Finn and Jake Meets... My Little Pony

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

In the dark skies above a canyon littered with bacteriophage-shaped machines, a portal is sucking in one such machine wrapped in red energy. Jake is on the ground trying to pull the machine out of the portal, while Finn hangs onto the machine with someone else, trying to slash into its hull with his Night Sword. “Can’t hold on much longer!” Jake strained as he tries to pull harder.

“Nothing! It’s like I never even tried.” Finn shouted to Jake. “What about you, Steven?” Finn asked his companion.

Alongside Finn is a chubby young man with a fair complexion and curly hair, wearing a pink varsity jacket, a black T-shirt with a yellow star, jeans, and a pair of sandals, armed with a large pink sword. “Not a scratch.” Steven shook his head.

Jake’s feet finally give in before he’s pulled towards the sky; the sudden shift causing Finn and Steven to loosen their grip as its pulled in faster. “Steven, take my hand!” Finn shouted as he reaches out to Steven, but when the machine suddenly shakes again and Steven falls off.

“Finn!” Steven yelled to Finn as the adventurers and the machine are pulled into the portal before it closes shut. As Steven falls, a pink bubble forms around him and he bounces around the canyon walls before settling on the ground and popping, setting him on the ashen ground. “Finn… Jake… and I just met them…” Steven said in despair as he looks to the sky. He slams his fist to the ground in frustration as he tries to hold in his tears. As he looks to the desolate grounds, he sees something glowing on the ground where Jake once stood.

He walks to it and picks it up, finding it to be a white smartphone with a clock logo on the back and the lock screen showing Jake holding a really good-looking sandwich. “Their phone… maybe…” Steven muttered. “I need to go back to the motel, then call them. I just hope they’ll pick up.” Steven said as he walks away from the site.

Finn soon awakens to see Jake standing before him with a worried look. “Jake, you ‘kay?” Finn asked as he gets up.

“I am. But, uh, lemme be straight with you…” Jake responded awkwardly. “You’re a horse.”

“What?” Finn said as he looks to his hands, now blue hooves. He turns to a river to see his reflection and finds himself turned into a blue pony dressed in his iconic hat, backpack, a sword-shaped mark on his flank, and a blonde tail. “Woah… I look adorable.” Finn commented in surprise. They find themselves in a valley with a town in the horizon. “Where’s Steven? I saw him fall off the Injector on the way into the portal.” Finn asked Jake.

“I didn’t see him. I think he’s back in his universe.” Jake answered. “Where’d we end up?” Jake wondered as he looks to his surroundings.

“There’s a town over there. Maybe they’ll know where we are, and why I’m a horse.” Finn said before he attempts to walk, but stumbles.

“Dude, take it easy. You’ve got four legs, remember?” Jake said as he gets down on all fours.

“I’m not used to walking on all-fours for reals.” Finn said.

“Just follow my lead.” Jake said as he walks in front of Finn. Finn follows Jake and tries to imitate his walking, and they set off towards the town.

They enter a small rural village made of scattered cottages, populated by multi-coloured ponies. Many of the ponies have plain horse features, but some others have short unicorn horns and others have wings like a Pegasus. “It’s an entire village of different kinda horses.” Finn noted.

“Let’s ask someone where this place is… if they speak English and not horse.” Jake suggested. Approaching them is a pink pony with a fluffy pink mane and balloon markings on her flank.

“Hi. What’s the name of this place?” Finn asked the pink pony. Instead of answering, she responds by leaping into the air and gasping before zooming away. “Okaaay… let’s ask someone else.” Finn suggested before moving forward. They walk further into town where they encounter a market where all sorts of goods are being sold, and are stopped by an orange pony with a blonde mane and tail styled, funnily enough, in ponytails, and wears a brown Stetson.

“Howdy there! Can I interest ya in some apples? Freshly picked!” the pony offered them with a Southern accent.

“I just wanted directions. Can I ask for the name of this town?” Finn responded.

“The name’s Applejack, and I’d like to welcome you to Ponyville!” Applejack introduces herself.

“Ponyville… how… apt.” Finn commented.

“Now, ya gon’ buy an apple’r not?” Applejack asked.

“Sorry, but I’m not hungry.” Finn declined.

“If ya change yer mind, ya know where to find us!” Applejack waves to Finn as he and Jake leave.

“Ponyville.” Jake scoffed. “Remember when the humans settled in Ooo, they wanted to call the city Humantown?” Jake recalled to Finn.

“It sounded like it’d fit with the rest of Ooo, but Hub City sounds cooler.” Finn replied. As soon as they leave the marketplace, a blue blur drops between them, kicking up dust. The adventurers see a blue Pegasus pony with a messy rainbow mane, a flank marking depicting a cloud shooting a rainbow-coloured lightning bolt, and a determined look in her eyes.

“Oops, sorry ‘bout the landing.” the pony apologized.

“It’s good… what’s your name?” Finn asked.

The pony widens her eyes in surprise before pulling a befuddled look. “What’s my name? What’s my name?! I’m Rainbow Dash!” the pony introduces herself for Finn and Jake to raise their eyebrows. “Wonderbolt, helped save Equestria a bajillion times?” the pony tried to remind them.

“Sorry, doesn’t ring a bell, but that sounds awesome.” Finn said.

“What kinda rock did you live under?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion.

Catching up to her is a yellow Pegasus pony with well-brushed, pink hair and mark on her flank of pink butterflies. “Don’t fly so fast. We’re not in a hurry. We just want to release the axolotls.” the yellow Pegasus said softly as she carries a fishbowl of axolotls.

“Sorry, Fluttershy, but there was this bird who I swear tried to race me.” Rainbow Dash apologized.

“Hey, so is there anyone important we can ask for help?” Finn asked.

“If you head that way, you can find Princess Twilight Sparkle in the Castle of Friendship.” Fluttershy advised as she points to a massive, crystalline, tree-like castle looming over the town. “If anyone can help you, she can.”

“Thanks for the help, miss.” Finn thanked Fluttershy.

“Call me Fluttershy.” she chuckled.

“Well, see ya, outta-the-loop pony!” Rainbow Dash said before dashing off.

“Goodbye, stranger. Bye, doggy.” Fluttershy waves to the leaving adventurers.

“Bye, yellow horse.” Jake responded as he stretched a massive hand to wave back at a freaked-out Fluttershy.

“I wonder if their princess is nice.” Finn commented as they walk towards the castle.

“Maybe she’ll wonder that about you, too.” Jake chuckled.

“Jake, c’mon, really?” Finn groaned.

“All I’m sayin’ is that this princess might like a nice adventurer horse like you… and his dog.” Jake giggled. As they talk, Finn bumps into a floating bolt of cloth and falls down.

“Goodness, are you alright?” a woman’s voice asked in concern with a Trans-Atlantic accent. Finn looks up to see a white unicorn pony with notable eyelashes, a well-kept purple mane, a flank marking of three diamonds, and several bolts of cloth surrounded with blue aura floating beside her.

“Yeah, I’m good.” Finn answered as he looks to his fallen backpack with his belongings spilled out.

“Let me help with that.” the pony offered as she telekinetically floats the bag and puts everything back inside; a couple bags of trail mix, bottled water, a golden bracelet, and Night Sword. “Oh, dear me, what’s this?” the pony asked.

“It’s an antique.” Finn answered.

“Do be careful when handling it. Here, let’s see if I can’t fix up something.” she said as she turns away from them. She takes fabric from her bolts and quickly fashions it into a purple scabbard for the Night Sword. “There: a brand-new sheath for your old-fashioned sword, made of this wonderful new material called nylon.” she proudly presents it to Finn.

“Thanks. You didn’t have to do this.” Finn thanked her.

“It’s the least I can do. Nopony should be walking around with an exposed blade. You might hurt yourself.” she responded.

“Well, we’re off to see Princess Twilight Sparkle at the castle.” Finn told her.

“Oh, you are? Please tell the darling that I, Rarity, have just the right material for the castle’s curtains.” Rarity requested.

“We will!” Finn said as he and Jake walk away.

“That was nice’a her to make a scabbard. You barely use these things.” Jake commented.

They make it to the castle on the other side of town and approach the massive golden doors. Finn knocks on the door and it quickly opens up, revealing a pink pony with a neat purple mane with blue streaks, and a marking of a purple star with a teal tail. “Hi! I’m Starlight Glimmer. To whom do I owe the pleasure?” the pony greeted them.

“I’m Finn, and this is Jake.” Finn introduces himself.

“Bark.” Jake barked.

“We’re new in town, and we wanna see Princess Twilight Sparkle for something important.” Finn explained.

“I’ll take you to her. She loooves meeting new people.” Starlight Glimmer said as Finn and Jake enter the castle.

As they trot through the castle, they bear witness to the structure’s crystalline design; dark purple walls and golden doors lining the hallways. They soon come to the throne room: a circular room with a massive table in the middle, surrounded by six large crystal thrones and a smaller throne next to one to the right of the door. Reading a thick book at a shelf is a purple pony with a dark purple mane with streaks of lighter purples, bearing large wings and a unicorn’s horn, and a flank marking of a purple star.

Standing beside her is a small purple dragon with green eyes and green spines along his back. “Twilight, there’re visitors who wanna see you.” Starlight Glimmer informed Twilight Sparkle.

“Visitors?” Twilight Sparkle said as she turns away from her book.

“Hi, I’m Finn.” Finn introduces himself.

“I’m Jake.” Jake greeted.

“Your dog talks?!” Starlight Glimmer said in surprise.

“In a world of flying, magic ponies, a talking dog’s weird?” Jake asked.

“We have talking dogs, but they’re far from normal.” the dragon commented.

“We’re from outta town, and need help looking for something.” Finn said.

“What are you looking for?” Princess Twilight Sparkle asked.

“It’s—" Finn said before they hear screaming outside. They come to the balcony where they see purple, crystalline giants destroying buildings and menacing the pony population. “Hold that thought, princess.” Finn said before he and Jake jump off the balcony.

“Wait, don’t—!" Twilight Sparkle reaches out, only to find Jake stretched into a hang glider for Finn.

“Did that dog turn into a hang glider?” Spike noted in confusion.

“Let’s get down there and help the townsfolk!” Starlight Glimmer advised before they hurry outside.

The monsters continue their rampage as Finn and Jake glide overhead, watching them wreck buildings and tear up the ground. “How’d I fight? I don’t got hands to hold a sword.” Finn asked Jake.

“Use your mouth, like that one wolf boss we fought in that Japanese game.” Jake suggested.

Finn takes the Night Sword with his mouth before Jake drops him above a monster menacing a young, pink pony with curly blue hair. Finn comes down and slashes it in half with a single swing of his sword, and it disintegrates into a single crystal. “You ‘kay, kid?” Finn asked the young pony.

“Sure am, mister! The name’s Cozy Glow, and I’m new in town.” the filly introduces herself.

“Move along, Cozy Glow. It’s not safe here.” Finn said before running to the next monster as Jake glides towards him.

As the creatures attack the town, they’re struck by rainbow flashes zipping between them. “You picked the wrong town to mess with, crystal things!” Rainbow Dash yelled. The monsters try to smack her out of the sky with their sharp claws, but are too slow to catch up with her.

On the ground, Applejack rushes towards the monsters and kicks them with her hind legs, shattering their joints, causing them to collapse. With their remaining strength, the crippled creatures try to get back at Applejack, only to be kicked in the face, shattering their visage and poofing them into single crystals.

“What kinda rocks they made of?” Applejack wondered.

“Less talking, more saving the town!” Rainbow Dash yelled to Applejack before flying away.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy is evacuating the ponies away from the battle when Rarity meets up with her. “Fluttershy, darling, what’s happening?” Rarity asked.

“We’re being attacked by crystal monsters!” Fluttershy answered.

“Oh no!” Rarity gasped. “I do hope they aren’t taking revenge for all the beautiful gems I utilize in my works.”

Suddenly, a crystal monster stomps up to them and roars. The two ponies scream before a giant-sized Jake pounds it into the ground. “Ow, spikey.” Jake yelped softly before running off.

“That dog was smaller last I saw him.” Rarity commented when Twilight Sparkle and Spike arrives to witness the rampage.

“What in Equestria are they?” Twilight Sparkle wondered.

“We don’t know, but Rainbow Dash and Applejack went to fight them.” Fluttershy said.

“Not only that, but a big yellow dog saved us.” Rarity added.

Spike goes to the fist-shaped crater to find a small crystal where the monster stood and licks it. “It’s bitter!” Spike gagged in disgust.

“Don’t eat it! I’ll take this back for analysis.” Twilight Sparkle telekinetically takes the crystal with her horn. “Now, we have to save Ponyville.” Twilight Sparkle declared before running into battle.

Finn and Jake continue to fight the monsters; the young hero getting the hang of sword fighting with his mouth. He cuts down the creatures by their ankles to collapse them, then finishes them off by stabbing them in the chest. With Spike on her back, Twilight Sparkle flies in and blasts the creatures with magic lasers from her horn, shattering the creatures. “Rainbow Dash, Applejack, where’d these things come from?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “We dunno! One minute everything’s all peaceful-like, then these things show up!” Rainbow Dash answered.

“We’ve never seen anything like them. I took a piece of crystal from one of them, I licked it, and it was bitter and gross!” Spike said as Twilight Sparkle presents the crystal to them.

“We’ve got this under control, even before that kid an’ his dog showed up.” Applejack points to Finn and Jake double-teaming one of the giants.

“He came by to the castle for help, then jumped off the balcony them moment he saw the town in trouble.” Twilight Sparkle informed him.

“Strange fella. I offered him apples, an’ he asked for the name’a Ponyville.” Applejack recalled.

“I saw him just now! Can you believe he's never heard of the one and only Rainbow Dash?” Rainbow Dash boasted.

“He’s an unusual pony, with an even more unusual dog.” Twilight Sparkle noted as she sees Jake inflating his giant fist.

“Let’s get back to it! We’ve got about ten to go!” Rainbow Dash said before rushing off.

“Leave some fer me, Rainbow!” Applejack yelled as she followed behind.

As she watches the adventurers fight, Twilight Sparkle’s recovered crystal starts to glow. “Huh?” Spike said as he looks at the crystal.

As Finn and Jake finished up destroying a monster, they hear Twilight Sparkle screaming and turn around to see a crystal creature grabbing her with its claws as Spike watches in horror.

“Princess!” Finn yelled. He rushes to the monster and leaps onto its arm to throw his Night Sword into its face, causing it to reel in pain and release Twilight Sparkle, allowing Finn to grab her and roll down to safety. “Don’t worry, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You’re safe now.” Finn assured as he helps her to her feet. “By the way, Rarity has those new curtains for the castle.” Finn added before running off.

Twilight Sparkle couldn’t help but hold her beating heart as she stares awestruck at Finn fighting the monster. “Twilight, you ‘kay?” Spike asked as he nudges her.

Suddenly, a large cake is shot into the monster’s head from behind, ejecting the Night Sword to allow Finn to catch it. Standing atop a roof is the pink pony with fluffy hair, armed with a small blue cannon. “Party don’t start ‘til I pull up!” she exclaimed excitedly. Jake trips the creature and Finn plants his Night Sword to where its chest would land, and impales it. After it disintegrates, Finn takes his sword and finds a crystal impaled through the blade.

“I think we got all of them.” Finn noted after taking his blade as the six ponies he’s met gather around him.

“You’re not just a tourist, are ya?” Applejack asked Finn.

“And that isn’t just some antique, is it?” Rarity added.

“Awfully suspicious that you came here the same day these things did.” Rainbow Dash eyes suspiciously the two.

“Who are you, exactly?” Twilight Sparkle asked the adventurers.

“We’re adventurers… from another universe.” Finn answered.

“Just like Twilight a couple times before!” the pink pony said as she gets up close to Twilight Sparkle.

“Oh, my name’s Pinkie Pie, by the way.” she introduces herself to the adventurers.

“Another universe? This just got a little more complicated. Let’s go back to the castle where I can properly analyse these crystals.” Twilight Sparkle said as she telekinetically gathers all the crystals in town. They all head back to the Castle of Friendship where they hope they can find questions from one another.

To be continued…

Author's Note

Thanks to everyone who read this. This story is actually my first ever My Little Pony fanfic, but I decided to publish it here a little later after some others. I hope everyone enjoys this meeting of adventurers and ponies!

Just as a visual reference, since Finn is younger than the Mane 6 (probably), his body is more similar to Sandbar as he's between foalhood and adulthood.

Also, I don't actually ship Finn and Twilight, I just thought it'd be funny she was attracted to him because she's a princess and he's an adventurer.

Chapter 2

At the Castle of Friendship throne room, the six ponies and Spike sit around the table with Finn and Jake present. “We are the keepers of the Elements of Harmony, relics that represent friendship.” Twilight Sparkle introduces everyone.

“Honesty.”

“Kindness.”

“Laughter!”

"Generosity."

“Loyalty!”

“…And Magic.” Twilight Sparkle pointed to herself.

“What about the little guy?” Jake pointed to Spike.

“I don’t have an element, I’m just Spike; Twilight’s faithful dragon assistant. I do things like carry books, send scrolls to the princesses, you name it.” Spike answered.

“Together, we save Equestria from threats from within and beyond, and spread friendship across the land.” Twilight Sparkle continued.

“I’m Finn, and this is Jake. Where I’m from, I’m a human.” Finn re-introduces himself.

“We’re super-awesome adventurers travelling the Multiverse, meeting new people and helping them out however we can!” Jake added.

“We’ve been doing this for a while.” Finn added.

“I’ve visited another world populated by humans before.” Twilight Sparkle told them.

“You’ve mentioned humans before, but we dunno what they look like.” Applejack said to Twilight Sparkle.

“We look like this.” Finn holds out his hoof to project a holographic image of his human form.

“Dear me…” Rarity gasped in disgust.

“Yeah, we’re pretty weird-lookin’.” Finn responded.

“No, not that! Your ensemble! It’s… hideous! Are you trying to look like a child?!” Rarity cried.

“You’re worried about his fashion sense? Y’guys don’t even wear clothes!” Jake added.

“Ahem.” Applejack side-eyes Jake as she tips her hat.

“In my experience, I was turned into a human upon entering the human world. Perhaps the reverse is true. I still do not fully understand it, myself.” Twilight Sparkle explained.

“What’s with your hoof?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“This? Pretty cool, right? My mom made it.” Finn said as he pulls his right foreleg off and tosses it to the table. Fluttershy is stunned in shock, while Rarity is disgusted.

“Sweet robot leg!” Pinkie Pie commented as she gets up close to it.

“He lost his real arm, or leg in this case, when he tried to spring his dirtbag dad outta cosmic jail.” Jake explained.

“Now, about the thing we were looking for…” Finn puts his leg back on. “Have you seen a giant alien incubation machine anywhere?”

“A what?” they all asked, confused.

“It sorta looks like this.” Jake said before stretching into a bacteriophage.

“How are you doing that?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“I’m part alien.” Jake answered.

“Now I got more questions.” Applejack said.

“I’m afraid I haven’t seen what you’re searching for.” Twilight Sparkle answered.

“Oh… thanks anyway.” Finn said in disappointment.

“We’ll be on our way, then.” Jake said as he and Finn walk to the door.

“Don’t go!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed for them to stop.

“We just met, and y’can’t just leave after making new friends.” Applejack added.

“We’ll visit again, promise.” Finn assured.

“C’mon, just for another day? I’d like to get to know someone who can handle a blade like that!” Rainbow Dash begged.

“Stay a while, take in what Equestria has to offer.” Fluttershy suggested.

“Okay, okay, you talked me into it. But only because y’all look adorable.” Finn said for all the ponies to blush.

“I-I’m not adorable! I’m cool!” Rainbow Dash defended in embarassment.

“Oh, um, that’s very kind of you to say.” Twilight Sparkle said with a flustered tone.

Starlight Glimmer rushes in, panting as she closes the doors. “I finally got the crystals in the lab! They kept trying to reform, so I put them in jars, didn’t work. Then I compacted them in a box, didn’t work. Then I used magic to contain them and it worked!” Starlight Glimmer said hurriedly.

“Starlight, Finn and Jake will be staying over. We’ll need a guest room ready.” Twilight Sparkle informed Starlight Glimmer.

“Waaait!” Pinkie Pie screamed as she stands from her seat.

“Pinkie, is there something you’d like to say?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Yes!” Pinkie Pie said before pulling a rope hanging from the ceiling, releasing confetti and a banner reading “WELCOME TO PONYVILLE”. “Welcome to Ponyville, Finn and Jake! This is your welcome party, so let’s have some fun!” Pinkie Pie announced before pulling out a blue cannon to fire more confetti everywhere.

“How can we say no to a party?” Jake smiled to Finn before they join the fun. They party all night, dancing, challenging Rainbow Dash to a cider-chugging competition, and playing games. Throughout the night, rainbow lights beam from the castle windows, and the music rattling everything.

The next day, Finn and Jake awaken in beds withing a crystal room. “Jake, did you remember going to bed?” Finn turned to Jake lying in another bed.

“Sooo much cider…” Jake groaned.

“Must’ve been some party.” Finn said before his eyes widen as he realizes something.

“We forgot about Steven!” Finn shouted.

“Steven? The pink gem guy?” Jake recalled.

“We gotta tell him we’re alright.” Finn told him. “I hope he’s still hanging onto your Amp.” he added as he takes a phone from his backpack to call Steven.

“Hello?” a voice greeted them in a depressed tone.

“Steven, it’s Finn!” Finn greeted Steven.

“Finn! I’m so glad to hear you!” Steven’s voice perked up. “Where are you? Did you find the Injector?”

“No, but we’ve ended up in a universe full of ponies, and I’ve turned into one too!” Finn responded.

“Crazy! But the Injector, you gotta hurry and find it!” Steven responded.

“I’m working on that, but the ponies we met really wanna get to know us, so we’re gonna hang out.” Finn told him.

“Finn, an Injector is dangerous in the wrong hands. If you don’t find it soon, who knows what’ll happen!” Steven warned him.

“You gotta point…” Finn contemplated.

“We’ll have plenty of time to find it after we hang out with the ponies.” Jake said nonchalantly.

“Making friends are important, too, I guess.” Steven said under his breath. “I trust you two to find it soon. If you need help, just call. I still need return this thing back to Jake.” Steven said before hanging up, just as Twilight Sparkle enters the room.

“Good morning, Finn and Jake! Ready for a tour of Ponyville?” she asked them.

“Sure am!” Finn said before he and Jake get out of bed.

Finn and Jake walk around Ponyville with Twilight Sparkle and Spike to take in the sights. “Over there is Sugarcube Corner run by the Cake Family and Pinkie Pie. If you want delicious cupcakes, or a loaf of bread, this is the place.” Twilight Sparkle pointed to a gingerbread house.

“It looks like it belongs in the Candy Kingdom.” Finn noted.

“You have an entire kingdom made of candy? Pinkie would so feel at home.” Spike commented.

“Princess…” Finn addressed.

“Please, call me Twilight.” Twilight Sparkle insisted.

“Twilight, you mentioned you’ve travelled to another universe. Whaddya think of the experience? Exciting? Terrifying?” Finn asked.

“Leave you with existential dread?” Jake added.

“That, and more… but none of that dread, although I was terrified of being in an unfamiliar body.” Twilight Sparkle answered.

“I turned into a talking dog, like you, Jake, but less stretching.” Spike added.

“I made many friends there. In fact, they were versions of my own friends in Ponyville.” Twilight Sparkle added.

“Did you meet your own alternate self? I know, like, at least ten versions of myself. I met one who can summon Card Wars characters with his sword.” Finn asked.

“I’ve only met her once before. I don’t visit anymore due to all my princess duties.” Twilight Sparkle answered.

“Lemme tell ya, Sparky, there’s whole worlds out there waiting to be adventured on by brave peeps. We’ve been living this life, and love it.” Jake told her proudly.

“Well… it wouldn’t hurt to stop by there one more time.” Twilight Sparkle considered.

“Let’s see Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. If action’s what you love, you’re gonna love how she picks apples.” Twilight Sparkle told them.

They walk to the other side of town to an apple farm where they see Applejack at work. “Mornin’, sugarcube!” Applejack greeted them

“This is a really big orchard, bigger than Tree Trunks’ apple orchard. She makes the best apple pies where I come from.” Finn commented.

“If y’bring me a piece, we’ll see how it contends to the Apple Family recipe.” Applejack challenged before kicking a tree, knocking down all apples from the top into surrounding baskets.

“Now that’s efficiency.” Jake whistled, impressed.

“Apple buckin’: the only way to pick apples ‘round ‘ere.” Applejack said.

“Lemme try! I get lotsa practice kicking peeps.” Finn volunteered excitedly. He goes to a tree, faces away from it, and uses all his strength to kick it with his hind legs, breaking the bark and the apples fall down.

“Woah there, pardner! Be gentle-like with the trees. Buck with love, not with force.” Applejack advised.

As Jake listens to their conversation, he hears someone following them, and turns around to see a pink tail sticking out from behind a tree.

“Fluttershy?” Jake called out.

Fluttershy emerges from behind the tree and gives them a meek look. “Fluttershy, were you following us?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Um… yes…” Fluttershy answered quietly.

“You could’ve said something.” Finn said.

“I dunno if you notice, but these ponies are kind appropriately-named. For example: Fluttershy, she flutters, and she’s shy.” Jake whispered to Finn.

“Sorry, but I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know when was the right time.” Fluttershy explained herself. “I just wanted to get to know Jake better.”

“Even if I’m a weird mutant dog?” Jake asked.

“Of course.” Fluttershy answered with a smile. “I love all animals, no matter what they look like, they’re all wonderful.” She walks closer to Jake.

“Aw, shucks.” Jake blushed before Fluttershy rubs his belly, and he soon relaxes on his back.

“Aww… you’re a good boy, yes you are! Yes you are!” Fluttershy cooed at Jake, who continues to enjoy her belly rubs.

“He’s a cuddly one, ain’t he? Where’d you find him?” Applejack asked Finn.

“Actually, his family found me. I was abandoned as a baby, but his parents adopted me and we’ve been brothers since.” Finn explained.

“So yer one’a them wild childs?” Applejack asked for Finn to nod in confirmation.

Suddenly, a dash of rainbow flies in and surprises everyone, then Rainbow Dash lands before Finn with an excited look. “Hey, Finn! Hey, Jake! Wanna check out this awesome obstacle course I made for you? I spent all morning making it!” Rainbow Dash offered the adventurers.

“An obstacle course? Count me in! I gotta see what my new pony bod can do!” Finn agreed before following Rainbow Dash.

“Hey, wait up!” Jake said as he gets up and follows Finn.

“Wait, I wanna see you in action!” Twilight Sparkle said hurriedly before following them, to the confusion of Applejack, Fluttershy, and even Spike.

Finn, Jake, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie stand before an obstacle with skipping logs, rope swings, swinging apple bags, and a water tank with a baby alligator, among others. “Thanks for lending Gummy to me.” Rainbow Dash thanked Pinkie Pie.

“Eh, he needs the exercise.” Pinkie Pie shrugged.

Soon, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Applejack, and Fluttershy arrive in time to watch Finn play the course. “You’re going through all that?” Twilight Sparkle asked Finn.

“Yep. All to test my pony mettle.” Finn nodded.

“And dog mettle, don’t forget ‘bout that.” Jake added. They take their places at the starting line and wait for Rainbow Dash’s signal.

“On three…” Rainbow Dash held her hood before the adventurers. “Three!” and the adventurers are off!

“Go, Finn! You can do it!” Twilight Sparkle cheered.

Finn and Jake climb up a log wall; Jake lending a hand to Finn once he reached the top. They leap down to the skipping logs where Finn lands on the first log perfectly before side-stepping his way to the other side, Jake following not far behind. As they step, the swinging bags swing, but Finn slashes them to pieces to release the apples within. He and Jake finally come to the alligator tank where they leap over seven feet of water to the other side; nary a splinter.

“That was amazing!” Twilight Sparkle screamed.

“What’s getting you so excited?” Spike asked her.

“I don’t know… but seeing Finn do the amazing things he does… it almost makes me wanna faint.” Twilight Sparkle answered as she breathes heavily. She watches Finn taking off his hat to reveal his long, blonde hair, letting it twinkle under the sunlight. “So… cool…” she muttered.

“Man, I’m sweaty. Jake, feel my hat. It’s soaked.” Finn gave his hat to Jake.

“Drenched, man. Like you were swimming in the ocean.” Jake commented.

As Finn puts his back on, Rainbow Dash flies to his side. “You guys completed that under thirty seconds! If that ain’t awesome, I dunno what is!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly.

“Y’know what this calls for?” Pinkie Pie asked them. She produces her party cannon and blows it, shooting confetti and streamers over everyone. “A party! To celebrate your first successful obstacle course in Equestria!”

“Does she always throw parties?” Jake asked Rainbow Dash.

“It’s kinda her thing, being a party pony, and all.” Rainbow Dash answered.

At the Castle of Friendship, Starlight Glimmer brings in a drab-looking pony with a dark purple mane, a grey coat, and an emotionless look on her face. “Thanks for coming, Maud. It’s good to have a rock expert around here.” Starlight Glimmer greeted her as they walk down the halls.

“Yes, it is. What kind of rock have you found?” Maud asked monotonously as Starlight Glimmer takes her to a lab where the dark crystals are being kept.

“Well, they kinda attacked us.” Starlight Glimmer answered as they walk to a crystal specimen wrapped in turquoise aura.

“Now, I’m gonna release it, then you only have forty-five seconds to analyse this before I can re-contain it.” Starlight Glimmer advised before she disperses the aura to allow Maud to examine the crystal.

“I’ve never seen anything like it before. The composition is unlike any regular crystal formation…” Maud commented. The crystal starts to glow, and a dark aura emerges from it, then Starlight Glimmer re-contains it in a magic bubble.

“I think there’s some form of dark magic involved… or worse.” Starlight Glimmer suggested.

Maud notices a punctured crystal in the corner, the same one from the monster that Finn defeated last. “What about that one? That’s not protected.” Maud asked.

“It was damaged when the new adventurer pony, Finn, fought its physical form. It’s the only one that hasn’t reformed, but I think it’s still dangerous.” Starlight Glimmer explained.

“If it’s safe, I can examine it.” Maud suggested.

“Be my guest. I’ll be here in case anything goes wrong.” Starlight Glimmer added. The two stay in the lab to study the crystals, working to understand the crystals.

At Carousel Boutique, Rarity is measuring Finn atop a fancy platform surrounded by mirrors. “Finn, darling, by the time I’m done creating your new outfit, you’ll be the envy of the adventuring guilds.” Rarity declared as she wraps measuring tape around his waist. “You do have guilds where you’re from, right?” Rarity asked.

“I run pretty much the only one with my mom.” Finn answered.

“This the same momma dog you mentioned?” Applejack asked.

“She passed away. This is Finn’s bio mom who’s a computer.” Jake answered.

“Your people can be placed into computers? That sounds amazing!” Twilight Sparkle beamed excitedly.

“We talking ‘bout video game-type computers, right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Gonna be honest, I dunno how it all works. I just think it’s cool.” Finn shrugged as Rarity put away her measuring tape.

“There we go, all finished. I’ll fix up a new set for you in no time.” Rarity said.

“Now with that done, why don’t you tell us one of your adventuring stories? One where you slay an evil beast!” Rainbow Dash requested.

“The slaying stories are small potatoes. I’ve got plenty of other adventures here in my head noodle. From fetching, fixing, and overall improving someone’s life.” Finn recounted. Before he could say anything else, the mark on Finn’s flank starts glowing and blinking.

“Dude, your butt tatt’s glowing!” Jake asked as he starts to glow as well.

“You’re glowing, too!” Finn pointed.

“Your Cutie Mark! That means there’s a friendship problem!” Twilight Sparkle gasped.

“What’s a friendship problem?!” Finn asked.

“We’ll explain later! To the castle!” Twilight Sparkle said before she and her friends take them back to the castle.

They are taken to the throne room where the circular table now has a magical projection of the Equestria map. In the northern region, Finn’s sword marking and an image of Jake’s head circle around a crystalline tower in the middle of a vast city. “Cutie Marks are a symbol of a pony’s talent and destiny. Yours may be related to your swordsponyship and bravery.” Twilight Sparkle explained.

“The Cutie Map was created with the Castle of Friendship by the Tree of Harmony.” Fluttershy elaborated.

“It usually calls them to help with ponies’ friendship problems, but it’s called others like Starlight and me once before.” Spike thumbed to the others.

“Pretty weird to call you guys, since you’re not from ‘round here.” Pinkie Pie noted.

“Whatever the problem may be, we can help.” Finn said confidently.

“For it to be all the way in the Crystal Empire is unusual as well.” Rarity noted.

“Usually, only the ones the tree called for would be sent alone.” Twilight Sparkle said. Before Finn could ask another question, Twilight Sparkle gets up close to him. “Unless you’d be okay if I came along, y’know, to observe your first friendship quest.” Twilight Sparkle asked excitedly.

“I’d love the company.” Finn answered.

“Great! It’s off to the Crystal Empire!” Twilight Sparkle declared.

“Huh, she’s usually against going along with others’ friendship quests.” Applejack observed.

“Sounds to me she wants to stay close to Finn.” Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow.

To be continued…

Chapter 3

At a train station, Twilight Sparkle’s friends wave goodbye to Finn, Jake, and Twilight Sparkle as they sat aboard a train bound to the Crystal Empire. “See ya soon, Finn!” Rainbow Dash waved.

“Good luck on your friendship quest, Jake.” Fluttershy added.

“Don’t fall into anything, Twilight…” Applejack warned. “…Or for anyone.” she teased.

“W-what does that mean?” Twilight Sparkle said in a flustered tone as she peeks from the passenger car window as the train departs.

“What’s the Crystal Empire like? Is it an entire city made of crystals?” Finn asked Twilight Sparkle.

“We have one of those, but it’s another dimension.” Jake added.

“The Crystal Empire is a city built in ancient times. For a thousand years, it vanished due to the evil King Sombra’s curse and reappeared when he did.” Twilight Sparkle explained.

“Did you do something about him?” Finn asked.

“He was blown to smithereens by the power of the Crystal Empire’s Crystal Heart, which channelled the city’s light and love. I doubt we’ll see him again.” Twilight Sparkle answered.

“You blew him up?” Finn widened his eyes.

“Hard. Core.” Jake added.

“I’ve sent a letter to my brother and captain of the guard for the Crystal Empire, Shining Armour, that we’ll be arriving soon. He sent a response stating he’s busy, but we should expect a welcoming party.” Twilight Sparkle informed them as the train drives through a tundra.

After some time, the train leaves the tundra and enters a green plain where a shining city stood, stopping at a crystalline station in front of a gate of crimson crystal pillars leading to the Crystal Empire. They disembark and are met by five guard ponies with sparkling coats, clad in crystal armour.

At the front is a cheerful Pegasus mare with a yellow coat, freckled cheeks, and a medium-pink mane with a green streak, styled in a ponytail.

Among the guards behind her is a bluish-grey mare with silvery twintails and a bored look.

Next to her is a pink mare with a long green mane, bobbing her head as she listens to music on her headphones.

Next is a light blue unicorn mare with short, dark purple hair, and an impatient look.

Finally, is a cream-coloured Pegasus mare with a swept-back mane of darker blues, wearing goggles on her helmet.

“Hello, you must be the welcoming party.” Twilight Sparkle greeted them.

“Of course we are! It’s so nice to have the Princess of Friendship herself come to the Crystal Empire!” the yellow guard greeted her cheerfully. “Now let’s move this along so we can get this over with.” she quickly changed to an impatient, grumpy demeanour.

Twilight Sparkle follows them when the pink guard prances into her way. “You gotta hear this!” she told Twilight Sparkle before putting headphones on her, metal music ringing through her head.

“Don’t say no! Just live more! Don’t say no! Just live more!” the vocals screamed into her ears before the guard takes back her headphones, leaving Twilight Sparkle dazed.

“Nice plates. They made of crystal?” Finn asked the unicorn guard as he admires her armour.

“They are, but I find the design too similar to Canterlot’s. I have my own designs that sets it apart from them… or at least I used to.” the unicorn guard glares at the cream Pegasus.

As Twilight Sparkle tries to find her footing, the cream Pegasus rushes to her with a confident look. “Princess, you know Rainbow Dash, right? Next time you see her, can you tell her Indigo Zap wants a race? Y’know, t’see who’s really the fastest in Equestria.” the Pegasus convinces her.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Twilight Sparkle answered unsurely.

As Jake walks off the platform, the twintails guard stops him. “That’s a really ugly dog, kid. It looks like something out of Tartarus.” she said unamused.

“You sure aren’t sugar-coating your first impressions of us.” Jake said to the pony’s surprise.

“Don’t mind him, he’s not used to meeting new horses.” Finn added before they move on, leaving the pony stunned.

“Pick up the pace! We’re not tour guides!” the yellow Pegasus guard pushed the paralyzed guard along.

They are taken into the Crystal Empire: a dazzling city with crystalline buildings, streets, and the ponies like living crystal figurines with their sparkling coats. “It’s even shinier than the Crystal Dimension, better-carved, too.” Jake noted.

“A little too shiny.” Finn added as he shields his eyes from the glares before the twintails guard rudely tosses sunglasses to him.

“What’s her problem?” Jake wondered as Finn puts on the sunglasses.

“These guards aren’t very well-disciplined.” Twilight Sparkle observed.

“Sugarcoat, why’d you give them my glasses?!” the unicorn scolded the pony.

“It’s not like you were using them, Sunny.” Sugarcoat groaned as the pink pony almost bumps into the yellow Pegasus.

“Lemon Zest, knock it off!” the yellow Pegasus scolded her.

“Maybe you should’ve watched where you’re going when you know Lemon Zest’s around, Sour.” the cream Pegasus teased.

“I was looking where I was going, Indigo!” the yellow Pegasus growled.

The princess and adventurers are taken to the entrance of a castle where a revolving crystal heart spin between crystal spikes. “It’s nice meeting y’all, but we gotta go! Enjoy your stay!” the yellow Pegasus said before the guards leave. “Or don’t…”

“Where can we find the friendship problem?” Jake asked Twilight Sparkle.

“The Map doesn’t specify who’s in trouble. You have to find it yourself.” Twilight Sparkle answered.

“Then let’s get started!” Finn said as he and Jake turn around, but Twilight Sparkle leaps in his way with a smile.

“Why don’t I come with you? Y’know, to observe your process.” Twilight Sparkle asked excitedly as she gets close to Finn.

“We’re good.” Finn declines as he backs away.

“Okay… I’ll just be in the library… waiting…” Twilight Sparkle said before flying away.

“Jake, what time is it?” Finn turned to Jake.

“Friendship Time!” they hoofbumped to kick off their new adventure.

They explore the streets, passing shops and cafés run by fancy-looking ponies. “Why’d you think this Tree chose us to give counselling to random ponies?” Jake asked Finn.

“Maybe it’s a test to see if we’re righteous heroes.” Finn suggested.

“We’ll have no problem, ‘cuz we’re already righteous heroes!” Jake said confidently as they approach a male yellow Pegasus guard with a blue mane. “Hey, you. Have you seen friends having problems?”

“Did your dog talk?” the guard asked Finn in surprise.

“Again with the talking dog thing! There are dragons that use their fire to send mail, for crying out loud!” Jake exclaimed in frustration.

“I’m Finn, this is Jake. We’re sent by Princess Twilight Sparkle to solve a friendship problem.” Finn introduced themselves to the guard.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle? If there’s anything I can do to help wards of her highness, Flash Sentry is at your service.” the pony introduced himself proudly. “If you’re looking for friends having problems, I think I know who fits the bill.”

“Lead the way, Flash.” Finn said as they follow him.

At the castle, they peek inside a breakroom to see the five guards from earlier doing their own things away from each other. “They’re the welcome party the captain sent. They didn’t make us feel all that welcome.” Finn observed.

“They joined pretty recently, and were tight as a hay bale. Now, they barely tolerate each other.” Flash Sentry explained.

“Sour Sweet might seem nice, but she loses her patience fast. Don’t wanna get on her bad side.” Flash Sentry pointed to the yellow Pegasus polishing her helmet.

“Sunny Flare’s creative at designing armour and weapons, and is really protective of her work.” he pointed to the unicorn screwdriving a metal cuff.

“Indigo Zap is competitive, and gets intense during training, aiming for the top in anything.” he pointed to the other Pegasus doing sit-ups.

“Sugarcoat always has something on her mind, and lets everyone know, even if it hurts.” he pointed to the twintails guard squinting her eyes at a book.

“Then there’s Lemon Zest. She never takes off her headphones and gets distracted all the time. Despite this, she’s got some crazy focus when needed.” Flash pointed to the pink pony dancing to her music.

“If you need help, don’t be afraid to call on me.” Flash Sentry told them before walking away.

“Thanks, Flash!” Finn waved.

“How should we enter? We can’t go in without a good reason.” Jake asked Finn.

“But we do have a reason.” Finn said as he held Sunny Flare’s sunglasses.

They barge into the room, gaining the guards’ attention. “Hey, us again! You forgot your sunnies.” Finn announced himself before Sunny Flare swiftly takes the sunglasses back.

“Thank you! Now get out! This room’s staff-only.” Sour Sweet growled before pushing them to the door, only for Jake to stretch into a door-sized block, terrifying everyone except a distracted Lemon Zest.

“First it talks, now… that! Who are you two?!” Sugarcoat said in surprise.

“We’re the guys who’s gonna make y’all friends again!” Finn answered proudly.

“*SCOFF* We’re already best friends forever, aren’t we?” Indigo Zap asked the others, only to be ignored.

“We don’t need your help, so go away.” Sunny Flare refused sternly.

“As a hero, I vow to help anyone in need, no matter how small their problem.” Finn told her seriously.

“My problem is that a foal and his freak dog waltz in thinking that they can stick their muzzles into other ponies’ business! And the only way to solve it is for you to leave!” Sour Sweet yelled before bucking Finn and Jake out the door and slamming it shut.

“That’s a bust.” Jake groaned in defeat.

“I’m not giving up. We’re gonna make them friends again. Once they’re on duty, we’ll split up and talk to them one-by-one, ask what happened between them.” Finn declared.

Sunny Flare is in the armoury, checking for damage on helmets when Finn approaches her from behind. “You’re the kid that returned my sunglasses. What’re you doing here?” Sunny Flare asked him.

“I wanna see what you’re working on, just in case you’re slackin’.” Finn answered.

“I’m a hard-working guard who takes her job seriously… unlike Indigo…” Sunny Flare said before moving to another table to resume working on her cuff.

“You think she’s not hard-working?” Finn peeks over her shoulder.

“All she does is fly circles around the castle and calls it patrolling. One time, she kicked up wind strong enough to blow all my designs out the window.” Sunny Flare recalled.

“Why don’t you talk to her ‘bout it?” Finn suggested.

“As if she’ll ever stop to listen.” Sunny Flare scoffed. Finn tries to peek at her work, but is met by a wall of spears pointed at him.

“Get out.” Sunny Flare said sternly as her horn glows. After Finn is escorted out the door by the spears, Sunny Flare hears a clatter from the armour racks and sees a purple blur jumping out the open window.

Sour Sweet is patrolling the garden, decorated with beautiful crystal foliage and flowers, relaxing as she sniffs a strange yellow flower from a topiary. “The flowers look beautiful this time of year.” Jake greeted her.

“Ah!” Sour Sweet screamed before swatting him out of the bush and into the crystal flower bed. “Don’t you have anything better to do?!” she growled in frustration.

“Nope. This is what I’m here for, and I’m not leaving ‘til I fix your problem.” Jake answered as he stretches into dog form.

“Will telling you my problem make you go away?” Sour Sweet rolled her eyes.

“Probably.” Jake answered.

“It’s Sugarcoat!” she blurted. “That blabbermouth runs her trap about whatever whenever she pleases! Once, I told her to take my place guarding the royal baby’s room while I did errands. When I came back, the captain was there and said Sugarcoat ratted me out!” Sour Sweet explained, getting increasingly angry. “I had to sharpen spears overtime as punishment!”

“Did you talk to her?” Jake asked.

“I don’t see a reason to.” Sour Sweet turned away. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a garden to patrol.” She flies off without another glance at Jake.

Indigo Zap is at a track doing pre-flight stretches when Finn approaches her. “Hey there, Indigo Zap. I heard from the other guards that you’re pretty fast.” Finn greeted her.

“Fast’s an understatement. I’m the best flyer in the Crystal Empire, and I make sure everypony knows!” Indigo Zap boasted.

“You must’ve broken records.” Finn said.

“I would’ve… if it weren’t for Sour Sweet.” Indigo Zap clenches her teeth.

“What’d she do?” Finn asked.

“I was ‘boutta make my fiftieth winning practice race in a row when she pushed a thundercloud in my way! I made second place!” Indigo Zap ranted.

“Did she apologize?” Finn asked.

“She didn’t even stick around to see me lose!” Indigo Zap exclaimed. “I’m done talking. See ya never, kid.” Indigo Zap groaned before zooming off. Finn hears a click and turns around to see a camera engulfed in purple aura floating away.

Sugarcoat is in the city, reading a notebook when a weird yellow bird falls on her face. “Hi.” Jake greeted Sugarcoat before she shakes him off.

“You’re a stubborn dog-thing, y’know that?” Sugarcoat said to Jake.

“You investigatin’ crime?” Jake asked.

“Theft. According to the victim, the perpetrator was a yellow unicorn mare with a curly red-and-yellow mane. He didn’t see her face or Cutie Mark since she wore a cloak. They clearly didn’t want to be recognized.” Sugarcoat explained.

“I’ll tell you if I see her.” Jake said. “With that seg outta the ue… what happened between you and your friends?”

“I found the hard way they can’t be trusted.” Sour Sweet looked down. “Sunny Flare asked if she could borrow my glasses for a project, and I said yes. A few weeks later, I found she’s been hiding the fact that she broke them.” Sugarcoat explained.

“All this over glasses?” Jake commented.

“It’s not about the glasses. I thought I could trust her with something important.” Sour Sweet answered sadly as she turns away. “Apparently, I can’t.” she said before walking into a lamp post. As Jake goes in the opposite direction, Lemon Zest emerges from an alley behind him, looking distraught.

Outside a café, Finn and Jake meet with Flash Sentry to exchange their findings. “Glasses! Glasses!” Jake recounted frustratingly, attracting the other patrons’ attention.

“And they all refuse to talk?” Flash Sentry asked.

“Communication is key in any relationship.” Finn commented. “What can we do to convince them to just talk?” Finn wondered.

“We kidnap them and put them in a room.” Jake suggested.

“I won’t be an accessory to that.” Flash Sentry declined.

“If we’re going to make them friends again, we have to do it non-violently.” Finn told Jake.

“What about Lemon Zest? Have you talked to her?” Flash Sentry asked them.

“We couldn’t find her anywhere.” Finn said.

“Um, hi…” a voice greeted them. They around to see Lemon Zest with a sheepish smile and her headphones down. “Got room for one more?” Lemon Zest asked.

“Sure. Take a seat.” Finn gestured to an empty chair.

“I’m sorry about my friends.” She took her seat. “I appreciate that you’re trying to help us.”

“Lemon Zest, what can you tell us about your friends?” Finn asked.

“We met in prep school before King Sombra’s rule, and suffered during it.” Lemon Zest began. “We stuck together as friends and held onto the hope of better days to come. That day came when the Spike the Brave and Glorious and his allies saved the Crystal Empire and restored our hope.” Lemon Zest explained.

“Were they always this stuck-up?” Jake asked.

“Not always. We were miserable under King Sombra. After the Crystal Faire, we expressed ourselves more freely and followed our passions, becoming different ponies than before.” Lemon Zest answered.

“The fact you’re here means you’re different from your friends. Why’d you come to us?” Jake asked.

“I…” Lemon Zest said before she tears up. “I’m tired of it! The bickering, the fighting! I can’t take it! ” Lemon Zest cried. “We joined the guard to defend the Crystal Empire against evil-doers like King Sombra so nopony can be miserable again! Now we can’t be in the same room without starting an argument.”

“Haven’t you talked to them?” Flash Sentry suggested.

“You’ve met them! They’re not the friends I knew, they’re… mean! I may look happy when my music’s on, but I still hear every mean thing my friends say!” Lemon Zest answered.

“Lemon Zest, this situation isn’t something you should avoid. If you talk your friends through, you can bring them back together.” Finn persuaded.

“I’m too scared to talk to them. They won’t listen to anypony, not even me.” Lemon Zest declined in fear.

“They need more convincing. Got any keepsakes from the good ol’ days?” Jake asked Lemon Zest.

“Sure do. I sometimes look at old pictures of us.” Lemon Zest said as she gives Finn a black-and-white photograph of Lemon Zest and her friends; looking plainer than their present selves.

“Jake, you may be onto something with the room, but they have to come willingly.” Finn turned to Jake. “Flash, you’re gonna help gather them, since they’re probably not keen on seeing us again.” Finn instructed Flash Sentry. “We’re gonna make them friends again, or my name isn’t Finn Mertens!” Finn declared.

Unknown to them, Twilight Sparkle is spying on them at another table, hiding behind a newspaper as she stares at Finn intensely

In the tundra, a portal opens for two towering figures to emerge. “So, this is another universe? We just had to land in their arctic.” the shorter figure with glowing blue eyes groaned.

“Our target is nearby. Focus on that.” the larger figure said in a menacing voice as their yellow eyes burn through the snowfall. Metal clanking echoes through the snowstorm before two fast-moving shapes plough through the snow.

To be continued…

Chapter 4

Sour Sweet is flying around the castle when Flash Sentry approaches her. “Hey, Flash. S’it time to switch shifts?” Sour Sweet asked.

“Actually, there’s something you should check in the relic room. It’s real messy.” Flash Sentry said.

“If it’s a broken vase, I’m not sweeping.” Sour Sweet sighed before descending.

Sugarcoat is at a street corner talking to a crystal pony when Flash Sentry comes. “Flash Sentry. Need something?” she greeted him. “I’m in the middle of questioning a witness.”

“A painting from the relic room’s missing!” Flash Sentry informed her urgently.

“Might be an unscheduled restoration. But since you bothered a recruit instead of somepony else, I’ll check it out.” Sugarcoat said before handing him her notebook.

As she leaves, Flash Sentry looks at the notes and raises an eyebrow. “Unicorn mare… curly red-and-yellow mane… huh, sounds familiar.”

Sunny Flare is sketching in the armoury when Flash Sentry barges in. “Flash! Don’t look!” Sunny Flare exclaimed as she covers her work.

“I’ve received word a dangerous criminal’s cornered in the relic room! We have to get there now!” Flash Sentry informed her hurriedly.

“Sounds like a good opportunity to test out my newest project.” Sunny Flare said as she puts the metal cuff on her front right hoof.

Indigo Zap is taking a water break at the track when Flash Sentry tiredly limps to her. “Indigo… you… in…” Flash Sentry panted.

“Drink this, handsome.” Indigo Zap gives him water from her bottle.

“Guh! Thanks.” Flash Sentry sighed in relief. “We have to get to the relic room, fast! An intruder’s holed up there!”

“Fast, you say? I’ll get there faster than a blink of an eye!” Indigo Zap said confidently before zooming away.

At the relic room’s doors at the end of a hallway, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, and Sunny Flare arrive. “What’re you doing here?” Sour Sweet asked Sugarcoat.

“Move aside, I’ve got experimental equipment to test.” Sunny Flare rudely pushes them aside.

“Don’t break anything then hide it for weeks.” Sugarcoat said sarcastically.

“Will you get over that?!” Sunny Flare roared.

“If you do, Sugarcoat is sure to inform the captain of such a mistake.” Sour Sweet teased Sunny Flare smugly.

“Incoming!” Indigo Zap zooms into her ex-friends, slamming them into the room.

“Watch where you’re going!” Sunny Flare scolded Indigo Zap as they lie on the floor.

“I gave you a heads-up!” Indigo Zap argued as they all stand up.

“Which painting was stolen?” Sugarcoat wondered.

“A painting? I was told there’s a dangerous criminal that needs taking care of.” Sunny Flare said before the doors close, revealing Lemon Zest behind them.

“Hey… everypony.” she greeted them meekly.

“Lemon Zest, glad to see you! Seen anypony fishy around here?” Sour Sweet asked her.

“Maybe she’s the fishy one!” Indigo Zap accused Lemon Zest.

“She does have a habit of bumping into things and breaking them.” Sugarcoat suggested. “Almost like somepony I know.” she glares at Sunny Flare.

“That wasn’t my fault!” Sunny Flare argued.

“Then why’d you hide it?!” Sugarcoat barked.

“If nobody’s going to take this seriously, I will.” Sunny Flare looks at her cuff.

“What’s that doohickey?” Indigo Zap asked.

“Don’t touch it! You’ll ruin it like you ruined my designs!” Sunny Flare cupped her other hoof over her creation.

“I never did anything like that!” Indigo Zap defended.

“Yes, you did!” Sunny Flare insisted. They all argue over each other, to Lemon Zest’s distress as she breaks down.

“Enough!” Lemon Zest screamed for everyone to stop. “There is no painting! Flash brought you all here to talk.”

“Then this was a waste of time.” Sunny Flare walks to the doors, finding them locked.

“Looks like it’s stuck. Old castle doors, y’know?” Lemon Zest smiled awkwardly as she discreetly pockets a key.

“I don’t wanna spend another second with you ponies. I’ll break down this door if I have to.” Sunny Flare said as her horn glows.

“Like you did to my glasses?” Sugarcoat said to Sunny Flare’s frustration.

“For the last time!” Sunny Flare zipped to an inch from Sugarcoat’s muzzle. “I. Did. Not. Break them!” she growled, restarting the four-pony argument.

Upon seeing this again, Lemon Zest gulps and takes a deep breath. “I said that’s enough!” Lemon Zest yelled at the top of her lungs, gaining her friends’ attention. “Look at this.” Lemon Zest presents their old group photograph to them.

“This was when we enrolled at Crystal Prep.” Sour Sweet noted.

“I was so pumped to be there, and even more pumped when I met you guys.” Indigo Zap added.

“Oh, my manestyle was so cute back then. Remember when I gave everyone braids?” Sunny Flare cooed affectionately for everyone to nod in agreement.

“This was before King Sombra invaded. We thought we’d never see another day of freedom again.” Sugarcoat remembered sadly.

“What happened to us? When we joined the guard, we were as close as friends can be.” Lemon Zest told them.

“Lemon, things change, for better or for worse. Including friendships.” Sour Sweet told her.

“Yeah, we get better at what we do, like soaring fast!” Indigo Zap boasted.

“Fast enough to lose my designs.” Sunny Flare grumbled.

“For the last time, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Indigo Zap roared.

“You know very well! Three months ago on the fifth, you were doing your so-called ‘patrols’ when you flew past the armoury, creating a vacuum that sucked my designs out the window! I spent an entire afternoon scouring the city for them!” Sunny Flare recounted.

“The fifth? I had night patrols.” Indigo Zap told her.

“You did?” Sunny Flare said in surprise.

“She was. I was with her.” Sour Sweet corroborated.

“Unfortunately.” Indigo Zap rolled her eyes.

“Excuse me?!” Sour Sweet exclaimed furiously.

“I don’t feel comfortable around ponies who ruin my winning streak.” Indigo Zap turned away.

“When’d I do that?” Sour Sweet asked.

“Our fiftieth practice run. You pushed a thundercloud in my way! I saw you fly past me!” Indigo Zap answered.

“I was a couple places behind you the entire time! There’s no way I could even come near you!” Sour Sweet told her.

“Then why were you the first pony I saw when I got outta that cloud?” Indigo Zap interrogated her.

“Because she overtook you.” Sunny Flare answered for he Pegasi to look to her. “I saw it from the ground. The cloud came up behind you by itself. When it did, Sour was already about seven places behind you.” Sunny Flare explained.

“You assumed I did it?!” Sour Sweet asked Indigo Zap frustratedly.

“Uh, guess I did.” Indigo Zap rubbed the back of her neck.

“Sugarcoat, why are you angry with Sunny?” Lemon Zest asked.

“She broke my glasses and hid it.” Sugarcoat answered.

“Did you let her explain what happened?” Lemon Zest asked.

“No.” Sugarcoat lowered her head shamefully.

“I found it already shattered in the armoury one morning, so I hid it to give me time…” Sunny Flare explained as she searches her armour’s pockets. “…To make these.” she presents a pair of orange-framed glasses to Sugarcoat.

Sugarcoat takes it from her and puts them on, and is amazed to see the world clearly again. “These… these are better than my old ones. I can see clearly again!” Sugarcoat looks to her friends in awe.

“I wanted to give them to you sooner, but I guess I was angry, too.” Sunny Flare explained.

“I think I’m seeing a pattern here.” Sour Sweet narrowed her eyes. “Sugarcoat, you didn’t rat me out to the captain, did you?”

“No, I stood guard at Princess Flurry Heart’s room for five full hours.” Sugarcoat told Sour Sweet. “I may be brutally honest, but I wouldn’t tell on my friends.” she assured.

“Did the captain say Sugarcoat told him herself?” Lemon Zest asked.

“He mentioned a letter… oh.” Sour Sweet answered, widening her eyes at the realization.

“I didn’t write a letter.” Sugarcoat added.

“Oh… um, Sugarcoat… I’m sorry.” Sour Sweet apologized nervously.

“It’s alright, Sour Sweet.” Sugarcoat assured.

“We really should’ve had this talk a long time ago.” Indigo Zap said.

“I guess the guard work took its toll on us, and we were too stressed to talk about our problems.” Sour Sweet added.

“We’re sorry, Lemon Zest.” they all apologized.

“I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t’ve sheltered myself in my music, and just spoke out sooner. I’m just glad to have my friends back.” Lemon Zest apologized as well.

“We’re still friends, no matter what.” Sour Sweet assured Lemon Zest before they all hug her, letting her cry tears of joy.

“Woo! Yeah! Go Lemon Zest!” a voice yelled to everyone’s surprise. They break the group hug and look to the end of the room to see Jake stretched into a vase.

“Jake, you blew our cover!” Finn emerges from behind Jake.

“What’re you two doing here?” Sour Sweet asked them tensely.

“We’re helping Lemon Zest. You wouldn’t listen to us, so we encouraged Lemon Zest to talk to you herself.” Finn explained.

“I guess we have you to thank for bringing us together.” Sunny Flare chuckled.

“And Lemon Zest. She’s the one who came up with all that crud to convince y’all to get back together.” Jake added.

“Finn, Jake, thank you for giving me the courage to talk to my friends. I dunno what I would’ve done without you.” Lemon Zest thanked Finn.

“No prob. It’s what us heroes do.” Finn said as his Cutie Mark glows.

“You’re glowing again!” Jake said as he glows.

“You too!” Finn pointed.

“Does this mean we completed the friendship quest?!” Jake said excitedly.

“Radical!” they both celebrated with a hoofbump, when barging into the room is Twilight Sparkle with a wide smile.

“Finn! Congratulations on your first friendship quest! You’re a true hero!” Twilight Sparkle congratulated Finn with a tight hug.

“Were you outside the entire time?” Jake asked her.

“I, uh, just happened to be in the area when I heard you in here.” Twilight Sparkle answered awkwardly.

“C’mon, everypony. Let’s go on break, together.” Sour Sweet said as she walks out the room with her friends.

As they leave, Flash Sentry rushes in front of the door. “Finn, Jake, everyone! Something’s happening outside! Unknown objects have been spotted entering the city!” Flash Sentry informed them to their shock.

“Sound like more trouble!” Finn declared before they gallop away.

As they hurry outside, a hooded pony emerges from a pillar to spy on them. “C’mon, friends! Let’s make the captain proud!” Lemon Zest rallied her friends.

The hooded pony stamps her leg and pulls back her hood, revealing a yellow unicorn mare with wavy red-and-yellow hair and seething blue eyes, matching Sugarcoat’s suspect description. “Great, they’re friends again.” She growled. “Ruining their friendship should’ve been the perfect revenge for making a move on my little pony.” she locks eyes on Flash Sentry. “Human, pony, I don’t care. He’ll be mine.” she declared before retreating to the shadows.

The heroes arrive in the city square to witness two unidentified objects in the horizon zooming towards them, letting out faint roars. “What are they?” Sugarcoat wondered as she adjusts her glasses.

The objects skid to a stop before them, revealing to be a rusted S.U.V. and a yellow-and-black pony car. The S.U.V.’s back opens up to reveal injured guard ponies escorting an injured white unicorn stallion wearing golden armour, alongside an unconscious pink winged unicorn wearing a tiara.

“It’s Captain Shining Armour and Princess Mi Amore Cadenze!” Lemon Zest said.

“Shining Armour? That’s your brother!” Finn said to Twilight Sparkle.

“Cadence! Shining Armour! What happened?” Twilight Sparkle asked the stallion in shock.

“Too… many…” Shining Armour groaned before falling unconscious for the guards carry him away alongside Cadence.

“I don’t know what these things are, but they saved the princess and the captain.” Flash Sentry said as he knocks on the yellow car. In response, the car breaks apart into smaller components, rearranging into a humanoid shape with door-wings and a helmeted head with blue eyes upon a metallic visage, terrifying the guards as it focuses on Finn and Jake.

“Bumblebee, what’re you doing in Equestria?” Finn asked it.

“Finn? you’re a pony?” the robot said in surprise as the S.U.V. transforms into a taller, menacing form with a squared helmet, sharp teeth, and asymmetric claws.

“Eighty-One? You’re here too?” Jake asked the other robot.

“You know these… metal things?” Twilight Sparkle asked Finn and Jake.

“They’re friends of ours. We met them on our adventures.” Finn answered.

“We’re Cybertronians from the planet Cybertron.” Bumblebee introduces themselves. “I’m Bumblebee of the Autobots. C-Eighty-One here’s a drifter.” Bumblebee informed them.

“Perceptor sent us to track down something very dangerous.” C-81 presents a purple crystal.

“It’s the crystal core of creatures that attacked Ponyville!” Twilight Sparkle recognized.

“Crystal Terrorcons we call them. We saw them attacking Cadence and Shining Armour, so we destroyed them before they could do any real damage.” Bumblebee explained.

“This crystal, I know it too well…” C-81 muttered. “Dark Energon: the unholy lifeblood of the dark god Unicron. It could spell catastrophe in the wrong hands.”

“The Injector, it can make soldiers from gems… it all makes sense.” Finn muttered as he pieces everything together.

“We have more specimens at my castle. You know more about this material, so you’re welcome to examine them.” Twilight Sparkle offered them.

“We appreciate your cooperation, Twilight Sparkle.” C-81 accepted.

“Ah-ah-ah! That’s Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Bumblebee wagged his finger at C-81.

“You know who I am?” Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise.

“We know all about you and your friends in Ponyville! Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy!” Bumblebee told her excitedly. “I’m a big fan.”

“Oh… is that so?” Twilight Sparkle said nervously.

“Guess this is goodbye.” Finn faced the guard ponies.

“We’ll see each other again soon.” Lemon Zest smiled.

“We’ll be sure to stick together like glue on a scrapbook.” Sour Sweet assured.

“And bring Rainbow Dash! I still want that race.” Indigo Zap raised her hoof.

“Hopefully, we’ll wear shiny new sets of armour by then, courtesy of yours truly.” Sunny Flare said proudly.

“Please don’t stalk us next time.” Sugarcoat said bluntly.

“We’ll talk over coffee, my treat.” Flash Sentry offered.

Finn and Jake wave to their new friends as they follow Twilight Sparkle, Bumblebee, and C-81 out of the city. “Bye, wife-stealer! Bye, Shadowbolts!” Bumblebee waved to the guards.

“Wife-stealer? I’d never do such a thing.” Flash Sentry said.

“Heart-stealer, more like.” Sunny Flare moved in with a smile.

“Shadowbolts? Sounds like a good squad name, don’cha think?” Sour Sweet turned to her friends.

By sunset in Ponyville, Finn, Jake, and Twilight Sparkle disembark from the train as Bumblebee and C-81 transform from their flatcars, tearing off their restraining cables and scaring ponies on the platform.

“I can’t believe I’m in Ponyville!” Bumblebee squeaked.

“We’re here to investigate the Dark Energon. We’re not tourists.” C-81 reminded Bumblebee.

“Aw, c’mon. Live a little, we’re in Equestria!” Bumblebee said as they leave the station, when Spike worriedly waddles to them.

“Twilight, thank- ah!” Spike looked up fearfully to the Cybertronians.

“Don’t worry, they’re friendly.” Finn assured.

“Spike, what is it?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“The crystals, they’ve escaped!” Spike exclaimed before the Castle of Friendship east wall bursts open. They rush to the castle where they find Crystal Terrorcons crawling all over the place, now resembling robots like Bumblebee and C-81.

“Looks like they upgraded!” Finn pointed to them when they hear Rarity screaming from inside.

“The marshmallow’s in trouble!” Bumblebee said before he and C-81 grabs everyone and climbs the building.

They scale the castle to the lab where they find Crystal Terrorcons taking Twilight Sparkle’s friends hostage. “Lemme go, ya oversized glass figurine!” Applejack demanded as she tries to wriggle out of a Crystal Terrorcon’s grip.

“You dunno who you’re messing with!” Rainbow Dash roared.

“We’re too late!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed

“Please, don’t hurt us…” Fluttershy cried.

Upon seeing her tears, Bumblebee’s eyes narrow. “Let go of Fluttershy!" Bumblebee screamed before priming his plasma cannon.

“Twilight, help us!” Rarity cried out.

“Where’d you get those metal guys?!” Pinkie Pie wondered.

“No time to explain!” Finn brandishes his Night Sword as Jake inflates his fists.

“Hold tight, girls!” Twilight Sparkle shouted.

Bumblebee first shoots a Crystal Terrorcon holding Starlight and Maud Pie captive, freeing them. “Spike, evacuate your fellow supporting cast outta here!” Bumblebee commanded.

“Supporting cast?!” Spike blurted in confusion before Starlight telekinetically grabs him.

“We’ll leave this to you, Twilight!” Starlight Glimmer said before they leave the lab.

As the heroes rush to save their friends, Crystal Terrorcons burst from a wall and swiftly tackle them all into a mirror connected to a machine, entering its reflection like a portal.

“Twilight!” the ponies screamed as the creatures take them away.

The heroes find themselves falling through a rainbow vortex with the Crystal Terrorcons behind them. As the Crystal Terrorcons converge, C-81 grabs one from behind and flings it past Bumblebee’s shoulder. “Nasty abominations.” C-81 pumps a laser shotgun.

“Get over—!" Finn screamed before he and Jake are swiftly captured by the giants. “That all- Aaah!” Finn screamed as the Crystal Terrorcon forcibly tears off his robot leg.

“Let him go!” Twilight Sparkle grabs Finn by his backpack to free him before the giant yank them away, tearing off the bag by its straps before escaping into the vortex wall with them. “No… my friends… Finn…” Twilight Sparkle muttered in defeat as she holds onto the bag.

Suddenly, a group of Crystal Terrorcons ambush her in mourning. “Twilight, look out!” Bumblebee said before pushing Twilight Sparkle away, letting the giants attack him. They overwhelm him with unnatural speed and tear him apart limb-from-limb.

“Bumblebee!” C-81 screamed before firing on the giants with his laser shotgun. They respond by taking Bumblebee’s remains and throwing them at C-81. Before Twilight Sparkle realized it, the last thing she sees is Bumblebee’s dented head throttling at her before everything goes dark.

THE END