Arcee apologized in sympathy tone. Her siblings looked at her. She continued, "I'm sorry that you have to go through this again. I should have stayed with you guys, making sure that you won't fall for him again."

MJ shook her head, "No. We should have followed you from the start. We knew that something off but we chose to give benefit of doubt for him especially mom and Checker needs help."

Scorch nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I can't believe that they're willing to go through with this."

"It's no surprise. He always does want our dad's inheritance and legacy. And our mom does what she thinks it's right for dad." Arcee said dryly. She sighed as she gave her siblings hug, "But… I'm glad that you stuck with us, this time."

MJ nodded, "Me too, Ariel. Me too."

"We're in this together," Scorch said proudly.

"Don't forget about me," Mr. Hugbear said with annoyed and upset, "You're not gonna leave me behind, aren't ya?"

Arcee giggled a bit, "Of course not. Never, Hugbear. Thanks for looking after us."

Mr. Hugbear smiled as he patted Arcee's head, "What a family for."

After resting enough, Nyx spoke firmly and seriously, "We should get going. We have to find mummy and others. We need to show them about what we found."

DECK beeped in agreement, "Yeah. They need to know about what they're planning especially if we're gonna rescue Discord and stop them from using Project Abomination."

Nyx nodded, "Yup. Let's move it."

Suddenly, a loud screeching noise and even the screams of pain and agony echoed across the jungle. Nyx and her friends heard the noise. They all looked shocked, scared and worried as they don't like it very much.

"What is that?!" Ocellus asked in fear while hiding behind frightened Smolder's back.

"No clue…" Mr. Hugbear admitted in concern, "I'd never heard this kind of cry before. I don't think it's Ancient Beast. Whatever it is, it's hunting down on us."

"We have to move now," Arcee said seriously and firmly.

Nyx and her team quickly got up and moved out at once. They kept running through the bushes as fast as they can while keeping their eyes out for the creature as it's stalking and hunting down on them.

After running through the forest, they all came out to the open field, where they found something shocking yet terrifying and scary for them to bear. Ocellus quickly covered Nyx's eyes from watching. All of them are looking at the carnage of Ancient Beasts, Storm Guards and Mystic Soldiers, surrounded and pecked by crows and vultures to feast on them.

"Wh-What did this?!" Mano asked in fear and concern.

Mr. Hugbear approached and checked on maimed Apebeast, who coughed and wheezed painfully like it's dying. Though disgusted to see it, he was truly hurt and upset to see it. He then chanted and prayed for mercy while patted the creature, who slowly gave his last breath before passing out.

"T-These creatures… The soldiers and even the enemies… This thing… It didn't eat them like natural predator," Mr. Hugbear said in concern yet sympathetic. He slammed his hoof on the ground as he exclaimed, "It killed them for sports! Bastard!"

"Why would it go that far? That's not like Ancient Beast?" MJ asked in concern.

Spotting something ahead, Solflare gasped in fear as she quickly activated her Pyrokinesis Ability, "I think we're about to find out. There!"

Everyone held their heads up as they found Night Slasher excitedly yet happily eating and munching most of Storm Guard's whole body until leaving the bottom part. It then threw it aside. Picking up the unknown scent, the mutated Vileraptor sniffed and followed it before turning and looking back, where it found its new preys.

The Night Slasher gave an aggressive warning growl at them. Nyx and her friends became scared and worried as they almost wanted to run. Mr. Hugbear moved to the front of them to defend them while gesturing his hand to calm down, like a mama bear tried to defend its cubs.

"Do not make a sudden move. This Vileraptor will fight and challenge its opponent if we do anything. But if lower our head down, it should back away and doesn't see us a threat," Mr. Hugbear said firmly and sternly yet nervous as he was looking at the creature.

Just as almost everyone was about to bow down, the Night Slasher gave a loud screech before spitting out some strange tar-like silva on Smolder's face.

"Gah! W-What is this stuff?!" Smolder asked while rubbing it off from her face.

"Looks like tar oil. Just like how my old home used to have them!" Ocellus said in fear and worried. She looked at Night Slasher, who gave amusing yet mad chuckles. She and her pet Chi quivered in fear, "Is that the response of not hurting us?!"

Mr. Hugbear gulped, "On second thought, run! Into the forest!"

Everyone screamed and panicked in fear before running off for their lives. They all quickly headed straight into the depths of forest. The Night Slasher went after them at once. Through the corridors of forest tree, the mutated Vileraptor is able to catch up to them as it swung its sharped claws and even its fangs, trying to catch and munch on them.

Thanks to its metallic armor and X-Ray Vision, DECK was able to spot Night Slasher's movement and attack maneuver before making beeping noise to alert his friends of its presence and attack. They all barely dodged and evaded its attacks, but also did their best from avoiding the fight with it. They managed to give it a slip before continued their running as well.

This however annoyed and irritated the creature a lot, causing it to lose its patience. Night Slasher gave another screeching noise before spiting out the tar on its preys. They're all covered by sticky tar, trapping them to the ground. They all struggled to get out from it. The creature approached to Smolder as it prepared to attack her.

Spotting the creature's prepared to munch on her, Solflare cried, "Smolder, watch out!"

Using her Flame Blast to burn off the tar, Solflare jumped in-between Smolder and Night Slasher, who swung its tail with spikes at its target. Instead, it hit and struck her straight at the tree's trunk. The creature gave another screeching roar at Smolder, who panicked and unleashed the flamethrower at its face. This shocked and scared the creature to back off at once. Everyone was shocked and surprised by the creature's reaction.

"Wow! Did you see that?" Mano asked in surprise.

Smolder whistled in relief, "Wow. Looks like this guy is not too hot with fire."

Just recovering, Night Slasher was about to attack but got hit by couple of blasts, and even by Chaos Hyper Blast, injuring and killing it. Everyone was surprised before looked back, where they found Twilight, her friends and even Admiral Gideon's remnants arrived at the scene.

"Is everyone alright?" Twilight asked.

"Mummy!" Nyx cried as she jumped and hugged Twilight warmly. The mother hugged back. She sighed, "You're alright."

Twilight smiled in relief, "I should be the one to say it. Sorry for putting you in dangerous position."

"We're fine. We've escaped, with some information," Nyx said happily. She turned and found Admiral Gideon and his forces stood before them. She asked, "W-What are they doing here?"

"It's a long story," Twilight said calmly.

Shadow Dragon looked at the Night Slasher's corpse, "What is this thing? Looks like Vileraptor."

"It was…" Jason confirmed in concern yet serious. He sighed in disgust, "This is no doubt the work of Project Abomination. It did some horrible thing to it. We have to stop them."

"Agreed." Shadow Dragon said in agreement. He then glanced at Admiral Gideon, who was talking to Klavis and his Storm Guards. He whispered, "I don't think we should let him have it."

Jason nodded, "Yeah, I know. That's why I killed all of his bounty hunters before they make it here. So, they won't try to backstab at us."

Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "Well. Glad you're not our enemy again."

Feeling dizzy, Solflare groaned and moaned sickly and painfully. Everyone turned and looked at her as they found her still leaned against the tree. To their shock and concerns, they also found some spikes impaled on her stomach.

"Solflare! Are you alright?!" Smolder asked while checking on her.

"I-I'm fine…" Solflare said weakly before wheezed with a smile, "I should be asking you about that…"

Smolder sighed in shame and frustration while slamming his fist against the rock, "I-I'm so sorry for this. I should have act and fight back but I got scared and back away."

"It's okay. It's okay. At least, you back the creature off," Solflare joked a bit with a giggle.

"I've got this, lass." Mr. Hugbear said calmly as he approached and checked on Solflare's wounds. He took the first-aid kit out. He smiled as he began diagnose and checked on her wounds, "Good thing that I brought it with me. I have the antidote you need, kid."

Solflare groaned, "Thanks…"

"Mummy… We've got the problem. Thanatos is up to his tricks." Nyx said in concern.

Twilight looked serious and concern, "Tell me everything, Nyx."

Nyx explained the situation to Twilight and her friends. They were shocked and horrified to hear it while Admiral Gideons secretly smiled and amusingly to hear the report.

After Solflare's wounds treated and recovered, Twilight and her friends quickly moved and headed straight to the Jurassic Land's Main Military Compound for whole evening. Upon their arrival, they all hid behind the bushes and trees while peeking and spying on the location, finding out of what's really going on now.

And to their shock and concern, everyone found many business ponies; either rich, black marketer, traders, criminals and so on have all arrived and gathered at the main entrance. Mystic Soldiers, patrolling and guarding the area, were checking and scanning the guests before allowing them to enter it. They have to make sure that their guests didn't bring any dangerous weapons or items to cause problems for the event. Thanatos, Foxkeen, Checker and even Mr. Stickler were there to meet and greet them.

Silverclaw has arrived at the scene. He was complete shocked and disbelief of what he was seeing. He approached and confronted Thanatos.

"Thanatos! What the hell is this?" Silverclaw demanded angrily.

"Greeting the guests, my friend." Thanatos answered calmly. He smiled, "This is gonna be the eventful night. We're gonna make the best out of it."

Silverclaw groaned while rolled his eyes, "I don't know what you're planning. I can guarantee that this will become a big screwup than you can imagine! I promise you that!"

Thanatos scoffed, "Just be a guard dog and make sure nothing goes wrong during the event. Okay, dog?"

"Don't call me that, punk!" Silverclaw grumbled before turned and headed off to regroup with his units for handling the security. He then shouted at the Head of Thanatos Enterprise, "You'd better be sure that you don't get my soldiers killed!"

Thanatos brushed off his remark, "Nothing goes wrong. I can assure you."

Having witnessing of what's really going, Twilight and her friends became concern and uneasy with the situation now.

"They're gonna start the auction," MJ said in concern.

Twilight turned and looked at her friends, "Guys, we have to stop them. There is no telling what kind of experiment they have done to the Ancient Beasts or worse."

Shadow Dragon nodded in concern, "Yeah. If anyone buy and get those creatures off to the Equestria, we'll be in big trouble. Let's move out at once."

"Cool! Let's get going," Nyx said firmly.

"You and the students stay here," Twilight and Shadow Dragon said sternly at Nyx in unison.

All the students and even their own friends gave annoyed glare as Arcee remarked while pointed at Admiral Gideon. She asked, "With them?"

"With us?" Admiral Gideon asked teasingly before chuckled, "Why that's a good idea. I'll be sure to make use with the students. We'll have so much fun."

Hearing what they have said, Twilight and Shadow Dragon grumbled in annoyance and frustration. They really hated when their friends and even enemies are right.

"Fine. With us," Twilight said firmly.

"But no funny business!" Shadow Dragon added firmly yet sternly.

The students and even Nyx nodded firmly and calmly. Both Twilight's and Nyx's teams moved out at once, following MJ and Scorch, who guided them to the backdoor, the only area that doesn't have much guards. Jason turned and gave his client a 'I'm keeping my eye on you' gesture on him. Admiral Gideon brushed off his claim.

"Sir, we could have done that. So why not do it?" Klavis asked in confusion.

"Let me get this straight, Commander. Are you suggesting that we hold the students especially their daughter as our hostage, so we can all get pummeled and defeated by Twilight and her friends? The same ponies who are responsible of our king's death and Storm Kingdom's destruction." Admiral Gideon calmly asked Klavis, who looked nervous and worried. He smirked to remark, "Good luck, Commander. You'd be the first warrior to fight till death."

Klavis gulped in fear, "You know what? Best we let them deal with Thanatos than us."

"Clever boy." Admiral Gideon remarked calmly, "In the meantime, we find our own way in. Find the entrance that has less guards. Sneak past the guards. Take them out quietly."

Klavis nodded firmly, "Yes, Admiral."

Klavis turned to his own army as he gave them the gesture to 'move out'. They all did as they followed him from behind. They all searching for the entrance that doesn't have much guards and easy to infiltrate it.

Twilight and her friends have arrived at the backdoor of military compound, where it's the only place doesn't have much guards. Thanks to Tailtech's Cloaking Device, they swiftly and quickly knocked them out of conscience. They then moved them near to the wall, making the guards looked like they're sleeping on the job. They then quickly moved in and entered the building.

After managed to infiltrate and enter the military compound, Twilight's team did their best to avoid from being spotted and caught by the Mystic Soldiers, whom they suspect might be working for Thanatos, out of loyalty or bribed with money. MJ, Scorch and Mr. Hugbear were leading them to the location of auction session.

"If they're gonna have the large crowd like just now, the auction should be held at the Grand Hall," MJ suggested calmly.

"How would you know?" Arcee asked in concern.

MJ scoffed, "I've been doing PR a lot. The Grand Hall is a perfect place for the big crowd to fit in for the events especially the auction."

"Yeah. That auction is gonna sell those poor Ancient Beasts…" Mr. Hugbear said in concern and sympathetically. He growled, "I won't let them get away with this…"

"We won't, . We'll save them all." Fluttershy said firmly while patted Mr. Hugbear's back.

After nearly 15 minutes have passed, Twilight's team have arrived at the Grand Hall's entrance. They were hiding behind the cornered wall, where they spotted and found the guards were guarding the entrance. Instead of going there, they quickly climbed up the stairs to the third level, where it has less guards. They quickly marched and entered the balcony box, where they can see everything.

And to their shock and concerns, they're witnessing many rich ponies, business ponies and even black marketers have gathered and seated for the auction event. They found Thanatos, his wife, Checker, Dr. Wong and even Tempest were sitting down on their seats, facing everyone in front of them. Besides with them, Mr. Stickler was standing before the podium as he was making speeches for the auction. The event has begun.

In his usual stoic expression, Mr. Stickler announced, "Welcome, fillies and gentlecolts, to this extraordinary evening. Let us dive right in, with the lot number 1 – the Armorspike."

The guests gave the applause. Just as the large metallic gate slowly opened in two, a large cage slowly emerged while rolling and moving to the front, where everyone can see. They awed and chattered happily as they were amazed and intrigued of what they're looking at. It revealed itself to be an Armorspike.

"As you all can see, Armorspike is the herbivorous quadruped creature from the early Jurassic Era. Known as the living armored and mighty tank by the paleontologists, it served at the ancestor to Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, spike mythological creatures and even Slingtail from Dragon Land. It is not to be trifled and underestimated with." Mr. Stickler said stoically yet firmly while reading his notes from the podium. A large screen was lowered down and turned on to reveal the Mystic-Equestria currency comparison. He continued, "Let us begin with the bidding. Let's start with 100,000 bits?"

The bidders quickly raised and held their hooves and claws to get his attention while shouting how much they bid. Some bided higher while other remained silent and wait for the next candidates. Mr. Stickler carefully checked and counted down on the ponies that bided their higher bits for the prize until Dr. Caballeron gave nearly 5 million bits to get Armorspike sold to him.

And it wasn't just the armored Ancient Beasts, but more of them such as Rumblehorns, Heavytusks, Apebeasts, Shingolong, Bearkill, Aeroskyes, Geist and so on. Many more rich ponies, business ponies, other creatures from different lands, black marketers and even criminals quickly raised their bids higher to buy them. Almost various kind of them have been sold. Thanatos smiled in impressed while looking at his computer that shown so much of million bits that he has collected. Foxkeen remained silent as she couldn't but feel concerns for her children as they haven't heard the news of it. Checker was playing his own video game console, keeping his mind out about the recent event. Dr. Wong was uninterested while looking at his tablet, thinking of what creatures to fuse with. Feeling ashamed about the situation, Tempest remained silent while looking at her Chaos Slayer Summoner Gem as she hasn't gotten over the betrayal she has against her own friends.

Twilight and her friends were deeply shocked and disgusted to see so many bidders were bidding and buying Ancient Beasts like they're tools or weapons to them. Chi squeaked fearfully before looked away. Ocellus patted it gently on its back for comfort. Returned from security patrol, Silverclaw has arrived and entered the Grand Hall. He watched everything. He shook his head in disgust and anger to see it.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Klavis and his scouts have found the garage bay's entrance for his forces to enter. Admiral Gideon and his forces have managed to infiltrate and enter the military compound while have taken down some of guards. They all armed and readied to engage the enemies, readied for their commanding officer's signal.

After selling most of Ancient Beasts to the highest bidders, everyone chattered happily to each other about it. Wiping the sweat off, Mr. Stickler cleared his throat, getting their attention.

"And now, fillies and gentlecolts, that we are halfway through the evening. We'd like to offer a special treat to our discriminating buyers. This evening, we will preview not one, but two new assets that we've been developing." Mr. Sticker announced, intriguing almost everyone. He continued, "One of them being a creature of the future made from pieces of the past. Fillies and gentlecolts, please be warned. The first one is the perfect blend of the two most dangerous creatures that have ever walked both Equestria and the Mystic Realm. We call it… the Night Slasher!"

Right on cue, another cage emerged and rolled out to the stage. It revealed itself to be a new Night Slasher but much bigger than the previous one but much more aggressive and demonic than the first one. This shocked and concerned Twilight and her friends. The crowd was both stunned yet feared of what they're looking at as they never expected to see such ferocious and scary monster in their life.

Mr. Stickler remarked stoically, "The perfect weapon of the modern age, built for combat with tactical responses more acute than any soldier. This creature is much more intelligent, swift, accurate and stronger than its original predecessor - Vileraptor. Observe…"

Tempest stood up and approached to the front of Night Slasher, who was growling and snarling at her. She charged up her thundering energy within her crystallized horn to unleash the spark in front of it. It screeched in response as it tried to pounce and attack her. She remained firmly and stood there while the crowd moved back to avoid from being attacked.

"N-No way! They have another one?!" Mano asked in disbelief and feared.

Arcee sighed in frustration, "Figures that Thanatos kept the spare one for the special event. I have the feeling that this one is gonna be a tough one."

"Yeah. No kidding," Tailtech agreed in fear.

Another cage slowly emerged out from the gate, Mr. Stickler continued his announcing, "And now, the next creature is much and more dangerous and deadlier than the first one. I give you… Dagonstroyer!"

Just as the cage moved to the front, the crowd especially Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and horror of what they're looking at. Silverclaw was also deep in shock and feared. It revealed itself to be hideous yet humongous and bulkier humanoid-like pale greenish-bluish colored monster with large devil wings on back, has a large bulkier claws-like and even smaller ones, and also long mermaid-like tail with shark fin. Its face has demonic and triangle dragon-like head with several tentacles-like beard, shark's sharped fin, and fins-like ears. It gave a loud yet booming growling, scaring everyone else to see it. Thanatos and his company remained calm and firm while watching the event.

"Okay. That is terrifying!" Smolder remarked in fear while hiding behind Mr. Hugbear's back.

Mr. Hugbear hissed in shock, "Oh my. What have they done?"

"That is one ugly mother-!" Jason got interrupted by Shadow Dragon's nudge. He gave his former apprentice a stern glare. He asked, "What?!"

Shadow Dragon gritted his teeth in anger, "Not the worst one, dumbass!" He turned and looked at Dagonstroyer, "Damn it. I can't believe they're using Dragoking's blood for this…"

"No kidding. I can't believe Thanatos and Dr. Wong would create this kind of monster," Nyx said in concern and fear.

"No kidding…" Twilight agreed while comfortingly patted Nyx's head before turned and glared at Dr. Wong. She hissed in disbelief, "I thought he was a nice unicorn scientist, who wants to help bring Ancient Beast back to life. But it was nothing masquerade to fool me."

Shadow Dragon patted on Twilight's back while shaking his head, "We all feel the same way. Don't blame yourself."

"How far do you think they're willing to go through," Fluttershy asked in concern.

Looking at two abominated Ancient Beasts, Shorty sighed in fear, "Sadly to say. Whatever it takes to win the war."

"Designed by Dr. Vector Wong," Mr. Stickler continued his speech, "Dagonstroyer is to be made as a titanic creature, capable of not only destroying the enemies with his bare strength, but also summoning and controlling the army of sea creatures including the Ancient Beasts to the battlefield. And most of all, he also possessed the power to control the sea and even the weather itself. Most intriguing of all, this creature possessed unique ability. Watch…"

Thanatos gave the snap of his claws. Mystic Soldiers brought the captured couple of Storm Guards before it. Dagonstroyer growled softly before turned and looked around of his surroundings. He gave a loud calming and humble yet sinister bellowing noise like the whale singing. Some of ponies were confused and uncertain why he acted like it until they found Storm Guards bowed before him. The creatures all have greenish eye while moaning and groaning weakly and eerily, making everyone uneasy.

For the moment later, Dagonstroyer then gave the loud roar, scaring everyone else while spitting ink-like ooze on them. The Storm Guards screamed and screeched in pain as some have melted and dissolved into nothingness while others have turned into humanoid yet monstrous sea creature-like with large claws, shark-like tail and has sharper fangs to roar in anger and confusion. This shocked and scared almost everyone as they almost want to run. Thanatos firmly snapped his claws, prompting the Mystic Soldiers fired their blasters at the mind-controlled Sea Creatures while some electrocuted and shocked their shock sticks on Dagonstroyer. This shocked and pained him to stop at once. Everyone sighed in relief that they're safe for now.

Twilight and her friends became very concerned and scared of what they have witnessed. They really don't like what Thanatos and Dr. Wong have done now.

"Nasty…" Silverclaw remarked in disgust while crossed his hooves.

Checker groaned in disgust, "So ugly…"

Mr. Stickler cleared his throat, "These creatures are relentless. Now, some modifications are still being made…"

"10 million bits!" King Longhorn shouted out loud.

King Longhorn's sudden bidding surprised both Thanatos and his crew. Mr. Stickler looked at his master, who shook his head firmly.

"Uh, no. These two are prototypes, not for sale…" Mr. Stickler insisted.

Despite Mr. Stickler's insistence, more bidders including Dr. Cabelleron, Well-to-Do, Verko and so on, kept on bidding higher than before. The butler was confused and uncertain before looked at Thanatos, who was looking at them for the moment. He turned and nodded to his butler, who was surprised by his master's command.

Mr. Stickler cleared his throat as he spoke, "Very well. Let us continued the bidding, shall we?"

More and more bidders continued bidding higher. Thanatos's decision to continue the bidding angered both Dr. Wong and Tempest as they approached and confronted him.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Dr. Wong asked angrily, "These creatures are not for sales!"

"Emperor did not authorize this! What are you up to now?" Tempest asked suspiciously.

Thanatos smiled calmly, "Playing their greed. They're falling right into our traps. And don't worry, Emperor Nezha will understand this. It will boost his popularity and gain supports from the citizens and council that he's doing this for the nation."

"He would be furious about this!" Dr. Wong snapped angrily.

Tempest nodded, "Dr. Wong's right. He specifically told you not to use Project Abomination for your plan. The War Beasts are meant to be used to fight the Dark Mystic Ponies."

Thanatos smiled confidently, "Don't worry, it won't."

Twilight and her friends were in shocked as they couldn't believe that Thanatos is now willing to make auction on Project Abomination now.

"Has he gone mad?!" Mr. Hugbear asked in disbelief and disgust, "He can't sell them! They're too dangerous and mad creatures to roam free on the world! They'll destroy everything and even poor creatures!"

"For that, we agreed," Shadow Dragon said sternly and firmly, "We can't let them get off this island. They have to be destroyed."

"But they're the living creatures," Fluttershy insisted in concern.

"No, they're not, Fluttershy," Tailtech said seriously and firmly while patted Fluttershy's back. He looked at the creatures, "Unlike Ancient Beasts, these creatures are not real. They're designed to be weapons of mass destruction. Killing and destruction are in their programs."

Shorty nodded, "Agreed. We have to stop them now."

"Then, we'd better destroy their project for good," Jason said seriously and firmly while readied with his detonators, "Documents. Info. Data. Results. Anything related to the project should be destroyed, so they can't use it again for their next experiment."

"You're right, Jason. But we also have to find and get Dragoking and Discord back too," Shadow Dragon said seriously and firmly, "Without them, they can't continue the Project Abomination. Am I right?"

"Yeah. Dr. Wong said that Discord's the key for the project," Nyx said seriously and firmly.

Scorch hummed thoughtfully, "I think I might know where they are. Follow me."

Just before Twilight and her friends could leave, they heard Mr. Stickler's shout 'Sold' while banging the gavel. They all turned and looked back as they wondered about whom they're selling Dagonstroyer and Night Slasher to now. To their shock and concern, King Longhorn raised his hoof for bidding higher than others.

"30 billion bits! Sold to King Longhorn!" Mr. Stickler announced.

Almost everyone groaned in disappointment, King Longhorn chuckled happily, "Yes! Yes! And yes! Bullseye for the bull!"

BANG! Everyone gasped in concern to hear that shot. They turned and looked at King Longhorn quivered and shivered while grunting in pain due to him have a hole on his head, bleeding down on his face. He dropped on the ground. The crowd screamed and panicked in concern and fear. Both Thanatos's and Twilight's groups looked concern and worried of who shot him.

"Bullseye for the bull, indeed," The calm voice answered calmly.

The crowd turned to the Grand Hall's entrance. They all gasped in shock and fear as they found Admiral Gideon and the army of Storm Guards stood before the entrance. They're all armed and readied with their weapons.

Readied with his magical gauntlet, Admiral Gideon ordered, "Better leave now, ladies and gentle creatures. The fight might get ugly."

As commanded, the crowd panicked and screamed in fear as they were running for their lives and exiting out of the Grand Hall. The hall is almost empty. Silverclaw and his security units are armed and readied with their weapons for the fight while surrounding the enemy. Tempest and Dr. Wong stayed close with Dagonstroyer and Night Slasher to protect it. And at the same time, Twilight and her group are still hiding inside the balcony box.

"Gideon…" Thanatos said dryly before scoffed, "Crushing the party again?"

"What can I say? I enjoyed it very much." Admiral Gideon mocked amusingly. He turned and looked at Dagonstroyer and Night Slasher, "Since King Longhorn's not available for his prizes, I'll take them for myself."

Thanatos angrily stood up as he exclaimed, "I don't think so, Gideon! Silverclaw, stop him! Checker! Wong! Tempest! Get those things back to the lab now! Evacuate now!"

Silverclaw groaned, "Knew this gonna be the problem!"

Silverclaw and his Mystic Soldiers quickly charged in and engaged Admiral Gideon's Storm Guards, who parried off their attacks. Thanatos, Foxkeen and Mr. Stickler were helping him out as well especially the CEO is fighting the admiral personally. Dr. Wong, Checker and Tempest quickly led their own soldiers to bring and move both Dagonstroyer and Night Slasher into the backstage, heading back to the laboratory. Twilight and her friends were surprised by Admiral Gideon's infiltrating and attacking them now for the Project: Abomination.

Jason scoffed amusingly, "Can't say I'm surprised that he's coming here for the project. But they're perfect distraction for us to finish the job."

"I hate to say it. But thank you, Admiral Gideon." Twilight said in relief. She turned to her friends, "Let's go!"

"What about Silverclaw?" Ocellus asked in concern.

Mano nodded, "Yeah. We can't just leave him and his forces to handle this."

"Don't worry about him. He can handle it," Shadow Dragon said confidently and calmly, "After all, he doesn't call himself 'Ultimate Warrior of Fury' for nothing. He won't go down so easily. Come on!"

With the help of Twilight's and even Mano's magical teleportation spell, she and her friends got transported to the stage at once. They all quickly moved out and went after Dr. Wong and Tempest before they could escape with their abomination creatures.

However, their arrival didn't go unnoticed. Both Thanatos and Admiral Gideon spotted them entering the entrance gate. The CEO of Thanatos Enterprise groaned in frustration as he quickly kicked the admiral off before punched him thrice before knocking him out. He turned and headed straight into the entrance.

"Okay. It is on…" Thanatos grumbled as he turned and looked at his gauntlet. He pushed some buttons on it. He spoke firmly, "You're about to see why I never lose temper especially when it almost ruined the operation!"

Admiral Gideon grunted in pain while getting up. Klavis saw his admiral was done as he quickly dodged down before swung his tail to throw Silveclaw and his remaining guards against the wall for getting knocked out. He and his forces approached helped their leader to get up. They all then moved and entered into the entrance, heading to the lab now.

"I will have Project Abomination. I will avenge my kingdom!" Admiral Gideon said determinedly.

After managed to transport and moved two Abomination Monsters to the main scientific lab, Dr. Wong has ordered his scientists to pack up all of their research papers, equipment, chemistry, folders and so on especially Discord's Capsule and Ancient Eggs inside the cooler boxes. Checker and Mystic Soldiers were helping them to move and load them up into the convoys.

Dr. Wong was gathering all of his research papers into his bag while his hard drive was copying and downloading the projects he was working on from the computer. Tempest picked up Dragoking's Summoner Gem from the Summoner Gems cupboard. After gathering their stuffs, they were about to move out but blocked by Twilight's Teams.

Tempest narrowed her angry eyes, "Somehow, I'm not surprised that you all will be here soon…"

"Yeah. We're hard to get killed these days…" Shadow Dragon said dryly and seriously. He glared at Tempest, "You have someone that doesn't belong to you…"

Knowing what he was referring to, Tempest levitated and threw Dragoking's Summoner Gem back to Shadow Dragon. The Warrior of Darkness looked at it, which is now glowing brightly like the Hydragoon was very happy to be back with his master.

Dr. Wong scoffed a bit, "So, we meet again? But in different circumstance, right?"

"Yeah…" Twilight agreed dryly. She looked around of her surroundings especially how badly injured and wounded Ancient Beasts are from both experiment and torture. She narrowed her angry eyes, "So, this is it, huh? This is what you're working now?"

Dr. Wong shrugged a bit, "Yes. It's very unfortunate and unethical for us to commit this. But a necessary for our kingdom."

"Since when did you both work for Nezha?" Tailtech asked dryly and firmly.

"Do you remember about how I survived during the Third Mystic War?" Tempest asked calmly yet seriously. Twilight nodded a bit of concern. She sighed, "I was rescued by Grand Admiral Death Tactic. He promised me to restore my horn if I performed the mission."

Shadow Dragon gritted his teeth in anger, "And I'm guessing that serving Storm Kingdom as its commander is one of the missions?"

"Yes…" Tempest admitted calmly with regret tone while looked away. She sighed, "In the end, they truly granted my request. And I became both Grand Commander of the army and also the Ultimate Warrior of Stealth…"

"I don't believe it…" Jason remarked in shock.

"And you?" Nyx asked Dr. Wong, "Are you really a Mystic Pony?"

"Yes, I am," Dr. Wong admitted firmly, shocking everyone.

"But why?" Fluttershy asked in confusion, "I thought you said that Mystic Ponies are not allowed to resurrect Ancient Beasts because it's against the law."

"Only during Emperor Takei's reign," Dr. Wong explained calmly, "So, I left that land and joined Canter Zoom because he wanted to create the theme park for Ancient Beasts. It is a perfect place for me to work and perfect my research. And I succeeded it…"

"I can bet that the first creation is your Vileraptors running loose on Wonderbolt Academy?" Twilight asked dryly, "Am I right, Dr. Wong?"

Dr. Wong shrugged, "They were mine but my former mentor Guildenstern stole them from me when I was working on project. He wanted to control them for his master's empire. Fortunately, I made sure that they never reach his master after the incident from Wonderbolt Academy."

"Until the Dark Mystic Ponies and Storm Kingdom joined forces and captured most of Ancient Beasts as their War Beasts," Shorty added firmly.

Dr. Wong shrugged a bit as he remarked bluntly, "It was unfortunate but necessary to give up on my lifework for the survival."

"I didn't know Guildenstern was Dr. Wong's mentor," Tailtech whispered in shock and surprise.

Shadow Dragon nodded a bit, "Me neither…"

"First, you bring life of Ancient Beasts. And now you're creating more monsters?" Fluttershy asked in disbelief and scared.

Twilight narrowed her angry eyes as she demanded, "How far must you go through?! How many innocent creatures are you willing to sacrifice and used?!"

Dr. Wong scoffed in disbelief, "You're thinking that we're engaging mad science like what Guildenstern did? But we're doing what we have done from the beginning of my career!" Everyone glared at him sternly and firmly. He continued while looking at his own lab, "Nothing in Jurassic Land is natural, we have always filled gaps in the genome with the DNA of other animals. And if the genetic code was pure, many of them would look quite different. Modifying animals are known to be unpredictable."

Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what he has said. Twilight snapped, "Canter would never approve for a monster."

"I don't need his approval of my methods and projects because I never truly worked for him and his ridiculous dream," Dr. Wong said firmly and dryly, "In fact, monster is a relative term. To a canary, a cat is a monster. We're just used to being the cat."

Shadow Dragon held his Darkness Blade at Dr. Wong and Tempest, "Then, you're no better than Guildenstern."

Dr. Wong scoffed, "On contrary, my dear friend. Unlike my former mentor, however, my loyalty is to the true emperor and the nation itself. I can assure you that my work will help us defeat and destroy Dark Mystic Ponies. I can promise you for that."

"In that case, we're gonna make sure that none of this make out alive!" Shadow Dragon said determinedly and furiously.

"Think again, Master Shadow Dragon!"

Just before anyone could react, Shadow Dragon got rammed and thrown against the wall. Twilight and her friends quickly approached and stayed close to him. They turned and found crimson-colored armored gargoyle-like with metallic wings and armed with blasters stood before them, along with Checker and the rest of Mystic Soldiers.

"I'm afraid that I cannot let you destroy the lab," The gargoyle-like robot spoke seriously yet firmly with familiar voice, "It's quite vital to our military."

"W-What the?! Thanatos?" Shadow Dragon asked in disbelief and shock.

"Yup. That's me," Thanatos confirmed while showing off his armor, "What do you think of my suit? Very 'cool' and 'badass' as they said. I used this during the Battle of Storm Kingdom."

"Not impressive, Thanatos," Arcee said dryly while armed with her katana and wakizashi, "We're still gonna destroy this place. To make sure that it will never happen to anyone again!"

"Still emotional and upset over that, aren't you?" Thanatos mocked, annoying Arcee. He scoffed, "Well, worried not. We have now improved Project: Super Soldiers. My son, show them what you and your units are made of."

Checker nodded firmly while readied with his mechanical yet futuristic watch-like, "Yes, father. Super Soldiers, engage!"

As commanded, Checker and his units armed themselves with their watches-like. Just as they were dialing and making some combination, the core-like device emerged out from it that allowed them to slam them. With the bright light glowing and engulfing them, he and his forces have undergone the transformation and mutating into some kind of mutated monsters-like.

As soon as the light dispersed, Twilight and her friends encountered the new yet mutated forms of Checker and his forces. Some of them are giant red-colored mutated dinosaurs with four strong-arms. A few became humanoid feline-like warriors armed with sharped claws-like drillers, worn armor, mechanical visor-like and have long lizard's tails. Others turned into a large eagle-like warriors with large wing span and weapons from the gauntlets. Couple of them are black and white armored robotic warriors with greenish colored circuits covering them. Checker has turned into blue crystallized humanoid moth-like. They all growled and snarled at them.

"What the hell?!" Tailtech asked.

Shadow Dragon gulped while armed with his sword, "Since when did they can do that?!"

Shorty hissed, "They can't!"

Nyx looked shock and concern, "They really did use Mr. Ben 10's alien powers for Project Super Soldier."

"Damn it. This isn't good…" Twilight said in concern.

"What do you think?" Checker in his Big Chill-Diamondhead Mode asked calmly yet amusingly, "Awesome, am I? I'm truly now the Super Soldier."

Arcee scoffed, "Don't' get cocky, Checker. After all, I always beat you and win the duel."

Checker scoffed, "We shall see!"

"Mind if we join in?" Admiral Gideon asked as he and the remaining forces of Storm Kingdoms arrived at the scene. They all armed with their weapons. He smirked while readied with his Magical Gauntlet, "I haven't picked my prizes yet."

Jason scoffed while armed with his blasters, "Sorry, Admiral. Not gonna happen!"

Thanatos drew out his gauntlet blades and long sword, "Agreed. Neither of you will get them!"

Twilight turned and looked at Nyx and Arcee, "Nyx! Arcee! You have to destroy the lab and their projects! And rescue Discord! Get out of here as soon as possible!"

Nyx nodded, "Understood, mummy!"

"We won't let you down!" Arcee said firmly.

Nyx and the rest of students quickly moved out at once, alerting both Thanatos's Forces and Admiral Gideon's remnants. They tried to move and stopped them but blocked by Twilight and her friends, who were engaging and holding them off. However, both Klavis, Checker and small units managed to bypass them and chased after them.

Twilight was engaging both Thanatos and Admiral Gideon, who were also fighting each other. The Hippogriff activated and fired his armor's blasts and missiles at them both, prompting them to use their force field to block it. He jumped and gave them the spinning kicks. The admiral recovered as he grabbed and slammed him to the ground before kicked him off. He turned and fired his Magical Gauntlet's blast at the Alicorn Princess, who used her magical power to block and deflect the blasts. Seeing his chance, he charged while absorbing the power into his gauntlet. Feeling her magic weakened, she endured the magic drainage until he got too close to her, which allowed he to grab and slam him to the ground. He grunted in pain while kicked her off. He tried to punch at her. She blocked and parried off the attacks. Thanatos arrived and smacked him aside before engaged with her. Both of them fought firmly and fiercely, however, the Hippogriff proved to be fierce and swift for her to handle as she brutally punched and kicked before smacked by face against the wall. Before he could do anything, she blasted her Unicorn Burst at him. She got levitated and thrown aside by the admiral but not before he got shot by the Hippogriff's small missile. Three of them got up and resumed their fights.

Shorty, Fluttershy and Tailtech stayed close together as they're being surrounded by two enemy forces, who also battling with each other. Using her Animal Ruby's power, Fluttershy evaded her enemy troops' attacks via rabbit's bounce and snake's slithering while striking them down with his Bear's Power to fight them especially Mystic Super Soldiers in Strong Mode. And at the same time, Shorty and Tailtech provided covering firing for her while dealing with Mystic Super Soldier in Speed Mode and Fighter Mode. Both enemy troops have proven to be tough for them, they were able to endure and withstand the attacks while fighting back as hard as they can.

Shadow Dragon and Tempest armed themselves with their swords while glaring at each other. And at the same time, they were also surrounded by Storm Guards and Mystic Super Soldiers.

"I'm gonna beat you to the pulp for all the lies you've made, Tempest!" Shadow Dragon said seriously and determinedly.

Tempest narrowed her angry eyes, "You wish."

Shadow Dragon and Tempest charged at each other as they swung and parried their blades at each other for couple of times. And at the same time, he has to deal with both Mystic Super Soldiers and Storm Guards, who came and attacked him and even each other as well. He barely dodged their attacks especially the Mystic Ponies' new alien brute strength. Luckily, Jason jumped and flipped over his former master's head while firing and shooting his blasters at the enemy's forehead. Both of them quickly have the back-to-back while facing the enemy surroundings them. Just as the enemy troops charged and attacked them, both martial artist and bounty hunter swiftly parried off the attacks while fighting back against them. Like their friends, they too were struggling to fight off the mutated Super Soldiers, who were able to outmaneuvered them before swiftly and fiercely beat them off. They also being overwhelmed by more of Storm Guards, who kept charging and attacking both heroes and Mystic Ponies as well.

Shadow Dragon and Jason were able to push back and repel the enemy troops. However, they became exhausted and tired from the fight.

Jason grunted in frustration, "Tougher and faster than ordinary soldiers."

"No kidding!" Shadow Dragon agreed in frustration. A mutated speedster Mystic Super Soldier charged and about to hit him. Sensing him coming towards him, he dodged down while swiping kick at him, getting trip and slam on three Storm Guards, "We're not giving up without a fight."

"That's what I'd like to hear!" Tempest exclaimed as she unleashed her Thunder Blast at the Storm Guards and even her former friends. Armed with her Persian Swords, she continued firmly, "Let us continue the fight!"

Shadow Dragon growled, "Couldn't agree more."

"I'm so in," Jason agreed firmly.

While fending off both sides of enemy troops, Shadow Dragon and Jason charged and engaged Tempest, who firmly and swiftly blocked and deflect the attacks while punching and kicking at them. They barely dodged and evaded the attacks, but also able to fight back and tried to strike her down. She barely dodged while blocked and parried the attacks off before unleashing Thunderstorm Shock on them both for the moment. Shadow Dragon managed to recover as he fired his Darkness Ball to knock her. And at the same time, bounty hunter fired his twin blasters at her. She quickly fired and deflect the blasts off. Both the martial artist and bounty hunter charged and attacked the Grand Commander, who fought back fiercely and determinedly until one of them wins the fight.

Nyx and her friends tried to destroy the lab equipment and projects as much as they can. Mano used her telepathic ability to levitate and crush them. Solflare fired her Fire Shots and Flamethrower Blast to blow up couple of convoys. Nyx, MJ and Scorch located Discord from the last convoy, where they quickly grabbed and bring it down. At the same time, DECK used his medical scanner to scan and check on his condition. The Mystic Soldiers and Scientists especially Dr. Wong and Klavis tried to stop them. But they were blocked and chased off by Ocellus's form of large insectoid bug-like. Her MagiHare – Chi unleashed thundershock on them. Smolder unleashed her flamethrower on the Storm Guards. Mr. Hugbear screamed in anger as he punched and knocked both of them out.

Performing Falcon Wing Deflect as her defense, Arcee used her Black Serpent Strike and Mantis Blade to fight off both Storm Guards and Mystic Super Soldiers, who tried to use their powers and weapons to beat her. She proved to be fast and quick for them to catch and beat her. She firmly and fiercely defeated them. She yelped in pain, feeling the side of stomach struck and shot by three sharped diamond splinters. She grunted in pain before dropped on her legs. She turned and looked at her left, where she found Checker in his Diamondhead and Big Chill form approached her.

Checker smirked, "Gotcha, sis."

Arcee grunted in pain, "That was a cheap shot, Checker. Always go for the weakness, instead of fighting fairly."

"It's called being 'smart', Ariel! Still want to fight with honor? How pathetic and stupid of you."

"That maybe so. Unlike you, I'm not a coward and a cheater for taking easy way out to win."

"Well, whatever you say, sis. In the end, I'm the winner. And I am the heir and successor to my father's legacy while you're a traitor and failure. I'm always better than you."

"No. Anastasia is better than you because she wants to change for better while you don't care about anything but power and control. You can never stand with someone else being better than you!"

Checker groaned in frustration and anger, "You know what? I'm done being nice and kind to anyone especially my own family like you and Ana! I'm glad Ana and Hunter are gone, MJ and Scorch stayed away from family business and especially you running away from home. I don't need some competition since you all hated me so much!"

Arcee groaned in anger, "Bastard! You'll take that back, jerk!"

Armed with her katana and wakizashi, Arcee charged straight at Checker, who stand still firmly and determinedly. Just as she was about to swing her katanas, he quickly shapeshifting his diamond-like sword and summoning frozen shield to block it for the moment. They both engaged a serious swordfight with each other for couple of rounds. Checker became fierce and determined as he continued swinging and slamming his diamond-like sword at Arcee, who swiftly and quickly dodged and evaded the attacks while punching and kicking him. However, he kept on using his intangible ability to avoid her attacks while gave the cold breeze on her claws and even her face, making her cold a bit. She managed to recover before fighting back at her but he is in intangible mode, which proven difficult for her to fight. He then phased through her while unleashing and trapping her in the frozen state. He turned and aimed his sword at her by neck.

"Checkmate for you, sis." Checker mocked. He smirked, "And that is why I was called for that one."

Arcee groaned while shivered in cold, "N-N-No! D-Damn it…"

Checker scoffed while readying with his frozen diamond-like sword, "I'm gonna shatter you, sis!"

Just before he was about to strike down his sword, Checker got blasted and stunned by Nyx's Paralyze Spell. And at the same time, MJ charged and punched on his face thrice before kicked him straight to the ground. Scorch approached and tinkered with his older brother's watch-like device, deactivating and turning him back to normal.

Just as Checker recovered, he found his youngest brother was tempering his device. He quickly kicked him off. He then looked at his watch device. It looked badly damaged.

"Damn it, Scorch!" Checker snapped angrily, "Now I can't use my power!"

"And that's good enough for me!" Arcee exclaimed firmly.

Checker turned and looked back as he found his younger sister charged and attacked him. She gave him some serious couple of punches before kicking him by guts. He got thrown straight to the wall. He got knocked out.

Her siblings and even Mr. Hugbear approached and checked on her, Arcee panted firmly, "That's for insulting our siblings. And for the record, we never hated you. We just don't like your attitude."

"You seriously never hated him?" Nyx asked curiously.

Arcee shook her head, "No. I never did. I cared for him. He was a good brother for teaching me about tactics and leading the squadron. But he's a big fat jerk. It's a good thing that you have good brothers."

Nyx scoffed, "Yeah. Lucky me."

Seeing most of his lab equipment and projects destroyed, Dr. Wong quickly headed to the large silver-colored armored tank-like transportation convoy, which contained Dagonstroyer and Super Night Slash inside their cages. He approached to the drivers.

"Get them out of here! Sent them to the Fortress of Deity's Wrath now!" Dr. Wong ordered firmly and seriously.

The drivers nodded firmly and seriously. They were about to move out but blocked and struck down by Storm Guards' spears. Klavis and his forces are approaching towards Dr. Wong, who panicked and scared as he quickly moved against the wall.

"Where is Project Abomination?!" Klavis demanded.

"I'm telling you nothing!" Dr. Wong said firmly yet a bit tone of fear. Klavis aimed his spear at him. He hissed, "Listen to me for once, useless hairballs! If you think controlling them by brute strength or storm will work, then you're mistaken! These creatures are unpredictable, mindless and dangerous, not intelligent! They will slaughter you without hesitation and remorse because you're not their master!"

"Well, they're about to get one! Admiral Gideon will control them!" Klavis snapped before grabbed and held him against the wall, "I won't ask again! Where are they?!"

Dr. Wong coughed painfully while pointed at the tank transport truck, "D-Don't say I didn't warn you…"

"Whatever," Klavis scoffed in annoyance. He turned and glared at the truck, "Open that stupid truck now!"

As commanded, the Storm Guards quickly slammed their spears on the truck's lock mechanism before opening them. They all found both Dagonstroyer and Night Slash inside the cages.

"Found them!" Klavis exclaimed happily. He approached to the monsters. He chuckled, "Alright, you two. You belong to Admiral Gideon! And believe me when I say this, you'll appreciate to serve him as his master!"

Insulted by Klavis's claim, Dagonstroyer and Night Slash growled and roared in anger while ramming and banging down the cage's doors. Their attacks shocked and scared Klavis and his forces. Just before they could do anything, the abominated creatures broke through the gate. They then charged and slaughtered most of Storm Guards. Both Klavis and Dr. Wong barely dodged the attacks. They were charging straight to the main laboratory.

While three forces were still battling with each other, both Dagonstroyer and Night Slash have arrived and attacked them. Night Slash ambushed and slaughtered most of Super Mystic Soldiers and Storm Guards, prompting Nyx and her friends panicked and run to the hallway while Mr. Hugbear was carrying unconscious Checker with them. And at the same time, Dagonstroyer swung and slammed his large claws on knocking them off. He roared fiercely at all of them, who yelped and panicked in fear and concern. Just before anyone could do anything, he opened his mouth to unleash the Tidal Wave to blow Twilight, her friends, Tempest and even Thanatos straight through the back entrance. Admiral Gideon barely dodged and evaded to his left. While hiding behind the pillar, the admiral witnessing it chasing after them at once.

Admiral Gideon sighed while leaning against the pillar, "That was close. Probably it's for the best that I don't need these creatures."

As if his hope was answered, Admiral Gideon turned on his back, where he found three scientists were emerging out, bringing and moving the trays that contains of Ancient Beast Eggs and some Project Abomination Eggs as well. He became very curious and amused as he approached to the chamber, which he opened and entered.

Surprised and amused, Admiral Gideon has entered a room that is filled with some of Ancient Beast Eggs. Klavis and the remaining of Storm Guards arrived as well.

Admiral Gideon chuckled happily, "That will do. That will do."

"Sir, what about Project Abomination?" Klavis asked in concern.

"Leave that mess to the ponies to fix," Admiral Gideon answered calmly. He approached to the cupboard shelf, where he picked up the egg, "We've got new fresh one to start with. They will become the better War Beasts…"

Nyx and her friends kept running as fast as they can through the scientific hallway. They were being chased by Night Slash, which has just finished defeating and killing both Storm Guards and Super Mystic Soldiers.

Nyx and her friends arrived at a large hall, filled and stored with ancient relics and historical figures with various background settings. They split up and hid at once. Arcee and Nyx were hiding behind the Shingolong Skeleton Display. Mr. Hugbear, MJ and Scorch hid themselves underneath the staircase. Ocellus transformed into horse statue with Smolder pretending to ride on her back while holding Chu up. DECK quickly pretended to be armored knight statue. Mano and Solflare hid inside the reception desk. Solflare fired her Fireball Shot on the couple of ceiling lights, turning the hall into darkness.

Night Slash has just arrived as it found the room is in dark. Though unable to see its preys, it relied on other sensors – hearing and smelling. The creature carefully smelled and hear while entering into the hall as it was searching and hunting down on its preys. Nyx and her friends did their best to hid and do not make noise as they don't want to get killed.

While cautiously yet patiently crawled into the hall, Night Slash suddenly picked up the scent in his nose. He detected some scent around the area, so he has to listen and sniff it carefully. Sensing from the pillar, it growled softly yet amusingly like it has located its prey. Slowly crawling and stalking towards its destination, the creature was preparing to pounce on its preys. Stuck and cornered to the pillar, Nyx became scared and worried to shiver in fear while Arcee armed herself with both her katana and wakizashi.

Just as the Night Slash slowly peeked its head, Arcee quickly swung and gave the uppercut blade on its upper jaw, scarring it. It withdrew while shaking its head for recovery. The Hippogriff jumped in as she firmly and fiercely engaged it with swinging her two swords. After got hit thrice, it quickly dodged and evaded the attacks while swing and slamming its claws on her. She blocked and parried the attacks off for five times before kicked it off, but not before it swung its tail to knock her off.

Just before Night Slash was about to finish her off, Mano teleported in front of the creature as he unleashed his Psybeam to blast it off. He fired his Magic Burst at it. It quickly and swiftly dodged and evaded the attacks while charging and ramming him off. It was about to chew on him but got struck and hit by fireballs and flamethrower. Solflare and Smolder jumped and stood besides Mano and Arcee. They continued firing their flamethrower and fireballs at it, weakening and scaring it to back off until Mr. Hugbear grabbed and slammed it on his back. He then grabbed its tail before swinging around for three times and then threw him off at the statue of Mystic Soldiers. The creature shook its head while recovering. Just as everyone was about to attack it, it spits the tar goo out at them. They all barely dodged and evaded them, but not before the creature charged in and swung its claws at them, injuring and knocking them out.

Seeing its preys wounded, Night Slash turned and was prepared to feast on them. It got shocked by electrical energy. It turned and looked back as it found Chi stood before it. It readied to charge up again. It then charged and attacked the small rabbit-like, but Nyx jumped in front of it as she summoned the barrier to block its attack. Transforming into its gigantic bug form, it screeched at Night Slash, who got surprised before screeched and barked at it. And at the same time, Nyx and Chi fired their Unicorn Burst and electrical energy on it. Seeing the creature being distracted; MJ and Scorch moved out to drag and bring the rest of their friends to DECK, who quickly healed and treated their wounds especially when they got poisoned by the creature.

Ocellus, Nyx and Chi did their best to hold the creature off back as long as they can. Unfortunately, Night Slash became impatient and annoyed with them holding it back. It turned and climbed on the wall, and then the ceiling. It then pounced and struck them to the ground hard. It screeched out loud at them. They all screamed and panicked in fear. Suddenly, a small lighter thrown at its head hard, getting its attention. It turned and screeched at its enemy – Silverclaw, who is armed with his claws.

"Looking for the fight, asshole?" Silverclaw asked dryly. Night Slash snarled angrily. He growled, "Yeah. So do I, pal. I killed some of yours pals for killing my good soldiers. You're next, punk ass!"

Silverclaw and Night Slash gave out their roar before charging straight at each other. Both of them swung and struck their claws at each other fiercely and wildly. The Ultimate Warrior of Fury has to fight smart by dodging and evading its claws while quickly gave small scratches on its sides and tail. This annoyed and frustrated it a lot that causing it to swing its tail at him. Luckily, he quickly yet firmly grabbed it before dragged and bright it down hard. He jumped and stabbed his claws on the creature's chest thrice before hitting once on neck and then twice at jaws and finally on the head, weakening and injuring it a lot. He was about to finish it off but the creature grabbed on his hand by jaws before tore it off. While screaming in pain, Night Slash swung and knocked Silverclaw against the skeletal statue of Rumblehorn, where he got his stomach impaled by its horns. This pained him to howl in pain.

Night Slash chuckled amusingly as it has defeated most of its preys, despite how they outnumbered it. It approached and prepared to finish Silverclaw but got its headshot before falling to the ground limbless. Silverclaw looked up, where he found Mano, Solflare and Smolder, who were responsible for killing it, though they were shivering in fear. They're all scared of what just they did. Mr. Hugbear approached as he broke the horns in two, before pulling him out. This pained Silverclaw a lot due to the impalement he felt on his stomach. DECK quickly helped treating his wounds.

Silverclaw grunted in pain, "T-Thanks. That hurt a lot of hell…"

"Yeah. No kidding…" Nyx agreed nervously, "Sorry for your hoof. Will you be alright?"

Feeling the water pouring on his injured side of chest, Silverclaw yelped in pain, "Yeah! I'll be fine! Don't worry about my hoof. I survived the worst than this. We should be worry about that last monster. We can't let it get off the island."

"Really? I thought you're working for the Emperor and Thanatos?" Arcee asked in surprise.

Silverclaw scoffed, "Just because I was member of Ultimate Warriors doesn't mean that I'm friends with them." DECK was wrapping the bandage around his missing limb. He hissed in pain, "Damn that hurt! I really hate doing this kind of job."

Nyx hummed in concern while looking at the corpse of Night Slash, "I just hope mummy and others are alright."

Twilight's team, Thanatos and even Tempest got thrown out from the military compound. They were groaning and moaning in pain while still recovering from the sudden attacks of the second mutated Ancient Beast. They then found themselves at the field, where it was under heavy rain. Just as they stand up at once, they turned to the front entrance of military compound, where Dagonstroyer emerged out from it. It gave out a loud roar while summoning its mutated minions to stand beside with it.

"Oh great. Here comes the giant Kaiju," Jason remarked dryly, "Anyone got brilliant idea?"

"How about teamwork between good guys and bad guys?" Thanatos suggested calmly yet teasingly. Everyone looked at him. He shrugged a bit, "What? It's not the first time we ever done this."

"Yeah. I don't think so. I don't work together with bad guys like you for causing the mess," Shadow Dragon remarked dryly yet firmly. He glared at Tempest, "And of course, I don't work with traitor and liar like you!"

Thanatos scoffed, "Says the guy, who betrayed the Mystic Kingdom and joined the evil Dark Lord for nearly destroyed everything."

Tempest nodded firmly, "Agreed. I may have lied about everything, but I wasn't a traitor like you, Master Shadow Dragon."

Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance, "Sometimes, I really hate you two a lot."

"Guys, enough. Thanatos is right," Twilight said firmly. Everyone looked at her. She turned and glared at Dagonstroyer. She continued, "If we don't work together, we'd be dead and that monster will destroy everything in its path. We have to destroy it."

"Assuming you're alright with this, Thanatos? It makes a lot of money from the bidding," Shorty remarked sarcastically.

Thanatos shrugged a bit, "Well, I have no problem to get rid of it. We never did get the chance to properly modify it after its creation."

"Better to destroy it than letting it alive," Fluttershy agreed. Everyone looked at her in shock and surprise. She looked confused, "What? You guys said it yourself – it's not even alive and it's a monster."

Shadow Dragon sighed while readied with his Summoner Gem, "Fine. But I don't have to like it."

"So do I," Both Tempest and Jason agreed while readied with their Summoner Gems.

Three ponies threw their Summoner Gems out, summoning their Ancient Beasts to the battlefield. Dragoking, Chaos Slayer and Blue gave out loud battle cries. Both Shadow Dragon and Tempest climbed and rode on their own Ancient Beasts while Jason and Blue stood besides with them. The rest of their friends came to their aid. They're all readied to fight against the giant mutated monsters and its mutated fish minions-like.

Just as the lightning flashed out with thunderous roar, the Dagonstroyer charged and attacked three Ancient Beasts, who barely dodged and evaded the attacks. Three of them charged and attacked it. And at the same time, Twilight and her friends teamed up with Thanatos to fight off the mutated fish minions. Twilight used both her Magical Barrier to block and deflect the attacks while firing her Purify Magic to purify and restore mutated fish minions into normal ponies or Storm Guards. Thanatos firmly and fiercely punched and kicked them off while firing his blasters at them. Shorty and Tailtech worked together to fire their blasters at them while Fluttershy used her Elephant Strength and Endurance to block and hold off the attacks.

Dagonstroyer raised his large claw to swing and slam at three Ancient Beasts off but only Blue and Jason escaped before charged straight at it. It then tried to fire its Ink Spit on them. They both swiftly dodged and evaded the attacks before charged in and attacked it. Both of them attacked it on both sides by swing the claws and firing twin blasters at it. Dagonstroyer didn't seemed to feel any pain but irritated and annoyed. It turned and tried to swing its claws at them. They both barely dodged and evaded the attacks for couple of times until it swung its mermaid-like tail to knock them off to the ground. Just as it's about to slam its claws on them, Chaos Slayer came and blocked the attack for the moment while Dragoking unleashed his Mystic Dragon Flame at it to back off a bit. He then unleashed the Earthquake Destroyer at it before fired his Spike Splinters and Metal Bullets at it for the moment. Chaos Slayer roared as he charged in and rammed at it by its horned helmet, injuring on left side of chest. He then swung and slammed his tail at its face thrice, followed by firing his Mega Flamethrower. Dragoking joined in as well.

As both Ancient Beasts continued pouring their flamethrower-like attacks, Dagonstroyer endured the fire attack as it takes. Readying his Hydro Pump, it then unleashed and blasted its water power beam at both of them. They both tried to endure the attack but the mutated monster's attack was very powerful to push and knock them to the ground. While it was busy attacking them, Jason and Blue managed to recover and charged straight at it. Instead of attacking head on, they both moved to the back of monster. They swiftly and stealthily climbed up to top of his head, where they both quickly struck and stabbed on the eyes, wounding and blinding it for the moment. The creature screeched in pain while swinging their claws at its enemies but miss it. Seeing Dagonstroyer blinded, both Dragoking and Chaos Slayer quickly got up and attacked it head on. Both of them swung and struck their claws at it, and even biting on it by limbs, sides and even the tentacles-like beard. Feeling the pain, the mutated monster roared in pain and anger as he summoned and unleashed his Tsunami Repel Force to knock and thrown them off. Tentacles emerged out from his body, they charged and coiled up on three Ancient Beasts and even their owners. They all bellowed in pain while struggled to escape its grip.

After managed to defeat or purify the mutated minions, Twilight and her friends quickly came to their friends' aid. Twilight unleashed her Sparkling Star Burst at the creature's face, followed by her teammates' firing their blasters and Fluttershy's Scream of Bat Spirit. This annoyed and irritated Dagonstroyer a lot, causing him to summon more of his tentacles to attack them. Seeing the creature's being distracted, Jason managed to free himself while quickly readied with his sniper blaster. He sniped and blasted on the creature's head and even injured eye five times, making it bellowed in pain. Three Ancient Beasts managed to break themselves by tearing the tentacles apart. They all jumped and attacked Dagonstroyer to the ground. Both Dragoking and Chaos Slayer unleashed their Darkness Destroyer Beam and Mega Flamethrower on the creature's head while Blue dug and clawed through the skull until they reached and struck on the brain, killing the mutated monster for good.

Seeing the Dagonstroyer is destroyed for good, everyone sighed in relief while muttered that they have survived the worst. However, Shadow Dragon, Jason, Dragoking and Blue were glaring at both Tempest and Chaos Slayer, who also readied for the fight. This annoyed and irritated their friends.

"Come on! Really?!" Twilight asked angrily.

"Tempest is not getting away with this!" Shadow Dragon said angrily and firmly.

Tempest scoffed, "Guess we settle the score now?"

Jason scoffed, "I'm gonna enjoy this."

Shadow Dragon, Jason, Tempest and their Ancient Beasts were glaring at each other while readying for the fight.

"Guys! It doesn't have to be this way. Please…" Twilight pleaded in concern, "Doesn't our friendship mean anything to you since you join us?"

Everyone remained silent while looking at Tempest, who remained silent yet calm as she looked at Twilight.

Tempest sighed, "I'm sorry, Twilight. I really do."

Angered and suspected that she has been lying from the start, Shadow Dragon snapped, "No, you're not!"

Shadow Dragon charged in as he swung and struck his Darkness Blade at Tempest, who quickly blocked his attack with her Persian Curved Sword. She got rammed and knocked aside by Jason. The Bounty Hunter then fired his Twin Blaster at her. She blocked and deflected the blasts before engaged a fierce brawl with both warriors. At the same time, Dragoking and Blue were attacking and fighting off Chaos Slayer, who firmly and fiercely fighting back. Their friends called out and demanded to stop fighting. Thanatos stayed and watched the fight.

Shadow Dragon and Tempest swung and crossed their swords at each other for couple of rounds before they had the clash for the moment. This gave Jason the chance to charge and attack her from the back. Sensing him close, she knocked and repelled Shadow Dragon before turned and kicked the bounty hunter off. He recovered before firing his Twin Blasters at her. The Grand Commander summoned her Barrier to block and deflect the blasts. Shadow Dragon charged and attacked her, but she swiftly dodged down before kicked him off. She then faced off against both of them, who fiercely and determinedly fight back against her. Despite how strong and fierce they both are, she was able to withstand and hold against them as long as she can, with her martial art skills. Just as they both slammed and crossed their blades against her, she used her Thunderstorm to repel and knocked them off. They both dropped to the ground hard. She approached and prepared to use her Lightning Magic, but instead the bounty hunter fired his twin blasters to catch off her guard, allowing his former mentor to get up and attacked her by punching and kicking before slammed her to the ground. He was about to finish her off but got kicked on his head. Both of them continued attacking her.

Summoning his three heads, Dragoking charged and attacked Chaos Slayer, who firmly withstand and hold him for the moment. While the Tyranno Chaos was holding and pushing his nemesis back, the Hydragoon's two heads popped out and struck him on the shoulders, making him bellowed in pain. Ramming and striking his Iron Horn Attack on him to back off, he then swung and struck his bladed tail at his nemesis's two heads before swinging and slamming his bladed arms on him. He then grabbed and slammed him to the ground hard. Chaos Slayer unleashed Mega Flamethrower on Dragoking, who quickly fired his Hydro Cannon to block and repel the attack. Blue quickly charged in as she jumped and pounced on her murderer's face, where she struck and clawed on the helmet. The Tyranno Chaos backed off as he tried to shake his head while trying to grab Vileraptor, who keep hopping and attacking him. Dragoking managed to get up as he unleashed and blasted Frozen Curse Beam from the back of his nemesis, allowing Blue to escape. He then swung his tail to knock him to the ground. He then unleashed Mystic Dragon Flame, Hydro Cannon and Storm Gale on Chaos Slayer, who bellowed in pain and agony. Managed to endure the attack briefly, he grabbed and thrown the large boulder at the Hydragoon to back off. Both of them resumed their fierce fight, along with Blue attacking the Tyranno Chaos from sides.

Shadow Dragon, Jason and their Ancient Beasts continued fiercely and aggressively battling with Tempest and Chaos Slayer, who parried off the attacks.

Suddenly, couple of laser beams blasted into the sky, prompting everyone to stop at once. They all turned and looked on the left side, where Firmtact Waller, Foxkeen, Dr. Wong and Thunder Science Division units were standing before them. They even brought Nyx and her friends with them. Silverclaw and Discord were inside the healing pod, treating and healing their wounds. And surprisingly, many criminals and rich ponies were in hoof-cuffs.

"I think that's quite enough," Firmtact Waller said firmly.

"Waller?!" Shadow Dragon asked in shock and disbelief.

"What are you doing here?! What's the meaning of this?!" Tailtech demanded firmly.

"About time of you to show up," Thanatos teased. Everyone looked at him. He sighed, "I don't know how long do I need to keep up the act."

"What do you mean by that?" Twilight demanded firmly.

"He means that this was part of the operation," Firmtact Waller explained calmly yet firmly and sternly. Twilight and her friends turned and looked at her. She continued, "Mr. Thanatos 'bought the island' was nothing but borrowing it for our operation. We told Princess Celestia that we're using it for our temporary operation until we succeed it. And that is to bait and capture the troublesome criminals and illegal rich ponies. Too bad that Admiral Gideon and his remnants escaped during the confusion."

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. The criminals and rich creatures couldn't believe either. It was just a setup to capture them.

"So… Everything you guys did here was to capture the bad guys?!" Fluttershy asked in disbelief.

Firmtact Waller nodded in confirmation. Shorty asked, "Then, what about those Ancient Beasts, the auction and Project Abomination? Don't tell me that what you all did is just an act especially Dr. Wong created some monsters?! The students saw what happened here! It's unforgivable!"

"Yeah! What's up with that?!" Tailtech demanded angrily, "How do you explain about that? What do you plan to do with them?!"

Firmtact Waller sighed, "That would be classified information."

"Classified to my hoof!" Shadow Dragon snapped angrily while glaring at Tempest, "Just how many secrets you have kept from us like the fact that Nezha allowed Tempest to infiltrate Storm Kingdom and make them allied with Dark Mystic Ponies to attack us?! For what?!"

"Believe me, Mr. Shadow Dragon. I'm truly sorry for that," Firmtact Waller said sternly yet firmly, "But it is necessary to find out who would side with the enemy and must be removed at once."

"Even at the cost of Jade Emperor?" Twilight asked in disbelief.

"No one likes it, but the former emperor doesn't have what it takes to defeat the enemies," Firmtact Waller said firmly and seriously. She sighed, "Nezha does. He's the right emperor."

Shadow Dragon shook his head, "This is unacceptable, Waller. The world will know about this."

Firmtact Waller scoffed, "Mr. Shadow Dragon, we do what is necessary to defeat our enemies and save our worlds, no matter the cost and sacrifice we make. Dark Mystic Ponies and Chaos Heralds must be destroyed before our worlds will be destroyed. We cannot let that happen. Power is the answer, not Magic of Friendship. Nezha will lead us to our victory!"

Everyone was in shocked and disgusted of what they just saw and heard. Twilight and her friends don't like what it leads to especially under Nezha's command.

"Anything else you would like to know?" Firmtact Waller asked.

"Nothing. We would like to leave," Twilight said firmly and seriously, "But I will say this, Ms. Waller. Nezha is not the answer of leading your kingdom."

Always stayed calm and stern, Firmtact Waller answered, "You may leave."

Twilight nodded firmly. She turned and looked at her friends and the students, who nodded firmly and seriously. They including MJ, Scorch and even Mr. Hugbear got their stuffs packed and now returning to Armor Strike-III.

"Hey, kids. Where you're going?" Thanatos called out.

"Doing what we should have done," MJ said firmly and seriously.

Scorch nodded firmly, "Yeah. Going home with Arcee. Not with you. Not after what has been happening."

"Guys…" Arcee said in surprise and concern.

"Come on. You're still not mad at me about what happen, aren't you?" Thanatos asked teasingly. Everyone glared at him. He sighed, "Okay. My mistaken. You guys are really angry for the screw-up I make. My bad."

"More than that! You tried to kill us with your Night Slash!" Scorch scolded angrily.

"Not to mention, creating abomination is something I''m not happy about, mate," Mr. Hugbear scolded Thanatos firmly. He scoffed, "And believe me, I didn't sign this for just to be some loyal 'English' Butler to take care of everything and listen to you! I did this to look after your lads and lasses, and these poor creatures! And after what kind of bloody mess you've make, I resign, sir!"

"So are we," MJ agreed firmly, "Don't even try to talk us out."

Thanatos sighed, "Fine, I won't."

Arcee turned and looked at Checker, "Checker…"

"Just go." Checker said dryly and firmly. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "You've already said that you don't want to do anything about Thanatos. I am the sole heir and successor of Thanatos. I-I don't need you guys since you don't want me…"

Though hurt yet pitiful by Checker's claim, Arcee sighed while shaking her head, "I'm truly sorry, Checker. For this you choose. I really wish the real brother you once were."

Checker sighed while looked away, "I wish things were like before the mess started…"

Arcee and her siblings turned and looked at Foxkeen, who approached and gave them a warm yet tearful hug. She remarked, "Take care, my children. I'm truly sorry for this. I really am."

Though she always had problem with her family's policy, Arcee sighed sympathetically, "I know. Take care, mother. Just be honest as much as you can. Don't lose yourself."

Foxkeen nodded, "I'll try,"

"Princess Twilight," Tempest called. Twilight turned and looked at her for the moment. She spoke calmly, "About our friendship mean anything to me? It does, Twilight. You've saved me and even accepted me, despite what I've done. You are the first friend I ever make since I left my home."

"Tempest…" Twilight said in surprise yet touched.

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "If you really meant it, you would have told us the truth and not doing some secret missions for Nezha, despite some are wrong."

"Shadow Dragon!" Twilight scolded Shadow Dragon.

"No. He's right," Tempest said firmly yet calmly. She sighed, "I did this because I believed in Nezha and Death Tactic. I owed them so much for rescuing me, restoring my magic horn and even making me a Mystic Pony. My loyalty is with them. I'm truly sorry."

Twilight looked sympathetic to her as she sighed, "What should I tell Grubber and your squadron about this?"

Tempest answered calmly, "Spare them. Let them choose what they want. They especially Grubber know nothing about this."

Twilight nodded a bit, "Understood. Goodbye, Commander Tempest."

"Goodbye," Tempest said sadly yet calmly to her friends. With the shred of her tears, she sighed, "My true friend…"

Twilight and the rest of her friends moved out and headed straight to the landing platform, and even bringing Discord's healing pod. When they arrived at their destination, they boarded into Armor Strike-III before taking off now. They're now returning home at once, inform their friends about the situation.

While Shorty and Tailtech were piloting the gunship, the rest of their friends were resting and sleeping peacefully and quietly. Fluttershy stayed close to Discord's pod as she was keeping her eyes on him, hoping that he'd be alright. Twilight was sitting near to Nyx, who looked worry and concern as she slept near to her.

"Mummy…" Nyx asked in concern, "Are you alright?"

Twilight sighed, "No, Nyx. I'm not. I can't believe that Tempest betrayed us because she was Nezha's spy from the start. I also can't believe that they're willing to go this far…"

Realizing that Tempest's betrayal hurt her, Nyx realized that she has to tell her of what she and her friends especially Starlight and Sunset have found. She spoke, "Mummy, there's something we need to talk."

Twilight looked at Nyx, "What is it?"

Nyx sighed, "Something I should have told you when Discord was running around the School of Friendship…"

After barely escaped the Jurassic Land, Admiral Gideon and the remaining remnants of Storm Kingdom were on their way back to Black Skull Island via using their war blimps. Among the Storm Kingdom blimps, Admiral Gideon was inside his quarter, where he was rocking while holding and rocking on the Ancient Egg like it was his baby.

Admiral Gideon smiled amusingly, "Sleep tight, little baby. Admiral Gideon is gonna make you the best war beast among the Storm Kingdom. We will rise. Long live the Storm King…"

After another Jurassic Incident, both Thanatos Enterprise employers and Thunder Science Division units returned to the Golden Jade Palace's throne chamber for making the report. Needless to say, Nezha wasn't pleased of the results especially when it involved of Thanatos tried to make 'bidding for Project: Abomination'. Nezha punched and knocked the CEO of Thanatos Enterprise straight to the ground hard.

Thanatos groaned in pain while trying to get up, "Just scream, not punch it. Yeesh!"

"I told you not to use Project Abomination for bidding! And now, I've lost the war beasts!" Nezha snapped angrily. He turned and glared at Dr. Wong, "Well?"

Dr. Wong cleared his throat, "It's true that Project Abomination is destroyed. But I assured you that Prototype X is well and alive."

"Really? Where is it?" Nezha asked impatiently.

Dr. Wong nodded firmly as he led and guided Nezha and the rest of his staffs to the outside of Golden Jade Palace's western outskirt. And to their astonishment and surprise yet feared, all of them were looking at the new form of mutated Ancient Beast. Nezha was astonished and amazed by the appearance of creature. The creature was the mixture of giant skeletal phoenix-like with long giant dragon's head-like with Chaos Slayer's horned yet armored helmet in blazing blue-yellow flames, it has two giant wingspans have giant and sharper blades and have lightning rods-like blasters, two more shorter wingspan, large claws and it has three long scorpion-like tails. The creature gave out loud crowed.

"Your majesty, I give you – Prototype-X – The Fallen Phoenix," Dr. Wong exclaimed with pride, "So, what would you named him?"

Nezha smiled proudly yet sadistically, "Fuxin – the Rebirth of Phoenix… He shall lead me to victory. He's perfect…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow

Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Jason Isaac: Thanatos Gambit

Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking, Blue, Night Slash

Kyle Hebert: Chaos Slayer, Dagonstroyer

Giancarlo Esposito: Admiral Gideon

Secondary Casts:

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

Kate Higgins: Tailtech

B.D. Wong: Dr. Vector Wong

Jason Griffith: Jason Stride

Tom Felton: Thanatos 'Checker' Checkmate

Devyn Dalton: Ocellus

Shannon Chan Kent: Smolder

Pete Capella: Mano Telekinesis

Erica Schroeder: Royal Solflare

Zendaya: Thanatos Miraculous 'MJ' Joy

Chris Hackney: Thanatos Scorch

Minor Casts:

Hugh Jackson: Silverclaw

Famke Janssen: Thanatos Foxkeen

Robbie Coltrane: Mr. Hugbear

Jeff Bennett: Mr. Stickler

Warwick Davis: Commander Klavis

Ikue Otani: Chu the MagiHare

Cameo:

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash

Author's Note

Yeah. I forgot to add Grubber in because I was too busy focused on finishing up this story. Sorry about that. Whatever is gonna happen to him and Bonecrusher Squadron. Let's see what happen next.

Episode 18: Friendship University

Three months later…

After another incident occurred at Jurassic Land; Nezha has not only regained his status, authority and power as the Head of both council and government, but also gain the popularity and the supports of his people due to his success and achievements. He has decisively and successfully defeated Dark Mystic Ponies, conquered enemy territories, captured and punished the criminals harshly and painfully, build up the military might and power, uphold the law and discipline strictly and severely, and even propagating the discrimination and prejudice against the humanity due to Ben 10 and his team almost killed him. With his leadership, decisiveness and fearless; Mystic Ponies viewed and believed him to be a true her, strong leader and the savior they need. Thus, he was given the title of 'Mystic Emperor of Vengeance', 'Righteous Emperor' and 'Great Lord of Justice'.

However, due to his questionable motives and unethical action affects the Equestria, this has strained alliance between Mystic Kingdom and Equestria. Some of Mystic Councilponies, particularly Azure Phoenix and Mystic Tao, were displease and even condemn him for such reckless and unthinkable action. Even the some suspicious and concerned citizens were weary and uncertain to trust him or not.

Emperor Nezha and the rest of Mystic Councilponies were having the meeting, concerning and dealing with recent activities and action of his. Things have not been kind lately for both Equestria-Mystic Alliance now as the Councilponies were having the argument…

Just as they returned home, Nyx and Arcee informed both Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force of other two pies – Bella Anime and Cozy Glow. They were deeply in concern and disturbed by the revelation. Nevertheless, Twilight was touched and relieved that her daughter and students entrusted her with the news. She and others hatched a plan with both of them about dealing with two spies.

And surprisingly, Grubber and the Bonecrusher Squadron loyally remained behind to support and help Princess Twilight, despite Tempest's true allegiance. Despite was shocked and upset by his former friend's lies, Grubber actually missed

Inside her Headmare's Office, Twilight was reading the latest postcard, sent by Starswirl the Bearded. Though no longer act as the advisor to Princess Celestia, ancient wizard still gives the advice to her for governing the land and sometimes even involved with teaching at Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. He is now currently traveling around the Equestria for learning more of modern cultural and studies.

Shadow Dragon, Rarity, Lance, Nyx and Spike were there as they listened to Twilight's talking about Starswirl's latest postcard. They then heard the radio make the static noise like changing the program to another one.

"We're interrupting this program to bring the most shocking and concerning news. Mystic Councilpony of Fire, Emperor of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom and Northern China – Azure Phoenix has resigned his post and left the council." The radio announcer reported in concern, shocking and concerning Twilight and her friends. He continued, "It was not just him alone. Yuko of Wisdom Seekers, Black Alpha of Dark Sacred Knights, Iron Brave of Metal Armor Sentinels and Princess leaf of Nature Peace Guardians have joined him as well. They were not satisfied and pleased with the emperor's orders and changes of the military especially his recent action, discrimination and propaganda. They even criticize him for these actions especially involving with Mystic Supremacy and prejudice. And surprisingly, Emperor Nezha pardoned and let them go, but not in execution or exile. But Question remains – what will the former Councilponies do now especially Azure Phoenix, who was notoriously known to be ambitious and cunning warlord for controlling the former Qin Emperor during his ancient historical time? What are they planning now?"

Everyone in the officer was concern and shocked to hear such news. Twilight sighed in disbelief while looking down in concern.

"Never thought this would happen…" Spike remarked in surprise.

Shadow Dragon sighed, "After the stunts and decision Nezha has done lately, I would be mad and distrustful of him for going behind my back."

"Indeed. The council justified and agreed with his action and supremacy nonsense," Rarity remarked in disgust. She looked at Shadow Dragon, "Still, I'm surprise that your father didn't resign and leave the council. Why is that?"

Shadow Dragon nodded in concern, "I thought he would have. But I remember that he has responsibility. He's still checking and healing Emperor Takei, and protect him from Nezha. When he's completely healed, he should retake his place as the Mystic Emperor."

Rarity sighed in uncertain, "Assuming the Mystic Kingdom's still standing for justice and nobility. Ever since Nezha succeeded and became the emperor, the kingdom is becoming corrupted, ruthless and something darker than before…"

"Yeah. That's what worries me the most…" Twilight said in fear before sighed, "If Sunny Starscout's history about our timeline is correct, Nezha will bring the destruction to the Mystic Ponies and Mystic Realm…"

"We can't let that happen, right?" Lance asked firmly.

"Yeah. We won't, Lance," Shadow Dragon agreed firmly, "We just have to find a way to stop and prevent him from destroying both worlds."

"We still need to deal with the spies," Nyx said dryly and firmly, "I trust Ocellus to help and turn Bella Anime to be good friend, but not Cozy Glow. She's a liar and troublemaker, making everyone think she's the best model student for the School of Friendship."

Twilight patted Nyx's mane, "I know your frustration and anger, sweetie. But I still believe that Cozy Glow can learn and change for better. Just like you."

Nyx huffed in annoyance, "She's nothing like me. She's the opposite of me."

"Nyx does have the point," Lance agreed with Nyx as he continued, "I mean, even if she learned everything from us, what makes you think that she will use it for good? She could use the Magic of Friendship for evil."

Irritated to slap on her adopted son's head, Twilight sighed, "For the last time, the Magic of Friendship is just the concept and ideal to inspire ponies and creatures to befriend, cooperate and get along with each other. It's not a propaganda for war or supremacy nonsense. Yeesh. Why do everyone keep misinterpret and think friendship a weapon or power."

"I'll say," Spike agreed. He groaned while looking at his body, "Can't believe that stupid doctor and Cozy Glow have the nerve of making me an experiment. I hate being a lab rat."

"Yeah. All of us don't like it," Twilight agreed. She smiled teasingly, "At least, you get to date with Dragon Lord Ember. You both are official couples. It's adorable."

Spike blushed a bit, "Geez. Thanks…"

"By the way, Spike, did the sewing machines I ordered have arrived?" Rarity asked, "I need them for my sewing class."

Spike nodded calmly while showing the clipboard to her, "Yup. Cozy Glow met with the mailpony and gotten them. She's now moving them to your class."

"Thank you, Spike," Rarity said happily, "These machines were costly, but I am quite certain the friendship lessons I can teach my students with them will be invaluable."

Shadow Dragon groaned while rolled his eyes, "Assuming those machines are working well and don't break down easily."

Nyx nodded firmly, "Yeah. Coming from that little troublemaker."

Rarity scoffed while waved it, "Not to worry, darlings. They won't get destroyed or hacked easily, even if Cozy Glow is clever enough to bypass the system. They all come from my middle sister-in-law. Asami really outdone herself with these new sewing machines. I know it because Ciel and I tested them out. I'm so lucky to have smart sisters-in-law."

"Sure, you are," Twilight commented warmly.

Suddenly, Terrorcreep barged into the Headmare's Office, bringing the large portion of golden-colored flyers. He then put them on the table while showing his angry and annoyed looks like something bad has happened.

"Terrorcreep?" Twilight asked in confusion. She then looked at the portion of flyers, "What are these?"

Terrorcreep passed the flyer to Twilight as he answered, "Look at it…"

Just as Twilight levitated the leaflet for her to look at it, she gasped in shock and concern of what she's reading now. This attracted everyone's attention.

"Twilight, what's wrong?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.

Twilight passed the leaflet to her friends and children to read while answering, "It's this!"

Everyone turned and looked at the leaflet, wondering why Twilight was shocked and tensed about it.

"Why waste your time at a friendship school that's just a school? Learn everything they teach and more at Friendship University?!" Rarity read out loud in disbelief and shocked, "Sweet Celestia?! What?! Is this true?!"

Lance, Nyx and Spike exclaimed in shock and concern, "No way?"

Terrorcreep nodded firmly, "It's true. Lockdown informed me about this. The rumors and flyers about Friendship University spread across the Equestria and even here. It's attracting the ponies and out students to join that place. I've ordered Lieutenant Grubber and his Bonecrusher Squadron to collect them and also have Metal Ponies to get crowd control before it goes out of control."

Everyone looked concern and worried as Nyx remarked, "That's not good…"

"So, why should we worry about this?" Shadow Dragon asked in confusion. This earned his wife to slap the flyer on his head. He yelped in pain, "Ow! What was that for?!"

"Of course, we should be worried!" Twilight snapped at Shadow Dragon, "Who would open

another friendship school?"

Lance hummed in concern, "But I think a better question is – do they really know about 'friendship' than us?"

"That's a good question…" Shadow Dragon said in agreement and firmly, "I doubt that they actually know it."

Rarity scoffed, "Oh, pfft! I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. You're the Princess of Friendship. What could this other school possibly offer?"

"A lot of things you should be worried about," Terrorcreep said dryly while showing the flyer, "This so-called 'Friendship University' teach the same lessons of competing schools in half the time. That makes twice the learning. And above else, this located at Las Pegasus. Do you know what it means?"

"Skipping class to have fun?" Spike suggested in confusion.

Lance hummed, "Or maybe, trying to be good as ours?"

"No. Whoever built the university, they have no intention of helping and teaching the students about friendship," Terrorcreep explained dryly and suspiciously, "They must have the ulterior motives for this."

Shadow Dragon was confused as he asked, "Huh? What makes you say that?"

"You already know the answer earlier. No one knows friendship better than us. And also, this school even claimed for teaching the same lessons as ours," Terrorcreep explained firmly and seriously. Everyone gave some thoughts about the situation. He continued, "Don't you find it odd and suspicious about this?"

Twilight nodded in concern, "I know what you mean. It's like they stole our Friendship Studies. How did they do this?"

"Inside job. And I know who did it," Nyx said suspiciously.

"Only one way to find out. We go and investigate it." Terrorcreep suggested firmly.

"Then, what should the rest of us do?" Lance asked firmly.

"Watch over the place. And also, investigate if any of our Friendship Studies been stolen." Twilight instructed. She turned and looked at Nyx, "Don't do anything stupid and impulsive, Nyx."

Nyx groaned, "Aw come on. You know I don't."

"Just investigate and not start the fight, okay?" Twilight insisted firmly.

Nyx sighed, "Fine…"

And so, everyone split up. Twilight, Rarity, Shadow Dragon and Terrorccreep went to Las Pegasus for investigation on Friendship University. Three children of Twilight and Shadow Dragon are investigating on possibly theft of stolen Friendship Studies and their suspect Cozy Glow.

Upon their arrival at Friendship University, Twilight and her team found something odd and confused about the university. The place looked more like a commercial building with book logo and the signboard of 'Friendship University' has the lighting bulbs around it.

"I don't like to judge solely on appearances. But..." Rarity remarked in uncertain and confusion, "what kind of friendship school is this?"

Polo Play approached them with a proud smile as he remarked, "Only the best friendship school in the west… and maybe all of Equestria!"

Just as Polo Play went into the university, more of ponies have arrived and entered the university. Twilight and her team were completely shocked and surprised by it.

"That was unexpected," Terrorcreep remarked in uncertain tone, "Why would they be excited for this place?"

Shadow Dragon shrugged, "You tell me, Terror. Guess we have to find out."

Twilight and her team marched and entered the university at once. And to their surprise, they found many more ponies gathered inside the grand hall while looking at the stage. Most of them chattered and talked about the Friendship University.

"There's more ponies in here than at our whole school. Who is running this place?" Twilight asked in concern.

Suddenly, the hall's lights turned off and become dark. The ponies gasped in surprise and confusion as they wondered of what's really going on. Two ceiling spotlights shinned around the stage, making everyone tensed and excited for it.

Terrorcreep hummed suspiciously with a glare, "I have a feeling I know who they are…"

A familiar charismatic voice announced, "Welcome, friends! You are about to embark on a journey of amazing magnitude! One that will change your lives forever!"

A familiar confident voice added, "Prepare yourselves to embrace a new path and become students of…"

Just as two spotlights turned and aimed at the large widescreen, it revealed two shadowy figures behind. They both pounced through it and landed on the ground, revealing themselves to be Flim and Flam.

"Friendship U!" Flim and Flam exclaimed in unison.

Terrorcreep groaned in annoyance, "I knew it."

"Flim and Flam. Of course." Twilight muttered in disbelief.

Rarity sighed in disbelief, "It has to be these two?"

Flim began singing sympathetically about loneliness and never have friends, followed Flam joined in as well. They then both sang sadly sand disappointingly about School of Friendship because it was too far for them to live and study.

Flim: If you're alone and you can't make friends

We understand your plight

Flam: Until now, there was just one way

Your friendships could take flight

Flim: There is a school real far away

That'll teach you what to know

But if you live here, you couldn't stay

Flam: You'd learn you have to go-o-o-o

Ponies awed disappointingly and sympathetically about it. They too feel the same way for leaving their own home to go and study Friendship Studies at School of Friendship. However, Twilight and her team rolled their eyes in disbelief and annoyance.

Instead of continuing with sobber singing, both Flim and Flam singing calmly and sincerity as they're convincing their customers and newcomers that they have a way for them to stay and study Friendship Studies

Flim: Now, there is an alternative to all of that adversity

Flam: Not just a school, I'll have you know

Flim and Flam jumped from the stage. The ponies moved aside and letting them to moved out and singing proudly and happily, advertising and convincing them about Friendship University is the best place to stay and learn, instead of going to Ponyville Town.

Flim and Flam: But a whole university

At Friendship U, our aim is true

In a city, not some backwater

You'll learn the things you need to know

At our new alma mater

Flim and Flam returned to the stage's podium stand. The slim brother exclaimed, "That's it, everypony, you heard correct!"

"Friendship U, the one and only university of friendship!" Flam agreed happily.

"To my foot, fakers," Shadow Dragon remarked dryly.

Annoyed by his remark, Flim and Flam decided to ignored him as Shadow Dragon matters little to them. Flim pulled down the chalkboard with graph, charts and bar about how effective and good their Friendship University is.

Flim: As you can see, we're a success

By any kind of stat

Twilight was not convinced by it. Instead of worried and scared by her, Flim and Flam smirked slyly as they mocked her amusingly and playfully. They claimed that she has come to give her bless and support for their teachings of Friendship. They approached and talked with some ponies about how good the Friendship University is.

Twilight: That may be so, for all I know

But I still smell a rat

Flam: Everypony, lookie here

That other school's headmare

Flim: Her presence is a testament

To the mutual respect...

Flim and Flame: ...we sha-a-a-are

"What?! No, it isn't!" Twilight protested.

Flam: It really is the final piece

To make our work complete

Flim: To have the Friendship Princess

Bless our school is such a treat

Flam: We're so honored!

Flim and Flam: At Friendship U, we teach to you (and you!)

All of our friendship knowledge

You'll learn it all in half the time

At the one and only friendship college

"Somehow, I doubt that anypony can learn friendship in half the time."

Flam scoffed while holding Shadow Dragon close to him, "Our coursework is so accelerated, to take longer would be a crime!"

Flim: The lessons that we teach have been

Reviewed and checked and edited

Flam: Which might explain why our new school's

Flim and Flam continued convincing and talking more ponies to join the Friendship University to study and learn more of friendship than the School of Friendship. The ponies are convinced and believed that this university is a good place to study than going to a far away school.

Flim and Flam: About to be accredited

At Friendship U, oh, yes, it's true

Even the Princess of Friendship agrees

The only place in Equestria

To give out friendship degrees

Yeah!

Many more of ponies joined in as they all chanted happily and wildly. They even performed cheerleading performance for Friendship University.

Ponies: Friendship U!

Friendship U!

Flim encouraged proudly, "That's it, everypony! Let's hear it! Tell us again why it's the best!"

Ponies cheered: It's the only university of Friendship U!

Flim and Flam: Yeah!

"Boring…" Terrorcreep remarked dryly while crossed his hooves. Flim and Flam were annoyed by his remark. He scoffed, "I see you haven't change at all."

Flim groaned while glaring at Terrorcreep, "Well, if it isn't our favorite vampire pony."

Flam scoffed, "How's your shy girlfriend?"

"Wife, genius," Terrorcreep corrected them both. Flim and Flam were surprised. He answered firmly, "We're married now."

"That's a surprise," Flim remarked in shock.

"What are you idiots doing here? You're supposed to be working and reporting to Drillmap," Terrorcreep answered dryly, "And I do not believe that Councilpony Scar Brilliance would approve of this."

Flim scoffed while waved it, "Let's just say we both compromise for building the better economy and also earning the currency for our benefits."

Flam nodded confidently, "Yes. Mr. Councilpony agreed and allowed us to proceed with this. Our Friendship U will be officially recognized or authorized."

"Somehow I doubt it," Shadow Dragon disagreed, "Who would accredit this place?"

"Why, the EEA, of course." A familiar stern yet calm and firm voice spoke.

The voice shocked and alerted Twilight and her friends. They all turned and looked back, where they found Chancellor Neighsay emerged out from the crowd. He smiled calmly yet proudly as if he outdone himself with latest work.

"Chancellor Neighsay?!" Twilight exclaimed in disbelief.

"Hello, Princess Twilight. We meet again," Chancellor Neighsay greeted dryly.

Twilight glared at Chancellor Neighsay, "The feeling is mutual."

Terrorcreep huffed in uninterested tone, "Somehow, I figured you'd behind of this joke."

"On contrary, this isn't a joke. It's the reality," Chancellor Neighsay said calmly with a smile, "Something that you all have failed to fulfill what EEA's requirement."

"And you think this place is better?" Shadow Dragon asked dryly, "Because this place is perfect for 'ponies only and no creatures."

"Do not mock me, General." Chancellor Neighsay firmly contradicted, "The Equestria Educational Association has taken an interest in institutions that teach friendship in a pony-first environment. Surely you didn't think your school has a monopoly on the concept?"

"Well, she did write the book on it." Rarity answered confidently.

Chancellor Neighsay rolled his eyes in unamused as he remarked, "Ah, yes. How to teach friendship to creatures who will one day use it as a weapon against us."

"How could they use friendship as a weapon?!" Twilight questioned in annoyance.

"You tell me. It's your book." Chancellor Neighsay retorted. He turned and looked at Terrorcreep, "Your friend is the perfect example of how he did to your friend."

"He wasn't in control of himself!" Rarity protested.

Chancellor Neighsay scoffed, "Is that so? Fascinating that you would defend this… monster. Imagine if he were to attack his own wife. Just to show that even beauty can't tame the beast."

Angrily grabbed and held Chancellor Neighsay against the wall, Terrorcreep snarled at him, alerting everyone else to witness it.

Terrorcreep threatened, "If you speak ill of my wife again, then I will rip your head off without mercy!"

Chancellor Neighsay groaned in pain, "Go ahead and try! Prove the world that creatures cannot be trusted!"

Terrorcreep was about to comply and harmed Chancellor Neighsay. Rarity and Twilight grabbed and pulled him back away from Chancellor Neighsay.

Rarity insisted, "That's enough, Terrorcreep. He's not worth it."

"And besides, Chancellor Neighsay should know better for causing an international incident with our allied creatures," Twilight said firmly and dryly. She glared at him, "Princess Celestia will not tolerate this if you keep on doing it again."

Chancellor Neighsay grunted, "I am aware of my consequence. I do not need reminder. Thank you very much."

"Still dumbass as before," Shadow Dragon remarked dryly. He scoffed amusingly, "If my father were here, he would give you a piece of his mind. Painfully."

"Unfortunately, he has an important task to be concern with. The former emperor has not been awakening," Chancellor Neighsay said dryly yet relief. He looked around of his surroundings, "Meantime, this university appears to be a promising option for ponies who'd prefer to stick to the EEA book on the subject."

"Then, you must be more foolish than I realized," Terrorcreep mocked dryly and sarcastically. He turned and glared suspiciously at Flim and Flam, "These two are obviously up to something."

Flim gasped in shock and concern, "Well, that certainly wasn't friendly."

Flam nodded in agreement, "Indeed. We've already explained to you about our compromise with Scar Brilliance."

Shadow Dragon shook his head in disagreement, "Scar Brilliance isn't that type of pony, who would compromise with con artists like you."

"It seems that Princess Twilight's beloved husband and general would behave differently." Chancellor Neighsay remarked. He hummed, "Interestingly. Since the School of Friendship is an

uncredited, I suspected that his wife is here to undermine the competition."

The ponies gasped in shocked and disbelief to hear such a thing. Twilight looked worried yet embarrassed to be accused for undermining.

Just before she insulted, Shadow Dragon scoffed before taunted, "If we want to undermine this school, we would have mocked and trashed you and your place. EEA has proven themselves to be incompetent and corrupted politicians, who wants to save their faces and reputation, not bother to care about right and wrong. Chancellor Neighsay is the perfect example."

Boiled up in anger, Chancellor Neighsay angrily snapped, "Why you insolent-!"

Twilight cleared her throat as she interrupted, "Chancellor Neighsay, I wouldn't do something irrational and foolishly. You're in the public, not in office to tell him off."

The ponies chattered and muttered in concern as they talked about Chancellor Neighsay's behavior while wondering if his decision to accredit Friendship University is true or not. Seeing this, he was embarrassed about it. He muttered and grumbled angrily about it.

"Now, now, fillies and gentlecolts." Flam spoke up calmly as he levitated and set up the table with portion of registration papers, "No need to start the fight. Let's show our guests just how friendly we are by signing up for some classes!"

Ponies cheered happily as they gathered and lined up to registration table. They're now signing up for Friendship University's classes.

Flim turned and looked at Chancellor Neighsay, "Why don't I show you around?"

"Yes, please do," Chancellor Neighsay agreed dryly before glanced angrily at Twilight and her team, "I would like to be away from my humiliation…"

Flim gave the tour guide for Chancellor Neighsay around the Friendship University. Just as they were about to go, they both accidentally bumped on the sick elderly janitor.

Flim groaned, "Watch where you're going! Don't you realize what you have almost done?!"

The elder janitor panicked and begged, "Please forgive me! Please forgive me!"

"Just get out of my sight. You're making us look bad," Flim scolded. The elder janitor nodded fearfully before heading off. He turned to his guest, "Shall we?"

Chancellor Neighsay nodded firmly and calmly as he followed Flim for the tour. Twilight and her friends looked at each other as they firmly nodded that they need to check out on this.

Twilight said her thanks, "Shadow Dragon, thank you, but you need to be careful of what you said. I don't want you to get into trouble. It will ruin your reputation."

"I don't care. I won't let him talk bad about you." Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Terrorcreep nodded, "Agreed. Chancellor Neighsay's slander and insults to us and School of Friendship won't help him to gain good publicity. If we find the evidence, he would feel more humiliated and embarrassed."

"You feeling alright, darling?" Rarity asked in concern, "Whatever happens to you is not your fault, you weren't yourself. Something controls you."

Terrorcreep turned and looked at Rarity, "Do not worry about me, Rarity. No criticism or mockery will ever stop me from protecting my friends, even if I had to be a monster to do so."

Shadow Dragon patted Terrorcreep's back, "You really are something. A ruthless tactician did it for friendship and love."

Terrorcreep glared at Shadow Dragon, "Don't mock me again."

Twilight sighed, "Let's follow them now."

As Flim was giving the tour for Chancellor Neighsay around the Friendship University, Twilight and her team were able to keep up with them.

Twilight spoke up, "I'm sorry, but approval from the EEA won't magically convince me that this school is what you promise."

"Neither this convince me," Terrorcreep said dryly, "I still don't believe that Scar Brilliance would agree with this false school."

Flim hummed calmly, "And what would it take to convince you?"

"Well, some ponies whose opinion I respect, for one." Twilight said calmly and confidently, "And I am confident that Chancellor Neighsay's cannot be trusted."

Suspecting Twilight's referring to Imperial Phoenix's Emperor, Chancellor Neighsay groaned as he remarked sarcastically, "I hope you're not referring to your mentor, Azure Phoenix. He has already fallen out of the Council's favor for speaking out against them and Emperor Nezha. His reputation is ruined."

Twilight hissed in shame and concern about her mentor. Shadow Dragon spoke up, "Maybe so. But at least, he's not corrupted and racist jackass like you, sorry wannabe politician."

Chancellor Neighsay growled, "I watched that tone if I were you. I do not tolerate it."

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "Go ahead and try it, impostor."

Chancellor Neighsay was about to scold Shadow Dragon but halted by Flim as the con artist spoke, "Now, now. No need to start the fight. We're here on tour of Friendship University." He turned and looked at the room. He smiled, "I have somepony, who can convince you otherwise."

Flim opened the classroom's door. It revealed a familiar figure, who was studying and writing down on the papers, which involved of Friendship. This shocked and surprised everyone to gasp while looking at him.

"Twilight?" Starswirl asked in surprise.

"What the heck?" Shadow Dragon asked in disbelief.

Twilight and her friends approached to Starswirl. She asked, "Starswirl? What are you doing here?"

Starswirl declared calmly, "Why, studying friendship at Flim and Flam's wonderful school!"

Rarity scoffed, "Oh, please. I think I know a disguise when I see one. Take off that ridiculous beard... FLAM!"

Just before Starswirl could say anything, Rarity used her magic levitation to pull the beard very hard, making the ancient wizard screamed in pain. Everyone sans Flim looked worry and concern as they have the feeling that he might be real.

Just as everyone expected, Flam arrived and asked warmly and calmly, "How's it going in here?"

Everyone turned and found Flam just entered the classroom. This shocked and surprised Rarity to dispelled her magic, releasing his beard.

Starswirl groaned while rubbing his face, "It-It's really me."

Chancellor Neighsay approached to Starswirl as he remarked in surprise, "I'd heard rumors you've returned, but I didn't believe it until now. A pony of your stature studying here is a promising sign." Turning to Flim and Flam he added. "I'll need to observe a few more classrooms. But from what I've seen so far, I can all but guarantee complete and unreserved EEA accreditation. I shall take my leave before the princess and her friend here make even greater fools of themselves."

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "We could say the same thing for you. I can promise you that accredit this fake is not gonna help you get a good reputation. It's gonna make you the worst."

Chancellor Neighsay groaned in annoyance as he can't stand with the insult. Regardless, he immediately leaves and headed off to inspect the classroom.

Twilight approached and questioned Starswirl, "I… I don't understand. Why would you come here and not my school?"

Suspiciously looking nervous, Starswirl cleared his throat as he explained, "My travels brought me to Las Pegasus. I didn't come for the school, but Flim and Flam convinced me to try it out."

"You can't trust Flim and Flam!" Twilight insisted in concern, "They tried to con the Apples out of their farm! They sold fake health tonic! They run a resort in Las Pegasus!"

"Technically, our resort is a legitimate business." Flam corrected dryly.

"Correction. You don't own the resort. It is under the Sovereign Lion's management, not yours. Remember that, Flam." Terrorcreep said dryly, annoying Flim and Flam. He continued, "I thought you two learned your lesson after that issue with Gladmane and that you started working for Cunning Fury."

Flim glared at him, "You would know. We couldn't sleep for days because of you!"

Terrorcreep smirked slyly and amusingly, "You deserved it. If I were that manager, I would make you all squirmed more painfully."

Flim and Flam glared at Terrorcreep as they remarked, "Oh… I hate you more than Apples…"

Starswirl approached to Twilight as he explained, "I spent a thousand years thinking the worst of a 'bad' pony. You taught me to look for the best in him. Whatever Flim and Flam's past may be, starting this school shows they want to change for the better."

Terrorcreep groaned, "It's no wonder Tao thinks of him as a fool…"

"I wish I could believe that." Twilight said in uncertain.

"Twilight, I promise I'll visit your school soon." Starswirl assured Twilight. He looked at Flim and Flam, "Flim and Flam, you do not mind if I join them for lunch. This study has made me very hungry now."

Flim and Flam nodded happily, "No problem. Just make sure they don't cause the problem."

Starswirl nodded as he led and guided Twilight and her team out of the class. They're heading off for their lunch. Just as they were about to leave the classroom, they yelped as they slipped and fell on the ground hard. They groaned in pain while recovering. They then found a 'wet floor' signboard, making them groaned in annoyance. They all shouted and complained about the elder janitor's incompetence.

Unknown to Twilight's Team or even Flim-Flam Brothers, the elder janitor was heading and entering his room. He picked the commlink out as he made the contact.

"Sir, they're here," The elder janitor reported, "Just as you planned…"

The commanding voice spoke, "Good. Keep an eye on them. Help them in any way you can until you find what those troublemakers were really after…"

Starswirl dragged and led Twilight and her friends out of the Friendship University. They all headed straight to the café for the lunch and drinks. And at the same time, they were also discussing and talking as well.

"Now, this hits the spot. Never thought this era's food could be good as my time," Starswirl remarked calmly with a sigh after eating spaghetti. He then noticed Twilight's concern looks. He asked, "Twilight? You're still not upset about not coming to your school?"

Shadow Dragon scoffed while crossed his hooves, "Isn't that obvious?"

"A bit…" Twilight admitted in upset tone. She then asked, "Starswirl, you don't think they're running an actual friendship school, do you?"

Starswirl looked around of his surroundings as he was making sure that he wasn't followed or even eavesdropped by someone else. He gestured his friends to come near. Twilight and her friends were confused and uncertain by his gesture. They obeyed and moved close towards him as they wondered why he was secretive.

Starswirl cleared his throat as he answered calmly, "No, Twilight, I don't."

Everyone was surprised and confused by the wizard's answer. Shadow Dragon demanded, "What?! Didn't you say-?!"

Starswirl shushed while silencing Shadow Dragon by covering hooves on mouth, "Keep it down! You want to blow my cover?! Honestly, you're worse as your father! Always shouting and demanding before I could explain anything." Shadow Dragon was annoyed by insult, but nodded firmly as he was willing to keep quiet. The wizard explained, "Listen. I'm not really here for their studies, but also investigate."

"Really?" Rarity asked in surprise.

Starswirl nodded, "Yes. The real reason why I was here because Princess Celestia and I received the unanimous tip about this university. It claimed that Flim and Flam built this place to get more good reviews and supports of ponies, as well as making a terrible point of your school for housing creatures. I also heard that someone has stolen and deliver one of your Friendship Studies to them to make this happen."

"W-What?! Who?! Why?!" Shadow Dragon asked seriously.

"Which is why we're have to investigate," Starswirl said seriously and firmly.

Twilight looked worry and scared as she protested, "But we can't go poking around the school. Everypony'll think I'm still just 'threatened by the competition'. And I don't want to risk you to do this, otherwise it will ruin your reputation. They will think that you work for me."

Starswirl smiled confidently, "Do not worry, Twilight. I'll be fine. They still think of me as a model student and supporter of this place. They won't think twice of me being a threat to them. But how the rest of you investigate without anyone recognizing and spotting you?"

Terrorcreep smirked, "Whoever say that 'we' need to investigate."

Knowing what he was thinking, Rarity smiled slyly, "I like what you're thinking, TC."

Rarity guided and led the rest of her team to another newly 'Viva' Boutique of hers, which was located two blocks away from the Friendship University. Rarity selected and picked the clothes for her friends to try while Starswirl was sitting down as he was reading the 'Mare in the Moon' and 'Past Sin' story, which scared yet intrigued him to learn more about it.

After 15 minutes of choosing and wearing their clothes, Twilight and her friends emerged out and revealed their own disguises. Rarity is wearing a yellow shirt with pink blouse, blue shorts, blue cap covering her messy yet styled mane and her left back leg was tied with blue ribbon. Shadow Dragon worn a crimson T-shirt with torn sleeveless, black jacket and worn sunglasses. Terrorcreep worn black shirt and pants with the tag, white hooded-long trench coat.

"Oh. How intriguing," Starswirl remarked in surprise.

Rarity smiled, "In these disguises, we could pass as students at out own school."

"Then, I supposed we're ready," Terrorcreep said firmly and calmly.

"I don't know, Rarity." Twilight said in concern from the dressing room.

Rarity cleared her throat, "Ah-ah. What did I say about using our real names?"

Just as the dressing room's door opened, Twilight emerged out from it. She worn an eyepatch and a sticky note on her flank.

Twilight rolled her eyes, "Sorry, 'Plainity'. But I'm pretty sure this isn't enough of a disguise."

Starswirl nodded, "I'm afraid I concur with Twilight. This kind of disguise is too obvious and ridiculous…"

"Looks like we're on the same page," Shadow Dragon said calmly.

And just before anyone could say anything, Shadow Dragon pushed and moved Twilight back into the dressing room. He helped Twilight to change her disguise for better one.

A few seconds later, he came back out, still in his disguise, and Twilight followed. Instead of the eyepatch and sticky note, she was now wearing glasses, a white shirt that covered her wings, and a pair of pants. Her mane was even tied in a ponytail. Everyone looked surprise of what they're looking at.

Shadow Dragon moved the long-rounded mirror before his wife. He asked, "What do you think?"

Looking at her mirror carefully, Twilight couldn't help but smiled happily, "It's perfect."

Rarity looked disbelief yet surprised as she remarked in disbelief, "Too perfect."

"Honestly, Rarity, what were you thinking?" Terrorcreep asked in annoyance.

Rarity rolled her eyes in annoyance, "I was trying to make the disguise so obvious that Flim and Flam won't suspect it. They will think a smart pony like her would think something more complicated and subtle.

Starswirl shook his head in disagreement, "It's too obvious, Rarity. Flim and Flam won't fall for that kind of trick. I could tell that difference."

"Everypony has to be critic…" Rarity grumbled. She cleared her throat, "Okay, everyone. I've read enough Shadow Spade to know the key to going undercover is rehearsing your backstory." She blandly introduced herself, "I'm 'Plainity'. and I love bland old normal stuff. No frills for me. What's your name?"

"Mine will be Sci-Twi. I love science and math for friendship." Twilight said calmly. Everyone looked at her. She shrugged, "What? Human Pinkie's suggestion. It's kinda sound cool."

Shadow Dragon shrugged, "If you say so, call me 'Ronin Chase'. Bad but cool type of kid in town."

"Mysterio. I don't talk anything," Terrorcreep said casually and calmly. Everyone looked at him blandly. He scoffed, "I'd never give a damn about codenames or background. Can we go now?"

Rarity sighed, "Yes. Mr. Impatient Tactician. We can go. Now, how do we start our investigation?"

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "I think we should split up. You and Terrorcreep enroll in some classes and find out what they're actually teaching. I and Shadow Dragon will look around and see what we can find."

"I will join with you as well," Starswirl suggested. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "To ensure that you two don't try anything foolish."

"Foolish?" Twilight asked in disbelief before scoffed with blowing raspberry, "As if! I mean why would I do anything so foolish? It's not like I would just go on my own to infiltrate Flim-Flam's office for investigation and trying to find out if they're scamming until I get caught in picture for trying to sabotage. Yeah. I'm not trying to do anything foolish that will get us into trouble."

Everyone looked worry and shocked by Twilight's rant as her tone and attitude have convinced them that she needs someone to be there with her.

"Definitely you need to be with her," Shadow Dragon remarked.

Starswirl nodded agreement, "Agreed. I'll make sure she won't do anything foolish during our investigation."

"If you're done talking, let us go now," Terrorcreep said impatiently.

Twilight sighed, "Yes. Terrorcreep, we're going now."

Twilight and her friends headed off and returned to the Friendship University to continue their investigation and also avoided from getting caught by Flim-Flam Brothers.

"I wonder how Nyx and others are doing now?" Rarity asked in concern.

Twilight sighed, "Hopefully, better. And I also hope that she doesn't do anything rash."

Lance, Spike and Nyx were inside the teacher office, investigating and checking any missing article, studies or Friendship Catalogs from the book shelf. And so far, they couldn't find anything missing in the office.

Spike hummed in concern, "I can't seem to find anything missing here."

"No kidding," Lance agreed. He looked through some history text book, "Doesn't seem like she come here and stole anything."

"We have to keep finding," Nyx said determinedly, "I know the missing Friendship Study is here somewhere. Mummy is counting on us to prove that this 'Friendship University' is using our studies for their benefits. And Cozy Glow is working with them."

Spike looked concern as he spoke, "Nyx, remember what Twilight told you. Don't try anything stupid. Cozy Glow will weasel you up."

"Yeah. I'm with Spike," Lance said in concern, "Just don't let her get to you."

Irritated by her brother's reminder, Nyx ranted, "Do not remind me of what I'm supposed to do! I know what I'm doing! I'm not looking for a fight! Just want to make her look bad for what she did to me! Just need some damn evidence to prove that she's a real troublemaker, okay?! You got a problem with that?!"

Lance and Spike looked uneasy and worried while looking at each other before turned back to her. They both smiled nervously with sweats, "No…"

Just before anyone could do anything, the siblings heard some shouting and loud ruckus from outside of office. They became worried and concerned as they quickly exited out and checked out on the source. They found Heatwave and Sandbar were fighting with each other as their friends were trying to pull and drag them away from the fight.

"Not this again," Lance grumbled as he and his siblings marched towards them. He pushed both Sandbar and Heatwave aside. He spoke out, "What the heck is going on now? What are you two fighting now?"

Heatwave snapped, "Sandbar and his friends wanted to leave and join the stupid Friendship University! They're the traitors! They need to be punished!"

Sandbar protested, "Hey! We didn't say that! We only commented about how cool the school is! We just wanna check out on how good it is."

"That's the same as leaving and betraying School of Friendship! You guys wanted to go there so badly! You lying traitor, Sandbar!"

"Traitor?! You wanna say that again? Your uncle betrayed the Mystic-Equestria Alliance! How do we know that you're not a traitor and spy, working for Dark Mystic Ponies?

Feeling insulted, Heatwave growled in anger as he snapped, "Say that again! I dare you say that again, you lying and boring surfer ass!"

Sandbar shouted back, "You're the real traitor, traitor!"

Heatwave jumped in and attacked Sandbar, who got slammed to the ground. Both of them punched at each other's fiercely and angrily. Their friends tried to stop the fight by talking sense into them while dragging and pulling them aside. Arcee jumped in-between as she gave both of them some big slap, making them yelped in pain.

"Hey!" Heatwave protested in pain.

Sandbar groaned in pain, "What was that for?"

"For being stupid and ridiculous. You both should know better to start the accusation and fighting." Arcee scolded both Sandbar and Heatwave, "Sandbar, Azure Phoenix's resignation and 'supposed rebellion' has nothing to do with Heatwave because he has been with us since the school started. And Heatwave, we all know that you have been so loyal to our school because of your uncle, but you're being too harsh to others. You have to know the different between 'commenting' and 'insulting', and not to mention, they just want to check out only. Am I right?"

After listening to Arcee's explanation, both Sandbar and Heatwave were a bit of embarrassed and ashamed for accusing each other.

"Sorry…" Sandbar and Heatwave apologized shamefully.

Looking at the leaflet, Arcee said, "As far as I'm concern with the argument, this Friendship University is only for ponies and no creatures allowed to study. This means that they're not gonna welcomed us warmly as this place." Everyone gasped and muttered in disbelief and shock. She asked, "Does anyone wants to go to the place?"

As everyone was giving some thoughts, Smolder spoke up firmly, "The hell with that stupid university. Who needs it if they're gonna treat us like trash?!"

"You said it." Gallus agreed firmly, "We can go to Las Pegasus when our teachers take us for fieldtrip or vacation!"

Jesuits smiled proudly, "This place is where true friendship can be earned!"

Bella nodded happily, "Hell yeah! Humans! Changelings! Yaks! Dragons! Griffins! Hippogriffs! Humanoids! They're all our friends, not monsters! School of Friendship is the best!"

"School of Friendship is the best!" Ocellus cheered, "Everyone! For our school!"

The students cheered happily and wildly, "SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP! SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP! SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP! SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP!"

The siblings were surprised and amazed by how loyally and supportive the students are to the School of Friendship. They all smiled proudly and happily.

"Thanks, Arcee," Nyx said happily.

Spike nodded warmly, "Yeah. You sure know how to handle this problem. You should be Hall Monitor. I'll ask Twilight to promote you."

Arcee flustered, "Please don't, Spike. I'm not very good at being the leader. I-I'm just doing my best to help out my fellow classmates."

"That's the reason why most of us think you should be Hall Monitor or Prefect," Lance said calmly. He then looked at Arcee's holding the leaflet. He asked, "By the way, Arcee, where did you get the leaflet? I thought Terrorcreep got all of them."

Arcee hummed in concern, "I also thought so too. Apparently, Cozy Glow kept one before giving it to Sandbar."

Nyx narrowed her angry eyes, "I knew it. She must be the one to get the Friendship Studies and sent it to the fake university."

"Probably," Lance agreed, "But we need to know which studies and why would she do it?"

Spike groaned, "Easier to say than done. That brat is very tricky to deal with. She will deny it and come up with excuses that she has nothing to do with it.

Arcee hummed thoughtfully and calmly, "Maybe. Maybe not. We're gonna find out. One way or another."

"Even if it means we can threaten her?" Nyx asked teasingly. Arcee, Lance and Spike gave the glared at her. She sighed, "Kidding. I'm just suggesting. We're gonna need some help for the investigation. And I know a team of mine can help us with this."

At the Friendship University, with Starswirl joining them, Twilight and her friends split up and continued their investigation. Both Rarity and Terrorcreep are in the Generosity Class, along with other students. While studying and checking out on their Friendship Studies, Flam dashed in while sliding down dashingly and stylishly.

Flam greeted enthusiastically, "Welcome, newest students! Let's dive right in, shall we? One of the most important elements of friendship is being thoughtful. True or false?"

Most of the students enthusiastically and excitedly raised their hooves while chattering eagerly. Terrorcreep scoffed while leaning against the chair as he ignored everything. Flam hummed thoughtfully while looking at the students carefully to pick for answer. He eventually picked Rarity to answer.

Rarity cleared her throat as she answered in deep yet casual voice, "If by 'thoughtful' you mean 'generous', I'd say true."

Flam was surprised and amazed as he exclaimed with a laughter, "Correct! It was a trick question. Very impressive, Miss...?"

"Plainity." Rarity introduced herself.

"Well, well, well, Miss Plainity, keep it up and you'll be ready for our next level in no time!" Flam remarked with pride and cockiness.

The students awed in amazement and surprised as they all chattered about her. Rarity was surprised by the attention.

Thinking of the plan, she realized that if she could answer any kind of Friendship Questions and done all kinds of errands, she can access to Flim-Flam Brothers' office and find the evidence of their scam. Terrorcreep rolled his eyes about Rarity's getting attention, though he played along as he believed that this could help their investigation.

"Now, let's see if you can demonstrate for the class." Flam said cockily as he approached and sat down on his seat, "What's something generous you could do for… me right now?"

Rarity gave some thoughts of what she can do to 'demonstrate' generosity. She gasped of the idea. She brought the pillow and bowl of grapes. She placed the pillow on the back of Flam while feeding him the grape.

Flam was impressed as he remarked, "Class, Plainity here is now my star pupil. If any of you want a chance at studying with Star Swirl, I'd take notes on her every action." He then glared at Terrorcreep, who was slacking and lying on the chair. He scoffed, "And paid no attention to him. He's the best example of 'lazy' student."

The students obliged and wrote down on what Rarity has done so far. And at the same time, Terrorcreep was scoffing and laying down on his chair while secretly filming his camera on the event, which would make good evidence to turn against them. He believed that they really have no interest of teaching students, but using them for their greedy pocket.

Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Starswirl were at the Loyalty Class, along with the group of students. And surprisingly, both Twilight and Shadow Dragon's disguises managed to fool everyone including Flim and Chancellor Neighsay.

As Flim was teaching them about 'loyalty', Chancellor Neighsay was there to oversee and checked on their progress.

"Now class, this study is very important for you all to learn and understand carefully because 'loyalty' concept is very tricky and challenging," Flim said calmly and sincerely. He cleared his throat, "While it's important that we have to help each other and be there for them as well, we should also ensure treated each other fairly and kindly. Otherwise, bad things could happen to us or them."

Recalled of the event for turning on his own best friend, Starswirl sighed, "Thus, the bonds of fellowship will be broken and lost forever. Will never be forgotten and never heal."

Both Shadow Dragon and Twilight were completely aware of Starswirl's talk as he was talking about Stygian's Case.

"Correct, Mr. Starswirl. So, be sure that you don't mess this up or else you might end up like Azure Phoenix." Flim confirmed calmly. The students chattered and muttered in confusion and concern about why would Flim say that. He continued, "Why him? Because Azure Phoenix is known for betraying his own friends and killing them when they have outlived their usefulness or even refused to follow him. For example, in his ancient time, he murdered his own father's sworn brother and even Master Ratio, who was his closest advisor and best friend without mercy or even shed tears for him. Such heartless and cruel of him. Truly a backstabber and ruthless warlord to deal with."

Twilight became concern as she asked calmly, "Professor Flim, any idea of why he would do such a thing especially they were so loyal to him?"

Flim shrugged, "No one knows, Sci-Twi. One thing for certain is that Azure Phoenix cared about fulfilling his ambition and wanted to control the world." Flim explained. He feigned sigh of 'hurt', "As the old saying of his goes, 'I rather betray the world than the world to betray him'. He is indeed a villain, not a true hero. He has shown his true colors now."

Twilight was hurt and shocked to hear it. She couldn't believe that Azure Phoenix would do such a thing in present. She thought he become a humble and gentle ruler especially their last conversation and meeting they had. She became worried that she might be nothing but pawn to him from the start.

"I am certain that he has his own reason to do so," Starswirl suggested.

Chancellor Neighsay scoffed arrogantly, "The reason is very obvious. He wants power and world domination. Everypony knows that. He is no hero. He is a villain and Dark Mystic Pony needs to be dealt with."

"Can you be certain of that?" Shadow Dragon demanded with his narrowed angry eyes, "Are you even sure that he's the traitor?"

Chancellor Neighsay glared back as he answered, "I am certain. Unlike me, I am very loyal to Princess Celestia. I would rather fight the creatures than allied with them because they're threat to our society. They and us have nothing in common."

"If that is true…" Shadow Dragon said dryly.

The school bell rang loudly, signaled the recess time. Flim and Chancellor Neighsay immediately exited out of the class, followed by the students. Twilight, Starswirl and Shadow Dragon remained behind as they have discussion.

"I can tell that you're bothered by Azure Phoenix," Starswirl said calmly.

Twilight sighed, "He hasn't spoken to me lately. I'm worried that Chancellor Neighsay and Flim might be right about him. He's reverting back to his old ways. He really wants power and world domination. That's why he against Nezha?"

"Wrong, Twilight," Starswirl disagreed firmly. Twilight looked at him. He continued, "While his methods can be ruthless and cruel, but his intention is good because he wants to ensure the world is in good order and maintain the peace and friendship between two worlds. And what Nezha did recently has convinced him that he's too dangerous to be trusted to lead the Mystic Realm. And that is why your mentor resigned and left the council."

"Do you really think he would rebel and fight him?" Twilight asked in concern, "I'm worried that would destroy his reputation and ponies would think otherwise."

Shadow Dragon shook his head, "He'll be fine, Twilight. And besides, Lord Azure hardly cared about reputation because his main concern is to protect order and peace especially the alliance between Mystic and Equestria."

Starswirl nodded, "Indeed. His own homeland, some of his trusted allies like me, and even Celestia and Luna knew him and his intention well. And he's not afraid to fight and do what is right. He's doing this for us. He'll be fine."

"Yeah. He won't go down so easily," Shadow Dragon said confidently and calmly. Twilight smiled in relief to hear it. He gestured at the gate, "Come on. Let's go and find out what scams they're planning. I'll go to the office. You guys find out from others. Check on Rarity and Terrorcreep."

Twilight nodded, "Okay. Watch yourself and don't do anything stupid."

Shadow Dragon gave the confident smirk to ensure her that he won't. He headed off to Flim-Flam Brothers' office while Starswirl and Twilight talked with the students about Friendship University, and also checked on Rarity and Terrorcreep's investigation.

Shadow Dragon arrived at Flim-Flam office. Before entering it, he looked around as he wanted to make sure that no one spotted him. He then looked inside as he found the office is completely in dark and empty. He smirked slyly that he can sneaked in and investigate.

Just as he entered the office, Shadow Dragon looked around of his surroundings as he was searching for clues and information that involved of scam or even the missing Friendship Studies. He found some documents and leaflets that involved of 'The Element of Laughter and its applications', 'consultancy leaflet' and 'Friendship University's Objective'. The investigation frustrated and annoyed Shadow Dragon.

Shadow Dragon grunted in frustration, "Damn it. Where is the proof that it's all a scam?"

"There isn't any!" Flam's voice exclaimed.

Just before he could do anything, the clap of hooves that activated and turned on the lights. Shadow Dragon turned and looked at the entrance, where he found Flim and Flam stood before him. They all smirked slyly and amusingly. Flim used his magical levitation to remove the disguise while Flam used the camera to take a picture of Shadow Dragon.

Flam has the picture of Shadow Dragon snooping on his office. He groaned, "Not exactly the picture we're looking for."

Flim nodded, "Indeed, brother of mine. We were hoping Twilight to be here but not you."

"Is that so?" Shadow Dragon mocked, "Sorry to disappoint you, dumbass. So, what do you hope to accomplish this?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Flam asked amusingly while showing the photo of Shadow Dragon snooping around the office, "We took the picture of her, so everypony will recognize the Princess of Friendship sneaking into our office."

Flim nodded, "I can see the headline now! 'Princess of Jealousy! Twilight Sparkle Bent on Ruining Her Competition!'"

"So sad. A news story like that would destroy your wife's reputation. Nopony will want to go to your school after that."

"Just wait until the papers get a hold of this!"

"'Princess Unhinged!' It'll be the talk of Equestria!"

Unfazed and unimpressed, Shadow Dragon questioned firmly, "Am I supposed to be worry about this? How would you know that I wouldn't do something you feared?"

Flim scoffed, "Please. What possibly can you do?"

Flam nodded amusingly, "Indeed. Fighting and punching us won't get you anywhere."

"That was pathetic and petty of you for pulling this stuff," Shadow Dragon remarked sarcastically and dryly, annoying the brothers. He questioned, "What exactly is this about? I doubt that you two have interest in teaching friendship to ponies. What are you really after? I have the feeling that Chancellor Neighsay is behind this."

"Not quite," Flim disagreed. Shadow Dragon was surprised. He explained, "Well, let's just say that we have some common goal."

Flam crossed his hooves, "Indeed. Your bat friend will regret for what he has done to us. And believe us, pal. A perfect payback."

Instead of annoyed by their pettiness, Shadow Dragon smirked slyly, "I see now. You guys aren't just petty. You're pathetic, coward and impressively stupid for using the same tricks to trick ponies and getting greedy hooves on money, without realizing the trouble you both have gotten into or even cared about ponies especially if it's family like you two."

Flim and Flam gasped, "How dare you?!"

"Yes, I dare," Shadow Dragon said dryly and firmly, "You guys never learn your lessons. Always repeat the same mistakes until one day, ponies will forget about you. You will always be the laughingstock and least ponies in history. Nopony will even care about you, not even your own family."

"That's it!" Flim exclaimed in anger and annoyance.

Flam growled, "I'm gonna-!"

"What is going on here?" Chancellor Neighsay's voice demanded firmly.

Everyone turned and looked at the office's entrance, where Chancellor Neighsay entered. And at the same time, Starswirl and Twilight were hiding behind the door while spying on them. They both looked worry and concern.

Chancellor Neighsay demanded, "What is Princess Twilight's General doing here?"

"Would you believe us that he getting caught snooping in our office in disguise?" Flim explained calmly while showing the picture to Chancellor Neighsay. He shrugged, "Well, sort of."

Flam shook his head in disappointment, "Oh, honestly, Mr. Shadow Dragon, envy does not look good on you."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed while looking at the photo, "If it were Princess of Friendship, then I would be more convinced about it." He glared at Shadow Dragon, "Still, if you're here, then that means your wife is indeed undermine her competition."

Shadow Dragon gave his stern glare at Chancellor Neighsay, "Wrong again, Chancellor, as always. I didn't come here for investigation."

"Then, what are you doing here in the first place?" Flim asked amusingly.

Flam nodded while looking at the photo, "From the looks of this picture, it does looks like you were snooping our office."

"Oh, I am snooping office," Shadow Dragon confirmed firmly. Everyone was shocked and surprised. He picked up his Summoner Gem, "I was looking for this. My Summoner Gem."

Flim, Flam and Chancellor Neighsay looked suspicious and unconvinced. The chancellor questioned, "Do you honestly you could fool us so easily?"

Shadow Dragon remained calm and firm as he answered, "Believe what you want. That's the truth. And besides, if you publish this picture to public, no one would believe in you. Why would general snooping around in the office, unless it was a fake."

Chancellor Neighsay, Flim and Flam glared at calm yet cool-headed Shadow Dragon. Starswirl and Twilight looked worried and concern for him now.

Chancellor Neighsay sighed, "Very well, leave now."

Shadow Dragon was about to leave. Flim spoke up, "You won't get so lucky next time. We will show the world that Princess Twilight undermines our university."

Flam nodded, "Unless... you decided to drop the whole 'uncover the scam' thing."

Flim smirked slyly, "Why yes, my brother. We'll forget about getting picture of your wife, so it won't ruin her and her school."

Shadow Dragon gave the death glare at Flim and Flam as he remarked, "Be careful of what you said, Flim and Flam because it will come and bite you back. Very painful for you both and the chancellor."

Shadow Dragon firmly marched out of the office. As soon as he left, three of them sighed in relief. They never thought Shadow Dragon could be very threatening and terrified for them to handle.

Shadow Dragon met up with Twilight and Starswirl, who smiled in relief to see him alright. Three of them quickly moved out while searching and meeting with Rarity and Terrorcreep.

"That was too close," Starswirl remarked in relief. He looked at Shadow Dragon, "I don't know if that is brave or foolish of you to do that. In fact, you and your father are the same."

Shadow Dragon smirked calmly, "I may not know them much, but I know they're no threat as Dark Mystic Ponies and Nezha. They don't scare me easily."

"Either way, let's find others," Twilight said calmly, "Hopefully they've got some good news."

Back at the School of Friendship; the siblings, now teaming up with Arcee and recruiting Cutie Mark Crusaders including Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, continued their investigation to find and identified missing Friendship Study, and also link their suspect Cozy Glow has something to do with it or not. They all split up and went to different locations to investigate. Lance and Spike were at the school library. Arcee and Nyx were checking at Headmare's Office. Cutie Mark Crusaders asked the students about 'borrowing' and 'using' Friendship Studies. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are looking for Cozy Glow for questioning of her involvement with Friendship University.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are now at the East Wing, looking around and searching for Cozy Glow. Coincidentally, they both come across to her when she just exited out from her quarter. She yelped in surprise and concern to see them.

"Golly. Who are you?" Cozy Glow asked in surprised.

Diamond Tiara gave her suspicious yet firm glare at Cozy Glow, "My name is Diamond Tiara, and this is my best friend – Silver Spoon. We're here to question you."

Silver Spoon nodded, "Yeah. Like did you steal the Friendship Studies?"

Cozy Glow feigned gasp, "Steal? Friendship Studies? Me?"

"Yeah. Who else?" Silver Spoon said seriously and firmly.

"We know you stole and send the Friendship Studies to the so-called Friendship University. For what? For making the School of Friendship look bad? For getting back at Nyx? For them making fun of you? For revenge?"

Silver Spoon scoffed, "Yeah. You're studying here. Why would you do that for?"

Cozy Glow hummed in 'confusion', "I'm not sure what you're pointing at, but I'm pretty sure that I have nothing to do with this."

Still unconvinced by her lies, Diamond Tiara spoke firmly, "You won't get away with this."

"Why? Because you didn't?" Cozy Glow mocked, shocking and concerning Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She continued, "Oh, I know all about you, Diamond Tiara. You've got quite the reputation here in Ponyville.

"What do you mean?" Diamond Tiara questioned in fear.

Cozy Glow smirked slyly, "Well, I've heard you were quite a spoiled brat and a bully back then, considering how I defended you and that filly with the glasses from those bullies."

"Hey! We're not the bullies anymore! We're better now!" Silver Spoon protested.

Diamond Tiara nodded angrily and firmly, "Yeah. One way or another, we will find the evidence to prove that you're behind of this. You'll pay for what you did to Nyx."

"You can try, Diamond Tiara. But I can promise you that there's nothing you can do. Do you know why?" Cozy Glow mocked cunningly yet dryly. She gave her dark and angry looks as she continued, "I have some powerful friends, who are not gonna take this kindly or let anypony get in the way. And when they do, I cannot guarantee how bad it's gonna be. I can promise you that it will be the worst in your life. Some ponies you cared will get hurt mentally and emotionally. You and Nyx both seem a little less dumb than the others, so I'll give you one chance. You're either with me or against me. You don't have to answer right away. I'll give you till the end of the week. Consider this a favor for defending you."

Cozy Glow hummed playfully yet sinisterly as she headed off to the library now. Diamond Tiara was hurt and shocked to hear it. She dropped her knees while looking down hurtfully. Silver Spoon approached and gave her best friend a warm hug.

And to their surprise, Nyx and Arcee arrived at the scene. They both shown sympathetic and concern looks while approaching them.

"We heard what happened," Nyx said in concern, "I'm sorry for you to deal with this."

Diamond Tiara waved it, "I'm okay, Nyx. I can bear with it. Not the first time I have to deal with bad criticism." She sighed calmly while looking at her seriously, "Did you find it?"

Nyx and Arcee looked at each other before giving confident smile. Arcee lifted up some letters. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon approached to them while checking it out.

Arcee spoke, "We have the evidence. Cozy Glow did steal the Friendship Studies and send it to Friendship University for helping them to get more bits. And not to mention, she even got Chancellor Neighsay involved as well for accrediting this school to make ours a joke and bad."

Nyx groaned in annoyance, "The nerve of her… I really hate her."

"And guess which Friendship Studies she stole," Lance's voice spoke as he and the rest of team arrived at the scene. He answered, "Teaching Friendship for Dummies, written by Mane Six personally. That was meant for new teachers to learn and teach the students if they struggled to understand the advance level."

Spike groaned, "I can't believe she has the nerve to steal and sell it to our competition."

"And there's more," Apple Bloom said seriously and firmly, "We've talked with other students. They said that Cozy Glow helped them with their studies and projects. They all passed their tests and projects without any problem."

Scootaloo nodded, "There is no way that Cozy Glow could have become an expert on this so quickly. She barely passed anything when we helped her with studies."

"Yeah. That definitely confirms that she really stole the Friendship Studies. She not only sent the studies to Friendship University, but also make herself look good," Sweetie Belle added seriously, "Trying to be a student role model."

"Not so much a cute and innocent girl anymore," Jade remarked. She scoffed while looking at Nyx, "Hard to believe that she's your double."

Nyx groaned, "Don't compare me to her. She's nothing like me."

"Well, we have everything we need," Diamond Tiara said firmly while wiping tears off, "Send it to your mother now. There is no way that Friendship University can deny it."

Nyx nodded firmly, "That's the plan."

"What about Cozy Glow?" Aly asked in concern, "Knowing her, she will find a way to turn the table against us. She now has some serious supports of students. If we make the wrong move, we'd be in trouble."

Lance sighed in frustration, "I hate to admit it but Aly's right. We need to expose her true colors, then she will lose her supports."

"How are we gonna do that?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Nyx hummed thoughtfully, "I might have the idea. But I'm not sure she's gonna like it because this will help us kill two birds with one stone."

"It's the risk we have to take," Lance said firmly, "We can't let the frauds and troublemakers do what they want. They will learn that what happened when our lines been crossed."

Twilight and her team were looking around, searching for Rarity and Terrorcreep. Outside of the Friendship University, they found their friends chatting and talking with the students about generosity. As soon as the students left, they approached them.

"Starswirl, Sci-Twi and Ronin." Rarity greeted warmly. She noticed Shadow Dragon is not in disguise. She gasped, "Was your cover blown?"

Twilight sighed, "You could say that. Flim and Flam took a picture of him sneaking into their office."

"Be thankful that wasn't you," Starswirl said calmly while patting Twilight's back, "Because if you were in that picture, you will be in a difficult position. And who knows how much damage it will cause to you and your school?"

"Probably the worst," Terrorcreep remarked dryly.

Twilight sighed, "If I don't stop investigating, they're going to tell everypony that I'm trying to sabotage their school because I'm jealous."

"Don't tell me that you're giving up now." Terrorcreep asked in disbelief.

"Might as well be. I don't want to risk everyone's reputation for this investigation." Twilight admitted in concern, "It's not worth it. We should probably just go home."

"Twilight, you are not the kind of pony to let your emotions cloud your judgment." Rarity encouraged Twilight, "If you think Flim and Flam are up to no good, you can't give up."

"Agreed, Rarity," Starswirl said firmly and seriously. He patted Twilight back as he comforted, "Sometimes, it is necessary to risk your reputation when your gut's telling to do especially your adversary's personality and plan. And I believe we're on the right track."

"How so?" Twilight asked in confusion.

Starswirl explained, "You were right about Flim and Flam. They claimed they turn to new leaf, they're willing to stoop so low to snap picture on you and blackmail it to the public and Chancellor Neighsay to turn against you. And I also noticed that some students have to pay extra bits for other assignments and tools for the course, unlike mine. I get discount."

Rarity hummed in concern, "Why yes. I noticed that too. If you want to keep advancing here, you would need lots of bits. Tuition's free, but the worksheets sure aren't." She then showed her empty pouch, "I used all of them."

"Should have just ignored it," Terrorcreep remarked dryly. He then held his camera up, "Flim and Flam aren't the only ponies for trying to get the proof. I taped everything Flim and Flam have been doing including their teaching style, giving false grading and especially getting extra paid for more worksheet. And interestingly, I don't see any teachers but Flim, Flam and janitor only."

Starswirl hummed thoughtfully, "It appears that Flim and Flam did leave us a clue."

"Clue? Clue to what?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.

"The true goal behind Friendship University," Starswirl explained, "And also the true mastermind behind this show…"

"Really?" Terrorcreep asked.

Starswirl nodded, "Yes. I do not believe they're the only ones to plot this. Someone else is helping with them."

"Chancellor Neighsay?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

Starswirl shook his head, "Not him. He maybe the politician with bigotry against the creatures, he's not manipulative enough to be mastermind."

Suddenly, the scroll appeared in mid of air with letters. Twilight levitated and checked on them carefully. She hummed, "Looks like Nyx was right. Cozy Glow did steal and sell our Teaching Friendship for Dummies books to them for this. She even used it to gain favors and supports, making herself a student role model." She groaned, "To think that I actually believed in her to change for better."

"Guess that report Arcee and Nyx found is indeed accurately true," Terrorcreep remarked.

"So, what's next?" Shadow Dragon asked.

"We need to find the vault," Twilight suggested firmly, "That must be where they kept all the stolen money."

"Yeah. How?" Rarity asked.

Terrorcreep hummed thoughtfully, "I believe the janitor could help us. He might know something about this."

"Looking for me?" The elder janitor asked calmly. Everyone looked at him. He coughed a bit, "I know where the vault is. I'm willing to help."

"Twilight, maybe I should take over the investigation." Rarity suggested Twilight, "Think of your reputation!"

"My reputation isn't worth much if I won't risk it for what I think is right." Twilight said firmly, earning Starswirl's proud smile. She continued firmly and confidently, "Besides, I have a plan. Thanks to our children and Arcee, we now have more evidences. This time Flim and Flam won't get away with this."

Close to their office, Flim and Flam looked around of their surroundings as they wanted to make sure that no one especially Chancellor Neighsay was following them. Seeing no one around, they quickly entered the office, bringing along with the bag of bits.

Approaching to the wall with their self-portraits, Flim turned the hour pin at three while minute pin still at one. He and his brother turned their portraits upside down. With the right combination accessed, the wall opened into two while the middle with clock lifted up. It revealed the two golden doors to open. Both Flim and Flam marched into it, bringing along with their bag of bits. Unknown to them, they were being spied by Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Starswirl as they have suspected correctly. They then followed the brothers now.

Reaching to the end of the room, Flim and Flam have arrived and entered the richest yet royal-themed vault with brown curtains and shelves, which was filled with piles of bits, jewelries and even souvenirs. It has the furniture, portraits, pots of plants and in the center has the large table of Las Pegasus Display. A familiar Earth Pony was looking at the display.

"I assumed that everything's going well?" Gladmane asked calmly.

"Yes indeed, sir," Flim agreed. He cleared his throat nervously, "Well, we ran into some complications. Princess Twilight and her friends are here, trying to investigate and expose us. I don't think we can keep up with this especially keeping Chancellor Neighsay in hidden for long."

Flam nodded, "Flim's right. We tried to blackmail Twilight Sparkle with the photo of her undermining our school, but apparently, Shadow Dragon gotten into a way."

"Don't worry about that anymore, boys," Gladmane said calmly and amusingly, "Even with Princess Twilight and her friends were around, everything will go according to our plans, uh huh huh huh. After all, it was me for providing the bits you boys really need for best operation since your manager didn't use your talents well."

"Much appreciated, Mr. Gladmane," Flim thanked in relief.

Flam sighed, "We're so sorry for kicking you out. If we had known about this…"

"Now, now, boys, that's in the past," Gladmane said calmly, "We've got almost all the bits we need to expand our resort, thanks to us. Me providing the fundings and investment for the school while you two done some charismatic teachings to the students/"

Flim smiled, "That's good news. But if we add another level of classes and worksheets, we'll be there."

"Maybe we should add two levels, just to be safe." Flam suggested.

"Either way, we'll be taking back our business and getting Scar Brilliance out of this town for good," Gladmane said determinedly and firmly. Flim and Flam smiled proudly and happily. He approached to Las Pegasus display. He activated it. He smiled, "Now, my partners, let's talk about some additional attraction like another extreme pool slide here and maybe the pipes for the musical chocolate fountain go through… here."

"Those two are good," Flam supported.

"If you asked me, shouldn't that go closer to the pudding hot tub here?" Shadow Dragon's voice questioned while pointing at two places.

"Fair point, but-!" Flim was interrupted as he and his partners realized something. They turned and looked behind, where they found Shadow Dragon, Starswirl and Twilight stood before them. They exclaimed in unison, "WHAT?!"

Shadow Dragon smirked, "Surprise, jackass."

Twilight nodded firmly, "Agreed. We knew your school was a scam!"

Flim turned and looked at Starswirl as he asked, "And you?"

"Undercover to investigate about this school and its purpose," Starswirl answered calmly and firmly, shocking Flim, Flam and Gladmane. He scoffed while looking at his surroundings, "I meant what I said about you want to change for the better. But it appears that you have no good intention of helping the students to learn about friendship. How disappointing."

Twilight was annoyed and angry as she remarked, "All this is to spite me and my friends for ruining you all and also getting the bits for resort expansion plans. I'm tempted to lead your students here to see your true colors especially working with this ex-employer of yours."

Gladmane and Flim-Flam Brothers panicked. Flam spoke up, "Uhhhh… l-let's not get hasty. We can really explain about our predicament."

Flim nodded fearfully, "Ever since Sovereign Lion Nation taken over Las Pegasus, they've given us a hard time with our job and management especially taking 70 percent of our salary! Did you have any idea of how frustrated is when you've done the job and get nothing?"

Shadow Dragon rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Gee. I wonder why they would do that?"

"So, we came to Gladmane to help us out with problem," Flim continued calmly, "And of course, we avoid letting Scar Brilliance, Drillmap and that scary Rushstrike knowing what we did."

Flam nodded, "Indeed. Who knew that building Friendship University would attract the attention and getting the bits?"

"Now, now, Princess, let's make a deal," Gladmane said calmly, "If you forget all about this and not report to Chancellor Neighsay, then we can forget about the spite at your school."

Twilight disagreed firmly, "I don't think so. You can destroy my reputation if you want, but using your students' bits to expand your resort is wrong, even if the lessons you teach are good ones."

Shadow Dragon scoffed while crossed his hooves, "If it weren't for 'Teaching Friendship for Dummies' Book."

Flim, Flam and even Gladmane looked surprised and disbelief of what they just heard. Flam asked, "H-How did you know about this?!"

"No one should know that. It was supposed to be confidential," Gladmane said in fear and worry while holding and looking at Teaching Friendship for Dummies Book. He continued in concern, "In fact, our secret friend has made sure that no one find out about this."

Starswirl rolled his eyes, "It's so obvious that Twilight and her friends are the only ponies know about friendship. Hardly anyone ever taught that."

"And I'm guessing your secret friend is from School of Friendship," Shadow Dragon asked suspiciously and firmly, "And her name is Cozy Glow?"

Three con-artists looked shock and disbelief as Flim groaned, "How did they even know that?"

Flam groaned, "Are we so obvious?"

Twilight approached to Gladmane, "If you really want to call it even, give back the bits and stop charging for my lessons. Then you can teach them as much as you like."

"I'm sorry we can't," Flim said in concern. Twilight and her team glared at him. He sighed, "It's true. Gladmane holds all the bits. If we break off the deal, he'll just take everything for himself and rat us out."

Flam nodded, "That's what we do."

"Traitors…" Gladmane remarked while glaring at Flim and Flam. He turned to Twilight, "Sorry, Princess Twilight. I am not gonna give all the bits back to the students coz it belongs to us. We own it because we work for it. And I dare you to tell anyone especially Chancellor Neighsay about this. He's not gonna believe you about this. He's gonna accredit this and make us rich."

"I think not!" Rarity's voice shouted.

Three con-artists looked up and found Rarity and Terrorcreep in their disguises, stood before them. Flam gasped, "Plainity? My star pupil?"

"Not Plainity, but…" Rarity disagreed as she and Terrorcreep removed their disguises off. She exclaimed, "Rarity and Terrorcreep!"

"YOU?!" Three con-artists exclaimed in shock while pointing at Terrorcreep.

Terrorcreep smirked, "Surprise, idiots. Caught red-handed."

"And no use of denying it," Rarity said firmly, "Because we've brought somepony here to listen to everything you just said. He's beyond happy."

As Rarity and Terrorcreep moved aside, Chancellor Neighsay marched into the vault, shocking and scaring three con artists.

Flim stuttered in fear, "C-Chancellor Neighsay! W-What a surprise to see you here! W-We were just about to-!"

"Enough lies," Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in fury, silencing and scaring three con-artists. He continued, "Not only you all have deceived me to approve and accredit your school because of my bigotry against the creatures, but also used this university to fill up the bits in your greedy pocket and resort expansion. You have truly disgusted and insulted me, gentleponies. I'm ashamed for this."

Gladmane gulped with nervous sweat, "N-now, now, Chancellor Neighsay. I'm sure we can work something out here. How about if I pay you enough to forget about this?"

Chancellor Neighsay gave his angry glare at Gladmane, "No, we can't! I will not allow you to continue with this intolerable activity and action especially stain the reputation of EEA! By the power invested in me, the Friendship University's accreditation is hereby revoked! Return the bits you've collected from your students and close your school! Flim and Flam, I will pardon you for this but as long you never set hoof in a learning environment again. But as for Gladmane, the jury will decide your fate. Pray that you get a good lawyer."

Instead of complying to Chancellor Neighsay's command, Gladmane quickly pushed and knocked Flim and Flam at Chancellor Neighsay to the ground. Just as he was about to escape to backdoor of the vault, he got shot on his head before falling on his back. Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just saw. They looked up and found the janitor stood before him.

"The janitor?" Everyone asked in surprise and disbelief.

"Not a janitor…" The elder janitor answered calmly. He removed his janitor uniform, revealing himself to be a pale elderly lighter cerulean-colored unicorn with little gray and white short mane and tail worn the minister robe and glasses. He coughed, "Marshal Sneeze Cannon. At your service…"

"Who?" Flim asked in confusion,

"One of Sovereign Lion's important intelligence officers, the marshal of my army and also trusted ally as well," Scar Brilliance's voice spoke firmly and darkly, shocking everyone and even scaring Flim and Flam Brothers. He emerged out from the backdoor's entrance. He continued, "And above else, he is the master of disguise as well…"

Terrorcreep approached and saluted to his leader, "Councilpony Scar Brilliance."

"Tactician Officer Terrorcreep, good to see you here," Scar Brilliance greeted warmly.

Flim stuttered in fear and concern, "C-Councilpony Brilliance! I-It's so nice to see you here!"

Looking around of his surroundings, Flam cleared his throat, "A-About this mess, we're about to deal with it as Chancellor Neighsay's command. We're about to do it right now!"

"Belay that order!" Scar Brilliance exclaimed in fury and anger, shocking everyone. He glared at Flim and Flam, "You two are under my command, not Chancellor. I'm the only one, who will be giving the order. Remember that. And here is my order."

Outside of the Friendship University, Scar Brilliance is standing near to podium as he was giving the speech, along with Sneeze Cannon standing besides him. Drillmap and the group of Mystic Soldiers were demolishing and bringing it down. And at the same time, Rushstrike was punishing and humiliating Flim and Flam by swinging whip. They have been given 100 lashes. The decapitated head of Gladmane was placed on the small table. The students and customers were shocked and scared of what they're looking at.

Twilight and her team were there, and even Chancellor Neighsay. They were in deep shocked and disbelief of the situation. Scar Brilliance is giving the speech.

"Flim and Flam Brothers are notoriously con-artists and criminals for selling ill-equipped and dangerous products and items to ponies for getting their greedy hooves on bits. They have committed many crimes, but never be arrested or even face with the consequence. And today proves their treacherous and devious action by partnering with their former manager – Gladmane and building their own Friendship University behind my back. All this is to spite Twilight and her friends, and even collecting the bits for themselves. This action will not be tolerated and unforgiven. Therefore, Gladmane has been executed to prevent more problems while Flim and Flam will be severely punished by reducing their salary to zero and also demoted to worker for life."

Everyone chattered in concern while witnessing Rushstrike continued whipping both Flim and Flam, who continued screaming in pain and agony for mercy and spare.

"And that's not all," Scar Brilliance continued while pointing at Chancellor Neighsay, who was in shock and disbelief. He continued, "Due to his selfishness, arrogance and desired to spite the School of Friendship, Chancellor Neighsay has accepted their bribe and abused his power to support Flim and Flam's so-called university, allowing them to gain more bits. And the worse he ever did is that he wants to frame Princess Twilight for undermining the investigation. All this is to restore his reputation and prove that his concerns about creatures and ponies are enemies, not allies. So, to avoid this scandal, he's willing to discredit and closed down the Friendship University to cut off his connection with them."

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief. They all glared at Chancellor Neighsay, who gulped in fear and concern.

"No! No! No! That is not true! I have no connection to them! Honest!" Chancellor Neighsay protested, "I have nothing to do with this!"

"Spare me the lies to save your reputation, Chancellor," Scar Brilliance remarked dryly. Facing the citizens, he continued, "Therefore, your bits will not be refund to you anymore. It will be delivering to Mystic Kingdom as we require it for the war against the enemies. You can thank Flim, Flam and Chancellor Neighsay for their greed and arrogance to take advantage of you. That would be all."

The Las Pegasus crowd became furious and angry to hear such news. They all booed and shouted angrily about their money being taken away and delivered to the Mystic Ponies now. They all brought and threw couple of vegetable and fruits at Flim, Flam and Chancellor Neighsay for their greed, arrogance and ruin their lives.

Completely humiliated and ashamed of what has been happening, Chancellor Neighsay turned and glare at Twilight and her team. He was completely furious and angry as he thinks of them for this mess.

"Glare at her and I'll kick your ass even harder," Shadow Dragon threatened darkly, "Trust me, you have no one but yourself to blame for this mess. I told you this will be very painful."

Chancellor Neighsay narrowed his angry eyes, "I won't forget this…"

Chancellor Neighsay summoned the portal that allowed him to return home safely. Twilight and her friends couldn't help but uneasy and sorry for him, though they don't approve of his attitude. They all turned and looked at Scar Brilliance.

"That wasn't necessary," Twilight said firmly and seriously, "I get that Flim and Flam are crooks but they're not evil. They don't deserve this kind of punishment."

"In my opinion, they do. The crooks like them must face some punishment for the crimes they committed. I warned them not to go behind my back for trying to conning and getting bits for themselves. They defied my order. They need to be taught a lesson," Scar Brilliance said firmly and dryly, "If we don't deal with the scums like them, the world is destined to be overrun and destroyed. We cannot allow that to happen."

Starswirl sighed, "Even so, that kind of punishment is too far for the crooks. Has Nezha truly gone mad to do such a thing?"

"Yes. To restore and sustain order and peace by any means of necessary," Scar Brilliance said firmly and sternly. He scoffed, "Do not forget that it was me and my forces have provided the information you need to expose them."

Twilight and her team were shocked and disbelief of what they heard. Starswirl asked, "S-So you're the one who sent the anonymous tip to us?"

Scar Brilliance nodded, "Indeed, I did. All thanks to Marshal Sneeze Cannon."

Sneeze Cannon bowed humbly, "I am honored."

"If you guys knew about it, why do you need us to do this?" Shadow Dragon demanded firmly.

Scar Brilliance scoffed, "You already know the answer, Master Shadow Dragon. We exposed how corrupted and arrogant Chancellor Neighsayer is especially he even supported Flim, Flam, Gladmane, and even accredited Friendship University without second thoughts. I helped make you saved the day. You should appreciate that."

Everyone was annoyed and irritated with Scar's remark. Terrorcreep sighed, "He has the point. He did help us to stop this mess."

"But that doesn't mean we're happy what you did," Twilight said dryly, "Tell me, Councilpony Scar. Are you really supporting Nezha? Do you believe that he can defeat Dark Mystic Ponies and win for all of us?"

Scar Brilliance smiled calmly and confidently, "I am. He is the rightful emperor to lead us and defeat our enemies. With iron-fist and militaristic skills, he will restore peace and order to our world. I am certain of it."

Almost everyone was annoyed about it. Terrorcreep spoke, "Councilpony Scar, don't trust him. He's not going to restore peace and order. He's going to destroy us all. Be wary of him."

Though claimed that he trusted Nezha to lead the Mystic Kingdom, Scar Brilliance can't help but feel uncertain and worried that Terrorcreep might be right about him. He was aware of some recent events and military strategies on battlefield didn't sit well with him lately.

"I will keep in mind," Scar Brilliance said calmly while patted Terrorcreep, "Take care, old friend. Do not hesitate to do what you must do."

Terrorcreep hummed in concern as he aware that Nezha might do something terrible. He gave a nod, "Understood, sir. Take care as well."

Scar Brilliance and Sneeze Cannon turned and walked away from Twilight and her friends. They all sighed in frustration of how difficult and complex the situation has become.

Starswirl sighed, "After a thousand years trapped in limbo, Nezha has changed a lot. The noble and idealistic young boy fights for justice I once knew has become a vengeful and merciless tyrant. I'd never imagine he has dark desire to take revenge on humans and win the war with many sacrifices. This has gone too far."

"I'm truly sorry, Starswirl," Twilight comforted her idol.

Starswirl shook his head calmly, "Matters not. It's in the past. All we can do is to ensure that Equestria and Mystic don't start the war with each other. That's the last thing we need when we're dealing with Dark Mystic Ponies."

"Agreed," Shadow Dragon said firmly. He turned and looked at upset crowd, "We should do something about them. They've lost their bits and chance to study friendship."

"Leave this to me." Starswirl smiled warmly. He stood before the crowd as he summoned the large bag of bits, surprising the crowd. He declared, "Citizens, do not worry of the stolen bits. Since premature death of Gladmane, he has no relatives or even mentioned of his will. His million bits from all of his accounts will now be returning to you all now. I can refer you to a fairly reputable establishment just outside of Ponyville. I'm quite certain the headmare would consider letting you in."

Twilight nodded warmly and happily, "The School of Friendship always welcome the new and bright students to join us."

Hearing the news, the crowd gave a loud of applause and cheers for not only getting their stolen bits, but also the School of Friendship is welcoming them to join and study there.

Starswirl returned to Canterlot Castle, meeting and reporting the disturbing news to Royal Sisters. Twilight and her team returned to the School of Friendship as they have another matter to deal with.

Both Twilight's and Nyx's teams were now inside the office as they were confronting Cozy Glow, who looked nervous and worried. Nyx placed and showed all the evidence on table for everyone to see and read. The troublemaker filly became tensed and scared now.

"What do you have to say now?" Twilight asked firmly.

Cozy Glow gulped, "Sending to my parents?"

Twilight gave her angry and firm eyes as she scolded, "Don't lie to us, Cozy Glow. We know who and what you really are. We couldn't find your family or relatives at Las Pegasus. And above all, you stole and delivered our 'Teaching Friendship for Dummies' to Flim and Flam. Do you realize what kind of damage you have done?!"

Cozy Glow became nervous and worried, "Uh… No?"

"Innocent ponies especially the crooks get into trouble and also hurt too," Shadow Dragon said dryly and firmly, "We don't approve theft and creating competition for complication and mess. What is the point of doing this? Are you doing this to gain more favors and supports to become some kind of member to inner circle?"

"I-It wasn't like that! Honest!" Cozy Glow exclaimed in concern, "I mean I just-! They told me t-that they want to learn friendship. They didn't say anything about competition."

Terrorcreep shook his head in annoyance, "Another lie again? Really?"

"Darling, please, no point of lying to us again," Rarity said sternly and firmly.

Frustrated and annoyed by it, Cozy Glow groaned, "Fine! Nezha told me to do this because he wants to show the world how weak and corrupted Equestria for not dealing with the crooks!? Okay? Happy?"

"There you go. Is that so hard to tell the truth?" Arcee asked sarcastically.

Terrorcreep sighed, "Just like Scar Brilliance has claimed…"

"Now what? Kick me out?" Cozy Glow asked dryly.

"I was tempted to. Probably hurting you a lot," Nyx said dryly and angrily. Cozy Glow looked scared and worried. She continued, "But mummy and I have better plans for you. She believed that you can change for better. Then, we will let you in, without guidance and help from us since you know friendship well. It will be the longest punishment until you really learned and become a good pony."

Cozy Glow was in shocked and disbelief, "W-What?! You can't be serious."

Twilight nodded, "We are, Cozy Glow. We won't let the world know who you really are. You don't deserve that kind of punishment. But if you ever make some kind of mischievous tricks or even done something bad to any students especially Nyx, then I will send you back to Nezha and his Inner Circle. Trust me. His punishment will be very harsh and painful than mine. Understand?"

Cozy Glow groaned in frustration, "U-Understand."

"Now leave," Twilight said firmly, "And remember, we're keeping an eye on you. Don't try to be funny with us. Understand?"

Cozy Glow gave the firm glare before exited out of the office. Everyone within the room sigh in relief that they have to do this very hard.

"T-That was very hard…" Spike remarked, "Never thought we have to talk to her like that."

"Yeah. She's still a kid," Lance sympathized.

"She's not even a real pony…" Nyx said dryly and firmly. She sighed, "But I was really tempted to beat her up."

Twilight patted Nyx's mane gently as she commented, "I'm glad you didn't, Nyx. You did the right thing – not to start the violence and beat her up for petty revenge. I'm glad you're willing to give her a second chance to become a better pony."

Nyx smiled a bit, "Thanks, mummy."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Let's hope so. I have the feeling that Nezha's got other plans in mind. We have to keep an eye on her. She's the most cunning and manipulative to deal with for her upcoming mission."

Suddenly, a door was knocked. Twilight said to come in. And to everyone's surprise, they found Master Ratio, Strict Stalker and Bullhound entered the office. They all bowed to the ground humbly.

"M-Master Ratio? What are you doing here?" Twilight asked in surprise. Master Ratio held out the message scroll. Shadow Dragon picked it up. He passed it to her. She asked again, "What is this?"

"You will soon find out, Princess. Read it," Master Ratio said firmly, prompting both Strict Stalker and Bullhound bowed firmly.

Twilight wasn't certain by Master Ratio's statement. She opened the scroll and read it out loud:

"Dear Twilight,

I'm certain that you have heard the news about me and my colleagues resigned the position from the council. We left because of Nezha's questionable orders, taking drastic action and also playing the dangerous gambit that could put our Mystic-Equestria Alliance in jeopardy. And it's not only that, but we also feared that our worlds will be facing destruction. I have no doubt that this is what Nezha wanted – Mystic Supremacy over the Equestria. And we cannot allow that to happen.

And the only prevent him from rising and also destroying everything we have been working for, my colleagues and I will raise the army and begin the rebellion against Nezha. And we won't be alone to face them. We have some allies including Skullitron's, marauders and rebel sects are joining us to rebel against him. His action caused serious consequence to them. And they're not please with it.

Do not contact me or even send help. This is for your safety. I am now the public enemy and a threat to them. I'm also sending Master Ratio, Strict Stalker and Bullhound to assist and protect you. Due to their controversial history and action against me such as 'Empty Basket for Master Ratio', Strict Stalker's Surrender and also 'Bullhound's Murdering Case'; Nezha won't suspect them of helping and protecting you from harm but strongly believe that I'm angry for their repeated mistakes. Use them well. Treat as family as I did with mine before.

Take care of yourself, Twilight. I won't be there to help you now. You're on your own.

Your friend,

Azure Phoenix…"

Twilight and her friends were deeply shocked and surprised of what they just read. They all turned and looked at Master Ration, Strict Stalker and Bullhound. Three former retainers of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom bowed to the ground before Twilight.

"Princess Twilight, we are at your service," Master Ratio said firmly, "Whatever you need, we will do everything we have to help you."

Everyone chattered and muttered in agreement about dealing with Cozy Glow and her secret missions from Nezha, and also having former Imperial Phoenix retainers joining them. Unknown to them, she has eavesdropped the conversation from the back of the door. She became very annoyed about it.

Cozy Glow used the commlink to contact Nezha, "Sir, there's some complication especially Azure Phoenix's ex-minister and generals."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you can handle it. As far as I'm concern with Azure Phoenix's former retainers, they won't stop me from succeeding our mission," Nezha's voice answered dryly and firmly, "I don't care how or what you can do. Make sure everything must be prepared for Operation: Trump, understand?"

"Understood…" Cozy Glow grumbled before turning off her commlink. She glared at the officer's door, "Someday, I will get what I deserved. No one is gonna stop me. The power of friendship is mine and mine alone. I will get it…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep

Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight

Erik Kimerer: Spike

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Ian McKallen: Starswirl the Bearded

Minor Casts

Sam Vincent: Flim, Polo Play

Scott McNeil: Flam

Maurice LaMarche: Chancellor Neighsay

Sunni Westbrook: Cozy Glow

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom

Claire Corlette: Sweetie Belle

Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure

Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy

Chantal Stand: Diamond Tiara

Shannon Chan-Kent: Smolder, Silver Spoon

Jim Byrnes: Gladmane

Jack DeSana: Heatwave

Vincent Tong: Sandbar

Cavin Langele: Gallus

Kathreen Khavari: Jesuits Omnicron

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Devyn Delton: Ocellus

Josh Grelle: Scar Brilliance

Dan Woren: Sneeze Cannon, Announcer

Cameo:

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

James Hong: Master Ratio

Episode 19: Pies Made with Love

Author's Note

If you're expecting for the silly Yakity Sax, forget it because I don't really like it. It's very horrible especially Pinkie's character development and obsession attitude towards a horn, which she thinks she can play. I really can't stand with it. Now, this is a new episode, which probably Pinkie is gonna face the problem she's not happy but has to deal with.

Episode 19: Pies Made with Love

In the darkest area, a fire lighted up within fireplace, revealing the living room filled with library book shelves. A shadowy yet familiar figure was sitting down on his chair as he slowly turned his attention to 'you'. He smiled sinisterly and madly. Harley Witch was gently and calmly massaging his back.

"Why hello there, dear readers," Psychopath Joke greeted warmly yet amusingly. He chuckled a bit, "So nice of you joining in this reading section. And you probably think that I'm up to no good tricks since I'm the Joker's Counterpart. Well, sorry to disappoint you all, but I'm not the villain of the day. In fact, we'd be watching and helping our little friend to make her darkest desire come true. Isn't that right, Harley?"

Finished her massaging, Harley smiled and nodded, "Sure is, Mr. PJ."

Psychopath Joke stretched himself out before lying down on reclined chair as he spoke calmly yet amusingly, "Now my dear readers, you're about to read the worst episode in your life yet. Trust me. It could or could not beat Yakity Sax as the worst episode from My Little Pony Magic of Friendship Season 8."

Harley Witch giggled happily, "Yeah. Hope you're ready for this, readers."

Psychopath Joke: Uh-Oh, You're In Trouble,

Something's Come Along And It's Burst Our Bubble

Harley Witch cheered: Yeah, Yeah!

At the Ponyville Town, both Limestone and Marble Pies are paying their sisters and have the reunion together with them. They are now staying and sleeping over at Sugarcube Corner's places. Limestone was hanging out with Maud and her friends including Pinkie and Mudbriar at her own place while Marble was hanging out and dating with Saber.

Both Saber and Marble have had their dinner from Ponyville Café. They are now walking down the main street, heading straight to the garden. As Saber was chatting and charmingly joking, Marble giggled playfully yet softly to hear him. They decided to take a rest. They're sitting down on the bench, under the lamppost's light.

"Beautiful, isn't it? Hope you like tonight's date," Saber said calmly. Maud smiled while nodded warmly. He sighed, "Glad you like it very much, Maud. I tried my best not to make things uncomfortable for you."

Marble shook her head as she answered calmly, "Nah-uh…"

"So, it's actually good that you enjoy the night?"

"Mm-hmm…"

"Oh. That's good. I thought I make things worst for you and you would hate me for this."

"Nah-uh…"

"So, does this mean I'm a good boyfriend that you liked."

"Mm-hmm…"

Saber smiled happily to hear it. He cleared his throat, "Marble, look at the sky. Beautiful, isn't it?"

Marble lifted her head up as she was looking at the night sky. Saber picked the box out from his trench coat's pocket as he knew that the time is right. He moved in front of her. She was confused and uncertain of what he was doing. He kneeled down before her. He opened it and revealing the ring in it. This surprised Marble.

Saber smiled warmly, "Marble Pie, I love you so much. You may not talk much, but I understand you. But I was hoping that you accept this. Will you marry me?"

Marble was surprised and amazed by Saber's proposal. Just before he could do or say anything, she jumped and hugged him warmly and happily.

Marble nodded happily, "Mm-hmm!"

Saber smiled, "I'm now really a happy stallion to meet and date you, Marble."

On the next day, almost all of Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force including Maud, Mudbriar and Limestone were gathered at the Sugarcube Corner. They were chatting while eating their meals as they wondered of what's really going on. Pinkie was chitchatting happily with her sisters and friends about her boyfriend.

"Okay. Seriously?! Your boyfriend built the Amusement Factory?" Limestone asked in disbelief and shock. She scoffed while crossed her arms, "You make this up, didn't you?"

Pinkie gasped in disbelief, "Make up?! Puh-lease! I mean I'd never actually come up with this kind of idea! This is actually amazing and fun too! Wow! Imagine that!"

Limestone groaned in annoyance, "Yeah. Too much of clowns to deal with. My nightmares…"

Maud smiled calmly, "I'm happy for you, Pinkie. Your boyfriend made an interesting career for building the amusement factory."

Mudbriar nodded as he remarked flatly, "Technically, I don't see how building the amusement factory to make some production could be considered as career since there is no such thing."

"It's called thinking out of the box." Pinkie remarked amusingly. She scoffed, "Yeesh. You should try it sometimes."

"Technically, I did," Mudbriar retorted flatly.

Pinkie groaned, "Good thing that Cheese Sandwich is my boyfriend, not him."

"Speaking of boyfriend, where the heck is Marble and her boyfriend?" Limestone asked firmly.

"Boyfriend?! Don't you mean her best friend," Pinkie corrected Limestone. Everyone looked at her in disbelief. She asked in confusion, "What? What did I say?"

"Really? You didn't know?" Limestone asked in disbelief.

Maud sighed, "Pinkie, have forgotten about couple of our last Hearth's Warming Eve again?"

Just before anyone could say anything, everyone turned and found Saber and Marble were standing before them at the counter.

"There you are! Where the heck were you?" Limestone asked impatiently.

"Sorry about that, Limestone. But Marble and I are making a big surprise for all to enjoy. Hope you're ready for this announcement," Saber explained calmly. Marble nodded in agreement. Everyone looked at them in suspense and curious. He smiled as he announced, "I proposed Marble for marriage."

Marble nodded happily, "Mm-hmm…"

Everyone gasped in surprised and amazement while looking at Saber and Marble. The couples looked nervous and worried. Instead of protesting, they especially Maud and Limestone all were cheering and applauding for the couple's proposal. They even making happy comments about their relationship. But not everyone is happy as Pinkie was complete shocked and confused of what she just heard.

"WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! This can't be true!" Pinkie exclaimed in disbelief and shock. Everyone turned and looked at her in confusion. Embarrassed of what she has said, she laughed nervously, "Nothing. Nothing."

Everyone shrugged a bit before happily congratulating and chattering with Saber and Marble. Pinkie groaned in defeat before slammed her head on the table. Maud and Limestone looked at her with concerned yet suspicious looks.

"Yeesh. You okay, Pinkie?" Limestone asked in shocked and confusion, "That's so not like you to act like that."

Maud hummed in concern, "Is something bothering you?"

Pinkie yelped while shaking her head, "Nope. Nope. Absolutely nothing bad happens. Just crazy reaction."

Limestone scoffed in disbelief, "If you say so."

"No shame to tell us about your feelings." Maud said calmly and firmly.

Pinkie scoffed, "Really. I am totally fine. Really."

"I AM TOTALLY NOT FINE! NOT AT ALL! NOT EVEN ONCE IN MY LIFE! SORRY IF I'M GONNA SAY THIS SWEAR IN MY LIFE! OH, HELL THIS IS NOT HAPPENING!"

After the lunch party, Pinkie headed off and meet up with Icy at Dragon Strike Force Headquarter's kitchen, which is now relocated and moved to Ponyville Town's outskirt due to tension civil unrest in Mystic Realm. She is still practicing with her cooking while reading and following cook book's recipe.

Pinkie was ranting and grumbling over Saber's proposal to Marble, who accepted his. Icy became annoyed and irritated about it.

"Sheesh. Overreacting much, Pinkie?" Icy asked in annoyance while chopping down the garlic.

"Overreacting?! Overreacting?! What makes you think I'm overreacting?!" Pinkie demanded angrily and annoyingly.

Icy looked nervous and worried as she answered, "Because Marble's getting married? What's wrong with that?"

"What's wrong! What's wrong?!" Pinkie asked angrily, "She's still too young to get married! That's what! No way that Saber and her getting married! Okay?!"

"Pinkie, Marble is not a kid anymore."

"Well, duh! She and I are the same age! I mean, we are twins, after all."

"Really? But you both don't look alike."

"Who said we had to look alike? She's gray, and I'm… well, pink."

"Oh, right. But anyway, you should be supporting and happy for her, not against it. You're her sister."

"Well, I'm not. I'm sure Maud and Limestone will agree with me. Heck, it's not like they're getting married. Just dating only."

"Pinkie, I think you're being ridiculously random and dumb."

Pinkie became annoyed and irritated as she demanded, "Yeah? Well, at least Marble doesn't make goo-goo eyes at griffons or get stung by psycho dino monsters like your sister!"

Icy sighed while rolled her eyes, "Can't argue with that. But you seriously going through with this?!"

"Yes, I am. I'm sure they will change their mind and agree with me," Pinkie said confidently. She then headed off, "But for now, I've got class to teach especially when it involved with bakery and cakes. They loved it."

Icy groaned, "Dear readers, do not end up like her. She's gonna be the problem to her sister's marriage."

"Hey! You don't talk to readers! I do! Okay?!" Pinkie scolded Icy, "That's the rule of Pinkie Pie's Fourth Wall, okay?"

Icy rolled her eyes as she remarked, "Like I said, readers. She's gonna be a problem to Marble."

On the next day, Pinkie was heading off and searching for Limestone, who informed that she was at the bowling ball stadium as she was meeting and playing with someone over the game. Just as she arrived at her destination, she found something surprising and unexpected – Limestone was talking with Double Diamond.

Pinkie greeted, "Hey! Limestone and Double Diamond!"

"Oh, hey Pinkie," Limestone greeted warmly.

Double Diamond waved warmly, "Yo, Pinkie. Good to see you."

"Yeah." Pinkie nodded nervously as she asked, "Whatcha you doing?"

"Uh, dating?" Limestone answered bluntly.

"Dating? Seriously?!" Pinkie asked in disbelief.

Double Diamond nodded, "Yeah. We're dating. I didn't know you and Limestone were sisters."

Pinkie gasped and stuttered, "Since when?!"

"Uh, since like two or three years ago when I delivered some rocks to Double Diamond's village." Limestone answered, shocking Pinkie. She scoffed, "Gotta admit it. I started to like his sports especially ski and snowboard."

Double Diamond chuckled while gave a hard pat on his girlfriend's back, "She got some serious moves, man. She's awesome. Glad to be with her."

Pinkie giggled uneasily, "W-Wow. Now that's something…"

"He sure is," Limestone said happily with chuckles. She gave a teasing glare at her boyfriend, "But I hate losing to you, pal."

Double Diamond gave a cocky smirked, "Well, better keep up, Limey. Wouldn't want your Rock Farm to be embarrassed for not getting good at sports."

Limestone scoffed, "You wished, pal. Don't mess with the Pie Family. We might be good at our job as rock farmers, but we're too stubborn and never give up without the fight."

Double Diamond chuckled, "Now that's the spirit!"

Limestone and Double Diamond laughed out loud happily and wildly. Pinkie sighed, "Well, glad to see you both are good with each other. Hope you don't mind me talking about Marble?"

"Sure. What's up, Pinkie?" Limestone asked.

"Don't you think that married with Saber might be a bad idea for Marble?" Pinkie questioned in concern, making Limestone and Double Diamond confused. She explained, "I mean Saber is a good friend to Applejack and her Apple Family, but of course, good friend to all of us. But I think he's a bit too old for her."

"Seriously?" Double Diamond asked in disbelief, "That detective doesn't look old to me."

Limestone sighed, "DD, Saber is Mystic Pony. They can have young and old looking, no matter how old they are. And to be frank, I kinda got problem with Marble dating Saber, at first."

"Yeah. You were against him for the mess-up from our PSSSD, right?" Pinkie asked hopefully, "You were so super mad about it."

Limestone scoffed, "So true. But after he paid some visits to our place, I've gotten use to him. He's pretty cool for a detective. I've got no problem to let him married Marble."

"W-What?!" Pinkie asked in shock.

Double Diamond nodded, "Yeah. If he's the friend of Shadow Dragon and Mane Six, then he's the friend of mine. Plus, your family are cool with him too."

Limestone nodded, "Yeah. You're also cool with my family too. My parents are okay with me hanging with you for sports."

Double Diamond chuckled a bit, "Yeah. And who knows? Getting married someday."

Hearing the word of 'marriage', Pinkie gasped in shock and concern, "Oh no… I've gotta find Maud. See ya."

Pinkie turned and ran off at once. Limestone and Double Diamond looked at each other in confusion before shrugged a bit. They entered the bowling stadium for practicing and playing the game.

Pinkie went to Maud's Home Cave, but found she or even Mudbriar weren't there. She then went around the Ponyville, searching for them until Sugar Blunt guide and led them to Sweet Apple Acre. They then found Mudbriar criticized Granny Smith, Applejack and Big Mac about their way to collect apples and even 'kicking too hard' on the apple trees. This annoyed and angered the Apple Family.

Mudbriar was checking on the apple tree trunk as he remarked, "As I suspected, your kicks have caused great immense effect on these poor trees. If you keep using brute strength too much, you would bring down the trees. You should be calm and graceful if you want to bring down the apples like this."

Leaning his head against the tree like he was listening and finding the pulse. Detecting it, Mudbriar smiled as he gave a gentle knock on it three times. Many apples fell into baskets.

Mudbriar smiled, "And this is how you do it without resorting too much of brute strength."

"That's my boyfriend," Maud commented.

Applejack groaned as he imitated Mudbriar, "Without resorting too much of brute strength. Sometimes I hate it when he does that."

Big Mac nodded dryly, "Eeyup."

"Hey guys!" Pinkie called happily. Everyone turned and looked at her as they greeted her. She approached to Maud, "Maud, I really need your help. And we should go somewhere else for discussion."

Maud looked surprised and confused as she answered, "Sure. I might know what is this. Mudbriar, you should come with me."

"I just need you, Maud," Pinkie insisted. Maud gave her stern yet emotionless glare at her. She sighed, "Fine…"

Maud and Mudbriar followed Pinkie, who led them to the back of barnyard, where they can have their own private matters to discuss about.

"Is this about Marble and Saber getting married?" Maud asked suspiciously yet bluntly.

Pinkie sighed, "Yeah. And it's not just them, but also Limestone and Double Diamond might get married. It's probably not a good idea for both of our sisters to get married. It's very, very bad idea to do that. Because one, Marble is too young to get married while Limestone always got some anger issues and her bigger job at rock farm than dating with Double Diamond."

"I don't see anything wrong with that." Maud said bluntly.

Pinkie looked shocked as she asked, "Huh?! What do you mean by that?! Don't you think that's a bad idea for Saber and Marble to get married?! And of course, we also should tell the same thing to Limestone too! Shouldn't you be worried and angry about this?"

Maud sighed, "Pinkie, I'm not worried and angry. I'm happy for my sisters to get married. I have nothing against Saber or Double Diamond. They seem nice and good for them."

Mud Briar cleared his throat, "Technically, your sister got issue with me since our first meeting."

Pinkie groaned, "Can we drop that subject and focus on the big problems about our sisters getting married?!"

"Technically, there aren't any problem." Mudbriar retorted.

Pinkie neighed angrily, "Not the point, Mudbriar! The point is that they shouldn't get married because they're not exactly perfect match for each other. I'm worried that their marriage is not gonna be happy one. Or maybe they never get the happy ending forever. We have to tell them not to marry their boyfriends!"

"Pinkie, you're overreacting over this." Maud said bluntly, "I thought you're okay with Saber dating Marble."

Pinkie denied angrily yet paranoid, "No! I'm okay with him being friend with Marble, not dating! Whoever say that?! Didn't I tell you that they're good friends, not good at dating."

"Technically, you never told anyone that they're friends, and not in dates." Mudbriar disagreed bluntly, "And also, everyone already knows that they're dating since Apples-Pies with Hearths Warming Eve."

Pinkie sighed, "Well, sorry for not realizing it. At least, you two aren't getting married. I mean you guys are just dating and hanging out only, right?"

Maud hummed thoughtfully, "Technically, we did consider about that."

Mudbriar nodded, "Agreed. I believe we can move on with our lives."

Pinkie gasped, "A-Wh-WHAT?!"

"Yes, Pinkie, we were thinking of marriage someday," Maud said calmly.

"Indeed," Mudbriar agreed, "Maybe not today. Not tomorrow. Just someday when we are ready."

"No! No! No! Noooooooooooo!" Pinkie bellowed in agony and shock, "No! Not my best and closest sister! Maud, Limestone and Marble can't marry now!"

Mudbriar rolled his eyes as he spoke, "Technically…"

Pinkie gave her death glare at Mudbriar, "And if you say 'technically' one more time, I'm gonna pop you."

Mudbriar gulped in fear, "Understood." He turned and whispered to his girlfriend, "This is the most frightening experience I ever felt in my life. Does she do that all the time?"

"Not usually…" Maud admitted in concern yet bluntly. Pinkie groaned as she grumbled and muttered in frustrating while moving away. She sighed, "I only hope she's not doing something stupid she might regret."

"Ah! Ah! Ah! No peeking on me," Psychopath Joke denied with his shaking head, "I'm not the main bad guy in the story, dear readers. I'm sure you know that well." He feigned a gasp, "What? You don't? Well then, keep reading it, my dear readers. And don't worry, I'll be joining you all soon. The worst has yet to come…"

Pinkie returned to her Party Planner Cavern. She was completely shocked, devastated and also hurt after 'finding out' of her sisters especially Marble planned to get married with their boyfriends. She was rocking and rolling in shock and disbelief on the ground while muttering 'this cannot be happening' repeatedly and madly.

Pinkie muttered, "T-This has to be nightmare! Nightmare! This must be a big nightmare!"

A sudden burst of happy familiar laughter sounded. A familiar friendly party planner friend of hers was sliding down the slide before jumped and landed on the ground, making a dashing yet interested entrance in dancing finished line while holding the balloons and throwing out the confetti.

"Here's Cheesy!" Cheese declared happily. Instead of friendly cheers or even his girlfriend hugging him, he found no one. He then spotted Pinkie. He called out, "Hey Pinkie! Pinkie! I am here! Here's Cheese! The friendly greeting!"

Pinkie did not respond while muttering in fear and shock, making Cheese worried. He hasn't seen her like that since their first meeting and competition.

"Uh, Pinkie? Are you okay?" Cheese asked in concern.

Hearing the question, Pinkie yelled, "No! I'm not okay! I have the worst thing happen in my life!"

Her yelling scared him, Cheese yelped in shock and confusion, "Okay. Do I need to know what happen? I can help you out with the problem."

Pinkie slowly got up while looked at him with fear and concern looks, "It's horrible! It's terribly horrible! Worse than any problems I ever come across in my life!"

"What! What is it?! Tell me what the heck is going on?!"

"My sisters… They're planning to marry their boyfriends!"

Shocked yet confused, he then laughed in disbelief, making Pinkie annoyed. Cheese sighed calmly, "Sorry, Pinkie. I thought something really bad happens. Like dealing with that psychopathic joker. I mean he is the worst and always give the bad names to the clowns. I loved clowns. How could someone so mad and crazy do something like that."

"This is serious, Cheese!" Pinkie snapped angrily at Cheese, who yelped and moved back a bit. She sighed, "I can't accept this! They can't accept them! The guys are not what my sisters need!"

"Pinkie, you're overreacting."

"Overreacting?! Overreacting?! Did you call me 'overreacting'?! Did you call me that?!"

Cheese looked nervous and worried as he awkwardly answered, "No… But seriously, you should be happy for them."

Pinkie groaned, "Yeah. Until the very end, they get some painful heartbroken by their guys, who turned out to be jerks."

"But they're not," Cheese reminded Pinkie, who turned and glared at him. He sighed in annoyance, "Aw, come on, Pinkie."

"I can't help it. I don't want anything bad happen to them."

"Well, if it helps you, Pinkie, you should talk and hangout with them at least. Get to know them well. And in the end, you might find out that they're good for your sisters."

Pinkie hummed thoughtfully and calmly. Cheese looked at her hopefully that she accepted his suggestion.

"No," Pinkie answered dryly, shocking and making her boyfriend facefaulted. She took a deep breathe as she shown her firm looks, "I'm gonna do what Rainbow Dash did for her pet from MLP Mystic Universe Season 1 Episode 5. This is for the good of my sisters."

"Pinkie! That's a very bad idea! Very bad idea! Bad idea! Bad idea!" Cheese protested in fear and concern, "Don't you dare to be stupid! Don't end up like one of my old songs! That was just entertainment! Don't make the mistakes like what happens!"

"I must!"

"Pinkie, don't you dare! This is not what your sisters would have wanted."

"This is for them, Cheese. There is no way I'm gonna let that happen!" Pinkie shouted back, "My sisters and their boyfriends are not perfect for each other! I don't want their marriage to be messy, ruin and bad for the rest of their lives. They deserved the better happy endings! I'm gonna break them up before Marble's Marriage! For their sake!"

Cheese yelled in shock and disbelief, "Oh no! Mama Mia! Here we go again!"

"Look, Cheese, you don't need to get involved of this if you want," Pinkie said seriously as she was looking through the crates, finding the gadgets and tools she needs for her mission. She sighed firmly, "I'm gonna do what I have to do."

Though annoyed and disappointed with Pinkie's decision, Cheese couldn't bare to let her go through it alone. But rather, he could try to reason her when trying to prank or even make the Pie Sisters' dates go worst.

Cheese sighed, "I'll stay. But that doesn't mean I'm helping you with this. I'm gonna make you see the reason."

Pinkie scoffed, "You will try. But I'm gonna prove that I'm right."

"I hope you're proven wrong," Cheese retorted in concern.

"Ooh. This is getting juicy, Mr. PJ," Harley chirped happily.

Psychopath Joke chuckled, "It sure is. I wonder how she gonna turn this into worst. She's gonna need to go blown supervillain. I'll be joining this part very soon, ladies and gentlemen…"

Now with Cheese's reluctant assistance and help, Pinkie is now determined to break up her sisters with their boyfriends for the sake of their wellbeing. They're now at the small forest, where Saber, Marble and Icy were setting up the picnic. Both party ponies were hiding behind the bushes while looking at them.

"This stink," Pinkie remarked dryly.

Feeling offended, Cheese turned and glared at Pinkie, "Hey! That's rude!"

"Not you, them." Pinkie corrected Cheese, who is still annoyed by her plan. She turned her attention to her party bag, looking through it. She muttered, "Okay. Time to begin the operation. Since Icy is their cook, both Saber and Marble are gonna get some terrible taste from her. And boy, they're gonna hate it."

Cheese sighed, "Pinkie, that is very cruel, you know that? To do that to Marble and Saber especially that Icy is improving her cook."

"It's worth the risk!" Pinkie said happily with mad smile. She held some terrible display of sandwiches, nacho cheese, tacos and drinks, "Ready for it?"

"Can I say 'no and demand some food refund'?" Cheese asked dryly. Pinkie ignored him while glaring at the couples and the cook. He groaned, "Why do I even bother?"

Pinkie took a deep breathe as she loaded up into her Party Cannon. She then held tight on its rope while looking at the situation. She found Saber and Marble were looking at different kind of fishes from the pond while Icy was cleaning up her utensils and packing up the kitchen tools and food into the bag.

Realizing an opportunity, Pinkie pulled the trigger, firing the party cannon, throwing the couple of food on the picnic mat while Cheese dashed and collected the good ones aside. After finished looking at the fishes, Saber and Marble returned to the picnic mat. They were about to eat but Icy stopped them by hitting their hooves.

"Icy! What the heck?" Saber demanded.

"Calm down. There's something off with the picnic," Icy said sternly and seriously. Just as she was inspecting the food, she smelt something disgusting and terrible. She groaned in disgust, "Yup. There's definitely something off with the food. And I can tell you that it's not handywork of mine."

"How would you know?"

"I may not be the best cook, but I know how bad cook these are. And they're not my work. Let me clear this up."

Icy moved and thrown most of terrible picnic into trash can before she replaced the real and good picnic. Both Saber and Marble smiled and nodded in relief before sitting down and then having a picnic together.

"Hmm… These are good. Better than your solo lousy cook," Saber commented, annoying Icy. He chuckled a bit, "But seriously, thanks. Thanks for checking and making sure our picnic is not at the worse."

Marble nodded, "Mm-hmm…"

Still annoyed by his snarky comments, Icy smiled calmly, "You're welcome. Glad you enjoy it. I do my best."

Still hiding inside the bushes, both Pinkie and Cheese saw everything. While the pink colored Earth Pony groaned and ranted in anger while the orange-colored pony sighed in relief that everything's alright. To their surprise, Icy popped her head into the bushes as she gave a death glare at them. They panicked and ran for their lives.

Pinkie and Cheese moved and went after Limestone and Double Diamond. They have found and located the couples, who were gathering their own team and prepared them for the upcoming Buckball Game. Tailtech, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were preparing the event, as well as checking thoroughly on the equipment. Both party planners were hiding at the cornered of spectator seats while looking at the event.

With the preparation is complete, both Double Diamond and Limestone have their own team for the event. The snowy Earth Pony's team consisted of Night Glider and Party Favor while the dark-purple Earth Pony's team has Bulk Bicep and Lyra Heartstrings. They all worn their own jerseys – Double Diamond's team has white-colored jersey with icy snowflake while Limestone Pie's worn grayish-colored jersey with stone symbol. Dressing in her referee suit, Rainbow readied with the basketball before them. Tailtech was handling with scoreboard. Double Diamond and Limestone served as offense player, Night Glider and Double Diamond in defense while Party Favor and Lyra Heartstrings were on opposite of their teams as they were levitating and holding the barrel baskets to catch the balls.

"Alright, guys, you know the rules," Rainbow asked casually yet cockily. Both Double Diamond and Limestone Pie teams nodded firmly while readied in their positions. She smirked, "Let the game begin!"

With blow of a whistle, Rainbow threw the basketball down and bounced up, prompting both Double Diamond and Limestone to react but the latter kicked it straight at Lyra Heartstrings' basket to catch. However, Night Glider blocked and kicked it back to her teammate, who jumped and kicked it straight to Party Favor's basket. Bulk Bicep yelled as he jumped and used his biceps to block and deflect back to Limestone, who kick it to her goal but blocked and deflected by Double Diamond. Limestone blocked and strike back. Both teams fiercely played and winning the Buckball. They have proven themselves to be fast and aggressive in this game. Now the score is tie.

Just as the bell rang to stop, both Double Diamond's and Limestone's teams were taking a break. Both Pinkie and Cheese, using their unusual stealth abilities and speed, set something up on the Buckball Field before they disappeared.

After the break, both Double Diamond and Limestone's team returned to their positions and resumed playing the game. Just as she was about to kick the ball, she slipped and tripped to the ground but barely kicked it off to Lyra's basket, but she found it broken. This allowed Night Glider to block and pass it to Double Diamond, who kicked the ball straight at Bulk Biceps. He was about to kick it but a loud boom scared him off before dropped to the ground, allowing the ball dropped into Party Favor's basket. Rainbow blew her whistle to stop the game.

"Time out!" Rainbow shouted.

Double Diamond approached and checked on his girlfriend as he asked, "You okay?"

Limestone groaned in pain, "I'm okay. That really hurt…"

She and Tailtech approached their friends, Rainbow demanded, "What the heck happened?!"

"No clue," Double Diamond admitted in concern, "But no way we should count that as a win. Something or someone mess up with our game."

Limestone glared at Double Diamond, "And you didn't do it, right?"

"Huh?! What?! No! I wouldn't do that!" Double Diamond protested while shaking his hooves, "I loved having competition with you, but no way, I would never do this."

Though suspicious at first, Limestone gave some thoughts over their relationship and competition. She nodded, "Yeah, you wouldn't. Sorry."

"It's okay." Double Diamond waved it off, "How about we you win this round? Fair enough?"

Limestone shook her head, "That doesn't sound like a win. Wanna rematch again?"

Double Diamond smiled happily, "Sure."

"Well, let's clear this up first. We wouldn't want to have accidents," Rainbow said sternly and firmly while inspecting the field.

Heard some groaning noise from the bushes, Tailtech hummed in concern, "Yeah. That pony better not mess the game again…"

Rainbow and Tailtech cleared the mess from field. Both Double Diamond and Limestone resumed their game again. And this time, Tailtech was keeping an eye on the situation especially the bushes, which was moving away from the field. Seeing that Limestone didn't shout back, Pinkie tried to scream but muffled by Cheese as he doesn't want themselves to get into trouble.

Pinkie and Cheese are now targeting and dealing with Maud and Mudbriar, who were now at the Sweet Apple Acre. They were hiding on top of some apple trees while spying on two couples and their friends. Mudbriar was criticizing and annoying Applejack, Big Mac and Caramel about their strength to bring the apples down to the baskets while Maud helped and assisted Granny Smith about choosing the right stones for building some certain places.

"Pinkie, are you sure you're gonna do this?" Cheese asked in concern, "We're dealing with your eldest sister and her boyfriend. They're the toughest couple we're dealing with. They're not gonna be easy to break."

Pinkie scoffed while waved it off, "Yeah, right. I know we can break them. Mudbriar will be my first target."

Cheese was annoyed as he asked, "You still hate him, don't you?"

Pinkie growled, "I hate his guts. He really makes me angry every time I tried to be nice to him and he has to act like a jerk to me."

Cheese sighed, "Somehow, you guys haven't reconciled over it."

"Enough talk. Let's continue our mission," Pinkie said firmly and seriously.

Pinkie jumped down and began the mission, annoying Cheese to follow her at once. Using the barrels as disguise, they stealthily and calmly follow and approached Mudbriar, who was teaching Applejack, Big Mac and Caramel on how to bring down the apples without damaging it. This annoyed and irritated them a lot, despite their effort to find the pressure point to knock and bring them down.

As Mudbriar demonstrated his trick to Apple Siblings and Caramel again, Pinkie and Cheese readied the Party Cannon to fire and hit the apple tree hard. This caused the apples and branches to fell on them. Maud and Granny Smith rushed and arrived at the scene. They helped out Mudbriar, Applejack and Big Mac from the trees.

"What happened?" Maud asked bluntly.

Applejack scoffed while looking at Mudbriar, "Ask your boyfriend."

"He screw it badly," Caramel added.

"I am not guilty of this. Honest." Mudbriar said bluntly yet defensively. He approached to the tree as he demonstrated again. And again, apples and branches fell on him again. He groaned in pain, "Ow. Why?"

"Maybe you're not gentle enough with your technique," Applejack suggested teasingly.

Big Mac stifled his chuckles, "Eeyup."

"Not true…" Mudbriar insisted bluntly.

Applejack shook her head, "Just admit that you're wrong."

"I am not wrong!" Mudbriar exclaimed in frustration.

"Mudbriar," Maud scolded Mudbriar, who turned and looked at her. She continued, "There is no need for you to get defensive about this. Just admit your mistakes. Nopony, and not even me are perfect."

Mudbriar sighed in defeat, "Understood. I apologize for my behavior and technique."

Applejack sighed, "Fine. I accept it. Just don't try to damage them again."

"Trust me. She's sensitive about her trees than your sticks," Caramel mocked playfully.

Mudbriar groaned as he reluctantly nodded, "Understood."

"I don't need a perfect and smartest boyfriend, Mudbriar," Maud said calmly, "You will always be the one I loved. Just don't cause some troubles."

Mudbriar sighed, "Understood…"

Maud smiled as she gently nuzzled Mudbriar, who remained calm yet happy about her comforting him as well. At the same time, hiding behind the barrels, Pinkie yelled and ranted angrily about Maud not scolding and breaking up with Mudbriar for the mess.

"Done?" Cheese asked.

"No! I'm not done yet! This means war!" Pinkie said firmly.

Cheese groaned, "Pinkie, wrong use of catchphrase! You use that against a threat, not your sisters and their loves."

"Who asked you?!" Pinkie demanded dryly.

"Pinkie?" Applejack's voice asked, alerting Pinkie and Cheese. They both looked up and found Applejack and Caramel were looking at her. She asked, "Are you okay?"

Instead of answering, both Pinkie and Cheese quickly dashed out and escaped before they get caught. Both Applejack and Caramel looked at each other as they wondered what were they doing here and suddenly, ran off.

(Trouble – Shampoo)

Pinkie is not done with breaking up her sisters and their boyfriends. She is determined to make it happen, forcing Cheese reluctantly to follow and went after her, hoping to make her see the error.

For nearly a week, Pinkie tried to sabotage and ruin her sisters' date with their boyfriends. For Saber's cases – swimming together with Marble, exploding his pyramid of cheese nachos at his face and even messing up his dancing with his fiancé. Double Diamond's situation was that he got slipped during the bowling game, he fell off during the skateboarding and he got slammed on the basketball's hoop stand. Mudbriar suffered the worst – rockslide was rolling down on him, grizzly bear chased after him and even tried to carry the wagon back to the barn. Regardless the situation and setbacks, their girlfriends still loved and spent time together with the boys happily while Icy, Tailtech, Applejack and even Caramel helped and cleaned their mess but also noticed Pinkie's involvement in the mess.

Seeing her sisters are still together with their boyfriends, Pinkie screamed in anger and agony that she still couldn't break them up while slamming her head against the tree trunk. Cheese sighed in annoyance while shaking his head while wondering when she ever stopped doing this.

Unknown to the party, everyone was being spied by Psychopath Joke and Haley Witch. They all stifled their laughter about the situation.

"It's getting better," Harley remarked teasingly.

Psychopath Joke smirked, "Now, my dear readers, the time for the worst has come. Yours truly is going to help this villainess to get what she wants…"

After some 'unusual' fiasco and problems that Pie Sisters and their boyfriends have; Applejack gathered Tailtech, Icy and Caramel at the School of Friendship's garage as they were having some discussion involving Pinkie's behavior and action against her sisters and their boyfriends. They're becoming aware and worried about the situation.

"Something strange is happening to Pinkie." Applejack said in concern, "What the heck was she trying to do?"

Caramel nodded in concern, "Yeah. It's like she's trying to break them up."

Remembering Pinkie's complain over Marble's marriage, Icy sighed in concern while facepalmed, "I think she's trying to."

"Huh? Why would she do that?" Applejack asked in disbelief, "She knows better that her sisters like their boyfriends so much."

Icy shrugged, "I have no idea..."

"If she keeps doing this again, one last push, she's not only gonna ruin her sisters' happiness but also turning everyone against her." Tailtech said in concern, "We have to stop her. But how?"

And to everyone's surprise; they found Jesuit, Yona, Rak and Silverstream arrived at the scene. They all bowed humbly before their teachers.

"Huh? What in tarnation are you guys doing here?" Applejack asked in surprise.

"We overheard of your conversation," Jesuit explained calmly, "We would like to help as well. We'll find out why she's doing this."

Yona nodded, "Yona not like Pink Pony teacher be bad. Yona like her. Pink Pony is the best teacher."

Silverstream sighed, "Yeah. I'd never thought she would do this to her own sisters. I couldn't dare to do that. It's too hurt."

"Yeah. Happiness is important aspect to be shared with everyone, not just yourself," Rak said in hurt tone, "She taught us to not to be selfish, but proud and supportive for them with their happiness, not against them, unless something is not right."

"If we managed to find out the source of her problems, we might have the chance to convince her to stop this madness," Jesuit said firmly and calmly, "Allow us to do it."

Though concerns and feared for the students' dealing with Pinkie's problem, Applejack and her friends knew that they have to resolve it soon.

"I should go with them," Icy suggested. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "Just to keep them safe and hopefully to talk her out."

"Alright, you guys will do it since Pinkie sees you guys are good in her class," Applejack said firmly and calmly.

"But do it discreetly," Tailtech said firmly, "The last thing we want is complex relationship between her, her sisters and their boyfriends. We don't want to ruin their happiness."

Icy and her students nodded firmly and seriously, "Got it."

After numerous failures to break up her sisters and their boyfriends, Pinkie and Cheese returned to her Party Planner Cavern for revising her plans. She grumbled and muttered madly and fearfully while designing various kind yet complicated plans to do so on the chalkboard.

Looking at how mad driven and obsessed Pinkie has become; Cheese is becoming frustrated and angry with her problems as he cannot take it anymore now.

"Pinkie! This has to stop!" Cheese demanded angrily.

Pinkie shouted back, "No! I'm still doing it! I have to! I'm not gonna let my sisters' happy endings to be ruined! Not on my watch!"

Cheese groaned in frustration, "Okay, Pinkie. This is getting ridiculous and stupid! You're overreacting over your sisters' wanting to marry with their boyfriends."

"I'm doing this for them!" Pinkie snapped.

"You're doing this for yourself!" Cheese shouted back angrily, shocking and alarming Pinkie. He sighed before continued in upset tone, "I-I can't believe that you would become so selfish and jerk because your sisters wanted to marry their boyfriends. And you're willing to go through with your plans?"

Pinkie looked ashamed and guilty, "I don't want their happy ending to be ruined."

Cheese scoffed in disbelief, "As if. If you keep on doing this, the only pony who ruined their happy endings is you, not the boyfriends. Trust me on this. You have no one else but yourself to blame for this."

Cheese turned and walked away as he's about to exit out from the cavern. Pinkie called out, "Cheese! Where are you going?!"

Cheese snapped back, "Leaving! I'm through with this bullshit! Excuse my language for this franchise! Until you stop this madness, don't call me again, Pinkie!"

Cheese exited out of the Party Planner Cave, leaving Pinkie alone to realize her mistakes and madness. She pondered if she's making the right decision or not. Maybe she should stop it while she can…

Psychopath Joke laughed madly, "Right. Like that's gonna happen. Cue to the worst mistake Pinkie ever make in her life…"

After leaving her Party Planner Cave, Pinkie was walking down the market street, giving some thoughts of what Cheese has said. She became conflicted and concerned about her action for her sisters and their boyfriends.

Pinkie said in concern, "Dear Readers, do you think Cheese was right? Am I being selfish and jerk?" Waiting for the answer, she was annoyed and angry as she shook her head, "Arrgh! What do you guys know? You just think of me as a party animal with funny jokes and no brain. No helpful at all."

"Oh. I can help you…" A pony spoke gently yet sinisterly, alerting Pinkie to turn and look at the spokespony.

He revealed himself to be Psychopath Joke wearing a purple pork pie hat, cyan-colored T-Shirt with dark blue colored stripe that has greenish-colored coconut tree icons and a collar, greyish colored shorts, shoes while Harley Witch wearing scientist suit. They came from the small stall called 'Dr. PJ's Psychiatrist Advice'. They both waved at her.

"What the-?! Am I in DC Universe?!" Pinkie asked in shock and concern.

Psychopath Joke grabbed and dragged her near to him, "Don't let my outfit for you because we're not in Batman: The Killing Joke. No, I would like to help you with your problem if you're willing to listen."

After carefully thinking, Pinkie sighed, "Better than talking with my ex-boyfriend for being so supportive with my sisters to get married with theirs. And I rather not talk with my friends either. They might say the same thing."

"Good. Good. Just take a seat, my dear," Psychopath Joke said happily as he helped Pinkie to take a seat to lie down. Just as he and Harley taken their seats, he cleared his throat to question, "Now then, shall we begin? Where do we start with your problem? My dear nurse, any suggestion?"

Harley hummed thoughtfully, "How about we start with your relationship with your sisters? Might be a reason why you have issue with marriage problem."

Pinkie nodded as she explained, "Okay. This just happened when I was a little girl and used to be a rock farmer. And it wasn't a happy time either."

"Ooh. A tragic backstory." Psychopath Joke asked amusingly yet intrigued while 'writing down' on notepad. He asked, "Must be your parents having very big argument with each other. Or worse, abusive towards you and your sisters? Divorce? Business didn't do so well? Or maybe cheating on each other that tear your family apart?"

"None of them." Pinkie admitted. Psychopath Joke was annoyed while glaring at her. She continued, "I'm serious. None of these are. Well, maybe a little bit of argument. It's just that none of us ever actually have a good time or have fun for the rest of our lives. All we ever do is rock farming and nothing else. Never even got the chance to join the party. And many ponies make fun of me. It was hurt and pain for me to do. My parents were too busy to deal with their customers and clients because it was too important for trading and building business. They didn't have time for me or my sisters. They do that when it's time for rock farm. Most of the time."

"I see… Interesting…" Psychopath Joke said amusingly, "So, this is where your sisters join the party?"

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah. Whenever there're bullies bullying and making fun of me, they came and help me. Maud scolded them. Limestone used her hooves to teach them hard. Marble tried to be nice to them. They have been helping me a lot. And I wanna do something for them. That's when Rainboom hit the farm. I got the inspiration and help them smile at me."

"Okay then," Harley nodded while drinking her strawberry milkshake, "Curiously. Do you ever hate guys dating them?"

"Well, not really," Pinkie admitted sheepishly. Psychopath Joke and Harley gave their annoying glare at her. She groaned, "I really don't know! I don't know how I felt about boys dating my sisters. I thought it was just dating, nothing else."

"So, what's wrong with marriage?" Harley asked curiously.

Hearing the word of marriage, Pinkie snapped angrily, "Hell no! Not a chance! Not gonna happen! No way! Not ever! I don't want my sisters to get married with them! I don't want anything bad happen to them when I wasn't around. I don't want to lose them. I owe them so much. They're too important!"

Listening to Pinkie's words, Psychopath Joke hummed thoughtfully, "Interesting…"

"What? What is it?" Pinkie asked in confusion and concern.

"By jolly, I figured out your problem, Pinkie," Psychopath Joke exclaimed happily. Pinkie looked at him. He smirked, "You're jealous and angry. You don't want to be alone in your life."

"Huh? What's that gotta to do with my problem with their marriage?" Pinkie asked in confusion.

Psychopath Joke smirked, "That's quite simple, my dear. Throughout your childhood, the only friends and love you ever have is your sisters. And they're the closest ponies you ever had in life. Without them, you're nothing but scared little girl. That's why you're very against them married with boyfriends because you don't want to be alone…"

Pinkie was in shock and surprise by Psychopath Joke's explanation. She remarked, "I-I didn't think about it. W-What am I gonna do?"

"Simple. Tell them the truth," Psychopath Joke answered calmly.

"Really? That's it?" Pinkie asked in confusion.

Psychopath Joke nodded, "Eeyup. The girls will understand. And the next thing, you will do with the boys is give them the party they will never forget. Show the boys their true colors to the girls. Then, they will break up for good!"

Pinkie became concern and worried, "I don't know…"

"Trust Dr. PJ. He knows what he's doing…" Harley said calmly.

Pinkie hummed while giving some thoughts. She nodded, "Okie. Dookie. Lookie. I'll try your way. I'm doing this for them."

"That's the spirit, Pinkie. Now go and deal with the problem head on," Psychopath Joke exclaimed happily.

Pinkie nodded happily as she bounced happily out of the stall. Seeing them gone, both Psychopath Joke and Harley Witch quickly packed up their stuffs before dashed out before they get caught.

Just as Pinkie was walking down the street, she came across four students came across to her. They all looked concern and scared.

"Oh hey, guys!" Pinkie greeted happily.

"Professor Pinkie! Thank goodness you're here. We need to talk," Silverstream said in concern. Pinkie looked at her curiously. She continued, "We heard that you're somehow involved with your sisters' boyfriends and their accidents. Was it true? Did you do those things?"

Pinkie looked surprise and concern. Rak spoke, "If it is, then we would like to tell you not to do this. Please."

Yona nodded, "Yona doesn't want Pink Pony to be bad teacher. Pinkie is the best teacher. Yona knows Pinkie got good heart and never do anything bad to them. Yona doesn't want Pinkie break Yona's heart."

Surprised by how they figure it out, Pinkie waved it off, "Don't worry about it. I already spoken with someone to not to continue with it."

"You have?" Everyone asked in surprise.

Pinkie nodded, "Yup. Tomorrow, I'll talk with my sisters about my feelings and make up with their boyfriends. Everything will be fine."

"Professor Pinkie, you mean it?" Silverstream asked in surprise.

"Yup. See you tomorrow," Pinkie said happily while singing 'la-la-la' happily.

While everyone watched her walking away and singing, Rak spoke, "Looks like we've prevented Pinkie from doing this."

Yona smiled, "Yeah. Yona is happy that Professor Pinkie not doing stupid. Everything is back to normal."

Jesuit hummed in concern, "It's too easy. Something bad is about to happen." Everyone looked at her with concern looks. She summoned her flying drones, "We need to keep an eye on her and the situation for tomorrow. Something tells me that the worst is not over."

Yona groaned, "China Pony did say anyone said those means bad things will happen."

Silverstream sighed in concern, "I hope it doesn't."

Unbeknownst to the students, Psychopath Joke and Harley Witch have seen everything. They both stifled their evil laughter.

"Oh, my dear students, you have no idea…" Psychopath Joke remarked amusingly.

On the next day, at Ponyville Park, Pinkie has prepared and set up a surprise party, filling with some wedding decoration and gifts, as well as fitting theme and interest to Pie Sisters' boyfriends. She has become restless and uneasy about telling the truth to her sisters. She then invited both her sisters and their boyfriends to the party. And to her surprise, she even found Applejack, Caramel, Tailtech, Icy and four students also joined in.

"Huh? What are you guys doing here?" Pinkie asked in surprise.

"Just checking and making sure nothing bad has happen," Applejack said firmly. She looked at Pinkie, "You're not up to no good, right?"

Pinkie laughed in disbelief yet nervous, "W-What?! Me?! Up to no good? No! Not a chance!"

Applejack hummed suspiciously, "If you say so."

"Now if you excuse me, I need to talk with my sisters," Pinkie said seriously and firmly.

Pinkie hummed happily while walking towards her sisters for discussion about her concerns. Applejack was still suspicious and concern of her. The rest of her friends and students approached her.

"Anything?" Caramel asked in concern.

"She's up to something for sure." Applejack said seriously. She turned and looked at the students, "Thanks for telling us about this. Anything else we should know?"

"There is one. There was a stall, where Pinkie talked to the psychiatrist and his assistant about her problem. And the next thing, they both disappeared after talking with her," Jesuit said in concern, "It's quite suspicious and alarming…"

"Think they're bad guys or something?" Silverstream asked in concern.

Yona snorted in anger, "If they tell Professor Pinkie to do bad things, Yona wanna knock them out for good!"

Rak gestured 'stopping' at his friends, "Wow there. Let's not be hasty. We should be focusing on more important thing to do."

"He's right. We should keep an eye on Pinkie," Tailtech said seriously and firmly, "No doubt that she's gonna harm them than helping them."

"Yeah. Let's split up and look after them. We don't want anything bad happen to them," Applejack said seriously and firmly.

Icy sighed in concern, "Hopefully nothing bad happens…"

"Let's hope so," Applejack agreed.

Applejack and her team split up and stayed close to Pie Sisters' boyfriends as they made sure that nothing bad happen to them. Applejack and Caramel stayed close to Mudbriar, who ranted about how sticks and woods should be treated respectfully, annoying them quite a while. Silverstream, Yona and Rak talked with Double Diamond, who loved talking about his snowboarding and snow adventures. Tailtech, Icy and Jesuits are with Saber, who is concern and suspicious of Pinkie's odd behavior lately, which they are worried and uneasy about it.

And at the same time, Pinkie was talking and chatting with her sisters, who were concerned and worried about her for one week.

"Pinkie, is there something you want to talk with us?" Maud asked seriously yet bluntly.

Limestone agreed, "Yeah. You've been acting funny lately. And I don't mean your usual silly jokes, but something off about you. Hopefully, you have some explaining to do."

Marble nodded firmly, "Mmm-hmmm…"

Looking at her sisters' serious looks, it made Pinkie very uneasy and worried about telling the truth of her disliked their marriage.

"Pinkie," Maud called, along with her sisters looking at her. She asked, "Please tell us. What's really bothering you?"

Seeing her sisters' looks and concerns, Pinkie took a deep breathe as she spoke, "Maud, Limestone and Marble; I loved you guys so much. The last thing I ever want is to see you guys heartbroken. And I hope you understand and forgive me for doing this. I did it to protect you. Don't get married, please!"

Pie Sisters were a bit uneasy of what Pinkie has said. Just before any of them could say anything, they heard some loud booming noise, alerting everyone else. The Pie Sisters looked back to the party, where they found couple of boulders, coming out of nowhere, thrown and almost hit their boyfriends.

Applejack quickly knocked and smashed them with her bare hooves. Saber summoned and unleashed his Wind Storm and Air Raid at them. With the help of Rak and Silverstream's, Yona was flying and ramming at most of them. Jesuit summoned her magical orb drones-like to fire Sparkling Star Blasts at them. Maud and Limestone charged and knocked the boulders down. Pinkie and Marble fired the party cannons, blasting and knocking them out. Caramel helped and guided both Mudbriar and Double Diamond to safety.

The falling rocks have suddenly stopped. Everyone panted in exhaustion and tired after battling and destroying every last of boulders. While the ponies are safe from danger, but the party was destroyed and ruined.

"What the heck was that about?!" Double Diamond asked in shock and disbelief.

"No clue…" Saber admitted in concern while looking at the boulder crashed on the wagon. He hummed, "These boulders couldn't have thrown out of nowhere. Unless someone used the catapult or cannon to shoot them at us."

"We're being targeted?!" Double Diamond exclaimed and panicked in fear and concern. Everyone gasped in shocked. He grunted in fear, "W-Who could have done this?!"

Everyone chattered in concern and worried. Mudbriar approached to the boulder, which broke stack of sticks broke into pieces. While he was sympathizing it, he noticed a piece of paper on the rock. He picked it up while reading carefully. He became annoyed and angry to read it.

"I know who did," Mudbriar said dryly. He turned and glared at Pinkie, "You did this. All the accidents and humiliation we have to suffer. That was you, right, Pinkie Pie?!"

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard. They all turned and looked at Pinkie, who was sweating nervously and fearfully. She realized that she's in trouble now.

"S-She did this? No way! This can't be true!" Double Diamond exclaimed in disbelief and shock.

Saber approached and demanded firmly yet seriously, "Pinkie, tell us the truth. Did you really do all of this?"

Pinkie was hesitated and scared while looking at everyone, who was waiting for the truth about the mess she made.

Pinkie sighed shamefully as she admitted, "Yes… I did…"

Everyone was completely shocked yet disbelief and angry with Pinkie. She really did make accidents and mishaps to them.

"I knew it…" Mudbriar said sternly yet dryly.

"I-I don't understand. Why? Why would you do that to us?!" Double Diamond asked in hurt tone, "I thought we were friends!"

"What is this really about, Pinkie," Saber demanded firmly, "Did you really hate us a lot?"

"No!" Pinkie protested in fear and concern, "It's not that! I don't my sisters to get married with you all because I don't trust you all to look after them, no matter what you do or how many years you're together."

Everyone was in deep shock and disbelief of what they heard. Almost everyone especially the sisters were angry and furious with Pinkie's attitude and action.

Double Diamond scolded, "How could you think like that?! None of us have never done bad to them! If we had, your sisters would have break up with us months ago!"

"He is right," Mudbriar said in agreement with harsh tone, "I thought you got over the problem with me."

Saber shook his head seriously, "I don't know if we all should be mad at you for your selfishness or want to beat you up for causing the troubles!"

Pinkie was about to protest. Limestone spoke up, "Hey, back off, pretty boy! Don't you dare talk to my sister that way!"

"Not after everything she has done?!" Double Diamond asked angrily.

"Oh, I am still pissed with her for messing up with our date," Limestone admitted dryly yet angered. She turned and glared at Double Diamond, "I'd be angry if you try to mess with her when I'm around!"

Double Diamond grunted in disbelief, "C'mon, Limestone! I was scolding her! You know she messed up and ruin most of our dates!"

Limestone snapped back, "Yeah. So what?"

"She almost killed us!" Double Diamond exclaimed in frustration.

Mudbriar nodded, "I concurred. Ruining our dates is one thing, but almost kill us because she doesn't like us is another. We disapprove such behavior and methods of hers. She should be punished!"

"Pinkie would never kill anyone," Maud protested firmly. She glared at Mudbriar, "You should know better, Mudbriar."

"Oh. I know her well enough, Maud. She hates me. She hates my hobby. And the worst she ever did is that she insults me for knowing you better than her. I know her because I spent time with you while she only knows how to party which you hated the most."

"I don't hate parties. I just don't enjoy it because I hate loud and noisy party. I enjoyed peace and quiet."

"I do too. And technically, your sister doesn't. She thinks she know you better than I do. She's such a naïve and spoiled pony."

Maud became annoyed with her boyfriend as she firmly scolded, "Mudbriar, I love you. But what I hate the most is you insult my sister. I won't approve of that."

"Technically, I didn't insult. I stated the facts. And the fact is that Pinkie does not care of consequence of her action while thinking selfishly for herself, not for her sisters, even for you."

"You don't know what my sister thinks. She is not selfish as you think of her!"

"Technically, you are the one, who don't know about her and what she has done. It's no wonder not many didn't befriend you when you give the impression."

"And you do?"

"Technically-!"

Maud gave a fierce glare at Mudbriar, "Pinkie was right about one thing. Your 'Technically' is really getting on my nerve now. And I'm getting annoyed now."

Saber looked at Marble, who looked ashamed and upset of what has happened. He spoke softly, "Marble, I have nothing against Pinkie. But what I don't approve her methods especially almost killed us."

Marble nodded in agreement, "Mmm-hmm…"

"We both can agreed that her action is unacceptable."

"Mmm-hmm…"

"Then, what will you do about her? I certainly don't think that you should let her off. She, at least, face her punishment."

"Hmm…"

"You're hesitating? Marble, I'm not asking you to punish her so harshly and badly. She has to face the consequence for the action she made. She can't just ignore it. People will get upset about this."

"Hmm…"

"Oh boy… This is gonna be long and pain to have conversation…"

Both Maud and Limestone have a serious argument with Mudbriar and Double Diamond about dealing with Pinkie while Saber tried to convince hesitated yet worried Marble about it. Applejack and her friends turned and glared at Pinkie, who looked nervous and concern of the situation now.

"Hope you're happy about this, Pinkie. You got your wish." Applejack said sternly and dryly.

Tailtech remarked sarcastically, "You've turned everyone against each other. Your sisters definitely will not be getting married because of you."

Hearing what Applejack has said, Pinkie was in shock as she remarked, "W-What have I done?"

"So, what are you waiting for? Do something about it," Caramel exclaimed in annoyance.

Icy nodded, "Yeah. If you really treasured your sisters' happiness, then fix it at once. Or else, this will be broken and scarred forever."

Pinkie hesitated and scared, "B-But what can I do? Even I do speak about my feeling…"

"It's better than nothing, Professor Pinkie," Silverstream insisted calmly, "Just apologize."

Yona nodded in agreement, "Yona agreed with Silverstream. When do something bad, say sorry and fix it. Yona and her friends made lots of accidents and mess at the school, but we say sorry and fix it up."

"Even some don't agree," Rak added. Everyone looked at him. He asked, "What? It is true. Sandbar and Heatwave are best examples for not forgivable to each other, even though they apologized to each other."

Jesuit insisted calmly, "The point is that you make up for them. Good or bad, it doesn't matter. But what matters is that you make things right."

After hearing what her friends have said, Pinkie sighed in defeat, "You guys are right. I'd better fix this mess now before it gets worse."

Pinkie approached to her sisters and their boyfriends, who were still arguing and shouting at each other. She cleared her throat for two times. Annoyed that none of them listened, she made a loud whistle, getting their attention. They all turned and looked at her.

"Sorry. I need to get your attention," Pinkie said sheepishly. She cleared her throat as she firmly and seriously apologized, "I'm really, really sorry for what I did. Not just to you guys, but also my sisters. And this has nothing to do with my trust issues of you guys or overprotective for my sisters. I didn't want to be left alone on my own again since the day I left rock farm and moved to Ponyville Town for getting a job. We hardly get to see each other. And the last thing I want is that my sisters getting marry soon. I would be all alone for the rest of my life."

Everyone looked at her firmly and seriously while remained silence for a while. Pinkie started crying, not just sorrow for herself but the guilt and upset.

Pinkie wiped the tears off as she continued, "I won't try to ruin your dates or even stop my you all getting married. In fact, it's better that you don't visit me, not after what I've done. You guys deserve the happy ending. I'm really sorry. For everything…"

After saying that, Pinkie sighed in both hurt yet relief while looked away tearfully. Just before she could leave, she was stopped and dragged back into a brig group hug by her sisters especially stubborn Limestone, who also cried tearfully.

Pinkie was in deep shock and surprise as she asked confusingly, "I-I don't understand. I thought you all hate me for ruining your dates and start the argument with your boyfriends."

Her sisters departed from hugging her, Limestone sighed, "Pinkie, you are really dumbass."

Pinkie was still confused. Maud explained, "Pinkie, we were waiting for you to tell us the real truth about how you really feel with the marriage we might one day have. And now, you did."

Marble nodded tearfully yet relieved, "Mmm-hmm…"

"I-I don't get it," Pinkie said in confusion. She then looked at the rest of her friends, who remained calm yet smiled in relief. She asked, "I thought you guys were angry with me."

"Oh. We still are," Double Diamond admitted sheepishly.

Mudbriar cleared his throat, "And technically, we knew about your problem after some mishaps of our dates."

"All thanks to the help of your boyfriend," Saber added teasingly.

"Cheese?" Pinkie asked in surprise. Suddenly, Cheese popped out of the five-layered white cakes. He made the party pose with 'Ta-dah' music moment. She gasped, "Cheese! You told them?!"

Cheese nodded, "Yup. Sure did."

"Not only that, we also suspected that you're not fine and overheard your problems too when you visited the psychiatrist stall," Jesuit added calmly.

"And you guys went along with it?" Pinkie asked in surprise and disbelief, "You could have just told me. We would have avoided this mess."

"Would you even listen to us?" Applejack asked dryly yet teasingly, surprising Pinkie. She blushed in embarrassment to realize about the situation. She smirked playfully, "Yup. You're too stubborn and angry to know. So, we stage the argument between your sisters and the boys after you pranked on them badly."

Icy stifled her laughter, "And it's quite convincing to make you regret and admit your real feelings."

Pinkie was dumbfounded and stunned by situation as she remarked, "W-Wow. You guys are good with this."

"Yeah, we did," Limestone said playfully. She grabbed Pinkie as she glared at her younger sister, "Do this dumbass stunt again and I will kick your stupid ass. Really hard!"

"Limestone…." Marble scolded gently, surprising some ponies.

Limestone groaned, "Fine. Not that hard. Still kicking your ass."

Patting her sister, Maud spoke bluntly yet gently and firmly to speak, "Pinkie, we may one day get married and have our own family, but that doesn't mean we won't visit or help you. You're not just our sister, you're also are our boyfriends' too when that time comes. We will always be there for you when you needed the most. You can count on us."

Pinkie was touched and happy to hear it before she hugged both her sisters and their boyfriends, "I really love you guys! I'm so sorry for the mess."

Everyone answered calmly, "It's okay. No hard feeling. It'll be alright. Nothing bad happens."

"Promise me that you will look after my sister when you get married," Pinkie said seriously, "But if anything goes wrong-!"

"Got it!" Double Diamond exclaimed in fear and concern.

Saber nodded, "We will never do that to our girls. Promise."

"Technically, we would never do that since you cause the problem first," Mudbriar remarked. He was in shock when he found ponies glaring at him as they hoped he's not saying another fact to annoy them. He sighed, "Fine. I will honor my promise."

Pinkie looked at Cheese, "Cheese? Are we good?"

Still mad with her over ignoring his concerns, Cheese smiled happily as he decided not to dwell on it. He jumped and slammed them to the ground. He cheered, "Why not?! I'm good. And if we get married, Pinkie, you promised to behave and not doing anything stupid?"

"Sure," Pinkie agreed without second thoughts. She stopped and asked, "Wait! Married?!"

Cheese blushed while nodded, "Yeah. Since your sisters might getting married, why not us? I didn't want to make you alone."

Pinkie hummed thoughtfully before smiled, "Yeah. I can't just rely on my sisters. I definitely need my guy and friends to be there."

"Hey! Are you saying we're useless?!" Limestone asked while feigning her 'angry' looks. Marble and Maud glared at her. She scoffed, "I was kidding. Yeesh."

"That is a horrible sense of humor, Limestone," Maud remarked, along with Marble agreed.

Limestone groaned, "Why don't you be comedian and see how you get ponies laughed?!"

Maud smiled cockily yet emotionlessly, "I did. It's call 'Knock, Knock'."

Limestone annoyed to remark, "Not funny…"

"Aw…" Silverstream awed in relief, "Glad everything back to normal. Everyone's happy."

"Yup. Yona's happy for Professor Pinkie's not doing bad for her family," Yona said happily, "Yona hates not happy ending for family. It's the worst."

"Especially the boulders falling on us," Rak commented.

"Speaking of boulders," Icy said in realization while looking at Pinkie, who just got up, along with her sisters and boyfriends. She asked, "Seriously, Pinkie, what's up with using large boulders? We could have been killed."

Tailtech nodded, "Yeah. We'd be expecting some water balloon, confetti or even crazy exploding cakes on us."

"I did. Look," Pinkie admitted in confusion while pointing at the damages party decoration that has some prank tools. She continued, "I did that to show the guys' true colors while talking with my sisters. I wouldn't think of killing them. I'm a happy and party pony, not some crazy maniac killer clown."

"If she didn't or we definitely wouldn't go that far, then who did?" Caramel asked in concern and fear.

Jesuit gave some concerning thoughts as she summoned her drone, "I might have the idea. And it has something to do with psychiatrist stall. I did glimpse on that guy. He has a clown makeup with disturbing smile."

"Me too." Applejack said in concern, "I think we're dealing with what Pinkie just said."

Just as Jesuit's drone revealed the hologram of their area, everyone gasped and found Psychopath Joke and Harley Witch were setting up the cannons with boulders, preparing fire at them while they were talking.

Pinkie gasped in fear, "Psychopath Joke!"

Cheese groaned, "Great. Just have to ruin my hero role model. Who do ponies keep making clowns bad guys? I really hate it."

"I'd say we deal with him now," Tailtech said firmly.

"It might be too late," Saber said in concern, "He's long gone after this fiasco. But when he has the nerve of showing up, we'll put him back in his place. We'll show him that we get the last laughs, not him."

Pinkie saluted, "I'm with you, my future brother-in-law."

"So do I!" Cheese saluted, "He's mine. He'd better back away from messing my factory. I won't let him use mine for evil."

Back to his living room, Psychopath Joke and Harley Witch have heard everything. They both chuckled amusingly of what Cheese Sandwich.

"Ooh? Won't we?" Psychopath Joke teased amusingly, "Well then, we shall see what happen for next Mystic Season 5's episode. It will be the blast. Hope you enjoy the worst episode in your life. Ask yourself, dear readers, it is the worst?"

Psychopath Joke laughed out loud and manically, along with Harley Witch joining in.

END?

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie

Ingrid Nilson: Maud Pie, Limestone Pie, Marble Pie

Mark Hamill: Psychopath Joke

Minor Casts:
Weird Al’Yankovic: Cheese Sandwich

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Jim Parson: Mudbriar

Brian Drummond: Double Diamond

David Kaye: Caramel

Kate Higgins: Tailtech

Cristina Vee: Icy

Tara Strong: Harley Witch

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Kathreen Khavari: Jesuit Omnicron

Peter New: Big MacIntosh

Episode 20: Road to Friendship

After resigned and left the Mystic Council, Azure Phoenix has amassed his Imperial Phoenix Army and rebelled against Nezha for abusing power and turning most of Mystic Ponies mistreating and bigotry against Equestria Ponies. He wasn't alone. Wisdom Seekers, Black Sacred Knights, Metal Armor Sentinels, Peace Nature Guardians and various Equestrian rebellion factions including some ponies, Axeknight Warriors, Sky Pirates and Abyssinians have also joined the rebellions to restore order and peace between Mystic Realm and Equestria Realm. Thus, begin the Mystic Civil Wars.

It has been on war for six to ten months for civil war. It is affecting the alliance, economy and even Mystic Kingdom. Surprisingly, Dark Mystic Ponies have not made the move again…

In the Dark Forest, Demon Successors and Demon Lords are still encamping as they continued recruiting and training their own army of Demon Tribes and Shadow Demons. Inside the main camp, they were now working on solving the Pan'ku Box, locating two more portals for both Po Kong and Tchang Zu. Eventually, Mowu was levitating and twisting the puzzle box, with the help of MC Cobra's studious and skills on puzzle. Just as she twisted on both sides, the Pan'ku Box made the clicking sound.

"Booyah!" MC Cobra exclaimed happily.

Mowu nodded firmly while showing the Pan'ku Box to her masters, "Indeed. We have succeeded solve the puzzle, my lord and ladies."

Demon Lords and Demon Successors smiled pleasingly yet amusingly. The Pan'ku Box activated and launched the greenish light beam, revealing the location of Po Kong at the Saddle Arabia map.

"And here it is," MC Cobra exclaimed happily.

Looking carefully on the map, Bai Tza sighed in relief, "Po Kong's Portal has been located. In this the desert land of Saddle Arabia. The time of your deployment is now, Avalanche. Do not fail your mother."

Instead of responding to the call, the Demon Lords and Demon Successors looked around and found Avalanche was nowhere to be found. They then heard loud crunching and munching noise from the far cornered of tent. They found him, ignorant and distracted, obsessively and happily enjoyed eating his ice-cream and biscuits. This made Demon Lords and their children groaned in annoyance and frustration.

"I don't believe it…" Hak Xing said in disbelief.

Drago growled in annoyance while crossed his arms, "Does anyone think this is a bad idea to send Avalanche there? This guy's completely hopeless and useless too." Everyone muttered in concern yet agreeable. He continued, "Who would like to accompany him then?"

This surprised and concerned most of Demon Lords and their children. They all backed away from Drago, leaving him alone in middle of space. This shocked and annoyed him.

Drago groaned, "No! No way! No way I'm gonna babysit him!"

Hak Xing hissed while glaring at him, "Then, how do you suggest to deal with this mess? His lieutenant is not intelligent and strong enough to handle this matter. I would not risk mine to do so."

Drago scoffed, "Yeah. Mine ain't going anywhere. You can't boss me around!"

Hak Xing and Drago entered into a heated argument with each other, prompting the Demon Successors calmed them down from fighting. Demon Lords were disbelieved of what they just saw before facepalmed.

"I've always wondered why they always failed the mission," Bai Tza grumbled.

Shendu sighed, "Indeed. Apparently, they haven't dealt with their leadership and rivalries since we've sent them for training and building the army."

Suddenly, everyone heard a loud laughter, coming from the tent entrance. They all turned and found Ripper, who has found his new pony to host, entered into the scene.

"Look at you all. Squabble like children." Ripper mocked, "No wonder you all lose so easily."

Almost everyone wanted to kill Ripper for making a mockery on them. Tso Lan lifted his hand, stopping them to harm him.

"Then, perhaps, our liaison will work together with his lieutenant to take care of him." Tso Lan suggested amusingly.

Ripper stopped his laughing as he stuttered to ask, "W-What?!"

Knowing what Tso Lan's suggesting, Shendu agreed, "You heard us, representative of Mystic Ponies. You're taking care of Avalanche until he succeeded his mission."

"Indeed. If you failed, then we make complain to the Mystic Emperor for your failure." Bai Tza added amusingly with chuckles, "I suggest you do it right, Ultimate Lieutenant."

Ripper groaned in defeat while glaring at hungry Avalanche, "And I just got my new body to host on."

At Ponyville, almost all of ponies including Twilight, Princess Cadance, Nyx and Flurry Heart were gathering at Ponyville Park, where they were watching and looking at the magic show stage. Starlight was pacing around the stage while looking at the chained treasure chest.

"I don't know, folks. She's been in there a long time," Starlight dramatically declared, making the crowd gasped and even Flurry Heart whimpered. While looking at the treasure chest, she asked, "Do you suppose the Terrifying Trunk Escape is too much for her?! What if the Great and Powerful Trixie can't-?!"

POOF! Hearing the 'poof' noise, the crowd turned back and found the blue smoke was engulfing around Sunset. And to their shock and surprise, she picked something like a zipper to open in two, revealing Trixie herself.

"Escape?!" Trixie asked teasingly.

The crowd gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw. They all turned and looked at Starlight, who pretended to be surprise.

"But if you're there, who's in here?" Starlight asked while looking at the chest.

Using the smoke bombs, Trixie got teleported back on the stage. She smirked cockily as she unlocked the chains and lock, "Why, our second assistant, of course!"

Just as Trixie opened the chest, Sunset coughed out loud while panting calmly and slowly, "Did I mention I'm a claustrophobic? Coz I barely keep myself cool inside there for nearly an hour. I almost died inside there!"

Starlight patted her friend's head, "Hey, at least, you hold it long. Good job."

Sunset groaned, "Remind me to make you play the decoy for magic show."

Trixie and her assistants made the magical and happy finale poses before the crowd. They all went wild. After the magic show, the crowd dispersed and left the area. Twilight, Princess Cadance, Nyx and Flurry Heart approached to Trixie, who was keeping and packing up magical props into her wagon.

"Trixie, that was an amazing show," Twilight commented in amazement.

Princess Cadance nodded while holding her baby daughter, "Flurry Heart and I loved it! I'm so glad we decided to come." She then looked at Starlight and Sunset, who were moving some trunks into the wagon. She commented, "You three have a real chemistry."

Trixie smirked cockily, "The Terrifying Trunk Escape does require two grrrreat and powerful assistants."

"The way you three work together, it's like you've known each other as long as Twilight and I have." Princess Cadance commented while looking at Twilight, who smiled back.

"It was pretty fun." Sunset remarked.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. Especially when we work and play together."

"Of course it was!" Twilight exclaimed excitedly, "There's nothing better than a bond with another pony. You can share all kinds of things."

Twilight and Princess Cadance then performed their secret foulhood hoof-shaking. They then giggled happily. Nyx and Flurry Heart also followed their mother's hoofstop as they found it fun and happy to play with. While their fouldhoo hoof-shaking surprised and intrigued Sunset, Trixie and Starlight were a bit disturbed.

"Ooh. A secret handshake," Sunset remarked in surprise, "There were many kinds of them, but never like this. This is something."

"I think we'll stick to the stage magic for now." Starlight remarked nervously.

Trixie nodded, "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't chant."

"Uh huh. Really? When you talk about yourself being 'Great and Powerful', isn't that consider a chant," Sunset teased slyly, annoying Trixie.

Starlight giggled, "She got you there."

Trixie groaned, "Shut up…"

Just before anyone could do anything, a young Friendship Guard cadet named Cody Carmine approached and whispered to Twilight, who looked shocked and concern.

Twilight groaned, "Not again. We'd better get back to the Castle of Friendship. Grubber's on grumpy mood."

"Again?" Nyx asked in disbelief. Twilight nodded in disbelief. She groaned, "How long he's gonna keep doing this to everypony and Storm Guards on training and patrol duty? They already do their best for the job."

Twilight sighed, "I don't know. But we'd better stop him now."

Twilight and her family moved out at once, returning to the Castle of Friendship at once. Trixie, Starlight and Sunset continued packing and loading up couple of trunks and boxes into the wagon.

Trixie sighed, "As much as I love my one-pony show, it's always nice to come to Ponyville and perform with my great and powerful assistant. Cadance is right. We do work well together!"

"Yeah. I've never done or seen a magic show before in my life," Sunset admitted happily, "Still, I'm kinda surprise that you want to do magic show, even though you have Unicorn Magic."

Trixie scoffed playfully, "The Great and Powerful Trixie may have Unicorn Magic, but mine is very different from Twilight and other unicorns because they study and make many kinds of magic. Plus, I enjoyed making entertainment and shows, just like how my dad did."

"Uh-huh," Sunset nodded teasingly, "Yeah. Heard he was doing magic show at Las Pegasus."

Trixie sighed, "Well, hopefully, he's doing it well. Flim and Flam got themselves for messing with Councilpony Scar Brilliance. Yeesh. They should know better than to annoy him."

"Doing a show with you is almost as much fun as counseling students at Twilight's school," Starlight said happily. Realizing something, she gasped, "Which I'm supposed to be doing right now!"

Sunset looked concern, "Yeah. You're right. I need to handle some administration too. See ya later, Trixie!"

Both Starlight and Sunset used teleportation magic to return to the School of Friendship for their work. Trixie shrugged a bit before returning to pack up her stuffs. Just as she approached to her wagon, she tried to open the door, which is locked and stuck. This made her grumbled in annoyance about it.

"Excuse me, Ms. Powerful…" The voice called out.

Trixie stopped as she looked back. She found a lighter Saddle Arabian Unicorn with dark navy and lighter blue streaks spiky mane and tail wearing brown-orange Arabian robe, bags on his belt, yellow scarf and brown-orange headband with goggles.

Trixie giggled a bit, "Usually, ponies just call me Trixie. But 'Ms. Powerful' has a nice ring."

The Saddle Arabian smiled, "My name is Hoo'Far. I'm from here to Saddle Arabia, I have seen nothing that compares with your wondrous show. Uh, would you consider blessing my homeland with it?"

Trixie was surprised. She grunted while trying to open the door, "I was just about to set out on tour. But Saddle Arabia is much farther than my usual route." She yelped when she pulled too hard on the door's knob. She laughed a bit, "And, uh, my caravan might not be suited for an extended tour."

Hoo'Far hummed thoughtfully while looking at his own large brown-colored wagon with blue-colored rooftop and has blue colored on sides with Arabian Pattern Side Walls with glass, "Mine is new and quite spacious. If it would help persuade you, I would happily trade it for yours."

"Trade it?!" Trixie asked in shock and disbelief, "Heavens, no! This is more than just some great and powerful wagon you see before you! It is shelter. It is transportation. It is my only friend on the long and lonely nights on the road."

Hoo'Far nodded calmly, "Very well. Then I must see as many of your performances as I can. If I cannot convince you to bring your tour to Saddle Arabia, I must be prepared to relate its magnificence to your many fans there."

"Many fans, you say?" Trixie asked curiously. She laughed a bit, "Well, I suppose I could consider the trip."

Hoo'Far smiled happily, "Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you on the road! And if you change your mind about the caravans, my offer remains open."

Trixie hummed thoughtfully, thinking of Hoo'Far's offer…

Trixie went to the School of Friendship. She met up with both Starlight and Sunset at the consultation room. She explained to them what happened from her meeting with Hoo'Far's offer to bring her to Saddle Arabia.

Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "Hmmm. Sounds like your mind's made up."

Sunset nodded, "Going to Saddle Arabia must be a lonely for you."

"It is." Trixie agreed, "The road is a lonely place. And this trip even more so. I was hoping I might convince my grrrrreat and powerful assistants to come along?"

"Really?" Starlight asked in surprise.

Sunset giggled, "Somehow I'm not surprise."

"Of course!" Trixie exclaimed happily, "You're not just my assistant and my counselor. You both are also my friends. Sure we've had some hiccups to deal with, but we also managed to work it out. And what's better than a road trip with friends?"

"Nothing! This will be the best magical road trip ever," Starlight agreed happily.

Sunset sighed, "I'll come too. Always want to see how great and vast the desert is. But as long as you guys behaved."

"Hey!" Trixie and Starlight exclaimed, feeling offended.

Just as three unicorns were about to leave the consultant room, they found a line of students including Bella and Cozy Glow were waiting for the consultancy.

"I should probably get somepony to cover my student counseling duties while we're gone." Starlight remarked.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. As long it's not Lockdown, he scared them a lot especially 'Drop and give me 20' doesn't work to solve their issues. Good thing I asked Lemon Zest to cover my shift since I'm taking some days off."

On the next day, Starlight and Sunset have requested both Pinkie and Shorty to take over their jobs while they were on vacation trip with Trixie. They also have packed up their luggage bags before headed off to meet up with their friend at the outside of Castle of Friendship.

Just as two unicorns have just arrived, they then heard the clattering noise from the wagon, which was moving and brawling around wildly. They quickly approached and checked on their friend. The pink unicorn knocked the door.

"Trixie, are you all right?" Starlight asked in concern.

Trixie grunted as she managed to open the door and greeted her friends, "One caravan for three all set!" She then noticed Starlight and Sunset levitating the luggage. She was surprised, "Oh. You brought luggage." She laughed a bit of nervous, "I mean, of course you brought luggage!"

"Well, we do need some stuffs to keep us busy," Sunset remarked playfully.

"You bet we did! Everything three ponies need for the road trip of their lives! Three one-thousand-piece puzzles, one copy of Dragon Pit – the best board game in the history of ponies – my famous collection of campfire spices, and an inflatable raft." Starlight said happily while showing her stuffs. She noticed Trixie's worried looks. She asked, "Did I forget something? I could pop back to the castle and grab it."

"Oh, no. It isn't that." Trixie disagreed while looking at her wagon.

Starlight and Sunset looked shocked and concern to see how messy and cluttered her wagon is.

"Okay. I can see why you're worried," Sunset remarked.

Starlight nodded in agreement, "Yeah. No worries. We just need to reorganize them properly. Make sure it doesn't take up much space."

Trixie sighed, "I supposed so. This will take a while."

Took about an hour or two, three unicorns have cleared, cleaned and reorganized everything in order inside the wagon. They're now outside as they were panting and taking a break from cleaning and reorganizing the place.

Trixie sighed, "You were right, Starlight. We just needed a little great and powerful rrrrreorganization! Voila! We did it."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Let's just hope that we can fit in. Uh. No offense, Trixie."

"None taken," Trixie waved off her remark. Looking at the wagon, she sighed, "Who am I kidding? My wagon is too small for us. I understand if you're having second thoughts."

"Hey, no worries about it. I'm sure we'll figure this out. Somehow," Starlight suggested calmly.

"Oh good! You're still here!" Twilight's voice called happily.

Three unicorns looked behind. They found Twilight, Chancellor Ratio and even grumpy yet upset Grubber and 15 soldiers of Bonecrusher Squadron.

"Twilight, what are you doing here?" Starlight asked in surprise.

"Came to say goodbyes." Twilight said warmly and calmly. Chancellor Ratio cleared his throat. She sighed, "And also, both Chancellor Ratio and Bonecrusher Squadron will be accompanying you."

"Really?" Trixie asked in surprise yet happy.

"Uh... Why?" Sunset asked in confusion.

Twilight explained, "Chancellor Ratio insisted to come along because he wants to pay a visit to the Sultan for important diplomatic business. He insisted that Grubber and his Bonecrusher Squadron to accompany you all."

"I did not agree to this!" Grubber objected before he then gets whacked by Chancellor Ratio's walking stick.

Chancellor Ratio scolded Grubber, "Pipe down, rodent!"

"I'm a hedgehog, old man!" Grubber screamed angrily, "Why everyone keeps making fun of me?!"

"Yikes. Remind everyone not to keep calling him wrong names," Starlight remarked dryly yet calmly. She sighed, "But no offense, Twilight. Don't you think this is a bit of... Unnecessary?"

Chancellor Ratio scoffed in annoyance, "With respect, Ms. Glimmer. Now that my former home Imperial Phoenix Kingdom has declared a war against Mystic Council, I fear it might spread here as well. So, it's best to have a squadron to escort us."

Looking at how grumpy and angry Grubber is, Twilight approached and whispered to three unicorns, "Besides, Grubber could use some vacation. He's not in good mood."

"I'm standing right here!" Grubber grumbled angrily and moodily, "My mood is alright! I'm just angry with the battle formation the new recruits have displayed! Honestly, I've never seen the worst in my life!"

As Grubber grumbled and muttered angrily about his new recruits' training and formation; Starlight, Sunset and Trixie looked shocked and concern about his attitude.

Twilight groaned while facepalmed, "As you all can see, he's been like this for months. Ponies and soldiers are getting frustrated and down lately because he keeps changing orders of weapons, supplies, military commands and even his own diet."

Starlight looked nervous and worried as she remarked, "Yeah. I can see that."

Trixie nodded, "He must be still upset over..."

Sunset cleared her throat, "Ixnay on the Ex-Commander of Friendship Guards, Trixie."

Realizing what Sunset was talking about, Trixie exclaimed happily, "Right. I'm happy to have another assistant."

"Thanks, guys." Twilight said warmly.

"Not a problem," Trixie remarked. She then looked at her wagon. She gulped, "Okay. A little tizzy problem."

"Don't worry, Ms. Lulamoon. I have my own carriage to ride on," Chancellor Ratio remarked, gesturing Storm Guards bringing the Chinese-themed chariot.

Trixie sighed, "What a relief. Shall we get going?"

With everyone agreed happily, they all moved out at once. Trixie was riding her wagon off, accompanied by both Sunset and Starlight. Chancellor Ratio gotten into his carriage, with Grubber was sitting on coachman sit while two ponies gotten dragged and pulled it out. The rest of 13 Bonecrusher Squadron soldiers formed up and surrounded two carriages. They're now heading off to Saddle Arabia while Twilight waved goodbye to them.

While travelling down the road…

"You're sure you both wouldn't rather ride?" Trixie asked in concern.

Suddenly, Trixie's wagon hit a small peddle, making one of smoke bombs dropped and exploded the smoke out from it.

"I'm pretty sure," Sunset confirmed.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. We rather have some fresh air after some serious works from School of Friendship."

"And you're not backing out?" Trixie asked, "The three of us sleeping in that cozy caravan could get tricky."

While levitating the map, Starlight spoke, "Trixie, there's plenty of high-quality inns to stay at on the way. Don't worry about it. We're not backing out of the greatest and most powerful road trip bonding experience three ponies could ever have."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Nothing can stop us."

Trixie couldn't help but smiled happily, "Well, when you put it like that, I'm actually kind of excited!"

"Me, too," Starlight agreed. She sighed, "Thank goodness we're not like Twilight or the others. They'd probably sing a song about it."

Sunset smirked, "Be careful of what you wish for."

Suddenly, they heard Chinese Musical Instrument was playing. Sunset looked back and found Chancellor Ratio was calmly and gently playing it before giving a wink at them.

Starlight sighed, "Who am I kidding? Let's just do it."

"Agreed." Trixie nodded in agreement, "Maestro… And a one… And a two… And a three… Go!"

Right on cued, Chancellor Ratio played the souna wildly and happily. Bonecrusher Squadron danced and hummed happily and calmly while continued escorting and accompanying the unicorns to Saddle Arabia, though Grubber remained grumpy and annoyed.

Starlight and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

Our ride might be tiny and small

Trixie became exhausted and tired. One Storm Guard taken over to ride the wagon, allowing her and her friends to ride on top of it.

"Beats walking though, eh, Trix?" Starlight asked playfully.

Sunset scoffed, "Well, good thing we're on top of the wagon, then sitting inside. Too cramp for us to live."

"Hello! I'm right here," Trixie grumbled.

Starlight, her friends and the escorts continued travelling through mountain's steep and narrowed road. They did their best and careful not to fall from the mountain. After passing through some hills, they arrived at the steep mountain slope. Bonecrusher Squadron slowly and firmly carried and moved both wagon and carriage to the ground. They quickly build a large raft for two wagons to board and rowed out on the river.

Trixie: But road trips are a great way, we've been told, to get along

Starlight: I'm glad we're sticking to it,

Sunset: We've already got a song

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

Side by side, just like peas in a pod

Trixie: Our bond of friendship is stronger than this tour's demands

Just as Starlight and her crew were rowing down the stream, they passed by Hoo'Far, who was resting and taking a break from travelling.

"My offer to trade caravans still stands!" Hoo'Far called happily.

"Wait, what did he say?" Starlight asked.

"What does he mean 'trade caravans'?" Sunset asked in surprise.

Trixie panicked, "Nothing!"

Continued rowing down the stream; Starlight, Sunset and Trixie went inside the wagon to get some food and drinks for everyone. Just as they have collected enough food, Sunset has unintentionally pulled the string from the ground, opening inflatable boat to congest and trap them inside. Instead of being annoyed, three of them smiled warmly and happily.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're so tight, we can't move around

I guess we're stuck together 'cause we're friendship bound

"Hope everyone's enjoying this trip," Sunset asked happily.

Trixie smiled, "Sure is great traveling with you, buddy!"

"You too, buddy!" Starlight agreed.

Reaching at the end of stream, Starlight and her crew climbed down from the rafts. They are now travelling through swamp with fiery geysers. With the help of Chancellor Ratio's magical barrier, it protected and kept everyone safe from being burnt alive.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

Trixie: Yes, we are!

Starlight and the crew came across to angry and upset mail ponies, who were glaring at each other for the broken wagon. Thankfully, Chancellor Ratio halted the march as he approached and assisted them to fix the wagon's wheel. Starlight and her friends levitated and attached the wagon to mail ponies before the latter thanked the former. The mail ponies then flew off at once.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We've each got the other to blame

Starlight: Any trip can be exhausting if you make a fuss

Sunset: But we get on so well that's there no way that could be us

After passing through the fiery geyser swamp, Starlight and her crew have arrived at the Sonambula Town, where they were taking a shelter and break inside the tavern from journey of almost two days. Inside the tavern's dining hall, three unicorns were performing magic show to entertain the crowd including Hoo'Far. Chancellor Ratio and Bonecrusher Squadron were taking break and having some drinks. The crowd was still singing and dancing happily while enjoying the meal inside the hall. Grubber remained annoyed and angry as he did not join the fun while eating the noodle soup.

Noticing Grubber's mood, Chancellor Ratio sat down and scoffed a bit, "Where's your sense of adventure and eating, Commander Grubber? You should be enjoying it."

Grubber scoffed, "Why should I? As Commander, I should be staying at Ponyville Town to look after the Princess, not taking vacation."

Making 'tsk' noise, Chancellor Ratio patted on Grubber's back, "Commander Grubber, you should learn how to enjoy it, not against it."

"Whatever…" Grubber remarked dryly.

Just as they finished performing the magic show from Ponyville to Somnambula Citizens, Starlight and her friends noticed Chancellor Ratio and Grubber's discussing with each other.

Sunset hummed in concern, "Grubber is still in bad mood."

Starlight sighed, "This is gonna be problematic than I thought."

Trixie groaned, "Let's hope that he doesn't disrupt my magic entertainment."

Starlight and her crew arrived at the port, where they bought the tickets for the ship cruiser to sail and journey to Saddle Arabia. They have spent for three days to sail across the sea, though they have to deal with fierce storm. While performing the magic show, Trixie and her best friends got themselves tangled by the sailing ropes due to thunderstorm shocked and surprised them. This made everyone laughed at them.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

And there's nowhere that we'd rather be

Trixie hummed: Was that off-key?

Starlight: In summer, winter, spring, and fall, we're friends throughout the year

Trixie: For untold seasons yet to come, our friendship will be here

Sunset: For nine, at least!

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're so tight, we can't move around

Trixie: Like a race where you tie your hooves together and you have to move in perfect synchronization to win!

Managed to free themselves from the tangled ropes, Starlight and her crew managed to reach and arrive at the port of Aashtethos, Saddle Arabia.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're friendship boooooound

Starlight: Or like a buddy movie where the three protagonists can't get away from each other because they're wearing hoof-cuffs!

Sunset groaned: Seriously, Starlight? That's a bit much, you know?

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're friendship boooooound!

Three girls laughed happily and playfully over the song they made. Chancellor Ratio smiled warmly to see them smiling and having fun while Grubber was annoyed to see it before looking away. The Aashtethos Capital City is filled with various rectangle and square-shaped cities with rounded rooftops, streets are also filled with various and economical market stalls, the Islamic-themed palace with rounded-rooftops towers-like was located at the south. They then entered through the entrance while looking around of their surroundings.

Sunset smiled, "Here we are. Saddle Arabia."

Starlight sighed, "We finally made it. And it's beautiful."

"Glad you like it," Chancellor Ratio said warmly. He sighed, "Come on. Let's go and find a hotel to stay."

Everyone nodded and chattered in agreement. They all moved out while keeping their eyes out for the hotel and also to get some bites as well.

Starlight and her crew were walking down Eastern Bazaar. Both Starlight and Sunset awed in amazement while looking at how large and vast the marketplace especially they have various stocks, trades and sales they have. Chancellor Ratio was looking through some rugs from the carpet market stall. Grubber and his Bonecrusher Squadron were sticking closer together with them, protecting them from being stalked and harmed.

"Ooh, the marketplace. Perfect," Trixie said happily, though unaware that Starlight and Sunset went off. She continued, "I've learned the hard way that life on the road requires very specific supplies. And we only have so many bits. So we'll have to spend them wise…"

Trixie was interrupted upon looking at Starlight eating Arabian Tacos but known as shawarma while Sunset was carrying an expensive golden Arabian oil lamp-like and Arabian red-orange noble dress. This shocked and made her disbelieved of what they just did in front of her. They both smiled sheepishly at her.

"Unbelievable…" Trixie said in disbelief before headed off to the Haycake Stall.

After finishing off her food, Starlight sighed in guilt, "Sorry about wasting bits on street food."

"Me too," Sunset apologized as well. She then looked at oil lamp, "I like shopping. Haven't done that for a while. Good thing I bought this lamp. Kinda reminds me of a story I liked."

"Oh, it's fine. Falafel bonding, right?" Trixie waved off with a small laughter. While looking at the Haycake Stall, she looked at her bag, "Besides, we still have enough for haycakes and juice. I hope."

"Need more?" Grubber asked while showing his bad of bits.

Trixie smiled in relief, "Much appreciated, Commander Grubber."

"Um. Don't mean to ask silly questions," Sunset said while looking at another Haycake Stall with no one to line up. She asked, "Um, why don't we go there?"

Trixie shook her head, "Oh, no-no-no. I always buy my haycakes here."

"So we're just going to wait in line for hours?" Starlight asked in disbelief yet dryly. Trixie turned and glanced at her. She quickly cleared her throat, "Uh, which is totally cool! Waiting-in-line bonding! Right?"

Wanted to disagreed, but chose not to since they have travelled for five days to get to Saddle Arabia. Sunset sighed, "I supposed so."

Readying with his bag, Grubber groaned, "I'll go and buy them. If they try to be funny with me, I'll give them piece of my mind."

Grubber approached to the Haycake Stall as he ordered and bought some more of haycakes and juice for his crew. Despite glad that he helped them, three unicorns were unhappy and not pleased with each other's doing for the crew.

In the very late afternoon, on western side of capital city, Ripper managed to smuggle Avalanche and his lieutenant – a pale hunchback yet horrific and very skinny Goblin-like with little hair and wearing loincloth named Syco via using his own Mystic Portal. Warthorc Warriors and Shadow Sumos struggled to move the giant mountain demon child out from the portal due to him too hungry and obsessively eating dessert again.

Thanks to his quick-thinking, Ripper managed to lead Avalanche to safety, along with the help of Syco and the rest of the mountain demon's minions. They're all hid inside the abandoned warehouse, where most of Saddle Arabian Ponies or foreigners were busy with their own business or chatting happily.

"That was too close…" Ripper remarked in relief. He turned and glared at Syco, "What the hell was that about, Syco?! Is the food the only thing he can think about?!"

Syco quivered in fear as he nodded frantically, "Y-Yes… Y-Yes… Master always wants to eat… Food is important to him… Master hates working… Nothing stops him from that…"

"Really? Even he's willing to forget about his own mummy?"

"W-Well… Sometimes… But Master is afraid of her… Master will never do anything to upset his mama… But now, Master wants to eat first…"

"Now I know why none of the Demon Lords and the kids want nothing to do with him. His lieutenant is even proven to be useless than I realize…"

"Not useless… Just serving my master with food only…"

"That's why they called you 'useless', Syco."

"Stupid bird-pony stop calling Syco bad names. Syco hates it."

"Then, do something, useless stinky Gollum-Wannabe!"

Syco screamed, "Syco know not of Gollum! Do what, crazy bird-pony?! Syco must protect Master. Master is just a baby."

Ripper groaned in annoyance, "Fine. Whatever. Let's just rest here. Tomorrow, we'll start the search. It's gonna be a long day to find that portal."

Syco nodded in agreement yet frantically, "Yes… Yes… Syco will go and find some food. Bird-pony will look after Master…"

Syco rushed out, searching and gathering some food. Ripper was left inside the building, with Avalanche to look after. This does not amuse him much. He hates doing some dirty works especially if it's babysitting a giant baby.

In the evening, Starlight and her crew have bought some souvenirs, food supplies and materials. They have now arrived and entered a squared-shape and tall Baghdad Hotel with rich themed lobby, where ponies were chatting with each other warmly while some were getting their room to rent and others were heading to the dinning hall for their dinner.

Chancellor Ratio approached to the receptionist to get some room to rent and stay. Starlight, Sunset and Trixie were discussing about recent activities. Grubber and the rest of Bonecrusher Squadron were guarding the luggage bags.

"After our falafel purchase, we weren't able to get everything on my list." Trixie said in disappointment while looking at her list, "But we are definitely set for breakfast."

Starlight smiled, "And I'm sure we'll find out that waiting in that super-long line was worth it."

"Yeah. But we really made it here," Sunset remarked calmly, "Let's just enjoy tonight. And then get some goodnight sleep before tomorrow's event."

Trixie nodded happily, "Definitely."

"Good news to you all. I've booked three rooms," Chancellor Ratio said happily as he shown two keys, "Hope you enjoyed presidential and two quad rooms for a week."

Everyone cheered happily and wildly to hear it. Grubber remained silent while ignoring everything.

Trixie sighed, "Finally. Something good happen to us."

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. This is definitely worth it. Let's move it out, boys."

As commanded, Bonecrusher Squadron carried and moved the luggage bags out while following their leaders, who were guiding and leading them to the lift, which was heading straight to their three rented room.

Reaching to top of hotel, Starlight and her crew were settling down in their rented room. Starlight, Sunset, Trixie and Chancellor Ratio were inside the presidential room while Grubber and the rest of Bonecrusher Squadron are inside two quad rooms. They ordered room services for dinner and drinks. Aftermath, they all went to their own bed at once.

While Chancellor Ratio was sleeping in his own room, three unicorns slept on their own separated beds in one big room. Grubber slept on his bed while the rest of Bonecrusher slept on long sofas, floor, small beds and sometimes shared on the same beds.

Inside the unicorns' bedroom, three of them were on the beds and were about to sleep peacefully and quietly.

"You know. The more I think about this, the more I'm actually glad that Chancellor Ratio is with us," Trixie said in relief. Both Starlight and Sunset looked at her. She explained, "I mean if you think about it. Chancellor is the highest rank in any kind of government. He controls and manage both internal and foreign affairs, and sometimes handle the military, commerce and economy too. He has the advantage to get what he wants like taverns, hotels, food and more stuffs."

Starlight rolled her eyes as she disagreed, "That maybe so, Trixie. He cannot do anything as he pleased. His job is to maintain the peace, law and order for the kingdom, as well as the relationship with other nations. So, I don't think he can do anything he wants, unless it's the benefits for the nations like diplomatic mission with Saddle Arabia."

"She does have the point. Kinda like back from home," Sunset agreed, "Still, Trixie has the point about him being there with us. We wouldn't able to get to Saddle Arabia in time. We could do a lot worse during our trip."

"Like getting stuck inside the wagon?" Starlight teased.

Sunset stifled her giggles, "Yeah. We'd be having hard time to get some goodnight sleep inside there. And probably, make things worse."

Starlight and Sunset laughed playfully. Trixie was annoyed to remarked, "Oh, ha-ha, ha-ha, you two. Really funny."

"Sorry, Trixie." Starlight apologized sincerely.

Trixie sighed, "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be busy day for our magic show. And Trixie wants to be at her best."

Starlight and Sunset nodded in agreement. Everyone, in the unicorn's room, fell asleep peacefully and quietly.

Two hours later, Trixie heard a very loud snarling noise that shook and scared her the most. She panicked and called her friends out. But no one seem to respond. She quickly climbed down to check on them. And to her surprise and disbelief, she found Starlight was snoring out loud while Sunset was still sleeping.

Trixie was annoyed to scream, "Starlight!"

Starlight and Sunset yelped in shock and concern, waking up immediately. They turned and looked at her. She was annoyed and angry to glare at them.

Trixie sighed, "I'm sorry. Your snoring is a bit, um…"

"Loud?" Starlight answered with nervous laughter, "Yeah, I do that. I had my village convinced we were being attacked by bears every night."

Trixie asked Sunset, "Her snoring didn't bother you at all?"

"Nope. I'm used to it after our Friendship Mission," Sunset joked amusingly with a giggle, "Believe me. It's not that very bad."

Trixie sighed, "We probably need a better solution. And I might have the idea."

Trixie brought out the napkin to tie around Starlight's mouth, annoying her. Just as Trixie was about to sleep, she heard a loud yet muffled rock'n'roll music, shocked and alerted her. She climbed down and looked around to find the noise. She has found Sunset was listening to the music while sleeping peacefully. The magician unicorn cleared her throat three times to get her attention before deciding to plug the earphones out, waking Sunset.

Nearly wanted to punch her, Sunset halted and found Trixie glaring at her. She smiled sheepishly, "My music is too loud?"

"Ya think?" Trixie asked in annoyance.

Sunset sighed in annoyance as she passed Music Pod to Trixie for confiscating and keeping it with her. The magician unicorn returned to her bed for sleeping peacefully. Though both Starlight and Sunset were annoyed, they knew that they do it to make her comfortable for sleeping peacefully and quietly.

Just as both unicorns were about to sleep quietly, they then heard Trixie's voice talking. They woke up and found her sleeping but also talking to herself in sleep. This annoyed and angered them about it. They quickly covered their ears while trying to sleep quietly.

On the next day, everyone woke up in the morning, taking a shower or bath before getting themselves ready for today.

Everyone was enjoying eating their breakfast. Chancellor Ratio was still taking a bath and humming in Chinese Opera Song. Starlight finished cooking last two haycakes for herself and Sunset to eat. And Trixie just came out from her rented room as she looked very annoyed and infuriated. She turned and glared at both of her friends.

"Sleep well?" Trixie asked grumpily.

"With your stupid sleep talking to yourself for whole night?" Sunset asked in annoyance.

While eating her haycakes, Starlight scoffed grumpily, "Sure did."

Trixie ignored them. She approached to the kitchen, getting her haycake to cook for her own breakfast. To her shock, she found the bag completely empty.

"Is, uh, that the last of the haycakes?" Trixie asked friendly yet dryly.

To her disbelief, Trixie found both Starlight and Sunset finished their haycakes. The pink unicorn gulped of her food down the throat. She sighed happily yet grumpily, "Oh. Yeah. Sorry."

Irritated and upset, Trixie quickly poured down the jug of juice into her cup, "It's fine."

Noticing what Trixie was doing, Starlight and Sunset quickly approached and confronted her at once. The amber-colored unicorn asked dryly, "I don't suppose there's any more juice."

To get the payback, Trixie made sure all the juice are poured into her cup. She drank all of it into her mouth, shocking and angering her two friends.

Trixie sighed happily, "Ahhh! Nah. I guess we'll have to resupply."

Sunset groaned, "I forgot how much I want to kill her."

Starlight nodded dryly, "Yeah, me too."

Chancellor Ratio sighed happily and warmly, "Good morning, my fellow friends. Hope you have a good breakfast. Today is the day."

Bonecrusher Squadron gave proud and enthusiastically cheers for today, though three unicorns weren't due to unable have goodnight sleep or breakfast.

"Well then, ladies. Enjoy the vacation and set up the best magic show." Chancellor Ratio said happily and warmly while passing three bags of bits to Starlight and her crew. He smiled while readied with his scrolls, "I'll handle diplomate."

Grubber nodded, "I should go too, Chancellor Ratio."

Chancellor Ratio halted Grubber as he objected, "No need, Commander. I will only need five soldiers."

"Are you sure? No offense, Chancellor Ratio. You're just minister and diplomat, not a fighter or magician," Starlight asked in concern.

Chancellor Ratio smirked slyly, "Do not underestimate this old pony. I have some tricks up in my sleeves. Enjoy…"

Headed off to the Aashtethos Palace, Chancellor Ratio exited out of the room, escorted and accompanied by three Friendship Guards and two Storm Guards. Starlight and her crew headed off as well, going straight to the center of town for the magic show.

As for Ripper, he and his crew have slept and eaten well from their hidden western abandoned warehouse for one night. They all have left the building, searching and locating for Po Kong's Portal, with the help of Pan'ku Box. However, despite spending whole day of searching, they have found no location of it.

Ripper grumbled, "It's like finding a needle in haystack. Not to mention, I have to put up with those annoying demons. This is so frustrating and annoying. Hey, Avalanche, did you find the portal?!"

No response. This annoyed and irritated Ripper to look back and find out what he was doing. To his shock and disbelief, Ripper spotted Avalanche was eating some fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, chicken and buffalo from the warehouse. Syco seemed to be encouraging and helping him to get more food, along with the help of Warthorc Warriors and Shadow Sumos.

Ripper groaned, "Unbelievable. I'm starting to regret taking this job…"

Arriving at the Aashtethos Palace, Chancellor Ratio and his guards are being escorted to the throne chamber by the Arabian Guards. Sitting on the large elephant's golden throne chair, the Sultan of Saddle Arabia - a lighter yellow-colored Earth Pony stallion with white mustache and beard wearing white royal sultan robe with golden and brown stripes and a rounded turban hat-like with a peacock's feather. He got up from his seat. He approached to the chancellor.

"Aw, Chancellor Ratio, my friend, welcome," Sultan greeted warmly while bowed humbly. Chancellor Ratio bowed back. He smiled, "Good to see you here."

Chancellor Ratio smiled, "Good to see you too, your majesty. Are they here?"

Sultan gave his serious and firm looks, "Yes. They're here especially a friend of yours. He will be joining us soon. Follow me, sir. To our club then."

Chancellor Ratio nodded firmly. He gestured Sultan to lead the way, and so he does. They both, along with five Bonecrusher Squadron soldiers, climbing up the stairs, leading them straight to fifth level's clubroom. Just as they entered the room, it was filled with various Equestria and Creature diplomats and military officers, and even some mercenaries including Skullitron, Queen Soul Sweetie, Queen Novo, Dragon Lord Ember, Prince Rutherford and even four former Mystic Councilponies as well.

"Quite the crowd here," Chancellor Ratio remarked amusingly.

"Indeed." Sultan said seriously, "Share with a very common goal. To stop Mystic Ponies from subjugating and taking over our lands. They have no rights to treat us like we're pawns and slaves."

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Indeed. Nezha is destroying his family's legacy of peace, order and alliance between mortals and immortals."

"Indeed, it is," A familiar stoic yet calm voice spoke. Chancellor Ratio turned and looked on his right. The familiar figure smiled warmly, "I apologize for our lateness, Chancellor Ratio. I hope that you're comfortable with your new job at Ponyville Town."

Chancellor Ratio smiled, "I am fine, my old friend. Now, shall we begin the discussion, Lord Azure?"

Azure Phoenix nodded, "We shall. For the fate of our future."

At the central town, Starlight and her crew were preparing for the magic show while Grubber and his team were patrolling and keeping their eyes out for them. The crowd including Hoo'Far chattered and muttered excitedly and happily about it. They all can't wait to see how good the magic show is.

However, Starlight and her friends didn't seem to be in good for entertaining the show…

Instead of her dramatic 'fear' and 'worried' looks, Starlight flatly spoke while glaring at the trunk, "She's been in there a long time. Do you suppose the Terrifying Trunk Escape is too much for a pony who drinks all the juice and talks non-stop in her sleep?! What if the Great and Powerful Trixie can't…"

"SLEEP?!" Trixie asked angrily. Seeing the black smoke bomb emerging, everyone looked back and found angry Trixie stood before them. She growled, "Because her roommate snores like an ursa major?!"

Though surprised, the crowd was murmuring in confusion and uncertain about the magician unicorns' attitude and acts. Hoo'Far became worried and scared as he feared that Saddle Arabia Ponies will be blaming him for telling lies to them.

Still angry, Starlight flatly asked in annoyance, "But if you're there, who's in here?"

POOF! Unlike Ponyville's Magic Show, Trixie wasn't on the stage when the smoke dispersed. The crowd turned to the right, where she was climbing on the stairs. She panicked and ran off to the trunk, where she unlocked the chains and opened the trunk. However, it doesn't seem no one comes up, making Starlight worried.

"Sunset?" Starlight asked in concern. Finding Sunset breathed and groaned hyperventilating and wildly, she gulped, "Uh-oh. She's fainted. Guess she can't handle claustrophobic for too long."

Trixie looked annoyed as she exclaimed, "Are you kidding me, Sunset?! How dare you sleep in middle of my act?!"

"Feinted! Not sleeping!" Starlight scolded.

"What's the difference?!" Trixie snapped angrily.

Hoo'Far sighed while shaking his head, "This show is much better in Ponyville."

Grubber scoffed while crossed his arms, "Too bad. These three unicorns really screw this up badly. Maybe they should have breakup after the war."

"I HEARD THAT!" Starlight, Sunset and Trixie scolded angrily.

Ripper and his team spent whole afternoon searching for the portal on western, northern and southern city, though they often ran into some troubles such as Avalanche's whining and complaining about wanting food and playing, and sometimes ran into some citizens. They nearly screamed and reported to the Arabian Guards if not for Ripper, Syco and their soldiers' swift and brutal strength to knock them out. This irritated and annoyed the Ultimate Warrior of Death a lot for looking after the giant baby demon.

Their search has proven to be futile. Ripper and his team are on their way back to the western warehouse for dinner and rest.

Ripper grumbled, "Unbelievable. Still no sign of the stupid portal. All I ever did is to babysit a stupid giant baby, who has proven to be useless than I thought. I wish I had a better luck."

As if on cued, Ripper noticed something shinny and blinding on his mask while sensing something fiery yet mystical power. He turned and looked on the left, where he found an Arabian Pony was selling some jewels. He approached and looked through the baskets of jewels carefully. He gasped in surprise upon looking at bluish-colored Soul Gem.

"I-It can't be! The Soul Gem of Zhuqiao," Ripper said in shock. He chuckled a bit, "Looks like I've found it. What a stroke of luck. Guess it's not lost after all."

"What you looking for? Precious?" Syco asked happily while showing the golden ring.

Paying some bits to the Arabian Pony, Ripper growled while keeping the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao in his pocket, "Mind your business, Gollum. Let's go."

Feeling offended by the call, Syco grumbled in annoyance as he kept the ring with him. He and Ripper meet up with the rest of his team before returning home now.

Starlight and her crew returned to the Baghdad Hotel. None of them are happy about what happened today. They also find out that Chancellor Ratio has not returned Aashtethos Palace. They believed that he must be still working on the diplomatic and important mission between Equestria and Saddle Arabia.

While most of Bonecrusher Squadron were resting and chatting happily inside their room, three unicorns and Grubber were cooking and having dinner. They almost finished the dinner until one carrot left on the plate.

Trixie levitated the carrot while glaring at Starlight and Sunset, "Oh. Would you like the last carrot? I know how fond you two are of eating the last of things."

"Oh, no." Starlight disagreed dryly, "It might make us thirsty, and we don't have anything to drink."

Sunset nodded seriously yet annoyingly, "Yup. Not to mention, we wouldn't want to add more bills since Chancellor Ratio is not here. We wouldn't want to spend our bits."

This irritated and annoyed the magician even more. Trixie glared at her friends, "The good news is I'm so exhausted, I could sleep through a stampede of wild boars or even some ridiculous musical festival! Which, you'll be delighted to know, is only slightly louder than your snoring and your stupid musical pod!"

This ticked both Starlight and Sunset. The former said firmly, "Well, we're looking forward to rehearsing the act with you all night. So diligent of you to go over it and over it in your sleep."

"Yeah. It doesn't really help us to get some good sleep," Sunset agreed.

Trixie gritted her teeth, "Practice makes perfect."

"Not today, it didn't." Starlight exclaimed in annoyance.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. I got stuck inside the trunk for hours. I almost died in there."

Trixie exclaimed in frustration, "Well, I'm sorry you're so miserable!"

"Really?!" Starlight exclaimed in irritation while levitated and thrown couple of luggage bags and trunks out. She continued, "Because if you wanted to make things more comfortable, you could always pare down a bit!"

Sunset nodded angrily, "Yeah. You might as well move to another room since you're not comfortable with our sleep. Better than your stupid wagon. Thank goodness we won't have to sleep in there."

Starlight scoffed as she and her friend gave hoof-bump as the former declared, "You bet, Sunset."

Having enough with her former friends, Trixie snapped at them, "Well, since you're so concerned about space and sleep, you both can have it all! I'll sleep under the stars, where at least the wild animals and music will be QUIETER THAN YOU!"

Trixie headed off to Chancellor Ratio's bedroom before slammed the door hard. Starlight and Sunset groaned before huffed angrily.

"That went well," Grubber remarked dryly while eating last two carrots.

Starlight gave derisive laugh, "Ya think?!"

"So, what now?" Sunset asked in annoyance, "We gonna have to perform her stupid magic show again tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that she's gonna screw this up."

Starlight nodded dryly, "Yeah. She took our friendship granted for too much. We need to get some payback."

"How?"

"Hmm… I think I have an idea. Let's find Mr. Hoo'Far for some trading. What do you think, Grubber?"

Grubber scoffed before headed straight o his couch as he declared, "I want nothing to do with this problem. Night."

With Grubber's sleeping, Starlight and Sunset looked at each other for the moment. They nodded firmly and seriously about it. They then quickly exited out of the room and searching for Hoo'Far for the trading.

At the western warehouse…

"YOU INSOLENT! USELESS! PATHETHIC! EXCUSABLE SON OF MINE!"

Avalanche yelped before falling hard on his back as he quivered and shivered in fear. Almost everyone was hiding behind the crates and pillars, avoiding to see Po Kong, who is inside the communication portal. The gigantic mountain demon was very displeased and angry than before.

"For five damn days, you and your minions unable to find my portal?!" Po Kong demanded angrily and frustration, scaring almost everyone. She growled, "What good are you, Avalanche?! Is eating food the only thing you can think of, and not saving your mama?! You're truly useless and hopeless! It's no wonder everyone make fun of you!"

Completely hurt by his mother, Avalanche sniffled sadly and wanted to cry. But he couldn't as he was looking at the angry face of his mother.

Syco panicked as he frantically bowed to the ground, "No, mistress! No! You mustn't blame Master. Master really did his best to find you. Syco promised you that we will find it. On the east. It's where we can find the portal. Syco promised."

Still suspicious and doubtful of Syco, Po Kong growled while glaring at the fearful goblin, and then at the rest. They all looked worried and scared before nodded fearfully.

Po Kong huffed, "You'd better be. I'm getting angry and hungry than before. The food in this Netherworld is getting worse than before."

The communication portal dispersed at once. Everyone sighed in relief that they're safe from Po Kong's wrath.

"You really think her portal is on the east?" Ripper asked in annoyance.

Syco shrugged, "Syco hope so. Syco guess."

Ripper groaned, "Let's hope so coz I don't wanna be her first meal."

Avalanche munched on some Ma'amoul and Turkish Delights. This irritated and annoyed Ripper to glare at him. He glanced at him for the moment. He shrugged before resumed eating his dessert.

On the next day, Trixie woke up in the morning as she headed off to gather some materials and magic tricks from her wagon for her next magic show. Upon arriving to private parking area, she found her wagon's place is replaced by a rich yet expensive familiar wagon, shocking and alerting her.

"Where's my wagon?!" Trixie asked in fear and concern. The more she thought, the more she became suspicious and angry. She groaned, "Starlight and Sunset! Damn you both!"

Trixie grumbled angrily and frustratingly as she immediately returned to the Baghdad Hotel at once. Unbeknownst to her, Ripper and his team have just arrived as the Ultimate Warrior of Death was holding the Pan'Ku Box. It is now glowing brightly in green while pointing at the hotel.

Syco laughed hysterically and happily, "We found it! We found it! We found the Portal!"

"Yes. Time for Po Kong to come out and play with her food," Ripper said amusingly.

Avalanche chuckled and clapped happily, "Mama! Mama's coming!"

Trixie made her way back to the presidential room, where she found Starlight and Sunset worn their red-colored robes, lying down on the beach chair. Grubber was not in the room as he was checking and inspecting on his team's patrol and discipline. Nevertheless, she angrily approached and confronted both of them.

"What did you do to my wagon?!" Trixie demanded

Starlight glanced at Trixie with a smug, "We traded it to that Mr. Hoo'Far for his. He even threw in a pair of robes."

"Yeah. Since your wagon old and worn-out, so we helped you get a better wagon," Sunset teased. She smiled, "This one is nice spacious one that we can enjoy."

Completely hurt and shocked, Trixie stammered, "Who said you could do that?!"

"Nopony. We just did it." Starlight answered calmly.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Now we have plenty of room, and you didn't even have to give anything away."

Trixie, completely sad yet angered, declared, "Au contraire. I did give something away! I gave away my wagon... and my best friend!"

When they heard such insult, Starlight got up and glared at Trixie with their fierce looks. Sunset looked concern and uneasy of what she has said as she realized that they might go too far..

Starlight exclaimed in anger, "Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't realize you were better friends with that beat-up old wagon than you are with me and Sunset!"

Sunset nervously and worried to speak, "Uh, maybe we should all calm down…"

Trixie huffed, "Well, it's easy when the wagon is a better friend! It would've never traded you away!"

Starlight snapped, "That's ridiculous."

"Oh, it is ridiculous." Trixie confirmed, "In fact, this whole tour is ridiculous! I don't even know why I invited you both in the first place!"

"You don't mean that, Trixie." Sunset said in concern.

Ignoring Sunset, Trixie said angrily, "Now I'll never get back home or even travel around the world! And, it's all your fault, Starlight!"

Angered by her former friend's pinned her to be blamed, Starlight snapped, "My fault?! It's clearly yours! You didn't want to get rid of your wagon when it was obviously cramped up!"

"Like you understand anything! That wagon was given by my father! It was my birthday gift!" Trixie exclaimed in fury. She sniffled in tears, "I cherished it. I taken care of it. It was part of my life. It was my first best friend when I started this career."

Starlight scoffed angrily, "Wow. I cannot believe of what I just heard. You never actually wanted a friend from the start. You just need some assistants to do some dirty works. You only care about getting fame, no matter what the cost. To you, we're just tools, not really friends."

"Starlight, come on!" Sunset scolded Starlight.

Trixie gasped, "How dare you?! This is how you repay me for being your first friend?!"

"No! Is this how you repay me?!" Starlight demanded, "I've tolerated enough of your stupid attitude, your stupid arrogance and your stupid ego to be famous! I've tried my best to make sure everyone knows that you are my best friend and always be there for me. But I was wrong. You're nothing self-centered and egotistical brat, who wanted to be famous as her father because he looked down on you for being an embarrassment to him."

Trixie screamed in anger as she jumped and attacked Starlight, who fiercely fought back. Sunset panicked as she tried to stop them both but instead got dragged into the fight. Three of them screamed and fought each other fiercely and angrily, bruising and injuring badly.

As three unicorns continued fighting each other, someone three a bucket of water at them. They all stopped at once. They turned and found angry yet very upset and hurt Grubber holding the bucket.

"Grubber?!" Starlight asked in shock and disbelief, "What the hell was that for?!"

"Yeah! Why did you throw the bucket of water on us?!" Sunset demanded.

Trixie groaned, "If you want to blame on someone, blame on them, not me! Not Trixie! They started this mess!"

"Hey! Don't pin the blame on others!" Sunset scolded.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah! Take this stupid responsibility for angering us and treating us like garbage!"

"That is not what I meant, Starlight!" Sunset said angrily.

"Well, what is it?!" Trixie demanded, "Don't think I've forgotten of what you and ex-friend did to me?!"

Starlight yelled, "Don't blame her on this when you started the mess first!"

Grubber became frustrated and angered as he shouted, "Would you just shut up for once in your lifetime?!" Everyone stopped while looking at Grubber's angered yet hurt looks. He continued, "Don't you get it?! This mess… Everything… It's all of your fault for this mess! Maybe if you have told the truth of your feeling to each other, then you wouldn't be in this mess! You guys are worst as Tempest!"

Grubber panted heavily yet exhaustingly while looking at three unicorns being shocked and confused. He gasped in realization of what he said. He turned and looked away at once. He felt ashamed and embarrassed of what he has said.

"Worst as Tempest?!" Trixie asked, feeling insulted.

Thinking of what Twilight has said, Starlight realized of what's happening to him. She questioned in concern, "You're still angry and upset with Tempest, weren't you, Grubber? For all the lies she made? For betraying and abandoning you and your squadron? For siding with the corrupted and broken Mystic Kingdom?"

Still wanted to bottle his feelings, Grubber knew he can't hide it from Starlight since she's good with counseling and understanding students and their problems. Might as well spit it out now than bottling in.

"Yeah," Grubber admitted in shame yet upset. He sighed as he explained,

"How could I not? I really liked her. I admired her. I respected her. She was the first friend I ever met in my military career. No. She was my sister. She was the one, who helped me, protected me and comforted me when things gone wrong. And she even recommended and promoted me to be her lieutenant and second-in-command of the army. She even brought my mom to live in Ponyville. She's the one, who spoke so highly about me being bravest, most optimistic and most loyal soldier to her, the squadron and the Friendship Kingdom!" Forming some tears in his eyes, Grubber cried angrily yet sadly, "And now she betrayed us! She betrayed me! She chose those corrupted assholes over her friends. She chose to fix her stupid broken horn over us! She did something terrible behind our backs. She used us! Treat us like tools and weapons, not friends! And now. she just left and made me commander without consorting me or telling me what's really going on! And she never even come and visit me, or even check on me if I'm alright with this job. Not even for once! She even refused to apologize to me for everything! She just gets up and left like that! How could she do this to me?! Her very trusted best and loyal friend!"

Grubber sighed before crying in tears and hurt. Starlight, Sunset and Trixie were deeply hurt yet feeling ashamed and guilty over the fight they have. They then looked at each other, with their guilty looks.

"So, don't you dare do the same like her!" Grubber pleaded in upset tone.

Starlight apologized, "Trixie, I know that you won't forgive us for what we did to your wagon. But we really sorry. For all of this. I should never have traded away the wagon. It wasn't mine to trade. It belongs to my friend."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. We were just angry and annoyed by your ridiculous sleeping noise especially I've got claustrophobic. Sorry for messing up with the show."

Still angry and upset of her friends' doing, Trixie sighed in frustration, "Okay. Fine. Apology accepted. Done?" Everyone gave a dry yet angry glare. She groaned, "Alright. I'll apologize. I mean. I'm also sorry for being nuisance and problem to you too. I should have been more considerate to you two and try to compromise our rules. Friends?"

"Friends." Starlight and Sunset accepted as they grabbed and hugged Grubber.

Grubber sighed, "Glad you all make up. I wish I could say the same thing with Tempest."

"Maybe someday you will," Sunset assured Grubber.

"Yeah. Shall we get your wagon back?" Starlight suggested.

Trixie nodded, "We shall. Think that Hoo'Far is willing to give it back?"

Sunset shrugged, "We'll find a way."

Grubber chuckled evilly, "If not, my boys can give him a piece of their mind."

Three unicorns looked uneasy as Starlight opposed, "Better not, Grubber. It is not necessary. The last thing we need is more problems to deal with."

BOOM! Everyone yelped in surprise, upon hearing that loud booming noise and even feeling the ground was shaking. This shocked and alarmed them to drop on the ground.

"What the hell was that?!" Trixie asked in fear and worry.

Storm Guard barged into the room. He reported, "Commander Grubber! We have the situation!"

"What happen?! Is Chancellor Ratio alright?!" Grubber demanded.

Storm Guard shook his head, "No, sir! Much worse! A large portal just appeared out of nowhere! It's from the back of hotel!"

"Portal?" Starlight asked in concern. She turned and looked at Sunset, who also shown her feared and concerns looks as well. She gasped, "O-Oh no… The Demon Lord is coming!"

Starlight ordered the Storm Guard to lead her and her team to the source of problem. By the time they climbed down the lifts, they found both Arabian Ponies and Foreigners were screaming and panicking, running for their lives and exiting out of the hotel. They all realized the danger is coming. The Storm Guard quickly led his commanders and squadron to the back of Baghdad Hotel.

Just as they exited out, Starlight and her crew gasped in shock and fear when they found Ripper and his team standing before the large portal. Ripper used the Pan'Ku Box to open it. Avalanche was clapping his hand and cheering for his mother. Syco and the rest of Nature Demon Minions were cheering as well. Po Kong slowly emerged out from the portal. She looked very excited and hungry.

"What is that?!" Trixie asked in fear.

"Po Kong… The Nature Demon Lord," Starlight said fearfully, "And we're in trouble."

"Mama!" Avalanche cheered happily.

Po Kong chuckled, "It's good to be back home. Hmm… What's for dinner?"

Ripper sinisterly looked back and found Starlight and her crew standing before them. He chuckled, "Ponies. Bon appetti!"

Po Kong licked her mouth, "Yummy. Ponies. My favorite dish. Shall we, son?"

Avalanche chuckled while clapping his claws, "Yeah, Mama! Yeah!"

Starlight groaned in fear, "This just can't get any worst…"

Inside the Aashtethos Palace's clubroom; the rebels leaders including Azure Phoenix, Sultan of Saddle Arabia and Chancellor Ratio were discussing and chatting about both Mystic Civil War against Nezha and his corrupted Mystic Kingdom, and Equestria's condition.

"Since we have begun the rebellion; more of Equestria Ponies and Creatures have joined our cause for protecting their rights, their land and their nations because of Nezha abusing Equestria's alliance and plummeting resources and weapons for his personal ambition and vendetta." Azure Phoenix said firmly and seriously. He sighed, "Though we have gained the numbers and momentum to stop and repel them back from the nations, this war has weakened and damaged both sides. This might give Dark Mystic Ponies or Demon Lords the chance to invade and destroy us."

Sultan nodded firmly, "These Mystic Ponies think they own our lands just because they're immortals. They have forgotten that the previous Mystic Emperors gave the land to us. We have the rights and independence to rule our own land."

The armored modern Earth Pony Commander named Asura Caesar grunted, "I wish Princess Celestia do something about this. She should have attacked them."

Azure Phoenix shook his head, "No, Commander Caesar. If she leads the rebellion, Nezha will have the rights to attack and execute her without hesitation and concerns. This will immediately end her reign and also turned your independence nations into slaves. So as long as she doesn't do anything or even deal with us, Nezha wouldn't bother her. She and her family would be safe."

Asura Caesar groaned, "Damn it. Damn that usurper. How could he?!"

"There was nothing we can do? Not even she can do anything?" Sultan asked in concern.

"No. But I have faith that Celestia is smart and cunning enough to find a way to help us and others," Azure Phoenix said firmly and seriously. He turned to his former chancellor, "I assume that everything is alright with Twilight?"

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Yes, my lord. She is alright, though upset and concern about your decision to rebel her and even severe your ties with her."

"To protect her from Nezha, it is necessary, old friend. You should know that. I have to be cruel and ruthless warlord, who use any means necessary to restore order and peace, even if it means abandoning my old friends." Azure Phoenix said seriously and firmly, "I rather betray the world than let the world betray me."

Chancellor Ratio chuckled a bit, "I haven't heard that for a long, long time ago. I am well aware of that. She understood it well."

"Any changes?"

"No. Everything is alright. I served as Princess Twilight's chancellor. I have managed and administrated the government, legalism and economic system. However, she has other concerns about rooting two spies."

"Yes. Both Cozy Glow and Bella Anime. What have you learned about them?"

"We have confirmed that Bella Anime is indeed adopted sister of Nezha, however, she's willing to learn friendship and change for better due to Ocellus and other students. However, Cozy Glow is the most concerning subject as we know nothing of her true origin. According to Discord's research, she's not a real living being but a carbon copy of two beings. We have only identified one only but another is someone else. Who is it? I can't tell."

"Keep researching, old friend. Keep your eyes out on them as well as other Mystic Students. I don't believe it's just them."

Chancellor Ratio nodded seriously, "Yes, my lord. I'll talk with Shorty, Saber and Terrorcreep about concerning matters."

Azure Phoenix nodded, "Good."

Suddenly, an Arabian Guard arrived and entered the clubroom. He panted heavily and exhaustingly. Everyone looked at him.

Arabian Guard reported, "My king! Our capital city is under attacked! By a large green demon!"

Sultan gasped, "WHAT?! In my kingdom?!"

Azure Phoenix and Chancellor Ratio turned and looked at each other with concern looks, "Po Kong!"

SCREAM! Trixie was screaming and panicking as she and the rest of her friends were running away for their lives, along with other ponies. Po Kong and Avalanche were madly and happily chasing after them while pushing and knocking down the buildings. And at the same time, Ripper and Syco were sitting down on top of the building as they were watching the event as they gleefully laughed at the scene.

Ripper chuckled, "Now this is entertainment. Watching these pathetic and annoying ponies running for their lives makes me very happy."

"Yes! Yes! Mother and son together again! Enjoying dinner!" Syco cheered happily.

"Starlight! How do we beat those guys?!" Sunset panicked.

Starlight hissed, "The only banishment weapon we can use is beating three times on drum with specific ingredients! Unfortunately, I don't know what it is to banish them! Just run for your lives and don't get eaten!"

"Don't have to tell us twice!" Grubber panicked.

Trixie cried in tears, "WE'RE GONNA DIE! HELP!"

"Damn it, Trixie! How many times we must go through this! Stop screaming!" Sunset screamed in frustration.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah! It's not helping us anything! Nopony is here!"

Just as Starlight and her crew continued running, Po Kong and her son were almost to catch them until couple of cannonballs fired and knocked them to the ground. They stopped at once as they were shocked and surprised of the sudden attacks. They looked back and found Sultan was leading and commanding the army of Saddle Arabian Warriors, giving out their fierce battle cries, charging and attacking two Nature Demons. Some soldiers on the rear firing both cannons and arrows on them, providing them some covered.

Trixie cheered, "Woo! We are saved!"

"Everyone alright?" Chancellor Ratio called as he arrived at the scene. Everyone nodded and remarked that they're alright. He sighed, "Good. I'm gonna need some help. We're gonna banish the mother and son back to Netherworld."

"Huh?! You know how to banish them?!" Starlight asked in surprise.

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Yes. Councilpony Tao isn't the only pony can do some Chi Spell. So can I. I will need some specific ingredients especially the drum to perform banishment spell."

Starlight nodded, "Alright. Trixie and Grubber will help you get the ingredients. Sunset and I will work with two armies to hold the mountain demons as long as we can."

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Indeed. Let's move it. Time is wasting!"

Trixie groaned, "Why do I have to a golfer?"

"Shut up and move it, Trixie!" Grubber scolded Trixie as he pushed her off.

Starlight and Sunset charged and assisted both Bonecrusher Squadron and Saddle Arabian Warriors to fight Po Kong and Avalanche. Chancellor Ratio, Trixie and Grubber headed straight to Bazaar Market, searching for banishment spell ingredients and even drum to banish them.

Despite how enormous large and fierce they are, Po Kong and Avalanche were outnumbered by the army of Saddle Arabian Ponies and Bonecrusher Squadron for relying on using the cannons, catapults and arbalests on their bodies, bringing them to the ground. They all quickly tied them to the ground, ensuring they do not escape until Chancellor Ratio and his allies return from searching for ingredients. Seeing both Nature Demons in trouble, Ripper and Syco nodded as they jumped and led both Shadow Sumos and Warthorc Warriors to help them at once.

As Starlight, Sunset and the Saddle Arabian Warriors tying up two Nature Demons; Ripper and the Mountain Demon Army ambushed them at once. Shadow Sumos and Warthorc Warriors attacked Saddle Arabian Warriors, who barely dodged and fought back. Starlight and Sunset fought and deal with Ripper and Syco. Seeing almost everyone being distracted, Po Kong roared in anger as her rock fragment, around her body, formed into sharped knives-like to cut off the strings. She and her son broke free. This shocked and alarmed everyone.

Remained firm and serious, Sultan ordered, "Do not give in! Keep fighting! Shoot them down! Knock them down! Swordsmen and Spearmen, hold their minions off! We must keep them at bay!"

As commanded; the gunners quickly loaded and fired the cannons, catapults and arbalest at Po Kong and Avalanche. And at the same time, Sultan led the rest of Saddle Arabian Warriors to charge and engage Shadow Sumos and Warthorc Warriors, and also attacking the Mountain Demons by legs. Po Kong and her son grunted in annoyance and pain before recovered and fought them back with their fists and kicks.

Starlight battled Ripper with both Glimmering Ancient Staff and knives. Sunset used her Blazing Sunset War Fan against Syco, who was hopping and jumping around while punching and clawing at her.

"Never thought you'd be alive! I thought you were dead!" Starlight exclaimed while blocking and deflecting the attacks.

Ripper chuckled while swinging and slamming his knives against her, "You can't keep this old Mystic Pony down easily, girly. Coz I ain't done with my job."

"Still. How?!" Starlight grunted as she barely dodged the swing knife. She got kicked off by Ripper to the ground. Just as he approached and prepared to finish her, she quickly swiped her kick on his legs to drop on the ground. She noticed something on his neck – a mutated leech attaching on it. She gasped before getting up, "Of course! Rainbooms did mention about mutated parasite taking a hold on his host. I'm guessing you're like his counterpart."

Ripper chuckled as he kicked her off, "Ooh! My secret is out. So what? You're not gonna stop me."

"No. I just have to contain you, your mutated freak!" Starlight said seriously and firmly.

Combining with her magical spells, Starlight fired her Glimmering Ancient Staff's Air Sphere to knock Ripper off. She charged and fired her Repulsive Blast to knock him. She tried to strike her staff on him but he barely dodged and avoid the attack. He then grabbed and threw her over him. He tried to slam his knife on her but got blocked and knocked aside by her force-field. She then fired her Unicorn Burst to blow him off. She got up and attacked the mad pony, who swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks while punching and kicking her off.

Just as Ripper struck his knives at Starlight, who barely grabbed and hold his attack for the moment. She barely fired her Unicorn Burst on him, knocking him to the ground. While rolling down, the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao dropped out. She noticed and picked it up.

"Hello there. What do we have here?" Starlight commented, "This looks like the same Soul Gem that Starkiller took. What is this thing?"

Struggling with Syco on her back, Sunset grunted, "G-Get off me, you crazy Gollum-Wannabe!"

Syco screeched in anger, "Never! Call! Me! Gollum! Syco hates it!"

Syco yelled angrily as he dragged and pulled her mane hard, bringing her down hard. He then relentlessly and madly attacked her. She barely and struggled to block it until he grabbed and thrown her against the barrel. He snarled before grabbed and bite on her neck, prompting her to scream in pain. Sunset grunted as she used her war fan to poke on his eye, making him to back off. She then firmly attacked him by multiple punches before grabbed and thrown him straight at the fruit market stalls. Recovering and getting up, the goblin-like found a large coconut inside his mouth. He spitted it out. Sunset jumped and attacked him head on fiercely and seriously until he got knocked out.

Getting out from the stall, Sunset groaned in pain, "Nasty bugger."

Starlight approached Sunset as she asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Taken care of Gollum wannabe," Sunset remarked, "What's next?"

Saddle Arabian Warrior yelled as he was thrown over both unicorns, who barely dodged down at once. Starlight and Sunset looked back and found Saddle Arabian Ponies and Bonecrusher Squadron were struggling to battle against Po Kong and Avalanche, who used their Vine Whips, Super Strength and even Mountain Fists to fight them and even destroyed the artillery and weapons as well. They also have to deal with their minions as well.

"Looks like they need some help," Starlight said firmly.

Sunset gulped, "Right. And how the heck are we gonna deal with Mountain Demons? They're humungous!"

"Team Fighters were able to beat them. We just need to fight smart, not hard."

"I know that. But how? Not like we can bait them to somewhere we can hit them and run."

"That's exactly the idea. Would you do the honor?"

"Seriously?!"

"Demon do enjoy human flesh than ponies. So, you're the bait. I'll find artillery to knock them down."

Sunset groaned, "I hate being the bait especially being a meal to demons. I hate horror."

Starlight moved out while searching for the artillery to use. Sunset approached to both Po Kong and Avalanche, who were busy pushing and knocking the soldiers off. Sunset fired her Unicorn Burst at their shoulders, giving some burnt marks. This annoyed and angered them.

Avalanche growled, "Horn Pony hurt Avalanche! Avalanche hate her!"

"Agreed, son. Mama is gonna teach her a lesson." Po Kong snarled. Smelling a scent on her, she smirked, "Oh my. Did I smell a human?"

"Human?"

"Yes, son. They're unintelligent and weak creatures but they're delicious. Haven't had them for years. I wonder how it taste now."

"Yummy! Avalanche wants to!"

Sunset looked nervous and scared yet angry as she remarked, "Oh boy. I am so gonna kill Starlight for this! I hate being a bait!"

Po Kong and Avalanche roared wildly and excitedly as they gave chase after Sunset, who screamed and panicked in fear before running for her life. With wits and resourceful to escape them; she threw fruits and vegetables at them, making funny faces at them, running through the abandoned houses for them to get slammed and injured, and she even used the wagons for them to trip and fell to the ground.

Her tricks and escaping them have angered two Mountain Demons. Po Kong roared in anger, "Enough of this! Arise, my mountain!"

Po Kong roared as she slammed her fist to the ground, summoning the very sharp mountains from the ground, trapping and imprisoning her within. Both mother and son chuckled amusingly while looking at her, with drooling on their mouths.

Avalanche chuckled, "Yummy time!"

"Yes, my boy. Yummy time," Po Kong agreed.

"You mean knuckle sandwich! Fire in a hole!" Starlight called out.

Before Po Kong and Avalanche could do anything, they looked up and found more Starlight, Sultan and the rest of Saddle Arabian Ponies armed with cannons, catapults and tanks on the ground. They fired couple of cannons have fire and launched couple of cannonballs and boulders right at their faces. They both got thrown and slammed on their minions including Ripper and Syco while the rest of Bonecrusher Squadron and Saddle Arabian Warriors ran for their lives. Two Mountain Demons groaned and moaned in pain, along with Ripper and Syco grunted and most of the minions were killed.

Sunset quickly teleported and regrouped with Starlight. Both of them gave each other high-hoof. They heard growling and groaning of pain. They found Po Kong and her minions were trying to get up.

"That's not gonna hold for long," Sunset said in fear.

Starlight hissed, "Where're Chancellor Ratio, Trixie and Grubber?"

"Over here!" Chancellor Ratio called. They turned and looked back as they found Chancellor Ratio, Trixie and Grubber have arrived. Trixie was holding cauldron of Chi Spells and Ingredients mixed while Grubber readied with the drum. He smirked, "Ready to chant them! Mountain Demons?"

"Still down," Starlight reported.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. But not for long. Time to see how good your Chi Spell is."

Chancellor Ratio nodded firmly. Taking out and readied with Chi Spell Parchment, he chanted out loud 'Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao' repeatedly. Trixie placed the cauldron on the front while Grubber readied with the drum. As soon as Chi Spell Parchment glowed brightly, Chancellor Ratio placed and fired it on the cauldron before glowing brightly. It flew and hit the drum as it glowed brightly.

"Commander Grubber, hit the drum three times!" Chancellor Ratio commanded.

Grubber nodded firmly as he hit and slammed on the drum three times. It then glowed brightly before firing the beam straight at Po Kong and her minions. They all yelled in fear but not before Ripper took out the parchment at once. Just as the beam hits, it engulfed large smoke on them.

While everyone cheered wildly and happily, Starlight and her crew especially Sultan were a bit of uneasy and worried. Both Grubber and Saddle Arabian Commander gestured their own soldiers be on high alert and ready for anything. Just as the soldiers approached towards the smoke, Po Kong roared out angrily as she rose from the smoke, along with Avalanche, Ripper and Syco.

"What the hell?! No way!" Trixie exclaimed in shock.

Starlight gulped, "Not good. They must have used the Anti-Banishment Spell to protect Po Kong and Avalanche. We are so dead."

"Any bright idea?" Sunset asked in concern.

Chancellor Ratio hissed, "Unfortunately, no. We need that sample to find out what it's made of."

"Too bad. That's not gonna happen," Ripper mocked.

Po Kong smirked while licking her mouth, "Dinner time."

Everyone screamed and panicked in fear and shock as they realized that they're doom and gonna die. Just as they were moving back, Sunset tripped and fell to the ground hard while dropping her bag that poured out her items including oil lamp.

"My lamp," Sunset exclaimed in concern. She jumped and get a hold on it. Noticing a dirt on it, she groaned while wiping on it, "Aw man. Now gotta wipe it off."

Trixie squeaked in fear, "Sunset! This is not the time to clean your stupid lamp!"

Sunset was too busy wiping and cleaning her lamp. Suddenly, it glowed brightly, causing its trunk to engulf in pure large orange smoke. This surprised and confused everyone to see it.

As soon as the smoke dispersed, the large red-colored female unicorn-like figure with dark purple mane in ponytail and has spiritual tail-like connecting to the lamp, wearing golden bracelet, golden earring and pink-colored scarf around her neck. She yawned out loud and happily. She stretched herself out calmly and firmly. Everyone was shocked and surprised of what they just saw. Po Kong has shown to be uneasy and nervous as she shivered in fear for some reason.

"Wow! That's some nap," The spirit exclaimed happily while stretching her arms out.

"No! Not the Djinn!" Po Kong panicked.

"What is that?!" Trixie asked in shock and confusion.

"A genie! She's a genie!" Sunset exclaimed happily yet shocked. She squealed excitedly while looking at lamp, "I actually had a magical lamp on my hoof! This is amazing!"

Starlight screamed, "Cheer later, save the world now! Beat the demons now!"

"Oh! Right! Miss Genie!" Sunset called. The genie firmly turned and looked at her. She spoke, "We need your help. Can you defeat Po Kong?"

The genie turned and looked at Po Kong, who was quivering in fear. She crossed her arms, "I could, but I can't."

"Why not?!" Trixie demanded in fury and frustration.

The genie sighed, "You forgot the most important rule of commanding the genie, ladies."

Thinking carefully, Sunset facepalmed in annoyance, "Of course. I gotta rub the lamp and make the wish. Okay, Miss Genie-!" She stopped in realization, "Uh, what's your name again?"

"Cerulean, my master," Cerulean the Genie introduced herself, "What is your wish, my master?"

Sunset nodded while rubbed the magic lamp, "Cerulean the Genie, I wish you to defeat Po Kong!"

Cerulean the Genie smiled confidently, "Your wish is my command. This will take the moment." She turned and faced off Po Kong, "Ready for round two, Po Kong?"

Po Kong squeaked in fear, "S-Stay away from me! Stay away!"

Just before Po Kong could do anything, Cerulean the Genie yelled as she struck a punch at the demon's face, throwing her straight to the ground hard. This surprised everyone. The genie charged and attacked the Nature Demon, who barely dodged the attacks while avoiding from battling with her.

"Wow. T-This is unexpected…" Trixie said in shock and surprise.

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Who knew a giant demon afraid of the genie?"

Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "Probably happened during the Demon War. Cerulean and her kind must have helped Mystic-Equestria Alliance on battles. Good to have her on our own side."

Cerulean lifted Po Kong up before throwing her on Avalanche, Ripper and Syco. They all barely dodged her body slam. They all groaned and moaned in pain.

Po Kong grunted, "Get! Us! Out of here!"

"Got it!" Ripper agreed. He summoned the Dark Portal at once. Everyone quickly moved out at once. Just before he could leave, he noticed something off in his coat. Angry and annoyed, he used superspeed to charge and knock Starlight ff. Caught the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao, he gasped, "Almost forgot about this one. See you in hell!"

Ripper quickly turned and escaped at once. Dark Portal quickly closed down and disappeared.

Starlight groaned, "Damn it. They got away!"

"Well, at least, we saved Saddle Arabia, right?" Trixie said hopefully.

"Yeah. I supposed so," Sunset agreed reluctantly. She turned and looked at Cerulean the Genie, "Thank you, Cerulean. We owe you one."

Cerulean the Genie smiled as she bowed humbly, "Just doing my job as your genie."

"Appreciate it very much," Sultan said. He turned and looked at the damaged Aashtethos City. He sighed in ashamed, "And there goes my city. Now in ruins. Takes a long time to rebuild."

"Hmm… Maybe not," Sunset said thoughtfully. Looking at Cerulean the Genie, she rubbed the lamp, "Ms. Cerulean, I wish you to repair Aashtethos City."

Cerulean the Genie nodded, "Your wish is my command. One city repaired coming up!"

With her horn glowed brightly, Cerulean the Genie magically repaired the Aashtethos City, back the way it was. Everyone cheered happily to see their city is fully repaired.

Sultan sighed, "Praise the Celestia! My city is restored!"

"Amazing!" Trixie exclaimed happily, "Think of all the wishes we could get! I could be famous! I could get rich!"

Cerulean the Genie shook her head, "Sorry. You only can get three wishes. My master already used two of them. And don't even think about extending more wishes. Genies cannot do any favors for anyone even though we're friends. Three rules to add – I can't make anypony to love, I can't kill anypony and I can't bring anypony back to life." She groaned in disgust, "That last one freaks me the most."

Trixie groaned, "Fine. Sunset, finish your wish, so I can get mine."

"Sure, why not," Sunset said cockily. She turned and looked at Cerulean the Genie. She smiled, "Ms. Cerulean, thanks for everything. I wish you for your freedom."

Everyone was surprised and shocked by Sunset's last wish. Just before Cerulean the Genie could protest, her bracelets glowed brightly before formed some cracks. They both broke into pieces. She never expected this to happen or even asked her master to do this.

"W-Why? How did you know this is what I want?" Cerulean the Genie asked.

Sunset smiled, "Like the story, you want freedom. And you deserve it for helping us beat the demons and repair the city. And also, you've been stuck inside the lamp for too long."

Touched by her words, Cerulean the Genie dashed and gave Sunset a warm hug, "I don't know what to say but thank you, master. I owe you one."

Sunset giggled a bit, "Call me 'Sunset', not master."

"Of course, Sunset," Cerulean the Genie said warmly and calmly while departing from hugging her. She held Sunset's hoof on her magic lamp. She continued, "If you need help, just rub the lamp and I'll be there to help you out. You can count on A Friend like Me."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Thanks for the support."

Trixie groaned in disbelief, "She could have just passed the lamp to me. I could have gotten my wish."

Starlight giggled a bit, "Maybe. But Sunset's right. Cerulean deserves the freedom." Seeing her friend's being moody, she smirked before nudged on shoulder gently, "And besides, we have other things to deal with. Like getting our wagon back?"

Trixie hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah. I want my wagon back."

Starlight and her crew went searching and locating Hoo'Far. Eventually, they've located him at the café. They talked and demanded him to exchange and return Lulamoon's wagon to them while he gets his back.

"I see. I'm willing to exchange our wagons. On one condition," Hoo'Far suggested firmly. Before he could explain, he found Grubber snapped his fingers, prompting Bonecrusher Squadron especially Storm Guards glaring at him. He gulped, "On second thought, we do it now."

Trixie smiled, "Much appreciated."

"So, do you intend to continue the magic show?" Hoo'Far asked curiously yet concerned, "Not after what has happened from yesterday."

Trixie smiled, "Yes, we can. But today, we would like to take a break from the fight."

Hoo'Far nodded, "Of course, Ms. Powerful. I will inform my ponies that The Great and Powerful Trixie is back for the show."

"Much appreciated," Trixie said happily.

Looking at Cerulean the Genie, Hoo'Far was mesmerized and surprised by her beauty. He cleared his throat as he greeted, "Hello there. You must be new here. An honor to meet you."

Cerulean the Genie blushed and smiled timidly, "N-Nice to meet you. I'm Cerulean the Genie."

"Genie, huh? Never knew I would meet one, let alone to be beautiful one," Hoo'Far commented. He yelped before covered his mouth, making Cerulean the Genie blushed. He hissed, "S-Sorry about that. I didn't mean to make it sound like I'm flirting you or wanting or myself. Actually, this sounds like hating you. Oh my. I'm terrible at this."

Cerulean the Genie giggled, "You're funny, Hoo'Far. Don't supposed that you could show me around."

Surprised yet happy by her request, Hoo'Far smiled, "I would be happy and honor for this."

Starlight apologized, "Trixie, I'm sorry your Saddle Arabian tour was ruined."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah, me too."

Trixie sighed, "Honestly, I don't think I could've stood one more second on the road. At a certain point, I don't even like traveling with myself."

"It is a lot harder than we thought." Starlight agreed.

"Still, I'm glad we tried. Mostly so we know not to do it again." Sunset admitted playfully.

Everyone laughed amusingly and happily. Trixie nodded, "I think it's made our friendship greater and more powerful than ever!"

Grubber scoffed, "You better be. Do this again. I'll give you piece of my mind."

"Yes, Commander Grubber. We won't do it again," Starlight agreed amusingly.

Sunset playfully glared at Grubber, "But can you promise to go easy on your soldiers and recruits, and also not to get your feelings boiled up like Starlight?"

Starlight groaned, "I'm gonna pretend I did not hear that."

Grubber sighed, "Promised. But if I see Tempest, w-what should I do?"

"Talk with her would be nice," Starlight said calmly. She sighed, "Though this will be difficult since most of ponies were angry and annoyed with her lies and betrayal."

Grubber nodded, "I know. But I hope she come and see me to have a talk. She is my friend. I know that."

After barely escaped from the battle with Cerulean the Genie, Po Kong and Avalanche reunited and have dinner with the rest of their family members while Ripper was inside his own chamber. He was contacting his master about the latest updates and even delivering the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao to him.

"Good work, Ripper," Nezha said firmly and seriously, "Continue your mission, Ripper."

Ripper nodded, "Yes, my lord."

"Did our friends suspect anything especially when you found the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao?"

"No, sir. They know nothing of what we were doing."

"Good. Find the last portal and free Tchang Zu. I will need the Demon Lords and their army to deal and distract Twilight and her friends, as well as Azure's pathetic rebellion for long. We must ensure Operation: Trump proceed smoothly without hindrance and interference until the time is right. Their usefulness will come to the end."

"Yes, my lord. I will make sure of that."

Unknown to Ripper and his master, they were being spied and eavesdropped by Shadow Ninja from the crate's shadow. It is now transmitting back to its masters and mistresses to learn and find out what is going on.

Needless to say, Demon Lords and Demon Successors were displeased and furious for what they have discovered. It's one thing they hated the most is being deceived and used for the rest of lives by someone else

Po Kong growled, "Just as Avalanche and I told you. They're up to something. They have no intention to ally with us."

Bai Tza hissed, "What are they up to now? What do they intend to do with Operation: Trump and these Soul Gems of Mystic Guardians. It's concerning and disturbing."

"Indeed, Sister." Shendu agreed with hissing and snarling, "That manchild emperor believed his kind is above the mortals and demons. But to ensure his control is absolute on Mystic and Equestria Realm, he has to remove all the threats to him such as us, Dark Mystic Ponies, Princess Twilight and her friends."

"Operation Trump and Soul Gems of Mystic Guardians are what he needs to complete his absolute control," Bai Tza snarled.

Tso Lan narrowed his angry as he remarked, "Our usefulness will come to the end, huh? We shall see, your majesty. We also have a plan of our own as well, Nezha."

END…

Suggest and Review…

Main Casts:

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Kathleen Barr: Trixie Lulamoon

James Hong: Chancellor Ratio

Michael Pena: Grubber

Jeff Bennett: Avalanche, Sultan

Alec Newman: Ripper

Minor Casts:

Matthew Mercer: Tso Lan,

James Sie: Shendu, Saddle Arabian Warrior

Mona Marshall: Bai Tza, Po Kong

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing

Karen Fukuhara: Mowa

Jeffrey Fischer: MC Cobra

Andy Serkis: Syco

Mena Massoud: Hoo'Far

Naomi Scott: Cerulean the Genie

Cameo:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance

Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight

Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix

Steven Blum: Asura Caesar, Storm Guard

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Episode 21: The Washouts

After they returned to hometown safely, Starlight and Sunset made the report to Twilight and her friends about Po Kong's escaping from the Netherworld. This concerned and pressured them to realize that Tchang Zu is the last Demon Lord to be freed from his prison realm. They have to keep their eyes and ears out for him. And at the same time, Master Ratio kept his secret communication with his former master from Twilight, out of respect to Azure Phoenix and for her protection.

While still dealing with the rebellion during Mystic Civil War, Nezha fiercely reformed and turned his Mystic Kingdom into a militaristic yet powerful and deadly military regime. He also made propaganda to influence and ensured his kind to remain loyal and faithful to him, as well as being reminded of their supremacy and bigotry. This has yet again affected the alliance with Equestria, driving wedge between two ponies, about to begin the war with each other.

Only time can tell…

Three Weeks Later…

Ponyville Town still remained in peace and not affected by Mystic Civil War for the moment, though Friendship Guards remained vigilant and cautious, keeping their home safe from danger.

Rainbow was heading straight to the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse for her usual spying on her fans' meeting. Hiding behind the wall and looking through the window, she found her fans were chatting and murmuring excitedly sand happily. Scootaloo was banging on the podium firmly.

"Order, order, everypony! I hereby call to order this meeting of the Rainbow Dash Fan Club!" Scootaloo called, getting everypony's attention. Just as they turned and looked at her, she uncharacteristically stated too quickly, "First order of business! Let's-celebrate-the-one-and-only-Rainbow-Dash-yay-she's-amazing-now-if-there's-nothing-else-that-concludes-this-meeting-of-the-Rainbow-Dash-Fan-Club-thank-you-all-for-coming-any-questions?!"

This shocked and confused the Rainbow Dash Fans and even herself. They didn't expect her to talk like that.

Scootaloo shouted happily, "Meeting adjourned!"

Scootaloo quickly pushed and moved the rest of Rainbow Dash Fanclub out of the clubhouse. She then closed the door at once. This left them speechless yet confused and disappointed by her odd behavior. Nevertheless, they have to leave and return to their daily life.

With them gone, Scootaloo, looking very excited, removed her Rainbow Dash's Wig at once. She then removed all of Rainbow Dash Fan Club's items and merchandises such as posters, leaflets, flyers, cardboards, balloons and triangle banners. All of them are now replaced by new ones that involved of more greenish-blackish colored theme with mysterious masked Pegasus wearing black and green jumpsuit with motorcyclist's helmet with green wings, burning flames and lightning shapes symbols.

Scootaloo sighed before declared proudly, "I'd like to call to order the first ever meeting of the newest and most exciting club – of which I am the president, founding, and only member – the Washouts Fan Club!"

Unknown to her, Rainbow has seen everything and she couldn't believe it either. She can only utter three words:

"What the hell?!"

Rainbow shook her head firmly, snapping out from her confusion and decided to confront her. She opened the door while leading against it. This attracts Scootaloo's attention.

"Oh, hey, Scootaloo. I was just in the neighbor-! Oh! What's that?" Rainbow greeted, pretending not noticing anything until she spotted the poster. This prompted her younger sister to bring it down at once. She approached and questioned, "Did I interrupt your fan club meeting?"

Quickly rolling up and hiding the poster behind her, Scootaloo nervously and worriedly asked, "Hey! What are you doin' here?"

Rainbow glared at Scootaloo, "I could ask you the same question!"

"Oh, uh, y'know... mmm... s-s-stuff." Scootaloo said in fear yet nervous while holding the poster on her back, "Uh, definitely not starting a new fan club or anything."

"Ha! It's no use pretending! I heard everything when I was outside eavesdropping, like I do for every meeting!"

"You eavesdrop on every meeting? That's weird."

"Well, sure it sounds weird when you say it out loud. And I probably shouldn't because eavesdropping is wrong, but still." Rainbow admitted, "Why are you starting a new fan club?"

"I just think maybe it's time for me to explore other fan clubs." Scootaloo explained.

Rainbow was surprised by Scootaloo's answer. Her adopted sister reluctantly passed her poster to her. She took it, unrolling to see the full poster. She hummed while looking at the design and read its title 'The Washout'.

"What is a 'The Washouts'?" Rainbow asked.

"Only the newest, and greatest, and only stunt troupe in Equestria!" Scootaloo answered happily with squee noise.

"Stunt troupe?"

"How can I explain it? Like the Wonderbolts, just twenty bajillion percent cooler!"

"'Twenty bajillion'?!"

"They do all sorts of extreme stunts that focus on daredevilry and sheer guts rather than boring old flight and formation junk."

"'Boring old flight and formation junk'?!"

"Are you just repeating everything I say?" Scootaloo asked in annoyed tone.

Rainbow answered in disbelief, "Only because my brain feels like it's strapped to one of those rockets about to explode."

"So you do get it! Aren't they awesome?!" Scootaloo asked excitedly.

"Awesome isn't something I would use on some group I've never even heard or even watch before in my life," Rainbow disagreed, "And not to mention, they're supposed to be better than Wonderbolts? How?"

Scootaloo sighed, "If you want to know about it badly, just come and watch the live stunt this weekend. It'll be awesome. I'm telling ya!"

Still skeptical, Rainbow reluctantly sighed, "I'll think about it. Mind if I take the poster?"

"I don't mind," Scootaloo said calmly.

After leaving Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse; Rainbow, completely distraught and shocked over Scootaloo's new club, was on her way to meet up with her friends. Flying straight to Ponyville Town, she then come across with Aqua and Mane Six, who just came out from Sugarcube Corner.

"Aqua! Guys!" Rainbow called, getting the couple's attention. Just as she landed, she spoke in worried tone, "I need your help."

Surprised by Rainbow's question, Aqua and Mane Six nodded and agreed to listen while walking down the street. The young daredevil Pegasus explained her concern to her older sister-figure.

"Can you believe she actually said that?!" Rainbow asked in disbelief. She groaned, "I mean, she basically said that the Wonderbolts aren't cool! And... And it kinda sounded like she didn't think I was cool either. But, peh, we all know that's crazy! I mean, I'm definitely not worried about her looking up to somepony else. Heh. Nope. Not! At! All!"

While rolling her eyes in disbelief, Aqua sighed, "Rainbow, you're overreacting. Just because she's now a fan of new things, doesn't mean she doesn't love you. You're her big sister. You should support her, not against her."

Rainbow groaned, "Easy for you to say. I bet you have no issues with your brothers and sister. I mean you guys are particularly close, even though you were adopted."

"You wish, Dash. We're far from perfect. I like and admire Brave and Tigress the most because they're very strong, badass and awesome too. They did train me to be the best and fierce Tiger Warrior," Aqua said proudly and happily. She then scoffed, "But for Courage, he's a different story. We both never get along and agree with everything. And not to mention, a real jackass for making me to punch his face."

"Right. Probably he's politician and Emperor of Water Tiger Kingdom while you're a rebel fighter."

"Something like that."

"But what could the Washouts possibly have that I don't?!"

Pinkie showed the Washout Flyer to Rainbow, "Why don't you find out?"

While reading the flyer, Rainbow gasped, "They're doing a show in Ponyville this weekend?! No wonder Scootaloo invited me to join it!"

Mane Six and Aqua looked at the Washout Flyer. They were impressed and stunned by the design it has.

"Gotta admit it. This flyer really does look pretty amazing," Aqua remarked in amusement. She then found Mane Six looked worried while pointed at her back. She turned and found Rainbow glaring at her. She glared back, "Hey. It's my opinion. Besides, they've got cooler design than Wonderbolts. This makes them real badass."

Annoyed by insults to her childhood heroes, Rainbow scoffed, "Yeah right. Your opinion is not always the right, you old hag."

Vexed by her insult, Aqua grabbed and bring Rainbow down by tail. The aquamarine older Pegasus yelled out as she jumped and wrestled with young sister-figure, who screamed and begged for mercy.

Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie cringed to see it while Twilight and Applejack sighed and shook their heads. She should know better than insulting her friend for calling 'old hag' or 'old mare'.

After clearing up her 'Washouts' props and posters, Scootaloo made her way back to home now via using her scooter. She looked both happy and excited for not only inviting Rainbow to the show, but also get the chance to see Washouts in action at Ponyville Town.

"Ooh! This is gonna be excited! I can't wait for tomorrow!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily.

Almost heading straight to the Ponyville Town, Scootaloo spotted someone by the lake. She quickly halted at once, skidding before the large tree. She dismounted from her scooter. She slowly approached and hid behind the bushes, where she found Scarblade removing his armors, revealing lots of scars and wounds on his whole body. He took out some medicine oil to put on his wounds slowly and gently as he can feel its burn and stinge on skin. He then put some bandages on his body. He then put his armor on.

"Wow… That's a lot of scars." Scootaloo remarked in surprise yet soft tone.

Able to hear her whisper, Scarblade quickly and swiftly grabbed and unsheathed his katana. He turned and made a quick slash on the bushes. Just as he sheathed his weapon, the bush was cut into pieces, revealing Scootaloo before him.

"Wow. That would have been so cool if I almost didn't die," Scootaloo commented in shock. She yelped when she found Scarblade was prepared to strike. She panicked, "Wait! Wait! Wait! I'm not the bad guy! Really! Just a kid scooting around the town! Honest! You can check mine from the hill!"

Just as Scootaloo pointed up, Scarblade looked up and found her scooter was there. He carefully looked at her while thinking and deducing her identity.

"You're Scootaloo? Adopted Sister of Rainbow Dash?" Scarblade wondered.

Scootaloo gasped, "Yeah! How did you know?"

"Because Rainbow is the friend to Princess Aqua and the Water Tiger Kingdom."

"Wow. That is so cool. Mister… Mister… Sorry. Who are you again?"

Scarblade sighed firmly yet calmly, "Scarblade. My name is Scarblade."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Scarblade." Scootaloo greeted warmly and excitedly, surprising Scarblade. She squealed happily, "Did I ever tell you how awesome and amazing you are? I mean the way you use that sword is so awesome! So fast! So sharp! So exactly where you want to strike before anyone can make a move. It's so awesome! Like Lightning! Know what I'm saying?"

Scarblade was confused yet surprised by her remark. He was speechless to say anything. Suddenly, the Water Tiger Soldier arrived at the scene.

"General Scarblade, our emperor summons you to the hotel now. He said it's urgent," The soldier reported.

Scarblade turned and faced him. He nodded, "Understood."

Scarblade and his soldier turned and now leaving. Scootaloo was surprised yet stunned that he has to go now without saying goodbye to him. Nevertheless…

"Guess I'll see you then. Bye, Mr. Scarblade!" Scootaloo waved goodbye.

Scarblade did not wave back but he can only glance at her for the moment. He turned and headed off at once.

"Wow. And I thought Fluttershy is very shy to say hello or goodbye," Scootaloo remarked in surprise. She hummed thoughtfully, "Wait. If Aqua is the princess, does that mean the emperor is her brother? I wonder what's he doing here."

Scarblade made his way back to Ponyville Hotel, where his master – Courage Tiger and the rest of Water Tiger Kingdom, including Tigress, Riverstrike, Hammerod, Apollo Phyton, Pirate Scythe and even Blazefist were waiting inside the large private room.

Courage Tiger and Blazefist were sitting down on their seats while having some drinks as they were waiting for someone else. The room was silent. No one especially the Emperor of Water Tiger and the Dragon Strike Force Commander has not spoken a word.

"Nice town, I suppose?" Courage asked awkwardly.

Blazefist scratched his head a bit while answering in nervous tone, "Yeah. But it always gets busy everyday especially when villains and monsters come here for revenge and taking over the town. Like it's a center of the universe."

Courage scoffed a bit, "Well, I'm sure some people thinks other places are the center of the universe. Kinda like Jing Province."

"True. That place drive everypony nuts to get that land because it got some resources and routes to travel."

"Yeah. During the end of Qin, we both won and took the land. And surprisingly, your lord handed that over to me. All of that."

"Yeah. A deal is a deal as they said. And now, we split them into three. You know, to keep three kingdoms happy."

"Yes. True enough."

Tigress sighed, "Honestly. Is our old history the only we talk about? Why not others? Like how's my sister? Did you treat her well? You make her cry, I'll kill you. If you mess with us, then you're dead. So, why not that?"

Both Courage and Blazefist looked nervous and scared. The commander spoke, "Probably that's the reason why we never talk about that."

"Yeah. Probably we miscommunicate and fight, making matters worse," Courage remarked in fear.

Tigress scoffed, "You're overthinking, brother."

"She's right. Can't be worse than last time," Aqua joked. Everyone turned to the door, where she entered the room after she departed from her friends. She smiled as she hugged her brother and sister, "Courage! Tigress! You're here!"

Tigress giggled as she hugged back, "Yup. Good to be here."

"So, what brings you here?" Aqua asked calmly. Recalling of seeing the army outside and even inside, she seriously questioned, "Scratch that. What's really going on? Why did you bring the army here?"

Knew his sister would go straight to the point, Courage sighed firmly, "Sit down, Aqua. I'll explain." Just as Aqua sat down. He spoke, "We need your help. We've got situation."

Aqua and Blazefist looked confused yet concern. Tigress nodded, "It's true. And you're not gonna like this one too. This has to do with your daughter."

Hearing them mentioning 'daughter', Aqua and Blazefist became serious and stern as they're willing to listen and find out what kind of problem they're dealing with.

In the land of Dark Mystic Realm, within the walls of Stahl Arms Factory, MechaStahl hummed happily and amusingly while working and inventing his new weapon, with the help of his nephew – Tech. And they've just completed it.

Both MechaStahl and Tech were looking at the new large and heavy giant blaster-like attaching with some canister of blue colors on it, and has a large tube-like for shooting. MechaStahl smirked proudly while blowing his cigarette while Tech laughed manically and madly as he held on the new weapon.

"At last! A new weapon is ready! All thanks to Tech! The Boy Genius!" Tech exclaimed happily and excitedly with evil laughter. MechaStahl was annoyed as he whacked his nephew, with a cane. He yelled in pain, "OW! What did I do?!"

"For being annoyance and pain to my ass," MechaStahl answered sarcastically. Just as he took the weapon away from his nephew, he huffed, "And for the record, I did the most of planning and invention while you're just an errand boy to collect materials and tools. As always."

Tech groaned, "I wouldn't be an errand boy if you give me the chance, uncle."

Annoyed, MechaStahl whacked his cane on Tech's head. He scolded, "What did I say about calling me, boy?!"

Tech groaned in pain while rubbing his head, "Sorry, Chairman MechaStahl."

"That's better. Know your place, boy."

"I still don't get why I don't call you 'uncle'."

"Because you're an idiot as always. You've lost your right and heritage to be part of our family when you surrendered yourself to the enemies. So, you will have to start from the bottom like a rat. You won't be getting favors to help you reach top again. An errand boy, you will always be. And therefore, you will call both me and your father by title, not by our relationship. Nothing more. And nothing less. Understand, boy?"

"Yes, unc-! I mean Chairman MechaStahl."

"Good boy," MechaStahl mocked. He then heard the door was opened and found Admiral Ogre Lock and his HYADES Soldiers arrived at the scene. He groaned, "Great. Look who just come in unannounced."

"Military officers do not need to announce," Ogre disagreed dryly and firmly. He huffed, "In fact, I'm here for the new weapon. Are they ready or not?"

"Yes, it's ready." MechaStahl answered with a scoff while rolled his eyes. He passed the weapon to Ogre. He then warned, "Just make sure you don't overload its charging system too much, otherwise it will blow you up."

Ogre scoffed while looking at his weapon carefully. Just as he charged up the weapon, he then aimed and fired it straight at the couple of crates, unleashing powerful electrical shocks to blow up most of them.

Ogre hummed with a smirk, "Such promising. And effective too. Lord Crimson Skull will be pleased with this new weapon."

"Are you f#$&king kidding me?!" MechaStahl asked angrily, "I needed that! I just received those new materials! Do you have any idea how hard it is to get them from Mortal Realm?!"

"Am I supposed to be concern and understand the situation?"

"No, of course not. You don't even care. But my lord will not be pleased and tolerate with your arrogance and brutish when I make a report to him!"

"Go ahead and try. Lord Crimson Skull will not be bothered by your insolence because you've lost his favor and you are just a scientist."

"Why you-! Oafish! Brutish! Mindless-!"

"Um. Can I say anything?" Tech asked. MechaStahl and Ogre turned and glared at him. He gulped, "Shut my mouth."

"Either way. Are these new weapons ready?" Ogre demanded.

MechaStahl scoffed, "Of course, they are. They're at the garage bay. So, you're going to Mortal Realm, right?"

"Yes, I am," Ogre confirmed firmly, "I'm gonna rescue some of our men from these cocky bastards. Thinking they're for entertainment. They will regret this. No one makes the mockery of our proud military force. No one especially those mortals."

MechaStahl waved, "Whatever you say, Ogre. Just be sure that you don't attract the wrong attention. Our Dark Lord doesn't want us to get involved and mess with mortal affair since our friend is doing a favor for us."

Ogre was irritated by reminder, "I know that. I do not intend to stay there for long. But that does not mean I won't leave the mark."

"Do whatever you want. It is not my mission," MechaStahl remarked sarcastically.

Ogre scoffed, "I intend to."

Ogre and his soldiers turned and exited the entrance, heading straight to garage for collecting their new weapons. MechaStahl scoffed while grumbled in annoyance as he looked at the damaged site of crates.

"So, why not go and attack Mystic and Equestria Realm?" Tech asked obliviously.

"Really?! Asking the same question again?" MechaStahl asked in annoyance. Tech shrugged innocently. He sighed, "Of course, you will. The Dark Lord didn't want us to get involved because Nezha is not only 'improving' the Mystic Kingdom but also turning it against the Equestria. He obviously letting the alliance fighting amongst themselves. And once two forces are weakened or even destroyed…"

"Oh, I know this one! We can get some free food, clothes and video games we want!" Tech exclaimed happily. This earned MechaStahl's whacking cane. He yelled, "Ow! That's hurt!"

MechaStahl sighed, "Sometimes, I think this is a mistake to bring you back home…"

This weekend…

The Washouts is in Ponyville Town! Their laborers were preparing and setting up the carnival event at the town's outskirt. It is now filled with not just the food stalls, souvenir stalls, game stalls, photo booths and so on, but also concreted bleachers and some various kind of stunt props like cannons, buzzsaw stand, spike traps, fiery rings, circular ramps, heavy lift stand and so on.

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and even Scootaloo have arrived at the show in time. The carnival is filled with enormous crowd, who were interested and excited for the Washouts' Live Show. They even found most of the seats have been taken.

"Awww. I knew we shoulda lined up last night." Scootaloo said in disappointment.

Everyone understood why she was disappointed and upset. They wondered of what they can do now. While looking around, Aqua spotted some empty seats from cornered bleacher seats.

"So not the drama, guys. I've found the seats," Aqua remarked.

Scootaloo gasped, "Really?"

Aqua nodded as she leads the rest of teams to the empty seats. While heading straight to their seats, Pinkie approached to Scootaloo.

"I'm sorry for making us late." Pinkie apologized as she showed the tray of some cupcakes with blazing flames-like cream. She continued, "Who would've guessed Xtreme Chocolate Airshow Cupcakes would take an x-tremely long time to bake?"

"Well, it would have been better early if you had allowed me to help," Icy remarked sarcastically. Pinkie was about to answer. She interrupted, "Don't even think about telling me that I'm not ready for the real cook."

Pinkie groaned, "Fine. I won't. But seriously, Icy, read the instruction to cook. Your cook might poison and kill someone."

"I told you not to tell me about that!" Icy screamed at Pinkie's ears.

Everyone arrived at the empty seats. They all taken the seats immediately while readied to watch the show. Rainbow, however, was annoyed and unimpressed with everything.

"Look at this! It's a total Wonderbolts ripoff!" Rainbow remarked dryly, confusing everyone and even Scootaloo.

"What do you mean? The show hasn't even started yet." Scootaloo asked in confusion.

"Yeah, but look at what we're sitting on. The Wonderbolts have bleachers, too! We practically invented sitting on bleachers!" Rainbow complained before grabbing and showing popcorn and cotton candy. She continued, "And look at that! Popcorn and cotton candy?! Ripoff!"

"Oh… For crying out loud," Aqua remarked in frustration as she whacked Rainbow's head. She scolded, "Will ya knock it off, Rainbow Dash?!"

Suddenly, some of PA Horn Speakers started the heavy metal soundtrack, attracting the attention of the spectators and also making them excited and wild for the show. Scootaloo even screamed for it as well. This even made Rainbow more confused yet worried.

"This is the time! This is the place! This is the team! This is…" The announcer announced through PA Horn Speaker. Just as the greenish colored smokescreen have unleashed within the ring, couple of shadowy figures slowly emerged out and stood before the crowd. He declared, "the Washouts!"

Just as the smokescreen got cleared, the shadowy figures revealed themselves – couple of Pegasi wearing black jumpsuits with green-colored lightning shape, motorcyclist helmets with lightning bolt-shaped on both sides and breathing masks. They all posed confidently and cockily like they're in action movie. Fireworks have launched into the sky, followed by two cannons firing the confetti.

The crowd went wild for the Washouts' impressive and awesome introduction. Pinkie even happy about it especially the confetti. Some of them flew and gave the crowd including Scootaloo a high-five.

"Say it with me now, the Washouts' official motto..." The announcer said cockily. He and the crowd shouted in unison, "Leap before you look!"

While the crowd went wild for the show, Rainbow was worried yet annoyed about the Washouts and its special effects. She doesn't like it. Not one bit.

"Remember, ponies. While they're amazingly awesome, the Washouts are highly trained professionals in protective fire-proof flight suits!" The announce informed, "Do NOT try this at home! ENJOY THE SHOW, FOLKS!"

The crowd went wild again. The Washouts members prepared themselves with their stunt performance. The short one jumped into rounded seat-like, which was attaching with elastic ropes to slingshot-makeshift. Two members pulled him back slowly. The hunk one gave a wink to the spectator, who gasped happily before fainted. However, the Washout Member with blue colors nudged on him for being flirty, prompting him to shrug a bit.

Just as they released, the short one was launched over some stunt props and landed on the trampoline, which was held by Washout Leader, whose darker helmet has sharper shades, lightning-shape on sides are sharper. He bounced it off and flew straight to the seesaw-makeshift, which tallest Washout member was standing on it. Just as he landed on it, she was launched straight to couple of electrical rings before getting the torch from another one. She then turned around and flew straight through the big flames while holding lighting torch. Seeing their performance has left Rainbow stunned and surprised.

The tallest member landed on the ground as she placed the torch on the large cannon, which the Washout Leader has just entered. The Washout Couples help lifted the cannon up before firing the leader out to the sky. While laying and stretching on back, she dived down straight through the spinning spikes at ease. She then flew through the swinging blades and saws. She then flew straight two spike traps until the last one caught and trapped her. This shocked and scared the world.

However, the Washout Leader somehow yet barely escaped it, much delight and relief to the crowd. And surprisingly, she doesn't seem to be limbering or evens struggling to fly. And they all went wild again.

"That... was... insane! Woo-hoo!" Rainbow cheered wildly and excitedly. She then found Rainbow and Scootaloo slyly looked at her. She cleared her throat and quickly responded, "I

mean… It was pretty cool. Who are these guys?"

"Know something about them?" Aqua asked.

Rainbow hummed in concern, "I don't know. There's something about them especially their leader. I know it from somewhere…"

Aftermath of the Washouts' Stunt Performance, almost everyone left the carnival while some remained behind to meet the Washouts and getting signage from them. One of them revealed to be a purple-colored Pegasus with blue-cyan fluffy mane and long tail, and also has a cross scarred-mark on left eye while another was an orange dwarf Pegasus with blazing-like yellow colored short mane and tail were signing the autographs and chitchatting with crowd, along with three members. The rest of them checking and handling the maintenance of the props and mechanics for the next stunt show.

Rainbow, Blazefist, Aqua and even the nervous Scootaloo, whom they have to drag and pull her to meet her new idols.

"I can't just go up and talk to them." Scootaloo said nervously.

"Don't be silly, kid. They're just ponies like us," Blazefist remarked, "I mean you talked with Rainbow Dash many times before. She was your idol."

Scootaloo groaned, "Well, yeah… But that's different. She talked to me first, not the other way."

Rainbow sighed while patting Scootaloo's back, "Relax, kid. You're with us, so you can talk to them. After all, one of the reasons there's a Rainbow Dash fan club is because I'm fearless."

Blazefist sighed, "Yeah, right. Reckless is more like it."

"Blazefist, come on. Give them space." Aqua scolded her husband. She cleared her throat, "You and I should check out on these props. I wanna find out how they managed to pull the stunt like this. No Pegasi, not even me and you can pull this off."

Blazefist nodded, "Got it."

While Aqua and Blazefist approached and inspected on the stunt props, Rainbow and Scootaloo approached to both Pegasi, who just finished signing the autographs and chats with the fans. Both Washouts were taking a break. The tall one poured the bucket of water on her before shaking it off while the short one drank his bottle. They then spotted Rainbow and Scootaloo's arrival.

"Hey!" Rainbow greeted casually yet cool tone. Both Washouts didn't greet back but stared at her. Though confused, she casually continued the chat, "Uh, so as a fellow aerobatic professional, I really enjoyed your show. Heh. Actually, you might recognize me since I'm a…" She smirked cockily, "A Wonderbolt."

Instead of mesmerized or even amazed, both Washout Members laughed amusingly at Rainbow like she was a joke to them. She, however, finds it confusing yet insulting about their laughter.

The tallest Washout remarked in Australian Accent, "Ha! Join the club."

Scootaloo gasped excitedly yet happily. Rainbow was annoyed, " O… kay…"

Kicking and flipping the bucket upside down, the tallest Washout taken a seat and continued, "No. I mean, literally. Join the club. We're called 'The Washouts' because we all used to be Wonderbolts just like you. Heh. Until we 'washed out'."

"No way," Rainbow said in surprise.

"Yep." The purple-colored Pegasus confirmed. While using her wings, she rolled up the bandage around her burnt mark from rear left leg. She sighed calmly, "Name's Rolling Thunder. I got booted out of Wonderbolt Academy because of 'flagrant disregard for hazardous weather'. Pfft! If doing barrel rolls through nine hundred million volts of electricity in a raging thunderstorm is wrong, then I don't wanna be right."

Though was shocked and concerned, Rainbow couldn't help but mesmerized by statement and remarked, "Cool!"

Looking at her dwarf member, Rolling Thunder introduced, "Ha. This 'ere's Short Fuse."

Approaching to Rainbow, Short Fuse extended his wing to shook hers, "Ah, nice to meet you."

"What's your story?" Rainbow asked.

Instead of friendly chat, Short Fuse shouted in anger tone, "ANGER ISSUES! GET OFF MY BACK!"

"Uhh… Okay." Rainbow answered nervously yet worried. She began to suspect that most of the members are former Wonderbolts, who got washed out for disregard the rules and regulation especially safety. She asked,"So, who's the leader?"

Rolling Thunder smirked, "Only the most reckless ex-Wonderbolt of all time. And best of all, she was mentored by the disgraced veteran but still a legend."

Just as she pointed at the sun, Rainbow found an old pony was waving and signaling Washout Leader, who was diving and landing straight to the ground hard. She stood before her mentor, Rainbow and Scootaloo.

"Nice work, kid. Just like the way I coach you. Did an old pony proud," The veteran Pegasus remarked.

"Thanks, teach," The Washout Leader thanked happily. She then noticed Rainbow stood before her and her coach. She then removed her helmet, revealing a familiar faces. She remarked, "Well, well, well, who do we have here?"

Her coach also turned and revealed himself to be a familiar as well. He groaned, "I don't believe it. You're here as well?"

Rainbow gasped in disbelief, "What the?! Lightning Dust! And Wind Rider!"

Lightning Dust narrowed her angry eyes, "Rainbow Dash!"

Wind Rider scoffed, "What a surprise. Never thought we'd be seeing you here."

Rainbow snarled, "Small world, I see…"

Seeing three Pegasi being in tension, Scootaloo spoke up and greeted, "Scootaloo. I'm Scootaloo. Hi."

While still looking around and checking on the Washouts' props and mechanisms, Aqua and Blazefist spotted Rainbow confronting with Lightning Dust and Wind Rider.

"Wind Rider? He's the brain and leader behind this stunt group?" Blazefist asked in surprise.

"Huh? That's the jackass for almost putting you in execution?!" Aqua asked in annoyance yet anger. Her husband nodded in confirmation. She groaned in anger, "That bastard. I'm gonna kill him for almost kill my family. I won't allow it!"

"Easy there, Aqua. We'll get to them. But first, we need to find her," Blazefist reminded his wife.

Aqua sighed, "Yeah, I know. Still, I have to admit it. They've got some serious props to use and perfume some stunts."

Blazefist nodded while looking at the spike traps, "Yeah. They're definitely not fake."

"Impressive, isn't it?" A familiar yet cocky voice asked.

Blazefist and Aqua turned and looked back as they found two Washout members stood before them. They removed their helmets, revealing their true identities before them.

"What the-?! No! Not you too." Aqua said in shock

"Hey mom…" Indigo greeted warmly yet cockily. She then showed her annoyance, "And really?! 'No! Not you too'? That's a bit insulting, you know. Thought Uncle Courage and Aunt Tigress told you about it."

Aqua scoffed, "Hey. It's called acting, kid. I don't want anyone know what we're up to or we're cool with you being Washouts. That's if you guys are really washout from the Wonderbolts."

"No, ma'am. We're still Wonderbolts. I can assure you," Thunderlane reassured. He continued, "Spitfire faked the news, so that we can infiltrate the Washout."

"So, did you guys find anything suspicious among the group?" Blazefist asked in concern. He crossed his hooves, "Based on our intel, he claimed that Washouts are secretly working with HYADES. Using their entertainment show as disguise, they can get close and attack us. A simple tactic to finish us off."

Indigo shook her head, "No, dad. Nothing suspicious."

Thunderlane nodded, "Yeah. None of them talk much about HYADES yet. All they did is discuss and practice the routine of pulling the stunts. Sometimes, they badmouth about Mystic Ponies. And the worse they did so far is performing something dangerous and reckless without checking and testing any props safety to use. Or worse, endanger both ponies and animals too during practices."

"I see. So, they gambit their own lives for thrill of action," Aqua remarked in disbelief. She scoffed, "Can't say I'm surprise especially Lightning Dust is among them."

"Not only that. Wind Rider even allow them to do as they pleased." Blazefist added. He scoffed in disgust, "As if framing some innocents to preserve his records is not enough to displease me."

Aqua scoffed, "Well. I plan to give him a piece of my mind and some ass-kicking."

"Either way, you guys should be careful with your ongoing mission especially investigation on these former Wonderbolts," Blazefist warned his daughter and boyfriend. He continued, "They're still skilled and agile flyers. They should not be underestimated."

"No worries, dad. We've got this," Indigo said cockily.

Thunderlane nodded, "Yeah. You can count on us."

"Alright. We're counting on you," Blazefist said firmly. He turned and glared at Thunderlane. He threatened, "If my daughter ever gets hurt or even killed, I will show you why they call me 'Scourge of the Hippogriffs'."

Aqua nodded, "That goes same to me. I don't like the idea of my daughter being put in dangerous situation."

Thunderlane gulped as he saluted fearfully, "Y-Yes sir… And… Ma'am…"

"Mom, dad, please! I'll be fine." Indigo insisted in annoyance yet firm and calm, "I'm a fighter, just like you two. You both trained me to be the best flyer and fighter to defend myself. So, don't worry about me."

Proud to see his daughter being mature and brave, Blazefist sighed warmly, "I supposed you're right. Sorry. Just protective of you after what happen to Ruby…"

Aqua nodded, "Yeah. We don't want that happen again especially last year's trip to Mount Aris's Hidden City. Good luck, Indigo."

Indigo nodded as she and Thunderlane put their helmets on, covering their faces. They turned and headed off to investigate the Washouts and their connection to HYADES. Blazefist and Aqua headed off to meet up with Rainbow and Scootaloo.

During the confrontation between Rainbow and her former Wonderbolt colleagues…

"I should've known you both were the brains behind a crazy idea like the Washouts!" Rainbow mocked, "Or should I say, 'lack of brains' since Wind Rider did the most of this while you do the mess!"

Lightning Dust snarled as she almost wants to pounce. Wind Rider held her back as he spoke, "Now, now, Dusty. No need to roused up and start fighting. It's just a talk."

Worried that the fight will start, Scootaloo spoke, acting like she was surprise to see them knowing each other, "You two really know each other? Oh, my gosh! This is so cool!"

"Your 'friend' got me kicked out of the Wonderbolts." Lightning Dust stated.

"Oh. That's, uh, less cool. And she's my sister," Scootaloo remarked in concern.

Turning to Wind Rider, Rainbow questioned, "I have a feeling that you and her are more than just coach and student."

"You're right about that, Rainbow Dash. Lightning Dust is my goddaughter. And I did recommend Wonderbolts to recruit her," Wind Rider confirmed firmly, surprising her. He huffed, "But I never expected her to get kicked out because of you. Not to mention, you did the same to me."

Rainbow scoffed, "Well, it's befitting for you two since you two pull some damn stunts on all of us!"

"You're right. And it was the best thing that ever happened to us!" Lightning Dust exclaimed happily and excitedly, surprising Rainbow. She remarked while putting her hoof over her former wingpony's shoulder, "Great to see you, wingpony! I heard you're a full-fledged Bolt now."

Wind Rider sighed, "Yeah. I couldn't believe it myself…"

Removing her hoof off from shoulder, Rainbow was still angry as she chastised, "Yeah, well, I'm still–"

Lightning Dust interrupted as she approached to the rest of Washouts, "Mad at me? Look, was it wrong of me to endanger the lives of your friends? Yeah. But, hey, now I only endanger these knuckleheads including my godfather."

Almost every member of Washouts including Wind Rider, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse laughed amusingly and teasingly, though the veteran and dwarf were a bit of irritated by the insults. At the moment, Short Fuse was massaging Rolling Thunder's back.

"C'mon, you know you miss me." Lightning Dust remarked amusingly as she gave an autograph on poster to Scootaloo. She smirked and talked to her, "Me and her, we blew everypony out of the sky."

"Really?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.

Lightning Dust nodded, "Actually, yeah, really! All that wind was totally dangerous, but we had fun, right? Two fastest times on the Dizzitron!"

Though no fond of Lightning Dust's reckless, Rainbow couldn't help but remember their good times, "If I remember correctly, I had you beat by half a second."

"Only because when I went, I cranked up the dizziness factor." Lightning Dust remarked.

Rainbow and Lightning Dust laughed together warmly. The rainbow-colored Pegasus smiled, "Well, I'm glad it all worked out. Your show was pretty dynamite."

"Of course, it is. Lightning and I build this. We make the show awesome," Wind Rider said proudly.

Pulling Scootaloo close, Lightning Dust spoke to her, "Wanna know the secret? We basically ignore everything the Wonderbolts ever taught us about safety."

Alerted by Lightning Dust's influence, Rainbow dragged Scootaloo back and explain, "Well, we do have safety rules for a reason."

"Don't listen to her, kid. All their 'rules' were just ways of keeping their little club exclusive so they could feel good about themselves."

"It's not about making anypony feel bad. It's about finding the best flyers. The best of the best."

"Right. The best like me and my goddaughter got kicked out?" Wind Rider asked rhetorically, gaining Rainbow to glare at him. He scoffed, "What? Truth hurts, right? Those Wonderbolts may have been looking for the best, they always limit themselves from reaching their true potential. Unlike us, we always keep pushing and reach our potential, no matter the cost. Win matters the most."

Lightning Dust nodded, "We started the Washouts because I believe anypony can be the best of the best." She gave some thoughts, "You know, Rolling Thunder is gonna be out for a while."

"Ah, during the finale, I caught the old hind leg in the Crushinator Jaws of Smashalot! Patent pending." Rolling Thunder remarked amusingly.

Lightning Dust extended her hoof to Rainbow, "There's a spot on the team if you wanna join up."

Scootaloo gasped excitedly while Wind Rider was shocked and annoyed to hear that.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm already a Wonderbolt." Rainbow answered happily.

"I'll do it! Can I do it?!" Scootaloo asked excitedly.

"Uh, lemme think. No!" Rainbow disagreed.

"Rainbow Dash's right. You're too young to handle this kind of stunt," Aqua added in concern as she and Blazefist arrived. She turned and glared at the Washouts, "Especially a group, who actually never think about ponies' safety before even performing the stunt."

"And you are?" Wind Rider asked. Aqua slammed a punch on his face. He yelled in pain, "What the hell was that?!"

"That's for framing Rainbow Dash!" Aqua shouted angrily. She then punched him again, "And that's for almost getting my husband executed."

Wind Rider was shocked before looking at Blazefist, who shrugged innocently, "Yeah. I forget to tell you about her."

"Either way, you haven't washed out of the Bolts, which is kinda our thing." Lightning Dust said amusingly.

"And also, no!" Rainbow proytested.

Ignoring her concerns, Scootaloo asked, "Oh, what if I joined and dropped out super quick?!"

Getting fed up with Scootaloo's ignorance, Rainbow snapped as she grabbed Scootaloo, "That's it! You're comin' with me!"

"Where are we going?" Scootaloo demanded.

"To hear what the actual Wonderbolts think about you joining just to drop out for the Washouts!" Rainbow stated dryly.

"Aqua! Blaze! Tell her to let me go and join the Washouts!" Scootaloo pleaded.

"Not a chance, kid," Aqua disagreed.

Blazefist nodded, "Aqua's right. This isn't some kind of game you'd be playing with, Scootaloo. Trust us. Stay away from this."

Scootaloo was disappointed and upset by ponies' denying her decision to join the Washouts. Rainbow took her adopted sister, flying straight to the Wonderbolt Academy now. Both Aqua and Blazefist headed off to the hotel, meeting up with Water Tiger Kingdom.

"Say hi to Spitfire for me!" Lightning Dust mocked amusingly. She turned and found Wind Rider glared at her. She asked, "What?"

Wind Rider sighed, "You and I are gonna talk about morality and restraint, kid."

Rainbow brought Scootaloo to Wonderbolt Academy. More of Wonderbolts were flying and practicing some of formation. Rainbow looked excited and happy about it, though Scootaloo yawns unimpressively.

"Ever seen two simultaneous inverse displacement rolls before?" Rainbow asked confidently.

Scootaloo scoffed while reading the magazine, "Would've been a lot cooler if you had the Crushinator Jaws of Smashalot, patent pending."

"W-What?!" Rainbow asked in disbelief. She turned and looked at Spitfire, "See? This is what I was telling you about."

"I got this," Spitfire said confidently. Just as she removed the magazine, Scootaloo turned and faced at her. She shown strict and fierce looks, "You know what happens when something goes wrong with the Crushinator Jaws of Smashalot?"

"Patent pending?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

"You end up in a full body wing-and-hoof cast drinkin' through a straw!" Spirfire shouted at Scotoaloo, who got jump scare by it.

Scootaloo nervously explain, "But with enough practice-!"

"Practice?!" Spitfire interrupted before she gone in rage mode to shout, "Well, la-dee-doodle-dah! Lemme give you a different scenario. You're probably saying to yourself, "I'm young. I'm strong. I'm gonna go out there and stunt some tricks with my new friend Lightning Dust!" Well, I'm here to tell ya that if ya play that game, you're gonna find out it's pretty hard to "stunt tricks" in a FULL BODY WING-AND-HOOF CAST DRINKIN' THROUGH A STRAW!"

Her scream has indeed scared Scootaloo. Rainbow noticed it, "I think she gets the poi-!"

"I'M NOT FINISHED!" Spitfire fiercely silence Rainbow. She turned to Scootaloo, "Listen, I get it, kid. I used to be like you, tellin' myself, 'I'm gonna touch the sky!'"

Scootaloo tried to disagree, "I don't-!"

Spitfire interrupted again as she grabbed and held Scootaloo, "Well, whoop-dee-DOODLE-DOO! You think you got it made in the shade? Well, things are gonna be pretty shady indeed when you can't go out in the sun, 'cause you're in a FULL BODY WING-AND-HOOF CAST DRINKIN' THROUGH A STRAW! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"

Due to Spitfire's fierce shaking, Scootaloo groaned and moaned shakily in agreement. She dropped her, allowing Rainbow to dash and got her in time.

"Excellent." Spitfire said happily and pridefully, "Easy peasy. Hope she learn her lessons."

Rainbow hummed, "Yeah. I hope so. By the way, what happen to Indigo and Thunderlane? I haven't seen them a while."

Surprised by her question, Spitfire, remained calm and firm, answered, "Them? They're meeting up with her uncle Courage. They told me that they're doing some important errands for him. And before you ask, this is a very classified information between two forces. Sorry. I can't give you the info."

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. I get it. I'll see you soon."

"Just make sure the kid stays out of trouble especially Washouts. They're asking for troubles." Spitfire reminded Rainbow.

Rainbow nodded firmly before carried Scootaloo on her back. They both flew off and left the Wonderbolt Academy.

Aqua and Blazefist returned to the hotel, meeting up with Courage Tiger and the rest of Water Tiger Generals. They both made the reports of Indigo and Thunderlane's findings.

"Hmm… Odd. The intel claimed that the Washouts are working with the HYADES." Riverstrike said in disbelief yet concern, "Are you certain that you did not see them?"

Aqua nodded firmly, "Yeah. We don't see any of them. Not even Indigo and Thunderlane."

"As far as our observation goes, the Washouts are only interested in performance, getting fame and also pushing themselves to reach their potential." Blazefist reported calmly. He hummed, "I highly doubt that they have other agendas and willing to work with Dark Mystic Ponies."

Courage hummed in concern, "Even so; they're still reckless, dangerous and irresponsible ponies. We should keep an eye on them. And hopefully, Indigo and Thunderlane able to find the truth behind the Washouts."

"Are you sure about this?" Aqua asked in concern, "I really don't like this especially putting my kid inside their ranks. It's risky."

"I don't like it more than you do, Aqua." Blazefist admitted before reasoning, "But this is the only way we can find out of what the Washout really up to. We have to put our trust in them."

"They maybe the former members of Wonderbolts, but they're not the enemies. You said it yourself." Aqua reminded her husband.

A soldier arrived and made a report to him and his generals. Courage became concern and uneasy as he spoke, "I'm afraid I have to disagree with you, Aqua. We just received another intel. It confirmed that Washout brought something dangerous here that could put your town in danger. We need to find out what and deal with it."

"You don't think it's coming from the Dark Mystic Ponies?" Tigress asked in concern.

Courage sighed, "I'm afraid so."

"And you trust it? Even if it's from Nezha?" Aqua asked in disbelief yet suspicious.

Courage sighed in concern, "I admitted, Aqua. I really don't like it too. And I also find it hard to believe too. But so far, he has proven himself to be competent, fierce and decisive leader. He seems to be right to succeed his grandfather."

"You have no idea how wrong you really are, Courage," Aqua stated with sigh.

Tigress nodded, "I'm with Aqua. I don't really like and trust that brat. He maybe the Mystic Emperor of Vegeance, he's a really jackass bastard, thinking himself better than anyone else. And not to mention, he treating most of us like dirt, as well as screwing up our alliance with Equestria."

Riverstrike sighed, "Indeed. You are right to be concern, princess. Some of politicians, military personnel and citizens are not pleased and happy with his action."

"Even so, we have to remain quiet and loyal to him for the moment," Courage said firmly and seriously, "We do not want to attract wrong attention."

Tigress nodded, "I suppose you're right, brother. But it's best that we prepare for the worst. Whether we remain loyal to the Mystic Kingdom or not, Nezha will turn on us. He won't let us go."

"Yes, Tigress. You guys should keep up your guard and watch out for them." Aqua said firmly and seriously, "That bastard is conniving and jackass."

"Will do." Courage agreed seriously, "For the moment, let us focus on finding the truth behind Washouts' true purpose and connection to Dark Mystic Ponies."

Blazefist sighed, "I hope the intel is wrong. If it's right, then things will get worse for both of our alliance."

Courage noticed Scarblade, looking worry and uneasy. He asked, "Old friend, something bothering you?"

"No, my lord." Scarblade denied.

"C'mon, Scarblade. Don't by shy," Tigress said calmly, "Tell us."

Scarblade sighed, "I made friend." Everyone looked at him in surprise. He continued, "I was concern for young one. I want to protect her."

Aqua knew what Scarblade was referring to. She smiled, "Well, you can go and check on her if you want. My brother has all the protection he needs."

Tigress nodded, knowing what she was talking about as she agreed, "Definitely."

"I do?" Courage asked in surprise, prompting Tigress to step on his hoof. He yelled, "OW! What?!"

"Just let him to meet his new friend. After all, you two can enjoy the drinks for another day," Tigress said calmly.

Courage sighed, "I supposed so. Just don't get my niece into trouble."

Scarblade bowed, "Yes, my lord. And thank you."

Rainbow and Scootaloo were on their way to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The young orange-colored Pegasus was upset by Spitfire's lecture. They just landed on the ground, allowing her adopted sister to climb down.

"Sorry that was a little... intense." Rainbow apologized, "I just wanna make sure you don't get hurt. That way, you can follow in my hoofsteps. Heh. Everypony's dream, right?"

"More like 'follow your wingflaps'." Scootaloo remarked dryly.

"Same difference," Rainbow stated amusingly as she climbed up the stairs to the clubhouse.

Scootaloo glared at Rainbow as she thanked sarcastically, "Thanks, super-talented flyer, for clearing up what I should do."

Oblivious to Scootaloo's sarcasm, Rainbow remarked, "Clearing things up is one of my specialties. Now, come on. Let's go rip up all your Washout posters into tiny pieces and throw 'em off a cliff."

Just as her older adopted sister entered the clubhouse, Scootaloo groaned in anger and upset as she's not pleased with what Rainbow's doing.

"Oh Golly. She must have given you a hard time," Cozy Glow mocked amusingly. Scootaloo looked back and found her approaching her. She smiled slyly, "For a sister, she's really terrible to you."

Scootaloo glared at Cozy Glow, "What are you doing here, Cozy Glow? Come here to gloat? Manipulate me? Make fun of me?"

"Golly! I wouldn't do that to you. I'm just trying to help you."

"Whatever it is, I am in no mood to talk with anyone else."

"I was gonna say that you should do what you really want, instead of following Rainbow Dash. I mean you have your own dream to follow and make it come true, not hers. You don't need to be like her. You want to be your own pony. Am I right?"

"Hmm… You do have the point. But why tell me this?"

"Because you deserve better. It's what friends do."

Scootaloo was skeptical and suspicious but she knew that she can't Rainbow dictate her life and dream. She made her own path. She turned and scooted off at once. Cozy Glow smirked slyly to see her fell for it.

Cozy Glow giggled, "Oh, how I love melodramatic."

Cozy Glow turned and flew off at once. Unknown to anyone, Scarblade saw everything from behind the tree. He went after Scootaloo at once, ensuring she's alright.

Inside the clubhouse; Rainbow removed all the posters, magazines, props, stickers and so on that is related to Washouts. She then threw all of them into large trash bin.

"I just thought of a great way to raise awareness for your original fan club. You know, the one about me?" Rainbow asked cockily while cleaning some mess. She continued, "How about a silent auction where every item is just a picture of yours truly?" She laughed a bit, "Nah! I'm just kidding."

Just as she finished cleared out all the Washouts stuffs, Rainbow sighed calmly, "That makes me seem too egotistical, doesn't it? Oh, oh! Maybe if they're framed, it's like, 'Wow, she's so humble!' What do ya think, Scootaloo?"

Rainbow then finally noticed and realized that Scootaloo is nowhere to be found. This made her worried and scared as she immediately leave the clubhouse. She headed straight to the Ponyville Town, frantically searching for her.

"Anypony seen Scootalo-!"

Rainbow got interrupted when she bumped into Aqua, Blazefist and the rest of Water Tiger Kingdom. They all groaned and moaned in pain.

"Ow! My fault, my fault! Sorry, I-!" Rainbow was apologizing but stopped when she saw Aqua and her family were on the ground. She asked, "Aqua? Blaze? Courage? Tigress?"

Aqua groaned while rubbing her head, "Rainbow, what gives?"

"Sorry about bumping on you guys. You haven't seen Scoot, have you?" Rainbow asked in concern.

"Scoots?" Courage asked in confusion.

Blazefist explained, "She was talking about Scootaloo. The one we just saw her passing us by. She doesn't seem to be happy."

"You saw her?! Where is she?!" Rainbow asked in concern and feared.

"You may not like this, Rainbow," Aqua said with hiss of concern.

After hearing from Aqua, both her and Rainbow flew straight to the Washout's Carnival Site now. The daredevil pony is not very happy.

"I can't believe Scootaloo ditched me to watch them practice. Why can't she see how dangerous they are?!" Rainbow asked in concern and fear. Aqua couldn't help but sympathized for her. She sighed, "But it's like the harder I try to convince Scoot they're dangerous, the more she likes them!"

"Being a parent or even eldest sibling is never been easy." Aqua admitted, "I know that well because I took my family for granted and thinking that we're invincible. Because of our reckless and argument, I lost both my father and Brave, and our family broke apart.."

"How, Aqua? How am I gonna protect her?"

"You can't control her actions. Only yours. Teach her what's safe and what isn't, like a good sister. Then hope she makes the right decisions."

"But what if she chooses them over me? She's gonna get hurt!"

"I know somepony else who might get hurt if that happens." Aqua stated sadly.

Halting her flying, Rainbow turned and looked at her, "Um, maybe you're right. But this isn't about me. I'm just worried about Scoot."

Aqua nodded, "Alright. Scarblade went ahead to find her."

"Huh? Why is he going after her? Doesn't he need to protect Courage? He was his bodyguard."

"Yeah. Let's just say that he's taken a quite liking on her. It's quite rare to see him liking kids. He's worried about her. Kinda like you."

"Wow. I see.

At the outskirt of Ponyville Town, Washout members were performing and working on their activities and routines. Some including Rolling Thunder were training and performing various kind of stunts. Others including Short Fuse were relaxing and resting as well as enjoying their break, though the dwarf pony lost his temper again with the sandwich he ate. The maintenance crew were checking on the stunt mechanism and props, ensuring they're equipped for the stunt performance. Indigo and Thunder, still in disguise, were investigating on Washout's involvement with Dark Mystic Ponies.

Both Wind Rider and Lightning Dust were discussing and planning their next stunt performance for tomorrow event. She was drawing some scribbles and marks on the canvas. He looked at it carefully.

Wind Rider smiled, "You're really workin' hard on this new stunt. Well done, kid."

Lightning Dust smirked, "I learned from the best. It will be awesome that no one will ever forget. And best of all, we're gonna beat Wonderbolts and become number one. No way they can beat us after this event."

"Yes. You are right about that," Wind Rider agreed. He then shown his concern as he asked, "You sure you wanna go through this. If anything happens-!"

Lightning Dust interrupted, "The world will love it, right?"

Hated her ignoring and interrupting him, Wind Rider shook his head, "Lightning Dust. I know you want to be at the top but this… This might be too far, even for my standard."

"Coach. Don't worry. We've got this. Everything will be fine. Count on it." Lightning Dust said cockily.

Annoyed by her cockiness, Wind Rider decided not to argue with her but warned her, "You'd better hope so. Or else, going out of business is the least of our concerns."

"Yessh. You worry too much," Lightning Dust remarked in annoyance. She then looked back at the tent, which was guarded by Scarblade. She groaned, "Why is he here? This is literally for Pegasi only.

Wind Rider shrugged, "Even if we say 'no' to him, he won't budge. Or worse, he threatened us for coming near to her."

"Great…" Lightning Dust grumbled. She and Wind Rider looked back as they found Rainbow and Aqua landing on the ground. She smirked, "Sorry, Dash. Autograph session's over. Unless you wanna buy Short Fuse's limited edition half-eaten tomato sandwich."

"I'M NOT SIGNING THAT ABOMINATION!"Short Fuse shouted angrily while glaring at his sandwich, which disturbed and disgusted his other members.

Not interested of Lightning Dust's mockery, Rainbow questioned, "You haven't seen Scootaloo, have you?"

"Ohhhh, isn't she that pony that used to respect you?" Lightning Dust asked mockingly.

Rainbow growled in anger as she almost wanted to attack her former colleague if not for Aqua holding her back. Calming herself down, she said, "I'd appreciate you helping me find her so I could apologize for trying to make her quit liking you."

Most of the Washouts smiled amusingly while Lightning Dust laughed a bit about it, though Wind Rider looked conflicted yet concern and uncertain about the situation.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure she still likes us." Lightning Dust stated confidently.

Rainbow was confused yet concerned by the statement. Lightning Dust turned and pointed at the tent, which was guarded by Scarblade. A familiar orange Pegasus filly emerged out from it, revealing she is now wearing the Washout's uniform and holding the helmet. This shocked and scared both Pegasi.

Rainbow turned and confront her rival, "Lightning Dust, I know we go way back, but I can't let her do this!"

"I don't need you standing up for me!" Scootaloo retorted firmly.

Rainbow turned and looking concern to convince her adopted sister, "Obviously, you do! Because you can't see how dangerous this is! Do you not remember what Spitfire said?"

"Ugh. Lemme guess." Lightning Dust said suspiciously. She imitated Spitfire, "You'll be in a full-body wing-and-hoof cast DRINKIN' THROUGH A STRAW!"

Aqua looked surprise as she remarked, "That doesn't even sound like Spitfire."

Just as Lightning Dust and Scootaloo laughed about the former acted Spitfire, Rainbow grabbed and dragged her adopted sister away. She spoke, "That's it! We're leaving!"

Having enough, Scootaloo pulled her hoof down and snapped, "Just because I look up to you doesn't mean I have to be you! But based on your definition of what makes somepony great, I have bad news. I'll never be the best of the best or a Wonderbolt! Because I! Can't! Fly! Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Rainbow was shocked and upset yet sympathetic to learn Scootaloo's reason. Aqua sighed while looking down in concern as she has suspicion of why young filly admired the Washouts so much.

"I'm guessing Washouts is the reason why you wanted to join? To prove yourself that you can do anything else than worried about not flying?" Aqua asked.

Scootaloo nodded happily, "But not being able to fly doesn't mean I can't do something awesome! Like strapping my scooter to a multi-stage liquid-fueled rocket and jumping twenty-two wagons lined up in front of a roaring crowd!"

"Okay. That was awfully specific." Aqua said in shock and surprise.

"That's 'cause it's what she'll be doing in the show tonight." Lightning Dust remarked. Using her wing, she passed some ticket to Aqua, "Bring your friends. It will be the blast."

"Scootaloo, are you sure that's what you really wanna do?" Aqua asked in concern.

"Absolutely." Scootaloo said determinedly. She turned and glared at Rainbow, "And there's nothing you can do to stop me!"

Still upset to learn Scootaloo's reason, Rainbow reluctantly stated, "You're right. You're your own foal, and you have to make your own decisions."

Scootaloo nodded firmly, "Good! Because I already have!"

Scootaloo turned and walked together with the rest of Washouts. Rainbow sighed in upset as she turned and flew off. Aqua turned and looked at Scarblade and two disguised Washouts.

"Scarblade, keep her safe," Aqua ordered.

Scarblade nodded, "With my life, Princess Aqua. With my honor…"

Aqua turned to disguised daughter and her boyfriend. She asked, "Anything?"

"Not yet, mom," Indigo reported firmly. She sighed, "But I definitely overheard something about doing dangerous for Scootaloo. Whatever it is, it can't be good. This could be the work of our enemies."

Thunderlane hissed, "By the time we find out of what's really going on, it'll be too late. We need backup now. We can't take the risk."

Aqua nodded, "I will. Time for Water Tiger and Wonderbolts take action before it gets worse."

At the hanger bay of HYADES Military Base, Admiral Ogre has been gathering the squadron of 120 HYADES Troopers including Heavy and Marksman. They all armed with all kind of weapons including new weapons – Raiden Busters. The soldiers were gathered in lines and standing before their commanding officer.

Admiral Ogre firmly spoke while readied with his Machine Blaster, "Soldiers of HYADES, prepare yourselves. For we are now entering the heart of our enemy. Not for victory, but to rescue our bravest soldiers from these arrogant mortals. They think we're some toys to play with. Let us remind them that evil is not some toys they should play with. Hail HYADES!"

"HAIL HYADES!" HYADES Soldiers cried wildly and firmly.

Admiral Ogre nodded, "Good. Let us set off. Time for them to pay with blood!

As commanded, 120 soldiers including Admiral Ogre marched and boarded into Darken Gunships. They all now flying straight to the Equestria for rescuing their allied troops and also retribution against their enemies.

On the next day, the crowd including Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force and even Aqua's Family were gathered and taken their seats. They're ready to watch the Washouts' new stunt performance. They all were chattering and muttering as they wondered what kind of stunt they get to see. They're all too excited for it.

"Sorry for making us late again." Pinkie apologized as she shown the tray of Scootaloo's scooter cupcake-makeshifts. She smiled, "Who would've guessed Scootaloo's super-difficult stunt special cupcakes would've been super-difficult to bake?"

"Wow. Who knew this stunt show could attract so many crowds," Tigress remarked in surprise.

Courage hummed in concern, "Yes. But this is also perfect place for enemies to ambush and destroy all of us. It's exactly what Dark Mystic Ponies want."

Tigress was annoyed as she nudged Courage's shoulder, "Brother, c'mon. Don't talk like that. Besides, enjoy the show. If thing go wrong, we save the day. Okay?"

"Fine…" Courage said dryly and firmly. He then noticed an empty seat. He questioned, "I'm guessing Rainbow's not joining?"

Aqua sighed, "She's still upset and hurt."

"Losing a fan?"

"Not realizing how much pain and upset Scootaloo went through when she can't fly."

"Sounds familiar. Shorty also suffered same disability with his magic. But I'm sure Rainbow will come and see the show. She'll support her. It's what sisters do."

"I hope so."

Inside her tent, Scootaloo was looking at her mirror, reflecting and showing her new Washout's Uniform. She looked excited and happy for not only just jumpsuit, but also her first performance to do her own stunt. Scarblade was leaning against the tent as he was sharpening his katana.

Scootaloo squealed happily, "Aw man! This is it! My first debut! I can't wait for it!"

"So, it is true…" A familiar voice spoke in disbelief. Scootaloo looked back and found Nyx entered the tent. She continued, "I didn't want to believe that brat. You really did join the Washouts."

"Yeah! Isn't this great?!" Scootaloo aske excitedly.

"Great?" Nyx asked in disbelief, "You're basically pushing Rainbow Dash away! And for what?! Joining the Washouts?!" Scootaloo frowned, "Hey, don't give me that tone too, Nyx! She's being too pushy to me! Besides, I even saved you a spot on the team."

"What do you mean?" "I mean, I'm asking you to join the club too. I thought it'd be a way to make up for not standing up for what happened during Friends' Partnership Week Program. Just think of it. An alicorn, part of the Washouts. You and me, part of the greatest aerial stunts team in Equestria!"

"Are you serious?! Those guys are using you to get back at Rainbow Dash! They're nothing but a bad influence on you!"

"Don't be ridiculous, Nyx. Why would they do that for? They're already cool and awesome. They don't need to do that to her."

"Oh… I don't know. How about that Lightning Dust got kicked out for putting ponies in danger and Wind Rider framed Rainbow for keeping his stupid record? They're definitely angry with her!"

"Oh sure. Coz she's being a jerk to them."

"Like you being jerk to her?"

"Would you get off my back?!" "Not until you wake up and realize that these guys don't care about you! They're interested of the show. You have to stop it before it's too late."

"Not a chance! I'm going through it."

"Ugh! I can't believe you. All this to prove that you can do it without flying because your wings are disabled?!" Scootaloo turned and glared at Nyx, "You just wish it was you! But you don't have your lame-o Battle Mode anymore!" Nyx snapped back, "No shit! Of course, I wanted that back! Without it, I can't do anything for anybody! I mean seriously, Scootaloo, think carefully! You're a filly! You can't go through this stupid stunt for wanting to be cool!

Scootaloo scoffed, "Whatever. You can't stop me from what I'm trying to do either."

Looking hurt and disappointed, Nyx sighed, "Well then, I guess we're not friends anymore either."

Nyx turned and exited out of the tent. Scootaloo groaned in anger and frustration with her best friend's attitude and refused to support her.

"She is so unbelievable…" Scootaloo remarked in upset tone, "First, Rainbow Dash and now Nyx. Why is everyone so against me?!"

Scarblasde hummed calmly before sheathed his katana. He questioned, "Why?"

"I don't know?! They can be so hard to understand. I wish they could support and let me be what I want to be."

"What is it you want to be?"

"Not to be Rainbow Dash. I mean she is already awesome flyer and sister to like. I really admire her a lot. But let's face the fact. I can't fly like her. I can't do anything what she can. I'm not Wonderbolt material like her. I can't match up to her. It's impossible."

"Then, don't. You are not her."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Everyone has their own path to follow. My master, Princess Tigress and Princess Aqua are the same as well."

"So, you're saying that I should be myself and make my dream come true?"

"Yes, young one."

Scootaloo hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah. I want to prove I really meant to Rainbow Dash. I can do this. I think I can…"

Scarblade smiled warmly, "Be strong. Be brave. Be tiger, young one."

Scootaloo giggled a bit of nervous and blushed, "Gee… Thanks, Mr. Scarblade. You're…"

Coming into the tent, Lightning Dust asked, "Hey, kid! You ready?"

Scootaloo turned to Lightning Dust as she answered, "Yeah, I am!"

Lightning Dust nodded as she let both Scootaloo and Scarblade out now. The show is about to start.

While the crowd was chatting happily yet excitedly as well as eating and drinking, they then heard the PA Horn Speaker made the feedback static.

"And here to introduce the most dangerous stunt we've ever performed, it's your fearless captain, L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-Lightning Dust!"

The crowd went wild. Lightning Dust flew in spinning around and descending to the ground while the large torch-like pillar ignited the flames. Just as she landed, she waved warmly to the crowd. Taking out her helmet, Lightning Dust announced of the latest recruit with her latest stunt to perform.

"In just a moment, the newest member of the Washouts will be rocket-sledding down that hill-" Lightning Dust explained while pointing at the long and tall hill before pointed at the ramp and then 22 caged wagons-like, "-up that ramp, and over all twenty-two wagons to land on the other side in one piece! Heh. If she's lucky."

The crowds gasped in concern and worried to hear such stunt. Suspicious and concern about the caged wagons, Courage looked at both his family and military officers, who nodded firmly and seriously. He then looked at some bleacher seats, which consisted of some familiar Wonderbolts and Water Tiger Soldiers in disguises, who also nodded firmly and seriously as they ready to move out and deal some possible danger.

"Put your hooves together for Half-Pint Dynamite!" Lightning Dust presented firmly yet proudly.

Right on cued, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse held the hoop with plastic paper that has Washout Logo, allowing Scootaloo jump through it. Just as she landed, she made a cool kid-type pose. The crowd went wild again.

Lightning Dust arrived as she picked Scootaloo up while flying straight to the hill. Scarblade went and followed them from the ground. The Washout members were preparing and readying their stunt props.

Both Indigo and Thunderlane approached to the caged wagons, wondering what's inside. They both pretended to check and making sure that the set is perfect for the show.

"What's inside there?" Thunderlane asked in concern.

"No idea. But why would they need prison wagon for?" Indigo asked in concern. She suddenly spotted the flashy red lights with snarling noise. She gasped, "What the hell?!"

"Hey! What are you doing?! You were supposed to prepare your stunt!" Wind Rider scolded them.

"Sorry, sir. Just checking the set before we do ours," Thunderlane made excuses, though nervous.

Indigo questioned, "Sir, if I may, what's with the prison wagon? Is there something inside?"

"If you're worried about prisoners, then don't. They're not in there. It was given by some lady unicorn with no front limbs," Wind Rider answered calmly. He hummed in concern, "Though I wonder why she laughed like this is some kind of prank."

Thunderlane looked at Indigo and asked, "What's up? Did you see something?"

Indigo became nervous and worried as she answered, "Something bad is going to happen. And I don't think these wagons are empty."

Having Scootaloo on her back, Lightning Dust was flying straight to the hill now. The young filly was excited and happy to meet her ideal.

"Lightning Dust, I have to tell you. I actually started Equestria's first Washouts fan club! As far as I know. So this is a real honor, ma'am!" Scootaloo said excitedly and happily, "Uh, do I call you "ma'am"?"

Lightning Dust smirked cockily, "You land this jump, you can call me whatever you want."

By the time they arrived, the young filly gasped to find out what she's looking at. Her scooter has been attached with two rocket boosters and large one on the sidecar from back. This made her nervous and fear.

Scootaloo gulped, "Wow. That sure is…"

Lightning Dust interrupted arrogantly and cockily, "Dangerous? Nah! Well, maybe a little."

"Has anypony tested it before?"

"Where's the fun in that?"

Hearing what Lightning Dust has said, Scootaloo gulped, realizing her mistakes and started to regret of doing the stunt performance. She was in shocked and concern to find the Washout Leader was taping more of small rockets to the large one.

"There's m-more?!" Scootaloo asked in fear.

"You're not thinking of backing out, are you?" Lightning Dust asked suspiciously.

"No. I'm just thinking about drinking through straws."

"Are you the president of my fan club or not?"

"Of course! It's just-!"

"You wouldn't wanna get impeached for dishonoring my wishes, would you?"

"I... Is that a thing?"

Instead of getting answer, Lightning Dust grabbed and put Scootaloo on her scooter. She turned and looked at the ground.

"Light it up!" Lightning Dust ordered.

As commanded, Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder ignited the flames on prison wagons. While the crowds stomped their hooves happily, Indigo and Thunderlane became worried and scared as they turned and waved at the crowd. Seeing the signal, both Water Tiger Kingdom and Wonderbolts geared up and readied to move in.

"Okay. Now I am thinking about backing out." Scootaloo remarked in fear.

"Too late!" Lightning Dust disagreed. Just before she could hit the button, she was grabbed by hoof. She turned and looked back as she found Scarblade glared at her. She demanded, "Hey! Let me go, jerk! Now! Do you know who I am?!"

Scarblade narrowed his angry eyes, "You hurt my friend. I. Won't. Allow. It."

Scarblade yelled while throwing Lightning Dust at the tree trunk hard. He approached and helped her get off the scooter.

"Are you alright?" Scarblade asked humbly.

Scootaloo nodded, "Yeah. Thanks, Scarblade."

Lightning Dust groaned in pain, "I should've known. If I'd known you were gonna bail, I would've done the trick myself."

Scarblade turned and glared at Lightning Dust as he snarled at her, "Hurting a child is unacceptable…"

"Whatever. It's not my fault that she wants to join our club. She should have known about our job and what we're doing is not kids' job. Taking the risk for the show is our middle name, no matter how dangerous they are. If she's one of us, she should pony up and deal with it."

"Is that so? Just like how you made a deal with Dark Mystic Pony?"

"Huh? What are you talking about, scarface?"

"We know you allied and helping them to get here for the assault. Where are they?"

"As if! I mean I maybe reckless and cocky, but I'm not stupid to trust and work with them."

Scarblade was surprised yet confused by her claim. He looked up and found a familiar ships. He demanded, "Then, why are they here?"

Lightning Dust turned and looked back as she and others found couple of Darken Gunships were flying and heading straight to the Washouts Campsite.

"What the hell?!" Lightning Dust asked in concern and scared.

Scarblade gasped while looking at the area, "My lord! He needs me!"

"Then, let's go!" Scootaloo insisted, surprising Scarblade. She nodded, "Hey, they need help. Plus, riding the scooter with rockets is faster."

"Do you not fear it?"

"A little bit. But I got my friend here with me. I can teach you how to ride it."

Scarblade smiled in agreement. He grabbed and held his new friend on his back. He hopped on the scooter. Just as he pushed the red button, the rockets have been activated, launching both of them straight to the ground.

Lightning Dust groaned, "Why does everything happen to me?!"

Lightning Dust followed and went after them as well. She wants to ensure her group and godfather are safe from danger.

Back to the Washouts' Performance Site, the crowd was cheering and waiting for the show to start. Suddenly, they all heard some screaming of agony, pain and anger. They all turned and looked at the prison wagons, where they've discovered and found couple of HYADES Soldiers and Hunter Killers were screaming and yelling while trying to break free from their prison cells.

"WHAT THE F#$%?!"Short Fuse exclaimed in shock and fear.

"Hey! I thought you told us that no one's in those wagons?!" Rolling Thunder demanded Wind Rider.

"It was!" Wind Rider exclaimed in concern. He looked up and found couple of Darken Gunships are descending. He demanded, "What the hell?! Are those Dark Mystic Ponies?!"

Removing his Washout helmet, Thunderlane shouted, "Everyone, get out of here now! Dark Mystic Ponies are coming!"

Indigo did the same while shouting, "Run! Run now! Get back to Ponyville Town! Get the Friendship Guards here!"

Just as commanded, the crowd panicked and ran for their lives. And at the same time, Mane Five and Dragon Strike Force quickly armed themselves with their weapons and readied for the fight. Both Wonderbolts and Water Tiger Soldiers removed their disguised and readied for the fight as well.

"What the-?! Wonderbolts?! And Water Tiger Kingdom?! Here?!" Rolling Thunder asked in shock and concern, "When?! How?!"

"Huh?! Wait! I know you guys!" Short Fuse exclaimed in disbelief while glaring at Indigo and Thunderlane. He then shouted at them, "SONS OF BITCHES! YOU GUYS WERE FROM THE WONDERBOLTS! FULL FELEDGE! LIKE RAINBOW DASH! HOW DARE YOU COME AND SPY ON US! I AM SO GONNA KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

"If we hadn't, then you guys would be dead!" Thunderlane retorted firmly.

"I mean how can you guys be stupid and not realize that you have Dark Mystic Ponies in your wagons!" Indigo added while readying with her Thunder Blade Naginta. She scoffed, "You're lucky that we call for backup."

"And I'm glad it's good move!" Courage agreed as he and his siblings arrived and meet up with them. He turned and glared at Wind Rider, "You and I are gonna have a chat about allying with the enemy!"

"I have nothing to do with them! I don't ally with those bastards!" Wind Rider panicked.

"He's telling the truth. He's no friend of ours either," Admiral Ogre's voice spoke. Everyone looked up and found him and some guards emerging out from the gunship. Readying with his weapon, he firmly continued, "But he has something to do with my soldiers! And you dare used them for entertainment!"

Everyone turned and glared at Washouts. Wind Rider panicked, "I didn't know! Really! It was given! Well, they-I mean-wagon were given! Honest!"

"He's telling the truth," Indigo confirmed firmly. Her family looked at her. She nodded, "The unicorn with no limbs did this."

Water Tiger Kingdom especially Aqua gasped in shock and concern. They suspected that something amiss about it. They knew who she was referring to.

"We'll deal with this later. Right now, let's deal with angry admiral now," Blazefist said firmly as he armed with his Falcon Spear.

Aqua nodded, "Yeah. Let's kick their ass!"

Raised his Tiger Lord Sword, Courage declared firmly and stoically, "Agreed, sister! Warriors of Water Tiger, attack!"

"Wonderbolts, with us!" Indigo called.

Spitfire nodded firmly, "You heard her! Take these troublemakers down now!"

Both Water Tiger Kingdom and Wonderbolts gave a loud battle cry as they all charged and attacked Admiral Ogre and his squadron. The HYADES Soldiers fired all of their blasters including new ones – Raider Busters at them while some helped and assisted their allied soldiers from imprisonment, who joined them on the fight. Luckily, the rest of Mane Five and Dragon Strike Force have come and assisted them to fight the enemies. Washouts were also forced to join and battle against their common enemy as well.

While the heroes from Mystic and Equestria busy battling with the HYADES soldiers, a familiar unicorn with frontal limbless was sneaking through the props. She looked through all the crates and stunt mechanism as she was searching for a specific item. She came across to Wind Rider's personal chest. Just as she unlocked it, she gasped in surprise yet pleased. She lifted up a familiar yet snow white-yellow colored Soul Gem before her.

Sushi chuckled with a smirk, "Yes… The Soul Gem of Snedronnigen the Ice. I found it. Thank you so much, useless mortals."

With that, Sushi Tsunami summoned the portal that allowed her to escape and returned to Mystic Realm. However, her appearance didn't go unnoticed when Riverstrike spotted her as he was swinging his Flame Pole against the Hunter Killers.

Mane Five and all of their allies bravely and determinedly fought against the HYADES Soldiers, though some of them got shot and hit by the latter's firing blasters and even Hunter Killers' swinging blades against them. During the fight, HYADES Soldiers withdraw back, allowing Admiral Ogre and a squadron to arm, aim and fire their Raiden Busters. They zapped and shocked all of the heroes, weakening and injuring them painfully and agony. However, Terrorcreep summoned Thunderstorm to block and hold off the attacks, though they would still suffer the effects.

Admiral Ogre and his squadrons continued firing their Raiden Busters. The Heavy Troopers armed and readied to fire their own Gatling Gunners. A sudden rocket firing up, they all turned and looked on the left, where they found Scarblade and Scootaloo were riding the rocket scooter straight at them. Instead of going to the ramp, they charged it straight at Admiral Ogre and his squadrons. Just as they jumped aside, the scooter rammed and knocked everyone off. This gave the heroes and their allies a chance to recover.

Just as Scarblade and Scootaloo regrouped with their allies, Courage exclaimed, "Scarblade! You're alright! Where were you?!"

"Protecting my friend," Scarblade admitted while showing Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo, are you alright?" Aqua asked in concern while checking on her.

Scootaloo nodded a bit, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm glad that I didn't ride the rocket scooter to perform the stunt."

"WHAT?!" Aqua asked angrily. She turned and glared at Lightning Dust. She aimed her Tiger Claw at her, "Lady, you and I are gonna have some serious talk about endangering a kid!"

Lightning Dust groaned, "Oh! For crying out loud! That was hardly a danger!"

"You put her on a scooter with rockets?! The rockets that could have sent her to the sky and explode!" Blazefist scolded angrily, "Are you always that dense and reckless?!"

"She didn't!" Lightning Dust retorted.

"Can we argue later for Pete's Sake! Seriously. This is way too dramatic." Pinkie shouted angrily. She found Admiral Ogre and his squadron were recovering. They all armed and readied with their weapons. She yelled, "Incoming!"

"No mercy! Kill them all!" Admiral Ogre ordered loudly and angrily.

HYADES Soldiers yelled out loud as they're readied for the kill. They all moved aside at once, allowing the Heavy Troopers armed and fired their Gatling Gunners at the heroes and their allies. They all barely dodged and barely hid behind the crates and bleachers for cover while Scarblade grabbed and moved Scootaloo behind the cannon for cover. They all braced for impact.

The Heavy Troopers halted the attacks, both HYADES Soldiers and Hunter Killers charged and attacked Mane Five and their allies, who firmly and fiercely fought back against them. Twilight and Rarity summoned and used their magical barriers to protect their allies, allowing them to charge and attack them. Pinkie, Shorty and Tailtech fired their blasters at HYADES Soldiers and Marksmen while provide covering fire for their allies. Shadow Dragon, Saber, Terrorcreep and Pirate Scythe dashed in as they swung and struck their melee weapons against the soldiers. Applejack, Laxtinct and Hammerod battled with Heavy Troopers. Using her Animal Ruby, she protected her injured soldiers and civilians from them while Icy, Riverstrike and Apollo protected her by holding the enemies off. Water Tiger Soldiers, Wonderbolts and Washouts worked together to fend them off. Aqua, Blazefist, Courage and Tigress were facing off with Admiral Ogre, who looked fierce and determined to fight and defeat them through the use of Raiden Busters and broadsword.

Just as Scarblade emerged out from the cannon's side, two of Hunter Killers jumped and slashed their blades on his chest five times, prompting him to yell in pain and agony. Instead of reacting to pain, he grabbed and swung his katana to decapitate them.

"Mr. Scarblade!" Scootaloo cried.

Facing more of HYADES Soldiers, Scarblade grunted in pain while holding his katana tight. He groaned, "I'm fine… I will fight… Till the end…"

"Scarblade, no…" Scootaloo shook her head in fear.

Scarblade yelled out loud, "Come and face me! You will not harm my new friend!"

Though intimidated, HYADES Soldiers remained firm and fierce. Looking at each other, they nodded in agreement. Hunter Killers charged straight at Scarblade, who remained firm and calm while in his fighting stance. Just as they were about to pounce on him, he swiftly and quickly swung his katana, cutting off either their heads or giving slashes on chest and limbs. He turned and found HYADES Soldiers fired their blasters at him. He swiftly and quickly blocked and deflected the beams back at them, injuring and killing them. He then come across to five Heavy Troopers, who tried to swing and slam their Gatling Guns at him. He barely dodged and evaded it, though he got hit and bruised from the attacks until the last one smack him to the ground. He was about to fire his Gatling Gun at him, prompting the scarred pony to kick it aside, firing and shooting down his ally. He then cut off the hands before decapitated large HYADES Soldier's head. Two of them fired at him, alerting him to dodge them before jumped over and landed in-between. They tried to shoot at him, but instead, they killed each other when he dodged it. The last one was about to swing his weapon at him. But in high speed, Scarblade made a quick slash on his waist, cutting him in two.

Just as he finished the fight, Scarblade found himself surrounded and trapped by more of HYADES Soldiers. Despite how outnumbered and outmatched, he remained stoic, firm and determined to continue the fight against them. He still suffered some slashes, blasts and bruises from them. Scootaloo awed in amazement and surprise to see how strong and determined the warrior is. But she also couldn't help but feel ashamed and guilty for his injuries.

"Scarblade, get out of there! Hurry!" Scootaloo exclaimed in concern. She gasped when she found three Hunter Killers approached her. They prepared to kill her. She gulped, "W-What have I gotten myself into?"

Before they could finish her off, a familiar rainbow-colored mane Pegasus swooped in and rammed three of them out. She stood before her adopted younger sister.

"Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily.

Rainbow turned and looked at Scootaloo as she stated, "I know I was supposed to let you make your own decisions, but that doesn't mean I can't swoop in and save you from time to time."

Instead of berating, Scootaloo hugged Rainbow as she thanked, "Thank you, Rainbow Dash." She remembered Scarblade's in danger. She exclaimed, "Help Mr. Scarblade! He can't do it alone!"

Rainbow nodded, "Okay, kid. I've got this. Now go and hide!"

Just as she obeyed, Scootaloo quickly hid behind the bleachers, watching her adopted sister battling couple of HYADES Soldiers. Using her speed, Rainbow rammed and knocked most of the enemy soldiers off and came to Scarblade's side in time.

"Just in time," Rainbow said cockily. She noticed how badly injured he really was from the fight. She asked, "You okay?"

Scarblade panted heavily, "Yes, I am fine. Shall we end this?"

Rainbow smirked cockily, "Now you're talking. Let's give them hell!"

Scarblade nodded firmly. He and Rainbow charged and engaged the enemy soldiers at once. They also joined up with the rest of their friends and allies. They all fought and defeated most of them.

And at the same time, Aqua and her family were battling with Admiral Ogre. The admiral fired his Raiden Buster at them. They all got zapped and electrocuted, prompting them to scream in pain and agony. Blazefist and Tigress grunted in pain, struggling to get up and fire their Fireball Shot and Freeze Arrow on both of his shoulders. This knocked him back a bit. Courage and Aqua fiercely engaged with him. He barely blocked and parried the attacks for couple of rounds until he grabbed and thrown the Tiger Emperor at his sister to the ground. Blazefist jumped and kicked his Firespin Strike on him but got grabbed and thrown at the bleacher. Tigress jumped in as she swung and struck her chakram at him. He barely dodged them before knocked her aside. Aqua yelled as she charged and attacked him through punches on him before summoning and struck her Tsunami Blade to give him a slash. Courage armed himself with his Tiger Lord Sword, summoning and firing Aquatic Blade Spin, slashing and injuring him. Blazefist and Tigress, recovered, fired their Firestorm Phoenix and Aquatic Arrow Beam to knock him straight against the burnt wagons.

Admiral Ogre grunted as he recovered. To his shock, he found Grubber leading Friendship Guards have arrived and reinforce their allies. His squadron is dwindling especially the rescued soldiers.

Admiral Ogre groaned, "Do not think this is over! Your end is coming! All units, retreat!"

As commanded, the remaining of HYADES Soldiers including Admiral Ogre ceased their battles and withdrawn to their Darken Gunships at once. They all taken off and flew back into the sky, returning to Dark Mystic Land now. Seeing their enemies have withdrawn, everyone gave loud battle cry and cheers for winning the battle.

Lightning Dust sighed, "Glad that's over." She suddenly felt her hooves being cuffed up by Hammerod. She also found most of Washouts also got arrested. She yelled, "Hey! What gives?!"

"Not only you endanger child for your stunt performance, but also putting civilians at risk and angering our enemies." Riverstrike scolded firmly and seriously, "Therefore, you are under arrest!"

Spitfire nodded, "Yeah. You're lucky that Water Tiger Kingdom and Wonderbolts are here to stop them." She groaned, "You never change and learn from mistakes. Honestly…"

"Nooooooooo! We've got nothing to do with them! Honest!" Lightning Dust screamed in disbelief. She and the rest of Washouts pushed and escorted by Water Tiger Soldiers and Wonderbolts. She yelled, "RAINBOW DASH! I'LL GET BACK TO YOU! RIVALS FOR LIIIIIFE!"

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Rainbow remarked cockily.

Blazefist turned and patted Indigo's head, "Nice work, kid. You did me proud."

Indigo gave a cocky smug, "Thanks, dad. So, what do you think of my boyfriend?"

Thunderlane smiled nervously while saluted. Her father gave the blank look, "Yeah. He's okay for a Wonderbolt type and boyfriend. I'd prefer you date one of my friends' instead."

"HEY!" Thunderlane and Indigo exclaimed in unison yet embarrassed.

Still guilty and ashamed of the early argument, Scootaloo apologized, "I'm sorry for joining the Washouts. Lightning Dust wasn't who I thought she was. She didn't care about me being scared or putting me in danger. She only wanted a good show, even if it meant I got hurt. That's not the kind of pony I wanna look up to."

"I'm glad you realized the mistake. I also should be apologizing for not acting like somepony who deserves a fan club and an older sister too. I've been lucky enough to have somepony who thinks I'm the coolest." Rainbow apologized to Scootaloo. She continued in concern as she held her adopted sister close, "But there's nothing cool about making you feel like you'll never be as awesome as me."

"Rainbow Dash…" Scootaloo said in relief. She asked, "Am I grounded for being horrible?"

Rainbow nodded, "You should be. I'll go easy on you since it's your first time. Be lucky that mom is not around to go wild and angry. Trust me. It's very ugly."

"Yikes… Thank goodness," Scootaloo agreed with a gulp. She then found Twilight and her friends including approached to check on them. She approached to her best friend and apologized, "Hey, Nyx. I'm sorry for saying those things to you. That was uncool."

Nyx sighed, "Yeah, it was hurtful. Sorry for being a jerk too. But I'm glad you're alright. I can't think what happen to you."

Scootaloo smiled in relief as she and Nyx hugged together warmly and happily. She turned and found Aqua and Tigress were tending and healing Scarblade's injuries. She was ashamed and hurt to see him like that. She approached and checked on him.

"Is he alright?" Scootaloo asked.

"Don't worry, Scoot. He'll live. He's a tough guy," Aqua said confidently while healing the injuries.

Though relieved to hear it, Scootaloo was ashamed as she turned and looked at Scarblade, "Mr. Scarblade… I'm… I'm so sorry… For getting you hurt… This is my fault… I-!"

Scarblade gently patted on her head as he spoke gently yet humbly, "Scootaloo… You are safe… I have fulfilled… My duty…"

Scootaloo was confused and uncertain of why he said that. She was expecting him to be angry and upset with her for being reckless and selfish especially all the injuries he has to suffer.

Courage approached and patted Scootaloo's shoulder. He comforted, "It's okay, Scootaloo. Despite the injuries, he doesn't see them as pain, but the badge of honor. Why?" Scootaloo shook her head in uncertainty. He continued, "Because he managed to protect the ponies he cared including us. You don't need to apologize him. In fact, don't you have something to say to him?"

Scootaloo was flustered yet surprised. She turned and looked at Scarblade, who remained firm yet calm and humble.

"Mr. Scarblade… I…" Scootaloo said nervously yet uneasy. Scarblade remained calm while looking at her. She took a deep breath and spoke, "What kind of drink do you like?"

Almost everyone especially Rainbow facepalmed and facefaulted by Scootaloo's way of thanking him. Courage, however, laughed at this in both amusement and happy.

"Too silly?" Scootaloo asked.

Courage shook his head, "No, silly. That was kind of you to say that. I used to say the same thing to him when I was a lad." He turned to Scarblade, "What do you say, old friend? What kind of drink we should have?"

Scarblade smiled, "Yes… I like all… Drinks… Including Apple Cider…"

Scootaloo squealed happily, "I promised you, Mr. Scarblade. You'll love the drinks here. Ours is the best."

"I never doubt you… Never once…" Scarblade said humbly while patting her head.

Rainbow hummed thoughtfully, "You know what? We should cancel the Washouts Fan Club. Because I know a fan club that could use some new members."

"The Rainbow Dash Fan Club!" Scootaloo asked happily.

"Nope." Rainbow disagreed. She turned to Scarblade, "Hey, pal? What do you think about you and Scoot having getting your own fan clubs? I'll be the presidents of both."

"Wow! Really?!" Scootaloo asked in surprise.

Scarblade smiled warmly, "I… I like it… I don't mind it…"

Tigress hummed, "That sounds great idea."

"Yeah. I'm definitely in. Anyone else?" Aqua asked. Almost most of Water Tiger Soldiers including Blazefist, Indigo and Thunderlane chattered in agreement. She smiled, "Looks like 'ayes' have it. Maybe we should invite other RD Fans to join in. They would love it."

"Well then, we should hold a banquet for Scarblade and Scootaloo. To honor him for having friendship and their own fan clubs," Courage said proudly with smile, "This is her way of thanking him."

Aqua and Tigress gave a death glare at Courage, who became nervous and scared when they looked at him like that.

"I hope you're not trying to drink some wine again," Aqua said sternly.

Tigress nodded, "Yeah. Last time you drank, you become an asshole to insult everyone without thinking and even getting into troubles. We're keeping an eye on you, brother."

"Aw, come on!" Courage exclaimed in annoyance, making everyone laughed at him.

"Courage, about this limbless unicorn…" Aqua said in concern.

Courage spoke, "Don't worry. I'll have a word with our Mystic Emperor about this. And if he's indeed up to no good, we should make preparation, just in case."

Riverstrike nodded, "That's a good idea. These days are becoming darker and uncertainty than before. This is not like Three Kingdoms Era. More like we're entering the new Dark Age. I have to presume this is what he wanted."

Courage sighed, "That's what I'm worried about, Riverstrike. But for now, we enjoy the celebration."

Aqua nodded, "Yeah. I suppose you're right. We deserve some break."

After managed to secure Soul Gem of Snedronnigen, Sushi met up with Nezha, Death Tactic and Dr. Vector Wong at the secret laboratory. She passed it to the scientist lead, who is almost finished his project.

The Mystic Emperor is now wearing new battle armor, which consisted of blackish jumpsuit, a monstrous yet terrified turquoise-colored Cybertronian Alloy Battle Armor with golden lines and white-colored squarish pattern-like attached with demonic skull-like, shoulder pads, gauntlets and boots, new large cybernetic and metallic wingspan and several circuit energy tubes wiring and attaching on whole body. He now has seven Soul Gems – Torterra the Earth, Whiger the Water, Zhuqiao the Fire and Azulong the Wind on the right gauntlet while Snedronnigen the Ice, Metallikato the Metal and brown-colored Xochiquetzal the Wood on left side. They all glowing in respective colors, giving some energy electronically surging and flowing through him.

Feeling energy flowing, Nezha sighed warmly yet amusingly, "Perfect… Truly perfect… I can feel all of Mystic Guardians' powers. I feel invincible and powerful than before. Well done, doctor." Dr. Wong nodded with proud smile. He turned and looked at Sushi, "Well done, Sushi. You've managed to find two Soul Gems for one day."

Sushi smirked, "I am honored, my emperor. Since Princess Leaf and her allies have left the council seat and run for their lives, I can roam and take over her palace to get it at ease. Same goes to the Soul Germ of Snedronnigen."

"Now all we need are Thunder, Wisdom, Power, Darkness and Light," Death Tactic said serious and firmly.

Nezha nodded, "Yes. We'll go the last two later. Let's focus on these three first."

"Hmm… It won't be easy, my emperor. From what I can tell about the legend; Wisdom, Power and Darkness are the only Guardians did not seal themselves in Soul Gems but rather they disappeared and never been seen for years. It will be difficult to find them," Death Tactic said firmly and calmly. The emperor gave an angry look at him. He sighed, "We will get it."

Nezha smirked while nodded to be pleased with the right response. He suddenly sensed something or someone's presence, he quickly and firmly spoke, "Clear the room now."

This surprised yet confused everyone in the room. Instead of questioning him, they all obeyed the command and left the room, leaving him alone. Death Tactic turned and looked at Nezha, who nodded firmly and calmly to assure him he'll be fine. The admiral nodded before leaving the chamber.

As soon as he's alone in the dark, a strange purplish portal appeared before Nezha, who was adjusting his armor and checking on power surge. A shadowy figure emerged out from the portal. He revealed to be a humanoid figure wearing a black long trench-coat with hood and purple lines, black jumpsuit with gray-blue colored armor, boots and black-colored helmet with purple lines and pinkish-colored visor that has white glowing eyes standing before.

"It's been a while, hasn't it, Eon?" Nezha said bluntly yet dryly. Eon did not respond but remain calm and firm. He questioned, "What do you want?"

Eon stated firmly, "An assistance. And also, a chance for revenge and test of your new power against that Tennyson. Are you in?"

After carefully thinking, Nezha smirked slyly, "I'm in."

Eon smirked beneath his mask, "Welcome of our team."

To be Continued…

(In Ben 10 True Omniverse Season 4 Episode 16)

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Christy Carlson Romano: Aqua
Britt Irvin: Lightning Dust
Kyle Hubert: Scarblade

Minor Casts:
Josh Keaton: Blazefist
Kelly Sheridan: Indigo Zap
Trevor Devall: Thunderlane
Roy Winstone: Admiral Ogre
Gideon Emery: Courage Tiger
GK Bowes: Tigress
Michael Sinterniklass: Riverstrike
Kelly Metzger: Spitfire
Keston John: Wind Rider
Rhona Rees: Rolling Thunder
Andrew McNee: Short Fuse, Announcer
Malcolm McDowell: MechaStahl
Danny Cocksey: Tech
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie
Cristina Vee: Icy
Sunni Westbrook: Cozy Glow
Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight

Cameo:
Grey Griffin: Sushi Tsunami
Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito
Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic
Adam Driver: Eon

Episode 22: The Warrior's Spirit

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

Episode 23: Father Knows Beast

Author's Note

I've been waiting for this since that day. In this episode, this will be an honor and tribute to Jason David Frank & Robbie Coltrane.

Episode 23: Father Knows Beast

Mystic Tao, the adopted father of Shadow Dragon and the wisest Mystic Councilpony of Light, has left the world. The mystery of his death is unknown due to fact that Mystic Emperor Nezha visited him in his antique shop for unknown reasons. Many believe that he was executed by the Mystic Emperor for alleged treason. Others suspected he died in shame for believing the alliance between Equestria and Mystic is failing. Some theorized that he was killed for proposing the idea of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) relationship and marriage are to be legal due to his relationship with Stygian. A few believed that he committed suicide to atone his sin. No one knows how it happens. They can only theorize his death.

Needlessly to say, since Mystic Tao's passings, Nezha has made a new law – LGBT and polyamorous relationship are declared outlaw and illegal. More than thousands of Mystic Ponies including the officials have been arrested and executed. Some rather committed suicide than facing the consequence. Others have escaped to the Equestria for hiding and making new identities to avoid getting caught. A few have joined the rebellion.

The popularity of Mystic Emperor Nezha has been divided and questionable. Is he the savior or tyrant to the Mystic Ponies? No one can tell…

On the day Mystic Tao died…

Mystic Tao invited Nezha into his antique shop. Inside the living room, both of them were sitting near to the table and facing each other. Though they looked calm and firm, they held deep enmity and suspicious in their mind and hearts.

"So, have you considered about my proposal?" Mystic Tao questioned humbly yet calmly. Nezha remained silent while glaring at him. He continued, "Surely you must have seen it. Everypony have someone else they truly loved with, regardless of their genders, whether it is from Mystic Realm or Equestria Realm. You should at least consider about it."

"All I see is impurity of their non-existence relationship. Nothing but false relationship to escape the reality," Nezha answered dryly and firmly. Mystic Tao scoffed in disappointment. He scoffed, "No. I want to talk about something else."

"What would that be?"

"About what you did to my allies from the Mainstream Prime Universe."

Completely shocked by Nezha's knowledge, Mystic Tao suspiciously questioned him, "So, you remembered? I must say this is unexpected. I never imagined Eon would actually protect you and your allies from losing true memories. You must have some use to him."

"As were you," Nezha firmly retorted. He scoffed, "This is without a doubt that Miss Yuko must have shielded you from losing your true memories before the first Battle of Time began."

"Where is she? What do you intend to do with her and others?"

"Others?"

"Don't try to make a fool of this old pony, Nezha. Mystic Tao is aware of your secret alliance with Demon Lords and searching for all Soul Gems of Mystic Guardians. You'd be wise not to underestimate me. Uncle maybe old dog, but he is not senile and weak. Uncle still possessed remarkable wisdom and skills with magic, particularly the elementals."

"I see. You are indeed a threat to my master plan."

"What do you intend to do with our gods – the Mystic Guardians? For your vengeance? For your ambition? For your conquest?"

"So obviously, isn't it?"

"It's not so difficult to know how much you hate humans and Equestria Ponies since the Human War. But do you have any idea of what you're doing? If you are going through with this…"

"I refused to believe this prophecy nonsense. Our kingdom and realm have been standing and living for more than millennia. We, Mystic Ponies, are mystical and immortal ponies. We cannot be defeated so easily. There was not a single sign of disturbance or disaster ever happen to us, not even today. This Ragnarök is nothing but an empty threat. Just a stupid nightmare story to scare ponies. I do not fear it."

"Tread carefully, Nezha. Ragnarök is the prophecy you should not take so lightly. Miss Yuko, Black Alpha and even Susano knows it well because they were there. They have seen the timeline has yet to come. The Ragnarök will destroy everything and lives of our heavenly world. The Demon God has made a perfect revenge for being defeated and sealed away by our Mystic Guardians."

Nezha arrogantly scoffed, "I don't care what it does. This Ragnarök will not stop me to get what I want. No one can stop me, not even you or your son. If He really did come, then I will face and defeat him."

"So, nothing I say will stop you now? No matter the cost?" Mystic Tao question in disappointment. Nezha remained silence while glaring at him. He sighed in defeat as he brought the cup of tea close to him, "Very well. I will not stop you."

"Really?" Nezha asked amusingly yet disbelief. He picked his cup up while looking at it. He questioned, "Tell me. Did you plan to stop me with a poisoned tea? To stop me from using the Mystic Guardians?"

"No. That is just a normal tea," Mystic Tao calmly corrected Nezha. Drinking his cup, he sighed weakly, "This is my poison."

Nezha was complete stunned by Mystic Tao's stunt. He demanded angrily with hiss, "What is the meaning of this, Tao? What good is your death for, old man?! What are you trying to accomplish?! Are you willing to give up easily?!"

Feeling pain in his body, Mystic Tao grew pale while coughed heavily, "No… I intend to become martyr. My death will inspire Mystic and Equestrians to make their stand. My knowledge and wisdom have passed to my family for necessary preparation they need. My determination gives hope to young ones to continue the fight. And more importantly, my love for my loved ones will be remembered to do what they must."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. If I died, what will you do with your grandfather?"

"Don't worry about him, old pony. I've taken care of that," Nezha said calmly and firmly, "And what about Shadow Dragon? No. The reincarnation of Yami himself. The one who is destined to destroy Mystic Realm for the pain and suffering he has suffered. Are you happy for him for what he has become?"

Becoming weak and sick than before, Mystic Tao coughed a lot and spew some blood out. He panted heavily before looking up to firmly yet stoically confront Nezha, with one last glare.

"I am happy to call him 'my son'," Mystic Tao firmly declared. He wheezed weakly, "And… I am proud of him. To have friends. To have family. To have loved one. But you… You have lost… Everything… And even my grandfather… Poor little boy…"

Giving out his last breath, Mystic Tao fell on top of the table hard, lying down motionlessly and not breathing. All Nezha did is watch at him with both surprise yet astounded by his defiance to the end.

"I have nothing to lose, old man." Nezha admitted sternly and firmly before finished his tea. He sighed, "However, I look forward to fight your son again. This time, our fight will be final when we crossed the blades. Will it be my Light or his Darkness? Time can tell…"

Nezha stood up and walked away from the deceased Mystic Tao. He now excited out of the antique shop. He has removed a dangerous obstacle for good. Nothing will stand in his way.

Three days after Mystic Tao's funeral…

Shadow Dragon, Lance, Dragon Kick, Mighty Heart and Jade were gathered inside Mystic Councilpony of Thunder's office. Firmtact Waller, sitting in her seat, facing at them. Tarkin is standing beside her as he was preparing the inherited items to pass to them per Mystic Tao's will.

"As you are aware of the situation, once he passed on from this world, his family will inherit his will and heritage." Firmtact stated calmly while looking at Mystic Tao's Will. She sighed, "Unfortunately, because of his controversial actions, defiance and ill-speaking against the emperor himself including trying to propose the marriage of homosexual and polyamorous, his will shall be abolished. Your military command, governorship on Sacred Light Land and especially ownership over antique shop have been stripped. And finally, your clan will be banished from this realm forever."

Mystic Tao's family and especially Shadow Dragon gawked in disbelief and shocked of what they have just heard. None of them could believe that Mystic Tao's will and rights have been stripped out because of his proposal and disagreeing with the Mystic Emperor. And the worst is that they can no long stay in Mystic Realm now.

"W-Wow! Wow! Wow! Are you serious?!" Jade asked in disbelief and shocked.

Mighty Heart protested angrily yet upset, "Y-You can't do this! Sensei has been faithfully served the Mystic Kingdom for many years! He has involved and fought many battles including the recent ones. He even served as liaison for both Mystic and Equestria Realms."

Dragon Kick nodded firmly, "Ms. Waller, what you have said is unacceptable, intolerable and even disrespectful to Mystic Tao."

Firmtact Waller remained silence as she looked away from them. Shadow Dragon narrowed his angry eyes, "So, that's it, huh? After everything we all have done, you all decide to throw us away like garbage. Just like how you did with me."

Still not looking at them, "I'm sorry but it is not my decision. It is the Mystic Emperor and the council."

"All because of some disagreement and proposal my grandfather has made?!" Lance demanded in frustration, "If you ask me, that's full of bullcrap!"

"Like it or not, order has been given. It is not our concerns," Tarkin said stoically and unemotionally.

Lance became very angry as he cursed, "Damn you, you old bastard!"

"Lance, stop! Attacking or even arguing with them will only make the situation worse," Dragon Kick halted his nephew's recklessness. He turned and faced Firmtact Waller, "Ms. Waller, I don't know what I can do to convince you, but all I could ask is please. Allow us to inherit his will. At least, show some respect for my uncle for everything he has done for Mystic Realm."

Firmtact Waller remained silence while looking away. Shadow Dragon angrily scoffed, "Kicker, we're wasting time. We should leave now. No point of staying here with couple of assholes."

Jade nodded, "Yeah. Equestria is a better place than Mystic Realm. It stinks."

Knowing his family is right, Dragon Kick sighed, "Very well. We shall leave now. We won't be coming back here."

Shadow Dragon and his family stood up as they were prepared to turn and leave the room now.

"Did I say you can leave?" Firmtact Waller asked firmly, halting them from leaving. Turning to face them, she continued, "I'm not done with the will. You still haven't inherited them yet."

Everyone was confused. Mighty Heart asked, "Huh? But didn't you-?"

"I said 'his will shall be abolished'. But I never said effectively or even when to start," Firmtact Waller made it clear. This surprised Shadow Dragon and his family. She continued, "As per his will and testament, you all shall inherit both his assets and family heirloom. Now, if you please take your seat."

Though surprised by Firmtact Waller's gesture, Shadow Dragon and his family remained on guard as they have taken their seats. Tarkin prepared the assets and family heirloom for them to receive. Firmtact Waller readout the will.

"First to my grandniece, Jade Adventure, I leave my treasured checker, my favorite game to play with my friends. I trust her to have fun and play the boardgame with her friends especially my granddaughter."

Tarkin passed a checker boardgame box to Jade Adventure, who looked surprise yet disappointed about the asset she's taken.

"I was kinda expecting some awesome music or shows for me to enjoy," Jade said in disappointment. She sighed while looking at it, "Oh well. For Uncle Tao, this will have to do."

Going for the second will, Firmtact Waller continued, "To my faithful apprentice – Mighty Heart, I leave the copy of my cooking book. I trust him to practice and perfect my cooking recipe – Mung Bean and curry dishes for everyone to enjoy. A little reminder – add more garlic to the dishes. It brings good chi to their health."

Both Lance and Jade grunted in disgust about adding more garlic to his dishes especially they're mung bean and curry. Mighty Heart received the cooking book from Tarkin.

Mighty Heart sighed in disbelief, "I was expecting an advanced Chi Spell Book and some new tools since I'm already in advanced level."

"It's his will, not mine." Firmtact Waller shrugged in confusion. Tarkin passed both archaeology basic book, document folder and keys to antique shop. She cleared her throat, "To my nephew – Dragon Kick. I entrust the ownership of antique shop and archaeology basic book to him. One more thing. He's still a lousy archaeologist. One more thing. Must study hard, One more thing. Research history and myth thoroughly. One more thing. Read the warnings and not treat it skeptically like junk! One more thing, take good care of the shop! And one more thing."

Firmtact Waller gave disbelief look while reading the will. She cleared her throat while gesture Dragon Kick to come closer. Just as he did, she gave a whack on his head, alerting everyone.

"OW! What was that for?" Dragon Kick asked in confusion.

"His will say dope-slap on your forehead. Literally," Firmtact Waller explained with blank and disbelief looks.

While rubbing his head, Dragon Kick grumbled, "Even he's gone, he's still does this to me. Unbelievable. Now, I have to study and research all over again?"

Firmtact Waller cleared her throat, "To my first grandson – Lance Justicestrike. I am now entrusting my personal card game to him and his siblings. Like Jade's, just to have fun with friends and family. It will quite fun and experience with it."

Tarkin passed the deck of cards in box to Lance. He looked at it in disbelief, "Okay. I don't know if he's serious or kidding."

Looking at Shadow Dragon, Firmtact Waller spoke on the last will, "Now to my adopted, no, legitimate son – Shadow Dragon. I entrusted him with the most important relic – my personal scarf and rusty gauntlet. These are very precious to me. Take very good care of them. Treat them as if they were part of you."

Tarkin passed both the old purple scarf and rusty gauntlet to Shadow Dragon. Instead of being disbelief and shock, he took a deep breath in relief. He placed the scarf around his neck while wearing the gauntlet as if he is honoring his deceased father's wishes.

"Very well. I want nothing special," Shadow Dragon said humbly. He turned and looked at his family, "We all feel the same, right?"

While Dragon Kick agreed with his cousin, the rest of his family were a bit disappointed with the assets and family heirloom they have. However, they knew Shadow Dragon was right. They should be happy with what they have now. They nodded in agreement.

"With that, this concluded Mystic Sab Tao." Firmtact Waller concluded firmly.

Dragon Kick nodded, "Thank you, Ms. Waller. Is there anything we should know?"

Firmtact Waller gave a serious look and answered, "One advice, Mr. Kick. Do not judge the appearance. Use them well. They might save you all. Take good care of these gifts."

Shadow Dragon and his family looked surprise yet suspicious about Firmtact Waller's advice. Not certain why is she cryptic, they reluctantly yet discreetly followed her advice. They turned and exited out of the office, returning home now.

"Are you certain this is the wisest course of action, Madame Waller? You know what happen if Nezha finds out about this?" Tarkin questioned stoically.

Firmtact Waller remained firm yet stoic to answer, "Do not concern yourself. I've already convinced the emperor that these tools are completely harmless and nothing that could threaten his rule. I even allow Death Tactic and Thanatos to look through. Nothing happens."

Tarkin hummed skeptically, "If you're certain…"

At the Castle of Friendship's outskirt…

Twilight and Nyx were helping and training Spike with his new abilities – flight, combat skills, dragon flames and dragon nature powers. At the moment, Nyx and Spike were training with flying ability. While the black-colored filly flied gracefully and elegant around couple of poles, the teenage dragon did struggle a bit with his flight maneuver but managed it well.

Nyx and Spike turned around and gracefully landed on the ground. They stood before Twilight and Echo Five.

"Ta-da!" Spike exclaimed excitedly.

"Nice landing," Nyx commented happily.

Twilight smiled proudly, "Okay, Spike. Now let's try a flip. Remember – two flaps, then straight up!"

Flapping his wing, Spike obliged, "Got it."

Nyx smiled, "Follow my lead, Spike."

Nyx and Spike flew straight up to the sky. Just as Twilight instructed, the black-colored filly flapped her feathered wings twice before spread out to float in midair. The dragon tried to the same thing, but his glided wings are unable to float, causing him to fall into the river. Coming out from the river, he gasped to breath air. This surprised and concern two ponies.

Twilight and Nyx did their best to assist Spike, unfortunately, it did not go well. Whenever the teenage dragon tried to flap his glided wings, he loses his balance while slamming against the tree, the castle's walls and even at the flagpole. He got thrown to the ground hard. Both his adopted mother and sister winced to see him get hurt.

"You're doing great, Spike. Now let's see the big finish." Nyx cheered happily.

Twilight hummed in concern, "You sure you're up for this? Maybe we can try out with your dragon flame and Swampfire's power."

"Don't worry. I've got this. After all, I'm a teenage dragon, not a kid anymore," Spike said confidently. Suddenly, two familiar shoulder angels magically appeared on his shoulders. He groaned, "Not even going to argue with you two."

"Jerk," Angel Spike and Devil Spike remarked in annoyance before magically disappeared.

Spike took a deep breath for the moment. He took off to the sky now. He flapped his wings hard and swift, flying around the Castle of Friendship. He is now diving straight at his family, who were smiling in approval for his skill. Just as he held his own foot, he tried to flip over with the help of his glided wing to flap. But instead, it made him lose his stability and out of control as he was diving straight at Twilight and Nyx. Luckily, he crash-landed on the left and slammed into the ground very deep, creating a large hole.

Concern for his wellbeing, Twilight and Nyx quickly approached toward the large hole. Spike grunted in pain while slowly coming out from it.

"You okay?" Nyx asked in concern.

Spike grunted in pain, "I'm fine. I don't know about 'big', but I am definitely finished."

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe I should get Rainbow Dash. She's the one who taught me advanced flying techniques."

Disliked being embarrassed with his flying skills, Spike denied while dusting off the dirt from his body, "No, thanks. If I'm gonna mess up, I'd rather do it in front of you." He rubbed on his shoulder to get rid of some bruises, "I just don't understand why none of your advice is helping."

"That's because she was teaching you to fly like a pony, instead of a dragon." A confident yet calm voice spoke. Everyone was surprised by the voice. They looked up and found Echo Five dived and landed on the ground. He smirked cockily, "Guess who's back?"

"General Echo Five! Good to see you!" Spike greeted Echo Five warmly by shaking the claws. He turned and looked at his family, "Twilight, Nyx, this is Echo Five. Ember's Teacher and original member of Drake Trio with hers and my dad."

Twilight smiled warmly, "Nice to mee you, General."

"Wow. You are big and tough," Nyx commented in surprise. She giggled nervously, "Well, not big as the any large dragons."

Echo Five chuckled, "Why thank you, kid. Not all dragons can grow bigger. Some stuck in this size because they were born or our molt stopped already."

"Don't think I want to find out on how it works," Spike said embarrassingly. He cleared his throat, "Anyhow. About the wings. Were there any difference?"

Holding Twilight's feathered wings, Echo Five shown his glided wings as he explained, "Look any differences? The pony's wings are made of feathers while ours are gliding wingspan." Twilight, Nyx and Spike hummed thoughtfully while looking at their wingspan. Patting the dragon's shoulder, he assured him, "But hey, I can show you two or three tricks. You in, kid?

Spike smiled in relief, "Sure."

Thanks to his guidance, Echo Five was able to help and teach Spike with controlling his gliding wingspan to flap and glide on air. He even taught him with combat and control of Dragon Flames and Magic Message Sender. Though not experience with nature power, he has the knowledge of dragon's nature power to help Spike control his Swampfire's power. Everything went well for them.

"Wow. Look at him go, mummy. He's getting good." Nyx commented.

Though glad Echo Five helped Spike, Twilight couldn't help but feel uncertainty and concerns of what the dragon general has said. Due to her limited knowledge of dragon's biology and culture, she thinks that she may not be suitable to help him. Looking at how he managed to help the teenager, she can tell that he's perfect dragon that Spike needs the most.

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. He sure does…"

After finishing the training, Spike thanked Echo Five, "Thank you so much! I owe you one."

Echo Five smiled as he patted Spike's head, "Happy to help, Spike. After all, you didn't just help Ember to become a better leader of our kingdom, you're also a son of my close friend – Spiketail. You're just like his father."

Spike blushed a bit, "Gee. Thanks, Echo Five. I wish I knew my dad."

"All I can tell is that he's the bravest and kindest dragon I ever met and a close friend to me and Torch," Echo Five answered calmly. He smirked slyly at Spike, "By the way, kid, if you really love Ember, try not to get on hers and her dad's bad side. They're very nasty."

Spike panicked, "Yikes. Thanks for the warning."

Looking at how Echo Five and Spike got along well, Twilight can tell that she was right to be worried. She is not the pony who could him with his problem.

Acting as his tour guide, Nyx gave Echo Five a tour around Ponyville Town. Spike went to his bedroom to work on something. Twilight decided to talk with him about today's event.

Just as she knocked the door, Twilight entered the bedroom, where she found Spike was working on his stuffs now.

"Spike, I've been thinking about our flying lesson." Twilight said in concern. Spike made 'uh-huh' sound. She continued, "I can't believe I overlooked something as simple as feathers. It's no wonder you were having trouble. I wish I had more 'dragonish' knowledge to give you. Do you think being raised by ponies has affected you in other ways?" She noticed Spike hasn't answer back. She asked, "Spike?"

Stopping his doing, Spike looked back and asked, "Did you say something, Twilight?" He apologized while showing the green pillow with helmet. He apologized, "Sorry. I'm just finishing up this 'thank-you' throw pillow for Echo Five. And you know how I get when I'm in the embroidery zone."

Hearing what Spike has said, Twilight chuckled nervously yet embarrassed to see how he almost acted like her when it comes to focus on task. Maybe it's not the time to talk about it.

After completed his sewing the pillow, Spike left the Castle of Friendship, searching and meeting up with Echo Five and Nyx at the main street. He presented the pillow to the Dragon General, who looked surprised and amazed about it.

Spike explained, "It's a pillow. But not for your head. Although it could be. It's a throw pillow. They're more casual. You can use 'em anywhere." He then noticed Echo Five was examining it carefully. He assumed, "You don't like it."

"What?" Echo Five asked in surprise. Seeing Spike's looking upset, he realized of what he was talking about. He panicked a bit before assured him, "Oh! Wow! No! I didn't say I didn't like it. I'm just surprise you make this pillow for me. T-That was nice of you."

Touched by his kindness, Spike smiled, "Yeah. I thought I could return a favor to you. After all, you're my friend."

Echo Five smiled warmly, "My. I can see why Dragon Lord Ember likes you a lot. You did touch her heart, kid. She's in good claws with you now."

Spike chuckled a bit, "Yeah. Thanks for compliment."

Spotting something in the sky, Nyx called, "Hey guys, what's that?"

Both dragons looked back and found a blazing meteor-like in the sky and continued descending in high speed.

"No clue." Echo Five admitted in concern. Carefully analyzing the meteor's trajectory, the dragon gasped, "It's heading right for us! Take cover now!"

Echo Five quickly pushed and covered both Spike and Nyx, barely dodged the meteor-like's impact and explosion. Just as they recovered from the impact, the dragon general picked the charred pillow.

Echo Five groaned, "Oh… I like that pillow."

"Don't worry. I'll whip another one," Spike assured Echo Five. He looked at where the meteor has impacted and created a large hole. He spoke, "I'd be more worried of what hit us."

Spike and his friends approached to the hole, where they found an obese and pale yellow-colored adult dragon with short wings and light purple spikes. He is covered in bruises and burnt marks. He grumbled in frustration about his injuries.

Spotting three characters stood before him, the dragon chuckled, "Hey there." He coughed a bit, "Name's Sludge. How are yours tails shakin'?"

Sludge grunted in pain, feeling his claw injured. Spike asked, "You all right?"

"Care to tell us what happen?" Echo Five asked firmly.

"To what?" Sludge asked obliviously before he got tripped into the hole. He grumbled whiule getting out from it, "Of course. I don't need to explain myself to some strangers."

Sludge grunted and whimpered in pain, feeling the injuries on his body.

Nyx hummed in concern, "You looked hurt and need help. We're taking you to Twilight's castle whether you like it or not."

"Castle, eh?" Sludge asked in surprise.

Before anyone could do anything, a Mystic Portal appeared out of nowhere. Shadow Dragon and the rest of his paternal family emerged out from it, bringing along with some wagons of moveout boxes, books and antiques.

"Spike? Nyx? Echo Five? What are you doing here?" Shadow Dragon asked. He looked at a new dragon, "Who's the fat guy?

"His name's Sludge. He's hurt badly. He needs some help," Spike explained.

Shadow Dragon nodded firmly as he turned and looked at Mighty Heart, "Mighty, think you could-?"

Mighty Heart spoke up, knowing what Shadow Dragon wanted him to do, "I'll help."

Though did noy use full strength, Mighty Heart grunted a bit of struggle as he slowly yet firmly picked Sludge, putting him on his back. He then slowly and cautiously moved out. The rest of his friends and family moved out as well, bringing their moveout boxes and stuffs.

"What's up with these stuffs?" Nyx asked in confusion.

"We'll explain back at the Castle. This one is a huge mess," Jade grumbled in frustration.

Reaching to their destination, Mighty Heart drop by the medical ward, where Shorty, Aqua and Echo Five were treating and healing his injuries. At the same time, Shadow Dragon gathered all of his family and friends at the Council Chamber for discussion about this morning event. He and his paternal family told them what happened. They all were shocked and disbelieved about it.

"I can't believe that they would actually gone and do that," Applejack said in upset tone.

Rarity nodded sternly, "Indeed. Those Mystic Council and especially Nezha have the nerve of taking your family's rights and banished here. All this because of a proposal?!"

"Yeah! What is wrong with ponies loving each other?! So, what if it's stallion-and-stallion or mares-and-mares?!" Pinkie complained. She scoffed, "I've seen Lyra and Bon-Bon loved each other so much. I don't see anyone talking bad about them."

Dragon Kick sighed, "Believe me, Pinkie. I don't see anything wrong with that either especially my uncle has relationship with Stygian."

"Unfortunately, no one especially Nezha agree with this. They view it as…" Mighty Heart hesitated in concern, "Impure and unacceptable relationship."

"EXCUSE ME?!" Pinkie asked angrily and disbelief. She yelled angrily, "That stupid Nezha really got some nerve of calling that?! OOH! When I get my hoof on him, I'm gonna make him say sorry for what he has said!"

While Pinkie was busy with rambling about punishing Nezha for the insults, everyone resumed with their current discussion.

"So, what will you do now since you can't go back home now?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Don't worry about that, Fluttershy. I've contacted the mayor about it. And she found a perfect vacant apartment for our home and antique shop," Dragon Kick assured Fluttershy.

Rainbow looked at the assets as she remarked, "Is Mr. Tao serious about these stuffs? I was kinda expecting some kind of awesome gadgets and power stones to use against Nezha and some bad guys."

Jade scoffed while crossed her hoofs, "That's what I would say."

Shadow Dragon sighed while looking at his purple scarf and rusty gauntlet, "I wish I knew why he would give us this. But for now, we should be grateful to inherit his will and gotten the assets we need."

Dragon Kick nodded in agreement, "Indeed. I'm certain Uncle has the reason of giving these."

"Yeah. Just to play some checkers," Jade grumbled while looking at the checker box.

"Either way, how are you guys doing?" Twilight asked calmly.

"We'll be fine, Twilight. Don't worry. We'll get over it," Shadow Dragon calmly assured his wife, though his tone has sadness and hurt in it.

Everyone is also aware that Shadow Dragon is still sad and hurt over Mystic Tao's death. They all wished that they could help and comfort him.

The entrance door was opened. Echo Five, Aqua and Shorty arrived, bringing along Sludge, who is sitting on his wheelchair.

"How is he?" Twilight asked.

"Lots of bruises and burnt marks. But nothing I can't fix," Aqua said confidently before slapped on Sludge's back, causing him to yell in pain. The fat dragon turned and glared at her. She smiled sheepishly with blush, "Sorry. But he'll be fine."

Twilight nodded understandingly, "I'm glad Spike, Nyx and Echo Five brought you here, Sludge. I understand you made quite the impression in town."

"Literally! There's a hole and everything!" Pinkie remarked teasingly.

"Well, I hope you're not expecting me to fix it." Sludge grumbled while crossed his claws, which causing him groaned in pain.

Aqua glared at Sludge, "I told you not to move your claws too much. It not like you're in much shape to do anything."

"I'll manage. Dragons take care of themselves. I don't need help from a bunch of castle-livin' ponies." Sludge said firmly. Just as he tried to get up, he yelped and grunted in pain, still feeling the injuries on his body.

"Sludge, stop being stubborn," Echo Five commanded firmly, "Stay put now."

Sludge grunted in pain, "I'm… fine…"

Sludge tried to push Echo Five, who moved aside and allowed the fat dragon fell on the ground hard. Everyone winced in concern to see it.

"I told you to stop being stubborn," Echo Five warned Sludge. The fat dragon grumbled. He continued, "There is no shame of asking help. I can assure you that these ponies will help you get back on your feet."

Sludge was surprised by Echo Five's recommendation. He then looked at the rest of ponies and a dragon smiled warmly at him. Twilight and Nyx levitated and placed him on the wheelchair.

Spike assured, "I promise. My friends and I will only do enough to get you back on your claws."

"Since you've got some good ponies to look after you. I should return to Dragon Land now for a report." Echo Five said firmly.

"While you guys handle it, I'll help my family to unpack and settle down in his new home." Shadow Dragon stated.

Twilight nodded understandingly, "Alright. Take care, Shadow Dragon."

Shadow Dragon, his paternal family and Dragon Strike Force left the Castle of Friendship. They headed off to new apartment for settling down. Echo Five was flying and returning to the Dragon Land for the report and make some certain preparation. Twilight and her friends helped Sludge to feel comfortable in his place and recover from his injuries.

Rarity designed the orange-colored sling with flames for Sludge's arm. Fluttershy helped settle up the bed for him. Applejack assisted Sludge with his mobility on Apple Juice Machinery, though he cunningly sneaked to get some juice to drink. Rainbow, Indigo, Sugar Blunt and Thunderlane helped Sludge to flap his wings, however, he was lazy to do it. Using her desserts as bait, Pinkie lured Sludge to crawl, walk and fly across the hallway until they arrived at the Council Chamber. It took them a week to help him recover. It was a pleasant result for him.

A week has passed…

Shadow Dragon, his friends and family have completed unpacked their moveout boxes and settled down at their new home, which was located near to the destruction site of Twilight's Golden Oak Library.

It was an apartment, which consisted of three levels. Ground level is filled with cashier counter, various artifacts, antiques and historical bookshelves around the corner, and even has the kitchen and dining hall at the back. First level consisted of Dragon Kick's Martial Arts Dojo and Archaeology Office, Jade Adventure's western adventure-type bedroom, Mighty Heart's Japony cultured room and two guest bedrooms. Second level is attic room, which is now a laboratory for science and potion making.

Gathered at the ground level, Shadow Dragon and his family awed in amazement to see how the ground level reminded them so much from their old home.

Jade sighed, "Just like our old home."

"It is," Mighty Heart agreed sadly. He sighed, "The way it was…"

"So, what do we do now?" Lance asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement with his son. He questioned seriously, "Yeah. What exactly should we be doing now, Kicker?"

"Nothing…" Dragon Kick answered calmly, surprising everyone. He then explained firmly yet calmly, "We do absolutely nothing but minding our own business – working, playing, bonding, hanging out and so on without worrying."

Completely shocked as Shadow Dragon angrily questioned, "So, that's it? We pretend that nothing bad has happened ever since my father died?! No?! Murdered?! And you said we do absolutely nothing?!"

Everyone became concern and worried of how this would go. Dragon Kick remained silence as he turned and looked away without a word.

Shadow Dragon grunted in anger as he turned and kicked the umbrella holder. He shouted, "Dragon Kick, you are a damn coward!"

Dragon Kick turned and shouted back, "What would you have us do?! Shout to the whole world about what Nezha and his Inner Circle have done to us?! Murdered Tao?! Stripped our rights to stay and live in Mystic Realm?! Ruined our lives?! Rally the troops and ponies to go and storm the castle?!"

"Yeah! Obviously!"

"No! That is reckless and stupid too! Ever since his grandfather has been in comatose, Nezha has taken control over Mystic Council, government and military! Mystic Ponies are now supporting him! He has the influence and power over them!"

"The hell with this! We can't do nothing and let them get away with this!

"There is nothing we can do about this!"

"Like I hell gonna give up the fight!"

"I'm not saying about we're giving up the fight! We need time to settle down with our new home and lay low for the moment. We cannot get involve of this now."

"And we should! Nezha is screwing everything up! We have to fight back!"

"We can't!"

"Yes, we can! We have many friends and allies here. We should use them!"

"Even if we have some help and supports from Equestria, we have no chance to beat them!"

"We should at least try-!"

"Enough, Dragon Hope!" Dragon Kick interrupted firmly as he almost lost his temper. He panted heavily before calming himself down, "I'm sorry. We're not doing this. We're not going to involve everyone to pick a fight with some group, who are dangerously powerful than us. I'm sorry, Dragon Hope."

Rather than accepting his defeat, Shadow Dragon harshly said, "Just like before. Just abandon me and not get involve to fight for your family." He became angry, "No. You never even tried to be there for me. Or even comfort me when I was at the lowest point. All because I'm an outsider and Mystic Tao's favorite, right?"

Completely shattered by Shadow Dragon's harsh words, Dragon Kick tried to speak, "T-That's not true. I was just-!"

"Save it. I don't want to hear it," Shadow Dragon said dryly and firmly, "Goodbye."

Shadow Dragon turned and exited out of the antique shop. Concern for his father, Lance humbly bowed to say goodbye to his family. He turned and met up with them. Mighty Heart and Jade gave disappointed looks at Dragon Kick.

Dragon Kick gave annoyed looks and answered, "Don't even started."

"I wasn't, Uncle Kicker." Jade said firmly, "But you should at least be there for him. Not the fight. Just a comfort."

Mighty Heart nodded in agreement, "And besides, Sensei never favor either of you. You two are his family."

Hearing what Mighty Heart has said, Dragon Kick gave some thoughts, "I know. I…" He sighed, "I'm just being stubborn to admit my faults."

"What will you do now?" Mighty Heart asked.

"Grief. And meditate," Dragon Kick answered, "And then, I'll talk with him when he's cool off."

Jade and Mighty Heart smiled in relief to see that Dragon Kick doing something for Shadow Dragon, at least…

Twilight and her friends were gathered outside as they watched how healthy and lively Sludge is. He was flying around the Castle of Friendship. He then landed gently on the ground before eating his cupcake.

"I know you had your reservations, but it's good to see you feeling better." Twilight said in pleasant tone.

"T-Thanks, I guess." Sludge said nervously.

Nyx smiled, "That's what friends are for."

Looking at Spike, Sludge softly commented, "You're pretty lucky to have friends like these, kid."

Placing his claws on his adopted family's shoulders, Spike explained, "Actually, I was orphaned as an egg, and Twilight raised me. So these ponies are more than my friends. They're my family."

Twilight nodded, "We try our best, but sometimes I worry that maybe Spike is…"

Spike added, "Missing something deep down and dragonish."

"Really?" Sludge asked in surprise. Giving some thoughts, he smiled unusually, "Wow. I-I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that."

Everyone became suspicious of Sludge's saying. Applejack questioned, "Why in Equestria would you be glad to hear that?"

"I wasn't gonna say anything since your life seemed so perfect, but I have a confession to make. Coming to Ponyville wasn't an accident. I was looking for you. Spike…" Sludge 'admitted'. He approached to Spike. He said three words to him, "I'm your father."

Everyone gasped in shock and surprised of what they just heard. Shadow Dragon and Lance arrived at the scene as they found something off with all of them. They all looked at him in shock.

"What did we miss?" Shadow Dragon asked in confusion.

While explaining to Shadow Dragon and Lance about Sludge being Spike's father, like them, they were too shocked and surprised about it. Everyone gathered inside council chamber to discuss about Sludge's supposed relationship to Spike.

"So you crashed in Ponyville on purpose?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

"Well, the crash part wasn't on purpose, but heading here was." Sludge admitted. He turned and patted Spike's head, "I've been searching everywhere for you, kid."

"Did you ask in the Crystal Empire? I'm kind of well-known there." Spike remarked proudly.

Lance groaned, "Yeah. That never stops."

"Actually, Spike's well-known everywhere." Nyx explained, "Not a lot of dragons were hatched by the Princess of Friendship."

Almost everyone nodded in agreement about it.

Sludge chocked up a bit, "You make it sound so simple. I wish you'd been there to help me search."

"I can't believe it. I have so many questions." Spike said.

Sludge smiled, "Well, ask away. Answering questions is what dads are for."

"I guess my biggest question is simple. Why was I an orphaned egg?" Spike questioned in concern, surprising Sludge a bit. He continued, "Is my mom alive? Is she safe? And how did you and mom survive Demon Lords' assassination?"

"A-Assassination?!" Sludge chocked up in surprise yet panicked.

Noticed Sludge's odd behavior of fear, Shadow Dragon firmly and suspiciously questioned, "Yeah. How did you and Spike's mother survive?"

"Y-You sure you don't want to ask something else?" Sludge stammered before choked up, "It's a lot of painful memories."

While Mane Six, Nyx and especially Spike really wanted to know and shown their pleading looks at Sludge, both Shadow Dragon and Lance were suspicious to glare at him. Seeing their looks, Sludge knew that he has to tell them.

"No. It was just me. I was the lone survivor," Sludge admitted in grievance. He lowered down his head down sadly, "I am so sorry, Spike. I failed you and my loved one."

Everyone couldn't help but sympathized Sludge, though Shadow Dragon and Lance were not convinced by his tale.

"It's okay. C-Can you tell me about my mother? And how you managed to find out about me?" Spike asked hopefully.

Sludge nodded warmly, "Your mother was the best dragon I'd ever met. After we beat those nasty Demon Lords, we've decided to settle down and have a wonderful family." He sighed, "But of course, as you know, we were attacked and almost died from the assassination. I barely survived, but your mother didn't. The worst is that I've lost the egg. And so, I've scoured around the world, searching for you. No matter how long it takes for me until I find and reunited with my child. And today, I finally did."

Everyone was convinced by his story. Shadow Dragon wasn't as he questioned angrily, "Is that all? I'm kinda surprise that Shendu and some friends of yours didn't find out about you being alive. Considering you were his friend."

"Not to mention, why change the name from Spiketail?" Lance asked suspiciously.

"And how did you know Spike is a boy?" Rainbow asked.

"I thought it was obvious." Sludge said obliviously, "Since everyone knew I was dead, I had to change my name to avoid being found. I didn't want to risk my son or my friends' lives if I told them my real name. The last thing I need is the Demon Lord of Fire coming after me and finish me off before I ever get the chance to be with you." He sighed, "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about this."

As Sludge was crying in agony, almost everyone sympathized him for the loss and struggles he has to suffer.

Spike patted on his 'father's back to assure, "Well, that's all in the past. The only thing that matters now is that we're together. And I'm gonna make up for lost time."

Hearing what Spike has said, Sludge smiled, "Thank you so much, Spike."

Sludge gave his 'teenage son' a warm hug. Spike hugged back. Everyone awed happily to see them to be together again. However, Shadow Dragon and Lance were a bit tensed about it.

"That dragon… He's definitely lying…" Shadow Dragon remarked softly, which caught Twilight and Nyx attention.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. He's definitely up to something…"

Twilight and Nyx became concern of what Shadow Dragon and Lance have said. They turned and looked at Sludge as they wondered what is that dragon really want…

Everyone decided to let Spike and Sludge spend time together. Both 'father' and son went out to the main street for their happy discussion.

"I hope you don't mind, but I have a list of all the things I always wanted to do with my dad?" Spike asked gently.

Sludge smiled warmly, "Mind? Spike, my boy, with you by my side, I feel like we could do anything. What do you want to do first?"

Took out the scroll from his back, Spike answered, "Well, I've kind of been working on a list for a long time."

Just as he opened the scroll, it unrolled and revealed a long list of activities that Spike wanted to do together with his father.

Sludge was surprise and asked, "Dude, you want to do all of this?"

"Oh. I mean, w-we don't have to." Spike became embarrassed as he slowly rolled up the scroll.

Seeing how embarrassed Spike is now, Sludge was a bit of ashamed for talking like that. He stomped his foot on the scroll to stop its rolling. He encouraged, "If you think doing everything on this incredibly long list is gonna fill the hole where your dragonishness should be, then that is exactly what we're gonna do!"

Spike gasped happily to hear what Sludge has said. He can't wait to spend a great time together with his father.

And so, Spike and Sludge have a father-and-son bonding time together over the lists they're going through such as playing the buckball with Pinkie and Fluttershy, having a good time in Hearth's Warming Eve celebration with the help of Rainbow creating snow storm and Rarity prepared the present for the father to give to his son, baking cupcakes and so on. Sludge finds them to be boring and uninterested for him to enjoy.

Through the hallway, Spike was looking through the list, with Sludge walking beside him.

"I can't believe we got so many things done. But this is all my stuff." Spike said in surprise while reading the list, "Is there anything you always wanted to do with me?"

"Not really." Sludge admitted bluntly and rudely. Spike looked disappointed and upset by his answer. He panicked and answered differently, "Uhhh, I mean, uh, I'm happy to do whatever you want. But if I had a castle like this with all this stuff, I'd probably just lay around all day doing nothing like a real dragon."

"Like a real dragon?" Spike asked in confusion.

"Sure! I'm not surprised you don't know any better. Twilight basically raised you as a pony. You're barely a dragon at all." Sludge remarked bluntly and rudely again.

"Huh?" Spike was disbelief of what Sludge has said. He hummed in concern, "Maybe I should talk with Twilight."

"Sure, whatever," Sludge said bluntly.

Spike turned and headed off to find Twilight. Sludge was about to move out but halted by Shadow Dragon, Lance and Nyx. Three of them glared at him.

"Can I help you or something, pal?" Sludge asked rudely.

"I don't know who the hell are you or what you really want here. But if you ever think about taking advantage of Spike to fill your greed and stomach, then you've got another thing coming." Shadow Dragon said threateningly.

Sludge was a bit of nervous as he tried to make excuses, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't try to make excuses, Sludge. It's very sickening to see you acting like you know what's best for him," Lance said sternly, "We won't let you get away with this."

Sludge scoffed arrogantly, "Whatever. I can do whatever I want, ponies. After all, I am Spike's dad. And you both are not. See ya."

Sludge walked pass three ponies while nudging them aside. Both Shadow Dragon and Lance rubbed on their shoulders a bit.

"You know for someone claimed to be Spike's dad, he's definitely rude, jerk and especially doesn't care about his 'son'," Nyx remarked in disgust.

Lance nodded, "Dad, maybe we should chase him off now before Spike finds out about this."

"Would it better to tell him the truth? I mean he deserves to know that Sludge is not really his father," Nyx suggested.

Shadow Dragon shook his head, "Even if we did either of them, Spike definitely won't do it. We just have to keep an eye on him. If he makes any funny move to Twilight and Spike, we take care of him for good. We don't tell Spike anything about this."

Though didn't like to keep secrets from Spike, Lance and Nyx knew that Shadow Dragon made a good point. They reluctantly nodded to agree with him.

Inside the Council Chamber, Twilight was studying and researching on couple of books. Spike opened the door before approached her.

Noticing her the dragon's arrival, Twilight greeted, "Hey, Spike! How are things going with Sludge?"

"Honestly, I thought having him around would make me feel more dragonish. But I kind of feel less." Spike admitted in concern.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I wish I could help." Twilight apologized.

"Awww, shucks." Sludge's voice said in guilt. Both Twilight and Spike turned and found him arriving at the scene. Finishing up his cupcake, he continued sincerely, "I guess I shouldn't have said anything about you being more pony than dragon. I just wish we had more in common."

"Maybe you two can come up with ways to turn up Spike's, uh, dragonishness." Twilight suggested.

Looking at his 'father', Spike asked, "You think that's something we can do?"

Sludge smiled confidently, "You know what, son? I think it is!"

Sludge brought Spike along as they exited out of the room. Though aware she agreed with her family about him not father, Twilight was glad that Sludge is trying to befriend and guide Spike about being dragon.

"Spike, I'm gonna teach you a thing or two about being a dragon. So, listen up, my boy, because I'm only gonna say this once."

Just as Sludge and Spike were climbing down the stairs, the fat one began teaching his teenage son about what it means to be a dragon. He began singing about the lessons he's gonna teach while looking at the hall.

Sludge: Look at this castle where you live

Spike: It's pretty sweet, right?

Sludge: You can't be a dragon here

Spike: Uh, I can't?

Entering the library, Sludge climbed the wheeled ladder. He then pushed himself around the bookshelves while pushing and knocking all the books down. This however offended Metalgear and his team to chase him off.

Sludge: Look at these books up on the wall

Spike: Hey, Metalgear and his guys just finished organizing those!

Sludge: This treasure pile's not right, I fear

Trust me, I got you covered here.

Sludge took Spike back to Spike's bedroom. He began complained about how much 'pony stuffs' around in his room. He then bounced on the bed briefly. He then thrown and pile up some fancy clothes on the ground.

Sludge: You see all this soft pony stuff you're surrounded with?

This has got to be the first thing to go.

Nothin' 'bout this place says "dragon den", there's too much fluff

All these fancy robes, toss in a pile

He and his son went into the dinning hall, where Sludge piled up the food, dishes, goblets and utensils on the ground.

Sludge: Take those goblets, dishes, is that gold? Still not enough!

De-ponifying might just take a while

Walking down the hallway, Sludge and Spike came across to the family portrait of Twilight, Shadow Dragon, Lance, Spike, Nyx and Dragoking. He then complained about it.

Sludge: Sure, this place is grandiose

But to a dragon, it's just gross

Time we make the lot all disappear

Sludge took Spike to the balcony, where he was talking about Spike won't become dragon due to him being too close to the ponies. Unbeknownst to them, Lance and Nyx were spying on them. They felt uneasy and disturbed about the fat dragon's lessons, not because of how bad the singing he is.

Sludge: Reality you need a dose

To all these ponies, you're too close

You just can't be a dragon here

Good job, my boy! But this is still just the beginning!

Sludge and Spike returned to the hallway, where he continued singing bluntly about what it means to be dragon. He then looked at some stuffs from his son's bedroom.

Sludge: Each and every dragon has a swagger all his own

Watch and I'll show you what I mean

You can't move like this with so much stuff to weigh you down

A dragon always keeps it lean

Inside the bedroom, Sludge complained about Spike's life. He then fell asleep on the bed for the moment. After half an hour, he got up to check on his son. To his surprise and disbelief, he found him brushing his teeth. He then shown his teeth that he doesn't need to brush also.

Sludge: Your life is soft, your scales are coiffed

These pillows, beds, and sheets are washed

A delight, but it's just not right what's underneath

Every dragon must be free

Look at you, then look at me

Since when do dragons brush their teeth?

Ha! Please!

Just as they exited out of the bedroom, Sludge and Spike walked down the hallway again. Whenever he comes across with some pretty stuffs, he resorted by throwing them off from the Castle of Friendship. They then were on their way back to their bedroom, where Sludge gave the solution to Spike's problem.

Sludge: Sure, this place is grandiose

But to a dragon, it's just gross

Time we make the lot all disappear

Spike: What do I do?

Sludge smirked: Just grab it all and give to me

After that, then you'll be free

You just can't be a dragon heeeeere!

"Ha! You're right! I feel better already!" Spike exclaimed naively.

Sludge smirked as he patted his teenage son's head, "See? What did I tell you? You're very lucky that I found you. Now, go get me some more."

Spike smiled as he was about to exit the bedroom, "You got it! I'm gonna go get you all the cushy pony stuff I've got… Dad."

Sludge smirked slyly, "Great! Go get 'em... son!"

Lying down on the bed, Sludge sang one last rhyme of the song:

'Cause this dragon just can't wait to live here

Sludge smirked slyly before chuckled amusingly while lying down on the bed. Lance and Nyx have seen everything. They became concern and uneasy with the situation. They need to inform the rest of their family, friends and also Echo Five.

After calling the rest of their family and friends including Echo Five, who used the communication portal to see and communicate with them, Lance and Nyx told them about what Sludge has been doing with Spike. Most of them were concerned and disturbed of what Sludge has been teaching. However, Echo Five was more furious and annoyed about the situation.

"What sort of lessons that Sludge has been teaching Spike?!" Rarity demanded in disbelief. She huffed in upset, "Can't be a dragon here?! Pony stuffs?! And even has the nerve to call everything 'gross'."

"There's something fishy about Sludge," Applejack admitted in concern.

"I don't know about you guys. Something is off with him," Lance voiced his concerns.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. This isn't right. We should tell Spike that Sludge is taking advantage of him, not really teaching him."

"I'm with you," Echo Five said in agreement, "I definitely would like to have a word with him. How dare he trying to call himself 'Spike's dad' and even taking advantage of the kid?! That pretender!"

"Wow. I know you're disappointed with Sludge's doing, but what do you mean 'pretender'? Was he not friend?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

"That's because Sludge is not Spiketail. And he's not even Spike's real father," Echo Five explained seriously, shocking everyone. He continued, "If he was him, I would have noticed and tell you all about him especially the Gauntlet of Fire event."

Everyone was completely disbelief and shocked about it. Almost all of them became very angry and furious about it.

"I don't believe it! He lied to us?!" Pinkie exclaimed in anger.

"He should be ashamed of himself for lying and taking advantage of Spike's kindness," Fluttershy said in agreement.

"We should tell Spike about this now," Applejack said firmly.

"Don't. Not yet," Echo Five protested firmly. Everyone was confused. He explained, "If you tell him that, Spike will become emotionally defensive and protective of Sludge. He won't listen to any of us."

"What should we do?" Twilight asked in concern.

Echo Five continued, "I'll get here as soon as I'm done helping Dragon Lord Ember preparing her special date with Spike. Once I forced Sludge to do what Spiketail always does in his time, he will reveal his true colors in front of Spike. There is no way he can get away with this. For now, entertain him as long as you can. Just make sure Sludge doesn't make Spike doing something he'd regret."

Almost everyone didn't like the idea of letting Sludge lying and taking advantage of Spike. But they knew Echo Five is their chance to convince Spike to know the truth.

With everyone reluctantly agreed, Twilight sighed, "Alright, Echo Five. We'll do it. Don't take it too long."

Echo Five nodded, "I will. Ember and I will be here by this weekend. Just need to get the right swimsuit."

"Swimsuit? For Ember?" Rarity asked in surprise, which Echo Five nodded in agreement. Everyone giggled playfully. She teased, "Oh my. I didn't think she would have fashion sense. Let alone to be very attractive with Spike's muscle."

Echo Five chuckled a bit, "Well, Ember doesn't but she has to. She hates fashions and girly stuffs, but hates disappointing Spike the most. So, she swallowed the pride to do so."

"Aw. That is so sweet. Ember and Spike are perfect couple," Twilight remarked sincerely.

"We should be keeping an eye on Spike," Shadow Dragon said seriously, "Twilight, maybe you should talk Spike about it. Not the truth. Just convince him to realize that he's been taking advantage."

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. I should."

On the next day, Twilight arrived at Spike's bedroom. And just before she could enter it, she turned and found Spike arrived with carrying the tray of sweets and desserts.

"Spike, there you are!" Twilight said in relief. Before she could explain, she noticed what was Spike doing. She questioned, "What is all this? Did you leave the castle so early?"

"I didn't leave. I spent the night outdoors to get in touch with my dragon side." Spike answered happily.

"Outdoors?"

"Yeah! And Sludge asked me to bring him the best breakfast Ponyville has to offer so he can show me how a real dragon would eat it."

"About that, Spike. Maybe you should get some lessons from Drake Trio? Maybe they can help you with that."

"Sorry, Twilight. Sludge and I are going out. He's gonna teach me about the dragon wings. Probably teach me with some new tricks. See you later!"

Before Twilight could say anything, Spike already entered his bedroom to give some food to Sludge. This made her concern and uneasy about it now. She has to tell him discreetly, and not revealing the truth until Echo Five came.

Suddenly, Applejack rushed towards Twilight as she reported, "Twilight, you need to come to School of Friendship! It's Arcee!"

Twilight became concern and questioned, "What happened?"

Twilight and her friends arrived at the School of Friendship's infirmary, where Hugbear was putting ointment on Arcee's bruises, burnt marks and some small cuts. Shadow Dragon was there while showing his guilty looks.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing bad happen. Just a little bruise, Princess Twilight. Nothing to worry about," Arcee reported.

"Little?! Surely you jest, Ariel!" Hugbear scolded Arcee for taking her injuries lightly. Glaring at Shadow Dragon, he then explained, "During her training with Falcon Deflect Training, your husband kept pushing her to practice more and push through her limits, even though she's already exhausted. That was almost like 50 rounds. And now look at the results? Bruises, burn marks and cuts around her body! Thank the Mystic that it's stun blaster, not some bloody life-ammo."

"Hugbear, please!" Arcee hushed at Hugbear.

"No, Arcee. He is right. This is my fault. I'm sorry," Shadow Dragon said in guilt.

While shaking her head, Arcee said gently, "It's alright, master. I know you didn't mean to. I guess I also push myself too hard."

"I'm glad you're not in serious condition, Arcee. But I'm more furious with my husband's reckless," Twilight said stoically yet angry. She turned and glared at Shadow Dragon, "Shadow Dragon, what has gotten into you?! How could you make Arcee push through your limits, even when she's already exhausted?! You should know better."

Shadow Dragon sighed in defeat, "I know. And I'm sorry. I just want to make sure Arcee prepare for anything the worse. I don't want her, the students or any of our friends get killed. Never again! We all have to be prepared!"

"Again?!"

"Uh… Never mind. Forget it."

Giving some thoughts, Twilight realized of why Shadow Dragon pushed Arcee so hard to push through her limits. She spoke, "This was about your father, wasn't it?" Everyone gasped in shock and concern. Shadow Dragon remained silence. She continued, "Shadow Dragon, none of us didn't expect him to pass away that soon. And believe me, all of us miss him. Just like you."

"I know. But I don't believe my father passed away because of his bad health. The last time I saw him, he was healthy and well." Shadow Dragon said seriously, "I suspected that Nezha did it."

"Do you even have the poof of that?"

"No. But I know it's him. Who else hates Mystic Tao more than just Starswirl the Bearded and Dark Curse?!"

"Nezha may have some issues with your father, there is no way he would kill him without a reason. I don't believe his proposal would offend him to resort that action. And don't forget, Nezha is a warrior, who rather fight with valor and honor, despite his prejudice against the humanity and low opinion on Equestria."

"Then, what or who kills him?! The only pony who was there in his antique shop is Nezha. He has to be responsible for this. It has to be him."

"Even if it is him, then what will you do?" Twilight questioned seriously. Shadow Dragon was about to answer. She halted him and answered, "Don't even bother to answer. If you think Equestria Ponies and other Creatures are enough to start a war with Nezha, then you're sadly mistaken. We don't stand a chance against him. He has the supports of Mystic Ponies, government and military! Not to mention, they've got magical powers and arsenals. We don't stand a chance! Do you want all of us to get killed?!"

Shadow Dragon was surprised by Twilight's answer. He sighed, "You just sound like Kicker."

"Yeah. I'd bet he would try to reason you not to do something reckless and foolish."

"Yeah, he did. I just blow at his face."

"Maybe you should apologize to him and do what we told you."

"Yeah. I should. Thanks, Twilight."

"No problem. For now, we lay low and get everything ready for the worse. That's all we can do."

"Yeah. You're right, Twilight. Thanks."

Leaving Arcee under the care of Hugbear now, Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Lance and Nyx made their way back to the Council Chamber for discussion about preparing the defense of Ponyville, should Nezha planned to turn on the alliance.

And just as they have entered the chamber, everyone was in deep shock and surprise of what they're looking at. Sludge was on top of the table as he allowed Spike filed on his toenails.

"Hey, gang! Dad was just showing me how a real dragon would act in a throne room." Spike said happily.

Sludge smiled amusingly, "Dragons like to sprawl when they get their claws done." He lifted his toenails up to blow. He got off from the table and exited out from the entrance. He smirked, "Now, if you'll all excuse me, it's time for my bath."

Spike sighed happily, "Isn't he the best?"

"Lazy and stupid are the right word," Lance remarked dryly.

Nyx nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Not the 'Best Dad Award Winning'."

"Uh, Spike? The bath isn't gonna fill itself, son." Sludge called from the entrance door.

Spike smiled happily, "Be right there… Dad."

Spike then flew off with his father, heading back to the bedroom for preparing the bath. Almost everyone is concern for Spike now.

"I have enough of his charade. He has to go, with or without Echo Five's help," Shadow Dragon said sternly. Twilight was about to protest. He firmly interrupted, "I'm doing this for his sake. You do what you have to do for Spike. You are his real family, not that impostor."

Knew Shadow Dragon was right, Twilight nodded reluctantly, "Alright. I'll talk with Spike."

After helping his father readied with the bath, Spike went to the library, where he was searching for a specific book from the piles of them. Twilight, Lance and Nyx arrived to check on him. And to their shock and disbelief, the library section is a mess.

"Wow. Guess Metalgear wasn't kidding," Lance remarked in disbelief.

Nyx nodded in agreement, "Hm-mmm. Definitely, Sludge's mess really made Metal Ponies angry and quit from cleaning again."

"Well, let's talk with Spike," Twilight said. She approached to Spike, "I'm glad you're not spending the night outside again."

"Oh, I am." Spike said calmly, "I'm just looking for a good bedtime story to read to my dad first."

"Uh… Shouldn't that be the other way around?" Nyx asked in confusion.

Lance sighed as he whispered to his little sister, "Probably, Sludge is lazy to do anything for Spike."

She has to play it right. Talk nicely to him first before questioning the methods. Twilight spoke gently, "It's nice that you have somepony to show you dragon culture. But are you sure that's what Sludge is doing?"

"What do you mean?" Spike asked.

Twilight explained of her concerns, "Well, taking over your room, making a mess of things…"

Spike scoffed, "That is dragon culture."

"You never acted like that."

"That's because you raised me. Now I finally have a chance to see how I'm supposed to be."

"I don't think you're supposed to be any different than who you are."

Having enough of Twilight's talk, Spike talked back in upset tone, "Maybe you just don't like that I have a real parent now."

Lance and Nyx gasped of how Spike talked to Twilight. The Princess of Friendship was deeply hurt by how he talks to her. Feeling tears from her eyes, she quickly wiped them off as she tried to remain compose and firm.

Twilight tried to speak, "That's not true! I'm glad Sludge is here. I-I just wish he wasn't such a-!"

After getting the book, Spike interrupted, "Dragon? Of all ponies, I can't believe you would have a problem with that."

Twilight looked down, not of shame, but heartbroken of how Spike talked to him. Spike walked away from her. He was blocked by Lance and Nyx, who weren't pleased with him. How could he talk to her like that?

"Do you mind?! I need to meet up with my dad," Spike said sternly.

"Really? Is that jackass father the only thing matters to you, not any of us?" Lance asked sternly.

Spike shouted, "Don't you dare talk to my dad like that?!"

Lance shouted back, "Oh yeah! From what I remembered, Spiketail was supposed to be brave, strong and kind warrior. That dragon is nothing like how Echo Five told us. He's a joke."

"I'm warning you, Lance. You don't want to make me angry."

"Or else what?! You're gonna grow your stupid plants on me?! Well, go ahead! Do your worse!"

Lance and Spike were about to fight while Nyx tried to stop them from fighting.

"Stop it!" Twilight shouted in upset tone, halting the children's fight. Without looking back, she choked up a bit sadly, "J-Just let Spike go. He made up his mind."

While Lance was upset with Twilight's decision, Nyx was more heartbroken and sadder about it. He moved aside to let Spike walk pass by him.

Lance remarked with a snarl, "Enjoy with your 'family bonding' with the faker. Because no one especially Sludge will be there for you."

Angered by Lance's insult, Spike turned and shouted back, "Why don't you jerks back off?! I finally found my family! Don't you understand that?!"

Nyx sniffed dejectedly, "I thought you already had."

Lance nodded, "Yeah. We were there for you from the start while he never does."

Spike was completely both shocked and devastated by their words. Angrily shaking his head, he doesn't need to deal with them anymore. He already found his biological father. He's the family he has now. But why is he crying secretly?

Just as he planned, Shadow Dragon firmly went straight to the Spike's bedroom. He angrily kicked the door opened and revealed how the mess. It was completely filled with smelly food and desserts, pile of some stuffs including damaged ones and even covered in dirt. Sludge, still wearing his favorite red-colored bathroom robe, lying on the bed.

"About time you got here, kid. What took you so long with that stupid storybook of yours?" Sludge asked impatiently. He got up and found Shadow Dragon. He was surprised and confused, "Uh? Who are you again?"

Shadow Dragon narrowed his firm yet angry eyes as he reminded Sludge, "The Master of this Castle, fat-ass. I demand you to leave now."

Sludge laughed out, thinking it was a joke, which Shadow Dragon did not find it amusing and very annoying.

"Sorry. Really sorry, pal. I thought you were joking," Sludge said amusingly, calming himself down from the laughter. He breathed calmly, "But come on. Spike let me stay home because I'm his father. Mi catsle es su castle. Know what I'm saying, pal?"

"All I heard is bullshit, fat-ass," Shadow Dragon said sternly, "And who the hell ever say I'm joking, you faker?!"

Surprised by Shadow Dragon's deduction, Sludge got up and amusingly glared at him, "Wow. You figure that out, didn't ya? Or maybe, you're just assuming me to be fake."

"What makes you think of that?"

"Simple. You're jealous of me for being a better father than you?"

"Don't be a fool. All you ever did is order Spike around like a slave."

"Oh yeah? What about her? She did the same to him too. I'd say she's the worst."

Annoyed by the insult, Shadow Dragon threatened, "I'm warning you, Sludge."

"Or else what, pal? What are you gonna do?" Sludge asked mockingly before chuckled, "Yeah right? Twilight's not even Spike's real mother."

"Maybe so. But at least, she's with him for years. She has raised him, fed him, taught him, helped him and been there for him. Twilight is better parent than you, Sludge."

"Ooh. I feel insulted…" Sludge mocked as he picked up a familiar purple scarf for him to use as handkerchief to wife some smudge from his mouth. He scoffed, "You cany say all that junk if you want. Spike's mine now, loser."

Seeing what Sludge is doing with the scarf, Shadow Dragon demanded angrily, "Where did you get that scarf?!"

Sludge amusingly looked at the scarf, "Oh? This? Spike gave it to me."

"Put that scarf down! NOW!" Shadow Dragon demanded fiercely.

"Or else what?" Sludge asked amusingly while holding the scarf.

"Don't test me, you fat-ass." Shadow Dragon sternly warned Sludge.

Sludge smirked arrogantly as he used the scarf to wipe on his cheeks, "Yeah, right. If this is Spike's, then he wouldn't mind letting me using it. After all, I'm his dad. No. The best dad he ever has. I can do whatever I want. Like this stupid scarf, I can use napkin to wipe my mouth whenever I'm done with my food."

Without hesitation, Shadow Dragon dashed and punched Sludge by nose. The fat dragon got thrown straight against the wall hard. Before he could recover, he grabbed his tail to swing and slam him like a ragdoll. He swung him around before thrown him out of Spike's Bedroom. The pony approached and checked on his late father's scarf. It is now badly damaged and dirty. Now it's personal.

Putting the scarf around his neck, Shadow Dragon turned and gave the death glare at Sludge, quivered in fear to see his fierce looks. He gave the scream of rage, scaring him to scream and panic in fear. The fat dragon tried to run, but got grabbed and dragged towards him. The Earth Pony fiercely attacked the dragon for couple of rounds while slamming against the walls and using items to whack on him for couple of times. Sludge cried in pain and agony while shouting 'mercy'.

Almost everyone including Spike came straight to Spike's bedroom, where they found and witnessed Shadow Dragon beating up Sludge to the pulp. The fat dragon coughed heavily and painfully while struggling to get up and move. The Mystic Earth Pony grabbed and held him up, preparing to strike him.

Shadow Dragon glared at Sludge, "That was the last straw. No one especially you using my father's scarf!"

Spike dashed and pushed Shadow Dragon aside. He stood protectively in front of Sludge. He growled at the pony, "Shadow Dragon, back off!"

Recovering and getting up, Shadow Dragon firmly ordered, "Stand aside now, Spike. I'm gonna take care of this bastard for good. He's not welcome here anymore!"

"You can't just talk to my father like that!"

"He's not your father, Spike! If he was, he would have actually spent more time with you, instead of lazing and messing around our home! Twilight done a better mother than that bastard has ever done! All this fat-ass ever did is treating you like a slave than a real son. Makes me wonder if you both are even related."

Shocked by his claim, Spike emotionally became angry as he snapped, "Go to hell, bastard! I don't care what you think. I have found my family. The real one! Unlike you!"

Shadow Dragon was annoyed as he talked back, "That maybe so. At least, I appreciate my adoptive family especially Mystic Tao for being there for me. He's the real father to me, unlike Sludge."

Spike growled angrily, "Oh yeah! If he's such a good dad, then why the hell did you screw everything up in the first place?! Maybe if you had treated your dad well, be a proud son that he ever wants and maybe didn't join the bad guys, Mr. Tao would have been alive here. He died because of you being jerk to everyone and even him! He's ashamed of you, you jackass!"

Almost everyone gasped in shock of what Spike has said. Pinkie covered her mouth, Fluttershy covered her ears to hear such terrible words, Rainbow facepalmed, Applejack shook her head in disbelief, Rarity shown disappointed looks at Spike and even Twilight and the children couldn't believe of what he has said. Deeply hurt by Spike's insult, Shadow Dragon gritted his teeth while growling angrily at Spike.

Seeing everyone's looks and reaction, the teenage dragon realized the mistake he has make.

Spike tried to plead, "Shadow Dragon, wait! I didn't mean to-!"

Interrupted by Shadow Dragon's punch, Spike got thrown against the door hard. Not allowing him to recover and say anything, Mystic Earth Pony grabbed and held him up high before fiercely attacking him by punches for couple rounds. He then kicked him to the ground hard. He relentlessly attacked him to the ground.

Unable to see Shadow Dragon attacking Spike, Twilight and her friends jumped in as they quickly pulled him away from the dragon. Lance and Nyx helped move him away as well.

Shadow Dragon yelled angrily, "Let me go! I'm not done with him! That brat is gonna deserve the beatings!"

Twilight slapped at Shadow Dragon's face, snapping him out from his violence nature. She then sniffed and cried in tears, "Shadow Dragon, just stop. Just stop. Do you know what you almost have done?"

Processing Twilight's slap and reasoning, Shadow Dragon slowly calmed himself down and think carefully of the situation. He turned and looked at how badly hurt Spike is now. Nyx tried to help heal her brother's wounds while Lance held on him. He realized of what he almost done.

"S-Spike, I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-!" Shadow Dragon tried to apologize and helped Spike. But to his shock, the teenage dragon slapped his claw. He gasped in concern, "S-Spike?"

Showing both hurt and scared looks, Spike panted heavily and hysterically, "S-Stay away from me! Just stay away from me! Don't come close to me again!"

"Spike, I-!" Shadow Dragon tried to apologize.

Spike interrupted in hurt yet upset tone, "Just leave me alone! All of you! I want nothing to do with you ponies anymore!"

Pushing Lance and Nyx aside, Spike got up and make the run at once, without looking back. At the same time, he was crying in tears of both hurt and sadness. Everyone couldn't help but sadly watched the teenage dragon running away from them.

"Nice going, ponies." Sludge grunted in pain while trying to get up with his claw holding on the wall. He growled in pain, "Some family you ponies turned out to be."

Having enough of Sludge's insults, Fluttershy shouted at his face, "Get the hell outta here, you jerk! Everything is a mess because of you!" Sludge, panicked, ran for his life before he gets killed. She panted heavily and calming herself down. She turned to her friends and apologized, "Sorry, everyone."

"Don't beat yourself. That jerk deserved it," Rainbow said sternly.

"No. I'm the one who should be sorry," Shadow Dragon corrected. Picking up his rusty battle gauntlet, he sighed in ashamed tone, "I ruin the family. I'm sorry."

Before anyone could say anything, Shadow Dragon began walking down the hallway as he is now leaving the home. Almost everyone sighed in defeat as they all pity for not only Shadow Dragon, but also Spike. The family drama is in big mess.

In the evening, while searching for Spike, Shadow Dragon came across to the new antique shop that his paternal family has settled. Hoping that the teenage dragon is in there, he went straight to the shop to check on him and also made an apology with Dragon Kick for the argument and calling him 'coward'.

Shadow Dragon knocked the door firmly, and then waiting for the response. As he hoped for, Dragon Kick was the pony to open the door.

"Oh. Shadow Dragon? What are you doing here?" Dragon Kick asked in surprise, though he wasn't sure if his cousin did come here to convince him to prepare for war.

"I was looking for Spike, cousin," Shadow Dragon admitted. He then bowed firmly before the surprised Dragon Kick. He apologized, "And I'm sorry for the argument we have and calling you a 'coward'."

"Really? You mean it?"

"Yeah. I kinda have a talk with Twilight about wanting to wage war with Nezha and gave the same reason as you did. Sorry, Dragon Kick."

Astonished yet touched by Shadow Dragon's apology, Dragon Kick smiled warmly to see his adopted cousin knows his mistakes. He then helped him to get up before hugging him warmly. This prompted the younger one to hug back as well.

Dragon Kick said warmly, "Thank you too, Shadow Dragon. And also, I'm sorry for not being a better cousin. No. A better brother you needed the most."

Shadow Dragon smiled as well, "Yeah. Thanks. And is Spike here?"

Dragon Kick nodded, "He is. He's upstairs in the guest room with his 'father'. Apparently, he was upset and angry to talk with us. Can I assume that something happened?"

"We can explain it." Twilight's voice spoke, caught the attention of two brothers. They looked back and found Mane Six, Lance and Nyx are standing before them. She sighed, "It's real messy."

Dragon Kick suspected something amiss in the family as he nodded and allowed everyone in now. They all gathered at the dining hall. Mighty Heart was cooking the dinner dishes. Mane Six and Shadow Dragon discussed with Dragon Kick about why Spike ran away from home. Jade and Nyx were playing the checkers. Lance was looking through some cards before preparing it for the next game.

Dragon Kick hummed in concern, "I see. That is concerning." He turned and looked at Shadow Dragon, "What were you thinking, Shadow Dragon?"

"I didn't," Shadow Dragon admitted in shame before sighed, "I just got mad when it comes to my father. No one gets away with insulting him or even messing with his stuffs."

"So, Spike deserves that?" Dragon Kick asked seriously. Shadow Dragon looked down in shame. Twilight patted his back. He sighed, "But I can't blame you. If it were to me or anyone else, we would do the same thing. However, I would never harm my own family, even though they do wrong."

"I know. That's why we're here. We-! I want to apologize to him," Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Dragon Kick looked at the staircase, "At the moment, I don't think it's wise to see and talk with him. He's not in mood to listen now."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah, sure."

"By the way, I want confirmation. Is Sludge really Spike's father?' Dragon Kick asked in concern. He hummed thoughtfully, "He doesn't look like he's related."

"No, he isn't. Echo Five confirmed that Sludge is an impostor." Lance admitted. He sighed in frustration, "We tried to tell him about Sludge and his teachings. He was stubborn and being a jerk to Twilight too."

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. And the worst thing is that Spike listened to a stranger more than Twilight. She raised him after his hatch. And what she gets from him? He told her off, saying that she doesn't like his real parent."

"What a jerk!" Jade exclaimed in disbelief as she picked up the black-colored checker, "He got some nerve to talk like that. When he gets down from his bedroom, I'm gonna blast him off the roof!"

Unexpectedly, the black checker Jade was carrying suddenly glowed brightly in burning flame color while making hissing noise. Just as she was about to inspect the noise, she yelped in pain upon feeling the checker's sudden heat. When it hit to the ground, the checker shot out a powerful fire-like beam, blasting through the kitchen's wall. Everyone was stunned by it.

Emerging out from the kitchen, Mighty Heart brought a tray of some dishes including a large cake with crisped hole in it. He asked, "W-What the heck just happen?!"

"That's what I would like to know," Dragon Kick agreed. He turned and sternly glared at his niece, "Jade…"

"I didn't do anything with the checkers! I swear! Really!" Jade pleaded in concern.

Giving some thoughts, Nyx picked the black checker while looking at it, "Or maybe, there's something about them."

Just as she was inspecting the checker, Nyx felt its surface to be more plastic, despite its she felt it hard as a rock. Just as she tears out the plastic, the checker revealed to be a familiar talisman. Everyone gasped in surprise.

Fluttershy gasped, "Is that a Dragon Talisman?"

"H-How?!" Dragon Kick asked in confusion, "How did became a checker? Why isn't it inside the Sacred Vault?"

"I think better question is why did Mr. Tao took this talisman out?" Twilight asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon hummed thoughtfully, "Good question. But why one?"

Jade looked at the rest of checkers, "Maybe it's not just one talisman…"

Looking at the checkers, everyone realized what Jade was talking about. They all teared out the plastic materials from them. All of them revealed to be 12 Magical Talismans.

"Wow. All the checkers are magical talismans! This is so awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed happily.

"Now this is an awesome gift. Go uncle," Jade cheered supportively.

"But how did he get them out?" Rarity asked.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "If I have to guess, Mr. Tao must have accessed the Sacred Vault to get the talismans out while replacing with the counterfeits. And why would he do this? It's because he lost faith in the Mystic Council for corruption and turning their kingdom into fascist military faction."

"Hoo-wee. Didn't expect him to pull the stunt like Rainbow Dash," Applejack commented, annoying Rainbow to exclaim 'hey'.

Nyx patted Jade's back, "You are so lucky to have a gift."

"Yeah. I owe to Granduncle Tao," Jade smiled happily.

Looking at the checkers, Shadow Dragon pondered, "What if our gifts are like Jade's?"

Mighty Heart gave some thoughts, "Shadow Dragon does have the point. We should check on ours now."

Dragon Kick nodded, "Let's do so. Uncle's gifts aren't what they appeared to be. We need to find out what's behind them."

Everyone nodded firmly in agreement. Lance looked through his deck carefully, with Rainbow and Pinkie's assistance. Both Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart read through their own books, with the help of Rarity and Applejack. Shadow Dragon and Twilight were inspecting on both scarf and dusty gauntlets. Fluttershy helped Jade and Nyx to keep the talismans inside the box as they can't afford to let anyone find out about it.

It took them awhile for everyone to inspect on Mystic Tao's gifts. They have made some shocking discovery behind them.

Lance held Mystic Tao's five magical cards, "Wow. Unbelievable. I can't believe I have my grandfather's Elemental Cards."

Mighty Heart nodded while showing his 'cooking book', "Not only you, Lance, I've just discovered that this cooking book is actually Advanced Spell Book. Sensei really did believe I'm ready for the advance level."

"You're not the only one." Dragon Kick said firmly. Holding the archaeology book, he then explained, "As it turns out, this is actually the Book of Ages. It's perfect for me to study and find out the truth behind the past. I still don't know how he did it, but I'm grateful for this gift."

"How about you, Shadow Dragon?" Applejack asked.

Looking at both his scarf and gauntlet, Shadow Dragon sighed in disappointment, "We've tried everything. We've checked it. We've tested it. Nothing happens."

Mighty Heart hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe these items take some time to react and activate by themselves?"

"Mighty Heart could be right. It might not be the right time to use them. But who knows? It might be our last resort to save the world," Dragon Kick theorized.

Shadow Dragon sighed, "I supposed so."

"Mr. Tao went through a lot of troubles to do this," Rarity remarked, "Stealing some important relics and books, faking his will, concealing the true gifts with the fake ones and even hiding them from his own allies."

"Yes. I believe it's for a good reason. And whatever the case is, we have to be prepared and counteract it." Dragon Kick said firmly. He then looked at the Book of Ages, "I believe this book can tell us why uncle did it and what kind of threat we'd be facing."

"Yeah. I agreed," Shadow Dragon said firmly.

"Well then, all this family drama and mystery make us hungry. I've prepared the dinner." Mighty Heart said calmly and firmly. Everyone groaned in disgust. He assured, "Don't worry. It's not mung bean dishes. Just my mother's special recipe of Seaweed Sushi, Dumplings and China Rice Set."

Everyone sighed in relief. Twilight asked, "Shouldn't we call Spike to come down?"

"No. Leave him be. He needs time to settle down," Dragon Kick suggested.

Twilight sighed, "I understand. Can I at least pass the food to him?"

Mighty Heart nodded in agreement. He has prepared the food tray with the bowl of gems, crispy straws and some bugs. He passed them to Twilight, who used her magic to levitate and carry them. She then climbed up all the way to the guest room. She then knocked on the door to get his attention. But no avail.

"Spike, I know you're at the door and listening. But I won't force myself in." Twilight said sadly as she placed the tray down. She continued with a sigh, "I want you to know that I'm sorry for what Shadow Dragon did to you. But you also should know better not to insult him and Mystic Tao. He is the closest pony he ever has before Dragon Strike Force and us. No matter what your decision is, we will always love you because you are still part of our family. Goodnight, Spike."

Twilight turned away and leave the guest room now, returning to her family and friends to have dinner together.

Opening the door, Spike picked up the tray of food. Before he could return to the guest room, he took a glance at the staircase. He was both surprised and touched that Twilight still consider him a family to her, despite what has happened an hour ago. He then found his shoulder angels and devils magically appeared in puffs, glaring at him.

"Way to go, jerk," Devil Spike mocked.

Angel Spike nodded, "Yeah. I hope you're happy."

"Just buzz off, will ya," Spike demanded in frustration.

Spike's shoulder angels scoffed in frustration before magically gone poof. Spike sighed firmly before entering the room to have dinner with his father now.

After the dinner; Twilight, her family and friends left Mystic Tao's New Antique Shop and returned to home now. Spike and his father remained in there for sleepover. The ponies want to give him some space and not to get another argument with him.

On the next day, Spike has woken up in the morning. He checked on his injured father, making sure he's healed and properly sleep well. He decided to leave and try to find some more food to feed him. He quietly climbed down the stairs while sneaked out of the apartment. He sighed in relief.

"Spike?" The gentle yet firm familiar female voice asked in surprise, alerting Spike.

Spike turned around, where he found Dragon Lord Ember and her general Echo Five were standing before them. They even carried a suitcase.

"Ember? Echo Five? What are you doing here?" Spike asked in surprise.

"I could ask you the same thing. I thought you were at the Castle of Friendship. And today is weekend. You know? Our date on the lake?" Ember pointed out.

Carefully recalling, Spike gasped in disbelief, "Wait! Today is already Saturday?!" He grunted while facepalmed, "Dang it! I've forgotten about it! Sorry, Ember."

"It's okay, Spike. I can wait for you to get everything ready," Ember assured her boyfriend.

As he was about to do so, he then recalled about his father in New Mystic Tao's Antique Shop. Spike sighed, "I can't, Ember. Sorry. I have to look after my dad."

"Your 'dad'?" Ember asked in disbelief and confusion.

Remembering his last conversation with Twilight and her friends, Echo Five spoke calmly, "He was talking about Sludge. Twilight told me about him being alive."

"Is that why you came with me, Uncle Echo? To talk with him?"

"Yes. I would like to have a word with him about not informing me. I am now 'angry'."

Spike huffed as he crossed his arms and grumbled, "Sludge was lucky to be alive if not for Shadow Dragon beating him to the pulp. He almost did the same thing to me. I can't believe he was such a jerk."

"Really?" Echo Five asked in disbelief yet irritated. He sighed, "Well then, I will have a word with Shadow Dragon about threatening my 'friend' first. In the meantime, why don't you take a break and enjoy the lake together with Dragon Lord? I'll look after your father."

"Really? You sure?" Spike asked.

Echo Five nodded firmly as he lied, "Don't worry. I won't let 'anything bad' happen to him. After all, he and I are friends."

Knowing Echo Five was not only an original member of Drake Trio, he is also a friend to both Torch and his father. He should trust him to look after Sludge.

"Sure. Thanks, Echo Five." Spike thanked.

Echo Five nodded, "No problem. Go get your stuffs ready."

Spike nodded in agreement as he and Ember flew straight to the Castle of Friendship for packing up the beach accessories. Echo Five followed them from behind as he wanted to have a word with the ponies about attacking Sludge without him.

As soon as Spike gathered and packed up his beach accessories, he and Ember headed off to the lake. Echo Five went straight to the council chamber, where Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Lance, Nyx, Starlight, Sunset and even Shadow Dragon's family were gathered and discussed about Mystic Tao's gifts. The General of Dragon Land stormed into the council chamber as he is now confronting them now.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Echo Five exclaimed furiously, alerting everyone to turn to him. He chastised, "I told you before to keep him entertained till my arrival, not attacking him!"

Everyone hissed in concern and embarrassed about the situation. Shadow Dragon firmly faced Echo Five as he explained, "You honestly think we would let him do whatever he pleased? Look at the castle! It's completely a mess. And not to mention, Spike cost a lot of our bits to buy stuffs and foods for his so-called father. And not to mention, Sludge lied and screw Spike up to choose that fat ass dragon over his real family. I won't let him get away with this."

"Honestly." Echo Five said in disbelief. He sighed, "I supposed it cannot be helped when he was making a mockery on you."

"You have no idea."

"But still, that doesn't excuse of what you have done to Spike. You should apologize to him"

Shadow Dragon sighed in frustration, "Yes, I know. I will do that when he's done with Sludge."

"Actually, he's with Ember now for a date." Echo Five corrected.

Shadow Dragon was annoyed, "Alright. When he's back from the date, then I will apologize to him."

"Why don't you do it now instead of waiting?"

"Why are you even bothering me with this?! Can't you just leave it alone?"

"I could, but I won't."

"What's that supposed to be mean?"

"Unlike Sludge; you all have been there for him. Raise him. Care him. And help him when he needed the most. You all are his true family. So, that is why I suggest you should apologize to him now and admit your mistakes."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Yeah. I know that. I was gonna apologize to him after his errands for Sludge. But you make a good point. I should do it."

Echo Five nodded, "Good. After that, then we bring Spike to Sludge. We're going to expose this fraud for good."

"Yes. You did mention of your plans before. Hopefully, he's willing to listen to us," Twilight said firmly.

Echo Five gave the confident smirk, "He will."

Arriving at the Ponyville Lake, Spike and Ember set up their beach picnic, which includes picnic mat, two beach chairs, two umbrellas, sunblock lotion, sunglasses, picnic basket that has some bugs and crystals in jar, cookie jar and punch juice. While Spike worn a crimson-colored swimming trunk, Ember worn purple-colored bikini. Both of them were sitting down on their chairs as they happily enjoyed their lunch and drinks while chatting about what they have been doing from last week including the purple dragon's joke, which the blue-colored dragoness laughed at.

Ember giggled, "Seriously? Your friend Boomer got stuck inside the tree for whole afternoon. All because he was trying to get a rare golden beetle?"

"Yup." Spike confirmed playfully with chuckles, "When it comes to some rare bugs, he's gonna get them no matter what."

"Yeah, I can see that." Ember stifled a giggle. She sighed, "So, how's your training now? I hope Echo Five's tips could improve your skill."

Spread and flapped his wings a bit, Spike smirked, "Yeah. His tips about flying, dragon flame and nature power did help me out a lot. He even taught me some fighting skills. I owe him a lot."

Ember nodded, "Yeah. Echo Five is the best teacher and hero you can count on. You could say he's like a second dad to me whenever my dad is busy with his Dragon Lord duty."

"I see." Spike nodded understandingly yet sadly, thinking about what he has said to Shadow Dragon since he was like a second father to him too.

Noticed Spike's tone, Ember asked, "You okay, Spike?"

Spike shook his head to snap out from yesterday incident. He assured, "Yeah, I am. How about some swimming lesson? You did say you need some little tricks with it."

Though suspicious that Spike wasn't alright, Ember went along, "Yeah, sure. I could use some swimming." Blushing in red, Ember made some action pose while showed off her bikini, "So, what'd you think about my swimsuit? Look attractive for you?"

Spike also blushed in red and gawked in surprise to look at her body, "Uh… Y-Yeah… Good looking on ya… I like it…"

Feeling embarrassed, Ember nervously rubbed on left shoulder, "Yeah. Thanks. A perfect match for your muscle, right?"

Spike chuckled a bit, "Yeah. C'mon. It's time for swimming."

Spike helped pick Ember to get up. While holding her claw, the teenage dragon dragged his dragoness girlfriend to the lake. They both jumped and performed a cannonball into pond. Just as they resurfaced, both of them were wet. Ember was a bit of annoyed with getting wet, she laughed it off to enjoy her date with her boyfriend.

Spike began training Ember with some swimming tricks, holding breathe under water and even using their wings to dive through the pond. Not only the training, they both were having fun by splashing water, swimming competitively, holding breathe inside the pond, scuba diving to help her overcome her weakness and even perform some diving into pond. Nearly an hour of having fun, both Spike and Ember calmed themselves while floating on the pond. They moved closer to each other. As the purple dragon held her close to his body, the blue dragoness placed her hands over his shoulder to hold on. They then both gave each other a warm yet passionate kiss.

While their bodies were interacting, Spike and Ember departed from kissing as they were busy looking at each other with blush of redness.

"Wow. That was something. Who knew that being in the water could be so chilling," Ember admitted with blush. She grumbled in embarrassment, "Aw man! This is quite embarrassing! Dragons don't do swimming! I mean I'm both Fire and Storm-type. But still, this is so embarrassing and unbearable!"

Spike gave a peck on his girlfriend's cheek and assured, "Hey, calm down, Ember. No need to work up like that. In fact, you should be proud that you can swim."

Ember blushed a bit, "Aw thanks, Spike. You're the best." She then grumbled, "I cannot believe I just say that to little dragon."

"Hey!"

"Just kidding. I know you're at my age. Just want to help you loosen up from being tense."

"Tense? Uh. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Spike, c'mon. You can't fool your girlfriend so easily. Did you think I didn't notice something off with your tone?"

Surprised that Ember paid attention of his situation, Spike remarked, "Wow. Didn't think you notice it."

"C'mon, Spike. Tell me what's wrong. I want to ease your tense," Ember pleaded gently. Spike was hesitated. She gave annoyed glares, "Spike, don't make me punch your face again. You know I can get angry if you give me an honest truth."

Spike sighed in annoyance, "Fine. I'll talk." He took a deep breathe and explained, "I have an argument with my family, mostly Shadow Dragon and Twilight, because they all didn't like my dad. They think his teaching methods are lousy and not good for me. So, I kinda have a fight with them until he beat me to the pulp."

"You have a fight over your 'dead' father?"

"He wasn't dead. Turns out that he was alive. He's been searching and looking for me. And yeah, he goes by the name of Sludge now. You know to avoid getting caught by Demon Lords. And he didn't come to Echo Five and Torch because he was worried that he'd put them in danger."

Ember was deeply shocked and disbelief by Spike's explanation. She asked, "You're kidding, right?"

Spike remained firm and serious, "I wasn't."

"Spike. Your parents were assassinated after the Demon War. There is no way they couldn't have survived."

"You wouldn't know that. You weren't there."

"You're right. I wasn't born on that time. But my dad and Echo Five were. They found their bodies. They buried them in the Dragon Land's Graveyard."

Spike was shocked and confused, "B-But that can't be right. It can't be. Sludge said…"

"What did he teach you?" Ember interrupted Spike's confusion.

Spike explained, "Lots of stuffs like sleeping outside, lay around doing nothing, dirtying myself and more. Of course, I've helped bringing him pony stuff so he can show me what a dragon would do with it."

Completely stunned and dumbfounded, Ember asked softly with the hint of angry, "So let me get this straight, Spike. This so-called 'father' of yours helped taught you everything of what it means to be a dragon. In opposite? To learn more about it, you have to bring all pony stuffs and food for him, serve him and even let him treat you like a slave than a real father to you." Her tone became more raging fury, which is scaring Spike. "And the worse of all, you ignored your family's warning. When they wouldn't stop it, you just told them off and even picked a fight with them?"

While still intimidated by her tone of rage, Spike answered nervously yet confused, "Uh, yes?" Ember growled in anger as her whole body slowly boiling up in red. He gulped, "Uh-oh…"

Ember yelled as she grabbed and pushed Spike's head into the water while ranting out loud about how could her boyfriend being an idiot for choosing a stranger over the family. He struggled trying to get out while trying to hold his breath. After the moment, she loosens up her hold, allowing her boyfriend to get up and breath hyperventilating before calming himself down.

"What the heck, Ember?!" Spike demanded in shock.

"No! What the hell were you thinking, Spike?!" Ember snapped angrily at Spike, "How could you say that to them?! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Spike groaned in frustration, "Why is everypony against with me?! All I did is spend time with my father! What is wrong with that?!"

"Better question is your dad really spending time with you or using you like a slave?" Ember pointed out sternly. She snorted with smoke coming out from her nozzle, "Spike, the dragons are rude and rebellious, but they aren't lazy lumps like Sludge who take advantage of their kids. From what you've told me, he doesn't sound like Spiketail I admire and respect when I was kid. He was the bravest warrior the dragons ever have. Heck, my dad talked about him being a best rival to him over the fight."

"Really? I didn't know it…"

"Yeah. The way I see is that you just threw your real parents away and fell for the fake."

Spike was shocked of what has happened, "But-! I-! I... I..."

"Think about it." Ember said sternly. She sighed, "I'm getting out of the water."

Ember turned and swam towards the shore. Spike was completely devastated and hurt. He couldn't believe that he has fallen for an imposter because of wanting to bond with his father who he thought was alive. The result of his action – turned and hurt his own family while serving Sludge like a slave. And now the damage is done. He doubts any of them especially his adopted mother/sister Twilight Sparkle would forgive him.

As Ember almost reach to the shore, she felt something hold a grip on her leg. Before she could do anything, she yelped upon being pulled down into the lake. This alerted Spike swam towards the location, shouting for her name while searching for her.

"EMBER! EMBER!" Spike cried in fear and hurt tone, "Where are you?! Shout for me!"

A familiar sinister voice spoke, "Behind you, handsome."

Spike turned back. He gasped in concern, finding Ember trapped inside the magical bubble, filled with water. Mei Kai was using her Water Magic to hold her prisoner. The Dragon Lord grunted and struggled to hold her breathe in it.

"Looking for your maiden?" Mei Kai asked amusingly.

Spike angrily roared out loud while unleashing his Dragon Flame at the sky, "Let her go! NOW!"

"Then, make us, little punk!" Another familiar jerk voice shouted.

Before Spike could react, Drago, coming out of nowhere, pounced and slammed him against the surface of sand. Both dragons launched couple of punches at each other's faces while rolling across the sand. They came across to the large steep rock, where Drago slammed Spike against its wall. The demon teenager unleashed his Dragon Flames on the purple-colored teenage dragon, who grunted in pain while bracing himself against its heat. While he's holding himself against the flames, he discreetly yet secretly dropped couple of seeds down into sands. The seeds swiftly grown into couple of vines to attack him, prompting him to use his left hand to fend them off.

Seeing Drago was distracted to deal with vines, Spike unleashed his Dragon Flame at him, driving him back. He quickly took the opportunity to launch some punches at him. He then magically controls his vines to coil and wrap around his nemesis by limbs, hands, legs, tail and even neck. He clenched his fists, tightening the vines' grip on him and even strangling him.

"D-Damn it!" Drago cursed in anger yet pained.

Having Drago as his hostage now, Spike turned and confronted Mei Kai. He demanded firmly yet fiercely, "LET HER GO NOW!"

"Or else what, little boy?" Mei Kai asked amusingly yet calmly.

"I'll crush him!" Spike snapped in anger while clenched his fists, which made his vine strangling Drago. The demon dragon's face slowly turned into blue. He snarled, "I'm not kidding! I'm willing to do it!"

Mei Kai scoffed, "Well, then. I can do worse. After all, dragons don't swim especially the fire-type like her."

"Don't tempt me!" Spike threatened.

"I wasn't, little boy." Mei Kai disagreed calmly yet sinisterly.

Using her demonic magic of Water, Mei Kai blasted to overflow the Water Bubbles. Water slowly filling up the space, the frightened Dragon Lord panicked and breathed hyperventilating to realized she's now trapped and dead. Just as the bubble is filled up, Ember now has to hold her breath as long as she can. She doesn't know how long she can stand.

"No!" Spike exclaimed in concern, "She can't breathe too long!"

"What's gonna be, son of Spiketail?" Mei Kai asked in mocking tone. She narrowed her seductive eyes into fierce yet sinister eyes, "Coz if you kill my perfect mating partner, I will kill her. An eye for an eye as they say."

Though he has Drago as his hostage, Spike only wanted to bluff and threaten Mei Kai to release his girlfriend. But hearing what she has said, he realized hisplan backfire if he continues with it. Leaving no other choices, he reluctantly used his telepathic mind to command his vines release Drago from the restrains.

Seeing Spike has released Drago, Mei Kai smirked sinisterly to deactivate and popped her Water Bubbles, freeing and dropping Ember down. He rushed towards Ember. Just as he was checking on her, she coughed out loud yet heavily while spitting some water out. He then held and hugged her close to him.

"I'm sorry, Ember," Spike apologized.

Ember coughed a bit before softly reassured him, "No. I'm sorry… For letting my guard down because of one silly fight. Sorry…"

Spike smiled sadly, "I know. I'm glad you're alright."

Slithering towards her lover, Mei kai coiled her long mermaid tail-like around his body before leaned against him. He grabbed and held her by waist. She teasingly asked, "You okay, my love?"

Drago coughed a bit, "Yeah. I'm alright. I almost thought you let him killed me."

"So sorry, Drago. But we both know Spike's biggest weakness – love for family, friend and even pathetic love," Mei Kai smiled sinisterly. She giggled amusingly, "Hope you don't take it too personal."

Drago scoffed, "Well, you owe me a month for sleeping together."

Mei Kai smirked, "How about a year?"

"Ha! Better! Deal!" Drago exclaimed happily.

Ember groaned in disgust, "Okay. That is so wrong in many ways. I thought they're cousins."

Spike sighed, "I've asked myself the same question too many times. But hey, they're demons. They don't care what everyone thinks."

"Well, you know what I'd think? No way we can lose to them," Ember said confidently with a bit of anger. She got up and got herself in fighting position, "I'm gonna make that bitch sorry for dumping me in the water for too long!"

"Careful, Ember. They shouldn't be mess with," Spike warned.

Ember scoffed, "They and what army?"

Suddenly, the army of Shadow Ninjas and Shadow Squids magically emerged from the shadows. They all surrounded both Spike and Ember while armed themselves for a fight.

Ember gawked in disbelief and shock, "Seriously?!"

"I told you so," Spike dryly stated.

"Well, well, it seems the son of Spiketail understood his enemy's capabilities and numbers," A familiar sinister voice said amusingly, alarming both Spike and Ember. Both dragons felt the ground shaking, found the water puddling and even spotted bird flying in panic. They then found a fierce familiar figure stood before them. They both gulped in concern. He snarled at them, "Unfortunately for you, you've always come unprepared for the outcome."

"S-Shendu!" Spike exclaimed in concern and fear.

"T-That's Shendu?!" Ember stuttered in fear. She gulped, "I heard stories about him. But to see and face him? Yikes. We're definitely in troubles."

After both he and Mei Kai departed from each other, Drago smirked amusingly, "What's the matter? Out of steam? Good we can finish this for good."

Shendu chuckled, "Agreed. Your time has come. Prepare to die!"

"I'm going to enjoy this…" Mei Kai mocked amusingly.

Just as Shendu and the Demon Successors were about to approach and finish them off, couple of Shadow Ninjas and Squids got blasted by both magic and elemental powers. This alerted them to look back, where they found the rest of Spike's family and friends have arrived on the battlefield.

"Think again," Shadow Dragon said sternly. Everyone armed themselves for the fight. He provoked, "You want a fight? You got it!"

"Leave Spike alone, you monsters!" twilight demanded sternly.

"Oh? Is that so? Why come for him after what he has done to you?" Shendu questioned amusingly, which made everyone suspicious and concern of how he knew about the fight. He explained, "Yes. I am well-aware of 'family drama'. It is quite dastardly gratifying to see you all fall apart because Spike actually fall for some nobody."

"Hey! Watch it! Nopony or demons make fun of my dad!" Spike exclaimed of being offended.

Drago chuckled, "Wow. You really are a bigger fool than I thought. Pop quiz: If that 'daddy' of yours really is toughest and bravest dragon, so why isn't he here? Or better yet, why didn't he come with them?" Just as Spike tried to think and answer, he interrupted, "Answer – your real daddy is dead with his wife. That fatass is a real fake. Taking advantage of your good-hearted nature like a sucker. These ponies knew it."

Shocked and heartbroken of what Drago has said, Spike turned and looked at his family and friends, "Y-You actually knew it?"

Twilight looked down in shame, "I'm sorry, Spike. We really tried. No. I should have tried harder to tell you the truth."

"Maybe I should have come here sooner," Echo Five admitted his fault as well.

"But that doesn't matter now," Shadow Dragon said firmly. He glared at Shendu, "Let's take care of these troublemakers first."

Shendu was astounding of it as he questioned, "So, you're willing to help this fool? Why?"

Shadow Dragon scoffed, "You wouldn't understand this because you don't know about love and bond."

"That's right. Spike is our family. And we won't go down without the fight!" Twilight said determinedly.

"Guys…" Spike said in touching tone.

Drago gave disgust look, "Did I mention that I hate mushy stuffs like you losers?"

"Well, it's gonna be worse than mushy stuff, demon boy. Coz you're all going down. Guess what the hell time is?" Echo Five asked firmly yet confidently. He took out and armed with his White Tiger Saber, "It's Morphin Time!"

Everyone was confused and surprised by his claim. Rainbow asked, "Don't you mean 'Fightin Time'?"

"No! He said it right. Hit it!" Pinkie cheered!

(Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 2023 Version Theme Song)

Mane Six and the rest of their allies charged and engaged a fierce battle with Shendu, Drago, Mei Kai and their Shadow Army.

Rainbow used her speed power to ram couple of Shadow Ninjas. Applejack used her strength to punch and knock Shadow Squids off. Rarity used her Diamond Barrier to block and deflect Shadow Ninjas' shurikens and Shadow Squid's Ink, allowing Shorty, Pinkie and Tailtech to fire their firing weapons at them. Terrorcreep swiftly and quickly swung his Thunder Axes at them while Fluttershy protected her husband with the help of Animal Ruby's power. Skating around her enemies, Icy used her Frozen Shards and Icing Skated Blades to defeat them. Using her Tiger Claws in Tsunami Mode, Aqua struck the Shadow Squids down one-by-one, along with Blazefist and Saber Dragoon fending off the Shadow Ninjas. Laxtinct and Mighty Heart teamed up to use strength and might to knock couple of Shadow Army down. Starlight and Sunset covered each other by firing their Unicorn Burst and using their weapons for melee combats against them. Lance was swinging his Twin Dual Blades against Mei Kai, but she was slippery and quick for him. Nyx and Jade helped by firing their Unicorn Burst at her for distraction, which helped him to fend her off.

Spike and Ember engaged a fierce fist fight with Drago, who aggressively blocked the attacks while swiftly struck back at them with his punches and kicks for couple of times. While he was busy with them, Twilight fired her Unicorn Burst at him. He barely dodged the blasts while fending off two dragons, who barely hit him. He's unable to keep with them. He quickly moved back to unleash his Dragon Flames at them. Twilight summoned her Barrier to block the attacks, allowing Spike and Ember to charge and attack him. The demonic teenage dragon barely blocked and deflected couple of fists before jumped and swung his tail to knock them off. Just as he was about to finish hem off, Twilight fired her Unicorn Bursts at him. He barely dodged and evaded them before charged straight at her. He grabbed her by neck before strangling tightly. Ember dashed in and tried to rescue her. He then used Twilight as shield to make the Dragon Lord back off, which allowed him to fiercely attack her. This forced her to enter defensive. Spike, readying and throwing his seeds to the sand, summoning the vines to attack him on back. This allowed Ember to dash in and rescue Twilight before struck a punch at his face. The princess quickly fired her powerful Sparkling Star Burst to blow him off. Three of them engaged another fierce fight with him.

And at the same time; Shadow Dragon, Dragon Kick and Echo Five were fending off Shendu. The Demon Lord of Fire unleashed his Demonic Dragon Flames and Combustion at three of them. They all barely dodged the attacks. Echo Five and Dragon Kick, moving from both sides, jumped high and struck a kick at his face to the ground. Before they could do anything, they were being magically levitated by Shendu. He thrown them into the lake. While he was busy drowning them, Shadow Dragon climbed to the top, where he stabbed his Dragoon Darkness Sword on his head. The demonic dragon yelled in pain as he tried to grab him. This allowed both Dragon Kick and Echo Five to get out from the lake. They were panting and breathing heavily as they were recovering from being drown. Shendu managed to grab Shadow Dragon before slammed him to the ground with his pure strength. He was about to stomp on him if not for Echo Five struck on his eye, prompting to yell in pain. As he was backing off, this allowed Dragon Kick to help Shadow Dragon to get out.

As Echo Five tried to pull his right eye out, Shendu used his Heat-Beam Eye to fire him off. This allowed him to heal his wound at the moment. Shadow Dragon and Dragon Kick tried to attack him from behind. To their shock and concern, he disappeared at once. They both kept their guards up and keeping an eye on their enemy. Unfortunately for both of them, they got punched and kicked by unforeseen forces especially it was in high speed. They both dropped to the ground. Just as Shendu reappeared, he was about to unleash his Demon Dragon Flames and Combustion to finish them. Echo Five flew in front of his mouth to fire a small spit of blazing fire into his mouth, causing an explosion. The Demon Lord of Fire coughed heavily to feel sudden pain and burn in his mouth. As he was using both Immortality and Healing Powers to heal his wounds, Shadow Dragon summoned and fired his powerful Darkness Oblivion Beam to cut off his head. This prompted the headless body to fall on his back.

"Wow. That was overkill," Echo Five remarked in surprise.

Shadow Dragon panted, "Well, we didn't bring the Talisman Extraction Potion, so cutting his head should slow him down from healing. Or at least, finally killing him."

Suddenly, the corpse body made a cracking sound, alarming three heroes. They then found the corpse slowly get up from the ground as his missing head is slowly formed from the skeletal head to flesh and blood and eventually to his completely regenerated head of Shendu. This shocked and alarmed them.

Shendu growled, "That was quite unpleasant."

"The hell?!" Shadow Dragon asked in shock.

"I have a bad feeling about this…" Dragon Kick admitted in fear.

"Grr… You will regret to think that severing my head would stop me!" Shendu exclaimed in fury. He roared in anger, "BURN IN HELL, INFIDELS!"

Shendu unleashed his full fury of Demonic Dragon Flames and Combustion on three heroes. They all barely dodged the attack. Using his Rabbit and Ox Talisman, Shendu fiercely attacked them without giving them a room to rest and recover. He then levitated and slammed them against some steep rocks, water and sand. He then blasted his Heat-Bean Eyes on them. Three of them fell dropped on the ground hard. Using his invisibility power, he sneaked and defeated the rest of their friends to the ground.

As Mane Six and their allies grunted in pain while trying to get up, they suddenly felt a sudden pain in their bodies like ripping something out from them. And to their shock and fear, they found couple of transpired souls slowly emerged out from their bodies. Drago and Mei Kai were deeply shocked to see it.

"Wow. Didn't think you could pull of that, old man," Drago said in shock yet astounding tone.

"There are many ways to use the talismans, boy. Even though they're just the copies, they are still useful to me. By combining Tiger Talisman with Levitation and Astral Projection, I can strip their souls out from their bodies!" Shendu exclaimed with pride yet arrogance. He laughed sinisterly, "Now, this is where it ends! The end of Spiketail's legacy!"

Everyone yelled and screamed in pain as they can feel their souls are being ripped out from their bodies. None of them is unable to do anything. Shadow Dragon grunted before screamed in pain and agony. Before anyone knows it, a purple-colored scarf he was wearing raised and thrust straight through the chest of Shendu. Everyone was shocked of what they saw.

"WHAT?!" Shendu exclaimed in disbelief and confusion. The scarf retracted and revealed the hold of Rat Talisman. He gave the annoyed looks, "Now I really hate this useless talisman."

Within the second, Shendu transformed back into his imprisoned statue, which fell and slammed on Drago and Mei Kai to the ground. Shadow Ninjas and Shadow Squids disappeared when their masters gone unconscious. Without his control of the Talismans, the souls returned to them at once. Mane Six and their allies panted heavily and slowly recovered from the sudden attack.

"Everyone, alright?" Echo Five asked. Everyone muttered in pain yet agony. He asked, "What the heck just happen?"

Lance found Shadow Dragon's purple scarf was holding the Rat Talisman. He stated, "That scarf?"

"A Magic Scarf?" Jade asked in surprise.

"How? How did it come alive?" Nyx asked in confusion.

Giving some deep thoughts, Mighty Heart gasped, "Of course. Sensei has split bit of his soul into his favorite scarf, bringing it come to life and serving as Shadow Dragon's protector and guardian to the children. It follows on Sensei's will and desire – protecting his family from danger."

Shadow Dragon was surprised and touched as he looked at his magic scarf. He sadly yet happy to state, "Thank you, father. For being there for the family."

"Yes. We should be thankful of that too. He would be proud of us for being together," Dragon Kick remarked. The magic scarf gave a dope slap on his head. He rubbed his head, "OW! Unbelievable. It still gives a dope slap on forehead?"

"I think it's angry with you for being a jerk to Uncle Shadow," Jade teased.

Mighty Heart nodded, "She does have the point."

"Really?" Dragon Kick asked in disbelief. Magic scarf gave another dope slap on his forehead. He scolded, "Ow! Really?!"

Noticing Drago was lifting the statue up, Rainbow shouted, "Watch out!"

Just before anyone could react, Mei Kai launched her Dragon Tsunami to knock Mane Six and their friends off. She slithered towards them to get the Rat Talisman before returned to her group.

Drago growled, "Dad, if this ever happened again, I'm gonna dump you into the depths of ocean! And also taking talismans with me! Forever!"

His imprisoned statue heated up in red, burning Drago's hands to drop. Shendu hissed, "One more insult again, boy, then I'll rip you apart!"

Drago growled at Shendu, "How about I break you apart?!"

"Can we get out of here now?!" Mei Kai exclaimed in frustration.

Shendu magically summoned his Teleportation Portal at the bottom. Three of them fell into it, escaping the enemies. Everyone sighed in relief that they have survived the worst.

Spike turned and looked at Twilight and the rest of her family. Before they could say anything, he approached and gave Twilight a warm hug, surprising and touching her to hug back. Lance, Nyx and Shadow Dragon join the hug as well. Almost everyone was touched by the scene especially Rarity and Pinkie, who cried in tears of joy. Ember made an awe of happiness, which Echo Five smile at.

Just as they all departed, Spike apologized, "I'm sorry for being a jerk to you guys. You really are the family I could count on."

Twilight smiled warmly, "It's alright. I'm just glad you're alright and safe from danger."

Dragon Kick nudged Shadow Dragon, who sighed and apologized, "And I'm also sorry for attacking you. That was too far for me."

"I should be sorry too. For talking bad about Mystic Tao," Spike added in shame, "That was low for me."

"So, friends and family?" Shadow Dragon asked.

Spike nodded, "Friends and family."

"Glad that's over. So, what do we do with the faker now?" Lance asked.

Nyx nodded with a sly smirk, "Yeah. The moment we come and confront him about this, he is so busted."

Ember gave some thoughts before smirked slyly, "I might have a better idea." She giggled amusingly, "And trust me. He's gonna love this 'punishment'. It's quite 'merciful' and 'easygoing'."

After confronting Sludge for pretending to be Spike's father and messing the family, Dragon Lord Ember and Echo Five gave him a 'merciful' and 'easygoing' punishment.

At the Dragon Land's largest pit, Sludge grunted and grumbled in frustration as he was carrying and moving the wagon. It was filled with couple of molten lava rocks to throw out into the ocean. He was now covered in dirt, bruises and sweats. He wiped the sweats off.

"Who said you're done with cleaning?! Keep working now!" A familiar loud dragon demanded, scaring Sludge. The fat dragon turned and found former Dragon Lord Torch snarl at him. Sludge panicked. He continued, "Don't think you're out of the punishment yet, you lazy slug. The nerve of you pretending to be my closest best friend Spiketail and taking advantage of my daughter's boyfriend to serve your wimps. If I was still the Dragon Lord, I would have incinerated you to ashes! Be glad that Dragon Lord Ember shown you mercy."

Sludge grumbled, "Mercy to my ass."

"WHAT WAS THAT?!" Torch yelled in anger, scaring Sludge. He screamed, "GET BACK TO WORK, YOU LOUSY, STINKING SLUG!"

Sludge panicked, "Yes sir!"

Sludge went back into the pit as he continued the work. Torch was glaring and snarling at him, making sure he's on the job. Mane Six and the rest of their friends watched the event from far. They all smiled amusingly and happy to see Sludge getting his comeuppance.

Rainbow laughed, "Wow. That was quite 'merciful' and 'easygoing'."

Applejack nodded, "You've said it, Dash. Hard work to pay his crime is best punishment for him."

"I would have killed him. But after learning how you ponies deal with troublemakers with strict punishment or life sentence, I decide to give him a laborer job." Ember admitted casually. Everyone looked at her. She smiled, "Yes, everypony. I do read books. How else do you think I'm improved the Dragon Land culture?"

Echo Five chuckled, "It's work-in-progress. The Dragon Land will be in a better cultured land and friendship with the alliance."

"Wow. Color me impressed," Twilight remarked in amazement.

"You know what they say. Karma bites that jerk," Jade remarked amusingly.

"And of course, serves him right for messing with the wrong family," Nyx added as she and Jade gave each other a hoof-bump.

"So, you guys are going back home for family bonding?" Ember asked.

Looking at his family and friends, who smiled warmly, Spike smiled, "Yeah. Definitely." He then extended his claws before Ember, "But would like you and Echo Five to join us. You okay with this?"

Everyone including Angel and Devil Spikes, who magically appeared, awed amusingly about Spike asking Ember to join the family dinner.

Ember smiled warmly, "I would definitely like to. Get to know your family."

"Count on me." Echo Five agreed.

"Good. We should get back to an important topic. There's something we're very concern with." Dragon Kick said seriously. While showing the Book of Ages, he continued, "Uncle prepared and hidden these important gifts for a reason. That is to prepare us for the possible cataclysm we might be facing."

"Which is what exactly?" Twilight asked in concern.

Mighty Heart shown his grimace looks, "Ragnarök…"

Almost everyone including Dragon Strike Force shown their concerns and disturbed looks of what Mighty Heart has said. This is concerning for them…

(Tribute to Jason David Frank

Green. White. Red. Black. A Fighter. A Warrior. A Hero. A Mentor.

He was Once a Power Ranger, Always a Power Ranger.

Tribute to Robbie Coltrane,

A Half-Giant Wizard, who has kindness and good heart,

And never judge the creatures' appearance and behavior.)

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts

Erik Kimerer: Spike

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Dave Pettitt: Sludge

Jason David Frank (Posthumously): Echo Five

Minor Casts:

Ashleigh Balls: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity

Cathy Weseluck: Angel Spike, Devil Spike

Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure

Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart

Ali Milner: Ember

Christy Carlson Romano: Aquastroke

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

James Sie: Shendu

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Hynden Walch: Mei Kai

Cameo:

Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

C.C.H. Pounder: Firmtact Waller

Stephen Stanton: Tarkin

Matt Cowlrick: Torch

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Robbie Coltrane (Posthumously): Hugbear

Episode 24: Cold Comfort

After the reconciliation with Spike, Twilight and the rest of her friends, her family and some of military personnels have been gathered at the throne room, discussing about the prophecy of doom – Ragnarök and making necessary preparation for Nezha's possible betrayal and invasion of Equestria.

As time has passed by, things have not been kind to Equestria and even the Mystic Realm. Due to the Jade Emperor has yet awakened from comatose, Mystic Councilponies reluctantly given their supports to Nezha Vengito, who now has the absolute control of the kingdom. The once proud, benevolent kingdom has turned into fascist and powerful military empire. Most of Mystic Ponies, be innocents and soldiers, have been corrupted and influenced by his strong belief of supremacy and prowess. Those who would disobey or challenge his authority will be made of example, which terrified them but ensured their loyalty and faith in him. Nezha also enforced the law and order on both Mystic and Equestria Realm, which continued fracturing the alliance between them. The Mystic Ponies also obeyed the Mystic Emperor's words and laws with absolute. No fear. No hesitation.

Despite the absolute control of his kingdom, Mystic Emperor also has to deal with Azure Phoenix's Rebellion, persisting to defy and rebel against him. They were also aided by some of Equestria Allies, who also dissatisfied with their treatment. The Mystic Civil War continued…

On the nighttime…

At the outskirt of Ponyville Town, there was a bar, where ponies and creatures enjoyed drinking, dancing and partying for the long night. In one of the private rooms, there were four white-hooded ponies chatting while having some drinks as well.

"The time is almost upon us. Can this be done?" The first authoritarian hooded pony questioned seriously.

The young yet timid white hooded pony gulped before nodded, "Yes, big brother. I can be done. But-!"

"But what?"

"B-Big brother… D-Don't you think this is wrong? If we do this, we not only destroy the Mystic-Equestria Alliance but also our family legacy. Everything our ancestors and family have done will be in ruin."

"This Alliance means nothing to me, sister. It already served its purpose. Now it is time to end this charade for good."

"But still-!"

"Do not forget why we do this! Because of them, we've lost our parents to filthy Dreathis! Because of them, they allowed the enemies infiltrated our land easily and put our grandfather in coma. And because of them, they almost destroyed everything our ancestors have built for. It is necessary to put these Equestria Ponies back to their places."

The young white hooded pony was silenced as if she was having second thoughts. She hissed in fear, "B-But what about my friends?"

"Do not worry about them. They will not be harmed as long as they complied to us without resistance and disobedience." The first white-hooded pony assured his sister. He continued, "Right now. I need you to help our little accomplice to complete the mission. And I'll be sending our specialist to assist you both now."

The young white hooded pony nodded reluctantly, "Yes, sir. I will get the job done."

"I'm counting on you, Bella…" The authoritarian voice said firmly as he lowered down his hood, revealing himself to be Nezha. He lowered Bella's hood. Before she could say anything, he dragged her towards him to kiss by lips. He held her face tight while forcefully kissing her. Departing from kissing, he sternly glanced at her, "And remember, my sister. You belong to me…"

Bella nodded fearfully, "Yes, sir…"

Lowering down their hoods, Tempest Shadow turned to Death Tactic, "If he wants his sister to be his wife or fiancée, why even adopt her?"

Death Tactic sighed, "Unfortunately his parents or even his own grandfather did not teach him well, Emperor Nezha believed that adopting her is the way to access his marriage with her."

Tempest Shadow gave disgusting looks, "T-That is so wrong in many ways. And why didn't you tell him that?"

"I've tried but he doesn't listen and thinking the wrong way…" Death Tactic admitted in concern, making the Grand Commander facepalmed in disbelief.

On the next day…

Doing her usual job as mailpony, Derpy was flying straight to the School of Friendship. Taking out the letter from her bag, she was checking and making sure it's the right one. Unfortunately, she got slammed on the School of Friendship's crest, unintentionally dropped some letters.

Happened to be outside, Cozy Glow, now wearing a purple-colored sash with crest, collected three letters before putting them into her bag. Derpy, recovered from hitting the wall, safely landed to meet her.

"Thank you for the mail delivery. Have a wonderful day!" Cozy Glow said happily.

Derpy saluted to her before flying off. Cozy Glow entered the school, on her way to the office. She came across to some problems – littered juice box, a lost new student and Silverstream struggled with crosswords newspaper. She quickly threw the box into the recycled bin.

Approaching to a pink-colored Pegasus, Cozy Glow asked, "You're new here, right?" The student nodded. She greeted warmly, "I'm Cozy Glow, Professor Sparkle's friendship assistant. Welcome to our school!" Taking the map from her, she checked on it carefully. She then instructed while pointed at the direction, "Your first class is just down that hall."

The student nodded happily before taking the map back. The Pegasus then headed off to her first class.

Approaching to Silverstream, Cozy Glow read out loud on the newspaper, "A seven-letter word for 'teamwork'." She smiled as if she has the idea. She suggested, "Have you tried 'synergy'?"

After carefully checking on her newspaper, Silverstream wrote it down happily, "That's it! Thanks, Cozy!"

Cozy Glow smiled, "What are friends for? Gotta fly!"

While reading Ponyville reports, Twilight was listening to Mr. Lockdown's concerns about the school reports, provisions, supplies and even particular subject that they both rather not talk about.

"Still haven't given up on that, isn't he?" Twilight asked in disbelief.

Mr. Lockdown nodded his head in concern, "Apparently not, Headmare Twilight. He is still petitioning Royal Sisters and EEA to deal with School of Friendship, even though we have sent reports about our school performance to them."

Twilight sighed, "When will he ever let go of that issue?"

"No clue. Probably a karma would teach him a lesson." Mr. Lockdown remarked.

Cozy Glow opened the door and flew straight towards Twilight and Mr. Lockdown, whom she passed the letters to.

"Good morning, Professor Sparkle!" Cozy Glow greeted happily.

"Thank you, Cozy Glow." Twilight said firmly, though still keep her guard up. She continued, "So, tell me, Cozy Glow. Have you been good lately?"

"Sure am, Professor Sparkle."

"Nothing causing troubles and problems? Or even making difficult for the professors and the young tutors?"

"Oh golly. I would never go that far. Honest."

"Anything else I should know?"

"Yes. Seeing you were how busy you are, I asked Rainbow Dash to take over your class's field trip to Cloudsdale. After all, it was her home." Cozy Glow reported happily, "I also color-coded your teaching schedule by friendship element and catalogued all the magical artifacts in the school. I hope that's okay."

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "I must say I'm a little impressed. You've done well."

Cozy Glow giggled happily, "It's like you taught me. Helping is what friendship's all about."

"Yes. That is correct," Twilight confirmed.

Remembering something else, Cozy Glow gently asked, "Professor Sparkle, if you don't mind me asking." Twilight and Mr. Lockdown looked at her. She sighed, "With your permission, I would like to promote and become the student president."

"Student president?" Twilight asked 'curiously' with her eyebrow raised.

"What makes you think of that?" Mr. Lockdown questioned.

Cozy Glow smiled proudly, "Let's just say that almost everyone in this school has come to agreement that I'm the best student model they look up to. So, by making me as the student president, it will boost the morale of the students and gain more supports from both Equestria and Mystic. The School of Friendship will be recognized as one of the best schools."

Deeply surprised by her student's answer, Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "I must say, Cozy Glow. That was quite the speech." Cozy Glow smiled happily. She gave the stern expression, "But I'm afraid that I can't promote you."

"WHAT?!" Cozy Glow asked in disbelief and shocked. She demanded angrily, "I've done everything you've asked me to do! I've done what I think it's right for friendship! And it is still not enough?! Why?! Why?! WHY?!"

"Mr. Lockdown," Twilight said firmly. Mr. Lockdown passed some of reports to her. She magically levitated and revealed many of reports. She continued, "While your studies have indeed improved, but your capability to make friendship with anyone in the school and Ponyville is questionable. Somehow, I actually doubt that they would actually support you for this position."

Becoming nervous, Cozy Glow innocently asked, "W-What?! What makes you think that?!"

Remembering how she and her friends have been hearing rumors and reports from students and staff members, Twilight sternly explained, "My friends and I have been hearing some unusual rumors of what you've been doing since our last talk. Some said you actually blackmailed them from calling you out for being a liar, a troublemaker and a cheater. Others claimed that you bribed them with exam tips for supports. A few have been reported that you were doing some unusual activities. But the worse that we've come across is that you are still in contact with Nezha and Dr. Wong."

Shaking his head, Mr. Lockdown made tsk sound, "Honestly, kid. Do you really think we're that gullible?"

Completely disbelieved that both of them have found out about her activities, Cozy Glow became very annoyed but suspicious, "It was Nyx again?! She set this up. Headmare Twilight, you shouldn't believe her! She's a damn liar and a bitch!"

Angered by her insults, Twilight slammed her hoof on her desk very hard, silencing and frightening Cozy Glow. Mr. Lockdown remained silence while glaring at the little filly.

Narrowing her angry eyes, Twilight chastised sternly, "Let me remind you again, Cozy Glow. If you ever lie to me or done anything terrible to my students and my children again, I will send you back to your family. That is if you actually have one."

"Oh really? Like how you didn't believe Nyx when I make it look like she threatened me?!" Cozy Glow questioned sternly.

Twilight sternly glared at Cozy Glow, "That was a mistake I won't make again. You're not gonna fool me or any of teacher staff here."

Feeling threatened, Cozy Glow groaned in anger, "Nyx…"

"So, you heard her, Cozy Glow. Your request has been denied. So, leave now," Mr. Lockdown sternly ordered.

"Yes, sir. But before I go, I need to show you something…" Cozy Glow said softly. She then opened her wings to reveal a tape recorder, alerting Twilight and Mr. Lockdown. She continued, "Just imagine if I send this to everyone in this school, the rumors will be spreading across the Equestria and Mystic Realm including the EEA about our conversation. I hate to think something pretty bad happening here especially to Nyx. Wouldn't want a scandal here."

"A blackmail?!" Mr. Lockdown exclaimed in disbelief. He growled angrily as if he readied to strangle her, "Why you little-?!"

"Mr. Lockdown, stop." Twilight commanded, shocking Mr. Lockdown. She continued with a sigh, "She's right. We can't risk the school's reputation. The last thing we want is having the scandal against us. Chancellor Neighsay could take advantage of it and turn the public to support him. We have no choice but to promote her."

"WHAT?! Are you serious?!" Mr. Lockdown asked in concern.

"I am." Twilight confirmed in solemn tone.

Cozy Glow smirked slyly, "Glad you see my point of view. Thank you for making me the student president. I will do my best."

"Of course…" Twilight said dryly. Just as Cozy Glow was about to leave, she sternly warned, "But I should give you a warning, Cozy Glow. Just because you have that position doesn't make you the authority of this school. You are only in-charge of making sure the students are happy and comfortable with our school. If you ever abuse it for your benefits or performing mission for Nezha, expelling you would be the least of your worries. We are watching you closely now. Do you understand?"

Narrowed her angry eyes, Cozy Glow replied with growl, "Understood. I won't let you down…"

Twilight nodded sternly, "Good. You may leave. Start behaving as a good student president and use your methods wisely when making friends." Cozy Glow grumbled angrily as she turned and exited out of the office. She sighed in relief while lying against the chair. She turned to Mr. Lockdown, "Mr. Lockdown, call everyone for meeting now."

"Yes, ma'am." Mr. Lockdown saluted firmly, knowing it is a serious case for them to deal with now.

Shadow Dragon went to assist his family with helping some exiled Mystic Ponies of Light settling down. He now left Arcee behind to act as supervisor to train the students at the dojo.

Arcee is now training both Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club with some new tricks of martial arts. They were instructed to use everything they have and defeat her when she is blindfolded and defenseless. Though reluctant and concern for her safety, they obeyed and engaged the duel with her.

Even when she is blinded, Arcee easily dodged the attacks while flanking and defeated them at ease as if she can actually sense their movements. All of them were on the ground, grunted and mopped in pain about being defeated. Surprisingly, Gallus grunted as he struggled yet slowly getting up as he readied himself for the fight.

Still blindfolded, Arcee smirked slyly as if she knew who it was. She said, "Gotta admit it, Gallus. Even some serious punches, you are getting yourself back on the feet."

Gallus panted weakly with smile, "Yeah. Never give up… That's what you would say…"

"Yeah, I did. Ready for round 2?"

"Oh, hell yeah."

"Don't hold back, kid."

Gallus took a deep breath as he readied with his Black Serpent Strike while Arcee is in her Blazing Dragon Style for facing each other. Everyone, regained their consciousness, got up and watched the event. Even Lance, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders have arrived to see the event as well.

With the gesture of 'come and get me' signaled, Gallus charged as he thrust his opened claw at Arcee, who calmly moved back. He firmly struck his claws at her like a serpent snapping at his prey but the pink-colored older Hippogriff effortlessly dodge or deflect them for multiple times. Just as she blocked the attack on her right, the blue griffon took the chance to strike his kick at her guts. She grunted as she dropped down and held her injured stomach. Seeing his chance, he quickly struck his punch at her face for five times. Just as he went for the sixth, his right claw got grabbed. When he used the left, he also got grabbed again. This allowed her to headbutt on his head. Using her palm, Arcee firmly struck at him on body before kicking him straight at the wall, where he quickly landed hard with his two lion paws-like. He then pushed himself and rammed at her by stomach. They then rolled over until Gallus pinned Arcee down. He then pulled the blindfold while facing at her, who smiled proudly at him. He then fell on his back. Both of them panted heavily yet exhaustingly before laughed heartily.

After watching the duel, both Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club cheered happily for Gallus managed to beat Arcee. Lance, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders were impressed as well.

"Not bad, Gallus. You did well." Arcee said proudly while getting up.

"Well… To be honest… I wasn't sure I can actually beat you," Gallus admitted in exhausting tone. The older Hippogriff helped the blue griffon to get up. He smiled at her before bowed humbly, "But thanks for teaching me, big sister."

Arcee smiled as she bowed down, "The honor is mine, little brother. Let me give you a reward."

Arcee grabbed Gallus by head as she gave a noogie on his head. They both laughed happily. This surprised everyone.

"Big sister? Little brother? When did they go for that?" Mano asked in confusion.

Ocellus hummed thoughtfully while holding Chi the MagiHare on her lap, "If I'm not mistaken, that happened before the Hearth's Warming Eve. Did anyone remember that?"

As everyone answered that they don't, Solflare hummed, "Yes. I do. Gallus was an orphan and doesn't have a family. So, Arcee invited him to join her family party. In fact, she did make him as her honorary brother."

"Oh, yeah. I heard about that too." Ciel agreed in understandingly.

"It must be quite nice of her," Kindy said compassionately.

Silverstream awed happily, "That is so sweet." She gasped in realization, "Hey! Maybe I should make Arcee my honorary sister. I mean, we both are like twins. Plus, we can play guess game or hide-n-seek with Terramar."

Everyone was surprised by her suggestion. Smolder hummed thoughtfully, "She kinda does have the point. Silverstream and Arcee almost look like twin sister."

Heatwave scoffed amusingly, "I think she's particularly big sister to almost everyone."

"She sure is," Sandbar agreed casually. Everyone stared at him and Heatwave with disbelief looks. He asked, "What?"

"Yona cannot believe Sandbar did that," Yona said in surprise.

Rak nodded, "Yeah. You two never agree of anything until today." Heatwave and Sandbar yelped in shock. He chuckled, "I guess this means you guys are finally friends now."

"No! We're not!" Heatwave and Sandbar denied frantically.

"Denial… Denial…" Leo teased playfully, prompting everyone to laugh amusingly.

"Well, these two are always the best jokesters." Aero added teasingly, annoying two boys.

Noticing Lance and the children arrival, Arcee lets go of Gallus as she greeted them by bowing before them. They returned the gesture to her.

"Come to check on me?" Arcee asked playfully.

Lance nodded while looking at Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club were chatting. He remarked, "Gotta say, Arcee. Looks like you've got everything under control. And you say that you are not good at teaching?"

"Well, I'm not like your father but I do my best," Arcee said playfully.

"Still, how did you do this since teaching takes some serious pressure," Spike asked curiously.

Arcee smiled proudly, "That's easy. Always remain calm, composed and not panicking, no matter how dire the situation is."

As Cutie Mark Crusaders awed in astonishing tone, Nyx remarked, "That is so awesome, Arcee. You are the best."

Arcee blushed in red, "Well, I wouldn't say the best. But I'm glad to be the role model for everyone." She sighed in relief, "Everything went well."

Suddenly, Scorch barged into the dojo before tripped to the ground hard. Everyone looked at him with their confused looks.

"Scorch?" Arcee asked in surprise as she approached to help her younger brother. She continued, "Are you okay? What happen?"

Scorch panted, "Yeah… I'm okay… Need to… Tell ya…" He took a deep breath, "She… She's here… Risa's here…"

Completely overwhelmed with shock and fear, Arcee exclaimed, "WHAT?! SHE'S HERE?!" And before anyone could ask her, she screamed, "Everyone, quick! Get to Twilight's Magic Classroom! NOW! No! Talk! The TIME! RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!"

Everyone was caught off-guard by Arcee's lost her composure and panicking. Before any of them could question her, she quickly ran off at once, heading straight to the Magic Classroom. They all quickly followed her.

By the time they arrived and entered the Magic Classroom, Arcee quickly locked the doors before frantically moving closets, chairs, tables, props and bookshelves to barricade the door. The pink-colored Hippogriff panted heavily as she calmed herself down. Everyone has never seen her panic in fear before. Something or someone must have spooked her.

Melody gulped, "Arcee is scaring us."

Blackwitch sighed in annoyance while rolled her eyes, "Thank you for the answer, captain obvious. I'm pretty sure everyone is glad for that."

Didn't understand her meaning, Melody smiled, "Why thank you."

"Why is she oblivious to sarcasm," Blackwitch grumbled.

"Okay. Arcee, spill the bean. What the heck is going on?!" Smolder demanded impatiently.

DECK nodded in concern as he beeped, "Indeed. This is very unusual of you to lose your composure and give into your fear."

"What this bot said. So, who is this 'Risa'? Is she a threat? Is she really dangerous?" Aero demanded sternly.

"Yeah. You can tell us. We wanna help you," Silverstream pleaded.

Before Arcee could explain anything, she and the rest of her friends heard the door knocked. They turned and found someone is trying to open it. They even heard some shouts from some familiar voices.

"Hey?! Who locked the door?! Open it up!" Sunset's voice demanded.

Starlight's voice groaned, "Heatwave! I swear if this is another prank war with Sandbar, you two are so busted! And trust me. You don't wanna mess with the wrong mare! BECAUSE I! HAVE! A TEMPER!"

"I'm pretty sure it's none of your students. It must be Arcee and Scorch." MJ's voice said sternly, alarming both Arcee and Scorch. She continued, "Thanatos Ariel 'Arcee', open the goddamn door now! Coz if you don't, I will break it down, you no good brat! I mean it! I'm gonna do it with my superstrength! You're gonna regret it!"

Before anyone could do anything, MJ yelled as she swung a powerful punch against the door, which shook and knocked couple of stuffs off. She then did three times against the doors. This scared everyone and even Arcee, who panicked and hid inside the trunk at once. She yelled angrily to slam against the door.

"Would you just open the goddamn door?! She seriously breaking the door!" Starlight screamed in annoyance, "Or else, you all get detention for 10 years! Permanently!"

Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club panicked as they removed the stuffs from barricading the door. They then opened it up and found angry Starlight, Sunset and even MJ standing before them.

"About time…" Starlight grumbled.

"Sorry about that, Starlight." Lance apologized.

"Yeah. We have no idea why Arcee was panicking and did something stupid," Nyx apologized as well.

MJ sighed while shaking her head, "I have a pretty good idea of why." She looked back, "Hey. Why don't you come and join the party, kid? My little sister would love to meet you again, Risa."

Everyone was surprised and alarmed by the name. Just as two ponies and a Hippogriff moved aside, a newcomer has entered the scene. It was a black hooded pony, standing before them. This alerts them to prepare for the fight.

Just as she lowered down her hood, she revealed to be a young yet beautiful teenage black-red colored Hippogriff, who has orange-colored hair in ponytail with flower pin wearing a Chinese-themed vest, blue shorts, long grayish socking, battle gauntlets and a red sash around her waist. They all awed in surprise to see her.

"Introduce yourself, Risa." MJ said calmly.

Risa nodded as she bowed, "My name is Risa Asashin. You all must be Arcee's friends. It's an honor to meet you all."

Everyone was surprised by her mannerism and gentleness. Some of the boys especially Heatwave, Sandbar, Aero, Leo and even Mano awed and drooled happily to see her, though some girls like Silverstream, Ocellus, Solflare and Ciel were annoyed to see the boys falling for her.

"Wow. I did not expect that," Lance remarked. An annoyed Nyx elbowed him. He yelped, "Hey! What was that for?!"

Nyx scoffed, "Reminding you that you've got girlfriend. Don't want you have googly eyes on her, like what you did with Juniper Montage."

"I wasn't!" Lance exclaimed defensively.

Spike scoffed, "Sure you weren't."

Looking around the classroom, Risa questioned, "I don't suppose any of you can tell me where little Arcee is hiding now?"

Everyone looked nervous and uncertain of how to respond to her since Arcee didn't tell them anything about Risa.

Deciding to cover for her, Gallus cleared his throat, "Sorry, Risa. You kinda miss her. She said she doing some errands for big guy's cook."

"Really?" Everyone questioned dryly while looking at Gallus, who was sweating nervous.

Staying close to the trunk, Gallus nodded nervously, "Yeah…"

"I see…" Risa said amusingly yet slyly while noticing how close Gallus is to the trunk. She then approached towards the blue griffon. He is becoming nervous and worried as she is getting close to him. Having her claws to 'walk' on his chest before tickling his lowered beak, she charmingly remarked, "Too bad, handsome. I was hoping that she'd be inside the trunk, while you and I have a little fun, little griffin."

Gallus panicked and flustered in fear, "W-WHAT?!"

Risa playfully kissed him by beak, prompting his face to turn into redness. This annoyed Silverstream tried to pounce on her if not for Heatwave, Rak, Yona and DECK to stop her. While he was being distracted, the black-red hippogriff immediately kicked hard at the trunk, making Gallus fell on his back. At the same time, trunk was thrown straight at the bleachers, forcefully opened and thrown Arcee off to the ground. The pink-colored Hippogriff grumbled in frustration.

While Kindy and Leo helped Gallus up, everyone was still astounded by Risa's deduction of finding Arcee in the trunk. MJ glared at Scorch, who looked away while whistled innocently.

Approaching towards Arcee, Risa scoffed amusingly while offering her claw to her, "Nice to see you again, Ariel…"

Completely annoyed to see her, Arcee swiped her claw off while getting up, "The feeling is so not mutual."

Risa sighed in disappointment, "Don't tell me that you're still mad at me for what happened in the past?"

"Obviously, I still am." Arcee grumbled dryly.

"I see… Well, there's one thing to do to help you get over it." Risa said teasingly before smirked slyly as she readied her clenched claw, "Try this, kid!"

Risa swiftly thrusted her punch at Arcee, who quickly blocked it before swiped the kick at her. The pink-colored hippogriff thrust his punches at the black-red colored creature, who calmly yet teasingly deflected them. After 10 rounds of swinging punches, she tried to swipe her wing at her former friend, who slide down to dodge and then grabbed it. She then spun her around for five times before throwing her at the wall. She safely recovered and landed on the wall before pushed herself to ram at her friend. Arcee slammed and pinned Risa down.

"Arcee still got it," Gallus remarked proudly, along with everyone nodded in agreement.

Both surprise yet amused, Risa gave the charming yet seductive looked at her, "Oh my… I see you haven't lost your touch. Nice going, my pretty melody."

Arcee blushed in red, "Oh. Well. I did practice and learned a lot from my master. You'd never know what happened-!"

Tripping her former friend's hind legs, Risa grabbed and pinned Arcee to the ground hard. She smirked slyly, "Gotcha, Ariel."

"Gah! The hell?! Again?!" Arcee asked in disbelief yet annoyed.

Everyone has mixed feelings about the situation. Not only they were confused by the hippogriffs' fight, but also surprised to see Arcee lost.

"No way… She lost?!" Smolder asked in surprise.

Solflare nodded, "I agree. There is no way she could lose to her. Hell, I couldn't even beat her in claw-wrestling."

"But she beat Arcee." Rak pointed out.

"I always do." Risa said teasingly while looking at annoyed Arcee. She then helped her friend to get up. She scoffed, "Arcee couldn't bring herself to fight her own girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?!" Everyone asked in confusion.

"I think it was an expression for Risa being a best friend as a girl to Arcee." Ocellus corrected her friends, who hummed thoughtfully.

Risa laughed teasingly, "Sorry to disappoint you, kid. It was no expression. I meant it literally."

Everyone gasped in surprise. Silverstream, Melody and Nyx squealed happily and hugged each other. Some of them including Spike gawked dumbfoundedly. Heatwave, Sandbar and Aero groaned in disbelief as they fell on the back.

Gallus turned to Arcee, "Is she serious?! She was your girlfriend?!"

"That's the first…" Mano remarked in shock, along with Kindy, Ciel and Leo nodded in agreement.

"Ex-Girlfriend," Arcee corrected sternly before glaring at her former girlfriend, "And also a troublemaker, assassin and a bitch!"

Everyone was alarmed by Arcee's curse words. Yona remarked in disgust, "How rude!"

Risa scoffed while rolled her eyes, "Always so dramatic, Ariel. You loved doing that when you hated something." Arcee's eyes twitched in annoyance. Everyone was skeptical and waiting for the answer. She cleared her throat, "But she's not entirely wrong."

Smolder sighed while facepalmed, "Oh great. Just what we need…"

Aero nodded while crossed his claws, "Indeed. Looks like we're about to find out of what's really happened."

"Ooh! Story time! Tell us! Tell us!" Melody pleaded happily, along with almost everyone agreeing.

Risa smiled calmly as she began narrating her story of the past…

Flashback:

After her parents dropped her to the kindergarten school, Arcee found Risa was being bullied by a big bully, who was holding her lunchbox and school bag while mocking her small size. This provoked her to ram from the back, allowing Risa to strike back at him. This scared him off to run off.

After introducing to each other, both Arcee and Risa became friends as they hung out and spent time together during their childhood.

"Ariel and I met and became best friends since the kindergarten days. We spent time together with almost everything like studies, girls' hangout, fun time, and even martial arts. We were inseparable and have been there for each other whenever we have the problem. You could say we're almost like sisters."

When she lost her siblings to Super Soldiers Program, Arcee ran away from home and went to Risa's Home. The family welcomed and allowed her to stay with them. They even treated her well like she was part of their family. Other than hanging out and spending time together, both Arcee and Risa grew closer and confessed their feelings for each other.

"But when she started to have some family issues over Anastasia and Hunter's death, she ran away from her home. The first place Ariel came is my place. My family allowed her to stay as long as she wants while we provide some support she needs. Four years have passed for staying together, we became more than sisters or friends. We started to have feelings for each other. But that didn't last long…"

At the age of 18, both Arcee and Risa were on the mission to find and defeat the drug lords and couple of gangsters. After the mission is completed, Risa was making the report to her client, whom Arcee has discovered to be Thanatos Gambit. Felt betrayed to find out that her friend actually has assassinated some innocent people and actually working for her despised father, Arcee angrily dumped and left Risa. They have not been seen and spoken for years until now…

"My family have been serving the Royal Family for long generation. We were spies, ninjas and assassins for taking the most dangerous suicide mission to eliminate our targets. So, we were sent to find and hunt down some drug lords and some of the 'targets'. After the mission succeeded, I was making report to our client, who turned out to be her father. She kinda found out about it. This displeased and angered her a lot. And so, Arcee dumped me and left my home. We have never been seen again…"

Flashback Ends…

After hearing such tales, everyone couldn't help but feel sympathize for Risa's love story and breakup with Arcee. Silverstream, Melody, Ocellus and Ciel cried in tears. Others gave the sigh for sympathizing Arcee's breakup with Risa. A few such as Heatwave, Aero, Smolder, Jesuit and especially Gallus were suspicious of Risa. Arcee remained unfazed and angry.

"That is the saddest story I ever heard!" Silverstream sobbed in tears.

"Still, what are you actually doing here?" Heatwave questioned seriously.

"Heatwave!" Starlight scolded sternly.

Sunset nodded in agreement, "Don't be rude to Risa! She's our guest!"

"No. Heatwave's right. What are you doing here?" Arcee sternly demanded Risa. She continued, "I am very certain that you didn't come here for a visit or even want to talk with me."

Risa sighed in defeat, "Come on, Ariel. Please. I really did come here to see you and wanted to makeup with you for what happened."

"You really want to make up about the past? You can tell me what are you really doing here. I'm sure that either Nezha or my father sent you here for a reason."

"I can promise you that I'm not here for a mission or errands, Ariel. Honest. I really did come here for you."

"Somehow I doubt of it."

"At least, give me a chance to prove that I really came here to make amends with you."

"You want that so badly?" Arcee asked dryly, which Risa nodded meekly. She then pointed at the door, "Then, get the hell out of here and never come back! I don't want you messing with my life again!"

Risa gasped in hurt tone while the rest of her friends couldn't believe of what they just heard and saw. How could be rude and jerk to her former girlfriend?!

Yona was hurt and shocked to see it, "H-How could Arcee…"

Rak sighed in disbelief, "I also couldn't believe it too, Yona…"

"Come on, Arcee. Don't you think you're being…" Heatwave paused as he didn't want to be sound rude to her.

"Jerk?" Sandbar completed the sentence, which annoyed Heatwave to facepalm.

Smolder nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I thought friendship is about being nice to everyone and even help them out with the problem."

"You also told us to give second chance to some people for their mistakes," Ocellus added.

"Yeah, Arcee. She can be a jerk for kissing my Gallus without my permission." Silverstream grumbled. She then found her friends stared at her in confusion. She flustered a bit before cleared her throat, "Excuse me. Maybe you should give her the second chance. Maybe she really wants to make up her mistakes."

"She was your first friend and girlfriend," Kindy reminded Arcee.

"Twilight gave me the chance. And look how far I did." Starlight reminded her student. The hippogriff looked at her. She sighed before formed with proud smile, "From Twilight's student, I've became both the teacher and student counselor specially I've made some new friends. I've amended my mistakes. I've become better pony."

Sunset nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Just give Risa a chance."

Almost everyone chattered in agreement about Arcee should give the second chance to Risa. The black-red hippogriff sadly looked away. The pink-colored hippogriff was hesitant until Nyx touched her claw. She looked at the black-colored filly's pleading eyes. She then turned to the rest of her friends and her siblings, who also shown their pleading looks as well.

After carefully consideration, Arcee sighed in defeat, "Fine. Master Shadow Dragon and Headmare Twilight would have killed me for not giving the second chance and chase you off because of my past."

Risa gasped audible as she looked at her ex-girlfriend, "You really mean it?"

Arcee nodded sternly while glaring at her, "Just to be clear, Risa Asashin. I allow you to stay here and prove your word of making the amends but that doesn't mean I trust you or even believe you. You get me?"

Upset that Arcee still refused to trust her, Risa sighed understandingly, "Yeah. I get you. But thanks, Ariel."

"It's Arcee, not Ariel. I don't go by that name after I left my family." Arcee said sternly. Realizing her mistakes, she turned to her siblings, who were upset. She apologized, "No offense, guys."

"None taken…" MJ and Scorch said calmly though annoyed.

Opening the door, Shadow Dragon entered the magic classroom. Spotting Starlight, Sunset, Arcee and his children, he firmly said, "There you are. I've been looking for you all. We need to be in Twilight's office now. She wants to discuss something important." He then noticed something amiss especially Risa. He asked, "What are you all doing here? You were supposed to be training at the dojo."

"Nothing important, master. Let's go." Arcee grumbled as she walked out of the classroom.

Shadow Dragon was confused before looking at Lance. He shrugged, "Arcee sort of got girlfriend issue."

"Ah. You mean friendship issue?" Shadow Dragon asked to be sure.

Nyx shook her head, "No, daddy. They're literally girlfriends."

"Oh. Oh." Shadow Dragon said in surprise before looked at the entrance, "She never told me that before."

Spike sighed, "We'll explain on the way to the office."

Starlight turned to the students, "Entertain our guest. We'll be right back soon."

Student Seven, Rescue Warriors Club, MJ and Scorch nodded in agreement. They agreed to give a tour and some lessons for Risa Asashin, who was intrigued and amused about the School of Friendship. While almost everyone is busy helping her out, Gallus turned his attention on Arcee as he is worried about her with her relationship problem. She helped him out. Now it's his turn.

After gathering the rest of her family and friends including Master Ratio, Strict Stalker, Bullhound, Grubber, Arcee, Shadow Dragon's Family and Cutie Mark Crusaders at the office, Twilight told them during her confrontation with Cozy Glow. Needless to say, everyone especially Nyx is displeased with this situation.

"WHAT THE HELL, MOM?!" Nyx shouted in disbelief while jumping up high in anger.

"Wow. Take it easy, Nyx." Lance calmed down Nyx as he and Spike brought her down. He then looked at Twilight, "But seriously, Twi. I can't believe you let her take that position. It should belong to Arcee, Ocellus, Jesuit or maybe Blackwitch."

Spike nodded, "Yeah. They did better job at making friends with everyone than she did. All she ever did is blackmail and bribe."

Arcee sighed, "Please don't get me involved…"

"To be fair, everyone, it wasn't her fault. That rotten brat blackmailed us. If we do this, then you can imagine how the rumors affects our school and town." Mr. Lockdown defended the Headmare.

Everyone was not happy about the decision she made.

Giving some thoughts, Starlight nodded in concern, "I hate to admit it. But Twilight made the right call." Everyone looked at her. She explained, "Think about it. She's not only the Headmare of this school, but she's also the Princess of Friendship. Her job is not only making friendship or alliance with creatures and anyone we met, but also giving people the second chance for the redemption, for making right and also starting new life."

"Except Tempest." Rainbow reminded everyone. Grubber looked down in shame. This prompted Fluttershy nudged her while her head gestured at the hedgehog. She then realized, "Sorry, Grubber. I-!"

Grubber held his hand to stop, "S-Stop. Just stop. She makes her own choice. I've made mine. My duty and loyalty are to the princess now."

Everyone was impressed by his speech while chattered for his speech. Shadow Dragon nodded, "Well said, Grubber."

Sunset gave a comfort hug to the hedgehog, "If you need anything, you know who to come to. Starlight and I will help you."

Grubber was touched before nodded happily, "Thanks, guys."

"Guys, let's focus on the main topic about dealing with Cozy Glow." Blazefist reminded his friends. Everyone nodded in agreement. Twilight looked down in shame. Putting his hoof on her shoulder, he spoke, "Twilight, no one is blaming you for your decision. Like Starlight said, you are the symbol of friendship, hope and light. You have to make the hardest decision to defend that symbol. One wrong move could lead to ruins. Everything we did would be for nothing."

Shadow Dragon sighed in defeat, "He's right, Twi. As much as I hate to admit it, it was the right call. The last thing we need is that couple of jackasses turn the public against us. We've already had hooves full."

After carefully considering Dragon Strike Force's Commander and his Third-in-Command, everyone especially the trio chattered while nodding in agreeing as they understood why she has to do this.

With reluctance yet understanding, Nyx nodded, "They're right." She approached and hugged Twilight, "Sorry, mummy. I didn't think about your position. I was just so…"

"Angry?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Distressed?" Sweetie Belle indicated.

"Annoyed?" Scootaloo pointed out.

"Upset?" Alyson quoted

"Jealous?" Jade teased. Almost everyone especially her own family and Nyx glared at her for teasing. She cleared her throat as she clarified, "Sorry. Extremely frustrated."

Nyx sighed, "All the above. That's how I feel about how everyone fall for Cozy Glow and wanted her to become student president."

"I know. And believe me, I didn't want to." Twilight admitted in shame about her decision.

"Then, why are you putting up with her? You already saw what she has done for almost three years," Spike pointed out.

Rarity nodded, "I agreed with Spike and Lance. She once tried to sabotage Ciel's project and even tried to ruin Asami's research, in order to frame Nyx."

"Yeah. That girl did a lot of mess here," Applejack remarked. She sighed, "Many students and staffs including the best ones are having troubles with her. Nothing but a sly and sneaky fox."

"We have the evidence, reports and even the information about her and her doing. It's time we get rid of her for good." Lance suggested firmly.

Shorty corrected, "Technically, some reports and info especially how she is connected to E84 are still blur. So, Tailtech and I have yet to have confirmation about them." This prompted Saber elbowed him. He grunted, "What? It is true. We have to make sure the evidences are accurate."

"As far as our evidences go, they are accurate enough for us. I've checked with the students and staffs, even though cameras are down for quite sometimes." Saber said firmly.

"She has gone too far," Arcee said in concern.

Everyone chattered while nodding in agreement. Looking at the files and reports on the table, Twilight couldn't help but agree with some of them about expelling Cozy Glow for what she has done to the students and teaching staffs from her mind. But in her heart, she really wants to give her the chance for redemption and become better, no matter how long it takes.

Twilight sighed as she faced them, "Everypony… I really want to agree with you all. But I also believe that giving her a second chance is the best option. She deserves it."

"Why are you defending her? We both know what she really is." Terrorcreep said firmly.

Laxtinct nodded, "Yeah. She kinda did give everyone especially Crusaders some hard time a lot. Plus, she's not even real."

"Again. There is no confirmation about her connection," Shorty reminded his friends.

Tailtech sighed, "Yeah. We still need to do some little tests on her if Cozy Glow hadn't been so good in hiding or running from us."

"Because she is still a living being." Twilight answered firmly to everyone. They remained silence while looking at her. She continued, "She should be treated like one. We are not like them."

Everyone was quite conflicted and uncertain of her decision. Nyx sighed in disbelief, "Mom… Really?"

Blazefist shook his head in disagreement, "Twilight, I really wish I could agree with you. But not all of us could share your empathy for her."

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. Blaze got the point, Twi. After all the lessons we've taught her and helped her, she doesn't even get them right or use them in bad ways. Hell, I got lots of complains from the students including Sandbar and Heatwave about things they never done so wrong."

"She screwed the training exercise programs, which almost killed my sister and her friends!" Icy exclaimed in anger.

Tailtech added, "Not to mention, mess up our project to teleport the whole building of Dragon Strike Force Fortress here. That could have slammed and fallen on our friends and people too."

"And again, the evidences are very blur and uncertain," Shorty reminded sternly, "We have to make sure they're accurate."

Aqua crossed her hooves, "Either way, all of us have tried, Twilight. But she chose this path. Everyone, and even me as a mother, can see that she's not willing to change. I'm sorry."

Seeing almost everyone and even her family shown their hardened yet apathic looks about helping Cozy Glow, Twilight was completely appalled. She sighed in frustration and disbelief about their answers.

Hated to see her mother's hope get crushed, Nyx placed her 'issues with Cozy Glow' aside. She spoke, "Mummy, I'm willing to give one more chance for Cozy Glow."

Everyone was surprised by Nyx's supports. Twilight asked hopefully, "Really, Nyx?"

"Yeah." Nyx confirmed. Twilight was about to hug her. She added, "But if she screwed up this last chance again, I'm gonna kick her ass. Real hard for everything."

Twilight gawked in disbelief while almost some stifled their laughter and some like her brothers and Crusaders smirked slyly at her snarking remarks.

Glaring at Shadow Dragon, Twilight scoffed in disbelief, "Sometimes, I really want to punch your face for teaching our kids to be snarky and street smarts."

Shadow Dragon scoffed amusingly, "You can try. But I'm sure you would do the same."

After thinking, Twilight sighed in defeat, "Fine. Point taken."

"Either way, we're with Twilight. We are willing to give Cozy Glow a chance," Fluttershy said supportively, along with everyone nodded reluctantly.

Pinkie readied with her Party Cannon, "If she messes this up, then we blow up her ass!"

Unfortunately for her excitement, Pinkie accidentally fired the cannon to shoot out the party confetti, streamers and ribbons falling on everyone. This angered Mr. Lockdown to shout, "Drop and give me 20! NOW!"

Pinkie yelped as she quickly yet panicked do the pushups for 20 laps. Everyone sighed amusingly to see her.

"Now that we're done with it. We should focus on important topic," Blazefist firmly stated.

Knowing what he was referring to, Twilight answered, "Ragnarök…"

"Yeah. That's the one my father wanted us to be prepared for." Shadow Dragon said firmly. Everyone especially Twilight gave firm yet serious looks. He continued, "Yeah. We should make some serious preparation for the worse now."

"I agree, Shadow Dragon. So, let's review about what we know 'The Prophecy of Doom'." Twilight said firmly. Just before she and her friends could proceed with discussion, the door was opened by Rexstrike and his Royal Guards. They saluted firmly before her. She asked, "General Rexstrike? What are you doing here?"

"Sorry for ruining your school meeting," Rexstrike apologized, "But Princess Celestia has requested both teams' presence at the Canterlot Castle now."

"Right now?" Twilight asked in concern.

Rexstrike nodded, "Yes. It's very urgent. Something is happening."

Twilight looked concern about leaving the school and Ponyville defenseless, and especially she has yet begun her discussion about Prophecy of Doom.

"Go, Twilight." Starlight spoke firmly, surprising Twilight. She assuredly smiled, "We've got this."

Sunset nodded confidently, "Yeah. You can count us. You prepared us for this."

Mr. Lockdown saluted, "We'll keep everything in order. We won't let you down, Headmare Twilight."

"We can discuss that later," Blazefist comforted Twilight.

Twilight then looked at the rest of her family and allies, who nodded firmly that they will look after the school and Ponyville Town. She turned to both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force, who gave assuring smiles that they have confidence in them.

"Okay. I'm counting you all. Hopefully, this won't be long," Twilight said hopefully. She turned to her children, "Guys, help Cozy Glow and Bella on the right path."

Three children nodded firmly. Lance assured, "We will, mom."

"We won't let you down," Spike said firmly.

"We promised that Bella will be on our side, not her brother's," Nyx promised. She scoffed, "But not Cozy Glow. I am sure she will screw it up."

Twilight sighed in annoyance yet not surprise about her answer. Shadow Dragon turned to Arcee, "Keep your team in shape. Make sure they don't slack or screw anything. Coz we might never know when the strike happens."

Arcee nodded seriously, "Yes, master. I won't let you down."

"Good. Because you're in-charge," Shadow Dragon said with pride.

Arcee shown her annoyed looks, "Master, that is not funny, you know."

"Nope. Because I am serious about it."

"Still not funny…"

Twilight and Shadow Dragon turned to the rest of her friends, who nodded firmly. They, along with Rexstrike, exited out of the office as they are now heading straight to Canterlot. Unbeknownst to anyone, Cozy Glow, hiding in the shadows, has spied and eavesdropped on everything. She smirked slyly about it.

"Just as he expected. This will keep them busy."

Both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have made their way to Canterlot City via using the Ponyville Express. Upon their arrival at Canterlot Castle's hallway, they then found someone whom they hoped to never want to deal with.

"Chancellor Neighsay…" Twilight said in annoyed tone.

Chancellor Neighsay huffed, "Princess Twilight. We meet again…"

"What the heck are you doing here?" Shadow Dragon demanded, along with the rest of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force chattered in agreement.

"Obviously, the same reason as yours." Chancellor Neighsay stated rudely. He sighed before sneered, "It appears that Princess Celestia has finally opened her eyes to accept my petition."

"In your dream, jerk," Rainbow remarked dryly.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. I doubt Princess Celestia would do such a thing."

"Seriously, why don't you just give up, Neighsay? It's getting tiresome and annoying," Aqua remarked.

Chancellor Neighsay huffed, "Never. As long as your school exist, I will do whatever it takes to bring it down and expel those 'creatures' from our land."

Blazefist sighed while facepalmed, "You haven't learned anything from your mistakes. Not surprise at all…"

Rexstrike cleared his throat, "I'm sure that she'll explain everything inside. Let us go now. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting."

"Them?" The heroes and chancellor asked in surprise.

Rexstrike nodded in confirmation. He turned to his Royal Guards, whom he nodded as the signal. As responded, they pushed and opened the door, revealing politicians, military officers and governors including Spell Nexus, Fancypants, Prince Blueblood, Fleur de Lis, Sapphire Shore, Hoity Toity, Pillars of Old Equestria, Spitfire, Soarin', Wonderbolts and so on. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were sitting on their throne chairs.

As Rexstrike guided both the heroes and chancellor to march towards the princesses, they can feel some tension in the atmosphere. From the looks of their surroundings, most of the ponies shown serious, stern and displeased like somepony did wrong around here. While the heroes were nervous and uneasy about it, Chancellor Neighsay remained composed yet confident like he has dealt with this before.

Upon their arrival, the heroes and chancellor kowtowed and warmly greeted Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

"Good to see you all here including you, Twilight," Princess Celestia said warmly to her former student, who smiled back at her. She sternly glared at Chancellor Neighsay, "Chancellor…"

Though uneasy with her stern glares, Chancellor Neighsay remained compose as he responded, "Your majesty. To what pleasure do I owe you? Your humbly subject is willing to serve you."

"Humbly subject, huh?" Princess Celestia questioned with little tone of angry. This made everyone worried. She calmly continued with the same tone, "Tell me, Chancellor. Have you read the newspaper recently?"

Chancellor Neighsay shook his head, "No, your majesty, I have not. I was preoccupied with some matters to deal with. If you forgive me that I did not have the time to read-!" He was silenced immediately when Princess Celestia levitated the newspaper in front of him. He finished the sentence, "-newspaper?"

"Everyone, do you all have newspapers?" Princess Luna questioned firmly. Everyone lifted up their newspapers as commanded. She narrowed her firm eyes, "Read the front page and see what does it tell you all."

As instructed, everyone looked at the front page of newspaper. They all began gossiping and cursing angrily about it as well. The servants passed newspapers to Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force to read. When they do, their expressions are now filled with a complete shock, disgusted, anger and annoyance. But for Chancellor Neighsay, he was completely appalled by it. The newspaper's title revealed "CHANCELLOR NEIGHSAY ENDORSES NEZHA FOR EQUESTRIA'S SOVEREIGNTY!"

Looking at the surroundings, the angry crowd was sternly glaring at him for what he did while muttering and cursing at him. Chancellor Neighsay turned to the Royal Sisters, who were less pleasant with this.

Feeling sweating down on his face, Chancellor Neighsay panicked, "Princess Celestia, this isn't what you think! I can explain!"

"Explain what?" Princess Celestia demanded with angry yet calm tone, "That you've become so desperate to repair your reputation and prove your point by resorting this?!"

Chancellor Neighsay frantically explained, "Y-Yes! B-But this is not what I wanted! As you can see the reporter ask about my view on the school, I answered 'if it were under Nezha's jurisdiction, he would-!"

Slamming her hoof hard against the floor has shaken the ponies and whole chamber, Princess Celestia interrupted with her Royal Canterlot Voice, "DO NOT TAKE ME FOR A FOOL, CHANCELLOR NEIGHSAY!"

While angrily eying at Chancellor Neighsay, the crowd whispered and gossiped about him and his latest action. Needless to say, they were not pleased with what he has done. The chancellor has become more terrified now.

While watching how the conversation unfold, some of heroes have different opinions of it now. Rainbow, Pinkie, Aqua, Laxtinct, Saber and Terrorcreep enjoyed watching him squirmed. Fluttershy, Rarity, Shorty, Icy and Tailtech pitied him for getting blamed of his mistakes. Twilight, Applejack, Shadow Dragon and Blazefist remained neutral about the situation.

Princess Celestia narrowed her stern eyes at her chancellor, "I've grown weary of your action against my former student, Chancellor Neighsay. Not only you have falsified the school reports and turn the public to side with you, but you have the nerve of giving this so-called 'Friendship University' accredited, which caused ponies to lose their money and belongings to Mystic Ponies. Doing everything behind my back!"

Chancellor Neighsay became alarmed, "Y-You knew about that?!"

"Starswirl has reported me of what happened at Las Pegasus. Needless to say, I was not very pleased." Princess Celestia confirmed sternly. Slowly approaching towards Chancellor Neighsay backing away, she continued chastising, "I've sent all of the school reports to you. I was hoping that you would finally change your bigotry behavior and make friendship with the creatures. But you chose to continue your meaningless crusade. And look at the results now." She levitated and threw down the newspaper, right in front of the chancellor. She remarked, "You have hit the rock bottom."

Chancellor Neighsay kowtowed in fear, "Please, your highness! Give me one more chance! I beg of you! I'm your loyal subject! I served you faithfully! You must believe me!"

"You have failed me for the last time, Chancellor Neighsay," Princess Celestia said angrily in calm tone, "By the power vested in me, I hereby relieve your duty as chancellor and director of EEA. You now no longer have the authority here. Spell Nexus shall take it over."

Nexus nodded seriously while Chancellor Neighsay quivered in fear.

Princess Luna nodded firmly, "Guards, remove this traitor now!"

"Noooooooooooo!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in fear as the Royal Guards now grabbed him by hooves. They then dragged him away while heading towards the entrance. He glared at the heroes as he cursed, "Curse you, Princess Twilight! Curse your School of Friendship for ruining my career! You! Will! PAY!"

His howling was silenced when the door closed at once. The crowd sighed in relief while muttering that they're glad that he got what he deserved the karma. The rest of heroes remained silence but watch the event.

"Okay. I did not expect this to happen," Aqua admitted in surprise.

"Yeah. I don't think any of us expected this," Rainbow agreed. She smirked with a scoff, "But glad to see Chancellor Neighsay got his comeuppance. That will teach him a lesson for being a jerk and trying to mess with us."

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy scolded Rainbow.

"No. She's right, Fluttershy," Terrorcreep defended Rainbow, which surprise everyone. They didn't expect him agree with the daredevil pony. He explained, "He could have finally accepted our school is different and unique in its own way, but he chose to continue with his crusade."

Saber nodded, "Yeah. He does make a good point. Makes me feel sorry for him." Everyone looked at him. He smirked slyly, "Almost."

Noticing Twilight's sympathy looks, Shadow Dragon comforted, "There was nothing you can do to make him see your view."

Twilight sighed, "I know, Shadow Dragon. I wish I could have done better."

"Princess Twilight, I hate to ruin your party but Princess Celestia is not done with the situation," Rexstrike reminded his allies.

Suspecting it has to do with the newspaper they've just read, the heroes nodded in agreement. They all turned and looked at the Royal Sisters.

Princess Celestia explained in concern, "Because of Chancellor Neighsay's action, our Equestria including our allied creatures' lands have thrown into chaos. Some ponies planned to leave and headed to faraway land. Others chose to fight them including the innocent Mystic Ponies. In response to deal with this problem, Nezha has sent his army to pacify them, instead of fighting and dealing with Dark Mystic Ponies."

The heroes gasped in disbelief. Princess Luna nodded in concern, "I'm afraid it is the truth. Mystic Ponies are using brute force and threats to pacify them. If our citizens refused to submit, they will be arrested or executed for treason and rebellions. The immortal ponies will make the example of the innocents for defying them."

"I-I can't believe he would go this far…" Twilight said in shock.

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Damn you, Nezha."

"Wait a sec. Can't you talk some sense into him?" Rainbow asked.

"Or maybe asked the Mystic Council to stop him? My mom would definitely step in and stop this." Icy suggested.

Tailtech nodded, "Yeah. I'm sure the Mystic Council won't allow him to continue with this."

"Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful with that," Princess Celestia responded in ashamed tone, confusing the heroes. She continued, "I have tried to contact my nephew for many times, but my call was ignored. We're tried to confront him at the Jade Palace, we've been denied and drove off from Mystic Realm."

Princess Luna nodded in agreement, "We have tried to ask the Mystic Council for help. But unfortunately, they were unable to do anything about him due to them have given their supports and authorities to him. They are now powerless to stop him. So, there was nothing we can do to stop him now."

"We also received the reports that Nezha and his army would be coming here soon. I fear that he would force me to surrender our sovereignty to him. Luna and I must prepare the army to confront him before he could destroy our home," Princess Celestia said firmly. Looking at Twilight and the rest of her friends, she continued sincerely, "Twilight, you and your friends are our only hope to protect the Equestria and stop their invasion. If it is possible, I rather negotiate and reason with them to stop this madness. Hopefully, some of them have conscience and heart to realize the folly. Can I count on you all?"

Looking at all of her friends, she found them nodded seriously. Twilight agreed, "You can count on us, Princess Celestia. We won't let you down."

"Thank you, Twilight," Princess Celestia said in relief. She turned to the rest of royalties, politicians, military generals and celebrities. They all firmly stood still, waiting for her command. She firmly gave the order, "Everyone, we are now facing the international threat from our own Mystic Allies. Work together with Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force, you must do whatever you can to protect the citizens and cities. Negotiate and reason with Mystic Ponies first. Do not engage them or their arsenals, unless we have no other options."

"Yes, your highness!" The ponies complied firmly while bowing down.

Shorty looked at Twilight, "We should inform Starlight and Sunset about this. Dealing with the invasion and negotiation could take long days."

"Agreed. This mission won't be easy." Blazefist agreed in concern.

Twilight groaned in frustration, "Thank you for the reminder, guys. I just hope nothing bad is happening at the School of Friendship."

"Because of what happened the last time?" Terrorcreep questioned dryly, which Twilight nodded in agreement. He scoffed, "I blamed that idiot for making a big mess and complication in the first place. If he had told us the truth-!"

"Then, we wouldn't believe in Discord easily. After all, you all hated his pranks and antics," Fluttershy interrupted sternly with narrowed eyes. Everyone tried to argue but halted and gave some thoughts of her answer. They nodded understandingly to understand her reason. She nodded, "That's why he chased us off, so he can get more proofs about Cozy Glow, Tempest Shadow and even Bella Anime. We now know a lot about them and their mission, though Cozy Glow's background is shady and amuck."

"Not to mention, we still can't confirm her connection to E84 info." Tailtech reminded his friends again. He sighed, "Wish that disk wasn't corrupted.

Shadow Dragon assured Twilight, "Either way, Starlight and others got everything under control. They'll be fine. For now, we focus on these crises."

Everyone chattered and nodded in agreement with Shadow Dragon's explanation. Twilight took a deep breath before sighed in agreement.

"Yeah. The sooner we deal with this, the sooner we can get back home." Twilight said. She sighed in concern, "I just hope Nyx and others are doing alright."

"Come on, Twi. You worried too much. Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club are with Bella. They'll make sure she made the right choice. And even if Cozy Glow is Student President, Starlight will tighten the leash on her." Rainbow cockily assured Twilight. She scoffed, "What could go wrong?"

Laxtinct gasped in fear, "Are you crazy, Rainbow?! You should not have said that! It's a bad luck!"

While everyone looked confused, Pinkie nodded in fear, "Yeah! Whenever anyone said 'what could go wrong', something really did go wrong! It is really bad luck for us and our friends. We should get back and check them first!"

"Pinkie, Lax, knock it off. You guys read comic book too much. I'm sure Starlight and others can handle the School of Friendship," Aqua said firmly.

Pinkie sighed in annoyance, "Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Twilight rolled her eyes, "C'mon, everypony. Let's focus on the mission."

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force discussed of how they handled negotiating with the Mystic Ponies and prepared the worst if the immortal ponies refused to cooperate or insisted to fight than listen to their reason.

Unbeknownst to any of them, Chancellor Neighsay, who managed to knock the Royal Guards unconscious, eavesdropped on the conversation behind the doors. He smirked slyly as he can get his revenge on them. Hitting his EEA Medallion, he summoned the portal to escape, preparing his scheme.

Back at the School of Friendship's office; Starlight was discussing with Sunset, Mr. Lockdown, Lance, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Arcee about the school's ration and new studies to work on. The scroll magically appeared in thin air, prompting the temporary headmare to levitate it. She then read it out loud for everyone to listen. Unsurprisingly, they all groaned in disbelief.

"I knew it's good to be true," Spike remarked dryly.

Sunset hissed, "Oh man… I didn't think it couldn't get any worse than before."

"Me neither…" Mr. Lockdown agreed in disbelief with sigh. He then facepalmed, "I can't believe Chancellor Neighsay would be so careless and irrational to say such things. What the heck was he thinking?"

"I don't think he think, at all," Lance said dryly. He scoffed, "Oh well. Too bad for him."

"Lance!" Nyx called out.

"What? He deserved the karma for putting us through hell!" Lance defended.

Nyx scoffed, "Yeah, I know. I thought it would be better for all of us including Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club would be there to laugh at him for the karma."

"Ooh. That is so devious…" Spike commented amusingly.

Starlight cleared her throat as she looked at some reports, "Either way, I'm just happy that we don't need to deal with Chancellor Neighsay and his attitude. We can finally work in peace and quiet."

"I'm with you," Sunset agreed. She then looked at the reports, "Right now, we should focus more on Cozy Glow and Bella. Just to make sure that they don't cause problems."

"Agreed." Starlight nodded calmly.

"For sure, Bella won't cause problems coz she got some friends. It's Cozy Glow we should look out for." Nyx said seriously yet sternly, making everyone worried.

"She's still angry about what happened before?" Alyson asked in concern.

"Of course, I am!" Nyx exclaimed in anger. She bitterly grumbled, "It was her fault that I lost my Battle Mode and almost killed by Tso Lan and Hak Xing!"

"You're not the only one, Nyx. She really fooled us too," Scootaloo said dryly.

"Yeesh. When was the last time she had us fooled?" Sweetie Belle questioned.

Everyone was annoyed by her oblivious, Nyx sarcastically recalled, "Oh, gee, let me think…"

Apple Bloom helped listed down, "Like the time she got Nyx in trouble when Hak Xing got her pops out of the portal?"

"Or the time she sent the copy of Twilight's Friendship Lessons to Flim and Flam in Las Pegasus?" Jade added dryly.

Scootaloo took a deep sigh and snapped, "Or when she tricked me to join the Washouts and turned on my own big sis?!"

"Or when she tried to burn the evidence against her?!" Nyx added angrily.

Everyone was confused by Nyx's accusation. Alyson hummed, "I maybe blind, but I'm pretty sure I never heard about her burning the evidence."

Jade nodded, "Yeah. Shorty and Tailtech already said that the evidence is not sufficient and blur too especially her connection to E84."

Nyx groaned, "I didn't tell you everything. But there was also the time she made everyone think I pushed her down the stairs!"

Again, everyone was confused and concerned. Starlight questioned, "When did that happen?"

"Couple of weeks ago." Mr. Lockdown responded. Everyone turned and glared at him. He cleared his throat, "I thought you all know it. I filed the report of Cozy Glow's false claim to Headmare Twilight, but I was forced to strike it off."

"Why?" Spike asked. He gasped in concern, "Don't tell me. She blackmailed you?!"

Mr. Lockdown sighed in defeat, "No. She blackmail your mom about…" He then whispered to Spike's ears, making him gasped in fear. He nodded, "Yes. She doesn't want that happen to you in public or school."

"What was it?!" Everyone asked.

Spike slammed his head against the wall, "You don't want to know."

Everyone hissed in concern to hear it. Nyx approached and patted on his back, "I'm sorry, Spike. Damn that witch…"

Starlight scoffed, "Well then, if she thinks she can get away with it, she'd better think again coz we're keeping an eye on her now since she's the student president."

Nyx smiled in relief, "Yeah. That's some good news. I would like to see if she can pull this off now. She's alone now."

"Oh yeah. Payback time…" Spike sneered amusingly.

Everyone chattered happily about everything is going alright, however, Arcee looked worried about the situation as if she is suspecting something bad may about to happen sooner than later.

As both Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club were giving a tour for Risa; she then chattered with some students, learned some friendship studies and played some games with them including children. The former assassin even learnt what Arcee has been doing here for almost three years. She was truly amazed and impressed with it.

Risa hummed, "I've gotta say. I'm very impressed. I can see why the School of Friendship is considered to be the best school for learning and making the magic of friendship."

"Glad you like it." Ciel said warmly.

"Yeah. We learned quite a lot about the friendship. It's quite educative for us, and also meaningful and magical too." Rak commented. He sighed happily while wiping his glasses, "It almost makes me cry."

Yona looked surprise as she asked, "Learning Friendship makes Glasses Dragon cry? Yona didn't know that."

Rak quickly corrected Yona, "It was expression, not literally, Yona."

"Either way, we all enjoyed being here. Not just learning the friendship, but also having each other as friends like you guys." Ocellus said happily while hugging Smolder, Melody and Kindy close to her. She hummed playfully, "Though the concept of friendship can be referred as family too. I feel very close to you all."

Melody giggled happily, "Me too, Ocellus."

Smolder groaned sickly, "I'm gonna be sick…"

"Must you be rude?" Kindy asked in disgust. Smolder glared at him. He sighed, "Sorry. I forgot dragons are not used to this kind of feelings."

Risa giggled, "That is quite amazing. Arcee must be very lucky to have friends like you. In fact, the better ones she really wants." Looking at her amulet, she looked down in ashamed, "Unlike mine…"

"Why. Thank you," Heatwave said happily, though unaware of his guest's expression. This prompted Solflare whacked his head. He yelled in pain, "What?!"

"You're making her feel bad, dumbass." Solflare pointed out.

Though naïve, Mano nodded understandingly of the situation, "Solflare's right. Risa's still upset about being dumped by her. We should at least make her feel comfortable and happy for now."

After carefully thinking, Heatwave nodded, "Okay. Good point."

"You do realize that I'm here, right?" Risa asked rhetorically.

"Sorry." Everyone apologized innocently.

"So, you wouldn't mind getting me to my room?" Risa questioned calmly.

Sandbar nodded, "Sure. We've got that cover. Just follow me."

"I think me." Heatwave said charmingly with the rose on his mouth. He growled romatically, "I'll be your guide than this guy."

"Really? Now?"

"Yeah. You'd be a terrible tour guide."

"Oh yeah? Says to the guy, who charmed and cheated many girls to like you. I wouldn't dare like you did."

"And that's why you're a loser."

Silverstream groaned as she pushed Sandbar and Heatwave, "Move aside, dumbass. I'll do it!" She then dragged Risa away. She grumbled, "Boys…"

Everyone has sweat drops on their heads of what they were looking at. They didn't expect Silverstream to get angry and deal with the situation at once. Regardless, they all went and followed her, making sure she didn't do anything stupid.

Travelling through the hallway, everyone arrived at the guestroom. Just as Silverstream opened the door, the room consisted of a bed, desk with chair and stationery stuffs, bookshelves, closets and so on.

"Quite neat. Thanks." Risa thanked warmly.

Silverstream scoffed, "You're welcome. Enjoy the stay." Before she could walk away, she growled at Risa, "You go near to Gallus, I will rip you apart!"

Everyone was alarmed by Silverstream's statement while Gallus blushed in red to see her get defensive about him.

Risa giggled, "Don't worry, I won't, kid. Besides, I don't date boys." Everyone gawked in surprise by her answer. She sneered, "Didn't expect, did ya?"

Silverstream flustered, "T-Then w-why did you kiss Gallus for?!"

"For fun, so I can get close to kick the chest out, duh," Risa answered obviously with her raised eyebrow. After thinking of her behavior, she gasped in realization while covering her mouth, "Oh my. Are you jealous of me kissing your boyfriend?"

Everyone gasped in surprise as they turned their attentions at Silverstream, whose face is now turning in red. She panicked and screeched in fear as she ran off at once before she got herself embarrassed in front of her friends.

"Well… That was awkward…" Aero teased.

"More like embarrassed," Solflare corrected Aero. She cleared her throat as she turned to Risa, "Hope you enjoy staying here. Now if you excuse us. We have class to go to."

Both Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club headed off, though Gallus remained behind while glancing at Risa.

"Something I can do for you?" Risa asked curiously.

"One question, Asashin. Do you really love Arcee? Do you mean everything you've said?" Gallus sternly asked.

"Of course, I do. Why? You loved her, kid?"

"I do."

"I should tell you, kid. She may be cool of hanging out with boys and girls, but she's not very opened to her feelings or even willing to love them unless she trusted them."

"Oh no. I'm not her boyfriend. She was like a big sister to me. I respect her boundaries. And I care for her too."

"Yeah. I can see that since you hid her in the trunk. How faithful of you, kid."

"Of course, I do. I don't want her to get hurt after some kind of hell she has been through from the family issues," Gallus said firmly while glaring at her, "But I swear if this is real bullshit."

Risa interrupted amusingly, "Yeah. I get the warning, kid. Believe me, I won't."

Gallus scoffed while saluted mockingly, "Ya, you better not."

Gallus turned and headed off to regroup with his friends. Risa glanced at him walking away as she couldn't help but feel amuse and intrigued with the griffon for being protective sibling to Arcee.

After seeing everyone left, Risa sighed in relief before closing the door. Just as she was about to take a nap on her bed, she heard a knock from the door. She was a bit of annoyed before taking a deep breath to remain compose. She turned and opened the door. She found Bella is standing before her.

"Hello there. What can I do for you?" Risa greeted warmly.

"Risa Asashin?" Bella questioned calmly yet seriously. Surprise by the call, the assassin narrowed her serious eyes as she dragged her into the room. She sighed, "Yup. You are the one I was supposed to look for."

Risa nodded seriously, "Indeed, I am, Bella. I'd take it that you've got the orders from the Mystic Emperor himself."

"Yes, I did. But now, we need to wait for Cozy Glow. She should be here-!" Bella got interrupted when someone flipped and entered through the window. The figure revealed itself to be a small pony wearing black ninja suit-like. She groaned in annoyance, "Really? Did you have to wear that?"

"Well, duh. It's my special mission outfit." The ninja grumbled.

"Well, could you at least do without the mask? We're in the room? Alone?" Bella asked in annoyance.

The ninja sighed in annoyance before pulled off her mask, revealing Cozy Glow herself. She grumbled, "Better?"

Bella shrugged, "Yeah. I'm cool. So, can we get started?"

"Yeah. We should." Risa said in agreement. Bella and Cozy Glow looked at her. She continued, "I trust you both have prepared everything before my arrival?"

"Yeah, we do." Bella confirmed dryly yet sadly.

Cozy Glow sneered, "Yeah. Thanks to my little charisma, cutesy and little favors to distract everyone including that numbskull Mr. Lockdown, Bella managed to get all the seven artifacts from. I even got the ancient book from Twilight's Castle of Friendship. Best of all, we even found the perfect place for the ritual. We're ready to begin Operation: Trump Phase I."

"Good. We should start very soon. The emperor is counting on us." Risa said firmly.

Cozy Glow sighed, "Yeah. I know. We're almost there. We're gonna make this happen."

Bella hummed in concern, "I don't know if this is right…"

Cozy Glow scoffed, "Relax, princess. Nopony is dying as long as no one gets in the way. Coz if they do…" She shrugged with 'innocent' looks while holding the knife, "Oh well…"

"Cozy Glow! We can't do that!" Bella argued.

Cozy Glow snapped back, "Then, we'd better do it fast now. Or else…"

Bella sighed in frustration, "I can't believe you still want to do this."

"Golly, you still have a soft spot for these losers. How pathetic." Cozy Glow teased.

Bella growled at Cozy Glow, "Watch it, bitch! If you say 'golly' one more time…"

"Knock it off, you two!" Risa ordered sternly and firmly, silencing both. She continued, "We have a mission to complete now. And we will complete Phase I without any problems. The last thing we need is our emperor finishing us off for failing him. Got it?"

Both Bella and Cozy Glow grumbled a bit before nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

"But Cozy Glow's not wrong about the problems we have to deal with…" Risa said seriously. Cozy Glow smiled in pleasant while Bella looked scared. She sighed firmly, "We have to deal with them first."

"Starlight, Sunset, Mr. Lockdown, Lance, Nyx and her Crusaders, Spike and Arcee are the problems we need to deal with." Cozy Glow informed. She smirked slyly while armed with her knife, "I am ready to finish them."

Quickly swipe the knife away from the filly, Bella scolded, "Don't even think about it!"

"She's right. That's the last thing we need." Risa said. She took a deep breath before speaking up, "Cozy Glow, you will deal with Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown. Bella will handle with the children and her friends if they get involved with this. I will take care of Arcee."

Cozy Glow groaned, "I really want to fight Twilight's kids. I wanna make them pay."

Risa shook her head sternly, "No. You will draw too much of attention. They don't trust you or even fall for your tricks easily." Cozy Glow grumbled in disbelief. She then looked at Bella, "That is why Bella is perfect for this job."

Bella looked reluctant about this, "I don't know…"

Risa comfortingly placed her claw on Bella's shoulder, "You have to, Bella. They trusted you. They believed in you. They think you're a good guy."

"I don't want to hurt them."

"I know. All you have to do is get them away from the School of Friendship until Cozy and I finished the preparation. They will be fine. It's for their own good."

After carefully thinking, Bella nodded understandingly, "Yeah, sure…"

"Then, what about Arcee? You really think she would let you get close to her?" Cozy Glow questioned.

"Leave that to me. I know what I'm doing…" Risa assured her team, whom were suspiciously concerned about her plan.

After a long day of managing the Martial Arts class while avoiding to meet her former girlfriend, Arcee made her way back to the dorm. She is now lying down on the bed, resting from her work and stress. At the same time, she was thinking about what to do with Risa. In her mind, she was still doubting that the former assassin has actually come to see her, though her heart spoke of wanting to give her the chance for rekindle their relationship. She sighed in frustration with her dilemma.

A gentle knock on the door. Arcee sighed in annoyance while wondering who could be visiting at this hour of night. She got off the bed. She then opened the door and found Gallus standing there, greeting her by waving.

"Gallus? What are you doing here?" Arcee asked.

"I wanna talk with you." Gallus answered. He then looked around, making sure his friends or Risa didn't follow him or even try to stop him. He whispered, "Can we talk inside?"

Arcee raised her eyebrow as she wondered what he would ask for it. She nodded, allowing her brother-figure to enter her dorm. After closing the door, both are now squatted down near to the table. They now began the discussion.

"Alright, Gallus, what is it you want to discuss?" Arcee questioned seriously.

Feeling a bit of nervous, Gallus scratched the back of his head, "Well… You see… What we're gonna talk about… It's kinda personal. I kinda hope that you don't get mad at me when me invading your privacy. And I am so not like Sandbar or Heatwave for not thinking carefully." He laughed nervously when he looked at Arcee's annoyed looks. He sighed in defeat, "I was talking about you and Risa."

"Gallus!" Arcee called out.

Gallus held his hands to halt, "Wow there, sis! Don't kill me! Just hear me out, please?"

While feeling annoyed about everyone bother her about the past, Arcee knew some people like Gallus asked because they were worried about her well-being. She sighed in defeat and nodded, allowing him to continue.

"Okay. After the tour for School of Friendship, I talked with Risa about her really loving you or not. The way she talked; I think she meant it and wanted to get back together with you." Gallus explained.

Arcee sighed, "Gallus…"

"Look, Arcee, I get that you still have upset with her for keeping biggest secret from you, but she still cared for you and loved you too. I mean she has been there for you since your childhood, right?"

"Hmm… I supposed so…"

"So, maybe you should give her a chance."

"I don't know, Gallus…"

"Just talk with her, Arcee. She then will tell you how she felt for you. And probably still feel the same for you. She's at the guestroom now."

Arcee looked hesitated and uncertain before answered, "I… I will think about it, Gallus. You should get some sleep." Gallus nodded a bit. Just as he was about to leave, she called him, "Gallus… Thanks for being there for me."

Gallus scoffed, "What are brothers for, big sis. Goodnight, Arcee."

Arcee smiled warmly, "Goodnight, little brother."

Gallus exited out and heading back to his dorm. Arcee gave some serious thoughts of what the blue griffon has told her. She took a deep breath calmly before smiled as she decided to talk with Risa now.

Exiting out from her dorm, Arcee headed straight to the guestroom. She even has a single white flower on her claw. Looking at the door has made her nervous and worried about talking with her ex-girlfriend, whom she shunned her away after a long time. She took a deep breath before knocking the door gently.

The door was opened. Risa, now wearing a white singlet and black shorts, was surprised to see her.

"A-Ariel? I mean Arcee? Hey…" Risa greeted in nervous tone, worried that Arcee might be onto her.

"Hey there, Risa. Sorry for bothering your sleep." Arcee said awkwardly while scratching her head's back. She cleared her throat, "W-We need to talk."

"O-Oh boy. I'm in trouble…" Risa remarked in fear, realizing the danger she's in.

"I-I just want to say one thing to you…" Arcee said, making her ex-girlfriend more nervous. She bowed while showing the flower before Risa, who was surprised by the gesture. She awkwardly apologized, "I-I'm s-so sorry for how I treated you from the morning."

Risa blinked in surprise, "H-Huh? Really?"

Arcee nodded, "Yeah. I mean it."

"W-Why? What changed your mind?"

"Gallus told me about you really loving me. He asked me to talk with you about it. And he was right. We should talk about us and everything."

"Wow…" Risa was surprised by Arcee's apology. Seeing this as her chance to remove her from interfering the plans, she continued discreetly, "Yeah. I'm with you, Arcee. We should talk. Wanna come inside?"

Arcee shook her head, "No. Outside will be fine." She cleared her throat as she passed the flower to Risa, "Listen, Risa. About you and your family reporting to Thanatos. I forgive you for that."

"Do you mean it, Arcee?"

"Yeah, I do. You were just doing your job. And of course, my father can be quite nosy bastard for wanting to know what I'm up to lately."

"Yeah. Thanatos did enjoy being nosy of everyone's business, just so he can make his own preparation. But I'm very sure he was worried about you. He still loved you, no matter what. After all, you are his daughter."

"I have my own doubts about that. But I'm willing to give him a benefit of doubts."

"I see. I won't try to convince you to forgive your father. So, what's going to happen to us now?"

"Well… We could start over again. If you want, of course."

"I would love to, Arcee."

Arcee smiled happily to hear what Risa has said. Before she could do anything, the assassin grabbed and dragged her towards her. The black-red colored creature passionately kissed her by lips. This surprised yet pleased her to kiss back.

While busy kissing with each other, the assassin swiftly injected a syringe on her neck, injecting a dose of chemical into her. This prompted Arcee yelped in pain and surprise. She quickly pushed Risa off. She grunted in pain while holding her claw on the neck.

Feeling dizziness in her mind and muscle numbing, Arcee grunted weakly, "W-What did you do to me?!"

"I'm sorry, Arcee. I really am…" Risa apologized with tone of regrets and sorrow.

Realizing that Risa was really here for a mission, Arcee tried to scream but her voice was very weak. She panted heavily yet exhaustingly. Her vision is becoming blurred. The last thing she saw was her ex-girlfriend tearfully looked away as she fainted and about to fall down. The assassin quickly grabbed and held her on the front.

Looking around of her surroundings as she made sure no one saw her. Risa quickly dragged Arcee in now before locking up her guestroom's door. Though she regretted her action, the assassin has the mission to do now.

Inside Headmare's Office; Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown were finishing up their last sets of school paper works. Aftermath, they all yawned out loud while stretching their legs up.

"Wow. I've never felt so tired…" Sunset remarked with a yawn.

"Yeah. No kidding. Paper works are the worst. Let's get some shut eye now." Starlight said in exhausted tone.

Sunset nodded, "Sure. Just hope Twilight and others are alright."

"I'm sure they'll be alright. After all, they are the heroes," Mr. Lockdown assured the temporary Headmares. He passed two cups of milk to them. He sighed, "Here. Have some warm milk. It will ease up our stress."

"Thanks. Mr. Lockdown," Starlight thanked in relief as she levitated the mug.

After taking the mug, Sunset smiled at Mr. Lockdown, "You know, Mr. Lockdown. It's funny. The first time we met you, you were very relentless and jerk stallion for making sure us follow some stupid rules. It really almost destroyed the School of Friendship."

Mr. Lockdown groaned in disbelief, "Gee. Thanks for bringing that up…"

"But in the end, he defended our school and resigned from EEA." Starlight added with a smile. She continued, "From a jerk school inspector become the sweetest and loyal school discipline teacher we ever had. The best one."

Mr. Lockdown flustered, "Oh. You flattered me, girls. But thanks." He raised his mug up, "For our school's future."

"For our school's future." Starlight and Sunset toasted up their mugs.

Three ponies happily drank up their mugs. While drinking up their drinks, they all felt dizziness in their heads, vision became blurred and even their bodies were shaking wobblily. The next thing they know is they all fell down on their backs, sleeping and snoring out loud.

Suddenly, the door was opened and revealed Cozy Glow, Risa and reluctant Bella marched into the office. She stood before three sleeping ponies.

The filly smirked sinisterly, "Too easy. The School of Friendship is ours now…"

On the next day, many teacher staffs and students including Lance, Nyx and her Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike, Students Seven and Rescue Warrior Club sans Arcee have gathered at the school hall. They all were chattering in curiosity and concerns as they wondered of what's really going on.

"Do you guys know what's really going on?" Heatwave asked.

Lance shook his head, "No clue, Heatwave. I wonder why Starlight called all of us here for."

"I'm sure she has a good reason for this." Nyx said calmly. She then looked at the group, "Say. Where's Arcee?"

As everyone chattered in confusion, Gallus answered, "Probably hanging out with her girlfriend now."

"Wow! Really?!" Melody, Silverstream and Ocellus asked in surprise.

"Could've sworn that Arcee hated Risa for what she did." Rak said in confusion.

Aero nodded in agreement, "Me too. What changed her mind?"

Gallus smiled, "I kinda have a talk with my big sis to give a second chance to Risa. After what she has done for all of us, Arcee deserves to get back together with her."

"Wow. Gotta say, Gallus. You've changed a lot," Sandbar remarked in surprise.

"Indeed. The first time we met, you were once insecure and lazy griffon, who doesn't want to open his feelings to anyone or even do something stupid." Kindy commented, annoying Gallus. He smiled gently, "Thanks to Arcee and this school, you've become better."

Silverstream squealed happily, "They're right. Thanks for being our friend."

Gallus blushed in red as he scratched his head's back, "Geez. Thanks, guys."

Smolder groaned in disgust, "I swear if I hear this again, then I'm gonna puke." She was elbowed by Ocellus and Yona. She grunted while rubbed her hand, "Ow. What the heck?"

"Be nice." Yona and Ocellus scolded Smolder.

"Either way, we should be happy for her. She deserved a happy ending together with her girlfriend." Mano said warmly.

"Cheezy. But true." Solflare remarked amusingly while crossed her hooves.

"Guys. Something's happening." Jesuits alerted her friends.

Everyone turned and looked at podium. And to their surprise, they found Cozy Glow is standing before them.

Cozy Glow greeted, "Good morning, friendship students! I know we're all sad Professor Sparkle is away. But don't worry, because she left me in charge to do things just the way she would."

"Really? I was very sure that Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown were in-charge of the school." Ciel questioned seriously yet suspiciously.

Leo nodded seriously, "Yeah. So why aren't they here?"

"They were, but they left me this note." Cozy Glow explained. She then took a note out to read, "I have to go. Twilight needs our help. I know the school is in good hooves with you, Cozy." She then giggled, "Isn't that sweet? We won't let Starlight down, will we?"

Everyone chattered happily about supporting the School of Friendship. However, Nyx and her friends were suspicious about Cozy Glow's notes.

"She's definitely lying! She did something bad to them! I'm gonna make her tell the truth!" Nyx exclaimed in anger. Just as she was about to move out, she got pounced and held down by her friends and siblings. She groaned, "OW! What the hell?! Really?"

"Stopping you from making a big mistake," Jade sternly answered her.

"Don't do something stupid, Nyx." Apple Bloom pleaded.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "You wouldn't want to end up like what happened before again. Everyone's now siding with her. They think she's a good girl."

"Yeah, Nyx. The last thing you want is making a bad name for yourself and your family." Scootaloo added.

"You really want that to happen again?" Alyson asked in concern.

Nyx groaned, "Fine…"

"Don't worry, Nyx. We'll find out what really happened to Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown." Lance assured his sister while glaring at Cozy Glow. He continued, "And then, we'll expose how fraud Cozy Glow really is."

Spike nodded seriously, "Yeah. That brat is gonna be sorry for messing with the wrong family."

Student Seven and Rescue Warrior Club especially Bella eavesdropped of the siblings and Cutie Mark Crusaders conversation. They all wondered of what Nyx, her siblings and friends were discussing. The sister of Nezha looked very worried and scared as she has to get them away from the school before they could start the ritual.

"Now, that is done. Let's get back to class and continue the lessons! I'm sure Professor Sparkle and her friends would be proud of us." Cozy Glow exclaimed happily.

"Not so fast!"

This alerted everyone to gasp in shock and confusion. They all turned back and found Chancellor Neighsay is at the entrance. The former chancellor marched straight to the podium, where he pushed Cozy Glow aside for his speech. They all muttered in concern, wondering of why he was here for, though some suspected that he came to undermine the headmare's works while others believed that he is here to close down the school.

"Good morning, everypony. You all probably wondered why I'm here and taking over this foal's so-called position." Chancellor Neighsay said sternly yet calmly. The students and teacher staffs looked worried and uncertain. Revealing the 'scroll', he continued, "I was sent here by Princess Celestia to replace Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown as the new headstallion of this school from now on."

Just as everyone including Team Fighters feared, Chancellor Neighsay has indeed come to take control over the School of Friendship.

"H-He can't do that!" Gallus exclaimed.

"Yeah. He doesn't have the right to take over the school!" Sandbar agreed.

Ciel hummed in concern, "I don't understand. Why would Princess Celestia allow him?"

"No, she wouldn't…" Spike disagreed suspiciously, remembering the conversation from yesterday.

Knowing what Spike was thinking, Lance nodded, "Yeah. Neighsay must have faked the order to get control of our school."

"Like hell, we're gonna let him!" Nyx exclaimed in anger. She was about to pounce but got slammed down by her friends and siblings again. She groaned in frustration, "Fine. I will stand down."

"Good. We're angry too, Nyx. But we have to play smart." Lance reminded Nyx.

Spike nodded, "Yeah. No way we're gonna let Neighsay take control of our school without the first. We need to rally these guys first."

Nyx sighed, "I hope you're right."

Chancellor Neighsay cleared his throat while reading out loud of his scroll, "There will be some changes to make here. As such, this school will adhere to EEA doctrine, as it should have from the start!" He turned and glared at Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club, "Next, these dangerous creatures will return to where they belong to. I will summon their leaders and guardians to bring them home. I will not allow them to run loose here since their kind caused the Mystic Civil War with Mystic Ponies!"

"WHAT?! That is so uncalled for!" Heatwave exclaimed in anger. He then grabbed Yona close to him, "Sure I got issue with Yaks before, but now we're buddies. Look at us. I do the smart stuffs; Yona does the smash stuffs. Best combo."

Yona nodded, "Selfish pony is right. Yona not like his jokes 'cause it is not funny. But Yona likes him for being honest and helping friends."

"Yeah! He's right! All creatures here are our friends!" Sandbar exclaimed firmly. He groaned while facepalmed, "I cannot believe I actually agree with him."

Yona whispered to Sandbar, "Yona couldn't believe either too."

"No kidding. Didn't think anyone agree with him." Rak whispered to his friends.

"You do realize I'm right here?" Heatwave questioned sternly as he glared at three friends, who shrugged and ignored him. He groaned, "No respect for the leader…"

"YOU'RE NOT A LEADER!" Everyone exclaimed in frustration.

"Either way, you can't do that to them." Kindy firmly protested while patting Gallus's back.

Blackwitch pointed out, "And also, the Mystic Emperor Nezha started the war, not the Equestrian Creatures. Azure Phoenix and some of council are trying to stop him. Get the facts right, dumbass." She found everyone gawked at her. She sighed, "Yes, I can use 'curse words' when someone gets the facts wrong."

Leo readied with his rapier, "If it's the fight you want, then you will get one."

Both Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club armed themselves for the fight. This surprise the rest of students and teacher staffs. Even Cozy Glow was surprise before noticed something off on the scroll. She smirked slyly as she has the idea.

Chancellor Neighsay was annoyed with the defiance, "You will obey and follow the rules I've made! That is not up to debate!" He cleared his throat before declared sternly, "Twilight had endangered us all for not only allowing these creatures to roam in our land, but also defying and challenging the Mystic Emperor. He is now at the verge on war against us, instead of the enemies! I'm here to fix those mistakes! The reign of Princess Twilight is now over! By the power vested in me, I ordered these creatures to be arrested!"

This prompted Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club to be on defensive stance, along with the siblings and Cutie Mark Crusaders standing beisde with them. However, the students and teacher staffs remained silence but watch the event. Seeing no one is doing anything, Chancellor Neighsay's looks became irritated about it.

"Are we deaf?! Arrest them now! Bring the Friendship Guards at once! I am now in the command!" Chancellor Neighsay commanded impatiently.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Chancellor but no one is willing to follow the order." Cozy Glow said slyly.

"Why not?" Chancellor Neighsay demanded sternly.

"One thing for sure, this order is a fake." Cozy Glow said firmly as she swiftly knocked the scroll down. It revealed to be blank. This made everyone gasped in shock. She continued while showing her scroll, "I know that because I received the real message from Princess Twilight. You've been removed from chancellorship and EEA because you've endorsed your supports to Nezha to take over the Equestria. The creatures have nothing to with the Mystic Civil War. Nezha did. Get the facts right."

Blacwitch was annoyed, "That's my line…"

Everyone muttered in shock and disbelief about the situation. Chancellor Neighsay nervously sweating.

Chancellor Neighsay tried to deny, "T-That is not true. That message is fake!"

Cozy Glow interrupted, "Fake or not. Twilight decided to run her school outside of the EEA guidelines. Princesses Celestia, Luna and even some of Mystic Council trusted her enough to support her, even though you tried to stop her."

Chancellor Neighsay became scared, "That's not exactly what—!"

Cozy Glow again interrupted, "Just imagine if the school runs according to EEA doctrine, then there won't be any more lessons from the Princess of Friendship at the School of Friendship."

"Well, I-I wouldn't say that—!" Chancellor Neighsay tried to protest.

Cozy Glow flew towards Chancellor Neighsay, "So, since I know you mean what you say, my question is really for the students and teacher staffs." She turned to aforementioned ponies, "Are we going to give the pony who already tried to wreck Twilight's school once another chance to do it? Or worse, start the war with our allied creatures when we're already have one?"

After listening, the students and teachers dissented angrily yet upset about the situation. They all now glaring and shouting at Chancellor Neighsay, who became scared. Cozy Glow smirked slyly to see everything goes according to her plans.

Cozy Glow smirked slyly, "I guess things will have to stay the way Twilight wants them. Which includes leaving me in charge."

Both students and teachers shouted fiercely in unison as they charged at him. They quickly grabbed Chancellor Neighsay, who struggled to escape. They have tied him up with a gag. They threw him into the guestroom.

"Serves you right for getting in my way, former chancellor." Cozy Glow mocked amusingly while taking EEA Medallion from his sash. She then closed the door. She turned to the students and teachers, "Come, everyone. Let's continue the study."

Everyone cheered happily and wildly as they all returned to the class. Team Fighters were about to follow them but halted by Cozy Glow.

"As for you all, you all should leave the school now." Cozy Glow instructed, alarmed everyone. She continued, "After what you have done for this school and Princess Twilight, you all deserve some relaxing holidays. You've been stressed enough from this. My orders. My rules. Better follow it."

Everyone was shocked by Cozy Glow's order. They tried to protest her but Bella interrupted, "She's right. We should take some vacation for a week, after what happened just now. We all deserved it."

Cozy Glow smirked slyly as she placed the EEA Medallion on Bella's jacket, "She is correct, everyone. And you get the reward for being smart. Go out and relax, everyone."

Almost everyone tried to protest, Nyx quickly spoke, "Alright, we'll do it." This shocked them. She continued, "Yup. That chancellor nearly gave me a heart attack. I need a holiday before coming back to the school."

Though confused by Nyx's saying, Jade gasped inaudible before speaking, "O-Oh! Yeah. That would be great." She then smiled awkwardly at her friends, "We wanna plan properly for our school."

Carefully listening to her awkward comments, both siblings and Cutie Mark Crusaders made 'oh' sound of realization and nodded in agreement. The students were not sure but to play along as they want some answers.

Cozy Glow smiled, "Good. Now run along. I'll be very busy with work."

"Wait! What about Arcee? I need to find her first." Gallus said in concern while looking around.

Cozy Glow scoffed, "Don't worry. I'll let her know about it. Now go and enjoy the vacation."

Gallus wanted to refuse but got dragged and pulled by Lance and Kindy as they don't want him to get in trouble with Cozy Glow. The young heroes and students immediately leave the hall before exited out of the entrance. Cozy Glow continued smile while waved at them.

As soon as two of them left, Cozy Glow dropped her façade of happy face. She looked back, where Risa stood before her.

"Well?" Cozy Glow questioned.

"All is done. Nice play, clone." Risa mocked amusingly.

"Don't call me that!" Cozy Glow screamed at Risa, who remained compose and stood still. She then sighed in relief, "I didn't expect that idiotic chancellor would show up here to take over the school. He nearly blew up our operation if I hadn't pulled this stunt off."

Risa rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Either way, everything is in order, just like what we planned."

Cozy Glow nodded, "Good. We need to start Phase I. And you're sure that your stupid girlfriend won't get in our way?"

Though regretted yet hurt of what she has done, Risa wavered off, "Don't worry, she won't. I made sure of that."

Both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have split up and travelled across the Equestria including the allied creatures' as they are doing their best to prevent Mystic Kingdom from invading them. If there were some reasonable of former allies, they would tried to talk with them about the mistakes they have committed.

Rainbow and Blazefist teamed up with Wonderbolts to fend off Water Tiger Kingdom while Aqua is talking with her siblings to stand down. Saber and Applejack were negotiating with Virtue Dragon to stand down from attacking Dodge City and Appleloosa. Pinkie and Laxtinct went to Yakyakistan, where they defended it from Mystic Ponies. Shorty and Rarity are at Manehattan, where they tried to negotiate with Thunder Science Division to leave. Terrorcreep and Fluttershy teamed up to defend Changeling Hives from Sovereign Lion Nation. Tailtech and Icy are in standoff with another group of Mystic Ponies at Saddle Arabia. Using the teleportation portals, they often travelled to another country to assist other allies and repel the invaders.

Now arriving at the Crystal Empire; Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Rexstrike were heading straight to the Crystal Castle. They saw many of Mystic Pony Guards have thrown many luggage out at the square. They even dragged Shining Armor and his family as well. Crystal Ponies including Flash and Sunburst were gathered, standing and watching the event.

Twilight and her team approached to Flash and Sunburst. Twilight questioned in concern, "What's going on? What are they doing with my brother?!"

Surprised to see their arrival, Flash said, "Princess Twilight! Shadow Dragon! General! Thank Celestia for coming here! Mystic Ponies are expelling Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor out of Crystal Empire."

"What?!" Twilight exclaimed in anger before rushed out to Shining Armor's aid.

Shadow Dragon sternly demanded, "Why didn't you and Crystal Guards helping?!"

"We wanted to but Princess Cadance told us not to start the fight. She didn't want Crystal Ponies get hurt or Crystal Heart get destroyed again." Flash explained. He sighed, "Sorry, sir."

Rexstrike sighed, "Damn it. This isn't good."

After throwing the last luggage, Mystic Lieutenant smirked smugly while glaring at Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, "Serves you right for openly challenging us. As of now, Crystal Empire is under the control of Mystic Emperor Nezha."

Shining Armor sternly glared at Mystic Lieutenant, "I wouldn't bet on it, jackass."

Princess Cadance nodded while holding Flurry Heart, "Crystal Empire does not belong to the Mystic Emperor. It belongs to Crystal Ponies. And…" She then cried in tears of hurt, "This is my home. My responsibility. You can't do this to us."

"We already did, stupid mortal," Mystic Lieutenant mocked. He turned and found Twilight came to hug Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart in comfort. He smirked, "Well, well, if it isn't the Princess of Failures. Nice of you joining with us. You can escort your family back to Canterlost."

"No." Twilight refused angrily. Mystic Lieutenant glared at her.

"No? You would dare to defy the sovereignty of Mystic Emperor?" Mystic Lieutenant questioned sternly.

Twilight sternly answered, "Yes, I am. Equestria belongs to Equestria Ponies, not bigotry assholes like you."

Mystic Lieutenant snickered amusingly, "Oh, little princess. You will regret that."

Just as he unsheathed his sword, Mystic Lieutenant aimed it at Twilight's throat. She remained compose yet firm. This alarmed everyone to react. Shining Armor, Shadow Dragon, Flash Sentry, Rexstrike and Crystal Guards armed with their weapons, and same goes to the Mystic Soldiers. Princess Cadance and Sunburst quickly calmed down the angry crowd as they wanted to beat the Mystic Ponies for threatening the Princess of Friendship.

"Lieutenant!"

Mystic Lieutenant turned back. He yelped in shock before something swiftly decapitated his head off to the ground. Crystal Ponies panicked in fear, alerting Princess Cadance and Sunburst to calm them down. Mystic Soldiers turned and deal with the interloper while Twilight and her friends standby for possible battle.

Everyone is facing Mystic Councilpony of Ice standing together with her Ice Amazon Mares. Stormwar and her soldiers approached while aimed their weapons at the Mystic Soldiers, who were both confused and scared.

"Frozen Sage…" Princess Cadance said in surprise tone.

Turning to Oracle Vixen, Frozen Sage commanded, "Vixen, escort Princess Cadance and her family back to the Crystal Castle now. Crystal Empire is their rights to rule."

Everyone gasped for the moment before cheering out happily. Princess Cadance shed some tears of relief to hear it. Shining Armor and Flurry Heart sighed in relief. This prompted Twilight to hug her brother and his family.

Oracle Vixen and her bodyguards helped carrying the luggage while escorting Princess Cadance and her family back into the castle. And at the same time, she gracefully thanked Frozen Sage, who gently patted her hoof and ensured that everything will be fine. Shining Armor nodded firmly while holding Flurry Heart giggled innocently, making Frozen Sage smiled warmly at them. She watched them entered the castle.

Mystic Soldier #1 growled, "Traitor! When Mystic Emperor hears about this-!"

"He will do no such thing while I'm still standing here." Frozen Sage sternly interrupted Mystic Soldier. She then armed with rapier at him, "Tell the Mystic Emperor that Ice Amazon Mares are no longer serving him. We are now the Guardians of Crystal Empire and Yakyakistan, not rulers. Now leave!"

Mystic Soldiers #1 grunted in frustration while throwing his helmet, "Darn it, mare! We'll get back at you!"

Mystic Soldiers quickly summoned the portal to escape at once. The crowd sighed in relief. Flash Sentry and Sunburst ordered them to return home now. Crystal Guards moved out to continue the patrol.

"Thank you so much, Frozen Sage," Twilight thanked with a bow.

Frozen Sage bowed humbly, "No, Twilight. I was redeeming myself for putting my trust on the wrong pony and abandoning my true duty to my people. I am truly sorry, Twilight. I've betrayed you and Princess Cadance."

"Well, you are here now. That's all it matters." Twilight calmly assured Frozen Sage with a patting on shoulder, "Keep them safe."

Frozen Sage nodded, "I will, Twilight."

Shadow Dragon and Rexstrike approached toward Twilight as the General of Friendship questioned, "You okay?"

"Do I look like okay?!" Twilight angrily asked her husband. Shadow Dragon gave awkwardly looks with silence. She sighed, "We can't keep up with this. One whole day has passed, we're becoming exhausted and tired from travelling, fighting and talking."

Rexstrike sighed, "I'm afraid we do not have a choice, unless the Mystic Emperor's willing to end this madness, your highness."

"So, where to now?" Shadow Dragon questioned seriously.

Before anyone could do anything, three ponies looked up and found Pegasus Royal Guard is flying straight towards them. They then noticed something off as she was flying wobblily before slamming to the ground.

Rexstrike quickly checked on the Royal Guard, "Soldier, are you alright?!"

Royal Guard Pegasus grunted as she struggled to get up, "Y-Yeah, I'm alright. I was having trouble with my flight lately. Don't know what happened." She cleared her throat as she passed the scroll to Twilight, "Princess Twilight, I've brought message from Princess Celestia. It's urgent."

Levitating the scroll, Twilight read it carefully:

"Twilight, please return to Canterlot at once. There are some ponies wants to speak with you urgently. It's about Project E84 and Cozy Glow. It is very concerning matter."

"Project E84 and Cozy Glow? Who are these ponies? What do they know about them?" Shadow Dragon asked in confusion.

"I have no idea. But they might have the answer we're looking for," Twilight said sternly. Just as she was rolling up the scroll, her magical aura made some static noise before dispersed into nothingness. She was perplexed, "W-What the-? Did you guys see this?"

Rexstrike nodded, "Yeah, we did…"

"What was that? Your magic couldn't have drained out." Shadow Dragon asked in concern.

"Not very sure." Twilight admitted in uncertain tone. She shook her head, "Never mind. Let's head back to Canterlot now."

Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Rexstrike headed straight to train station. Using the Ponyville Express, they're now heading straight to Canterlot.

After leaving the School of Friendship, everyone is now at the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse's outskirt. Most of the students having mixed feelings of worried, anxious and edgy while chatting about what has happened at the School of Friendship. The worried Bella tried to stay calm and happy for keeping her friends safe and away from interfering the mission. She hoped that everything goes well.

Nyx was discussing with her siblings and friends about what she planned to do next. They were both concern and scared about it.

"You sure about this?" Lance asked.

"You'd think they're ready for this?" Spike added his concerns.

"Guys, we need all the help. I have a feeling that Cozy Glow is behind Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown's disappearance. She and Bella are up to something now for Nezha. We have to act." Nyx said firmly. Her friends looked uncertain about her idea. She sighed, "We're our own now. Our family and friends are now busy to deal with Nezha's invasion. Who else are gonna do it?"

After carefully thinking, Jade sighed in defeat, "She does have the point. Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart went to library for more study about Ragnarök. Minister Ratio is handling the affairs. Strict Stalker, Bullhound, Grubber and even ZeekCrimson are making some serious preparation for Nezha's invasion. We're on our own."

Realizing that Jade and Nyx were right, both siblings and friends sighed in defeat as they couldn't help but agreed with them.

"We're with you, Nyx." Apple Bloom said firmly, along with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Alyson.

Nyx smiled, "Good. Then, let's do this. It's time for them to know the truth."

Lance sighed, "Let's hope that they don't go crazy and angry at Bella for being a spy for her big brother."

"I'm sure they'll go easy on her. They're her friends." Spike assured his siblings.

Nyx and her team explained to the students about Cozy Glow and Bella, as well as their purpose here at the School of Friendship.

"What! The! Hell?!" Solflare asked angrily.

"You've lied to us?! All this time?!" Heatwave exclaimed in anger at not just the siblings and Cutie Mark Crusaders but also Bella. Everyone shared the same sentiment. Bella became agitated with this situation. He growled in frustration, "D-Did my uncle know about this?!"

Lance shook his head, "No, he didn't. It's just mostly us and Arcee."

"I can't believe Arcee kept it to herself…" Gallus said.

"I can't believe you didn't really come here for to learn about friendship…" Ocellus said in hurt tone while looking at guilty Bella. She asked with tears, "Was our friendship a lie? Was everything we did a lie? Do you even care about us? Care about me? Was I… Were we just pawns to you?"

"What! No! No! No! No, Ocellus! It's not a lie!" Bella protested in hurt tone. Ocellus looked away as she was still hurt for being lied. She sighed. "Our friendship is not a lie. I never think of you or anyone else like that. I really do care about you. You have to believe me, Ocellus."

Ocellus sighed, "I wish I could believe you. I really do, my friend…"

Bella pleaded, "Ocellus, please. Everything we did is true, not lies. You are my first best friend I ever had. I could never forget that."

Ocellus turned and confronted Bella, "Then, tell us, Bella! What are you and Cozy Glow planning now?! What do you intend to do with the School of Friendship?!"

"More importantly, what happened to Arcee?" Gallus demanded sternly, "Is she really with Risa like Cozy Glow said?!"

"Yeah. We haven't seen her for whole day." Smolder said suspiciously.

Silverstream glared at Bella, "We swear if anything bad happens to Arcee, we will make you pay for everything!"

Aero growled while slammed his claws hard, "Yeah! You're about to face our wrath now!"

As everyone is now cornering her, Bella frantically panicked and moved back to the corner. Kindy, Ciel and Rak came to the aid. The green-colored prince shouted, "Everyone, calm down! You're scaring her!"

Ciel nodded, "She's our friend. We shouldn't treat her like a prisoner or traitor."

"You still call her 'our friend' after everything she and Cozy Glow have done?" Jesuit questioned sternly.

"Well, yeah. I mean, we've been friends for almost three years. Shouldn't we give her a benefit of doubt?" Rak answered sheepishly.

Aero shook his head in disapproval while crossing his arms, "Rak, you naïve fool…"

Holding hurtful Ocellus close to her, Smolder sternly spoke, "Look at her. Ocellus was hurt because of her lies. No way we're letting her off."

"Yona agreed. Yona not forgive Bella." Yona sternly nodded.

"I'd say we interrogate her at once," Heatwave suggested, which almost all of his friends agreed with him.

"Guys, c'mon! Stop this!" Lance called out as he, his siblings and Crusaders came to Bella's aid.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. Bella's not our enemy. Cozy Glow is. We need her help now."

Turning to Bella, Spike pleaded, "We're your friends, Bella. You have to tell us what Cozy Glow is really after now."

Bella became conflicted, scared and worried when looking at her friends, who have mixture feelings of anger, anxious, upset and worried. She wanted to tell them about her brother's plans, but she feared for their safety if they tried to stop the mission. She has no other choice now.

"I'm sorry, guys. I really am." Bella apologized as she held out couple of smoke bombs, alarming her former friends.

"Bella, no!" Everyone screamed in concern.

It was too late. Bella threw down the smoke bombs, igniting and engulfing the whole area is covered in black smoke. Her former friends were blinded while coughing heavily until it dispersed. To their disbelief, she is nowhere to be seen except Chancellor Neighsay's EEA Medallion lying on the floor.

"Bella…" Ocellus said in upset tone as she picked the medallion up.

Heatwave growled while stomping his hoof, "T-That traitor! She got away!"

"Don't worry, Heatwave. We will find her. We will hunt her down. We will make her pay for deception and betrayal." Aero said firmly while readied with his spear.

Mano grunted as he slammed his clenched claw against the tree trunk, "Damn it! How could we be fooled by her?!"

"I also couldn't believe it too…" Solflare said in hurt tone. Narrowing her eyebrow in anger, she continued, "After what we have done for her, this is the thanks we get for being her friends?"

"Yeah. I couldn't get it too. How could she do this to us?! How could she still side with Nezha and Cozy Glow?! Why?!" Sandbar asked in confusion.

"I don't know. But we should confront her and Cozy Glow." DECK suggested.

"Yeah, when we get our claws on them," Smolder snarled while clenching her claws. She then roared in anger as she unleashed the flamethrower at the sky, scaring her friends off. She then stopped before panted, "I'm gonna burn them alive. I'll start with that traitor!"

"Yak smash her!" Yona supported firmly.

"Guess we've come to agreement." Heatwave said firmly as he looked at Sandbar and Gallus.

Sandbar sighed, "I guess so…"

Seeing Sandbar's upset looks, Gallus patted his friend's back, "Look, Sandbar. I also don't like hurting my own friend. But Bella made her choice. Not to mention, she knows something happened to Arcee. I'm gonna find out. And I am gonna make them paid."

"We will. Bella and Cozy Glow are gonna be sorry for messing with the wrong people now." Heatwave said determinedly.

Just before the students could do anything, the siblings and Cutie Mark quickly blocked their way.

"Everyone, stop!" Lance commanded, making the students to stop. He continued, "Let's not do anything stupid."

"Yeah. Bella is not a traitor. She was being forced to work for her brother and Cozy Glow. She didn't have the choice." Nyx explained, with Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Somehow, I'm not convinced." Smolder remarked dryly.

"I agreed with Smolder's sarcasm. We have Bella surrounded. She could have told us, but instead she chose to escape. She's willing to work with them. Who knows what kind of plans they have for the School of Friendship or Ponyville Town?" Jesuits pointed out in concern. She crossed her arms, "Needless to say, we have to deal with them before they could cause more damages to school and Ponyville Town."

"Well, let's get a move on! There's no time to lose!" Mano exclaimed impatiently.

Leo nodded in agreement, "Yeah. We can't let them get away."

"Just like that? You guys just want to beat her up without finding out why she did it?" Spike asked in concern. The students remained silenced but showing their angry glares. He shook his head in disbelief, "C'mon! She's your friend."

"Was, Spike. She was our friend. She is now a traitor." Smolder corrected Spike.

"Indeed. No one here gives a damn about her reason now." Aero sternly agreed.

"I do." Kindy spoke up firmly, surprising everyone to look at him. For the first time, they have never seen him being very serious yet hurt. He sighed firmly, "If she has the reason for betraying us or leaving us here, then I'm willing to hear her out. I would also like to help her out too."

Everyone was surprised by Kindy's speech. Gallus asked, "A-Are you serious, Kindy?!"

"You really want to help her?! Seriously?!" Mano questioned in disbelief.

"Bella has lied to us since the start of the school, just like Tempest Shadow and Cozy Glow. They have been against Professor Twilight and her friends from the start!" Smolder reminded Kindy.

Yona nodded, "Yeah. Why help her, Kindy?"

"And what makes you think that she wanted your help?!" Solflare sternly questioned.

Kindy remained firm and calm to say, "Because she is my friend."

His statement surprised everyone including the siblings and Cutie Mark. This inspired Ocellus to stand beside him.

"He's right." Ocellus agreed while looking at the medallion, "Bella is also my friend too. We've been through a lot. She helped me, trained me, defended me and cared me. Now I wanna help her out."

It was not just Ocellus. Ciel joined in, "I also want to help Bella. She and I may not be close, but she's still my friend.

"Us too!" Silverstream and Melody supported firmly.

"If we can assure her that we're still her friends, I believed that she will return to us and tell us what her mission is." DECK suggested.

Rak nodded, "Yeah. Bella maybe Nezha's sister, but she's much nicer and better than him. I have no doubts that he could be threatening her to do his mission."

"Maybe. Maybe not." Blackwitch said ominously. Everyone looked at her. She gave a gentle smile, "We won't know, unless we helped her out."

"You guys…" Kindy said in surprise and relief, feeling touched.

"Wow. Just wow, bro…" Aero remarked in surprise at Rak, who nodded firmly.

"Even after what she has done, you guys are willing to stand beside with her?" Jesuits questioned attentively.

Kindy and his supporting friends nodded firmly without hesitation. The siblings and Cutie Mark Crusaders also joined in the agreement.

"Would you look at that?" Leo remarked in surprise while looking at his friends, "What do you think?"

"You all must be crazy for this…" Heatwave remarked in disbelief. While most of his friends nodded in agreement, Kindy and his supporters sighed in defeat about their reaction. He gave a gentle smile, "Well, let's go find and talk with her."

Seeing others nodded in agreement, Sandbar nodded, "Yeah. Looks like we're on same page."

"H-Huh?! Really?" Kindy asked in surprise, along with his supporting friends were perplexed as well.

"Actually no. We're still angry at her." Gallus disagreed while shaking his head.

Giving fist bump with Gallus's, Smolder snorted with smokes, "Definitely and really angry at her."

"But we are willing to give her benefit of doubt. My sister would advise me of that as well." Solflare explained wisely.

Mano nodded, "Yeah. Everyone deserves the second chance. Even Bella."

"If ponies still believe Bella is a good friend, then Yona would like to believe too," Yona supported.

Almost everyone chattered and nodded in agreement. This touched Kindy and the erst of his supporting friends. The young heroes smiled happily to see them agreeing together.

"Glad to see you guys work this out." Lance commented proudly. The students smiled warmly while nodded. He then gave the order, "Alright, we've gotta find Arcee first, and then we'll talk with Bella while dealing Cozy Glow before things got out of hooves."

"Where can we find her? She could be anywhere. She could be with Risa now." Spike said in concern.

Nyx sighed in concern, "I hope she's alright. I hate to think what kind of trouble she's in." She then shown her angry looks, "I swear if Cozy Glow done anything bad to her…"

Apple Bloom patted Nyx by shoulder. She turned and looked at her and the rest of her friends giving their smiles. She assured, "We'll find her. Count on it."

Nyx nodded, "Thanks, Apple Bloom."

As everyone gave some thoughts about Arcee going missing, Gallus gave a soft gasp, "I might have an idea…"

"Are you kidding me?! You were supposed to get them away from our mission! How could you mess this up?!" Cozy Glows shouted angrily at Bella's face.

Bella slapped Cozy Glow to the ground, "Do that one more time or I will kill you, you stupid clone."

Spitting small blood out, Cozy Glow growled as she glared at Bella, "At least, this clone done a better job than his stupid sister. Too focused on friendship, instead of mission." She sneered, "I wonder how the Mystic Emperor feel about you when he finds out."

Bella snarled, "Why you little f-?!"

"Enough!" Risa shouted, silencing both ponies. She continued, "What's done is done. But right now, we focus on our mission. We're almost there."

Cozy Glow and Bella huffed angrily, "Fine."

Three Mystic Spies turned their attention to the back, where they are looking at the ancient magical ritual marks with Amulet of Aurora, Talisman of Mirage, Helm of Yksler, Crown of Grover, Angelic Wings of Hope, Knuckerbocker's Shell and Clover the Clever's Cloak on each small marks. Each of ancient relics fired its blue magical beam in middle and generating magical spiral-like energy, trapping Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown. All of them are now currently at the same crystallized underground cavern hall-like, where Hak Xing freed Tso Lan from his prison.

Three teachers opened their eyes as they found themselves where they are and what Cozy Glow has been doing with her cohorts. They were completely confused and concerned.

"Enjoying yourself in there, you three?" Cozy Glow asked innocently. She gave pouty looks, "I'm sorry I had to put you all to sleep. But what else could I do? You three were going to ruin all our plans."

Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown were shocked. They turned to Bella, who looked away in ashamed. She apologized, "I'm sorry, guys. I have no choice."

"Of course, you have no choice because you will fail your mission." Cozy Glow insulted amusingly, annoying Bella to glare back at her. She scoffed, "Maybe if you have put more effort to stall them, then I wouldn't think about pushing your stupid friends especially that stupid brat in here! I've been tempted to do that for months!"

Bella growled angrily, "If you had, I will kill you."

"I said 'enough'." Risa ordered sternly. She then turned her attention at the imprisoned teachers, "Like Cozy Glow said, we can't let you interfere our mission. We have to drain all of your magic and abilities from this realm, so our emperor can take it over without resistance and bloodshed. I hope you understand and cooperate with us. This is the only way to protect you."

Instead of showing fear or concern; Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown shown their angry glares at them.

"Doesn't seem like they agree with you, assassin." Cozy Glow remarked with a huff.

Risa sighed while shaking her head, "No matter. By third day sunset, the Equestria and its population including the treacherous and ignorant Mystic Ponies will lose their magic and abilities for good. Hopefully, they will not resist or fight Mystic Kingdom. I do not want bloodshed on this place."

"Me too." Bella said reluctantly.

"If they are willing to do so…" Cozy Glow remarked dryly. She huffed, "Right now, we need to do something with Nyx, her team and the students. I have no doubt that they will get in our way or try to get Twilight and her friends back here. I hate those guys for ruining my fun…"

Bella gulped in concern, "W-What are we gonna do with them? You're not suggesting to kill them?"

"That would be great." Cozy Glow said slyly, concerning Bella.

"No. Nezha wanted them alive because he has other plans for them." Risa said firmly. She hummed thoughtfully, "We need to stall them for long until the magic and abilities are completely drained."

Bella nodded, "That would be great."

"Stupid Nezha's plans. I hate it." Cozy Glow complained.

"Well, you're gonna hate him more for defying his order." Risa sternly reminded Cozy Glow, who grumbled. She continued, "Still, what can we do to stall both teams? It's not like we can ask someone to deal with Twilight's team while we handle with Arcee's."

Cozy Glow hummed thoughtfully before smirk smugly, "I know someone who can handle Twilight's team. But we need Nyx's team to make a mistake first."

Ponyville Express has arrived at the train station. Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Rexstrike rushed all the way to Canterlto Castle, passing through the crowd evacuating to the underground shelters while Royal Guards were preparing for the war. By the time they arrived at the throne chamber, they found the rest of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force were here as well.

"All of you are here too?" Twilight asked in surprise yet relief.

Applejack nodded, "Yeah. We've managed to talk with Mystic Councilpony to stop the invasion and pushed some of bad Mystic Ponies back to home."

"Yeah. It wasn't easy but we did it." Saber said in relief.

Rarity smiled in relief, "The Mystic Councilpony have agreed to stay their blades. Apparently, they have had enough of Nezha's high and mighty attitude especially how he treated Equestrian. They and their personal army have defected and sided with Equestria to protect their rights and sovereignty."

"And then, all of us got the message from the Royal Guards. Princess Celestia ordered us to come back here at once." Blazefist finished up the story. He hummed in concern, "It has something to do with Project E84 and Cozy Glow."

"You think we finally get some real answer about it?" Tailtech asked.

Shorty hummed, "I certainly hope so."

"Let's find out. I'm sure Princess Celestia can tell us what is going on," Twilight assured her friends.

"Indeed, I do." Princess Celestia's voice spoke in agreement. Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force turned found her arriving. They all bowed humbly before her. She returned the bow to them. She smiled, "Thank you all for coming. Now follow me. Let's discuss this matter somewhere else."

Suspecting that Nezha's spies could be spying on them, Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force nodded seriously.

As horn lighted in bright yellow aura, Princess Celestia fired her magic aura at the keyhole-like from back of her throne chair. The click of key opening. The wall opened in two. The white-colored Alicorn climbed down the stairs. The heroes followed her from behind.

It took them for 10 minutes to reach to the underground bunker. Just as the Princess of Equestria and the heroes entered, they found a familiar bald-headed Pegasus with an eyepatch to wear.

"Hey, isn't that… Uh… Windu?" Rainbow tried to recall.

Tailtech corrected her, "Frozone."

"It's Colonel Fury." Shadow Dragon, annoyed, corrected them both.

Colonel Fury sighed as he shook his allies' hooves, "Thanks for correcting them, General Shadow Dragon. I would say I'm glad to meet you all, but not at this hour."

"Well, it's nice to see you again, colonel. We haven't seen you since Jurassic Land." Twilight greeted warmly as she shook the colonel's hoof. Seeing his serious looks, she questioned, "What are you doing here? Does it have something to do with…"

Colonel Fury nodded, "Yes, it does. I should give you heads up. Our friend is not himself after the second incident at Jurassic Land."

Just as the colonel opened the door, he led the rest of his guests into the large interrogation room, which is filled with long table, chairs, computer and desktop equipment, interrogation recorder and projector. The heroes soon found two ponies sitting at the table.

The first was a teal-colored female unicorn, who has a ginger-colored wavy hair with streak of honey-color and her cutie mark is a flask wearing a tan lab coat over a red sweater. Another was a familiar Mystic Unicorn with his mane grown longer, his eyes are covered in shadowy bags and wearing a brown-colored wool coat and cyan-colored shirt. He looked worse than before.

"What the-?! Dr. Vector Wong?!" Tailtech exclaimed in surprise.

"Wow. You don't look so good." Pinkie remarked.

Dr. Wong sighed while looking down on his hooves, "Yeah, I wasn't. After doing so much projects and experiments, I've become very stressed, tired and uneasy. But that is not the worst. The worst is to found out something horrible the Mystic Emperor has planned for. Something sinister…"

Fluttershy gulped, "I don't like the sound of that."

Angered to see him, Shadow Dragon narrowed his eyes, "What the hell is he doing here?"

"Same reason as mine," The female scientist explained sternly yet calmly while glaring at the guilty Dr. Wong.

While the heroes were confused, Twilight demanded, "What's going on?"

"Dr. Vector Wong and Dr. Lena Override were brought here to explain a certain subject to us." Princess Celestia explained while sternly glaring at them.

Dr. Wong nodded in confirmation, "Yes. We have something to tell you all. It involved a certain student of yours at the School of Friendship."

Everyone sans Dr. Override was alarmed by the information. Shadow Dragon narrowed his suspicious eyes, "Cozy Glow? You're talking about her?"

"Does Project E84 has something to do with her?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

Dr. Override nodded, "Yes, it does."

Everyone glared at two scientists as they had some suspicious feelings that they're about to find out of what is Cozy Glow's connection to Project E84.

"Start talking." Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Three teams of young heroes made their way back to the School of Friendship. Gallus guided and led them straight to Risa's guestroom. Just as they opened the door, they found Arcee, gagged with cloth and tied up by chains, struggling to move.

"ARCEE!" Gallus exclaimed in concern. He turned to his friends, "Guys, help her out!"

Aero and Rak helped Arcee to get up, allowing Yona used her horn to pull and tear the chains apart. Gallus removed the gag, allowing her to breath properly.

"Arcee, are you okay?" Spike asked in concern.

Arcee gave annoyed looks at the dragon, "I was drugged and chained for a whole damn night and morning! What the hell do you think?!"

Spike gulped meekly, "Sorry I asked."

"What happened?! Where's Risa?!" Gallus asked, along with his friends chatting in concern.

"Risa did this to me." Arcee explained firmly, shocking Gallus. She then looked at her friends, "Something did happen around here?"

"Yeah. A lot." Lance confirmed awkwardly, with others nodded nervously.

Lance then explained the situation to Arcee. She was completely appalled about it. The rest of students and young heroes nodded in confirmation.

"This isn't good. This isn't really good now." Arcee commented in concern while sitting down on the bed.

"Yeah, it isn't." Gallus agreed.

"Right now, we have to find Bella. We have to convince her to stop what she is doing with Cozy Glow for the mission." Ocellus stated.

Though she would agree with them, she took a deep breath to calm herself down. Arcee firmly said, "Not yet, guys. We should go to Cozy Glow's dorm first."

Everyone was confused. Silverstream asked, "Why go there?"

"You think she has something in her dorm?" Ciel questioned in concern.

"Yeah. I have a feeling that Nezha might have a bigger plan for her and Bella than just taking over the School of Friendship. I have no doubts that Risa is involved with this." Arcee said sternly.

"What makes you say that?" Sandbar asked in surprise.

Arcee explained, "I've known her for a long time. Whenever she made excuses and even knocked me out, Risa either has the mission or send the report to her client. She was definitely sent here to help them out with the mission. So, we need to go now."

Nyx smirked slyly, "Alright. Finally, I get to ransack her room."

"You're enjoying this too much, Nyx." Scootaloo said in concern.

Apple Bloom sighed, "Who could blame her? Cozy Glow did make her life hard."

"And not to mention, she can be annoying when she thinks she's smarter than anyone." Sweetie Belle grumbled.

With the agreement, both young heroes and students headed straight to Cozy Glow's dorm, where they began looking through everything in the dorm and searching for the information that might involve with Nezha's master plan.

"What are we searching for?" Apple Bloom asked while she and Jade were looking through the box.

"Something to do with Cozy Glow and Bella." Arcee answered firmly as she was checking on closet. She continued, "I have a feeling that they didn't come here to spy or even takeover the school. They're here for a reason."

"Like what?" Silverstream asked.

Arcee sighed in defeat, "I don't know. But we gotta find it first. We have to prevent this plan from coming true."

Checking on the desk's cupboard, Nyx found a brown-colored diary, blueprint plants, notes, pictures of ancient seven relics and ancient ritual book. She gasped, "I think I've found them!"

Both the students and young heroes gathered around at the drawer. Just as Arcee, Lance, Spike and Nyx picked Cozy Glow's plans out; they placed them on the bed for everyone to look.

"Is this it?" Gallus asked in concern.

Arcee narrowed her firm eyes, "This is it. Time to find out of what's really going on."

Holding the diary, Nyx snickered sinisterly, "Not to mention, we're about to find out what kind of secrets and plans this brat has been hiding."

"Wow. You enjoyed being evil way too much, Nyx. Thought you're done with it after that event." Alyson remarked in concern.

Jade scoffed, "To be honest, I'm with Nyx. That brat got what she deserves now."

"Start talking." Shadow Dragon demanded.

Both Dr. Wong and Dr. Override nodded firmly. The female scientist was setting up the video projector.

"As you all are aware, I am-" Dr. Override stopped before turned to glare at Dr. Wong. She corrected herself, "-or rather was a scientist working for him."

Both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force looked at Dr. Wong, who was passing the files to each and everyone in the room. He explained, "Yes, she was the best out of the other scientists. Her work was outstanding… until she walked out on us for her reason."

Dr. Override slammed her hoof on the table, intimidating her former superior. She snapped, "You know damn well why! I found out about Project Abomination and I decided I couldn't stay around any longer!"

Dr. Wong stayed in silence as he looked away from Dr. Override's gaze. Everyone was concern yet awkward to see.

Colonel Fury cleared his throat as he looked at the file, "Back to the subject. Wong and Override have been collaborating with Nezha by dropping operatives inside our walls."

Dr. Override nodded, "Yes. That's why we're all here. There's one operative – codename Nemesis was sent to infiltrate your school. She's from Project E84. I believe you all know her well – Cozy Glow."

Everyone was alarmed by the revelation. Tailtech stomped his hoof, "I knew it! Nyx and I were right! Project E84 really is Cozy Glow."

Icy shushed at her friend, "Not now!"

"'Nema-cease'?" Rainbow asked in confusion. She then read the file, "But shouldn't you guys say 'Neh-muh-suhs'."

"That's kinda odd name for her codename." Pinkie remarked in disbelief.

Dr. Wong shook his head, "It's actually pronounced 'nema-cease'."

Rainbow whispered to Shorty, "Is he serious?"

Shorty nodded in confirmation, "He is, Rainbow Dash. There was one pony who named with that during Commander Hurricane's Era."

"Why? Why work for Nezha?" Twilight questioned sternly.

"No boundaries." Dr. Override answered in ashamed tone as she placed the disk into the computer to play the video, "They gave me the chance to push genetics beyond anything conventional science had ever seen. Beyond what any government allowed."

Dr. Wong added, "I was impressed by her work and hired her to work for me."

Princess Celestia sternly glared at Dr. Wong and Dr. Override, "I must admit, I did not approve of this type of activity to happen and would have outlawed it."

"Neither do I," Colonel Fury agreed.

The projector shot out the video on the large screen, which everyone is watching. In the video, a small pony wearing a black ninja suit-like was starting her training simulation as she was engaging some of reprogrammed large Techbots.

"I can't believe that's Cozy Glow…" Fluttershy remarked in disbelief.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Rarity gulped in fear, "Neither do we, Fluttershy. It's hard to think that this little filly could pose a threat to us…"

Dr. Wong explained, "Our job was to create a weapon, the perfect weapon, based on all the data we had acquired from many reliable sources."

"I helped assisted him with Project E84." Dr. Override continued regrettably while watching the video of Cozy Glow, using kunai and shurikens, attacked Technobots. The reprogrammed robots tried to shoot her down but she easily dodged the blasts before slashing them into pieces. She sighed, "But I failed, time and time again. 83 times, to be precise. 84 was the charm once we realized where to look for the answer."

"The process wasn't enough, and needed a key to it." Dr. Wong said while opening the file, which has the picture of a certain black-colored Alicorn Filly, "Therefore, we acquired some DNA from another source."

"Wait! Is this Nyx?!" Fluttershy asked in disbelief while looking at the picture.

"Say what?!" Everyone asked in shock.

Connecting the dots carefully, Twilight angrily glared, "Y-You… You cloned our daughter?!"

"Not entirely." Dr. Override answered. She then looked at another black-white colored picture of female filly with spiral mane wearing pretty dress. She sighed in ashamed tone, "I had to make a few genetic variations using another pony's DNA. This one is the real Cozy Glow from 19th century."

"Oh my. This one looks almost like our Cozy Glow. She was a famous actress." Rarity remarked in surprise.

Shorty nodded, "Yeah. I can't believe that she's really a clone of Nyx and the deceased one."

Icy hissed in fear, "Just imagine if we clone Rexstrike into one billion of him as the Grand Army of Equestria."

Rexstrike was annoyed to glare at the heroes, "I would not recommend that idea. The last thing we need is to have the Clone Troopers to turn on us or worse – treating them like products than the living beings." He sighed in frustration, "Not to mention, I might not gonna get use to looking at them with my faces or even watching them to die on battlefield. It's gonna traumatized me for next few years."

"She's almost a perfect clone." Shorty commented in surprise.

Dr. Override shook her head, "It's far beyond perfect, Mr. Thinking. Because of too many DNA mixing together, it caused some… instability."

Before anyone could ask, they saw Cozy Glow unexpectedly and relentlessly attacked Technobots into pieces. Some Mystic Troopers entered the area to detain E84, but she started attacking them relentlessly and injuring or killing them. The video soon ended.

Everyone was shocked by the scene. Laxtinct gulped, "Wow. That is… Disturbing…"

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah. I didn't think Cozy Glow could be crazy killing machine. Probably not a good idea to clone Rexstrike."

"Yeah. Thanks for the thoughts." Rexstrike remarked sarcastically.

Dr. Override sighed, "She became volatile, dangerous. Our efforts to breed out emotion left behind… explosive anger."

"Despite of that, we've succeeded in creating the perfect weapon." Dr. Wong concluded, though with ashamed tone.

"But then, you couldn't control her." Shadow Dragon asked suspiciously while crossed his hooves.

"No, not us. The emperor is." Dr. Wong corrected the heroes, who shown their disgust. He continued, "We've been given order to mold Cozy Glow from birth, removing all distractions and isolating her from any attachments or love."

Dr. Override looked down in concern, "But Vector and I couldn't do it. We were the only ones who cared for and nurtured her. Unfortunately, Nezha didn't approve our methods."

"So, he took her away from you both? And you do nothing?!" Blazefist said in disgust, along with his friends annoyed and angry with the scientists.

Dr. Wong glared at Blazefist as he questioned stoically, "What would you have done? To defy the emperor is treason and death. Of course, none of us dare to challenge him. Both of us are scientists, for Mystic's Sake."

Dr. Override nodded, "He's right. The emperor allowed me to leave if I disapprove or interfere his operation. For her sake, I chose to stay."

Flashback:

Dr. Wong, Dr. Override and the rest of scientists were inside chamber, watching and studying young Cozy Glow struggling with her training and missions, set by Sushi Tsunami, Starkiller and some of Mystic Elite Guards. Whatever obstacle, challenges or even teachings they threw at her; she tried to fight back as hard as she can. For more than 5 hours, she soon collapsed from exhaustion.

This prompted the female scientist to check on her. While helping the filly to drink water and treat her, Dr. Override turned to glare at the Ultimate Warriors, who shown stoic yet emotionless looks.

Dr. Override narrated, "The Ultimate Warriors trained her to become a better fighter. They didn't treat her very well, and soon their lessons became too brutal for her."

On the next day, Cozy Glow was soon shown sitting in a park on a bench, watching various ponies having fun with their families. This made her resentful.

"They then trained Cozy how to blend in naturally with others. But when she watched other foals having fun, witness loving families, some unexpected hostilities emerged."

A group of foals soon approached Cozy Glow, offering her a ball to play with. Cozy looked at them, then smirked sinisterly.

Moments later, Cozy made fake cries while holding her leg and pointing at the foals, claiming that they hurt her. Dr. Override stood at the side, shaking her head disapprovingly.

"Cozy made false claims that foals hurt her, and whenever she wanted something, she would lie her way out of it. She used her cute appearance to make other ponies take pity on her. And it has been going like this ever since."

Flashback Ends…

"So, when her training is finished, Nezha sent Cozy Glow to School of Friendship?" Saber asked for confirmation

Dr. Override sighed in ashamed tone, "Yes. Even though she was sent for the mission, I actually hoped that the School of Friendship can help improve her behavior and have a better life there. But I was wrong, and you saw how that turned out."

"Yeah. We were there. We weren't please of how much problem she caused to the school and especially our daughter," Shadow Dragon said sternly yet dryly.

Applejack nodded in agreement, "But why would you allow Cozy Glow to get away with her lies?"

Dr. Override looked down in shame, "I was disapproving of those lies. I tried to teach her to be honest, but the emperor didn't like my interference. His loyalists chased me from interfering her training. It really upset me for not able to do anything for her…"

"Damn it. They're really jerks." Rainbow commented in disgust.

Terrorcreep nodded, "Not even me would reach that level. I will not end like my father…"

Fluttershy patted on his back of assurance, "You are not him, Terrorcreep."

"There's one thing I still don't understand. How exactly did you acquire a sample of Nyx's DNA?" Twilight asked calmly in anger tone.

"We were given a piece of her hair from Death Tactic," Dr. Wong explained while looking at the file, "He got it from the creature who plucked it from her head the day your school opened."

"Chrysalis…" Shadow Dragon growled in realization.

"That's why she took Nyx's hair." Twilight said in disgust.

"I was originally going to use Shadow Dragon's DNA, but the emperor wouldn't allow it." Dr. Wong hissed timidly.

"Obviously, he doesn't want competition or problem to deal with." Shorty nodded understandingly.

"But why use Nyx's DNA for this?" Twilight asked.

Dr. Wong sighed while looking at the file, "Unlike those Ancient Beasts from Jurassic Land, cloning a pony is challenging. It is very unethical for us." Everyone gave the blunt looks at him. He sighed, "Right. My mistake. Anyhow, we've tried to create a perfect clone for more than 50 tests. We did try to mix hers with other genetic to blend in. It did not go well as we hope for. So, instead of that, we were given a spell – the artificial clone spell – to create a new and perfect being with her own new looks and personality. She was perfect as we've hoped for."

"But you were wrong. That's nothing compared to what I found out later." Dr. Override said sternly. She sighed while facing the heroes, "One day, I was looking over Nemesis' diagnostics when I discovered something. Apparently while she was the perfect being, she was indeed flawed. Since Chrysalis had touched Nyx's hair, some of her DNA had gotten mixed in with it and the real Cozy Glow's DNA. Because of that, the clone had adopted some of Chrysalis' personality by lacking the positive traits: compassion, empathy, and more importantly, her honesty."

"Let me guess, him or Nezha didn't listen to you about the problem?" Tailtech asked in annoyed tone as he glared at the geneticist.

Dr. Wong looked down in ashamed. Saber shook his head, "Somehow, that doesn't surprise us. But I suspected Nezha did listen. He either didn't care about the problem or he just wanted to use her to complete the mission."

"That's definitely sounds like him," Aqua agreed stoically.

"Figures. Always think he's awesome and better than anyone else." Rainbow commented dryly. She then found her friends glaring at her. She groaned, "Hey! I am way better than he is. No way I would do something crazy and stupid as Nezha."

While looking at upset Dr. Override, Dr. Wong sighed, "In the end, I was a fool not to believe you. Instead of making the perfect being, I ended up creating a perfect monster for Nezha to use."

Everyone was completely appalled by the scientists' explanation about Cozy Glow's origin. Some were very angry. Others were still disturbed and concern. A few remain silenced, trying to absorb the information in their mind. But they all shared sentiments of disgust and disappointment at two scientists.

"I can't believe either of you!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in anger, "She was a kid, not a weapon!"

"How do you even sleep at night?" Twilight asked in disgust.

"I don't." Dr. Override admitted in shame as she faced the heroes, "That's why I'm here. To help her. To undo all of the damage I've helped do."

"Indeed. You must return to the school before she and her cohorts could finish up their mission!" Dr. Wong exclaimed frantically.

Everyone was alarmed by Dr. Wong's frantic expression. Blazefist sternly questioned, "What mission is that?"

"Aw man. This is really, really bad!" Sandbar said in fear, along with the rest of his friends when they were reading the journal.

While everyone was muttering in disbelief about it, Jesuit hissed while placing her hand on forehead, "I can't believe that Cozy Glow is actually a clone of Nyx, the deceased former actress from 19th Century and even has a little of Changeling Queen's…"

"Yeah. No kidding." Silverstream said in agreement. She then realized something, "Uh… What's a clone?"

"Clone is an artificial being, who was genetically created to have similarity of body features, organs and abilities as the original donors, though they often sometimes have different behavior or mindset." Rak explained scientifically. He found some of them were confused and uncertain. He sighed in irritation tone, "Doppelganger. Duplicates. Copycats. And sometimes can be called 'twins'."

"Ooh! Now I get it! Just like me and Arcee!" Silverstream exclaimed happily and understanding.

Melody scoffed while showing her spinning eyeball, "Yeesh. Why didn't you say that in the first place? Hearing your explanation makes my eyes going around."

"Not everyone is good with fancy words and science, Rak." Yona gently reminded Rak.

Aero nodded in agreement, "Yeah, little bro. Just put it simple, next time. Don't try to smart-ass."

Rak grumbled with groan, "Smart-ass… Yeah, right."

Looking at Nyx, Scootaloo hummed thoughtfully, "Well, that does explain those black patches on her and her cutie mark looking like yours when Discord was messing up science class."

"Yeah. No kidding." Apple Bloom agreed.

"It is very disturbing to find out that she's your clone." Sweetie Belle commented. Seeing Nyx glaring at her, she apologized, "Sorry."

Mano sighed in frustration, "Can't believe we didn't even notice about her."

"Actually… I already knew." Blackwitch admitted embarrassingly. Everyone looked at her with disbelief and confused looks. She sighed, "It happens on the day she came to this school. When she arrived, I sensed a darkness inside her, and her aura reminded me of Nyx. At first, I thought it was just in my head. But when Hak Xing showed up on Friends' Partnership Week, her aura interfered with Cozy Glow's. I'm sorry I didn't tell any of you this."

Solflare patted on Blackwitch's back, "It's okay, Blackwitch. You weren't sure if Cozy Glow has the aura of evil or not."

"Even so, some of the animals including Chi weren't very comfortable with her." Ocellus added in concern.

"Well, Granduncle Tao mentioned that some animals can sense and judge ponies' aura." Jade explained. She then looked at Nyx, "Though you did mention that your baby cousin could sense it too."

Nyx nodded in confirmation, "Yeah. Flurry Heart has special ability to sense ponies' aura. She was probably scared of Drago, Mei Kai and Kyuubi Lilith because they've got evil aura in them. She must have sense something off with Cozy Glow when Auntie Cadance and her were visiting from last time."

"Speaking of bad aura, take a look at this," Arcee called her friends. They all gathered at the center of the room, where they all looking at the large blueprint. It involves of ritual spell mark, seven ancient relics of Equestria and some notes. Studying it, she shown her concern looks, "Cozy Glow has been busy for months."

"A-Are these the same relics we've played for Spell-venger Hunt?" Smolder asked in concern.

"Yeah. They definitely are. But what are she and her 'friends' plan to do with them?" Leo asked in concern.

"Whatever they are, they can't be good for us." Sandbar said.

"Guys, listen to this. This must be from Nezha." Ocellus said in concern as she picked some notes up. They all turned to her. She read them out loud, "Cozy Glow, the time has come. I am entrusting this important mission to you. Gather all the necessary ingredients including seven ancient relics of Equestria. They will be the key to weaken Equestria, so we can conquer the mortal land without resistance. I will have my forces to create diversion and draw Shadow Dragon and his team away from you. Rendezvous with my sister and the assassin. They will assist you with the mission. Do not fail or else…"

"Oh my. T-That doesn't sound nice." Alyson said in fear.

"No. It isn't." Sweetie Belle said in fear, "Not only our sisters and her friends are away to deal with riots and invaders across the Equestria, but Nezha is keeping them from coming back home."

"He knew they would stop Cozy Glow from completing the mission if they ever find out. She must have done something to Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown too." Scootaloo added.

Apple Bloom hissed, "I hope they're alright."

"He isn't treating her very well. I am truly disturbed by this." Kindy remarked in concern.

DECK nodded in agreement, "Indeed. I can't imagine how much abuse she has to bear from the Mystic Emperor while her creators couldn't do anything to help her."

"You're kidding, right?" Aero asked Kindy and DECK, who looked at him with confused looks. He sighed, "Never mind."

"Still, what are they gonna do with the ingredients and seven ancient relics for their mission?" Lance asked seriously.

"Pretty sure they're using them for some kind of ritual." Spike theorized. Everyone looked at him. He nodded, "I know that coz I helped Twilight and Apple Bloom."

"And Spike's right. Look at this book." Ciel said seriously as she shown the old-textured ancient book-like. She explained, "It's called 'The Knowledge of Ancient Magic'. It deals with variety of ancient magic spells, potions, charms, medicine, herbology, exorcism and ritual."

"I'm guessing something to do with the 'magical ritual'?" Smolder asked sarcastically.

"That is correct, Smolder." Ciel confirmed. She then opened the book, revealing two-pages of book, which involved of magical ritual with ancient relics. She explained, "This is the Magic Drainage Ritual, which obviously require some necessary ingredients – dragon talons, a piece of wildflower petal, three drops of pumpkin juice, three tablespoons of pepper, a large spider, three dried bat wings and seven magical objects. Guess what items we have now?"

Ocellus gasped in realization, "Seven legendary magical artifacts!"

"Yeah. Thanks to her position, she got them out easily for the ritual," Smolder said.

Looking at book's ingredient list, Apple Bloom hummed thoughtfully, "From the look of this list, most of them are very rare to find. Cozy Glow, Bella and maybe Risa must have spent months to get them for their ritual spell."

Jade nodded in agreement, "If you want to make a perfect ritual or potion, you will need the right ingredients, no shortcuts or substitution, unless they're from the same category."

"True. So, what does the Magic Drainage Ritual do? It's a temporary, right?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

"No, Apple Bloom. It's permanent." Ciel said in concern while reading the book. Everyone became alarmed and concerned. She continued, "This ritual will drain not just the ponies' magic and abilities, but all of the creatures' on the Equestria."

Everyone gasped in concern. Heatwave gulped, "Okay. That does sounds bad. Will the Mystic Ponies get affected too?"

"Not very sure. It only applies to Equestria." Ciel admitted in concern.

Gallus hissed, "That does sound bad." He then looked at his wings, "I can't imagine what happened if we lose our abilities to fly."

"Yeah. I agreed. What else do we need to know?" Arcee asked.

Ciel nodded seriously, "Well, you're not gonna like this. On the first day, the creatures will lose their magic and abilities."

Gallus and Silverstream tried to flap their wings, Ocellus tried to transform, Smolder and Spike breathed dragon flame, and Yona used her strength to hold the chest, however, their powers failed them.

"Oh dear." Kindy remarked in concern.

"Yeah. That must have happened on the first day. On second day, ponies will lose theirs as well." Ciel informed.

This alarmed the siblings and Cutie Mark. Nyx, Sweetie Belle and Alyson tried to use magic spell, Lance flapped his wings to fly and Apple Bloom tried to use her strength. Ponies of Rescue Warrior Club tried to use their Mystic Powers. Again, they all failed.

Heatwave hissed, "Okay. The ritual definitely worked on us."

"We're on the second day now." Nyx said in concern.

Ciel gulped, "That's what worried me. And finally, magical artifacts and environment will stop working. When the sun set on the third day, the magic and abilities in our world will be gone forever!"

This made everyone gawked in shock. Kindy spoke up, "Everyone, we mustn't panic. We mustn't panic."

But instead, the students and Cutie Mark Crusaders frantically screaming and panicking in fear. Kindy gave a facepalm on his forehead. Lance, Nyx and Spike shouted to calm them down, but their screams were too loud to hear. Even Arcee tried but was annoyed that her voice is ignored.

"Everyone, be quiet!" Arcee shouted out loud, silencing all of her friends. Relieved that everyone has stopped, she sighed firmly, "Okay. Listen up, we're not out of the game."

"Not out of the game?! Are you serious?!" Smolder asked in irritation yet frantic tone.

Rak nodded fearfully, "No offense, Arcee. But we are completely weak and useless to do anything now!"

"My brother is right. There is no way we can stop Cozy Glow or possible Mystic Invasion." Aero concluded.

"Yes, we can, guys." Arcee said firmly. Everyone was confused yet surprised. She continued, "Ciel said that the spell will be permanent by tomorrow's sunset. So, we still got time to stop her."

"We should be careful of Cozy Glow. Apparently, she is not defenseless child to deal with." Solflare reminded her team.

"What about Bella and Risa? Do we have to fight them?" Ocellus asked in concern.

"Not like they give us the choice. They're following Nezha's orders." Mano pointed out.

"You leave Risa to me. It's personal now. If possible, try to talk with Bella to come back. I'm sure she will turn back." Arcee firmly gave the command. She hummed thoughtfully, "As for Cozy Glow…"

"Lance, Spike, me and Crusaders will take Cozy Glow down for good. It's payback." Nyx said determinedly, making everyone worried and nervous. She groaned, "Would you guys relax? We can take her. We've got more experience with fighting bad guys like Demon Successors and Dark Mystic Ponies."

Lance hummed in uncertain tone, "If you say so…"

"Alright then. Let's go and stop this madness for good." Arcee firmly gave the order.

Everyone nodded and cheered determinedly. Just as they were moving out, Kindy, looked uncertain and conflicted, did not make a move. Gallus and Ocellus noticed him.

"Kindy, are you coming?" Ocellus asked.

"We've gotta go now." Gallus reminded Kindy.

"But… If. No. When we stop her, then what?" Kindy questioned in hesitation tone, confusing his friends. He continued, "What are we going to do with Cozy Glow?"

Everyone was surprised by his question as they looked each other and wondered if they have the idea. But so far, none have.

"Isn't it obvious? We sent her to jail for lying and manipulating us to do her dirty works!" Lance answered firmly, "It's what heroes and police officers do."

"I agree with Lance. We are bringing her to justice while Bella will be pardoned and Arcee will deal with Risa." Aero said seriously.

Smolder growled while crossed her arms, "Yeah. She deserves some serious beatdown. She's such a jerk, a liar and a monster for screwing up everything and everyone!"

Kindy sighed while shaking his head, "No. This isn't right…"

"Come again?" Sandbar asked in disbelief, along with others' confusion looks.

"You all read her diary and message, right?" Kindy questioned, reminding his friends about the subject. They all nodded. He explained, "Should we at least try to reason with her to stop and surrender to us?"

"Excuse me?" Apple Bloom asked in disbelief.

"Reason with her to stop and surrender to us?" Sweetie Belle confusingly repeated Kindy's words.

"Tell me you're joking, Kindy. 'Cause we're not laughing." Scootaloo remarked dryly.

Jade nodded, "You saw what she has done to Nyx and some of students. And you really think it's a good idea to reason with her?"

"Not to mention, she's not even a real person, just like what Hak Xing said." Nyx exclaimed in anger before groaned, "She maybe my clone, but she is manipulative, lying and evil pony in the world!"

"Melodramatic much?" Spike whispered to Lance, who nodded in concern.

Everyone muttered in agreement. Alyson asked, "Still… Why would you suggest that?"

"Because I pity her." Kindy answered. This shocked everyone. "She is not evil. She's broken, confused, scared, lost and alone for a long time. She has no family or friends. We should at least help her."

"Is he serious?" Heatwave asked in disbelief.

Ciel hummed in concern, "He's not entirely wrong. Her whole life has always been training, fighting and completing the mission. She was also abused and threatened by Nezha and his Ultranationalists to do this. I really pity her too."

"Me too…" Silverstream admitted.

"I feel sad for her too." Melody joined in.

Everyone had mixed feelings about Cozy Glow. Mano shook his head with sigh, "Guys, I really do pity her but after what she has done. I don't think I could forgive her too."

"I don't think any of us do." Sandbar agreed, along with the rest of his friends.

Jesuit nodded in agreement, "It is impossible for us, though Bella can be forgiven because we've have been friends for long. I'm not sure about Risa."

"Sorry, buddy. Why would you even say that?" Gallus asked while patted his friend's back.

Leo nodded, "He is right. She's not friend to any of us. She is the enemy."

"Because she deserves better than this." Kindy said firmly. Everyone was surprised by his answer. He continued, "She maybe a clone, but she's a living being. We should at least help her and show her the way. It is what friends do. I would like to be her first friend."

Everyone was deeply surprised by Kindy's determination, though some were still conflicted or hesitation about his decision to help Cozy Glow. They then chatted with each other, though argued a bit. They all then nodded in agreement.

"Alright, Kindy. We'll try your way to talk with her." Arcee said firmly.

Nyx scoffed, "If she screws it up again, then all the bet is off."

"Yeah!" Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club agreed.

Though not what he had in mind, Kindy smiled happily, "Thank you all. We should go now."

Arcee nodded, "We go charge and take down the ritual for good."

"Hold it!" Heatwave called, stopping everyone to look at him. He gave a confident yet sly looks, "Cozy Glow might be onto us. So, we need to prepare for whatever she has to throw at us."

Realizing he was right, Arcee requested, "Go on, Heatwave. What do you have in mind?"

Heatwave smiled confidently, "Trust me. I've come up with the best plan ever!"

"He came up with the worst plan ever!" Sandbar complained angrily.

Arcee and her team (consisting of Lance, Nyx, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Gallus, Sandbar, Ocellus, Kindy, Ciel, Aero, Blackwitch and Jesuit) were running through the hallway. Heatwave and the rest of his team headed off to somewhere else for their own mission to work on.

Gallus nodded, "Yeah. What the heck was he thinking?! He really thinks that jackass can help us out?"

"Not like we have a choice." Ocellus admitted while looking at Chancellor Neighsay's EEA Medallion on her hoof. She hummed, "In fact, he might be our only chance."

"Somehow, I have my own doubts. Considering he has always pitted against Princess Twilight for more times than I count." Blackwitch pointed out.

Aero snorted, "Yeah. I wouldn't even trust him after the stunt he tried to pull."

"I don't even know why he would think that would work…" Jesuit voiced out her concerns.

"It will work." Kindy said determinedly.

"How would you know?" Ciel asked.

Kindy gave a gentle smile, "It's call 'faith'. I am certain Heatwave knows what he's doing. We must trust him."

Arcee smiled proudly, "So do I."

"Well, Azure Phoenix did say Heatwave was the best Captain of the Guard. Surely, we can trust him." Lance supported.

Spike groaned, "Well, I wouldn't trust his pervert attitude for the mission…"

"Me too." Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed in unison.

Looking at each other for the moment, the students sighed in defeat while nodded reluctantly. Sandbar spoke, "Fine. We'll do it."

"That chancellor better appreciate us for helping him out. Or else…" Gallus grumbled. Arcee sternly glared at her 'brother-figure' of what he planned to do. He raised his eyebrow, "What? I wasn't gonna do something terrible. Just some funny face paint."

Arcee rolled her eyeball in annoyance, though understanding as she and her team continued running down the hallway. By the time they arrived at the guestroom, Jesuit cautiously but calmly picking the lock with hairpin. Took a while, she managed to unlock it.

Opening the door, Arcee's team found Chancellor Neighsay, still tied up, struggled to slither to reach the door for hours. Feeling exhausted, he stopped now to rest. He even found them standing before him.

Gallus stifled his laughter, "Okay. Now that's funny."

"Yeah. Serves him right for causing troubles to us." Aero nodded as he gave fist bump with the blue griffon.

"Maybe we should just leave him be for the rest of his life," Blackwitch suggested dryly, beaming Gallus, Aero and even Sandbar nodded in agreement.

"Knock it off, guys." Ciel scolded Aero and Gallus. She used her magic to remove the gag. She then helped him to stand, allowing Jesuit to pick on the lock via hairpin. She assured, "Hold on, Chancellor Neighsay. We're getting you out of there."

Chancellor Neighsay was surprised to ask, "But… But why?"

"So, we can kick your ass." Aero teased, alarmed Chancellor Neighsay. His friends glared at him. He quickly said, "Kidding. Just kidding."

Nyx huffed while glaring at Chancellor Neighsay, "I hope you've learned your lesson, Neighsay. Never judge on ponies or creatures by their appearance especially Cozy Glow."

Spike nodded in agreement, "Yup. She's nastier as Chrysalis or Tirek."

"Got it!" Jesuit exclaimed as she managed to unlock the lock, freeing Chancellor Neighsay from chains.

"Also, we'd kind of like to stop Cozy before she drains all the magic and abilities from Equestria." Sandbar added.

"She what?!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in disbelief and confusion, "W-Why would she do that?! For what purpose?!"

"Long story short – Cozy Glow worked for Nezha to lower down Equestria's defenseless, so he can take over the Equestria easily." Lance recapped the situation.

"Nezha is going to invade the Equestria very soon. He's taking over this land now." Kindy explained.

Arcee nodded seriously, "Not only that, he also lured Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force away from here, so Cozy Glow can complete her mission without interference."

"Not to mention, she also ruined your reputation when she sent the Friendship Studies to Flim-Flam Brothers." Nyx added. Everyone glanced at her. She continued, "What? It is true. He deserves to know the truth"

Chancellor Neighsay was appalled, "I-I don't believe it… My reputation was ruined because of her and the Mystic Emperor!" Everyone nodded in agreement. He yelled, "Curses it! I cannot believe they would be so despicable ponies!"

"Can you get back to Canterlot Castle?" Lance asked.

"Yes, I can. If only I have-!" Chancellor Neighsay was interrupted when he found Ocellus shown the EEA Medallion to him. Touched by her kindness, he gently picked it up while warmly thanked, "Yes. This is the one. I must get word to Celestia and Luna."

"How? Without your Unicorn magic, it'll take forever to get to them." Sandbar pointed out.

Ciel nodded in agreement, "It's already on the second day now. Ponies already lost their magic and abilities now."

"While it's true that unicorns have lost their ability to cast spells, the most potent magic in Equestria is housed in our artifacts." Chancellor Neighsay explained calmly as he placed his medallion on his sash, "The EEA medallion allows me to travel throughout Equestria. Its magic should have enough to send me to the princesses."

"In case if anyone tried to stop you, tell them that Arcee or the children sent you. Twilight, Shadow Dragon or any of them will listen." Arcee added.

Chancellor Neighsay nodded, "Dully noted."

Tapping once on his EEA Medallion, it created magical energy-like in brown-colored aura, surging straight to his horn. Chancellor Neighsay magically summoned a portal. Just as he was about to enter, he took a last glance at Arcee's Team.

Swallowing up his own pride, Chancellor Neighsay said sincerely yet reluctantly, "Thank you."

His 'thank you' in sincere tone caught everyone surprise. Without saying anything, the chancellor quickly entered the portal, returning to Canterlot Castle.

"I did not expect that." Jade remarked in surprise, along with Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement.

"I hope he makes it." Ocellus prayed.

Aero scoffed, "I hope he doesn't come back and try to lock us up."

"If he comes back." Gallus corrected Aero.

"Everything will be fine, guys," Ciel assured her friends. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "My brother and sister-in-law will figure out of what's really going on. Chancellor will get back to warn the princesses of the situation. They all will be on their way."

"I hope so. But right now, we can't stop." Arcee said seriously. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "Let's focus on dealing with Cozy Glow and her friends. Stop the Magic Drainage Ritual for good."

Lance nodded, "Yeah. Where can we find them? They could be anywhere."

"Cozy Glow's diary didn't mention any place." Apple Bloom said in concern.

Ciel sighed, "Damn it. If only we have a clue or tracker on one of them…"

"There is a way. We can use Magical Orb to find them." Jesuit proposed as she held her Magical Orb, "All I need is a scent, a hoofprint, a piece of hair strand, belonging or anything that has their DNA. Got any of them?"

Everyone hummed in concern as they were thinking and remembering the item they can use for Magical Orb. Ocellus gasped in realization as she took out a small shinny gem-like.

"What's that?" Kindy asked curiously.

"It was my birthday gift. Bella brought this from Elvish Woodland. She told me that it's a lucky charm for protecting me from bad dreams and bad luck. So, I've kept it with me for 2 years." Ocellus said warmly yet happily. She then found everyone looked at her. She looked down ashamed, "S-Sorry. I was just remembering…"

"It's okay, Ocellus. We'll get her back." Sandbar assured Ocellus while patting her back.

Ocellus smiled back, "Thank you, Sandbar." She passed the gem to Jesuit, "Here. You'll need this."

"Thanks, Ocellus. We'll find them. I promised." Jesuit said determinedly as she picked the gem from her friend. By touching it, her Magical Orb glowed in white color for the moment. It then revealed the image. She smirked, "Found them."

"Lead the way, Jesuit." Arcee said determinedly. She turned and looked at her friends, "Everyone, get ready for the fight. Nyx, Ciel, you both know what you have to do."

Everyone nodded determinedly, "Yes, ma'am."

"Nice going, leader." Gallus remarked proudly.

Arcee groaned, "Stop it…"

Inside the Ponyville Town Hall's office, Master Ratio and Mayor Mare were discussing of how they respond to ponies' complaints for the sudden loss of magic and abilities, along with the rest of staff members. A sudden burst of door opening alerted them to turn to. They found Heatwave and the rest of his friends arriving.

"Captain Heatwave? What are you doing here? You and your friends were supposed to be in the school." Master Ratio questioned seriously.

Heatwave nodded to his friends – Rak, Mano, Silverstream and Leo, who returned the gesture as they opened their bags and laid out the evidence and information they have found from Cozy Glow's dorm.

"W-What is this? Some kind of enemy plot?" Master Ratio demanded in concern.

Heatwave nodded seriously, "Yeah. I need your help, Master Ratio."

Back at the bunker…

Everyone was completely dismay and outrage to hear the explanation from Dr. Wong and Dr. Override. Two scientists looked down ashamed, unable to face them.

"I don't believe it…" Colonel Fury remarked in dismay tone.

Rexstrike slammed his hooves on the tables, "Are you telling us that Cozy Glow and her cohorts have already begun their Magic Drainage Ritual?! From yesterday?!"

"I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry." Dr. Override said in guilt while bowing down.

Realizing the danger both students and children are, Twilight exclaimed in concern, "We have to get back to Ponyville now!"

Shorty suggested, "We still got Armor Strike III. We can reach there in time. 10 minutes top."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Everyone, let's move out."

"Let me go with you," Dr. Override volunteered. Everyone looked at her. They were about to protest, she interrupted, "No. I will not stay behind and do nothing again. I have to be there for her. I might able to reach her."

Everyone looked at each other, wondering if they should trust and allow her to join with them. After careful consideration, most nodded in agreement of her volunteer to stop Cozy Glow, though some disapproved it.

"Alright. You can come with us, Dr. Override." Twilight said firmly.

"You'd better hope you can make her stop, Doctor." Shadow Dragon said sternly.

Dr. Override sighed, "Me too, sir. Me too."

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force moved out at once. Princess Celestia, Rexstrike and Dr. Override followed them from behind. Colonel Fury was about to follow them, but he found Dr. Wong remained behind.

"And you, doctor?" Colonel Fury asked his former colleague.

Dr. Wong sighed while shaking his head, "I can't. Not because I'm a coward or don't want to fix my mistakes. I feared that Nezha will kill me if I get involve with this." He then looked at the file, "Besides, I believe he has other plans than this one."

Colonel Fury raised his eyebrow suspiciously, "What makes you said that, doc?"

"I don't know, honestly. I can't help but feel uneasy with him. I have to remain behind to find out more." Dr. Wong admitted in fear,

Colonel Fury looked reluctant and concern, "If you say so. Just be careful. I don't think Nezha is gonna be nice pony for long."

Dr. Wong nodded understandingly. He turned and exited the backdoor as he is now returning to his home realm. Colonel Fury went after his allies.

By the time the heroes and their allies climbed out from the back of Royal Sisters' throne chairs, they soon found the portal appeared before them. Chancellor Neighsay emerged out from it.

"Chancellor Neighsay?!" Everyone exclaimed in alarm.

Chancellor Neighsay was about to say anything, Princess Celestia snapped, "Chancellor, this is not the time for another stupid debate about you wanting to close down the school. You've done enough damages!"

"Yeah. If you hadn't been so stubborn ass in the first place, we wouldn't be going around the world and fix the mess you've made! Thanks a lot!" Laxtinct complained.

Blazefist nodded stoically, "Yeah. If you don't mind, shove up your stupid attitude-!"

"Arcee and your children sent me! They sent me!" Chancellor Neighsay shouted, silencing everyone. They were surprised yet confused and suspicious of him. He spoke, "I will explain that later. You have to go to the School of Friendship! Cozy Glow has started the Magical Drainage Ritual! Your students and children are dealing with her!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted.

"What do you mean?! Where're Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown?! Why aren't they taken care of her?!" Twilight asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon glared at Chancellor Neighsay, "What did you-?!"

Chancellor Neighsay interrupted, "I didn't do anything to them. When I got there, Cozy Glow has already taken over the School of Friendship. I can only assume she is responsible for their disappearance."

"More than a reason that we have to get back now." Dr. Override insisted in concern.

Looking at Dr. Override, Chancellor Neighsay questioned, "Who is this?"

"No time. We have to move now!" Princess Celestia commanded seriously. She then found the door opened as a female Royal Guard was rushing towards her. She gave a sigh in frustration, "What now?"

"Report! Grand Admiral Death Tactic and Grand Commander Tempest Shadow are invading Canterlot City with their army! Airspace is blocked by two Mystic Prime Cruisers and three Light Cruisers. We're completely surrounded!"

Everyone gasped in concern. Rainbow yelled, "Damn it! This is so not good for us!"

"What the hell, writer?!" Pinkie screamed while writing down on the wall. She gasped in realization, "Oh no! I used foul word! Bad Pinkie! Bad! Darn it! This was supposed to be for children!"

"Pinkie, not now." Icy sternly warned Pinkie.

"There's more." The Royal Guard said in concern. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "They demand to speak with all of you."

"For what?" Applejack asked suspiciously.

The Royal Guard shook his head, "I don't know. They demanded us to bring you there or else they will destroy the city."

Everyone gasped in concern. Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed, "He can't do that! This is our capital city! There are civilians here. They are completely unarmed and defenseless."

"Unfortunately, they don't care about it, unless we give in." Blazefist said seriously.

"We don't have time for this." Twilight said in concern, "We have to get back to the School of Friendship."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. We board the gunship and break through their blockade. That shouldn't be problem."

"There are some problems now." Tailtech said in concern. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "Most of us can't use our magic and abilities to fight them too. Also, we don't have enough artillery to fend them off."

Blazefist sighed in defeat, "He's right. We can't afford to pick a fight with them now. We're now both outnumbered and outmatched."

Everyone looked down in dismay. Rainbow asked, "So, what are we supposed to do now? Give up?"

"No. There is a way." Chancellor Neighsay said while looking at his EEA medallion.

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their allies heading straight to the entrance gate of Canterlot City. While running down the street; they saw civilians hiding inside the buildings, Royal Guards were standing on guard, as well as spotting two Mystic Prime Cruisers and three Light Cruisers, flying on air, surrounded the city. It is a dire situation they are now facing.

Upon their arrival, the heroes of Equestria found thousands of Royal Guards, led by Flash Magnus, were guarding the gate. At the outskirt, the invasion army of Mystic Kingdom, led by Grand Admiral Death Tactic and Grand Commander Tempest Shadow, were standing by They are now on stalemate, stoically yet seriously facing each other, ready to start the fight. They all then met up with Flash Magnus, who bowed in greeting.

"How's the situation, sir?" Rexstrike asked.

Flash Magnus reported, "They haven't made a move ever since their arrival. They're waiting for our heroes and princesses." He turned to his allies, "Be careful. They're up to something. Signal us to attack."

"We will." Princess Celestia assured her soldier. She turned to her student and the rest of friends. She continued, "If anything happens, you must immediately return to the School of Friendship and stop Cozy Glow. I will handle them."

"Are you sure," Twilight asked in concern.

Princess Celestia nodded, "Yes, Twilight. We'll be fine. I was taught by Azure Phoenix and some of my friends. I can handle it without magic."

Twilight nodded determinedly, along with the rest of her friends. Chancellor Neighsay concealed his EEA Medallion with the scarf, making sure the enemies unable to find out of their plan.

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their allies exited out of the entrance gate. They headed straight towards the enemy commanders, who remained firm and calm. Both sides of the army armed with their weapons and arsenals at each other. They are now facing each other.

Death Tactic greeted warmly, "Good afternoon, Princess Celestia… Princess Twilight… General Shadow Dragon… And all of your friends… It is nice to see you all have agreed to see us."

The heroic teams were annoyed. Shadow Dragon narrowed his angry eyes, "Not like we have a choice." He turned and glared at Tempest Shadow, "Grand Commander…"

"General…" Tempest Shadow greeted dryly. She turned her attention at shocked Rexstrike. She greeted in remorseful tone, "Captain Rexstrike…"

"So, it is true. You really have turned on us." Rexstrike said in hurt tone. He sighed while looking away, "I thought you finally let go of your revenge and return to us. But it was all a lie all along. You've been working with the Mystic Ponies from the start, not the Storm King. All this for a horn and to rise through the ranks."

Tempest Shadow guiltily turned away, "I'm sorry, Captain. I really am."

Rexstrike narrowed his firm eyes, "It's General now, Commander. Don't ever forget that."

Death Tactic cleared his throat, "Please forgive me to interrupt the reunion. I believe we have a negotiation to discuss. I hope that we can reach to the agreement. Shall we begin?"

Looking at her allies, who nodded in agreement, Princess Celestia answered, "Yes, Grand Admiral. What are you two here for? What does my nephew want now?"

"Your complete submission to Emperor Nezha, your highness." Death Tactic answered calmly, shocking everyone. He continued, "If you surrender your sovereignty and rulership of the Equestria to us, then your ponies will be spared from death. Then, you shall inform the rest of your allies to do the same as well. I am very certain that they would agree with you since you are the most important ruler they respected."

"How dare you!?" Twilight exclaimed in anger.

Shadow Dragon narrowed his angry eyes, "You can't do that! Equestria is Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's right to rule. It belongs to the Equestrian ponies and creatures, not Mystic Ponies! Emperor Avatar and Emperor Takei have made that very clear! All written in history and documents!"

Death Tactic shook his head firmly, "I'm afraid our emperor disagreed. That old document is no longer valid to us. Equestria now belongs to him."

"No, it's not!" Twilight exclaimed, along with her friends armed with their weapons.

"Don't make us do this, Twilight. Surrender now." Tempest Shadow said stoically in calm tone.

"Is that a threat?"

"No. I'm asking you as a friend."

Enraged by Tempest's calling her 'a friend', Twilight shouted with Royal Canterlot Voice at Tempest, "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL ME THAT AFTER THE BULLSHIT YOU'VE DID TO ALL OF US, YOU DAMN TRAITOR!"

Everyone was completely shocked by Twilight's sudden outburst. Rarity whispered to the Princess of Equestria, "I didn't think she could use the Royal Canterlot Voice."

Princess Celestia shown her annoyed looks, "Apparently, Luna taught her that for self-defense against some troublemakers."

"Either way, you're not getting the Equestria, admiral and commander. Now get lost!" Shadow Dragon shouted at Death Tactic and Tempest Shadow.

"I'm afraid that is not an option." Death Tactic said sternly.

"Agree. I suggest you prepare yourself for the battle." Tempest Shadow said firmly yet reluctantly.

"We will." Princess Celestia said firmly. She and her allies turned away from her enemies. She lowered her head, close to Twilight to whisper, "Twilight, get ready to teleport together with Chancellor Neighsay."

Twilight nodded firmly, "Alright. We get back to the castle first."

"Oh. I almost forgot the most important thing I need to show you." Death Tactic said calmly, alerting his enemies.

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their allies turned to him. They then found him holding a magenta-colored amulet with moon and sun icon, along with small ruby on top of it. This shocked the Princess of Equestria to gasp.

"The Amulet of Sun and Moon?! Where did you get it?!" Princess Celestia exclaimed in concern.

"Emperor Nezha gifted me to use it when the time is right." Death Tactic answered calmly while readying to use it with his hoof. He smirked cunningly, "And this is the moment I've been waiting for."

Princess Celestia gasped, "Don't do it!"

Too late. Grand admiral has twisted his hoof on the amulet's ruby, activating its magic. This magically shift from the sunset to the next day's afternoon. This shocked everyone to see it.

"W-What just happen?!" Rainbow asked in confusion.

"I-I thought Princess Celestia and Princess Luna can control sun and moon. How is this possible?!" Rarity asked in concern.

"The Amulet of Sun and Moon has mine and Luna's magic to control them. My father and uncle took some of ours in the amulet as the precaution, should anything happen to us or our magic." Princess Celestia explained.

"In other word…" Pinkie, Laxtinct and Rainbow asked in concern.

"It's already on third day. Chancellor Neighsay's medallion or any magical artifact is now useless." Shorty explained while looking at the medallion.

"H-He's right! I-I can't use the medallion now!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in fear while tapping on his medallion, trying to summon the portal. He looked at his allies, "We're trapped!"

Realizing the situation, Saber glared at Death Tactic, "You didn't want to negotiate with us. You were stopping us from returning to the Ponyville Town."

Death Tactic nodded, "Indeed, we did, detective." He glared at Dr. Override, "I already knew that Dr. Override would betray us due to her motherly instinct. So, instead of stopping her, I let her to go and inform you everything about Project E84."

"So, we can sabotage your work? That wasn't very smart." Aqua remarked.

Terrorcreep hummed in concern, "No. He wants it to happen."

"You are indeed correct, tactician." Death Tactic confirmed with a calm smile, making everyone worried. While looking at the Amulet of Sun and Moon, he continued, "I could have used the Amulet to accelerate our plans in the first place. But instead, I chose to allow Dr. Override to expose the truth, but also waiting for Chancellor Neighsay to return from the School of Friendship. So, that I can trap you all here. To ensure that you will not interfere our master's plan. We are almost there."

"H-How did you I would return from the school?!" Chancellor Neighsay questioned in shock.

Death Tactic smiled, "Cozy Glow informed me of your foolish action. She anticipated the children's interference and tried to get you all back. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain. Cozy Glow has proven herself to be a useful pawn, despite some annoyance of her behavior. But nevertheless, we have succeeded."

Everyone was completely dismayed and appalled by the situation. Dr. Override hissed, "Damn it! This can't be happening!"

"You won't get away with this!" Shadow Dragon said fiercely.

Twilight nodded determinedly, "We will get back and stop Cozy Glow from draining the magic!"

"We shall see…" Death Tactic said calmly. He turned to his Mystic Soldiers, "All units, prepare to attack!"

As commanded, the army of Mystic Soldiers are armed with the melee weapons and the arsenals – three Neutron Tanks and 5 Scout Walkers. All of them are prepared to attack Canterlot Castle.

Death Tactic whispered to Grand Commander, "Tempest, lead the ground force. And remember, you are to stall them until the ritual is complete."

Tempest nodded, "Understood, sir."

"Eep. That's not good." Laxtinct remarked in fear.

"Pull back! Everypony, retreat to the entrance now!" Princess Celestia ordered firmly.

Without hesitation, the heroes and their allies quickly made their escape, returning to the entrance gate. They all met up with Flash Magnus.

"What happen?" Flash Magnus asked in concern.

Rexstrike explained, "It was a setup. Twilight and her team won't able to return to Ponyville Town now. Death Tactic has trapped us."

"Curses. This is all my fault. I should have teleported us out as soon as possible." Chancellor Neighsay said in ashamed tone.

"And of course, you screw us up badly for too many times. Keep saying that schools are for ponies, not creatures." Pinkie complained dryly. Everyone glared at her. She asked, "What? That's what he always does since his canon. Duh!"

"Not the point." Shadow Dragon said firmly. Spotting Tempest Shadow's leading the Mystic Soldiers, he hissed, "For the moment, we have to deal with the invasion."

"You do realize that they're trying to stall us, right?" Terrorcreep reminded Shadow Dragon.

Shadow Dragon sighed in frustration, "It's not like we can do anything at the moment. We can't use teleport spell, can't use the train and can't even use Armor Strike-III. We are already trapped."

Blazefist nodded in concern, "He's right. All we can do is to drive the invaders back."

"And hopefully, we get back home in time before it's too late." Twilight said in concern. She hissed, "I'm really worried about Nyx, Spike, Lance and others. Cozy Glow could have done something worse to them."

Applejack patted Twilight on the back, "I know, Twilight. We're worried too."

"We should put our trust in our family and the students now. They're the only ones to stop her. That's all we can do now." Rarity suggested.

"Right now, we kick their asses!" Rainbow said determinedly while armed with her Mystic Magical Spear.

Looking at the rest of her friends who shown their firm yet determination expression, Twilight took a deep breath before released it, "Alright. Let's do this. We hit them hard and fast."

"And we will get back home, Twilight." Shadow Dragon assured Twilight. He turned to the Royal Guards, "Everyone, we hold the line!"

Spotting the enemies' charging, Rexstrike exclaimed, "Here they come!"

"Everyone, engage the enemies!" Princess Celestia ordered firmly. She turned to Chancellor Neighsay, "Chancellor, evacuate the civilians and nobles to the castle! Find Princess Luna. Tell her to defend them."

Chancellor Neighsay nodded, "Understood!"

Chancellor Neighsay turned around and moving out, along with 10 Royal Guards as they evacuated the civilians and nobles to the Canterlot Castle.

And at the same time, Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their allies prepared themselves for the fight. Flash Magnus and Dr. Override remained behind to lead the rearguards. Some are armed with shields and spears to block the entrance gate while the archers readied with the bows and arrows on top of castle walls. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Princess Celestia and Rexstrike led the main army to engage a fierce battle with the Mystic Ponies. Shadow Dragon and Twilight are dueling with Tempest Shadow, who looked conflicted and reluctant, fought back.

Death Tactic and 3,000 Mystic Soldiers remained behind to watch the event. Hearing the beeping noise, he then answered the Communication Portal. He found Nezha in it.

"My emperor." Death Tactic greeted with a bow.

"How is our plan progress, my old friend?" Nezha questioned.

"Everything goes according to our plan. We are now stalling them until the ritual is complete. Victory is in our grasp."

"Excellent…"

The Magical Orb magically floated across the hallway. Arcee's team is following it from behind. It has led them to the back of library, where they all found the floor gate being opened. This concerned them.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Sandbar remarked in concern.

Arcee shown her determined looks, "Don't worry, Sandbar. We're gonna stop her. Everyone, be on guard."

With everyone nodded in agreement, Jesuit chanted calmly, causing her Magical Orb to continue searching its target. Arcee's team is now following it, with the help of using ropes to climb down to the underground. Took them a while, they have arrived at the hall, where they found what they were looking for.

Nyx gasped, "Starlight! Sunset! Mr. Lockdown!"

"Sweet Celestia! We've found them!" Spike exclaimed happily.

"So, that's where they were?" Gallus remarked. He then snickered, "You know. I don't mind letting Starlight and Sunset out. We can just leave Lockdown in here for the rest of his life."

Everyone especially an angry Mr. Lockdown glared at Gallus. Sandbar chided, "Gallus, this is seriously not the time for a joke. Leave that bad joke to Heatwave."

Looking at his trapped friends, Lance assured, "Hang on, guys. We're getting you out."

"We should get them out now." Aero suggested firmly.

"And how are we supposed to do that, tough guy?" Jesuit questioned while looking at the ritual mark.

Aero scoffed as he marched towards the ritual mark, "Just get them out. It can't be that hard."

"Aero, don't!" Arcee's Team shouted while Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown frantically waved their hooves

Just as Aero stepped on the ritual mark, the magical sphere summoned three ghostly claws-like out. They then grabbed the muscular dragon warrior's body before dragged towards it. He cried for help. Luckily, Arcee's Team quickly grabbed him from the back.

The ghostly claws proved to be strong and almost got him into its sphere. Blackwitch and Jesuit jumped up in. The hooded pony used her Dark Magic Attack to cut off the spiritual claws while Jesuit fired her Sparkling Star Blast at the rest of them, thus freeing Aero. Arcee's Team managed to drag him away from the ritual mark.

Aero panted heavily yet frantically, "Thanks, guys."

"That was too close, even though I'm blind." Alyson said in relief.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. Lucky that wasn't me."

"Yeah. I hate to think for the worse." Scootaloo admitted.

"So, how do we get them out and shut down this ritual for good?" Spike asked.

Jade nodded, "Yeah. Cozy Glow and cohorts will be back very soon. We need to act now." She then looked at the ritual mark, "Any idea?"

Looking carefully at the ritual mark, Ocellus hummed thoughtfully, "There's something familiar about this Magic Drainage Ritual. From the looks of it, Cozy must've linked these artifacts to act like a mystical magnet, attracting all the magic in Equestria into that orb."

"Oh! Like chapter twelve in 'Kanthaka's Facts and Artifacts' from Twilight's class!" Gallus asked excitedly. Everyone looked at him with surprise and amazed looks. He asked, "What? I've been studying. Finals are coming up, you know?"

Arcee smiled as she caressed her brother-figure's head, "Even so, I'm proud of you for studying for the exams."

"Don't supposed we can just remove them?" Kindy asked.

Ocellus protested, "We could, Kindy. But there's a high possibility that would probably cause a magical feedback loop and destroy the whole school!"

"Wait! Are you serious?!" Apple Bloom asked in concern, which Ocellus nodded in confirmation,

Nyx groaned, "We've gotta do something now before tomorrow's sunset."

"You're already too late, bitch!" Cozy Glow's voice disagreed.

Before anyone could do anything, couple of shurikens were flying straight at Arcee's team, prompting them to barely evade the attacks. Couple of cartoonish blue-colored ninjas charged in to grabbed and held all of them to the ground. Bella held Ocellus down. Lance, Nyx, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to help the students but Cozy Glow, in her ninja suit, quickly used her Karate Chop to knock them to the ground. The cartoonish ninjas held them up as well. Before Arcee could do anything, she found a blade near to her throat. She briefly looked back and found Risa was her captor.

"Risa…" Arcee snarled.

"You should have stayed in my room, girlfriend." Risa said dryly.

"Ex-girlfriend, traitor." Arcee sternly corrected her former girlfriend. She growled softly, "I knew you were here for the mission, not coming back for me or redemption."

Risa sighed remorsefully, "I'm sorry, Arcee. I really am."

"No, you're not."

"I know. But it's not my choice."

"One question – how did you three able to use ability especially Bella's cartoonish spell?" Arcee questioned while looking at cartoonish ninjas.

Risa pointed at the necklace with greenish-colored jewel as she explained, "This is the protective spell gem. It protects our magic from being drained."

"Damn it…" Arcee snarled.

Seeing a cartoonish ninja's standing before her, Risa passed Arcee to it. It then regrouped with the rest of cartoonish ninjas, who are still holding Arcee's Team in captive. They all grunted and struggled to break free from their grip. Risa then regrouped with Cozy Glow and Bella.

Cozy Glow smirked smugly, "Hello, Nyx."

"Cozy Glow…" Nyx growled in anger.

"How does it feel to be beaten and humiliated by me again?" Cozy Glow asked arrogantly. Punched at Nyx's face, she giggled amusingly, "Ooh. I feel very good now."

Nyx narrowed her angry eyes, "Don't get used to it, bitch. We'll beat you. We'll kick your ass. We'll blow up your stupid magic ritual. You can bet on it, bitch."

"Oh. I'm sure you wanted but you are already too late." Cozy Glow mocked amusingly.

"What are you talking about?!" Spike demanded.

Lance nodded, "Yeah. We're only on second day."

"Was the second day. Now it's the third day." Cozy Glow corrected slyly, confusing her enemies. She then explained, "I already knew you fools would try to stop us and try to get your mummy and the team come back. Too bad. I alert Grand Admiral and Grand Commander about it. So, they stall them at Canterlot Castle while we take care of you. Best of all, he used the Amulet of Sun and Moon to move today to next day. Guess what that means?"

Ocellus gasped in realization, "Our magic and abilities will be gone for good."

"Damn it! We're too late!" Gallus cursed angrily.

Aero growled, "We failed our mission."

"You sure did. The magic and abilities will be gone for good. Equestria will be Mystic Emperor's!" Cozy Glow declared amusingly. She then took out her walkie talkie, "Attention, this is Cozy Glow! I've found and caught the culprits for causing magic and abilities disappearing! Get the Friendship Guards here at once! We're at the underground hall! Your headmare and student president needs you! Hurry!"

"Wow. Using students to do your bidding? That's some leadership." Jade complimented sarcastically.

Apple Bloom scoffed amusingly, "Yeah. Scared of getting your hooves dirty again?"

"Of course, she is, Apple Bloom. After what she did to me and Rainbow, she got detention for weeks!" Scootaloo exclaimed in annoyed tone, "And not to mention, I was grounded for a month and get lectured by my adopted mother about being responsible!"

Sweetie Belle narrowed her angry eyes, "There is no way the students and Friendship Guards will believe you and follow you, Cozy Glow!"

Alyson nodded, "Yeah! What they say! They will believe us coz we're good guys!"

Cozy Glow scoffed, "Whatever. I'm their headmare and student president. They will do whatever I say."

Bella turned her attention to her former friends. While the rest of their friends were skeptical; Ocellus, Kindy and Ciel shown their concerns.

"Bella…" Ocellus said anxiously.

"You all shouldn't have come here. You all should have stayed away from this." Bella said in remorse tone. She sighed, "Damn it, guys. Why did you make things difficult for me?!"

Ocellus looked at Bella as she answered, "Because you're my friend. I cared you so much. I want to help you with the problem. I don't want you to make a terrible mistake for the rest of your life."

"Ocellus…" Bella said in surprise, though touched.

Ciel nodded in agreement, "You're also our friend too. We want to help you and keep you safe from your brother."

"Please, Bella, you have to stop this." Kindy pleaded. Bella has shown hesitated and conflicted of what to do. He turned to his friends, "Everyone, Bella is still our friend, am I right? We want to help her, right? We want to keep her safe, right? Tell her. She has to know that we're here for her."

Arcee's Team sincerely pleaded Bella to stop helping Cozy Glow from completing the Magic Drainage Ritual and asked her to help them. She was caught off-guard by their kindness and still calling her 'friend', despite she betrayed them. It made her cried in tears for the moment.

Cozy Glow groaned in disgust, "I'm gonna puke if I keep hearing this garbage."

As everyone glared at Cozy Glow, Nyx sternly spoke up, "You may be my clone, but you are nothing like me. Because you will never understand friendship, family or even love. All you ever want is power. You really are pathetic and hopeless."

Arcee's Team cheered for Nyx's standing up to Cozy Glow. Risa secretly smiled in impressed while Bella shown her face of being touched and amazed by the daughter of Twilight Sparkle making the stand for herself and everyone else.

Angered by the insults, Cozy Glow was tempted to punch her but chose to remain compose and glared at her with glee.

"It doesn't matter now, Nyx. We win. You lose." Cozy Glow remarked confidently.

Ocellus turned and looked at Bella, "Please, Bella! You have to help us! Stop the ritual!"

"Do the right thing." Ciel pleaded.

"Back off now!" Cozy Glow snapped angrily while slapping Ocellus and Ciel. She growled, "This is really getting annoying. Why don't you just give up?!"

"Please, Cozy Glow. It doesn't have to be this way. You don't have to be a weapon for Nezha. You don't have to act like an evil clone. You can be free. You can live with your own life, and to have your own friends and family. End this now." Kindy pleaded.

"SHUT UP!" Cozy Glow shouted before punched Kindy to the ground. She continued angrily, "Don't act like you understand me! Or even feel sorry for me! None of you do!" Tears of pain flowing down on her cheeks, she continued angrily "I have to complete the mission! So, I can finally be free! And best of all, I can finally leave and forget everything here! I can be my own pony." She sneered madly while glaring at Arcee's Team, "So, say goodbye to your magic and abilities. You'll miss them. Forever!"

Cozy Glow then laughed evilly yet madly. Bella looked down in ashamed while Risa shown but conflicted and remorseful over her action. To their confusion, they found most of Arcee's Team smiled calmly or shown their determined looks as if the fight is not over, though Sandbar and Gallus were pouty and annoyed.

Stopped her evil laughter, Cozy Glow demanded, "Why are you all smiling? You were supposed to whine like little babies!"

"Believe me. We want to." Gallus complained.

Sandbar groaned, "I can't believe this is happening! Why now?!"

"What are they talking about?" Cozy Glow demanded.

Looking at her teammates, Arcee asked with confident smile, "Heatwave, did you get all that?"

"Loud and clear, Arcee!" Heatwave's voice shouted, made Cozy Glow and her cohorts alarmed. Ciel sneered as she showed her PTT Microphone from her back. It wired to Jesuit's military backpack field radio. This shocked them to panicked. He continued, "WOOOOOO! My plan works! It works! In your face, surfing boy! You too, blue griffin!"

Sandbar and Gallus groaned, "I really hate him…"

"You've radioed our conversation?!" Risa asked in disbelief.

Glaring at Cozy Glow and Risa, Arcee nodded with a smirk, "Yup. Everyone in Ponyville Town knows what is going on. By now, the Heatwave's Team are leading the Friendship Guards here and arrest you two."

Cozy Glow scoffed, "Even so, I am headmare and student president here. The students and teachers will protect me! I can still blackmail you to take the blame, just like I did to Twilight and her stupid friends for 3 years! It's my word against yours."

"Actually…" Nyx sneered as she took out the tape recorder. She played the part, where Cozy Glow revealed her frustration moments ago. This amused her team while shocked Cozy Glow's team. She continued, "It's your word against yours. It's called a hustle, bitch."

Cozy Glow panicked and screamed, "WHAT?!"

"Guess who's at your back?' Spike asked amusingly.

Apple Bloom smirked, "Yeah. Your 'supportive students, teachers and friends' are here now."

"Oh my. They don't look too happy and please about what happened here." Sweetie Belle mocked, along with Alyson giggled.

"Busted…" Jade and Scootaloo mocked.

Completely filled with fear, Cozy Glow slowly turned her head to back, where she found hundreds of students, teachers and even Friendship Guards including Heatwave's Team, Grubber, Master Ratio, Strict Stalker, Bullhound, Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart have surrounded them. They were very angry and furious of what they have heard of Cozy Glow's plans.

"Oh! Butter Biscuit!" Cozy Glow cursed in frustration.

Master Ratio announced sternly, "Cozy Glow! Risa Asashin! Bella Anime! You three are under arrest for betrayal and high treason against the Princesses and the people of Equestria, secretly working under treacherous Emperor Nezha as well as draining the magic and abilities of this realm! Commander Grubber! Colonel Strict Stalker! Arrest them now!"

Grubber and Strict Stalker nodded sternly as they then led their soldiers to apprehend Cozy Glow and her cohorts.

"No! This is not over!" Cozy Glow exclaimed in anger. She turned to Bella, "Create the army now! Beat them down! Defend the ritual! We're almost there!"

Just as she was about to comply her colleague's command, Bella took a glance at Ocellus's pleading looks before turned to the rest of her friends, who shown concerns yet hopeful and concern looks at her. Remembering what they have told her and the adventures she has been through together, she closing her eyes while took a deep breath to exhale as she gave some deep thoughts.

After that, Bella opened her determined eyes as she knew what she has to do now. She grunted as she pulled her protective spell gem necklace. Just as she threw it down, she stomped it into pieces. The cartoonish ninjas magically disappeared at once, freeing Arcee's Team. This shocked Cozy Glow and Risa.

"Bella?" Risa asked in surprise.

"You idiot! What have you done?!" Cozy Glow demanded angrily.

"To protect my friends." Bella answered firmly. Ocellus jumped to hug her. She returned the gesture and answered, "I'm sorry for everything, Ocellus."

"I know, Bella. But welcome back," Ocellus said warmly.

Cozy Glow grunted before screamed, "TRAITOR!" She then found more Friendship Guards surrounded her as they prepared to capture her. She took out her smoke bombs from her pockets, "Don't underestimate me, idiots! I'm not some helpless filly!"

"Neither am I," Risa agreed.

PUFF! The smoke bombs have engulfed the whole hall, making most of ponies both blinded and coughed heavily. Just as the Friendship Guards were searching for her, something or two certain ponies moved very fast yet swift to cut them down one-by-one. As soon as the smoke dispersed, everyone found some of Friendship Guards dead on the ground. There was also no sign of Risa and Cozy Glow.

"What the-?! D-Did you guys see that?!" Mano asked in stuttered tone.

Solflare nodded, "Yes, Mano. We did. Both of them are indeed fierce assassins to deal with."

"They got away too. We have to stop them now." Heatwave reminded his friends.

Pointed at the large hole, Gallus shouted, "There!"

"Good job, Gallus." Arcee said with pride, making Gallus smiled happily. She then gave the order to Heatwave, "My team and I will deal with them by ourselves. You and the rest stay here. Find a way to shut them down, Captain Heatwave."

Heatwave saluted, "You can count on me, Commander Arcee! We won't let you down!"

Arcee turned to Ocellus and Bella, "Are you girls with us?"

Ocellus was uncertain as she wanted Bella to rest. The latter spoke up, "Yes. Let's end this. Time to clean my mess."

"Bella…" Ocellus said in surprise.

Bella smiled at Ocellus, "Hey, no worries. I've got friends with me now."

Ocellus smiled back, "Of course, my friend."

"What are we waiting for?! Let's move it!" Nyx shouted out.

"Nyx…" Spike said in concern.

Lance held Nyx's shoulder as he reminded, "Nyx, just be careful. Don't underestimate her. She's definitely a tough fighter."

Nyx nodded as she assured, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Arcee's Team immediately entered the large hole. Heatwave's Team, Master Ratio, Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart turned their attention on the Magic Drainage Ritual. Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown grunted in frustration as they are still stuck in the imprisoned sphere.

"Alright, time to free them!" Heatwave said determinedly.

"Uh… Didn't Ocellus say removing all seven ancient relics out could destroy the school?" Silverstream asked in concern. She then looked at the large hole, "Gallus… Arcee… And others could get killed too!"

"If we don't do something, we could lose our magic and abilities forever." DECK beeped in concern.

Leo nodded, "He's right. We have to do it now."

Heatwave cleared his throat to get his friends' attention. He questioned, "Guys. Why do you think I brought Master Ratio, Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart here?"

"Because we three know magic and ritual." Master Ratio answered bluntly. Most of Heatwave's Team awed in realization while nodded sheepishly. He sighed, "Alright. Time is running out. Master Dragon Kick, Apprentice Mighty Heart, did you bring the ingredients I've requested?"

Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart nodded firmly as they held the bags of ingredients: wyvern's scales, lavender petals, jar of garlic peels, three tablespoons of salt, a black widow's web, snake venom and his Phoenix Magical Staff

Master Ratio nodded, "Good. We must make haste now. Heatwave, you and your team station before the ancient relics. Get ready to rescue Starlight, Sunset and Mr. Lockdown. Time to dispel the ritual for good!"

Heatwave nodded seriously as he and his team stationed themselves before the ritual mark. Seven members stood before the ancient magical relics: Heatwave with the Crown of Grover, Silverstream with Amulet of Aurora, Rak with Talisman of Mirage, Yona with Helm of Yksler, Solflare with Angelic Wings of Hope, Melody with Knuckerbocker's Shell and DECK with Clover the Clever's Cloak. Mano, Smolder and Leo readied themselves to rescue the teachers.

Just as Mighty Heart and Dragon Kick mixing and stirring the ingredients together into the cauldron, the sumo pony and Master Ratio chanted firmly out, magically making it glowed in green-blue colored aura. The magical beam blasted on his Phoenix Magical Staff.

The Chancellor of Ponyville Town continued chanting while firing his staff at the Magic Drainage Ritual. The ritual mark made some static noise and began fading slowly as if it is weakening and losing its magic.

"The ritual is weakening! Heatwave, now!" Master Ratio shouted.

Without hesitation, Heatwave and his team immediately pulled out the ancient magical relics. Mano, Smolder and Leo jumped in as they rescued their teachers before moving out. Seeing the team have done their job, Master Ratio chanted determinedly as he summoned a large portal before blasting the ritual mark straight into it.

As soon as the ritual mark reach to the depth of portal, it burst into large explosion, releasing all of magic and abilities it drained out of the portal. They all now magically spread across the Equestria, returning to the original owners including everyone in the hall. They all tested out them out. They all cheered happily to see their magic and abilities returned to them.

"Woo! We did it!" Heatwave cheered happily.

Master Ratio nodded, "Yes. Now Twilight and others can return to us."

Both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force were fending off the Mystic Ponies, working alongside with Princess Celestia, Rexstrike, Colonel Fury and the army of Royal Guards. Using hooves to punch, kick and swung their weapon; two heroic teams did their best to knock their former troops unconscious while protecting their allies.

Shadow Dragon and Twilight continued dueling with Tempest Shadow, who calmly yet swiftly deflected the attacks with her Persian Blackout Swords. Just as the couple swung their swords on sides, but the Grand Commander deflected the attacks off before kicked them to the ground. She slammed her twin swords against them to the ground hard.

"Give up now, Twilight. I also don't want to hurt you." Tempest Shadow pleaded sincerely.

Twilight sternly glared at her former friend, "You already did, Tempest."

Shadow Dragon growled, "Yeah. We're not down yet, traitor!"

"You already are." Tempest Shadow sternly reminded her archrival, "Look around you. Our army has outnumbered yours. Your arsenals are weak and limited. And you all have no magic or abilities. You have no chance now. Submit to Mystic Kingdom now!"

Unbeknownst to anyone on the battlefield, couple of magical auras were spreading across the Equestria, returning to their owners. Some of them have arrived and entered everyone at the Canterlot outskirt.

Mystic Soldiers knocked Aqua to the ground hard before removing her Tiger Claws. Just as they were about to thrust the spears at her, she yelled in fear as she instinctively thrust her hooves to grab them. But instead, her hooves launched couple of Water Shots to knock them out. Everyone stopped at once as they turned and looked at her.

Aqua looked at her hooves with surprise looks, "I can use water power?! I can use water power!"

"Hey! I can fly! I can fly too!" Rainbow exclaimed happily when she flapped her wings to fly around.

"I-Impossible…" Tempest Shadow said in disbelief.

Shadow Dragon smirked, "You know what that means, Tempest."

"Say hello to my little friend!" Twilight exclaimed as she blasted her Unicorn Burst at Tempest Shadow's face. She got slammed on the ground hard. The princess got up to glare at the commander, "That's for turning against us."

Seeing the opportunity, Princess Celestia turned to the Royal Guard Unicorns and Pegasi, "All units, form up now! All unicorns on the rear! Pegasi in the sky! Earth Ponies on the front! Full Power now! Repel them all!"

"You heard her! Form up! Full power!" Rexstrike gave the order.

Flying to the sky, Colonel Fury commanded, "Hit them all you've got! Don't let them up!"

As commanded, the Royal Guards quickly formed up their positions – Unicorns were at the rear and charged up their magical power, Pegasi flew up to the sky as they quickly gathered and formed a large dark cloud and Earth Ponies moved to the front as they hold Mystic Soldiers. With feeling their powers charged up, Unicorns and Pegasi fired both magical blasts and lightning at Mystic Soldiers, blasting and injuring them. This allowed Earth Ponies to use their strength to push the enemy back. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and Princess Celestia used both magic and powers to help the army as well.

Regain their powers, Shadow Dragon enhanced his dark power on Darkness Blade as he fiercely attacked Tempest Shadow, who struggled to hold off the attack. She then got blasted by Twilight's Unicorn Burst. The magenta unicorn suffered a little daze until he slammed couple of punches on her face before kicked her off.

Just as she was being pushed back together with the rest of Mystic Soldiers, Tempest Shadow gasped when she saw Shadow Dragon and Twilight have fired their Chaos Hyper Blast and Star Sparkling Blast. Grand Commander barely summoned a barrier to block the attacks. However, such powerful blasts have breached the barrier and throwing them back to Death Tactic's Main Army. They all charged straight to the outskirt, readying for the next attack.

Completely surprised by the turn of event, Death Tactic demanded sternly, "What happened?"

Tempest Shadow grunted as she tried to get up, "T-They have somehow regained their powers. They defeated and repelled us at once."

Wondering of how they did it, the Grand Admiral narrowed his stern eyes as he concluded, "Somehow… Team Fighters and their allies must have destroyed the ritual…"

"Sir, look!" Mystic Soldier exclaimed while pointed at the sky.

Death Tactic and his main army looked up and found more of Mystic Prime Cruisers and Light Cruisers arrived at the Canterlot Castle from the north. This surprise them including two heroic teams and their allies as well.

"You've gotta be kidding me?!" Laxtinct asked in concern.

Blazefist groaned in frustration, "I know. There's no way we can defeat them all now."

"This is Firmtact Waller from Thunder Science Division! Grand Admiral Death Tactic, Grand Commander Tempest Shadow, you two are under arrest!" Firmtact Waller's voice shouted through Mystic Prime Cruiser's PA, surprise everyone. Death Tactic remained calm yet angry to glare at the ship. She continued, "You both have not only invaded the Equestria, but also committed high treason against Mystic-Equestria Alliance! We, Mystic Council, will not tolerate this action! We have come to defend the mortal realm from you."

Death Tactic narrowed his suspicious eyes, "So, the Mystic Council have betrayed the Mystic Emperor?"

"Incorrect, Grand Admiral. It was the usurper and an Ultranationalists like you two who betrayed the alliance. We will not allow this to continue." Firmtact Waller's voice sternly explained.

"You all will regret for this betrayal." Death Tactic said sternly.

Firmtact Waller's voice scoffed, "I suggest you and your force leave now and return to your master. Equestria is under our protection. We will defend it, in the name of Mystic Emperor Avatar and Takei!"

Death Tactic narrowed his angry eyes as he answered, "All units, retreat."

Tempest Shadow nodded firmly, "Fall back to Mystic Realm now! The battle is over!"

As commanded, Mystic Soldiers quickly boarded the couple of Black Hawk Gunships while the Carriers attached with Neutron Tanks and 5 Scout Walkers. Death Tactic and Tempest Shadow quickly boarded into the gunship as well. They all now flew back up to two Mystic Prime Cruisers and three Light Cruisers. As soon as Death Tactic and his forces reached to their cruisers, five of them summoned a large Mystic Portal for them to return to their home realm.

Seeing Ultranationalist Mystic Force withdrawn their forces, Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and their forces breathed in relief that they have survived the onslaught.

"Thank goodness we've survived…" Rarity said in relief.

"Well, we should be thankful of Mystic Council saving us in time." Tailtech added.

Icy nodded, "Definitely. But how did we get our powers back?"

"It must be Nyx and her friends. They must have destroyed the ritual." Twilight said in realization. She gave a gasp of concern, "We have to get back home now."

"Yeah. Who knows what kind of plans Cozy Glow has for them." Shadow Dragon said in agreement.

Looking at the Mystic Fleet, Blazefist asked, "What about Mystic Councilponies?" Everyone looked at him. He quickly explained, "I'm not saying I don't trust them. But there will be tension between Mystic Council and the Equestria since Nezha started the invasion on this realm."

"Don't worry about that, Blazefist. Luna, Chancellor Neighsay and I will handle the discussion with them." Princess Celestia assured the heroes with a smile. She continued, "Now go. Return to the School of Friendship."

Twilight smiled as she bowed before her former mentor, "We will. And thank you, Princess Celestia." She turned to her friends, "I can't teleport all of you straight to our home. I can only teleport six to eight the most."

"Shadow Dragon, Saber and Dr. Override will follow you, Twilight. The rest of us will get into Armor Strike-III. That shouldn't be a problem." Blazefist suggested.

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. This shouldn't be a problem. Let's go then."

As Twilight's horn glowed brightly, the rest of Mane Six, Shadow Dragon, Saber and Icy gathered around her. They all magically teleported off. The rest of Dragon Strike Force quickly headed to the hangar, where they boarded on Armor Strike-III to fly at once. They hoped that they can return to the School of Friendship in time.

Arcee's Team continued walking through the cavern tunnel with various kind of crystals as they were searching for Cozy Glow and Risa. Even though they were just two ponies, they both were trained in martial arts and assassinations. They have to keep their eyes out for them.

Gallus groaned in frustration, "Where the heck are they? They couldn't have gotten far."

"Wish I knew. No one has ever been here before." Arcee admitted in concern. She turned to her friend, "Bella. Did you know about this?"

Bella shook her head, "No. Cozy Glow or Tempest never told me about this before."

Aero hummed suspiciously, "I have a feeling that she planned this for her escape if things gone wrong. Guess we were right."

"Still, where could the tunnel lead to?" Jade asked in concern.

"Good question." Nyx nodded in agreement before turned to Alyson, "Aly, I don't suppose you can use your magical sensor to find them?"

Alyson sighed, "Afraid not, Nyx. I can only detect them nearby, not far or whole cavern."

"That doesn't matter. We'll find them and stop them for good." Arcee said firmly.

Kindy hummed, "I hope we can reach them especially Cozy Glow. We have to convince them to end this."

"You seriously think you can tell them to stop?" Sandbar asked in disbelief.

"Kindy, I hate to tell you this. But I'm with Sandbar and others. I don't think they are willing to give up and surrender to us." Gallus said.

"I know. But we have to try." Kindy insisted.

Ciel sighed in defeat, "If you say so, Kindy. We're with you for now."

"I hope you're right, Kindy. I hope you're right." Gallus said in uncertain tone.

"Shh! Did you hear that?" Lance asked in concern, hearing some hoofsteps.

As everyone listened cautiously, Arcee narrowed her determined eyes, "Every creature, get ready! They're coming!"

Just before anyone could do anything, they heard some swooshing sound. They looked up and found couple of arrows flying straight at them. Nyx, Jade, Blackwitch and Ciel summoned the barrier to block the attacks while Arcee, Lance and Aero swung their swords and spear to cut them down as fast as they can. Jesuit stayed close with her friends, making sure they're alright.

While holding the defenses, Spike spotted couple of balls heading towards him and his friends. Just as he slashed them, they unleashed white smoke, covering the whole area and even them. They all coughed heavily from breathing it until they got attacked very hard, one-by-one.

As soon as the smoke dispersed, Risa and Cozy Glow stood before Arcee's Team, who are on the ground while groaning in pain.

Risa sighed while shaking her head, "When will you ever learn, old friend…"

"Risa…" Arcee snarled in anger.

Nyx snarled, "Cozy Glow…"

"You fools shouldn't have followed us. Otherwise, I would have killed that traitor…" Cozy Glow said darkly while aimed her dagger at terrified Bella.

"Over our dead bodies!" Ocellus snarled protectively while covering her best friend.

Sandbar joined in, "Yeah. We won't let you hurt our friend."

Cozy Glow smirked slyly, "That can be arranged. Friends Forever. Bye-bye."

Just before she could do anything, Spike and Aero quickly fired their Dragon Flames, scaring both Cozy Glow and Risa to back off. Jesuits quickly launched her Magical Orbs to ram on them. Arcee and Nyx jumped in and attacked them head on. The rest of their friends followed them from behind. They prepared themselves to assist their friends.

Crossing their swords, Arcee and Risa fought each other for couple of rounds. Just as the pink-colored hippogriff thrust the katana at her, her former girlfriend deflected it to the right. Instead of her left claw, the hooded assassin thrust activated Hidden Blade at her neck. Luckily, Arcee managed to move back while swinging her Wakizashi to deflect the attack. Both of them swiftly yet fiercely swung their blades against each other for couple of rounds. Lance, Gallus, Sandbar, Blackwitch, Aero and Jesuit surrounded them while preparing to strike if Arcee request the assist.

Clashing their blades for the moment, the assassin quickly rammed the warrior, followed by launching couple of punches at her body before performing a swipe kick at her face. Risa then grabbed before slammed Arcee to the ground. She quickly threw couple of kunais at Lance and his friends. Jesuit and Blackwitch summoned their magic barrier to block the attacks. Lance and his friends tried to charge at her. In the flash of light, the assassin swiftly used her Karate Chop to knock them out.

Just as Arcee recovered, Risa quickly swung her kunais at her. The pink-colored hippogriff managed to knock five kunais, but missed three of them hitting on her chest. This gave the assassin to dashed in as she swung her punch at the guts. Arcee grunted in pain before falling to her knee. Risa has her Hidden Blade at her neck. The warrior can only glare at the assassin while unable to do anything.

"Give it up, Arcee. There is no way you can beat me." Risa pleaded sternly. Arcee remained still to glare at her. She hissed while showing her hurtful eyes, "Don't make me do this. I really don't want to."

Arcee firmly talked back, "You do what you have to do while I do mine." Her eyes looked at elsewhere as she remarked amusingly, "And I'm not alone to beat you…"

Seeing where she was looking at, Risa looked back and found Blackwitch fired Dark Magic at her. She was thrown aside to Aero, who swung his spear's pole at her. Thrown at two ponies, Lance swung his punch on face while Sandbar swipe his kick at her legs. She fell to the ground. Jesuit used her Magical Orb to cuffed up all of claws. Risa grunted as she realized that she has underestimated her opponents. She then found Gallus is confronting her.

Narrowing his angry eyes, Gallus stated, "I warned you not to bullshit me. This is for Arcee!"

Gallus yelled in anger as he swung his punch at Risa's face, knocking her unconsciously. He inhaled for the moment before exhaled calmly. He turned and helped Arcee to get up. Just before anyone could react, he hugged heartily. She was surprised but touched as she returned the gesture to him. Lance and his friends smiled happily to see her alright.

Nyx yelled out loud as she jumped and slammed Cozy Glow to the ground. They both rolled down the pathway as they were hitting each other. Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike, Ocellus, Bella, Kindy and Ciel followed them from behind, preparing to assist her. The clone managed to kick her original donor off. Just as she was about to attack her, five fillies performed body slam while trying to hold her down.

"Leave her alone, you big bully!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Yeah! No one mess with my cousin and gets away with it!" Jade shouted determinedly.

Scootaloo grunted, "You bet! You're gonna pay for what you've done to everyone!"

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle and Alyson exclaimed in agreement.

"Oh! Shut up!" Cozy Glow exclaimed in anger as she struggled to get and use smoke bombs. It blinded them for the moment. She swiftly knocked them off to the walls. She growled, "I am sick of hearing that!"

Using her sticky goo to trap Cozy Glow, Ocellus firmly scolded, "Only because you wouldn't try to make friends."

Ciel nodded sternly, "All you ever did is exploit and blackmail some ponies and creatures to do some favors for you. Unlike any of us here, our friendship is genuine and sincere. And even Bella did the effort too."

"Girls…" Bella said, feeling touched by their kindness.

"My family and friends taught these students well. I'm sure you can do it. Give the fight up now, Cozy Glow." Spike said firmly.

Kindy extended his hoof out, "Please, Cozy Glow. It doesn't have to be this way. End this now. We can help you."

Angered by their lectures, Cozy Glow angrily snapped, "No. You can't! You're all just a bunch of LIARS!"

The angry filly quickly grabbed the vial by mouth. She threw it down, cracking and pouring the acid, which melt the sticky goo. She then threw couple of shurikens at Nyx's Team, who barely evaded them. Cozy Glow yelled angrily as she charged and attacked them with her small dagger. They all dodged the first strike. She madly yet angrily swung her dagger, prompting them to move away from her.

Though remained standing still, Alyson has shown to be hesitated and worried. This made Cozy Glow to attack her since she was completely blind. The mad filly charged and tried to attack her. To her unexpectedly, the blind filly dodged to left before grab and throw her at the rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders, who punch and kick her to each other until Nyx yelled out as she struck her punch at her face.

"That's for messing me and everyone I loved!" Nyx screamed in anger.

Cozy Glow grunted in pain while shaking her head to recover. She found herself to be surrounded by Nyx and the rest of her friends and students as they were readied to arrest her. She even spotted Arcee, Gallus, Aero and Jesuit have cuffed Risa as their prisoner.

"No… No! No! No! No! No! No! Noooooooooo!" Cozy Glow screamed madly yet hurtfully, "This can't be it!"

"It's over, Cozy Glow!" Nyx declared firmly.

"Please, stop this now! Turn back now." Kindy insisted calmly.

As if she heard something hurtful or crazy, Cozy Glow shown her mad yet hurt face with tears flowing down, "I'm sorry, but I can't. There is no going back. I am not through yet!"

Cozy Glow yelled out in anger as she threw more of shurikens, kunais and smoke bombs at Arcee's Team. Just as everyone was taking cover; Nyx, Alyson, Jade, Jesuit and Blackwitch summoned Magical Barriers to block the attacks and the engulfing smoke. As soon as smoke dispersed, they saw Cozy Glow has already run straight into another tunnel.

"After her!" Nyx cried.

Nyx and most of Arcee's Team moved out at once. Arcee, Gallus, Aero and Jesuit followed them from behind while bringing Risa along.

Cozy Glow kept on running through the tunnel as fast as she can. Seeing a feint flash of light at the end, she realized that she's almost out. Just as she exited out of the tunnel, Cozy Glow found herself in a familiar place including a large crystallized tree with six Elements of Harmony stood before her.

"T-The Tree of Harmony?! I'm actually at the Castle of Two Sisters?! No way?!" Cozy Glow exclaimed in surprise and disbelief. Carefully looking at the tree, she gave some thoughts, "Hmm… This could be my advantage. If those fools don't back off, then I will smash this stupid tree for good! At least, Nezha can finally grant me what I really want! It's perfect! Perfect! Perfect!"

Cozy Glow quickly ran straight towards the Tree of Harmony. Just before she could do anything, the crystallized tree glowed brightly, along with its six Elements of Harmony. The pure white light blinded her for the moment. As soon as the light dispersed, she found herself surrounded by six crystallized mirrors.

"W-What is this?! What is going on?!" Cozy Glow demanded in anger.

Observing at crystallized mirrors carefully, she noticed something off with them. Each of them shown not only different appearance, but also her future such as

a) Instead of being a clone or a weapon to Nezha Vengito, she spent some quality time with the family she really wanted.

b) She became the student president in School of Friendship, where students and teachers praised her to be the best.

c) She became 'Empress of Friendship' after succeeded draining all magic of Equestria while Twilight and her friends trapped in Tartarus forever.

d) She became a world-famous actress for her best acting, storytelling, directing and producing movies and stages.

e) She was hanging out together with Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, Lord Tirek and more notorious villains at the campfire.

Cozy Glow gasped in surprise as she found the last mirror to be something different and unexpected. The crystallized mirror revealed to be an adult Cozy Glow with unicorn horn, golden-colored curly mane and tail tied with two black ribbons wearing purple dress stood before her.

"T-That's me." Cozy Glow said as she slowly touched her own crystallized mirror, which her reflection followed the gesture. She continued hopefully, "The real me."

By looking at the crystallized mirror, Cozy Glow couldn't help but feel at peace and happy like she actually found her own home. To be herself, not a clone to some original donors of hers or a weapon she has hated for life. She can finally be free from everything.

Instinctively, Cozy Glow shook her head while looking down with her hurt and sad looks. She bitterly admitted, "But it's not really real, is it?" She then glared at all of crystallized mirrors, "Nothing but a dream and an illusion like my family and my whole life and everything else." She gritted her teeth, "All I ever want is to be free from all of this and get my own life. Nezha promised me that…"

Hearing some hoofstep, Cozy Glow quickly got up and looked at some of crystallized mirrors, which now have the shadowy silhouettes of Nyx, her friends, Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club. She readied with her daggers and kunais as she hatefully glared at all of them.

"Why can't you all let my dream come true?!" Cozy Glow cried in hateful yet frustration and hurtful tone.

Cozy Glow yelled out loud as she threw all of daggers and kunais at five crystallized mirrors, wanting to kill her enemies. But instead, they were all shattered to pieces. She then turned her attention at her own mirror of adult self. Feeling conflicted and confused, she shed tears down the cheeks. She screamed out loud before throwing two daggers at the last one, again, shattering glasses into pieces.

Despite destroying it, Cozy Glow continued somberly throwing daggers and kunais at the rocks as if the crystallized mirror is still there. Kindy, having seen everything, walked up to her. He gently stopped her from throwing daggers. Crying somberly with the eyes of lost and confusion, Cozy Glow turned to the green-colored Earth Pony, who shown sympathy yet empathy towards her.

Without a second thought, Cozy Glow cried tearfully as she removed her wig with headband to reveal desaturated colored of purple-colored mane, rubbing out her body and face to reveal her natural black-color including cutie mark, and even took out contact eyes to reveal demonic irises. She looked completely identical to Nyx. Kindy's expression remained the same as he extended both his hooves out, allowing her to approach and hug him.

Cozy Glow sniffed tearfully, "I… I didn't mean to…"

Without speaking or thoughts, Kindy nodded solemnly and understandingly as he caress on her mane. The rest of his friends have seen everything. Their once anger and hateful glares have dropped. They especially Nyx now shown concerns and sympathies for her.

"Kindy was right. She was broken and lost." Gallus commented in realization.

Arcee nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Thank the Mystic that we have him to right us wrong…"

Looking at his sister, Lance asked, "Nyx, are you okay?"

"I don't know. I was upset and angry at her for what she has done to me and everyone here. I always thought she did it for power and control. But now…" Nyx admitted angrily yet sadly. She looked down with conflicted and somber looks, "Now… I… I wasn't sure how I feel now for her… She does remind me of my Past Sins."

Spike caress Nyx's head as he assured, "We know, Nyx. We know. We all feel the same thing too."

To everyone's surprise; Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and even Dr. Override emerged out from the cavern. They all were surprise and confused to see the event. The scientist quickly approached and checked on Cozy Glow. The filly departed from Kindy's hug as she jumped and hugged her. She returned the gesture. The scientist turned and looked at Kindy, whom she solemnly nodded as gesture of 'thank you'. He nodded back to her.

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force sighed in relief that not only the children and students have saved the School of Friendship, but also stopped Cozy Glow.

The teachers and students welcomed Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, the children and students for returning home safely and saving the day. The heroes also greeted Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Rexstrike, Colonel Fury and Chancellor Neighsay after they have concluded the negotiation with Mystic Council, who have defected and became their allies.

Everyone is now gathered at the hall since the office was too small to fit in. Chancellor Neighsay, Dr. Override, Cozy Glow, Risa Asashin and even Bella knelt down before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who were on top of stage. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Rexstrike and Colonel Fury were on right while the children and students are at the left. Five of them are now facing for their consequences.

"For the last three days, the five of you have not only committed treasonous acts, but also putting Equestria and the Alliance in grave danger when the threats of Dark Mystic Ponies and Demon Lords have not been dealt with. We all would have been killed." Princess Celestia berated sternly at five prisoners, who nodded in defeat. She continued, "With sufficient evidences, all of you will be punished for this act. We will judge and act accordingly, based on everyone's reports."

"If I may, Princess Celestia." Chancellor Neighsay spoke up. Princess Celestia nodded. He continued, "What I have done is unacceptable. I treated non-pony creatures like they were worthless. I assumed I knew better than the Princess of Friendship. I even tried to take over her school and run it the way I pleased. I've caused enough damages to not just the school, but also the Alliance and our ponies." Unpinned his EEA Medallion, he placed it on the ground. He kowtowed firmly, "That is why I resign."

Everyone chattered and muttered in surprise by Chancellor Neighsay's decision. As much as they did not like him from the past, they appreciated him for helping them to stop Cozy Glow from draining magic and evacuated civilians to safety.

Princess Celestia nodded understandingly, "Yes, Chancellor Neighsay. I am glad that you took the responsibility of your action. While your prejudice and action cannot be tolerated, however, we also cannot forget that you've returned to deliver students' message, tried to send Twilight and her friends back home, and also helped evacuate the ponies to shelter while we battled the enemies. Therefore, you will retain your job as the Head of EEA."

Chancellor Neighsay lifted his head up, with his surprise to ask, "A-Are you sure? You allowed me to continue my duty?"

"Indeed, I did."

"What about Spell Nexus? He was supposed to take over my position."

"Yes, he was. But I've spoken with Spell Nexus about this after your dismissed. He told me that he would rather continue his old job than EEA. And of course, you should thank these students for pleading me to not only restore your position, but also invited you to their land to learn the culture and customs. So, I shall appoint you as the Foreign Diplomat fornot only learning the creatures' culture and customs, but also providing education for them to learn. Starswirl would welcome you in his travels."

Chancellor Neighsay was completely caught off by Princess Celestia's decree. While pinning his EEA Medallion to his sash, he admitted sincerely, "I… I thank you for giving me the second chance." He turned to the students and children as he kowtowed, "As for you all, you saved me, despite my prejudice action from past months. I am eternally grateful."

"Just promise us not to badmouth the School of Friendship. It's like my second home." Gallus said. Everyone looked at him with surprise, amused and happy expression. He asked, "What? It really does."

Arcee nodded as she caressed his hair, "We know, Gallus. All of us feel the same way too."

Everyone chattered in agreement. Gallus smiled back that they agreed with him.

Turning to both Dr. Override and Cozy Glow, Princess Celestia firmly said, "As for Cozy Glow…"

Dr. Override interrupted, "Princess Celestia, if you wished to punish someone, punish me. I am the responsible for her wellbeing. It was my fault for not raising her well and letting Nezha abused her badly. Imprisoned me in Tartarus! Turned me into stone. But please, spare her from this punishment."

"Mummy. No!" Cozy Glow pleaded tearfully.

"I was going to say that she shall be under your care, Dr. Override. Both of you will move to Sire's Hollow, where you both will rest and recuperate from this traumatic event. Colonel Fury will take care of this." Princess Celestia corrected Dr. Override and Cozy Glow. They were surprised while Colonel Fury nodded in confirmation. She sighed, "Where on Equestria did you get that kind of idea? I would never do that to an innocent child."

Dr. Override was relieved to hear it as she bowed down, "Thank you, your highness. Thank you for sparing us."

"Me too. Thank you for mercy." Cozy Glow tearfully bowed.

"I hope you both will find peace." Princess Celestia said calmly. Dr. Override and Cozy Glow nodded in agreement. Colonel Fury now escorted them out to the carriage as he prepared them to go Sire's Hollow. She turned to Risa, "Risa Asashin, how do you respond to this?"

Risa looked down as she answered, "I am the assassin. It is my duty to serve faithfully and loyally to the Mystic Emperor. I have no regret or fear of death until my mission is complete." She turned and looked at Arcee, "But I do have one regret – betraying and hurting my loved one."

Rather than looking at her, Arcee looked away as she was both angry and upset to say anything. The rest of her friends and teachers pitied her for her complicated relationship.

"I sympathized you for serving wrong master and putting mission over love. Unlike Cozy Glow since she was a traumatized child, I cannot pardon you. Therefore, I sentenced you to 20 years in prison. Take her away." Princess Celestia declared firmly.

Two Royal Guards approached and escorted Risa out. Passing Arcee by, the assassin apologized in guilt, "I'm sorry, Arcee for everything."

"So am I." Arcee admitted in guilt. Royal Guards has moved Risa out of the School of Friendship. Completely heartbroken by today's event, she nearly fell down if not for Gallus, Silverstream, Kindy and Ciel. She quickly recovered and said, "I'm okay, guys. I'm okay."

"Arcee…" Gallus said in concern and guilty. He sighed in defeat, "I should never have told you to make up with her. I'm sorry."

"It's fine, Gallus. You didn't know. Don't blame yourself." Arcee assured Gallus, despite how much heart she was now.

Gallus nodded sadly, "If you say so…"

Princess Celestia turned to Bella Anime, "Bella…"

"I know what you're gonna say, Princess Celestia. I don't deserve to be forgiven for what I've done. I deserved to be in prison or sent back to my brother for selling the Equestria to him." Bella said in guilt. She then looked at her friends and teachers, "Before I could go to prison, I want to say that I'm really grateful to have good teachers and friends like them. They helped me a lot for not only about friendship, but also expand my views on other things and to realize that not all humans are evil. Some can be good like Ben Tennyson and his friends. I owed them very much." She kowtowed before both teachers and friends, "I'm really sorry, guys. I really am."

Without hesitation, Ocellus was the first creature to hug her, "Silly filly, you are my best friend. Of course, I forgive you."

"I too forgive you." Kindy joined in. He turned and looked at his friends, "I am certain the rest of you agree as well."

"Forgive her? Seriously? After what she has done? And she is also Nezha's sister too?" Heatwave asked obliviously. Everyone gave annoyed glares at him while Sandbar and Gallus readied with baseball bats. He raised his hooves, "I mean! Of course, we forgive you! After all, you're a member of our team! Plus, you did the right thing too! Hug time!"

Both Students Seven and Rescue Warriors Club jumped and hug Bella happily and passionately before laughed happily. Everyone smiled happily while some cried in tears of joy to see the scene.

Princess Celestia turned to Twilight, "I trust that she will continue studying here?"

Twilight nodded, "Yes, Princess Celestia. We'll make sure she'll have a brighter future."

"Well, assuming Nezha doesn't try to get her out of school." Shadow Dragon said sternly while crossed his hooves.

"Let him try. He or any of Ultranationalists are no longer welcome to our homeland." Princess Celestia said firmly and determinedly, "Those who still believe in the democracy and the unity are welcomed to stay in our land. I will protect the people of this realm and to ensure the dream of my father, my mother and my uncle lives on, even if it means I must fight my own nephew."

"Princess Celestia, are you sure?" Twilight asked in concern.

"Yes, I do." Princess Celestia calmly assured her former pupil. Everyone looked up and found the entrance door opened. Mystic Council including Azure Phoenix, Princess Leaf, Steel Brave have arrived. They all respectfully and firmly bowed before her. She continued, "Both Mystic Council and I have come to an agreement that Nezha is now a public enemy to the Alliance and must be dethroned. I've already informed Azure Phoenix and his rebel cells. I've promised my uncle that I will protect my home. Equestria belongs to both ponies and creatures. Will you help me, Twilight?"

While still worried and uncertain, Twilight turned and looked at all of her friends, family and students. They all shown their determined looks while nodded seriously.

Turned to Princess Celestia, Twilight answered, "Yes, Princess Celestia. We will."

In his throne room, Nezha was sitting in his throne chair as Death Tactic, Thanatos Gambit, Tempest Shadow, Sushi Tsunami, Ripper and Starkiller reported the situation to him. Needless to say, he was not pleased.

"Those fools… I've always suspected this would happen." Nezha said dryly.

Death Tactic nodded, "Yes, your majesty. I apologized that we did not foresee the betrayal of Mystic Council and even your own sister. All of us including Cozy Glow and Risa Asashin have failed our mission. What a pity. We were close to conquer the Equestria with less resistance."

"Yes, we were." Nezha agreed. He then smirked slyly, "But this is only just the beginning."

Nezha's Inner Circle was confused. Death Tactic explained, "I agreed. While our initial plan is indeed a failure, Mystic Council's defection to Equestria has actually made our operation to progress smoothly as we hoped for. I would say that Phase I is a success." Death Tactic complimented in pleased tone.

Nezha's Inner Circle awed and chattered understandingly with Death Tactic's explanation. Though loyal to the Grand Admiral, Tempest Shadow has shown both conflicted and reluctance of his strategies.

Nezha nodded with a confident smirk, "Yes. Now onto Phase II. When that time comes, no one will able to stop our plan to execute our Operation Trump."

END?

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Melody Bubbles

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Erik Kimerer: Spike

Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom

Claire Corlette: Sweetie Belle

Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure

Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Vincent Tong: Sandbar, Flash Sentry

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Devyn Dalton: Ocellus

Shannon Chan-Kent: Smolder

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Jack DeSana: Heatwave

Stephanie Sheh: Dr. Ciel, Royal Guard

Steve Staley: Kindy Dragoon

Steve Burton: Aero

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Jeremy Shada: DECK

Erica Schroeder: Solflare

Pete Capella: Mano Telekinesis

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Taissa Farmiga: Blackwitch

Scott Porter: Leopardos 'Leo' Chi, Mystic Lieutenant

Kathreen Khavari: Jesuits Omnicron

Sunni Westbrook: Cozy Glow

Erica Mendez: Risa Asashin

Secondary Casts:

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Princess Luna

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Christy Carlson Romano: Aquastroke

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

P.J. Bryne: Laxtinct

Kate Higgin: Tailtech

Cristina Vee: Icy

Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia

Dee Bradley Baker: Rexstrike, Royal Guard

Maurice LaMarche: Chancellor Neighsay

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Minor Casts:

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Patrick Warburton: Mr. Lockdown

Lisa Ann Beley: Dr. Lena Override

B.D. Wong: Dr. Vector Wong

Samuel L. Jackson: Colonel Fury

Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic

Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow

Michael Pena: Grubber

Andrew Francis: Shinning Armor

Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance

James Hong: Master Ratio

John DiMaggio: Mystic Soldier

Cameo:

Angelina Jolie: Frozen Sage

CCH Pounder: Firmtact Waller

Zendaya: Thanatos Miraculous 'MJ' Joy

Chris Hackney: Thanatos Scorch

Giles Panton: Flash Magnus

Author's Note

That's all, folks! Both me and P-for-Phantasm have brought a better ending for Cozy Glow as a tragic character than a villain like in its canon. In my honesty, I was quite disappointed that we never get to learn of her origin and why she became a bad guy. Plus, like any of MLP Fans, I didn't enjoy how she was punished like imprisoned in Tartarus or turned into stone. She was just a kid.

It was the biggest challenge for both of us to make quite some changes for this episode.

1) This episode is inspired and based on Batman: The Animated Series (1992 Version) Season 2 Episode 11 – Baby Doll, X-Men Evolution Season 3 Episode 10 – X23, Kung Fu Panda: Legend of Awesomeness Season 3 Episode 1 – Shifu's Ex and also some ideas that both of us have come up with.

2) Risa Asashin is not only based on both Lisa Huang and Shao Jun from Assassin's Creed, but also Amity Blight (Owl House), Heidi (Randy Cunningham the 9th Grade Ninja), Dr. Aphra (Star Wars) & Mei Ling (Shifu's Ex-Girlfriend from Kung Fu Panda).

3) Before this episode, I originally envisioned Cozy Glow to be based on both Baby Doll from Batman: The Animated Series and Darla Dimple from Cats Don't Dance as she suffered a severe systemic hypoplasia, which is her biggest reason why she joined Nezha as his spy and infiltrator to do what she has to do. However, after carefully consideration of my friend's idea of making Cozy Glow as Nyx's clone, I believed his is better. It gives her a sense of purpose behind her action and reason of why she did all this. To be free from being reminded of her origin and past.

4) Nezha's Ultranationalists comes from Kevin110197.

Episode 25: Sounds of Silence

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

Episode 26: Only Human

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

Episode 1: School of Friendship (I)

Author's Note

Hey, everyone! I'm back in business! After finishing up the last prequel - Transformers Prime IV: Guardians, I can now focus on MLP Mystic Universe. Though I do not have any plans for My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic 10th Anniversary, writing two parts of Mystic Season 4 should be sufficed to honor it.

As you're aware of this, MLP: FIM Season 8 wasn't the best season, other than Season 6. However, I attempt to make some changes to be better. However, be warned, the story I'm about to write will be much darker, serious and mature theme, involving and relating to both fictional and reality's various problems. For Mystic Season 4 Premier, it is inspired by 'School Daze Two Parts' from 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic What if? Volume 9', written by SuperPinkBrony12.

Lockdown is based on Patrick Warburton and his characters of Mr. Barkin (Kim Possible) & Kronk (The Emperor's New Groove)

Heatwave's Song – 'The Bravest Soldier' is based on 'Rest and Recreation' from Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical.

I hope you're prepare for it. Let us begin…

Episode 1: School of Friendship (I)

Six Months Later…

With the 'Battle of Canterlot Town' ended, Mystic-Equestria Alliance and its alliance with other creatures including the Southern Equestria Army were victories. The Storm King was defeated and killed while Dark Mystic Ponies retreated to their own realm, thus his kingdom was forced to surrender to them. Instead of prisoners of wars, the Storm Guards were on the parole as they're serving and working under Commander Tempest Shadow.

The Dark Mystic Ponies have not launched the invasion on either Equestria or Mystic Realm since 'The Battle of Canterlot Town'. None of Demon Generals or their minions have gone after Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force, despite their personal feud with them. Strangely enough, they have been silenced for almost six months. Where are they? What are they up to lately?

Other than Mystic-Equestria Alliance have gained greatest victory, they have gained more allies – Abyssinians, Sky Pirates, Skullitron's Demon Army, Seaponies and Hippogriffs. Due to being poisoned by Obsidian Stone, Jade Emperor was weakened and entered comatose as he was being watched and healed under Mystic Tao. And at the same time, Nezha has ascended to the throne as the 100th Mystic Emperor. Both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon are now married, though the Mystic Pony chose to be general than being prince due to his pride being a warrior.

Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Starlight, Sunset, Lance, Spike and Nyx were inside the Friendship Council Chamber. The newly Commander of Friendship Guard – Tempest Shadow was there as well. She now worn a golden Royal Guard Armor and Helmet with blue colors and also has the Sparkling Star emblem on her armor, though her horn looked very broken due to using her illusion spell on her true healed one.

All of them were staring and looking in awe and shock at the Cutie Map table. Instead of the usual size, the table became larger and widened than before as the map of Equestria has expanded its land including the southern part - Kludgetown, Mount Aris and Seaquestria.

"Mamamia…" Laxtinct commented in shock.

"This happened while we were gone?" Twilight asked in surprise and shock.

Looking at the southern part of Equestria map, Applejack awed in surprise, "Wow! Those are all the places we went when we left to save Equestria!"

Icy giggled a bit, "It sure brings a lot of memories from that crazy adventure."

"Ugh! There's that horrid town where we were almost sold! And not to mention, those townspeople humiliated and hurt Fluttershy too!" Rarity remarked in disgust while gently patted Fluttershy's mane. She sighed, "I could never forget the charming and charismatic Capper. He helped us a lot."

Shorty sighed while using nostril spray on his nose, "Hopefully, my allergies on cats get improved, so I can shake his paws properly without sneezing on his coat."

"Don't forget about Skullitron and his army. They helped us a lot," Applejack commented while looking at the Skull Castle. She sighed, "They're good friends."

Saber scoffed, "Right. That's like after you snapped out of being jealous on him."

Applejack groaned while crossed her arms, "Hey! I'm sensitive, ain't the prideful pony."

"We wouldn't get their help if not for Soul Sweetie and Roughneck," Fluttershy said sincerely, "They rescued us from the enemies and helped us with our mission, and we helped them get their home back."

"We also did help Skybeak reunite with his family too." Terrorcreep added

Fluttershy nodded, "True. I loved family's happy endings."

"The pirates! They were pretty awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed happily while looking at Captain Celaeno's airship, "Uh, once they decided not to throw us overboard."

"And Mount Aris! It was the nicest place we ever had. In fact, both us and the Hippogriffs would have been friends, and even setting the most romantic scene for Lax and Princess Skystar," Pinkie exclaimed happily. She turned and gave the stern glare at both Blazefist and Aqua. She groaned, "If not for you guys."

Laxtinct nodded, "Yeah. Thanks a lot for the big mess."

Aqua laughed uneasily, "Sorry about that. Mother's overprotectiveness and rage kicks in…"

Blazefist sighed, "Believe me, Pinkie. We're not proud of it either…"

"Hey, come on, at least, everything's alright at the end," Tailtech exclaimed happily and calmly, "Besides, almost everyone got killed by crazy witch."

Lance scoffed while crossed his hooves, "Yeah. That bitch got a lot of nerve of pretending to be my mom. If I ever see her ugly face again, I'm gonna do much worse than scarring her face."

Nyx patted Lance's back, "Easy, Lance. No need to go overboard."

Spike nodded, "I'm pretty sure that she learned her lesson. If not, better hope that karma doesn't kill her."

"So hard to believe that you guys went through a lot especially dealing some problems with each other," Starlight commented in shock and surprise, "And here I thought that ours is the worst when it comes with the command of Shining Armor and Jason Stride. What a headache."

Sunset shrugged, "It could be worse like almost got eaten alive by some Ancient Beasts, fighting off three Storm Generals, the biggest battle we ever had at Canterlot or the fact that Shadow Dragon and Tempest Shadow have some serious badass fighting in history."

Everyone chatted ad commented about the fiercest duel. Shadow Dragon and Tempest Shadow were flattered and blushed a bit by the comments. When they both looked at each other, they huffed while looked away instantly.

"I would have won the duel if not for Kyuubi! You, cheater!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in annoyance while crossed his arms.

Tempest Shadow turned and glared at Shadow Dragon, "Look who's talking?! I could have easily defeated and captured you, without Kyuubi's help! After all, I have faced and defeated many obstacles and challenges including taming Tyranno Chaos, conquering the Mount Aris, Seaquestria and even Canterlot; defeated Jade Emperor and Two Royal Sisters, and even beaten to you to pulp!"

"Yeah, right!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed with a grunt, "I've done much better job than you did, Tempest."

Tempest Shadow growled at Shadow Dragon, "So what? It doesn't mean anything!

"Yes, it does! I'm stronger, faster and skilful than you! Unlike you, I'm the hero. I would never turn against my friends, my family and Twilight."

"Is that a challenge?"

"No. I wouldn't mind to take you out for good!"

"Bring it on! I'm gonna show the world that I can beat and defeat you! Mystic Pony can be defeated by Equestria Pony!"

Shadow Dragon and Tempest Shadow were growling and glaring at each other while positioning and arming themselves for the fight. Everyone yelped in concern while panicking frantically and fearfully. And just before both of them could start the fight, Twilight came in-between them while using her wings to block and hold them back.

"Knock it off, you two!" Twilight exclaimed in anger while looking at two ponies, "Shadow Dragon, Tempest is one of us now. There's no reason for you so against her. Tempest, you don't have to fight with my husband, just to prove how strong and skill you are. You're already the best warrior. In fact, I hope you two would work together. You'd be unstoppable!"

"Not a chance!" Shadow Dragon and Tempest Shadow snapped, "I won't work with her/him! I rather beat her/him to the pulp!"

Twilight groaned, "Gimme a break…"

"Too bad that Flare Tiger and her family didn't stay and see this," Icy commented, "I wonder if she knew that it already happened."

"We'd never know," Blazefist sighed. He turned and looked at the Cutie Map, "Still, why and how did the map expand itself?"

Applejack hummed thoughtfully, "Y'all think that's why the map grew? Friendship quests beyond Equestria?"

"I hope not. I've had quite enough life-threatening adventures, thank you very much." Fluttershy complained in frustration.

Terrorcreep groaned, "Don't be such a baby, Fluttershy."

"EXCUSE ME, MISTER?!" Fluttershy demanded angrily while glaring at Terrorcreep, who remained firm and calm.

Wearing her construction uniform and armed with tools, Pinkie asked, "How many friendship quests do you think we need to go on before we have to expand the throne room?"

Laxtinct hummed happily, "Yeah. It's cool that we're gonna explore and solve them all. It's gonna be fun!"

"Don't be absurd!" Shorty exclaimed in annoyance, "There're too many problems for us to solve. And not to mention, the problems could be anywhere on this land. It's impossible for us to handle this while dealing with the enemies at the same time."

Giving some thoughts of Shorty's concerns, Twilight spoke, "Shorty's right. We can't do it all alone."

"Sure we can!" Pinkie cheered, "We just need to knock this wall down, get some paint..."

"No." Twilight protested and explained, "I mean, the world is filled with so many different creatures who know nothing about friendship."

"What exactly you're suggesting, Twilight?" Blazefist asked curiously.

Twilight smiled while looking at her Castle of Friendship. She pointed her hoof near to the castle and said, "Here! We're gonna teach them all about friendship. We're gonna open a school! It's time to make my dream come true!"

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. Is she serious with this plans?!

Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance, "Why do I get the feeling this is gonna happen?"

In order to achieve her dream, Twilight require some helps and advise to understand how the school operates, its policy and its system. The only pony who can help her with this is none other than Miss Cheerilee of Ponyville Schoolhouse. She went there and talked with her inside the classroom,

"Oh my goodness!" Cheerilee exclaimed in surprise yet excitedly.

Twilight smiled and nodded, "It is. If I want to make my dream come true, I have to know how to run the school first. So, I thought I'd come to you for advice."

"I'm flattered that you think highly of me, though I thought you would go and ask for advice from Princess Celestia or Mr. Tao. After all, he is your father-in-law."

"I planned to visit her later after this discussion. But for my father-in-law, he isn't exactly a teacher material especially his attitude."

"Point taken, Twilight." Cheerilee nodded in understanding, "A school for ponies to learn and understand behind the concepts of friendship? I believe it's wonderful. After all, it was yours and your friends' teachings that help Cutie Mark Crusaders especially your daughter – Nyx come this far. They even helped Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to become better ponies."

Twilight smiled, "I appreciate that much, Cheerilee. I just hope that I don't want to make my school to be your competition."

"Princess Twilight; every school has its own policy, teaching systems, education and the students. The schoolhouse has been here for a long time before me. It specialized on teaching young foals with basic educations, adventure and field trips. Yours is no doubt about teaching the meaning of friendship, therefore yours and this school won't be in competition."

"What a relief. Still, I thought maybe that we could have joint school together."

"Hmm… That could work. But it all depends on the school board's decision if they wanted to do it or not. If that happens, I would be happy to provide some basic educations before proceeding with advanced levels of friendship."

"I too hope it comes true, Cheerilee. Is there anything you can help me with this project?"

"I apologized that I don't have anything that can help you on running the school." Cheerilee apologized sincerely, "But I can tell you one thing, Twilight. Being a teacher is a big responsibility. And it's not just teaching and shaping hundreds and more of young minds, but also to ensure their safety and well-beings. So, they all can have better future and careers."

Writing down on Cheerilee's advice, Twilight smiled, "Thanks for help, Cheerilee. Even if you don't know how to run the school, your advice helps me a lot to understand how to be a good teacher."

"Your welcome, Princess Twilight. If you ever need help or advice, I'm the pony to assist you."

"Thanks, Cheerilee. I'd better go and visit Princess Celestia for some tips."

Cheerilee patted Twilight's shoulder, "I am confident that your school will be in good hooves."

Twilight smiled happily as she stands up from her seat and left the Ponyville Schoolhouse. She met up with her family as they're heading straight to Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns for more advice and help.

Arriving at the Canterlot Town, Twilight and her family headed off straight to Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. They met up with the celestial princess, who was chatting and discussing with Spell Nexus about the unicorns' magical abilities.

Both groups have greeted each other sincerely and warmly. The Princess of Friendship then explained the purpose of her visit to both Princess of the Sun and Headmaster of the School. They both were surprised and impressed by the idea.

"I think a school of friendship is a wonderful idea, Twilight!" Princess Celestia commented calmly, "I'll help in any way I can."

Spell Nexus nodded, "In fact, this is the first time to hear about the school involving education behind friendship concept. I am willing to provide the assistance."

Excited to get more tips, Twilight levitated and readied to write on her notepad, "I just have a few questions. What time should school start each day? What's the ideal length for class? Do you test regularly? What about class projects? Assigned seating? Open seating? Or is that... too unstructured?"

And just before Twilight could ask, Shadow Dragon thrust his hoof on her mouth, silencing her for the moment. Nyx giggled while Lance and Spike sighed in frustration and annoyance about her usual behavior.

Princess Celestia giggled softly, "Oh, Twilight. You were my star pupil. If anyone knows how to run a school, it's you."

"There's a big difference between attending a school and running one." Twilight commented, "It's not like there's a rule book to follow."

"Actually, there is." Spell Nexus added calmly, "The EEA guidebook is very specific about how to run a school."

"The EEA?" The children asked in surprise, "What is that?"

"I don't suppose it spells 'Education Equals Academy' Boring?" Shadow Dragon asked in annoyance. Twilight gave him a nudge on chest. He yelped in pain, "Jeez! I was kidding!"

Spell Nexus chuckled a bit, "The EEA stands for Equestria Education Association - a board of learned ponies that oversee every school in Equestria including Princess Celestia's. I should know it because I was once its member before I reassign and work here."

"Really?!" Nyx asked in surprise, "What does it feels like to be part of school board member?"

"Dreadful… Terribly dreadful…" Spell Nexus remarked dryly with groan, "They're too strict and stoic with same boring rules and not very flexible to some changes. And not to mention, they're not open-minded as I am."

"That is so boring," Nyx commented disappointment, "But you could change that rules, can't you?"

Spell Nexus sighed, "Sadly, I never get promoted to become the Head and change the rules. But here is much more flexible and relaxing to see more unicorns to reach their full potential. Your mother and Moonracer are one of them."

Nyx awed, "Wow. That is so awesome."

"Wait a sec!" Spike interrupted firmly. He asked, "You're saying that EEA is also overseeing your school? But you're you!"

Shadow Dragon nodded, "I have to agree with Spike. You're the Princess. Shouldn't you have more high authority than EEA and decide what is best including the school?"

Princess Celestia shook her head calmly, "Not even a princess can do whatever she likes when it comes to shaping young pony minds." She then magically formed the symbol of EEA, "The EEA ensures that whether it's unicorns studying magic, Pegasi learning weather, or Earth ponies researching agriculture, all schools are held to the same high standard. They'll need to approve your plan before you can move forward."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Why do I get the feeling that we're gonna have some boring presentation?"

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "Looks like we have a presentation to make."

Spike scoffed, "After everything we've been through, how hard can that be?"

"I'm afraid there's more to this, Spike," Princess Celestia said seriously and calmly, "The Head of EEA you're about to meet is very 'specific' about his view on the world."

Spell Nexus nodded firmly, "The Princess is right. I used to be his colleague. I've known him very well. He's not very fond of trusting and working with 'non-ponies'."

The mention of 'non-ponies' struck on both Princess Celestia's and Spell Nexus's minds. They realized that Twilight's true plans of opening and running the School of Friendship.

"Twilight, your school isn't just for ponies, is it?" Spell Nexus asked in concern.

All of her family turned and looked at Twilight, who looked shocked and surprised by Spell Nexus's deducing her plans for school.

Twilight asked in shock, "H-How did you know that? I didn't tell anyone about it, not even my own friends."

Princess Celestia smiled warmly, "Twilight, I also have the same thinking as yours since the Dark Mystic Ponies-Storm King's Invasion." Twilight and her family were surprised. She continued, "If it were not for them, we wouldn't be alive today. They have indeed proven themselves to be powerful and worthy allies, other than Mystic Ponies. You've made the right decision to make the alliance with them. And perhaps, this can be done."

"However, Twilight, be warned. The Head of EEA may not agree with your proposal due to his 'suspicious' on non-ponies," Spell Nexus said in concern yet calmly, "But I shall accompany and provide you the assistance with your presentation."

Twilight smiled in relief, "Much appreciated, Spell Nexus."

Spike smirked, "I'm pretty sure it's gonna be piece of cake."

On the next day…

With the help of Spell Nexus's assistance, Twilight and her family headed straight to EEA Headquarter for the School of Friendship Presentation. They even brought couple of files involving her project. When they arrived inside the court, they're facing the large members of EEA in it. Twilight and her family were uneasy and nervous while Spell Nexus remained calm.

"On second thought, not piece of cake." Spike commented in fear.

Nyx gulped, "I guess you're right about them, Mr. Nexus. They're very strict and stoic about their job and overseeing the schools."

Spell Nexus sighed, "You have no idea…"

Twilight cleared her throat, "Uh, hello. My name is-"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," The firm yet strict and stoic voice spoke. Twilight and her family looked up and found a white Unicorn with dark black combed hair and short tail worn a crimson coat with crimson sash and EEA Crest. While keeping and holding the EEA Guide Book, he continued firmly, "I am Chancellor Neighsay. Equestria owes you a great debt."

Lance cleared his throat, "Clearly, all Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and the Kids did the job. E.R.A., S.E.A. and E.C.F also helped us too."

"Do not interrupt, boy. Did your mother teach you some manners?" Chancellor Neighsay asked in annoyance, annoying Lance. He cleared his throat, "But princess or no, we expect you to do things by... the... book!"

Chancellor Neighsay levitated and passed the EEA Guide Book to Twilight and her family. The princess levitated and looked through the book's pages. Shadow Dragon yawned out loud while reading it.

Shadow Dragon rolled his eyes, "Right. Assuming it works for School of Friendship."

Twilight smiled confidently, "I think you'll find my curriculum meets all your requirements, Chancellor."

Twilight levitated the file books for 'School of Friendship' to Chancellor Neighsay and the rest of EEA members. They all then read through the book carefully and patiently.

"And can we trust you to follow through with this plan? Are you and your friends capable of teaching the students with your busy schedule?" Chancellor Neighsay questioned stoically,

"And more importantly, will you leave the school unattended to gallop off on your... 'adventures'?"

"I'm well aware of those concerns. But rest assure, sir, I've prepared several candidates to serve as substitute teachers for any and all classes. I've even prepared the provisions of handling the emergency. I've also chosen two worthy candidates to serve as temporary headmares, should my friends and I been summoned for mission."

"I see. It's clearly that you're well-prepared and have contingency plans for your school during your absence. However, despite Ponyville already has have the EEA certified school, why do you wish to open and run your school?"

"When Dark Curse make the alliance with the Storm King, they have fiercely and swiftly defeated Mystic-Equestria Alliance. And that is not the worst of it, he was able to manipulate and use him and his forces to stall and held off our forces while secretly preparing and completing the ritual of freeing and summoning Demon God to our realm." Twilight explained seriously and firmly, making the EEA members uneasy and scared. She continued, "There is no greater threat than the Dark Lord himself. Storm King is nothing but pawn to his master plans."

EEA Members hushed and whispered to each other about 'Battle of Canterlot Town'. They could never forget it.

Twilight continued, "If we want to keep our land safe and create a friendlier tomorrow, we need to teach the Magic of Friendship far and wide."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed thoughtfully, "A school for ponies to learn how to protect themselves."

"Uh, more like respecting differences, building the healthy relationships and establishing communication with each other and even the outside world." Twilight corrected calmly and firmly, "My school isn't just for ponies to learn 'The Magic of Friendship', but it is also for other creatures as well. And together, we can build a better tomorrow while defending against the greater threat. United we stand."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed suspiciously, "Are you certain this is wise decision, Princess Twilight? Having other creatures to live among us? To learn and study 'Magic of Friendship'? Can we truly trust them as our friends and allies? How can we be certain that these creatures won't turn on us? Storm King is the first creature to ally with the Dark Lord for power. For all we know that they could be secretly working for him."

Twilight and her friends were a bit annoyed by Chancellor Neighsay's accusation, despite the news have spread that other creatures have provided reinforcement and aid to Equestria and repel the enemies.

"With all due respect, sir, if it not for them, he would have succeeded destroying our world. We all wouldn't be here alive and breathing to talk and discuss," Shadow Dragon said firmly and defiantly, shocking Chancellor Neighsay. He continued, "I'd say these Creatures have proven themselves to be our powerful allies, other than Mystic Ponies. If that does not convince you, then nothing is."

Spell Nexus nodded firmly, "It is true, Chancellor. Though we have some difference and difficult history with these Creatures, we all have one thing in common – defending our kind, our family and our home against the greater threat. And that threat is Dark Curse. If we do not reach and teach them about friendship, then the Dark Lord will turn them against us before we have the chance. I advise you to give them the chance than against them."

Everyone was shocked and surprise by Shadow Dragon's defiant and defense for Creatures of Equestria. Chancellor Neighsay hummed thoughtfully while looking at the rest of EEA Members. They all nodded firmly and seriously about Twilight and her family's valued points.

Chancellor Neighsay sighed reluctantly, "Regardless of my distrustful and suspicious on these Creatures, everyone should be prepared to defend our way of life and defeat the Dark Lord. The EEA concurs. So, if your work is in order, provisional EEA approval is granted."

Twilight and her family gasped in surprise and relief. They all chatted happily about it.

Shadow Dragon smiled confidently, "With all due respect, Chancellor, Twilight will always keep everything in order. Count on it."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed suspiciously, "We will need to observe your school up and running before it can be fully accredited. Therefore, we will be sending our most efficient and dedicated school inspector - Lockdown."

The blue muscular Pegasus with dark brownish colored high & tight haircut worn yellowish colored shirt, brown colored tie and dark magenta coat marched in and saluted firmly.

"School Inspector Lockdown, here sir! Reporting for duty, sir!" Lockdown reported firmly.

"Wow. He's big…" Lance commented.

Spike gulped, "Oh boy. I've got a bad feeling about this guy."

Lockdown glared at Spike, "Oh, trust me, junior, you will get more bad feelings about me if you do not show respect to school's property and rules! Do you get me?!"

Spike yelped and saluted fearfully, "Sir, yes, sir!"

"He will assist you to make sure your School of Friendship follow by the book. And of course, he will make sure that these creatures won't cause the problems as well. He will report to me by the end of your school's third month," Chancellor Neighsay asked, "Will that be the problem?"

"No, sir," Twilight said calmly, "But would you like to join us for Friends and Family Day? It'll be the perfect time to see our progress!"

Chancellor Neighsay hummed calmly, "Yes, I will. I will get the full report from Lockdown."

Chancellor Neighsay levitated and stamped the chop sign of EEA on Twilight's File Book. Twilight and her family chatted happily of getting the approval. They can finally begin building, running and opening the School of Friendship.

Four months later, the School of Friendship is constructed and built attaching to the mountain with waterfall that split and cascaded down into the large lake, which is filled with water floor stones. It is located near to the Castle of Friendship. The large yet decorated mansion-like building with two towers, an upper level with rooftop and lowered part has the waterfall covering the glassed door.

Twilight and the rest of her friends including Lance, Spike and Nyx were gathered inside the lobby. Lockdown was there as well. He was checking on the School of Friendship's surroundings and condition.

"It's too much. Too much!" Rainbow exclaimed in fear and concern.

"Ugh, you think so?" Rarity asked in concern. She revealed to be wearing cyan colored shirt and magenta long skirt. She even worn her glasses. She looked at her dress, "I had hoped dressing the part would help me feel the part."

"Not your dress!" Rainbow disagreed while looking around of her surroundings, "This! Us! Teaching?! They're gonna think I'm an egghead!"

Shorty and Tailtech cleared their throat, alerting Rainbow. They're annoyed and irritated by her offense. She whistled innocently while looking away. Pinkie brought the Party Cannon to the front. She gotten inside the cannon.

"Well, the students are gonna love my confetti cannon class. It's gonna be..." Pinkie cheered happily before pulled the strong, firing her off from the cannon/ She screamed happily, "a blast!"

Fluttershy cleared her throat as she was facing at Terrorcreep and her animal friends. She spoke nervously and timidly, "Um, hello there. I'm your teacher. I hope you enjoy class. But if you don't enjoy it, that's okay, too."

"Seriously?" Terrorcreep asked in annoyance. Fluttershy shrugged innocently. He sighed while face-hoof, "Fluttershy, you cannot be shy and timid to teach them. You have to be very serious, firm and assertive, so the students will obey and follow your command. If you do not, then they will take advantage of you!"

"Isn't it that a bit harsh? I mean we're supposed to help and teach them, right?"

"Yes, we are. But not to be kind to them, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy sighed, "You're so ruthless and jerk, you know that?"

Terrorcreep scoffed amusingly before kissing her lips, "Thanks for the comments, my little angel. It's what kept you alive."

"Fine. But I'll make sure you don't go overboard," Fluttershy said teasingly.

Shocked and disbelief by Terrorcreep's behavior, Laxtinct yelped in shock and disbelief, "Did I hear it right? He joked? The ruthless Terrorcreep joked! I must be hallucinating!"

Terrorcreep slapped Laxtinct's head. He snarled, "Zip with your bloody mouth, idiot!"

Laxtinct groaned in pain while rubbing his head, "Never mind. He's back."

Blazefist hummed suspiciously, "I don't know about all this."

"What's there to know, Commander?" Lockdown said calmly yet warmly as he approached to Blazefist, "It's going to be fine. Everything about this school just feels right."

"See? If school inspector is alright with this, then we've got nothing to worry about," Twilight said calmly and happily, "I have no doubt that this school will be EEA accredited!"

"If Chancellor's cool with other creatures first," Spike commented dryly.

Applejack hummed in concern, "And you're sure you want us to be teachers? In classrooms?"

Shadow Dragon nodded in concern, "Yeah. None of us are kinda good at teaching, Twilight."

Everyone chattered and muttered in concern about Twilight's choosing her own friends and boyfriend's to be teachers.

"I know it's not some big adventure against the forces of evil, but this could be the most important thing we've ever done." Twilight said firmly yet sincerely, "I can't run a school of friendship without my best friends. Can I count on you?"

Though both Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force were doubtful and concerns of becoming teachers, they knew that they could never abandon Twilight when she needed the most. All of them chattered and nodded in agreement that they're willing to help her out. They all placed their hooves together in the middle before lifted them up high as they're in this together.

"Aw, isn't that sweet?" Lockdown remarked sarcastically yet calmly. He cleared his throat while lifted up the book, "Just to remind you all that the EEA is very clear on how schools should be run. We have a huge responsibility, and I need you all to do this by the book. That means no cannons in class, Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie groaned in disappointment as she lifted up the smallest party cannon before him, "Not even teeny cannon?"

Lockdown gave his annoying glare at Pinkie, "Drop and give me 20!"

Pinkie yelped and panicked frantically, "Sir, yes, sir!"

Pinkie began doing painful and serious 20 push-ups. The rest of her friends gave an uneasy and concern looks.

Lockdown sighed calmly, "The Classic Punishment is still effective. I love classic." He turned and glared at Twilight and her friends, "Anyone make the same mistakes will get extra 20s for push-ups! Do you get me?!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force saluted fearfully.

"Good enough," Lockdown said calmly.

"And I thought I was crazy with push-ups," Aqua said in shock.

Lockdown hummed suspiciously, "Something is not right with this picture." Everyone looked confuse and uncertain with his questions. He groaned, "Where is the photographer?!"

"For what?" Saber asked.

"To take the picture of you all and the school obviously! Don't you know that?!" Lockdown shouted at Saber's face. He cleared his throat, "Whenever there's a new school, we always take pictures of the founders and the teachers. So, the world will remember them for bringing the best education they need. That is Canterlot Historical Society's department! They will remember and document your friendship works! And of course, they need a yearbook too. So, where is that photographer?!"

Suddenly, the shout was sounded while the door was barged. Everyone turned to the front, where they found a mint green Unicorn with orange mane and tail, and her cutie mark is ladybug arrived at the scene. She even brought the camera as well.

The photographer panicked and pleaded frantically, "I'm so sorry! Can you forgive me?! I don't expect you to forgive me… Forgive me?"

Lockdown was about to rebate but Twilight spoke up, "Of course. The school won't start until 10am. So, what do you-?!"

The photographer interrupted, "Don't you worry, dear! I've got this. Let me just pretty you all up!"

And just Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force could do anything, the photographer trotted off as she yanked a strand of hair from all of them, making them yelped in pain. And at the same time, she took the picture on them, despite none of them are not ready for it.

But when the photographer approached to Saber, his naked mole rat Ace jumped out from his bag and climbed on his head. He snarled and snapped his teeth at her. She yelped and withdraw at once. The naked mole rat was about to pounce on her but grabbed and held by him

"Wow, Ace! Easy there, buddy!" Saber exclaimed in concern at Ace, who is still snarling and growling at the photographer. He asked, "What's with you?!"

"Hey! Keep that chipmunk under control Dragoon!" Lockdown scolded angrily.

"Naked mole rat," Saber corrected. He turned to the photographer, "I am so sorry, ma'am! I've never seen him act like this before!"

Photographer scoffed a bit, "Oh no worries! I've dealt with stuff like that before." She quickly plucked a hair from his head before taking picture of him. She smiled, "Oh, just one more thing!"

The photographer approached to Nyx. And just before the little filly could ask, she plucked it out while taking a picture of her. This left Nyx bewildered a bit.

"Well, that's that! Bye!" Photographer exclaimed happily, "Now I'll get out of your manes. I know how busy you are!"

The photographer trotted off at once. Everyone was in shock and confused by her.

"What was that?" Lance asked in shock and confuse.

Nyx groaned a bit while shaking her head for recovery, "I don't know, but something about her doesn't seem right."

Lockdown hummed suspiciously, "For once, little missy, I agree with you. The Canterlot Historical Society would never approve of this behaviour. I'll file the complain about this."

Nyx groaned while facepalm, "And he called himself 'inspector'."

Lockdown glared at Nyx, who gulped fearfully by his attitude. He spoke dryly, "Normally, I would give you 'drop and give 20s' for your attitude adjustment. You're grounded, missy!"

"Hey! My parents do that, not you, pal!" Nyx said firmly. She blew raspberry at Lockdown, "You can't make me."

Lockdown groaned, "These days, girls are becoming more sassy than before…"

The photographer arrived and entered the forest. For odd reason, she was smiling sinisterly as she was looking at the photos of Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force.

"Now I have everything I need…" The photographer said sinisterly yet calmly. She then magically transformed into a familiar Queen Chrysalis. He gave a crackling laughter, "Soon, I will have my revenge on not just Twilight and her friends! Maul will pay dearly for the betrayal!"

Twilight and her friends make the final preparation for the school. Most of them were excited and happy for it while others were nervous and doubtful of it. The school bell rang out loud.

Pinkie screamed happily and wildly, "First day at school! So many new ponies!"

"About that. One thing I forgot to mention." Twilight said calmly, "It's not just ponies."

While her families and Lockdown are aware of her plans, the rest of her friends were shocked and surprised by the announcement. As the doors opened in two, many of ponies including some familiar group of creatures and Mystic Ponies marched in. All of them were chattering and walking around happily and excitedly.

"That was unexpected." Pinkie commented in surprise.

"Ooh! Students certainly traveled from far and wide to attend our school!" Rarity remarked in surprise.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Princess Celestia helped me reach out to all the kingdoms. After all, friendship is something that needs to be shared with every... creature."

"You'd think this is a good idea?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Terrorcreep shook his head, "Nope. It does not."

Shadow Dragon spotted some of Mystic Ponies among the students. He then asked, "I kinda noticed that there're some of Mystic Ponies in here as well. So, how many students did you manage to ask for?"

"13 of them from 12 Countries of Mystic Realm," Twilight said happily, shocking Shadow Dragon. She turned to the front as she made the announcement, "Welcome to the School of Friendship! I'm your headmare Twilight Sparkle. Please follow Guidance Counselor Starlight and Admission Recruiter Sunset to sign in and get your class assignments. Then we can show you your living quarters."

The ponies chattered happily and warmly with each other about the new school and new lessons they can't wait to start and learn. Twilight and Shadow Dragon climbed down the stage's steps. They then both meet up with Azure Phoenix and Strikespell, accompanied by One-Eyed Anger and Rhino Armor.

"An inspiring speech you've make, Twilight. You know how to get the attention," Azure Phoenix commented calmly and warmly.

"Lord Azure! What surprise! It's good to see you here!" Twilight greeted warmly while hugging Azure Phoenix.

"Good to see you too, Twilight. Glad to see you're well after the fiasco with pretender…" Azure Phoenix said firmly and calmly as he departed from hugging Twilight. He cleared his throat, "I am honored that you invited one of mine to join your school. And allow me to introduce you to my nephew."

Strikespell turned and found 'Azure Phoenix's nephew' went missing. The prince groaned in annoyance. The Prince whispered to his father, who looked shock yet annoyed by reports.

"Not again…" Azure Phoenix groaned in annoyance.

Entering the school entrance, Ember was dragging and pulling the moody and annoyed Smolder to the hall.

Smolder groaned, "This is so stupid! The school is so boring and lame! Dragons don't go and do school!" She pulled her hands back. She then leaned against the pillar while crossed her arms, "Why am I here?"

"Because as Dragon Lord, I'm ordering you to be here!" Ember scolded Smolder's behaviour. She glared at her, "And don't forget why you're working with me, Smolder. I helped and give your brother a parole."

"I know that…" Smolder grumbled, "Sure he's still playing bad boy, but I mean he's getting better than before since the 'Battle of the Canterlot'. He's been good so far."

"I know. Keep working and showing your deed, the Dragon Council may consider to release him," Ember said firmly. She turned and found Spike was helping Starlight and Sunset with their works. She called out, "Hey, Spike! Come meet Smolder."

Spotting Ember on the left side of hall, Spike happily approached and greeted her warmly while hugging her.

"Great to see you, Ember!" Spike exclaimed happily. Ember blushed in red while hugging him back as well. As they both departed from hugging, he looked back and found Smolder was leaning against the pillar. He greeted, "Nice to see you too, Smolder."

Smolder sighed while waved at Spike, "Same here. I owe you one for saving me from that tornado. My brother would've been devastated."

"Oh yeah… You mean Garble…" Spike asked in annoyance yet uneasily.

"Look, I get it that you and my big brother got rough history, but now he's getting better. I'm sure you and him become buddies again."

"Well, I'm not sure of that."

"Look, Spike, I promise you that it's not a trick. But if he's up to his tricks, I'm gonna knock some senses on his head," Smolder said confidently. She then noticed how close both Spike and Ember are. She hummed, "Aren't you two…?"

While looking at each other, both Spike and Ember blushed in red and frantically exclaimed in shock and denial, "What?! No! We're not! / I'm not! / He's not! / She's not!"

Lance chuckled a bit, "Classic Spike and Ember…."

Nyx giggled a bit, "If Spike were to be a teenager as Ember, they'd make a lovely and cutesy couples."

"I heard that! We're just friends!" Spike and Ember scolded firmly.

While laughing playfully; Lance noticed a teenage brownish dragon that has goat horn, orange hair and wings was standing close to Smolder. He asked, "Huh? who's that other dragon with you?"

Spike and Ember turned and looked at the mysterious dragon, who was shyly rolling up her hair, with a little finger of hers. Smolder was looking at her suspiciously and curiously.

"Ocellus!" Thorax called out, alerting the dragon. She turned and looked at him approaching her. He asked firmly, "Ocellus! What did we talk about?"

The dragon sighed a bit as she transformed back into a young cyan-reddish colored Changeling, surprising everyone.

"I told you, stay in your own form. It's the polite thing to do." Thorax scolded Ocellus gently. He turned to his friends, "Sorry, she's shy."

Nyx whistled, "We sure get a lot of shy ponies these days…"

"Yeah, no kidding," Lance agreed, "But I'm sure she'll come out from her shell and make some awesome friends."

Just before anyone could do or say anything, a familiar pink Hippogriff came out from the crowd. She gasped in surprise, "What is that?!"

Silverstream flew off and went after Ocellus, who panicked and transformed into a yellowish Earth Pony with lighter greenish-bluish mane and tail, blue freckles and has a ladybug cutie mark. She ran off at once. Both Fluttershy and Terrorcreep were talking with a parent and child. As soon as the latter left, she quickly underneath the shy Pegasus's mane.

Silverstream flew before Fluttershy and Ocellus. She exclaimed happily, "No way! I didn't know ponies could turn into... um... What are you?"

"A changeling." Thorax answered as he approached to them.

"Ponies can turn into changelings?!" Silverstream asked happily.

Fluttershy giggled a bit while patted timid Ocellus's pony form, "No, but changelings can turn into ponies, Silverstream."

"Huh. That's confusing!" Silverstream said calmly. She took a glance at Fluttershy carefully. She gasped, "Wait. Fl-Fluttershy?! Is that you?!"

"Of course, Silverstream." Fluttershy said calmly and warmly, "How are you and your family? Happy to be together?"

Silverstream squealed happily, "You remember me! My family too! Oh my gosh! And you're gonna be my professor this year! We're all fine and happy family, thanks to you! It's the happiest day of my life!"

Terrorcreep groaned, "Oh brother."

"Hey guys!" Laxtinct called out as he was guiding and leading Queen Novo and Princess Skystar to them. Everyone greeted warmly to them. He whistled, "I see you meet her niece."

"Niece?" Terrorcreep and Fluttershy asked in surprise.

Queen Novo nodded, "That's right. Don't tell me you've forgotten about Skybeak is my baby brother. That makes me her aunt."

"I find it surprise that you didn't send your daughter here," Terrorcreep remarked in surprise.

Princess Skystar groaned, "I really want to. But my mom said that I'm still grounded."

Queen Novo scoffed, "Yes, you are. So, I talked with my brother about sending Silverstream. He was reluctant since he got reunited with his family but knew it's for our kingdom. And I owe you all for saving our home." She then whispered to Fluttershy and Terrorcreep, "But keep her away from 'Scourge of Hippogriffs and his family'. The last thing is I want is them go rampage on us again."

Princess Skystar nodded, "Mom's right. Damn! That was nightmare for me to handle!"

"We'll handle it," Fluttershy answered calmly.

Silverstream squealed happily, "This place is amazing! I've spent most of my life in a coral reef underwater. I was a seapony, but now I'm a Hippogriff. Long story."

"Great. She takes after her cousin. Pinkie Pie's gonna have a day with her. I don't know how I'm gonna deal with this wacko." Terrorcreep grumbled sarcastically and bluntly. He got nudged by Fluttershy on his chest hard. He yelped in pain, "OOF!"

"Terrorcreep, don't be rude!" Fluttershy scolded her husband.

"What? I'm just saying." Terrorcreep groaned and muttered, "I don't even know why Laxtinct's dating her cousin."

"We're still here, you know." Laxtinct and Princess Skystar grumbled.

"Hey, guys! What's up?" Roughneck Rumble called out. Everyone turned and found her and her sister Soul Sweetie arrived. They were accompanied by Lance and Nyx

"Cousins!" Princess Skystar and Silverstream cheered as they jumped and hugged Royal Seapony Sisters warmly, "Good to see you!"

"Good to see you too!" Soul Sweetie answered calmly.

"Are you joining as well?" Fluttershy asked.

"No," Soul Sweetie disagreed while pointed at the blue colored unicorn with blond hair with twin pigtail and tail. She held and hugged her happily, "Actually, it's her."

Roughneck smirked as she patted her younger sister's hair, "Meet our sister, Melody Bubbles."

"Aw. She's so cute. Kinda reminds me of little Ocellus," Thorax commented, making Ocellus flustered. He chuckled uneasily, "Sorry. Your father always did say you're the cutest among the Changelings. I agreed with him."

Princess Skystar and Silverstream giggled, "She sure is…"

Melody then noticed Nyx. She gasped in surprise before screamed out loud, "Oh my goodness!" And just before anyone could do anything, she grabbed and held on her cheeks, "You are so cute!"

Silverstream giggled, "I know, right?!

Nyx groaned in pain, feeling her cheek reddish and bruised, "Uh, Melody? You're crushing my cheeks."

Melody yelped as she let go of Nyx's cheek, "Oh sorry!"

Nyx hissed in pain while rubbing her cheek, "That really hurt."

"She's quite a strong Seapony, isn't she?" Roughneck chuckled proudly, "I taught her that."

"Not to mention, she's cute too," Soul Sweetie said calmly, "Don't let her cutie fool you. She's quite a lot of tougher than you think. And also, I advise you not to call her 'baby'. She's sensitive with it."

Smolder scoffed, "Yeah, right. How tough can she be?"

"You don't want to know," Silverstream recommended firmly, "Trust me. Terramar and me learn the hard way."

"Mind if I join in, ladies?" The charming boy's voice asked.

Everyone turned and looked at the other side. They found a cyan colored Pegasus with navy and purple mane and tail in ponytail and has cutie mark of shield with 'Cao' in Chinese Character. He gave the charming handsome looks to them especially to Silverstream. He charmingly and lovely winked at her. She blushed in red before giggled a bit.

Silverstream giggled uneasily yet flustered while waving at him, "H-Hi…"

Lance hummed suspiciously, "And you are?"

Laxtinct groaned, "The Captain of the Guard is also Azure Phoenix's nephew and he's your first cousin-once-removed."

"What?! No way." Lance said in shock.

"Heatwave. Heatwave Phoenix's the name, nephew." Heatwave said calmly and firmly. He held Silverstream's claw before giving her a kiss on hers. She flustered and blushed in reddish. She took out and passed the red rose to her, "For you, my fair maiden. Red fits your color."

Silverstream awed happily, "Thanks. That is so nice of you, Heatwave."

"My pleasure, my fair maiden. And you know what else fit for you?" Heatwave asked charmingly. Silverstream shook her head warmly. He smiled as he grabbed and held, "the dance and sing, maiden."

Heatwave cleared his throat as he sang and boasted proudly and happily about him facing and battling with his might at the front for years. He then recalled of how he's been summoned to return home and not to think of brutal war. Some of young girls including Silverstream, Ocellus, Melody awed in pitifulness at him. Others were annoyed with it.

Heatwave: For years at the front

Fighting with his might

This bravest soldier is taking timeout!

Taking his mind off

Not to think of war

Returning to home is what this soldier needs

Heatwave took his own drink for him and the girls to share and drink together. Other than battles and wars, he then showed off other hobbies such as singing, dancing, goofing around, drawing and so on. This amused and impressed the girls a lot.

Heatwave: Give me your song of beauty

Your drink of victory

Show me your dancing swan move

Give out the best

Ask me anything to do

I can do better

I'm good at them

Heatwave approached to Silverstream, who continued blushed and flustered very hard yet reddish by his song and comments about her. He even talked about his next assignment, which shocked and made the girls smiled and awed at him. Most of the boys overheard and extremely annoyed with him.

Heatwave: My little charming swan,

You are with the best

That's why I am lucky

With this assignment

I've been working hard

Now I'm gonna be

Student to this school

Who would've thought that?

Heatwave raised his hoof before Silverstream, which she happily grabbed and held on his. They both began the beautiful tango dancing, which shock and amazed everyone else. While performing slow dancing, Heatwave warmly and sincerely looked at Silverstream, who was in trance of looking at him. As he was talking with her, he quickly grabbed and held her face for him to kiss her lips passionately and warmly. This prompted her to kiss back as well.

Heatwave: Like other brave soldiers

I've got the goal in my mind

But for this very day

Fun is my mission.

So, what do you say?

Care to share a kiss?

With this bravest soldier!

The girls yelled in disappointment and frustration with Heatwave's kissing. Queen Novo, Princess Skystar and Royal Seapony Sisters yelled angrily as they were about to attack him but halted by Fluttershy, Terrorcreep and Laxtinct, preventing them to go mad.

"Heatwave!"

The angry voice alerted and scared Heatwave to panic and yelped in fear. And just before he could run for his life, he's been lifted up by levitation spell, he turned his back as he found some familiar ponies.

"Having fun with the girls again?!" Azure Phoenix asked angrily. Almost everyone was confused by his claim. He dropped Heatwave to the ground. He continued berating, "I didn't summon you back here just for your rest and recreation, fool! I bring you here to teach you to be more mature and responsibility, so you won't get distracted with this again! And of course teaching you not to be womanizer and cheating ladies like Queen Novo's niece!"

Everyone gasped in shock and disbelief. Silverstream was heartbroken and shocked to find out that who Heatwave really was.

"Honestly. When will you ever learn not to be a fool," Strikespell scolded angrily.

Heatwave groaned, "Wouldn't kill a guy to have a fun for just today? I just found a girl to dance and have fun with."

"Well, this is not the time for rest and recreation. And I warn you this again, Heatwave. If you ever slack off from your studies, I'm bringing you back to my homeland for next battle against the enemy. Do I make myself clear?" Azure Phoenix said firmly and angrily.

Heatwave gulped as he nodded fearfully in agreement. He turned and looked at others, who turned walked away. As Silverstream approached to him, he was about to explain but get slapped instead. She then walked off, accompanied by her family and professors. He whined painfully and tearfully.

Azure Phoenix sighed, "What am I gonna do with him?"

"I assure you, Lord Azure. We will shape him into a better pony," Twilight said confidently.

Azure Phoenix sighed, "I'm counting on you, Twilight…"

Everyone has seen the event. They all chattered and muttered amusingly about Heatwave's embarrassment.

Sandbar chuckled, "Guess he deserve that for trying to be funny with girls." As he just turned, he accidentally bumped on a blue griffon. The latter turned and gave annoyed looks at him. He yelped, "Whoa, sorry! I'm Sandbar. Are you a student here, too?"

"No, I just figured I'd randomly stand here and see how many ponies would walk into me." Gallus remarked sarcastically.

"Gallus!"

Gallus yelped in surprise by the call while confused Sandbar. The griffon headed off and meet up with Grandpa Gruff, who was wheezing out loud while rubbing his head firmly. Rainbow and Blazefist approached to him.

"Grandpa Gruff? What are you doing here?" Rainbow asked in surprise.

Grandpa Gruff coughed a bit, "Flew all the way from Griffonstone to introduce Gallus."

"Surprise that you came after all you're not exactly type of socialize griffon," Blazefist commented.

Grandpa Gruff scoffed, "Not by my choice with you ponies keep bothering me!"

"Rainbow Dash, right? Gilda told me about you. You're a teacher?" Gallus asked in surprise. Rainbow noffed in agreement, "Huh. Thought you'd be... cooler, especially during the 'Battle of Canterlot Town'."

Rainbow hummed, "I'm guessing that you're under Gilda's wing, right?"

Gallus nodded, "You got it."

"That's one griffon to be part of students," Blazefist commented.

"Make that two," The voice corrected firmly. Blazefist, Rainbow, Gallus and Grandpa Gruff turned and found lighter silver colored Griffon has greenish head with five spikes-like hair and has his greenish wings. He waved happily, "Hey there. My name is Mano Telekinetic the Mystic Griffon. I am honored to meet you here."

"Cool! A Mystic Griffon?" Rainbow asked in surprise.

"It is my honor. You're from where?" Blazefist asked curiously.

"He's with me," Lightning Wisdom answered as he has arrived to the scene. He smiled warmly, "Mano will be a perfect student to follow your example and will not fail you."

Blazefist laughed a bit, "I'm sure he won't, sir. We'll do our best to help him out."

Lightning Wisdom smiled, "I'm sure you do."

Courage Tiger, Aqua, Shorty, Asami and Ciel have seen the event. Scarblade and Riverstrike were there to guard their allies.

"Somethings never change," Courage Tiger said in frustration, "Heatwave is still the same fool, who lost the battle with us during the Three Kingdoms Era."

Aqua sighed and shrugged, "As they said, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

"Agreed. I hope you would do better than him, Ciel," Shorty said warmly to Ciel.

Ciel smiled proudly, "You can count on me, Shorty. With you, Asami and even ZeekCrimson around; I won't go astray from my responsibility."

Asami giggled happily while patted Ciel's head, "That's our little sister."

Courage Tiger sighed, "Normally, I'd prefer Tigress to do it, but…"

Aqua sighed as she patted Courage Tiger's back, "Come on, Courage. She doesn't need it because she's already befriend with me and Rainbow. Plus, Ciel is young and needs to explore more about friendship. This place is perfect for her."

Thinking of what his sister has said, Courage Tiger sighed, "You're right, Aqua. I am certain that you would help her out especially with her siblings around."

"No worries, big bro. We got this," Aqua said confidently.

As Starlight and Sunset were helping the students out, Black Alpha approached them both, bringing along with two knights. Three of them greeted each other warmly.

"It's good to see you here again, Lord Black Alpha," Starlight greeted warmly.

"As do I, I've brought two young knights to be representatives and knights," Black Alpha said firmly and humbly, "Leopardos Chi and Jesuits Omnicron."

A humanoid samurai-like knight worn a blue battle suit, silver and blackish samurai amor, red long scarf, black raven wings, and his helmet has raven-like kabuto helmet. He bowed humbly, "You can call me 'Leo'. Time to see what you guys are made of especially with 'Magic of Friendship'. I am certain that I can ace it."

"Don't get cocky, Leo. It won't be easy," Sunset commented.

"Good to see you again, Jesuits," Starlight greeted warmly, "Nice armor."

Now wearing orange-yellow colored swan-themed knight armor, Jesuits smiled, "To you as well. I hope you won't repeat mistakes again."

"Nah!" Starlight protested playfully, "Sunset and I are friends now."

"Your children already making new friends already, Black Alpha?" Yuko asked playfully as she and Blackwitch arrived to the scene. She laughed out loud, "I am so jealous of you! I wish my daughter can do the same as well."

Black Alpha scoffed, "You already bring her here, you know."

"That's the whole point. I wanted her to make some new friends, not stay inside the stinking library for her boring reading." Yuko disagreed teasingly, "It's so boring."

Blackwitch groaned, "Mother, please. You're embarrassing me."

" Um, is there something wrong with your throat?" Sunset asked in concern.

"Huh? I don't know what you mean." Blackwitch asked in confusion.

"Never mind. It's not important," Sunset said.

"Madam and sir, we'll do our best to shape their mind with 'Magic of Friendship'," Starlight said confidently.

Black Alpha nodded proudly while Yuko laughed playfully and happily. Blackwitch was annoyed and embarrassed by her mother. Leo and Jesuits smiled and bowed humbly before them.

Suddenly, the door was slammed and opened as the familiar gruff voice shouted…

"PONIES!"

Spotting Prince Rutheford and Yona entered through the entrance, Pinkie gasped as she approached to them, "Prince Rutherford!"

"This Yona Yak. She come to pony school." Prince Rutheford introduced her, "Hah. Make it better."

Pinkie saluted, "Count on it. Yakyakistan Ambassador is on the job!"

"Yak can't wait to meet ponies-" Yona shouted happily as she trotted around happily, scaring some students off, "-and tell all about Yakyakistan and how she helped in Canterlot Battle!"

Unfortunately, Yona accidentally tripped on one of her braid, throwing her off the balance. She accidentally rammed the walls and knocked some a pot of flower, statue and banner.

Luckily, two or the dragon twins have arrived in time as they quickly grabbed the items in time. They revealed to be cyan colored dragon twin. One was a muscular warrior has some scars, large wing and upright horns worn silver colored armor. Another was a scrawny dragon twin wearing black suit with red tie, who approached and helped Yona up.

"Hey, are you alright, little miss?" The scrawny dragon asked.

Yona groaned, "Yona really needs to be careful. Thank you, blue scrawny dragon."

"I have a name. My name is Rak. That is my brother – Aero," Rak introduced himself.

"Huh? Aero and Rak looked the same?" Yona asked in surprise.

Aero laughed a bit, "That's a good one, yak. But there's difference between us. I'm the courageous and honorable one while Rak is too cautious and worrisome."

Rak scoffed in annoyance, "Well, excuse of my exercise caution on situation, I want to make sure everything's alright. Like this. I told you that we shouldn't rush in and get into trouble again."

Aero sighed, "You worry too much."

"Regardless, you shouldn't have gone off without the guide, you two!" Scar Brilliance said firmly as he entered the scene, "Do that again, I'll have you both demoted."

Aero and Rak sighed, "Yes, sir."

"Councilpony Scar Brilliance, nice to see you here. I'm surprise that you didn't let Arthur become student," Saber joked.

Scar sighed, "I would but again, he's slacking off again."

Applejack laughed a bit, "Glad he didn't come and cause problems." She cleared her throat a bit, "Why don't Saber and I show you around before you destroy the place?"

"Don't forget us, son!"

Saber turned and found Virtue Dragon, Dragonspear and his younger brother, who is now a teenager worn dark Chinese Suit-like. He quickly greeted them warmly and happily. Applejack also joined in as well.

"I'm glad to see you're all here," Saber said in relief. He turned and looked at Kindy, "I'm guessing you're asking him to be part of it?"

Virtue Dragon nodded, "Yes, son. I hope that your school would help and boost his confidence and become a better pony as you and Applejack."

"Father, please. I don't think I'm fitted for this." Kindy protested timidly.

Virtue Dragon sighed as he whacked on his son's back, "Nonsense, Kindy! Now stop being so negative about yourself. With your brother here, I'm confident that he'll teach and make you become a better pony. He is the perfect example of how a brave warrior and benevolent prince presented. So, you'd better follow his example. Understand?"

Kindy sighed, "Y-Yes, father…"

"Don't you worry, Lord Virtue. We'll make sure he gets on it," Applejack said confidently.

Icy and Tailtech were meeting up with Frozen Sage and Iron Brave as the latter have brought the representatives and students here as well. Both of them greeted them warmly.

"Mother, it is good to see you," Icy said happily.

"To you as well, my dearest daughter. I couldn't be any prouder of your accomplishment and bring honor to our clan," Frozen Sage said humbly and calmly. She cleared her throat, "I am certain that you'd be please about this student. Or should I say – your sister."

Icy gasped upon looking at Solflare, who smiled warmly and happily, "Hey sis!"

"Sister!" Icy exclaimed as she jumped and hugged her warmly, "It's so good to see you! I miss you!"

"So, am I! Mother make the right decision to send me here. Just like the old time, right."

"Definitely. Can you believe it? Me, your little sister, teaching you, my big sister!"

"I can't believe it, either. So what you're working on?"

"Cooking!" Icy cheered, scaring both Frozen Sage and Solflare.

Solflare laughed uneasily, "Charming… Great…"

Tailtech saluted to Iron Brave, "It is good to see you, sir!"

"Ease up with the formal, kid. No need to treat it seriously," Iron Brave said playfully while patted Tailtech's mane. He sighed, "Alright, I've brought the student here. Or rather, a bot that Dr. Healing and Metalgear have created."

Iron Brave whistled out loud, prompting Metalgear and an orange-brown colored robotic Unicorn Metal Pony with blue eyes to come out and bowed in respect to Tailtech.

"A Metal Pony? Cool!" Tailtech exclaimed in surprise.

Metalgear nodded, "Indeed, he is. He is the newly built Metal Pony. DECK, introduce yourself.

"Yes, sir," DECK nodded firmly, "Delta Emergency Cooperative and Keepsake Metal Pony. You can call me 'DECK'. It is an honor to meet you, sir."

"I'd prefer to call by name," Tailtech said in embarrassed, "Well, I hope you don't lose temper and go blaze in glory when some creatures may insult you being a robot."

DECK sighed, "With respect, sir. I do not possess such terrible weaponry and arsenals as others. I am both a medic and a mechanic. I don't really like fighting or wars."

Metalgear nodded, "It is true. DECK is very young and seen battlefield before. He doesn't like it."

"Will he be okay for it?" Iron Brave asked.

Tailtech smiled, "I'm pretty sure Twilight would be happy about it."

Witnessing many ponies including Mystic Ponies have joined the School of Friendship, Shadow Dragon was amazed and surprised about it. He then met up with Lance, Nyx and Spike.

"Wow, the first day of school and a whole bunch of newcomers just showed up." Lance commented, "This is so unexpected."

"Yeah." Nyx agreed. She turned and found Mystic Tao, Dragon Kick and Jade arrived. She gasped as she jumped and hugged Jade warmly, "Cousin!"

Jade laughed happily, "You don't have to call me that."

"Well, my mommy and daddy are married, so that makes you my cousin."

"If you say so." Noticing Jade's mane and tail being colored in orange, Nyx asked, "By the way, I noticed you dyed your mane and tail orange."

Showing off her new hair color, Jade smiled, "Sure, I did. You like?"

"Yeah, it is. So, you're joining to school?" Nyx asked.

Jade shook her head, "Nope. Just following them for fun."

"It's good to see you both." Shadow Dragon greeted his father and cousin warmly. He even hugged them. Departing from hugging, he asked, "I hope everything's alright at Mystic Realm especially watching over Jade Emperor."

"Well, Mystic Realm is still alright. Nothing bad happens with it," Dragon Kick answered calmly, "And not to mention, Nezha's behaving himself. Truth to be told, I'm a bit uneasy and worried about what he's planning next."

"Whatever it is, he won't get away with it," Shadow Dragon said confidently, "As long as you guys are around, Nezha won't try anything funny."

"I hope so," Dragon Kick said hopefully.

"Regardless, Mystic Council will not let him roam freely and do what he wished," Mystic Tao said firmly, "And of course, the Emperor's still recovering but in comatose. The Obsidian Stone's effect is very fatal to him."

"I hope he recovers and get back to his place. Anything else?" Shadow Dragon asked.

"There is. I have someone you should meet." Mystic Tao said humbly.

Mystic Tao cleared his throat, prompting Princess Leaf and a dark pinkish colored Hipporgiff with reddish and pinkish streaks of mane and tail worn reddish shirt and gauntlets, and even golden crown-like battle helmet appeared before them. She bowed humbly to the ground.

"Another Hippogriff?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.

Mystic Tao nodded, "This is Arcee. She will stay here at this school for a year."

"She was part of Strikespell's squadron during the Battle of Canterlot." Dragon Kick added, "Like all of us, she's quite a skilled and strong Martial Art Fighter. She's also good at being flyer and piloting ships too. She's kinda remind us of you."

"Really?" Shadow Dragon asked in flattered tone, "I'm flattered."

"More importantly, she's from my homeland too," Princess Leaf added.

Shadow Dragon was shocked and surprised, "What? Really? I thought Peace Nature Guardians are supposed to be peacekeepers."

"We still are but Arcee is very different from us," Princess Leaf admitted.

"We've found out that she's an orphan on the alley. She's self-taught with martial arts and learn more about 'Art of War' and the world by herself," Dragon Kick explained, "Eventually, she decided to join our Sacred Light Wizards and rose through the ranks become the commander of the forces. You've gotta give her credit. She's quite impressive."

"And also, she admire you a lot and consider you to be inspiration. So, we decided to choose her to become a student here," Mystic Tao said humbly, "Now, you both get acquainted."

"Alright, I guess…" Shadow Dragon said in uncertain tone. He cleared his throat as he nervously greeted Arcee, "Hello. I'm...Shadow Dragon."

Arcee remained silent while looking at Shadow Dragon.

Dragon Kick laughed a bit, "Forgot to mention that she'd prefer to be silent type."

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Now you tell me." He sighed while looked at Arcee, "Arcee, why don't you follow Starlight and Sunset? They'll help you settle down."

Arcee nodded firmly. She stood up and approached to Sunset and Starlight.

Shadow Dragon hummed, "That was very bad of me…"

"Don't worry. She'll talk. Give time…" Mystic Tao said calmly.

Shadow Dragon approached to Twilight on the stage. And just before they could proceed with their school, Tempest Shadow approached and whispered to their ears. They both were in shock and surprise. They turned and found Death Tactic and a lighter brown Pegasus with dark brown mane with blond streaks with two pigtails and has a tail worn black suit with long sleeve and has white-blue jacket, wrist band on right hoof and a ring-like wristband on her back leg approached to them.

Both of them bowed humbly before Twilight and Shadow Dragon, and also greeted them as well.

"Death Tactic, it is an unexpected to see you here," Twilight commented in surprise. "I thought that Ultimate Warriors especially Nezha are not interested with 'friendship'."

Death Tactic smiled, "Do not fret, Princess Twilight. Nezha did not send me here to spite you both for what has happened from last year. In fact, he send one of ours to join the school."

Shadow Dragon was skeptical to ask, "Really? And she is…"

"My name's Bella. Bella Anime." Bell introduced herself.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully, "Why does that name sound familiar?"

"Though Bella is not one of Ultimate Warriors, she is still a strong and courageous fighter. But I hope that you school would improve and make her stronger and more powerful as the Emperor. It is what he expected," Death Tactic said calmly, making Twilight and Shadow Dragon worried and uneasy. He smiled, "Do not worry, she will not cause troubles to your school. She's sensitive and optimistic pony to do such a thing."

Bella sighed, "Grand General, please. Stop embarrassing me."

"I merely state the facts," Death Tactic said calmly, "But you will improve her fighting skills, would you?"

Twilight and Shadow Dragon looked at each other, giving uneasy and worried thoughts. They know it would be unwise to deny the Emperor's demands, despite disliked his attitude.

"We'll do it," Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Twilight nodded, "But, more importantly that she needs to learn more about friendship. That's what school is all about."

Death Tactic nodded, "Understood… Good luck, Bella. Do not fail him."

Bella sighed, "Yes, sir."

Death Tactic turned and walked away at once. And just before Shadow Dragon and Twilight could say anything, Bella turned and headed off at once. Both of them sight in concern as they hope that they can reach and helped her to know friendship is much more important than fighting skills.

After getting to know each other, both Student Seven and Rescue Warriors Club were chatting with each other happily and sincerely, though some of them especially Gallus, Smolder, Bella and Blackwitch got annoyed and irritated to discuss about making friends. Arcee has been silenced for the moment as she all did was looking and listening to their conversation, and her response to them is a nod and shook her head. Most of the ponies, children and teenage, were also chatting and discussing about it.

"Thank you so much for supporting the grand opening of our school." Twilight made the speech firmly yet humbly and calmly, "I hope you'll all join us for Friends and Family Day to see the amazing progress your students are making."

Inspired and touched by Twilight's speech, the hundreds and more of the young students gave the loud cheers and applause to her. All of them can't wait to start learning and studying the 'Magic of Friendship'.

Twilight smiled happily, "Looks like school's in session!"

Shadow Dragon sighed while crossed his arms, "Hopefully it goes well, not at the worst…"

"What are you yahoos waiting for?! Santa Hooves?! Easter Bunny?! Elvis?!" Lockdown asked angrily and frustratingly, "Get back to class or else you go to detention for five months! Now move it!"

As commanded by Lockdown, the newly students began singing happily and excitedly about learning more about 'friendship'. They then received brochures and books from Sunset, Lance and Nyx. Starlight and Spike gave them a tour guide to the School of Friendship while showing them around the School of Friendship's faculties and classes.

Choir: The School of Friendship, first day of class

Will we fail or will we pass?

Students come from far and wide

Brand-new friends here by our side

"Excuse me! Who give permission to sing in school hall?! Coz I didn't!" Lockdown demanded angrily and annoyingly, "No singing unless you're in theater or movie, ponies! Get back to class now!"

Excited to see her dream is coming true, Twilight was flying and watching at the students galloping and checking around the school. She became very happy and proud of it. Shadow Dragon went after, making sure that she doesn't overdo and done something foolish and regretful.

Twilight: Take a breath, look around, it's amazing

I can't believe that it's real

Students galore, new ideas to explore

Can't contain the excitement I feel

Twilight then met up with the rest of her friends. She then explained and reminded them to follow the EEA Guide Book.

Twilight: Can't mess up, can't afford a mistake now

Think "success", keep it firmly in sight

Make sure to do things by the book

Make sure to do it all right

Lockdown sighed happily, "That's right, ponies. Everything must be done by the book or else drop and give 100s! Now get back to work!"

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force did their best to teach the students about friendship and education subject, followed by the book such as talking and explaining on chalkboard and providing papers for the students to do. The students were bored and annoyed about it. Twilight sighed in frustration to see that the EEA Guidebook didn't help them much.

However, Shadow Dragon wasn't thrilled but uneasy and disliked the idea of applying the rules on his class. Instead of explaining and writing down on chalkboard, he personally demonstrated and trained the students about his martial art skills. They all keen and interested to learn it from him. Seeing how Shadow Dragon handled the situation, his friends decided to follow his example.

On the next day, Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force has changed their ways of teachings for the students to learn and study friendship.

Both Rainbow and Aqua taught and trained students on various kind of sports. Pinkie taught the students on how to party and enjoy the life. Laxtinct was teaching them how to play music and dance happily. Fluttershy presented the animals for students to look and like. Applejack demonstrated on how to farm and tend the field. Rarity shown and demonstrated them on how to sew and made clothes. Blazefist told the tale of his adventures and battles he and his friends have been through. Shorty helped teaching and showing on how science works. Tailtech assisted them in the inventions. Saber gave them special assignment on how to be detective. Terrorcreep trained them to be stealthy and swift, as well as how to be resourceful. Icy was teaching them about cooking, despite her not being the best. Twilight even personally taught them about her magic powers and told them about her personal experience with Magic of Friendship.

Choir: The School of Friendship, must get to class

Will we fail or will we pass?

Students learning from the best

Taking notes to pass the test

Seeing all of her friends enjoyed teaching students with their own styles, Twilight squealed happily, "I can't believe this is happening. Maybe the EEA Guidebook isn't much helpful for my school's teachings at all. We should show this to Chancellor Neighsay."

Unfortunately, Lockdown came to every class as he found something amiss on them. He gasped in shock and disbelief. He groaned in anger and frustration. He stomped into the class as he angrily approached to Mane Six and Dragn Strike Force. He then angrily scolded and berated them for not following the EEA rules while showing guidebook to them.

Lockdown: Halt! Stop it now! Not like that! Just a second!

This method is something EEA don't agree with

Here's the proof of my point!

See?! Right here in the book!

Shadow Dragon: Seriously? Can't you see? This is better!

Lockdown shouted, "Drop down and give me 50, Shadow Dragon! Now!"

Shadow Dragon groaned in frustration and annoyance. He began performing 50 push-ups. And at the same time, he was grumbling and muttering angrily about EEA guidebook.

Approaching to all Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force, Lockdown drastically changed their teachings style back into strict and stoic yet uninteresting teaching style. He even punished them – performing push-ups of 100 for disobeying and ignoring the guidebook's rules.

Lockdown: Can't mess up, can't afford a mistake now

We are shaping young minds to ignite

Do it like it says in the book

Now make sure you're doing it right

As both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force taught the students in EEA Teaching Style, they found most of the students were once excited and curios for studies became bored and uninterested in it. Everyone have become uneasy, worried and frustrated that the dreams for School of Friendship has become their greatest nightmares!

Rainbow: We so lost the groove for the cool!

Aqua sighed: This is so not the Drama!

Pinkie: There's not an equation on how to have fun!

Laxtinct screamed: This is so not what I sign for!

Fluttershy: The students look bored now – oh, what have I done?

Terrorcreep: Somehow I'm not surprise with this.

Applejack: Can't teach bein' honest, not sure what to do

Saber: Not sure if we're doing this right now.

Rarity and Shorty: I'm quite certain I'm lost

Tailtech and Icy: Everything's now ruined!

Twilight: This is not what I've envision!

All: None of us has a clue!

After Lockdown has forced Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force changed their freestyle of teachings into boredom, most of the students are struggling to listen and pay attention to the class now. They have grown more disappointment and frustration, and even less interesting.

Students: School of Friendship, another class

Wish it were more of a blast

Thought this school would be more fun

Can't wait for our classes to be done

School of Friendship

Lockdown continued overseeing the classes while keeping an eye on Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force following EEA Guidebook's rules and teachings. The students continued struggled with the studies as they grown more frustrated and bored with it.

Lockdown: Can't mess up, can't afford a mistake now

Rainbow, Pinkie, Aqua & Laxtinct: No way to have fun

Fluttershy & Applejack: Oh, what have I done?

Blazefist, Saber & Terrorcreep groaned: This is stupid!

Students: Bored with this class

Despite his friends were forced to follow the EEA's Guidebook, Shadow Dragon stubbornly and determinedly taught the students about martial arts, with his own styles. This caused Lockdown punished and forced him to do more 100s push-ups than before. This strained and exhausted him a lot.

Shadow Dragon: I'm not gonna through with this! Hell with it!

Students: Wish that we could leave en masse!

Rarity, Shorty, Tailtech & Icy: We don't have a clue

Seeing Shadow Dragon's getting punishment by Lockdown, her friends became helpless and frustrated with EEA's teaching methods and even the students continued their struggles with the studies; Twilight; feeling scared, regretful and remorseful, realizing that her dream will end soon if Chancellor Neighsay find out about it and will close down her school.

Students: Listen to this one request

Make things fun, we're really stressed

Twilight: Now I'm starting to regret it!

Lockdown: Make sure to do things by the book now

All sans Lockdown: The School of Friendship is now my greatest nightmare!

One month has passed, things did not sit well for both teachers and students in School of Friendship due to Lockdown's control to follow the EEA's policy. Everyone has grown frustrated and annoyed with it.

After surviving another boring class, Sandbar and his friends were walking down the hallway. They all looked bored yet exhausted and tired now.

"Is this what boring is? Am I bored?" Silverstream asked in confusion yet bored.

Melody yawned out loud, "I really don't know. Why can't we go back the way it was?"

Silverstream sighed, "I really have no idea, cousin. But Mr. Lockdown is very strict with us and the teachers."

Smolder groaned in annoyance, "Ugh, please. These ponies are the heroes of Equestria? I mean I did saw them in action but now, they're the jokes! No wonder Garble didn't think highly of them."

"Listen, these ponies saved all of us from the Storm King." Ocellus insisted calmly and softly, "I mean it was Counsellor Starlight and Admission Sunset saved and freed my hive from Queen Chrysalis's and Maul. Plus they had help from Nyx and her friends, someone called Discord, and even Ember and Black Alpha."

Gallus scoffed, "How? By boring him into surrender?"

"Technically, he was killed," Silverstream corrected Gallus. Everyone turned and looked at her. She asked, "What? My daddy was part of S.E.A. to fight the Storm Kingdom and Dark Mystic Ponies."

"Still… I hate to admit it but our teachers are a little different than I expected." Ocellus admitted in concern.

Sandbar sighed, "That's because they have to follow Lockdown's rules. After all, the School of Friendship just opened from last month. They used to have some awesome teachings and fun things to do."

Yona groaned in frustration, "Ugh! Pony school waste of time! Yak school teach how to braid yak hair! Braiding yak hair is best!"

And just before the yak could rant out again, she got tripped by one of her braided hair. Yona rolled down and knocked Smolder off to the ground. The orange dragon groaned in pain as she slowly recovered and gotten up. She turned and glared at Yona.

"Is there anything in Yakyakistan that isn't the best?" Smolder asked annoyingly.

Yona exclaimed happily, "Yes! Wait. No! Yaks best."

"Best at being stupid! That's what I seen and heard of from my lifetime!" The cocky and confident voice exclaimed. This attracted Sandbar and his friends' attention. They turned and found Heatwave was standing near to the pillar. He scoffed, "After all, Yaks are never good at anything than just being stupid and laughingstock!"

Yona roared angrily, "What did China Pony said?! Yak wanna smash him!"

"Yona, don't! He's trying to bait you to get into trouble! He's not worth it." Sandbar held Yona back while calmed her down. He turned and glared at Heatwave, "Dude. That was so uncool. No need to harsh Yona's love for her heritage, okay?"

"Awww, are we not being sweet and friendly enough for you, pony?" Gallus remarked sarcastically.

"That wasn't nice, Gallus? Aren't we friends?" Melody asked in confusion.

Smolder scoffed while giving fist bumps with Gallus, "Maybe dragons and griffons are just too tough for friendship."

Yona turned and glared at Smolder and Gallus, "Yaks tough, just not nasty."

Gallus growled and glared back at Yona, "Who you calling nasty, klutz?"

Yona and Gallus were headbutting at each other's while growling and snarling. Silverstream, Melody and Sandbar tried to hold the yak back while Smolder and Ocellus pushed Gallus back. Heatwave laughed out loudly and amusingly, getting their attention. The rest of his friends also have arrived as well.

Heatwave whistled, "Wow. I didn't know you guys are so dumb. You should let the yak smash and kicked out since she hated here. And who knows? Maybe Gallyboy and Smokey should be out too!"

"Hey!" Sandbar asked angrily. He approached and glared at Heatwave, "What's your deal?! I get about Gallus and Smolder but why are you so against Yona? Why has she ever done to you?!"

Heatwave scoffed while glaring at Sandbar, "Simple. She's a monster for robbing our golds and resources, murdering the innocents and smashing around my home! Just like what they did to my home from last year when we let them in!"

Yona gasped, feeling offended, "That is not true! Yona's not monster!"

"Yeah, right. From my eyesight's telling me, you're still a monster," Heatwave exclaimed firmly and seriously. It prompted Sandbar to punch his face. He yelped in pain while falling to the ground. Touching his nose, he found some blood. He groaned, "Bastard! You're gonna be sorry for that!"

Sandbar snarled, "No! You're gonna be sorry! Apologize to Yona now, Heatwave!"

"F#$% You! You apologize to me!" Heatwave exclaimed in anger, "Do you even know who I am?! What kind of trouble you're asking now?!"

"Normally, I wouldn't side with Heatwave," Aero said firmly, "I agreed with him this time. It seems that you all do not show the respect to us. You're all clearly the least intelligent beings as Humans."

"Brother, no!" Rak protested in concern.

Solflare sighed, "I'm with them. If you're not aware of situation, then you all don't deserve this kind of education. You might as well be expelled and never return since you're not taking this serious."

"Well, I can bet that they came here is to run away from their mommies and daddies," Bella insulted.

"What was that?!" Sandbar asked angrily, "Want to say that again?!"

Holding her friend back, Ocellus protested, "Sandbar, don't! Don't try to fight with them!"

Mano approached and gave Solflare a glare and scold, "That is very harsh, Solflare. You can't talk to them like that."

DECK nodded in concern, "Please. They're not use to this kind of education especially it is highly advanced for them to handle. We should at least help them."

"Hey! Are you calling us 'stupid'?!" Gallus asked angrily, alerting and scaring off DECK. He growled, "You want a fight or something, tin-can?!"

Yona growled, "Yona won't mind a fight!"

Silverstream protested, "Yona, Gallus, don't do this!"

"Fighting is not nice!" Melody exclaimed in concern.

"Come on, guys! Don't start the fight!" Ciel insisted in concern, "We're friends, not enemies! We help each other, not against them!"

"I concur with Ciel! This is pointless!" Kindy protested in concern.

"Stop this now!" Rak pleaded.

"Tell that to these troublemakers!" Heatwave exclaimed in frustration. He then glared at Sandbar, who was ready to fight. He gave a punch on his face. He asked, "Fight, huh?! You don't even know how to fight, beach boy! You can't even stand up and defend yourself! You're weak and pathetic! You're all losers!"

Smolder growled in anger, "That does it! No More 'Miss Nice Dragon'! You want a fight?! Bring it on!"

Bella laughed teasingly, "That's something we agreed on! Time to show you guys that Mystic Ponies are not to be mess with, Weakling!"

"For once, I agreed. It time to teach you guys a lesson," Leo snapped angrily and firmly.

Jesuits exclaimed as she held Leo back, "Damn it, Leo! Don't do this! Don't get into troubles!"

Leo grunted in anger as he pushed Jesuits aside, "The hell with it! Let's fight!"

Heatwave jumped and have a fierce brawl with Sandbar. Bella and Smolder angrily punching and kicking at each other. Yona screamed in anger as she charged and rammed at Aero, who calmly dodge and evade the attacks while punching and pushing her aside. Gallus attacked both Solflare and Leo, who firmly and swiftly dodge the attacks while fighting back at him.

Silverstream, Ocellus, Melody, Mano, Jesuits and Rak went into the fight as they were trying to prevent their friends from fighting each other.

Blackwitch sighed in annoyance, "Idiots… I'm surrounded by idiots."

Kindy sighed while shaking his head, "Sometimes I really don't understand about this senseless fighting."

"I do not understand it either." DECK agreed.

As the students continued struggling and fighting with each other fiercely and angrily, Arcee jumped over and landed on the ground. She quickly and swiftly blocked the attacks while pushing and knocking both Equestria and Mystic asides. She then gave a loud battle cry before slammed her fist the ground, creating powerful quake to shake and knock them to the floor.

While recovering from surprise attacks, the students muttered and grumbled angrily at Arcee. She then gave a firm glare at them.

"Everyone, cool off now!" Arcee screamed angrily, alerting and shocking everyone else to hear her speak up. She has been silenced for a month. She continued, "We're in the school, not some kind of fighting arena! Fighting, insulting and bullying will not be tolerated! Understand?!"

"But he/she started it!" The students pointed at each other angrily.

"I don't care who started it! This is everyone's fault for this mess!" Arcee exclaimed angrily and firmly, shocking her friends. She sighed firmly, "The School of Friendship taught us about friendship. We're supposed to make friends, not bullying and fighting with each other! Whether you like it or not, we're in this together. And if we don't stand together as one, then we will fall apart. So start apologizing."

Everyone was shocked and surprised by Arcee's speech. They knew she was right about it. And just before they could say or do anything, they then found the shadow's looming over Arcee and then them. They then spotted Lockdown stood before them. He was glaring at them.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Lockdown asked angrily and annoying as he arrived to the scene. The students yelped in fear upon looking at him. He sighed in shame, "You all can't stand with this, can you? So, you started the fight because you're all different and hated each other. Why am I not surprise?"

The students gasped in shock and concern. Arcee spoke up, "What?! No! You don't understand! We don't mean to start the fight because of that!"

In unison, the students all frantically and fearfully protested and tried to clear the misunderstanding about why they started the fight with each other.

"Enough!" Lockdown snapped angrily, scaring the students. He continued, "I don't want to hear this! All of you! Detention now! You'll not be joining Friends and Family Day until you all think of your attitude!"

The students awed and groaned in frustration and anger. They tried to protest but saw the fierce angry looks of Lockdown. They decided not to against it. They quickly headed off to the detention class at once.

"Crisis averted," Lockdown smirked proudly while writing down on his notepad, "Clearly, this school needs some serious improvement."

Blazefist, Starlight, Sunset and Applejack have seen everything. They were all shocked and disbelieved about it.

"I just can't believe it." Applejack commented in shock, "Fights breakin' out when they're supposed to be learnin' friendship?"

"Things definitely aren't going as 'by the book' as Twilight planned." Starlight said in concern.

Sunset nodded in agreement, "Yeah. With Lockdown's around, the School of Friendship definitely did not live up to its name."

"We're also terrible teachers, Sunset," Blazefist said in disappointment, "Let's face it. This school isn't gonna work. Twilight's going to be disappointed."

Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have gathered and met up with Twilight inside the headmare's office. They all explained and also complained over the situation they're dealing with such as students' failing their studies and nearly gotten into a big fight, their struggles with EEA strict teachings, and also Lockdown's mad control over the school.

Shadow Dragon was there as well. He was lying and resting on the sofa. He has some ice packs around his legs. He groaned and moaned in exhaustion due to him has done too many push ups for defying Lockdown's rules and doing his own teaching style for martial arts.

Hearing her friends' complains, Twilight exclaimed firmly, "Okay! I get it! I heard everything." She groaned before slammed her head against the table, "This is so not happening."

"Gee, you think?" Shadow Dragon asked in frustration. He groaned in pain, slowly getting up from the sofa while putting the ice packs aside, "Damn my legs! It hurts."

Twilight sighed, "And I told you a lot of times. Stop challenging Lockdown. The last thing you need is losing your legs to teach the students and fight the enemies."

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Spare me the lecture, sweetheart. We need to do something with Lockdown. He's getting out of control over following EEA guidebook, which didn't sit well for us and the students."

Everyone chattered and nodded in agreement with Shadow Dragon's concerns.

"Dad does have the point," Lance said in concern, "I mean, dad's teaching styles got some students especially Arcee in. They really love it."

"Yeah. I'm with big brother about this." Nyx said calmly, "I know every school in Equestria follows these rules. But maybe we should… try something new?"

Everyone chattered and muttered in agreement with Lance and Nyx about it. Twilight gave some thoughts of her children's suggestion about using their own teaching freestyles, instead of EEA's.

"You know what? You're right." Twilight said calmly. Her answer shocked and surprised everyone. She looked confuse to ask, "What?"

Spike gave his suspicious glare at her, "Who are you, and what have you done with Twilight Sparkle?"

"I have to agree with Spike. This is not you…" Applejack agreed in surprise.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. You usually so hooked up with the rules so badly and make sure that everything must be followed to the letter."

"Plus, you would've gone crazy and mad over this mess and determined to get it right, no matter what," Sunset added fearfully, "That part scares me the most especially reading the book."

Twilight sighed, "I maybe a bookworm and crazy over organizing, reading tons of books and even stressed with being princess. But I'm not blind and stupid, everypony. I already know EEA's guidebook isn't working well for all of us. So, we're gonna change and make our own teaching freestyle. But we need to talk with Chancellor Neighsay about it."

Everyone awed in surprise and amazed by Twilight's change of plans. They all chattered happily about making some changes in School of Friendship.

"You think he'll be convinced?" Saber asked curiously.

"I don't think it's gonna be easy, Twilight," Blazefist said in concern, "Trust me. When it comes to politicians, they're all about 'greater good' for their personal gains or the world. They are very complicated and stubborn ponies to deal with, unless you make them see your way by means of necessary."

"Meaning what?" Twilight asked in concern.

"You have to challenge and make him submit to you, so they're willing to accept your vision or worse – humiliation and execution." Blazefist answered dryly and bluntly. It shocked Twilight and her friends while Dragon Strike Force remained calm and firm to nod. He continued, "Azure Phoenix did that a lot during 'The Decline of Qin Dynasty'. There is no black and white in politics. It's all about the power and control over the land and system."

"For Celestia's sake, Blazefist! I need him to change EEA's rules for our own teaching freestyles and give some space for us and the students, not forcing him to do this!" Twilight scolded Blazefist. She sighed, "Why dealing with politics is so problematic?"

"Hey, it always has been." Blazefist said firmly and calmly, "Trust me, Twilight. Neighsay's not willing to change the rules and accept your reasons, unless you make him to do so."

Twilight shook her head in frustration, "The EEA will be here this afternoon for Friends and Family Day. We'll try to negotiate with him about making some changes for the school. And of course, Lockdown needs some serious timeout from his control freaks with EEA rules."

Everyone muttered and chattered in concern about Twilight's trying to convince Chancellor Neighsay to make some changes on rules for School of Friendship. The school bell rang out loud.

"Don't worry, guys. We'll get through it. I promised," Twilight said calmly, "For now, handle some classes first."

Still not convinced yet concern about her plans, they reluctantly to put their trust in her. Everyone chattered and muttered in concern while immediately leave the office. Both Twilight and Shadow Dragon remained inside the office.

With everyone left, she sighed in frustration while slamming against the table.

"You're scared and worried that Blazefist's right about Chancellor Neighsay not changing rules for your school?" Shadow Dragon asked calmly.

Lifting herself up, Twilight sighed, "Am I being so obvious?"

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yup. I know you too well."

Annoyed and frustrated, Twilight turned and looked at the window, giving some thoughts and concerns about the School of Friendship. She's now worried of what happen next if she talks and negotiate with Chancellor Neighsay about making some changes for her school.

"Do you think I'm making a right decision on this?"

"You want my honest answer?"

Twilight sighed, "Somehow. I'm gonna regret it."

"Then, I hope you do it right or else, it would be your worst nightmare." Shadow Dragon commented firmly, "Do what you have to do for the school and everyone else. This is your dream. You make the call for it."

Twilight hummed in concern, "Maybe you're right..."

Both Sandbar's and Arcee's groups are now inside the detention class. They were sitting down on their student desks. They were being watched by Lockdown, who was reading EEA Guidebook while writing down on his notepads. All of them groaned in annoyance and frustration as they're all bored now.

"This is the worse…" Silverstream groaned in frustration, "I really hate detention class."

Melody cried tearfully, "I hate detention class too!"

"Well, this is not what I've had in mind to take a break from class…" Gallus grumbled in frustration. He groaned, "Seriously. This is the worst."

Smolder sighed, "I guess I know why many students wanted to avoid it."

Rak groaned, "No thanks to you two as usual. You happy now?"

"Yeah. Couldn't admit that we're so better than you," Leo grumbled, "Worse than the chores especially polishing the armors and weapons."

"Who cares about your chores?! Me?! In Detention?!" Mano asked in shock and disbelief. He quivered in fear while hugging himself, "Mystic Councilpony and Director are going to kill me for this."

DECK sighed, "Yeah. We're in big trouble now…"

Smolder groaned, "Hey! Don't put a blame on us, pal! That wasn't our fault you know!"

Gallus nodded, "In fact, your funny friend started the mess, you know?!"

"He's not my friend!" Mystic Ponies exclaimed in annoyance.

Heatwave scoffed, "Sure. Blame the charming handsome guy with good jokes when you guys started the complains in the first place."

"They have their own rights and opinions to complain about school," Kindy said calmly and sincerely, "You started the mess."

Solflare groaned, "Heatwave, you're not charming and very bad at jokes."

"Not to mention, you're a big jerk," Aero comments.

Heatwave groaned in annoyance, "Thanks for standing for me, guys. My point is that these wannabe students got us into trouble because they got issue with school."

"We complain about the school? That's fine! But you insulting us? So not cool, jerk!" Sandbar snapped angrily, "You know? If you had try to be nice with us especially Yona, then we wouldn't be in this mess."

Heatwave blew raspberry and made funny face at Sandbar, "Make me, beach boy. Coz you're the joke of the group, punk!"

Sandbar groaned, "Why I oughtta-!"

"Quiet, every creature! This is detention class! One more word from you, Mr. Sandbar, I'm sending you to Headmare's office for suspension." Lockdown scolded angrily while reading the book. Sandbar groaned while Heatwave chuckled playfully. He continued, "That same goes to you, Mr. Phoenix! And believe me, Lord Azure Phoenix will not be pleased with his nephew's attitude."

Heatwave groaned in annoyance, making Sandbar snickered a bit. Both of them glared and made some funny faces at each other. This make the rest of class groaned as they were annoyed and irritated with them.

Blackwitch sighed, "Haven't you two caused enough trouble for one day?"

Jesuits nodded firmly, "Ms. Blackwitch's right, guys. For once in your life, guys, shut up and knock it off!"

"Yeah. You've cause us enough troubles," Ciel said firmly and annoyingly. She sighed, "I hope Shorty and ZeekCrimson don't find out and get mad at me."

"Tell that to him!" Heatwave and Sandbar snapped in annoyance while pointed at each other, "He started it."

"You'd think we care?" Bella asked with a scoff of annoyance.

"It doesn't matter who started this, but what matters of how it ended. So, start cleaning this mess by apologizing to each other and the rest of the class," Arcee said firmly. Everyone was stunned and shocked while looking at her. She looked confuse and uncertain. She asked, "What?"

"Arcee talks! Yona thought Arcee don't talk! Arcee never talks!" Yona said in shock and surprise.

Ocellus nodded, "Yona's right. You'd never talk and been quiet for last three months until just now when the fight started. I mean you only speak in China Language and you don't speak the English too."

Arcee sighed while shaking her head, "I didn't say I didn't. You assumed that I can't. I chose to be silence because I don't want to be so talkative and rude as Heatwave. Plus, I want to focus on my studies and to work with Shadow Dragon."

Heatwave groaned, "Excuse me?!"

"Work with Shadow Dragon?" Bella asked curiously, "Why? Why are you interested of him? Are you some kind of his number one fan or maybe you really liked him very much?"

Arcee groaned while blushed and flustered in red, "I-It's nothing like that. I-I-I-I just admire his achievements and martial art skills. I want to learn that as much as I can from him."

Bella giggled amusingly, "Yeah, right. I know you like him very much. Don't try to bluff me, girl."

Ocellus nudged Bella's shoulder, "Don't be rude. You shouldn't assume of what she wanted. Whatever the reason she has, she'll speak. So, stop prying her privacy."

Bella groaned, "Come on! I'm just curious. I just wanna know why."

"It's rude too, Bella," Silverstream added in agreement, "My mon and dad have always told me to respect other creatures' privacy and not try to invade it."

"Yeah. It's kinda like bullying and hurting them a lot." Melody said seriously yet sincerely.

After hearing what Silverstream and Melody have said, both Heatwave and Sandbar couldn't help but feel guilty and shame.

"Guess they're right," Heatwave said in disbelief yet guilty, "Sorry about the fght, beach boy."

"Whatever, man." Sandbar remarked with a shrug, "But Yona deserve the apology. You did insult her a lot just because you got rough history with yaks."

Heatwave sighed as he turned to Yona. He bowed to the ground before, "Please, accept my humble apology. I was wrong and rude to you, and I hurt your feelings too. I would never ever insult you again."

Still hurt by his insults earlier, Yona sighed, "China Pony's nasty words still hurt Yona a lot." Heatwave sighed in shame. She continued, "But Yona understands why Heatwave not like yaks. We two are different. Yona's ancestors were bad to you China Ponies before. Hard to become friends. But Yona want to make friends with you, not start the fight."

"I suppose we try this again? Be friends?" Heatwave asked hopefully and calmly.

Yona nodded happily, "Yeah! Yak love to try it again. But Heatwave promise me not to say bad things about me and my home again."

Heatwave sighed, "Fine. I'll try as long as you don't try to slam me again."

Yona giggled a bit, "No problem."

Sandbar smiled, "Not so monstrous, isn't she?"

Heatwave groaned, "Rub it on, why don't you?"

"It's good to see you two have make up the amends. What a relief." Arcee commented in relief. She sighed, "Too bad that we can't get back to the class for our friendship lessons now."

"Forget it, Arcee. I don't think any friendship lessons would be good for us to learn," Leo said firmly and seriously, prompting Jesuits to nudge him by shoulder. He grunted a bit, "Gimme a break. Let's face it. The School of Friendship didn't do a good job of teaching us about friendship, let alone helping us to make some friends."

"Maybe we can." Kindy said thoughtfully. Everyone turned and looked at him. He continued, "Instead of the classes, we can still learn more about friendship. By making friend and getting to know each other here in this detention. It would be perfect time to start a new friendship."

Everyone gave some thoughts. Ciel hummed, "Kindy's right, you know. Instead of moping and complaining about the class, we can start here now."

Ocellus giggled a bit, "I would like to try it too. Try to be more socialize as you guys are."

Bella sighed, "I supposed so. Can't be worse than boring science class…"

"That's seems to be a good idea. And who knows? We might pass the lessons? Prove them that we also can learn and do friendship in our own way." Arcee said calmly. Everyone chattered in agreement. She sighed, "Shall we get started?"

Blackwitch sighed, "Oh joy. This should be fun…"

Both Sandbar's and Arcee's group chattered happily as they began making friends with each other, as well as getting to know each other and also were having fun together.

Sandbar and Heatwave were at first giving friendly socializing and joking, unfortunately, their jokes on each other went too far and prompted to argue and fight. Arcee quickly prevented and calmed them both down to start again with their friendly conversation.

Ciel and Ocellus befriended each other while getting to know each other. Noticing Bella was gloomy, the Changeling decided to invite and bring the antisocial pony into her friendship circle. Three of them began their conversation, and even exchanging each other's knowledge, culture and customs. This surprised and intrigued Bella to enjoy it. She was happy with it.

Silverstream cheered happily as she asked DECK and Jesuits with many questions, which was answered by them warmly and calmly. She even showed them of what she can do such as using her Pearl of Transformation into various animals. This surprised and intrigued them a lot. Blackwitch was performing meditation. Melody joined in as well. It intrigued and amazed the timekeeper but ignored and continued hers.

Leo, Aero and Smolder challenged each other over arm wrestling and some games. Yona groaned in frustration with her hair. Both Solflare and Rak helped her out with her braided hair problem. The yak was happy to have them helped her out. As Gallus struggled yet bored with homework and studies, Kindy and Mano approached and helped him out. He was relieved and grateful of them to help him out.

Lockdown noticed the students were befriending each other while getting along and having fun as well. He was shocked yet surprised by them. He thought that they have no interest of studies since they make the fuss about it and wanted to go back home so badly.

"I did not expect this. The students are learning the friendship by themselves. That was impressive." Lockdown remarked in surprise. He hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe… Maybe this school doesn't need the EEA policy…"

KNOCK! Lockdown and the students were alerted by the knock on door. The school inspector was annoyed as he got up and approached to the door.

Lockdown shouted in annoyance, "Hey! Don't you know it's detention?! I'm not letting them off now! So-!

Suddenly, some sparkling dusts thrown on his face. Lockdown yelped in shock and surprise as he began feeling some dizziness and exhaustion in him. He groaned in shock before falling to the ground, falling asleep. The students gasped in shock and concern. They looked up and found two shadowy figures stood before them.

"Come with us. The Queen is expecting to see you now…" The mysterious shadow figure spoke calmly.

Second mysterious shadow figure hissed dryly, "Resist us, then you will die…"

The students looked scared and worried as they have no idea of what they can do now when dealing this kind of situation…

Twilight and Shadow Dragon were walking down on the garden consisting of water fountain on small land and has three bridges to walk across the large pond, bushes and quarter buildings. They were chatting and discussing with each other.

"So, you sure you're ready for this?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern, "Remember what Blazefist has said. Dealing with politician isn't easy. If things go wrong-!"

Twilight sighed, "I know, Shadow Dragon. I'll handle it. I am certain that Chancellor Neighsay will see the reason and willing to cooperate and change the rules for better."

"Yeah, I'm not sure he'll change for us. Chancellor Neighsay doesn't play the fair and favorites for anyone and even us, no matter what the reasons. And not to mention, he's racist to them."

"Shadow Dragon!"

"Hey. It's the truth. You heard how he talked and behaved when we talked about 'creatures'. He doesn't just have trust issues with creatures because he doesn't like them."

"He agreed with us. He let us build the school."

"Reluctantly, Twi. Reluctantly. There's the difference. He accepted your idea because he's doing this for Equestria, not making friends and alliance with creatures."

"Look, Shadow Dragon, Chancellor Neighsay is doing what is best for Equestria because it's his home. After what Storm King and Dark Mystic Ponies did to us, can you blame him for trying to be responsible and protective of his home? Nezha did the same thing too, you know."

"Point taken, Twi. But all I'm saying is that we have to prepare for the worse if Chancellor Neighsay said 'no' and close down the school."

"What would you do have done? Don't even try to say 'fighting'."

"Like I said before, Twi, do what you have to for the school." Shadow Dragon said seriously and firmly.

Twilight sighed a bit, "You're right. If this goes wrong, then I have no choice but to make my stand. I just hope that we won't have more problems now."

"Problems?" The firm yet calm and serious voice asked, alerting Twilight and Shadow Dragon.

Both the Princess and her General turned back as they found Chancellor Neighsay emerged out from the bluish portal-like. He was levitating and holding both quill and notepad.

"Chancellor Neighsay! You're here!" Twilight asked in surprise.

Chancellor Neighsay hummed suspiciously, "Yes. And you seem unprepared. If there are problems especially with these creatures..."

Shadow Dragon groaned while crossed his hooves, "Yeah, we have. We-!"

Twilight yelped and interrupted, "We can't wait to show you around!"

Chancellor Neighsay hummed suspiciously while raised his eyebrow to glare at her. then wrote down on his notepad. Twilight chuckled uneasily and nervously for the moment. Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance with his wife's doing.

Twilight and Shadow Dragon led a tour for Chancellor Neighsay to look around of the surroundings' conditions and environment while checking on the teachers' teachings and students' progress of learning and studying on the concept of 'Friendship'.

So far, everything seems to be alright for him, though he doesn't seem to be impress or even proud of the school

"So, when can I meet these creatures and Mystic Ponies?" Chancellor Neighsay asked dryly, "I would like to know and see progress on their studies. And of course, I must meet with Lockdown for his latest report."

"Unfortunately, Lockdown is busy with detention class for our students." Shadow Dragon answered, "He did say that he's not letting them off to Friends and Family Day."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed, "No doubt that the creatures have caused a lot of problem here. It's a good thing that I put my faith and trust in him to make sure they stay behind the line and follow the EEA's rules."

Shadow Dragon scoffed in annoyance, "Doesn't seem to help much…"

"Would you like to check on him?" Twilight asked curiously.

Chancellor Neighsay hummed, "No. When Lockdown set his mind on something, he does not wish to be disturbed and get the job done in time. He'll meet me after the Friends and Family Day." While writing down on his notepad, he asked, "Perhaps, would you like to tell me more about your philosophy of friendship? I am interested to learn more about it."

"Of course, chancellor," Twilight agreed. She then explained more about her school. She continued, "We want to instill a sense of loyalty towards others. We encourage acts of generosity and kindness, so the students can get along and work as a team. Much like mine and my husband's. We also appreciate the value of laughter for making us to be more positive and optimistic in times of difficulties we faced. And we also want the students always be honest in any situation. Combined them all together, they make our friendship magical and meaningful. It strengthened and united all of us as one."

"Hmm… Interesting…" Chancellor Neighsay said, being intrigued by the philosophy. While writing down on his notepad, he asked, "Are there any more you wish to add?"

"I might want to add something in," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Being courage is more than fighting, it's about facing your fears and overcome the challenge. And of course, wisdom help too for us to learn and understand our mistakes and become a better pony. Above else, they also helped strengthened our friendship to become a powerful and united team."

"I see…" Chancellor Neighsay said in understanding while writing down on his notepad.

"Oh! Look at the time!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise upon looking at her pocket watch,

"We'd better head to the lake for Friends and Family Day. I'm sure you'd be interesting to meet the leaders."

Chancellor Neighsay sighed as he remarked sarcastically, "Assuming that they're civilized as ponies, I'd be pleased to meet them…"

"Told ya…" Shadow Dragon whispered to Twilight.

Twilight sighed in annoyance while rolled her eyes, "Rub it in, why don't you?"

Deep inside the dark forest, two familiar ponies teleported and appeared in the area. Two of them revealed to be Starlight and Sunset but their colors seemed to be much paler and their looks seemed to be less friendly than before. They even brought along both Sandbar's and Arcee's groups. All of them were trapped and stuck inside the strong armored cocoons. They all screamed and panicked frantically while struggled of breaking out of the cocoons.

Both mysterious doppelgangers of Starlight and Sunset brought and dropped the cocoons on the ground. The students found the shadow loomed over them. They looked up and found Queen Chrysalis stood before them.

"You have done well, my faithful servants," Queen Chrysalis said proudly while looking at the cocoons. She smiled, "All of you will be perfect bait for Twilight

Ocellus gasped, "Chrysalis?! Alive?!"

"You know this bitch?" Bella asked in surprise.

Ocellus nodded, "She was our hive's queen before Thorax taken over as the King of the Changelings. Last I heard from her is that she disappeared after she was betrayed by Maul and defeated by Starlight, Sunset and their teams."

"Indeed." Queen Chrysalis snarled in anger, "While I was hidden from Mystic-Equestria Alliance, I bided my time to make some plans for my revenge. And how perfect this plan is…"

"What exactly are you gonna do with your revenge?" Heatwave asked, making everyone turned and glared at him. He asked, "What? I'm curious. Plus, it's not like we're gonna do anything."

"I'm glad you asked, pony. I've been planning this for quite some time." Queen Chrysalis said pleasingly. She then laughed evilly, while revealing both pictures and some strands of hair from Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force. She smiled, "My spell can create a copy of anypony I desire. All I need is an image and a piece of the pony."

"Well, that explains of why Starlight and Sunset looked different," Solflare said suspiciously, "They're both clones."

Rak nodded, "I agreed. How else they can infiltrate us and kidnap us?"

"Seriously? Why would you do that?" Smolder asked.

DECK nodded, "Indeed. What is the purpose of cloning them?"

Placing both pictures and strands of hair on tree trunks, Queen Chrysalis smirked, "Because Princess Twilight and her friends control the Elements of Harmony and its Elemental Counterparts, the most powerful weapon in all Equestria and Mystic Realm."

"So?" Gallus, Aero, Mano, Yona, Silverstream and Melody asked in confusion.

Ciel gasped in concern, "Which means your clones will be able to use them too!"

"Indeed, it is, little pony," Queen Chrysalis confirmed happily and pleasingly while blasting magic spells on tree trunks, creating her enemies' cutie marks. She chuckled, "And they will serve me! I will destroy Twilight Sparkle and her meddlesome friends especially Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Maul and Thorax! They all will pay for stolen my hive! Turned my subjects against me!"

"Man. Talk about the grudge." Leo commented.

Jesuits nodded, "She must been hit pretty hard after her recent defeat."

"I wouldn't want to become like her," Kindy commented in concern.

"I'll take her friends away while Twilight watches! And then, I'll destroy her! And soon, I'll be coming after Maul. He will pay dearly…" Queen Chrysalis said sinisterly. She smirked, "the Elements under my control, I'll build a new hive of Earth ponies, unicorns, and Pegasi, and I will rule as Queen once again!"

"It will not work, witch. Trust me. It will not," Blackwitch said dryly and firmly.

"How do you know?" Sandbar asked in surprise.

"My mother told me…" Blackwitch answered calmly.

Arcee groaned, "You won't get away with this, Queen Chrysalis!"

Queen Chrysalis laughed amusingly, "I already have, my dear. Behold, my new subjects! Arise!"

As her horn glowed in dark greenish color, a strange ritual appeared on the ground, beneath her hooves. Queen Chrysalis fired and blasted the beams at all of tree trunks that she placed pictures, hair strands and cutie marks carved.

After unleashing the beams on the tree trunks, all of them formed some cracks in greenish colors while touching and affecting the pictures, hair strands and even carved cutie marks. All of the tree trunks broken apart like a blooming flower. It then revealed the greenish seeds-like. They then slowly formed into the doppelgangers of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force. Like doppelganger Starlight and Sunset, their colors are also pale and their looks show to be more sinister and evil. This shocked and scared both Sandbar's and Arcee's groups.

"That is not good…" Sandbar said in concern.

Arcee hissed, "No, it isn't. It's much worse…"

Twilight and Shadow Dragon guided and led Chancellor Neighsay to the field, which was located outside of School of Friendship. It was where 'Friends and Family Day' event was held. Many students, their parents and guardians including the rest of Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force were gathered there. They all also greeted the arrival of leaders from both Equestria and Mystic Realms. They even brought their own vanguards and bodyguards to come and protect them as well.

The ponies were chattering with each other happily and warmly. Mane Seven and Dragon Strike Force entertain and discussed with the leaders of Equestria and Mystic Realm. Some of them chatted with each other casually while other talked professionally for business, military and political affairs. Laxtinct was dancing happily and goofy, making Princess Skystar giggled at him. Spike enjoyed talking and sharing some drinks with Ember, which often teased by everyone that they're the couples. As Death Tactic was drinking his prune juice, Tempest Shadow approached to him while having a drink. They then began have discussion.

"Report…" Death Tactic said calmly.

"The School of Friendship did not go well, sir. Due to Lockdown's control and EEA policy, the students are less thrill with it." Tempest Shadow said calmly and firmly, "Our spy has provoked the students to get into a fight. Once Chancellor Neighsay received the report from school inspector, they will close down the school. This will not doubt cripple the alliance, sir."

"I see. Excellent work, Commander Tempest." Death Tactic said calmly as he made a toast with Tempest Shadow, "Continue to spy on them, with our little friend. We're counting on you."

Tempest Shadow nodded firmly, "It will be done, sir."

Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Chancellor Neighsay approached to the rest of Mane Eight, Dragon Strike Force and the leaders.

"So, sir, are you ready to discuss with the 'creatures'?" Shadow Dragon asked sarcastically.

"Sarcasm doesn't amuse me, General Shadow Dragon." Chancellor Neighsay said dryly and firmly. He sighed, "But for the sake of Equestria, I have to 'talk' and 'make friends' with them. This is ridiculous…"

"Get used to it," Shadow Dragon said firmly.

Twilight smiled calmly, "I'm sure it will be fine, chancellor. But while we're at it, there's something we need to discuss, involving of EEA Policy for School of Friendship and how it affects our teachings and students."

Chancellor Neighsay hummed suspiciously, "What do you mean by that, Princess Twilight?"

And just before Twilight could explain, everyone heard some shouts and screams. They all turned to their back, where they found Lockdown was running down the stairs from the School of Friendship. He even brought couple of reports on his back. He yelped and screamed in pain and agony as he tripped, fell and rolled down the stairs. He dropped and fell to the ground.

"School inspector Lockdown?" Chancellor Neighsay asked in shock, "What is the meaning of this?! Why aren't you with the students in the detention class?!"

"They're gone! The students are missing!" Lockdown screamed in fear.

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they heard. The leaders were angry and furious to hear the report. Chancellor Neighsay approached and held Lockdown up.

"What do you mean 'missing'?! What happen?!" Chancellor Neighsay demanded angrily and furiously.

Noticed Starlight and Sunset, Lockdown pointed at them, "Them! They took the students!"

"What?!" Everyone asked in shock and disbelief.

"Is this some kind of a joke?" Starlight asked angrily.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. How can we take the students when we were so busy helping our friends with preparation for 'Friends and Family Day' event?!"

Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force shouted and exclaimed angrily with Lockdown's accusation at their friends for the missing students.

"I know what I saw!" Lockdown snapped angrily and annoyingly, "Bring back the students now, Glimmer and Shimmer!"

"What's your deal, pal?!" Rainbow demanded angrily, "As if your stupid EEA policy aren't bad enough to make the worst school ever for our students and creatures to hate them, you just went on to blame everyone's fault for your big mess-up?!"

"Stupid EEA Policy?! Worst school ever? Hate them?! Mess up?!" Chancellor Neighsay asked angrily, alerting everyone else.

Everyone turned and glared at Rainbow. She turned and looked away while whistling innocently. Aqua whacked her head very hard.

Laxtinct groaned, "And they said I've got a big mouth…"

"Is this true?!" Chancellor Neighsay demanded angrily at Twilight. She looked nervous and guilty while looking away. He turned and glared at Lockdown, "Lockdown…"

Lockdown gulped fearfully while backing off, "Sir, I can explain!"

The breeze blew some documents and reports off, one of them flew and hit Chancellor Neighsay's face. He took it off. He then read it.

"'Sir, it is regrettable that the School of Friendship does not meet and require the EEA policy and teaching style as it has failed and did not sit well with both teachers and students. Their own freestyle of teachings and activities have brought both interest and spirits to the students. Even without the school's lessons, the students were able to teach themselves of their friendship. Therefore, I've recommended that they make their own rules. Signed, Lockdown'." Chancellor Neighsay read the report out loud.

Everyone was in shock and disbelief of what they just heard. Lockdown's actually recommended School of Friendship make their own rules and style of teachings and activities?!

"Lockdown? The school inspector's recommending for us?" Blazefist asked in surprise.

Laxtinct nodded, "Freaky! Really freaky!"

"I did not expect that," Applejack said in surprise.

"You really meant it, Mr. Lockdown?" Fluttershy asked in surprise.

Lockdown laughed uneasily and nervously with a blush. Rarity awed, "Darling, that is the sweetest thing you ever done for us."

"And fun too! You're an okay school inspector!" Pinkie cheered happily.

"After what has happen to us and students, I'm not very sure about that," Shorty said in uncertain.

Terrorcreep nodded in agreement, "He has ignored our advice and concerns of helping and teaching the students. Too good to be true…"

"Sweet!" Rainbow cheered, "We're gonna get our own teaching styles back for the school!"

Aqua smirked while crossed her hooves, "Glad somepony comes with some senses."

"Unfortunately, I rejected your recommendation, Lockdown!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in anger and fury at Lockdown. Everyone gasped in shock and concern. He continued, "You not only have failed your mission, but also dare to make recommendation?! You dare request to use 'freestyle teachings and activity'?! Do you even know why we have strict and serious policy in the first place, Mr. Lockdown?!"

Lockdown gulped fearfully, "Y-Yes, sir. I do."

"No, you don't!" Chancellor Neighsay shouted angrily, "Those rules are not only secured the safety and strict discipline to the students, but to make certain that they're equals and make a better future for Equestria! And clearly, you have failed to do so! You've been demoted, Lockdown!"

Shocked and hurt by Chancellor Neighsay's harsh words, Lockdown was saddened and disappointed. The Head of EEA swatted the badge away from the former school inspector. He whimpered and started crying tearfully, making Pinkie and Fluttershy sympathetically patted him on his back.

"Hey! You don't have to be harsh on him," Saber exclaimed angrily and firmly, "He did his job. He's just having trouble of getting use to new style especially following your rules."

Tailtech nodded, "Yeah. It wouldn't hurt to try something new for once."

"He's right. Your EEA policy didn't actually help much." Icy said firmly.

"That is because you all failed to meet the EEA's standards!" Chancellor Neighsay exclaimed in anger at Twilight and her friends. He continued, "I don't know what you did to him. It is unacceptable, just as much as I'm disappointed about your school!"

Twilight sighed, "I understand you're not pleased with the results. But if you give us the chance, we can prove that our teaching style has great effects on students to not only have interest in studies and willing to learn, but also become friends and work together."

"There won't be any more chances…" Chancellor Neighsay said firmly, shocking Twilight and her friends. He continued angrily, "Your friends have proven to be unqualified as the teachers, disregarding the EEA policy, students' failures resulting infighting and went missing under your noses! You have failed to convince me that the creatures have our best interest at heart. Your school is a disaster."

The leaders from both Equestria and Mystic Realms were furious and angered by his insults. They shouted angrily by it. Twilight and her friends felt the same feelings as well.

"You're wrong!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in outburst tone, "Our school is not a disaster! It has the great opportunity for all of us to work together through friendship! You just don't want to see it."

Twilight sighed, "Regardless my husband's anger, he's right. Friendship isn't just for ponies! It's for all of us! It's the reason why Princess Celestia helped me reach out to all the kingdoms!"

Chancellor Neighsay groaned, "And how do you know these creatures won't take what they have learned here and use it against us?"

Shadow Dragon groaned, "Friendship is just a subject, not some kind of weapons! Are you seriously being a paranoid or a fool to think, xenophobic ass?!"

Twilight gave a firm and determined looks, "They won't, chancellor! My friends and I have befriended and helped them a lot. And they helped us too. Have you forgotten or chose to ignore it?"

"Regardless of your valid points, I've made my decision," Chancellor Neighsay said firmly and seriously.

Chancellor Neighsay turned and approached to the School of Friendship. Hitting his medallion, it created bright orange colored sparks. It flowed into his horn. He fired his magical power at the school. The magical blue chains appeared and enveloped the whole school. A large magical padlock appeared and locked together with the chains against the entrance to School of Friendship.

Chancellor Neighsay turned and faced at Twilight and her friends. She declared firmly, "By the power invested in me as Head of EEA, I am shutting his school down!"

Twilight and her friends were deeply shocked and disbelief of what they just saw. Chancellor Neighsay has closed down her School of Friendship! Is this truly the end of her dream?! What will happen to the missing students?! What is next phase of Queen Chrysalis's plans now?! Who knows now…

To Be Continued…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Melody Bubbles

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash

Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy

Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity,

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking

Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon

Christy Carlson Romano: Aqaustroke

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep

P.J. Bryne: Laxtinct

Kate Higgins: Tailtech

Cristina Vee: Icy

Singing Voice:

Rebecca Shoichet: Twilight Sparkle's Singing Voice

Shannon Chan-Kent: Pinkie Pie's Singing Voice

Kazumi Evans: Rarity's Singing Voice

Vincent Tong: Shadow Dragon's Singing Voice

Roger Bart: Blazefist's Singing Voice

Brad Kane: Terrorcreep's Singing Voice

Dee Bradley Baker: Shorty Thinking's Singing Voice

Secondary Casts:

Maurice LaMarche: Chancellor Neighsay

Patrick Warburton: Lockdown

Vincent Tong: Sandbar

Lauren Jackson: Silverstream

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Devyn Dalton: Ocellus

Shannon Chan-Kent: Smolder

Katrina Salisbury: Yona

Jack DeSana: Heatwave

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee

Stephanie Sheh: Dr. Ciel

Steve Staley: Kindy Dragoon

Steve Burton: Aero

Robbie Daymond: Rak

Jeremy Shada: DECK

Erica Schroeder: Solflare

Pete Capella: Mano Telekinesis

Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime

Taissa Farmiga: Blackwitch

Scott Porter: Leopardos 'Leo' Chi

Kathreen Khavari: Jesuits Omnicron

Minor Casts:

Kathleen Barr: Queen Chrysalis

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Cathy Weseluck: Spike

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia, Cheerilee

Corey Burton: Spell Nexus

Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow

Cameo:

Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao

Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick

Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure

Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear

Lars Mikkelson: Death Tactic

Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix

Doug Erholtz: Strikespell

Dave B. Mitchell: Virtue Dragon

Gideon Emery: Courage Tiger

Josh Grelle: Scar Brilliance

Brad Pitt: Iron Brave

Angelina Jolie: Frozen Sage

Jeff Nimoy: Lightning Wisdom

Lara Jill Miller: Princess Leaf

Kevin Conroy: Black Alpha

Colleen Clinkenbeard: Yuko the Blackwitch

Kyle Rideout: Thorax

Ali Milner: Dragon Lord Ember

Gary Chalk: Prince Rutherford

Richard Ian Cox: Grandpa Gruff

Uzo Aduba: Queen Novo

Juliet Simmons: Princess Skystar

Cathy Cavidini: Soul Sweetie

Elizabeth G. Daily: Roughneck Rumble

Episode 8: The Ballad of Sky Princess

Author's Note

Yeah, sorry to disappoint you all. I will not rewrite the 'Horse Play' because it served no purpose to Mystic Ponies to be involved, much like 'Fake It till You Make It'. Shadow Dragon would have just scold and tell Twilight off for lying than being honest with her teacher, which she's willing to do so than getting into trouble.

I want to write about Princess Iris Crystal for not only how she became the Princess of the Sky and Alicorn, but also her involvement with Wonderbolt's Origin. Be expected that this episode is inspired by Hua Mulan from both Disney Version (Animated & Live Action Film) and Mulan (2009 Film).

1) 'Iris's Reflection' and 'I'll make a Warrior out of You' are based on Mulan (1998 Version)'s two songs. Originally, I wanted to put 'Bring Honor to Us All' parody in but find it to be unnecessary.

2) There were more characters such as Numbskull, Bulkhead and also Yin to appear in this story for forming the Wonderbolts since it's supposed to have seven members in a team. I found them to be distracted and taking too much of story. I decided to remove them.

Episode 8: The Ballad of Sky Princess

After solving two Friendship Problems, Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force were alerted of the situation, involving of ancient banishment spells have no longer effects on Demon Lords and their children due to them possessed powerful anti-banishment spell, and also the mysterious Soul Gem, which was taken by Sushi, who has caused the war between Diamond Dogs, Abyssinians and Ornithians.

Though two teams especially Shorty and Saber were suspicious Nezha was involved of the situations, the newly appointed Mystic Council of Thunder Firmtact Waller informed them that the council authorized Sushi to locate and retrieve Mystic Artifact and not involved of Demon Lords' being released. They assured the heroes that Mystic Ponies will not cause problems again to Equestria. Nevertheless, Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force are keeping their eyes out for the situation.

A week later, Twilight was writing down on documents and student reports on Headmare's Table. Shadow Dragon just came back as he was discussing and talking with her over the military matter. Suddenly, the door was barged as Nyx and Spike rushed towards their parents. They both panted heavily and exhaustingly, making them worried again.

"Nyx? Spike? What's wrong?" Twilight asked in concern.

Nyx panted heavily, "Iris Crystal Statue got vandalized and destroyed! Again!"

"Not to mention, students badmouthing her too! Lance's picking a fight with them!" Spike exclaimed in concern.

This alerted and prompted Twilight and Shadow Dragon to get up at once. All four of them rushed out of the office at once.

Following Nyx and Spike, they and their parents arrived at the middle of park. They found the Iris Crystal Statue being vandalized and broken into pieces.

Worst is that they found Lance was punching Gallus very hard. Shiroi tried to pull and drag her boyfriend while begging him to stop. But he was too angry and stubborn to listen as he continued punishing the blue griffon, who was retaliating and fighting back. Arcee, Heatwave, Kindy and Sandbar were trying to stop the fight as well. The students were cheering and demanding 'fight' wildly and excitedly.

Shocked and concern with the situation, Shadow Dragon jumped in the middle of tight as he quickly knocked Lance and Gallus off, dispersing the fight. The students yelped in concern as they ceased their cheers and back off at once.

"What is going on?!" Twilight demanded angrily as she approached to the front of statue. She turned and looked at the vandalized statue. She continued, "Who did this again?!"

Everyone and even his own friends pointed their hooves and claws at annoyed Gallus. Lance growled angrily as he was about to attack. Shiroi, Spike and Nyx quickly halted him from doing foolish.

"Gallus…" Twilight said in disappointment.

Gallus groaned in frustration, "Fine! I did it! I screw up that stupid statue!" Everyone looked at him. Some glared at him for being disrespectful. Others supportively and firmly glanced at him understandingly. He ranted angrily, "I don't understand why you even built that stupid statue for her! She doesn't deserve it! She almost destroyed and killed everyone including you, Headmare Twilight! She's a traitor and a bitch!"

Purely angered by Gallus's insults, Lance thrust a punch at the blue griffon's face, causing him to fall down. The attack angered and infuriated him to jump up and attack the black Pegasus. Both of them almost wanted to fight if not for Shadow Dragon interfered and halting both from starting the fight.

"That's enough! Both of you!" Shadow Dragon shouted angrily and firmly.

Lance glared at Gallus, "That birdbrain better learn how to respect somebody's mother or else losing his wings is the least of his worries!"

Gallus growled angrily at Lance, "I'd like to see you try! I can say whatever I want! That stupid Princess of Sky deserve some beat down if I ever see her again!"

Just before Lance and Gallus could start the fight, Shadow Dragon grunted as he pushed them aside while shouted angrily, "I said 'enough'! Clearly you two need some attitude adjustment!"

"Agreed. Gallus, since you started the mess, I want you to clean this up and repair the statue! No one is allowed to help you!" Twilight said sternly and firmly towards angry Gallus. She continued, "I don't care how long it takes, Gallus. You will fix and show some respect to that statue! Metal Ponies will keep their eyes on you, making sure that you really work. Do I make myself clear?!"

Gallus groaned and muttered angrily, "Yes, ma'am."

"As for you, Lance. You're grounded!" Shadow Dragon sternly scolded Lance, who was disbelieved and shocked. He continued, "I understand you're angry and upset about your mom being insulted, but that doesn't mean you have to start the fight. This is something we cannot tolerate in the school! Do you understand that?"

Though angry with his father for grounding him, Lance knew that he started the fight and he has to take the responsibility. He sighed firmly, "Yes, dad."

Lance and Gallus turned and glared at each other for the moment as if they blamed at each other for the trouble they've gotten into. Shiroi, Nyx and Spike managed to drag and push him away from Lance. And at the same time, Lockdown passed some tools including cement, hammer, chisel, sponge, cloth, soap and bucket of water to Gallus. The blue griffon began washing off the graffiti of the statue. Two Metal Ponies were standing there to keep their eyes on him. Seeing the fight has ended, everyone dispersed and left the scene at once.

Though Twilight was relieved that she and her husband have resolved the fighting, she was disappointed to see that many ponies still considered Princess Iris a traitor, despite her and her friends have already revealed that she was impersonated by Kyuubi Lilith. She also looked at Shadow Dragon, who was both angry and upset over how his first wife's being treated. She really wished she could help him out.

Twilight and Shadow Dragon were inside the headmare's office. They were discussing and talking over clearing Iris Crystal's name.

"This has gone for too long. Her name and status have been tarnished because of that witch impersonated her. Iris doesn't deserve this." Twilight said firmly and seriously, "We need to do something about it."

"What do you have in mind, Twi?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.

"We need to clear her name. We have to tell everyone that the Iris we're all saw was nothing but an impostor."

"I don't think that's simple, Twi. I doubt everyone will forgive and forget."

"Why not?"

"Even if we told them the truth, they would have hard time to believe in us. Let alone that either Chancellor Neighsay or Nezha would give would twist our words and claimed that she did it and not Kyuubi. Everyone will agree with them."

Couldn't believe what her husband has said, Twilight snapped firmly, "We can't just give up, Shadow Dragon! She's your wife."

"Ex and deceased wife." Shadow Dragon corrected firmly, "I didn't say I'm giving up on her. I'm just stating the facts."

"Still. We should do something about it," Twilight insisted in concern.

"I'm afraid there isn't, Twilight. Unless we have a proof that Iris really stands for the Equestria, she is now considered to be traitor. Thanks to that bloody herald." Shadow Dragon said in upset tone with his head lowered down. He sighed, "I don't know much of what Iris did before she and I get married."

Twilight hummed in concern, "Not to mention, Flare Tiger has the archive of her history. If only she was here, we would have resolve this problem earlier."

"Yeah." Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement. He sighed, "I need to get some fresh air now. I'll see you later, Twi."

Shadow Dragon stood up as he exited out of the headmare's office. Though she agreed with her husband's facts of clearing the name, Twilight can tell that he's frustrated and upset over ponies and creatures badmouthing Iris, no thanks to Kyuubi's impersonating her. She wished she could do something about it.

"There must be something I can do…" Twilight said in concern.

"There's nothing you could have done, Sparkle," Midnight's Voice said dryly. Twilight found the spiritual forms of Iris Crystal and Midnight appeared before her. She shrugged while continued bluntly, "Let's face it. SD's right. No one gives a damn about Iris's being a good girl, not after what she has done now."

"Midnight!" Twilight snapped angrily and annoyingly.

"She's not wrong, Twilight," Iris said calmly, attracting Twilight's attention. She sighed, "After all, Kyuubi used my face to fool you all and the world to complete her mission. If only I was alive, Kyuubi wouldn't have taken advantage of my appearance. No girls she can come up with could turn Shadow Dragon against us."

Twilight hummed in frustration, "I suppose you make the point, Iris. But we can't just ignore this. You have any idea?"

"Blow them to smithereens?" Midnight suggested, earning Twilight and Iris to glare at her. She groaned, "Everyone's a critique…"

"Either way, nothing works," Iris said in concern. She sighed, "If you think about summoning me as a spirit to talk with the ponies, you're sadly mistaken. It will only anger them more than calming them."

"This is hopeless. So, nothing I can do to reason and make them realize that you were victim…" Twilight said in shame and upset. Iris and Midnight remained silent while looking at her. After giving some thoughts, she recalled what Shadow Dragon. She gasped, "That's it! Why didn't I think about it?!"

"What? What is it?!" Iris and Midnight asked in confusion.

Twilight turned and looked at Iris, "Iris, tell me the story."

"Excuse me?" Iris asked in surprise and confusion.

"Tell me the story of how you became the Princess of the Sky, Alicorn Princess and also the founder of Wonderbolts! You have to tell me that story!"

"Actually, my buddy Firefly is the founder, not me. But why do you want to hear that story?"

"So, I can direct the stage play about you. We're gonna show the world how awesome, brave, smart and kind you are. Just like what Cadance has described. Everyone deserve to know who you really are."

Iris hissed in concern, "I don't know, Twilight."

"Please, Iris. I need your help," Twilight pleaded with her big pleading eyes, "They deserve to know who you really were before. They need to know the heroine, who is not only member of Wonderbolt but also become the Princess of Sky."

"Better do it before she keeps doing this," Midnight insisted in annoyance.

Iris sighed, "Twilight, are you sure you want to do this?"

Twilight nodded firmly, "Yes, I am."

Midnight groaned while slamming her head against the walls, "Just say 'yes', Angel Shoulder!"

Though uncertain and worried about this idea, Iris knew that Twilight won't stop and is willing to go through some trouble to help her. She sighed, "Fine, I'll do it. Gotta tell you this, Twi. I'm not exactly the kind of princess you're expecting. I'm very different from my family."

Twilight scoffed a bit, "Try me…"

Twilight neighed happily to hear about it. Iris began narrating of her first adventure of how she became the Princess of the Sky and teaming up with the first Wonderbolt. Midnight shrugged before lying down on her imaginary hammock-like.

Princess Celestia, a sole ruler, has been justly and humbly ruling and governing the land of Equestria since the day she has defeated and banished the Nightmare Moon to the moon. The ponies have lived in the land peacefully and tranquility for almost 200 years. There was no war, no chaos and no destruction across the land.

In 12 May 1200 A.E. (After Equestria Era), there lies Princess Celestia living in the newly capital city of Equestria – Canterlot. She wasn't alone to live inside the castle. She has a young yet graceful and beautiful Pegasus daughter named Princess Iris Crystal as well.

Inside the castle's walls, there was a well-decorated bedroom filled with pinkish colored wall covered in pattern of thousand white flower symbols, makeup drawer with a mirror, some unique paintings on the wall, ancient dolls and souvenirs on small shelves, educational books on the shelves, cupboard of dresses and so on. However, the room was a mess. It was filled with books, papers and stationary stuffs everywhere. A familiar pony was on the bed. She was sleeping upside down on the bed, kicking both her blanket and pillow from her. She made a loud snoring noise and muttering 'giddyup Black Wind' happily and playfully.

The bedroom's door was opened. A white female Pegasus with reddish marks around her body with gold colored mane and tail in two pigtails, and her cutie mark is Caduceus Symbol hummed happily, entered the room. She approached to the curtains, opening them out. She then found the Iris was sleeping and snoring out loudly. The Pegasus sighed in annoyance while shaking her head. She approached to her princess's bed. As she grabbed and held on the blanket, she grunted to drag and pull it out, causing Iris yelped and sprung over to fall and drop on the floor hard.

"Ow!" Iris exclaimed in pain. She hissed while rubbing her head. As she got up and found the female Pegasus looking amusingly at her, she hissed in pain, "What the heck, Ratchet?"

Ratchet scoffed, "I told you to sleep earlier, didn't I? And also, not to mess up the bedroom. That's gonna cause me hours to clean it, you know."

"Well, sorry…" Iris grumbled in annoyance. She yawned out loudly while stretching herself out, "Last night, I need to do some serious studies for the upcoming test. Can't afford to fail."

Ratchet nodded in understandingly and calmly, "So true, your highness. So true. After all, you are the princess. Everyone has high expectation of you to be at the best for your mother and the kingdom. I'm sure you can do it, Princess Iris."

Touched by her friend's support, Iris smiled warmly, "Yes. Thank you for the support, Ratchet."

"Of course, it's what friends are for." Ratchet said warmly while patted Iris's back. She then began cleaning up the bedroom, "And by the way, I almost forgot to tell you. You're going to be late for your test. You still got one more hour before it start."

"WHAT?!" Iris asked in shock and disbelief. She turned and looked at the sun dial, which stated 11am. She groaned before screamed in annoyance, "Celestia damn it, Ratchet! Why didn't you wake me up early?!"

Ratchet feigned the 'shocking' gasp, "Really? Am I supposed to do that?"

"Really funny, Ratchet! I really want kick your flank!" Iris snapped in annoyance as she quickly dashed into the bathroom for getting wash up her mane and body before drying out and tidying up herself. She then emerged out from the bathroom. She turned and glared at Ratchet, "You and I are so gonna have some serious talk about punctuality!"

Ratchet scoffed, "No, you won't. Better get going. You're bringing honor to us all, pal."

Iris groaned in frustration, "Yeah! Honor! Honor pain to my flank!"

Iris dashed out from her bedroom. And just as she turned to her right, she bummed onto someone. She yelped and fall down on her flank. She found both her mother Princess Celestia and a lighter maroon colored older veteran Pegasus with beige colored hair with cream and linen streaks worn blackish Royal Guard with golden lines stood before them.

Iris yelped as she quickly got up and greeted warmly to her mother and mentor, "Oh! Hi, mother! Lady Stormbringer!"

"Iris…" Princess Celestia asked teasingly and curiously, "Late again, I see?"

"What?! Late?! What makes you say that?" Iris said nervously and worriedly, "Anyway. I need to get my dress from Pennyworth. It should be ready by now! See ya!"

Iris dashed out at once. Princess Celestia giggled amusingly and playfully while Stormbringer sighed in annoyance while shaking her head about the young Pegasus's tardy again.

"Yup. She's going to be late again," Princess Celestia commented playfully.

"Honestly…" Stormbringer commented dryly, "She maybe skilled and clever in her studies and some fighting skills, but she still hasn't learned how to keep on time for her test and class. One of these days, she'll get herself into trouble…"

Princess Celestia smiled, "You worry too much, my dear friend. She'll learn and be better. I'm confident."

"Right…" Stormbringer said in uncertainty and concern, "Either way, I already have sent Firefly boy to assist her. Making sure that she gets there in time."

"Thank you, Stormbringer. You help us a lot," Princess Celestia said in relief.

Stormbringer bowed humbly, "No thanks are needed, your majesty. My family have served the Royal Family as the faithful retainers for generations. I will continue my service to you and young princess, milady."

Princess Celestia giggled a bit, "Much appreciated, my dear friend."

At the dressing room, Iris met up with Pennyworth, a lighter beige colored unicorn with less white mane and short tail who worn typical black colored butler suit and a monocle on left eye. He provided the yellowish beautiful dress with flower patterns on it. Iris was trying it out as she was looking at the mirror, seeing how good her dress is.

"It's perfect. Thanks, Mr. Pennyworth!" Iris thanked happily as she hugged Pennyworth.

"My pleasure, milady. I am happy to be at your service," Pennyworth said humbly, "You know, milady, if you only have slept much more earlier, then you would have a proper bath and have some breakfaster, and of course, be there in time. Right now, you have 15 minutes more."

"You worry too much, Mr. Pennyworth," Iris said calmly with hint of annoyance, "It'll be fine."

"Yeah. After all, friends will always be there for her," Ratchet commented as she arrived and entered the dressing room. She gave a snickered while holding the lunch box, "We'll make sure that she doesn't mess things up."

Iris groaned, "Thanks a lot, Ratchet."

Ratchet shrugged playfully, "Anyway, princess, your boyfriend is waiting for you outside. He has the all the stuffs you need to the exam."

"Alright. We'd better go," Iris agreed firmly. Just as she and her best friend were leaving the dressing room, the princess turned and glared at Ratchet, "How many times do I have to tell you that Firefly is my friend. In fact, he's like a brother to me."

"Right. Keep telling yourself, Iris. Almost everyone knows that you really like him," Ratchet teased playfully.

Iris groaned, "Ratchet, you are so dead!"

Iris and Ratchet continued playfully and amusingly arguing and insulting each other. Pennyworth chuckled while shaking his head, watching the young princess grow up well.

Just as Iris and Ratchet has exited out of the castle building, they met up with orange-brownish colored Pegasus with orange-reddish spiky mane and short tail. He was holding the box of jewelries and books on his back.

Once regrouped, they're all headed off at once. They ran through the park while passing most of the civilians. They're in the rush now.

"You're late again," Firefly joked teasingly.

"Sorry, Firefly. Ratchet forgot to wake me up again," Iris grumbled.

Ratchet shrugged playfully, "What can I say? You do need some beauty sleep. You slept very late tonight, you know."

Firefly chuckled a bit, "She does have the point, you know. Wouldn't want you get cranky especially it might ruin your pretty face?"

Iris groaned while teasingly glaring at her best friends, "Very funny, you two. So, how much time left to get there?"

"If I have to guess, three or five minutes. Give or take," Ratchet reported.

Firefly looked up ahead as he spotted the large mansion. He gasped, "We're almost there. Hang on, princess!"

Iris, Firefly and Ratchet arrived at their destination. Three of them panted heavily as they slowly calm themselves. They found some of noble ladies were gathered and bowed to the ground, waiting for the summoning by examiner. Both Firefly and Ratchet helped brushed off the dusts, and making sure that her dress, looks and hair were alright. Firefly added the golden necklace with diamond around her neck, bracelet on her hooves and even a cherry blossoming hairclip on her hair.

"There, you go. A perfect look for a perfect princess," Firefly commented, "Always like you to be a pretty mare, Iris."

Iris blushed a bit, "Thanks guys."

"You've got this, Iris. Knock them dead!" Ratchet said happily. She chuckled nervously, "About what happen this morning? I was kinda caught up with other works. It was very busy. After all, I am just a maid."

"I know, Ratchet. And also, you're never a maid to me." Iris said kindly and warmly. She sighed calmly and firmly while looking at the mansion, "Here goes nothing."

Iris approached to the front of mansion. She quickly bowed to the ground, waiting for her being summoned. The fat emerald female unicorn worn her noble purple colored decorated dress emerged out and stood before the crowd. She looked through her notepad carefully.

"Iris Crystal," Noble Instructor called out.

Iris quickly stood up and spoke, "Present!"

Noble Instructor scoffed while writing down on her notepad, "Speaking without permission…"

Realized her mistakes, Iris gave a facepalm for her impatient. She went and marched into the mansion. The Noble Instructor slammed the door as she can begin the test now.

Ratchet groaned, "Can you believe that mare? Who does she think she is?! Treat our princess like that?!"

Firefly sighed, "Well, she's the instructor. She taught and test noble ladies' manners, skills, grace and even their behavior. Make one wrong move, then she'll be disgrace to not only herself, but also her mother too. They both will be laughingstock. Their reputation will be a mess up. So, she has to bear with it, no matter what."

Ratchet scoffed a bit, "Well, I'm sure she can pass it like a flying color."

Inside the mansion, Noble Instructor began inspecting and checking on Iris's beautiful looks and dress, making sure that she's alright. The instructor muttered while writing down on her notepad about her being too skinny, her wings needed to be more magnificent and graceful, dress needed to be more 'Canterlot Style' and so on. This made the young blue Pegasus nervous and worried.

After writing down her notepad, the Noble Instructor turned her attention to Iris. She instructed, "Recite the final admonition."

"Yes, ma'am," Iris said humbly yet firmly. As she opened and flapped her hand fan, she began recited the admonition calmly, "Fulfill your duties calmly and respectfully. Reflect before you act. This shall bring you honor and glory."

Noble Instructor hummed calmly, "Not bad. At least, you're not slacking off again." Iris sighed in relief to hear it. She then dragged and moved Iris towards the table with the set of tea. She continued, "Now pour the tea."

As Iris began pouring the tea on the cup, Noble Instructor continued her explanation, "As a princess or lady to the noble house, you have the most important duty. To please both royalties and nobles in the future, you must demonstrate a sense of dignity and refinement. You must also be poised."

As soon as she finished pouring the tea, Iris noticed something amiss on it. She found a little cricket was relaxing and soaking inside the cup. She looked nervous and worried about it. As the Noble Instructor picked the cup up, Iris tried to speak up.

"And also be silent!" Noble Instructor said sternly. As she was about to drink it, Iris held the cup. She grunted, "What do you think you're doing?!"

Iris grunted while struggling to get the cup back, "Ma'am, I just need to take that back for one moment."

Just as Iris and Noble Instructor grunted and struggled of getting the cup, the princess accidentally kicked her off to get it. But instead, the cup poured the tea and even a cricket into her dress. Iris gasped in concern about it.

Just as Noble Instructor got up, she felt something hopping inside her dress. Just as she struggled to getting it out, she accidentally tripped and bumped into the firewood, which caused some her flank and dress burning. She screamed in pain and fear, feeling the burnt on her dress. Iris panicked as she picked and swung her hand fan on the Noble Instructor's dress, cooling and blowing the fire out. Instead, it created and enlarged the flames. Noble Instructor screamed in pain and fear, trying to put out the fire.

Outside of the mansion, almost everyone including some young ladies and Iris's best friends heard the screams and crash noise within. Most of them looked worry and uneasy about it.

Ratchet giggled a bit of uneasiness, "I think it's going well, don't you?"

"Somehow I'm not convinced," Firefly said in concern.

Noble Instructor burst out of the mansion's door as she was still screaming and panicking while putting the fire out. She cried out for help. Iris came in time as she held and threw teapot of warm tea on the instructor's face. She is now soaked in wet and her makeup is ruined. Though she was no longer on fire, she was far from pleased.

Embarrassed and ashamed of what has happen, Iris quickly hid her face with her wings while walking away from her. The cricket that she tried to save was hopping and hid beneath her wing. As soon as she regrouped with her friends, the Noble Instructor approached and threw the teapot to the ground, out of anger.

"You're a disgrace!" Noble Instructor exclaimed in anger, "You may be the daughter of our beloved Princess Celestia, but you can never live up to her expectation and legacy, outsider!"

Noble Instructor turned and returned inside the mansion. Seeing that she's fury and not in mood to continue testing other ladies, everyone immediately left the scene at once. As Firefly and Ratchet were comforting the young princess, Iris couldn't help but feel shame and hurt about what instructor has said…

Iris and her friends made their way back to Canterlot Castle's main entrance. Seeing that no one was around, they quickly marched inside. As they were walking the hallway, they found Princess Celestia and Stormbringer exiting out of meeting chamber.

The Princess of Equestria gave a gentle and warm smile to her daughter. Instead of greeting back, Iris quickly passed her mother by. She was heading straight to her bedroom. Though stoked and surprised by Iris's quiet and runoff, Princess Celestia has suspicious that something went wrong. She turned and looked at Firefly and Ratchet as both of them were a bit of embarrassed and worried of what happened.

Arrived at her bedroom, Iris has removed both dress and accessory around her. She even removed her makeup as well. She then looked at the mirror. Though it was her reflection, she couldn't help but feel disappointment and ashamed over today's event. She began singing while touching the mirror.

Iris: Look at me

How could I face my own mother

For failing her?

Can I still be

A perfect daughter she wanted?

Iris exited out of her bedroom. While thinking about facing to her mother, she climbed down the stairs to the lobby. She was heading towards the entrance to the garden for some thinking.

Iris: Truthfully,

I truly want to be more than a princess,

But I would break my mother's heart

As she has entered the garden, Iris then walked over the bridge. Just before she could continue walking, she turned and looked at the lake's reflection. Instead of herself, she was looking at sompeony else – a lavender Alicorn, chatting and hanging out with friends. She felt frustrated and upset yet envy to look at it. This caused her to slam her hooves against the water's for the moment.

Iris: Who is that girl I see

Having better life

Than mine now?

Why is my reflection somepony I don't know?

Approaching to the middle of garden, she looked at large Princess Celestia's statue, wondering if she could ever be herself more than a princess or someone's shadows. She then looked down on the reflective signboard as she was looking at her own reflection.

Iris: I really wish that I could be

True to myself

More than the shadow

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

As far as she has seen her reflection, she sighed in upset tone before looking down in shame, knowing that she could never be anything better. She unhappily leaned herself against the statue before sitting down. She then looked down in defeat and shame.

Iris: When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

As Iris was lamenting over her failures and desire, she then heard someone cleared a throat. She turned to her left as she found her mother arrived. She's too ashamed to look at her, turned her face away from her. Aware of the situation, Princess Celestia casually and calmly leaned against the wall before sitting down. She then moved close to her daughter.

"I heard what happened. Your friends told me," Princess Celestia answered calmly. Iris looked down in shame and sad. To her surprise, her mother has her wing to cover and drag her close to her. She continued with a gentle smile, "But at least, you don't have to fail the table manners. I've had the worst scolding from instructor for being so rude to my guests and my family. She said the exact same thing to me."

Surprised yet concerned, Iris asked, "Did it hurt you?"

Princess Celestia smiled confidently, "No, it did not. Do you know why?"

"Why?"

"I proved her wrong. I show the world that I have table manners. And of course, I proved her that I can handle my princess's responsibility. In fact, better than what she expected. She got herself humiliated than mine. I regain my honor."

"Really?" Iris asked in surprise. Princess Celestia nodded. She sighed, "I embarrassed myself because I want to stop her drinking the tea. It has the cricket."

Princess Celestia hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe you should. To teach her a lesson."

"But I can't. The cricket maybe an insect, but it's also a living creature! Besides, it could also have killed her too! I rather get humiliated to save creature than worried about my results." Iris exclaimed firmly. Princess Celestia looked at her curiously. She cleared her throat while bowed to the ground, "Sorry, mother. I didn't mean to."

"It's the right thing to do," Princess Celestia spoke calmly, shocking Iris. She continued with a smile, "I agreed with you, Iris. Even you little friend also agreed."

Cricket chirped happily, making the princess surprised a bit. Iris was still shocked and surprised while petting her new friend. She asked, "Really? But she doesn't feel grateful."

"Ponies may not understand and appreciate it but you do what you must to help others. That's the important and also right thing to do. In my eyes and ears, Iris, you actually passed the test."

"Do you mean it, mother?"

"I do, my little hope. Someday, you will prove the world that you will be a better princess. In fact, better than me."

Iris was a bit nervous and worried as she asked, "Are you sure, mother? I'm never gonna be good as you. I don't think I could ever live up to your expectation. Maybe I'm not the princess…"

Princess Celestia gently touched her hoof on her daughter's face, "I'm not asking you to meet my expectation or be good as me. I want you to be better than me. Be strong. Be wise. Be kind. Be yourself. I know you can be a better princess."

Iris was surprised yet touched by her mother's words, "Mother…"

Pennyworth arrived at the scene. He cleared his throat, attracting his princesses' attention. They turned and looked at him. He continued, "Your highness. I'm sorry to interrupt your family conversation. There's someone requested to see you. It is urgent."

Princess Celestia, Iris and Pennyworth made haste and return to the throne chamber. The Princess of Equestria arrived and entered through the back entrance. Iris was about to follow as well, but halted by Pennyworth, who shook his head before entered the chamber as well. She then met up with Firefly and Ratchet, who guided and took her to the side entrance.

From there, Iris and her friends then found most of Equestrian military officers and politicians were gathered in two row of lines. Both Stormbringer and Pennyworth were standing beside with Princess Celestia, who was sitting on her throne chair. They even found Master Ratio, Armorhide and ten Imperial Phoenix Elite Guards were gathered and faced to the throne chair. The Imperial Phoenix Officials bowed humbly to the ground.

Iris gasped, "Uncle Ratio?"

"Uncle who?!" Firefly asked in confusion and surprise, "Who is that?"

Ratchet cleared her throat to explain, "Master Ratio is the Prime Minister of Northern Ma, and also one of Imperial Phoenix Strategist Five. He was one of her favorite uncles. He helped educate her about almost everything when she was very young. He is the closest advisor to her father – Emperor of Northern Ma."

"Surely you jest, Ratchet!"

"I'm not. Azure Phoenix was Princess Celestia's first husband before they both divorced and parted ways. They have never seen each other since Iris was only 6."

"Aw man. That must be hard."

"You have no idea."

"What's really going on?" Iris asked in concern.

"Minister Ratio, it's been a while," Princess Celestia greeted warmly. Master Ratio nodded firmly and calmly before showing his firm and serious looks. She hummed in concern, "I don't suppose this is about social discussion of our trading."

Master Ratio shook his head, "No, your majesty. It is not. Our Land of Ma is invaded by the yaks. Brutal Khan has conquered most of the northern cities."

Military officers and politicians muttered and chattered in concern about the yaks invading the Land of Ma. Iris and her friends looked worry and scared.

Princess Celestia remained firm and stern to ask, "What can you tell me about Brutal Khan?"

Flashback:

"Brutal Khan is the newly appointed chieftain of all Yak Tribes now since the death of the previous chief," Master Ratio explained in concern, "Based on our reports and description on him; Brutal Khan is fierce, strong and relentless warrior as equal as his cruelty and ruthless. And he is the opponent not to be underestimated since he was able to climb and overcome the Great Walls. No one could ever achieve that. He's unlike any Yaks we ever face."

Three months ago, Imperial Phoenix Soldiers were patrolling and guarding across the Great Wall. And so far, everything seems to be peace and quiet. Suddenly, grappling hooks were launched from the abyss as they then attached to the wall.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers spotted a grappling hook got thrown and attached to the Great Wall's brick. When he checked out, he found thousands and more of them launched and grappled on the walls. The Yaks were climbing up the walls while giving out loud battle cries.

"We're under attack! Light the signal!" The captain exclaimed in concern.

As soon as the Yaks climbed to the top, they jumped and attacked the Imperial Phoenix Soldiers, relentlessly and mercilessly slaughtering and killing every one of them. The soldier managed to evade and climbed on the ladder to the rooftop.

Just as he picked up the torch, the soldier then encountered and found a large brute red-blackish colored Yak worn heavy armor and worn largest viking helmet with visor, who climbed up and stood before him. Though intimidated, the Imperial Phoenix Soldier plunged the torch into the cauldron of oil, burning brightly and blazingly.

Upon seeing the fiery signal, the rest of small castle walls were lighted up. Brutal Khan remained calm yet amusing and intrigued to see them.

"Now the Land of Ma knows you're here, Brutal Khan." The Imperial Phoenix Soldier declared firmly.

Instead of disappointment and fury, Brutal Khan grabbed and placed the Imperial Phoenix Flag over the fire, which is burning it to ashes. Brutal Khan smirked, "Perfect."

Flashback Ends

Almost the whole military and ministers were intimidated and scared to hear the story. Iris and her friends have the same reaction. Princess Celestia remained firm and calm to hear it.

"Our lord required your aid." Master Ratio said firmly and calmly, "You know what happen if they conquered our land. They will learn the secrets. And worse, they will continue expanding on Equestria. We are the only defense you have to stop them."

The military officers and ministers chattered and muttered in concern if they should help the Land of Ma or not.

"Tell Lord Azure that I shall come and lead the army," Princess Celestia spoke firmly.

As Princess Celestia slowly and firmly stood up; she winced and hissed, feeling pain on her scarred chest. This alerted and worried everyone else.

"Mother..." Iris said in concern.

"Are you certain of this?" Master Ratio asked in concern, "Perhaps you should send someone else in your place. The one you trusted the most."

Stormbringer bowed humbly as she spoke, "Please, your highness. Let me take your place. I will lead the best warriors to stop the enemies."

Pennyworth nodded, "You're not fully healed."

Though feel pain on her chest, Princess Celestia remained calm yet firm and stoic to speak, "Do not worry, my friends. I'll be fine. This wound is nothing."

"Mother! You can't!" Iris shouted in concern.

Almost everyone gasped in concern yet surprise upon seeing Iris rushed out and stood in front of her mother. She bowed humbly before Master Ratio.

Stormbringer exclaimed in concern, "Princess Iris, don't!"

"Young Iris?" Master Ratio asked in surprise.

Iris pleaded, "Please, Master Ratio, you can't ask my mother to rejoin the battlefield. Her wounds are not fully healed!"

"That is enough, Iris!" Princess Celestia said sternly and firmly, shocking Iris to turn and face her. She continued firmly, "This is military matters. It does not concern you. Leave this place now, daughter."

Iris was hurt and shocked by her mother. She spoke up, "Mother, I'm also a princess! I also have the right to be involved in this when it comes to your health and my father's request! You're in condition to lead the army."

"As the princess, it is my duty to not only govern and rule the land but also help protect and save our allies and our land from danger. I cannot be concern with my health when the world needs me, no matter what. That is my promise."

"So, you will die for a duty? Even to help my father, who just divorced and abandoned us?"

"I will die to do what is right! And I will not let my emotion to cloud my judgment and duty!"

Iris stubbornly refused to listen and spoke angrily, "But you could have-!"

Princess Celestia snapped firmly, "I know my place! It's time you learned yours! Do not interfere in this matter again. You're not welcome here!"

Shocked and hurt by her mother's words, Iris formed tears of sadness as she turned and ran off out of throne chamber. Everyone remained silent and ignored her as they do not want to press into the royal matters.

"I apologize for my daughter's rude behavior, Prime Minister." Princess Celestia said firmly and humbly. She sighed, "Tell Azure that I'll be there soon. I will bring the best warriors to assist them."

"If that is your wish, madam," Master Ratio said calmly yet concern while bowed.

Princess Celestia turned and looked at Pennyworth, "Pennyworth, provide the supplies and armory for our guests. They'll need them for the fight against northern invaders."

Pennyworth bowed humbly, "Yes, your majesty."

"Stormbringer, gather 10,000 soldiers. We'll be leaving for tomorrow's noon," Princess Celestia instructed Stormbringer.

Stormbringer was hesitated and concern as she reluctantly agreed, "Understood…"

"Much appreciated," Master Ratio said humbly and firmly, "Once we gathered the supplies, we shall leave and return to home. I'll inform of this to Strikespell and Azure Phoenix."

Princess Celestia nodded, "Good. Dismiss"

Everyone bowed humbly and left the throne chamber at once. Princess Celestia was alone, thinking of what she has said to Iris. She didn't mean to hurt her daughter, but she doesn't want her to be involved of this as she feared that she's not ready to understand the secret she and Azure Phoenix have kept for years.

In the late evening, it was heavy raining. Iris was inside her own bedroom. She was laying down on the bed. She was hurt and saddened by her own mother's scolding, despite she wanted to help out and didn't want to her to go and fight on battlefield. She did not join her mother for dinner as she too upset and angry to see her. She even ignored Pennyworth's knocking the door.

Despite not being answered, Pennyworth marched in while bringing the tray of her dinner. He placed it on the table. He turned and looked at Iris, who is still soaking and upset.

"Young Iris, your mother didn't mean to be harsh on you about her decision. Regardless of what happen between her and Lord Azure, Princess Celestia has to put her personal feeling aside and performed her duty first, no matter what. That is what royalty do, despite the injuries and problem they have in the past." Pennyworth explained calmly. Iris did not respond to him. He sighed again, "I hope you understand this."

As soon as Pennyworth left the room, Iris gave some thoughts of what he has said. She knew her mother wanted to protect the land and ponies including her own father, no matter the cost. With her condition has not fully healed, Princess Celestia may not survive. The young princess knew what she has to do now.

During late night, almost everyone including Princess Celestia is asleep. Iris slowly emerged out from her bedroom. She colored her own coat in mint green color, both her mane and tail are now lighter red and blue streak colors, and her cutie mark is golden hand fan due to her wearing a magical colorful pendant to keep her in disguise. She sneakily and stealthily sneaked across the hallway while avoiding being spotted and found by the Royal Guards.

Upon arriving at her mother's armory, she approached to the glassed case, which consisted of golden celestial armor and golden sun themed sword. She took and used the key to open it. She then donned the armor and has the held the sword on her armor's belt. Though nervous and worried about going to battle and help her estranged father, Iris knew she has to do it to help and protect her mother. It is the right thing to do and her duty as the princess.

Iris managed to sneak out of the Canterlot Castle's entrance. To her surprise, she found Firefly, Ratchet and even Stormbringer are standing before her. They're all worn the different colored Royal Guards Armor as well such as Firefly worn dark blue and yellow armor, Ratchet worn reddish-white armor and Stormbringer worn her blackish armor.

"W-What are you doing here?" Iris asked in concern.

"What does it look like? We're helping you." Firefly said confidently, surprising Iris. He continued, "Did you really think we would let you go and fight the Yaks by yourself?"

Ratchet nodded, "Yeah. That's what friends are for."

"I promised your mother that I watch over you. And I intended to do. We won't let you get harmed." Strombringer said firmly and determinedly, "Besides, I didn't want your mother to be involve of this. She's not fully healed."

"Everyone..." Iris said in relieved yet happy. She sighed, "Thank you. Let us go!"

Stormbringer smiled determinedly, "Good. I already prepare the army."

Iris and her team met up with the 10,000 army. They're all then set out and headed straight to the Northern Ma now…

Just as Princess Celestia woke up from her bed, she stretched herself out a bit. As she was about to open the door and did her usual duty, Pennyworth barge in. He is wearing his white sleeping robe while holding the candle holder.

Pennyworth exclaimed in concern and fear, "Princess Celestia! Young Iris is gone!"

"What?!" Princess Celestia asked in shock and concern.

"That's not all. Commander Code Red has found out that General Stormbringer and 10,000 soldiers are gone as well!" Pennyworth added.

"No…" Princess Celestia said in concern. She turned and looked through the balcony's window. She now has worried and scared looks, "Iris, what have you gotten yourself into?!"

"Milady, I will inform the commander to bring them back! Young Iris will get herself killed!"

"Don't. If we do that, then she will. Mystic Ponies are very strict with keeping their existence secrecy. They will execute anyone even if it was my family and friend to silence them."

"Sweet Lauren's Name!" Pennyworth exclaimed in concern.

"Indeed…" Princess Celestia agreed in concern. She turned and approached to the photo frame of herself and her daughter. She sighed as she silently prayed, "Iris, please stay safe. Azure, my son, please watch over her. Keep her safe…"

At the Land of Ma, Brutal Khan continued leading his largest army of thousands and more yaks across the Northern Ma. They have battled and defeated most of Imperial Phoenix Army, and conquered almost four of northern provinces. They even slaughtered and killed the innocents and animals, and even burnt down the houses and cities to the ground. None of them have survived.

As the army of yaks continued trotting and marching across the valley of scary mountains, Brutal Khan quickly halted his position at once. This caused his army to halt as well. He gestured three of his Yak Generals to move out and scout the area. Three of them headed off to scout the area for the moment. They brought three of Imperial Phoenix Scouts before their leader.

"Scouts, Chief Brutal!" Yak General #1 reported firmly.

Brutal Khan approached towards the Imperial Phoenix Scouts, who shivered in fear as they're facing off the most feared and dangerous chieftain among the yak tribes. Instead of killing them, he gently dusted off their armors off while smiling calmly.

"Nice of you boys to drop by," Brutal Khan said calmly and sincerely. He smiled calmly, "You have found the might Yak Tribes."

Though two of the scouts were still scared, young Imperial Phoenix Scout spoke up, "Emperor Azure Phoenix will stop you!"

"Stop me? Really now?" Brutal Khan asked amusingly. He raised his hoof as he slammed his on the first Imperial Phoenix Scout to death. He smirked cruelly, "I'll be happy to oblige and accept his challenges. After all, I have conquered northern province. Now it's his turn, and then the next two Emperors. Now, tell him to send the best warriors he has."

Imperial Phoenix Scouts looked scared and shivered in fear to face him. They quickly got up and make the run for their lives at once.

Brutal Khan hummed curiously, "How many does it takes to deliver the message?"

Yak General #2 smirked while armed with bow and arrow, "One, sir."

As soon as the Imperial Phoenix Scouts entered the valley, Yak General #2 released and fired his arrow at the valley. The shout of pain and agony was sounded. The Yak Tribe gave loud cackling laughter about it. Brutal Khan smirked proudly and amusingly about it.

Ever since they have left Canterlot City, Iris and her team set off their journey to the Northern Ma. It has taken them for ten days to reach there since they do not possess the means of transportation. By following Master Ratio's instruction and map, they have arrived at their destination – the Great Fortress, one of Imperial Phoenix's strongholds and headquarter for fighting against the northern invaders.

"Looks like we made it," Firefly commented in surprise. He groaned before fell on his back, "That was exhausting! Sure wish we have some kind of transports to get there, instead of marching across the land to get here."

"Agreed. These Ma Ponies works very hard to travel from far and wide." Ratchet commented, "Must be quite the workout."

"This is it. You ready for this, Iris?" Stormbringer asked calmly.

Iris gulped a bit, "I'm a bit nervous and worried about this. I haven't seen my father and my brother since I was a kid. I'm worried that they might find out about me."

"They won't." Stormbringer answered calmly, "Like you said, you haven't seen them for years. So, they won't recognize you so easily."

Iris hummed thoughtfully, "I guess you're right…"

"Alright, then. Let's get in now," Stormbringer said firmly, "All you guys need to do is follow my lead and not screw this up. It'll be fine."

"Why do I get the feeling that you're not making us any better?" Ratchet asked in concern.

Ignoring Ratchet's question, Iris and her army marched out and headed straight to the Great Fortress.

As they arrived and entered the Imperial Phoenix's stronghold, they witnessed the large numbers of the army performing various activities such as recruiters were joining the army, training and working on their skills, building various kind of arsenals, sharpening the weapons, coordinating and working together with Republic Dragon Nation and Water Tiger Kingdom, checking and making sure the supplies and resources are enough for the army, and some guards were patrolling and checking the areas.

Iris, Ratchet and Firefly were astounded and amazed by Imperial Phoenix Military Army's military army and their activity.

"Wow. This is so unexpected..." Ratchet commented in surprise.

Firefly nodded in agreement, "No kidding."

Just as Iris and her army were passing by the recruits, who were chatting and playfully pushing each other off; one of them got accidentally thrown and knocked her and her friends off. They groaned and grunted a bit of pain as they're recovering. They then heard some amusing giggle.

"Need a claw, my little pony?" The female cocky and calm voice asked.

Iris and her team looked up and found a lighter bluish-purple Hippogriff with a dark purple mane with lighter blackish and bluish-greenish streak stood before them. And just before Firefly and Ratchet could say anything, Iris quickly picked the sword and aimed it at her.

"Hey! You crazy?!" Ratchet asked in concern.

Firefly yelped, "You wanna get us into trouble?!"

Iris snapped while glaring at the Hippogriff, "Insult me again or you will taste my blade, Hippogriff Witch!"

The Hippogriff responded by holding and aiming her sword at Iris's, "Why don't you lower down that sword, girly? Watch that tone too!"

"Or else what?!" Iris demanded in annoyance.

"Lieutenant, put down that sword now!" Stormbringer commanded firmly and strictly, "I mean it. Put it down before you get us into trouble!"

And just before Iris and the Hippogriff could start the fight, Strikespell arrived and quickly kicked the swords off. They tried to attack again but he took out his Dual Swords to block and deflect them off before grabbed and thrown them to the ground. He aimed his blades on their throat, halting them Bladestrike, Blazefist, Master Ratio and Bullhound have arrived to the scene as well.

"Stand down, both of you!" Strikespell said firmly and strictly, "Fighting will not be tolerate in my camp!"

"Your camp?" Firefly asked suspiciously.

"I am Strikespell – Prince of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom and also your Commanding Officer as well," Strikespell sternly explained, "Three Kingdoms of Ma and Equestria are allies, not enemies. We protect and help each other to fight off our greatest threat. I expect that this will not happen in the future. If it does, there will be punishment. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir!" Everyone reported firmly except Iris, who nodded a bit.

Strikespell was a bit annoyed as he exclaimed, "With your voice, soldier!"

"Yes, sir! It won't happen again!" Iris reported firmly.

Master Ratio looked at Iris's team and the Hippogriff carefully, "And who are you all? We already know General Stormbringer."

"Sorry. I'm Firefly. Just Private, sir!" Firefly explained, "This is Ratchet. She's the medic."

Ratchet cleared her throat, "Medic-in-training actually, sir."

"My name is Thanatos Anastasia, daughter of Thanatos Gambit." Anastasia reported firmly and calmly before bowed humbly, "I'm at your service."

Blazefist groaned in disgust, "Hippogriff…"

Bladestrike nudged Blazefist's shoulder, "Enough with that, lieutenant. Do not be disrespectful to our recruit."

Everyone turned and looked at Iris, who is nervous and worried as she has forgotten about her name. Stormbringer, Firefly and Ratchet were worried as well. If she gave the wrong name, then she would be in big trouble.

"What is your name, soldier?" Strikespell demanded calmly.

After thinking of her name carefully, Iris took a deep breath and answered firmly and calmly, "My name is Windblade. I was given the command by Princess Celestia to reinforce and assist you to fight the enemies."

"Really?" Master Ratio asked in surprise, "Odd. I was reported that Princess Celestia is willing to come and join the fight."

"Did something bad happen to her?" Bullhound asked in concern.

Stormbringer explained, "Unfortunately, she couldn't make it, Prime Minister. Her condition is very serious from the fight against Nightmare Moon. So, I took her place and lead the army to come here. And of course, 'Windblade' is my newly appointed lieutenant. She is skilled and smart fighter, and she will serve both our country and alliance against our common foe."

Bullhound awed in concern, "I hope she gets better."

Strikespell hummed thoughtfully, "I see. Then, you know the reason why we must protect the Land of Ma, no matter what. The Yaks must not learn anything about our secrets. The portal to another realm must not fall into their hooves."

"Portal? Another realm?" Iris asked softly yet surprised, along with Firefly and Ratchet also surprised as well.

Stormbringer whispered to Iris, "I'll explain that later. Keep up the appearance."

"Are you prepared to face them? This is your first battle, am I right?" Strikespell asked firmly and calmly.

Nervous and worried, Iris sighed a bit before remained firm, "Yes, sir."

"Good. Do not let us down. We're counting each and everyone one of you." Strikespell said firmly and calmly. He turned and looked at the soldiers, "By this month, I want all the soldiers to be trained and prepared to fight the enemies within this month. It's going to be a long battle against the yaks. Blazefist take General Stormbringer and her unit to their new camp site."

"Understood, sir!" Blazefist saluted.

Blazefist guided and led Iris or 'Windblade' and her units to their new camp site for camping and settling down. Anastasia returned to the line as she has to sign up for joining the army. As Strikespell and Bladestrike returned to the camp for meeting with his other allied commanders, Master Ratio and Bullhound remained behind while looking at Windblade and her team.

"There's something familiar about her," Master Ratio commented suspiciously yet calmly, "I can't put a hoof on it…"

"You mean you know her?" Bullhound asked curiously.

"I'm not sure. Bullhound, keep an eye on them and also guard the Prince's life. We wouldn't want anything bad happen to him."

"You got it, sir. Being Captain of the Bodyguard is my job."

After settling down and building up the camp, Iris and her teammates were inside the general's main camp for the discussion of Strikespell's mentioning about 'another realm'.

"So, what is this about, Stormbringer?" Iris asked seriously yet concerned, "What is this 'another realm' that my brother was talking about?"

Stormbringer sighed, "Alright. Since you and your friends have joined the Equestria's Military, you're all deserve to know but also need to keep this a secret as well. This is a highly classified information that only military and ministers know about. Because if you all dare to give it out to the public or family, they will come and execute you all."

"A bit overkill, don't you think?" Ratchet asked in concern.

"Okay… So what is this about? What's the secret that Princess Celestia and Ratio make fuss about?" Firefly asked impatiently.

"The secret they're trying to protect is the portal to Mystic Realm," Stormbringer answered firmly and calmly. Iris and Ratchet were shocked while Firefly laughed about it. He stopped upon looking at his general's glaring at him. She sighed, "It's no laughing matter. It's real. In fact, most of Three Kingdoms of Ma ministry and military are Mystic Ponies including your father and brother."

"I don't believe it…" Iris commented in shock and surprise. She sighed, "T-This is unexpected. My father… Strikespell… They're both Mystic Ponies. I'm half-Mystic Pony? Don't supposed that it's the reason why my parents were fighting?"

Stormbringer shook her head, "No, Iris. It's very personal for them."

Ratchet gulped in fear, "Just to be clear. If the Yaks conquered Land of Ma and found out about the portal-!"

"They would gain more powerful weapons and magic spells that could help them take over two worlds. They could destroy everything." Stormbringer seriously and firmly explained, "We cannot let that happen."

Firefly shivered in fear, "Don't have to tell me twice, General. Guess we take this matter seriously, right?"

"Yeah." Stormbringer agreed. She turned and looked at Iris, "Think you can handle it, Windblade?"

Iris nodded firmly, "Yes, ma'am. I will."

Stormbringer nodded calmly yet firmly, "Good. Because once we set on the training and battlefield, there is no going back…"

On the next day, Iris and the rest of her friends woke up early in the morning. They and their army were gathered at large open field, where the rest of Imperial Phoenix, Dragoon Republic and Water Tiger Army have gathered. All of them worn the training gears. They were chattering, playfully joked and teased, and also have friendly punches on each other for fun.

"Well, well, if it isn't the newly appointed Equestrian Lieutenant," Anastasia's voice teased amusingly, attracting Iris's attention. She scoffed, "Nice to see you up and running, Windblade."

"Likewise, Thanatos." Iris, now called Windblade, responded with a scoff. She sighed, "Hope you're not trying to mess things up."

"Really? What makes you say that?"

"I have another friend of mine warned me about the Hippogriffs. They're very nasty and cowardly birdbrains, who do anything to take down the enemies and win the fight. I can tell you this, Thanatos. You're not taking me down easily."

"Is that so?" Anastasia asked amusingly. She scoffed, "Well, Windblade, I'm not like any kind of Hippogriff you think of. I'm just a soldier, doing her part to protect and serve my home. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna go easy on you, kid."

Windblade smirked confidently, "I cannot wait to wipe that smirk off your face…"

"Bring it on, pretty girl," Anastasia commented amusingly.

Ratchet groaned, "There she goes again. What's up with that?"

Firefly hummed thoughtfully, "I remember about someone told her about Hippogriffs being nasty. I'm guessing that she's keeping an eye out on her.

Stormbringer sighed, knowing whom Firefly was referring to. She muttered annoyingly, "Good grieve, Blazefist…"

"Officers on deck!" Blazefist's voice shouted firmly.

As signaled; the large army including Windblade and her team quickly formed up the lines to stand before the large stage, where their generals have been gathered. It consisted of Strikespell, Bladestrike, Blazefist, Bullhound, Master Ratio, Skysoar Intellect, Blade Dragoon, Dragonspear, Justice Tackle, Riverstrike, Apollo Python, Hammerrod and Pirate Scythe. Stormbringer assembled along with the rest of her allied commanding officers.

Strikespell approached to the stage as he made the announcement, "Nice to see all of you assemble here. Before we can begin the training and our long battle against the Yaks, there are some couple of rules that all of you must be aware and comply to!"

Bladestrike spoke up, "First rule, stealing bullying and raping will not be tolerated! Second – fear and escape for no reason will not be acceptable. Third, rumors of disrespectful of each other will not be forgiven! Fourth, when you've been summoned for training and battles, respond to them! And above all else, the secret behind Mystic Realm, its technologies and magical spell must never ever be revealed and delivered to the world! Disobey and break the rules, the punishment will be death. Do you get me?!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" The army shouted firmly and determinedly.

Strikespell nodded firmly, "Good. I leave the training to both Bladestrike and Blazefist. We've got a long way to go."

"Yes, sir!" Bladestrike and Blazefist obliged firmly.

Blazefist armed with his bow and arrow, "Alright, everyone, we shall start our training. Hope you're all ready for this."

"Ooh. Tough guy…" Firefly remarked teasingly yet sarcastically.

"Firefly!" Blazefist called out as he turned and aimed his arrow at his target. The soldiers moved back while leaving Firefly alone. Instead of firing at him, he fired his arrow on top of tallest wooden tower-like pillar. He smirked, "Thank you for volunteer. Get me the arrow."

Firefly scoffed, "No problem. This is so easy."

"Not so fast. I have important tool you need to use." Bladestrike said firmly as he brought the large golden gong-like. He placed them on both Firefly's hooves while explained, "On his right hoof represents discipline while his left is strength. You need both to reach the arrow. You are not allowed to use magic and flying to get it."

Firefly groaned, "Great. With these tons on my hooves and flying is not okay to use just to get an arrow?!"

"That makes things challenging, kid," Blazefist commented snarky.

Though annoyed by Blazefist's snarky comments, Firefly ignored him as he focused on his training. He jumped on the pillar as he began climbing on it for 5 meters only. To his shock and annoyance, he felt slippery on his body. He tried to his teeth to bite and hold on the pillar, but instead, he continued slipped to the ground hard. Ratchet tried but fell down on the ground due to her not being used to climbing and handling sports. Anastasia was do determined and fierce to reach it due to heavy gong, it made her fell down hard. Windblade also suffered the same fate as well.

Most of the soldiers have failed to reach the arrow. The generals muttered and chattered about their lack of discipline and skills to complete it.

"Guess we move on the next one," Blazefist commented.

Bladestrike nodded, "Indeed. We begin another training!"

Bladestrike and Blazefist gathered some poles before passing them to the soldiers. They're all passed the poles to each other, one line to another. Just as Anastasia received the pole, she quickly used it to trip Windblade to fall down, and refused giving it to her. Windbalde groaned in annoyance while glaring back at her rival. Both Firefly and Ratchet sighed in concern about it.

Almost everyone is armed with their poles, Bladestrike has his own pole as he demonstrated his skills of swinging the pole. This surprised and amazed almost everyone.

Bladestrike: Let's get down to business

To defeat the Yaks

As Bladestrike and Blazefist instructed and performed on how they used the poles, the soldiers followed them at once.

As the soldiers turned and swung their poles to their rear, Ratchet accidentally hit her pole on the Dragoon Republic Soldier's head. This annoyed and made him to turn and attack her but instead, his has just hit two to three soldiers. This sparked and made almost all soldiers including Windblade and Anastasia to start a big fight. This made almost all the generals including Strikespell and Stormbringer annoyed and irritated about this.

Bladestrike: Are all of you weak and coward

Or strong and brave soldiers?

Spotted the soldiers started the riot and fighting among themselves, Blazefist slammed his pole on the ground, allowing him to jump over some defeated soldiers. He came in-between Windblade and Anastasia, who were busy fighting with each other angrily and rivalry.

Just before he could stop the fight, both Windblade and Anastasia have accidentally swung and hit their poles on his head and stomach. This shocked and scared them to stop at once. It also alerted other soldiers to stop as well. Annoyed and angry, the lieutenant quickly grabbed and broke two poles into two while glaring at nervous Windblade and Anastasia. They're in trouble now.

Blazefist: You're the saddest bunch

We ever seen

But you can bet before we're through

Little girls, we'll make a warrior out of you

On the next day, Blazefist trained the soldiers on using and firing bow and arrows, muskets and even some of arsenals. However, Firefly got frustrated and annoyed with unable to aim and fire his weapons at his targets, which he almost hit his own friends and other recruits. This annoyed them to glare at him.

Blazefist: Be Calm as the Wind

Unleash the Wil of Fire

On second day, Bladestrike demonstrated his next training. While balancing bucket of water on his head, the Imperial Phoenix General calmly and firmly block and deflect the throwing rocks from the recruits.

Bladestrike: Once you find your inner strength

You are sure to win

Windblade and Anastasia were next as they positioned themselves to block and deflect the rocks off. Unfortunately, they accidentally knocked their poles on each other's chest and stomach, making them fell on the ground hard. This sparked them to fight among themselves.

Strikespell: You're a spineless, pale, pathetic lot
And you haven't muster your own powers
Somehow we'll make a warrior out of you

On the several days later or even two months have passed, Bladestrike and Blazefist continued training the army. They were assisted by Stormbringer, Blade Dragoon, Dragonspear, Hammerod and Pirate Scythe. The soldiers were learnt and trained on how to use various kind of weapons – swords, shields, spears, pikes, archery, understanding and make use of the terrains, and also martial art skills. Most of the soldiers were accustomed and used to the weapons and arsenals very much, some of them struggled with it.

Windblade and her friends struggled with their training. Other than his patient with using long-ranged weapons, Firefly struggled of flying and dodging the incoming firing arrows and bullets, his tail got caught by fire arrow. Despite being a medic-in-training, Ratchet almost felt sick and vomit upon seeing so much blood, making her sick and weak. Stormbringer helped training Windblade and Anastasia on their martial art skills, however, this sparked them of fighting with each other. This driven the veteran general mad and annoyed with them.

Ratchet: I'm never gonna catch my breath

Firefly: Say goodbye to those who knew me

Ratchet: Boy, was I a fool in school for medic sitch

Stormbringer: These girls are driving me crazy

Windblade: I'm so not gonna lose to this birdbrain!

Anastasia: Now she's really gonna wish that she gives up!

On another training, the Mystic-Equestria Alliance Army are now training on using catapults, arbalests and cannons. None of them were able to hit the target as they kept on missing it.

As Windblade managed to use and aim her cannon at the target, Anastasia purposely tripped cannon's stand to make it fall down. Just as the young princess-in-disguise managed to grab it, the cannon blasted out its attack. It flew straight at Master Ratio, who panicked and screamed in fear as he barely escaped and avoided the blasts on his camp. He was angry and annoyed by recruit's careless and reckless training,

Almost a month, Strikespell was frustrated and annoyed to see that Mystic-Equestria Alliance Army have not make any progress on their training.

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Blazefist: We must be swift as the Storm Dragon

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Bladestrike: With all the force of the Fiery Phoenix

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Strikespell: With all the strength of the Tsunami Tiger

Mightiest as the Legendary Warriors

As the training continued, Strikespell was leading his recruits on carrying up the pole hanging two bags of stones within while marching across the slope. Other generals followed him from behind. Master Ratio and Skysoar were overseeing the progress of recruits' training.

As they were crossing the slope, Master Ratio cleared his throat while pointed his painted brush on Windblade, who struggled to move and carry it on her back. Strikespell spotted it. She grunted in pain and tired, falling down on the ground. Both Firefly and Ratchet tried to help her get up. By the time Strikespell arrived, he shown his disappointment as he grabbed and held the pole on his back. He then returned and resumed the training.

Seeing her brother being disappointed, Windblade sighed in defeat while looking down in shame. Firefly and Ratchet patted her in comfort and tried to make her better.

Strikespell: Time is racing toward us

Till the Yaks arrive

Never hesitate at the moment

You must fight and live

Just as Windblade and her friends made their way back to the camp, the young princess still felt sore on her back. They then come across Strikespell and Stormbringer. The Prince of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom gave her the packed bags while telling her that she's unsuited for the fight and go home.

As soon as he left, Windblade was upset about the results and being forced to return home. Firefly and Ratchet followed her as they're her best friends. Stormbringer wanted to accompany and guide her out. Just before she could exit out of camp's entrance, Windblade glanced at the pole with an arrow as she gave some thoughts about it.

Strikespell: You're unsuited for
The rage of war
So pack up, go home, you're through
How could I make a warrior out of you?

After giving some thoughts, Windblade decided to try again as she placed two gongs on her hooves. She jumped and tried to get a hold on it but only made her fell down at once. Her friends approached her at once.

"Iris, that's enough. You've done what you can." Firefly pleaded.

Ratchet nodded, "Yeah. You don't have to do this again."

"I have to try!" Windblade said determinedly.

"Iris, I know you want to take over your mom's place to save her life. But you're not a warrior! You're a princess for cried out loud!" Ratchet insisted, "Please, don't throw your life away!"

"Ratchet does have the point. What's exactly are you trying to prove?" Firefly asked in confusion.

Windblade gave silent response as she was thinking about what her friends have said Stormbringer sat down close to her as she spoke, "Iris, is there a reason why you want to try again?"

Windblade sighed in defeat, "Truthfully, I want to do something. Something that I can make my mother proud. I wanted her to realize that I can handle this. I want to be the best as she is. I want to be strong and wise as her. But I could never do it."

"Don't, Iris. Don't try to be like her." Stormbringer said firmly and calmly, surprising Windblade. She continued, "Your mother wanted you be yourself, not following her hoofstep. She believed in you, Iris. You're more than just a daughter to her. You can be a better princess."

"Lady Stormbringer…" Windblade said in surprise. After gathering enough information, she sighed firmly and calmly before looking at the gongs. When the sun slowly rose, it shined upon the gong, shining brightly. She hummed thoughtfully, "Of course! I got it!"

Windblade got up firmly as she tightened her gong's rope around her hooves. She then swung them both tying up together. She began climbing up on the pole. Firefly and Ratchet cheered out loud. Unknown to them, both Master Ratio and Bullhound have seen everything behind their tent.

The cheering attracted soldiers, generals, Bladestrike, Blazefirst and Anastasia to come out from her tent, witnessing Windblade's climbing up the pole. Most of them were shocked yet surprised and amazed by the young princess-in-disguise's determination. Anastasia was the first pony to cheer for her rival to do it, followed by Firefly, Ratchet, Strombringer, and then the rest of soldiers also joined as well.

Almost close to her target, Windbalde almost slipped and nearly fall down. The sun's light shined on her, Windblade could feel her mother's watching over her and encouraging her to keep going. With strong determination and her friends' supports, she managed to reach the top and got the arrow.

Just as Strikespell emerged out from his tent, he heard some cheers, making him wonder of what's going on. An arrow swooped and struck down on the ground, surprising him. He looked up and found Windblade sitting on the top of pole proudly. Everyone cheered wildly and happily.

"Now that's the way of a warrior," Blazefist commented.

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Blazefist: We must be swift as the Storm Dragon

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Bladestrike: With all the force of the Fiery Phoenix

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Strikespell: With all the strength of the Tsunami Tiger

Mightiest as the Legendary Warriors

With strong will and determination, the army of Mystic-Equestria Alliance continued their training, but only this time, they have improved and getting better than before.

Firefly was able to evade and dodge the incoming attacks, as well as mastered the long rang weapons but mostly the musket. Ratchet became brave and strong enough to help injured soldier, regardless the bleeding she watched. Though they're still rivals at heart, both Windblade and Anastasia became good friends as they have friendly sparring and competing over martial art skills, weapons and missions.

Strikespell and Stormbringer became proud and happy to witness the army becoming stronger and better. They're all now off to fight off Brutal Khan and his army of Yaks while reclaim their territories and rescue citizens

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Blazefist: We must be swift as the Storm Dragon

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Bladestrike: With all the force of the Fiery Phoenix

Chorus: (Be a Warrior)

Strikespell: With all the strength of the Tsunami Tiger

Mightiest as the Legendary Warriors

Six months have passed; the Yak Tribes have encamped on snowy mountains. Most of them were training and sharpening their skills and weapons. Some were drinking and eating. A few were patrolling the area.

Inside his camp, Brutal Khan was busy sharpening his curvy long sword, making sure it doesn't lose its edge and sharp for the fight. And at the same time, he was looking at the Land of Ma Map, figuring out which target he will go after. Yak Generals marched into the camp as they're making reports.

"Yes, gentleyaks. What is it?" Brutal Khan asked calmly.

"Yak General bring terrible news," Yak General #1 said in concern, "Yak Scout reported Imperial Phoenix got some of the territories back!"

Brutal Khan looked surprise. Yak General #2 added, "Yak General did not think they're fighting back now. Ma Ponies are very strong and smarter too!"

"Yak General also added too! New commanders – Windblade, Firefly and Tha-T-whatever her name is are leading Thunderbolt Squadron on battlefield, letting the rest to charge in!" Yak General #3 said in shock.

Brutal Khan hummed amusingly, "Interesting. Looks like the Emperor is taking it serious. Now he's sending the army here. No doubt they're going to give out their best to take us down."

Yak General #4 chuckled a bit, "Yak has an idea. Why not just sneak pass them and get to the palace?"

"No. It's too long. The quickest way to get to Xuchang Palace is through Great Fortress Pass," Brutal Khan explained firmly and calmly. He then smirked darkly, "And of course, I just come up with the best plan yet to keep them occupied while we get pass through them."

Thanks to the Imperial Phoenix's training, Mystic-Equestria Alliance have managed to score victories and reclaimed their territories. Windblade, Firefly and Anastasia have been promoted. Windblade acted as Commander, Anastasia as Sub-Commander and Firefly acted as Lieutenant for specific battalion called 'Thunderbolt Army' for showing their high speed to charge and defeat their enemies and rescued their allies like the lightning strikes from the clouds. Ratchet became full-fledge chief medic.

Now, Windblade and her units were celebrating at the fire camp. Most of them were cheering and singing praises for their commanders being the bravest warriors with wits and cunning to defeat the enemies and retake the base. Some of them like to recall the event they have been through.

"Commander Windblade really saved our flanks this time! Yeah! If not for her, we wouldn't be here alive! Hey, don't forget about others too. No kidding. Firefly is the best flyer we ever had. You should see how he takes down couple of yaks especially using his own smokescreen and lightning clouds on them. How about Anastasia?! She's such a fierce warrior as Bladestrike and Blazefist! She doesn't let them out easily. Tried Ratchet. She worked very hard to save lives. One time, she almost fainted but she stayed on course and save the soldiers' lives! Stormbringer is amazing general for training these guys a lot! No kidding! She would never back down form the fight. She taught Windblade well."

"Look at them go. They keep talking about us," Firefly commented playfully.

Ratchet sighed as she drank her water, "Yeah. Never thought we'd be heroes today. Funny thing is that Windblade and Anastasia didn't try to kill each other after the training."

"Well, that's because they saved each other's lives a lot, so they can beat and win the competition," Firefly joked.

Stormbringer smiled, "I couldn't be any prouder. All of you did well. Enjoy it!"

Anastasia laughed a bit, "So true. So true." She took a sip of her juice. She sighed, "Say, where is Commander Windblade? She should enjoy celebration with us."

Firefly hummed thoughtfully, "I might have the idea…"

Firefly headed off to find his friend around the camp. He arrived at the small lake, where Windblade was drinking her juice while looking at the moon. She hummed calmly and gently like singing softly, as she was remembering the past.

Flashback:

At the age of 10, Iris has always been with her mother, witnessing and watching Princess Celestia used her magic to raise the sun in morning, and also lowered it down for the moon to rise as well. They're both were having dinner at the balcony of Canterlot Castle, looking at the beautiful sight of sun and moon.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Princess Celestia asked calmly.

Young Iris nodded, "Yes, mother. I like both sun and moon."

"Why do you like both?"

"Uh... They're very pretty and nice like you."

Princess Celestia giggled before smiled warmly, "Maybe. But there's more to them, Iris. The sun represents the strength and also has strong will and protective while the moon represents gentle, kind and humble. They both have something in common."

"Really? What?" Young Iris asked curiously.

Princess Celestia smiled, "Hope. Faith. Love. That's how I named you, little Iris Hope Crystal."

Young Iris giggled happily, "Thank you, mummy. I hope that everything will be great."

"Me too..." Princess Celestia agreed. She kissed her daughter's forehead, "I love you, my little hope."

Young Iris smiled as she nuzzled her mother's chest, "Love you too, mother."

Flashback Ends

Windblade sighed calmly for remembering the memory so much. She missed her so much since the day she left home to help the Ma Ponies to hold the enemies down. She took a sip of her drink while looking at the moon.

"I'd figure you'd be here," Firefly commented playfully, making Windblade giggled a bit. He sat down close to her. He asked, "So, doing alright?"

Windblade nodded a bit, "Yeah. The first time I got deployed on the battlefield, I was scared and worried to fight. But what scared me the most is losing my friends. So, I did what I have to do, even though I'd never like the idea of killing."

"Don't have much of choice, you know. In war, one must stand, another must fall. That's the basic of winning the war. Because if you just do nothing, then more soldiers and home will be lost. Pretty sure you don't want that."

"No. Never wanted it."

"Either way, glad that you never give up after the first battle. Just like the training."

"I thought you wanted me to stop trying."

"I say that because I'm worried about you. You could have gotten yourself hurt or worse. I didn't want anything bad happen to you."

"Well, I'm still here. I passed most of the training and win the battles too."

"Yeah, I know that. You really inspire me a lot," Firefly commented calmly, surprising Windblade. He sighed, "When we were little ponies, I was bullied and mistreated by some jerks because I'm just low-life peasant. But you came and stood up to the bullies. Then, you let me work in the palace for my protection. We spent together a lot for years. You are my very first and best friend I ever had."

Windblade smiled warmly with a blush, "So, are you to me. Thank you for being there for me."

"Not a problem. We're friends. Well, more than that," Firefly said nervously yet hopefully, confusing Windblade. Just before she could ask, he swiftly landed his lips against hers, surprise yet amaze her a bit. He then departed from kissing. He found her shocked and confused. He sighed in shame, "Sorry…"

"For what? For this?" Windblade asked in surprise. She giggled a bit, "I'm thankful of that. I really kinda like you more than friends too, Firefly."

Surprised yet touched, Firefly smiled in relief, "I was hoping you'd say that, Iris."

Windblade smiled as she nuzzled Firefly's muzzle a bit, "You know, Firefly? My mother told me that kissing under the moonlight is the most romantic atmosphere to do."

Firefly smiled, "Well, we are under the moon, aren't we? Shall we?"

Windblade nodded happily as she and Firefly leaned close to each other. They both gave long passionate kiss on lips under the moon's light shining upon them. They then stopped and departed from kissing. They both smiled warmly while looking at each other with a blush.

To their surprise, they heard someone cleared a throat. They both looked behind and found Anastasia stood before them.

"Hope you're done with your… Uh… 'Thing'…" Anastasia said in embarrassed yet awkward. She cleared her throat, "Strikespell's calling us for the war council. He said that they might have found Brutal Khan."

Both Windblade and Firefly looked surprise and concern. They both nodded firmly and seriously that they'll be there.

Everyone including Windblade and her team have gathered at his main camp. They were sitting down on their chairs, in middle of them is a large table with map of Great Fortress and some chess pieces on it. They're having war council due to the scouts have located Brutal Khan's main force now.

"Commence the war council. Blazefist, report the situation," Strikespell said firmly and calmly.

Blazefist nodded as he positioned the chess pieces while explaining, "According to the scouts, this is how Yak Tribes position themselves. Brutal Khan has gathered nearly 200,000 soldiers to lead the invasion. They're very close to the Great Fortress, which will lead straight to Xuchang Palace. So, I'm certain that defeating Brutal Khan will end the conflict for good. However, should you be defeated or enemy conquer the fortress, then the enemies will gain momentum to invade the palace."

Strikespell hummed in concern while looking at the map's battlefield, "State your strategy…"

Almost everyone was giving some thoughts on how to defend the Great Fortress and defeat the enemies. They cannot let the enemies reach Xuchang Palace and kill Azure Phoenix. Looking closely on the battlefield map, Windblade was getting some idea to help them win the battle.

"My lord, if I may," Windbalde said firmly. She positioned the chess pieces of Mystic-Equestria Alliance Army. She then explained her plans, "Allow me to lead Thunderbolt Army to confront the enemy line while you and the rest of main force remain hidden on sides. Once we defeat the first and second wave of thousands, then Brutal Khan will be angered and lead the army to attack us. When we lure the enemy near to the castle wall, that is where you will launch the surprise attack from behind. Signal us to fight back. This I'm certain that we will be victorious."

"Most impressive, Commander Windblade," Bladestrike commented firmly, "I've always believe that numbers mean nothing when they do not possess valor and wisdom to fight the enemies. We would withhold and defend the castle to waste their energy and supplies until they give up. And then, we launch the attack at once."

Blazefist nodded, "Yeah. I was thinking about using the arsenals and traps to take care of them until they have lost so much of their forces, this will give us the chance to strike them back."

Master Ratio turned and looked at Strikespell, "My lord, which strategy you wish to use?"

After careful consideration of three generals' strategy, Strikespell has made his mind, "We shall use Commander Windblade's strategy. I shall provide you 30,000 soldiers to hold off the enemy line. Master Ratio and Bullhound shall assist you to supervise the defense. The rest of us will lie in ambush and be ready to launch the ambush. To battle!"

Everyone stood up and bowed firmly, "LORD!"

"Prepare for tomorrow's battle. I wish you all luck! Dismiss!" Strikespell said firmly. As commanded, everyone immediately left the tent. He turned and looked at Windbalde, "Windblade, may I have a word with you? Alone."

Windblade nodded firmly. With her friends left, she asked, "Sir, is there something I can do?"

"No. In fact, I just want to say that you have done well for almost a year. Ever since you came here, you were nothing but hopeless recruit. Over eight months, you've grown and become the bravest and most cunning warrior we ever had. I admit. You have strength and spirit as the phoenix." Strikespell said calmly yet proudly. Windblade smiled warmly and nodded a bit. He continued, "But you seem to be distracted and uncertain. It's like there's something else holding you back."

"I-I don't know what you mean, my lord."

"I think you do. I think you're hiding something. No, you were searching for something else..."

Windblade hummed in concern, "To be honest, sir, I'm not certain of what I'm searching for. I just thought of doing what is right, and also protect Princess Celestia and our homes. Equestria can't live without its ruler. She's the heart and soul of our land."

"I suppose it's true. But whatever the case, I hope that you find the answer soon, commander." Strikespell said calmly. He scoffed a bit, "You know what? You almost reminded me of someone."

"Really?" Windblade asked curiously.

"Yes. You reminded me of my sister – Iris. I missed her a lot." Strikespell admitted calmly, shocking and surprising Windblade. He continued, "She and I were very close before my parents divorced and split for their own duty to perform. I wish I could see her again. To tell her that I have never forgotten about her, nor would our father. He deeply cared and loved her so much."

Windblade was surprised yet touched as she said, "I see… Maybe after this battle, you can see her again."

After carefully thinking, Strikespell smiled warmly, "Maybe I will, Windbalde. Thank you. Seeing you here. Watching you grow stronger, more intelligent and humble is what I imagined for my sister if she were here. I would be proud of her."

"You have no idea how right you are," Windblade commented softly yet ashamed. She cleared her throat, "Your highness, I should prepare for next battle."

Strikespell nodded, "Very well. Good luck, Commander Windblade."

Windblade nodded firmly, "You too as well."

Just as Windblade exited the tent, she found both Master Ratio and Bullhound stood before her. She bowed humbly to them. They returned it to her as well.

"You know, commander. What he said about his sister, he really meant it. I've seen it a lot. Him and Lord Azure could never stop thinking about her. They regret over the fight with Princess Celestia. If they hadn't, they would have stayed and lived together as a family," Master Ratio said humbly and calmly. He smiled teasingly, "I'm sure it's what you want, Young Iris."

Windblade gasped, "H-How did-!"

Master Ratio smiled warmly, "The moment you enter the camp, I already have suspicious that you really are Iris. And it turns out, you really are her."

"And of course, we eavesdropped on you too!" Bullhound said happily. Windblade looked worry and scared. He cleared his throat, "No worry, Iris. No one knows about you. It's just us."

Windblade sighed, "Thank goodness…"

"Either way, your brother is proud of you for doing the right thing, and also performing your duty as the princess. Your parents would be too," Master Ratio said humbly and calmly, "Perhaps you should tell them the truth now."

Windblade hissed, "I don't know. I mean if I do that, then I'll be in trouble…"

Master Ratio hummed, "Perhaps. But I'm sure our young lord would understand it. Either way, we wish you luck."

Windblade hugged Master Ratio happily, "You too, Uncle Ratio."

Master Ratio smiled warmly as he hugged her back, "Stay safe, Young Iris. Don't throw your life recklessly."

Windblade nodded a bit, "I won't, Uncle Ratio."

At the dawn, Windblade and her Thunderbolt Army combined their forces with 20,000 Mystic-Equestria Alliance Soldiers have gathered and emerged out from the Great Fortress. Marching out to the large battlefield, they're now confronting Brutal Khan and his army of 200,000 Yak Warriors, who also marched out and headed towards them as well.

Upon arriving at the destination, both sides quickly halted at once while formed up their formation. Yak Tribes used the Line Formation while Thunderbolt Army used Wedge and Column Formations. They're facing at each other. Windblade and Stormbringer marched and approached Brutal Khan and his Yak Generals, who also approached them as well.

"I am Commander Windblade of Thunderbolt Army." Windblade firmly introduced herself.

Brutal Khan scoffed, "Don't tell me that the Prince of Imperial Phoenix is too coward to confront and face me?"

Windblade remained calm and firm to speak up, "This is the territory of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom! Please leave now!"

"Aw… I actually like your territory. So, let me make this clear, little horsies. Ponies are nothing little and weak links," Brutal Khan said calmly and amusingly. He then shouted out loud, "While we Yaks are the mighty warriors!"

Yak Tribe gave the loud battle cries and cheers that shook and scared almost whole Thunderbolt Army. Windblade and Stormbringer got startled. The veteran general caught and held her for the moment. She gave her stern and firm looks to her young apprentice, who nodded a bit.

Windblade sighed a bit before spoke firmly, "The Yaks maybe be strong and mighty warriors, and even have numbers. But what you guys don't have is friendship and alliance between Equestria and Land of Ma. So, throw whatever you have, we will stand and fight back."

Brutal Khan chuckled amusingly, "Go ahead and try. But I'll be victorious when I'm at the Xuchang Palace and Emperor's head."

"I'd like to see you try, yak!" Windblade commented snarky.

Brutal Khan and his generals turned around and returned to their positions. Windblade and Stormbringer returned to theirs. They met up with the rest of their friends.

"Did they ask for surrender?" Firefly asked playfully.

Windblade smirked slyly, "What do you think, buddy?"

"I'll take that we kick their ass," Anastasia said confidently while she stretched herself out, "I'm so ready for the fight."

"Well, then, battle position! Prepare for Final Battle!" Stormbringer commanded firmly.

As commanded, the Thunderbolt Army were forming the battle positions. First and second wave held on their armored shields, swords, spears and pikes for defense and offense. Third, fourth and fifth line of units loaded and armed with their muskets. Fifth and sixth are armed with bows and arrows. Firefly, Anastasia and Bullhound were leading the front unit. Ratchet and Master Ratio remained to guard the castle, along with 4,000 soldiers. Windblade and Stormbringer were leading 2,000 cavalries to remain hidden and ready to ambush. The archers launched and landed the arrows at the desert, 15 meters ahead of them.

Yak General #1 was leading the army of 40,000 warriors to charge straight towards Thunderbolt Army, who remained firm and defensive against the enemies. Just as the yak warriors have passed and ran over the arrows; Firefly shouted as he, archers and musketeers fired their arrows and muskets at the enemies. Most of the enemy front line got shot and hit by the volley of arrows and bullets. Others managed to dodge and evade while continued charging at the enemies. This prompted Bullhound and his shield units to form shields to block and hold the enemies' charging. And at the same time, Anastasia ordered and led her units to thrust their spears and pikes at them.

As Yak General and his warriors continued trying to penetrate and ram through the main unit's defense, Windblade and Stormbringer signaled their cavalries to ambush and attack them from both sides. With high momentum, Thunderbolt Army charged and repelled the enemy forces by swift and fierce. They have defeated and killed 25,000 soldiers, prompting Yak General #1 and his remaining soldiers to retreat at once. Seeing enemy retreat, Mystic-Equestria Alliance gave victory cry.

"Nice work, everyone. We're not out of woods yet." Stormbringer said firmly. She then found the larger forces of Yak Warriors were charging. She hissed, "Here comes the main course."

"Is this the part, we run and hide?" Bullhound asked.

Windblade nodded, "That's the plan-!"

Windblade yelped in pain, feeling three stray arrows shot on her chest, causing her to fall down hard. Everyone was alerted and shocked that she got shot. She firmly and determinedly stood up while quickly pulled the arrows. Though wanted to continue leading and engaging the enemies, she almost fell down if not for Firefly and Anastasia to catch her in time. Knowing that she's in no condition to continue with the plan, Strombringer took over and ordered the army to retreat. They're all managed to retreat and return to the Great Fortress at once, though some of them got shot and hit by arrows from their backs. The guards quickly barricaded the gate at once.

Regrouping with the rest of his allied commanders, He and Yak General #1 are now leading the main units straight to the Great Fortress. They began laid siege upon the castle walls. Some of them charged and rammed against the gate and walls, with their bare horns. Some of them used the mechanical Siege Ramps for them to climb to top of castle walls for attacking and invading. Others used catapults and arbalests to launch the attacks on castle walls. Regardless of Yaks' relentless attacks, Windbalde's Units remained firm and strong to hold off the attacks as long as they can. Firefly fired his muskets while punching and kicking the yaks off. Anastasia fiercely and determinedly swung her spear at them while saving her troops. While treating the wounded, Ratchet fiercely and protectively punched and thrown the yaks for interfering her work. Master Ratio watched over Windblade, and also treated her wounds. And at the same time, she fought and battled against the enemy troops. Stormbringer and Bullhound fought and battled again four of Yak Generals.

As the Yak Tribe Army was busy fighting off Thunderbolt Army, the rear units got shot by arrows and bullets. Both sides of Yak Tribe Army were also got attacked as well. Some of them turned and looked around as they found themselves surrounded. Imperial Phoenix Army attacked the enemies from the rear. Water Tiger Army charged on the east. Republic Dragoon Army ambushed them from the west. Seeing their allies have launched surprise attacks, Thunderbolt Army fought and pushed back the enemies out of the Great Fortress. The Yak Tribe Army has been surrounded by Mystic-Equestria Alliance on four sides. They're all fiercely and determinedly have defeated most of the enemy troops until Yak Tribe Army have reduced to less than 8,000 soldiers. Bullhound have firmly and fiercely swung and slammed his giant mace on first two generals to the walls. Stormbringer dashed and defeated other generals in high speed. One more was about to attack her from behind but got stabbed and killed by Windblade, who sighed in relief for saving her mentor.

Seeing their generals and most of soldiers have defeated and slaughtered, the remaining of 5,000 Yak Tribe Warriors were forced to drop their weapons and stand down. They have lost the fight. They're now the prisoners of war.

Seeing that they have won the battle, Mystic-Equestria Army gave the victory cries as they have won the battlefield. Strikespell and his army made their way back to the Great Fortress He met up with Windblade and her units. They greeted him warmly.

"Windblade, your strategy works again! We have finally defeated the Yak Tribe for good! I couldn't be any happier and proud of your achievement! History will remember you for saving our land," Strikespell exclaimed happily and firmly. He sighed firmly and calmly while smiling to her, "Thank you, Windblade. You have my trust in you."

Windblade couldn't help but blushed and bowed humbly, "My lord. I am honored."

"Let's give cheers for Commander Windblade!" Firefly cheered out wildly.

Mystic-Equestria Alliance gave loud cheers for Windblade. She smiled warmly and proudly to have supports with her. And just before she could say anything, she groaned in exhaustion as she was feeling dizzy and tiredness on her head. And at the same time, her chest has once again bleed. Just before anyone could do anything, she fell on her back very hard, knocking her unconsciously.

In night time, Windblade slowly opened her eyes and waking up from her unconsciousness. She then found Strikespell and some of her friends were there, sitting on their seats. She groaned in pain while slowly getting up from the bed.

"So, you're awake. Looks like your wounds isn't serious as we thought, Commander Windblade." Strikespell said grimly yet dryly, making Windblade nervous and worried. He then asked, "Or should I call you – 'Iris Crystal'?"

Windblade, but now as Iris, looked shock and worried. She looked down on her body as she found herself transformed back to her true colors. She even found Strikespell was holding the Magical Pendant on his levitation spell. Some of her friends looked ashamed and guilty for not able to prevent him from discovering the truth.

"I can explain, Strikespell!" Iris exclaimed in concern.

"Explain what? Lying to me that you were just a soldier, not my real sister?! Princess Celestia's unable to come because of her condition?! And some of your friends knew about it and chose to help you?!" Strikespell asked angrily, silencing Iris to look down in shame. He groaned angrily, "Do you even know what you have done?!"

Iris looked down in shame and guilty, "I-I'm sorry, big brother. I only want to save our mother. We both know that she won't survive this. I have to do this."

"I would have executed you right now for deception and knowing about this. We planned and hoped not to involve you of this." Strikespell said dryly and angrily, shocking her friends. He sighed firmly, "But after what we have been through for six months, I'll let you and your friends go. Don't ever come back again."

"Brother…" Iris said hurtfully yet relieved.

"You'll leave here by dawn. This will be our goodbye, sister…" Strikespell said dryly and firmly.

Strikespell exited out of the tent. Both Master Ratio and Bullhound bowed in shame and apologetic to Iris before they exited out of the tent. Stormbringer, Firefly, Ratchet and Anastasia surrounded Iris, making sure she's alright.

"Wow. The Princess in disguise? Who knew?" Anastasia asked amusingly. Iris remained silently and looking down in shame. She cleared her throat. She patted her friend's hoof, "I didn't mean to insult. I meant to compliment."

Iris sighed, "I shouldn't have left my home."

"Come on, Iris. Don't talk like that. You just want to help and save your mother from getting killed." Ratchet said in concern, "Even though she's an immortal Alicorn, it doesn't mean that Brutal Khan doesn't have ways to kill her."

Firefly nodded firmly, "She's right. You did what you have to. You're a good daughter, Iris."

"Strikespell's right. Maybe I didn't go for my mother. Maybe I was looking for something else. Something that I can prove that I can do it right in my way," Iris said sincerely yet sadly. She picked the helmet up. She looked at it, "So when I looked at the mirror, I'd see someone worthwhile." She sighed in shame while forming tears in her eyes, "But I was wrong. I see nothing…"

Iris threw down her helmet to the ground. Her friends couldn't help but worry about her. They really wish that they could do something.

"That's where you're wrong, Iris." Stormbringer disagreed as she held and patted Iris's shoulder. She continued humbly, "You are someone worthwhile. You're a mare on your own."

Anastasia nodded, "She's right. Whether you're princess or warrior, you're still our friend. After all, you owe me a rematch."

Iris smiled, "Yeah. I guess."

"Does this mean we're going home?" Ratchet asked.

"Looks like it since we didn't get Brutal Khan," Firefly commented dryly, alerting Iris. He groaned, "For a smart yak chieftain, he sure got funny ways to lead the army. He's nowhere to show."

Iris gave some thoughts of what Firefly and Brutal Khan has said. She gasped in realization with her widened eyes, "Oh no! I know where he is!"

Just before anyone could asked, Iris got up from the bed as she quickly exited out of the tent. She went off to find her older brother around the camp. To her relief, he was discussing with the rest of military officers. She called him. They're all turned and looked at her. Her friends went after her from behind.

"Iris?" Strikespell asked in surprise.

Iris explained in concern, "Strikespell, I know where Brutal Khan is! He's going after our father! We have to get there now!"

"And why should I trust you now?" Strikespell asked dryly.

Iris sighed in defeat, "Strikespell, you have the right to be mad at me for my lies. But think about it, why would I risk my life for this?"

"She has the point. You trust Windblade, so why is Iris different?" Anastasia asked firmly, making Strikespell silent and thinking. She continued, "I maybe daughter of Thanatos, but I'm not proud of his action. I joined the army to make amends and become a better warrior with good reputation. Iris did well with hers. If what she said is true, then I believe in her!"

"So, do I!" Firefly exclaimed firmly.

"Me too!" Ratchet supported.

"I will always support her," Stormbringer declared firmly.

Master Ratio supported, "I too support her!"

Soon, most of Mystic-Equestria Alliance Army voiced and cheered their supports for Iris. Their supports surprised and amazed Strikespell.

"Please, brother. I beg you to trust me," Iris pleaded.

After giving some serious thoughts, Strikespell spoke up firmly, "I'm still upset and angry with your deception. However, I also realized why you did this. You did it out of love." Iris became happy and relieved by her older brother's support her. He continued, "Shall we ride to the battle together, sister? One last time?"

Iris nodded, "Yeah. Let's kick those yak's flank!"

Strikespell gave the order of Mystic-Equestria Alliance to pack up their stuffs and geared up as well. They're now heading off to Xuchang Palace, where they shall have the final battle with Brutal Khan.

At Xuchang Palace, Azure Phoenix remained calm and firm as he was drinking his Chinese Tea while waiting for the news. He is also reading documents and poems, and even thinking of a way to write it out. He suddenly heard some shouts and screams. This make him alerted and suspicious.

The throne chamber's doors have been rammed and opened up. Brutal Khan and his remaining units have arrived.

Azure Phoenix gave his firm and determined looks while armed with his Imperial Phoenix Sword, "Somehow, I have my own suspicious that you have true master plan of reaching the palace. You're truly a dangerous threat to face, Khan."

Brutal Khan smirked, "Indeed, I am, your majesty. It's time for our showdown to end."

"We shall see," Azure Phoenix said firmly as his body glowed in bright blue color of aura. He declared, "You are powerless before me!"

Azure Phoenix and Brutal Khan charged and engaged fearsome duel at once. They both swung and struck theirs blades against each other for couple of rounds. Yak Warriors armed themselves and readied to attack him if he's up to his tricks.

With no time to spare, Mystic-Equestria Alliance Army rushed out all the way to Xuchang Palace. They're all managed to arrive at their destination. As expected, 50,000 Yak Warriors were attacking and engaging One-Eyed Anger, some of his allied officers and Imperial Phoenix Soldiers.

"The Emperor's in grave danger! We must rescue Lord Azure!" Imperial Phoenix Soldier cried in fear.

"She's right, Lord Strikespell! Brutal Khan really did discover and use the secret underground tunnel to reach here!" Master Ratio exclaimed in concern, "Lord Azure will be no doubt in grave danger!"

"All the reason that we must make haste!" Strikespell said determinedly, "Bladestrike! Blazefist! Assist Anger to contain the situation. The rest of you, follow me. We're going to end the fight with Brutal Khan for good!"

"We're with you, brother!" Iris said firmly.

Just as Mystic-Equestria Alliance assisted Imperial Phoenix Army and made clash against the remaining Yak Warriors; Strikespell, Iris and their squadron of 20 warriors headed off to the palace, hoping that they rescued Lord Azure Phoenix in time and defeat Brutal Khan for good.

With the help of Master Ratio's guidance; Strikespell, Iris and their squadron used the secret passages of the palace as they have just arrived at the throne chamber.

Coming out from the throne chair's wall, they found some of Yak Warriors were guarding the area. They even saw Azure Phoenix and Brutal Khan were still battling and dueling with each other at the balcony. To their shock and concern, they found out that the yak is armed with glowing sword with Dark Stone energy as he managed to wound and injured the Emperor of Northern Ma.

Firefly hissed, "No way. I thought Mystic Ponies aren't supposed to get injured, unless-!"

"That sword and all weapons are equipped with Anti-Immortal Magic or something," Ratchet said in concern, "That explains how they managed to conquer most of Northern Ma."

"Your father won't hold much longer," Master Ratio said in concern.

"We're gonna have to make this quick," Strikespell said firmly and determinedly, "Iris, you and your squadron need to take care of the Yaks. Until I hold Brutal Khan, Bullhound get our father to safety!"

"Understood!" Everyone agreed and saluted.

"Be careful, Strikespell," Iris said in concern.

"You too, little sister." Strikespell said sincerely and calmly, "All units, attack!"

Strikespell, Iris and their team emerged out from the wall's entrance. Iris and her team charged and attacked the Yak Warriors, allowing Strikespell, Master Ratio and Bullhound pass and entered another chamber at once.

Brutal Khan charged and rammed at Azure Phoenix against the wall. The Emperor of Northern Ma is badly injured.

"I have finally win. Your army and walls have fallen, and so as your city," Brutal Khan said calmly and proudly. He aimed his sword at Azure Phoenix. He continued, "Now bow to me!"

Azure Phoenix gave his firm glare at his enemy, "No matter how many time you tried, the Phoenix can never be perished but only rise from the ashes. That is my poem for your end, yak."

Brutal Khan snarled, "Then, I will make sure that you will burn in hell!"

Brutal Khan raised his sword, preparing to finish Azure Phoenix. Luckily, Strikespell has arrived to intervene and block the attacks. Both of them engaged a fierce battle with each other for couple of times. Master Ratio used his spell parchment to blind five yaks, Bullhound rammed and knocked the bodyguards out. Iris has arrived at the scene.

"Bullhound, get my father out!" Iris commanded firmly.

Bullhound nodded as he turned to his lord. He grabbed and held him on his back, "Hang on, Lord Azure! We're getting you out of here!"

"Good luck, both of you!" Master Ratio said firmly.

Gotten Azure Phoenix, Master Ratio and Bullhound headed off at once. They entered and went through out of throne chamber. They're heading off to the Great Hall, along with some soldiers.

Enraged to see his enemy escaped his grasp, Brutal Khan roared in anger and fury as he slammed a punch on Strikespell to the ground hard.

Brutal Khan snarled at Strikespell, "You took away my victory!"

"No!" Iris declared herself firmly while throwing a pebble on the yak's head. Brutal Khan turned and glared at her. She placed her Magical Pendant to reveal her Windblade Form, "I did it. Remember me?"

Brutal Khan was shocked and surprise, "You're Commander Windblade?!"

"I was. I am the daughter of Azure Phoenix – Iris Crystal!" Iris declared.

Brutal Khan snarled, "I see. Normally, I wouldn't go for petty revenge. But for you, I make this exceptional for my trophy, Princess!"

Stoking Brutal Khan's anger, Iris quickly make her escape for him to chase after her. Just as soon as she reached the door, she quickly locked the door. She then headed off and met up with her team.

"What's the plan now?" Anastasia asked. Iris hissed in concern. She was in shock and disbelief, "You don't have the plan!"

"Hey, I'm thinking! Not easy when it comes to being pressure!" Iris exclaimed in frustration. She turned and looked at Firefly, "Firefly, think you can do your special tricks?"

"What?! Seriously?!" Firefly asked in surprise.

Iris said firmly, "Yes. Firefly. You and others ready with that trick. Once I got him to top, we'll take him out!"

Firefly sighed, "Alright. Let's do this! Follow me!"

"Be careful, Iris," Stormbringer said firmly and calmly.

Firefly, Stormbringer, Anastasia and Ratchet exited out of the window. Just before Iris could fly, she heard the door has been broken through. She looked back and found angry Brutal Khan has just arrived and charged after her. She quickly made the run while dodging and evading the attacks that almost cut her off. She managed to escape through the window in front of her.

Iris quickly fly off to the rooftop. She landed on it as she was taking a breath. Unfortunately, Brutal Khan broke through the rooftop as he climbed to the top and scared her off. The Yak Chief growled firmly and dryly as he is armed with his sword. Iris is armed with hers as well.

Brutal Khan growled, "Do you think you can defeat me?! You've already lost!"

"No. As long there's hope and faith, I'm not giving up without fight." Iris said firmly and calmly. She continued, "As the princess, I fight to protect the land, my family and friends! I am Iris Hope Crystal! I will bring honor to my family!"

Brutal Khan smirked, "This is where you die for honor, princess. After all, you're alone."

"Not alone, punk!" Firefly shouted, alerting Brutal Khan to look around of his surroundings. He found Firefly, Stormbringer, Ratchet and Anastasia were charged and surged with electrical energy and even glowed in blue colored aura. He smirked, "Now you're gonna know why we're called 'Thunderbolt Squadron'! It's gonna hit you very hard!"

Refused to be defeated, Brutal Khan gave another battle cry as he tried to swing and slam his sword at Iris, who swiftly and firmly dodge and evade the attacks. Like her friends, Iris is already charged up with electrical energy as he launched some punches on the Yak Chieftain's face and body for couple of times before slammed her kick on his head to the ground. Iris quickly flew up to the sky, positioning herself and waiting for her friends to make a move.

Signaled by her, Iris's team charged straight at Brutal Khan, who just recovered and got up. Stormbringer charged as she furiously and determinedly engaged him for few times before kicked him up, where she unleashed thunderstorm on him. Anastasia unleashed her thunderous claws on him, followed by Ratchet rammed him from bottom to the top. Firefly unleashed his thunderous punches on him before kicked him up, where Iris slammed her kick on him down.

Iris and her friends are charging up and surging with much more powerful electrical energy in their colorful respective auras – Iris's pink, Firefly's blue, Ratchet's yellow, Stormbringer's indigo and Anastasia's red. They all yelled out loud as they charged and rammed on Brutal Khan, which caused a powerful large explosion and also multiple wondrous fireworks around the Xuchang Palace.

Everyone noticed the fireworks on the palace. They're all awed in amazement and happily of it.

Mystic-Equestria Alliance have defeated Yak Warriors Tribe. They also have captured at least 4,000 of them as the prisoners of war now. Iris and her team landed on the ground, reuniting with her brother and the rest of the officers. All of them cheered wildly and happily for her and her team's victory.

While everyone was cheering out loud, Azure Phoenix climbed down the stairs, accompanied by Master Ratio and Bullhound. Everyone moved aside as they bowed humbly before him.

"Iris…" Azure Phoenix said firmly yet calmly, making Iris uneasy and worried. He continued, "I've heard of what you have done for a year, my daughter. I can't say that I'm pleased of what you did to save your mother, but I also understand why you did it."

Iris lowered her head in shame and said humbly, "I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you have for me. I will make no excuse of my action."

"After what you have done for our home and wore to keep the secrets behind Mystic Ponies, you will not be punished, my daughter," Azure Phoenix said humbly, surprising Iris. He smiled warmly, "I'm proud of you for saving us all. Well done, Princess of the Sky."

Azure Phoenix bowed down warmly and humbly. Everyone was shocked to see the emperor bowed to Iris. Strikespell, Master Ratio and even her own friends also bowed to the ground, paying their respect to her. Mystic-Equestria Alliance Army and also the civilians also bowed to the ground, paying the respect to her. Iris was surprised and shocked to see them bow to her.

After bowing to her, everyone slowly and calmly stood up. Iris spoke calmly, "I appreciate this much, father. But I think I want to go home. I've been away for too long."

"I understand. In fact, we should go as well." Azure Phoenix said calmly and firmly, making Iris smiled warmly as well.

Princess Celestia was alone at the garden. She was looking at the flowers, wondering and hoping that Iris was alright. Though she has received word that Northern Ma has successfully repel and defeated the invaders, she is worried about her beloved daughter. She wished she could apologize her for what she has done to her.

"Your highness," Pennyworth called. Princess Celestia turned and looked at him. He continued, "There is someone, who wish to see you."

Princess Celestia sighed, "Tell them to come back later. I need time to be alone."

"Even if it's your own daughter?" Iris's voice asked, surprised the Equestria Ruler. Princess Celestia looked surprise as she looked up and found her daughter stood before. She spoke gently, "Hi, mother."

"Iris…" Princess Celestia said in relief yet happy. Tears of joy poured out, she jumped and hugged her daughter warmly. She cried tearfully yet happily, "You're alright. You're alright! You finally come home. I thought I'd never see you again!"

Iris sighed while crying tearfully as well, "Me too, mother. Me too. I am so sorry."

"No, Iris. I'm sorry for being harsh to you in the first place. I know you wanted to help and protect me. You're truly a gifted and beloved daughter I ever had. In fact, I always believed that you will be a better princess, not follow my way."

"Only because I have a good mother and friends."

"Because of that, she become a heroine and Princess of Sky, as well as leading her own squadron." Azure Phoenix commented as he, his son and the rest of Iris's friends arrived. He smiled, "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Princess Celestia nodded, "Indeed, it is. It's good to see you both again."

"So, am I." Strikespell agreed.

"I've missed you so much, son," Princess Celestia said in relief and happily. She turned and looked at Stormbringer and other Thunderbolt Squadron. She continued, "Thank you all for helping her out."

"I was just doing my job, milady. As always," Stormbringer commented proudly.

Firefly smirked, "It was nothing. They don't call us 'Wonderful Thunderbolt Squadron' for nothing."

"'Wonderful Thunderbolt'? You seriously not gonna call us that?" Anastasia asked playfully. She giggled a bit, "You wouldn't want your girlfriend to be embarrassed by that name."

"Girlfriend?" Azure Phoenix, Princess Celestia and Strikespell asked in annoyance and suspicious while glaring at nervous Firefly.

Firefly gulped, "Well, we just kissed and have some drinks. Nothing else that is serious to her. Nothing to worry about."

Iris giggled a bit, "It's okay. We didn't do anything else. But I have to agree with Ana that we need to do something about the name. Thunderbolt should be enough."

"Too simple if you ask me." Ratchet commented, "I think it would be better if we combined the name. I mean we did something wonderful but very thunderous action like thunderbolt during the Yak War."

Firefly hummed thoughtfully, "I might've finally got the better name. This time, it's better. The Wonderbolts."

Everyone gave some thoughts of what Firefly has aid. They're all chatted happily. Iris smiled, "I like it. That sounds better, Firefly. Fitful for Princess of the Sky's squadron."

"Indeed, it is," Firefly agreed flattery until he noticed her parents and brother keeping their eyes on him. He gulped, "Well, as the Commander, I swore my oath to serve and protect her, nothing more, nothing less."

"I think I prefer you to be General, my love," Iris said calmly and playfully, making Firefly nervous and worried. He was about to protest but almost everyone agreed. She smiled, "Well? We get to be together."

After thinking, Firefly smiled and bowed humbly, "If that is you wish, your highness. I'm honored to fight for you."

Iris smiled warmly, "That's all I ask, General Firefly."

Present…

After hearing Princess Iris Crystal's tale, Twilight managed to write and build a stage about 'Iris Crystal', with the help of her friends and family. Despite some backlash and insults from students, civilians and soldiers; Royal Sisters and Azure Phoenix helped and insisted the world to support the stage wholeheartedly.

Everyone including the leaders across the Equestria have been gathered and watched 'The Ballad of Sky Princess' stage play. Everyone was disgusted and annoyed to see her as they almost wanted to leave but prevented by Tempest and her newly formed Friendship Guards battalion. They continued watching the play while comparing both her and the imposter today, they began to realize and understand that Twilight and her friends were telling the truth.

After the play, both school staffs and students bowed humbly before the world. Everyone was speechless and uncertain of the play and Iris Crystal now. Prince Rutherford was the first one to give the round of applause for supporting and liking the show, despite him being the yak. Everyone followed as well.

After watching the play, Gallus gave some thoughts of the play and also what he has done for badmouthing Iris Crystal. He was ashamed and upset of what he did. He arrived at the garden, where he found Lance was looking at the newly restored Iris Crystal Statue.

Knowing Lance would hate him, Gallus still need to apologize to him. He gave a deep breath before approaching him.

"What do you want, Gallus? Want some insult again?!" Lance asked angrily and annoyingly

"No." Gallus answered dryly yet uneasily. Lance glared at him. He sighed, "I just want to say… Ss-sss-sss-!"

"What?"

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for badmouthing and screwing your mom up."

"Yeah, right. Like you ever feel sorry at all. Just want to act and be cool like you're better than anyone else. You don't even know and understand the meaning of 'family'."

"You're right. I don't know it because I don't have a family!"

Lance was shocked and surprise by Gallus's answer. He asked, "You're an orphan?"

"Yeah. I've been orphan for a long time. So, I don't know anyone or relatives, other than Gilda and Grandpa Gruff. They're both my guardians." Gallus admitted in shame yet sad. He sighed, "So, yeah. There you have it, buddy. I'd never have family in my life. I'm so sorry."

Though still angry with Gallus's badmouthing, Lance can't be mad at him because he was an orphan and never had family. He also knew that his mother would have forgiven and help him than just ignore him.

"Well, you have a family now," Lance said calmly, surprising Gallus. He continued calmly, "School of Friendship isn't just about teaching friendship, but also bonding and family. I'm sure you have with Sandbar, Smolder, Kindy, Arcee, Aero and even Silverstream. Much like how Twilight and Applejack are, they're sisters."

"Guess we're just pals and bros?" Gallus asked in surprise.

Lance smiled a bit while raised his hoof out, "Something like that. Try not to start the fight here, unless it's to protect them.

Gallus smiled warmly as he shook Lance back, "Sure, why not. But thanks."

"Don't mention it. We're friends and brothers." Lance said humbly, "It's what we do. Need anything. Just come to me. I'll help out."

"Got it." Gallus agreed. He turned and looked at Iris Crystal Statue, "By the way, your mom is way awesome than I thought."

Lance sighed, "She is. She's one of the kind…"

END…

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Kelly Hu: Iris Crystal/Windblade

Dylan O'Brien: General Firefly

Doug Erholtz: Strikespell

Kelly Marie Tran: Ratchet

Halle Berry: Stormbringer

Tiya Sicar: Thanatos Anastasia

Gary Chalk: Brutal Khan

Minor Casts:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Midnight Sparkle

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon, Yak General #2

Kira Tozer: Nyx

Cathy Waseluck: Spike, Noble Instructor

Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike

Gavin Langelo: Gallus

Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia

Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix

Michael Caine: Pennyworth

James Hong: Master Ratio

Doug Stone: Bullhound, Yak General #1

Roger Craig Smith: Bladestrike, Yak General #4

Josh Keaton: Blazefist, Imperial Phoenix Soldier, Yak General #3

Crossover Special: Only A Matter of Time

5 years ago, Mr. Smoothy Parking Lot…

Another usual peace and quiet day in Mr. Smoothy's Stall, Bellwood Town. People happily enjoyed and doing their daily lives, usual activities and especially spending quality time with friends and family. Suddenly, something, making a loud bang, impacted and crashed on Mr. Smoothy's Mascot to the ground, creating a large hole. This scared the people to scream and panic before running for their lives.

On the ground lies a destroyed form of Mr. Smoothy's Mascot. A large rubble pushed aside and revealed himself to be Feedback. He groaned in pain.

"Aw man… That really hurt…" Feedback grunted in pain.

"Ben! Watch out!" Gwen cried in concern.

Feedback looked up and found Nezha, in his new battle armor, slammed his powered-up Whirlwind Spear on him. Luckily, he unleashed and fired his electrical shock beam to blast him off. Just as he got up, he found more unusual yet weird villains with their own powers surrounding him.

"What the heck?!" Feedback asked in shock and confusion.

The unusual villains jumped and about to pile him up. Luckily, Gwen dashed to his side as she unleashed her Statua at numbers of villains. They all have been immobilized.

Feedback sighed, "Thanks, Gwen. I could've taken them down."

"I know." Gwen said understandingly yet teasingly before looking at the unusual villains, "But they're not really villains or henchmen. In fact, they have been brainwashed to become villains."

"Huh? How do you know?" Feedback asked in surprise.

"Observant." Gwen said confidently. She turned and found Shadowmoth standing on top of Mr. Smoothy's stall. She remarked, "That weirdo wearing dark purple suit and silver mask with blue monocle is responsible for this!"

Shadowmoth smirked amusingly as he clapped his hands, "Bravo, little girl. I have to assume you're the brain of the Tennyson Family while your twin brother is dumb muscle guy. Reminds me of Ladybug and Cat Noir."

Gwen flustered angrily, "What the heck?! First of all, Ben is my cousin, not my brother, you doofus!" She mumbled, "Just because we both look like twins."

"And secondly, what the heck are Ladybug and Cat Noir?! I've never heard of them!" Feedback demanded, "And also, who you're calling dumb?!"

"Oh… That's right. The birth of French Superheroes are not born. I forgot. My apology." Shadowmoth 'apologized' amusingly yet sarcastically while bowed humbly.

"Hey, Dreathis! Stop fooling around and deal with them at once!" Nezha shouted at Shadowmoth.

Shadowmoth grumbled with hiss, "Out of all the villains, I have to work with the most arrogant and hotheaded pony, who thinks he's better than me. I should have picked a giant robot or white demon at least."

"You'd be dead if you think about working with either of them," Nezha retorted, "Now find new villains. Make sure they're useful than you are."

Shadowmoth groaned, "Fine. Fine. I'm working on it. Just remember the plan we've devised. We must time it carefully."

"I know what I'm doing, fool. Eon's still finalizing with his preparation." Nezha said dryly. He turned and glared at his enemies. He smirked psychopathically yet arrogantly, "But right now, I'm going to enjoy dealing with them. They'll regret for challenging me."

Feedback was nervous and scared as he asked, "Gwen, I don't know about you. But that pony creeps me."

Young Gwen nodded fearfully, "Yeah. I can see that. He kinda reminds us of Kevin's Mutant Form. Super creepy. I thought he's on our side after we helped Princess Twilight and Nyx get back home."

Grandpa Max, Julie and Jonesy have arrived on the battlefield. The old man asked, "You guys okay?"

"Glad you guys arrived. We could really use some help," Gwen said in relief.

Feedback glared at Nezha and Shadowmoth, "Yeah. Whoever they are, they're tough and dangerous. Gotta be careful especially you, Julie."

Activated her Mechamorph Battle Suit to merge with, Julie nodded firmly, "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Nezha scoffed, "Oh, how interesting yet irony. Even in this timeline, you're willing to lay your life for this so-called hero. It's like you two were destined together to love and meet at the end. How poetic yet irony of this."

Feedback and Julie blushed and flustered angrily yet frustratedly, "He/she is not my girlfriend/boyfriend! We're just friends!"

"It doesn't matter," Nezha disagreed. Holding tight on his Whirlwind Spear while his Soul Gems were glowing, he declared, "Because in the end, I will make you lovely couple suffered! Starting with you, Armorstrike!"

Nezha yelled out loud as he charged straight at Young Julie, who gasped in shock and scared. He came very close and swung his spear at her. She then screamed in fear…

Present, Mr. Smoothy Parking Lot…

SLASH! SCREAM! Armorstrike screamed in pain and agony before falling on her back. She groaned in pain while holding her left shoulder tight, which she has lost her whole hand and stopping its bleeding. Daguva, in his Gurongi Form, was holding left hand holding the katana. He gave a crackling laughter at her.

Armorstrike hissed in pain while looking at her severed shoulder, "D-Damn it… That really hurts!"

"Oh! I'm sorry. Did I cut your hand off?" Daguva asked mockingly before crackled madly. He then licked the severed part's bleeding, leaving Armorstrike disgusted and scared. He continued, "I'm sorry, little girl. I just loved your hand so much especially the blood you have. It's so delicious. I want more."

Armorstrike gasped in fear while moving back by legs, "S-Stay back! Stay back! Y-You monster!"

Daguva chuckled evilly, "Me? A monster? Ha! I am a monster. What's your excuse, half-breed?"

Armorstrike gasped in realization and fear, forgotten that Unidentified Lifeforms or Gurongi Tribe are the monsters enjoying hunting and killing without repent or conscience. Daguva grabbed and held her by neck. He licked his mouth deliciously yet amusingly, scared and disgusted her even more.

"Now… Where to start? The pretty face? Or the lovely heart?" Daguva asked amusingly.

"How about stay the f$#& away from my girl, asshole!" Swampfire exclaimed in anger. Daguva turned and found the Methanosian launched a fireball at him, knocking the monster aside. He dashed in and caught her with his both arms. He asked, "You okay, Julie?"

"Yeah." Armorstrike hissed in pain while looking at her missing hand, "But damn it. It really hurts. I hate to think how bad it was if I was full-fledge human."

Swampfire brought and gave the severed left hand to Armorstrike. He spoke, "Stay here and rest, Julie. I'll take care of that asshole."

"Ben, be very careful. That's No. 0. The strongest and deadliest Unidentified Lifeform Kuuga has ever face." Armorstrike warned in concern.

Swampfire nodded, "Got it. In that case, time to go Ultimate!"

Twisting and hitting his Omnitrix, Swampfire transformed into his Ultimate Swampfire. He charged and engaged a fierce fight with Daguva, who quickly and swiftly parried the attacks before kicked him off. Rook charged straight at him as he jumped and kicked at him but instead, he got grabbed and whacked at his surroundings before got thrown at Ultimate Swampfire to the ground. Just before he could do anything, he got shot from the back. He turned and found Tetrax is armed with his Gatling Diamonds. Gurongi Leader smirked as he dashed and launched fierce rapid punches at the Petrosapien, who is unable to respond it in time until he got punched and knocked to the ground.

Daguva slowly turned and gleefully looked at Armorstrike, who gasped in fear as she tried to back away from him. He tried to approach her until he got shot from his back. He turned and found Ultimate Swampfire, Tetrax and Rook, who barely got up and readied for another fight.

Daguva smirked amusingly, "How interesting. Let's play again!"

Daguva roared out loud as he charged and attacked Ultimate Swampfire, Tetrax and Rook, who struggled yet determined to fight against them at once. Armorstrike tried to help her teammates by providing cover fire for them. Team Ben weren't the only team have to deal with dangerous opponent.

Team Prime including Bluestreak, Rodimus and Chromia also have to face with a dangerous enemy of their own. Like Team Ben, they also suffered casualties – Bluestreak has many shot marks around his body, Rodimus was badly damaged with three spears on his back, Chromia has broken sniper and burnt marks on her body, Bumblebee lost his left hand and right leg, Arcee received some serious cuts from her whole-body bleeding out of Energon and Bulkhead received lots of bruises and dents. Optimus Prime was the only Autobot to stand and fight, though he too suffered some bruises and cuts on his bodies. Eventually, he again got his battle mask kicked and damaged, throwing the Prime straight and fell on Mr. Smoothy to the ground.

"You were supposed to be the Prime? Somehow, I doubt your claim," The fierce voice spoke with mild growling.

Optimus Prime grunted in pain as he struggled to get up. He then face-to-face with his enemy, who revealed himself to be a large and muscular grayish-colored Cybertronian cladded in purple-black colored armor with demonically spikes on shoulder pads, has the demonic crown-like helmet with five sharped spikes, and has his right arm attached with a large orange-colored cannon stood before him.

"Is that the best you can do, Last Prime?" The mysterious Cybertronian questioned with a scoff, "How disappointed. I have faced many opponents including Nova Prime himself. You are nowhere close to his strength and power."

Optimus Prime grunted in pain while struggled to stand up. He glared at the unknwon Cybertronian. He demanded, "W-Who are you? Are you a Decepticon or Quintesson? How could you have met and faced Nova Prime from billions of years ago."

The mysterious Cybertronian smirked as he introduced himself, "I am the Agent of Chaos. I am the leader of cult, who fight and live for chaos, war and death. I am the antithesis of knowledge bringer – Azimuth herself. I am the Grand Commander of Nova Prime's Dynasty. I am the very being comes from the Age of Origins stand before your very eyes."

Hearing those statements made the Prime uneasy and concern to recall. After piecing them together, Optimus Prime has figure it out and answered, "Galvatron… Alive…"

"In the flesh. As a matter of speaking in human term," Galvatron confirmed mockingly.

Deeply shocked to learn a historical figure from Cybertron is alive, Optimus Prime questioned, "H-How is it you were alive? History claimed that you were perished from radiation site during the Great Cataclysm."

"I would be glad to tell you, little Prime." Galvatron mocked. Unsheathed his broadsword from the back, he smirked, "But unfortunate for you, you won't live to tell a tale. Prepare to die, The Arisen! The Last of the Primes!"

Galvatron yelled out loud as he charged and slammed his broadsword at Optimus Prime, who quickly rolled over on his left. Activated and armed with his Energon Axe, he firmly engaged a swordfight with the ancient warrior from the past. The leader of chaos cult fiercely swung and struck his broadsword against the Prime, who parried the attacks off for couple of times before they both have a clash for the moment. The purple-cladded warrior headbutt with the Autobot's head before got punched three times and then kicked him off. Galvatron jumped and slammed his blade at Optimus Prime, who dodged aside and then swung his axe on hi m back. They both resumed a fierce fight with each other for couple of rounds.

The Autobots grunted and moaned in pain as they struggled to get up and tried to help Optimus Prime to fight the enemies off. They still suffered some injuries to do so.

Unbeknownst to two timelines, both the past and present battles have been watched by a familiar antagonist, who was standing in the same spot of tall building. He was watching Team Ben (Past and Present Timeline) battling with his new teammates, who have proven themselves to be fierce, strong and powerful opponents for them to handle. And at the same time, the corrupted time traveler was chanting while generating and channeling the dark energy on his palms. He also sensed something or someone is coming into the timelines.

"It's almost time…" Eon said ambiguously yet calmly. He narrowed his firm eyes while touching his helmet's commlink, "Everyone, on my signal. Keep wounding and exhausting Tennysons."

His teammates received the message. They all nodded firmly and seriously while engaging their battles.

Shadowmoth has found new victim to be his villain with gravity power to hold Team Ben (Past), allowing Nezha fiercely and relentlessly attacked Feedback, who struggled to hold off the attacks. In present time, Daguva summoned Hellfire on Team Ben, who yelled and panicked in pain and agony, prompting Armorstrike to shift into Scuba Mode and fire the hydration spray on them. Galvatron fiercely swinging and slamming his broadsword at Optimus Prime, who went in defensive modes. His allies have exhausted and weakening both past and present Ben 10.

And at the same time from both timelines, Portal, a yellow-orange colored metallic sphere, appeared out of nowhere and happily flying straight towards Mr. Smoothy while humming happily in 'Old McDonald' song.

"Perfect! This will get his attention!" Eon exclaimed firmly with tone of excitement, "Now, weaken them both! Bring that Deurtaal close to Tennysons!"

His teammates received the message via commlinks. They nodded to each other firmly as they immediately engaged the operation at once.

In the Past Timeline, Nezha activate and unleashed his Destruction Explosion to knock most of Team Tennyson. Activated his Mega Rage Power, the Mystic Emperor charged and attacked Feedback with the use of Mantis's Blade Strikes. And at the same time, Shadowmoth used his Amok to summon his own Butterfly Sentimonster to attack and weakened Portal (Past) before slammed him straight down at Feedback.

During the Present Time, Daguva gave a wild yet loud lion's roar as he summoned and struck the thunderstorm on Team Ben, weakening them to drop on the ground hard. He then grabbed and held Ultimate Swampfire up by neck. Armed and fired his charging Positron Cannon at Optimus Prime by three shoots on chest, Galvatron swung and slammed his broadsword at him straight at the Optimus Prime. He jumped to grab and slam Portal (Present) at Ultimate Swampfire, who was thrown by his teammates. They both slammed to the ground hard.

Seeing both Ben 10 and Portal are aligned, two Eon teleported and appeared in front of them, with his own hand, charged with purple energy.

"The time is now!" Eon (Past & Present Timeline) declared firmly.

Eon (Past & Present Timeline) thrust his charged energy through Portal's shell before slammed and touched on both Ben 10 counterparts' Omnitrixs. This shocked and electrocuted all four of them (Past and Present Timeline), causing them to scream in pain and agony. Portal counterparts' powers are now shocking and affecting the Omnitrixs to go haywire and wild while building up a powerful energy within. Everyone, from both timelines, weakened and saw what happened.

The alien watches-like unleashed and flashed out a powerful bright white light with greenish-colored electrical energy ran wildly, engulfing everyone at once.

Unknown Timeline…

Professor Paradox was walking down the road-like energy stream while his surroundings are dark void filled with shinning stars, various clocks ticking, and various portals-like screens revealed sceneries and alternate universes. He even checked on his pocket watch. He then took a bite of gumball happily.

While enjoying the scenery, the time traveler yelped in pain and held his head tight as if he sensed some disturbance. And it was very foul and unsettling. As he was recovering, he panted heavily. He has the expression scared and worried on his face.

Getting up at once, Professor Paradox was heading straight to one of the portals, which was the void of darkness. His hand reached and entered it. Able to hold a grip on something, he brought it out. The item revealed to be a long sword-like with energy flowing and surging while its crimson handler that has an hourglass mandala on center with large Energon crystal glowing brightly within.

"Eon, you fool. What have you done?" Professor Paradox muttered in fear. Holding tightly on the sword, he breathed firmly, "I have to find Ben now."

Past Timeline…

Lying on the ground, Feedback groaned in pain as he slowly getting and sitting up straight. And to his shock, he found Portal on top of him. He lifted up the sphere-like alien, who is still unconscious and dizzy.

"Dang it. What the hell was that about?" Feedback asked in confusion. He then found himself in Feedback Mode. He was shocked, "Huh? When did I become Feedback? Could've sworn that I was Ultimate Swampfire."

"Ben? You okay?" Gwen asked in concern.

Feedback looked back and found Gwen standing before him. And not just her; he found Grandpa Max, Jonesy and Julie in her artificial Mechamorph Armor approached him. He was deep shocked and disbelieved of what he was looking.

"Huh?! Gwen?! Jonesy?! Julie?! Why are you guys looked like kids?! Wait! Where're Tetrax, Rook and other Autobots?! They were here!" Feedback asked frantically. He heard the Omnitrix beeping and timed out at once. He transformed back into his normal form but he's in 12-years-old body and his old Omnitrix. Looking at himself, Ben (Present) panicked, "What the?! I'm a kid?! And why am I stuck with the Classic Omnitrix? How?!"

"Uh… You okay, Ben? You don't sound like yourself," Jonesy said in concern.

Julie was worried as she stated, "Yeah. Shadowmoth and Nezha must have hit you very hard."

"Huh? Shadowmoth? Nezha? Here?!" Ben (Present) exclaimed in disbelief, "No! No! No! No! No! No! They're not supposed to be in this timeline or dimension! This can't be right!"

"Ben, you're getting weirder than usual," Gwen said in concern.

Grandpa Max approached and comforted his grandson, "Take it easy, Ben. Tell us what are you talking about?"

"It's… It's hard to explain, Grandpa. Like really hard to tell you how and why it happens," Ben (Present) admitted in concern. He hummed, "If I'm in this body, then my 12-years-old self must have been inside my future's. Just hope they're alright especially fighting with No. 0 and that purple robo-monster."

Present Timeline…

At Mr. Smoothy's Parking Lot, Team Ben and Team Prime groaned in pain while slowly regained their conscience and getting up as well.

Tetrax groaned, "What the hell was that?"

"That's what I would like to know as well," Rook agreed. He and Tetrax then found Ultimate Swampfire was on the ground. He approached and checked on him, "Ben? Are you alright?"

"Ugh… Yeah, I'm alright. Man. That really hurts," Ultimate Swampfire said in pain tone while getting up. He then found Tetrax and Rook stood before him. He was confused to ask, "Huh? Tetrax? You're here? When? And what's with the beard? Who is this guy?"

"Huh? You're kidding me, Ben?" Tetrax asked in disbelief.

Rook was shocked and confused to ask, "Ben, it's me – your partner Rook Blonko."

"Partner? I don't remember having partners," Ultimate Swampfire said in confusion. He gasped upon seeing Autobots standing before him. He exclaimed, "Wow! Are those giant robots?! Awesome!"

"What's with him?" Bumblebee asked in disbelief.

"That's what I'd like to know. He doesn't know us?" Bulkhead asked in confusion, "I'm kinda hurt."

Arcee sighed in concern, "Those monsters must have hit Ben harder than we thought. He must have suffered an amnesia."

Just as the Omnitrix timed up, Ultimate Swampfire transformed back into teenage Ben. Ben (Past) looked at himself and the Omnitrix before gasped, "Wow! I'm a teenager! And I've got a new Omnitrix! Awesome! I wonder what it does. This is best day ever!"

Everyone looked confused and disbelief of how Ben behaved. He doesn't sound like himself.

"Wow. Definitely something's wrong with him," Bumblebee beeped in confusion.

"Yeah. This is unexpected." Arcee said in concern. She turned and looked at Bluestreak, "Blue?"

Bluestreak shrugged, "Don't look at me. I also don't know what's really going on too. He doesn't behave and sound like himself. Those monsters have no doubt did some damage to his processor. The damage is beyond repair than we thought. If he was a robot, then we can fix him."

"Hey! I'm not a broken robot, pal!" Ben (Past) exclaimed in anger, feeling offended.

"Take it easy, Ben. They're just worried. No need to get angry and upset." Armorstrike calmed Ben (Past).

"Yeah sure, Julie." Ben (Past) said reluctantly. As he looked at her, he gasped in surprised, "Wow. Seriously. Wow. That's some nice armor you've got there. And you looked…" He blushed in red, "Beautiful and amazing too."

Armorstrike was surprised before flustered, "Geez, Ben. What was that about? I mean we've been dating and hanging out for last two years."

"Dating?! Really?!" Ben (Past) asked in surprise.

Arcee snapped her fingers as she spoke up, "Hey! Hate to ruin your lovely conversation. We've got companies especially a new guy joining in."

Everyone looked up and found Galvatron and Daguva are standing before them, along with Eon also standing before them as well.

"Who are they?" Ben (Past) asked in confusion.

"Galvatron…" Optimus Prime said in concern.

"And also, that's Unidentified Lifeform No. 0. Still don't know how that monster's alive when Kuuga killed him 12 years ago." Tetrax added in concern.

"From the looks of his clothes, he must be Eon." Armorstrike explained in concern. Everyone looked at her. She explained, "He's one of Team Ben's bad guys and also from another dimension."

"What? Like Shadowzone?" Bulkhead asked in concern.

Rook shook his head and corrected, "No. She means Eon is Ben's Alternate Counterpart. I heard about him too. He tried to conquer and absorb the rest of his counterparts to become 'one and true Ben'. I'll be honest. I'm not sure if this is true or not."

"So, what's he really up to now?" Tetrax asked in concern.

"Something's not good. That's for sure," Armorstrike said in concern. Readying with her Cybertronian Blasters, she firmly commanded, "Everyone, get ready now!"

Everyone nodded firmly as they all armed with their weapons and prepared for the fight. Eon and his teammates did not move but standing still.

Daguva hummed amusingly, "Is it me or this mortal is acting more of a fool than before?"

"Hmm… A temporal consciousness inversion I suspect… Not exactly how I planned. But it will do," Eon said amusingly yet calmly, "Now to get what we need."

Galvatron nodded firmly, "Agreed. To claim our prize."

Optimus Prime narrowed his firm eyes as he demanded, "Eon, what are you and your allies after? What is your intention behind this action?"

"One – where is Professor Paradox?!" Eon demanded firmly and seriously, shocking and concerning everyone by the question.

"Who?" Ben (Past) asked in confusion. This earned both Eon and Galvatron to growl in anger while Daguva was amused. He stated, "Seriously! I have no idea who the heck is he?"

"We have no idea where or when he'll show up," Armorstrike added.

Optimus Prime nodded, "Agreed. We do not possess the means to contacting him. And even if we did, we will never surrender him to you."

Clenching his fists, Eon growled, "You and your heroic nonsense-!"

"Cool it as the American said, Eon. They're telling the truth," Daguva said casually yet amusingly. Eon glared at him. He smirked, "You did say something about 'temporal mind' or whatever it is. That guy doesn't sound like himself. He sounded like a brat."

Galvatron nodded thoughtfully, "He has the point, Eon. Our allies did notice something off from the past as well. So, if this Tennyson is from the past-!"

"Of course. The present is in the past. That explains the temporal effects. But it's perfect. We leave at once." Eon said in realization. Using his commlink, he contacted his allies, "Shadowmoth and Nezha, get and hold Paradox down until we get to there."

"Understood…" Shadowmoth and Nezha responded telepathically.

With the snap of his fingers, Eon and his two allies teleported off to the past, leaving everyone behind confused and concern. They wondered what are the villains really want from Professor Paradox. Why him?

"Okay. What was that about?" Bulkhead asked in confusion while Bumblebee shrugged in concern as well.

"No clue. One thing for sure, Professor Paradox is in danger," Armorstrike said in concern while looking at her friends, "We have to get back to base now and figure out a way to contact him before they get him."

"We also need to find out what's wrong with Ben as well. Something about 'temporal consciousness inversion' effect." Rook added in concern.

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with me!" Ben (Past) exclaimed in annoyance.

"And this guy," Arcee said seriously while picking unconscious Portal up on her grip. She glanced at him, "What the heck was he doing here when we were still fighting?"

"No idea," Bluestreak admitted. Looking at his scanner which was scanning on both Ben (Past) and Portal, he found his chart showing the lines going off. He hummed, "One thing for sure, scan indicates energy signature of Ben and Deurtaal is way off the chart. This is unbelievable. I have a bad feeling about this."

Optimus Prime nodded, "I agree with your concerns. Our scientists might have the solution to three problems. We have to find a way to restore Ben and also contact Professor Paradox before our situation could escalate."

Ben (Past) groaned, "Can you stop saying that like I got sick, broken or whatever?!"

Ignoring Ben (Past)'s outrage, everyone nodded firmly and seriously, agreeing with him. Optimus Prime contacted Ratchet to open the Groundbridge Portal, which appeared before him and his allies. They all quickly entered it at once.

Past Timeline…

Ben (Present) explained the situation to the past version of Team Tennyson. They were not only surprised, but also overwhelmed and bewildered about it.

"Okay. Let me get this straight, Ben. You're from the future or at least, your brain is while our Ben is in the future?" Gwen asked for reassurance. Ben (Present) nodded. She sighed in frustration, "What a headache…"

"You tell me," Jonesy agreed, "How did you not get a headache with this mess, Ben?"

Ben (Present) shrugged, "I just roll with it until everything's back to normal. I think. I'm used to this."

"And what about Shadowmoth and Nezha the Pony? How did you know them?" Julie asked.

Ben (Present) sighed, "Let's just say that those two guys are the bad guys we wouldn't mess with. Shadowmoth is the supervillain from France and Nezha is a racist jackass thinking that he's better than anyone, and also, he hates humans a lot."

"He doesn't seem like hating Shadowmoth when they work together to fight us," Gwen argued.

"Only because we have a common goal," Nezha's voice said dryly.

This attracted Team Tennyson's attention. They all turned and found Nezha and Shadowmoth stood before them.

"Indeed. A common goal is to control time and space to recreate the universe under our vision. The perfect vision we desired the most, Tennyson." Shadowmoth mocked, "Or should I say, Tennyson from the future?"

"Shadowmoth?! Nezha?! You guys really are here?!" Ben (Present) exclaimed in disbelief. Shadowmoth and Nezha snickered amusingly. He realized, "Wait! How did you know that I'm me from the future?!"

Shadowmoth smirked, "Let's just say we have a friend from the other side."

"Indeed. And you will give us what we want," Nezha said dryly. Charging up with his Soul Gems and Whirlwind Spear, he smirked, "Tell us where is Paradox or I will tear your love apart like a doll."

Julie gasped in fear while backing off, prompting Ben (Present) protectively held her back. Readying with his Omnitrix, he threatened, "Go ahead and try. You do not want to make me mad."

"So are we," Gwen said in agreement as she and the rest of Team Tennyson joined the fight.

Shadowmoth sighed while shaking his head, "Why do some heroes always do the hard way…"

"Who cares? I rather to enjoy fighting with these monkeys than play nice," Nezha mocked.

Jonesy groaned, "He did not just call us 'monkeys'. Now I feel offended now than the worse name we have to bear with."

Ben (Present) groaned, "You have no idea how worse this pony really is."

"Think we can beat them?" Grandpa Max asked in concern while readied with his blaster.

Looking through his Omnitrix, Ben (Present) looked worry, "I don't think so. I don't have the Atomix to beat them especially that jerk pony."

"You don't have to, Ben," A firm yet old man with Britain Accent spoke, getting everyone's attention. Just as Shadowmoth and Nezha turned back, Professor Paradox slammed his cane on the ground, summoning two portals for them to drop and fall into it at once, prompting them to yell. He smiled in relief with sigh, "That should hold them for the moment. Now, we can talk."

"Professor Paradox?!" Ben (Present) exclaimed in surprise.

"In the flesh, Ben. Or is it called 'Was in the flesh' since I'm in the past timeline. Ha. I can't figure it out." Professor Paradox smiled warmly while approaching his ally.

"Uh… Ben? Wanna tell us who is this guy?" Grandpa Max asked in confusion.

"A friend of mine," Ben (Present) answered casually. Turning to Professor Paradox, he stated in relief, "Man, am I glad to see you here. We definitely need some help. Think you can reverse whatever effects happen to me and my kid self? Turn everything back to normal?"

Professor Paradox sighed, "I wish I could, Ben. But now is not the right time to fix. Eon is back. He's responsible for your predicament. He is now leading the Messiah Team."

Ben (Present) was in deep shock and exclaimed, "What?! When?! How?! Why?! What is he-?!"

"No time, Ben." Professor Paradox interrupted firmly. He passed two familiar futuristic boxes-like. He whispered softly, "I need you to hold and keep them safe for me. Whatever happens, they must not get their hands on them. They could bring the catastrophe not only our timeline, but also dimensions and multiverse as well."

Ben (Present) nodded firmly and seriously as he quickly grabbed and hid both boxes in his 12-years-old past self's cargo pants' pocket.

Just before anyone could do anything, a plasma blast shot out and hit on the ground, caused an explosion and knocked Team Tennyson and Professor Paradox off to the ground. They all groaned and moaned in pain while recovering and struggling to get up.

Team Tennyson and Professor Paradox looked up and found Eon, Galvatron and Daguva approaching them. With the snap of his fingers, the time traveler summoned two portals, allowing both Shadowmoth and Nezha fall to the ground.

Daguva chuckled sadistically, "Nice of you to join in. Having fun falling?"

Shadowmoth groaned as he got up while swiping the dust off, "Not really. In fact, that was very annoying. Trapped and falling in the void for 30 minutes!"

"Indeed. And for 30 minutes, I have to deal with his stupid complains about not getting the Miraculous for his stupid wish." Nezha grumbled.

Shadowmoth glared at Nezha, "It is not stupid! It's crucial. I need it to save my love."

"Was it? Or using it as an excuse to rule the world because of your weakness and your petty background?" Nezha mocked angrily yet sternly, angering Shadowmoth. He scoffed, "I don't care as long you don't get in my way."

"Whatever you say…" Shadowmoth agreed dryly.

Daguva snickered psychopathically, "You guys are so much fun to play with."

"Is that him?" Galvatron questioned.

Grabbing Professor Paradox by collar high, Eon snarled and glared at him, "Yes. This is him. I have you now, Paradox."

Ben (Present) gasped, "Professor Paradox! Hang on!"

Just as Team Tennyson were about to get up, Nezha yelled out loud with Azulong's Soul Gem glowing brightly in green, allowing him to summon and launched the Tornado Storm to knock them against the walls of Mr. Smoothy. They all struggled to move and get out of Nezha's Wind Elemental Power while trying to reach Professor Paradox.

With his enemies are holding in bay, Eon snapped his fingers, summoning the Time Portals for him and his team to enter and leaving the Past Timeline. Professor Paradox glanced at Team Tennyson especially Ben (Present).

Professor Paradox smiled cryptically, "Don't worry about me, Benjamin. Remember what I've told you. Find your friends from the other sides. I'm sure you got this well in hand."

Confused by Professor Paradox's cryptic, Ben (Present) and Team Tennyson can only watch Messiah Team disappeared through portals, bringing and dragging Professor Paradox with them. Since Nezha disappeared, the wind storm ceased blowing immediately, allowing the team to drop down and recover from the sudden attack.

"Okay. What the heck was that about?!" Jonesy asked in disbelief and confusion.

Julie panted heavily, "No clue. They've got the professor. It's not gonna be good, right?"

Gwen hummed in concern and giving some thoughts, "Definitely not good. Whatever this Eon and his team called Messiah are planning, it can't be any good. Something about doing bad to timeline and multiverse, right?"

"Yeah. Something to do with these boxes," Ben (Present) stated while looking at two boxes. Just as he pushed the buttons on two boxes, they all technologically yet magically transformed into a pocket watch and a large sword. Though he managed to grab the small item, the large one slammed to the ground hard, scaring off the team. He yelped, "Yup. Definitely something to do with this thing."

"That is one big sword…" Jonesy remarked in surprise yet concern. He then looked at the pocket watch Ben was holding. He asked, "Is that pocket watch?"

Ben (Present) nodded, "Yeah. And it's more than that. This is Chrono Navigator. He used this to travel through time, space and maybe universes or multiverses. It's kinda like using GPS to travel."

"Is it important? Is this the reason why Professor Paradox entrusted us to keep them safe?" Grandpa Max asked. Ben responded by a nod. He nodded understandingly, "Okay. What do we need to do now? The professor mentioned about getting friends from other side. Know what he means?"

Ben (Present) sighed, "Not really. Professor Paradox can be sometimes cryptic and difficult to understand and figure it out. But seeing Eon working with those bad guys I'm not familiar with has kinda makes me thinking." He gasped in realization, "That's it. I need to get some help."

"Like who, Ben?" Gwen asked seriously, "We'll help too."

"No. This is something I have to do it alone." Ben said seriously while looking at the Chrono Navigator. He opened the pocket watch and its time face, revealing Chrono Crystal. He took it out. He passed it to Gwen, "But you can help me. Keep this until 5 years later. If you see the news or social media about those monsters, then come back straight to Bellwood and help the team. They're gonna need some serious backup to deal with them."

Taking the Chrono Crystal, Gwen was surprised to ask, "Really? Is the future seriously in danger?"

Ben (Present) nodded, "Yeah. It is. Can I trust you with this?"

Gwen smiled confidently, "You know you can trust me, Ben. We're family. Past, Present or Future, we're on this together."

"We all do," Grandpa Max assured his grandson, making the latter smiled.

"One dumbest question, Ben." Jonesy said in concern. He turned and looked at the large sword. He questioned, "Who the heck are gonna carry this? It's gigantic as Humungado."

Julie nodded, "Yeah. Even if you use Way Big, you could attract the wrong attention."

"I wish I knew." Ben (Present) stated in concern. Just as he touched the large sword's handler, it glowed brightly in pure gold, alerting everyone. It then shrunk into normal human's hand size to grab and hold. This surprised everyone. He remarked, "Okay. Did not expect that."

"Something tells me this sword got some kind of mass shift tech," Jonesy remarked curiously.

"So, now what?" Julie asked seriously.

Looking at the sword, Ben (Present) narrowed his firm eyes while trying to figure out about the sword. Accidentally pushed a small button on handler's grip, the rain-guard opened itself and revealed a pure Energon Crystal with electrical energy.

Pass the crystal to Gwen, Ben (Present) said seriously and firmly, "Same like what we discussed, Gwen."

Gwen nodded, "Okay. I'll see you in the future. Just hope I'm not too late."

"So, what about him?" Jonesy asked while pointing at unconscious Portal, "What are we gonna do with him?"

Ben (Present) hummed thoughtfully while looking at his Omnitrix. He smirked slyly, "I might have an idea. Hopefully, this nutcase helps me than being an ass."

Present Timeline…

Remembering the plans with Ben (Present), Gwen, using Kevin's Muscle Car, made her way back to Alpha Trion's Secret Sanctuary. Just as she arrived at the hangar bay, she climbed down from the car. She revealed wearing a dark blue shirt with collar, black vest, grayish blue long skirt, long black socking and blue heeled shoes, and her signature Lucky Girl's long twin scarfs. She picked two familiar crystals from her vest's pocket.

Gwen sighed calmly, "I hope I got here in time."

Gwen was heading straight to the command center, where she heard some argument, shouting and panicking, which made her concern yet suspected correctly. She entered the room. She found everything is in chaotic and mess than she imagined from Ben (Present)'s description about the situation.

Grandpa Max was arguing with Hector from the monitor screen as the Big Boss of Ravagers demanding Portal to return to him at once.

Jolt and his assistants treated both Bluestreak and Rodimus from blast marks and spear impalement. Chromia was placed inside CR Chamber to heal, overseen by technicians and medical officers. Bumblebee's missing limbs have been replaced with new ones by Ratchet. Autobot medics were treating Optimus Prime's injuries and Bulkhead's dents. Minerva was treating and patching Arcee's cuts. Helen was treating Rook's injuries and cuts. Elena was repairing and reattaching the severed hand to Julie's left hand, with the help of Ship's welding on it. The technicians were scanning on Ben (Past), who was strapped on the chair and struggling, allowing Perceptor and Thundercracker to analyze on his condition. Cooper, Driba and Bluckic were checking on Portal, who was dizzy and delusion happily.

"Okay. This is worse than I thought," Gwen remarked in surprise.

"So, how's Ben? Is he alright?" Julie asked in concern.

"'Alright' isn't the vocabulary we should use on Commander Tennyson. There's some kind of complication condition he's suffering that we have yet to analyze, understand and theorize of why he ends up like this. Technically, it's very difficult yet delicate theory we might have come up with," Perceptor answered cryptically, making everyone stared at him in confusion.

Thundercracker sighed, "He means he has no idea what happened to him."

"Yeesh. Can't he just say that? And he called himself a smart guy and scientist," Ben (Past) remarked, annoying Perceptor.

Perceptor groaned, "Everyone has to be a critic."

Thundercracker cleared his throat, "As far as our concern, Yamamoto, his health condition seemed to be fine. He didn't seem to suffer any injuries either. But his mental condition is something we did not expect."

Perceptor nodded, "Indeed. While the brain is indeed alright, but for some reason, scans indicate that his behavior, action and mind are acting like a child as if he was a 12-years-old. And that explains his unusual voice as well."

"So, you're saying he became a 12-years-old boy?" Rook asked in concern.

Perceptor shook his head in disagreement and corrected, "I'm saying he actually has the 12-years-old brain, not his teenage brain. In other words, he's not the same Tennyson we know of."

"Wait! What?!" Rook asked in disbelief and concern.

"B-But that's impossible," Julie remarked in disbelief, "How? How did he become like this?"

"I wish I knew…" Perceptor admitted in ashamed.

"I do," Gwen spoke up. Everyone looked back and found her entering the room.

"Gwen?!" Everyone asked in surprise.

"No way! You're a teenager too! What's with the glasses? And why you're dressed like you're going for some kind of new school?" Ben (Past) asked in confusion.

"Because I go for the college now." Gwen answered calmly, shocking Ben (Past). She asked, "Would you mind let my cousin out of there? It's making him uncomfortable like he's in Vilgax's experiment to cut off his hand."

"Are you certain of that? Wouldn't want to risk him going wild," Thundercracker said in concern.

"I'm sure. And I have a reason why he's acting like this," Gwen said calmly.

"Huh? Wow. Since when did you become so mature and caring for me? Did you hit your head or something? Am I really in different universe?!" Ben (Past) asked frantically.

Gwen was a bit of annoyed before sighed, "No, Ben, I am fine. I became mature and caring for you because I'm grown up and you're like brother to me than cousin." Ben (Past) was surprised by her words. Thundercracker nodded as he deactivated the strappers, freeing him. She continued, "As for why he has 12-years-old brain is because he's from the past."

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in disbelief and confused.

"She's right," Tetrax confirmed as he also arrived while holding the Magnificent on his palm. Looking at it, he stated, "The Magnificent confirmed that this Ben has 12-years-old mind from the past."

"How is that possible?!" Ratchet asked in shock and concern. The Magnificent revealed the events of two timelines about Eon struck his concentrated purple-energized power on both Ben counterparts, switching their brains to each other. He sighed as he sarcastically thanked, "Thank you for info."

"Still, how did you know about this, Gwen?" Arcee asked curiously.

Bluestreak nodded firmly, "Yeah. You can't be here coincidently or even thinking about using magic to predict this."

"You're right. It wasn't either of them," Gwen confirmed firmly and seriously. She then explained, "5 years ago, we were attacked by Nezha Vengito and this French Supervillain called Shadowmoth until Eon showed up and did something to Ben."

"Nezha?! And Shadowmoth?! In the past?!" Rook exclaimed in concern and shock, "Impossible. They shouldn't be existed 5 years ago. Why would they work with Eon? Nezha has an extreme prejudice against humanity. Shadowmoth has no interest of alliance but to get the Miraculous Items."

Feeling a headache, Julie hissed in pain, "No idea. One thing for sure is that I have a headache…"

"So did I…" Gwen admitted in concern, "Ben told me if anything involved with Eon or his new buddies, come straight here immediately to give you guys this."

Gwen shown both Chrono Crystal and energetic Energon Crystal to her friends. They all looked at them carefully.

"What are those?" Bulkhead asked in confusion.

Ratchet hummed carefully while using his magnifying optic on it to analyze, "These crystals seem to be highly concentrated yet also pure and powerful energy source than crystals or Energon we have seen so far. Where did you say you got this from?"

"The Chrono Crystal comes from Paradox's Chrono Navigator while that crystal is from some kind of large sword made of Cybertronian Alloy, I think. And I sense something off with this crystal. It's almost felt the same as Paradox's." Gwen explained. She then noticed the Autobots were shocked and surprised while looking at her. She asked, "What?"

"Gwen, the sword you've describe. That is none other than the Blades of Time," Optimus Prime stated firmly with tone of concern.

"Am I supposed to know why that sword is important?" Ben (Past) asked in confusion.

"That sword is the sacred relic of the Thirteen Original Primes. It belongs to Vector Prime, the Guardian of Time and Space," Optimus Prime explained seriously and firmly. He hummed in concern, "I thought it was lost for millennia when the Quintesson Planet is destroyed."

"Until now. Professor Paradox must have found and hidden the weapon because it has the same power as his," Rook said thoughtfully yet concerned. He hissed, "I have my suspicious that Eon is going after both relics of time and space. But for what purpose, I cannot say for sure."

"One thing for sure, it cannot be good," Tetrax said seriously.

"Still, one thing concerns us. What happen to them? Ben did something to them when he just gave you two crystals," Ratchet said in concern. Ben (Past) looked at him. he cleared his throat, "I mean this timeline's Ben, not the past."

Gwen sighed, "Not sure. He did mention about getting some backup to help us. But he never told me who can help us."

"This time travel is giving me a big headache." Grandpa Max grunted while rubbing his head, "I faintly remember Ben took them apart as you said. And the next thing is he scanned Portal's species and become Warp to teleport off with the rest of them."

"Whatever the case, we have to assume that he is protecting them from Eon and his allies. And we must find them as soon as possible before they do," Optimus Prime said seriously and firmly.

"But where do we start?" Julie asked in concern.

Gwen sighed, "Good question…"

Unknown Timeline…

In unknown dimension, Eon and his Team Messiah have brought and imprisoned Professor Paradox inside their hidden base – a damaged church-like building.

The time-traveling professor was held within a large disc-like mechanism with energy beam to hold on all of his limbs. He howled in pain and agony as he suffered severe punches and cuts by Daguva, who was laughing psychopathically as he was enjoying his torturing. And at the same time, Eon and the rest of his teammates were standing and waiting for the results. Holding his hands on back, Eon was watching while tapping his right foot. Galvatron was firing his Plasma Cannon on couple of buildings for practice. Nezha was cleaning and sharping both his armor and weapons for next fight. Shadowmoth was looking at his locket, thinking about his deceased wife as he hoped to achieve his goal.

Daguva gave a hard punch on Professor Paradox to his right, causing the latter cough and spilled some blood out. He panted heavily while recovering. He then lifted and faced his enemies with firm and determined looks.

Professor Paradox panted, "I-Is that the best you can do, Daguva? You hit like a girl."

"Oh? Think you can actually take another punch as the American said to an imbecile like you?" Daguva mocked.

Professor Paradox scoffed amusingly, "As a matter of fact, yes. I can do this all day. Do your worst."

"No, you can't. You're not like my nemesis. You can't heal yourself."

"You're right. I am not. But that does not mean you can break me easily. You won't get anything from me."

"We shall see. Perhaps you can try survive my powerful lightning!" Daguva exclaimed madly as he raised his right hand, ignited some electricity on it.

Eon dashed in and held his ally's hand, "Don't even think about that, fool! We need him alive. He's the only one knows where the Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time are."

"Indeed. Did you even use your head, abomination," Galvatron questioned in anger.

Daguva scoffed, "I'm a brawn, not a brain. So, I don't care about anything."

"You should, fool. With those relics in our hands; we can navigate, travel and control time and space. And who knows? Dimensions? Universes? Or maybe Multiverse itself?" Shadowmoth said firmly yet amusingly. He sighed calmly, "Think about what we could do with them especially I can fix my mistakes…"

"Gee. Thanks for the obvious, imbecile." Nezha thanked sarcastically. "We all want the same thing and achieve our own personal ambition. Unlike you, we have better visionary and destiny while yours is nothing but petty and pathetic."

"W-What?! What did you say to me?!" Shadowmoth demanded in fury.

"You heard me, pitiful bug. You have proven yourself to be a failure and narrow-minded since the beginning of your career. How embarrassment."

"Why you insolent and arrogant-!"

"SILENCE!" Galvatron roared, scaring Shadowmoth a bit while Nezha remained unfazed. He continued while aiming his Plasma Cannon at them, "One more argument, I will incinerate you both into ashes."

"I dare you to try, fool!" Nezha snapped angrily yet overconfidently.

"Believe me. He started it, not me," Shadowmoth defended himself while pointing at the Mystic Emperor.

Galvatron snarled at Nezha and Shadowmoth, "I said 'silence', fools."

Eon sighed in frustration about his allies. Professor Paradox chuckled weakly, "Not much of a team I see. Maybe you should have taught and trained them how to be a good team player. It would be a good exercise."

"Be quiet, time walker." Eon growled at Professor Paradox. He demanded, "Now tell me. Where did you hide them?!"

"Come now, Eon. You know me better. Even if I knew where they are, I wouldn't tell you. These relics could irreparably damage to time stream or destroy all of time itself." Professor Paradox defied firmly yet calmly. He smirked, "Besides you could have searched my pockets for them, instead of interrogation. That would give you the answer."

Daguva growled, "This fool's stalling…"

"Indeed, he is," Eon agreed with Daguva's suspicious. He hummed, "However, he's right about one thing. He doesn't have them."

"How would you know?"

"I know him better. He is many things, but a liar, he is not."

"Even so, he wouldn't have come and rescue Tennyson without a plan, would he?" Nezha questioned firmly and seriously. Eon turned and looked at him. He continued, "You say you've known him, then he would expect this to happen."

"And you know this how?" Shadowmoth asked in annoyance.

"I have fought many wars and battles for hundreds of years. And I wouldn't be so foolish to start the battles without some plans especially if things go wrong. Unlike you, Shadowmoth." Nezha said confidently.

Shadowmoth hummed thoughtfully, before hissed in defeat "You are indeed right. I would have done the same thing if anything goes wrong."

"And I believe he actually did give something to those fools from the past." Galvatron theorized seriously. He clenched his fists, "Without a doubt, I am certain it's the Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time."

"Well done. Well done, my friends…" Eon said proudly. He turned and amusingly glanced at Professor Paradox, "Looks like I don't need to teach them about teamwork. They all have their own strength and wisdom to play with."

"And you know what my wisdom is now?" Daguva asked amusingly, "We should deal with our nemeses."

"Why are we wasting time to deal with ours?" Galvatron questioned firmly yet skeptical.

Daguva smirked, "Simple. Tennyson is not familiar with us, but our nemeses do. What will he do to deal with us?"

Shadowmoth gasped while has his right fist to hit on left palm, "Of course! Ladybug, Cat Noir and others would join and help Tennysons to stop us. And I believe each of them could have the portion of the relics. The teenage Tennyson wouldn't risk them to be found in one place."

"And you know this how?" Nezha questioned dryly.

"I would have done the same thing if I've lost the important items," Shadowmoth answered in mocking tone, annoying Nezha.

Eon nodded in approval, "Then, we have come to an agreement, my friends. Send some best warriors and soldiers to deal with them before they rendezvous with Tennyson."

Team Messiah nodded firmly and seriously as they obliged to the command. The time portals appeared before four of his allies. They all each taken theirs to enter. Shadowmoth was the last person to enter his.

"Gabriel Agreste! Don't do this! Think about what you're doing," Professor Paradox pleaded, "Your wife. Your son. They wouldn't want you to go through this. If you do it, you will destroy lives including your own family. Are you willing to make that sacrifice to defy the fate?!"

Shadowmoth turned and glared at Professor Paradox. He shown stoic and firm as if he was given some thoughts. He answered aphetically, "Yes."

Professor Paradox sighed, "I pity you. I truly do. You will never get a happy ending. Neither does your son. The biggest blunder you will make shall destroy you and your family. And, it will haunt you for the rest of your life. Forever."

Shadowmoth scoffed, "We shall see."

Shadowmoth entered the time portal, returning to his home and to deal with his nemeses. Professor Paradox shook his head while looking down. Eon smirked beneath his mask as everything will go the way he wants now…

Present Timeline…

"So, you're saying my other me didn't tell you anything else?" Ben (Past) asked in disbelief yet annoyed. Gwen shrugged, admitting that she really doesn't know what to do after she regrouped with her team. He groaned, "You're supposed to be a smart one, Gwen. Can't you figure this out or what?"

"With what exactly? We don't even know where to start," Gwen stated in frustration with a sigh.

"What about the backup Ben was looking for? Maybe they can help us," Bulkhead suggested.

Ratchet huffed while rolling his eyes, "Without knowing who they are and where they lived? Highly unlikely. And even if we did find them, I seriously doubt that they would trust us and even help us. Let alone returning two most powerful relics to us."

"Oh. Right…" Bulkhead said in realization. He groaned, "Why didn't I think carefully?"

"Even so, we should look into it." Rook insisted firmly, "That might be our only clue to find and get their helps."

Bluestreak shook his head, "Easy to say than done, Rook. It's not like an answer just come to us out of nowhere."

BOOM! Everyone yelped in surprise, upon hearing a loud boom in front of them. A portal appeared before them. Uncertain and concern of the situation, they all armed with their weapons and readied for the fight. And to their shock and surprise, Kamen Rider Kuuga emerged out from the portal. This surprised them.

"And I stand corrected…" Bluestreak remarked in disbelief.

Transforming back to his human form, Yusuke waved at them, "Konnichiwa, mina!"

"Yusuke?!" Bulkhead asked in surprise. Yusuke nodded happily. He laughed heartily as he gave a gentle fist bump with Japanese Masker Rider, "Man! It's good to see you again! Sure wish Miko was around to see you."

Yusuke smiled, "So am I. Good to see you all after a week."

Everyone looked surprised by Yusuke's sudden speaking in English Language. Tetrax asked, "What the?! Since when did you learn to speak in English?"

"Coz he has help from my translation module…" A voice spoke arrogantly yet sarcastically. Everyone turned and looked back at the portal, where they found Kamen Rider Decade emerged out from the portal. He casually waved at them, "Yo."

"Another Kamen Rider? I didn't think there was another one," Julie remarked.

Yusuke nodded happily and agreeable, "Yeah. Me too. I was surprised too when he showed up right in my uncle's coffee shop. He said he needs my help."

Kamen Rider Decade sighed in annoyance, "Again, dumbass. I never said I need your help. I said 'multiverse' or 'timeline' need your help and these losers as well. Listen with your ears, not with your mouth. Yeesh. Dumbass."

"LOSERS?!" Team Ben, Bumblebee and Bulkhead asked in disbelief yet annoyed.

Yusuke panicked as he gestured 'calming down', "Wow! Wow! Wow! Easy there, everyone! He doesn't mean that. He can be a bit of jerk, but he's really a nice and good guy. Just tell them you didn't mean it, Decade."

"Whatever." Kamen Rider Decade shrugged cockily.

"Decade? That's his codename of Kamen Rider?" Gwen asked, which Yusuke nodded in confirmation. She then asked, "Does he have his real name?"

"Nope. Not telling. Just another Kamen Rider passing through," Kamen Rider Decade scoffed while dusted his hands, "Anyway, we didn't come here for a tour or visit. In fact, we're on the mission, involving with old man Paradox."

"You know Professor Paradox?" Rook asked in surprise, which Kamen Rider Decade nodded.

"I'm surprised he actually has other friends from here," Tetrax remarked.

"You're mistaken. I'm not from this loser world. I'm from another dimension." Kamen Rider Decade corrected dryly, surprising everyone. He nodded, "Yup. You could say that I'm like a dimension traveler or guardian."

"I'm guessing you met our Professor Paradox," Julie asked.

"Yup. That old man is really pain to my ass. What a jackass." Kamen Rider Decade grumbled.

"Language!" Grandpa Max, Optimus Prime, Tetrax and Bulkhead scolded.

Kamen Rider Decade scoffed, "Whatever. This isn't a kid show, you know. It's Fanfiction World, dumbass. Yeesh. Think with your head, not your heart."

"Can we get back to the topic about your mission? Why are you both here? And how on Cybertron did you find and get here?" Ratchet asked impatiently.

"Time travel." Kamen Rider Decade answered bluntly. Everyone looked at him in disbelief. He scoffed while crossed his arms, "I thought it's so obvious. I look through many portals to find and get here. Simple as that."

Yusuke took out Blades of Time's chappe and Pocket Watch's case out, "Yeah. So, I can bring these here."

Seeing the relics' parts, everyone was surprised and disbelieved. Ratchet asked, "Where on Cybertron did you get them?"

Yusuke shrugged as he passed them to Gwen and Julie, who placed both crystals into them. While looking at Ben (Past), he then explained, "Yeah. Funny story. 6 years ago, Ben-kun somehow managed to find me from Jonan University when I was paying a visit to my friends. He told me to keep them. If any bad guys like No. 0 show up, I have to get here immediately. I was planning to call you for getting a plane."

"Yeah. That would take too much of time. Or worse, you would have been killed before you get here." Kamen Rider Decade disagreed. He turned and looked at his new allies, "Before the old man went and rescue your Ben in the past, he came to us and asked us to help you guys meet up before having a big showdown with Messiah."

"Messiah?" Bulkhead asked in confusion.

Ben (Past) groaned in disgust, "Eew! Gross! And rude much! Why did you have to say mucus in front of everyone?"

"Messiah, Ben. Not mucus. Messiah means savior and liberator to group of some isolated, broken or lost people. It comes from Hebrew or Judaism language," Gwen clarified. Ben (Past) shrugged. She hummed, "I didn't think of Eon and his team would be called by that. They don't really like saviors or heroes."

Kamen Rider Decade scoffed, "That's your POV, not mine or theirs. They have their own versions of 'Messiah', girly."

"True. Like Ten Commandments, the Yellow Turbans Rebellion, Selassie I and other religion," Julie stated thoughtfully. She then realized something, "Wait a minute. Decade, what do you mean 'us'? You mean you're not alone on this?"

"Never said I was alone. In fact, Professor Paradox is one of Time Guardians." Kamen Rider Decade explained calmly and firmly. Everyone looked at him, wanting to know about the meaning. He bluntly answered, "I am not gonna waste my time to explain it."

Arcee sighed while stated sarcastically, "We get it. Time Guardians literally means you guys safeguard the multiverses' timelines, and making sure time stream flow doesn't go scraped."

Bumblebee beeped, "Yeesh. Decade, you don't have to be a jerk, you know."

Before Bulkhead could explain, Kamen Rider Decade spoke up, "Yeah, I know. I am a jerk and make fun of everyone. It's how I am. And yes, I do speak in Cybertronian Language."

Bumblebee and Bulkhead grumbled, "What a jerk…"

"Easy now, Bulkhead. We've got other matters to tend now," Tetrax reminded Bulkhead. Everyone nodded seriously to agree with him. He turned and looked at Kamen Rider Decade. He questioned, "Don't supposed that you know who else has the other parts for two relics?"

Kamen Rider Decade nodded seriously, "I do. Go to Paris now. Meet up with Bunnix. She's helping Ladybug and Cat Noir now. Shadowmoth is attacking them."

"Marinette has them?!" Julie asked in concern and shocked. Kamen Rider Decade nodded seriously. She hissed, "Optimus, you have to Groundbridge us there now! She could be in danger!"

Optimus Prime nodded seriously, "Understood. Ratchet, activate the Groundbridge Portal. Send us to the subway or abandoned warehouse at least."

"On it! Everyone, to your station," Ratchet ordered firmly.

"You do that. I'm gonna go after the old man," Kamen Rider Decade said casually yet dryly, "Just don't screw it up when I'm away, baka."

Kamen Rider Decade summoned the portal for him to enter before it closed down. While they were relieved that he helped, they were still irritated and annoyed by his attitude.

Rook sighed, "I really cannot stand with him."

Bluestreak nodded, "You and me both. He sure has some attitude problem."

"Not the time, guys. We have to go and help Marinette now," Julie said firmly.

"Didn't Decade guy say 'Ladybug and Cat Noir'? And who's Marinette again?" Ben (Past) asked.

"I'll explain later, Ben," Rook said firmly, "We have to go and help our allies now."

"Ben, you might need Portal's power. Scan his DNA," Grandpa Max instructed Ben (Past).

"Why?" Ben (Past) asked.

"Just in case if our Groundbridge malfunction or at least help you escape. Portal's species has the ability to travel through spatial and dimensions, and even using teleportation" Grandpa Max explained.

Ben (Past) nodded in agreement. Approaching Portal, Ben (Past) used his Omnitrix to scan on him. He asked, "Is he gonna be okay?"

"He'll be fine, Ben. Just need to do some medical checkup on him," Grandpa Max reassured Ben (Past).

Just as Ratchet readied with the Groundbridge Portal to be activated, Team Prime and Bluestreak transformed into their vehicle modes, allowing Team Ben and Yusuke to board in. Tetrax is inside Optimus Prime's truck, Ben and Julie are in Bumblebee's sportscar, Yusuke climbed on Arcee's motorcycle, Gwen climbed inside Bulkhead's hummer and Rook got into Bluestreak's car. They all rolled out and entered the portal. Both Grandpa Max and Ratchet can only hope that everything goes well.

Present Timeline…

Groundbridge Portal appeared inside the abandoned warehouse. Team Prime emerged out from the portal, followed by exiting out of it. Just as Team Ben climbed down from the vehicle modes, Team Prime transformed into their robotic modes for stretching and readying with their weapons.

Looking at the beautiful buildings, Gwen was amazed yet excited, "I can't believe it. I'm actually at Paris. Hopefully, practicing my French Language is worth it."

"Well, you will definitely like Dupain-Cheng's bakery goods. They make the best," Julie remarked calmly and happily.

Yusuke looked excited, "Ooh! I can't wait to try it!"

"First thing to do, everyone, we need to find your friends and get them back to Sanctuary safely," Arcee said seriously and firmly, "If Decade's right, Shadowmoth or at least Messiah Team would be attacking Ladybug and her friends very soon."

BOOM! This shocked and alerted everyone. They then found some explosion igniting and booming, near to Eiffel Tower.

"Think we've found them." Tetrax remarked.

"So, let's go!" Bulkhead said impatiently while armed with his mace.

"Bulkhead, wait. We're in the public area. It will be crowded with some civilians. We cannot afford to endanger them while battling the enemies especially Decepticons might detect us," Optimus Prime said seriously, "I will inform Agent Fowler and Mayor of Paris to evacuate this area at once."

"I don't think they need to," Rook stated while looking at his gauntlet's scanner. Everyone looked at him. He explained, "Ever since Hawkmoth or Shadowmoth constant attacks last year, Mayor Bourgeois and Mr. Agreste set up the 'Akuma Alarm' to alert and warn everyone to evacuate immediately while not engaging any of Akumatized Villain."

"Akumatized Villain?" Ben (Past) asked in confusion.

"It means Shadowmoth turned anyone into his minions with the help of evil powered butterfly called Akuma," Julie explained.

"Really? A butterfly? Lame," Ben (Past) criticized.

"Seriously. You're saying a very small yet beautiful insect turns anyone into a mind-controlled supervillains with powers? I find it hard to believe," Arcee stated in disbelief and unconvinced tone.

Bluestreak nodded, "Yeah. They can't be that bad. They're just insects, not like the ones we have fought and deal with."

Julie sighed, "You bots have no idea how dangerous these butterflies can be. I've seen what they can do. If you have any kind of negative emotions, Shadowmoth will prey and turn you into one of his minion with powers, whether you're a human, aliens or robots. Willing or unwillingly, you are in his control to follow until you get the Miraculous for him. He is someone you shouldn't mess with."

Everyone was shocked and concerned by Julie's explanation about Shadowmoth's Akumas. Ben (Past), unfazed and unimpressed, remarked, "Lame."

"Still, we all have to be very careful," Tetrax said seriously and firmly, "Just remember, everyone, do not let negative emotion out. The last thing we need is adding more enemies."

"Luckily, Shadowmoth can make one villain per day," Rook said in relief.

"Yeah, no. Not exactly how it happen from my timeline," Ben (Past) disagreed. He explained, "That butterfly man somehow made the portals and let some bad butterflies out. They turned some people into supervillains."

Rook was in shocked and disbelief, "That's impossible. He couldn't possibly have made that many. It would have exhausted him."

"Unless he has some help," Gwen said in concern as she transformed into Lucky Girl. Everyone looked at her. She explained, "Eon used his time portals for all of Akumas to come out from the past, present and future."

Bumblebee gulped, "Oh boy… That doesn't look good."

Arcee nodded seriously, "Bee's right. The odds are against us. We're outnumbered against them."

"And not to mention, we could be hurting some innocents, even though they have turned into supervillains," Bulkhead added in concern, "So how are we gonna help Ladybug and Cat Noir without hurting people?"

"We have to fight them," Julie said firmly as she and Ship merged into Armorstrike. Everyone looked at her. She stated, "We don't have choice, guys. And besides, if we can find the akumatized items, we can break them and let evil butterflies loose. Ladybug will use her Yo-Yo to capture and purify them at once."

Rook nodded seriously, "Julie's right. This might be our only chance to stop them. With my scanner, we should able to locate them."

"But there is a way, right?" Yusuke asked. Everyone looked at him. He asked, "I mean if Shadowmoth is the one for turning everyone into supervillain, then we should beat him. That way, it should turn everyone back to normal."

"T-That's a pretty good idea," Gwen remarked in realization, making Yusuke smiled warmly.

Armorstrike hummed thoughtfully, "Theoretically yes. Ladybug and her team managed to do that during Heroes Day. We should able to do the same as well."

"To get him, we all have to do this," Tetrax said seriously.

Everyone looked uncertain and disgusted about harming the innocents but they knew that they don't have the choice.

"Optimus?" Arcee asked in concern yet firmly.

Optimus Prime sighed, "I'm afraid that they are right. We have to fight. Ladybug and Cat Noir have the relics' parts. We must get them back before the enemies do. It's the risk we must take. Autobots, apply minimum force to knock them. That is all we can do."

Like Optimus Prime, his team and even Bluestreak didn't like the idea of harming the innocents but they knew he was right. They have no choice. They have to fight them.

Summoning his Arcle, Yusuke transformed into Kamen Rider Kuuga. He sighed, "Guess we do what we can to beat Shadowmoth before he ruined people's happiness?"

Ben readied with his Omnitrix, "Yeah. He's going down. It's Hero Time?"

"Hero Time," Team Ben agreed firmly.

Present Timeline…

The Eiffel Tower and several buildings are on fire and destroyed. Ladybug, Cat Noir and the rest of Miraculous Team (consisting of Rena Rouge, Carapace, Vesperia, Polymouse, Minotaurox, Purple Tigress, Ryuko, Viperion, Pegasus, Caprikid, King Monkey, Rooster Bold, Miss Hound and Pigella) including Su Han and Bunnixes (Present and Future) were struggling and battling a large army of supervillains, who continued fiercely and madly swarming and attacking them.

Despite using both the powers and teamwork, Miraculous Team is being overwhelmed and defeated at once. They all grunted and moaned in pain and agony. All of them were brought before Shadowmoth, who was waiting patiently and calmly at the Eiffel Tower's Ticket Center. The army of supervillains forced the Miraculous Team to knee to the ground while Ladybug, still in her Miraculous Mode, and Cat Noir were moved to the front.

"Hello, Ladybug and Cat Noir. I finally have you both in my mercy, along with your Miraculous Team," Shadowmoth said proudly yet sinisterly. He gave out his evil laughter, "At long last. Your Miraculous are mine!"

"Damn it. This can't be happening…" Cat Noir said in disbelief yet pain. He turned and looked at Ladybug, "Milady. Please tell me we have the plan. We gottta have one."

Ladybug sighed while looked down in shame, "I'm sorry, Cat Noir. We don't. We've lost this battle. I'm sorry."

"No! This can't be it," Cat Noir exclaimed in disbelief and fear while shaking his head, "Future Bunnix said that help is on the way! Where are they now?!"

Future Bunnix grunted in pain, "T-They… They'll be here, Kitty Noir. They have to."

Shadowmoth chuckled, "Unfortunately for you. No one is coming for you. Not even Ben 10 and his team could come. All of you are all alone."

"Want a bet?!" The confident yet cocky voice boomed, alerting everyone. They all looked up, where they found a dark grayish-blue colored sphere-like with green eye and Omnitrix on his head was floating on them. He scoffed, "Time to Warp this up! Warp one reinforcement coming up!"

Warp yelled out loud as he summoned several portals. Team Ben, Team Prime and Kuuga emerged out and slammed to the ground as they unleashed powerful shockwave to knock most of supervillains out. And at the same time, Armorstrike Speed Mode and Lucky Girl dashed in and freed Miraculous Team from the shackles. Shadowmoth tried to stop them but got headbutt by Warp's Omnitrix, which helped turned him into Four Arms. The Tetramand smirked cockily as he got what he needs.

"J-Julie?!" Ladybug asked in surprise yet relieved.

"You okay, Marinette?" Armorstrike asked as she helped her sister-figure to stand up.

Ladybug grunted in pain while trying to stand, "Y-Yeah. I'll be fine. Thanks for coming." She turned and looked at both Team Prime and Kamen Rider Kuuga. She asked, "Who are they?"

"Friends." Armorstrike answered in confidence. She asked, "Think you and your friends can fight?"

Hearing her Miraculous Earrings and even all of her allies' Miraculous Items made beeping noise, Ladybug sighed, "We still can but we're running out of time. We've used our magic powers too many times. No way we can hide and recharge our Kwamis."

"You don't have to," Lucky Girl said firmly yet calmly. Readying with her magical powers, she chanted, "Sana Kwamis Et Restituet Heroum Vires!"

With her magical power fully powered, Lucky Girl fired her magic at Ladybug, Cat Noir and the rest of Miraculous Team, healing and restoring all of them at full power. Miraculous Team gasped in surprise before cheered wildly and happily about it.

"Wow. Thanks, Lucky Girl," Ladybug thanked in relief.

Lucky Girl smiled warmly, "Don't mention it. We're friends. By the way, love the new outfit."

Looking at her current suit, Ladybug smiled with a blush, "Aw… Thank you. I've grown and become stronger than before. Thanks to my friends and Armorstrike."

"Ready for second round?" Armorstrike asked.

Ladybug smirked, "You bet it."

Angered that he let his victory slip away, Shadowmoth yelled in anger, "Curse you all! You all will regret for standing in my way!" He calmed himself down before forming a sinister smile, "On contrary, seeing you here means you have what Eon wants. In that case, my Akumatized Villains, get both Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time from them! And while you're at it, make sure you still bring me Ladybug and Cat Noir Miraculous."

Obliged to his command, the army of Akumatized Villains gave the loud battle cry while raising their weapons up high. They all charged straight at Team Ben, Team Prime, Miraculous Team and Kamen Rider Kuuga. They all armed and engaged a fierce with the enemies at once.

Though outnumbered by overwhelming numbers of Akumatized Villains, the heroic team remained strong, firm and determined to fight the odds. Thanks to the Autobots, they used minimum brute force to push and knock the corrupted people aside, allowing the Team Ben and Miraculous Team to destroy the items, letting the Akumas out. This allowed Ladybug, Lucky Girl's Purification and surprisingly Kamen Rider Kuuga's powers to capture and purify them into angelic insects.

Using his Dragon Rod, Kuuga Dragon swiftly and quickly swung and knocked on couple of Akumatzied Villains by chest, waist, limbs and head. All of them received ancient markings. Unlike Gurongi he has fought, the Akumatized Villains got petrified in statue for the moment as their Akumans slowly got affected and destroyed by the markings' powers. This helped freed and also making them unconscious.

"Wow! I didn't know you can do that!" Cat Noir exclaimed in impressed tone before swung his pole at three mind-controlled villains.

Kuuga Dragon shrugged, "Me neither. Normally, it would have exploded them especially if its Unidentified Lifeforms."

"EXPLOSION?! As in killing them?! Are you crazy?!" Cat Noir exclaimed in disbelief.

"Cat Noir! Focus!" Rook reminded Cat Noir. He took a Plumber Plaster. He passed it to Kuuga Dragoon. He stated, "You're gonna need it to shoot from distance."

Kuuga Dragon gave the thumbs up, "Got it. Thanks, Rook!"

Transforming into green-colored armor, Kuuga Pegasus used and fired his Pegasus Bowgun at couple of mind-controlled enemies from rooftop buildings, thanks to his enhanced sensors. And at the same time; Minotaurox, Rooster Bold, Purple Tigress and Pigella protected him as they hold the supervillains from attacking them. He gave thumbed up to them. They responded with same gesture.

Autobots did their best to hold the Akumatzied Villains as long as they can for their allies to destroyed the corrupted items and demonic butterlies, though they were often forced to use brute force to stop them especially some of them were in their size. Bulkhead pushed the Gigantitan to sit down hard. This caused the giant baby to cry, making the Wrecker embarrassed and ashamed.

"Sorry." Bulkhead apologized. He then come across another giant doll, who slammed a punch at him straight to the building. He groaned, "Don't know how long we have to hold them. I don't wanna hurt the people."

"Neither do us, Bulk," Bumblebee reminded as he swung his hand to knock five people off. He beeped, "Unless we take down the big bad of Paris, the people will still get hurt by us!"

"Bumblebee's right! Shadowmoth is the source of this chaos," Bluestreak agreed while firing his Law Enforcer Blaster's Stun Mode to stun some of civilians to knock unconscious. He grunted as he come across Fang the Dragon-like, "If our friends have to defeat Shadowmoth, then these innocent people will be freed from his control."

"Guess we have to hold the line," Arcee said firmly while kicking some of Akumatized Villains.

Bulkhead groaned, "I really hate this…"

"I agreed, Bulkhead," Optimus Prime agreed in disgust yet ashamed while slapping and knocking some of them off, "I never thought I would be fighting the humans now."

"Don't sweat it, OP! Everything will be fine." Future Bunnix exclaimed confidently as she swung and knocked her umbrella-like weapon at the enemies. She looked at Optimus Prime, "Trust me. Trust your friends. We can win this!"

Though doubtful and concern of the odds, Optimus Prime knew that he shouldn't give up and believe in his friends' success. He nodded firmly as he and his team continued battling the enemies, assisted and helped by the rest of Miraculous Team, who used their powers to fend them off.

Four Arms, Tetrax, Armorstrike, Ladybug and Lucky Girl surrounded Shadowmoth, who remained calm and firm yet sinisterly as he is holding his rapier and readied to strike.

Shadowmoth growled softly, "Do not think you can defeat me so easily. I am not weak and helpless as you think."

Four Arms scoffed while crossed his arms, "Says to a guy, who used some lousy magical butterflies to turn people into henchmen to do your dirty work. I would say you're the worst villain I ever deal with, Butterfly Man." He snickered amusingly, "Get it? Butterfly man? Coz he only controls butterflies, which is very lame and weak as the butterfly. Lamest Villain for 5 years!"

Ladybug groaned while facepalmed, "Ugh. That was the worst joke I ever heard. Worse than Cat Noir's."

"No kidding," Lucky Girl, Armorstrike and Tetrax agreed dryly.

Though annoyed by insults, Shadowmoth remained calm and firm as he aimed his rapier at his enemies, "You will regret for challenging me, boy. I can assure you that I am a force to be reckon with! En garde, my arrogant foe!"

Four Arms scoffed while cracked his fists, "En garde yourself, Butterfly Man! Coz you're going down!"

Four Arms yelled out wildly and fiercely as he jumped and was about to slam on Shadowmoth, who was standing still calmly yet firmly. As he was about to make an impact, he jumped backward at once. Just as Tetramand recovered, he found the masked butterfly-theme supervillain gestured 'come and get me', angering and annoying him. He got up and attacked him at once. He launched and swung multiple punches at Shadowmoth, who swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks before swung his rapier ever hard on chest. He then summoned the swarms of Akuma to attack him madly.

While he was distracted to deal with Four Arms, Tetrax charged and attacked Shadowmoth from his side. This prompted him to turn and deflect the attacks. Both of them engaged a fierce swordfight with each other for couple of rounds. Just as they have a fierce clash while glaring at each other, giving both Lucky Girl and Armorstrike armed and fired their Turbo and Cybertronian Blaster to fire at him. Noticed the attacks, he quickly pushed his rapier against the shards at Tetrax's head hard. He then grabbed and turned him to block and deflect the blasts at two members of Team Ben. He then swung his rapier to knock him at them.

Shadowmoth turned and confronted Ladybug, "You're next, Ladybug. It's time to take what I deserve!"

"Not a chance, Shadowmoth! Lucky Charm!" Ladybug declared as she swung and threw her magical yo-yo. It magically transformed into soccer ball with ladybug-themed. She grabbed and hold on it, "Seriously? Soccer ball?"

Shadowmoth chuckled amusingly, "Really now? Are you hoping to repeat the same miracle from your previous fight with Penalteam? Too bad for you. You have no team to help you. And I don't need that useless spoiled brat to help me with this."

"She has us, Butterfly Man!" Four Arms exclaimed as he hit his Omnitrix that transform into Cannonbolt. He rolled up and rammed straight at Shadowmoth, who got thrown off and slammed straight at ticket counter hard. Getting up from his rolling mode, he smirked, "Ha! How do you like that, Butterfly Man?!"

"Thanks for the help, Ben," Ladybug thanked in relief.

Tetrax, Lucky Girl and Armorstrike regrouped. The armored samurai questioned while looking at the soccer ball, "So, what's the plan with soccer ball?"

Cannonbolt scoffed, "Hope you're not really thinking about playing the soccer ball with Shadowmoth. Coz superheroes don't play with supervillains."

"Believe it or not, Ben. It actually did happen here thrice," Armorstrike stated uneasily, making Cannontbolt facefaulted in disbelief.

Ladybug then looked at the soccer ball carefully, which blinked in ladybug's theme briefly. She then looked around of her surroundings – Cannonbolt's Omnitrix, all of heroic teams, Akumatized Supervillains, Armorstrike, Lucky Girl, Kuuga and then Shadowmoth's two Miraculous – Butterfly and Peacock.

"I have an idea!" Ladybug said confidently and firmly. She turned to look at Cannonbolt, "Ben, I need you to turn back to sphere-thing guy. You know the guy use portals to teleport here?"

"Warp? Uh, why?" Cannonbolt asked in confusion and surprise.

"Coz we're gonna have fun with soccer," Ladybug exclaimed determinedly, making everyone disbelief and dumbfounded.

"You do realize I was being sarcastic and joking," Cannonbolt admitted in concern.

Lucky Girl nodded, "Yeah. He wasn't even thinking seriously about it."

Ladybug smirked confidently, "Trust me. I know what I'm doing. We're gonna need all the team."

"I'm with you, Ladybug. Tell us what we need to do," Armorstrike said confidently, making her little sister-figure to smile in relief.

While Ladybug explained to Team Ben about her plan, Armorstrike used her kabuto helmet's visor and commlink to record and send the message to the rest of the heroic teams, who were busy battling with the Akumatized Villains. They all listened to their plan. Miraculous Team firmly and seriously agreed with it; though Autobots, Rook, Bluestreak and even Kuuga dumbfounded find it unbelievable. Nevertheless, they all have to work together to defeat the enemies.

Shadowmoth grunted in pain as he recovered from falling on the ticket counter. He found Ladybug, Armorstrike and Tetrax positioned themselves and readied to play the soccer.

Shadowmoth was disbelief and annoyed to ask, "You're not serious about this…"

"Oh, we are seriously," Ladybug said determinedly.

"So be it, child. Let's play!" Shadowmoth declared, "I will destroy your Lucky Charm!"

Ladybug passed the soccer ball to Armorstrike. She then dashed straight to Shadowmoth, who is armed and readied with his rapier. Just as he thrust his bladed weapon at her, she smirked slyly as she passed back to Ladybug, who just came and passed them by. And at the same time, she performed somersault over him before kicked him at Tetrax, who slammed his punch at him thrice. The butterfly-masked villain recovered at once. The Petrosapien tried to attack him but got swarmed by some of Akumatized Villain. Shadowmoth turned and gave pursuit after the girls. He tried to swing his rapier but missed it due to both girls parried and evaded them while passing the ball each other continuously. This has irritated and annoyed him even more.

Having enough with their game, Shadowmoth summoned and launched his swarm of Akumas attacking them both. Though overwhelming, Armorstrike managed to kick the ball straight at him.

"Big mistake, Yamamoto," Shadowmoth taunted, believing that ball would hit his head. Just before he could destroy it, a portal appeared out of nowhere to capture it inside. He gasped in shock. He demanded, "What?! Where did that portal come from?! Where did you send Lucky Charm to?! Where did you hide it?!"

"We didn't hide it," Ladybug mocked cockily with a smirk, "We merely pass it to someone else."

Armorstrike nodded, "Yeah. Our friends are gonna have some fun with your Akumatized Villains. It's gonna be one hell of a blast."

The revelation shocked Shadowmoth. He turned around and found Warp floating in midair and summoning hundreds of portals around Eiffel Tower. Autobots, Miraculous Team, Kuuga and Rook were readied.

A portal launched the soccer ball straight at Cat Noir, who swung his pole it straight to Optimus Prime. The Autobot Leader jumped and kicked it straight to the ground, creating powerful shockwave. It then bounced straight to Bumblebee. Using his headbutt, the ball shot through couple of flying Akumatized Villains. Rook kicked it at Bulkhead, who swung his hammer at the ball through another file of them like a baseball. Couple of Miraculous Team joined in to kick, headbutt, teamed up and using their powers at the ball to knock and beat some of villains. Future Bunnix summoned Time Portal to teleport the ball to Arcee, who perform somersault and kick it at large group. Bluestreak dashed and kicked the ball back to the portal. It teleported and shot straight at Bumblebee to kick the ball to his allies.

With the help of hundred portals, three heroic teams teamed up and helped each other to defeat all of akumatized villains. And at the same time, they all quickly destroyed all of corrupted items, letting the Akumas and Amuks out. Lucky Girl used Amorous Infecta on Shadowmoth. This prompted thousands of them flying straight at him.

Shadowmoth gasped, "W-What did you do to them?!"

Lucky Girl smirked, "Giving them the attention they need. And you're the attraction."

"N-No! No! No! Nooooo! S-Stay back! Cease! Desist! Halt! I ordered you mindless insects and feathers to obey! I'm your master!" Shadowmoth frantically commanded. Unfortunately, none of them were flying straight at him. He groaned in annoyance, "For once in lifetime, I just want to win and get one wish."

Shadowmoth screamed and panicked in fear as thousands of Akumas and Amoks swarming and overwhelming. He grunted in frustration and irritation as he swung both his rapier and fan to knock or kill them aside, though he is still outmatched against them. Eventually, he managed to get out from them. He tried to run.

To his shock and concern, he found a portal in front of him. Kuuga Mighty emerged out. Unlike before, he did not use his signature power move. He thrust his normal kick at him by chest, throwing him straight at Armorstrike and Ladybug, who then grabbed and thrown him back at the overwhelming swarm. Everyone regrouped and meet up with them. Two girls revealed their hands, holding Butterfly and Peacock Miraculous. This negated and turned thousands of Akuma and Amuk back to normal before flying off.

"Bye-bye, butterflies and feathers," Ladybug waved goodbye at them. She threw up the soccer ball into the sky while declaring out loud, "MIRACULOUS LADYBUG!"

Like before, ladybug-themed soccer ball activated and unleashed pure bright light, spreading across the Eiffel Towers. It then magically repaired and restored all the damages back to normal, and even healing both heroic teams and civilians. Parisians have disappeared, returning to their original positions.

Warp whistled, "WOW! This is really awesome!"

"Wow. That's something…" Bulkhead remarked in surprise.

Arcee nodded, "Yeah. Never thought the Miraculous could repair everything in one day."

"Indeed." Optimus Prime agreed. He turned to Ladybug. Deactivated his battle mask, he smiled warmly at her, "You've done well, Ladybug. That's an amazing and creative plan you make. A booby trap that actually catch a booby."

"Ooh! I get it." Cat Noir snickered amusingly, "Shadowmoth thought he set a booby trap for us, but instead we turn it against him. Now that's funny."

Transforming back to his human form, Ben (Past) laughed, "Yeah. I'm with you, pal."

"Thank you, Mr. Robot Sir." Ladybug thanked sincerely while holding Butterfly Miraculous, "But it's the team effort. Thanks, Julie. I owe you one."

Armorstrike smiled as she held Peacock Miraculous, "No problem. Like you said, a team effort."

"Nooooooooooooooo!" Shadowmoth screamed furiously. Everyone turned their attention at the front, where they found an angry yet wounded enemy stood before them. He growled, "Give back my Miraculous, you accursed brats and superheroes!"

Miraculous Team was completely shocked and disbelief of whom they're looking at while Team Ben and Autobots were confused by their reaction.

"G-Gabriel Agreste?!" Ladybug asked in disbelief and shock.

"Huh? Agreste? As in-?!" Rook asked.

"Father?!" Cat Noir asked in shock and hurt. Everyone looked at him. He deactivated his power and revealed himself to be Adrien, shocking his team and even his own father. He asked, "W-Why, father?! How could you do all this?!"

Gabriel was in deep shock as well to say, "Adrien… Y-You're Cat Noir?! T-This can't be. Not you. Anyone but you."

"W-What's going on?" Kuuga asked in confusion.

"That's what I would like to know. Start explaining, Shadowmoth!" Bluestreak demanded while aiming his Law Enforcer Blaster at Gabriel, who panicked in fear and backed off slowly.

BOOM! All heroic team got electrocuted and shocked, as well as got shot and blasted by couple of plasma blasts. They all got knocked out and fell to the ground hard. They all groaned and moaned in pain.

Gabriel was shocked by the heroes got knocked out at ease. He quickly grabbed both Butterfly and Peacock Miraculous. He then looked behind and found Galvatron and Daguva arrived at the scene.

"About time you get here!" Gabriel exclaimed in frustration. He glared at them both, "I thought you were handling them while I deal with mine?!"

"Why aren't you?" Galvatron asked angrily yet growling.

Gabriel growled, "Don't ignore my question, robot! I demand you to tell me what's going on!"

"Paradox got his pals to rescue them, and then came after the Miraculous Team. Happy?" Daguva asked amusingly.

Gabriel groaned, "Never mind. We should get the relics now! I now have the chance to take the Miraculous now!"

"No." Galvatron answered dryly. Gabriel looked at him. He narrowed his firm eyes, "Eon's order. We return to him now."

"But the relics! Miraculous! We have them now!" Gabriel stated while glaring at his enemies.

"So what? Do you even know how to fix and use them?" Daguva asked amusingly. Gabriel remained silent. He smirked, "Yup. Yup. You don't know how to do coz you're stupid."

Gabriel growled as he placed two Miraculous on his suit, "I dare you say that again."

"Enough. We leave now," Galvatron snarled dryly, "No more defiance, Agreste. Or forever, you shall have your demise earlier than foretold. You shall forever lose your happiness."

Annoyed yet reluctant, Gabriel sighed as he activated his Miraculous, transforming back into Shadowmoth. He spoke, "Let us go."

Galvatron, Daguva and Shadowmoth turned and walked towards the portal. All the heroes slowly recovering and getting up from the ground. They especially Adrien witness three villains were walking towards the portal.

"Father! Wait!" Adrien called in concern and hurt. Shadowmoth halted for the moment. Instead of glancing back, he just marched into the portal instead. He stated in upset tone, "No… Why… Why, father…"

"Adrien…" Ladybug said in shock and concern. She approached and comforted Adrien, "I-I'm sorry. For all of this."

"Why? Why would he do this? All of this? For what?" Adrien asked in hurt.

"I don't know, Adrien," Ladybug admitted. She transformed back to Marinette, which shocked and surprised her love-interest. She gave him a comforted hug, "But I do know one thing. You do need help and comfort. From friends."

"Marinette…" Adrien said in surprise. He then found Miraculous Team transformed back to their civilians he recognized them – Alya, Nino, Luka, Zoey, Kagami, Juleka, Rose, Ivan, Mylene, Nathanael, Marc, Sabrina, Present Alix, Kim and Max, along with their own Kwamis. They all joined hugging him as well. Plagg also joined in as well. He was touched and relieved to have some people cared for him. He sighed, "Thank you, guys."

Team Prime, Team Ben and Kuuga sympathized Adrien about the revelation he has discovered and to deal with.

"I cannot believe that Adrien's father was Hawkmoth from the start," Rook said in concern.

Armorstrike nodded, "Yeah. But why would he do all of this? Why is he obsessed with Ladybug and Cat Noir Miraculous? For what?"

"Not very sure," Rook admitted in concern. He gave some thoughts about Adrien's family. Looking through his scanner, he hummed in concern, "No… H-He couldn't have…"

"Rook, what is it? Did you find something?" Armorstrike asked.

"Yes. But I'll explain about it later. I might have solved Gabriel's true objective," Rook said seriously and firmly, "Right now, we have other concerns to deal with."

"Agreed. We need to get the relics now," Arcee said seriously, "They'll be back any second."

Optimus Prime nodded seriously. He approached towards the Miraculous Team. He knelt down before them. He calmly and gently speaks, "Marinette, Adrien, I wish I could give you the time to grieve and process with this issue. But we need your help."

Marinette wished she could speak and agreed to help but she knew that Adrien may not want to fight Shadowmoth especially the French Supervillain was Gabriel Agreste and his father.

"Yeah, sure." Adrien said firmly and seriously.

"Adrien, are you sure? You really want to fight your own father?" Plagg asked in concern.

Marinette nodded, "Plagg's right. You don't need to involve of this if you feel hurt and scared."

Adrien sighed, "Marinette, you're my partner and best friend since I enrolled into school and become Cat Noir. We've been through a lot. We can do this. I must find out why my father do this. We-! No. I have to stop him."

"We, Cat Noir, not 'I'. We're a team," Marinette corrected Adrien. He smiled warmly by her support.

Adrien nodded, "Yeah. Thanks, Marinette."

Marinette turned and looked at Optimus Prime, "Okay. We're ready, mister…"

Optimus Prime introduced warmly, "Optimus Prime. You do not need to call me 'mister' or 'sir'. I am not your commanding officer, teacher or parents. We are now friends, Marinette and Adrien. Or should I call you 'Ladybug and Cat Noir'?"

Marinette smiled, "Both of them are fine. What can we do?"

Transforming back to her normal form, Gwen took both Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time out from her bag, "Did you have any spare parts related to these? Did you get them from Ben or at least any of his aliens, 5 years ago?"

"These? 5 years ago?" Marinette asked in confusion while looking at the Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time. She then asked, "No. I've never seen them before. What makes you think Ben came and gave them to me?"

"Not you, Mini-Bug," Future Bunnix disagreed. She turned and looked at Tikki, "Tikki, Plagg, it's time."

Everyone looked at Tikki and Plagg. Both Kwami of Creation and Destruction nodded firmly and seriously. They both held and touched on each other's hands while chanting in ancient yet species language. They magically created and summoned the sword's handler and pocket watch's handler from the dimension portal. They were passed to Gwen, who connected them to the sacred relic, which glowing in bright blue for the moment. This surprised everyone.

Future Bunnix smirked, "Here it is. Another spare parts for your sacred relics."

"Alright! We've found them!" Bulkhead exclaimed happily, along with Bumblebee cheering.

"Tikki… What's going on? How on earth did you get involved of this?" Marinette asked in confusion.

Tikki looked at everyone as she explained, "It's just as Gwen suspected. Ben did come to Paris. In fact, he met Master Fu."

Plagg nodded, "Yeah. He told three of us about what's really going on especially the disturbance us and Fluff have sensed. We suspected Shadowmoth and his buddies are responsible for this. So, he entrusted both of us to keep both parts safe until your arrival."

Tikki sighed, "Yes. Not the moment too soon if you hadn't come in time. Things would have become worse for all of us."

"No way…" Marinette said in disbelief and confusion, "But it doesn't make sense. How on earth Ben know Master Fu and where to find him? That was like six years ago. He never had friends before meeting me and Adrien."

"Because you told us, Marinette," Armorstrike explained. Marinette looked at her. She sighed while scratching her head, "It's a long story. And it's the reason why we need them."

"And how did you know? Who are you?" Arcee asked suspiciously.

"Sorry. Where are my manners? We are Bunnix of Present and Future," Future Bunnix introduced herself and her present self. Future Bunnix reverted back to her civilian form. Future Alix smirked while crossed her arms, "I'm Alix from the future, and this one is Mini-Me in this timeline."

Alix waved happily, "Hey there."

Almost everyone was surprised yet astounded and dumbfounded of what they just learned. They all looked at Marinette, Adrien and their kwamis shrugged innocently as they were surprised during their first meeting as well.

"Wow. Both of you almost look like sisters," Bulkhead remarked in surprise. Bumblebee, Rook and Bluestreak agreed with his statement.

"Still, I amazed that you came from the future," Tetrax commented.

Future Alix winked, "Yeah. I get that a lot."

"But still, this is awesome, right?" Alix asked happily.

Ben (Past) scoffed, "Sure is. Did I ever tell you how I met my future self? He's ten times awesome and better than you!"

"Ben 10,000?" Future Alix asked amusingly and playfully. Ben nodded happily. She scoffed, "Yeah. I met him once. And boy, he is such a showoff and cocky when it comes beating the bad guys. I hate losing especially to that muscle head."

Ben (Past) was irritated and exclaimed, "HEY!"

"Can we focus on main topic?" Bluestreak asked in annoyance.

Arcee nodded, "Yeah. The question of how you know about this event?"

"Right. Sorry about that. Wondering how I know about the Blades of Time and Chrono Navigator, and especially about messy timeline?" Future Alix asked casually. Everyone nodded. She sighed calmly, "Coz the Professor called and needed me to help you all."

"Professor? You're talking about Professor Paradox?" Ben (Past) asked.

Future Alix nodded, "Yup, Mini-Ben. Professor Paradox was my teach when I had Rabbit Miraculous. I met him when I started exploring with time travel. And man, that old man helped and trained me a lot. I owe him a lot."

"Wow. I can't wait to meet him," Alix exclaimed happily, "Man. This is so excited!"

"Now we have three parts for two relics. I assumed that you know other two?" Rook asked.

Kuuga nodded, "You must have seen the past for many times. You must have known of how it goes."

"I wish I knew. But the time flow is already in a big mess, no thanks to Eon." Future Alix admitted in concern, "But I know what we must do next. We're heading back to Ben's House now."

Everyone was confused and surprised by her suggestion. Optimus Prime asked, "Is there a reason why we should return there?"

Future Alix nodded, "Yes. There's someone else we have to meet up. Just hope Miss Yuko is alright and got the help we need."

"Who's Miss Yuko?" Adrien asked.

"How come we've never heard about her?" Plagg questioned.

Future Alix smirked, "Another friend of mine. She's a real party animal. You'll love this one."

Marinette turned and looked at Master Su-Han. She was about to say. He held his hand to stop her. He spoke, "If the time flow is in grave danger as Future Bunnix has claimed; Ladybug, Cat Noir, Viperion and young Bunnix must aid our allies for the fight against the Time Interlopers."

"Me?" Alix and Luka asked in surprise.

Master Su-Han nodded, "Though I would rather keep Rabbit and Snake Miraculous with me, your power might be the key to help them fight our common enemy. The rest of Miraculous Team shall remain here to defend Paris, just in case if Shadowmoth dare to come back."

Luka hummed thoughtfully, "I see. Sass's Second Chance can help us to reverse the time if things gone wrong or become worst. And Alix's Burrow can help us get back into the past to prevent the mistakes or future for safe haven if my power runs out."

"Precisely," Master Su-Han confirmed.

Marinette nodded while bowed humbly, "Understood, Master Su-Han. And thank you."

Turning to Adrien, Master Su-Han warned in concern, "Adrien, remember what is at stakes. You must not let emotion cloud you or give him the advantages he needs."

Adrien nodded seriously and firmly, "I know. We'll stop my father."

Juleka approached and patted her twin brother's shoulder, "Luka… Please be careful."

Luka nodded seriously, "I will. You too, Juleka."

"Our course is clear. I shall contact Ratchet at once," Optimus Prime said seriously.

"No need. We can get you there in no time," Future Alix said confidently.

Alix smirked, "Yeah! Fluff, clockwise!"

Both Future Alix and Alix activated Rabbit Miraculous as they both transformed into Bunnix. They both summoned very large burrow for everyone including the Autobots' sizes. This awed everyone else.

Ben (Past) whistled, "That's one big hole."

"Technically, it's a rabbit hole," Gwen corrected. She hummed curiously, "Wow. I wonder how Alice feels when she entered it and arrived at the Wonderland."

Armorstrike giggled a bit, "Probably feeling airsick. You ready, Marinette?"

Marinette nodded seriously, "We're ready."

"Here we go again," Kuuga remarked playfully.

Team Ben, Team Prime, four of Miraculous Team and Kamen Rider Kuuga marched through the burrow at once before it closed and disappeared. They're now heading back to Ben's Residence to meet up with 'Miss Yuko' and her allies.

Unknown Timeline…

"EON!" Shadowmoth shouted furiously as he approached and confronted Eon, who was busy looking through time portals. He demanded, "What is the meaning of this?! How dare you ordered us to retreat when we almost have the time relics and Miraculous in our hands?! Explain yourself!"

"I don't need to explain everything to you, Agreste since you claimed that you're the most intelligent, resourceful and competent man in the world." Eon said dryly yet firmly, "So, why don't you figure this out?"

Had enough with Eon's ignoring him, Shadowmoth angrily approached and grabbed him by the collar. He snapped, "I have enough with your arrogance! Now tell me why the hell you ordered us to retreat and return here?! Tell me!"

Eon fired his Time Blast at the French Supervillain, throwing him straight to the ground hard. Daguva laughed madly and sadistically to watch the argument. Galvatron sighed in annoyance while shaking his head. Shadowmoth grunted in pain while trying to get up. His head got stomped to the ground hard by Eon's leg.

Eon panted heavily while glaring at Shadowmoth beneath his feet, "If you ever do that again, your death will be quick, swift and very painful before that time of your ending. Do I make myself clear?"

Grunted in pain, Shadowmoth panted a bit, "F-Forgive me! I-It won't happen again!"

After removed his leg on Shadowmoth, who slowly got up, Eon spoke, "You want to know why I ordered retreat? Because I want those heroes to feel threatened and scared, knowing a great danger is coming to them and their universe. And so, the only thing they can do now is to unite together as one. I welcome them to try. But not before they finish a mission for us."

"Oh. I get it. We used them to get those relics," Daguva theorized amusingly yet madly.

"Precisely…" Eon confirmed firmly. Sensing a familiar pony emerging out from one of time portal, he turned and found Nezha has arrived. He greeted, "Welcome back, Nezha. I assumed that your rival realized the danger the relics have posed."

Nezha nodded firmly, "Yes. Yuko… Tao… They helped Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle escaped to Mainstream Prime Universe, with two spare parts. And soon, they'll find the last one from whoever their benefactor was. All goes according to our plan."

"Indeed." Eon agreed. He turned and looked at his partners, "I promise you. Once we've completed our mission, you will be rewarded of what you've desired the most. We make one final preparation when the time has come."

Nezha, Galvatron, Shadowmoth and Daguva nodded firmly while bowed humbly before Eon. Professor Paradox overheard what has happened as he cannot do anything but hope that Team Ben and others protect two powerful relics from them.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Kamen Rider Decade, hidden behind the pillars, has overheard what has happened. He summoned the portal for him to escape before he gets captured.

Present Timeline…

Thanks to both Bunnixs, they have summoned a very large time portal for all heroes to enter and pass through it. They now have arrived at Ben's House of Bellwood Town. They all were looking at it.

"So, this is your house? I was expecting a mansion or maybe a tower," Adrien commented.

Plagg nodded teasingly, "And of course, don't supposed you'd be collecting all kinds of cheese especially camembert?"

"Eew? What's with you and your stupid cheese?" Ben (Past) asked in annoyance, annoying Plagg. He scoffed while looking at his home, "My parents got regular job to earn money. If I was famous like you guys said, then I would have been rich and buy everything."

Rook snickered while covering his mouth, "Funny story, Ben. You did become a rich and spoiled kid from another dimension."

Ben (Past) groaned, "No way I would become like that. I hate to think how jerk I can be."

"Ooh. Good for you," Marinette remarked sarcastically, prompting Julie to elbowed to mind her manners.

"We should get in and meet Miss Yuko. We wouldn't want to keep her waiting," Yusuke reminded seriously.

Future Alix nodded seriously, "Yeah. We'd better."

Just before anyone could do anything, they heard a loud siren blaring, getting their attention. They all turned and found a familiar ambulance driving straight to them. As soon as it stopped, Grandpa Max emerged and climbed down, allowing the vehicle to transform into Ratchet.

"Ratchet?" Optimus Prime asked in surprise.

"Grandpa Max? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at headquarter?" Gwen asked as well.

"I was until Carl called me. He told me someone wish to speak with all of us." Grandpa Max explained, surprised everyone.

Ratchet nodded, "Indeed. We tried to contact you earlier but we didn't expect you to be here so quickly, without Groundbridge." He turned and found Marinette and her friends. He groaned, "More human children again?"

"Relax, Ratchet. Marinette's my friend, and so are they too," Julie assured him.

Ratchet sighed, "That doesn't make me feel any better…"

"What is up with him?" Marinette asked in confusion.

Tikki nodded, "Yes. Why is he always grumpy? Does he hate humans so much?"

"No. That's how he is," Julie shook her head while patting Ship's head, "In fact, he's really nice and reliable too. He does care humans a lot. He just doesn't like more responsibility because he's a doctor and hates his medical equipment destroyed."

"Yikes. I can't imagine how upset and angry he gets," Marinette remarked, making Tikki giggled amusingly.

"I supposed we should get in?" Grandpa Max asked firmly.

"Indeed, we do," Optimus Prime agreed.

"No offense, Mr. Prime and Mr. Tennyson. I don't think Ben's parents are be ready to meet some giant robots and kwamis." Luka said in concern.

Yusuke nodded in agreement, "Yeah. You guys might scare them. It will be difficult to explain of what's really going on."

Ratchet sighed in frustration, "I should have brought the Pretender Technology with us. Sorry, everyone."

"It's alright, Ratchet. We will try this new technology another day," Optimus Prime said understandingly. He turned to his allies, "We shall leave the conversation with Miss Yuko to you. We will wait outside in vehicular modes."

Ben (Past) gave thumbs up, "No worry, big OP. We've got this."

"Yeah. We'll get them outside to talk," Gwen remarked.

Team Prime and Bluestreak transformed into their vehicular modes to stay outside. And at the same time, five Kwamis hidden inside their owners' pockets to avoid being found by anyone or scared them. Team Ben, Miraculous Team and Yusuke approached to the door, preparing to meet Miss Yuko inside the Tennyson's Residence.

Ben (Past) pushed the doorbell button, ringing it out loud. Three heroic teams waited until someone opened the door. Instead of Ben's father, they all were looking at the pink-colored Eurasian Teenager with red and pink streaks in twin pigtails wearing dark crimson warrior's vest-like shirt with skirt, long black socking, cowgirl's boots, gauntlet and blue headband that covered forehead opened the door and standing before them. This surprised everyone.

"Oh. I didn't you had a sister, Ben," Marinette remarked in surprise.

Team Ben and even Ben (Prime) himself disagreed, "He/I didn't."

"Really? Who is she?" Yusuke asked in concern while looking at mysterious teenager.

"Let's ask us. From the looks of her, she has to be an Asian. Let me try," Adrien thoughtfully stated. He cleared his throat and greeted in Mandarin, "Hello. My name is Adrien. These are my friends – Marinette, Luka, Alix and her big sister, Yusuke, Ben, Gwen, Julie, Rook and Tetrax. What is your name?"

However, the pink-colored teenager remained silent while looking at them. This surprised yet concerned them.

"That's odd. She should able to understand it," Adrien remarked in surprise while scratching his head.

"Did you say something wrong with the language?" Luka asked in concern.

"No, he didn't," Marinette disagreed, "Adrien spoke that language very fluently and perfectly. And most of Chinese People including my Great Uncle understood him well. It could be a different language."

"Kunichiwa! My name is Godai Yusuke. But you can call me 'Kuuga'!" Yusuke greeted warmly and happily in Japanese Language while extended his hand. The teenager stared at them instead. He sighed, "Guess not Japanese."

"She could be deaf," Rook suggested. The teenager whacked his head hard. He yelped in pain, "Ow. Definitely not."

Tetrax hummed thoughtfully, "I'm surprise that she actually understands the English, but chose not to speak."

Grandpa Max also gave some thoughts, "You don't think that-!"

"Oh! You made it!" Carl's voice exclaimed in surprise. Everyone looked up and found Ben's father meeting with them. He was surprised, "Oh. I see you've met Arcee. And you have new friends too."

"Arcee?!" Everyone including some Robots-in-Disguise asked in surprise.

"Her name is Arcee?" Alix asked in surprise while looking at the pink-colored teenager.

"Yes. Why?" Carl asked in confusion.

"It's a long and complicated story to explain, Uncle Carl," Gwen said in concern while looking at Ben (Past), who was astounded to check out on his cellphone. She stated, "Especially involving with Ben."

Carl looked at Ben (Past) carefully. He remarked, "She was right. You're from the past, aren't you?" Everyone looked at him in confusion and disbelief. He continued, "Better come inside. Miss Yuko and her company are waiting for you. I think you know two of them."

"Know two of them?" Team Ben asked in confusion.

Carl nodded, "Yeah. Come in. They'll explain what's going on."

Carl led Team Ben, Miraculous Team and Yusuke into the Ben's Residence. They've entered the living room, where they found Sandra was playing mahjong with three new people – a lavender-colored 25-years-old girl with dark blue long hair with purple and pink streaks wearing a black vest, white shirt, purple skirt with stars, long socks and purple boots-like shoes, a white-colored old man in his 70s with spike grayish hair with a bun on top like ancient Chinese Man wearing a glasses white shirt with purple scarf, black jacket with golden lines, blue jean and brown shoe, and a pale yellow-colored woman in 40s with very long black hair wearing a butterfly-like pin on head, cyan-colored Cheongsam-like exposing dark blue bra, dark blue arm-gloves, blue high heels.

They all looked very serious and fierce as if they're waiting for each other to make a move. Sandra was nervous and uneasy as she was sweating on her head. The lady was drinking a bottle of sake while looking at each other. The old man cracked his hands while keeping his eyes on the opponents. The young lady hummed as if she was analyzing the situation.

"Wow. Mahjong. Cool." Yusuke remarked in surprise.

"You've played them?" Adrien asked.

Yusuke nodded, "Hai. I played the mahjong with my friends and uncle a lot from my home and China. It was challenging but fun too. Have you played?"

"Once or twice. Marinette's Great Uncle taught me." Adrien admitted, "Like you said, it was fun to play."

"Uh, dad, how long they've been at it?" Ben (Past) asked.

Carl shrugged, "Three hours, at least."

"Three hours?!" Marinette asked in disbelief. She called Sandra and her new friends. They all turned and looked at her. She exclaimed, "I don't mean to be rude but can one of you make a move and end the game? We want to talk with Miss Yuko."

"How can Mrs. Tennyson concentrate to play a move with you yelling, little girl?" The old man questioned stoically.

"Little girl?!" Marinette questioned, feeling insulted.

Sandra was surprised, "Me? I thought it was your daughter-in-law's move."

"Oh no. I'm certain it's not my turn," The young lady disagreed before glancing at the woman.

Woman sighed, "Busy with my drink. Pass."

Almost everyone facefaulted in disbelief and annoyance by the woman's answer. Sandra, the old man and young adult sighed while shaking their heads. Carl and Arcee (unknown) shrugged a bit. Team Ben, Miraculous Team and even Yusuke exclaimed 'Are you kidding me?!'.

Future Alix giggled amusingly, "Typical Miss Yuko. You really enjoyed making fun of everyone for some entertainment and party."

The woman or 'Miss Yuko' gasped in surprise by the sound. She cried as she jumped and hugged Future Alix, "ALIX! From the future! Good to see you, young one!"

Future Alix giggled playfully, "Good to see you too, my little pony. And wow. You haven't changed a bit."

Miss Yuko scoffed, "You one to talk. Hopping around and travelling through time, space and even dimension, thinking that no one can spot and catch a white rabbit."

"You know me. I like travelling and watching movies," Future Alix remarked with a wink.

"Wow. She knew you," Alix remarked in surprise.

Future Alix nodded, "Yup. You could say that she's like a teacher to me."

"Really? A teacher? That sounds like an old lady now? I am offended, little girl," Miss Yuko teased, making Future Alix uneasy. She giggled while drinking her sake, "I more like your partner than teacher, little girl. We did travel around the world for fun, adventure, pranks and party too. Don't insult me that again."

Future Alix sighed, "Fine. Partner. Yeesh."

"She isn't the only one, who knew her friends," The young adult remarked. Everyone looked at her." The young lady said calmly. She smiled warmly, "Good to see you again, Ben, Gwen, Julie, Rook and Max Tennyson."

Team Ben looked surprised by the young lady's answer. Rook asked, "H-How did you-?!"

"Don't tell me you don't recognize me?" The young lady asked in hurt tone. She looked at her body. She nervously commented, "Oh… Right… You never seen my human form before. I remember how we and my friends worked together to beat Nezha. And of course, I did come up with 'Atomix' for your radioactive alien form too, Ben."

"Huh?! What?!" Tetrax asked in confusion.

"What's she talking about?" Grandpa Max asked.

Looking carefully at young lady's appearance, Gwen became surprised and realized, "Princess Twilight Sparkle?! Is that really you?!"

Twilight nodded in confirmation, "Yup. That's me. You've already met Miss Yuko. My father-in-law – Mystic Tao. Arcee is one of my SOF students."

"Don't forget to add 'Master Shadow Dragon's Number One Apprentice', Headmare Twilight. I am the best," Arcee (MLP) stated with pride yet cocky. Everyone looked at her in disbelief and shocked. She looked at them, "What?"

"Huh?! You can talk?!" Marinette asked in surprise.

Yusuke nodded, "Yeah. I thought you don't understand and speak English."

Arcee (MLP) scoffed amusingly, "I didn't say I didn't. You assumed that I can't. And besides, I can talk with other languages like Ma Language and Japony Language. It means Mandarin and Japanese as you claimed. I just chose not to talk because I want to see how you humans spear fluently with those language. I've gotta say. Guys coming from different countries, you both are very good at them."

Twilight groaned in disbelief, "Not this again. Arcee, what did I say about your silence to greet and make friends. It'll make some silly miscommunication."

Arcee (MLP) hummed playfully, "Then, it wouldn't be much fun."

"You are worse as my husband. You know that?" Twilight asked in annoyance, making Arcee shrugged playfully.

"Wow. That was unexpected…" Luka remarked.

"Yeah… That was… Shocking…" Adrien remarked in disbelief.

Yusuke nodded, "Yeah. She's really cool too as Arcee."

"You know I'm Arcee, right? So, what are you talking about?" Arcee (MLP) asked suspiciously.

"Nothing!" Adrien, Luka and Yusuke exclaimed in concern.

"Never mind about that. So, what are you and your pony friends doing here?" Julie asked in concern.

Rook nodded, "Indeed. You must have come here if it's a dire situation."

"It is," Twilight admitted in concern yet serious. She continued, "We'll explain everything once Shadow Dragon gets back here."

"Master Shadow Dragon is here as well?" Rook asked in surprise. Twilight nodded in confirmation. He continued, "Get back from what?"

"A recon and also get a cup of green tea." Mystic Tao answered calmly. Everyone looked at him. He scoffed, "What? Uncle loved green tea. It's very healthy and nutrient too. One more thing – it soothes and calms my mind especially from being pressured during the mission."

Grandpa Max nodded, "So, when will he get back?"

Twilight hummed calmly, "He should be back by now. Hopefully, he doesn't do what ponies normally do. It's very embarrassing when I was a human."

"I know who you are! You can't fool me easily." Shadow Dragon's voice shouted firmly.

The shout alerted everyone inside the living room. They all quickly exited out of the house and found a 25-years-old pale young man with black spiky yet curved-up hair with green lights wearing black T-Shirt with white sleeves has red stripes on collar and both sides and also has dragon and serpentine in heart shape with Yin-Yang Symbol, greenish tank pants and black shoes and has black jacket tying around his waist. He was shouting at Autobot Vehicular Modes. Six of them looked uneasy and worried.

"No point hiding and pretending to be 'carriages'. Show yourself now," Shadow Dragon said firmly and seriously.

Ben (Past) asked, "Is that-?!"

"My husband – Shadow Dragon, Ben from the Past," Twilight confirmed in embarrassed yet annoyed tone. She sighed, "Shadow Dragon! What the heck are you doing?!"

Shadow Dragon turned and looked at Twilight, "Talking with them."

"Those vehicles? They're just trucks, cars and motorcycle." Carl stated. He then realized, "Wait a minute. Since when did you guys own them? I mean, dad, I know you own your super high-tech RV, but not these. And please, dad, don't make up some excuses. Just tell me the truth."

Team Ben and their teams looked uneasy and worried. Grandpa Max chuckled, "I-It's a long and complicated story."

"Right. Because they're the Robots-in-Disguise?" Shadow Dragon asked, surprising everyone. He questioned his wife, "Twilight, don't tell me you don't recognize the truck's and sportscar' color scheme? Your first encounter with them from another dimension?"

Carefully looked at truck and sportscar, Twilight gasped, "I-It can't be! Optimus Prime?! Bumblebee?! The Autobots are here too?!"

"HUH?!" Everyone asked in shock and surprise.

"What did you say?!" Rook asked in concern yet worried.

"You knew the Autobots?!" Julie asked in surprise. Twilight nodded in confirmation. She continued, "No way. There is no way they could have met and known you ponies."

"Ponies?" Marinette asked in surprise. Julie was about to answer. She interrupted, "Long and complicated story. I get it."

To everyone's surprise, the Autobots transformed into their robot modes and stood before everyone else. Carl and Sandra were surprised to see them.

"What in the world?!" Sandra asked in shock and confused.

Carl gulped, "Some transforming giant robots…"

"I agreed with Julie's concerns. I do not believe we've met, Princess Twilight," Optimus Prime stated in concern.

"Of course, we do! Don't you remember the time you guys work together with-!" Twilight halted in realization. She gasped, "Sweet Celestia! Of course. You guys are not the ones I've met."

"What's wrong, Twi?" Shadow Dragon asked.

"They're not the same Bots I used to work with. They're natives on this dimension," Twilight explained. She bowed before Optimus Prime, "Sorry. I've mistaken you both for another friend of mine."

Optimus Prime wavered it off, "It's alright. It's an honor to meet and have you and your allies here, Princess Twilight."

Twilight nodded, "The honor is ours, Prime."

Miss Yuko said seriously and firmly, "Good. We're all here now. We should get started with the situation, involving with Paradox."

Mystic Tao nodded in agreement, "And we need a private place for our discussion. The last thing we need is someone eavesdropping on conversation."

"To the backyard. It's a best place for discussion. And don't worry, my neighbor left for vacation," Carl suggested.

With everyone nodded firmly and seriously, they all moved to the backyard, which surprisingly has enough space for them to fit in. All of them have taken a seat on the grass. Twilight and her company transformed into their pony form including Arcee turned back to her hippogriff. This surprised and amazed everyone.

"Wow…" Tikki remarked in surprise.

Plagg nodded, "Yeah. And I thought we can do some serious magical transformation when we're at the Prime Forms."

"I thought all of them were ponies," Marinette asked Julie.

Julie shrugged a bit, "School of Friendship is international school or university some-kind for all creatures including ponies to study Magic of Friendship."

Marinette looked surprise and shocked as she remarked, "Let me guess. Another long story again?"

"Yup." Julie agreed, "We pretty sure used that a lot."

Marinette nodded, "Yeah. Probably because we don't have much time to make friends while dealing with the bad guys."

"Definitely," Tikki agreed, "Let's just hope we stop this madness and finally get to know each other properly."

"I'm with you," Marinette agreed with her Kwami.

"I still have a hard time that there is someone else has the same name as yours, Arcee," Bulkhead whispered to Arcee (Prime).

Bumblebee beeped amusingly, "Yeah. Looks like you've got a younger sister for sharing the same name as yours."

Arcee (Prime) sighed, "Real funny, Bee. Real funny."

"So, what the heck is going on? Another time travel from my future self?" Ben (Past) asked seriously.

"I agree with Ben's concerns," Optimus Prime said firmly, "Does this have something to do with the relics from 5 years ago?"

Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Arcee (MLP) were surprised while both Miss Yuko and Mystic Tao are serious and stoic about it. The Mystic Councilponies turned and looked at three, whom they gave a firm nod. The Princess and General of Friendship nodded firmly as they took out two packages in wrapped clothes from Arcee (MLP)'s bag. They put them down, unwrapped them and revealed a sharped blade and a chain.

After carefully inspecting on two parts carefully, four heroic teams nodded seriously and firmly. Gwen again took both Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time before the ponies. This surprised and concern Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Arcee (MLP) while Miss Yuko and Mystic Tao remained stoic and stern about it. Twilight levitated and passed two parts to Gwen, who reattached them to the relics. Two sacred relics of time and space are almost completed.

"So, these are the relics?" Shadow Dragon asked seriously yet concern.

Julie nodded seriously. Twilight hummed in concern, "I have a feeling that these relics could be very powerful and dangerous. I wonder what they can do…"

"They are the tools of time and space, wielded by Professor Paradox and Vector Prime," Miss Yuko answered calmly. Everyone looked at her in surprise. She continued, "I know it because I've met them once."

"You did?!" Everyone asked in surprise.

Miss Yuko nodded firmly, "Do any of you know what these relics can do?"

Gwen spoke, "We do. Professor Paradox's Chrono Navigator allowed him to navigate and travel through past, present, future, various alternate timelines, dimensions, universes and even multiverse itself."

"Blades of Time is not only Vector Prime's weapon, but also possessed a similarity power with Chrono Navigator's, and also controlling the time and space itself," Optimus Prime stated. He hummed in concern, "However, what exactly Eon is trying to achieve from using these time relics. What does he hoped to gain from them?"

"I'm afraid I do not know," Miss Yuko admitted ambiguously yet calmly, making almost everyone annoyed. She continued, "But one thing for certain, if he ever collects and combines these two or more, he will not only travel through timelines, dimensions and multiverses; but also control and change them under his making. Or worst, he could go to the very Beginning or the very Ending to do so. Whatever ambition he tried to accomplish, it will end everything and ceased to be existing."

"That sounds very bad?" Adrien asked in concern.

"Even the Rabbit Miraculous?" Alix asked in concern as she and her Kwami looked at her Rabbit Miraculous.

"Sounds deadly serious," Future Alix agreed.

Mystic Tao nodded seriously, "Indeed, it is. They must not fall into wrong hooves or hands as you humans preferred to use."

"This explains why Ben split them into five parts in first place. He must have suspected the danger these time relics possessed," Rook said seriously and thoughtfully.

Bluestreak nodded, "He entrusted them to the allies he has met and worked together from the past. Well, few weeks ago to be exact. Protecting them from the enemies. However, if the enemies actually able to figure this out…"

"We meet up on the very same day, same month and same year. Working together to defeat Eon and his team of supervillains before they get time relics." Luka concluded.

Twilight nodded in confirmation, "I also came with the same conclusion too. They're onto us now. We have to make it quick."

"Guess we have to find the last piece now," Shadow Dragon stated.

"Don't supposed you ponies know where the last ones are?" Gwen asked.

Twilight sighed while facepalmed, "I wish I knew…"

"Come on! He must have told you something. Like someone else he knows of!" Ben (Past) insisted firmly and frantically. Mystic Tao gave a whack on his head. He yelped in pain, "Why did you do that for?!"

"That was for being rude to us! And also, we did try to ask him who he was entrusting with the last piece. He just teleported off without giving us answer," Mystic Tao answered dryly. He gave another whack on Ben (Past)'s shoulder, "One more thing! That was for your future-self destroying my home and all of my expensive and priceless antiques!" He again whacked on his waist, "And one more thing! That was for destroying the Jade Palace! You cost us millions of Mystic Bits to repair it! And one more thing, you've created civil unrest and mess at our homeland too!" He then tripped and slammed his elbow on his guts hard. He huffed, "One more thing! This is for giving my son, my daughter-in-law and their friends a hard time when fighting Nezha's Super Soldiers!"

Ratchet stifled his chuckle, "I like this pony. He reminds me of me."

Bulkhead groaned, "Just what we need. Another grumpy Ratchet." He got whacked by the medic from the back of his head. He grunted a bit, "Like I said. Another Ratchet."

Ben (Past) groaned in pain, "I've got nothing to do with any of them!"

"I know. I just do it, so your future-self can feel the pain through subconscious," Mystic Tao said dryly.

Twilight sighed while shaking her head, "That's not how it works, Mr. Tao."

"What do you mean 'Super Soldiers'? We haven't done anything to help Nezha with that," Rook questioned in concern.

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Unfortunately, you guys unintentionally did. Nezha and his scientists somehow managed to copy and access the Omnitrix's Alien Powers to fuse with his Super Soldiers. They really gave us hard time to fight."

Four heroic teams were completely shocked and disbelief. Ben (Past) disagreed, "N-No way! That is so mess up! This can't be happening! And he stole my ideas! JERK!"

"Me neither…" Gwen said in concern and disbelief, "This is not good."

"No time to dwell on the past. We must find the last one," Tetrax said firmly.

Grandpa Max sighed, "Easy to say than done. How on earth can we find them? They could be anywhere, anytime or even away from our dimensions?!"

"That is true. Not like it could just pop out of nowhere to give us a clue," Bluestreak agreed. Suddenly, the Autobots received the call from Alpha Trion's Secret Sanctuary. He shrugged, "Oh I could be wrong."

Both Team Prime and Team Ben answered the call. Optimus Prime questioned, "This is Optimus Prime. What is the situation?"

"Optimus, it's Thundercracker. You're not gonna believe this. Starscream sent a high frequency signal with embedded message to us," Thundercracker's voice reported in concern, alerting Team Prime and Team Ben.

"Send it over, Thundercracker," Ratchet commanded.

"Starscream?" Marinette and Yusuke asked in concern.

"I've heard about him. He was Megatron's Second-in-Command of Decepticons," Twilight explained seriously and firmly. Everyone looked at her with surprise and curious looks. She smiled sheepishly, "Again. I've met him from alternate dimension of mine. That guy is really creepy and sycophant Decepticon to deal with. And not to mention, he's a big coward."

"Well, you're definitely right about Starscream," Arcee (Prime) confirmed seriously, "He's indeed a coward and sycophant, but also he's dangerously ambitious to rebel and usurp Megatron's throne as new leader of Decepticons."

Shadow Dragon hummed, "Sounds familiar from a certain jackass Demon Changeling we know of."

"Either way, what does Starscream want now? We have more important things to do," Julie asked seriously and firmly.

Marinette nodded, "Yeah. Whatever he wants, it can wait."

"Shush! I'm reading!" Ratchet shushed his allies. Looking at his scanner, he read it out loud, "I have obtained two unique spare parts, relating to some time devices I presumed, from 5 years ago. Bring me couple of Energon Crates, ammo and medical kit."

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock and disbelief.

"Starscream has two last pieces?!" Arcee (Prime) asked in disbelief.

"You've gotta be kidding me," Tetrax remarked in frustration, "What was Ben thinking?!"

"He actually entrusted two most important relics to Starscream, despite knowing he's a very dangerous enemy?!" Mystic Tao exclaimed in fury. He then whacked Ben (Past)'s head, prompting the teenage boy to yell in pain. He scolded, "You are very lousy superhero?! Why on Equestria would you do that?!"

Ben (Past) groaned, "Hey! Whatever happened from 5 years ago, I've got nothing to do with his mess, okay?! And secondly, if future-me knew that he's the bad guy, then why would he give these parts to Starscream in the first place?!"

Mystic Tao was about to argue but stopped in realization, "Good question…"

"He does have a point, father. There is no way he would trust Stasrcream with last two pieces, He left our world and returned here, he must be looking for another ally he knew and trusted well. I wonder who was the next ally he tried to reach…" Shadow Dragon explained. He then looked at the Autobots. He stated in realization, "You guys didn't have any spare parts?"

"No… Why would you think we would have-?!" Ratchet paused in realization. He stated in concern, "The parts? Oh my… Ben was trying to reach Autobot Outpost Omega One. He was going to entrust the last pieces to us!"

"Until Starscream ambush him. He stole them from him too." Bluestreak concluded in concern.

Bulkhead groaned before slammed his fist against the tree, earning Sandra shouted 'hey'. He shouted in frustration, "Damn it! Why did he have to butt in and make things difficult for us?"

"This is bad. Really bad…" Bumblebee beeped in concern, "What are we gonna do now?!"

"Bee, calm down. We have to get them back. That's what," Arcee (Prime) said seriously.

"Even if it means giving in to his demands? Can he be trusted?" Marinette asked in concern, along with Tikki nodded in concern.

Twilight hummed in concern, "In my experience when dealing with Starscream, he can't be trusted especially when he's with the Decepticons…"

"Technically, he abandoned the Decepticons since his former colleagues abandoned him," Rook stated, making three heroic teams looked at him. He sighed, "It's a long story. Oh my. We sure used it a lot lately…"

"But Twilight made a point. What makes you think this Starscream is willing to hand them over to you. For all we know is that he could set a trap for us," Shadow Dragon said seriously and firmly.

"It's the risk we must take," Julie said seriously, "We have to give him what he needs to get them. Even if it's a trap, we have to fight and get it back before Eon and his team get them."

"Maybe not…" Grandpa Max said thoughtfully. Everyone looked at him. He smirked slyly, "He only knows Team Ben and Team Prime, right?"

"Yeah? What of it? He already knew all of us before he departed from Decepticons," Ratchet asked in confusion yet frustration.

Carefully thinking of Grandpa Max's suggestion, Optimus Prime stated in realization, "But Starscream doesn't know about Miraculous Team, Princess Twilight's Team and Kuuga. So, he would assume that he can deceive and trap us, but not them. If that happens…"

"We spring the trap on them! Awesome!" Alix exclaimed happily.

Arcee (Prime) scoffed, "I would like to see Starscream tried to figure that out."

"It would be hilarious to see another bad guy lose," Marinette remarked playfully.

"What are we waiting for?! Get cracking!" Mystic Tao exclaimed impatiently.

Almost everyone nodded seriously and firmly. Future Alix received a text from her cellphone. After carefully reading it, she quickly shouted while transformed back into Bunnix.

"Not me. I'm gonna meet up with Decade. He told me earlier that he found old man Paradox," Future Bunnix said seriously.

"Need my help, future me?" Alix asked.

"No need. I've got this," Future Bunnix said confidently. She turned and looked at Miss Yuko, "Best you two prepare for the worst, just in case if things about to get ugly."

Miss Yuko nodded seriously, "I agree. I have to use my hidden power to prevent distortion to time flow. Mr. Tao, I suggest that you should prepare a very crucial Chi Spell if anything happens to me."

"Understood. We must return to my shop immediately. I must gather the necessary ingredients and tools for this." Mystic Tao agreed firmly. He turned and looked at Shadow Dragon and Twilight, "I'll bring the rest of your friends here. No doubt they would bring theirs."

"Thanks, Mr. Tao. We appreciate it." Twilight said in agreement.

Ben (Past) smirked, "If Eon and his gang ever show up, we kick their butts and save the day easily!" He then got whacked by Mystic Tao's hoof. He yelped, "OW! What now?!"

"Magic must defeat Magic, not some stupid superhero nonsense!" Mystic Tao scolded Ben (Past). He turned and whispered to Shadow Dragon, "You were right. He's indeed… Doofus and unprofessional…"

Shadow Dragon nodded firmly, "You have no idea…"

Future Bunnix summoned Burrow for her to travel and meet up with Kamen Rider Decade. Miss Yuko summoned her own Time Portal, which she and Mystic Tao entered and returned to Equestria Realm. And at the same time, Groundbridge Portal appeared for all four heroic teams to use and enter it. Ben (Past) gave his parents (Present Timeline) a warm hug. Grandpa Max did the same with his son as well. They did the same as well. He departed and regrouped with his team. They have to get two relics back before it's too late…

After sending his high-frequency message to the Autobots, Starscream is now hiding and waiting inside the abandoned warehouse from the southern part of Bellwood Town. He grumbled impatiently as he was walking around the warehouse.

A Groundbridge Portal appeared on his back. Starscream turned back and found Team Prime and Team Ben arrived while bringing couple crates of Energon, ammo and even medical kits. Lucky Girl and Armorstrike kept and hidden both Chrono Navigator in former's bag and Blades of Time on the latter's back. And at the same time; Twilight's Team, Miraculous Team and Kuuga quickly split up and hid behind the crates, watching and waiting to strike if the former Decepticon Commander is up to his tricks.

"It's about time you get here," Starscream complained with a scoff.

"Well, excuse us, Starscream. We were busy gathering all the items you've requested for," Bulkhead explained with irritated tone while moving last crate of Energon.

Bumblebee beeped, "Yeah. Thought you'd be working with Quintessa? She should give you what you want."

"For the moment, she hasn't made contact with me. So, I'm a freelancer, as in not pledging my allegiance to Autobots, Humans and especially the Decepticons." Starscream explained dryly.

"Then, why contact us? Miss me so much? You're in love with me?" Arcee (Prime) taunted amusingly.

Starscream groaned, "Oh, you really loved this, don't you? Hoping to kill me for Cliffjumper?"

"Tempting. But not important as Cliff would put it," Arcee (Prime) said seriously, "You have the pieces related to the 'time devices'?"

"Indeed, I do." Starscream chuckled as his hand revealed the time frame for both Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time. He smirked, "Indeed, I do…"

"Think it's real deal?" Armorstrike asked Lucky Girl.

As her eyes glowed brightly in pink color, Lucky Girl magically yet carefully scanned on two relics' time frames, which illuminated with magical aura. She nodded, "It's realm, guys."

"Wanna tell us how you get them from?" Tetrax demanded, though he and his team have figured it out.

"Agreed. I don't believe that you actually found it by coincidence or accident especially you're not capable of 'getting your hands dirty'?" Rook questioned suspiciously. He whispered to his teammates, "Did I get it right?"

"Yup. That's the right way to say," Armorstrike confirmed correctly.

Ben (Past) smirked, "Totally right, man."

"Looks like you're getting better with expression," Lucky Girl commented.

Rook smiled, "Why thank you."

"Well, Starsceram, aren't you gonna explain?" Arcee (Prime) asked while crossing her arms.

Starscream groaned in annoyance, "Fine… As you have claimed, I did not come across it by coincidence or accident, 5 years ago. I actually found a Deurtaal roaming around Jasper, Nevada. I gave some thoughts about capturing and weaponizing its power for our war against the Autobots. Though I managed to wound that creature, he then dropped these two items. It makes me curious and intriguing about them like it has power source within. So, I took them while leaving it behind."

"Surprise that you never show them to Megatron when you're still with Decepticons," Bulkhead asked suspiciously.

Bumblebee nodded, "Yeah. So, why keep it with you? Why make a bargain with us?"

"I did try to inform Megatron about it. And he doesn't believe me and thinks it's just some lousy devices. So, I kept them with me for a long time," Starscream explained. He then looked at two time-frames, "I have tried to study, understand and access these spare parts' powers. But nothing happens. They have proven to be useless to me."

"So, you decided to give them to us? How generous," Ratchet remarked sarcastically.

"Still, I'm surprised you're interested in them. Thought you would ignore it since these parts have no values," Starscream remarked in surprise. Team Ben and Team Prime turned and walked away. He chuckled a bit, "Out of curiosity, Prime. What are these for? What kind of time devices you have?"

Optimus Prime's eyes flicked as he lied, "T-These time-frames are very crucial to us. A memoir to my dearest old friend. Dion enjoyed collecting watches."

"Dion?" Arcee (Prime) asked in surprise.

"An old friend of mine, Arcee. Play along." Optimus Prime whispered back. Arcee (Prime) nodded understandingly.

"I see. Don't supposed you could hand them over to me, so I can fix it?" Starscream asked slyly.

"Not a chance, Starscream," Bluestreak disagreed.

Tetrax nodded, "Yeah. We don't need you to fix them. We can handle it."

"Oh no! I insist! I know how to fix them! I'm very good at it! Just gimme them now!" Starscream uncharacteristically insisted, alerting everyone to be suspicious.

"Something's not right," Armorstrike said in concern.

Rook also nodded in concern, "Yes. I too noticed this. Starscream shouldn't be bothered about this much since we mentioned watches."

"I have a bad feeling about this," Lucky Girl admitted in concern, "And I was not talking about Mana Disturbance…"

"Starscream, why are you insistent of fixing them? Ratchet, Perceptor and Thundercracker can repair them," Optimus Prime asked suspiciously yet firmly.

Ratchet nodded dryly, "Indeed. You already have what you want. Just give us the time frames and leave now with the supplies."

"Not until I see what kind of watches you have?! Why are you so secrecy about them?!" Starscream demanded impatiently.

Getting fed up with Starscream's insistence, Ben (Past) shouted angrily and impatiently, "Because they really Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time! Just get lost!"

"BEN!" Everyone shouted in anger yet annoyed tone.

Ben (Past) yelped while covered his mouth, "Oops."

"That idiot!" Shadow Dragon muttered in anger while hiding behind the crates, along with others sighed and shook their heads about Ben (Past)'s stupidity.

Starscream smirked slyly, "Aw… That's all we need to know. They're yours now, Quintessa! Just as I promised!"

The revelation shocked everyone in the warehouse. Quintessa teleported at Starscream's side. She smiled sinisterly and amusingly. This alerted Ratchet deactivated the Groundbridge Portal before anyone tried to get in.

Just before anyone could do anything, three Infernocuses rammed through the walls from left, right and back. The left one grabbed and swung Ratchet at Bulkhead to the ground. Arcee and Bumblebee tried to fire their blasters but got slammed and grabbed by the right one. The middle one slammed his feet on Optimus Prime to the ground while slammed his arm at Bluestreak against the crates. Team Ben tried to help their allies. Suddenly, Circuit Breaker and her gang, appeared out of nowhere, fiercely attacked and knocked them out. Most of them grabbed and held them to the ground especially Circuit Breaker grabbed and held Armorstrike from the back while aiming her knife at neck.

"Rojo?!" Ben (Past) asked in surprise.

"Miss me, greenie?" Circuit Breaker mocked.

Armorstrike groaned, "Like hell I would!"

"Julie!" Ladybug exclaimed in concern. She turned and looked at the rest of her allies, "We've gotta get in!"

"Agreed!" Kuuga supported while transforming into Pegasus Mode.

Twilight nodded firmly, "Definitely! We have to get in now!"

"Wait!" Shadow Dragon halted his team, "Something's not right. If the enemy knew we have two sacred relics of time, does this mean they also knew our ambush?"

Cat Noir blew raspberry, "What?! Not a chance! There is no way she can figure this out. It's not like she actually spied and watches everything from very far."

Twilight became concern and uneasy, "Wait… What if she did…"

Ladybug gulped, "You don't mean that-!"

Thanks to his Pegasus Mode, Kuuga was able to hear some whooshing, whistling and blasting noise. This made him uneasy and worried. He shouted, "Everyone, move!"

Without asking what happened, three heroic teams quickly got out from their hiding place before the crates and pillars got exploded. The explosion sent some shockwave, knocking and throwing them to the middle. Just as they were recovering; they found Lockdown, accompanied with couple of Balliffs and Infernocons aimed their weapons at them.

"Well, looks like she did," Arcee (MLP) remarked in concern.

"So much for ambush," Cat Noir hissed in fear, "And it's not a friendly joke too."

Everyone cursed, "Scrap!"

Unknown Timeline…

Hiding behind the destroyed walls, Kamen Rider Decade was spying and watching Eon was glaring and talking with Professor Paradox. While there were no guards, it doesn't make him confident and relax about it. He doesn't believe that the corrupted time traveler would let himself unguarded.

A Burrow Portal appeared behind him. Future Bunnix arrived and meet up with Kamen Rider Decade.

"Miss me?" Future Bunnix greeted amusingly.

Kamen Rider Decade scoffed, "Took you long enough to get here. What's your excuse?"

Future Bunnix scoffed, "I was busy saving my past self and her team, for the record, Tsukasa. We would have gotten here if you had come and helped me in the first place."

"And waste my time for not scouting and finding where Eon and his gang held Professor Paradox? Yeah, not a best idea. Besides, I did send the backup."

"Grr… You're lucky that I didn't call your girlfriend here to kick your ass!"

"Hey! First of all, leave Natsumi out of this! And second, she's not my girlfriend. She's pain of my ass! And third, stop being pesky and shush, punk."

"Whatever you say, jerk." Future Bunnix mocked. She turned and looked at the area. She hummed, "I thought he has more security around to guard him."

Kamen Rider Decade hummed thoughtfully, "I also am thinking the same thing. This is easy. Too easy. It's like he was expecting us to come and attack him. He's up to something."

"You could be right," Future Bunnix admitted in concern, "Maybe if I can use my Burrow Power, I can check out the timeline."

"Alix…"

"Oh… Right… The timeline and its alternative are in big mess. I can't tell which one is right one. So, how do we catch that asshole off guard?"

"Some say direct approach is always the best."

"You're not serious about this, aren't you?"

"I am. Besides, I've got tons of weapons, gadgets, riders from Showa, Heisei and even Reiwa Eras, and especially the final forms to kick his ass."

"Dude, all of them are literally made of cards. You really think he's in mood for playing cards like Yu-Gi-Oh or Cardfight Vanguards?"

"Please don't compare my weapons to some card game. It's insulting and childish."

"Fine. Let's get the show on the road. Better hope he doesn't see us from the past or get ahead of us in the future. Yeesh. This time traveling is such a headache."

"Meh. I always don't bother with it. I just travel and passing by." Kamen Rider Decade remarked in cocky yet deadpan tone.

Future Bunnix rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Spoken like a true traveler. Let's get going. You hit him high, I hit him low."

Kamen Rider Decade scoffed, "If you can really hit him with your stupid umbrella."

Future Bunnix groaned as she whacked Kamen Rider Decade's head while remarked, "Just do it, asshole."

Future Bunnix and Kamen Rider Decade split up at once. While the dimensional Kamen Rider climbed the wall before jumped from-pillar-to-pillar, and at the same time, Future Bunnix was sneaking through broken walls and various transports. Both of them are approaching towards Eon. Kamen Rider Decade is on top of building's damaged rooftop, readying with his card deck-like blaster. Hiding behind the destroyed statue, Future Bunnix armed with her umbrella before slowly approaching towards Eon, who was still busy chastising Professor Paradox.

Future Bunnix yelled as she raised and slammed her umbrella at Eon, who remained firm and calm. Just before she could hit, the corrupted time traveler snapped his fingers, activated his powers. She got halted and paralyzed in midway to slam her umbrella at him. Kamen Rider Decade tried to fire his blaster at him. He immediately grabbed and held Future Bunnix, acted like a shield against the blasts. He threw her aside before firing his Time Energy Blast at Kamen Rider, who fell to the ground hard.

Both Future Bunnix and Kamen Rider Decade grunted in pain while recovering. Just as they got up, they both are armed with their melee weapons, preparing to fight. Eon, remained calm and cool, summoning Shadow Energized Blades. They both charged and engaged a fierce swordfight with him. The corrupted time traveler calmly and firmly parried both attacks simultaneously and calmly yet fiercely. The rabbit-themed Miraculous Hero summoned the Burrow to teleport to his back, but he turned and kicked her back inside. Armed with his blaster, the masked rider fired it at him but only got blocked and deflected. Eon teleported and reappeared behind him via Time Travel ability. He swung and knocked him high. Kamen Rider Decade recovered and managed to land on his feet.

Using a card in his Decadriver, he transformed into Kamen Rider Faiz Axel Form. Using his speed ability, he charged and tried to slam a punch at Eon, who somehow managed to evade and dodge the attacks due to using Slow-Motion Time Spell on him before firing his Dark Energy Beam to blast him off. He was parrying the attacks against Future Bunnix, who used Burrows to ambush him everywhere. Seeing him got distracted, Kamen Rider Faiz used another card to transform into Kamen Rider Ryuki with Dragclaw to fire Dragon Fireshot at him, which injured him and allowed Future Bunnix to swing her umbrella at him straight into the Burrow.

Just as both Guardians of Time were recovering, his form reverted back to his default form. Eon reappeared behind of them as he unleashed and blasted his Dark Energy Beam at them both. When they turned around, they both got impaled on sides by Eon's Dark Energy Blades. He then kicked them off to the ground. They both groaned and moaned in pain while reverting to their civilian forms. His armored ninja warriors appeared as they grabbed and held them, worrying Professor Paradox.

"Did you really think I did not see this coming?" Eon questioned with a scoff. He approached to both Kamen Rider Decade and Future Bunnix as he was searching something from them. Taking both Kamen Rider Zi-O Card and Rabbit Miraculous, "I knew you both would come because I purposely let my guard down. So, I can get these from you. Thank you for the delivery, guardians."

Future Alix groaned in pain, "Damn it. He played us."

Tsukasa grunted in pain, "Yeah. He's now going after the other relics…"

"Indeed, I am," Eon confirmed calmly yet firmly. He smirked beneath his mask while looking at the portal, "My team shall get them now."

Present Timeline…

After Quintessa and her forces have ambushed them, all five heroic teams' hands have cuffed up with laser bind technology-like. All of them grunted and grumbled while struggling and trying to break themselves up. And at the same time, they were glaring at their enemies.

Quintessa and Starscream were looking and marveling at the complete forms of both Chrono Navigator and Blades of Time. Lockdown, Circuit Breaker and their own soldiers were guarding and patrolling the area.

Rook groaned, "I cannot believe we got outsmarted by Starscream. This is humiliating."

"Don't beat yourself, Rook. It happens to all of us when it comes to Starscream," Bluestreak comforted Rook. He sighed, "He is quite devious and conniving Decepticon to deal with. He is very unpredictable to deal with."

"Still how does he know time relics?" Cat Noir questioned in concern.

Ladybug gave her firm looks as she answered, "I think we're about to find out."

"After centuries of searching the relic since my home planet's destruction, the Blades of Time is mine at last…" Quintessa said in both pleasant and amusement tone while holding Vector Prime's Relic. She then looked at Professor Paradox's, "And of course, the Chrono Navigator is in my grasp as well. I must thank you for this, Pretender Class J579…"

"Huh?!" Miraculous Team and Twilight's Team asked in confusion.

"Let me guess again – Long Story?" Ladybug questioned in annoyance yet rhetorical tone.

Armorstrike sighed, "Yeah. And you are not gonna like this."

"Why do I get the feeling this is Tennyson's fault," Shadow Dragon asked dryly, prompting his wife to nudge on his shoulder for being rude.

Ben (Past) looked annoyed. Armorstrike spoke up, "Guys, come on. This isn't Ben's fault. In fact, we just found out what I really am. And it's-!"

"Long and complicated story…" Team Miraculous and Twilight's Team remarked dryly, "We know…"

"Silence!" Starscream ordered angrily, "You are our prisoners. You're not allowed to speak when Mistress Quintessa stands before you all."

"That won't be necessary, Starscream. They can speak if they want. Mostly about you," Quintessa remarked amusingly, which annoyed Starscream.

"Yeah! A lot!" Arcee (Prime) shouted in anger tone while glaring at Starscream, "You've got some nerve! Calling us to come here and then ambush us! And now, you've stole and delivered two most powerful and dangerous artifacts to the most dangerous Cybertronian in the world! Do you even have any idea what you have done?!"

"Nope. Not my problem," Starscream mocked amusingly.

Bulkhead groaned, "You are the worse as always, jerk!"

Bumblebee groaned as he beeped, "When we get the scrap out of these binds, we're gonna-!"

"Gonna what?! Shoot me?! Ha!" Starscream taunted. He smirked, "It doesn't matter now. After many years have passed, I finally got what I deserve!"

"For being dumbass to the bottomless pit?" Shadow Dragon taunted dryly.

Starscream growled in anger, "Insolent four-legged steed! Respect the greatest commander of Cybertron, fool!"

"Respect to my ass…" Shadow Dragon defied firmly and stoically. Starscream growled as he armed and aimed his claws at him. He scoffed, "Come on. It's that all you've got? Not from what Twilight told me, the other Starscream is much scarier and tougher than you are. He got more muscle than you have. You're not even close to his level."

Starscream growled in anger, "I'm gonna tear you-!"

Just before the former Decepticon Commander could strike, Lockdown grabbed and held him back. He spoke dryly, "Stand down, Starscream. Quintessa wants to question them."

Starscream groaned as he calmed himself down, "Yes. I understand."

While still holding both the Blades of Time and Chrono Navigator, Quintessa looked at five heroic teams, who remained silent and firm as they glared back at her. She calmly stated, "I am certain that you all and I are quite curious of how do we come across and know about these two sacred relics."

"Oh. You know us too well," Armorstrike remarked sarcastically.

"Yeah. Like we tell you anything," Ladybug said dryly.

Quintessa smiled calmly yet sinisterly, "Then, I will tell you mine. Starscream told me of how he found two peculiar time frames from an unusual Deutraal, 5 years ago. And he did try to access the power but failed. So, he brought them to me. The moment I touched them, I sensed a familiar presence in them. I've then learned their true identities. I've never had imagined that creature would have them. I wonder how he got them and why he separated them in the first place?"

"What makes you think we'd tell you?" Grandpa Max questioned dryly and firmly.

Tetrax nodded firmly, "Yeah. You're gonna have to break us to get the info."

Remained calm as always, Quintessa looked at Ben (Past) as she gave a sly yet amusing smug. She questioned, "Tell me, young man. What is your name?"

Ben (Past) scoffed, "Dude. Everyone knows me. I'm Ben Tennyson or Ben 10. Duh."

"I know who you are. But you don't know me because you are the past version from 5 years ago while the present version is trapped in the past," Quintessa answered amusingly yet calmly, shocking everyone especially Armorstrike. She smirked, "Your voice gave me the hint to know the difference. I recalled that Professor Paradox is an important ally to your team. I suspect that he must have found and gave these two relics to you for safekeeping. Am I right?"

"Wow. She's good. Really good," Kuuga remarked in surprise.

"How does she know that? She's not Guardians of Time and Space like Future Bunnix and Miss Yuko," Cat Noir asked in concern.

Circuit Breaker scoffed, "No matter what you losers do, you can't fool my boss so easily."

"Even if you knew it, what are you gonna do about them?" Viperion asked dryly.

Bunnix scoffed, "I'm guessing that you're gonna use it to travel back in the past to fix some mistakes and beat your archnemeses. Or maybe, you're trying to go to future, where nobody can stop you from conquering the world. That is so cliché, you know?"

"Oh please… Don't compare me to some petty and stupid supervillains. I have no interest of such things, though I have a little interest of researching and experimenting various alternate timelines." Quintessa answered calmly yet amusingly. She then looked at two relics, "But at the moment, there is a matter we need to discuss. Why split them apart, hidden them and now reunite them? It's as if you all were protecting them from someone else."

No point of hiding the truth, Optimus Prime spoke, "Yes. It is as you have said, Quintessa. We're protecting them from Ben's alternate counterpart. His name is Eon. He is leading a team of four powerful warriors to get them. Whatever the purpose, we do not know. But you and I know what these relics can do if fall into wrong hands."

"Someone like you," Rook added dryly and firmly.

"Indeed. You are right," Quintessa agreed before snapped her fingers, which magically deactivated and released the cuffs from her enemies' hands. This surprised everyone. She continued, "At this moment, I sense great disturbance in this realm. Eon and his team posed a great threat to us. Whether you are willing to work with us or not, we must join forces to stop them."

"WHAT?!" Starscream and Circuit Breaker asked in shock and disbelief.

Everyone was surprised by her proposal. Bulkhead remarked, "That was unexpected…"

"Why should we trust and work with you?" Ratchet asked suspiciously.

"Yeah. Boss. Why do we need to work with these losers?" Circuit Breaker questioned dryly yet annoyed while glaring at Armorstrike.

Armorstrike scoffed while crossed her arms, "Feeling's mutual, bitch."

"How do we know that you won't try to backstab at us?" Ladybug questioned dryly.

"You don't have a choice," Quintessa answered ambiguously, concerning everyone. As if sensing something amiss in her system, she stated, "Don't you all see? They already here to claim what is theirs."

Just before anyone could ask, four familiar villains teleported and appeared before all of them. They all armed and readied for a fight.

Looking at Shadowmoth, Cat Noir narrowed his mixed feeling of anger and hurt, "Father…"

"Son…" Shadowmoth said in guilt yet anger while looking away.

"Aw man…" Ben (Past) said in concern yet annoyance, "Why do the bad guys have to be right?"

Quintessa looked at Armorstrike, "So, tell me, my dear. Are you willing to work with us to defeat our enemies?"

"Appreciate the offer. But we can handle the situation without your assistance," Rook said seriously as he armed and readied with his Proto-Tool. He aimed them at his enemies, "Besides, we've outnumbered them. They don't have an army now."

Unfortunately, hundreds of time portals appeared out of nowhere, summoning thousands of Gurongi Warriors, Agents of Chaos, Mystic Soldiers, Akumatized Warriors and even Eon's Warriors. They all have surrounded the warehouse, blocking their escape routes. They all gave loud yet wild and mad roar and battle cry, readying for the fight. This shocked and alerted everyone to see it.

"You just have to say it," Bulkhead remarked dryly at Rook, who chuckled uneasily.

Bumblebee facepalmed, "This definitely not going well for all of us."

"Working together?" Armorstrike asked everyone.

"Working together," Everyone including Quintessa's Forces have agreed.

"That doesn't mean I have to like you and be friends," Circuit Breaker remarked with a scoff.

Armorstrike scoffed while armed with her katanas, "Yeah. We're on the same page, Circuit Breaker. But if you ever hurt my friends especially Ladybug-!"

Circuit Breaker smirked, "Relax, kid. I only want to fight and kick your ass, not your friends and family. You're mine to take care."

"Wow. I feel so honored," Armorstrike remarked sarcastically.

"Yeesh. You've got some crazy archnemeses, Julie," Ladybug commented.

Armrostrike scoffed, "Says to a baker girl has to deal with her boyfriend's mad father to take yours and Cat Noir's Miraculous."

"Point taken…" Ladybug grumbled.

"Adrien, just surrender your Miraculous and Time Relics to us now. Then, we shall leave you all in peace," Shadowmoth urged his superhero son, who remained firm and stern yet angry. Readied with his rapier, he pleaded, "Please, don't make me do this."

Narrowed in his angry eyes, Cat Noir stated, "You've already did that when you started your damn criminal career! Mom will be ashamed of you!"

Angered by his son's insult, Shadowmoth remained calm as he insisted, "Adrien, last chance. Surrender. Now."

Readied with his pole, Cat Noir firmly answered, "You already know my answer. You can forget about turning me into Cat Blanc. I. Am. Not. Your. Puppet."

Shadowmoth was shocked and hurt yet understandingly disappointed by his son's defiance. Daguva chuckled amusingly, "Oh. A hatchling defying its own parents? How cute. So, shall we dance as they all say?"

Shadowmoth sighed firmly before showing his serious looks, "Yes, we shall. We get the Time Relics."

"Does that mean you're willing to kill your son?" Nezha questioned Shadowmoth. The masked villain remained silent while glaring at Cat Noir, who glared back at him. He scoffed, "I expect nothing less of weak links like you and your kind. Always sacrifice your own children for stupid ambition. And I considered yours to be the lousy one."

Shadowmoth growled while clenched his fist, "You will learn to respect, freak!"

"Go ahead and try, weakling!" Nezha snarled at him.

"Enough brattle, fools! Focus on the mission!" Galvatron shouted out loud. Narrowing his fierce eyes, he growled, "Scourge, prepare the warriors!"

Scourge, the muscular blue-colored Decepticon with Hungarian mustache and beard wearing mechanical Roma's Helmet-like and has giant demonically bat-like wingspans, nodded, "By your will, my lord. We will get them for you!"

"You all as well," Nezha, Daguva and Shadowmoth said firmly to their second-in-command.

Death Tactic, Go-Gadol-Ba and Volpina nodded firmly, "Understood."

The army of Mystic Soldiers, Agents of Chaos, Gurongi Warriors, Akumatized Warriors and Eon's Warriors have armed with their weapons as they marched towards both heroes and Quintesson's forces. They all readied themselves for the fight.

"Wow. All this for those old relics. This Eon guy must be lame and dumb," Circuit Breaker remarked in disbelief.

"I wouldn't mess with him or the time traveling relics." Grandpa Max warned seriously to Circuit Breaker. He continued, "If he gets them both, he will do more than time-traveling past and future. Changing the timelines, destroying alternates and even dimensions, misplacing something in any of them or worse – destroying the universe and multiverse itself."

"The end of everything," Tetrax concluded in concern.

"We have to keep both relics away from them," Optimus Prime said firmly and seriously.

Quintessa nodded firmly and seriously, "Yes. And that is why we must work together to prevent this catastrophe."

Shadow Dragon nodded while armed with his Darkness Blade, "Don't have to tell us twice."

"Since we have come to the conclusion of our alliance, I'll be leaving now," Starscream chuckled uneasily. As he tried to sneak away, Bulkhead slammed his mace against the crate, stopping him. It scared him. He turned and found almost everyone glared at him. He gulped, "Of course, I could stay and help. You know? Preventing the catastrophe."

Arcee (Prime) smirked smugly as she aimed her scythe at his neck, "Wise decision, Starscream. Be glad that you live. I wouldn't want to lose our spy so quickly."

Starscream chuckled nervously, "Yeah. Good for me. Good for me…"

"Cat Noir, are you sure for this?" Rook questioned Cat Noir.

Cat Noir nodded firmly, "Don't worry. I'm not holding back. I'm gonna stop him and find out why he did this."

"I agreed," Rook said firmly as he readied with his Proto-Tool's Sword Mode. He eyed at Shadowmoth, "And I believe I might know why he goes this length to get the Miraculous. Something very personal to him and you."

"If everyone's ready, it's Hero Time!" Ben (Past) declared as he activated and slammed his Omnitrix. He transformed into Atomix. He yelped in surprise, "What the?! Cool! New alien! I feel so powerful."

"Yup. Good choice, Ben! Atomix can kick his butt!" Twilight exclaimed happily.

Atomix smirked, "Oh yeah…"

Nezha growled, "Him again. I've been looking forward for this rematch." Looking at his battle armor, the Soul Gems glowed brightly in various colors. He smirked confidently yet arrogantly, "And this time, I am well prepared for this fight."

Daguva chuckled madly, "Aren't we all?! I'm looking for a rematch, Kuuga! Let's make our greatest duel memorable!"

"Indeed. Leave that Last Prime to me. He is mine to kill," Galvatron snarled while armed with his long sword.

"Do what you want, we must not forget about the relics," Shadowmoth reminded them. He turned and glared at his son and nemesis, "I certainly won't forget mine."

"ATTACK!" Four Commanders of Messiah Team commanded firmly yet stoically.

As commanded, Messiah Team's army charged and engaged a ferocious fight with four heroic teams and villains, who must now work together to fight back. And at the same time, they have to protect and keep two relics from the enemies.

Atomix teamed up with both Shadow Dragon and Twilight to engage a fierce martial art duel with Nezha, who now activated and used seven of his Soul Gems of Mystic Guardians to get his revenge on them. Optimus Prime and Lockdown worked together to battle with Galvatron, who brutally and barbarically fought back with demonic prowess and strength through swordfight. Now using his Ultimate Form, Kuuga now battled against Daguva, who madly and pleasantly enjoyed the rematch with his archnemesis. Both are evenly matched through strength, speed, prowess, elemental powers and even using other forms. Rook and Cat Noir are fighting with Shadowmoth, who calmly yet aggressively and determinedly to parry the attacks off. They also have to deal with Eon's Warriors as well.

Armorstrike, Ladybug and even Circuit Breaker teamed up to fight Volpina, who used her clone spells and exaggerated illusion, which the female warriors struggled to deal with and also battling with Akumatized Warriors. Scourge yelled angrily and wildly as he charged and swung his giant axe and mace at the rest of Team Prime, who helped each other to block and parry off the attacks while dealing with some Agents of Chaos. Grandpa Max, Tetrax and Bluestreak are struggling to fend off and defeat Gadol and his army of Gurongi Warriors, who have proven themselves to be not only strong but indestructible and powerful. Lucky Girl, Arcee (MLP) and reluctant Starscream were engaging and pushing Eon's ninjas and warriors off while Viperion and Bunnix were protecting two relics of time but also readied to use their time power to prevent the enemies getting them. Balliffs, Infernocons and Rojo Gangs also helped their commanding officers to fight them.

Unbeknownst to both sides battling with each other, Eon was watching the battlefield, waiting for the right moment to strike and get the relics. He then looked at both Rabbit Miraculous and Kamen Rider Zi-O card.

"Everything is in place," Eon commented calmly yet amusingly, "The moment she arrives at the exact time, it's the perfect moment to execute my master plan."

Despite their effort and teamwork to fend off the enemies, five heroic teams and Quintesson's Forces are being overwhelmed and pushed back by Messiah Team's endless and indestructible armies especially fighting both the leaders and their enforcers. They all continued battling with each other outside of the warehouse and near to Mr. Smoothy's Parking Lot.

Just as father and son have a fierce clash, Cat Noir grunted while glaring at Shadowmoth, who looked conflicted yet frustrated and anger to fight with him. The masked butterfly-themed supervillain demanded, "Adrien, stop! Now! I am ordering you to stand down now!"

"No! Not until you tell me the truth!" Cat Noir snapped angrily and firmly while swinging the pole at him to back off. He continued, "Why?! Why did you do this?! Why hurt so many people including your own best friends?! For what?! For revenge?! For power?! For control?! To prove that you're the very best and better than anyone?!"

"NO! It's for your mother!" Shadowmoth snapped angrily, shocking Cat Noir. He quickly knocked him off. He panted calmly while dusting dusts off from his suit, "I'm doing this for your mother! I need those two Miraculous to save her! This is the only way!"

Cat Noir was shocked yet confused to question, "Save her?! What happened to her?! What did you do to her?!"

Shadowmoth hissed in concern, "I-It's complicated, Adrien."

"It has something to do with Peacock Miraculous? Am I right?" Rook questioned firmly yet seriously. Shadowmoth looked surprised and disbelief as he turned and looked at him. Armed with his Proto-Tool Pole Mode, he explained while aiming it at Shadowmoth, "I read your wife's history and medical file, and also about Peacock Miraculous. She has suffered miscarriage condition, which forced you and her to take a drastic measure without realizing the side effects this Miraculous could cause to your wife. No. You knew the Peacock Miraculous was actually damaged, but you both chose to do it without realizing the consequence you will pay for it."

"What are you talking about?!" Cat Noir demanded in confusion yet scared.

"Don't believe that stupid alien! He doesn't know what he was talking about!" Shadowmoth pleaded his son.

Rook narrowed his firm eyes, "Enough secrets, Agreste. You and your wife didn't give actually give birth of Adrien Agreste! You used the Amuk to create him, and therefore, it almost killed her. That's why you needed the Miraculous to save her!"

Overhearing the explanation, everyone immediately stopped while turning and looking at Cat Noir and Shadowmoth. They were deeply shocked and disbelief.

"N-No way!" Atomix said in shock. He stopped in realization, "What's a Sentimonster again?!"

Armorstrike explained in concern, "Sentimonster is a giant monster created from Amuk's manifesting anybody's emotions. I did not expect that."

Ladybug was deeply shocked to state, "Adrien is a Sentimonster?!"

Volpina grunted in disgust, "I actually try to date with a freak?! Ew! Really gross! You can freaking have him, Marinette!" This angered and annoyed Ladybug swung and struck her yo-yo at the Akumatized Lila's head. She yelled in pain, "Hey! You want that freak!"

Her magical yo-yo lassoed her 'archnemesis' before dragging straight to her. Ladybug swung a punch at Volpina hard. She scolded, "The only freak I see is you! So, shut the hell up, bitch!"

"I-! WHAT?!" Cat Noir exclaimed in hurt yet confused tone. Shadowmoth looked shocked and scared. He turned and glared at his own father, "Is this true?! Am I a Sentimonster?! You… And mom… Created me?! Tell me the truth!"

No point of hiding the truth, Shadowmoth sighed as he readied with his wedding ring, "Yes, Adrien. I was hoping that I wouldn't resort to this. But you have left me no choice. Obey me!"

Shadowmoth rubbed the ring gently, which surprisingly affected Cat Noir to yelped in pain before dropped to the ground. Cat-themed superhero struggled to stand while glaring at his father. Just before he could do anything, Rook threw the Proto-Tool Pole Mode at him by guts. The Revonnahgander dashed in as he quickly punched him by face and chest for five times. He then grabbed the ring out from him.

He quickly approached to his ally, whom he helped him to get up. Rook passed the ring to Cat Noir, who firmly placed it on his ring. Shadowmoth, recovered, just learned of what has happened.

"Nooooooooooo!" Shadowmoth exclaimed in fear. He found Cat Noir stood before him, glaring at him. He gulped, "Adrien, let me explain! I-!"

"No! More! Lies!" Cat Noir snapped in anger and fury as he swung and slammed his pole at Shadowmoth's face to the ground. He growled at him, "This ends now!"

"Adrien! What about your mother?! You would abandon her?!" Shadowmoth demanded in anger yet felt betrayal.

"No. I won't abandon her," Cat Noir said firmly and seriously as he aimed his pole at his own father, "But I won't help you either. It's better than using a wish to exchange somebody's life for her!"

Shadowmoth became furious and angry as he swung and knocked his rapier to knock Cat Noir, "So be it! I will have to get rid of you and your girlfriend! You're no longer my son!"

Before Shadowmoth could do anything, a swarm of flying bats attacked him, prompting him yelled and panicked in pain and agony. He managed to summon his Akumas to repel them. He got kicked by guts before punched straight against the wall. He groaned in pain while recovering. He found Carapace, Terrorcreep and Fluttershy helped Cat Noir to stand.

"Nino?" Cat Noir asked in surprised.

"You came?!" Rook asked in surprise.

Carapace nodded firmly, "Yup! The gang from France, Pony World, Bots and Alien Dudes are here to save the day!"

Five of them looked up and found couple of portals appeared, bringing Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Autobots, Team Manny, Team Redeemers and Miraculous Team to charge out and engaged a fierce fight with Messiah Team and their armies.

"What?! Where did they come from?!" Shadowmoth demanded in shock.

Carapace glared at Shadowmoth, "Adrien's dad! You're a horrible father!"

"I agreed." Terrorcreep said dryly and sternly while armed with his Dual Thunder Axes, "Let me show you how I handle with my bastard father! With pain!"

Using the Animal Ruby, Fluttershy snorted firmly, "Me too! Treating your son like that is something I cannot forgive and tolerate you!"

"Oh please. Your friend and some little horsies think they can defeat me so easily," Shadowmoth questioned dryly and firmly while readied with his rapier, "You can try. None of you especially that weak little pathetic pony can defeat me."

"I won't recommend you to do that to my wife, bastard," Terrorcreep warned Shadowmoth.

Fluttershy stretched her neck before cracked her hooves as she activated her Elephant's Spirit, Bat's Spirit and Shark's Spirit. She growled, "Buddy. Let me show why it's not a good idea to make me angry when I was in middle of nursing Spirit of Disharmony back to health! And what you did to your son is really ticked me off now, mister! Time for some spanking, mister!"

Fluttershy gave a loud wild roar at Shadowmoth as she jumped and attacked him to the ground fiercely and angrily. He yelled angrily as he tried to fight back.

"Wow. What a mare?" Carapace joked. Terrorcreep dryly glared at him. He gestured to halt, "Easy there, bat dude. I'm just complimenting, not trying to get her, okay? I've got my own girlfriend. No worry."

Terrorcreep scoffed, "Whatever. Let's get the job done. End this fight in hell."

Cat Noir looked surprise as he remarked, "Yeesh. I thought we always use some foul language here."

Rook shrugged, "I used to think that too. But I tried not to ask too many times. Let's finish this before Eon shows up. And then, we'll find your mother, so we can nurse her back without using the Miraculous. And your father might go to jail for what he has done."

Looked conflicted and reluctant about putting his own father in jail, Cat Noir knew what he has done cannot be forgive despite doing for his mother. He nodded firmly, "Yeah. Let's do this."

Cat Noir and Rook charged and joined the battlefield. They both helped Fluttershy, Terrorcreep and Carapace to fight with Shadowmoth. The rest of reinforcement are helping their allies to push and defeat both commanding officers and their armies as hard as they can.

Activating both Soul Gems of Zhuqiao and Whiger, Nezha armed and fired both Phoenix Flamethrower and Tsunami Roar straight at Atomix, Shadow Dragon and Twilight. Atomix activated and used his Radiation Powered Shield to hold off the attacks for the moment. Both Shadow Dragon and Twilight fired and combined their Chaos Hyper Blast and Sparkling Star Burst into a powerful beam hitting straight at the Mystic Emperor. He quickly ceased the attacks before slammed his hoof on the ground, using his Soul Gem of Torterra and Metallikato, forming himself into Titanium Armor Mode while summoning Boulder Armor Shells to withstand the attacks. Activating Soul Gem of Azulong, he then unleashed five Storm Dragoon Tornadoes straight and knocked three of them. Just as he activated his Soul Gem of Snedronnigen's Freezing Breath, his attacks have been countered by Blazefist's Firestorm Phoenix before both Saber Dragoon and Aqua launched Wind Storm and Hydro Cannon. He got blasted and thrown at Daguva as they both got punched by Ultimate Kuuga.

"Thanks guys," Shadow Dragon thanked his teammates.

Blazefist nodded firmly, "No problem. Your dad and Miss Yuko will be here soon. We just need to hold them for a while."

"Yeah. Easy to say than done. Didn't think you ponies are tough," Atomix remarked in surprise, confusing his friends.

"Is he alright?" Blazefist asked in concern, "I thought he fought Nezha before. Why is he-?! You're gonna say 'It's a long and complicated story' again?"

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Yup. We sure use it a lot."

"Knowing Pinkie, she would say something very random," Twilight agreed before imitated Pinkie's voice, "Well, duh. We say that because it's taking too long to explain our origins, designs, events, episodes and even movies everypony know about. So, just skip it and get to the action! They can figure it themselves out."

Pinkie fired her Party Cannon at the Goma, who screech in fear and slammed to the ground. She turned and cheered happily, "PINKIE APPROVED IT! NICE VOICE OVER, TWILIGHT!"

Atomix looked surprised and confused as he remarked, "Weird…"

"Don't ask," Shadow Dragon and Twilight commented.

"XIAO LONG!" Mystic Tao's voice called, getting Shadow Dragon and Twilight's attention.

Two pony couples and Atomix turned and looked back, where they found Miss Yuko and Mystic Tao emerged out from the portal. The old pony was holding the sack of mystical ingredients and items. They waved at them.

"They made it!" Atomix exclaimed in relief.

"Father! You got what you need?!" Shadow Dragon shouted.

Holding the sack up, Mystic Tao shouted back happily, "Yes! Uncle has all the ingredients we need. Now Miss Yuko and I can prepare the spell before-!"

"Look out!" Atomix exclaimed in concern.

A large shadow is looming on both Mystic Tao and Miss Yuko, who looked up and found Bulkhead is falling on them due to him being punched off by Scourge. They both panicked and screamed in fear. Atomix dashed and pushed both Mystic Tao and Miss Yuko aside while dropping the sack down, which the Wrecker fell on them hard, breaking them apart.

As three of them were recovering, Shadow Dragon approached and checked on his father, "Father, you okay?"

"No! Mystic Tao almost broke his hip!" Mystic Tao complained in pain while rubbing his back. Holding the Horse Talisman, it magically glowed and healed his hip. He sighed in relief, "Good thing I brought the Horse Talisman with me. My hip is healed."

"Aren't you guys supposed to be invincible? You guys are Mystic Ponies," Atomix asked, prompting Mystic Tao gave a dope slap on his head. He yelped, "Ow! What?!"

Mystic Tao scoffed, "Mystic Tao maybe immortal, but not invincible and powerful! Of course, we can get hurt, bleed, and sometimes getting old. When Mystic Ponies ages like me, our healing powers take a long time to heal and recover! One more thing, Horse Talisman heals quicker than mine."

Miss Yuko spoke seriously as she brought Viperion, Bunnix, Lucky Girl and Arcee (MLP) here, "No time for your usual 'Uncle's Bickering'. We must get and move two relics out of here before-!

"Before I arrive at this very moment?" Eon's voice mocked.

Before she could do anything, Miss Yuko yelled in pain as she felt her back being stabbed from the back. This shocked and alerted almost everyone to see her magically vanished before their eyes. Eon stood before them while holding Soul Gem.

"Miss Yuko!" Bunnix cried in concern.

Though not close with the Mystic Councilpony of Wisdom, Twilight demanded with her magic spell, "W-What did you do to her?!"

"Bring her back, bastard!" Arcee (MLP) demanded angrily.

"Unfortunately, I have some use of her powers!" Eon commanded firmly as he unleashed powerful magic spell to knock his enemies off to the ground. He then picked up Blades of Time, Chrono Navigator, Snake Miraculous, along with Kamen Rider Zi-O Card and Future Bunnix's Miraculous. He smirked slyly, "Yes. I have all of them now including Athena the Mystic Guardian of Wisdom herself."

Nezha approached towards Eon as he questioned, "Miss Yuko was the Mystic Guardian of Wisdom? You knew it, didn't you?"

"Indeed, I do. If you're wondering about Susanoo and Black Alpha, they're also the Mystic Guardians of Power and Darkness." Eon confirmed as he combined all five sacred relics of time together. He attached Chrono Navigator to Blades of Time's center, placing Snake Miraculous on his left Time Gauntlet, placing the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko on his chestplate, putting Rabbit Miraculous on his right side of waist and holding the Kamen Rider Zi-O Card. Nezha smirked slyly. He continued, "And now… I can finally begin my master plan."

"What is this master plan?" Nezha questioned suspiciously.

Eon narrowed his firm eyes while taking a deep breathe, "To resurrect my kind! To restore its existence! To claim what is rightfully ours! The Chronians will rise again!"

Overhearing what Eon has said, Twilight grunted in pain and questioned, "Chronians?"

"It is time… Sass… Fluff… Dual Metamorphosis! Kamen Rider!" Eon shouted firmly and stoically.

As commanded, both Kwamis yelled in pain yet agony and fear, flying and entering into their own Miraculous. And at the same time, Kamen Rider Zi-O Card glowed in dark aura before he slotted it into his right gauntlet, which announced sinisterly: Kamen Rider: Zi-O!

Eon is now engulfed inside a purple-colored darkness aura. Within the pillar of darken lighting, his body began the transformation from head to his feet. For the moment later, the lighting has grown bigger, brighter and yet darker. It then exploded and blinded everyone, prompting them to stop at once.

As soon as the lighting dispersed, everyone was groaning in pain while recovering from being blinded. They then looked up and found something unsettling yet terrifying and dangerous they have never seen before.

Eon has now gain new armor and gears. He is now wearing blackish jumpsuit with Kamen Rider Zi-O's battle armor embedded with white-colored Soul Gem of Miss Yuko, a dark long coat covering his body, his left gauntlet is in rabbit-themed with Rabbit Miraculous while his right one is serpentine-theme with Snake Miraculous, his dark green-purple colored serpentine-themed helmet has dark magenta visor that is similar to Kamen Rider Zi-O's and has two ricking clock arrows-like antennas on top of it. His Blade of Time is now corrupted and attached together with corrupted version of Chrono Navigator.

Everyone was in shocked and surprised to see what they're looking at. While Team Messiah was amazed to see it, both five heroic teams and Quintesson's Forces were concerned of the situation now.

"Aw man…" Ben (Past) remarked in fear and concern, "That armor would be awesome and cool if it weren't for saving the whole universe and time."

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Tell me about it."

"Yes. I have gained a new power. A power that can help me accomplish my ambition. I am now the new and powerful Dark Guardian of Time and Space!" Eon declared proudly yet amusingly. He raised his Blade of Time up. He shouted, "Now, Sacred Relics of Time and Space. Take me… To the Beginning before the Ending…"

Just as Eon chanted in ancient yet dark language, all five Sacred Relics of Time and Space began glowed darkly in purple aura, creating an intense yet powerful electrical sparks. The relics' energy then surged through his body, then flowed straight to the tip of his sword. It glowed darkly yet eerily and shadowy. He yelled firmly before aimed and fired its beam in front of the Mr. Smoothy Stall, creating an endless tunnel of large portal, revealing various holographic portals-like of events with different timelines. This shocked and concerned everyone.

"It is as we feared," Quintessa said in concern yet calmly.

His body shivered in fear, Mystic Tao turned to his son, "Xiao Long!"

"I know. I know." Shadow Dragon said in concern. He turned to everyone, "Guys, we have to stop Eon. Get rid of these distractions!"

Ben (Past) nodded as he dialed his Omnitrix, which turned him into Feedback. He exclaimed, "Don't have to tell me twice!"

The heroes quickly yet temporarily knocked Team Messiah and their armies aside. They turned and tried to stop Eon, who didn't seem to be fazed or even reacted to them. Just as they were about to attack him, the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko glowed in corrupted white light, which he summoned his Barrier to block and repel their attacks. He then swung his Blades of Time, unleashing and firing a powerful Dark Shockwave to knock his enemies off. Before they tried to get up and fight, all of them got caught and held to the ground by Team Messiah's armies.

"You will have to do better than that," Eon remarked dryly yet amusingly. He continued powering up his Blades of Time, "Now, do not disturb me. I'm concentrating."

Eon continued chanting while fiercely yet determinedly firing his Blades of Time at the portal, reaching to the Beginning. The heroes and Quintesson's Forces tried to get up but still held by Team Messiah and their armies.

Unbeknownst to anyone, one portal appeared from Mr. Smoothy's Statue on the stall. It's not just one, but more across the town. However, unlike the one, these portals are causing distortion with the reality, time, space, alternate dimensions, as well as universes and multiverses. They are affecting and destroying their universe.

Noticing the phenomenon, Cat Noir questioned, "Uh… Guys… Is this supposed to be happening?"

Everyone looked up and found out about the dire situation they're dealing with. Almost everyone especially Eon was in shock and concern, though some actually liked it very much.

"Aieyah…" Mystic Tao commented in fear.

Ratchet gulped, "Couldn't have said it better myself. This is indeed the darkest hour we ever faced."

Daguva chuckled, "This looks fun."

"Hmm… This reminds me one of Nova Prime's voyages. How Interesting…" Galvatron remarked amusingly while looking at his surroundings.

"W-What is this?! What is the meaning of this?!" Eon demanded in fury yet confused, "This isn't supposed to be happen!"

"Hey, you're the guy with sacred relics. Thought you knew what you were doing." Feedback answered back.

"Ben, I don't think he knew this would happen," Twilight stated in concern.

"Of course, he doesn't know. Why do you think the Guardians of Time and Space didn't want to use their relics to reach the Beginning?!" Mystic Tao questioned rhetorically yet frustrated. And before anyone could answer, he answered, "It is a forbidden and dangerous spell! It requires a great sacrifice to accomplish his objective!"

"Miss Yuko told you, didn't she?" Shadow Dragon stated obviously, making Mystic Tao grumbled and whacked his son's head. He groaned, "Just couldn't admit it."

"Meaning what?" Rook, Bluestreak, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Cat Noir and Ultimate Kuuga asked in concern.

Piecing the situation and Mystic Tao's concerns, Lucky Girl concluded in fear, "The sacrifice is our universe and anything that connects here."

"That sounds like Annihilarrgh," Armorstrike asked in concern. Ladybug and Circuit Breaker looked at her. She sighed, "Short answer – a powerful Universal Time Bomb that destroy the universe and to restart a new."

"Designed by the Contumelia," Quintessa added with interest. Three girls looked at her. She smirked, "I'm aware of the legend. But I'm not a fool would use it."

"Too bad, it's happening," Circuit Breaker remarked in concern.

Suddenly, a large portal appeared before everyone, revealing Ben (Present) and the past Team Ben. This shocked and surprised everyone.

"Gwen?" Feedback asked in surprise. Lucky Girl looked at him. He stated clearly, "Sorry. I was talking about her from the past."

"Ben? Is that you?" Gwen (Past) asked in surprise.

Looking at Armorstrike and Ladybug, Julie (Past) asked, "Wow. Is that me? Am I some kind of Mecha Samurai? Marinette? What are you wearing? Ladybug Spandex?"

"What?! How?!" Ladybug panicked in concern. Circuit Breaker gave a blank look while pointed at her own hair. She groaned while holding her twin pigtail, "Gotta do something about my hair."

"Careful, everyone!" Professor Paradox's voice called in concern. Everyone looked at another portal, where he, Tsukasa and Future Alix were still imprisoned in Eon's Dimension. He explained, "Crossing over time warps can have disastrous consequences!"

"Paradox! What is the meaning of this?! You deceived me!" Eon exclaimed in anger.

"On contrary, I've warned you! Master Tao even stated of why we Guardians never use the relics of time to reach the Beginning!" Professor Paradox counteracted, "Stop this now before all the existence will be destroyed!"

Giving a second thoughts, he clenched on the Blades of Time as Eon declared, "So be it! That is the cost I'm willing to pay! I will restore Chronians' existence and claim its rightful place!"

"Are you mad?! You're dooming us all!" Shadowmoth exclaimed in fear and concern. He growled in anger while clenching tightly on his rapier and fan. He turned and looked at his allies, "Aren't you gonna do something with him?! He's destroying all the timelines and universes! He's willing to go back on his word!"

Nezha scoffed amusingly, "So what? If it helps me destroy the humans early, I'd be more than happy to accept this. My vengeance will be complete."

Daguva chuckled madly, "This is the best Gegel I ever had for life! I'm gonna enjoy this with everything I have. One last fight with my nemesis!"

"I care not of this universe or anything you fools do," Galvatron remarked dryly. He readied with his Plasma Cannon, aiming at Optimus Prime. He smirked, "I've come for one thing. To end the Prime lineage."

"Y-You're truly mad," Shadowmoth remarked in fear, prompting the heroes and villains exclaimed 'you think' angrily. He groaned, "Why things can't go the way I want? I just need one wish…"

Seeing all Team Messiah are being distracted arguing with each other, Quintessa used her magical spell to teleport and reappeared away from Team Messiah.

"Thanks, Quintessa," Armorstrike thanked Quintessa.

Quintessa grabbed and hugged her warmly. She sincerely commented while pecking on her forehead, "Anything for my little creation."

"Eew. What?" Ladybug asked in disgust and concern.

Circuit Breaker sighed, "Don't ask, kid. It's a mother and daughter thing. Or is it Creator and her creation thing." She shrugged, "Same thing."

"And I thought Dark Curse is the mad villain to deal with," Arcee (MLP) remarked in concern. She hissed, "Aw man… How am I gonna explain to Belle about her brother going mad and let her killed?"

"We'll worry about that later. We need to stop Eon now!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed seriously.

Feedback nodded, "Yeah. We're working on it!"

"So, am I!" Ben (Present) agreed as he activated and slammed his Omnitrix. He transformed into Gravattacks. Readied with his Gravity Powers, he stated, "Alright, Eon. Time to pull a gravity on you!"

Feedback smirked as he readied with his electrical shock, "And you're about to get some feedback!"

Just before Feedback and Gravattacks could do anything, Mystic Tao used his paralyzed lizard-like wand to summon and fire his magic to give a dope slap on both versions of Ben 10, making them yelled in pain.

"I told you – Magic must defeat Magic! Brute force is no match for the Magic of Time! No matter what alien forms or powers you used to fight Eon will be waste of time and effort!" Mystic Tao scolded two Ben 10. He took a deep breathe, "And the only thing to defeat him and restore everything is we need to perform a mystical yet powerful Time Ritual Spell. And perhaps, we need a Guardian of Time and Space to help us with this."

"So, what are you waiting for? Do it now!" Feedback exclaimed in frustration.

Gravattack nodded, "Yeah. Time is wasting! Do the Spell now, old man!"

"I cannot prepare the spell," Mystic Tao declined firmly. Everyone looked at him in disbelief and concerns. He explained, "Need ingredients."

"I thought you did bring them!" Feedback exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yeah?! How did you lose them?!" Cat Noir asked in disbelief and shock.

Alix nodded, "Yeah. We're gonna die soon! We need it now!"

"How am I supposed to perform the spell when your big fat green robot friend had sat on them in the first place?!" Mystic Tao exclaimed in frustration and annoyance.

Everyone turned and looked at Bulkhead, who looked sheepish and embarrassed while checked on his backside. He shown his right hand, revealing all of damaged ingredients. As it turns out, he did unintentionally sit and break them during the fight with Scourge.

Bulkhead gulped fearfully, "Oops…"

"That is not good," Ultimate Kuuga said in concern.

"That is certainly embarrassing," Quintessa remarked in amusement. She scoffed while crossing her hands, "Some heroes you fools turned out to be."

"Bulkhead! We needed that!" Ratchet exclaimed in frustration with facepalm, "Now we need to get new ingredients."

"Father, you need to go back home and get the ingredients now!" Shadow Dragon implored in concern, prompting his adopted father to whack him. He yelled in pain, "Yeow! Why did you do that for?!"

"No time to travel back now! My shop doesn't have all the ingredients I need now! We need to go to the closest shop to get them!" Mystic Tao stated firmly.

Grandpa Max nodded, "Lucky for you. I know the best shop we can get the ingredients. Keep them busy. We need more time!"

Everyone exclaimed and nodded in agreement that they will hold the enemy as long as they can.

"Master, I'll go with Mr. Tao," Arcee (MLP) said seriously, which Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement.

"Luka, Juleka, Alix, go with Mr. Tao and Mr. Tennyson. They'll need some help with ingredients and tools," Ladybug said seriously.

"We've got this, Marinette," Luka nodded, along with his friends.

"Ratchet, you should go with them as well. Your emergency sirens will help you get to the destination quickly," Optimus Prime said firmly and seriously.

Ratchet nodded, "Understood, Optimus. I'll be back as soon as possible."

Ratchet transformed into ambulance, allowing Grandpa Max, Arcee (MLP), Luka, Juleka and Alix boarded in. Activating the emergency sirens, the ambulance headed off to the nearest shop to buy and collect the ingredients they need. His noise alerted Team Messiah and their armies to turn and found the ambulance driving off. The the rest of their allies are battling and holding the enemies off as long as they can.

Gravattack and the rest of Team Ben watched the battle from the past timeline. They all were concerned and worried about the situation.

"Dude. Are we seriously gonna stand back and watch?" Jonesy (Past) asked.

"Yeah. If what future me and that old pony said is true, then our past will be destroyed," Gwen (Past) said in concern, "We have to help them now!"

"And how are we gonna do that?" Julie (Past) asked in concern, "Professor Paradox said that crossing time warps could have consequences."

"I don't think we have a choice now! Everything is breaking apart now!" Gravattacks said seriously and firmly while observing many time portals appearing, breaking and destroying the reality. He hissed in concern, "We need to get over there and help them. If only I have Clockwork, then I maybe create the time portal to get there."

"Can you?" Julie (Past) asked.

"Actually, no. Never tried it before," Gravattacks admitted sheepishly.

"I can!" Twilight's voice exclaimed. She teleported in front of Team Ben (Past), surprising them. She smiled while looking at the scroll, "Thank you, Starswirl and Starlight for improving Time Travel Spell. I'll teleport you guys into future. You sure you want to do this?"

"Hey. You're talking to the greatest hero, who saved the whole universe for many times. Of course, we're ready for this fight," Gravattack said cockily. He then found everyone gave an annoying glare at him. He sighed, "Yeesh. No need to give me that look. Don't worry, we'll stop Eon and his gang."

Twilight nodded in approval. She used her Time Spell to teleport herself and her friends into the present timeline. They all helped their future-self to fight the Team Messiah and their armies. Both sides have fought with each other fiercely and determinedly.

(Kamen Rider Kuuga Theme Song by Masayuki Tanaka)

Through the use of elemental prowess, martial arts and even previous forms' weapons, Ultimate Kuuga bravely and determinedly fought against Daguva, who shared the same prowess and skills as his nemesis. While busy battling with the leader, the masked rider also has to deal with his warriors, who fiercely swarmed in and attacked him. Tetrax, Grandpa (Max) and Jonesy (Past) came to help him. Jonesy (Past) unleashed his Static Storm while Pinkie fired her Party Launcher at Xu-Classed Warriors and even Gooma. Rarity levitated and used her Diamond Barriers to block and deflect incoming attacks, Grandpa Max and Shorty Thinking engaged a fierce battle with Me-Classed Warriors. Using his Shards-like Swords and Gatling Shards, Tetrax firmly engaged a fierce battle with Gadol and his elite Go-Classed Warriors, with the help of Bulkhead, Bluestreak, Whirl, Sideswipe and Jolt for punching and knocking the enemies off.

Swinging punches at his nemesis, Daguva chuckled evilly and madly, "Can you feel it, brother? Do you enjoy it?! Just like old times. We shall create the perfect Gegel to bring the great darkness on this world. It will be memorable. I can promise you that."

Parried the attacks off, Ultimate Kuuga grunted, "You're still obsessed with that?! There is no way I'm gonna let you destroy this world! Go to hell, No. 0!"

Daguva smirked sinisterly, "That's the point. If this isn't enough, then I will take your love ones to make you more like me, brother!"

Angered by his planning, Ultimate Kuuga kicked him off. His hands are engulfed in blazing flames, he declared, "I will never be like you! This ends now!"

Ultimate Kuuga and Daguva resumed their fierce fighting with each other.

(Till All Are One by Stan Bush)

Galvatron roared as he fired his Plasma Cannon at Optimus Prime and Lockdown as they evaded couple of blasts before charged in and engaged a fierce combat with the barbaric historical figure from the past. Ironhide, Jazz, Rodimus, Chromia and Sunstreaker were engaging with Scrouge and his Sweeps through swordfight and shooting blasters at each other. Superion was engaging a fierce combat with the return of Galvatronus, formed by Cyclonus and his Armadicons.

Just as both have a clash, Optimus Prime grunted, "Galvatron, stand down! Now!"

"Never!" Galvatron defied before giving him a headbutt, then kicked him off. Armed with his mace, he growled in anger, "I will not take another order from a Prime again."

Recovering from the attack, Optimus Prime grunted, "Why are you fighting against the Primes? Against the Autobots?! I thought you were Nova Prime's commander and right-hand."

"I was," Galvatron admitted dryly while slowly approaching towards the Prime, "But that time has passed. Since the death of your predecessor, the rest of his successors including you have failed to bring order to Cybertron, failed to unite our people as one and failed to conquer this universe under the divinity of our god – Primus. And therefore, I will destroy you for good."

Just as the barbarian swung and slammed his mace at his enemy, Optimus Prime use his sword to block it, "Not today, Galvatron. As long as Megatron and his Decepticons roam freely on this planet, I will not fall. I will not let any more planets to suffer the same fate as Cybertron. Never again."

Optimus Prime gave a loud battle cry before giving him a headbutt before launched a powerful punch at Galvatron straight to the ground hard.

"That's some speech, Prime," Lockdown remarked amusingly, "Should I tell you the speech about your allegiance to these humans? The cause will always betray you, no matter how much effort you and your Autobots have put for them."

"Keep it to yourself. I'm not interested of your hypocrites," Optimus Prime said firmly and stoically.

Lockdown scoffed while readied with his hook and sword, "Fine by me."

Galvatron roared in anger before getting up and charged straight at both Optimus Prime and Lockdown, who helped each other to fend the enemies off.

(Miraculous Ladybug by Cristina Vee)

Su-Han, Miraculous Team, Cheetor, Bantor and Rattrap battled with the army of the Akumatized Warriors and Amuk Monsters. Cat Noir, Rook, Terrorcreep and Fluttershy teamed up to face off Shadowmoth, who deflected and parried their attacks. Ladybug worked together with Armorstrike, Julie (Past), Circuit Breaker, Rainbow, Aqua and Laxtinct to fight against Volpina and her illusions.

Both father and son had a fierce clash with their weapons. Shadowmoth grunted in frustration, "Adrien, give up! Now!"

"Never!" Cat Noir declined firmly before pushed his pole against his father's rapier off. He swung his against him for couple of rounds. He snapped angrily, "Can't you see what's going on, father?! You're helping a madman destroying our universe and others too! And for damn what?! Just to bring my mom back! Oh sure! She would be so proud with the piece of work you turned out to be. I'm ashamed to even call you my 'father'."

Angered by the insult, Shadowmoth punched on his son by face, followed by hitting on gut and then swung his rapier at him to the ground.

"You watch that tone, son! I will not tolerate this such behavior," Shadowmoth exclaimed in anger. Raised his rapier, he continued, "Your friends… Ladybug… Master Fu… They corrupted you! Weakened you! Ruined you! I will have to start over again! I will make sure you're perfect! The perfect Adrien!"

Just before Shadowmoth could finish Adrien off, Carapace jumped in front of him as he summoned a powerful shield-like force field to protect them from being harmed. Using her powerful Stare, Fluttershy angrily glared at Shadowmoth, who got petrified with fear and shock to see her angry eyes.

"Mr. Shadowmoth… You should be ashamed of yourself." Fluttershy scolded Shadowmoth, "You are no father. You're just a piece of shit!"

Fluttershy withdrew, allowing a swarm of bats flew in and attacked him. Terrrocreep and Rook charged straight at him, where they unleashed both Stone Cutter and Crimson Lightning, injuring him badly.

Terrorcreep nodded firmly, "Indeed. You are worse as my bastard father. You don't deserve that title."

"You okay?" Rook asked as he helped Cat Noir to stand.

Cat Noir grunted in pain while trying to stand still, "Yeah. I'll be fine. We've got the world to save. We have to defeat my father! No! Defeat Shadowmoth for good! He's a threat to us now."

Though he can tell how upset and hurt Cat Noir is, Rook reluctantly yet sternly nodded while readied with his Proto-Tool Blaster, "Understood."

Cat Noir and his team charged and resumed their fighting with Shadowmoth, who managed to recover and parry against them.

Armorstrike, Julie (Past), Circuit Breaker, Rainbow, Aqua and Laxtinct are struggling and fighting off Volpina and the army of duplicates, who are overwhelming and beating them down to the ground. They refused to give up and continued the fight.

Seeing no other way out, Ladybug took her yo-yo as if she readied to summon her Lucky Charm.

Armorstrike grabbed her childhood friend's hand as she spoke firmly, "Don't, Marinette. It's not the right time."

"But we can't beat them. We don't know which one is Volpina," Ladybug asked in concern.

"Yes, we can," Quintessa said firmly and seriously as she unleashed her Witchcraft Beam that blasted all of the duplicates at once, leaving Volpina alone. She smirked, "I've neutralized her power. She would be easy to deal with."

Volpina scoffed while readied with her flute-like pole, "Think again. I can still create more illusions and tricks in my sleeves! I am Volpina, the greatest and best supervillainess Shadowmoth has ever made! I'm gonna-!"

Circuit Breaker dashed straight at Volpina, whom she thrust her Death Scimitar through the chest and straight for her heart. This shocked everyone especially Volpina. Feeling her heat weakened and bleeding out a lot, the Shadowmoth's trusted ally gave a last breath before dropped her head down. This prompted the Quintesson Warrior to fire her Electrical Power Beam at the deceased villainess straight to Mr. Smoothy's Stall. Everyone but Quintessa was shocked to see it.

Julie (Past) muttered in shock to see Volpina's death. Armorstrike hugged and comforted her past self, who cried in tears of fear and confusion.

"That was very unnecessary!" Ladybug scolded Circuit Breaker.

Circuit Breaker scoffed, "You're welcome. We don't have time to do some f$#& up showdown with her."

"She's right," Quintessa said firmly, shocking Ladybug. She continued, "We have to stop Eon. That's all it matters. We can't let them get away with it."

Julie (Past) muttered in fear tone, "But it's wrong. W-We can't just kill people."

"I know. But we don't have a choice," Armorstrike comforted her past self, "But this is not the time now for conscience. We have the world to save."

Ladybug, uncomfortable and ashamed to see Volpina or Lila Rossi died, sighed reluctantly, "Alright. Let's do this. Hopefully, restore everything bad to normal."

Armorstrike nodded, "We will, Ladybug. Count on it."

"Since we're on the subject now, we should assist your sorceresses at once," Quintessa suggested calmly while looking at Lucky Girl and Gwen (Past) were approaching to the portal, where Professor Paradox, Tsukasa and Future Alix were imprisoned in Eon's Realm. She continued, "While we're at it, we should also retrieve the Snake Miraculous as well."

"Why just one Miraculous? Why not all, boss?" Circuit Breaker asked.

"No. He is too powerful now especially possessing all of time relics." Quintessa explained calmly and firmly.

"What about your powers? I'm sure your telekinesis or magic can stop him," Armorstrike questioned in mockery tone.

Quintessa shook her head in disagreement, "Not even my power can do that. However, if we take the Snake Miraculous, it will prevent him from gaining victory."

"Why is that?" Julie (Past) asked in confusion.

"Because Snake Miraculous has the ability of Second Chance to repeat and improve the event," Ladybug explained seriously, "She's right. We need to get the Miraculous."

Armorstrike nodded, "Alright. Marinette, you, me and Circuit Breaker are gonna get it from him. The rest should help Gwen to free Paradox and others."

Quintessa nodded in agreement, "I agreed. Let us deploy at once."

Armorstrike, Ladybug and Circuit Breaker charged straight at Eon. Quintessa, Julie (Past), Rainbow and Aqua headed straight to Lucky Girl and Gwen (Past) to assist them to free three time travelers.

(Numb by Linkin Park)

Gravattack, Feedback, Shadow Dragon and Twilight are now battling with Nezha, who aggressively yet fiercely and quickly striking his Whirlwind Spear at them. Blazefist was engaging a fight with Death Tactic through martial arts. Saber Dragoon and Applejack battled Sushi Tsunami, who used makeshift blades-like to fight. Ripper and Starkiller charged and attacked both Tailtech and Icy, who were evading the attacks while firing their powers at them. They also have to deal with couple of Super Mystic Soldiers. The Ultimate Mystic Warriors have proven themselves to be strong opponents for them to handle.

Luckily; Arcee, Bumblebee, Moonracer, Thrust, Acid Storm and even Starscream were attacking the enemy reinforcement while preventing them from coming out of the portal.

Starscream groaned, "Why do I have to be involved with this?"

"Well, next time, Starscream, don't take something that doesn't belong to yourself!" Arcee (Prime) scolded Starscream.

"Yeah. Or else, you'll get some serious comeuppance!" Bumblebee beeped in agreement.

"Yeah! Like me!" Gravattack exclaimed in annoyance as he summoned and thrown couple of rocks at Stasrcream to get knocked out. He scoffed, "That was for shooting my ass when I was traveling to Jasper, jerk!" He turned and found some of his friends glared at him. He retorted, "What?! He deserves it!"

"Guys, bad guys, incoming!" Feedback exclaimed in concern while readied with his electrical shocks.

Twilight, Shadow Dragon, Feedback and Gravattacks turned and found Nezha, armed with blazing flames and freezing ice on his hooves. The Mystic Emperor unleashed powerful flamethrower and ice beam on them. Feedback fired his electrical storm at the attacks, allowing Gravattack to summon and thrown couple of debris. Unfortunately, he summoned and launched couple of boulders at the attacks. Both Twilight and Shadow Dragon dashed and attacked Nezha at once. However, he has proven to fast as the wind yet slippery as the water. Forming his own body in metallic form and possessed nature healing power, he fiercely attacked his enemies as they all barely dodged and evaded the attacks.

Just before anyone could do anything, Nezha summoned and fired his Death Beam at them. Twilight used her Force-Field Barrier to protect her allies from the attacks while Feedback absorbed them into his antennas. After getting enough power, he fired them back at him. Using his gravity power, Gravattack pulled and knocked him against all of the desbris and buildings until the pony summoned and thrown a boulder to knock him off. He managed to recover with his healing power. He then found Shadow Dragon dashed and had a fierce clash with him for the moment.

"You just couldn't let it go, could you?" Shadow Dragon questioned firmly and seriously.

While pressing his Whirlwind Spear against Shadow Dragon's Darkness Blade, Nezha scoffed arrogantly, "Of course, I wouldn't. Did you really believe I would let them get away for what they have done?!"

"Damn it, Nezha! Wake up and stop being an asshole! The humans from this realm have nothing to do with you! They're not the same people you have fought!"

"I don't care who or where they came from. They're still humans! They're the monsters! And they're threat to our kind! They all must be destroyed! No matter the cost!"

"Even if it means destroying our universe?! Are you willing to go through with this?!" Shadow Dragon questioned firmly.

Giving a second thoughts, Nezha remained firm and stern as he answered, "Yes. We will cleanse and renew a perfect world, where the humans will be no more…"

"Like hell, we let you!" Twilight disagreed.

The Princess of Friendship fired her Sparkling Star Burst at Nezha off. He got halted in midair by Gravattacks' Gravity Pull, allowing Feedback to fire his powerful electrical beam, sending him straight to the building. Four of them panted heavily while recovering.

"Don't think we can hold this long," Gravattack said in concern.

Feedback panted, "Yeah. Where's your pops?! Is he coming back with the ingredients?"

"Don't worry, he'll be back. He'll make it in time," Shadow Dragon said confidently.

Twilight nodded, "Yeah. Hopefully, very soon."

Thanks to Ratchet's Ambulance, he managed to bring his teammates to their destination – Mr. Baumann's Supermarket, thanks to Grandpa Max's guidance. While the Autobot Medic remained outside in his vehicular mode; Grandpa Max, Mystic Tao, Arcee (MLP), Luka and Alix went inside to gather all the necessary ingredients to prepare the spell.

At the counter, Mr. Baumann gathered all the ingredients that Mystic Tao has requested. While Grandpa Max prepared the payment; Arcee (MLP), Luka and Alix helped carrying them.

"One more thing. Pair of ram's horns." Mystic Tao stated while raising his hoof like showing one finger. Mr. Baumann picked the box of ram's spiral horns from one of his lowered cabinets. The old Mystic Pony added, "One more thing. Wyvern's shedded scale and talons." Mr. Baumann brought a large bottle of wyvern's shedded scales and talons from the big fridge. He made another request, "One more thing. A pair of rabbit's feet." The shopkeeper searched the rabbit feet from the cabinet. He requested again, "One more thing. A pocket watch from 16th century." This surprised the old man as he searched an ancient yet golden-colored pocket watch from underneath the counter. He then made final request, "One more thing. An hourglass – the very first and also ancient device made from the ancient times, not in modern times."

Mr. Baumann looked surprised as he questioned, "Is it made from Babylon? Egyptian? Middle Age?"

"Either of them," Mystic Tao answered calmly.

Looking at Grandpa Max, Mr. Baumann questioned, "Where on earth did you find these kind of people or horses, Max? What kind of trouble did your grandson drag us into now?"

"Trust me, Baumann. You don't want to know," Grandpa Max answered stoically with sigh. He groaned a bit, "I think I'm too old for this."

Grandpa Max got whacked on forehead. Mystic Tao scolded him, "Do you want to save the whole multiverse from the crazy mad man for reaching the Beginning? Yes?" The old man nodded nervously. He then shouted, "Then, pay the shopkeeper for the ingredients we need!"

Grandpa Max grumbled in frustration as he took out some cash and Taydinites to pay Mr. Baumann for the ingredients.

Five heroic teams fought bravely and determinedly against Messiah Team and their armies, buying more time for their allies to get the ingredients for the spell. Starscream recovered and returned to the fight. Armorstrike, Ladybug and Circuit Breaker slowly approached while armed with their weapons, readied to attack him from his back.

Seeing that he doesn't notice or looked back but focusing creating the portal to the Beginning, three girls jumped and attacked him at once. Unfortunately for them, he quickly swung a powerful repellent wave from his sword to knock them off. They all fell to the ground hard.

Just as they recovered, Circuit Breaker charged and attacked Eon, who somehow knew and parry the attacks for few rounds before kicking her off. Ladybug tried to use her magic yo-yo to lasso him but instead, he grabbed it to drag and slam her against the ground. He then swung her around him before throwing her straight at the car. Using her Speed Mode, Armorstrike dashed and attacked Eon, who again, managed to dodge and evade the attacks. She barely punched him by face. He grabbed her by neck.

Armorstrike grunted in pain while struggled to break free of his grip, "D-Damn it! H-How did you-?!"

"Did you really think that I did not anticipate this? You have tried these moves to defeat me for several time befores," Eon stated enigmatically yet ambiguously, making Armorstrike nervous.

After careful thinking and looking at the Snake Miraculous, Armorstrike concluded, "Snake Miraculous…"

"Indeed. I've used Second Chance to counter every move before you even make them. Now I have you, little girl. You should have stayed out of this and focused on your tennis."

"And let Quintessa win easily and ruin my relationship? Hell, no! Ship, sick him!"

Ship detached out from Julie. He tried to attack Eon, who quickly swung his sword at the Mechamorph aside. He turned and glared at scared Julie.

Began strangling Julie, Eon smirked slyly, "Looks like you're out of tricks, Yamamoto…"

"Not quite!" Julie (Past)'s voice disagreed.

Before Eon could look back, Julie (Past), in her Battle Armor, jumped and grabbed him by neck from the back. This prompted and angered him to try reach her. However, it also allowed Julie to break free. She then punched him by face for five times before take out the Snake Miraculous and kicked him off. She and Ship rejoin and became Armorstrike at once. Both of them dashed and moved away from him, along with Ladybug and Circuit Breaker.

"Nice going, kid," Circuit Breaker commented.

"That was brave of you," Ladybug agreed as she got the Snake Miraculous from Armorstrike.

"And reckless. You should have helped Gwen, instead of us," Armorstrike scolded Julie (Past). Rather than continued scolding, she patted her past-self's head, "But thanks for the help, past me."

Julie (Past) smiled, "You're welcome, eh, future me."

"NO!" Eon exclaimed in anger. Wanting to attack them, he found the portal to the Beginning is closing down. He groaned in frustration before using his Blades of Time to open it, "Damn it. I cannot afford to lose my chance. Minions, deal with these pests!"

Eon summoned the portals. More of Eon's Minions emerged and engaged the battle with four girls. They fought back.

Lucky Girl and Gwen stood before the large portal but they were surrounded by more of Eon's Warriors. Luckily, Aqua and Rainbow rammed them aside before engaging them, along with the assistance of Ryuko and Rena Rouge to fend them off. Quintessa approached towards two Gwens.

"Do you require the assistance?" Quintessa asked amusingly yet sincerely.

"Normally, I would reject you, but yeah," Lucky Girl said reluctantly. She looked at the dimension portal, "We need to free Professor Paradox, Decade and Future Bunnix."

"I supposed you have a spell to free them?" Gwen (Past) asked in concern.

Lucky Girl nodded seriously, "I do. Three of us need to work together since we're intertwined between the past and the present."

"Y-You sure?"

"Yes, you can. It's an energy siphon counter spell – Combibo Potentia. We need to cast the spell together."

"Ah… That spell. I know that well," Quintessa said calmly yet amusingly, "So be it. I can do that."

Remembering her future self's spell name, Gwen (Past) nodded firmly, "Okay. I got it. On your or my signal."

"Okay. On three." Lucky Girl said firmly and seriously. She, her past self and Cybertronian Witch took their stance while their hands glowed brightly. She counted down, "One… Two… Three… Now!"

"COMBIBO POTENTIA!" Lucky Girl, Gwen (Past) and Quintessa casted their spell.

Three spell casters casted and fired their spells straight at three of time travelers' energy binds, absorbing and removing them out at once. Professor Paradox, Tsukasa and Future Alix dropped on the ground hard. Tsukasa grabbed and placed his Decadriver around the waist. He held his Kamen Rider Decade card.

"HENSHIN!" Tsukasa gave battle cry.

Slotting down his card into Decadriver, Tsukasa pushed both sides of handlers to activate the machine. The voice cried: 'KAMEN RIDER DECADE'. He transformed into Kamen Rider Decade. He used the blaster to summon the portal for him and his partners to enter and arrived at the present timeline.

"You okay, Paradox?" Lucky Girl asked.

Professor Paradox nodded, "Yes, Gwen. Thank you for the assistance." He looked around and found more of portals rupturing, distorting and damaging the reality. He hissed, "It is as I feared. We must restore the timelines before the damages of realities could escalated and destroyed into nothingness."

"Don't supposed Mr. Tao's Time Ritual Spell could help?" Lucky Girl asked.

Professor Paradox nodded, "Yes, Gwen. But it won't be enough. We need a powerful being to use it to restore everything. We need a deity of Time and Space. I was hoping that Miss Yuko could help us with this. How unfortunately for us…"

"Yeah. Nice work for keeping Mystic Guardian safe, losers," Kamen Rider Decade said dryly.

"Hey! How are we supposed to know that?!" Gwen (Past) scolded Kamen Rider Decade, "Even though I don't know what happened in this timeline, I definitely know it was not my future-me and her team. Maybe you or her should have told us the plan properly!"

Kamen Rider Decade glared at Gwen (Past) who got nervous. He remarked, "Don't try to be smart, kid. You wouldn't like what I do with good and bad guys."

"Knock it off, Tsukasa. No point of blaming on whose fault," Future Alix scolded Kamen Rider Decade. She continued, "Right now, we need another one to do it."

"Can't you three do it?" Lucky Girl asked.

Professor Paradox shook his head seriously, "No, Gwen. I'm afraid we do not have the same level of power as Miss Yuko's. She is the only guardian, who is truly a deity to possess the true power of Time and Space."

"Then, what do we do? How can we save our timelines? Reality? Universes? Or multiverses?" Gwen (Past) asked in concern.

"Vector Prime," Quintessa answered firmly. Her allies looked at her. She nodded, "He is not only the second of the Original Thirteen Primes, but also the Deity of Time and Space. We must find and bring him here at once."

"Easy to say than done. Where or when can we find him? He could be anywhere or anytime." Gwen (Past) stated in concern.

"Or dead…" Lucky Girl concluded.

"The game is not over yet, everyone. We still got the chance," Future Alix said seriously and firmly. She then found Armorstrike, Ladybug, Circuit Breaker and Julie (Past) arrived at the scene. She exclaimed, "Mini-Bug! Just in time. I'm gonna need your help."

"What can I do?" Ladybug asked seriously.

"I need you to help us find Vector Prime," Future Alix explained.

Armorstrike was surprised to ask, "One of Thirteen Primes? You think he can help us with this?"

"He has to." Future Alix said seriously and firmly, "Ladybug, time for Lucky Charm."

(Ben 10 Alien Force Theme Song)

"You got it, Alix. Lucky Charm!" Ladybug shouted as she used her Lucky Charm power. It transformed into an ancient metallic scepter with ladybug-theme before landed on her hands. She asked, "Wow? A scepter? Made of metal?"

"So, what does it do? Magically track and bring him here?" Circuit Breaker asked in annoyance.

"I can do that. I might have the spell to do it," Lucky Girl suggested.

"Let Ladybug think. She knows her Lucky Charm better than any of us," Armorstrike suggested sincerely while patting Ladybug's shoulder.

Circuit Breaker scoffed, "Typical. I always knew you're a rookie and greenie from the start."

"Says to a hotshot criminal getting beat up by a rookie like me," Armorstrike taunted, annoying her arch-rival.

Ladybug hummed thoughtfully as she doesn't believe that the scepter is for any magicians to use. It has to be something else. She looked around of her surroundings to find the answer. Ratchet's ambulance has just arrived, prompting Grandpa Max, Mystic Tao, Arcee (MLP), Luka and Alix emerged out. They shouted that they have the ingredients. She then started to see ladybug-theme: Mystic Tao, Optimus Prime, Kamen Rider Decade, Quintessa, Professor Paradox and even Soul Gem of Miss Yuko.

Ladybug gasped while looking at the scepter, "I've got an idea. And this scepter. It's not meant for us to use magic. But I'm gonna need Mystic Tao, Optimus Prime, Decade, Quintessa and Professor Paradox. They know what to do."

This surprised and confused her allies. But rather than questioning her, they called Optimus Prime and Mystic Tao to come to them at once.

"Marinette, what can we do?" Optimus Prime questioned calmly while knelt down before her.

Ladybug shown her scepter, "I was hoping any five of you tell me what we can do with it. I don't believe it was just used for spell."

Optimus Prime, Mystic Tao, Professor Paradox, Quintessa and Kamen Rider Decade gathered around while looking at scepter carefully.

Quintessa hummed while analyzing the scepter, "Tell me, Prime. Do you know this scepter?"

"I do," Optimus Prime agreed firmly before explained, "This scepter is the Prime Telepathic Scepter. The Original Thirteen Primes used it as the communication and transportation device during the ancient times. And you'd be surprise what they can do. This device can be used from any galaxy, realm of living and even the Afterspark."

"In other words, we can use this to find and bring Vector Prime here," Professor Paradox concluded, "Wonderfully, well done, Marinette!"

"And us?" Kamen Rider Decade questioned firmly.

Mystic Tao nodded, "Indeed, you did request our assistance."

"Marinette, what's your plan?" Armorstrike asked seriously and firmly.

Ladybug passed the scepter to Optimus Prime. And surprisingly, it transform and englarged into large size for the Prime to hold.

Ladybug explained seriously and firmly, "We buy the time as long as our friends need. Optimus Prime and Professor Paradox need to find and get Vector Prime here. Mystic Tao has to prepare the Time Ritual Spell. Kamen Rider Decade might have a special trick that can help us with the mission."

Thinking of her plans carefully while looking at Eon's doing, Armorstrike stated seriously, "I'm with you, Marinette. If possible, I think we can try to weaken Eon from reaching the Beginning."

"Yes. If possible, we have to get the Soul Gem. She might help us too." Ladybug agreed. She turned and passed the Snake Miraculous to Mystic Tao, "Please give this to Luka. I have a feeling he might need it."

"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's cracking!" Mystic Tao said seriously and firmly. He turned to Lucky Girl and Gwen (Past), "You two come with me. I require the assistance. Doing the Time Ritual Spell is very tricky."

Everyone splits up at once to perform their missions. Team Ben, Autobots, Miraculous Team, Mane Six-Dragon Strike Force and Kamen Rider Kuuga were busy fighting off Messiah Team and their armies.

Dragging Lucky Girl and Gwen (Past), Mystic Tao and Future Alix brought them to the rest of his team. They all prepared with the ingredients and tools. He passed the Snake Miraculous to Luka, who put it on and summoning Sass to reappear.

"What do you need us to do?" Lucky Girl asked.

"Uncle doesn't just create pony version of Time Ritual Spell, but other four as well," Mystic Tao instructed, "We need to combine all five ritual spells together with God of Time and Space to defeat our enemies and restore the timeline. Uncle need you to create the ritual now."

"B-But none of us know how," Luka admitted in concern.

Alix nodded, "Yeah. Ladybug should know that."

"On contrary, Fluff and I have the knowledge behind the time ritual," Sass hissed sincerely yet calmly. Luka looked at him and his friend, who nodded happily. He smiled, "Rest assured, Luka. we will assist and guide you."

Lucky Girl stated, "Me too. Never thought I would use it again."

"I shall assist as well. For I too have the knowledge behind Cybertronian's Time Ritual Spell. All thanks to my father," Quintessa added.

"But what about Kuuga and Decade? I don't think they have one," Alix added in concern.

"Don't worry about it, Mini-Me. I've got this covered," Future Alix assured her past-self. Another time portal appeared. Kamen Rider Kiva-la emerged out while holding the ritual book and sack of ingredients. She smiled, "Right on time, Natsumi. Decade's girlfriend has arrived on the spotlight!"

Kamen Rider Kiva-la scolded Future Alix, "I told you a hundred times! I am not his girlfriend! We're just partners! Honestly, your jokes are the worst like your pranks with my friend! You're lucky that I don't use Hikari's Laughter Pressure Point on you if it not for saving the reality!"

"A what?!" Everyone asked in surprise.

Future Alix laughed nervously, "L-Let's not drag that back the past, Batgirl. Did you bring it?"

"Yeah, I do," Kamen Rider Kiva-la confirmed while showing her items, "I'm a bit rusty with ritual but my partner Kiva-la can help me with this. She got psychic link with me"

Mystic Tao nodded, "Good! Everypony's here. We must do it immediately! Time is wasting!"

With everyone in Mystic Tao's team agreed, they all began working on creating the Time Ritual Spells. Mystic Tao, Arcee (MLP), Grandpa Max, Julie (Past) and Future Alix helped and mixed all the ingredients together inside the cauldron, and at the same time, they also created the diagram of ritual. Lucky Girl, Gwen (Past), Quintessa, Luka, Sass, Alix, Fluff and Kamen Rider Kiva-la also designed their own version of ritual.

Optimus Prime, Ratchet and Professor Paradox set up with the scepter's, locating and bringing Vector Prime here. Took out the Key of Vector Sigma, the Prime placed it on top of the scepter.

"Optimus, you're certain this would work?" Ratchet questioned in doubts.

"It has to," Optimus Prime said seriously, "Vector Prime is the only Prime is capable of controlling the power of Time and Space."

"Even if that is true, no one has seen him since the Fall of Thirteen Primes. I'm concern that he might be dead," Ratchet stated in concern.

"He's alive," Professor Paradox counteracted. Optimus Prime and Ratchet looked at him. He continued, "I know it. I met him once. He's somewhere out there. Have little faith, good doctor."

Ratchet sighed, "Well, by all means. Let us light our darkest hour…"

With the push button on scepter, the Key of Vector Sigma glowed brightly. It then emitting a powerful signal with sound wave, spreading from Present Timeline across to various portals, hoping it could find and reach Vector Prime in time. Unfortunately, Galvatron came and dragged Optimus Prime back to resume their fierce duel. Luckily, Lockdown came in and assisted the Prime to fend him off.

Armorstrike, Kamen Rider Decade, Ladybug and Circuit Breaker charged and attacked Eon. Hearing their battle cry has prompted him to use Soul Gem of Miss Yuko's power to swing and unleash a powerful shockwave of thunderstorm at them. Thanks to his card, Kamen Rider Decade used Illusion Ability on himself and his allies to avoid the attacks while surrounding, attacking and confusing the corrupted time traveler, who struggled with concentrating to open the portal and dealing with them.

Eon growled in anger, "Your persistence is starting to annoy me. And I hate persistence. Too much of Tennyson."

"Too bad for you! We never give up without a fight," Armorstrike said seriously.

"Yup. Time to see if you can handle my Final Form!" Kamen Rider Decade declared. Accessing K-Touch, he then transformed into his Complete Form, "Get ready for some ass-kicking!"

Eon narrowed his angered eyes, "You will try, fools. If Tennyson cannot defeat me, then what make you think you can."

Armorstrike smirked confidently, "You're about to find out, jerk!"

Eon scoffed with a smirk beneath his mask, "Just like my love. Confident, feisty and refused to back down. Impressive…"

"Less talking, more action!" Circuit Breaker shouted.

The armored Quintesson Warrior fired her Dark Cybetronian Blasters at Eon, who used both his Time Slow Motion to dodge the blasts before using Soul Gem of Miss Yuko to summon the magical fan to deflect some back at her. Circuit Breaker barely dodged and evaded the blasts. Just as she recovered, Eon fired his Dark Time Burst to blast her off. Kamen Rider Decade Complete Form armed with his decker-like sword to engage a fierce fight with the corrupted time traveler, who firmly parry the attacks for couple of rounds. Just as they both clashed for the moment, the Kamen Rider swung a punch on his face before kicked him off. He jumped and tried to thrust his blade. Instead, Eon used the teleportation ability to reappear behind him, where he fired his Dark Energy Beam to strike him down hard.

Just as Eon landed, he found Ladybug jumped and attacked him from behind. Instantly, he grabbed and thrown her aside. He tried to swing and slam both Blades of Time and Dark Energy Sword at the French Superheroine, who evade and parry his attacks, with the use of her martial arts. Just as he thrust his two swords at her, she leaned back to dodge the thrusting cross-blades. She quickly used her magical yo-yo to lasso around his hands. She quickly got up and jump over his back. She then pulled the string down as long as he can. This angered and annoyed Eon. He used Age Acceleration Power on the magical yo-yo, reducing it to dust, causing Ladybug yelled and fell on her back. Just as she tried to get up, she got her neck grabbed and held by Eon.

"Big mistake, Marinette Dupain-Cheng," Eon remarked dryly while strangling Ladybug, "You should know better that you are no match for me, even you possessed the Ladybug Miraculous. What are you trying to do?"

Ladybug grunted in pain, "W-Wasn't… Trying to… D-Distract you… For… J-Julie!"

Hearing what Ladybug has said, Eon then looked around and found Armorstrike is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, he found Mystic Tao and his team have just finished the ritual circles, where Armorstrike, in her Stealth Mode, reappeared. She held the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko.

"WHAT?!" Eon asked in shock and disbelief. He looked down on his chest as he realized the Soul Gem is not on his chest. He roared, "Nooooooooooooooooooo! Not again! My perfect plan! It was supposed to be foolproof!"

"Nothing is foolproof, honey!" Circuit Breaker disagreed. She summoned and used her Electrical Power Beam to blast him off, prompting to let go of Ladybug. She helped her to stand. She turned and glared at Armorstrike, "Anytime, rookie! Make it quick!"

Armorstrike nodded firmly as she transformed into her Super Mode. Armed with both katana and blaster, she placed the Soul Gem on her chest for safekeeping. She turned and looked at her allies, who are in positions now. Mystic Tao and Arcee (MLP) is in center of Time Ritual Spell, along with Kamen Rider Kiva-la on northeast, Lucky Girl and Gwen (Past) on northwest, Luka, Future Alix, Alix and their kwamis on southeast and Quintessa on southwest. Each of them has their own cauldron of magical potions. They're ready to chant and cast spell.

Hearing the scepter made being noise, Ratchet looked at the device's scanner. He gasped, "Ah-ha! I've found him! I'm reeling him now!"

Professor Paradox turned and looked at the magicians, "Now it's the time! Do it!"

Just before anyone could do it, Mystic Tao shouted, scaring almost everyone. He informed, "One more thing! Be sure your cauldrons' bubbles are at proper rate! One more thing! Do not forget to channel good Chi! One more thing! Cast the spell in your language for your own ritual circle! One more thing! Do not rush chanting! One more thing to everyone! Keep the bad guys away from us! We cannot be distracted to restore the reality!"

"Just do it before he comes up with too many more things!" Alix shouted in frustration.

Kamen Rider Kiva-la nodded seriously, "And time is running out too! Start chanting!"

Mystic Tao and his team began casting the spell and chanting in their own language for Time Ritual Spell…

While holding ancient hourglass and pocket watch, Mystic Tao and Arcee (MLP) chanted in Cantonese Language, "Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao."

"Quis quondam eram afflictus." Lucky Girl and Gwen (Past) chanted while using her hands to cast both mana and spell, "Iam vicis mos redintegro. Quis venit pro, mos nusquam esse."

Just as they stand on the Kwami's Time Ritual Spell, Sass and Fluff hummed sincerely yet calmly. Future Alix, Alix and Luka were in lotus formation as they prayed seriously and firmly for helping their friends.

Her metallic body glowed brightly, Quintessa cast the spell in Cybertronian Language, "Great and Noble Primus – Creator of Light and Order. Heed your child's plea. Lent me your strength and wisdom. Guide us. Help us. Protect us. We pray you to give us your power. Restore the time, space and reality!"

Holding the ancient book for time spell, Kamen Rider Kiva-la read it out in Japanese Language, "In the name of Justice and Love, I call upon all brave noble Kamen Riders from the past, present and future to unite and stand beside us. So together, we shall fight the forces of evil and restore the balance of multiverse. Let this never happen again. Never again. Help us now, brotherhood of all Kamen Riders."

As five team continued chanting and casting spekks, five ritual circles to glowed brightly in colorful aura. Same goes to Armorstrike Super Mode's Soul Gem glowed in white.

Ratchet pushed the button on scepter. Its Key of Vector Sigma channeling enough energy within before firing up at the sky, creating a portal.

Recovering from the blast, Eon spotted what is happening. He shouted, "Stop them!"

Messiah Team and their armies heard what happened. They all abandoned their fights as they tried to charge and stopped Mystic Tao's team. But they were held back by five of heroic teams, preventing them from succeeding.

Seeing his allies are being occupied with the heroes, Eon energized his Blades of Time in full power. Feeling the sword is at the highest peak, he swung and fired a powerful beam at Mystic Tao and his team. Using the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko, Super Armorstrike summoned a powerful barrier to block and withstand the attack, buying time for her allies. Unfortunately, the barrier is starting to crack and about to break.

The scepter's making repetitive yet loud beeping, alerting Ratchet, Grandpa Max and Professor Paradox. They looked up and found a glowing golden-colored aura diving straight down. Autobot Medic quickly took the Key of Vector Sigma as he and two humans dodged aside before the aura made an impact to the ground. It was covered in smokes.

Just as Eon's powerful beam was about to breach the barrier, a mysterious golden aura blasted through the barrier while dissipating the attack into nothingness. And at the same time, Eon's Blades of Time with Chrono Navigator was shaking madly before levitated straight into the smoke at once. Both Rabbit Miraculous and Kamen Rider Zi-O card also levitated and thrown into smoke as well. This shocked and alerted Eon, transforming back to normal.

(Transformers Prime Theme Song)

Everyone stopped fighting while looking at where the golden aura shot from. They all gasped in surprise, found Vector Prime stood still firmly yet stoically. He held his Blades of Time, readied to fight. Most of the heroes awed in amazement and surprise while some villains were both disbelieved yet angered about it.

"It cannot be…" Galvatron said in disbelief.

"Vector Prime…" Optimus Prime said in relief yet surprise, "He made it."

Glaring at Eon, Vector Prime menacingly asserted, "Eon… For disrupting and destroying the balance of the multiverse, I will not allow your madness to continue! This cannot be tolerated! I banish you to the void of nothingness. The rest of your teammates shall be sent back where they came from and be forgotten of this event!"

"T-This cannot be happening!" Eon exclaimed in fear.

The Time Ritual Spell glowed brightly in colorful aura. Vector Prime held his Blades of Time up as it absorbed all the powers into its chappe. While glowing brightly, Vector Prime yelled out loud as he swung his sword horizontally multiple times, summoning and firing powerful slashes behind Eon's back. It created a powerful yet large five different portal to drag all of Messiah Team into it.

Daguva laughed manically before falling into the first portal, along with his tribe. Galvatron howled in anger as he and his cult followed them to second one. Refused to be beaten, Nezha yelled as he knocked at Super Armorstrike, prompting the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko to come off from the chest. He dived and grabbed the gem. He laughed menacingly yet excitedly before falling into third one, along with his army. Shadowmoth was the last one to fall into the fourth portal while shouting at Cat Noir for help. His son, however, remained silent and looked away in shame. Rook, Carapace and Fluttershy patted him in comfort, allowing him to cry in tears. He has lost his father, not to the void, but to his obsession with Miraculous.

Eon struggled to hold a grip on holding Mr. Smoothy's counter. Just as he tried to make his last attempt to attack, both Feedback and Gravattacks hit the Omnitrix to transform into Clockwork and Warp. They both fired powerful beam to hit Eon off.

"DAMN YOU, TENNYSON!" Eon yelled before falling into the final portal before it closed down.

With all of Messiah Team thrown into the portals, they all closed down at once. Seeing the enemies have been beaten, all five heroic teams went wildly and excitedly as they have won the fight. Some of them sighed in relief and relaxed calmly. Others chattered with each other about how they fight, though some of serious and moody heroes couldn't be bothered about it.

"Man… That was some tense fight…" Clockwork remarked as he transformed back into Ben (Past). He scoffed, "Yeesh. Didn't think saving the multiverse could be so rough."

"You have no idea…" Warp (Present) agreed with chuckles as he transformed back into Ben (Present).

After Ratchet returned the Key of Vector Sigma to his leader, Optimus Prime approached to Vector Prime. He smiled warmly while bowed humbly, "It's been a while, Vector Prime."

"Indeed, it is, young one," Vector Prime greeted humbly before a smile as he shook his old friend's hand, "It's good to see you again since the day you and other Primes join the Well of Allspark. I was concern that you would remain as ordinary for long time."

Optimus Prime sighed, "It was. But things change when my predecessor used the caste system, which resulted my old friend to begin the violent revolution. I have no choice but to step in. Fate rarely called upon the moments of our choosing."

Vector Prime nodded firmly, "Indeed, it is."

"Sometimes, I wonder if our fight is worth it. I failed to stop Megatron and Decepticons from ravaging our world and here. I feared everything we have done will be for nothing."

"On contrary, Optimus, I believe it is. I can assure you, your fight will be worth and rewarded. The future of our kind will see the light from the depths of darkness."

"How? How can you be certain of it? Can you tell me-!"

"I can't tell you more, Optimus. I can give you an advice – have faith in your family. Let them take your burden. Together as one. Do not repeat our mistakes."

Looking at his Team Prime chatting with everyone, Optimus Prime nodded firmly, "I won't, old friend."

"I apologize for ruining this moment." Professor Paradox said seriously yet concern while looking at his surroundings. The time portals were damaging the reality. He commented, "We have work to do."

Looking at the situation, Vector Prime agreed, "Indeed. We must repair the damages for good."

"I don't suppose this will do?" Ladybug asked while pointed at the Ladybug-Themed Scepter.

Picking the large scepter up, Vector Prime nodded, "Yes. This and the combined power of all Time Ritual Spell should restore everything. Back to normal as they said. However, there is the cost."

Everyone looked concern and worry of what they heard. Ultimate Kuuga hissed, "Oh boy. There's always a catch as you guys said. I wonder what is this."

Both Bens suspected about it. Ben (Present) stated, "We won't remember this, will we?"

Almost everyone gasped in shock and concerns. Ben (Past) added, "Because of Eon, everything in past, present and future are in big mess."

"Correct as always. We have no choice but to reboot it. Rest assured. Eon and his goons won't appear in this realm again. We make sure of it." Professor Paradox confirmed. He then looked at Ladybug and Cat Noir looking sad and upset about it. He approached to comfort them, "I am sorry, my dear friends. This is the only way."

Cat Noir sighed, "I know. I just find out about my father and the girl I really liked. I sometimes hate this. I hate erasing the moment we finally found our love."

"Believe me, Adrien. I'm also not happy about it," Ladybug agreed with him. She patted on his cheek, "But someday, we will be in love together. Just be patient. And remember, you will never alone, even though your father abandons you."

Cat Noir touched her hand while smiling at Ladybug, "Thank you, Marinette. For being my friend and the love. One last kiss?"

"One last kiss," Ladybug agreed.

Both Ladybug and Cat Noir gave a deep and passionate kiss by the lips. Most of Miraculous Team, even Armorstrike and Lucky Girl awed warmly to see them kissing, despite knowing that they would forget about it. Most of Team Ben (Past) groaned in disgust about looking at them kissing.

"How does it feels working together with me? Relief?" Quintessa asked calmly.

Armorstrike scoffed, "You wished. This is the only time we work together to save it."

Quintessa smiled, "Whatever you say, Pretender Class J-579. And someday, you will ask me or Megatron for help. I can promise you for that."

"In your dream, bitch," Armorstrike insulted dryly.

"Huh?" Julie (Past) asked.

"Don't ask," Armorstrike spoke dryly.

"What about Miss Yuko? Will she be okay?" Twilight asked in concern, remembering Nezha has taken the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko before falling into the portal.

"I'm sorry. I cannot be certain of it," Professor Paradox apologized.

Twilight sighed in shame. Shadow Dragon patted his wife's back, "We'll get her back. But we should keep an eye out on Nezha and his Inner Circle. If they really gonna start the war with us, we best prepare for it."

"My son is right. We must do what we can to protect our realms," Mystic Tao agreed.

Twilight looked at the rest of her pony friends. They all nodded seriously and firmly that they also agreed with this. She smiled warmly before nodded as well.

"For what it's worth, this will be the best adventure we ever had," Ultimate Kuuga commented, "Hope we'll meet again and do the teamwork."

"Couldn't agree more. Be safe, Yusuke," Arcee (Prime) remarked.

Bulkhead nodded, "Yeah. If you need help, call us."

Bumblebee beeped happily, "Yeah. We're both friends and team."

Ultimate Kuuga gave thumbs up to his allies, "Yeah. See you again."

Starscream tried to sneak away. This prompted Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Arcee (Prime) blocked him from escaping. This made him chuckled nervously yet fearfully.

"I don't suppose you're still angry with me?" Starscream asked in fear tone.

"We still are," Arcee (Prime) said dryly while crossing her arms, "We gave you the device, so you can deliver any important intel for us to use, not us work as your errand boys or even double cross with us when you get what you want."

"Yeah. Even though we might get our memories erased, we'd give you warning. The next time you pull this kind of stunt, we terminate our contract. Permanently." Bulkhead threatened Starscream.

Bumblebee nodded angrily, "Don't make us regret the decision, Starscream."

Starscream gulped in fear, "Dully noted…"

"You know. He does have the point," Lucky Girl remarked, "We'll see them someday. After all, we're not just a team. We're heroes too."

"Yeah. Good to see you again, me," Ben (Present) said goodbye to his younger-self.

Ben (Past) smirked, "Right back at you, me."

"Better get started. Time's running short," Kamen Rider Decade reminded them. He got whacked by both Kamen Rider Kiva-la and Future Bunnix. He yelped, "Ow! What?!"

"Be nice, Tsukasa. You haven't changed a bit," Kamen Rider Kiva-la scolded.

Kamen Rider Decade groaned, "Shut it."

"Don't make me use the Laughter Pressure Point again!" Kamen Rider Kiva-la threatened while readying with pressure point thumb.

Kamen Rider Decade yelped, "Okay! Okay! I'll back off!"

Vector Prime, Professor Paradox, Kamen Rider Decade, Future Bunnix and Mystic Tao gathered at ritual circles. Just as they chanted firmly, the ritual glowed brightly yet powerful than before. Raised up the ladybug-themed scepter, Vector Prime slammed it at the center.

"Miraculous Time Restore!" Vector Prime shouted firmly.

The ritual unleashed a bright white light, began engulfing everything in sights. The last thing they all see is the bright light…

Present Timeline Restored…

Ben grunted a bit while rubbing his eyes with his whole hand as if he just woke up from his dream. Got Mr. Smoothy Drinks on his disposable cup holder, he headed off and meet up with the rest of his friends, where they're resting and relaxing at the park.

Just as Ben arrived, he found his friends were having fun and doing activities. Rook was teaching and training Manny, Static Shock, Alan and Lucy with more of Revonnah Kai. Rayona was crafting the Warrior's Marking on Helen's both whole hands, creating the design of ancient rabbit. Bluestreak and Whirl were teaching his daughter Whirlwind about the alphabets, pictures, science and mathematics. Julie helped set up the picnic date for Elena and Cooper to enjoy. They thanked her for that. He passed the drinks for his friends to enjoy drinking happily.

Both Ben and Julie sat on the bench. Both of them gave a deep sigh of relief and happiness. They then drank their drinks for the moment.

"Finally, peace and quiet…" Julie remarked in relief. Ship hopped and landed on her lap. She smiled as she patted on his head, "No battles. No crimefighting. No monsters. No bad guys. And best of all, no Quintessa or Decepticons bothering us."

Ben smirked, "You say it, Julie. Too bad for Optimus and his team. They gotta get this bottle or something from somewhere at some mountains."

"Data Cylinder, Ben. It's a storage device that stored and carried so much information inside. And whatever inside it must be very important. And beneficial to the Autobots. Can't let the Cons get it."

"Good point. Everything alright? Any changes?"

Looking at her Cybetrornian Hand, Julie sighed in concern, "It's covering most of my whole body. My legs and head are next. I'll become Cybertronian completely. What would happen next?"

"I don't know," Ben admitted in concern. Rather than probing over the problem, he held his girlfriend to lean on his shoulder. He had his face placed on top of her head, smelling on lavender-shampoo scent. He smiled, "Whatever happens, Julie, I won't let anything bad happen to you. I'll keep you safe. Count on it."

Touched by her boyfriend's charming and reassurance, Julie sighed as she leaned against his chest, "Yeah. I supposed you're right. Thanks, Ben."

"Hey, it's boyfriend's thing. I helped comfort you," Ben reassured Julie. He gave a peck on her forehead. He smiled, "Let's just relax and not think about what-if? Okay?"

Julie nodded warmly, "Yeah. I'll rest. So later, tennis?"

Ben sighed while rolled his eyes amusingly, "Yeah. Sure. But go easy on me, will ya?"

Julie smirked slyly, "Not a chance, Tennyson. You don't get off that easily."

Ben and Julie laughed happily about the joke. They then spotted a soccer got thrown straight at them. Luckily, Ship pounced and headbutt it to Ben to grab it. They then found a 13-years-old purple-colored Citrakayah wearing bleach shirt with blue sweater with hoodie and golden stripes on sleeves that has long black sleeves, cyan-colored shorts and black pants with two cut-holes on each side. She gasped in surprise.

"B-Ben Tennyson?! And A-Armorstrike?!" The Citrakayah Girl stuttered in surprise.

"Yup. That's us," Ben confirmed. He held the soccer before her. He smiled, "I think this is yours."

"Y-Yeah. It is," Citrakayah Girl confirmed. Before she could take it, she gave some thoughts. Using her cat pouty-eyes, she asked, "I-I was wondering. Can you sign an autograph for me? I want both of yours. Please?"

Ben and Julie were surprised yet astonished and mesmerized by her cuteness of eyes. They awed while remarked about them.

"Sure." Julie agreed.

Ben nodded, "You know, kid. You don't have to use pouty eyes to make us sign. We would do that." He and his girlfriend finished signing off on the soccer. He passed the ball to her. He stated, "There you go. Uh. Didn't catch your name. What's your name?"

Citrakayah girl cleared her throat, "I-It's Lula, sir. And it's an honor to meet you both."

"Lula! Where are you, kiddo?" The man's voice called.

"Coming, dad!" Lula shouted back. She turned and bowed humbly before Ben and Julie as she thanked, "Thank you so much. See ya."

Lula turned and dashed off to meet up with her father and friends to continue playing soccer. Ben and Julie laughed amusingly yet playfully.

"She's very cute for a kid," Julie teased.

Ben scoffed, "She sure is. But she's a good kid too."

Julie nodded in agreement, "Yeah. And I can't help get the feeling that we might see her someday."

"Yeah. Maybe…" Ben agreed. He sighed, "For now. Let's just rest and relax."

Julie nodded in agreement. Both the couples fall asleep peacefully and quietly. Ship transformed into a quilt-like mode to cover them both.

In the Void…

Eon, alone, trapped in the middle of darkness. Surprisingly, he remained calm and firm like this is nothing to him. Three portals appeared before him. Galvatron, Daguva and Nezha arrived and stood before him.

"Did any of you lose your memories?" Eon questioned. His allies shook their heads. He nodded, "Good. Let us resume the meeting."

"So much for plan," Daguva remarked amusingly.

"True. But on contrary, we did get what we wanted, am I right?" Eon asked calmly. His three allies nodded calmly and firmly. He then stated, "We learn a lot about time relics. Clearly, we need to improvise our plans if we want to create our perfect vision especially restoring Chronians' existence. We also need to expand our team as well. Other than that, all of you are rewarded for contribution to this mission."

Holding a familiar Charm of Bezel, Daguva chuckled amusingly, "So true, my friend. I got the Charm of Resurrection. This will help me raise my brethren for the better Gegel!"

"Now I know the truth behind my master, Miss Yuko and Black Alpha. I will deal with them. Capture them for good," Nezha said confidently while looking at the Soul Gem of Miss Yuko.

"I supposed you're right, Eon. When I faced the Last Prime, Optimus has indeed proven himself to be in same league as my former master and the Thirteen. I look forward for rematch," Galvatron admitted amusingly yet darkly. He then shown his seriousness, "Still, what about this Shadowmoth? He has proven a problematic to us."

"He does have the point. He's not a real team player. And his plans and 'akumatize' some people are pathetic. Not in same level as us," Daguva mocked.

Eon nodded firmly while crossed his hands, "Yes. I did have some concerning thoughts about him. Clearly, Gabriel Agreste thinks he can get away without consequence. How foolish and irresponsible he is. We need to teach him a lesson for not contributing to our team."

"Ooh. How enjoyable," Nezha remarked amusingly yet sinisterly, "And how?"

"Do not concern with this, Nezha. I will deal with him," Eon said stoically, "But there's other concerns you must deal with."

Nezha nodded seriously with a sigh, "I don't like assassination. It is dishonorable and disrespectful for a warrior like me. But it is necessary to achieve my ambition. I cannot let anyone stand in my way especially Shadow Dragon and his friends. Mystic Tao must die."

Eon nodded, "Good, Nezha. While we rework on our plans and expand the team, we shall deal with Shadowmoth's problem. I have two of my favorite Cybertronians to deal with him. Show him of what consequence means and what he will lose more than a woman…"

To be Continued…

(In Transformers Prime Season 1 Episode 23: T.M.I. & My Little Pony Mystic Series Season 4 Episode 22: The Warrior's Spirit)

Review and Suggest…

Main Casts:

Tara Strong: Ben 10/Ben Tennyson (Past), Twilight Sparkle

Johnny Yong Bosch: Ben 10/Ben Tennyson (Present)

Kelly Hu: Julie Yamamoto/Armorstrike (Present), Ship

Bumper Robinson: Rook Blonko

Dave Fennoy: Tetrax Shard

James Arnold Taylor: Bluestreak

Peter Cullen: Optimus Prime

Sumalee Montano: Arcee (Prime)

Jeffrey Combs: Ratchet

Kevin Michael Richardson: Bulkhead

Adam Driver: Eon

David McCallum: Professor Paradox

Secondary Characters:

Ashley Johnson: Gwen Tennyson (Present)

Meagan Smith: Gwen Tennyson (Past)

Vyvan Pham: Julie Yamamoto (Past)

Paul Eiding: Grandpa Max Tennyson, Perceptor

Phil LaMarr: Jonesy McDuffie/Static Shock (Past)

Gemma Chan: Quintessa

Julian Rebolledo: Tsukasa Kadoya/Kamen Rider Decade

Kei Hosogai: Yusuke Godai/Kamen Rider Kuuga

Cristina Vee: Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug

Bryce Papenbrook: Adrien Agreste/Cat Noir

Kira Buckland: Alix/Bunnix, Kamen Rider Kiva-la/Natsumi Hikari

Andrew Russell: Luka/Viperion

Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon

Ashley Eckstein: Arcee (MLP)

Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito

Peter Dinklage: Galvatron

Brad Swaile: N-Daguva-Zeba

Keith Silverstein: Gabriel Agreste/Shadowmoth

Minor Casts:

Graham McTavish: Thundercracker

Max Mittelman: Plagg

Mela Lee: Tikki

Colleen Clinkenbeard: Yuko the Black Witch

Jude Law: Vector Prime

Jennifer Hale: Circuit Breaker/Rojo

Mark Ryan: Lockdown

Steven Blum: Starscream, Go-Gadoru-Ba

Toby Kebbell: Scourge

Lisa Kay Jennings: Lila Rossi/Volpina

Lars Mikkelsen: Grand Admiral Death Tactic

Kaiji Tang: Su-Han

Reba Buhr: Juleka/Purple Tigress

Zeno Robinson: Nino/Carapace

Josh Keaton: Blazefist

Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep

Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie

Dee Bradley Baker: Swampfire, Clockwork

Michael Rossenbaum: Feedback

John DiMaggio: Four Arms

Fred Tatesciore: Cannonbolt

Christopher Sabat: Atomix

David Kaye: Gravattack

Cameo:

Ben Diskin: Sass

Don McManus: Carl Tennyson

Beth Littleford: Sandra Tennyson

Corey Burton: Mr. Baumann

Tiffany Espensen: Lula

Author's Note

Here we are. My first five shows-crossover fanfiction story to make. While it is still based on Ben 10 Omniverse Season 2 Episode 8 Ben Again, it will be much different due to some changes.

This is first time mega-crossover with My Little Pony Mystic Series, Miraculous Ladybug and Kamen Rider Kuuga. Secondly, this will be involved of an ancient relic from Thirteen Primes, along with others including Professor Paradox's. Thirdly, it will serve as the prequel to Season 8: Shattered Worlds & Season 9: Heroes United. Finally, after this episode, it will continue with MLP Mystic Season 4 Episode 22: The Warrior's Spirit & Transformers Prime Season 1 Episode 21 T.M.I.

Sorry for a long delay. I ran into some troubles with the story due to suffering some writer's block while helping my family especially my newborn nephew. It's the most challenging story I ever write especially involving five franchises together. Here are the lists of some ideas I have made and rejected:

Even though this episode is based on Ben 10 Omniverse – Ben Again, I didn't want to make the same as the original or Shadow-DJ's, so I make something different and unexpected – the crossover between five franchises while saving the multiverse.
Originally, Decepticons including Megatron, Switchblade and Decepticon Heavy Brigade were supposed to be part of the story for challenging with the heroes during Battle of Kawanakajima (1560s) to win the last part of Time Sacred Relics. I think gave them too much role, so I decide to replaced them with Quintessa and her forces.
Kamen Rider Zi-O was supposed to be the guardian that assist Kuuga for the mission against the enemies. But unfortunately, I don't know much of him and his powers. Plus, I don't need another friendly one. So, I decided to use Kamen Rider Decade because he fits the role I need.
Even though Kamen Rider Decade doesn't have the sacred relic, his card for Kamen Rider Zi-O has the power of time-traveling Eon need to use.
Before four teams meet with Twilight's team, Team Prime and Bluestreak were supposed to have their own Pretender Technology to become humans, where Miss Yuko playfully revealed their true identities in front of everyone. But I removed it because it is not important for the show and distractive.
Originally, Dragoking & Nezha's Ancient Beast – Rebirth were supposed to fight during the climax but it felt out of place and take too much place. So, I decided to remove it.
I didn't include Generator Rex and Digimon Adventure (2020) because the former doesn't involve with time traveling while the latter are too busy saving their world from Negamon. That would be good reason for not getting involve with time-traveling shenanigans.
As for Eon's involvement with Chronians? How am I bringing his origins back? Another time…
As for Adrien's Sentimonster? Yeah. It did happened because of how he behaved and reacted due to how Gabriel rubbed on his own wedding ring.
I don't own Lula because she belongs to Kuro the Artist, the Creator and Comic Book Artist for Ben 10 + Danny Phantom Crossover 5 Years Later. And yes, I did ask his permission to use her. He approved it.