Descendants of the Isle 2: Back Among The Hidden

Chapters

Doubts and Magic Doses
Planning For Cotillion
Trying To Fit In
What's Her Name?
Leaving
Back Where She Belongs
Conversations and Captures
Royal Pains and Crowning Plans
Reuniting
Meeting Halfway
Things Are Starting To Fall
A Swashbuckling Sword Fight
Returning Home
Loopholes and Leaps Forward
Cotillion Confusion
An Unexpected Development
A Battle of Powers
Amends Can't Always Come Easy
All Of Us
A Twisted Night
Hanging Like A Villain Does

Doubts and Magic Doses

The next morning, outside of Equus Prep, a familiar blue and yellow griffon was standing before a crowd. He was surrounded by reporters, and clearly on edge.

“Gallus, please, over here! Gallus!”

“Only three days until the Royal Cotillion, ever think a boy like you would be a member of the court?”

“How does it feel to be the most envied creature in Equus?”

“Is your grandfather still on the Hidden Isle?”

“Okay, alright, that’s enough.” a cool voice came, and a light green earth pony trotted through the crowd, slipping a foreleg over Gallus’ shoulders. “We will let you know if and when that particular situation changes.”

Prince Sandbar! Did you ever think you’d be with a villain creature?”

“Okay, we’re done here.” Sandbar kissed Gallus on the cheek and they made to leave. Their efforts were aided by the arrival of a tall and regal alicorn.

“Hello! Everycreature, may I have your attention?” Rising Dawn strode up to the crowd. “Now, this is a school, so if you’re here without authorization, you’re skipping class or trespassing.”

“One quick question?”

“Shoo now, off to other things.” Rising Dawn encouraged

“Rising Dawn!”

“Go, go on now.” Rising Dawn waved her wings at them, and the reporters scattered

“Thank you ma’am.” Sandbar said

“Yeah, thank you, so much.” Gallus breathed, leaning heavily against Sandbar.

“It’s no trouble, Gallus, Sandbar.”

They bowed to her politely, then left.

“Phew, I’m glad that’s over…” Gallus sighed, and Sandbar chuckled, nuzzling him.

“Don’t pay any attention to them, okay?”

“Easier said than done…” Gallus mumbled

“Heh, true… maybe you and I should do something together. Go somewhere, just the two of us.” Sandbar suggested, pressing a light kiss to Gallus’ beak.

Gallus giggled and wrapped a wing over him. “Yeah, maybe.”

Sandbar then looked up at a clock nearby. “Oh no. I have a council meeting, I’m gonna be late!”

“Heh, don’t let me keep you.” Gallus nuzzled him. “Go, I’ll be fine.”

“We-We’ll do something sometime.”

“I know. I can’t wai-”

“Gallus!” Luna raced up and grabbed his claw. “If we don’t do a fitting for your suit right this minute, you will be dancing in nothing, I guarantee it.”

Gallus sighed. “Okay, okay, I’m coming. Bye Sandy.”

“Bye.” Sandbar said, racing off to his own meeting as Gallus was pulled away by Luna.

Gallus stood on the platform in Luna and Tempest’s dorm. Tempest was looking at a couple drawings, with Monarch curled up beside her, as Gallus was being fitted for his suit by Luna.

“Ah! Luna, I can’t breathe!”

“Well, you can breathe after Cotillion.”

“I genuinely doubt that. I have about twenty more events directly after and I can’t remember what a single one is.” Gallus muttered

Luna ignored this, but gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. She finished whatever she was fussing over, then stepped back.

“Perfect.”

Tempest looked up, watching them. “Lu…?”

“Hm?”

“Do you ever… wonder what we’d be doing right now if we were back on the Isle?”

“Heh, you’re funny.” Luna giggled, then looked over. “Ooh, look who’s on TV~!”

“Lu…” Gallus moaned, blushing in embarrassment as Luna turned up the volume.

“As the royal couple continues their tour of Equus, they dined with Princess Amore… Six months ago…”

“Right, I remember that…” Gallus chuckled.

As Gallus and Luna watched the screen, Tempest slid off her bed and dug through her drawers, searching for something.

“No one thought King Sandbar and his boyfriend from the wrong side of the bridge would last…”

“No kidding.” Gallus muttered, shuddering as they all recalled the bullying.

“Gallus must be counting down the days until the Royal Cotillion, where he’ll become a member of the Royal Court.”

Monarch mewed softly, looming over Tempest curiously. At the cat’s noise, Gallus and Luna both noticed Tempest hunched over by her dresser. Luna sighed, striding over.

“Read it fast at lightning speed, remember everything I need.” Tempest murmured, her broken horn sparking.

“Well, I know Temp’s secret to fitting in.” Luna snatched the book from Tempest

“Hey!”

“-And I know Pharynx wouldn’t like it one bit.” Luna continued, tossing the book to Gallus. “Don’t you think you two have hidden enough from each other?”

Tempest ran a hoof through her blonde mane. “Come on Lu, you know what I was like before I started using the magic…”

“Well, personally, as your best friend, I strongly believe that this spellbook…” Luna looked at the book in Gallus’ claws. “Belongs in the museum, Temp, like my moon crystal.”

Tempest frowned, flopping onto her bed and fidgeting with the blankets. She no longer wore her cloak, not feeling as self conscious with her new cutie mark. Though she still denied Luna the chance to make her a dress for anything except the Cotillion coming up.

“Lu, it’s just a quick spell for studying. Like Gallus said, we have about twenty-something things to do now, I need it to keep up.”

“Now, don’t give me that. You know I’m right.”

Tempest sighed. “Don’t you two ever miss running wild and just breaking all the rules?”

“You mean like stealing and lying and fighting?” Gallus asked

“Yeah!”

“No!” Luna cried

“Of course not!” Gallus exclaimed

“But… but why?”

“Why would we miss it?” Luna reached and pulled Tempest up. “T, come here. Look at where we are. We’re in Equus! And we’re Equus kids now.”

“Since Gallus revealed his secret passion for mangos, he’s received hundreds of bushels of the fruit from admirers. Here he is with King Sandbar, enjoying a bite…”

Gallus rolled his eyes and turned off the TV, looking at the girls.

“This is the land of opportunity, Temp. We can be whoever we want to be here. Please, let’s just put the past in the past.” Luna said

Tempest hesitated, then nodded, flicking her blonde mane. Luna smiled.

“Thank you, and plus, I mean…” Luna lifted up some royal shoes she was designing for herself. “I mean, look at these, look at them.”

Tempest snickered. “Heh, very nice.”

Planning For Cotillion

“Hey, Pharynx?” Thorax raced up to his brother. “Y-You’re taking Tempest to Cotillion, right?”

“Well, duh.” Pharynx rolled his eyes. “I mean, she is my girlfriend.”

“Y-Yeah, I know, I just…” Thorax sighed “What’s the best way to ask someone to go with you?”

“Alright, listen.” Pharynx said as Gallus, Tempest, and Luna trotted up the stairs nearby to join them, Gallus holding Monarch. “All you gotta do… is look like me.”

“Oh ha-ha. Very funny Pharynx, this is serious!” Thorax protested

“What’s serious?” Luna asked, as Pharynx joined Tempest and nuzzled her.

“Baby bro here wants to ask someone to the Cotillion.” Pharynx said

Luna gasped. “Really?! Who is it?!”

Thorax gulped and blushed. “W-Well, it’s-”

“Gallus!” Celestia strode up, Ember and Snowdrop behind her. “Oh, hey everyone.” she shared a quick hug with Luna. It figured the two cousins would both be helping out.

“Hey.” they all greeted

Thorax, now blushing very hard, stepped closer to the blue dragonness in the group. “H-Hey Ember…”

“Oh, hey.” Ember smiled at him.

“I was, uh, wondering… uh… if you liked… the carrot cake last night.” he finished lamely.

Ember blinked. “I had the gem encrusted cupcakes.”

“O-Oh… right…” Thorax’s ears drooped and he backed up, hiding behind his brother.

“Smooth.” Pharynx teased, and Thorax sighed.

“Oh, while I have you all.” Luna spoke up. “I have a free space for a fitting at three.”

“I’ll go, I’m free then.” Ember said

“Alright, I’ll see you then.” Luna said

“Yeah, alright. Might as well just get it over with.” Ember said, stretching slightly. Thorax shuddered

“Geez you’ve got it bad…” Pharynx murmured, and Thorax blushed.

“Um, Gallus?” Celestia stepped forward, holding a clipboard in her magic. “I hate to keep bugging you but the decorating committee needs more answers.”

“Oh, sure. But, I actually put Tempest in charge of decorations so…”

“Oh, well, then Tempest then.” Celestia looked towards her with a smile.

“Alright… what do you have so far?” Tempest asked

“Well… chair swags, entry banner, fae lights, napkin design, and table bunting. But the party favours still haven’t been picked yet.”

Tempest blinked. “Uh, well, honestly, whatever you think is probably-”

“We could do chains or key charms or pen toppers… I mean, I kind of love these pen toppers but we could do… all… three… Temp?”

Tempest had screwed her eyes shut and was wincing. Pharynx trotted over and laid a hoof on her back. Her eyes flashed electric blue but she shook it off.

“You know… I’m with you on this. Pen toppers.” she said, smiling slightly.

“Well, uh, Gallus, what do you think?” Celestia asked

“Pen toppers are fine.” Gallus replied.

“Okay, you won’t regret it!” Celestia checked something off.

“Heh, I can hardly wait to see what the wedding’s going to be like.” Snowdrop said

“Heh, yeah-wait, what?” Gallus asked, startled

“Well, the Royal Cotillion is like getting engaged to be engaged to be engaged.” Celestia said

“I knew it!” Luna cried

“Yes! Gilda owes me fifty bits!” Pharynx pumped his hoof.

“Heh, everyone knows it around here.” Ember explained, putting a hand on her hip.

“Well, I didn’t…” Gallus ran a claw through his feathers. “Wow…”

“Yeah wow.” Tempest muttered “How come no one told you that? Are our entire lives just planned out in front of u-”

“Hey Gal.” Sandbar trotted up, nuzzling him.

“Hey Sandbar.” Ember, Celestia, Snowdrop, and Luna greeted

“Oh, Sandbar, while you’re here, a word?” Celestia grabbed him with her magic and dragged him a little bit away from the others.

“What is it?”

“They’re almost finished with the surprise.” Celestia squealed softly

Celestia pulled out her tablet and showed him. An image of a stained glass window with Sandbar kneeling and holding out a hoof for Gallus. Gallus himself was hovering above him, reaching out a claw to take Sandbar’s hoof.

“What do you think?” Celestia beamed

“It’s perfect. But, uh, his eyes should be lighter blue.” Sandbar whispered

“Okay then.” Celestia smiled and reached into her bag.

Sandbar looked over at Gallus. “So, are you…?”

“I have class.” Gallus explained. “See you later Sandy.”

“See you!” he called as the villain creatures headed off, Ember and Snowdrop following.

“Sandbar, which color blue is it?” Celestia asked, holding up a few samples in her magic.

Sandbar looked at them each carefully, before plucking one out of Celestia’s aura. It was a bright sky blue, with small gold flecks in it. Sandbar smiled.

“This one.”

“What about peacock feathers?” Blueblood asked “Yeah, I bet ya no one’s gonna have those at Cotillion.”

“Blueblood.” Luna said

They were in Luna and Tempest’s room, and Blueblood was being fitted for an outfit for Cotillion. He wore his sports jersey while he posed. Luna and Snowdrop were sitting at a table, smirking knowingly. Upon hearing Luna say his name, Blueblood looked over.

“Yes?”

Luna stood and moved over to him. “When I look at you, all I can see is… ‘King’.”

“Ohh…”

“Yes, and fake fur says it all.”

“Loud and clear.” Snowdrop murmured, adjusting the glasses that let her see.

Pharynx suddenly barged into the room. “Blueblood! Amphitheater in five, move!” he said, before leaving.

Blueblood huffed as he trotted after him. “I don’t see why Coach made him captain instead of me. I’m obviously better.”

Luna and Snowdrop ignored his grumblings, instead going over notes on the price of his outfit.

“King Blueblood, though… I do rather like that.” Blueblood turned to them. “You know who else would?”

“Hm?” Luna hummed disinteredly.

“Yona.”

Snowdrop and Luna looked at each other, then Luna spoke.

“I think you’re right. She would.”

“Blueblood! Let’s go!” Pharynx shouted from the hall.

“I’m coming!” he trotted out the door.

Snowdrop and Luna both chuckled. “Not a lot of there there.” they said together.

Luna began picking up the fabric she’d scattered around the room.

“Someone’s obviously having some trouble dealing with his breakup with Yona…” she commented

“Yeah.” Snowdrop looked down at the paper. “Oh wow… Lulu, come here.”

“What is it?”

“Well, I’ve been doing the numbers and…”

“Yeah?”

“Well, after we collect from all the girl’s gowns and Blueblood’s cape… minus Gallus’ because he’s a friend-and the guest of honor… we have…”

Luna stared at the figure on Snowdrop’s paper. Snowdrop beamed.

“Woah… no wonder creatures work. What am I gonna do with all this money?”

“Well, I was thinking… in the next few years, you’d probably have enough to buy that castle you always wanted.” Snowdrop smiled softly. “That way, you won’t need a prince.”

“You’re right. I don’t need one.” Luna booped Snowdrop’s nose. “I already have you.”

Snowdrop blushed heavily and hugged her. She hugged back.

Trying To Fit In

Gallus was talking with Tempest and Pharynx outside their lockers, cradling Monarch in one claw. Pharynx was in his jersey, about to head to practice. Sandbar then trotted up to them.

“Hey Gal.”

“Oh, hey Sandy.” Gallus smiled at him.

Sandbar giggled. “I have a surprise for you.”

“You do? Again?” Gallus asked

As Sandbar and Gallus continued talking and giggling, Tempest rolled her eyes.

“Heh, I’m glad we’re not like them.” she murmured, kissing Pharynx on the cheek.

“Heh, yeah…” Pharynx wrapped his forelegs around her neck. “You have class now, right?”

“Mhm. Fencing practice?”

“Yep. Meet in your room after?”

“Of course. Lu and Snow should be out of there by then.” Tempest nuzzled him. “I have some new sketches I want to show you.”

“Heh, let me guess, they’re about me?” Pharynx buried his muzzle in Tempest’s long mane. “I’m sure I’ll love them.”

“I hope you do.” Tempest turned to open her locker door. Pharynx noticed something.

“Hey, isn’t that the spellbook? I thought you put it in the museum.”

“Oh, is that still in here?” Tempest chuckled. “I guess I forgot. Don’t worry about it Phar, it’s not dangerous when it’s shut in my locker.”

“Guess not.”

“Mhm. Now I’ve got to get to class.”

“Oh wow, Sandy!” they heard Gallus exclaim, and turned.

Gallus was holding a pair of flight goggles that were a sparkling gold color with a blue strap. He also held a pair of matching gloves and a jacket.

Pharynx chuckled, kissing Tempest’s cheek. “I’ve gotta go. Tell lovergriff I said bye.”

“Okay.” Tempest nuzzled him before he headed off.

“These are amazing, I love them.”

Sandbar chuckled, he was holding Monarch now. “Knew you would. I thought maybe your sister would want a pair too, so she’ll get some once she sees how cool yours are.”

“You’re the best Sandy…” Gallus hugged him. “But I didn’t get you anything…”

“You’re taking me on a picnic with all my favorite foods, remember?” Sandbar reminded him.

Gallus blinked. Tempest stepped over.

“Isn’t that on Thursday?” Tempest asked, glancing at Gallus for confirmation.

“Today is Thursday.” Sandbar chuckled.

“No it’s not.” Tempest replied

“It is.” Sandbar laughed

“I knew that.” Tempest blurted. “Uh, Gallus, Pharynx said bye… now I gotta go.”

Tempest went to collect her things from her locker, and Gallus began sweating.

“U-Uh, right, Thursday… picnic…” Gallus mumbled

“Gally?” Sandbar looked at him. “If you’re not ready we can-”

“Nope, I remember, just Tempest messing with you, like she does.” Gallus hugged him, slipping Monarch back into his claws. “I just have one last thing to go cook, and then I’m yours.”

“You don’t have class?”

“Free period.” Gallus nuzzled him. “I’ll see you at the Enchanted Lake.”

“Heh, you’re the best, Gally.” Sandbar kissed his cheek. “Alright, I’ll be there!”

Gallus waited until Sandbar left, then whipped around… to find Tempest standing there with a smirk.

“Oh great, you didn’t leave yet!”

“You forgot it was Thursday?”

“No, I forgot about the date completely!” Gallus moaned. “There’s been so much to remember, and school on top of it… I couldn’t keep up.”

“Thought so.” Tempest sighed

“I really need help Temp…”

Tempest smiled and grabbed her spellbook. “How about a spell?”

“You’d cast one for me?”

“Make whatever you can think of, then I’ll cast a spell on it.”

“Well come on, let’s get to the Enchanted Lake!”

“Okay, but quickly. I have class.”

In the amphitheater, a group of girls, which included Celestia, were watching fencing practice.

“Alright boys, line up.” Pharynx said “Thorax, with me.”

“Okay…” Thorax grabbed his fencing sword and stood opposite Pharynx, who began calling out the moves.

“Assembler. Salute. Lower the point. Masks down. En garde. Keep your center!”

“Woah!” Thorax cried as he stumbled.

“Eyes on your opponent Thorax! Up and over!”

Then, as Thorax stumbled again, a masked and bipedal figure ran forwards and shielded him from Pharynx’s next attack. Thorax scrambled backwards and watched in awe. Pharynx began fencing with the new figure, causing gasps of shock and amazement.

“Woah!”

“Get ‘em Pharynx!”

“Watch out Pharynx!”

“Nice!” Blueblood called as Pharynx was pinned by the new figure.

“What happened?” Thorax asked, as the figure removed their mask. This revealed a smirking female dragon.

“It’s Ember!” Celestia called, and the girls began cheering.

“Heh, not bad.” Pharynx said as Ember helped him up.

“You should put me on the team.” Ember said

“Yeah!” Thorax added. “Put her on the team Phar!”

Pharynx smirked and was about to respond when-

“What?! Oh no no no!” Blueblood stalked forwards. “We’ll be the laughing stock of the league! What’s gonna happen next, girls playing Blitzball? Come on guys.”

“What’s the problem with a girl wanting to play sports?” Pharynx asked, feeling a bit attacked due to his relationship with Tempest. She didn’t like the sports Equus Prep had to offer but she did enjoy roughhousing from time to time.

“Uh, so have you not read the rulebook?” Blueblood made it appear with a flash of his magic. He held it out. “Section 2, paragraph 3, 11-4. ‘A team will be comprised of a captain and eight colts.’ Hmm? Why don’t you read the rulebook next time?”

Pharynx snarled and was about to lay into him when Ember spoke up.

“Well maybe it’s time the rules changed! Gallus and Sandbar had to withdraw to do king stuff, and even though Thorax took Gallus’ spot you’re still down a colt!”

“Exactly. We’re down a colt.” Blueblood emphasized.

Ember spat at his hooves, and Thorax turned to Pharynx.

“Phar, please…”

Pharynx sighed. “I’m sorry Ember… but Coach Jet trusts me, I’d lose the captain position if I disregarded the rule book.”

Ember growled and tossed her fencing sword to the ground in front of him. “If my mother thought that way, she would have lost the Draconian Civil War.”

Ember then clenched her fists and stormed off. Thorax ran after her.

Pharynx sighed. “Alright guys, practice is over. Let’s go.”

“Ember!” Thorax called as the colts left the amphitheater behind him.

“Lowdown, hardheaded, sexist little-”

“Ember!”

Ember turned. “Oh, hey Thorax…”

“Hey, so I wanted to ask-”

“Ember!” Celestia ran up. “Look, we’re going to use blue and gold banners for Cotillion, but now Luna and I can’t find the right shade, maybe you could help?”

“In a minute.” Ember told Celestia, who nodded and hurried off. “You were saying, Thorax?”

“Uh, w-well, about Cotillion, I was wondering…”

“Ugh, I know, right? It’s all anyone’s talking about. Cotillion 24/7. Like they’ve never been to one before.” Ember said

“I… I haven’t, actually…”

“Right, sorry.” Ember sighed

“So… y-you’re not looking forward to it?” Thorax asked, ears drooping.

“What’s there to look forward to? I usually get stuck helping Tia serve the punch with her mom. And this year I had to join her in the decorating committee too, because Yona went on that vacation with her father.”

Thorax sighed. “Oh… well, maybe we should just-”

“Skip the whole thing? Took the words right out of my mouth.” Ember huffed “Really wish I could. Anyway, I’d better help Celestia. Good talk.”

“Alright…”

“And Thorax?” Ember looked back and he brightened hopefully. “Great practice, you’re doing better.”

Thorax frowned. “R-Right… thanks…”

“No problem. See ya.”

As Ember headed off, Pharynx trotted up.

“So…?”

“It wasn’t the right time…” Thorax sighed. Pharynx gave his brother a quick side hug.

“You’ll get her.” he said

What's Her Name?

Thorax was typing on his computer. He lay on his bed in the room he shared with his brother and Gallus. He giggled as he felt Monarch pad over and nuzzle him.

“How to get out of the friendzone…” Thorax murmured as he typed it in. The TV was on, background noise showing the report about Gallus and Sandbar’s dinner with Princess Amore.

Monarch mewed as the door opened and Tempest strode in. Thorax sat up, shutting the laptop as Tempest turned and locked the door.

“Did you bring it?”

“Yes but we’d better be quick because Pharynx is waiting for me in my room.” Tempest headed over, then sighed. “And there are still reporters everywhere and they know I was part of the group who saved Equus from our parents so I can’t even open my mouth without a photo being taken and-”

“I’m sorry…” Thorax said, but Tempest sighed and shook her head.

“Thorax, do… do you ever miss screaming at creatures and just making them run away from you?”

“Well, that was more mother’s thing and I was usually on the receiving end of it, so… no…”

“Oh, right…” Tempest sighed. “Well, anyway, let’s get this over with-”

“Hey, can I use your printer?” Blueblood stuck his head into the room. “Won’t be a sec.”

“Blueblood, how do you have a key to the room?” Thorax asked

“I printed it off last time I was here. You guys were asleep.” Blueblood explained “Look, I just-well, your printer’s so much better than mine and Gallus put in all these hacks so it would run smoother and-”

“Get out!” Thorax snapped.

“Fine, fine.”

“Leave the key.” Thorax directed. Blueblood sighed, laid the fake key on the table, then he raced off.

“There, see, like that!” Tempest said as the door shut behind Blueblood.

“No, no… I would’ve been a pushover and let him, if it wasn’t for something he said earlier to-” he stopped, blushing.

“Said something to the creature who’s the reason we’re here, I assume?” Tempest asked, and he nodded sheepishly. Tempest sighed and held up the bright red gummy.

“So, this will make me tell Ember how I really feel?”

“It’s a truth gummy, they’re supposed to.” Tempest hesitated as Thorax reached for it. “But… are you sure you want this?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, this thing’s gonna make you say the truth all the time, no matter what. And I’m only asking because I know if I took this thing right now I’d get myself sent back to the Hidden Isle, not that that really sounds unappealing but still…”

“I’ll take my chances I guess…” Thorax reached for the gummy, but fumbled and dropped it. “Oh no!”

Monarch mewed and batted at it, then licked it. He sat back and blinked, swiping his tongue over his nose.

“Oh no! Bad cat!” Tempest snapped.

Monarch blinked, then opened his mouth. “I-I’m a bad kitty?”

They both stared at him.

“Tempest…”

“Gallus is gonna kill me.” Tempest breathed, then closed her eyes. “Okay, maybe since he only licked it it’ll be temporary.”

“I hope so…” Thorax said

“I don’t mind talking.” Monarch’s voice was smooth and energetic. “It’s fun, and you guys talk all the time! And you, Thorax, you just gotta be brave, I believe in you!”

Thorax picked up Monarch. “Well… I’ll try… can’t believe I’m taking advice from a cat…”

“Hey, I was there when your brother told Tempest, I know what it takes!” Monarch nuzzled him

“Okay, I’m gonna… go…” Tempest backed away “I’ll look for a counterspell for him, good luck explaining to Gallus!”

She then raced out of the room.

On the Hidden Isle, within a bar, were four teenage pegasi. One of them had a yellow coat and a flame colored and styled mane. She growled and tossed chips at the TV showing Gallus and the other villain creatures living in Equus. The flame shaped necklace she wore glowed briefly.

“Poser.” she spat as she recognized Tempest, even with her now blonde mane.

“Traitor.” an ice colored filly agreed.

“I’d love to wipe the smiles off their faces.” the only colt, a white coated pegasus with a dark navy blue mane muttered. The rainbow maned filly beside him nodded.

“The little traitor who left us in the dirt.” the flame colored filly muttered, her eyes flashing red momentarily.

“Who turned her back on evil.” the filly beside the colt said

“I can’t believe she thaid we weren’t good enough for her gang.” the ice colored filly growled, revealing a lisp.

“Snooty little broken horn, grabbing whatever she wanted and left us with almost nothing.”

“Jutht a run down bar ath territory. What doeth she know about you? Thpitfire, the fathtetht flyer in the Hidden Ithle…”

“And don’t you forget it, Fleetfoot. Honey.” the filly, Spitfire, winked, and the other, Fleetfoot, blushed.

“At least we have her turf now, so she and her petty crew can stay in Ew-quus.” the colt said

“Don’t be ridiculous Soarin.” Spitfire said. “Equus is her turf now. And I want it. We shouldn’t be getting her leftovers.”

Spitfire jumped over the counter to stand between her friends, wrapping her wings over them.

“Look at us. Soarin Skies, son of the Sky Blazers, Fleetfoot, daughter of the Frosts, Rainbow Dash, daughter of The Rainbooms… and me, daughter of the Flares! What’s my name?”

“Spit.” Soarin replied

“What’s my name?” she asked again

“Thpit.” Fleetfoot replied

“What’s my name, what’s my name?” Spitfire asked once more

“Spit!” Rainbow shouted

Spitfire stomped her hooves on the floor, flaring her wings. Her voice reverberated around the room.

“This is all hooves on deck!
Calling out to lost boys and girls!
I’m tired of the disrespect!
We won’t stop til we rule the world!”

Spitfire swaggered around the room, Fleetfoot, Rainbow, and Soarin following her.

“It’s our time, we up next!”

“Next next!” they chanted

“Our sail’s about to be set!”

“Set, set!”

“They ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Spitfire whipped her head around to smirk at her friends.

“Tell ‘em who’s in charge so they don’t forget.

What’s my name, what’s my name?”

“Spit!”

“Say it louder!
What’s my name, what’s my name?”

“Spit!”

Spitfire breathed out a content sigh, a smirk appearing on her face as she tilted her head back and let flickering flames move up her mane and around her wings. Her necklace pulsed with light.

“Feel the power.

No one’s gonna stop us
Soon the world will be ours.

What’s my name, what’s my name?
What’s it, what’s it?
Say it loud!”

“Spiiit!
Spiiit!”

As they continued harmonizing to her name, Spitfire smirked.

“All eyes on me
Let me see ‘em.”

“Spiiit!
Spiiit!”

“What’s it? What’s it?
Say it! Say it!”

“Spiii-ih-ih-iht!
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah!”

Spitfire grinned, and stalked up to Fleetfoot, Rainbow, and Soarin.

“I’m the queen of this town
I call the shots, you know who I am!”

Spitfire made fire emerge from her wings and form a generic crown shape atop her head, then made it vanish.

“I don’ need to wear no fake crown!
Stand up to me you don’t stand a chance!

It’s our time, we're up next!”

“Next next!”

“My crew’s as real as it gets!”

“Gets gets!”

“The worst is now the best.
And leaving us here will be her last regret!

What’s my name, what’s my name?”

“Spit!”

“Say it louder!
What's my name, What's my name?”

“Spit!”

“Feel the power
No one’s gonna stop us, soon the world will be ours!

What's my name, what's my name?
What's it, what's it, say it, say it.”

Rainbow flew forwards, smirking.

“You know what they say: Bad girls have all the fun.
Never learned how to count ‘cause I’m number one!
Ready? Here we come, we always get our way
It’s a pirate's life, every single day!”

Soarin landed by Spitfire’s side, while Fleetfoot stood on her other side, leaning against the mare.

“Yeah, she’s the captain, I’m the first mate
Enemies seasick, can’t see straight
Call ‘em fish bait, throw ‘em on a hook.”

Fleetfoot stepped up, smiling.

“Spit is so hot they get burned if they look.”

Fleetfoot touched her muzzle to Spitfire’s, lisp disappearing as she sang. Spitfire wrapped a wing over her and continued.

“It's all eyes on me, let me see 'em!”

I said eyes on me boys
You know what my name is,
Say it!
Say it louder!

What's my name, what's my name?”

“Spit.”

“Say it louder
What's my name, What's my name?”

“Spit!”

“Feel the power!
No one's gonna stop us soon the world will be ours!
What's my name, what's my name?
What's it, what's it, say it, say it”

“Spit~fire! Spit~fire!”

“All eyes on me, let me see 'em

“Spit~fire! Spit~fire!”

“What's it, what's it, say it, say it
Oh, say it louder”

“Spit~fire! Spit~fire!”

“Oh, say it louder”

“Spit~fire! Spit~fire!”

“What's it, what's it, say it, say it!”

“Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit-ah-ah-ah
Spit.”

Spitfire smirked and sat back in a bar stool, keeping a wing around Fleetfoot. Rainbow and Soarin flanked them. A blast of fire shot out of the kitchen. They all jumped.

“Shut your mouths!!”

“Dad!” Spitfire shouted

“These shot glasses aren’t gonna clean themselves!”

Spitfire rolled her eyes and glanced back. “It’s fine, it’s fine. Once we get our chance to rain down the flames on Equus, they’re gonna forget those creatures and remember the name-”

“Spitfire!” they all cheered, whooping

Spitfire smirked, basking in the cheers of a victory yet to come.

“I’m coming for you… Tempest Shadow…” she murmured

Leaving

“Heh, another hor dourve, Sandy?” Gallus asked

“Mm, yes please!” Sandbar reached for one, smiling as he ate it. “Mm, Gallus, this is amazing!”

Gallus giggled and blushed. “I’m glad you like it.”

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever had!”

Gallus smiled and leaned over to nuzzle him. Sandbar chuckled.

“How long did this take you? Three days?”

“Heh, don’t even ask me, I don’t know.” Gallus chuckled, and Sandbar snuggled up against him.

“Thank you for this. It means a lot you did this for me. Especially with all the crazy stuff we’ve gone through.” Sandbar murmured

Gallus gulped nervously, feeling guilty. “Y-Yeah…”

Sandbar giggled and kissed his cheek. Gallus held him tight, smiling as the nerves disappeared.

“Where is she?” Pharynx muttered, pacing around. Maybe the class had run long or something, or he was early because he’d ended the practice early.

As Pharynx paced around the room, he tripped over a bag. He sat up and shook himself, then noticed something tucked under Tempest’s bed.

“What the…?” Pharynx lit up his horn and pulled it out. “Tempest’s spellbook?”

“Phar, I’m here, sorry I’m late, I-” Tempest broke off as she saw him standing up with the book.

Pharynx glared up at her. “I thought you weren’t using this.”

“Phar, I-I’m not!”

Pharynx opened it to some of the marked pages.

“Blonde mane spell. Speed reading spell… cooking spell?” Pharynx tossed the book onto the bed. “And I thought you were fitting in perfectly.”

“Th-The cooking spell was for Gallus, he asked me to-”

“Look at you, you’re using any excuse to cast spells!”

Tempest sighed and took a breath. She closed her eyes and her horn sparked. “Take back this moment as it passes. Return it, reverse it-”

“Tempest are you seriously trying to spell me right now?!”

“Pharynx this has been so hard for me!”

“It’s been hard for me too Temp! Some things are hard, that’s just life!” Pharynx shouted “I thought we were getting through this together…”

“Phar, we… we are in this together.”

“We’re not.” Pharynx snarled. “You’ve been keeping secrets and lying to me, just like… just like back there. I thought we were done with that part of our life. This isn’t the Hidden Isle, Temp.”

“Believe me, I know that!” Tempest shouted

“Then why are you doing this? Any of this?” Pharynx stepped closer and flicked her blonde mane. “This isn’t you, why are you acting like it is?!”

“Because I have to! I have to, I’m not a pretty pink princess and I never will be!” Tempest screamed. “But everyone expects me to be! To fit in, to act like one of them! Well, I’m not, I’m a fake!”

“Yes. You are.” Pharynx grabbed the book and shoved it at her before stalking out.

“Ph-Pharynx?” Tempest asked softly.

“Come find me when you figure out who the real you is.” Pharynx spat, leaving and slamming the door.

Tempest gasped, then grabbed her spellbook. Tears began dripping down her face as she gathered her things. Pencils, notebooks, and a photo of her and her friends during the coronation afterparty went into her bag. She slung it over her back and headed for the door, then muttered a spell.

“Take the feast, the sumptuous meal, and change it back to what was real.”

Tempest looked around.

“I don’t belong here anymore… I never did.” she muttered.

Then, she was out the door, and gone.

As Gallus and Sandbar were talking, something flashed, and when they looked back, Sandbar’s jaw fell open.

“G-Gal…”

Gallus let go of Sandbar and backed away. Sandbar reached and picked up the single daisy sandwich and looked at the glass of lemonade beside it.

“Gal, what is this? What happened to the… wait, did you-”

Gallus hung his head. “I… I’m sorry Sandy…”

“You… you tricked me?” Sandbar asked

“I didn’t mean to…” Gallus looked up with tears in his eyes. “There’s just so much to remember and I completely forgot about today and then Tempest offered to help me and… and…”

Sandbar took a bite of the sandwich, then smiled. “It’s still good.”

“What?”

“The sandwich. It’s good.” Sandbar set it down and went to Gallus. “I get it. It’s not easy having to learn all these things and keep track of everything. I nearly forgot about today too, until the order for your goggles came in.”

Gallus wiped his eyes. “But I still… I lied…”

“For a good reason.” Sandbar hugged him. “It’s okay. Now how about we just try to enjoy the rest of today?”

Gallus sniffled and nodded. Sandbar kissed his forehead gently.

“I love you Gally.”

Gallus hesitated. “I… Sand, I…”

“Guys!” Luna ran up. “Tempest is gone!”

Tempest took a breath. She was standing on the edge of a cliff, wearing her cloak again. She held up the spellbook.

“I stand here, proud and fair. I can go anywhere.” she spoke aloud.

Tempest tucked the book away and reached out a foreleg, stepping onto the air. Her hoof hit the air and a small glow emerged. She kept her horn charged up and took another step. It was giving her a solid-but invisible-bridge. She smiled and ran over the water, heading for the Isle in the distance.

She made it there and galloped into the marketplace, pulling up the hood on her cloak. She smirked as she saw a poster of her and her friends, which had been vandalized. She blasted it with her horn, leaving a scorch mark in its place.

“That’s better…” she sighed, though she knew the blast itself would be the last she’d make for a while. Tempest could already feel the barrier blocking her powerful magic.

Tempest headed down an alley, finding a familiar sign. Beware: Flying rocks. She chuckled and lifted one in her crackling magic, launching it at the sign. The sign was pushed back and caused a door to open. Tempest smirked and headed into the opening, beginning to climb the stairs behind it.

Back Where She Belongs

“What do you mean, ‘she’s gone’?!” Pharynx exclaimed

They were in the boy’s room, all of them. Pharynx, Gallus, Sandbar, Luna, Thorax, Gilda, and Ocellus. Luna was crying.

“She went back to the Isle. She’s gone.”

Pharynx took a breath. “This… guys, this is all my fault. I… I found out she was using magic for everything and I snapped…”

“Well, then we have to go there and get her to come back.” Sandbar said “She belongs here, just like the rest of you.”

“I-I have to apologize.” Pharynx agreed

“You two will never find her alone.” Gilda said “That’s why I’m in.”

“Me too.” Gallus agreed

“And me.” Thorax nuzzled Pharynx. “We’ll get her back Phar.”

“I’m coming too.” Ocellus said

“No, you’re staying. You three all need to stay here.and cover for us.” Luna objected. “Besides, none of us are very popular on the Isle at the moment and Sandbar will be suspicious enough to cover as is. We’ll do this alone.”

“Oh alright.” Gilda sighed. “But if you guys get stuck, we’re coming to rescue you.”

Ocellus hesitated, then spoke. “I-If you see Smolder… can you tell her I miss her?”

Luna nodded and hugged her. “Of course Ocellus.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Pharynx headed for the door.

“Not so fast.” Luna stopped him “First, we need our old outfits, and Sandbar needs some to fit in.”

“Alright, I still have my jacket.” Pharynx headed for the closet.

“So, what do I need to wear?” Sandbar asked

“Well, first…” Gallus reached for the pin Sandbar always let him wear. He unclipped it and gave it to Sandbar. “You and I need to hide this.”

Sandbar nodded and as Luna passed him a jacket from Pharynx’s closet, he tucked it into the pocket.

“That’ll help you blend in. Sorry there’s no time to alter it.”

“It’s fine.”

“Look, we know the Isle.” Pharynx said as he pulled on his leather jacket. “We know how it works, we can get Temp back. But bringing you…”

“She’s my friend too. I want to help.” Sandbar said

“So he gets to go and we can’t?” Gilda asked

“Someone needs to stay behind, otherwise creatures will get suspicious.” Pharynx replied.

“Alright, we’ll leave at once.” Sandbar said, heading out of the room.

Tempest sauntered down the alleys, heading for a specific building. She smiled as she stood before it.

“Garnet and Fume’s Cuts. Just how I remember it. Let’s see if…” Tempest noticed the doors were padlocked.

Tempest scoffed and drew a lock pick out of her saddlebags, picking it easily. She then entered the building, where she heard someone humming.

“Mm-hm, mm-hm, rather be with you. Doesn’t matter who is who…” a orange and purple dragoness was sweeping the floors.

Tempest leaned against the door until the dragon looked up. She gasped and pulled down the headphones she was wearing.

“Temp!” she beamed at her and set the broom aside. “Is Luna back too?! And Celly-er, I mean, Ocellus?”

“Heh, sorry Smolder, just me…” Tempest stepped in. “Where’s Gabby?”

“She’s on break, should be back soon.” Smolder explained

“Ah.” Tempest looked around. “Place looks good.”

Smolder beamed and headed over. “Yeah… about the music, uh, Gabs got me hooked…”

“You don’t need to explain. We all know you enjoy this just as much as Gabs.” Tempest began walking around. “So, your mom given you any customers yet?”

“Just a unicorn here and there…” Smolder sighed “Gabs doesn’t get many either. Mostly we’re just cleaning up, especially when Gar-Gar’s around.”

“Ah.” Tempest tapped one of the chairs.

Then, there was a gasp from the doorway. A gray female griffon was standing there. Tempest smiled.

“Hello Gabby. Long time no see, huh?”

“Tempest!” Gabby shot forwards and hugged her. “You’rebackyou’rebackyou’reback! Is Lu here too, and Gildie?”

“No… they’re back in Equus.” Tempest gasped out.

“Eeek, your mane!” Gabby said, grabbing at the nearly white blonde locks.

“I know… hey… you two used to do Luna, right?”

“Mhm!” Gabby nodded. “I was the one who thought of doing that little braid she had running through her mane at one point.”

“Heh, I remember that.” Tempest chuckled

“And I was the one who wove in the refined gem thread.” Smolder added. “That stuff was so hard to find but so worth it!”

“Any ideas for me then?” Tempest asked

Gabby and Smolder both studied her for a bit.

“Liked your old look better.” Smolder remarked

“I know, but a way to make my old look… twice as good?” Tempest asked

Gabby and Smolder looked at each other, then grinned.

“I think we can figure something out.” Smolder replied

“Yeah! The washed out blonde and pink tips so isn’t you.” Gabby added

“Just one question.” Smolder said as Tempest sat in one of the hair salon chairs.

“Yes?”

“How far can we go?” she asked with a devilish grin.

Tempest smiled. “The works. I mean, obviously whatever makes me feel like me again, but… way worse.”

“Yay!” Gabby cheered, as Smolder grabbed some scissors.

First, the two girls washed out Tempest’s mane, returning it to its usual magenta shade. Due to the water, her mane hung down around her. Smolder began cutting off parts of it, then placed curlers in a mohawk style, to help it reform back to the original style Tempest had put it in.

“Here we go… just lie back.” Gabby said, beginning to give Tempest a hooficure. She just sighed and resigned herself to it.

Eventually, the two girls finished and led Tempest to a cracked mirror. She was actually taken aback when she saw her reflection. They’d put her mane back into its magenta mohawk style, however, they’d changed the color.

It was magenta, but had a large splash of light purple down the frill. The two had also pulled some of her mane away from the mohawk and braided it. The braids ended by Tempest’s right ear, where a golden ear cuff held them in place. It was shaped like a lightning bolt.

“Oh wow. That’s me alright.” Tempest turned to them and smirked, pulling out ten Equus bits and giving five each to Gabby and Smolder.

“Woah…” Smolder looked at the shiny coins.

“For us?” Gabby asked

“Yeah, you two earned it.” Tempest told them, looking back at her reflection.

Smolder and Gabby rushed to put it in the register by the entrance. But as they headed over, a rainbow maned pegasus entered, holding out her wing.

“Fork it over, runts.” she said harshly. Her mane was held back with a bandanna and a single earring rested in her left ear. Rainbow Dash.

Smolder and Gabby hesitated, then dropped the coins into Rainbow Dash’s wing. She stuffed them into the blue and yellow leather jacket she wore, and then tapped the counter.

“The rest of it.” she directed

Tempest watched as Smolder and Gabby emptied the register into Rainbow Dash’s jacket.

“Thank you.” she said before turning to leave.

“Still running errands for Spitfire, or do you actually get to keep what you steal?” Tempest finally spoke

Rainbow Dash turned back with a grin. “Well well well… what a nice surprise.”

“Hello Rainbow Dash.”

“Just wait until Spit hears you’re back. You know, she’s never gonna give you back your old stomping grounds.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll be taking it, not asking politely.” Tempest said with a smirk.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “I could hurt you.”

“Not without dear old Spitty’s permission, I bet.” Tempest retorted

Rainbow pulled away from their face-off and turned to the door. She strode over, knocked some bottles and cans off the counter with her wing, then left. Gabby and Smolder began picking up the fallen items.

“Great, more sweeping.” Smolder muttered

Conversations and Captures

Pharynx started to move closer to her, but she put out a hoof to stop him. He took in her new look, then breathed and looked down.

“Temp… I know that no amount of ‘I’m sorries’ will make up for what I said to you.” he began. “But I am sorry. I love you, and of course we’re in this together. This was all my fault, I snapped and… and made you feel worse when you’d clearly been struggling for weeks… just… please come home Tempy… I need you.”

Pharynx looked up, tears brimming in his eyes, though he tried to wipe them away. Tempest looked at him silently, then walked forwards.

“Pharynx… I am home.” she said, and Pharynx’s eyes widened. “I don’t fit in among them there. I really tried, I gave it my best shot, and…”

“Tempy…”

“And… my best shot wasn’t enough. If you really think I can change, then you’re wrong and just as foolish as Sandbar was.”

Pharynx stared at her, then shifted his hooves. “Then I’ll stay here with you.”

“No, Pharynx. You have a life there, a happy one. Your siblings are there, you have everything you ever wanted…” Tempest took a shaking breath. “All the love you could ever need… go be with your siblings. Maybe we’ll see each other again when they bring in more students.”

“But Temp…”

“Just look at who I am Pharynx! Daughter of the Storm King, that’s all I’ll ever be, and it’s only a matter of time before I do something so messed up that the kingdom turns on me and everyone who stays with me falls alongside me.”

“Don’t quit us Temp, please.” Pharynx said. “Equus knows you for being a hero, they love you. I love you.”

Tempest pushed him backwards slightly. “I need to take myself out of the picture, for what’s best for you and Equus. Go be with Thorax and Ocellus. They need their brother.”

“No, Tempest, please…” Pharynx began

She shook her head. “I can’t do this Pharynx. You should go.” Tempest then grabbed her spray paint and continued her work.

Pharynx stayed where he was. “Temp…”

“Pharynx, please go. Please leave.” Tempest said, shaking her spray paint.

Pharynx nodded and left. Tempest began breathing shakily and turned back to her work, stifling tears.

Gallus sat away from Sandbar, which concerned him. He turned to look at the griffon.

“Gallus?”

“Leave me alone.”

“G-Gallus, what did I do wrong…?”

“Nothing.” Gallus muttered. “It’s just… seeing all this again… it’s reminding me…”

“Wh-What?” Sandbar moved closer to him.

“I’m nothing more than a villain. Look how cruel I was to you the second I was back in my element. You… you shouldn’t have to deal with me…”

“No, no, honey.” Sandbar pulled out the pin and attached it to Gallus’ jacket. “I don’t know why you were acting that way but I know it’s not you. And I know that you’re sweet, and kind, and that I love you.”

Gallus hesitated, then unpinned the green pin, reaching and tucking it back into Sandbar’s pocket.

“...Then you don’t know me as well as you think. You’re just blinded by love.”

Sandbar stared at Gallus with wide eyes. They had no more time for words as Pharynx came back.

“Where’s Tempest…?” Luna asked

“She…” Pharynx broke off. “...She’s not coming back.”

“I’ll talk to her.” Luna went to a trumpet shaped thing by the door. “Temp?”

Sandbar took Gallus’ claw, but he pulled away.

“Sandy, I could never make you happy. This is just an infatuation.” he mumbled

Sandbar’s eyes widened and filled with tears, before he turned and ran down an alley. Pharynx, who was moping and leaning against a wall, didn’t see it.

“Tempest, it’s Luna. Please, just let me talk with you for a second.”

They heard a clanking noise, then Tempest’s voice came from it.

“Go away!”

Luna sighed, and Gallus looked up wearily.

“Give her a couple hours to cool off, Lu.” he then looked up. “Oh no… where’s Sandy?”

“I thought you just broke it off with him, why would you call him-” Pharynx, who had heard what Gallus had said before Sandbar had left, started to object.

“Forget about it, just, where is he?”

“Sandbar?” Luna asked

“Sandy?” Gallus asked

Then, they saw a figure moving towards them. They walked with their head hung low. Luna sighed.

“Sandbar, there you are.”

“Don’t scare me like that Sandy…” Gallus whispered

“Don’t scare you?” the figure raised their head. Rainbow Dash. Pharynx, Luna, and Gallus backed up. “But that’s the best part.”

“Rainbow Dash.” Luna growled

“What did you do with Sandbar?” Pharynx snarled

“Heh, what d’you think we did? We took ‘em.” Rainbow spread her wings, flexing them. “And if you want to see him again, have Tempest come to the bar tonight, alone.”

“But… But I’m Sandbar’s-” Gallus began

“Oh, we know exactly what you are to him.” Rainbow said “But it’s Tempest that Spitfire has a grudge against. So you get her down there.” with that, she flew backwards down the alley.

Pharynx sighed and began scaling the scaffolding that led up to Tempest’s new home. Luna and Gallus flew after him.

“If you guys hadn’t brought him along this never would’ve happened.” Tempest remarked dryly. “What were you thinking?”

“He wanted to make sure you were okay, you’re his friend too.” Gallus spoke up.

“And when we tried to protect him, we just blew it…” Luna sighed

“Alright.” Pharynx trotted up to Tempest. “Tempest, I know you hate me right now but… but Sandbar needs our help, and you know Spitfire will only give him back if it’s you…”

Tempest sighed. “I don’t hate you, Pharynx. This was for the best. But I still don’t see why I should-”

“Because then Equus will be without a king.” Gallus interrupted. “Please, Tempest. If not for Equus, for me. I… I said awful things to him, I don’t know what came over me, but I… I want him back… I need to make things right.”

Tempest hesitated, then nodded.

“Thank you…” Gallus breathed. “So what do we do?”

“You don’t do anything. This is between myself and Spitfire, Pharynx said it himself. And Spitfire’s a punk. So I’m going to go get Sandbar, alone, like she asked.” Tempest replied

“But what about Rainbow Dash and Spitfire’s other crew members?” Gallus asked

“I can handle it.” Tempest said as she strode past them.

Pharynx put a hoof on her shoulder. “Temp… I really am sorry… for everything.”

Tempest hesitated, then gave him the briefest of nuzzles. He nodded.

“We’ll be right here when you get back.” he promised

Tempest nodded, before grabbing her bag and leaving the flat. They all sat down to wait.

Royal Pains and Crowning Plans

Author's Note

Not sure why I didn't update this yesterday. Here you go!

Royal Pains and Crowning Plans

Spitfire walked around the bar, serving creatures, as were her father’s orders. She slammed a beer casket down in front of someone.

“Hey! I asked for a Flametail Whiskey!”

“And I asked for a dolly.” Spitfire sneered “Life ain’t fair!” with that, she stormed away.

Tempest sauntered through the doors, pushing them aside. She looked around with a sly smirk. Though her manestyle had changed, the hooded cloak, scar, and broken horn were dead giveaways to her identity.

“I’m back.” she said in a sing-song tone.

Spitfire chuckled. “Loser, party of one. This way.” she flicked her tail towards an empty table.

Tempest walked towards it. Spitfire kicked a chair her way, and Tempest ignited her shattered horn, catching it and spinning it to sit on it backwards. She rested her forelegs on the back of the chair and her chin on top of them.

“Place still stinks.” she remarked, looking around

“Oh, I’m sorry. We’re down a butler today.” Spitfire snarked “Look at you. Good as a princess.”

“Cut to the chase, where’s Sandbar?”

Spitfire chuckled. “You know, I’ve dreamed of this.” she leaned against the table. “You wanting something from me, and me watching you squirm like a Phoenix in a net.”

“I’m so flattered that you dream of me. I haven’t given you a thought since I left. But aren’t you taken?” Tempest raised a brow at Fleetfoot, who sat at the bar, watching them.

Spitfire slammed a hoof on the table. “Clearly you haven’t.” she spat. “You have the perfect little life, don’t you?”

Tempest smirked, horn sparking. Spitfire’s eyes flashed red, and she turned to the bar.

“Doesn’t she have the perfect little life?!” the bar patrons all laughed. Spitfire turned back to Tempest. “Meanwhile we’re twenty years into a garbage strike.”

Tempest huffed. “Look, if you have some kind of score to settle, game on. I see no need to bring Sandbar into this, he’s not even my boyfriend.”

“True, but let’s face it, the naive prince of Equus would’ve been easier to nab than the prince of the changelings that grew up here.” Spitfire chortled. “Besides, drawing in leverage that ties to Equus may be unnecessary but it is so much fun.”

Tempest locked eyes with her. Tempest’s eyes flickered with the same electric color as her magic. Spitfire’s flashed blood red.

“Here’s the deal.” Spitfire began

“Just like your father, always a catch.” Tempest quipped. “Blood for powers was his game, what’s yours gonna be?”

Spitfire slammed a hoof on the table. “Don’t you bring him into this.” she snarled.

Tempest thought she could see tears in the filly’s eyes for a second. However, Spitfire shook her head and blinked, and they were gone. Spitfire sat down and raised her foreleg in the position for a hoof wrestle.

“If you win, Sandbar’s free to go.” she said.

Tempest shrugged nonchalantly, placing her own foreleg into position. Hopefully she hadn’t lost her touch.

“Don’t you want to know what I get if I win?” Spitfire asked innocently.

Tempest knew this trick. Spitfire would reveal it at the last possible moment unless she agreed to know now. But Tempest was sure of herself, she could keep her composure.

“Hmph, still dreaming.” Tempest remarked

Spitfire clenched her hoof around Tempest’s. “Last time I checked your father thought he had things all tied up too, huh? How’d that work out for him again?”

Tempest was unfazed. “On three.”

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three.” they said together, then began the battle of will.

“You know, that whole princess act you were putting on for the cameras? Never bought it for a second.” Spitfire smirked “Just like the griffon boy. You can stick a tiara or a crown on a villain, but they’ll always be a villain.”

Tempest chuckled. “And you can slap a Captain’s uniform on but you’re still a hothead.”

Spitfire’s foreleg slipped for a second but she adjusted it. Tempest’s eyes flared electric blue as she pressed against Spitfire’s hoof. She was channeling the last bit of her magic that remained despite the barrier in order to keep steady. Spitfire chuckled even as her foreleg came down.

“If I win…” Spitfire said, as her hoof was seconds from touching the table. “-You bring me the crown.”

Tempest’s mouth opened and her magic faded out. Spitfire shoved, and Tempest’s hoof was the one on the table. Spitfire raised her hooves in victory, laughing.

As Tempest pulled her hoof back and massaged it, she realized what Spitfire had done. She’d been bunching her muscles, slipping on purpose so she’d be tense enough to push Tempest’s hoof to the table. Otherwise, even in shock, Tempest would have been strong enough to stay put without an extra shove from Spitfire.

Spitfire slammed both her hooves on the table. “Now.” she said sternly. “If you want Sandy-boy back, bring me Rising Dawn’s enchanted crown. My ship, tomorrow at noon.”

Tempest sighed as Spitfire stood to leave. Spitfire then turned and looked back at her.

“And if you blab, tell Gallus he can kiss his baby goodbye.” with that, she left.

“There’s no way we can give Spitfire the crown!” Luna was pacing around in Tempest’s flat. “We can’t just let her destroy Equus!” she looked to Tempest.

Tempest was seated on the couch beside Pharynx. She had reluctantly allowed the changeling to slip a hoof around her in comfort. It was nice, and she was resisting the urge to rest against him.

“But if Spitfire doesn’t get the crown then Sandy-” Gallus broke off, rubbing his eyes.

“Great, so we’re going to give Spitfire of all creatures the crown.” Luna huffed. “You know what she’s capable of, and her magic being tied to flames, the crown will only amplify her power.”

“You guys.” Tempest spoke. They looked over at her. “I’ve got it.”

“Temp?” Pharynx looked at her.

“The 3D printer.” Tempest said

“Fake crown.” Gallus snapped his claws. “That’s it!”

“But the second Spitfire puts it on, and it doesn’t work, she’ll know it’s a fake.” Luna objected

“Then we just get Sandy out fast.” Gallus said

“We’d need some kind of diversion for that.” Pharynx joined in, looking at Tempest. She recognized what he was saying.

“Smoke bombs.” they said as one, and Tempest blushed. Pharynx nuzzled her.

“Okay, as happy as I am that you two are making up, we need chemicals for that.” Luna spoke up. “I’ll get them from Garnet’s place, it could work. Oh, by the way Tempest…”

“Hm?” Tempest looked up and Luna went over, touching the mohawk.

“Sick hair, Garnet’s really stepped up her game.”

“Actually, Smolder and Gabby did this.” Tempest told her

“Smolder and Gabs? Shut up.”

“Heh, I know. Didn’t think I’d like it but it’s a lot lighter and I’m loving it.” Tempest said, and Pharynx nuzzled her.

“You look even more beautiful than you did before.” he murmured, and she blushed.

Luna sighed happily. “I’m so proud of them.”

“Guys?” Gallus asked

“Right.” Tempest sighed, pulling away from Pharynx. “Boys, meet us at Airship Bay no later than noon.”

“Alright, let’s get going. Losing is not an option.” Gallus said, standing.

“Cause we’re rotten.” Tempest tried

“At the core.” they all finished, nodding.

“Alright, let’s do this.” Tempest said

Reuniting

Tempest and Luna entered the workspace of the manestyling place to find Smolder and Gabby sitting side by side at a workbench. They were fiddling with jewelry supplies and showing each other their creations.

Luna smiled and winked at Tempest before fluffing her wings and heading towards them. She gracefully flounced over and positioned herself in their sightline.

“Luna?” Smolder asked

“Luna! You came back!” Gabby pounced and hugged the alicorn.

“Oh, girls!” Luna hugged Gabby, smiling at Smolder.

“Is it just like we imagined?” Gabby asked “Closets you can walk into? A real swimming pool? What does ice cream taste like?!”

Luna smiled. “It’s cold and sweet, and if you eat it too fast you get a headache.” Luna looked at Smolder. “Smolder, Ocellus says hi. She wanted to come, but…”

“I get it.” Smolder smiled. “Tell her I miss her, and that I think of her every day.”

“And tell Gildie I miss her too!”

Luna nodded and held Gabby close with a wing. “I will, you two.”

Smolder then brightened. “Lu, we saved your sketchbook for you.”

Luna gasped. “You did?”

Smolder took off and zipped back with a blue notebook that had Luna’s cutie mark on the cover.

“Oh, girls…” Luna opened the journal to find a page with a sketch of her in a blue and gold dress. She sighed. “I made this out of an old curtain and safety pins.”

Gabby giggled. “Reminds me of the suit you made for Gallus when he met Amore.”

Tempest blinked. “Didn’t he spill salad all over that?”

“Yes, he did.” Luna huffed, and they all laughed. “But you’re right Gabby, this was the inspiration for that.”

“I knew it!” Gabby cried, as Smolder turned and noticed Tempest grabbing a few things. Gabby, however, kept talking, hugging Luna. “You can take the girl out of the Hidden Isle, but you can’t take the Hidden Isle out of the girl.”

“Heh, yep.” Luna noticed something and lifted a large hoof bracelet and a moon charm that had a tiara sitting on top of the crescent shape. She laid the charm over the bracelet. “Is this too much or…?”

“Pass me the glue gun!” Smolder said, grabbing the glue gun and beginning to attach the charm.

Tempest glanced over, smiling at the three creative creatures making a new fashion.

Gallus ran in and scooped up Monarch, Pharynx behind him. Monarch mewed and nuzzled him.

“Heh, sorry I’m so late Monarch… Sandy got captured-”

“Why’s the door open?” Pharynx headed towards their room, Gallus creeping along behind him.

Blueblood was standing at the 3D printer, waiting as it made something. A look around showed that Thorax was sleeping.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Gallus said. Thorax had told him about Blueblood sneaking in when he’d explained about Monarch.

Blueblood whipped around, turning off the printer and giving a nervous chuckle. “I knocked, but Thorax was asleep, so I… let myself in.”

“Go on Monarch.” Gallus set the kitten down, and Monarch went over to Thorax. “Blueblood, the key.”

Blueblood huffed and pulled out a fake key, placing it in Gallus’ claws. Pharynx cocked his head in confusion at the object in the printer.

“What even is that?”

Blueblood smiled, opening the printer and holding up the headless pony. “Blueblood action figure. Just needs the head.”

“Eh, seems like an improvement.” Gallus deadpanned, shoving past Blueblood. “Alright, let’s see…”

“Hm… heheh, Monarch…” Thorax sat up, cradling the kitten. “Wha-Blueblood? Gallus, Pharynx!”

“Hey bro.”

“Where’re the others?” Thorax asked, standing.

“We’ll explain in a minute.” Gallus replied.

Thorax came closer and stood beside them. Gallus pulled out his phone and programmed in the dimensions of the crown. Blueblood leaned in over his shoulder, none of the crowd of boys noticing the blue dragoness walking by the open door.

“Why are you making Rising Dawn’s crown?” Blueblood asked, and the dragon halted, peeking in.

“U-Uh…” Gallus stammered. “Why are we… because-”

“Sandbar’s been captured.” Monarch spoke up.

“What? Monarch can talk?!” Blueblood asked

“Monarch, I was stalling.” Gallus hissed

“S-Sorry, I thought you forgot…” he snuggled into Thorax’s foreleg.

Pharynx smacked Blueblood’s shoulder. “Don’t you dare tell anyone. Sandbar’s life depends on it.”

The dragoness smirked before backing away and leaving. Blueblood blinked, then grinned.

“Really? So if something were to happen, you know what I’m saying…”

“Yeah, something bad, we get it.” Gallus growled

“Well, Rising Dawn forbid, of course, but if something were to happen… who do you think would be in line to be king?”

“First of all, either me or his sister, second of all, poor taste, Blue.” Gallus said, smacking him.

“Yeah, now go.” Pharynx said

“I’m taking this.” he shook the action figure, then walked to the door. “And if you think I-”

Pharynx slammed the door in his face.

“Thank you Pharynx.” Gallus said

“Whatever, needed to be done.” Pharynx glanced at Thorax. “If you come, don’t tell Gilda and Ocellus. We’re not dragging them into this.”

Thorax looked down. “No… I think I should stay… keep an eye on Blueblood. But good luck, I know you’ll get Sandbar back.”

“We have to.” Gallus muttered, then they began making the crown.

“Alright, that makes five smoke bombs.” Tempest said

“Yeah, that should be enough.” Luna agreed, then turned and grabbed one of the headbands Smolder and Gabby had been making. “Temp, how amazing would this look with my shredded skirt and my moon shaped purse?”

“Uh… very amazing.” Tempest said

“Take it then!” Gabby called over, grabbing the jewelry. “Take a bunch!”

“Aww, Gabby…” Luna grabbed her bag and let Smolder and Gabby pile in huge clawfuls of jewelry. “Oh, thank you…”

“It would be so cool if you were wearing our fashions in Equus!” Smolder said

“Mhm! It would make me so happy!” Gabby added “Almost like being there ourselves.”

Luna hugged them both. “I really wish we could bring you two with us…”

“At least one of us had their dream come true, right?” Gabby asked

Luna looked at Tempest, then nodded, tears in her eyes. “Yeah.”

“Lu, we gotta go.” Tempest said

“Okay.” Luna breathed

Smolder and Gabby waved before heading back to the worktable. Smolder picked up Luna’s sketchbook and began leafing through it.

Luna hesitated at the door, looking back at them. Tempest laid a hoof on her shoulder.

“They’ll be okay.” she whispered

Luna nodded. “Yeah… but they could be so much more…”

Tempest gave her a quick squeeze. “Let’s go.”

Meeting Halfway

Tempest and Luna began talking as they walked through the alleys.

“That lesson was epic… went on for days.”

“Like it mattered, right?”

“Yeah… and they were both…”

“Undone by true love’s kiss.” Luna finished

“Works every time.” they said together, laughing.

Luna sighed. “I really thought… that’s what you and Pharynx had… and what Gallus and Sandbar…”

Tempest sighed. “I’m not going back, Luna. I can’t. I really tried to tell you. I mean…” she smiled. “I saw the way your face lit up, back when we walked into that dorm room for the first time. I couldn’t ruin that for you.”

“If you’re staying, I am too.” Luna said

“No.” Tempest smiled. “You’re an Equus girl, Luna. I’m an Isle girl. That’s just the way it has to be.”

Luna sighed as Tempest flung a rock at the sign, and they headed upstairs.

As they walked up the stairs, Luna stopped and leaned against a railing, then began singing.

“I didn’t know anything you
Were going through
I thought everything was fine
What could you have had to hide?”

Tempest sighed and joined her, staring into the distance.

“I didn’t want to let anyone down
But now that the truth is out…
It was tearing me apart
I had to listen to my heart
And I just had to go.”

Luna looked over at her, the alicorn’s long and flowing mane shielding her face.

“I would never stop you.”

“Even though we changed?”

“Nothing between us has to change.”

Luna put a hoof on top of Tempest’s, and the broken horned mare smiled slightly. They sang together.

“And you can meet me halfway
The space where two worlds meet
I’ll never be out of your reach”

Tempest closed her eyes, smiling as her throat tightened. She reflected on their past times together, tears spilling down her cheeks as she and Luna sang.

“Cause you are a part of me
So we can meet halfway
We’ll never be alone,
No matter where we go
We can meet halfway.”

They made it up to Tempest’s flat and Tempest took Luna’s hooves.

“There are no words left for me to say.”

“And I know you have to find your own place.”

Luna sang those words as tears of her own fell. Tempest hugged her, crying.

“But this isn’t the end-”

“No, it could never be
You’re a part of who I am.”

They looked at each other, smiling. Tempest sang softly.

“Even if we’re worlds apart,
You remain in my heart
It will always be you and me.”

Luna started the next part.

“We can meet halfway,”

Then they sang as one as they headed deeper into the room.

“The space where two worlds meet.”

Luna’s smile widened as she stared across at Tempest.

“I’ll never be out of your reach.”

“I’ll never be out of your reach, oh…”

They took hooves, smiling.

“Cause you are a part of me
So we can meet halfway!”

They stepped back, and Luna put a hoof to her chest, smiling.

“You know you’ll never be alone”

“And no matter where we go…”

They sang together.

“We can meet halfway…”

Tempest giggled and hugged her.

“Yeah… no matter where we go…”

“No matter where we go…”

“We can meet… halfway…” they finished together.

Gallus and Pharynx were sleeping in a couple chairs in their dorm room. The printer beeped, and Thorax, who was nearby with Monarch, reached and tapped his brother on the shoulder.

“Pharynx, it’s done.”

“What? Gallus!”

“Whasgoin’on?!” Gallus shot up, then saw the crown. “Yes!”

“Not bad.” Pharynx said as he pulled it out to examine it. “Let’s go.”

They grabbed their things and headed out.

“Alright, Thorax, look after Monarch.” Gallus said

“But I wanna come!” Monarch whined from Thorax’s hooves.

“No Monarch, you stay.” Gallus ordered “We’ll be back with Sandy before you know it.”

With that, the two left. Thorax set Monarch down and went to his bed.

Pharynx and Gallus raced out to the carriage, Pharynx holding the fake crown.

“Hey, guys!” Snowdrop raced up, and Pharynx shoved the fake crown into his leather jacket. “Have you two seen Luna?”

“She… went to visit her mom.” Gallus said

“Then why didn’t Celestia go with her?”

“You know how spontaneous she is, probably wanted to make it a private thing.” Pharynx said

Snowdrop raised a brow but headed inside.

“Later Snow!” they called, then turned around… to find themselves face to face with Ember.

“I’m coming with you guys.” Ember announced, a bag of swords across her back.

“What?” Gallus asked, laughing. “We don’t need swords at the… bakery.”

Ember rolled her eyes. “You’re going to the Hidden Isle to rescue Sandbar. Either you take me or I tell Rising Dawn.”

Gallus and Pharynx looked at each other, then Gallus sighed. “A-Alright…”

“Yes!” Ember pumped a fist. “Well, let’s go then.”

They sighed and nodded, leading Ember towards the carriage.

At a certain part of the Hidden Isle known as Airship Bay, Spitfire and her crew stood aboard a large airship. It was docked in the water, and tied to the mast, being circled by Soarin and Rainbow Dash, was Sandbar.

“Heh, how’s it feel to be the king now?” Rainbow chuckled

“Give it a rest you two.” Spitfire sauntered up. “We don’t want damaged goods.”

“You said we could toss him overboard.” Soarin complained

“At noon.” Spitfire told him

Rainbow checked a long chained watch, then turned it to Sandbar. “Twenty more minutes.”

Sandbar examined it. “It says 11:30.”

Rainbow blinked and looked at it, then blushed and stowed it away. Sandbar looked back at Spitfire, finding her standing nearby.

“You better hope your little boyfriend comes through.” Spitfire remarked.

Sandbar sighed, looking at the ground. “I… I don’t think he’s my boyfriend anymore.”

Spitfire chuckled. “Leave us alone Soarin, Dash.”

They nodded, trotting away. As they passed Sandbar, they nudged him.

“Hope this plan of hers works.” Rainbow muttered as they moved away from the two.

“Fleet’ll be mad if it doesn’t.” Soarin responded “Or if it does.”

Things Are Starting To Fall

Sandbar sighed as he looked at Spitfire. “I get that you don’t deserve this.”

Spitfire laughed loudly. “‘This’. This island is a prison thanks to your father!” she said, voice rising. “And don’t pretend to look out for me, because no one is. I look out for myself.”

“So this isn’t your father’s plan?” Sandbar asked “Isn’t that one of your family necklaces?”

“My dad doesn’t care about me either.” Spitfire said, reaching around her neck to touch the necklace, it was now obvious the flame symbol resembled her cutie mark. “Not unless he needs someone to clean shot glasses…”

“I’m sure that hurts…”

“Well I don’t need your pity.” Spitfire snapped, eyes flashing red as the symbol glowed.

“No, you don’t.” Sandbar looked around. “You’re very resourceful, looking at what you’ve done here. And I don’t see you tied up.”

“Alright…” Spitfire stood and got closer. “So let’s trash talk Tempest. I know you’re not hers but you’re her friend.”

“I’d rather talk about you.” Sandbar replied

“Hm, funny and a gentleman.” Spitfire chuckled. “Really hope I don’t have to feed you to the sharks.”

“You don’t.” Sandbar said as she turned her back to him. “Set me free, and we can go back together.”

Spitfire turned with a smirk. “Oh so now I get an invite!” she chuckled. “Gee, I wonder why.”

Sandbar pressed against the mast as she slammed a hoof by his head. Her voice got low.

“When you brought Tempest, Luna, Gallus, and Pharynx to Equus, and then the latter two’s siblings, that’s as mad as I’ve ever been in my life.” she snarled, and her eyes flashed red again. “And trust me, I’ve been plenty mad.” she then backed away.

“I… I never thought of it like that before…” Sandbar murmured “That I would hurt the creatures I didn’t pick. The plan was to start with four kids and bring more over, and it went underway when Ocellus, Thorax, and Gilda came.”

“Guess you were too busy being King to worry about fulfilling that promise.” Spitfire muttered

“I’m so sorry…” Sandbar murmured, looking up. “You’re a leader, Spitfire, and so am I. Come to Equus, and be part of the solution.”

“Me?” Spitfire asked incredulously. “Part of your solution… nah.”

She chuckled and flicked her tail, turning slightly to more fully reveal the necklace.

“I don’t need you. I’m gonna get there on my own. Rainbow!” Spitfire called. Rainbow was at her side instantly. Spitfire smiled and tapped a hoof against the necklace. “Let’s see what this baby can do when it’s fully activated.”

Pharynx and Gallus jumped out of the carriage when they arrived, Ember fast behind.

“I’ll get the swords.” Pharynx said, noticing Tempest and Luna.

“Hey Ember.” Tempest said, walking over.

“Made ‘em bring me.” Ember explained, going to them.

“I’m glad.” Tempest said with a smirk “Welcome to the Isle.”

Ember looked around, eyes widening. “You… I can’t believe you lived here…”

“You get used to it.” Tempest explained. Ember nodded.

Pharynx and Gallus opened the storage area of the carriage and grabbed the swords. Then, they saw a familiar orange tabby kitten beside the bag of swords.

“And Monarch.” Pharynx said, walking over to the girls to let Gallus handle it.

“I told you to stay, Monarch.” Gallus said, reaching and picking him up.

“What am I, a dog?” Monarch asked.

Gallus sighed and cuddled him. “You’re lucky I love you.” he muttered as he set Monarch down on the ground. “Stay close.”

“Here, let me see it.” Tempest said as they followed Pharynx.

Pharynx smiled and produced the crown. “As you wish.”

Tempest rolled her eyes, then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “What a beauty. Perfect replica.”

Pharynx blushed. “Listen, Temp, I-”

“It’s okay.” she placed a hoof on his chest. “We’ll talk later, it’s noon.”

Pharynx nodded. “Let’s do this.”

The group headed into a large pipe, Tempest and Pharynx leading them with Gallus and Ember bringing up the rear. Gallus held up a claw as Monarch attempted to follow.

“Stay. I mean it.”

Monarch whined but sat down. They continued on to Airship Bay.

At the bay, it was swarming with creatures. But Spitfire’s airship contained only herself, her crew, and her captive. Tempest led her group towards Spitfire’s ship. Fleetfoot, who was in the crow’s nest, saw them first. She swooped down to Spitfire.

“They’re here.” she whispered, and Spitfire nodded. “I hope thith plan of yourth workth.”

“It will.” Spitfire replied, glancing at her. “Then you and I will be happy.”

Fleetfoot nodded, before heading to join Rainbow and Soarin. Rainbow held Sandbar at the plank, laughing.

“Finally!” Spitfire called, stalking up.

The group of five spread out on the wooden bridges leading to the ship. Tempest stayed on the center one, directly facing Spitfire. Spitfire flared her wings and began to sing, stalking towards them.

“Time to get the party started
Tell me I’m cold-hearted
But there’s no negotiation
I’m not here to be debatin
Need some motivation?
Look at his face
And think about how long I’ll remain patient.”

Spitfire gestured to Sandbar, who was hanging over the edge of the plank, hooves tied. Luna and Pharynx glanced at each other, while Ember leaned on a wood railing and Gallus watched Sandbar fearfully.

“I’ll throw ‘em overboard and let him swim with killer sharks!
Give me the crown or he’ll be ripped apart!”

Tempest stepped forwards, hooves pounding on the wood, commanding attention.

“Let’s all just be smart
Though for you that’s probably hard
You’ll get the crown,
No one has to be harmed!”

Tempest smirked and stepped closer.

“Now, don’t try to intimidate
I know your bark is much worse than your bite
Who’s the worst of them all?
I guess we’re finding out tonight!”

Spitfire stopped her hooves and rose into the air, necklace flashing. Soarin and Fleetfoot flew to her side, and all three began to sing.

“Let’s go, bring it on!
Better give her what she wants!
It’s the crown for the king
If you don’t, things are gonna fall!”

Tempest stomped a hoof and her group began singing as well.

“Let’s go, make a move
Peace or war, that’s up to you!
Give him back and do it now!
If you don’t, things are gonna fall!”

Spitfire drew a sword from her side, Fleetfoot and Soarin following her lead.

“We want the crown
Or else the king is gone!
Your time’s running out
So you should try to watch your mouth!”

Gallus and Ember joined Tempest now, flying over and landing beside her. Pharynx and Luna raised their wings to join them.

“Let’s go then, double down
We are prepared to stand our ground!
Put your swords up, put ‘em up!
Time for things to fall!”

Spitfire flew forwards, as Soarin and Fleetfoot began harmonizing. Rainbow also began harmonizing from where she stood by Sandbar. Spitfire dragged her sword threateningly on the ground as she flew.

“Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, time to make the trade!
Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, or it’s the plank!
Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, time to make the trade!
Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, or it’s the plank!”

Tempest turned her back to them, gathering the others near her. They began murmuring, and Spitfire rolled her eyes, landing and heading for them. Tempest whipped around to face her.

“Look, this isn’t a conversation
It’s a do or die situation
If you don’t give us back the King,
I’ll have no hesitation!”

Tempest’s horn crackled, showing how serious she was. Her spellbook was at the ready in her bags. She need only say the right words.

“I’ll serve you right here,
I don’t need a reservation
This way your whole little crew can have a demonstration
Release him now, and we’ll go our separate ways
Unless you’d rather deal with me and the VC’s.”

Tempest nodded back to the others, but Spitfire merely laughed.

“So that’s your big speech, huh?
Some kind of empty ultimatum?”

Rainbow shot over, smirking as she landed beside Spitfire. Spitfire nodded, giving her permission. Rainbow grinned and raised her sword.

“See, all it’ll take is one swing, then I’ll humiliate him
Matter o’ fact, one move and I’ll debilitate him
If he even barely slips I’ll eliminate him
Just takes one wrong look and I’ll-”

“Dash!” Spitfire shoved her backwards. “We get it, chill.” Rainbow rolled her eyes and backed up, before her crew began to sing again.

“Let’s go, bring it on!
Better give her what she wants!
It’s the crown for the king
If you don’t, things are gonna fall!”

Tempest and the others spread out on the bridge, facing off against them.

“Let’s go, make a move
Peace or war, that’s up to you!
Give him back and do it now!
If you don’t, things are gonna fall!”

Rainbow shoved Sandbar closer to the edge. The rest of Spitfire’s crew began advancing.

“We want the crown
Or else the king is gone!
Your time’s running out
So you should try to watch your mouth!”

Tempest led the others forward as well. She snatched the crown from Pharynx and started walking towards Spitfire.

“Let’s go then, double down
We are prepared to stand our ground!
Put your swords up, put ‘em up!
Time for things to fall!”

“Hey!” Sandbar called, and they all looked over. He took a breath, then began to sing.

“Guys, we don’t have to choose!
We don’t have to light a fuse!
Tempest, whatever we do it’s gonna be a lose-lose!
There’s got to be a better way!”

Sandbar turned to Spitfire.

“Spitfire, I promise I’ll give you a chance!
You’ll have a say!”

Spitfire scoffed, raising her sword to point towards him.

“Silly king! You? Give me?
You’re gonna give me my chance?
Not a chance!”

She smirked as Soarin, Rainbow, and Fleetfoot harmonized again.

“Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, time to make the trade!
Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, or it’s the plank!
Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, time to make the trade!
Yo-ho ho-oh oh-oh, or it’s the plank!”

A Swashbuckling Sword Fight

Tempest sighed and held out the crown. Spitfire reached, then stopped and chuckled.

“Too easy.” she locked eyes with Tempest. “Why don’t you give it a test drive? I’d like to see it work.”

Tempest laughed. “You always were quite a drama queen.”

Spitfire chuckled. “And nothing too big or Sandbar’s shark bait.” she said.

Tempest looked back, following Gallus’ gaze to see Rainbow dangling Sandbar precariously over the water. She then looked around, and saw that Monarch had once again disobeyed Gallus and was perched on one of the nearby wooden railings. Perfect.

“Fine.” Tempest said smoothly.

Tempest set the crown on her head, then ignited her horn, making it crackle as she walked to the edge of the bridge. She raised her voice and spoke.

“Though it may seem absurd, turn your hiss into a spoken word.” she called, and Monarch tilted his head. Tempest rolled her eyes. “Talk, cat.”

Monarch opened his mouth. “Is this what you meant?”

The pirates all began cheering. Spitfire grinned.

“Give me the crown!”

“Give us Sandbar!” Gallus shouted

Spitfire smirked and waved her wing. “Rainbow, bring him over.”

Rainbow let out a groan of disappointment and took off, carrying Sandbar with her. They touched down beside Spitfire. Spitfire held out her wing and Tempest extended her hoof.

“Cut ‘em loose, Rainbow.”

“Ugh, never get to have any fun…” Rainbow muttered, making a quick slashing motion with her sword to cut the ropes.

Tempest yanked Sandbar up and forced him behind her, into Gallus’ waiting forelegs. She then slapped the crown into Spitfire’s outstretched wing. Gallus pulled Sandbar in for a hug, holding him close and stroking his mane. Spitfire paid them no attention, raising the crown high in victory.

“Alright, go!” Tempest said

“But the crown!” Sandbar objected, but Gallus had already pulled him further away.

Spitfire whooped as she placed the crown on her head. She waited, willing her magic to move from her necklace and connect with the crown to break the barrier. Nothing happened. Soarin, Rainbow, and Fleetfoot gathered around in confusion.

Spitfire removed the crown. “No!” she snapped it in half in her hooves.

Gallus pushed Sandbar back. “Sandy, go!”

“You do not get to win every time!” Spitfire bellowed

“Hurry, go!” Tempest shouted to them as they ran.

Pharynx knocked over a barrel he’d stashed the swords in. He, Tempest, Luna, and Ember each grabbed one. Gallus wrapped a wing securely over Sandbar, then grabbed a slingshot and began launching the smoke bombs at Spitfire’s crew. They were temporarily blinded by the sudden colored smoke.

Fleetfoot, Soarin, and Rainbow Dash flew from the smoke surrounding the ship, wielding swords. They began sword fighting with the group. Rainbow Dash fought Ember, Soarin tried to overpower Pharynx, and Fleetfoot wrestled with Luna. Tempest drew her sword and stood face to face with the approaching Spitfire.

Rainbow Dash threw off Luna and approached Sandbar and Gallus. Gallus grabbed a sword and raised it. Rainbow smirked.

“Hello Sandbar…”

Gallus pushed Sandbar back and began sword fighting with Rainbow Dash.

Soarin and Pharynx were tangled in an even fight. Soarin lashed out with his sword, and Pharynx dodged expertly, then he attacked. Tempest and Spitfire were locked in a similar battle. Fleetfoot headed for Ember.

Ember clashed her sword with the pegasus’. They were in a narrow part of the bridge, and she was backed up against the railing. Ember jerked her claws and made Fleetfoot’s sword fall into the water. Ember flipped her sword around and offered the handle to Fleetfoot.

“Here, take mine.” she said with a smirk.

Fleetfoot chuckled and grabbed it. But when she lunged, Ember dodged each time, her tough scales only being slightly scraped. She planted her claws on the railing and lifted herself, kicking Fleetfoot in the chin and sending her sprawling backwards. Ember chuckled and collected her sword.

Tempest and Spitfire continued fighting on another area of the bridges.

“Heh, you miss me?” Tempest asked, and Spitfire ignored her.

Pharynx did a complicated maneuver with his sword, then yanked Soarin to the ground, tripping him up temporarily. Luna stepped in to help Gallus fight Rainbow Dash.

Slowly, they all managed to meet up near the tunnel that would take them back to the carriage. Tempest stepped down on Spitfire’s blade as she forced her down. Tempest whacked her backward and then ran for the others. Pharynx managed to push Soarin away and joined her.

“Spit!” Soarin called, as Spitfire made to follow Tempest.

Fleetfoot was gripping her shoulder and trying to stand. Spitfire shot towards her, Soarin and Rainbow fast behind. Sandbar watched this as Monarch ran up to Gallus.

“Pharynx, get the carriage ready, we have to get out of here.” Gallus said, taking Sandbar’s hoof and pulling him along.

Ember raced over to them, followed by Luna and Tempest.

“Tempest’s mine!” Spitfire charged up the steps, having ensured Fleetfoot was alright.

Tempest and Spitfire began clashing their swords together again. Gallus and Sandbar managed to escape down the tunnel after Pharynx, Monarch running along beside them. Ember began fighting with Soarin, while Luna was backed up against a wall.

“Ember! Smoke bomb me!” she shouted, and Ember grabbed the bag from the railing.

Ember tossed the bag over to Luna, while Tempest and Spitfire dueled. Luna waited until Ember and Tempest had both closed the gap between each other, then tossed the smoke bomb. It covered the bridge in purple smoke.

“Come on you two, let’s go!” Luna shouted, and they tore down to the tunnel after the boys.

As the smoke cleared, Spitfire and her crew began to catch up to them. Tempest stopped at the edge of the tunnel, then wheeled around and delivered a powerful kick to the bridge with her hind legs. The wooden bridge collapsed down and fell into the churning ocean below. She grinned at Spitfire before racing down the tunnel after the others.

“No!” Spitfire stormed off, shoving her crewmates aside. “Out of my way! There’s still time!” she snarled

Returning Home

Author's Note

Sorry! Forgot to publish yesterday! Here you go!

~Melody Song

Returning Home

“Everyone okay?” Gallus asked. He was standing with Sandbar near the carriage, Monarch beside them.

“Yeah, we’re good.” Ember said

“Nice work out there Ember.” Luna remarked as she headed for the carriage.

“Thanks.” she smirked proudly as she walked to the carriage.

“Monarch, in.” Gallus ordered, and the cat obeyed this time.

Pharynx stood outside the carriage, and when Tempest emerged from the tunnel he ran to her. Before she could protest he’d caught her in a hug. Tempest froze, then hugged back.

“Phar…” Tempest whispered

“I love you.” Pharynx told her.

Tempest hesitated, then gave him a quick but loving kiss. They then ran to the carriage, shoving their swords into the storage compartment before diving into the carriage. As Pharynx jumped into the front and propelled the carriage forward, no one noticed that when Tempest had been hugged by Pharynx, her spellbook had fallen from her bags.

As they rode in the carriage, Gallus turned to Sandbar. Sandbar looked at him.

“I wanted to-” they said together. “I mean, I’m really-”

Sandbar shook himself. “You go.”

Gallus brought Sandbar into a loving embrace. “I’m really sorry I said that stuff Sandy… I just… it’s hard being back here…” he murmured

“I’m sorry that I didn’t give you space…” Sandbar replied. Gallus gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“F-Forgive me?”

“Of course.”

Sandbar then kissed him. Gallus kissed back, holding him close. When they pulled away, Sandbar cuddled up against Gallus’ chest fluff.

“Well… at least I got to see the Hidden Isle… the creatures here are my creatures too… Spitfire showed me that.”

“Sandy… Spitfire captured you.”

“She was an angry filly with a bad plan.” Sandbar replied, setting a hoof in Gallus’ chest fur. “Not so different from you and the others when you came to Equus…”

Gallus blinked at him, then pulled away and cradled Monarch instead.

“Awkward…” Monarch mumbled, and Gallus huffed, tightening his grip on the kitten.

Pharynx watched as Tempest sat down beside him at the front of the carriage. He looked ahead.

“Temp, I’m really sorry that things didn’t go how you wanted them to…” he said

Tempest sighed, then leaned over and rested her head on Pharynx’s shoulder. She didn’t speak for a while, closing her eyes and feeling his hoof wrap around her waist.

“I mean…” she spoke at last. “As long as it’s over…”

“At least we got to see the Isle again…” Pharynx murmured, chuckling. “Hate to admit it but I think I was losing my touch a bit.”

Tempest chuckled as well. “Well, we did it.”

“Yeah. And I got you back.” Pharynx pulled her closer. “I really missed you.”

“I… I missed you too, bug.” she kissed his cheek. He smiled at her, blushing.

They reached the bridge and Pharynx quickly pressed the button. The golden magical bridge formed and carried them across. Pharynx glanced back at the carriage.

“Hey, Ember.” he waited until she glanced his way. “Stop by fencing practice later. I’m in the mood to break some rules.”

Ember grinned and pumped her fist. “Yes!”

The six returning creatures walked through the schoolyard. Thorax and Celestia suddenly rushed up.

“You’re back!” he cried, then saw Ember.

Celestia paid them no attention, turning to Sandbar. “There you are, Cotillion’s tonight. Come look.” she showed him the tablet, where a picture of the finished stained glass window was displayed. “Isn’t it beautiful? Gallus is gonna love it!”

Sandbar looked at Gallus, leaning over to him. “Do you want to cancel Cotillion?”

Gallus didn’t respond, focusing on Monarch. Sandbar sighed and looked at Celestia.

“I can, uh, come back later-”

“Now’s fine.” Sandbar leaned in to see the picture again. He nodded, then trotted to Gallus. “I… do whatever you need to.” he said, then walked away.

Gallus nodded. He looked at Pharynx, Tempest, and Luna. “We need to talk.” he whispered to them. They nodded in consent. “Alright, everyone sit down.”

The four villain creatures sat down in the grass. Gallus looked down at the grass.

“You want to talk about Sandbar?” Luna asked softly.

“I just… I don’t know about him… I don’t know how to be a ‘member of the court’ and I don’t know if we’re really in love or…” Gallus mumbled

“You’re not the only one.” Tempest muttered, and Pharynx rubbed her back. “I’m such a mess… I mean… six months ago I was stealing candy from foals, and now I’m this hero of Equus and I have no idea how to keep up the act…”

Pharynx kissed her cheek gently. “Tempy… you don’t have to act.” he nuzzled her. “I fell in love with you, not the pony everyone wants you to be.”

She giggled and blushed, tears falling. Luna reached and wrapped a wing over Tempest’s back.

“Look, guys…” she took a breath.

“Yeah?” Gallus asked

“We’re always gonna be the kids from the Hidden Isle. I admit, I tried to forget it, I did. Threw myself into fashion and being a sister-cousin to Tia, but… those are our roots. Whether we like it or not, we were born and raised there. And we all did what we had to to survive there, but it made us who we are.”

They all looked around at each other, and Luna smiled.

“And Pharynx is right. We’re never going to be like anycreature else here. And that’s okay.”

“And… and we shouldn’t fake it.” Gallus realized.

“No.” Luna said

“Heh, yeah… I mean… we definitely can’t fake it, especially without my spellbook.” Tempest chuckled, and Pharynx nuzzled her.

“And Gallus.” Luna looked at him. “If Sandbar doesn’t love the real you, then he’s not the one. But you need to give him a chance.”

Gallus nodded in understanding, cuddling Monarch. Luna smiled and stood.

“I’m going to go make some changes to your suit, Gal. And if you’re up for it, only if you’re up for it, it’ll be waiting for you in my room, okay?”

“Okay.” Gallus said, wiping his eyes.

The four creatures stood up and headed into the school. Pharynx kept his foreleg around Tempest’s shoulders, and she leaned against him.

“Do you think you can be happy here?” Pharynx asked

Tempest stared at him blankly. “I… I want to be… I’ll try to be happy, for you.”

Pharynx kissed her lightly. “Alright. Just remember, you don’t have to be anyone except yourself.”

Tempest nodded, then tugged on him. “I’m going to get some rest. I didn’t sleep well last night… I know you asked Ember to meet you so I won’t ask you to come…”

“You’re right.” Pharynx smiled at her. “But I’ll come straight to your room to check on you after we’re done talking.”

As the four creatures headed into the castle, Thorax went up to Ember. She was talking with Celestia about the decoration committee. He sheepishly tapped her shoulder.

“Huh? Oh, hey Thorax.”

“H-Hey, Ember, I… I wanted to ask you something… alone…”

“Oh, sure.” she smiled at him. “But, uh, can it wait a bit? Pharynx asked me to meet him and the rest of you for your fencing practice.”

“Oh, right!” Thorax said “I forgot about practice.”

“Heh, well, come on, let’s go. I have to stop to put these swords up but we can walk there together.” Ember said

Thorax blushed and nodded, and they headed off.

Loopholes and Leaps Forward

“Alright colts, bring it in.” Pharynx called, wearing his uniform. The colts, including Thorax, gathered around. “Alright.”

“What’s this about?” Blueblood asked

“Well, you all know Thorax and I come from the Hidden Isle.” he nodded to his brother. “And things there are pretty different. Over there, there’s one thing the Isle’s got that’s better than Equus.”

“Ha!” Blueblood snorted “And what could that possibly be?”

Pharynx smirked. “If you’re strong, we want you on our side, colt or filly.”

“Hey, hold on there.” Blueblood approached him. “We don’t break rules here in Equus.”

“I know that.” Pharynx smirked, pulling a rulebook out of his jersey. He opened it and read the page aloud. “A team shall be comprised of a captain and eight colts.”

“And?” Blueblood asked

Pharynx smiled. “Well, as much as I’d rather not step down… if it’s what must be done… colts, give it up for your new team captain!”

Pharynx stepped aside as Ember strutted through the doors, chest puffed with pride. Pharynx slipped his whistle around her neck. Everyone, except Blueblood, began stomping their hooves in applause, Thorax stomping his hooves the loudest. They then politely bowed to her, but Blueblood remained up.

“Ugh… fine.” he sank into a bow.

Ember smirked and blew the whistle. “Give me ten, come on guys.”

Pharynx and Thorax immediately dropped down, followed by the others. Ember planted a foot on Blueblood’s back as he did, weighing him down so he struggled.

“Pick it up Blueblood!” she called, grinning.

Pharynx chuckled, looking at his brother, who was beside him. “How do you like that?”

“Thank you… for giving her a chance, I mean.” Thorax said

“Eh, no sweat. She really helped when you-know-who was captured.” Pharynx replied. “And I’m still MVP at Blitzball, so… losing captainship of this group ain’t that bad.”

“Nice form you two!” Ember remarked to Thorax and Pharynx as the group reached ten. “Okay, practice is over, get out of here! Go get ready for Cotillion!”

The boys all gladly headed out, but Thorax hung back. Pharynx smirked at him knowingly.

“Go get her bro.” Pharynx smiled and clapped him on the back. “If she doesn’t see how awesome you are, she’s not worth it.”

Thorax nodded, then approached Ember.

“Hey, Ember?”

“Yeah?” she looked over.

“About what I wanted to tell you…” Thorax began

“Oh, right. Go ahead, but be quick, I promised Celestia I’d help with the final preparations.”

“Uh…” Thorax blushed. “Would you, uh, wouldyougotoCotillionwithme?”

“Huh? Cotillion? We’re taking a stretch carriage at six, why?”

“No, um…” Thorax blushed harder. “Ember…”

Thorax took a leap of faith, laying his hole covered hoof on her claw.

“Would you… be my date for Cotillion?” he asked her slowly, “And maybe… if you don’t not like me by the end… would you… consider maybe being… more than friends?”

Ember stared at him, mouth open. She blushed hard, then smiled.

“R-Really?” Ember asked

“Y-Yeah…”

“Yes!” Ember hugged him. “Thank you Thorax, I just… this day is the best! First captain of the fencing team and now this…”

Ember and Thorax hugged tight, then Ember let him go.

“I, uh, have to go meet up with Celestia.”

“Heh, right…”

“But I’ll see you later.” Ember took his hoof. “Maybe we could walk out together?”

“Okay!” Thorax leaned against her.

“Heh, I can’t wait to tell my mom about all of this…” Ember said, then frowned and looked away. “Or at least… her grave…”

Thorax frowned and nuzzled her. She smiled and wrapped an arm around him.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Ember said, smiling

Luna was altering Gallus’ suit, and glanced fondly over at her roommate. Tempest was taking a nap, buried under the covers. Luna expected Pharynx to come soon to check on her. Snowdrop suddenly ran into the bedroom and Luna looked over.

“Dropsy!”

“Lu, hey. How was visiting your mom?”

“My mom?” Luna asked

“Yeah, the boys said you were visiting. How could you, so close to Cotillion when you’d see her anyway, and we had customer-”

“Dropsy.” Luna put a hoof over Snowdrop’s mouth. “Sandbar was captured on the Hidden Isle, we rescued him and saved Equus.”

“O-Oh…” Snowdrop reached and hugged her, and she chuckled. “Sorry… heh, guess my only question now is why you guys didn’t take me along.”

Luna giggled, and kissed Snowdrop on the cheek. Snowdrop blushed and nuzzled her.

“Nevermind… we have dresses to deliver.” Snowdrop smiled

“Mhm! It is Cotillion, after all.” Luna turned to a rack of them. “And Dropsy?”

“Y-Yeah?”

“I would be honored if you’d come to Cotillion with me.” Luna winked at her.

“H-How did you know I-”

“You did for the coronation…” Luna murmured, fiddling with one of the dresses. “I just figured I’d save you the trouble…”

Snowdrop giggled and hugged her. Luna nuzzled her, then looked at the work table. The purse she’d brought to the Isle was sitting there, Gabby and Smolder’s jewelry spilling out. She let go of Snowdrop and went to the bag, lifting up one of the pieces of jewlery, a headband.

“And you know… I was lucky enough to be given a chance. I need to give someone else a chance too.”

Snowdrop smiled and kissed her cheek. “I like that idea.”

“Heh, come on. These dresses won’t deliver themselves.” Luna placed the headband on and grabbed one end of the rack in her magic. Snowdrop hovered and took the other end, and they wheeled it out of the room.

They passed by Pharynx as he entered the room. He nodded to them politely, before smiling at Tempest. He trotted over and laid down beside her, nuzzling the unicorn. She smiled and reached, wrapping her hooves around him in her sleep. Pharynx held her close, admiring her new manestyle.

Blueblood, dressed in his powder blue suit with royal blue cape, lifted a crown from a 3D printer. More specifically, the 3D printer in Thorax, Pharynx, and Gallus’ room. He grinned and turned to a mirror hanging from the wall. Blueblood placed the crown on his head and smiled. He smirked and began fantasizing.

“What’s that? Why no Yona, I haven’t chosen my queen yet.” he said, smiling, then turned before whipping back to the mirror and changing his tone. “Why, no, Yona-”

The sound of his phone ringing from the table with the 3D printer interrupted him. He lifted it up in his magic.

“Who could be calli-” he gasped and dropped the phone. “Yona! It’s Yona!”

Blueblood dropped to the ground and began scrambling for the phone. Thorax entered the room. He gave an exasperated sigh.

“Blueblood-”

“Shh!”

Thorax raised his voice slightly. “This is my room, Blue, what-”

“Shh!” Blueblood scooped up the phone at last. “Yona? Yeah? Yeah? Oh, well, that’s wonderful.” He turned to Thorax, beaming idiotically. “She got a flat tire on her carriage in Whitetail Woods, and she wants me to go fix it.”

Thorax blinked. “Whitetail Woods is six hours away.”

Blueblood glanced back at him. “Really? Only six?” he turned back to his phone. “I’ll be there faster than I thought.” he then kissed the phone.

Blueblood hung up and started for the door. Thorax held up a hoof to stop him.

“My printer, my crown.” he told him

“Oh…” Blueblood chuckled sheepishly as Thorax levitated the crown off his head. “Yeah, about that, I… heheh, right… I’m coming Yona!”

With that, he left the room. Thorax rolled his eyes slightly, putting the crown down. “Wow.”

Author's Note

Whoo! Ember's on the team! And Thor and Lulu have dates!

~Melody Song

Cotillion Confusion

That night, the Cotillion started. They had managed to procure an airship big enough in time, and now drifted on a wind current above the ocean. On the deck, Cotillion guests milled around, avoiding a spot at the back where a large tarp covered what appeared to be a frame.

Luna stepped up to the photo area with Celestia for pictures. The two alicorn sister-cousins posed, flaring their wings, tilting their heads. The photographers from the press began clamoring for them, bringing smiles to both filly’s faces.

“Luna, you look beautiful!”

“Thank you so much.”

Luna wore a sparkling blue evening gown that had a strap around her neck to hold it. It had a long black cape added to it that curved delicately around her wings. Her shoes were a silver color to contrast with her blue coat. She carried a crescent moon shaped purse on her shoulder, also sporting the hoof bracelet she, Smolder, and Gabby had made, and a couple other accessories of theirs, modeled after her.

“Did you design the hoof bracelet?”

“Beautiful, isn’t it? Um, no, it’s not my creation.” Luna said, fluffing her wings. “Many of the accessories you will see on guests this evening were designed by two fabulous new designers, and my personal friends, Gabby and Smolder of the Hidden Isles.”

Smolder and Gabby, who were sitting in the hair salon and watching the live broadcast, looked at each other. They squealed and hugged.

“That’s us Smolder!”

“We made that!” Smolder agreed

A banging sounded from the floor above, and a scratchy voice came down. “Quiet down!”

“Sorry mom!” Smolder called back up, she and Gabby turning eagerly back to the screen as Celestia left and Luna was joined by Snowdrop, who draped a wing over her back.

Back on the boat, the party was in full swing. Ember and Thorax were just walking in, Ember in a golden gown with armor plating on the shoulders, and Thorax in a neatly trimmed green vest, both made by Luna.

“Ember! There you are!” Rising Dawn and Celestia hurried up, pushing between Ember and Thorax. “Everything is looking wonderful, you and Celestia did a fantastic job, we just need some help ladling out the punch.”

“Uh, Rising Dawn…” Ember gestured to Thorax, blushing.

Celestia looked between them and giggled before heading over to the punch bowl. Rising Dawn didn’t understand and glanced at Thorax.

“Oh, why hello Thorax, why don’t you look handsome. Are you here with someone?”

“Y-Yeah…” Thorax reached and took Ember’s claw. Ember smiled at him.

“Oh, oh I see…” Rising Dawn smiled. “Not to worry Ember, Celestia and I can handle the refreshments ourselves. And I’ll send her along your way a bit later, she’s still a child, she needs time with her friends.”

“Thanks Rising Dawn.” Ember said.

Rising Dawn waved them off as Ember led Thorax away. Rising Dawn then turned back to the entrance, just in time to greet her sister, who had just arrived, Luna entering at her side.

As Thorax and Ember made their way into the crowd, they passed by Tempest and Pharynx. The two were talking with Ocellus and Gilda, telling them about their journey back to the Isle.

“Smolder and Gabby told us to tell you they miss you and think of you every night.” Tempest finished. She was wearing a long violet gown with a hood, though she had left it down to reveal her new manestyle.

Gilda and Ocellus both nodded in response. Ocellus rubbed a hole-covered foreleg against her other foreleg, blushing.

“I wish we could see them…” she murmured. Gilda placed a claw on her back in comfort.

“Well, I think I know something that’ll cheer you up.” Pharynx said to his sister, raising a hoof and pointing at Thorax and Ember.

Ocellus and Gilda both turned to look, seeing Thorax and Ember talking, both with a considerable blush on their faces. Ocellus’ eyes widened.

“No way…”

Pharynx chuckled. “Knew he could do it.” he then leaned into Tempest, who wrapped a foreleg around him.

“Didn’t it take you until a big party like this to do the same?”

Pharynx blushed and chuckled sheepishly. “W-Well… guess it runs in the family.”

“Whatever you say bug.” Tempest kissed his cheek gently.

As they talked, trumpets suddenly blew. They all looked up to the giant staircase. Sandbar’s parents stood at the base of it, his mother cradling his baby sister. At the top, stood one of the castle stewards.

“Presenting, the future member of the court, Gallus.” he announced

Tempest, Pharynx, Gilda, Ocellus, Thorax, Ember, Luna, and Snowdrop all hurried to the front of the crowd. Tempest and Pharynx held each other’s hooves, Thorax and Ember staying close beside each other while Luna and Snowdrop held wings.

There was silence, then, Gallus stepped out. His fur and feathers had been groomed and preened immaculately. He wore a yellow and blue suit with long coattails, and blue clawless gloves like the ones Sandbar had gotten him. His shoulder pads had been replaced with a royal blue lacelike pattern that wrapped around the sleeves. On his head rested a small crown, similar to Sandbar’s.

Gallus walked forwards, and stood still. His friends, at the very front of the crowd, were the first to begin cheering. They applauded and shouted for him. Gallus smiled as he walked down the steps, reaching and letting Sea Kelp take his claw.

“Hi…” he said shyly

“Hello Gallus. Sandbar is on his way.” Sea Kelp told him.

“Okay.” Gallus whispered

“Oh, sweetie, you look beautiful.” Shell Scallop said, and Gallus blushed.

“Oh, thank you…”

Sea Kelp cleared his throat. “Listen, I know we were shocked at first, but you… you are exactly what Sandbar needs.” he said, and Gallus blinked.

“And lucky for you, I don’t go by first impressions.” Shell Scallop added, giggling.

Gallus laughed as well as Luna trotted up to him. Sea Kelp nodded his permission, and Gallus walked with Luna back to the others.

“How are you?” Luna asked

“Besides feeling like I’m gonna throw up?” Gallus asked.

Luna giggled and shook her head as the crowd parted to let them rejoin their friends. “Relax, we’re right here with you, it’s going to be fine.” Luna assured him.

“Okay…” Gallus then had his ear tweaked by Gilda. “Hey!”

“Heh, proud of you baby bro.” Gilda said, hugging him.

Gallus smiled at her, then the trumpets sounded again. The steward spoke.

“Announcing, King Sandbar!”

Sandbar appeared at the top of the stairs. He wore a light green suit with gold regalia and his crown. The crowd began cheering and applauding him as well, and Gallus beamed as Sandbar stepped forwards. They all bowed to him, except Gallus, who waited patiently for his lover to come to him.

Gilda nudged Gallus. “Well? Go get ‘em.”

Gallus nodded and walked forwards, smiling. He met Sandbar at the bottom of the stairs. Sandbar looked worried about something. He bowed formally, and Gallus, confused, also bowed.

“Sandy…?”

“Gallus, I wish I had time to explain…” Sandbar spoke, then turned back to the stairs.

They heard a door open, and then… another figure appeared. They were dressed in an orange gown that resembled flames, and wearing a familiar necklace. The figure spread open wings as they stepped into the light, revealing soft brown eyes and a mane in a flame style. Spitfire.

Gallus gasped softly, and murmurs spread through the crowd. The villain creatures looked at their Equus friends, seeing identical looks of confusion. This wasn’t supposed to happen at a Cotillion, judging by their expressions. Sandbar turned and trotted up the stairs, extending a hoof to Spitfire.

Gallus covered his beak with a claw as Sandbar led Spitfire down the stairs. Sea Kelp and Shell Scallop, looking just as surprised, nodded politely. Then, Sandbar got down on his knees, and kissed Spitfire’s hoof. It was then that Gallus saw it. Sandbar’s green pin was fastened to her dress. Spitfire and Sandbar held hooves and walked to Gallus, smiling.

An Unexpected Development

Sandbar sighed as he looked at Gallus. “I’m sorry. It all happened so fast. Something just happened to me when I was on the Isle with Spitfire. A connection.” he looked at her, smiling.

“Wh-What are you saying?” Gallus rasped, throat tightening.

“I’m saying…”

“It was love.” Spitfire said, giggling. “It was… I just… I realized how alike we are, you know?”

Gallus blinked back tears, as Sandbar touched noses with her.

“We are.” he said “You look so beautiful.”

“Sandy.” Gallus spoke, but he didn’t respond. “Sandbar.”

He glanced at him. Gallus shook his head in disbelief.

“Y-You went back for her?”

“He didn’t have to.” Spitfire replied “I dove through the barrier before it closed and I’m a great flyer.”

“You are…” Sandbar murmured

“Thank you.” Spitfire smiled at him.

Gallus didn’t understand. Sandbar was Bisexual, he’d said it himself, so it made sense it would be possible for him to love a girl. He used to date Yona, after all. But… there was no way he would have just… changed his mind. Gallus bit back a sob.

Spitfire turned and went to him, taking his claw. “Listen, Gallus… I just really want to thank you. I do. For everything.” she suddenly hugged him. “Thank you so much.”

Gallus’ breaths were shallow and ragged as he struggled not to cry. Sandbar stepped forwards.

“Don’t you see Gallus? You were right.” he took Spitfire’s hoof. “You knew we weren’t meant to be together, that’s why you never told me you loved me.”

Gallus’ eyes widened and he covered his beak with a claw. Sandbar just smiled at him briefly before returning his gaze to Spitfire. He took her hooves in his, beaming. Music began playing from the DJ booth, and Spitfire and Sandbar began dancing, eyes only for each other.

Gallus just stared, then retreated, grabbing onto Gilda and hugging his sister, crying. She wrapped her forelegs around him, glaring at the new couple.

“It’s okay…” she murmured, taking Gallus away from Sandbar and Spitfire, and to the others.

“Not too thrilled I risked my life for him.” Tempest muttered, glaring at Sandbar.

Luna and Gilda each held one of Gallus’ forelegs in comfort as he watched Sandbar and Spitfire in stunned silence. Ember and Thorax came over, followed by Celestia, then Ocellus and Snowdrop. Tempest and Pharynx also moved closer to Gallus.

“We’re with you Gallus.” Ember told him

As Sandbar and Spitfire continued dancing, they passed by the cluster of friends. Gallus sobbed quietly. Gilda rubbed his back.

“Let’s get out of here.” she whispered to her brother.

They walked around Sandbar and Spitfire, heading for the stairs they’d come down. They passed by Sea Kelp and Shell Scallop, and Sea Kelp reached out a hoof to stop Gallus.

“Gallus.”

Shell Scallop, cradling Sandbar’s squirming sister, spoke up. “We’re so sorry honey, we had no idea…”

“I’ll talk to him, I promise.” Sea Kelp added

As Gallus sobbed, tears rolling down his face, Celestia bolted past them.

“Tia?” Luna looked up at her.

“Luminescent, unveil the gift, they have to see it!” she begged the steward. He nodded, startled.

“A-And now,” he began, making everyone pause, “For the unveiling of King Sandbar’s masterpiece, designed especially for his mate.”

They all turned and watched, Gallus wiping his eyes. The trumpets sounded as the tarp-covered frame was unveiled. Gallus gasped along with the crowd.

It was a stained glass window of them both at sunrise. Gallus was hovering and flying down to a kneeling Sandbar. Sandbar’s hooves were outstretched, he was smiling. Crowns rested on both their heads, and while Sandbar’s likeness wore his green suit, Gallus’ wore the gloves and flight goggles Sandbar had given him.

Gallus stared at it in shock. Celestia trotted back to them, beaming. Sandbar moved slowly towards the stained glass window.

“S-Sandy did that?” Gallus asked

“Yes, he did.” Celestia said, smiling softly at Gallus. “He made it for you.”

“Oh…” Gallus stepped closer. “S-Sandy knew who I was all along…”

“He loves the real you, Gallus.” Tempest spoke, smiling.

“True love…” Gallus breathed

“Told you.” Gilda teased.

As everyone stood, transfixed, Spitfire stormed towards the stairs.

“Cover that back up!” she ordered

“I will not.” the steward, Luminescent, replied, affronted.

“Um…” Spitfire turned to Sandbar, who was looking over at her. “Why don’t you tell everyone the present you have for me, Sandbar?”

Sandbar blinked, then nodded. “I have an announcement! Spitfire will be joining the court tonight as my lady.”

The crowd began muttering and talking amongst themselves.

“Son-” Sea Kelp began to say.

“Not now, Dad!” Sandbar shouted, slamming his hoof on the ground. His eyes widened slightly and he backed up as the crowd gasped.

Gallus’ mouth was open in shock. Meanwhile, Tempest’s face was scrunched in thought. Sandbar would never usually scream, much less at either of his parents. Sandbar regained his train of thought.

“A-And, so, as my gift, uh, to her… I’m bringing down the barrier once and for all.”

Everyone gasped in alarm and shock.

In the bar on the Hidden Isle, the rest of Spitfire’s crew were watching the broadcast. Rainbow Dash slammed a mug of cider down on the table in celebration at the announcement.

“Crew, we rise like the north wind!” she shouted

Soarin and Fleetfoot both cheered.

“I knew Thpitty’th plan would work!” Fleetfoot cried.

Back on the boat, everyone was murmuring and talking to each other, in shock. Spitfire watched this with what could have been a smirk. Sandbar reached out a hoof.

“Rising Dawn! Bring down the barrier.” he commanded

Rising Dawn gasped, and Nebula Star laid a wing across her sister’s back. “I most certainly will not!” Rising Dawn exclaimed.

“I am your King!” Sandbar shouted

“Obey him.” Spitfire added, in a lower voice but just as commanding.

As this caused more gasps, Tempest realized it.

“Sandbar’s been spelled!” she hissed to the group, who all looked at her.

As Spitfire grabbed Sandbar’s hooves, forcing him to look at her, Pharynx realized it.

“Spitfire found your spellbook…”

Tempest nodded. “I-I was sure I had it in my bag, it must’ve fallen somewhere…”

As Spitfire began whispering to Sandbar, Gallus watched.

“S-So what do we do?”

Tempest looked up, and saw the stained glass window. She focused on Gallus’ likeness.

“I’ve got it.” she leaned over and whispered something to Gallus, who nodded.

Gallus stepped forwards. “Sandbar.”

A Battle of Powers

Sandbar and Spitfire looked over at him. He smiled softly.

“Sandy…” he walked forwards. “Look at me.”

“No, look at me.” Spitfire objected, moving to stand beside Gallus. “You love me, remember?”

“No, you don’t.” Gallus protested, voice calm and still smiling faintly.

“Yes you do!”

“Sandy, look at me.”

Spitfire whipped around towards Rising Dawn. “Bring down the barrier now!”

“I do not take orders from you!” Rising Dawn snapped

“Sandbar?” Spitfire turned back to him, seething.

“Sandy.” Gallus stated, and Sandbar focused on him. “I never told you that I loved you because I was scared. I thought I wasn’t good enough. That I could never be good enough. I thought it was only a matter of time before you realized that yourself. But Sandy-”

“Please!” Spitfire broke in.

Gallus ignored her. “Sandy, that’s me!” Sandbar turned to look at the stained glass window as Gallus continued. “I’m part Hidden Isle, and part Equus.”

“Sandbar, eyes over here.” Spitfire growled.

“And Sandy, you’ve always known who we were and who we can be.” Gallus kept going.

“Don’t listen to him.” Spitfire interjected.

“Sandy…” Gallus locked eyes with him. “I know what love feels like now. Sandy… of course I love you. Sandy, I’ve always loved you.”

Gallus reached and leaned in, Sandbar leaning in as well. The two boys kissed, Gallus holding Sandbar tightly. The crowd gasped and aww’d. The two boys pulled away, and Gallus watched Sandbar worriedly.

“Gallus…” Sandbar said, smiling.

Gallus let out a happy squeak and nuzzled him. Sandbar held him close, pressing his forehead to Gallus’.

On the stairs, Ember and Thorax glanced at each other. Luna beamed and pulled Snowdrop to her with a wing. Pharynx chuckled and wrapped a foreleg around Tempest.

“True love’s kiss.” Pharynx murmured, smiling at Tempest. “Works every time.”

Tempest giggled and rested her head against his shoulder.

Then, Spitfire snarled. She whipped around and lunged for Rising Dawn. “Give me that crown!”

Rising Dawn gasped, and both she and Nebula Star ignited their horns.

“Guards! Seize her!” Rising Dawn screamed, as Luna and Celestia rushed to help their mothers.

Spitfire ran for the edge of the airship, and Tempest charged after her. As Spitfire pressed her back to the side of the airship, Tempest stepped in front of the crowd.

“No! Stop, stop!” she shouted, then turned to Spitfire. “Spitfire, I know you. You are so much more than just a villain. You have to believe me, because I’ve been there. I’ve been where you are. Do not let your pride get in the way of what you truly want.”

The crowd waited with baited breath. Gallus and Sandbar held each other, Gallus holding Sandbar’s hoof in his claw and a wing wrapped securely over him.

Spitfire’s necklace began glowing orange. She looked down at it, then up at them. She smirked, then flapped her wings and rose into the air, spinning in a circle as smoke enveloped her. Flames danced and everyone scrambled backwards. Soon, she was revealed.

Spitfire’s wings were cloaked in large, dancing flames. Her mane flowed like a crackling fire, eyes a bright red and fangs peeking from her mouth. Her cutie mark pulsed with energy through her gown, which had also begun sparking with fire. Her hooves lit up as well, and the image of a Phoenix reared behind her.

“What is that?!” Celestia shrieked.

“Her full form when all her Phoenix Magic is activated!” Tempest replied.

Spitfire cackled madly and they scrambled away.

“True love’s kiss won’t defeat this!” she shouted “The world will know my name!”

Spitfire flicked her hooves and jets of fire shot out at them. Tempest snarled as her mane fell out of its mohawk and framed her face.

“Everyone stay back!” Tempest shouted “It’s me she really wants, this is my fight!”

They all watched as Tempest’s eyes flashed electric blue, her broken horn igniting. Storm clouds began to gather, and lightning flashed.

“Tempest?” Pharynx asked

Tempest looked at him, before lightning shot out of the sky and the flash enveloped her. They all gasped, before a streak of familiarly colored electric blue lightning blasted Spitfire in the shoulder. She snarled and turned to face the direction it had come from.

Tempest hovered in midair, mane back in its mohawk. Wings made of crackling electric blue energy supported her. Her coat and mane colors blended in perfectly among the clouds. She raised her hoof high, and the storm rumbled. Lightning formed at her hoof, which she promptly launched at Spitfire.

Spitfire roared in frustration and sent another jet of fire at Tempest. Tempest dodged it.

“Come on Tempest! Let’s finish this once and for all!” Spitfire roared, eyes flashing.

Tempest snarled. Her horn glowed and electricity flew from the clouds and touched her broken horn. She channeled lightning from the storm into her horn, then fired it at Spitfire. The pegasus ducked, taking the battle over the water. She blasted fire at Tempest again. As Tempest retaliated, she scorched Spitfire’s shoulder.

“You forgot something.” Tempest snarled

“What’s that?” Spitfire jeered

Tempest smirked. “Water channels electricity.”

With that, Tempest fired a lightning bolt at the ocean. It crackled and sent a wave up, showering the low flying airship and its passengers with seawater. Spitfire gasped and surrounded herself in a bubble of flames, which were snuffed out but did their job in protecting her. The boat was rocking back and forth wildly in the air due to the wind from the storm.

Sandbar staggered to the railing, Gallus beside him. Gallus took a breath and let out an almighty roar that was part lion’s roar and part eagle’s scream. This got both fighting girls’ attention. Gallus then lifted Sandbar up and carried him out to hover between the girls.

“Gallus! Sandbar!” Luna shrieked.

Both boys ignored her.

“Tempest! Spitfire! Back down!” Sandbar shouted

Spitfire laughed. “And what are you two gonna do? Scream at me?”

“That’s enough!” Sandbar called. “It’s got to stop, you know fighting isn’t the answer! Nobody will win this way! We need to listen and respect each other!”

“That won’t be easy.” Spitfire snarled

“Then be brave enough to try.” Sandbar said

Amends Can't Always Come Easy

Tempest and Spitfire stared at each other, snarling. Sandbar turned to look at Spitfire, holding out a hoof.

“Spitfire, I know you want what’s best for the Hidden Isle. Help me make a difference, you don’t have to go down a path you’ll regret.”

They waited, holding their breaths. Tempest made the thunder crackle ominously to remind Spitfire to make a decision. Then…

Spitfire hesitated, then reached to her chest. She undid Sandbar’s green pin, holding it in her hoof. She lifted it with a red aura, looking at it. Then, she closed her eyes and pushed her hooves away from her chest. The pin flew into Sandbar’s outstretched hoof, unharmed though surrounded by flames. He pulled the pin closer, looking down at it, then up at Spitfire.

Spitfire gave him a pained smile. “It’s all for the better…” she whispered. “I was dating Fleetfoot anyway.”

With that, she performed a corkscrew, spinning in midair. The flames covered her body entirely and in her place was a Phoenix. It cawed at them before turning and flying towards the Hidden Isle.

Sandbar looked at Gallus, who nuzzled him before flying them both back to the airship. Tempest followed, walking calmly. Lightning formed under her hooves to support her as her lightning wings disappeared. She landed on the deck and stepped into the waiting hooves of Pharynx.

Gallus and Sandbar landed on the deck next. Gallus set Sandbar down before landing beside him. Their friends gathered around.

“Great job Sandbar.” Snowdrop said, smiling softly. Sandbar nodded, smiling back.

Sandbar and Gallus were led to the center of the deck, Tempest beside them. The others aboard the ship cheered as Sea Kelp and Shell Scallop went to their son.

“Heh, have to admit… I did not know I could do that.” Tempest chuckled

“That makes two of us.” Pharynx smirked

Tempest chuckled, then looked to Sandbar and Gallus. “But you two were the ones who saved the day.”

“I guess so…” Gallus said with a smile. Monarch, forgotten in all the excitement, ran to Gallus and clambered onto his back.

Gallus and Sandbar then looked at each other, and Gallus brought Sandbar in for a kiss. They held onto each other until Gilda, smirking, put a claw on Gallus’ back to pull him away.

“Alright, alright…” Gilda chuckled

“Heh, how about that son of mine.” Sea Kelp smiled

“Ours.” Shell Scallop corrected, nuzzling Coral Reef. The foal giggled.

“Ours.” Sea Kelp agreed with a smile.

“Heh, and how about his boyfriend?” Shell Scallop chuckled. “I think we’re in very good hooves here.”

“Very good hooves indeed.” Sea Kelp slipped a hoof around Shell Scallop as they watched their eldest child.

Sandbar looked around at his group of friends. “I… I owe you guys so much.”

Luna nodded. “Yeah.”

“Yep.” Pharynx said

“Got that right.” Tempest chuckled

“Heh, well, if there is anything that you need, or anything I can do for you…”

“Actually…” Ocellus crept forwards, blushing slightly. “There is…”

“Oh?” Sandbar smiled at her. “Well, heh, you are Pharynx’s sister. So what do you need?”

Ocellus blushed, then looked out to the Hidden Isle, bright blue eyes full of longing.

“I know two girls over there who’d… who’d really love to come to Equus. And…” Ocellus blushed even harder. “And who Gilda and I would love to see again…”

“Well, alright, who are they?” Sandbar asked

Ocellus giggled. “It’s… Garnet and Fume’s daughter, Smolder, and…”

Gilda stepped up. “Gabby, short for Gabriella. She’s the daughter of two members of the Griff-Gang, which was the Grýpas Talons rival gang.”

Luna stepped forward. “I can vouch for them. Smolder and Gabby… they’re like little sisters to me.”

Sandbar smiled. “Then they will come.”

Ocellus and Gilda beamed, murmuring thanks. Ocellus lunged forwards to hug Sandbar briefly before the two backed up into the crowd. Luna smiled at them, then looked back to Sandbar.

“And while I’m up here…” Luna smiled. “Sandbar, there’s a lot of kids over there who would love to come to Equus. Creatures just like us, who deserve a second chance. Could I… maybe get you a list?”

“Yes, absolutely.” Sandbar smiled at her. “Please. I could use the help.”

Luna beamed as everyone began cheering and clapping. One of the servants suddenly came up.

“Miss Shadow.” the servant revealed a familiar book. “We discovered your spellbook below deck. Spitfire had it.”

Tempest lifted the book in her crackling magic. She stared at it, then looked at Pharynx, who was giving her a knowing look. She nodded back, then looked up.

“You know… this seems like the kind of thing that belongs in the hooves of Rising Dawn.”

“Indeed it does.” Rising Dawn trotted up, lifting the book in her magic. Tempest smiled softly.

“This should go to the museum.”

“And I will make sure it gets there.” Rising Dawn smiled kindly. “Thank you for choosing to give this up.”

“No, thank you.” Tempest looked at Pharynx with a smile. “I’m not going to be needing it anymore.” she murmured, and he nuzzled her. She smiled at him. At last, she was truly beginning to fit in among the creatures of Equus. Giving up her spellbook was all she needed to do.

Rising Dawn returned to Nebula Star’s side, tucking Tempest's spellbook into her purse, and Gallus and Sandbar looked to each other, smiling lovingly. Then, Gallus kicked some of the water on the deck at Sandbar, making everyone gasp and laugh at the action. Sandbar smirked, and kicked some right back. Gallus yelped, shielding himself as even more laughter started up.

“Ahh! Sandy!” Gallus protested, though he smiled as Sandbar wrapped his hooves around him.

Sandbar nuzzled Gallus, and they stared into each other’s eyes, blushing and smiling. The entire crowd "aww"d at them, and they blushed even harder, looking around them.

"Heh... now that that's over... I think it's time to get this party started." Sandbar kissed Gallus' cheek gently. "For real this time."

"I think that's a great idea Sandy." Gallus said, smiling at him.

All Of Us

Sandbar and Gallus stood at the bottom of the staircase. They looked at the deck, where their friends all stood, most of them coupled up. Sandbar smiled and took Gallus’ claw, beginning to sing.

“Looking back to yesterday,
Thought I’d gave it everything
But still, there’s road left ahead.”

Sandbar turned as Gallus tugged on his hoof. Gallus smiled and picked up the song.

“When I look into your eyes,
At first I didn’t recognize
Who we were and what we could be.”

Sandbar and Gallus began singing together and slow dancing, the others also dancing.

“It can be hard to find yourself
Though it’s worth it in the end
In your heart is where everything begins!”

Everyone on the deck joined in, jumping around and scattering water everywhere. For once, Gallus didn’t mind it.

“We’ve become bold
We’ve become brave
We’ve become free!
We are loud
Making a change!
And you gotta believe!
Woah!”

Pharynx spun Tempest, kicking up water and making her shove him in mild frustration, though she was smiling. Ember and Thorax were nearby, Ember stomping and kicking and Thorax prancing.

“We look deep inside
Because that’s where we rise up and shine!
We are bold
We are brave
Come let everyone see!
It starts with all of us!”

Celestia was pulled over by Luna, and danced beside her and Snowdrop.

“Woah, woah, hey!
It starts with all of us!
Woah, woah, hey!”

Gallus smiled and laughed as he held Sandbar. He sang along, though quieter.

“It starts with all of us.”

Luna, Tempest, and Pharynx then trotted up. Gallus smiled, still holding Sandbar. Gallus and Luna then began to sing.

“There’s a special thing I’ve learned:
Together we can change the world
Everyone’s got something to bring.”

Tempest and Pharynx took each other’s hooves, smiling at each other as they sang too.

“And if you look inside yourself,
Do you wish you were someone else?
Well who you are is who you need to be.”

Tempest and Luna then took hooves and walked out onto the deck again.

“It can be hard to find yourself
Though it’s worth it in the end
In your heart is where everything begins!”

The big group of friends all held hooves or claws, forming a large circle. They kept the couples together, but all looked at each other as they sang, splashing water everywhere.

“We’ve become bold
We’ve become brave
We’ve become free!
We are loud
Making a change!
And you gotta believe!
Woah!”

Then they split into couples. Ember and Thorax held each other close, while Tempest and Pharynx held hooves. Luna pulled Snowdrop a few feet into the air for a sky dance. Ocellus, Gilda, and Celestia danced in a small circle. And Gallus and Sandbar spun in the middle of it all.

“We look deep inside
Because that’s where we rise up and shine!
We are bold
We are brave
Come let everyone see!
It starts with all of us!
Woah, woah, hey!
It starts with all of us!
Woah, woah, hey!
It starts with all of us!”

Luna and Tempest broke off from the group and stood at the steps, watching everyone.

“When we all do our part,
It can be a start
To bring about a difference we need!”

Their other friends amassed on the stairs behind them, watching the rest of the partygoers dance in the water, doing their own unique styles. Luna and Tempest backed up as Sandbar and Gallus sang along with them.

“We will work it out,
And we will see it through,
Because it’s not just up to me,
It’s up to all of us!”

Then, they all raced forward, laughing and smiling as they charged through the water. They all danced together, opening up a circle for dancers as they finished the song.

“We’ve become bold
We’ve become brave
We’ve become free!”

Thorax and Ember danced in the circle, Ember spinning and letting Thorax catch her. Then, they raced out to let Tempest and Pharynx in.

“We are loud
Making a change!
And you gotta believe!
Woah!”

Tempest and Pharynx splashed and whirled around in the center of the circle. Tempest wrapped her hooves around his neck and then released him, spinning around. Pharynx caught her hoof and they left the circle, beaming. Luna ran in with Snowdrop.

“We look deep inside
Because that’s where we rise up and shine!
We are bold
We are brave
Come let everyone see!
It starts with all of us!”

Snowdrop and Luna spun around in midair, dancing and never leaving each other’s hooves. Then, Sandbar and Gallus entered the circle, and they flew out.

“Woah, woah, hey!
It starts with all of us!”

Gallus and Sandbar held each other tight, kissing. They were ganged up on by their friends and splashed with water. Gallus squawked and waved the others away, and Sandbar pulled him to the top of the stairs.

“Woah, woah, hey!
It starts with all of us!”

As their friends spread out on the deck, doing whatever crazy dances they wanted, Sandbar and Gallus looked into each other’s eyes. Sandbar placed the pin Spitfire had returned to him on Gallus’ suit. They smiled, then kissed again.

On the Hidden Isle, Gabby and Smolder were about finished sweeping the floors for the day. As they talked together in low voices, they heard hoofsteps. Looking up, four royal guards entered the room, surrounding a unicorn stallion in a fresh suit, holding a scroll.

Smolder and Gabby stopped their cleaning and headed forwards. Smolder took the scroll they were offered and unrolled it. Smolder began to read aloud.

“His Royal Majesty, King Sandbar of Equus, and his counselor, Miss Luna of the Hidden Isle, hereby request the pleasure of your company, Smolder and Gabriella, for the current academic year at Equus Prep.” Smolder read in stunned awe

Gabby squealed and leaned over to finish it. “Please notify His Majesty’s couriers of your response to this request. We’d love you to join us at Equus Prep. Will you come? Signed King Sandbar…”

Smolder and Gabby looked at each other, then at the royal guards. Gabby squealed and ran to hug the courier. Smolder jumped up into the air in excitement, both of them ignoring the pounding from the ceiling.

“Zip it up you two!” Garnet’s voice came down as the royal guards led the courier out.

“We get to see Equus!” Gabby shrieked, ignoring Garnet “And see Gildie again!”

“And Celly!” Smolder agreed, hugging Gabby eagerly. The two then bolted off to stow away the scroll and return to their chores with renewed vigor before Gabby would leave to go pack.

Not so far away, a Phoenix of blazing flames sat on a tree branch near Equus’ borders, somehow not scorching the tree. In a flash, it had become Spitfire, who was neatly perched on the branch. She giggled.

“What?” she then leaned back, smirking. “You didn’t think this was the end of the story, did you?”

With that, she cackled and became a Phoenix again, before soaring off, her feathers creating a fiery trail in her wake.

Author's Note

Sorry about the wait, wanted to build tension. But here you have it, the not-quite end!

And so...the third book begins...

Hope you enjoyed! See you in the sequel!

~Melody Song

A Twisted Night

“Let’s give Equus a taste of evil…” Tempest said, standing over a boiling cauldron, surrounded by Pharynx, in his leather jacket, Luna, and Gallus.

Gallus and Pharynx poured chocolate bars into the mixtures, and Tempest read from the spellbook held aloft in her magic.

“Twisted ways lie beneath everyone’s skin, let this treat help them learn to join in…” Tempest spoke, looking around at her friends with a smirk as they began singing.

“We got all the ways to be
T-W-I-S-T-E-D
We got all the ways to be
T-W-I-S-T-E-D”

Pharynx beckoned to them as they removed the chocolate, laughing.

“Come on!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, hey, hey, hey.”

Tempest strutted down the hallway. She was pulling a cart of eggs, spray paint, and toilet paper.

“Crashing the party,
Think they lost my invitation
Here’s a friendly reminder:
I’ve got my own type of persuasion”

She opened her spellbook, grinning as her horn ignited, levitating the chocolate bars to the nearby students, who gobbled them up immediately. They then began defacing the school property with the things Tempest had brought. Gallus ran by, tossing chocolate bars to other students.

“I think this place could use
A bit of misbehavior
A happy ever after
With a little hint of flavor!”

Gallus sang, then leapt into the air and did a few loops before landing beside Gilda.

In the gym, Pharynx held out a bag of chocolate bars, Ocellus and Thorax hesitantly trying some. They then began helping to toss the chocolate bars to other students. Pharynx grinned.

“We’re bad to the bone
Even worse intentions
Gonna steal the show
Leave ‘em all defenseless.”

Luna set a chocolate brownie on Rising Dawn’s desk, lighting up her horn to make chocolate bars appear on the student’s desks.

“A fairytale life can be
Oh, so overrated,
So let’s raise our voices
Let’s get activated.”

Luna smiled as they all ate the chocolate, then began leaping around the room, throwing papers around and dancing on the tables. It was the same everywhere else. Each of the villain creatures began singing from where they were in the school.

“Long live havin’ some fun!
We take what we want!
There’s so many ways to be twisted!
With us, evil lives on, right side or wrong
There’s so many ways to be twisted!”

As students began pouring out of the school, heading outside, they all joined in.

“Chocolate, chocolate,
Dip, dip
Wanna try it?
Tick, tock
Take a bite,
Come on, be bold
Change the way your story’s told!”

Luna and Tempest stood at the end of the crowd of non-corrupted students getting their lunch. Every time one passed, one of them levitated a chocolate bar onto the tray. Tempest smiled as she sang.

“Time spent in the dark
Finally getting some attention.”

The courtyard flickered out and changed abruptly to show Luna sitting at the teacher’s desk Rising Dawn had abandoned. She lifted up a book.

“We’re twisted by the book,
Now class is back in session!”

Pharynx stood in the center of a crowd, Ocellus and Thorax standing on either side of him.

“You like it, steal it!
Gotta beat them to treasure!”

Gallus and Gilda swooped into a podium from above, and Gallus smirked. He tossed two chocolate bars to Sandbar’s parents, who bit into them.

“Just a rite of passage.”

From wherever they were, everyone sang.

“Bad doesn’t get much better!

Long live havin’ some fun!
We take what we want!
There’s so many ways to be twisted!
With us, evil lives on, right side or wrong
There’s so many ways to be twisted!”

Tempest stood by the flagpole, and switched the flags, the new one she raised showing the Storm King’s emblem. The other villain creatures headed for her. Tempest closed her eyes as the flag rose up.

“Father, always knows best.”

Luna lifted up her book, opening it.

“Show them, pass every test.”

Gallus flew over, covering his ears.

“Hear his voice in my head!”

Pharynx landed and smirked as he stalked forwards to stand beside Tempest.

“Evil is the only...”

All four of them circled around each other, grinning.

“Real way to win!”

All the students emerged, lining up behind them. Gilda, Thorax, and Ocellus were at the front, the original villain creatures heading the charge.

“We got all the ways to be-
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
T-W-I-S-T-E-D!”

“Let’s go!” Pharynx cheered

“We got all the ways to be
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
T-W-I-S-T-E-D!”

Long live havin’ some fun!
We take what we want!
There’s so many ways to be twisted!
With us, evil lives on, right side or wrong
There’s so many ways to be twisted!”

They began vandalizing parts of the school. The students ran around, laughing and doing what they pleased.

“Cruel or unusual,
Taking control!
There’s so many ways to be twisted!
With us, evil lives on, right side or wrong!
There’s so many ways to be twisted!”

They went out to the front of the school, Tempest leading them. She smirked as they danced.

“Hey, hey, hey, hey!
We got all the ways to be
T-W-I-S-T-E-D!
We got all the ways to be
T-W-I-S-T-E-D!
We got all the ways to be
T-W-I-S-T-E-D!
We got all the ways to be-”

Tempest stopped, standing in front with an evil smirk.

“So many ways to be twisted!”

“Gah!” Tempest shot straight up in bed. Panting, she looked around.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?”

“Ph-Pharynx?” Tempest rubbed her eyes. The changeling was smiling at her sheepishly. “What are you doing in here?”

“W-Well, Gallus and Thorax are snoring really loud and…”

Tempest sighed. Thorax had been given a bed in Gallus and Pharynx’s room, as there was no one for him to share a dorm with. Gilda and Ocellus were lucky and had been paired together in an extra dorm.

“Come on then…” she sighed

Pharynx smiled and laid down in the bed, snuggling up to Tempest. She giggled and wrapped her forelegs around him, nestling closer. He put a hoof in her mane. Tempest sighed. She regretted it, but a while back, she’d changed it to be a light blonde with light pink tips, along with leaving it down. Pharynx didn’t seem to mind, but she knew he preferred her magenta mane.

“How’d you get in anyway?”

“Picked the lock. They need better security.” Pharynx kissed Tempest’s forehead. “You were thrashing around a bit, what was that about?”

Tempest frowned, but simply snuggled closer to him. “D-Don’t worry about it… just get some sleep. Long day ahead, right?”

“Mhm.” Pharynx nuzzled her. “Night Tempy.”

“Heh… night Phary.” Tempest closed her eyes. “Just forget about it. Dreams don’t mean anything…”

Author's Note

It's finally here~! The sequel to Descendants of the Isle! I finished up the third one sooner than I expected (context in this blog, in case you missed it) so you get this early! Enjoy!

~Melody Song

Hanging Like A Villain Does

“Alright, Pharynx, the keys and the remote.” Sandbar tossed them to the changeling, who headed for the carriage.

“Wait!” Luna stopped Sandbar and adjusted his hat. “There.”

Monarch, who had padded out after them, sat on the steps. “I call shotgun!”

They all looked over at him.

“Did he just…” Sandbar began

“Thorax told me he asked Tempest for a truth spell, and Monarch licked some of it.” Gallus explained. “Before she left, she saw him again and told him it should only last until after Cotillion.”

Pharynx shook his head. “I can’t believe I missed the signs she was hiding something from me…”

“Well… I knew… and Gallus…” Luna murmured. “But we told her to stop using the magic so much.”

“So… do I get to come, or…?” Monarch spoke again.

“Monarch, you’re staying here buddy.” Gallus scratched him behind the ears. “The Hidden Isle is way too dangerous.”

The other three shook off the confusion before heading to the carriage. As they got in, Luna began giving Pharynx instructions.

“Once we cross the bridge, park under the pier in the old garage, got it?”

“Yep.” Pharynx said as the carriage pulled out.

The carriage easily made it across the magic bridge and pulled into the place Luna had instructed them to. They got out quickly.

“Sandy, help me with the tarp.” Gallus said as he grabbed for it. Sandbar joined him and they all worked together to stretch it over the carriage.

“It… it feels really weird to be back here…” Luna whispered

Pharynx nodded. “We’ll get in and get out, as soon as we find Temp.”

“Mhm.” Gallus said. “But we keep it chill, right? The last thing we need is our parents finding out we’re here.”

“Well… mom’s back in Equus-”

“You know what I mean Lu.” Gallus said, reaching with his wing to pull Sandbar against him so he wouldn’t wander off.

They headed into the alleyways. Luna walked slower than the others, nervous. As she lagged behind, a foal shot out from behind a dumpster and grabbed her forelegs to hold her still.

“Hey!” as Luna struggled, a second foal rushed out and reached into the flowing cloak she was wearing, snatching her wallet. “Hey, stop!”

The others turned, noticing the struggle as Luna grabbed the foals. But as she did, Luna looked into the foal’s frightened and desperate eyes. She released them.

“Just take it. Go on.” she said, watching them run away with the wallet.

Sandbar managed to slip away from Gallus, who sighed and followed him, leading the others after the pony. They found him in a mostly empty space, except for a stallion who jeered at him. Gallus flared a wing out in front of Sandbar protectively and lunged at the stallion, flashing his claws. The stallion grunted and left.

“Sandy, what were you thinking?!” Gallus hissed

“What?” Sandbar blinked. Gallus planted his claws on Sandbar’s shoulders.

“This isn’t a parade, Sand, it’s the Hidden Isle.” Gallus grunted, shaking him slightly, then pushing away and going to the opening in the enclosed space, looking around.

Sandbar looked hurt, until Pharynx caught his attention.

“Look, keep your hooves to yourself unless you’re stealing.”

“Either slouch or strut.” Gallus called over.

“And never ever smile.” Luna finished.

“Alright, thank-”

“No thank you's.” Gallus snapped. “And drop the please. Just… hang, got it?”

Sandbar nodded quietly. He’d never seen this side of Gallus, and wasn’t sure if he liked it. Luna stepped into his sightline. She began singing.

“Let me tell you something you can really trust
Everycreature’s got a twisted side
I know you think you can never be like us
Just watch and learn so you will get it right!”

Gallus and Pharynx nodded at each other, then headed over. They picked up the song alongside Luna, doing the movements they described.

“You gotta drag your hooves
Gotta nod your head
Gotta lean back
Slip through the cracks
You need to not care-”

“You need to not stare.” Gallus added, pushing Sandbar’s chin to look straight ahead.

“You need a whole lot of help-”

“You need to not be yourself.” Pharynx spoke, flashing the wallet he’d taken from Sandbar’s jacket. Sandbar snatched it back.

“You wanna be cool?
Lemme show you how
You gotta break the rules
And I can show you how
So that once you catch this feeling,”

Luna sang, as Gallus and Pharynx repeated the phrase.

“Once you catch this feeling.”

You'll be hangin', hangin', oh
Hangin' like a villain.

Hangin'!

Hangin' like a villain.

Hangin'!

Hangin' like a villain

Hey!

Hangin' like a, hangin' like a-

Hey!

Villain.”

They headed out of the enclosed area, and Sandbar wandered towards a griffon that wore a long cloak. He opened it to reveal a bunch of trinkets. As Sandbar reached for one, Gallus pulled him back.

“You call attention when you act like that!”

Gallus hissed at him, glaring. Luna took over.

“Let us teach you how to disappear.”

Pharynx nodded, strutting over.

“You look like you would lose a fight to an alley cat
Gotta be wrong to get it right 'round here.”

The three villain creatures jumped onto a narrow fence, balancing perfectly as they strutted on top of it.

“You gotta watch your back
Gotta creep around
Gotta slide real smooth
Don't make a sound.”

They leapt down, looking at him.

“And if you want it, take it
And if you can't take it, break it
And if you care about your health-”

“Seriously, you need to not be yourself.” Gallus muttered, though Luna ignored him and kept singing.

“You wanna be cool?
Lemme show you how
You gotta break the rules
I can show you how
So that once you catch this feeling-”

“And once you catch this feeling.”

Gallus and Pharynx finished, then all three sang.

“You'll be hangin', hangin', oh
Hangin' like a villain
Hangin’!
Hangin’ like a villain
Hangin’!
Hangin’ like a-”

Sandbar jumped into the song.

“Look, I really wanna be bad a lot
I promise to give it my best shot-”

Sandbar broke off and sighed. “But… it's hard being what I'm not…”

“Well if you don't, you're gonna get us caught.” Pharynx deadpanned. Luna nodded

“He's right, we’re gonna hafta stay low-key
Now, show us how bad you can be.”

Luna nudged Sandbar, who put on some sunglasses. “Like that?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

The three encouraged, nodding. Sandbar then grinned and pulled out Pharynx’s wallet. “Like that?”

As Pharynx snatched his wallet back, Gallus and Luna nodded.

“Yeah, yeah!”

Sandbar then pulled out Gallus’ phone and passed it back to him. “Oh yeah, I’ve finally got this! Let's go guys, I'm ready to rock this!”

As they made to leave, he flung out his forelegs to stop them, then grinned.

“And I’m not even gonna thank you for your help
Now that I’ve found the worst to myself.”

They all nodded and all four sang as they sauntered down the alley.

“You wanna be cool?
Lemme show you how
You gotta break the rules
I can show you how
So that once you catch this feeling-

Yeah, once you catch this feeling,

You'll be hangin', hangin', oh
Hangin' like a villain
Hangin’!
Hangin’ like a villain
Hangin’!
Hangin’ like a villain!”

As they walked, Sandbar swaggered a bit. He bumped straight into a pegasus colt with a white coat and dark blue navy mane pulled into a slicked back style.

“Hey!” his green eyes then flashed with recognition. “Hey… aren’t you-”

“No, he’s not.” Gallus snapped

“What, do you think I’m stupid?” he snapped. “It’s King Sandbar, and how could I forget those feathers? Just like our colors.”

He flashed the colors of the straps around his shoulders. Blue and yellow. Gallus grabbed Sandbar’s hoof and dragged him along.

“See you later, Luna, Pharynx, Gallus.” he said in an eerily knowing tone, before spreading his wings and flying down the alley.

“Gal…?”

“I’m not one of them.” Gallus said.

Luna caught up with them. “That was Soarin Skies, son of the Sky Blazers.”

“The Pegasi who were teamed with the Rainbooms and tried to sky-bomb Equestria?”

“Mhm. Now let’s go. We’ll have to be even faster. If Soarin knows we’re here, then his Captain, Spitfire, will too.” Pharynx said

Pharynx led them to a sign saying Beware: Flying Rocks. He grabbed a rock off a table and hit the sign with it.

“Alright, she’ll be up there. Everyone else stay here, this is my mess, I’ll clean it up.” Pharynx said, before heading up. The others sat down at the bottom of the stairs to wait.

Pharynx walked into a loft room, hearing the familiar noise of a spray paint can. He smiled softly and got closer. Tempest had decorated the place with graffiti of lightning bolts and storm clouds. He saw a couple familiar faces, her father, for one. He chuckled, making her turn around and gasp.

“At least I don’t see a picture of me with horns and a spear.”

“Pharynx...”