Battle for Equestria: Scraps and Bits

Chapters

The ramblings of a Mad Man
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

The ramblings of a Mad Man

Greetings fans and followers. It's been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve been sitting on this for a while now and haven’t been able to give it a proper conclusion. I’ll probably mess it up somehow, but I figured you’ve waited long enough for this. So, the best I can do is give it a try. It seems a bit odd visiting this subject again. Since I haven’t watched the show for a few years now and haven’t done anything with this story in almost double that time.

Many have asked why I decided to end this series the way I did and the short answer is that life got in the way. The long answer is that my busy life got in the way. When I started this I was working part-time, while going to school. Now, I’m working full time 60+ hours a week, which doesn’t leave much time for anything else. So, rather than just pick away at this. With an unfocused mindset, I decided to end it on a high note. Or at least on a somewhat interesting one.

This synopsis of sorts was originally going to be broken up into several parts. However, after realizing that the parts were a tad lopsided in length and definition. I decided to combine them into one large run down. The first part is going to go over some of the scrapped ideas and concepts that I alluded to early on or had while I started writing, but ditched for one reason or another.

For the most part, this story would have remained unchanged, save for a few tweaks here and there as I watched more of the show. An example is that there were always going to be dragons in this story, but at the time I started it. The only dragons that had been introduced were those teenage ones. So, I had OC’s filling in roles such as the leader/king of the dragons. As well as any other important roles. Then the dragon kingdom was introduced in a later episode. Which allowed me to add already established characters to similar roles. Same with the Griffon empire; which is kind of a bummer, since I had this idea of a grand kingdom in mind. Which would have centred around a few conflicts later on.

The show’s ‘add characters to sell more toys’ format. Especially in later episodes. Forced me to scrap several ideas, because it would have gone against what was later established or ruined the tone completely. Other times, I just didn't give the idea enough forethought or ditched it because I thought it was lame. And some were reworked in some way.

A big one for me was how Sonic arrived in Equestria. The hedgehog’s sudden and abrupt appearance went through several revisions. One example is that; for whatever reason, some of his adventures were written in a series of books or comics. Similar to Daring Do. That had Twilight and/or Spike in possession of them and was an avid reader. Ala the storybook games or that Power Ponies episode, except in reverse. The former attempt a summoning spell, but messes it up and accidentally summons Sonic into the world of pastel ponies. Or is in a dangerous situation and calls for him in a moment of panic and somehow summons him as a result. Or maybe an experiment went wrong on Sonic’s end. That ended up sending him to Equestria.. Or possibly something chaos/ Robotnic related. I obviously went with the latter, but I originally didn’t intend for it to be in such a dark way.

Another one was character design. At one point I had the MLP character be anthropomorphic. But I couldn’t decide if they would have looked similar to a Mobian from Sonic’s world. Or go with something completely different. And at the time there weren’t many pictures on DA of the MLP cast in any other form. Save for them having an almost human appearance \, with them either having a large horn sticking out of their forehead or giant wings on their back. So, my unimaginative butt ditched the idea and went with how they appeared in the show. However, I did have an idea to repurpose the idea somehow later on, but all I got to was a throw-away joke in a later chapter.

An odd one was before I came up with the story I was going to the writer about. I entertained the idea of having Sonic just tagging along with the group as they go about a similar story as the show did. With things ending possibly differently. Since Sonic had been involved in some capacity. I ended up ditching this idea as well. Since it seemed lazy and uncreative. However, I later saw other writers do a similar concept with another franchise character or even Sonic. And they ended up being rather well done. The end result is not too far from what originally happened in the show.

So, that was almost the direction I went in.

In earlier concepts I had the chaos emeralds play a much bigger role in the series. For whatever reason, either an oversight on my part or just plain forgetfulness. I had Sonic in possession of them for most of the story. Since I figured he’d need to be holding on to them for the Fleetway transformation to occur. However, after going over some of the old UK Fleetway comics again. I realized that wasn’t the case. Sonic just needed to be in some sort of danger that he may not be able to get out of. I originally had them fall into the hands of hoovers in some cases to various individuals. Some bad and some not so much. With the group having to track them down. Before they were used for nefarious purposes. This also would have introduced Cadence and the Crystal Empire a lot sooner. Since they would have been kept there. Due to the cold climate and isolation. In the Fleetway comics, the chaos emeralds had to be kept in extremely cold climates when brought together. Or else they’d do the Dragon Ball thing and scatter across the world. It seemed like an interesting concept and made more sense, than having them just lie around in a pile somewhere.

The Fleetway transformation originally had more build-up to it. Rather than go full-blown crazy from the start. It would have gotten progressively more sinister with each appearance. Triggered by not just danger, but possibly by too much magic being used around him or even out of extreme bouts of rage. Plus, I had many more plans, but I didn’t want it to be too overused. And Sonic doesn’t need to go into the said state to be remarkable. But having an over the top start made more sense at the time. So, I skipped a few steps and had things go nuts from the start.

Looking back, I would have had things slowly progress over time. Instead of things going from zero to sixty at the drop of a hat.

At one point I had Sonic and company. Break out in song at a random time. Usually to the chagrin of Sonic. Who wasn’t too comfortable about how a literal orchestra would suddenly appear. And then he'd somehow know the words to a song. He has never heard of it before. What would trigger this would be the usage of a long verse in conversation. Or just occurring ‘because the situation called for it.’ This was eventually dropped early on, especially after the mixed reaction I received after having Sonic and a group of ponies. Sing Sonic Boom on Trixie’s performance stage. But to be fair, it was a goofy concept that I probably would have dropped or at the very least used very sparingly.

Also, at one point I had Sonic able to talk to animals. Much like Fluttershy does. Due to the chip, he has in his head. From his adventures in space. An event that was covered in the comics. However, the concepts seemed too weird even for this story. So, it was scrapped. Plus, I think they scrapped the idea at some point.

And finally, the mind-reading plot thread that involved Twilight inadvertently gaining various bits out of knowledge regarding our favourite blue speedster. This was something I had simply forgotten about until later in the story but didn’t know where to reintroduce it in the first arch. So, I had planned for it to come up again in a later chapter of the current arch. In fact, it would have been the very next chapter. And would have progressed from that.

I’m sure I missed a few while writing this. If I end up remembering. I’ll add them back in with some sort of update of a journal entry. But considering my prior track record. I wouldn’t put too much faith in that.

Now then, on to the next part. Originally, I had planned to write a summary of the remainder of the story. And then put in a footnotes part what things I’d have done differently. However, that would have taken too much time and it's doubtful I would have fully written that last part. At least in full. So, prevent that. I’ll have the chapter summary and then at the end a little tidbit of how I would have done it differently or just some general info or musings. Please note that I never finished the series. And that as of this writing. The last episode viewed was the first half of A Changelings in the Crystal Empire. Though I did view a few snippets of later episodes. So, keep in mind. What if there was some significant change or event in the series later on. I don’t know.

Author's Note

Just an intro of things to come

Chapter 2

*Dream Weaver/ Back and Magic Woman*

A/N: Not sure why I went with Firewomen in the previous chapter title. It may have possibly been a ‘working title’ that I never changed.

Anyway, this chapter would have opened with Blaze and Honey making a last stand against a hoard of marauders. A large grizzly bear charges to catch up but hesitates when they recognize Blaze. Who in turn recognizes the imposing figure as Babo. A former member of her father’s guard. Who was thought to be dead, since they never returned from a mission to said island several years ago. Only to find out that he along with the rest of the small detachment of guards. Had deserted the kingdom, went awol, and joined the marauders they were sent to deal with. Even becoming their leader at some point. Blaze calls him a coward and a traitor for abandoning his mission and turning against the kingdom they swore to protect. This angers the bear, who then orders his men (and some woman) to attack the princess and ‘her friend.’ Honey attempts to diffuse the situation but falls on deaf ears as the grizzly and Blaze begin to trade blows with one another.

However, this is cut short as a large group of Blaze’s guards emerge from the foliage and begin to intercept the attacking marauders. Who try to flee, since they are vastly outnumbered and don’t possess any sort of weapons to combat the threat. Blaze is able to subdue the bear during the distraction with a timely placed strike on the back of his head. Knocking him out in the process. Just as one of her generals appears alongside her. Asks if she’s unharmed. The feline scolds them for disobeying orders, but then thanks them for doing so. Since she doubts that she’d be able to take the entire group on her own.

As guards sweep across the island. Blaze has a brief moment to talk with Honey and asks if she’d like to come back to her kingdom. Since the other feline was able to hold her own against the threat, despite being very underprepared and obviously not in the best of shape. And that she’d like to spar with her. Since she showed excellent combat skills. Honey enthusiastically agrees, but will only do so if she can design a dress for Blaze. The guardian says no, but offers to let the designer make her own dress. Since her’s was in such rough shape.

This is abruptly cut off as Blaze wakes up and comments on her strange dream. And that it was so far from what happened it’s almost comical. Spike pipes in (who is sitting in his basket reading a comic book.) That Luna might be slacking on her duties tonight or simply wasn’t sure how to approach the feline dream without messing it up. Blaze then asks the dragon to explain more about dream manipulation. To which he complies since he’s just finished his comic and didn’t have anything else to read.

~***~

Things then shift back to Sonic and the newly transformed Luna. Who seems to be unaware of the situation and seems almost confused why Sonic now has a worrisome expression. The hedgehog tells the princess of her sudden change. To which the Alicorn replies that it must be a result of her use of dark magic. Prompting Sonic to inquire as to why the princess needs to use dark magic. Luna explains that she’s spent the last few days in Soleanna. Trying to figure out who or what used necromancy magic to animate the corpse of Iron Claw. And why it attacked her sister. The hedgehog then comments that wasn’t Iron Claw burnt to a crisp by Celestia. The alicorn corrects that only half of it was. The bottom half was still intact. Then Luna lets slip that her findings so far are troubling. Since the only one that is capable of such twisted magic is dead. Stating that Twilight and Cadence confirmed Sombra’s demise. Ala exploded into light and dust. And that the other ships were caring more about those twisted abominations, but they ended up breaking free and attacking the crew. When they were out at sea. Sonic then asks if they should be worried about the ones that escaped. Luna replies that the magic needed to sustain them has most likely worn off by now. And that they have most likely fallen into the sea.

Luna then transforms back to her usual form and hastily changes the subject, commenting that she didn’t summon Sonic to the dream realm to talk about work. But is happy that he’s conceded for her safety. The princess then attempts to bring the conversation back to what they were talking about earlier. Jokingly suggests that Sonic should form a herd with Twilight and the others, but is cut off before she can continue as a door suddenly appears in the firefly sanctuary. Bearing her sister’s mark. Signifying that the moon princess’s assistance is needed in the dreamscape. Luna then asks that Sonic stay behind and that she will return in a moment. Muttering about her sister needs to stop eating cake before bed. As she steps through the door.

A/N: Originally I had the conversation go on longer. Luna explaining that after her banishment. A slew of stallions attempted to win her sister over and marry her. Even going as far as to form alliances with rival houses to acquire traits for their offspring that ‘the princess’ would want in a partner. While also pulling strings with universities. To get their children into them to learn about subjects the alicorn ‘might’ be interested in. All under the assumption that whichever family(s) child marries the princess. Would have a voice in how the nation would be run. I.E who's getting special treatment and what now. This, of course, leaves a huge power vacuum in other positions’ power. Since everyone else was shooting for the moon. No one was paying attention to what else was around them. Which led to the daughters of these families seizing the opportunity and taking control of these now open seats of power. This then leads to more mares wanting daughters, since they won’t be expecting to try to win the princess’s favour. Which in turn results in fewer stallions being born and….you can see why I decided to not include this if I were to write this.

Luna bids the hedgehog farewell for the moment and steps into her sister’s dreamscape. Expecting it to be filled with ‘murderous cakes’ or evil pies. She is confronted by a twisted version of what she assumes was a happy memory. With the garden of the former castle courtyard laying in ruins. Numerous sets of empty armour and discarded weapons litter the landscape. The princess comments that this is the result of forbidden magic and that someone is trying to break her sister’s will. As she investigates further. She finds her sister. Still in her young filly form. Cowering before a massive Iron Claw as he berates her for all the wrong she’s done. Since becoming the ruler of Equestria. And that her father would be so disappointed in her. Luna then intervenes, claiming that this monstrosity doesn’t represent Iron Claw and that whoever is controlling this ‘thing’ should leave or face her wrath.

Things switch back to Sonic who is now skipping a stone across a small river. Awaiting the Princess’s return. Muttering on about how there isn’t much to do. It’s then that the door to Celestia’s dreamscape flings open and pulls the hedgehog inside.

~***~

He awakens to the twisted vision Luna saw of the destroyed castle gardens. Spotting something in the distance, he grabs one of the discarded swords that now litter the ground. (Similar to the one in the first logo.) However, before he can admire the sword or question its origin. A massive battle breaks out overhead with Luna fighting the monstrous Iron Claw and is not fairing very well. The hedgehog comments about not stepping in, but then notices that Luan’s is being overpowered and will most likely not win. So, deciding against Luna’s wishes. The hedgehog dons his super form and flies in to intercept the battle.

Blocking a mortal blow that would have knocked the moon princess out of the fight. The alicorn first chastises the hedgehog for stepping in. Only to back peddle when Sonic explains that he was pulled in and couldn’t stand by and watch while Luna got her butt handed to her. He then tells the princess to attend to her sister, since she’s the key to what's going on and that he’ll buy her some time till she can figure it out. The alicorn reluctantly agrees and fly’s to the Sun Goddess; who is still in her child form and is curled up in the fetal position. When Luna attempts to speak with her sister. The filly asks where the big scary gryphon went. To which Luna replies that Sonic‘s holding him off until she can figure out what’s happening. Upon hearing the hedgehog’s name, the filly begins to panic more. Prompting something strange to occur to Sonic. Luna looks over as an unnatural roar echoes in the distance only to see that Sonic is now in his Fleetway form and is mercilessly tearing into the giant griffon. Iron Claw comments that it’s amusing that Celestia finds Sonic more terrifying than him; that killed her father. Prompting the now crazed hedgehog to Laser blasted him in the face at point-blank range.

In the distance, two figures watching from the shadows. Commenting on how well the spell worked and that if this keeps up. It will break the Princess’s spirit. Since she holds Sonic in such high regard and that seeing him like this will be devastating. Stating that thanks to the dream walker spell, Sonic can’t go beyond what abilities he normally wouldn’t possess. So, what they’re seeing is what the hedgehog is capable of. They then state that they’ll wait for it to see how this plays out, but make the mistake of stepping out there hiding to get a better look; giving their position away and evoking a magic blast from the moon princess. Which unfortunately misses, but it does cause the two figures to retreat. In an attempt to alleviate the battle before her. So Luna ‘literally’ knocks some sense into her sister. Allowing Sonic to return to his normal state and deliver the final blow to the nightmarish Iron Claw.

The two are promptly ejected from the dream. Since Celestia had now awakened from the nightmare. Bring the two back to the firefly sanctuary. Except for an unknown reason. Sonic is still in possession of the sword he grabbed in Celestia’s dreamscape. The hedgehog comments that it must be an omen since he still has it and names the sword Smite. Since it helped him smite his enemy. Luna laughs at the hedgehog’s terrible joke. And then comments that it must have some sort of perception filter on it. Since she is unable to make out the finer details of the sword. She then leads him down a hallway of doors. That Sonic absent mildly drags his hand across them as he passes unaware that he’s disrupting the individual’s dreams by doing so. Luna points it out but seems confident that since the interaction was brief. Most ponies will witness a brief glimpse of the hedgehog in their dreams.

*What follows is a montage of sorts that has Sonic appearing and then disappearing from several ponies' dreams. With many of them just passing it off as too much on their mind or that they’ve been reading too many newspapers.

Things then shift to Twilight who has used a memory recovery spell. And is exploring the fragmenting memories of the blue hedgehog that she inadvertently gained. Trying to piece them together. All while in her anthropomorphic form. Except donning similar attire as her Equestria girls transformation. But it is met with a series of issues since everything is so jumbled that she compares it to random pages of various books being torn out and haphazardly, put together, and that the reader is left to form their own story from them. Which only frustrates the mare more, prompting her to use the spell again. This results in her diving deeper into the mindscape, till she lands in a void. And is confronted by who she thinks is Sonic’s inner thoughts, but is actually her sub conches (only taking on his form, because he had touched the door to her dreamscape by accident.) telling her what she’s doing is wrong and that she should feel ashamed of herself for prying.

Chapter 3

*Spa Day*

Sonic awakens the next morning contemplating the previous night’s events as well as finding Rainbow Dash asleep next to him; latching onto his right arm. Sonic then wakes the mare and asks why she’s in his bed. Rainbow Dash attempts to pass it off as her just sleep-waking and that it was only a coincidence that she ended up there. Sonic then calls the mare out. She then emits that she wasn’t sleepwalking and joined him of her volition. And then goes on to why. Explaining that she didn’t like how things ended the night before and wanted it resolved to be the very first thing she did when she woke up the next day. Sonic then jokes and asks if that means showering right before and using his shampoo. Dash states that she was out of her own and that it would have been gross for her to jump into Sonic’s bed after just working all day.

Before Sonic can make another joke regarding Dash's word usage. She cuts him off as goes on about how she feels about him. That she’s unsure how she would approach something like this. Since she’s new to this. This is mainly due to her putting all her attention and focus into improving her performance and skill. So that she can join the Wonderbolts. Stating that she’s worried that anything outside of her regiment might make it hard for her to focus. She then asks if Sonic would feel less of her if they kept things casual. But then immediately backtracks her statement upon realizing the implications of what she just said. Then gets annoyed that Sonic didn’t crack any jokes. Since (she believed) it meant that he wasn’t listening. However, to her surprise, he remained silent. Since it was something she wanted to say but had trouble saying it.

However, before things then progress further. A loud knock is heard at the mare’s door. She at first states that they should just ignore it and that if it’s important. They'll come back later. But then she hears the familiar voice of her mother. Asks why she’s not answering the door and that she knows she’s home. Dash panics and hides under the cover, but then realizes it would only make things worse. She then decides to hide sonic, only to barely hide him under the covers at times as her mother peaks into her window. And asks why she isn't answering the door. Dash unconvincingly states that she was sleeping. To which her mother comments that she can see someone else under the covers and that her colt friend shouldn’t be hiding.

But before Dash can explain, her mother cuts her off. Adding that her father is here too and that she should go see them. Since they came a long way to seeing her. Dash reluctantly agrees and her mom flies off. Sonic comments on how Dash's mom is a bit noisy, but then asks why she thinks Dash and him are a thing. To which Dash replies that mentioned getting a roommate and her mom instantly assumed it meant she got a colt friend. The mare then offers to go meet her folks first and attempt to clear up any misunderstanding. While also asking Sonic to come down after hopefully the confusion has been cleared up. He agrees and cleans himself up a bit before heading downstairs to meet Dash's parents.

A/N: There was going to be mention of how everyone in Cloudsdale thought she was into mares. Due to a rumour being spread about her. By a stallion, she turned down a date when she was younger. Wasn’t sure if this would have worked or just added another layer of confusion to the story

Upon his arrival downstairs he’s greeted with a very enthusiastic glomp from Dash's mom who reveals that she’s a huge fan of his and that she didn’t know her daughter was dating the hero of Equestria. Before Sonic can correct the mare. She’s pulled away by Dash’s dad who states that it’s rude to tackle guests. But then goes on a tangent on how he admired his speed and asks Sonic if he’d be able to teach him how to go that fast.

Dash then cuts in and states that the two aren’t dating and that learning to go that fast requires a lot of training and that they may not be able to handle it. To which her mom replies that means Dash hasn't figured it out either. Things then calm down as the huge misunderstanding is resolved. It’s then revealed that Dash's dad used to be a Wonderbolt and that Dash wanted to follow in his footsteps and become a high ranking officer like he was. While Dash's mom was part of the support team and that’s how they met.

Eventually, Dash's parents leave and bid the two farewell and then ask when they can expect grand fouls from the two. Revealed that they didn’t listen to Dash when she stated that they weren’t dating.

~***~

Things then shift to Twilight and Blaze training at the quarry. With Twilight attempting to land a strike on the feline but is unable to. Due to the feline's speed and the mare’s weak output of her fire blasts. Blaze takes notice of this and asks the mare to demonstrate several variations of her use of pyrokinesis. The mare complies and uses several variations. The last being infused with her magic. Inadvertently blasting a giant hole in the cliffside. Blaze applauds the mare and states that due to her unique magic abilities. It would be optimal for her to use both her pyrokinesis abilities alongside her magic. Since when used together they pack a massive punch that neither is possible when used separately.

The two return to sparing, but Twilight is chastised for holding back. And is asked to at least put the effort into her attacks. It’s then that Blaze explains how defensive use of pyrokinesis works and that if used properly the one using it is untouchable. Since they’re covered in flames and not many are immune to them and tend to stay back. Twilight takes this advice and hits Blaze with a complicated spell that takes the feline off guard. Which allows Twilight to gain the upper hand. She ends up spearing the feline in the abdomen. Incopasitationg her, or so she thought. Just as she believes she’s victorious. She’s throttled to the ground by a very enraged Blaze. Who at this point is no longer just sparing with the mare. However, before any real damage can be dealt with. Blaze realizes what she’s about to do and tries to calm down. To which the mare asks what happened and the feline reveals that Twilight’s last attack was a mortal blow and she believes that it broke several of her ribs. Blaze then states that Twilight isn’t at fault since it was the feline who demanded that the mare fight seriously. She just didn’t account for the mare’s prior experience in the use of magic. Blaze then adds that she’s going to have to cancel her visit to the spa and that she needs to visit the hospital to tend to her injuries. Twilight immediately offers to assist and claims to know some healing magic. Blaze reluctantly agrees to Twilight‘s offer and allows the mare to heal her. To her surprise works and can take care of a few pre-existing injuries she had before the sparring match.

A/N: Originally I had this training segment occur later on. That went into more detail on how Twilight should use her pyrokinesis from Blaze. But it was an entire chapter about technique and exaction. Which won’t have made for a good read. So, it would have been broken up throughout several chapters.

~***~

Things then would shift to the group arriving at the spa. Rarity is so graciously reserved for the group. At least that’s what she says upon her arrival but is quickly ousted by the spa ponies. Who stated that it’s usually a slow day and that they comp her visit. Since she brings in so much business. The group is then ushered into the bathhouse. Since it helps loosen the muscles and help with the later technics the group will be receiving. Blaze is originally uneasy about a mixed bath. Explaining it usually implies a ‘closeness’ that the two don’t have (yet) Prompting Sonic to offer to sit out of the spa visit. Since it’s making Blaze uncomfortable. The feline concedes and the two reach a compromise of Sonic wearing a towel over his head while they are in the bathhouse.

A/N: There was a segment of how the group asks why Blaze appears a lot more ‘stacked’ than before. To which she explains that her proportions were not normal for someone of her body type. And feared that it would conflict with her duties. Since everyone would be paying attention to her for the wrong reason. With Sonic correcting her that everyone is different and that Blaze is over exaggerating it. To which the feline would agree and sees that she was making a bigger deal out of it than it was. Then the topic of placement would come up and...it would have gotten weird. There was even a bit where Pinkey would take an odd interest.

~***~

The group then receives a message from the spa ponies. Who seems to be having trouble with Sonic. Due to his quills and asks one of here assistances to lead the group to the next treatment. While they tend to the hedgehog. Blaze then would take this opportunity to have a much-needed talk with the others. Regarding their feelings and actions towards Sonic. Asking whoever is chosen that they shouldn’t be ousted by the others. Since it’s one of Sonic’s main fears if he ever grew close to any oy of them. They agree to this, but then Pinkie Pie asks if that means Blaze is also trying to win Sonic’s heart. To Which the feline confirms this. Fluttershy then suggests that rather than competing with one another. Why not just share Sonic. Since it would mean everyone would be happy. This is then promptly shot down by the others. Since it’s impractical and would never work.

Sonic then returns and Pinkey immediately asks why Blaze was speaking to them about his problems. (must to the group sharing) To which he replies that he’s not very good at ‘that’ sort of thing and that Blaze had volunteered to do it. Since she was the first one to notice his unease with the situation. So, he let her. Fluttershy again mentions her idea on how everyone should share. The hedgehog asks if this was a common thing since the butter-yellow pegasus isn’t the first one to suggest it to him. The group asks who this was, but is cut off as one of the spa ponies enters and begins preparations. They then go on to several other amenities the spa offer. Until reaching the hooficure. Neither Sonic nor Blaze can take part and decide to sit that one out. It’s at this point, that Blaze takes the opportunity to pull Sonic aside and talk to him about the other night and what he may have overheard from her conversation with Twilight. Sonic confirms that he heard enough to get the just of it. Blaze asks if he has a mutual feeling or should she look elsewhere. Sonic replies that He’d rather hear it from Blaze and not from unintentionally eavesdropping on a private conversation. Blaze complies and pours her heart out to Sonic about how she feels and that she’s had feelings for him for a long time, but didn't want to ruin their friendship if he didn’t feel the same way. Sonic confesses that he too has feelings and didn’t say anything for similar reasons to what Blaze had. Since it would be awkward to keep working together with that out in the open.

Upon hearing this Blaze kisses Sonic patiently and states she’s glad that he feels the same way, but then remembers the conversation she had with the mane 6. Prompting Blaze to ask if he cares for the others. Sonic confirms that he doesn't but never attempted anything in fear of how the others would react. This at first annoys Blaze, but then she realizes that if Sonic were able to cast aside his feelings so quickly for the others. What’s stopping him from doing the same later on with her. If he becomes interested in someone else. The feline dismisses these notions and focuses on the now and that her efforts weren’t in vain.

Things wrap up with the group finishing up their day at the spa and commenting on how this was a much-needed distraction from the current events and that they should go again sometime.

A/N: IT’s also at this point that Rainbow Dash starts becoming rather possessive of Sonic. To the point that the others start to call her out on it, but the reason behind this will come shortly.

Chapter 4

*ghosts of the past*

Things open with Sonic flying over the ever-free forest in the zip craft that Pinky had given him. testing out some upgrades that the mare had provided for him. But then begins to panic as the craft starts to lose altitude. Eventually crashing into the ever free forest as a result. Sonic then wonders around looking for an exit, but can’t seem to find any sort of trail or markings. Meaning that he must be in a part that not many visits. Contemplating abandoning the zip craft and using the chaos emeralds to go into his super form and fly off. He runs into Derpy Hooves wandering around the forest as if looking for something. The two meet and the mare lets slip that she’s waiting for some and that they said to stay in this location. However, she ended up wandering off and is now lost. So, the two wander through the woods and eventually find a clearing. Derpy exclaims that this was the area she was supposed to meet her friend. This worries Sonic since it’s rather far out, but before he can inquire further a blue police call box materialises into existence before him. Resulting in an uncharitable yelp, as the hedgehog leaps back and demands to know what just happened. To which Derpy cheerfully answers that it’s the Doctor, but before the hedgehog can ask who this doctor is. The door to the call box opens and a brown pegasus steps out and greets the mare. Then turns to Sonic and states that he’s earlier than expected. But then drops it and asks Sonic to follow him inside. Since he must have a lot of questions and it would be better to answer them away from prying ears. Sonic reluctantly agrees. And begins to ask how everyone is going to fit, but then cuts himself as he steps in. Commenting on how it’s bigger on the inside.

The brown pegasus chuckles and comments how he never gets tired of hearing that. Before introducing himself as The Doctor that Sonic stands within his Tartarus. However, before the stallion can explain further. Sonic notices a familiar individual standing at the ship's control panel. This is Zonic who seems obvious to Sonic’s presence and continues to type away at the controls. Sonic then approaches the Zone Cop and asks why he’s in Equestria. This gets the other hedgehog’s attention who uncritically hugs Sonic and states that it’s good to see a familiar face. He then explains that Sonic had disappeared from the main timeline and that he was tasked with finding him. And manages to get this dimension by following Sonic’s last know coordinates that were left behind during his battle with Robotnik, but his equipment was damaged during his trip and is currently stranded in Equestria with one of his subordinates. The Doctor states he’s here for a similar reason. Since he was investigating a tear in the space-time continuum and ended up in Equestria as a result. With no way of getting back. So, the two decided to join forces to find a way home. Since neither of them is supposed to be there.

Sonic then asks why the Doctor is a pony. To which he replies that he initially didn’t survive the trip, but due to his unique timelord physiology. He was able to regenerate and was in the process of regenerating when Derpy found him and For reasons he can’t explain, nor understands. He turned into a pony. Rather than a human. Terrorizing that it might be to help blend in better. However, before this can be explained further Zonic’s subordinate arrives on the scene announcing her presence by comments on there being two Zonics and that it's not her birthday. This individual is introduced as Zlaze, who has a similar job to Zonic. But is still a rookie, since her division was only created recently due to the events that occurred that caused the Mobius and Sol dimension to merge. (The events of Sonic Rush, essessenly.) It is also revealed that the two had started a relationship with one another.

A/N: There was also a bit where Derpy compared them to rabbits in the springtime, but that seemed to be a bit much. As well as how they’re both out of shape due to the isolation. Though that seemed trivial.

The two then explain that they've been trying to acquire resources to repair their gear or at the very least set up a beacon for help. But since they would stick out too much if they went around and started asking the locals. Progress has been slow. The Doctor also comments that he isn’t much help. Due to the technology being even beyond him. Sonic then suggests a workaround but asks that they meet his friends beforehand. Because they would be the first to know that something is up. This workaround is that if they can keep in character. The two Zone cops could Splunk as their prime dimension counterparts. Provided it was ok with the person they would be portraying themselves as. (Blaze, since it was ok with him.) It would also mean the doctor wouldn’t have to constantly hide his activities from the crown and be able to assist when needed. Provided it doesn’t have negative effects. The three agree to at least try and Sonic ventures off to prepare for their arrival.

A/N: Derpy gives him a lift back into town.

~***~

This then shifts to the mane 6, Blaze, and the two princesses sitting in the throne room. Conversing with each other about what they think Sonic wanted to talk to them about. It’s then that the Tartarus appears in the middle of the throne room. With Sonic casually stepping out. He thanked everyone for coming and that he’d like to introduce them to some old friends of his. The group seemed confused by this, but go along with it. Since they trust Sonic. So first outsteps Zonic. He is in full Zone cop attire, so his face is obscured by the visor on his helmet. He introduces himself as a long time friend of Sonic and is happy that he’s able to meet the hedgehog's friends he’s made in this realm. Then Zlaze steps out and goes on about how there ‘sort of’ friends by proxy, but has heard a lot about Sonic from her superiors. She then also jokes how everyone looks like a starburst with feet. Prompting an enthusiastic chuckle from Pinkie. Who comments on how true it was and that she was waiting for somepony to finally say it. And then Finally outsetpes The Doctor who is accompanied by Derpy. Stating that he’s been there a while, but hasn’t been able to meet with everyone. Both princesses recognize him instantly and demand to know why he's waiting so long to introduce himself. (since he’s been travelling through time and space.)

They then go on about how they’ve decided to reveal themselves. Rather than continue the isolation. Since it would be more beneficial to work alongside Equestria denizens. Instead of working in the shadows. But then state that does to the prime directive. They can’t share their technology. Since it would disrupt the natural development of this dimension. Eager to meet her ‘new friends’ Pinkie attempts to enthusiastically welcome the other hedgehog to the group, but is easily sidestepped by the Zone cop. She then tries with Zlaze but also sidestepped. Zonic then asks what she’s doing, but is caught by surprise when the mare ploughs into him from behind. Knocking his helmet off and causing it to roll across the floor. Reveals his face to the others. Causing a collective gasp from the group. Glaze the decision to follow suit, since ‘the cat’s out of the bag’ gains an equal gasp as a result.

Sonic then attempts to rectify the situation by explaining his plan he had to allow them to be out in the open and not raise any submission. Pretending to be their respective counterpart. And that he called everyone who knew him best. So, he could explain what he had in mind. Since they’d instantly know something is up. And then states it would only happen if everyone is ok with it. To which Everyone reluctantly agrees.

A/N: Ok, I'm doing something different here. Since this is taking a lot longer than I anticipated and most likely will fill several dozen pages. If I keep at the rate I'm going. I’ve decided to explain the events that occur later on. Rather than the entire chapter that they are from.

*Date Night*

After a series of delays, setbacks, and cooling in a few favours. Twilight is finally able to make a reservation at a high-end restaurant in Canterlot. However, to the dismay of both Sonic and Twilight. They learn that the mare simply named dropped the hedgehog's name. She wouldn’t have had to jump through as many hoops as she did. Though this seems to be for nought. Like every restaurant on market, the street seems to serve the same thing. That barely passes as a snack, let alone a meal. The duo runs across the pony responsible for this ‘travesty.’ Sonic at first believes the pony to be malnourished due to her extremely slim figure. He then scoops her up in his arms (prompting the mare to blush and seem oddly ok with being picked up.) and is about to run her to the nearest hospital. Until Twilight informs the hedgehog that some ponys intentionally look like that. Hearing this, the hedgehog abruptly drops the mare. (Much to her annoyance) and asks why she wants to look like a walking skeleton. And then for her to explain why anyone would want to eat food that Bareilly passes off as bird food. This angers the mare, who promptly storms off. Prompting the two to find a restaurant off the market street that serves actual food. This in turn has other restaurants ditching the terrible menu and returning to dishes that made their restaurant famous.

Chapter 5

*Trial by Fire*

Spike’s inner dragon's strength awakens, in such an explosive fashion that it threatens to destroy the tree house they lived in. So, Blaze has Twilight teleport them to the rock quarry. Since it has little that would burst into flames. It’s then that an explosion of fire erupts from the small dragon. Forced Blaze and Twilight to retreat to a safer distance. The young dragon then goes into a blind rage, starts increasing in size, and begins laying waste to the quarry. Baffled by this sudden and abrupt change in the young dragon's behaviour. They are almost crushed by a boulder but are saved at the last second when Sonic appears above them at the last second and knocks the bolder away.

He then demands to know what’s happening and two give him a run down of what happened to spike and why don’t know. The hedgehog comments that he’s only heard of this happening when a dragon is under extreme stress or fear but is told by Twilight that nothing like that was happening before this started. That it just started without any reason or explanation. But then adds that something similar like this has happened before. but it was only an increase in size.

Sonic and Blaze formulate a plan to subdue the enraged dragon, but in a way that doesn’t hurt him. This leads to Sonic distracting the dragon, while Blaze gets in close and tries to knock some sense into him; since she’s the only one who can handle the flames without getting injured. However, during her attempt, the dragon fire is hotter than Blaze originally thought. Severely damaging her attire, melting her shoes, and destroying her crystal hairband and bindi. Resulting in the feline unintentionally unleashing a massive burst of her flames. Which only makes the inferno larger and forces the feline to approach the issue head-on. Rather than the cautious way she originally intended.

Sonic then steps in, activating as a fire shield. Since Blaze's original plan wasn’t working and teams up with the feline to knock the dragon off his feet. Knocking Spike out and stopping the raging inferno. As the smoke clears, a smaller, but not back to normal-sized Spike is seen still lying on his back. Completely out of it, but is otherwise fine. Sonic charges in to check on the dragon and feline, who is unaccounted for. The hedge then finds the missing guardian hiding behind one of the remaining boulders and flags Sonic down with a weak wave. The hedgehog asks why she hiding behind the rock to which Blaze responds that see too embarrassed to come out. So, Sonic walks behind the boulder; much to the feline's fright. Asking if she’s ok and then comments that she should worry about her attire. Since most swimsuits cover way less. This doesn’t seem to calm the guardian down and asks the hedgehog to make sure the dragon is ok and for Sonic to teleport her back to Twilights. So she can get changed. The hedgehog checks on Spike. Who gives the two a thumbs up and states that he’s ok. Sonic comments that it would probably take more than that to take the dragon out. Before teleporting Blaze and himself back to the tree house.

A/N: I contemplated having a scene where both Sonic and Blaze run around the dragon. Creating a tornado that would cut off the oxygen to a fiery out of control dragon. But that wouldn’t have done much, since Spike was still on a rampage and didn't have done much to slow him down.

Another one was to have Blaze calm Spike down on her own. Similar to how Katara calmed Aang down in The Last Airbender. When she silently grabs his hand, while he’s in the avatar state. Prompting him to disengage and stop his onslaught.

~***~

Twilight then runs over to Spike as he sits up. Who now is much taller than the mare, even while sitting. With a set of large wings on his back. The dragon asks what’s going on and why the unicorn is now so small. Twilight then explains to the dragon what happened and that no one knows what set it off. Spike seems to be in the dark as well and states that he has been feeling funny the last few days. But didn’t think anything of it.

~***~
It’s at this time that Sonic and Blaze return from the tree house. The feline now wearing one of the tracksuits she uses for training. (for reference, it's the purple and pink one she wears at the Olympic games.) As well as a pair of Sonic’s shoes. Since her’s were destroyed.

A/N: There was a segment where Sonic and Blaze were going to have a chat at the tree house. Mostly on how Sonic was angry with Blaze that she didn’t tell him that the dragon fire was too much for her. That she should have been upfront with him about it.

~***~

Twilight then begins to berate the two. For being too rough on Spike and that they could have hurt him. Sonic explains that they tried approaching the issue with kid gloves and it didn’t work. In Fact that it could have seriously injured Blaze. So, they decided to tackle the issue head-on and it worked. Spike then cuts in that he’s not hurt and isn’t mad that they had to take such drastic measures to calm him down.

The mare then cuts in asking why the dragon hasn’t returned to his normal size. This seems to puzzle everyone. Twilight then suggest that she run rest on everyone in hopes of figuring out what happened. After several rigorous tests. It’s revealed that Spike has absorbed a huge amount of Chaos and Sol energy from the gems/emeralds that Sonic and Blaze keep on their person. Resulting in the two energies merging and having a violent reaction that caused the dragon to go into a fit of rage while growing several sizes. The hedge and feline offer to reabsorb the energy from Spike. So, that he can return to how he once was. But the dragon declines their offer and states that he was due for a growth spurt anyway and that he was sick of everyone treating him like a little kid. Twilight attempts to change the young dragon’s mind by trying to explain that his transformation isn’t natural and that he should nature take its course. Spike again declines the offer to return to normal and states that it’s his decision.

*Switch a roo*

Twilight has Sonic come to the tree house to help her with a spell she was working on. It needs a second individual to test properly and Spike isn’t around. So, she asked Sonic to take his place in testing it. The hedgehog seems hesitant to help since he’s unfair with what spell Twilight is going to use. But the mare assures him that it’s completely harmless and it will wear off after a few minutes. Sonic reluctantly agrees to help Twilight, but only if she explains what the spell is. The mare then goes off on a tangent that the hedgehog doesn’t understand and asks the definition of the spell to be simplified.

Twilight pouts about not being able to showcase all the information she discovered but then realizes she asked Sonic for help. So, she explains that it's a body swap spell. That allows individuals to exchange vessels for various purposes. Intrigued, Sonic asks if muscle memory and skills are transferred over. The mare comments that she doesn’t know and states it's one of the reasons why she asked Sonic for his help. Since he’s bipedal while she is quadrupedal.

The mare then casts the spell and is astonished at how seamless it was. Since she was in mid-conversation while doing it and was able to carry it as if nothing happened. She then begins to walk around the library possessing the hedgehog’s body. While Sonic does the same in Twilight’s body, commenting that he feels awkward doing this and asks when the spell is going to wear off. The question go ignored as the mare begins to test the hedgehog's reflexes and speed; knocking over several items onto the floor. Sonic tries to get Twilight’s attention again but is cut off as she stops and comments how she now understands the hedgehog's speed. How he’s able to go so fast and why he doesn't burn up while doing so. Sonic then states that he too now understands magic theory; a concept that he was never able to pick up. Despite the numerous lesions, Twilight tried to give him on the matter.

A realization hit both of them. If they stay switched like this. They’ll start to gain the memories of the individual there currently possess. Twilight is at first interested in the concept, but then remembers her venture into the mindscape and reconsiders what would happen. Sonic meanwhile states that this spell could be used for nefarious intentions. Since am an individual with not so noble intentions. Could perform the spell and use it to get the person they switch bodies with into serious trouble. Or use their position/status to learn or gain possession of something they weren’t supposed to have. Twilight agrees and begins making preparations for when the spell wears off.

However, before the final steps can be made. Pinkie burst through the door, demanding Twilight’s help. Grabbing the unicorn in the process, only for Sonic to activate the bodies he’s occupying magic and anchors himself to the room. The party pony comments that Twilight’s acting a bit strange. To which the mare interjects; still in Soni’s body. That they were working on something and asked if Pinkie could come back later. Unless it’s important. The party pony states that she can wait. And turns to Twilight; who is still currently possessing Sonic’s body. And asks that when they switch back. To come to find her. Flabbergasted, Twilight asks how Pinkie know. To which the mare replies that their eye colours are different.

The two look at each other and notice that they indeed have swapped eye colours. Twilight comments that it must be a by-product of the spell and comments that she needs to work on it more to have the switch not show any signs. Sonic snaps saying that she shouldn't use the spell anymore for whatever reason. Twilight reluctantly agrees and the spell wears off. The two switch back and Twilight excuses herself to see what Pinkie wanted. While Sonic offers to tidy up he had a sudden urge to see what books the library had.

*Part 2 Electric Boogaloo*

A continuing form where the last chapter left on. Sonic begins tidying up the library, but stops abruptly and opens one of the books and begins reading it; fast. He then sets it down and begins reading another, and another, and another. Pulling books off the shelves. He bigs to flip through them at an astounding rate.

~***~

Things then switch to Pinkie and Twilight at sugar cube corner. With Pinkie going on about how she wants to through a party for her new friends. But Twilight shoots her down on the idea. Since it would undermine the whole point of Sonic introducing them the way he did.

A/N: I purposely left Zlaze and Zonic’s whereabouts ambiguous in purpose. Since it would imply that they stayed put. Which they didn’t.

We rejoin Sonic, whos still in the library. Going through the collection of books at an alarming rate. Spike walks in and asks what’s going on. To which Sonic replies that he had a sudden urge to read and to understand the ins and out of magic theory. The dragon claims that the hedgehog is wasting his time since he can’t use magic. Sonic remains silent and then waves his hand around and levitates a small stack of books off one of the nearby tables.

~***~

Twilight then returns home with a now winded pinkie in tow. Asked why the unicorn ran back home. The mare replies that she just felt like running. Spike meets her at the door and comments that Sonic has been acting weird and is now somehow able to use magic. Twilight replies that Sonic has always been able to use magic. Just a different time that she likes to call chaos magic. The dragon cuts her off before she can go into a rant and states that Sonic just levitated some books off the shelf and is now in the backyard shooting lighting from his hands.

The mare dismisses this assumption and then takes notice of how clean the library now is. With Spike replying that wouldn’t help the hedgehog find a book for him. Unless he cleaned up the mess he made. Twilight seems puzzled by this but doesn’t say anything as she heads to the backyard. And it’s just as Spike stated, the hedgehog is now launching spurs of chaotic energy into a dead maple tree. Twilight asks what he’s doing and Sonic replies that he had a sudden urge to learn a few spells and is testing them out. The mare then asks if Sonic read all the books in the library. Hesitantly the hedgehog admits that he did, but found some of them repetitive. Twilight agrees that some of the books cover different approaches to the same concession, but it's meant to help with all learning styles. Sonic comments that it makes sense to do so and then asks if Twilight would like to check out the library in the ever-free castle.

The mare excitedly accepts the offer but suggests that they venture out the next day. Since it will be dark soon. Sonic looks at the setting sun and agrees.