This alternate ending story has been paid for in part by Anubis Markets, a division of Osiris Foods. So, shop at the sign of the jackal headed man for food so good, you can eat it! However, this will not affect our story in any way! Thank you!
Starlight Glimmer, guidance councellor of the school of Friendship, was sitting on a chair in a dark room. Beads of sweat were dripping on her face. She didn’t know what was going on, or why she was here, but all would be revealed in a matter of seconds.
She saw Ocellus the changeling circling around her with a solemn face, and she wondered what she could have done this time. She gulped, breathed a little bit, and opened her mouth. “What’s the big deal, Ocellus?” She asked.
“Bad news, Starlight.” Ocellus said, as she slid in a cassette tape, and hit play. “Just watch.” A TV screen came to life, as it showed her a view of the city of Canterlot. She was quite familiar with the city, but she would know more as the tape started to play.
“Good morning, Ms. Starlight Glimmer...” a voice said on the tape, as Starlight watched. “The city you are looking at is the city of Canterlot. The city is ruled by these two ponies...Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna!” the screen showed them both Royal ponies, as they were discussing a private matter in the throne room. “Both princess are aided by Prince Shining Armor, current co-ruler of the Crystal Empire, and former captain of the Royal guard.” she watched as Shining Armor came into view.
“Are you sure you want to enlist Prince Shining Armor to help reinforce the castle’s defences?” Luna asked, feeling a little stubborn. “We can do it ourselves!”
“Luna...” Celestia said, as she facehoofed. “...Shining Armor can handle the job well! Besides, the last time Sombra came here, we left it defenceless! We don’t want to risk another attack!”
Luna was pretty flabbergasted at this. “But, Sister!” She tried to protest. “We can set up this castle’s defences! We rule here!”
“Not for much longer.” Celestia said to her. “Need I remind you that Twilight will be taking our place soon?”
“You’ve already told me...” Luna grumbled. “...so many times.”
“That’s why I hired him for the job.” Celestia continued. “He’s readied some modifications that could prove useful other than just our guards.” Luna wanted to protest again, but seeing that her sister wasn’t going to listen, she just sighed.
Shining Armor came in. “It’s all set!” He said excited to them. “I've taken the security here to a whole new level, making it hard for anypony to sneak in.” He looked around, smiling at the new geese on top of the columns. Both princess gasped in awe at this. Well, except for Luna, who felt that she was being completely ignored.
“Perfect!” Celestia said, as she smiled. “This will make our security system twice as impenetrable!”
“Now, we just need somepony to test it!” Shining said, as he looked around the throne room. “But, who?”
Celestia wondered this as well, as they looked at Luna. “Oh, goodie.” She said in mock sarcasm. “Who could that be?” They both looked at each other, and smiled.
“I’ve got it!” The prince said, as he took out a scroll, and scribbled out a message on it. “Oh, I’ve got a good idea on how we can not only test it, but also get my little sister the chance to know who’s going to be the real Sibling Supreme.” He drew a picture of a toy crown on the top of it, and rolled it up.
“Send this letter to Twily.” He told the sun princess. “Boy, have I got a surprise for her!” He laughed evilly for a few seconds, before noticing Luna getting a little nervous by his laugh. “Sorry. Oh, and I’ll get that toy crown! I’m sure I still have it!” He raced out of the room, and to Twilight’s old home in Canterlot to find the toy crown her was looking for.
“Did they install the new security system?” Starlight asked.
“PAY ATTENTION!!” Ocellus barked at her, making her flinch, as she turned back to the screen.
“Shining Armor has sent an invite to these two...” the voice said, as the screen showed pictures of a princess pony and a dragon...both, who she knew really well. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Spike the Dragon to come to be the first ones to test out Canterlot’s newest security system!”
Starlight saw them on the screen, and gasped in shock. “That’s Twilight Sparkle!” She said in horror.
“See?” Ocellus said, as she got into her face. “I said pay attention, but nooooooo! You wanted to yak about some security system!” Starlight’s ears flopped.
“He plans to have Twilight and Spike test out the security system for the prize of the hard-won helm of the Sibling Supreme!” the voice continued on the screen, as it quickly showed her shots of the areas of the new defences to the castle. “The castle is currently heavily guarded by shards of former Queen Chrysalis' throne, giant fans, brick walls, floor traps, geese, and numerous amounts of guards.” the last shot had shown the multiple guards changing positions of shifts in each hallway and door.
On the screen, a bird was flying inside the city, only for the fans to swivel it away, and it almost got sliced by one of the other fans posted on top of the towers. Now, Starlight...who was watching the whole thing on screen...knew what she was up against.
“Your mission, Starlight Glimmer...should you choose to accept it...” the voice continued to play. “...is to sabotage the security system, punish Prince Shining Armor, and see to it that your teacher gets the Sibling Supreme crown...as promised!” the screen showed her the castle, Shining Armor, and Twilight’s toy crown (which has her cutie Mark on it) located on the throne, giving her a recap of the message. “In any case, have a rich, full-bodied day. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.”
Frightened at this, Starlight immediately hit STOP, and EJECT on the TV, and grabbed the cassette, and tossed it out of the school before it could explode. The tape landed outside Trixie’s caravan, which she saw outside her window, as the tape instantly exploded inside, making her caravan spew out fireworks.
She opened up her window, coughing from the smoke from the explosion. After that, she angrily looked up at the castle, and shook her hoof at it. “DAMN YOU, STARLIGHT!” Trixie shouted in fury.
Starlight opened up a window, looking at the caravan. “Sorry about the window, Trixie.” She apologized.
“Well, I’d like it if you DID NOT TOSS THAT IN MY HOUSE!” Trixie shouted, as she closed up her door. Starlight fell back into her chair, which she was sitting on earlier, and stressed out about the turn of events that was happening so far.
“It’s an ugly business, Starlight.” Ocellus said to her. “Even, I wouldn’t want to go do something as elaborate as that!”
“WHY DIDN’T I GO TO CANTERLOT WITH MY TEACHER?!” Starlight cried out in sadness, as she got up. “WHY?! OH, WHY?!” She tried to remember what happened earlier today with Twilight & Spike, and the recent invitation they got.
Earlier that day, Spike came rushing into the headmare's office with an important scroll tucked under his arms! "Hey, Twilight! Look at the scroll I just got!" The dragon declared as he pulled it out. The scroll depicted a well worn paper crown.
Twilight smiled brightly as a wave of excitement overtook her! "You know what this means?"
Spike nodded. "Uh-huh!” He said with excitement.
”Uh, I don’t.” Starlight said in confusion. "What exactly is so special about a toy crown?”
But Spike only laughed. "This is no 'toy crown'.” He explained. “It's the well worn and hard-won helm of the Sibling Supreme!”
Twilight explained to Starlight. "When Shining Armor and I were small, we competed over everything. Part of the reason why he taught how to fly a kite was so he'd have somepony to compete against, and win against. But if he claims he always won, that's totally not true. Nine times out of ten I whooped his sorry behind!" She giggled at the memory.
”But I thought you once said you and your brother and I quote 'Never had a single fight.'?" Starlight questioned.
”That's because our parents invented the idea of the Sibling Supreme Contest to keep it from getting to that point," Twilight told Starlight while remembering her childhood experiences with it. "They set up a little chart for the two of us, and every time we did something truly special we'd get a gold star. We got them for things like good grades in school, sharing, and even helping with chores around the house. Kind of helped that we had horns so we didn't have to use our hooves for some of the less enjoyable tasks. Then at the end of each week, usually on the weekend, we'd add up the stars. The sibling with the most would win the Crown of the Sibling Supreme — and bragging rights — 'til next time.”
Starlight could only comment. "Well, I guess that explains your love of charts, and so much else.”
Spike then commented. "I always wanted to be sibling supreme one day." He held up the scroll, cleared his throat, and read: "'Dear Twilight Sparkle, Meet me at Canterlot Castle to decide who deserves the crown once and for all.” They both knew what they were in for, as he read it.
”Race ya!" They both exclaimed in a tone of voice so cheerful, either of them could've been mistaken for Pinkie Pie! She and Spike promptly rushed out of the headmare's office.
Starlight blinked as she watched the two disappear from sight. "Guess I’ll watch the school?” She sighed in a confused, unsure tone, not knowing that one of the school’s top students would brief her on this mission, and include her in it as well...later on. This would come as a surprise to both competitors, as no one would expect an unexpected guest. It was then, at this point, Starlight remembered why she didn’t go with them earlier.
“Now, I remember why I didn’t go...” Starlight said in realization. “I told her I’d watch the school!” She lept from her spot heroically. “But, she’s my teacher, and I’m gonna rescue her right now!” She started to run out of the room, only for Ocellus to grab her mane, as she strained to keep going.
“You can’t!” Ocellus said urgently, tugging on her mane. “For two reasons! One: You might jeopardize Twilight’s and Spike’s safety, putting them at risk! And, Two: we’ve got a half-hour to fill, and you’d leave us with two acts short! And, you know what happens when we go short!”
Since this week’s episode ended early, I’ll recite some of my favorite naughty limericks. I’m sure you’ll find them pleasing and saucy! There once was a woman from Bristol, who had the world’s tiniest...
“Ugh, Sorry.” Starlight said, as she rubbed her head. “I lost my head.”
“Now, listen!” Ocellus said to her seriously. “You can’t just rush in there like a madman! You’ve got to be clever, and sneak into the castle, so as not to be seen.”
Starlight got back, reading herself for action. “I’d rather rush in, and start breaking things!” She said boldly.
“You’ve got to put together an elite team of agents.” Ocellus said, as she got to the computer, and typed up an access code. “...then, come up with a complicated plan. Then, carry out that plan!”
“Oh? And what are you going to be doing, while I’m planning?” Starlight asked in confusion.
“I just thought, I’d cover your classes for the day, do my homework, and change into other fellow students...” Ocellus said sarcastically, before switching back to seriousness. “What do you think I’m going to do?! I’m going to try to figure out the schematics, and sabotage the security system from the inside. You, and your team will have to do the rest!” She cast her horn at the cutie map, which opened a portal, as Ocellus jumped through it.
“Do the best you can, Starlight!” Ocellus called out, as she went through. “See you in Canterlot!” The portal closed, as it and Starlight were long gone.
“I’d rather break things!” Starlight said to the fourth wall, as the audience gave a big round of applause!
At that moment, Kibitz...Luna’s Royal advisor came into the room, and handed her an envelope, which she opened, amd was shocked at what was in the letter. “You’re quitting? Now?” Starlight asked in shock. “Do you have another job lined up?”
“As a matter of fact, I do, Ms. Glimmer.” Kibitz replied. “I was considering of going to work as either a game show host of The Gallop, or a matador of a rodeo.”
Starlight thought that sounded interesting. “Cool. Good point.” She admitted. “But, I need you now! I’m in the middle of a mission! Where am I going to find someone to help me at this hour?” She pondered at who else would help her in such a time like this.
“Did someone say assistance?” A voice said, as Starlight turned to see a purple cape step out of the shadows, revealing none other than...”No one knows more about assisting others than the Great and Powerful—“
“Trixie!” She said in shock. “Did you just magically appear?”
“I've been here for long enough to hear your plan.” The showmare said, as she winked.
“Perhaps, I can also be of assistance.” Another voice said, as a pony in a well-dressed brown rope stepped through. Starlight also knew him well!
“Chancellor Neighsay!” Starlight said, as she gasped. “You're here!”
“Yes.” He told her. “Kibitz and I are old friends. I offered to fill in.”
“Weren’t you the one who tried to shut down Twilight’s school, last year?” Trixie asked.
“Never mind.” Neighsay growled.
“Well, if Kibitz says you two are okay, I guess you’re both okay.” Starlight said with relief.
“Say no more! I'm gonna make the most amazing, daring, successful heist for your bestest friend!” Trixie said, as she smiled.
“I’m also with her too. Just don’t expect me to construct anything bigger than a PB&J sandwich!” Neighsay said to her as well. “How large a staff shall we supervise?”
“You’re it!” Starlight said. “I mean...you are it!”
Neighsay scoffed. “Surely you jest!” He said. “I’ve quit better jobs than this!”
Starlight immediately went into hysterics as she grabbed him by the cape. “Oh, please!” Starlight whined. “Please stay! I’m under tons of pressure! I’ve got a mission to plan, a teacher to save! I can’t get anyone else!” She almost broke down into sobs. “WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME?! I’ll even double your pay!”
Well, that got his attention. “Double?” He thought. “I’ll think about it.”
“This is going to be a long episode!” Starlight thought out loud.
Back at the school’s classroom, the rest of the students, Sandbar, Smolder, Gallus, Silverstream and Yona were waiting for their professors to show up. So far, no word from them and they were starting to get worried.
“Isn’t Headmare Twilight coming to teach class today?” Smolder asked, confused.
“I thought so...” Silverstream said, concerned. “I think they’ll be a little late?”
“I don’t know.” Gallus said. “Not even our professors have been this late before.” He looked around. “This is probably the first time they were late for anything.”
“Well...” Silverstream started, as the doors swung open, startling them, as Starlight herself came sliding in the room.
“Hi, every creature!” Starlight said, out of breath.
“Uh, I thought Twilight Sparkle was teaching our class today.” Gallus said confused.
“Unfortunately, your professors are away on vacation today!” Starlight said, as everyone gasped. “I need the six of you for a very important mission.” She pointed to the Young Six as she said that.
“I don’t know...It's just kind of weird, isn't it?” Smolder asked.
“What you talking about?” Starlight asked, confused.
“Like, why'd our professors leave on such short notice?” Smolder continued to ask.
“Yona agree with Smolder.” Yona said as well. “Doesn't make any sense.”
Starlight sighed. “I know it's not some big adventure against the forces of evil, but this could be the most important thing Twilight and her friends have ever done, and I need you six to help me save her.” She told them. “I can’t hold a crown heist without you six. Can I count on you?”
“Of course you can.” Silverstream said, a little overly excited.
Smolder sighed. “I'm in as well!” She agreed.
“Yona in too!” She added.
“Fine.” Gallus agreed, Sandbar nodded as well.
“Perfect!” Starlight said in excitement. “Meet me at Twilight’s castle for a daring crown heist. As for the rest of you...” she turned to the rest of the students. “Class is dismissed! Everyone else gets a day off!” She happily did a cartwheel out of the classroom.
“Awesome!” Silverstream said in excitement, hugging her friends! “We’re having a little heist party!” Everyone else cheered, as Sandbar thought about this.
“Wait...what?” He and Gallus asked in shock.
“A heist party?” Gallus squaked, surprised.
Discord immediately woke up from a nap, hanging from a tree branch and yawned, before seeing Trixie. “Whatever the job is, I’m not interested.” He scoffed.
“Oh, please...Discord!” Trixie scoffed back. “A million munching pineapples have changed more chaotic minds than yours.”
“I like the beat. Play me the tune.” Discord said, as he snapped his fingers.
“We’re taking down the security system in Canterlot.” Trixie told him.
“Cause chaos in Canterlot...that’s a juicy peach.” Discord agreed. “But, what’s the cream?”
“We’re putting together a team of elite agents.” Trixie replied.
“A team of elite agents?” Discord asked.
“That’s exactly what Trixie said.” The showmare said to him. “But, this team needs a saboteur.”
“A saboteur?” Discord asked.
“You’re the saboteur.” Trixie said. “Also, we’re going to help Twilight and the others sabotage the system.”
“Twilight’s in this?” The Draconniqus yawned. “Boring.”
“Wait!” Trixie pleaded. “Fluttershy’s in this one too!”
Discord immediately popped his finger out of his mouth. “Fluttershy’s there?!” He gasped. “Well, say no more!” He snapped his fingers, and a necklace with the words, I’m In, appeared around his neck. Trixie smiled. That’s one draconniqus down, many more recruits to go.
“Come on, Thorax.” Trixie said to the leader changeling, with his co-lead brother. “You and Pharynx are the best disguise artists in the business.”
“You’ve disguised as our friends, snuck into Chrysalis’ old throne, and helped Spike.” Starlight explained, counting all the ways he has helped them.
“Oh, no thanks, You two.” Thorax said, smiling. “Pharynx and I have got a good life at the Changeling kingdom, and we plan to keep it that way.” Both mares ears flopped.
“PHARYNX!” A changeling said, running up to them. “Tell Vertex that he keeps wanting to smother black paint on us, as a prank, and that he needs to stop...AGAIN!” Both leader bowed their heads down, as the two mares looked at each other, smiling.
“If you break in the castle.” Starlight said smugly to them. “We’ll give you two your own place in Ponyville...” she nudged them.
Both gasped in excitement. “And, we wouldn’t have to deal with all the renegade changelings anymore.” Pharynx said, as his brother smiled. “We’re in.”
So far, scratch two changeling leaders.
Starlight and Trixie sat both ran towards the mountain where Dragon Lord Ember lived, and banked to the right as the entrance came into view, flanked by two guards. The guards glared intimidatingly as they arrived.
"Good afternoon, sirs.” Starlight explained. “I am Starlight Glimmer, special assistant to Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, here on a diplomatic visit to Dragon Lord Ember."
The guards only continued to glare at her. One snorted a puff of smoke. Feeling awkward, Trixie tried. "Could one of you please let Ember know that her best friends are here?" The guards' stony expressions didn't change. So far, this was going to be more harder than they thought.
Suddenly, Dragon Lord Ember flew down to them, and looked pleased to see them. "Hi, Trixie!” She greeted them. “It's great to see you. Hello, Kite Mare."
“Seriously?!” Starlight groaned. “You couldn’t get my NAME right, that time!”
“Well, it’s hard to remember a specific pony’s name.” Ember admitted. “But, I DO know you like kites.” Starlight smiled, as Trixie nudged her, winking.
"So what brings you guys to see me?” The dragon lord asked. “Are things all right in Equestria?"
"Actually, they won’t be soon, because Twilight’s testing a dangerous security system.” Ember gasped. “In fact, I'm starting up an elite team to break in Canterlot, which is why we wanted to come talk to you."
"What's a security system?" Ember asked, confused. Starlight knew immediately that that had been the wrong question for Ember to ask.
"A security system is something that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break in.” Starlight explained. “In this case, Captain Shining Armor has set up many defences around the castle.” Ember cocked her head in confusion.
Trixie took over, talking at great length about what their mission was in the first place, and why they came here. Ember thought the explanation was interesting, but she tuned out for most of the explanations and descriptions. She was relieved when the speech finally wound down and ended with a question. "And dragons don't have anything like that?"
"Nope.” Ember shook her head. “We have some old dragons who have to steal stuff from before, but they never did any of the break-in things like you two explained."
"But remember I told you that We’re assembling an elite team. That's why Starlight and I came to see you.” Trixie reminded her. “Twilight’s life is going to be put in danger if we don’t help her get the title of Sibling Supreme”
“Sibling Supreme?” Ember asked.
Starlight just sighed. “It’s an important relic of Twilight’s from Equestria. Don’t ask.” She said bluntly. “Do you know anyone who could come to Canterlot?"
Ember shrugged again. “Can you think of anyone who might be willing?" Trixie asked.
Ember considered carefully, running through candidates in her head. At last she smiled and nodded. "Me?”
“Besides, Spike’s gonna be there too...” Starlight started.
“Spike’s there too!” Ember gasped. “Then, I’m in!” Both mares could barely contain their excitement at the prospect of the Dragon Lord herself going on a top-secret mission.
Ember turned to the other guards. “Crackle! Garble!” She shouted. "As Dragon Lord, I’m called up to go to the pony security system!"
Ember smiled at them. "There you go. One dragon for your mission." She said.
Starlight was still staring with as excited look on her face. "Well… umm… that was… efficient." Trixie said, bored.
“Absolutely not.” Queen Novo had greeted Starlight Glimmer politely and had listened with courtesy as she pitched the plan. But when the unicorn had asked for assistance in recruiting a young hippogriff to come to Equestria the queen’s reply had been immediate and firm.
“But, why not, Your Highness?” Starlight asked. “Tirek is gone, so it’s perfectly safe!”
“One threat is gone, but that does not make the world perfectly safe.” Novo reminded her.
The time mare cleared her throat and made a little bow before speaking. “If I may, Queen Novo. I can assure you that I will take full responsibility for whatever happens to your daughter, and that Princess Twilight will have the students’ safety as one of her highest priorities. I’d feel distressed if anything happened to them or my teacher.”
“I don’t doubt your sincerity, but I have serious concerns.” Novo said with concern. “Equestria is a dangerous country. There have been many attacks there by vicious creatures. Furthermore, the Hippogriff kingdom is still weak from the Storm King’s attacks. As you saw above, we are in the middle of a difficult reconstruction.” She took in a deep breath. “I am already dealing with having my population split between Seaquestria and Mount Aris. I cannot, in good conscience, send some of our youngest and most vulnerable civilians to a foreign country without supervision at this time.”
“I do understand your concerns, Your Majesty.” Starlight said, understanding. “But might I suggest that that is precisely why this would be a good time to send one of your own abroad for my mission? Twilight’s brother has installed a security system, which might put her in danger. Surely this mission won’t disturb your reconstruction efforts?”
“It is an admirable goal, but the concerns for my people’s safety-” Novo started, but she was cut off as a young seapony swarmed into the throne room. The colt was the color of sea foam. As soon as they saw Skystar they doubled back towards the entranceway and hollered, “Dad! She’s in here!”
A periwinkle stallion swam in followed by a light yellow mare. The mare quietly scolded the him while the stallion apologized. “Sorry, Novo.” The mare confessed. “I asked them to help me find Skystar, but he should have known better than to interrupt you while you’re with a guest.” She turned to the kid. “Terramar, say you’re sorry.”
“Sorry, Aunt Novo,” Terramar responded in unison.
“It’s all right,” Queen Novo said. “This is Starlight Glimmer, an envoy from Equestria.” She turned to the time mare. “Starlight, this is my sister, Ocean Flow; her husband, Sky Beak; and their son, Terramar.”
Starlight’s face lit up. "Terramar!” She said, hugging him. “It is so good to see you again!”
"That’s great, Starlight!” Terramar choked. “But could you please let me go?” Starlight gasped, and released him for breath.
“The pleasure is ours." Ocean Flow gave her a warm smile.
Sky Beak offered a much wider grin and said, "I hope you're enjoying your visit, Miss Glimmer. And I hope you'll come back again when our rebuilding is complete. Mount Aris is going to be more wonderful than ever by the time we're done.”
"Thank you, Sky Beak." Starlight said with gusto. "I'd be quite happy to see the rebuilding." She turned to the wide-eyed colt.
"Why did you come alone?" Terramar asked.
For once, she wasn't sure if it would be diplomatic to tell them about the mission when she had not yet finished discussing it with the queen. Fortunately, she was spared making a judgment call when Princess Skystar answered the question for her. "Starlight Glimmer is hatching a top-secret mission to stop Shining Armor from having Princess Twilight test a dangerous security, and she's inviting her friends from lots of different countries. She’s here to convince Mom to send hippogriffs to go to Canterlot!"
Terramar merely looked curious at the mention of the school, but. Skystar immediately turned to her mother.
"Mom, could Terramar and I go to Canterlot with her?" She asked with glee.
Queen Novo had a fin raised to her eyes as she groaned, "I've just been telling Ms. Glimmer here, that I don't feel it would be wise to send our children at this time.” She said exhausted. “We don't know how dangerous it might be."
Skystar wouldn’t let up, as she whirled around and practically threw herself at the queen. "Please, Mom? We're finally allowed to go to the surface, and it's so amazing, and there's so much to explore, and this isn’t going to be like that time when Twilight took the pearl ago, and this mission sounds awesome, and I'd love to go and see what it's like, and home right now is boring, and going to Canterlot sounds like fun, and I'd get to meet so many other ponies, and maybe I could be an envoy to the ponies like Starlight is to us, and I really, really, really, really want to go!"
Starlight could see the family resemblance between Skystar and Silverstream, though Terramar was excited to go too. “Id want to go too.” He said. “I’ve been wondering how the Cutie Mark Crusaders have been doing since we last saw them, and this could be a great time to catch up with them! Could we go?”
Queen Novo turned to look inquisitively at the mare. "Fine.” She said, sighing. “I’ll let them go with you.”
Starlight gave her best salesmare smile. "I'd be delighted....on one condition.”
Novo sighed. “What would that be?” She asked.
“You unground her!” Starlight pointed to Skystar, who blushed a little bit.
Novo gasped and saw her daughter, who she did indeed ground after the defeat of the Storm King. She sighed, and opened her mouth. “Alright.” She decided. “Skystar, you’re ungrounded, and I want you both to stay with Starlight this whole time. Understand?”
“Yes, Aunt Novo!” Terramar said happily.
“You got it, Mom!” Skystar cheered. Starlight now felt that she could breathe a little.
However, Novo pulled her close, giving her a stink eye, immediately making her nervous. “But, I must warn you, Starlight...” Novo’s face became firm. “...if anything happens to my children...anything at all...then, you will be fed to a krakken!" She warned. “Do I make myself crystal clear?”
Starlight gulped, and nodded, her gaze unwavering. "You have my word, Your Highness.” She said. “I promise I will not let any harm come to your children.”
Novo nodded, “See to it, that you don’t.” She said. Starlight nodded, as she, Terramar and Skystar all swam out the water, and transformed back into their ground forms.
The time pony gave a sigh of relief. "That's better.” she thought happily. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to swimming, when I was a pony for so long.” Two sole hippogriffs recruited. There were still more friends to enlist.
“Come on, Chrysalis!” Starlight urged. “I can’t do this stakeout without you! So, what do you say? Aah!” She got clubbed in the face by former Queen Chrysalis at Grogar’s lair. Speaking of, the former Queen was not happy with her appearance.
“I obey nopony!” She roared angrily. “Especially if that pony has decimated my entire hive! I want to exact my revenge on you!”
“You want to enlist HER?” Terramar asked, angrily at Starlight.
“That’s the general idea.” Starlight groaned, as she got up, rubbing her cheek.
“Our crew needs you, Chrysalis.” Skystar pleaded. “You’re the only changeling that has broken into Ponyville and Canterlot twice! You even impersonated Cadence!”
Chrysalis hissed at them, making them jump, but retracted that action. “A favor huh, what do I get out of it?" She asked.
"The opportunity to kick Celestia's flank.” Starlight offered with her innocent smile.
“It’s true.” The former Queen admitted. “I have broken into Canterlot a few times, successfully capturing everypony!” She them smiled. “If I came back with you, this would be my triumphant return!” She turned to the trio, and said, “Watashi wa hairu! (I’m in!)”
“Yes!” Both Hippogriffs and Starlight said in excitement. So far, three changelings enlisted.
“I wouldn’t join one of your hare-brained schemes for all the collectible stars from Discord’s dimension!” Capper strictly told Trixie and Neighsay as they were in Klugetown. Also, Neighsay was getting the chills, wondering what schemes the many inhabitants here were planning on him.
“We’re not here for you!” Trixie barked at him. “We’re here for Verko!” She motioned to one of his pals...who had tried to get the Mane Six into slavery.
“Sorry, you two.” Verko said to them. “I’ve already got a gig for new slaves in this town, and I can’t leave my schedule during this period.”
Trixie sighed in disbelief, while Neighsay sighed in relief, wanting to leave this dirty slavery town. They started to leave, when they heard Capper’s voice. “Wait. Wait! Wait! I want in!” He said to them. “What does your crew need? A safecracker? A wheelman?”
“The caper is trying to sabotage Canterlot’s new security system.” Trixie put in.
“Well, I don’t want to brag...” Capper said, as he blushed. “But, I have broken into several vaults in my time!” They looked at each other, while Trixie smiled.
“A few down. A few to go!” She said happily.
Back at Grogar’s lair, Tirek was already trying to be stronger by lifting weights, and was about to do another set, when he heard a voice.
“You're gonna have to exercise a lot to get as big as you were when you absorbed the life force of all those ponies.” He heard the voice. Was that Cozy? he wondered. But, he heard a grown mare’s voice...so, it couldn’t be Cozy. He looked up to see Starlight Glimmer on top of his barbell, which surprised him.
“What?!” He said, upon seeing her. "Oh geez, it's you." He recognized her. “What do you want?”
”I’ve scheduled a break-in at Canterlot to sabotage Princess Celestia’s new security system.” Starlight said excitedly. “Isn’t that fun? Doesn't that sound fun?” she beamed. “And since, I am in charge...”
“No, you aren’t.” the Minotaur cut her off.
“Someone's a real grumpy-taur today.” She giggled, nudging him. “If we aren't meeting, I guess I could just stay and offer positive and inspiring—“
Tirek cut her off again. “Fine! I'll join your break-in.” He then thought about her idea. “What’s in it for me?” He asked.
“All the free magic you could possibly want!” Starlight said smugly to him. She then noticed her magic being sucked, and swatted his mouth. “Not my magic! Everyone else’s at Canterlot’s!”
"Oh, I think I like you my little pony!” Tirek said, as he smiled. “I like the way you think! How should I put this...I can smell ambition from you. Now then why don't you tell me more about your devious plan."
“I thought you’d never ask!” Starlight said, grinning devilishly, as she would discuss more of her plan, as the brawn was enlisted on the spot.
On an airship, a few of the bird pirates were having a little sword fight. Two of them...Boyle and Mullet were clashing it out, with Boyle jumping right towards Mullet, as he jumped to evade his sword. Boyle growled, as he changed course and ran towards him, who kicked him in the gut to the ground.
Boyle got up, and smirked. “I’m pretty sure you know who’s the strongest on the ship!” He smirked.
“Oh, yeah?” Mullet growled. “I’m the strongest!”
“No, I am!” Boyle shot back.
“No, me!” Mullet shot back as well.
At that moment, Celeno came to both of them, and giggled, grabbing both of their ears. “Guys, you’re BOTH wrong!” She said. “I’m the strongest aboard this ship!”
“I thought it was me!” Lil Spittle said, as he came towards them.
“In your little birds dreams!” Celeno said, as she flicked his beak, and he rubbed it.
“Ow!” He said in pain. “That hurt!”
As they were debating who the strongest was, they heard a thud, and turned to see a periwinkle pony in a hood. She slowly looked up at them, and walked over to them. The bird pirates saw her, wondering who she was, and why she came here.
“Excuse me? Captain Celeno?” It said. The birds looked confused. “Captain Celeno? Leader of the bird pirates of Orinthia?”
They looked at each other, and then at the pony. “How do you know my name?” The lead pirate asked.
The figure took off her hood, revealing Starlight, as she approached them. “I’m Starlight Glimmer. Special assistant to Princess Twilight Sparkle.” She told them. “I was sent to recruit you for an important mission! The fate of my teacher and Equestria is at stake! I need your help!” She stuck out her hoof to her.
“Equestria is in danger?” Boyle said in shock, as the others all nodded. “We’re on it!”
“Let’s go!” Mullet said, as they started.
However, Starlight stopped them. “I’m sorry.” She told them. “Only Celeno is selected for this mission.” Everyone but their leader stepped back. “Will you come with me?” Celeno nodded.
“Guys.” She told them, seriously. “You should stay here, and guard Orinthia.” They all nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as I can!” She walked towards the time pony. “I’m ready.”
“Good.” Starlight said, as she smiled. “Let’s go!” And, they started to jump off the airship and off to adventure. One more member recruited.
In a mall in the human world, Sunset Shimmer was sitting at one of her usual spots at the mall, waiting for her friends. She was thinking about Twilight recently, and read through her journal through all the moments she wrote to her. She smiled, and sighed about it, hoping that she’d be able to visit. She was about to write in another message, but she ran out of pages. “Oh, no!” She gasped. “Shoot.”
Just then, as if on cue, Trixie popped out from underneath her table. “Sunset!” She said.
“Aah!” Sunset said, startled, as she tossed the book up, only for Trixie to catch it, and hand it to her. “What...Trixie?! What’s wrong?”
“What's the matter, Sunset Shimmer?” Human Pinkie asked, Sunset as she noticed Trixie. “Trixie? What are you doing here?”
“I may be asking you the same thing, Pinkie Pie.” She said to her sternly, before diverting her attention to Sunset. “Sunset, I need you for a very important mission.”
“What important mission?” Sunset asked confused.
Trixie sighed, as she had no time to go into details. “It’s about Twilight!” She blurted out. “Twilight’s in trouble!”
“Twilight’s in danger?” Sunset asked in shock.
“Did someone call my name?” Sci-Twi asked, as she came to sit down.
“Princess.” Trixie corrected her.
Sci-Twi blushed. “Oh, right. Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.” She admitted.
“How could Princess Twilight already be in danger?” Sunset whispered in shock.
“That’s the problem!” Trixie warned her. “We need to get to Canterlot! Now!”
“Wait, the school?” Sunset asked. “It’s already closed for summer break.”
“City!” Trixie corrected her. “And, it would be cool to actually see your friend again, if you know what I mean!” Sunset said, as she smiled.
“Whoa-whoa-whoa.” Sunset said worriedly. “What are we going to do about my other friends?”
“Oh umm, not go.” Trixie put in.
Sunset’s mind was made up instantly. “That settles it!” She said, as she packed up her book. “We’re going to Canterlot! But, what will I tell The others?" She said.
"Royal business or something in Canterlot." Trixie suggested.
“Alright then. Let’s move!” Sunset said, as they dashed out of the mall.
They quickly headed over to Rainbow Dash’s house. Sunset rushed in, grabbed a piece of paper, and pen and began to write.
Dear Twilight,
I have been called to do some royal business in Canterlot. I am unsure as to when I will return.
Sincerely,
Sunset Shimmer
As she finished, she put it on her friends’ nightstand and ran out. Both girls arrived towards the statue portal to the pony world, and dashed through the portal, the glass rippling and glowing.
In a secluded part of the jungle, Trixie galloped as fast as she could to a nearby house, and immediately rapped on the door. “Open up!” She called out urgently. No answer. Groaning in rage, she immediately ran into the house to see that it was all clean in tip top shape.
She searched around the house for anyone inside, as she heard a voice. “What are you doing here?” She turned to see a lookalike of Rainbow Dash, only with a red robe on, and red glasses on too
Trixie gasped upon seeing her, as she knew who she was. “A... K-K... Yearling...?” she gasped, as she smiled.
“What have you done to my house?” A.K. Said, as she came in worried.
“Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Ms. Year...” she was cut off, when the author pulled a book underneath her foot, to check around for a certain item.
However, the showmare got up and came over to her. “Okay, I don’t think you know why I’m here...” she said to her. “There is a security system a few kilometres south of here. And I need you to help us sabotage it.”
A.K. sighed. “I've got bigger problems on my hooves than security systems.” She said seriously.
“That’s true.” Trixie admitted. “But, Rainbow Dash is...”
The moment the words ‘Rainbow Dash’ left the showmare’s mouth, A.K. Yearling felt a chill down her spine. She immediately gasped, and asked her, “Rainbow Dash is in trouble?!”
“Well, if you put it THAT way...” Trixie started to say. A.K. immediately took initiative to take her clothing off, revealing Daring Do underneath, as Trixie gasped in shock and amazement.
“Then it's up to us to save her!” Daring Do announced. Trixie felt like she could smile with joy, as she had just enlisted an undeniably, unquestionably unstoppable adventurer for the heist.
Dressed in formal armor, her berry-red double-lightning-bolt mark on the flank plates, Commander Tempest Shadow stalked down the landing ramp of her flagship and onto the meadow behind the Friendship castle.
Beside her, Grubber padded along, wearing his own best tunic and gazing around happily. He grinned up at her. "Nice to be home, eh, boss?" He asked.
"Yeah. Even nicer being able to say it." Tempest looked up at the tree-like castle, its magenta crystal walls gleaming in the warm sunlight. "I wonder if they even missed us while we were gone?"
"Heh, you know ponies!” Grubber giggled. “Probably throw a surprise party soon as we walk in the door."
"That wouldn't be all bad. I just hope that offer of a room is still open. A warm bath might be nice too." She glared disapprovingly at Grubber. "For you, as well!"
"Hey! I washed behind my ears this morning." The hedgehog gasped.
"Amazed you could find them." Tempest said, distractedly. She stared up at the castle again. And smiled, in a way she hadn't smiled for a long while.
"Come on, Grubber..." she said, at last. "Let's go get ourselves partied to death."
Trotting around to the main entrance at the Friendship Castle's base, Tempest raised an armored hoof and rapped thrice. The doors swung open smartly, the hulking scarlet-furred, mask-faced soldiers standing just behind them coming sharply to attention.
"At ease, Fred. It's only me." Tempest stepped inside, with Grubber at her hooves.
Before her in the entrance hall, another soldier materialized out of thin air. This one's fur was barred in gold and black stripes. He bowed respectfully. "Welcome home, Commander Tempest!"
"Strife... I spoke to you on the ship not two minutes ago." She said bluntly to them,
He gently shrugged. "Merely playing my part as your adjutant, Commander. Helping you to feel welcome." He said.
"More like buttering me up to be taken off probation," she said. "But it's appreciated." She glanced around. "So... where is everypony? Where's the never-ending party?"
"Ah..." Strife looked uncomfortable. "It would seem that the Special assistant to the Princess has received some... distressing news."
"I see." Tempest frowned. "Grubber!"
"Yeah, boss?" He asked her.
"Permission granted to go stuff your face." She told him, sending him off.
"Hey, thanks!” He said happily. “Uh... sure you won't need me?"
"The special assistant to the Princess has asked to see me.” Tempest addressed. “I'm going to presume this doesn't apply to her personal bodyguard. But it does apply to you.” She waved her hoof at him. “Go make a nuisance of yourself somewhere."
"Gotcha, boss!" Grubber said, willingly ambling off towards the kitchen.
"So..." Tempest went on, turning her attention back to Strife. "Where exactly did the Special assistant to the Princess ask to meet me?"
Strife pointed. "Right where you are right now." Tempest was surprised to see Starlight standing right before.
"Then hold my calls." She told Strife, as he nodded, and left her.
“Tempest!” Starlight said happily, yet urgent. “Glad I could find you!”
"Likewise, Ms. Glimmer." Tempest said solemnly to her. “Permission to make my initial report?" Starlight frowned at the formality, but then nodded.
Tempest quickly summarized the swift progress that Capper and Mama Orcina were making in reorganizing Klugetown along friendlier lines, and then her own brief tour of Abyssinia and other regions attacked and oppressed by the Storm King. "Most of them were just relieved to know the Sombra wouldn't be coming back, after what happened in Ponyville recently.” she finished. "But, I made sure to offer our help with reconstruction and the like. I may need to take one or two of the ships back down there, once the requests start to come in."
"That's great, Tempest," Starlight said, smiling. "You're doing a wonderful job. I'm sure Twilight would be really proud of you."
Tempest waited a moment. Then she sighed. "Speaking of Princess Twilight...” she said to the time pony. “...I was wondering about how she is doing. I haven’t seen her since we stopped the Storm King at Canterlot.” She noticed the pony feeling a little uncomfortable. “I would like it if you told me what's bothering you, so I can go do something about it. And I don't need to remind you how difficult it'll be to get me to leave the room." She chuckled.
Starlight felt like she just wanted to cut right to the chase about this whole operation. "Twilight has been chosen recently as successors to Celestia and Luna...the ones you have turned to stone before," she said. "And somehow, she has been sent to Canterlot to be briefed on that duty."
Tempest nodded. "Sounds like a great idea... but...?" She wanted to know more.
"... but her brother, Prince Shining Armor has updated the security system at the castle, and wants Twilight to test it.” Starlight played back the mission. “And, I’m worried about her safety.”
"Excuse me?" Tempest asked, feeling shocked at all this.. "I may have been out of it for a while, Starlight. But, isn't that a rather... un-pony attitude for him to take?" Starlight nodded.
Tempest eyed her. "You don't need to convince me about this.” She told her seriously, as her expression darkened. Her jaw set tightly. Her broken horn crackled with arcing electric light. "Well..." she said silkily, "...if it would help, I could always take a couple of squads up to Canterlot, find this Shining Armor and make him see reason..."
Starlight merely looked up at her sadly. Tempest's horn silenced. She snorted in amusement. "Wow. You really ARE serious about this, Starlight.” She chuckled.
Starlight looked up to her. “That is why I came to you, Tempest. “I want to enlist you into an elite team of agents to sabotage Shining Armor’s security system, and rescue my teacher! I need your help! Otherwise...” She took in a deep breath."If we don’t have your help, Twilight could possibly be hurt in the hospital, and won’t be able to claim her crown.”
Tempest nodded. She thought quietly for a moment. Finally, she had an idea. "Perhaps, I have a suggestion, Starlight... and like all my suggestions, feel free to ignore it if it seems inappropriate, but..." she leaned closer, and whispered into her ear.
Starlight was clearly willing to listen to anything Tempest was saying that might help. "...what kind of agent job...” Tempest asked her “...did you have in mind?” Starlight beamed at this, and decided to tell her. So far, she was on board. Time to seal the deal with this broken-horned unicorn, and get her to the danger zone! (No pun intended)
At the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence, herself was just finishing wrapping up her delegation papers. She had just handed handed them to one of the advisors, when the doors swung open Trixie came in the throne room. “Princess Cadence?” She asked.
Cadence was taken aback by Trixie’s appearance, but she came to her. “Why, Trixie!” She said in surprise. “What a pleasure to see you. What brings you here all by yourself?”
Trixie just cleared her throat, and motioned Neighsay to come closer, which he did. Cadence gasped. “Chancellor Neighsay! You’re here too?!” She asked.
“I am here, your Highness.” He said, as he turned to Trixie. “Why am I always the last one introduced?” Trixie just shrugged.
“Twilight Sparkle’s visiting Canterlot for a while.” Trixie explained. “And, both Celestia and Luna have planned a hi-tech security system. Shining Armor has helped them with it, and he needs somepony to test it!”
Nobody said anything, as they were confused at this. Finally, Cadence spoke. “Yes, and?” She asked.
“He’s sending Twilight to test it.” Trixie said bluntly, which made Cadence gasp.
“What?!” She asked in shock. “He never told me about this!” She stomped her hooves in fear. “My sister-in-law could be in trouble, and my husband wants her to test a security system?!”
“That’s not all, your Highness.” Neighsay told her. “She also has her friends and that Spike Dragon going along with her!”
Now, Cadence knew what had to be done. “Spike the Brave and Glorious is going too?!” She squealed. “Why did...” she got her game face on. “Shining will have a lot of explaining to do if either of them get hurt! Let’s go!”
“Wait!” Trixie stopped her. “We can’t leave the baby!” She pointed to Twilight’s niece Flurry Heart, who was whimpering about her aunt.
“I’ll take Flurry with me.” Cadence told them. “Besides, Twilight would like it, if she saw her family again. Isn’t that right, Flurry?” She nuzzled her daughter, while Trixie and Neighsay exchanged looks of confusion, and grossness.
“Uh, Cadence?” Neighsay started to speak.
“Oh, right!” Cadence snapped back to reality. “Let’s go!” And they left the castle, and boarded the train in a hurry. Twilight was in trouble, but not if her family had anything to say about it! And two more important pieces of the puzzle were added to the collection.
At Sweet Apple Acres, in the CMC Clubhouse, the trio of destruction...Applebloom, Scootaloo & Sweetie Belle were planning their next move at helping other ponies getting their cutie Marks. So far, they had helped many of their friends.
“Okay, Crusaders!” Applebloom announced. “Back to the business of helpin’ other ponies! Any suggestions?”
“Not recently.” Scootaloo said to her.
“Well, Pip’s throwing a little party this afternoon.” Sweetie Belle put in. “Maybe, we could help set it up.” Both her friends smiled and nodded in agreement.
“Now, that's more like it!” Applebloom replied.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Starlight called out urgently, as she rushed in the clubhouse. “Help!”
“What's wrong, Starlight?” Applebloom asked her.
“I'm putting together an elite team of agents for my mission in Canterlot!” The time pony told them. “I was hoping you three would be my safecrackers!”
All three of them smiled. “We've never tried that before!” The farm filly piped up.
“That sounds like an awesome idea!” Scootaloo added on. “What do ya say, Crusaders?”
“Yeah!” Her friends said, as they (with Starlight) put their hooves together and the pact was made. Now, they needed one more pony for the job, and she knew just who to get!
At the borders of Mt. Everhoof, Cozy Glow...a familiar chess filly was scourging the area to find a certain talisman for her boss, Grogar. Specifically, she was finding his bewitching bell, which would be easy to do if she had her lackeys with her.
“Going it alone to Mt. Everhoof sure was a great idea.” Cozy thought out loud, as she flew towards the shack. “You can’t grab it, if you don’t know what the competition’s up to!” She laughed nervously and sadly. She then noticed a pony coming out of said shack, and she gasped.
“Rusty Bucket’s guarding it?!” She wondered, as she bawled out sadly. “I’ll I’ve done is procrastinate!” She bowed her head down. “Golly, Who am I kidding?” She asked herself. “I will never have the chance to break in and steal an artifact.”
She then felt a hoof on her left shoulder, and turned to see Starlight in a winter coat, smiling at her. “Or...you could have the chance to swipe a Prince’s crown in 10 minutes!” She said to her.
Cozy sniffled. “Will I have to do any of that lost kid act?” She asked.
“No.” Starlight told her.
“I’m in.” Cozy said. Now, all of the team members have been assembled! It was time to lay siege to Canterlot!
At Canterlot, the security system was all set up! The fans were whirling, the guards were patrolling, and Captain Shining Armor was proud of all the precautions that were taken care of. But, as soon as he left, a stage was wheeled over, making him come right back. A pony in well-dressed country singer outfit came right up the stage, and the curtain was raised to reveal a singer. But, it wasn’t any singer! It was...
“Applejack?” Shining gasped, as he ran to her, as she just smiled. “What are you doing?” He asked.
“Applejack?” The farm mare laughed. “Who's that? My name's Apple Chord, and I've got a couple of songs to play for ya.” She got out her guitar. “Clap your hooves if you know 'em! And a one, and a two, and a...” she rapped her hoof against the stage, as she started playing a tune to him and the guards. More guards came to listen to her tune, as she sung out loud.
Above the city, Starlight and her elite team were hovering in an army silver-coated stealth plane, which was operating on auto-pilot for the time being, and on the tail wing was Starlight’s cutie Mark. (Neat plane, huh?) Inside the jet, Starlight approached her team, and was ready to relay the whole mission, so they would know their part.
“I know all of you are tense!” Starlight said to them seriously. “But, listen! You’re the best we’ve got! We’re going in as professionals to rescue the...” she paused for a second to think about who she should say. She sure wasn’t going to say Twilight’s name. That’s for sure! “...Uh, the Huntoon family! Any questions?”
Cozy raised her hoof up. “Hey, Starlight. We’re gonna rescue Twilight, right?” She asked to make sure. “I mean, it’s not like anypony else here knows you’re the Princess of Friendship’s pupil.”
As soon as Celeno heard that, she gasped. “You’re Twilight’s pupil?” She asked in shock. “Starlight Glimmer, ruler of Equaltown, is Twilight Sparkle’s pupil?”
Starlight was entirely shocked, as she facehoofed. “COZY!!!” She shouted.
“Sorry, Starlight.” Trixie said as well. “We both thought Celeno knew.” She crossed her arms, turning her back on them. “I mean, she did meet them, when they were trying to stop the Storm King, and all...”
“I trusted you both, and you BLURTED it out!” Starlight said, turning back to them. “You should’ve checked with me first!”
“This is radical!” Celeno said, as she lept out from her seat. “I gotta tell Boyle, and Mullet!”
Starlight stopped her. “You can’t tell anyone!” She told her.
“How come Trixie, Cozy and Sunset know?” The pirate asked.
“THEY WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO TELL ANYPONY!” The pupil angrily shouted.
Meanwhile, a few miles from the entrance to the city, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie were already in the hot air balloon. Spike had just hopped in, as Rainbow game them a map of the schematics.
“The Wonderbolts did a fly-by, and the only way past those giant fans and into the castle ducts is here.” The Wonderbolt said, pointing at a side of the castle. “But there's no room for mistakes!”
“Just like space travel!” Pinkie said, as she had just put a space helmet on herself and Gummy.
“Uh, Pinkie?” Fluttershy asked her nervously. “We're not actually going into space, right?”
Pinkie just giggled, as she patted her friend on the head. “No, silly! I'm dropping you two off as soon as we're close to the fans!” She said to them, excitedly. “Then I'm going into space!” So far, neither of the two knew if they were going into space or not, or Pinkie. But, somepony would go there, and she would stop at nothing to make sure it stayed that way.
Back on Starlight’s jet, Neighsay came out with a plate full of snacks. “Greetings, everyone.” He said, formally. “I’ve been in the galley making some snacks.” He showed them an assortment of snacks. “I’ve got Brie cheese with chestnut croutons, ceaser salad, liver pate, and bottled Sparkling water.” The others were disgusted by the liver pâté, but not Pharynx, as he sniffed it, and groaned.
“I don’t want this stuff!” He said gruffly. “I want a can of hash, and some coffee.”
“Nonsense!” Neighsay said calm, but seriously. “Eat, what’s in front of you, and try not to dribble on your coat.”
“How about I punch your head down your body?” He said, getting up, while Thorax stopped him.
Neighsay could only smile nervously. “Perhaps, I misspoke.” He said kindly.
“Starlight!” Sunset called out in alarm. “Take a look! Over here! Quick!” The time pony raced towards the front to see the hot air balloon. It was small for her to see.
“Level off at 16 feet!” She commanded. “Up periscope!” A periscope lowered down to her, as she took the handles. She zoomed the scope in the for a closer look, and saw Spike starting to get to the rim of the balloon. “It’s Spike!” She gasped.
Everyone else was shocked now. “Spike?!” Ember, Thorax, Cadence, the CMCs and Trixie called out.
Thorax saw his dragon buddy fly out to the other side of the balloon “What’s he doing?!” He asked. He got his answer as he saw him about to use his claw to cut the balloon.
“He’s gonna cut the balloon!” Ember cried out.
“Not on my watch!” Starlight growled, as she gave out her next commands. “Bearing Mark...2, 6, 2! Feet: 600 yards! Open door tube #1!” She said to the CMCs, as they went to the missile area.
Spike was coming into range, as he was about to put a flat in the balloon! The target was locked on him. “Fire torpedo!” Starlight called out, as Scootaloo hit the button, launching a torpedo at the balloon. The torpedo opened to spring out wing cuffs, which immediately grabbed him by the wings, making him fall back into the balloon as he screamed in horror.
“Direct hit!” Starlight said to her teammates. “We gave that dragon the deep six! Let’s surface!”
“SPIKE, WHAT HAPPENED?!” Rainbow asked in shock.
“I don’t know!” The drake said, as he tried to wriggle out of the cuffs. “I feel like my body’s been binded! I CAN’T MOVE MY WINGS!” Fluttershy, Pinkie and Dash all gasped upon seeing him feel boxed in. It looked like they would have to at least try to wriggle him free before they could land.
Meanwhile in the jet, Starlight walked over to Neighsay, who had his back turned on her. “Look, Neighsay. You’ve just got to get to know Thorax’s brother. He’s okay!” She told him.
“He’s a brute!” Neighsay said sadly. “He hates me! I try to make things nice, and what’s my reward? To be spat upon like an old hound?”
Starlight tried to say something, when the alarm went off. “Aw, horseapples!” She said, as she went to the front.
“I slave away all this time, not once taking a vacation!” Neighsay continued.
“It’s your first day!” Starlight called out, as she diverted her attention to the GPS. “Enemy aircraft??” The Jet’s back wings got struck by the fans, throwing the jet off course, and throwing everyone to the front, as they squished her to the cockpit.
“Oh, that’s right!” Starlight realized. “Enemy aircraft are bad! Got it! Filed! Stored!”
As the jet began to lose altitude, it veered towards the hot air balloon, and immediately punctured it without warning. Pinkie looked up, and immediately got nervous. “Should NOW be a good time to discuss the balloon being punctured by that JET?!” She asked them.
The others except Dash looked up. “Yeah.” She said, smugly. “Wait, What!?” she looked up and was now horrified, as their balloon was about to crash. They all screamed.
“April Day! April Day!” Rainbow shouted. “We’re going down!”
“Don’t you mean May Day?” Fluttershy asked, confused.
“May, June, July…who cares?!” The bolt panicked. “We’re in deep pony biscuits!” The balloon was loosing altitude pretty quickly!
“We’re all gonna die!” Pinkie called out! Luckily, Starlight’s jet got out a spatula addition, and scooped up the party pony, flinging her into the depths of Space, as she screamed in excitement.
“What about us?!” Fluttershy called out as they were about to go down! There was no time to free Spike as Rainbow scooped her friends out, and they jumped out of the balloon.
It was also time for Starlight and her crew to jump out, as the jet was about to crash and burst into flames any second. She looked out the window, and to her teammates! “Everybody out!” She yelled. “Let’s go! Go! Go!” She first allowed space for Ember, Silverstream, Gallus, Daring, Smolder, Thorax, Pharynx, Cadence (with Flurry Heart), Terramar, Chrysalis, Cozy & Skystar to fly out of the jet because they could easily make it out.
She moved on to the heavyweight, as Sandbar jumped out, breaking out his parachute, instantly. Discord immediately slithered out of the jet with no problem. “Go, Yona! Go!” Starlight called out, as she pushed the yak out, as she screamed. “You have a parachute too, you know!” Starlight called out. Yona stopped screaming as she pulled the ripcord, and her parachute came out. She was safe.
“Go, Sunset! Go!” Starlight motioned the pen pal to jump out, which she did, and pulled her ripcord as her parachute came out.
It was a little hard to push Tirek out of their, due to his immense weight and height, but Starlight kept pushing him out. “Come on, Tirek!” She strained. “Go!” He popped out of the jet, while his parachute let out.
“Go, Celeno! Go!” Starlight motioned the pirate to pack her sword in her sheath, as she jumped out, and pulled her parachute.
“Go, Capper! Go!” Starlight called out again, as Capper took a look, and immediately jumped out with his eyes shut, and pulled the ripcord. When he opened his eyes, he was relieved to find that he was hanging from his parachute, and smiled, knowing he was safe.
“Go, Tempest! Go!” Starlight called out still, as Tempest took notice of the drop. She gulped, took a deep breath, and jumped off the jet, pulling the ripcord almost at once.
The CMCs took notice, and saw their parachutes. “Okay!” Applebloom and Scootaloo said. “Rock, paper, scissors...”
“Chute!” They saw Sweetie Belle with her parachute on, as she jumped out. “Hasta la Vista, Crusaders!” She said, as she jumped.
“Hey, Wait for us!” Scootaloo said, as she took her parachute and jumped out.
“Cannonball!” Applebloom shouted, getting into a ball position with her parachute after jumping out of the jet.
“GO, NEIGHSAY! GO!” Starlight shouted, as she tried to get the chancellor out, as he was holding onto the frame of the door.
“STOP, YOU NINNY!” Neighsay screamed in fear. “I’m not wearing a parachute!” He was pushed out, as he was screaming like a little baby.
Starlight took notice that he had no parachute on. “Oops.” She said, with regret as he fell to the ground. Luckily, someone would catch him.
That left only herself and Trixie as they were ready to jump out. “All the passengers are safely out, Trixie!” She said. “Ready to bail out?”
“You bet, I am!” Trixie said, as she started to jump off, but Starlight grabbed her.
“Hold it! We overlooked one tiny detail, Trixie!” Starlight told her.
“Which is?” Trixie wanted to know.
“We’re not wearing any parachutes!” She pulled her back in the jets, as Trixie now got nervous.
“What?!” She asked.
“Didn’t you pack enough chutes for us too?” Starlight asked.
Trixie smiled nervously. “Uh, I may have taken those out to make room for Neighsay’s snacks.” She said sheepishly.
Starlight facehoofed in anger. “Well, THIS IS JUST GREAT!!!” She shouted at her friend. They both got up, and saw Twilight chasing her friends in the balloon.
“How about Twilight being there for us? Feel lucky, Trixie?” She asked, as Trixie nodded. “Then, let’s just do it!”
They huddled onto themselves and screamed in terror, falling to their doom. However, they both realized they could use their horns, as they safely levitated themselves to the ground. They noticed the jet, and immediately jumped out of the way, right before the jet landed, bursting into flames!
They all met up with the others who had landed safely. “Is everyone alright?” Starlight asked them.
“Super duper, Starlight!” Skystar said as she gave them the thumbs up. Terramar too.
“We should do that again!” Scootaloo whooped in excitement, fluttering her wings.
“We’re all here!” Cadence said, as she and Daring waved to them. Flurry fluttered in excitement, as they rushed over to them.
“Boy, glad Flurry’s alright.” Starlight said in relief. They then heard a voice. “The pain!”
They all looked to see Pharynx holding onto Neighsay by his leg. “Thank you, Pharynx for saving me!” He thanked him. “As promised, I’ll make your canned dish of wretched slop.”
“That’s a can of hash, and some coffee!” Pharynx reminded him.
The heist crew was approaching the castle, ready for the ultimate break-in. So far, Twilight’s team was doing well with Starlight’s diversion. But, the real action was about to begin. Starlight turned to the team. “Okay! Everypony knows the plan!” She said to them.
“Starlight, you never actually GAVE us a plan!” Gallus pointed out, as everyone nodded.
“It was more of a broad outline.” Skystar explained to her. At that moment, a few guards circled around them.
“Halt or you will be caught!” One of the male guards said to them. Now, they felt like they were trapped with no way of ensuring that Twilight’s team would win.
“Dun dun Duuuuuuuuunnnnn!” The entire crew said, as they were all caught between a rock and a hard place.
“You are all spies!” A female guard said to them. “You are all under arrest!” She pointed a hoof at Neighsay. “You in the robe! Step forward!”
“I think she means you, Chancellor.” Sunset said, as he nodded and slowly stepped towards them.
“Were you not part of the Equestrian Education Association that shut down Princess Twilight’s school?” The same guard asked him.
“Hush, you incompetent whelp!” Neighsay snarled silently. Starlight immediately took this chance to motion Daring to sneak towards the guards. As she did that, she tapped one of the male guards by the helmet, and he noticed her.
“Hi. I’m gonna join you!” She said, as she got out a wooden beam, and whacked him in the face. The other guards ran for her, but she smacked them with that beam, and when they were all down, tossed it as they made a break for the entrance to the castle without being caught.
Meanwhile, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were headed right for the juice bar, and were immediately shocked to see that it was closed. “What's this? Closed?!” the fashionista asked in outrage.
“Oh, the seedy juice joint is always closed around this time.” The waiter of the place told them.
Rarity was not going to have it, as she shook him hard. “Then how are we meant to shake down ne'er-do-wells for information?!” she shouted.
“What sort of information do you need?” The waiter asked her.
“Um, the location to a secret entrance to the passages under Canterlot Castle.” Rainbow answered.
“You mean that one?” he pointed to an already sealed entrance. Sure enough, it was exactly what they meant.
“Yes, thank you.” Rarity thanked him. “That will do nicely.” They both started to make their way towards the passageway sneakily, not knowing that Rainbow, herself would run into an old annoying acquaintance of hers.
Back to the heist crew, as they snuck stealthily across the area, where Rarity and Dash were. They all made it over there one by one to a nearby bush, where they hid to discuss other matters on the mission. “Okay, NOW, I say we think of a plan!” Starlight said to her team.
“Oh, you thought about that just now?!” Trixie spat out, while she tried to shush her to avoid being caught.
“Okay, everyone! Listen up!” She said, not too loud, but just the right volume so that her team could hear, as they listened in. “Here’s what we’ll do!” She pointed to the castle, as she discussed her plan. “The castle is surrounded by shards of Chrysalis' throne. Thanks to Star Swirl, its anti-magic powers are now tuned to stop anycreature from using a spell to get inside.”
She pointed to the giant fans above them. “Those Giant fans...the ones that nearly took out our plane...they keep anycreature from flying too close to the castle.” She continued, as she pointed to the brick walled in entrances. “The entrances to the tunnels below the castle have been sealed, so there's no underground access.” She pointed every which way there was a guard patrolling the area. “Shining has also doubled the ranks of security. Ponies protect every hallway and door.”
She turned back to her team. “I have no idea what kind of traps Shining has put inside the castle!” She told them. “But, let’s say there ARE traps inside. Like...geese, and floor traps, which is what we're up against.”
“So, all we have to do is to sabotage the system from the outside, and inside...if there ARE any inside.” Smolder suggested.
“But, even if we were to get in...” Sandbar added. “There’s a good chance we could not only get caught, but we could also put our professors in jeopardy.”
“Not to mention wrecking any chance Twilight has of getting her crown back.” Daring finished.
“That’s why I got the perfect plan!” The time pony said, turning to each of the members. “We’re gonna split up into teams.” Everyone gasped in confusion. “We can cover more ground, and get the job done twice as fast! Here’s my plan! Chrysalis, Thorax, & Pharynx...” she addressed the changelings. “I want you three to find those shards, and try to disarm the tuning spell!” They nodded.
“That sounds promising!” Chrysalis said, smiling in delight.
“Ember, Smolder, Cadence, Cozy, Celeno, Gallus, Silverstream and Terramar...” she addressed the hi powered fliers. “...You guys try to take out the fans! Knock them down if need be.”
“Roger!” They said, saluting her.
“You can count on us!” Ember said with gusto.
“Yona, Tempest, Sunset, Trixie & Sandbar.” She addressed the pony and yak. “I want you to try to uncover the sealed entrances...in other words, blow them up with dynamite.” They saluted her.
“We aim to please!” Tempest told her.
“Roger that!” Sunset said.
“Call that a great and powerful break in!” Trixie added.
“Yona ready to smash entrance!” The yak added, as Sandbar started to get nervous.
“Tirek!” She told the centaur, pointing at the guards. “You go, and suck the magic from those guards, and try to help them!” She pointed to the dynamite team.
The centaur smiled. “With pleasure!” He said.
“Discord, I want you to use your chaos magic, and summon chocolate rain over the kingdom!” Starlight told the draconniqus, who jumped in glee.
“Oh ho ho!” He said, getting into his scheming pose. “If it’s chocolate rain you want, then it’s chocolate rain you get!” He jumped up, and slithered over to a tower in the kingdom to execute his plan.
“Crusaders...front and Center!” She told the fillies. “Can you three distract the guards over there or inside?”
They beamed. “You got it!” Applebloom said, as they got tools out. “Cutie Mark Crusaders Guard Distracters GO!” They pumped their hooves up!
“Daring, Capper, Neighsay and I will stay behind, and try to get around any other obstacles!” Starlight told them. “But, we all have one goal, and that is to make sure Twilight gets her royal crown back! Is that clear?” They all nodded. “Okay, we’re ready! But remember...the success of this mission depends on absolute secrecy, under NO circumstances must anyone else not affiliated with our team follow us. Nobody must also break radio silence either! Understood?”
“Got it!” Tirek said. “But, I don’t have to like it!”
“Alright then, let’s move out!” Starlight shouted, as they all nodded, and split up into various directions to do their designated jobs. They had to succeed...for Twilight!
Starlight’s team checked above the bush, and saw Princess Luna with a green pegasus in guard Armor flying down towards the guards, as the green pegasus adressed the night Princess. She was shocked. “Princess Luna?!” She asked in surprise, turning to her team. “What is she doing here?” Both shrugged in confusion, as they felt the same way as she.
Just a few feet from her, Rainbow and Rarity both saw them as well, and the Wonderbolt was horrified. “Zephyr Breeze?!” she screeched.
“Fluttershy’s brother??” Starlight asked, as they too were shocked.
“Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho, darling, this couldn't be more perfect!” Rarity giggled, as she came up with a plan.
“How is this perfect?!” Rainbow cried out in outrage. “He's the most annoying pony in Equestria, and he's totally obsessed with me, and we have to come up with a way to distract—“ she saw Rarity’s eyelids flutter, and right there and then, she suddenly knew what she was talking about. “Oh, no. Oh, no-no, no way!” She said, waving her hoof in objection. “Unh-unh!”
Starlight, was trying to think of a way to get in. “We need to find a way to distract him.” She told her teammates. “He’s already guarding the entrance, and we have to think of a diversion.”
“But, how?” Neighsay asked.
“We need to put our heads together!” Starlight said, as they all sat down and thought about a possible solution. She looked up, and saw her Bolt friend’s hair all dolled up, her eyes with purple eyeshadow, herself in a pink dress, and Purple Heart earrings, and a necklace completed her outfit. Rarity was clapping in excitement, while she sighed in exasperation.
Starlight let out a chortle. “Oh, wow! She looks pretty silly, looking like that!” she thought, seeing her like this. Suddenly, an idea popped in her head. “That’s it!” She said, out loud, going back to her teammates. “We need to get somepony to seduce Zephyr, and drag him away from the entrance. Got that?”
“I don’t want to be a girl!” Neighsay told her gruffly.
“Me neither!” Capper added.
“Not you two! Her!” She pointed to Daring, who was confused.
“Uh, guys?” She asked. “Why are you looking at me like that?” They all looked at her seductively, as they were ready to put their plan in motion.
As Zephyr was dusting off his guard Armor, Rainbow scooted towards him, and he gasped. “Wha...? Rainbow!” He piped. “I knew you'd come running when you heard I got this job! The mares love a pony in uniform, am I right?” He winked at her.
“Not really.” Dash groaned, but saw Rarity pull the motions and she sighed. “I mean, eh, totally.” She changed her tone. “Why don't you step into the light so I can see how... ugh... handsome you look in it?”
Zephyr was about to follow her, when he heard someone say, “Yoo-hoo! Zephyr!” He turned to see Daring in a beach bikini, and her hair was all wavy without her hat, and she had the same eyeshadow, and lipstick on her mouth. She blew a kiss towards him.
Zephyr had never seen such visionate beauty in his life...other than Rainbow Dash! But, his eyes turned into hearts, as he waved to her smittenly, as she giggled. “Hellooooo, Nurse!” He said silently, as he turned to Rainbow. “I’ll have to talk to you later! Love awaits!” He took off towards her, while Daring ran to get his attention. “Here I come, beautiful!” He called out. Rainbow sighed in relief, as she took off flying towards the others.
Rarity seized this chance to get towards the entrance. She strained to get a few bricks out, and seeing how easy it was, she used her magic to take out a few more. In a few seconds, it became easy as pie.
Starlight peeked out of the bush and smiled. “Oh, boy! I can’t believe that actually worked!” She said with glee! Daring zoomed back to them, saluting them. “Jwahol, Starlight!” She said. She sighed with relief, as she went into the open.
“Alright, let’s...!” She started.
“Cheese it!” Capper called urgently. “The bolt’s coming back.” She saw Rainbow come back, and lept back in the bush, as they went inside.
The peeked out again. “After them!” She whispered, as they stealthily followed them in the underground chamber. That’s one obstacle down. There were more to go!
The changeling team arrived to the main entrance to the castle, and stopped at the door. They had to disarm the spell, and remove the shards. “The castle is protected by the shards of your old throne.” Thorax told the former Queen. “There’s even a spell that prevents anyone from getting in, like Starlight said.”
“True.” Chrysalis agreed. “But even so…”
“Let’s try flying in!” Pharynx said, as he took off.
“Pharynx! Wait!” His brother called out, but he was already in his way in. Unfortunately, he got zapped by the spell, and fell down to the ground, shocking the other two. “Pharynx, are you okay?” He asked him.
Pharynx got up, rubbing his head in pain. “This is going to be harder than I thought.” He told them. “It seems that we can’t fly in either.”
“There must be a way to get in.” Thorax thought out loud.
“Those guards brought the remains of my throne to Canterlot to protect themselves. Hah!” Chrysalis sneered. “Those shards block their magic, as well.” She noticed her lackeys coming right inside, as she rushed over to them, grabbing their tails.
“Careful, you two!” She warned them. “Too close and the shards cancel even our powers.”
“There’s got to be a safer way!” Pharynx said to them.
Suddenly, Thorax had an idea. “I got it!” He proclaimed. “The spell affect those trying to get in…”
“But, Shining didn’t say it would affect those outside of it!” Pharynx finished. “You know, for a brother being a good leader, you sure think well on your feet.” Thorax blushed at that.
“Then, why are you standing there like federal workers?” Chrysalis asked them. “Let’s blast that spell dry!” All three changelings walked up to the entrance, and started to concentrate their powers in their horns. They had to time this right. They started powering up their horns all at once. “Ready?” She asked, as they nodded Their horns were fully at the ready now. “1…2…3!”
They all fired at the tower with all the power they had, and within a few seconds, the spell almost immediately depowered down, as there were clanging sounds inside the tower. “Yes!” She said in triumph. “And now…” she transformed herself into a purple guard pony, as Thorax turned into a white male guard pony, and Pharynx into a cyan female pony. They arrived to the other guards.
“Transfer.” She told them. “We have to head inside. Open up.” They saw that one of the guards was entering and the door was opening. Immediately, they zoomed inside, before the door closed in on them.
“We made it!” Thorax said, as they saw the interior. “We’re in!”
“Now, to find those shards!” His brother added, as they nodded. They searched every corner, staying together in search of the throne pieces. They arrived to the main hallway, and were about to enter the throne room, when Chrysalis pulled in them.
“Not here!” She said sternly to them. “The shards are located in different areas.” They nodded, as they retreated, and left for other areas.
They searched, and searched until they found one in the main top of the tower. Chrysalis found another shard in the archives, while Thorax found one in the corners of one of the other hallways, and Pharynx found another in Luna’s bedchambers. They regrouped with all 4 shards.
“We found them all!” Pharynx said happily.
“Perfect!” Chrysalis said, as she smiled, looking at them. “Now, all we have to do, is make sure the others are doing well with their plans!” They nodded, as walked stealthily out of the room, and flew out of a window in the top of the castle.
In the Open, a few guards were walking together, as they switched shifts. As they were walking, a mysterious, shadowy figure emerged from the bushes.
He smiled. “Now, to suck the life force from those ponies!” He said, smiling devilishly. He quickly jumped a great distance, and landed towards a pile of guards, as they gasped. Tirek seized this chance to take off his robe and toss it to the side, revealing his whole self in his former glory.
“Surprise!” He announced, as they gasped upon seeing him.
“Aah! It’s Tirek!” A male white guard shouted, as they got into their fighting stance, as a few readied their horns up. But, that proved to be futile, as the centaur sucked their powers dry.
More guards came, and tried to take him on, but he chuckled, and sucked their powers clean too! At last, his muscles and horns were back in action. "So... much... power!" Tirek said excitedly! "Welcome back, baby!" He said as he kissed his arms.
“Now, my job here is done.” He said, smirking. “Time to help the dynamite crew blow the entrances up.” He left to see to the other team, as the guards limped on the ground, and fell down, as they were too weak to get up, or even do anything!
Meanwhile, Discord, the Spirit of Chaos himself, was watching Tirek leave his post, and smirked. “Wonderful!” He said out loud. “Tirek’s done his part! Now, it’s time for me to do mine!” He pondered about how to throw them off. “What to do…what to do…” Suddenly, a light bulb came off. “I know!” He rubbed his hands together, and snapped both his fingers, conjuring a gigantic cotton Candy cloud.
He pushed it over the town square, sending it there, as it spewed out chocolate milk rain on the entire city, making the ponies gasp react in confusion, disgust and surprise. Discord watched, and laughed with glee. “Now, to lift their spirits!” He said, snapping his fingers, making the guards lift off the ground, as they screamed in horror upon seeing them get lifted.
All he could do was smile evilly, and zoom off towards another area to spread his chaos magic. “I never thought doing the right thing could be so entertaining!” He said happily, as he got ready to snap his fingers again, for even more chaos!
The Cutie Mark Crusaders had somehow snuck inside the castle, due to a back door open. They saw all the guards guarding all the hallways and entrances. They jumped into a crack in the wall, as one guard came to them. When he passes, they jumped back into the open. “Wow. Starlight wasn’t kidding.” Scootaloo said in shock. “There really ARE a lot of guards inside and outside.” She pointed to the numerous guards patrolling inside.
“Oh, this is ridiculous!” Applebloom facehoofed in frustration. “Can’t we be with the blasting team with Yona, Sunset and Tempest?!”
“But, Applebloom!” Sweetie Belle pointed out. “Starlight gave us this job to distract the guards! I’ve been dying to do this!”
“Y’all probably will die...” the farm filly, as she showed her her rumbling belly. “...of Starvation.”
“Hey, Lookie lookie!” Sweetie Belle said, as the guards changed shifts. Applebloom sighed angrily. This would take longer than they thought.
Scootaloo sighed, and decided to take initiative. “I’m gonna get us inside!” She raced in the hallway, to the middle. “HEY!” She called out, breathing rapidly. “I wonder who’s Beemur’s on fire in the parking lot?!” The guards screamed as they ran every which way out the room, spinning the CMCs making them dizzy.
Scootaloo recovered instantly. “I guess that means we’re in!” She said, as she got them up, and they made their way in. Their job was done. Now, it was all up to the others!
Back outside of the castle, Twilight, herself was pacing around the area, hoping her friends were doing their parts without any hitches. Starlight saw her teacher and smiled, happy that she was safe so far. But that halted, as Shining stood a few inches away from her, as she paced. She gasped, and immediately grabbed a baseball bat. Slowly, she want right behind him, casting an invisibility spell on herself, as to not be seen.
Twilight saw her brother, looking a little suspicious towards her, as she bumped into him. “You're up to something...” he started, but he was whacked in the back of the head by Starlight’s bat. He collapsed to the ground, dazed, as his sister gasped upon seeing him hit. She saw the bat, as it ran away, trying to process what happened.
“Why did a bat come out of nowhere, and hit my brother in the back of the head?” Twilight wondered out loud, at this scenario. “Either way, maybe, Rarity's plan will work after all!” She smiled, knowing that no problems, besides the balloon falling happened. Maybe, the heist would work after all.
Fluttershy and Spike had successfully managed to fly right to the throne room, and Spike was able to use his claws to cut a small opening in one of the stained glass windows so he and Fluttershy could sneak in (as there were no vents). But when Spike noticed the nesting geese all around the throne room, he had to act fast to catch the circle he'd cut out so it wouldn't fall and alert the geese. "Oh man, I almost forgot about them." He whispered to Fluttershy.
"We’ll just have to glide our way to the thrones.” Fluttershy whispered back. "No flapping."
Spike nodded. "Got it." He said, to which Fluttershy had already started to glide away from the opening.
As they did that, the CMCs made their way into the throne room quietly. All that was needed was the crown. “Okay, all we have to do is get the crown!” Applebloom said happily. “It shouldn’t be that hard.”
“I don’t think so, Applebloom.” Scootaloo said, as she pointed up to see geese on top of the columns, curled up on their legs. Now, the fillies were shocked, as their eyes widened.
“Well, at lease we know Starlight was right about there possibly being geese inside the throne room.” Sweetie Belle whispered to her friends.
They gasped in shock simultaneously, as they didn’t have a plan for that sort of emergency. “Uh oh, y’all!” Applebloom said. “I don’t think Starlight gave us any thing about the geese inside!”
“That’s a problem!” Scootaloo added.
“Now what?” Sweetie Belle asked, as the other two could only shrug.
As they were discussing what to do with the geese, Spike and Fluttershy neared the two thrones, only to find that one of the geese had been placed there to guard it. It spotted them and began to honk loudly and angrily! Several other geese started to do the same!
Spike and Fluttershy landed in front of the thrones, only to activate the trap door and tumble through it! This caught the attention of the three fillies, as they rushed over to the throne quickly. “Was that Fluttershy?!” Sweetie Belle asked in shock. “Okay…Floor traps…Starlight was right about two things!”
Scootaloo tried to lift the trap door open, but her hooves were too big to lift up. “It’s stuck!” She grunted. “SPIKE! FLUTTERSHY!” She called out.
“What do we do now, y’all?!” Applebloom asked in horror.
As luck would have it, this little mishap occurred just before Princess Luna happened to poke her head into the throne room, as the crusaders quickly hid behind the throne without being seen. "Sister!" She called in an annoyed tone. “Anotherfalse alarm from Shining Armor's guard geese!” And she left the throne room. Having heard her sister's call of distress, Princess Celestia left to go investigate and Shining Armor went with her to quiet down the geese.
As Shining tried to calm the geese down, the crusaders hyperventilated nervously, knowing that they were in the room. “This is bad! I don’t like this!” Applebloom said, hushed. “Spike and Fluttershy could get claustrophobic!”
“Now, I KNOW Starlight should’ve have told us about those booby traps!” Sweetie Belle said, crossing her arms.
“Well, now WHAT?!” Scootaloo said, almost on shouting level.
Applebloom covered her friend’s mouth. “Shush! Will you be QUIET!” She said. The sisters, and captain turned to the throne confused as if they heard them. But, they shrugged, and just left, while Shining continued to deal with the geese.
As the geese were put back in their place, the CMCs breathed with relief as Shining left. “That was close!” Sweetie Belle said.
“Too close!” Both fillies said, nervously.
Sweetie poked her head out, and sighed. “I wish we all thought this through.” She said.
“So, now what?” Scootaloo asked impatiently.
“We need to tell Starlight about this!” Applebloom put in, as her friend nodded.
“I don’t think she’ll like hearing that.” Sweetie said at first, but after seeing her friend’s puppy dog eyes, she sighed. “You’re right. We need to tell them. Let’s go!” They stealthily sneaked out of the throne room, and jumped off the balcony to find their teams. So far, a snag was hit in Twilight’s plan. But, there was a way to get it back on track!
As the CMCs left, Twilight was quickly becoming a nervous wreck. "We should have heard by now! Something must have gone wrong!" She said, panicked.
"More like several somethings, Sugarcube.” Applejack commented to her friend. “I’m not sure about what else I can play.” She pointed to the guards leaving the concert, as she said that.
The young alicorn gulped as she saw the guards starting to leave the concert while a nervous Applejack/Apple Chord struggled to think of anything to sing. "This isn’t good!” The alicorn said worriedly. “No lookout, no distraction, and no word from any of the ponies inside! I'm starting to think this whole operation might just be a giant flop!" She was about to panic again.
Little did she know, her former Star pupil had a plan to help her succeed. And her plan would get back on track…real soon, after the CMCs warned her team.
Starlight, and her team were following both Rarity and Dash and so far, no word to Twilight yet. As they were were about to keep following them, the CMCs came bursting in behind them. “Starlight! Starlight!” They shouted urgently.
They turned to see the fillies, and gasped. “Girls?” Starlight asked. “What’s wrong?!”
“Starlight…” Applebloom started. “…we were able to distract the guards, and make our way in! But, when we got to the throne room, there were a bunch of geese, all swarming around the place!”
“…and, we saw Fluttershy and Spike fall down a floor trap!” Scootaloo finished. “Both of which YOU DID NOT MENTION!”
Starlight and her team gasped, as they heard this. “Okay, now we KNOW Shining had set up security inside as well!” She deduced.
“YOU THINK?!” Sweetie spat out in rage.
“That means Twilight has hit a snag in her plan.” Capper figured out. “…that we’re gonna get back on track! We need to tell the others.”
“Agreed!” Starlight finished.
“We need to make sure the others know about this, without Princess Sparkle catching us in the act.” Neighsay said, seriously.
“No worries!” Scootaloo said in excitement. “We’ll get word out!”
“Alright, you three!” Daring told them, as they nodded. “Go get word out to the other teams. We’ll check back in a few!”
“You got it!” The CMCs said, as they skidaddled out of there.
“Good luck.” Neighsay said, as they got back to following their friends.
The crusaders burst out of the underground passage, and right past the guards outside to spread the word to the other teams. “Red alert!” They shouted, loud enough for them to hear. “Red alert!” Scootaloo was sounding, "Ca-CAAAAAAAAAWWWW!!!" Extremely loud as well.
The fan team immediately froze in shock upon hearing that, and tensed up. “What the heck was that?!” Smolder asked in terror. The others looked to see the CMCs running amok screaming out the same signal.
“Guys, it’s only the crusaders.” Silverstream replied.
“Wait…” Skystar said. “I don’t know if that is good news or bad news.”
Scootaloo skidded to a stop, and shouted. “Guys! Guys! Fluttershy and Spike are trapped inside!”
Now, every gasped at that. “What?!” Cozy shouted in shock. “That can’t be good!”
“That means Spike’s in trouble!” Cadence said in alarm.
“Drop whatever you’re doing, and get down from there!” Scootaloo shouted, as she took off for the other teams.
“Looks like the fans will have to wait!” Ember said, knowing what they must do. “Let’s go rescue Spike!” They nodded, and they jumped off the towers, and landed with a hard thud, not even caring if they made any noise.
Applebloom screeched to a stop towards the dynamite team, shouting “Help!”, Which caught their attention.
“Oh, no!” Sandbar said with worry. “What’s wrong, Applebloom?”
“Apparently, there ARE traps inside this castle!” The farm filly wailed. “Fluttershy and Spike both fell in one of the floor traps!” This sent them into a state of frenzy!
“What?!” They asked.
“Professors in deep doo doo?!” Yona asked, terrified, to which she nodded.
“We’ve got to find them!” Sunset said, as they took off. “Come on, girls! Follow me!” So far, another team taken care of!
Sweetie Belle ran towards Tirek, and halted in fear, as the centaur was about to suck her magic. Luckily, he saw her and stopped. “Oh, it’s only you.” He said in regret and relief. “What is it?”
“Tirek!” Sweetie panted. “There’s a snag inside the castle! Fluttershy and Spike both got sealed in.”
“Hang on!” Tirek said to her. “It’s not Princess Twilight, right?” He said, calming down. “It’s only a couple of her friends?”
“BESIDES THE POINT, TIREK!” Sweetie screamed.
“Sweetie Belle!” Discord said, as he showed up. “What’s going on? You said it was an emergency?”
“Twilight’s friends got sealed in the floor traps inside the castle!” The filly explained.
“That’s not much of a problem for us.” Discord groaned. “That’s not an emergency!”
“Yes, but Fluttershy and Spike got sealed in!” She pointed out, as they both gasped in shock.
“WHAT?!” They both asked in horror.
“They ARE in trouble, Discord!” Tirek said, revving up his muscles. “Let’s go!” Discord nodded, as he changed into a Red Baron outfit.
“To Fluttershy!” He said, as they ran towards the castle. Sweetie sighed, as she took off for the changelings.
As the changelings we’re heading towards Starlight, all three crusaders stopped at them, as they gasped. “What do you kids want?” Chrysalis asked, impatient.
“Thorax, we have something to tell you.” Applebloom said urgently.
“What is it?” Thorax asked.
“Spike and Fluttershy both got sealed in the trap door!” They shouted at once. “Now, we really know Shining HAS set up security inside as well.” They gasped.
“That’s not good!” Pharynx said in shock.
“We need to get Spike out, before they get claustrophobic!” Thorax said urgently.
“Gee, did I say that a while ago?” Sweetie grumbled.
“No time to lose!” Chrysalis said, as they lifted off! “Let’s get inside!” And they all took off for the castle to find their friends, and get Twilight’s status restored. The secret mission was now turning into a rescue mission, and it would take a stroke of luck to free their friends, and sabotage the system after…but, they would make it work.
Back in the throne room, Spike and Fluttershy were both stuck in the floor trap. It wasn't long before Fluttershy started to hyperventilate as she and Spike remained trapped underneath the trap door with seemingly no way out. “Oh no!” She whimpered.
"Gee, Fluttershy.” Spike said sarcastically to the pegasus. "I thought your whole small spaces thing was just part of the plan to be unexpected.”
"I didn't think something like this would ever happen," Fluttershy explained in a desperate tone of voice. "Once, I got trapped in the Castle of the Two Sisters, and Angel Bunny and I were separated!” She recalled her moment, when she first came to Celestia and Luna’s old castle in the Everfree Forest, as she said that. “Now whenever I'm in a tiny room, it's all I can think about! I was so worried he felt alone and forgotten!”
Spike looked down at the ground and gave a longing sigh. "I know that that's like.” he said sadly.
The pegasus mare shot the dragon a puzzled expression. "What do you mean, Spike?” She asked.
“Inwas always excited to be a part of Twilight's and Shining Armor's rivalry, like I was their little brother.” Spike commented. “But they never really thought of me that way.”
Fluttershy draped a wing over Spike. "I know they both have a special place in their heart for you, but sibling dynamics are hard.” She smiled sweetly at him. “Trust me.”
Spike giggled. "Yeah, it's easy to see why Zephyr isn't your older sibling." He said.
Fluttershy smiled. "And honestly, I think he could learn a lot from you being a little brother.” She said kindly.
The CMCs, Discord, the changelings and Tirek raced back to the throne room, that none of the geese spotted them. They arrived at the throne, as Applebloom pointed to the floor.
“See?” She shouted. “I told you there were geese and floor traps in there!” They all saw the geese sleeping, and got nervous.
“That’s pretty devilish.” Thorax put in.
“I only glanced at the floor trap, but I'm pretty sure they’re not supposed to be there.” Pharynx pointed to them.
“Ooh, I do not like this!” Discord grumbled. “There’s geese in the room, Fluttershy’s in danger, and so is Spike! We need to get to them.”
Tirek touched the trap, as it opened, and his eyes widened. “It's not big enough for me!" He warned them.
“But it is for me!” Discord said, changing into a space outfit. “I’m coming, Fluttershy!” He touched the trap door, which opened, and slithered through. Inside, he looked around for his friends, but saw no sign of them. He lifted up the floor trap. “She's not in there!” He said, as they gasped.
“What?!” They asked.
“But, where are they?” Scootaloo asked.
“Don’t look now…” Tirek said to them. “…but I think I heard some other voices downstairs. And one of them was a little posh.”
“Posh voice…” Sweetie Belle wondered, until she realized who it was. “Rarity! RARITY!” She banged her head in the cushion in frustration, as to not wake up the geese.
“We should at least let Spike know we’re here.” Pharynx put in.
“Good idea, Pharynx.” Thorax said, as he touched the door, opening it. “Let’s go, and find them!”
“Right!” The crusaders said, as they followed them down.
“And, you get back outside, and warn Starlight about this!” Chrysalis warned him. “I don’t have to like it, but we have to!”
“That tone will not make me go any faster.” he said, as he crossed his arms.
“TIREK!” She shouted below!
“That one will.” he said quickly, as he left the throne room to find the others, and regroup for an improvisation to the plan.
Back underground, Fluttershy and Spike were trying to make it out of their trap, as there came a rumbling sound and one of the walls suddenly parted! On the other side stood an unaware Rarity and Rainbow Dash. "I am sick of being lost in these slimy corridors, too! But you shouldn't pull every lever you come across!" Rarity scolded Rainbow. "Half of them are traps!"
"Yeah, and the other half might open a secret passage to the castle!" Rainbow protested, not knowing that Starlight and her team were right behind her. "It's not my fault you didn't ask for directions!"
Rarity just sighed. "It's not worth the risk!” she screeched in anger. She then saw Spike. “Oh, hello, Spike.” She said kindly, before turning back to Dash. “Even if we did find our way back to the castle, we'd still have all of those guards!”
“Rarity!” Starlight cried out, as she and her team arrived, making them gasp.
“STARLIGHT?!” They gasped.
“Rainbow Dash?” Daring asked in shock.
“A.K.?!” Rainbow said, as she hugged her idol.
“Daring do?!” Rarity asked in shock. “Spike? Fluttershy?!” She took full notice of them, and they hugged their missing friends. “What are all of you doing here?”
“What do you think we’re all doing here?” Capper asked, smiling slyly.
“Capper!” Rarity said, as she ran towards him, hugging him.
Discord and Tirek arrived here as well, as the draconniqus beamed in excitement. “Fluttershy! Spike!!” He squealed.
“Discord?!” They both asked in shock.
“TIREK?!” They all shouted in shock, horror and anger.
“What is he doing here?!” Rainbow asked in anger.
“Relax…ponies!” He said, smiling and crossing his arms. “I’m not here to hurt you!” He stuck out his hands. “See?”
“Oh, gee, why don’t I believe that!?” Rarity said, angrily crossing her arms.
“We’re here to rescue you guys!” Discord bravely proclaimed.
"And, speaking of…Aren't you supposed to be in the throne room?" Rainbow asked them.
“We were, but then we fell through the trap door," Fluttershy reluctantly replied, and then frowned. "I don't think our plan is working."
"Back off, everyone!” Capper said, seriously. “Back. It. Up! Y'all in some serious danger!”
“Where’s Princess Twilight?” Neighsay asked them.
“We have no idea.” Spike confirmed.
The fashionista surprisingly agreed. "Indeed it isn't. We’ve hit dead ends.” She said regretfully.
“Not all of us have hit dead ends.” Starlight said, smirking.
“What makes you say that, Darling?” The fashionista asked quizzically. “Let's return to the outside, regroup and reevaluate.”
They started to head out into the exit, through a staircase, when they saw a petrified statue right in front of them. “Just look at those dreadful gargoyle.” She said in disgust, as she flicked it. “What were ponies thinking?”
“Hey, watch it!” The statue shouted, as it was…
“CHRYSALIS?!” They all shouted in fear.
“How, and what is she doing here?” Fluttershy asked.
“Spike!” A voice said, as it lifted the floor up, and Spike saw…
“Thorax?!” He gasped in surprise, as she and Fluttershy jumped up, and grabbed a stuffed trophy on the wall.
“Hey, find your own hiding place!” Pharynx said, peeking out of the trophy, as they both screamed, and landed on the floor.
“What are all of you doing here?” Spike asked.
“We were trying to find all of you!” Thorax pointed, as his brother nodded.
“Personally, nopony expected everyone to show up in one place!” Chrysalis said in surprise. “But, this is an odd reunion.”
“Wow. Looks like you’re both bigger losers than I thought.” Pharynx said bluntly, as his brother gave him the stink eye.
“How come Celestia and Luna haven’t caught you yet?!” Rainbow shouted angrily to the Queen.
“Watch it, Bolt!” The former Queen said, pushing her gently.
“At least we found each other, regardless.” Neighsay said, seriously.
“Okay!” Starlight said, sighing with relief. “We are definitely regrouping and reevaluating.” They all nodded, and walked out of the trap door, and up the stairway, out of the castle. Good thing for them, this would be a time to improvise.
By that time, Twilight was pacing back and forth while hyperventilating, wondering where her friends were, when she heard a whisper. She saw her friends in the underground vent, and ran to them. “What are you all doing out here?” She asked, panicked, as Spike opened the vent.
“In retrospect, our plan might have been too unexpected.” Rarity said sadly, as the rest of them nodded.
Twilight gasped. “Every part of it failed?!” She asked, as they nodded. She couldn’t believe Rarity’s plan failed miserably. “Oh, now I'll never get the crown!” She wailed, as she fell to the ground.
Spike got out of the vent. “Maybe we should go back to doing things the Twilight way.” he suggested.
“You mean the totally expected way?” Twilight asked in disbelief, as she got back up.
“It may not be a surprise…” Spike told her, smiling. “…but you have a pretty good record for planning things.”
“Actually, that won’t be happening!” A voice said, startling the two.
“Who said that?” The alicorn asked, as she saw Starlight, leaning by a tree. “Starlight Glimmer? What’s your plan?” She was shocked.
“First things first.” She said, stepping out of the shadows. “I’ve seen enough of the security system to know what we’re dealing with here.” She swatted Rarity’s Shadow Spade hat off, and got into the other’s faced. “So you can forget about noir disguises, you can forget about lasers, and you can forget about executing totally expected plans!”
“Hey!” Twilight said, stressed. “Was that a shot?”
“Hardly.” Trixie said, as she and Sunset, and the rest of Starlight’s agents came up to them. “You can’t do this alone, Sparkle!” She smirked.
“Trixie? Sunset?” Twilight asked, as she saw the others. “Tempest? Capper? Skystar? Chancellor Neighsay? Thorax? Ember? Pharynx?”
“And, the bird pirate!” Rainbow said, as she and Celeno did a fist bump.
“Okay, what’s going on here?” Twilight asked, wanting answers. “Why are our students here, and WHY ARE THREE OF OUR VILLAINS WE FACED RIGHT HERE?!” She pointed at them angrily. “And, DISCORD?!”
“Applebloom?” Applejack asked in shock.
“Scootaloo?!” Dash squaked.
“Sweetie Belle?” Rarity screamed in horror.
“Wow. We feel so insulted.” Sweetie Belle facehoofed in frustration.
“Now, Twilight is THAT any way to treat someone who’s trying to help save your life?!” Discord pointed at her, as he frowned. Twilight blushed, and her ears flopped. “You need help getting in, and who better than us to aid all of you?”
“Your brother may be the worst.” Cozy said to her. “…but he does know his stuff.”
“And, let me tell you that I speak for all of us when I say I... feel...” Ember strained, as she tried to think of the right word to say. “…mad.”
Pharynx facehoofed. “Oh for Pony’s sake!” He said to her. “Can you try to be more specific?”
Ember sighed, as she stretched out her wings, ready to unleash her emotions. “I'm...upset!” she finally let out.
“Much better.” Pharynx nudged her.
“…about your Brother’s security system!” the dragon lord finished. “And, I know I need to tell you how I feel about your life being put in danger, because my friends said it would make me feel better.” She looked at them, smiling. “And it does!”
“Yeah!” Starlight added fiercely.
“And, I also have no problem telling you what your brother did was completely wrong because Starlight, and Ember have helped me be more assertive!” Thorax shouted, making Twilight fall back in shock in response to his voice.
“Nice, Bro!” Pharynx said, fist bumping his brother.
“You guys should be happy you’re here.” Twilight finished. “I was so worried about how our heist could go wrong, I didn't even think about how you could help me.” She turned to her pupil. “Can you forgive me?” She put her hoof out.
“I really do feel better.” Starlight said, shaking her hoof. “So, yeah. I'm good.”
“Hah. Me, too.” Thorax said, laughing nicely.
The young alicorn thought about the positives, now that her friends were here. “….but I still need a plan.” Twilight said.
“Which is why we’re here.” Gallus said. “If you fall, nothing could stop your brother from coming here and claiming your crown. We need to come with you.”
“We’ll help you get your crown back.” Sunset said, as they all nodded. “And this time, we’ll do it right.”
Twilight thought again, and realized they were right. No way could they do her plan without the others. “I guess there is more than one way to skin a cat.” She decided.
“That sounds like the pony I used to foalsit for!“ Twilight turned and was happy to see her sister-in-law and niece here.
“Cadence!” Twilight said, cheerfully.
“Twilight!” Cadence said, As she began to chant. "Sunshine, sunshine, lady bugs awake!”
Twilight happily replied. "Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" As she spoke she repeated the motions in unison with Cadence, the two alicorns giggling and laughing as they embraced one another in a hug. “To be honest, it’s good to see all of you here!”
At that moment, a blue blur zoomed towards the group, and stopped to reveal a light blue changeling! Starlight and her team knew her.
“Hey, Ocellus.” Neighsay said happily.
“Hi, Ocellus.” Trixie piped up.
“Ocellus!” Starlight said. “Glad you’re here!”
“You bet I am!” She said. She then looked around, for a certain pony. “Where’s Kibitz?”
“He went to become part of a circus act.” Trixie put in, as Starlight nodded.
“Well, I guess still waters run deep.” Ocellus admitted.
“Or something.” Starlight agreed.
“But, I still need a plan!” Twilight said.
“We’ve already taken care of the shards in the castle.” Chrysalis told her.
“And…we’ve disarmed the tune spell.” Thorax added.
“We Distracted the guards as well.” Scootaloo said. “Those are ALL pluses! Now, all we need to do is the rest!”
“Okay! I trust you all know what to do?” Twilight said, putting the plan in motion. They all nodded, as at that moment, Pinkie fell to the ground with a splat, startling her. “Pinkie?!” She asked as she regenerated. “Where in the wide world of Equestria were you?”
“I was in space!” Pinkie replied happily, eating a piece of moon cheese. “Where haven’t I been!”
Twilight nodded, as she smiled. “Well, now that Pinkie’s back on Earth, we’ve got the perfect plan coming together.” She stated.
“You betcha!” Starlight said in agreement, as boss Glimmer was firmly back in action.
“Now that your pupil is planning this, victory is practically guaranteed!” Rainbow added with excitement. “I've got a good feeling about this!"
“As do I!” Ocellus piped up. “The whole gang’s back together! Alright, Starlight! What’s your plan?” She asked as everyone wanted to know.
“I thought you’d never ask!” The pupil said happily. “New plan! Pinkie, you and Capper will distract the guards with a surprise party.”
“Yes, sir, Starlight, sir!” Pinkie said, saluting her.
“Just call us the party duo!” Capper said, side hugging her.
“Fliers, try to take out the fans!” Starlight continued, pointing to the fliers, as they nodded. “Dynamite team, Discord & Tirek, blow up the sealed passages!” She pointed at the dynamite team, as they nodded. “Crusaders and Changelings…seal in the trap door!” She pointed at them, as they nodded. “The rest of you, come with me!” She pointed to the Twilight, Ocellus and Chrysalis. “Sound like a good plan?” They all nodded.
“Alright! Let’s move them out!” Applebloom shouted, as they all split up to execute their new plan.
(Cue the Mission: Impossible theme song!)
The guards watched Pinkie Pie and Capper arrange a space themed party and generated a tone of noise with music and balloons popping. The guards left their posts to investigate the disturbance, and Pinkie grinned as she slipped past them while disguised as one of the fake space creatures she'd created.
Capper slid by her, and gave her the thumbs up, as she smiled. He hit the package open, making Rarity come out in a guard outfit. Celeno came out of the cake, when no one was looking, and she with Rarity approached the door, and used the metal to open it. It worked. “At least one part of our expected plan worked unexpectedly.” she said with relief, as they both made their way in.
Ember’s flier team approached the fans, and watched them flip the birds off course. She cringed. “Those fans could really hurt those birds.” She said out loud.
“What do we do?” Cozy asked, as Ember shrugged. She looked, and saw Applejack heading to the castle! She had an idea!
“Hey, Applejack!” She called out. “Do you have your lasso?”
Applejack saw her. “I’d use it, but I don’t see how that’s gonna help with the fans!” She said.
“Quick, toss it up here!” Ember said, holding her hand out. Applejack sighed as she got it out, and tossed it to her, as she caught it. “Watch and learn, Cozy!” She said, smirking as she tied it to one of the fans.
“What the hay are y’all doing to those fans?” The farm mare asked stubborn. She then saw Ember tying it to the fan. “Oh?” Suddenly, she knew what she was talking about. “Oh!” She smiled, as she ran towards the lasso, and tugged on it. She couldn’t tug it loose.
Tirek came to her. “Allow me.” He said, taking her from it, and yanked it hard, sending it down with a huge thud, as they got out of the way.
Applejack saw the fan on the ground, and she was impressed. “Hoo boy! You sure are strong with that, huh Tirek?” She asked.
“Now, help us knock the others down!” Silverstream shouted, as they both smiled. Together, they used their brute force to tug all the fans from their foundation, onto the ground, as each one made the ground rumble.
The guards felt the ground shake as the fans came down, and were scared. “Earthquake!” A few of them shouted, as they ran every which way in fear running inside every building that could shelter them.
Finally, all the fans were down on the ground, as they both smiled and hi fived in triumph. Smolder came to a ledge, and saw them down on the ground. She smiled. “At least that’s one more obstacle down.” She said with relief.
“Uh huh!” Terramar and Skystar said, as the fliers flew down to regroup and join up with the others. One more obstacle taken care of!
Meanwhile, the dynamite team were ready to purge through those sealed entrances. Yona was ready to ram them. “Yak smash super hard wall!” She said, as she ran towards it.
“Wait, Yona!” Sandbar yelled, but Yona smashed her head towards the brick wall, and fell backwards.
She got up, and shook her head. “Okay. I can see Yona need help with break in!”
“You don’t have to tell us twice!” Trixie said, as she and Sunset powered their horns and blasted the wall open. “See? Wasn’t that hard!” Sunset said with relief, as they made their way in.
Tempest got out a few of her stone orbs out, ready to throw them. She looked and saw a multitude of them every which way, and wasn’t sure how to handle this. “Need a little help there, Shadow?” Tirek asked, as he picked one up. Tempests smiled, as she picked one up, and they tossed them at the walls, giving way to the explosions.
“Thank for the help, Muscle Boy!” She complimented him, as Tirek gave her the thumbs up.
“Now get in there!” He said, calmly pushing her as she made her way in, with Daring following her inside.
“Another day, another break in!” Daring said triumphantly, as they were in.
Tirek made use of the other balls, and tossed them at the other sealed entrances, making them open. He smiled. “Easy peasy lemon squeezy!” He said, as he ran in one of the underground passageways. Another obstacle tackled!
Meanwhile at the side of the castle, Applejack tried to feel for a hollow way to break in, as she eyed the rock Twilight was pointing to. "Twilight, I may be strong but I don't think even I can buck my way through a solid rock." She said sadly.
"Which is why I've brought in an expert," Twilight said with a wink. "I'm sure you'll recognize her."
The expert turned out to be Maud Pie. Starlight gasped in excitement. “Maud!” She squealed. She spoke not a word as she examined the rock, and then used some chalk to draw a white x where the rock was weakest. Applejack had no trouble bucking her way through the designated spot, and the rock crumbled to gravel. They all smiled, as they made their way in.
Inside the throne room, Thorax, Daring, and Pharynx were right above the floor trap with a hose right next to it, with the CMCs in the trap door. “You sure this is going to work?” Pharynx asked.
“Don’t worry.” Daring put in. “They’re professionals.”
“If you say so.” The changeling said, uneasy.
“You guys ready?” Thorax called out to the CMCs. “Because, we’re gonna fill in the trap door with cement! As soon as it pours, get ready to run!”
“Okay!” They called out from below.
“We’re ready!” Daring said, as she switched the hose on.
“Ready?” Thorax asked, as they nodded. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle zipped out. “Here it comes!” He used his magic to open up the floor trap, and started pouring the cement in.
As soon as it poured down, Applebloom immediately ran at super high Sonic The Hedgehog speed out of the basement, before the cement filled in the entire area. She and the crusaders zoomed in really fast, into the main hallway without any of the guards seeing them.
Thorax lifted the hose up, seeing the whole trap door filled with cement from top to bottom. “We did it!” He said happily.
“Perfect!” Daring said, nodding. “Now, let’s go!” They left the throne room to meet up with the others.
Rarity had already made it in with the others, and strolled right up to a guard keeping watch over a door leading down to the underground tunnels. Chrysalis stopped her, smiling, ushering to Ocellus, who nodded, as she turned into a blue pegasus guard, surprising the fashionista.
She then went to the guard. “Next shift.” She said gruffly. “You're on break.” Luckily, the guard didn’t recognize her voice as he saluted her, and left. She then opened the door, letting the fliers in one by one!
"Oh, thank goodness.” Skystar said with relief. “Our hooves are getting sore standing around here. He needs to start scheduling these work breaks more often.” The others nodded, as she blushed. “D-don't tell him I said that."
Rarity winked. "Your secret's safe with me, Ladies.” She said happily.
“All that’s left to do is handle the geese!” Trixie said, as she and the dynamite team met up with the others.
“So, what’s your plan for that?” Terramar asked her. Starlight though for a while, and realized she suddenly forgot what the rest of her plan was.
“Okay…I know you’re gonna be mad at me…” She said regretfully. “But, I forgot the rest of my plan!” Everyone groaned while she crossed her arms in disappointment. She then came up with a way to improve! “But, let’s try this instead!”
Trixie and Sandbar returned with a log, and handed it to the crusaders as they caught it. They nodded, as Rarity used the metal to open the door. The fillies rammed the door open with as they ran inside the throne room, making the geese honk angrily at them. “Release the log!” Applebloom shouted.
“Right!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shouted as they tossed it to the side, and looked up to the geese. “Now, Fluttershy!” Sweetie called out.
“Now go on, go enjoy yourself!" Cadence said, as she kindly pushed her in. “I’ll handle Shining!” Fluttershy nodded, as she flew in the throne room.
She flew up to where the geese were, and smiled. “
Fluttershy charmed the geese with the greatest of ease. "You've been glaring so hard.” She whispered to them. "Who wants a feather massage?” The geese were about to agree, when Starlight was on the same level as her.
“Fluttershy! Tut tut tut. You shouldn’t be that high in the air.” She dotted her. “Now let’s fix this.” Starlight's horn glowed, as she levitated her down.
Scootaloo got her clackers out, and readied them. “Time to shut those birds up!” She said, aiming two of them at two of the birds. “Take this, you dumb birds!” She shouted. They honked angrily, as the filly tossed them to the birds, wrapping around their mouths easily. They tried to honk, but their beaks were clamped shut.
She got ready to toss some more, when Neighsay came to her. “I’ll finish this off.” He said, as he hit his EEA badge, conjuring up a chain, which he tossed to the other geese, clamping their mouths shut, as they frantically flapped their wings.
Scootaloo was impressed, as she saw them fall down. She beamed with pride and excitement. “Nice shot, Neighsay!” She said proudly.
“I aim to please.” Neighsay said, smiling at the filly.
As they congratulated themselves, Fluttershy saw the geese fall, and was shocked as she flew to them, as they flapped wildly. “Oh, those poor things!” She said, tears coming out of her eyes.
Spike, Twilight and Applejack were in the corridors, as Spike was directing where they would go. “We mapped this out when we got lost down here.” He pointed out to them. “The lever to the secret hallway entrance should be... here.” He flew up and pulled down on a lever, causing one of the walls to slide back and open up with an audible click. They both saw the rest of their team, and arrived to them.
“Twilight!” They all shouted in glee, as they all hugged her with relief.
“Yes, it’s me!” She said happily to the fourth wall.
“We’re so glad you and your team are all safe!” Trixie said happily, as they broke the hug.
"I can't believe this actually worked!” Rainbow exclaimed happily.
“We were worried that we wouldn’t make it!” Sunset added.
Tempest grinned. "Well it just goes to show you that sometimes the most unexpected plan is the plan that you expect.” She said happily.
“When you expect the unexpected, you lose sight of the expected." Silverstream finished happily.
“I’m afraid the same can’t be said for the birds.” Cozy said, as they pointed to the birds with their mouths twined shut, as Fluttershy wailed, “Oh, those poor birds.” She rubbed their backs, giving them a message.
Twilight happily nodded, as she saw the Sibling Supreme crown still resting where it had been since Shining Armor had proposed the challenge. "Couldn't have put it better myself!" She said.
“Ahem!” Sunset cleared her throat, as she and Smolder crossed their arms. “Aren’t you forgetting somepony, Twily?” Smolder sniffed out a small puff of smoke.
Twilight saw their frustrated faces, and blushed. “Oh, right.” She said, weakly. Then, she rubbed her hooves together! “All I have to do now is fly over and take the crown, and I'll be Sibling Supreme forever!” She said in triumph.
As she said that, Sweetie saw Shining about to head over to the throne room, and felt a chill run down her body. “Better hurry!” She whispered urgently! “Shining is coming this way!” She signaled to Starlight, who nodded, as she powered her horn, enveloping the crown in her magic.
She concentrated her magic to lift it up off the throne, and when she heard footsteps, she gasped as she jerked her head quickly, which sent the crown flying over to Twilight. Everyone gasped as it was coming STRAIGHT at her, as they all ducked. “Twilight, look out!” Trixie yelped. Twilight turned to see, and the crown hit her in the cranium hard, making her black out into darkness.
When Twilight opened her eyes a few seconds later (she didn't remember closing them), she could make out the outlines of her friends as well as Starlight’s elite team and her own sister-in-law with her niece. “Twilight?” A voice asked, which was Cozy Glow, starting to come into focus. “Twilight?”
"How you feeling, egghead?" Rainbow Dash nervously asked, as the rest of them came into focus.
"Is her face going to stay that way?” Skystar asked, as Pinkie shrugged, as Twilight vision was returning.
“Oh, we’re so worried about her.” Fluttershy said, concerned, as her vision was now 100% clear. The young alicorn looked up at them, and groaned, feeling her forehead.
“That crown really hit ya like a kick to the face, huh, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked, as she regained her focus and sat up.
“What happened?” She asked, confused.
“I think you won, Twilight.” Rainbow spoke, pointing to her hooves. Twilight was confused, but them saw that she was actually holding the Sibling Supreme crown! She couldn’t believe it! She actually had it!
“I won!” She said in excitement, but switched back to confusion. “Wait…how did I get this?”
“The crown hit you in the head, and it fell into your hooves.” Celeno explained the scenario. “But, oy! That’s gonna be sore tomorrow!” She pointed to her head, where there was a not too noticeable bump. Twilight felt it, and groaned.
“Oh, my head.” She said, rubbing it. “I guess that IS going to be sore.”
“Well, I speak for all of us, when I say that this was one plan Shining didn’t have scheduled!” Trixie put in happily, as everyone cheered.
“Wait-wait-wait-wait!” Pinkie said, making a time-out motion. “So, explain something to me though, if, if Twilight isn’t wearing the crown, then isn’t the stakeout still going?” Everyone stopped, and realized that. The stakeout was still going! So…
“Actually, she’s right.” Gallus said, pointing to the crown. “The mission isn’t exactly over until you put the crown on.” Twilight’s eyes widened, as she quickly put it on her head, in the right position. Everyone cheered, and hugged her as she smiled with the crown shining in all its glory!
“Now, the stakeout’s over.” Discord said, as he slow clapped. Tempest joined him.
"At long last, the crown is mine again, as it should've been all those years ago!" Twilight said happily, as she clapped her hooves.
At that moment, Shining Armor walked into the throne room gallantly to the whole extended group. “Not exactly.” he said, grinning. The others saw him confused for a second, and then they started snickering. “Joke’s on him.” Rainbow whispered, as the others nodded.
Shining was confused. “What?” He asked. “What’s so funny?”
“There’s just one problem!” Rainbow said to him, grinning.
“Which is…?” The Prince asked.
“You’re not wearing the crown!” She finished, they all nodded.
“What are you talking about? I AM wearing the crown, aren’t I?” He felt his head, and realized the crown wasn’t on his head. “Wait. What?!” He was shocked to see his little sister with the crown on. He couldn’t believe it! “Oh come on!” He said disappointed and in disbelief. “YOU have the crown, Twily?!”
“That’s right!” Twilight told him, in a gloating tone. “You’ve had this crown for LONG enough! I have to admit, it was unexpected for us to do everything exactly how YOU thought we would.” She looked at her friends…and enemies. “However, you didn’t expect my former star pupil to take the reins on this heist! And, she enlisted some of our friends who’ve we met before, our most powerful enemies and the spirit of chaos himself!” Discord bowed as she said that.
“So, we combined all of our plans to make one super mega plan, that you didn’t expect at all!” Twilight continued.
“We disarmed the tuning spell, discarded the shards, blown up the sealed entrances…” Starlight added.
“Seduced Zephyr!” Daring added.
“Wait, what?!” Dash asked in disbelief.
“Yes…that.” Starlight realized before she finished. “Took down the fans, shut those geeses’ mouths, and distracted the guards! I’m surprised you didn’t expect any of that!” She smirked at him.
“Okay, Twilight’s plan, I expected!” Shining admitted. “But, I was NOT expecting your plan!” He pointed to Starlight.
“But, you should know by now, BBBFF…” Twilight proudly proclaimed to him. “…that there's no way to beat the true Sibling Surpreme!” She pointed to herself, as she spoke calmly. “That’s me, by the way.”
Shining groaned in defeat, and disappointment. “Ugh! No fair!" He said, kicking the ground. “I should've won!"
Twilight chuckled. "Sure you should've, brother.” She said, smirking. “Sure you should've."
“Are we afraid of this pony, Trixie?” Starlight asked her.
“No, we aren’t!” Trixie said. “And, I am afraid of almost any dangerous obstacle!”
Shining walked to the teams. “Why aren’t you afraid of me?” He asked. “…or my security system?!” They both pointed their hooves back, and Shining gasped as he saw his wife coming right up to him angrily.
“Shining Armor!” Cadence hissed at him. “I can’t believe you set up this security system, and almost put my sister-in-law in danger!” Flurry Heart growled at him, as she shook her head in disapproval.
“Cadence?!” Shining asked in shock.
“That’s not right!” His wife said, pointing an accusatory hoof at him, as Flurry shook her head.
“But, Cadence! I’m in charge, here!” Shining tried to explain, but Cadence used her magic to tug on Shining’s ear, as he yelled. “Ow! Ow! Ow! Stop it!” A myriad of times.
“You’re going back to the Crystal Empire to help scrub the floors clean of the castle, then maybe you can be in charge!” She said angrily, as Flurry growled at him, as they walked out of the throne room. “Bossing people around! I don’t know where you GET that!”
Starlight and her team smiled to see Twilight’s brother go, and get his due punishment, as they chuckled. “Fine work. Eh, professor?” Sunset asked them, as they nodded.
“I’d say…mission totally accomplished!” Daring added. “We couldn’t have done it without all of you!”
“And, It's clear to us now that there is nopony better to rule Equestria!” Neighsay said, smiling. “We’re glad that you are safe!”
“Of course I am.” Twilight said, smirking. “Why else wouldn’t I be?”
Starlight winked to Ocellus, and Trixie. “All part of our master plan!” She said, as they smiled and winked back.
Spike groaned. “Aw, come on!” he said, angry and disappointed. “SERIOUSLY?! I had a whole plan all set in motion! Do you know how hard it was?! I wanted to be Sibling Supreme!” Everyone jumped back in surprise, at this response.
“What are you talking about, Spike?” Ember asked him.
“Yeah. Twilight’s Sibling Supreme!” Smolder agreed.
Spike pointed to his big sister figure. “I was always excited to be a part of yours and Shining Armor's rivalry, like I was their little brother.” Spike said as he facehoofed. “But you two never really thought of me that way!”
“What in Equestria are you talking about, Spike?” Twilight asked confused.
Spike groaned again. “Do I REALLY have to spell it out for you?!” He said frustrated and exasperated. “Like I was trying to tell you, I always wanted to be Sibling Supreme, but I was never included! Luna felt pretty left out as well since Celestia didn’t listen to her about planning security! So, while you guys were bickering, Luna and I BOTH struck a deal. She put Zephyr in charge of the catacombs and helped keep Celestia out of the castle hallways. Once Luna was on board, I was about to do my part and make sure we stuck to Twilight's plan so we'd all get to the throne room at the same time. I knew Shining Armor would let it play out until the last possible second. All Luna had to do was float the crown over to me! But, somehow my wings got cuffed, as I fell back into the balloon!”
Starlight blushed, as he said that, and smiled. “Uh…” she started nervously.
Spike saw her, and gasped. “That was YOU?!” He shouted at her.
“Maybe…?” She said. “But, we had to ensure that Twilight’s plan worked, and Daring seduced Zephyr to distract him from Dash here.”
“Which was a good idea!” Rainbow agreed.
Spike threw his arms up in frustration. “Well, that’s just great!” He said, angrily. “I was supposed to have my plan work!” He pointed to Starlight. “And, you ruined it!”
Starlight merely giggled "Sorry, Spike, but we already made our plan to work with Twilight being the true Sibling Supreme, and we weren’t gonna let you have all the glory.” She ruffled his scales. “Nice try. Maybe, next time.”
Spike groaned sadly. “Except there won’t BE a next time!” He said. “Didn’t you realize how long I wanted to be involved?!” Rainbow and the others smiled, and shook their heads as Spike kicked the ground.
“Yeah, but that’s not what’s important.” Pinkie spoke out.
“What’s really important was that we rescued Twilight, and she got her crown!” Celeno said bravely. “That’s what really mattered!”
“But, won’t Celestia and Luna notice that their security system got destroyed?” Ocellus asked nervously, pointing out the window, showing the new security system with the city in ruins.
Rainbow and Twilight brushed that worry off. “Nah! Not one bit!” Rainbow said brash and happily. “Besides, it was pretty complicated.”
“Forget about your brother.” Chrysalis said to the alicorn. “Starlight was right. We're so much more powerful…” she looked at the others, who were smiling. “…when we work as a team.”
“Well, yes.” Ocellus started to say. “But…”
At that moment, Princess Luna ran into the room having a Royal fit of rage at the teams. And by her look, and tone in her voice, she sure wasn’t happy. She actually was pretty enraged at what she saw, as she approached the two ringleaders. “TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND STARLIGHT GLIMMER!!!!!!!” she erupted.
Both mares were shocked to see her in this state, as no one had ever seen the Princess of the Night this angry at her subjects…or anyone before! “Now before you say anything…” Twilight said, trying to explain. “…in our defence, every part of our plan was executed well.”
“Yeah!” Starlight said, as she looked at Twilight. “We got ours…I mean, Twilight’s crown back! So, you can’t punish us!”
“The immunity is on!” Twilight said in agreement with her pupil.
Luna puffed out some smoke from her nose angrily. “SO, WHO IN EQUESTRIA CAN I PUNISH FOR ALL THE DAMAGE YOU TWO DID TO CANTERLOT?!?!?!” she screamed furiously at them in her Royal Canterlot Voice.
Both mares looked at the damage that had been done, and then at themselves. They then pointed at each other, smiling. “Not it!” They said gleefully, as they teleported away, taking Spike, and the crown leaving only Luna, everyone else, and the geese left.
“WHAT?!” Luna shouted, as the two were gone. She groaned, and facehoofed. “Are you serious?!” She picked up a broom. “Well, I guess I should enjoy the peace and quiet.” She grumbled, as she started to sweep.
At that moment, Twilight, Startlight, Spike and the crown were teleported back. “Oh, um, Luna?” Starlight asked sheepishly.
She sighed. “And, I spoke too soon. Yes, Starlight Glimmer?” She asked in frustration.
“That was only 9/10 of my master plan!” She blurted out.
Luna’s wings sprung up in shock, as she shouted, “WHAT?!?!”
“Zoinks!” She said, as she, Twilight, Spike and the crown were gone again. Luna got pretty nervous, wondering what else was going to happen. “Release the skittles!!!” Her voice said, as Luna looked up and saw a heaving bag of skittles, RIGHT above the throne room. The others immediately ran out of the castle, as the bag burst open.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” Luna screamed in horror, as ten million skittles were being dropped on her, and the geese inside the throne room. She yelled as the candy was rained in her every which way, and the room would be covered in Skittles, at this rate! When Celestia got back, Luna would have a lot of cleaning up to do! And I DO mean a lot!
And so, Twilight’s crown was successfully returned, while She, Starlight and the rest of their teams enjoyed a well deserved celebration. The alicorn was happily snarfing on a few good Hayburgers, and burped, catching the attention of everyone inside the place. She blushed. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was!” She said. “I’m so glad we all get to eat together! I feel so honoured.” She wiped her stains off, and started to eat another burger.
“The feeling’s mutual, Twilight!” Cozy said, as she chomped down on her food.
“When you organized your own plan to help me get the crown, It reminded me of how you snuck into the Canterlot archives!” Twilight said, recalling how Starlight stole Star Swirl’s spell.
Starlight blushed. “And, you did that too. Remember?” She asked, recalling how Twilight did the same before she could.
“I know!” Twilight agreed. “What could be better? Thanks for helping us with this heist!”
“And, to be honest…” Applejack agreed as well. “Without y’all, today would’ve been a lot different.”
“Yes, well... we feel the same way.” Sweetie Belle said, smiling happily.
“That's why we came here.” Applebloom piped up, as they all chuckled and ate together, as they feel their one moment of victory as a mega team.
Twilight noticed Discord feeling a little off, as he ate his burger. “Hey, Twilight?” He asked.
“What is it, Discord?” She asked.
“One thing still bothers me.” He told her. “How come the security system was set up by such rotten brother?”
Twilight stood up. “Because, individual liberty is the key to good government.” She said, as she turned to the fourth wall. “A good example might be your local Anubis Market.”
“Where customers are free to experience quality and service.” Skystar added, as Trixie nodded.
“Right you are, Skystar!” Ocellus agreed. “…And to choose low prices without fear or coercion.”
“I rest easier knowing that Anubis Markets are a division of Osiris Foods.” Neighsay said happily with the others.
Everyone smiled. “Food so good, you can eat it!” they all said proudly to the fourth wall.
“What can I say?” Starlight asked the readers. “It kept us on the air for another season.” She smiled, and winked, as they all went back to their luncheon. Sure they would go back to being heroes and enemies the next day, but what was important right now was that they had successfully managed to swipe the crown, and punish Twilight’s own brother.
After all, they were the guardians of friendship. What would stand in their way? Nothing. Nothing at all! What a happy ending!
Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire, as he was stuck scrubbing the floor as the castle! Maybe, next time, he’ll think twice before messing with Twilight’s own star pupil!
Author's Note
And, that’s all for this story! Twilight got the crown, but Spike and Shining have been left out from the fun! At least Rarity’s, or Twilight’s plan worked…thanks to Starlight’s crew of Terramar, Trixie, Skystar, Capper, Celeno, Cozy, Chrysalis, Tirek, Student Six, Ember, Thorax, Pharynx, Sunset, the CMCs, Tempest, Cadence and Flurry Heart! Also, Shining DID get what was coming to him! I think this would be as long as an episode, but as we all know! That’s the beauty of fan fiction! Stay tuned for more alternate endings, coming soon, alongside Power Ranger stories as well!
This fanfic was paid for in part by Anubis Markets, a division of Osiris Foods. This has been a public service. 😃
