Eric Sparkle and the Storm King

Chapters

Chapter 2: The Invasion
Chapter 3: Arrival at the Changeling Kingdom/Enter Klugetown
Chapter 4: Rescue from Klugetown/Into the Dragon Lands
Chapter 5: Journey to Mt. Aris and Seaquestria
Chapter 6: Rescue Plan
Chapter 7: The Battle for Canterlot
Chapter 8: The Friendship Festival
Chapter 1: A Dark Meeting/Planning the Friendship Festival

Chapter 2: The Invasion

All of a sudden, everyone heard what sounded like thunder until they looked up, murmuring with shocked and fearful gasps.

“Storm clouds? I ordered perfect weather! Rainbow Dash?!” Twilight asked.

“Uh... I... don't think those are storm clouds,” Rainbow replied.

“I think those are exhaust clouds or smoke clouds,” Storm added.

Just then, everyone heard a huge deep humming noise, which sounded like a propeller.

“Ooh! I bet those are the clowns I ordered!” Pinkie exclaimed, until they got a closer look and saw an airship with dark gray wood plank, and a pale orchid blimp with armor on the front and a blue glowing symbol on the front.

“Or definitely not the clowns I ordered,” Pinkie said.

Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Lord Emerald came over to see what was happening, until the airship landed in the balcony and made some pillars crumble, causing ponies to run and scream from them.

“Everypony get back!” Twilight said.

The door opened and then lowered, until they saw a small pug-faced hedgehog with dark grayish cobalt blue fur, light grayish sapphire bluish gray quills on the back of his head, brilliant opal eyes, and he had an apron with the Storm symbol. He was breathing and grunting while carrying a blue metal box until he carefully placed it on the ground and it transformed into a megaphone speaker with a radio microphone.

Grubber cleared his throat, and then spoke in a lisp. “Ponies of Equestria, we come on behalf of the fearsome, the powerful, the almighty...Storm King!”

The ponies started cowering and whispering. The Mane 6 looked at each other in confusion.

“And now, to deliver the evil, evil methage, put your hooveth together for the one... the only... Commander Tempeeeest Shadooooooow!” Grubber continued.

Looking closely, they noticed the evil unicorn exit the airship.

“Is that a... unicorn?” Twilight asked.

“I think so, but what happened to her horn?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know,” Eric said.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, and Lord Emerald went up to deal with Tempest.

“Tempest, is it? How may we help you?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Oh, I'm so glad you asked. How about we start with your complete and total surrender?” Tempest asked evilly.

Twilight and Storm walked over to Tempest. “Hi there. Princess and Prince of Friendship. Not exactly sure what's going on, but I know we can talk things out,” Twilight greeted.

“Perfect. All four Princesses and the high lord,” Tempest said, “Here's the deal, everypony. I need your magic. Give it up nicely, please, or we make it difficult for everypony! It’s your choice, so take your pick.”

“And why should we cower before you? There's one of you and hundreds of us,” Princess Luna replied.

“You take on one of us, you take on all of us!” Lord Emerald added.

Tempest Shadow then chuckled evilly, “I was hoping you'd choose "difficult".”

Suddenly, a couple of storm trolls appeared, and they had dark grayish cobalt blue fur with light grayish sapphire blue manes, and they wore dark gray masks with brilliant opal eye visors and carried spears and shields. More airships came, and more storm trolls jumped out of them. Glacio’s Frigus Order troops led by General Frostbite also appeared from all sides. Twilight and Storm gasped, and then Princess Cadance gasped.

The storm trolls roared as the ponies began to panic and run for their lives. Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst came over to the Mane 7 with Midnight and Eric’s pet otter, Ron in their hooves. Jasper, Smokey, Forest Thunder, and Spiracle also rushed to them. Midnight started crying, Twilight, Storm, and Eric tried to calm him down, but without much success. The princesses and lord ordered the guards to assist, but some of them were taken down by the storm trolls and ice pony troops, and then captured while others fought back.

“Twilight! Storm! They’re going to kill you! Get out of here!” Emerald said.

Eric and his friends kept running until they found Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

“Girls, run!” Eric shouted.

The CMCs ran to their older sisters as quickly as they could, then Storm approached Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst.

“Starlight! You, Trixie, and Sunburst need to get out of here now and take Midnight,” Storm said.

“Don’t forget Ron,” Eric added.

“Right,” Starlight replied.

“It’s okay, Midnight. You’ll be back with us soon,” Twilight said reassuringly, then kissed him on his face.

“Nightshade, you and the others come with me. We need to get help,” Eric said to his friends.

“Where do you suggest?” Nightshade asked.

“We need to head for the Changeling Hive and send word to King Thorax. Then we need to get to the Dragon Lands and send word to Ember,” Eric replied. His friends nodded in reply.

“Jasper, Smokey, Forest, and Spiracle, you’ll need to go with the children,” Storm said.

“Right away, Storm,” Forest replied.

Tempest then kicked an obsidian grenade at Princess Celestia. Cadance got in front of her and cast a shield, but it went through and turned her into an obsidian statue. Twilight and Storm gasped.

“Cadance!” Celestia shouted.

“No! Aunt Cadance!” Eric said.

“I can’t stop it,” Cadance replied as she was being petrified.

Tempest then kicked another obsidian grenade at Princess Celestia.

“Luna, quick! Go somewhere south beyond the Badlands! Seek help from the Queen of the Hippo-!” Celestia said, then screamed before being petrified.

Luna tried to fly away, but Tempest kicked an obsidian grenade at her, causing her to scream as she was being petrified.

“Luna!” Twilight yelled as she fell out of the sky.

Twilight then caught the petrified night princess in her magic and gently set her down. Tempest then kicked an obsidian grenade at Lord Emerald and then he was petrified. Twilight and Storm gasped in fear. Tempest tried to kick two more obsidian grenades at Twilight and Storm, but Eric got in front of them, then pointed his wand and incanted, “Reducto!”

This caused the grenades to explode before they could reach their targets.

“Thanks, sport,” Storm said.

“Don’t mention it,” Eric replied.

“Grubber, get them now!” Tempest said.

“Guyth, we gotta get the Princess!” Grubber said. Tempest suddenly made a mischievous grin, “Easy as pie.”

Frostbite looked at the petrified princesses and lord, then said to Tempest, “Glacio will be pleased to see this. Very good, Tempest.”

“There’s still Princess Twilight and Prince Storm to catch,” Tempest replied.

“Over here, y’all!” Applejack called out.

“Come on!” Twilight said as she and the others tried to escape the storm trolls.

They ran until they reached the bridge only to be cut off. Twilight and Storm tried to blast the storm trolls in front them, but they were deflected by their shields and destroyed the bridge. Eric, Spike, and the ponies fell in to the river, then fell down the falls. Grubber and a few storm trolls came towards the falls and asked in a lisp, “Which one of you guys is goin' down there?” The storm trolls just growled feeling unsure.

“I would, but I just had a hearty meal, and I will think and I will side-cramp. I'm very big-boned. I sink quick.” Grubber said, lisping.

Meanwhile, the Mane 7, Spike, Eric, and his friends popped out from the water and swam over shore and away from the castle to catch their breaths. Rarity placed a towel sided blanket onto Eric to keep him warm, and then Fluttershy held him with both hooves as he sat on her lap.

“Everypony okay?” Applejack asked.

“I think my bottom's on backward,” Rarity replied.

“We just got our cupcakes handed to us by the worst party crasher ever!” Pinkie said.

“We gotta go back there and fight!” Rainbow added, as Applejack tugged on her tail with her teeth.

“Well, you saw the size of those goons. You seriously wanna go back?” Spike asked.

“So now what? We can't hide here forever,” Applejack said, “And let's be honest, we can't go back. Look at what they did to the Princesses. We gotta keep them from Twilight and Storm.”

Twilight and Storm then remembered something, “The Queen...”

“Yeah, the Queen! Uh, what queen?” Pinkie asked.

“Celestia told Luna to find the Queen of the...Hippos. Luna can't, so we have to,” Twilight replied, trying to recall what Celestia said.

“Mommy, I think she meant Hippogriffs,” Eric replied.

“Hippogriffs?” Rainbow asked.

“Storm and I have read about them! They're somewhere south, past the Badlands,” Twilight said.

“My friend, Marina here is a hippogriff,” Eric added, pointing to his friend.

“That means we'll have to... leave Equestria. Oh!” Fluttershy replied.

“I'm not even packed!” Rarity added.

“I understand you're scared. We all are, and nopony else has to go.” Twilight said.

“But Twilight and I have to find this queen. She might be our only hope,” Storm added.

“Well, you're not getting all the glory. We're in this together,” Rainbow replied.

“We got your back,” Applejack said.

“Indeedy!” Pinkie added.

“I am ready to save Equestria!” Rarity said.

“Yay,” Fluttershy added.

“We're all behind you, Twilight and Storm,” Spike said.

“Let's go find this hippo...whatsit!” Pinkie added.

“Hippogriff,” Storm corrected.

“Close enough,” Pinkie replied.

“Uh, south?” Spike asked.

“Hehe! Whee!” Pinkie giggled while bouncing, as they began trekking ahead.

“Whee! Boingy-boingy-boingy-boingy-boingy! Anypony up for a game of "I Spy"?” Everyone except Pinkie groaned. “No, really! Come on! I spy with my little eye something that is orange. No takers? It's you, Applejack!” Pinkie said, giggling.

Chapter 3: Arrival at the Changeling Kingdom/Enter Klugetown

Meanwhile, Glacio was at his throne. Beside him was a moderate magenta unicorn mare with a light magenta-ish gray and pale, light grayish opal streaks and a black hooded cloak and a light opalish gray unicorn mare with grayish purple eyes, a mane and tail in five shades of purple, a black robe and glasses.

“Lady Cinch, Lady Arcana, I’ve got business in Klugetown. You’re both in charge until I return,” Glacio said.

“Yes, my lord,” Lady Cinch replied.

Glacio then teleported himself out of the ice fortress. Once in Klugetown, the ice prince flew around until he found Verko's palace. He then landed at the main entrance as a few anthro pig, lizard, and bear guards approached him.

“State your name and business,” a lizard guard said.

“I am Prince Glacio and my business is with your master, Verko,” the ice prince replied.

“We weren’t expecting someone like you,” a bear guard said.

“You will lead me to him now if you value your lives,” Glacio replied as he choked the guards with his dark magic.

“Alright, alright! We’ll take you to him!” a pig guard said.

“Excellent,” Glacio replied as he released the guards.

It wasn’t long before they led him to the throne room. The crime lord Verko was an anthropomorphic naked mole rat with a suit, glasses, and a hat.

“Mighty Verko, I have a proposition for you,” Glacio said.

“Why would I help a pony like you?” Verko asked.

“Remember that you are dealing with an alicorn prince,” Glacio said as he cornered Verko and charged up his horn. He then choked the crime lord with his dark magic.

“Alright, alright! I’ll give you any supplies you need! I’ll do anything!” Verko said.

Glacio then released Verko and replied, offering him a sack of gemstones from his saddlebag, “I may have a use for you. The rewards will be great.”

“You got a deal, Prince Glacio,” Verko said.

“Excellent,” Glacio replied.

Some time later, Eric and his friends (along with Jasper and Smokey) split up from Twilight and the others. They headed north and turned west of the Crystal Empire until they reached the Changeling Kingdom. It was then that they approached the guards.

“We need to see King Thorax immediately,” Eric said.

“Follow us, Prince Eric,” one of the guards replied.

Eric and his friends followed the guards inside as they were escorted to the throne room. Once inside, Thorax came up to them.

“Good to see you and your friends again, Eric,” Thorax greeted.

“Good to see you as well, Thorax,” Eric said.

“What brings all of you here?” Thorax asked.

“Equestria calls for aid,” Eric replied.

“Then the changelings will answer,” Thorax said, then turned to his brother, “Pharynx, ready the army. Equestria needs us.”

“As you wish, brother,” Pharynx replied.

“Once you’ve gathered your full strength, can you please meet us at Mt. Aris?” Eric asked.

“Of course,” Thorax said.

“What is that shiny stuff in those carts?” Nightshade asked.

“That’s dark and light morphetrine. Both rare forms of quartz found only here in the cold north, our most valuable mineral,” Thorax replied.

“This would be great for my science report on rare minerals, is it alright if we have some?” Nightshade asked.

“Sure,” Thorax replied.

Once Eric and his friends were given a bag of dark and light morphetrine, they left the hive and headed south. Pincer transformed into a large dragon as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Slapstick, Nightshade, Holly, Jasper, and Smokey climbed on his back. Eric got on his broomstick with Sweetie Belle holding onto him, while Marina held onto Zuni.

“Discord!” Eric said.

“You called?” Discord asked as he appeared.

“Yes. Can you please teleport us to the Badlands?” Eric replied.

Discord nodded and teleported them to the Badlands. Once there, they took a little rest. It wasn’t too long before they kept flying south until they noticed the settlement called Klugetown. There, they saw the Mane 7 and Spike being cornered by the townsfolk.

“We need to head down and help,” Eric said.

“Right away,” Pincer replied as they landed in the street.

Everyone got off of Pincer as he resumed his normal form. Eric was somehow confused, but scared while other various creatures kept bidding.

“Gimme that pink one!”

“I’ll take the blue one!”

“No! I want the blue one!”

“I need that lizard!”

“I’ll take that picture of your sister!”

“I want all eight for my collection!”

“I think we need to teleport now,” Storm said.

“Good thinking,” Twilight replied.

Suddenly, Twilight and Storm teleported themselves and the others near an alley. There, they saw an male anthropomorphic cat with moderate gamboge fur with a darker shade on his face, ears, paws, and tail and a lighter shade on his chest fur, dark grayish indigo hair on the top of his head, light malachite green eyes, and he wore a grayish crimson red trench coat and a dark grayish blue bandage on his tail. The vendors and townsfolk were shocked at their disappearance, then went back to their business, until the cat looked at them. Eric and his friends saw the whole thing and went up to his parents.

“Mommy, we saw all the commotion and thought we could help you out a little,” Eric said.

“Thanks, sweetheart. But we got out of there just fine,” Twilight replied.

“Who are you?” Storm asked the cat.

“Capper’s the name. Charming’s my game. So... the Hippogriffs eh?” Capper asked.

“Yes, siree!” Pinkie replied, laughing.

“I don’t know if we should trust him,” Twilight said.

“Maybe he knows where you can find the Queen of the Hippogriffs, you should ask him regardless of whether or not he can be trusted,” Eric replied.

“Come with me to my place and I’ll help you out,” Capper said.

“As we may have heard, nothing in this place is for free, not even information. How much do we owe you?” Eric asked the cat.

“Whatcha got that’s valuable?” Capper asked.

“We’ve got a bag of dark and light morphetrine. Rare forms of quartz found only in Northern Equestria,” Eric replied, while placing a sample into his pocket.

Eric then gave the bag to Capper as he, his friends, the Mane 7 and Spike followed the cat all the way to his place. Just then, Capper stopped and met up with a mole called Needy.

“Here,” he said, slipping a few storm bucks in the mole’s turtleneck sweater, “Tell Verko, ‘My place, twenty minutes.’ I’ve got something that will ‘magically’ erase all my debt.”

Soon enough, the Mane 7, Spike, Eric, his friends, and Capper were finally at his house. He then let them inside.

“Welcome, my little ponies and gents, to my little manor,” Capper said.

As they entered, everyone gazed in awe. “Ooh! A sort of a roco-hobo-Bohemian hodgepodge,” Rarity said.

“Apologies for the state of my litter box. I wasn’t expecting guests,” Capper said.

“Ooh! So many fun breakables!” Pinkie remarked, as the rest of them had a view of his living room.

“Y’all sure y’all want the Hippogriffs?” Capper asked in the background.

“Yessirree! The Queen of the Hippogriffs!” Pinkie replied.

“Huh?” Twilight wondered as she found what looked to be an atlas.

“Found something, honey?” Storm asked.

“An atlas, over here,” Twilight replied.

Meanwhile, Tempest, Frostbite, and the storm trolls were in Klugetown looking for the Mane 7 by ransacking the townsfolk’s property. They started to panic while the storm trolls and ice ponies kept ransacking the place, while Frostbite, Tempest, and Grubber kept looking while walking around town. They began interrogating the townsfolk for information.

“When he gets to Canterlot, tell the Storm King to remember the bargain Glacio made with him. In exchange for helping my master conquer Equestria, the Storm King shall have a free hand in other parts of the world,” Frostbite said.

“I’m sure he’ll keep his end of the bargain,” Tempest replied.

“He’d better be true to his word, or else our alliance will be terminated and you’ll be executed,” Frostbite said.

“Understood,” Tempest replied.

“Please! Please! I don’t know anything!” said a toothy Klugetowner.

“You really think the ponieth got thith far?” Grubber asked.

Tempest then sniffed something, “Oh, they’re here.” She then saw a strand of pink curly hair from Pinkie’s mane. “Attention! A little purple pony passed this way. Tell me where she is...”

“...or thumpin real bad’th gonna happen,” Grubber said.

“You think we’re gonna fall for this again? I don’t know what kinda scam you’re workin’ with Capper and the rest of your friends, but--“ Mori said, until Tempest got confused. “Excuse me, but did you say “friends”?”

“Yeah? So why should I tell to something as puny as you?!” Mori asked jealously.

“Well... then let’s make it official,” Tempest said, until a Storm Guard grabbed his arms, and then Tempest kicked Mori in the gut and then threw him like a hammer.

“Ohhhh, Fishman juth got dropped!” Grubber said.

“Now...” Tempest said, placing her hoof underneath Mori’s face. “...tell us about this... ‘Capper’.” She then charged up her horn.

“Tell us now or die!” Frostbite added.

Capper’s residence

“Here you go. I do apologize. If we were back home, I could’ve done something truly fabulous, darling.” Rarity said. She added some fixing stitches to his jacket with some thread and a needle, and fixed the buttons on his jacket.

“Okay…What’s the catch?” Capper asked.

“Nothing. After all that you’ve done for us, consider it a “thank you”,” Rarity replied.

“Oh. Uh, don’t thank me. Really,” Capper said.

Twilight finally found out something in the book she was reading, “Girls! I just found a section on the Hippogriffs! Part pony, part eagle!“ she said.

“Oh my! That’s fabulous news, darling!” Rarity replied.

“Now, the trouble with that is... no one knows... where they are...” Capper said.

“Well, it says here they’re on the top of Mount Aris,” Storm replied.

“Mount Aris? Where is that?” Eric asked.

“You mean the mountain right outside the window?!” Pinkie asked, pointing at what looked like Mount Aris from the window.

“Wow, Pinkie! You’re a genius!” Storm said.

“Objects in windows may be less mountainous than they appear. Heh heh heh...” Capper said nervously.

“Let’s go, everypony,” Twilight said, taking the map with her.

“Wait! You can’t make it by y’allselves. You need an airship! And lucky for you, I can get you a ride,” Capper offered.

“I think we can get there on our own,” Twilight replied, pushing the cat aside.

Twilight opened the door, revealing Verko.

“Here’s Verko!” The crime lord announced himself, laughing.

Twilight and Storm gasped, backing away from the crime lord.

“You better have something to settle your debt, Capper,” Verko said.

“Thanks to my new friends here, I got a sack of rare northern quartz right here,” Capper replied, giving him the sack.

Verko opened the sack, then took out an eye loupe and inspected the quartz.

“I can make a fortune with these. You’ve settled your debt, Capper,” Verko said, as he left.

Just when Twilight and Storm were about to question Capper about Verko, Tempest, Frostbite, Grubber, and two storm trolls came in. Twilight and Storm gasped.

“Silly little ponies,” Tempest said, “Thought you could lose me? You’re wrong.”

“Tempest!” Twilight exclaimed.

Spike screamed and Fluttershy squeaked in fear, covering her face with a lampshade.

“Fumos!” Eric incanted, as he conjured up a smokescreen with his wand.

“Go! Go!” Twilight shouted.

“Tempest, I believe they escaped out the window! Stop them!” Frostbite ordered.

“Guards, get her now!” Tempest told the two storm trolls.

“You gonna be thcared now, ponieth!” Grubber said.

Eric and his friends took off as the Mane 6 and Spike made their own escape.

“Mommy, my friends and I are off to the Dragon Lands so we can get help from Ember,” Eric said, “We’ll meet you at Mt. Aris later.”

“Good luck, sweetheart,” Twilight replied as she hugged him.

It was then that the two groups went their separate ways.

Chapter 4: Rescue from Klugetown/Into the Dragon Lands

Just then, Eric and his friends noticed a mysterious letter laying on the street. Eric picked it up and opened it. He looked at it and gasped in shock as he found out who wrote it.

“Apple Bloom, you might want to read this,” Eric said as he gave it to his friend.

Apple Bloom looked at the letter and read it. She then gasped in shock.

“What is it, Apple Bloom?” Nightshade asked.

“This letter is from my parents! Judging by its condition, this was written just days ago!” Apple Bloom replied excitedly.

“What do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“It means my parents might be alive and need our help!” Apple Bloom replied.

“We need to get to Verko’s lair right away and find out for sure,” Eric said, “We’ll get to the Dragon Lands later.”

Eric and his friends looked around the town, looking for Verko’s lair. Jasper and Smokey quickly noticed two of Verko’s enforcers. One of them was an anthropomorphic raccoon and the other was an anthro weasel.

“You there! Beasts!” Jasper called out.

“Who, us?” the weasel asked.

“Yes, you beasts. Tell us where Verko’s lair is,” Smokey replied.

“Never!” the raccoon retorted.

“Veritus Confessio,” Eric said, pointing his wand at the enforcers.

“Again, where is Verko’s lair?” Jasper asked.

“It’s in the upper portion of the city center, a few blocks to the north. The tallest building, you can’t miss it,” the weasel replied.

Eric got onto his broomstick with Sweetie Belle behind him. Pincer assumed his dragon form as everyone else except for Marina climbed onto his back. It was then that they took off, headed for Verko’s palace. Eric and his friends flew around until they found Verko’s palace and landed near the entrance.

“Intruders! Stop them!” a lizard guard shouted as several guards came at them.

Eric and his friends fought off the guards as they entered the palace.

“Stupefy!” Eric said as he stunned a boar guard.

Once inside, they fought off more guards coming at them.

“Incarcerous!” Eric said as he restrained a bear guard.

“Where are Verko’s slaves kept?” Jasper asked.

“I’ll never talk,” the bear guard retorted.

“Veritus Confessio,” Eric said.

“Now, where are Verko’s slaves kept?” Smokey asked.

“They’re in kept in the dungeon, but they’re currently working in the courtyard by the supply gate,” the bear guard replied.

Eric and his friends exited the palace and went out into the courtyard. There, they snuck around and quickly noticed loads of supplies being given to the Frigus Order troops. They also noticed that several earth pony slaves were being transferred.

Apple Bloom immediately noticed her parents Bright Mac and Pear Butter (aka Buttercup), among them in chains. While she barely remembered them as an infant filly, she knew what they looked like from family photos. Pear Butter was a tan earth pony mare with an orange curly mane and tail, turquoise eyes, and a jar of pear butter for a cutie mark. Bright Mac was a light yellow earth pony stallion with a red mane and tail, harlequin green eyes, and a green half apple with a star in the center for a cutie mark.

“We gotta help my parents now before they’re taken to Glacio,” Apple Bloom said.

“We’ll cover you, Apple Bloom,” Eric replied.

Eric and the others fought off several guards as Apple Bloom and Nightshade rushed to help her parents. Nightshade immediately removed their chains with his magic.

“Apple Bloom! You’ve grown!” Pear Butter said as she hugged her youngest daughter.

“Hi, ma. Hi, pa,” Apple Bloom replied as she hugged her parents. All three of them shed tears of joy.

“Look at you. You’ve got your cutie mark!” Bright Mac said, “It’s a real shame we missed your cute-ceañeara.”

“You’ve missed a lot. I’ll explain more later,” Apple Bloom replied.

She and Nightshade then rejoined Eric and the others.

“Now that we’ve rescued Apple Bloom’s parents, let’s get out of here,” Nightshade said.

“Right. All of us,” Eric replied as he eyed up the other slaves.

Eric and his friends went to help the other slaves. Among them was a purplish blue unicorn mare with dark Persian blue eyes, a purple and light gray streaked mane and tail with slight curls, and glowing aurora streaks for a cutie mark. She was shackled with a magic-dampening ring on her horn. Nightshade removed the ring from her horn.

“You’re Starlight’s mommy aren’t you?” Eric asked.

“Yes. I’m Aurora Gloom,” the unicorn mare replied.

She joined Eric and his friends as they freed the other slaves. Soon enough, they led the freed slaves all the way to the docks.

“Ma and pa, these are my friends, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Pincer, Slapstick, Marina, Holly, Zuni, Nightshade, who’s also my boyfriend, and Eric Sparkle,” Apple Bloom said, “Everyone, this is my ma and pa.”

“Good to meet y’all,” Pear Butter greeted.

“Scootaloo and I got our cutie marks at the exact same time as Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Whoa. That’s amazing,” Bright Mac replied.

“I’m Smokey, Applejack’s boyfriend and this is my twin brother, Jasper,” Smokey said.

“Good to meet you,” Pear Butter replied.

“Can any of you sail?” Eric spoke up.

“I can, but I’ve never sailed an airship before,” a unicorn stallion replied.

“Good, it’s up to you to sail everyone out on that airship to Canterlot,” Eric said.

“I’m on it,” the sailor replied.

The unicorn sailor guided all of the freed slaves onto the airship, including Aurora Gloom, Bright Mac, and Pear Butter.

“We need to continue our mission to save Equestria. See you back in Canterlot, ma and pa,” Apple Bloom said.

“Good luck, sugarcube,” Pear Butter replied as she and Bright Mac hugged her before boarding.

Once everyone was onboard, the airship took off and headed north. It was then that Eric and his friends left for the Dragon Lands. Frostbite looked through his telescope and saw them leaving.

“Tempest, you keep following Twilight and her friends. Leave Eric and his friends to me,” Frostbite said.

Not too long after Eric and his friends left Klugetown, they came up on a region called the Pine Needle Barrens. Just then, Marina looked back and saw an airship behind them.

“We’re being followed,” Marina said.

Eric took out his telescope and saw Frostbite and several ice pony soldiers onboard.

“Everyone, take cover in the forest! We can’t have them following us to the Dragon Lands!” Eric told his friends.

Eric and his friends immediately landed in the forest.

“Get them!” Frostbite ordered his troops as he quickly spotted them.

Frostbite and his troops landed their commandeered airship into the forest. Holly looked back and saw them in hot pursuit.

“They’re coming after us!” Holly said.

“Fumos!” Eric whispered, casting a smokescreen.

Once the smoke cleared, Eric and his friends hid in some of the dense undergrowth.

“General, we lost them,” Skywarp said.

“Where’d they go?” Thundercracker asked.

“Search everywhere!” Frostbite ordered.

“Yes, general,” Hot Shot replied.

Once Eric and his friends saw Frostbite and his troops were out of sight, they came out of hiding.

“We need to get to the Dragon Lands right away,” Eric said.

“By my calculations, it’ll take us many hours to fly across the Celestial Sea from here to the Dragon Lands and from there to Mt. Aris,” Nightshade replied.

“There’s gotta be some way to get there in a shorter time,” Scootaloo said.

“How we gonna do that?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Neither me, Eric, nor Nightshade are able to just teleport us there,” Sweetie Belle added.

“I have an idea,” Eric replied, “Follow me.”

Eric led his friends to gather around a log. He then took out his wand and whispered, “Portus.”

“What are we going at this log?” Zuni asked.

“You’ll see,” Eric replied, “Jasper and Smokey, care to please explain it to them?”

“We overheard Eric whispering as he just turned this log into a Portkey,” Jasper said.

“A Portkey is meant to transport anyone who touches it to a specific location, in our case, the Dragon Lands. Any object can be turned into one,” Smokey added.

“Cool,” Slapstick and Pincer replied in awe.

“On the count of three, we grab the log at the same time,” Eric said, “1…2…3!”

It was then that everyone grabbed onto the log. They were immediately transported to the Dragon Lands. Nearby, Frostbite and his troops witnessed the bright light from the Portkey.

“What’s that over there?” Hot Shot asked.

“That must be them. Go!” Frostbite replied.

They rushed to the area only to find nothing.

“They fled, general,” Hot Shot said.

“Most unfortunate. We’ll need to meet up with Tempest and let Eric Sparkle and his friends come to us,” Frostbite replied.

In the Dragon Lands, Eric and his friends were on their way to meet Ember. Just then, two dragon guards approached them.

“Welcome, Prince Eric,” one of them greeted.

“We need to see Ember immediately,” Eric said.

“Follow us,” the other guard replied.

The guards escorted Eric and his friends to the massive stone throne.

“Good to see you, Ember,” Eric greeted.

“Hey, Eric,” Ember said as she flew down to them, “What brings you and your friends here?”

“Equestria is under attack by someone called the Storm King with help from Glacio and we’re here for aid,” Eric replied.

“The dragons shall answer,” Ember said.

“Thanks. Meet us at Mt. Aris,” Eric replied.

“See you there,” Ember said.

Eric and his friends returned to the log and grabbed it. Just then, they were transported back to the Pine Needle Barrens.

“We need to get to Mt. Aris immediately,” Eric said.

“Good thinking,” Nightshade replied.

Pincer transformed into his large dragon form. Holly, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Slapstick, Nightshade, Jasper, and Smokey got on his back. He then took off while Marina carried Zuni and Eric flew on his broomstick, with Sweetie Belle holding onto him. They kept flying south until they finally reached Mt. Aris. Once there, they went looking for Twilight, Storm, and the others.

Chapter 5: Journey to Mt. Aris and Seaquestria

Eric and his friends kept going until they noticed Twilight and her friends trying to look for the hippogriffs. They went through city gate of Hippogriffia until there were suddenly quiet strings and woodwinds from a distance, as they saw that the place was abandoned and looked creepy, including the abandoned ruins.

“This place feels kinda creepy,” Jasper said.

“Tell me about it, bro,” Smokey replied.

“Mommy! Daddy! Over here!” Eric called out to his parents.

“Eric!” Twilight replied as she and Storm hugged their son.

Rarity and Applejack shared a hug with their little sisters, Scootaloo and Rainbow did the same.

“Glad you’re here, sport,” Storm said.

“The changelings and dragons will be here soon,” Eric replied.

“Good to know,” Twilight said.

Just then, everyone heard something humming in the distance.

“I hear something!” Eric said.

“It’s coming from over there!” Twilight replied with a gasp. She then saw the Hippogriffia cathedral blocked by large rocks.

The humming kept getting louder as they carefully entered and crawled through the debris and followed the light from Twilight’s glowing horn as they walked through the rocks. After they got through the tunnel of rocks, they saw a huge red lily flower floating in the stream of inside the Hippogriffia cathedral.

“It sounds almost familiar, like something I’ve heard in a movie once,” Eric said.

As they carefully got closer, a rock accidentally crumbled from the stairs after Pinkie took a step. The humming stopped, “What was that?!” she asked.

The creature jumped into the water by diving like a dolphin.

“Hey! Wait up!” Pinkie called out, while trotting and jumping down the stairs, “Cannonball!” She then landed into the water.

“Pinkie!” Twilight said, as the Mane 7 followed her into the stream.

Eric stayed on Twilight’s back, while Nightshade and the others accompanied them into the water.

Pinkie suddenly swam over, popped out of the water, and sputtered the water out of her mouth, “She's gone!” she replied.

The water started flushing. “Now what?” Twilight asked, until there were bubbles everywhere.

“Huh?” Pinkie Pie looked.

Then the Mane 7, Eric and his friends started screaming as the whirlpool spun around and dragged them inside.

“Oh, boy. I hate epic adventures,” Rarity said. They all kept screaming and tried to talk, until they were brought underwater in another tunnel.

Twilight and Storm then gasped for air, until they each noticed a bubble around their heads. The Mane 7, along with Spike, Eric, and his friends gasped for air as bubbles were formed around their heads.

“Way to leave it to the last minute, Twilight and Storm!” Pinkie said.

“We didn't make these bubbles!” Twilight replied.

“Then who did?” Fluttershy panted.

Eric then saw something swimming towards them. As the light came closer towards them, it revealed herself as a seapony with grayish yellow scales, cyan eyes, and an arctic blue mane and tail fins.

“Hello? We're looking for the Hippogriffs,” Twilight said.

“How do I know I can trust you?” Princess Skystar asked, until she saw Eric behind Twilight and Storm but then got all excited. “OH MY GOSH!!! WHO’RE THESE LITTLE ONES?! THEY’RE SO ADORABLE!!!” The seapony then spun around with Eric and his friends in her hooves and then brought them towards her chest for a tightly gentle hug. “And I’m serious! You really are adorable I could just smother you in my arms! Oooooh!” Eric and the other kids whimpered for air as their bubbles felt like they were about to pop, so Skystar handed him back over to Twilight. “I’m glad you enjoyed hugging my son and his friends,” she said.

“He’s your son?! That’s twice as adorable!” Skystar replied.

“Please. The Storm King invaded our land, and we need their help,” Twilight said.

“The Storm King?! I'm so glad I saved you guys! I'm totally taking you to my mom! I’m sure you’ll be safe there,” Skystar replied.

Twilight gasped, “Does your mother know where they are?”

“Can you please take us?” Eric asked.

“Oho! She might have an idea!” Princess Skystar replied in singsong, then giggled.

“Hoo-hoo!” Twilight chuckled excitedly, and then they all followed Princess Skystar as she lead them ahead, after Storm put Eric on Twilight’s back so he wouldn’t drift off accidentally.

“Don’t worry, sport. Everything’s gonna be fine, okay?” Storm said.

Eric nodded, and then held onto his mother’s neck while they kept moving on.

“We're almost there!” Princess Skystar said. Once she, the Mane 7, Spike, Eric, and his friends crossed the tunnel, they saw the underwater kingdom of Seaquestria.

“Wow!” The Mane 7, Spike and Eric said, as they continued to follow Princess Skystar inside. Upon entry, the Mane 7 and Spike gazed in awe while Eric saw another female seapony, but she was queen sized with whitish fuchsia scales, magenta eyes, fuchsia and mulberry mane and tail fins.

“Mother, look what I found!” Skystar said.

“Is it another shell?” the queen asked.

Princess Skystar shook her head, “Mm-mm.”

“Because I am telling you if it is another shell, I am—“ Queen Novo then gasped loudly after seeing their guests.

“Princess Skystar, what have you done?! You know surface dwellers are forbidden here! Guards!” The guards grunted as the Mane 7, Eric, his friends, and Spike gasped.

Princess Skystar swam up to Queen Novo, “No no n-no! M-M-Mom, please! It is so not like that! They mean no harm! The Storm King is trying to destroy their home, too!” Queen Novo looked at the Mane 7 with a sternly confused look.

“We need to find the Hippogriffs. Do you know what happened to them?” Twilight asked.

“Well, of course I know. I'm the queen. I know everything,” Queen Novo replied.

“Oh, oh, it's such a great story!” Princess Skystar said.

“Don't you dare tell them!” Queen Novo scolded.

“Once upon a time, like, a while ago, the Hippogriffs did live on Mount Aris,” Princess Skystar said, as the Mane 7 were amazed.

Queen Novo grunted, “Did I not say don't tell them? But hey, I'm just the queen. Don't mind me.” She then gave a dismissed look and swam away unapproved.

“Fine! I can't tell you! But if I could tell you, I'd say that that horned beast did show up to steal their magic! But, to keep it out of his clutches, Queen Novo, hid them deep underwater where he could never go! But I can’t tell you how or why because it’s a big secret, so sorry,” Princess Skystar said, looking away, until winking at Eric, before he giggled.

Queen Novo suddenly saw him hiding behind Twilight, and then smiled warmly at him before swimming over to them.

“Hello there, little one,” she said in a motherly tone.

Eric was unsure about meeting Queen Novo.

“Eric, it’s okay, sweetheart. She’s not mean like Chrysalis,” Twilight said. Eric then came out and then smiled softly at the seapony queen.

“Eric, is it?” Queen Novo asked, until Eric nodded. “My, you sure are young. But don’t worry, honey. There’s no need to be afraid.” Eric then hugged her neck and then Queen Novo hugged him back with her hooves and then handed him back over to Twilight.

“Well, I guess the pearl is out the oyster now. I am Queen Novo,” she said.

“Good to meet you, Queen Novo. You too, Princess Skystar,” Eric replied, “These are my friends, Sweetie Belle, Nightshade, Apple Bloom, Slapstick, Scootaloo, Marina, Zuni, Holly, Pincer, Jasper, and Smokey.”

“Good to meet you all,” Queen Novo said.

“Hold on now. Lemme get this straight. When the Storm King came, you just abandoned your entire city and fled?” Applejack asked.

“We didn't flee! We swam! Y'know, in order to flee,” Princess Skystar replied.

“But... how?” Twilight asked.

Princess Skystar then got excited, “Oh! Can we show them? Huh? These are the first guests we've had in, like, foreveeerrr! Can we, can we, can we, can we, can we, can we, can we, can we, can we?”

“Well, I suppose I should make sure it still works,” Queen Novo chuckled.

She and Princess Skystar swam around a huge jellyfish that had a blue flower underneath, revealing the Pearl of Transformation.

Princess Skystar giggled excitedly as Queen Novo held the pearl in her hooves. “Careful, now,” she said.

The queen then she placed her other hoof on top of the pearl, activating its metamorphic magic towards the Mane 7, along with Spike, Eric, and his friends. This caused Princess Skystar to excitedly squeal. Pincer held his breath, then popped his air bubble and shape-shifted into a seapony.

The Mane 7 looked at the magic from the pearl showering around them, “Huh?” Suddenly, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Storm, Jasper, and Smokey were starting to magically transform into seaponies. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Nightshade were also transformed into seaponies. Zuni was transformed into a sea-zebra, while Holly was transformed into a sea-deer, and Slapstick transformed into a form similar to the constellation Capricorn.

Holly and Slapstick’s aquatic forms had webbed hooves and hands, along with the tail flukes of a dolphin.

“Oh!” Twilight and Storm said while laughing in amazement as they and their friends gazed at their new body features.

“Ooh! Oh!” Fluttershy laughed while gazing at her transformation.

“Oh. Wa-wa-whoa!” Applejack laughed and loved her seapony tail, then turned to her boyfriend, “Lookin’ good, Smokey.”

“Thanks, AJ,” Smokey replied.

The Mane 7, along with Jasper, Smokey, the CMC and Nightshade gazed at their new seapony looks with awed reactions and laughs of amazement. Holly and Slapstick were also amazed by their looks.

“This is amazing!” Storm said, touching his seapony tail, then asked flirtatiously, “How do I look, honey?”

“Lookin’ good, babe,” Twilight giggled.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash laughed in amazement.

“These fins are divine!” Rarity said.

“Hey, Applejack, I'll race ya to that coral!” Rainbow said, swimming on ahead.

“You're on!” Applejack replied, swimming up towards Rainbow Dash.

“Woo-hoo!” Pinkie giggled, doing a double flip with her seapony body. “Ooh! Try it, Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy giggled, until she caught her tail, “Yay.”

“Guys? Guys? What is...” Spike, who was now a puffer fish, inflated like a balloon. “...happening?!”

“Aw, so cute!” Fluttershy said.

“Mommy? Daddy?” Eric asked, nervously but softly smiling at his new look. They all gasped and saw that he had small gills on his neck, webbed hands, and his legs resembled the rear flippers of a seal. “Is this normal?”

“I believe so. You’re like a seapony but with human and seal-like features,” Twilight replied.

“You’re now a merman,” Jasper said.

“Only with no fishy tail,” Smokey added.

“This is amazing! With this, we could transform everypony at home into something powerful enough to face the Storm King's army!“ Twilight said.

“I don’t think that’s how it works. The pearl can only transform walking creatures into aquatic forms, correct?” Storm asked.

“Yes, it’s so precious to us that we don’t want it to end up in his greedy claws,” Queen Novo replied.

“But…” Twilight tried to say.

“Honey, I'm sorry about your home. I truly am. But my responsibility is to protect my subjects. The pearl... is not going anywhere,” Queen Novo replied.

“But we've come all this way. And you can't just hide down here! Trapped forever! There's so much you're missing!” Twilight said.

“We are one hundred percent okay with that!” Queen Novo replied.

“As Princess Celestia said, we have all the magic we’ll need,” Storm said to Twilight reassuringly.

“Even without the pearl, there must be something you can do to help,” Eric said to the queen.

“I’ll have to think on that, Eric,” Queen Novo replied, until she heard Jamal chattering next to her holding some seaweed. “Oh! Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my seaweed wrap. Mama needs her massage too as well.” She then swam away.

“So that's it? We left home for nothin'?” Applejack asked.

“Not quite. Queen Novo said she’ll have to think of another way to help us without the pearl,” Eric replied.

“Oh, my gosh! Best... idea! You can stay with us! Forever!” Princess Skystar said, laughing, “There are so many things we can do! We can make friendship bracelets out of shells and... picture frames outta shells and... decorative wastebaskets out of shells... Oh, I have so many projects that involve shells, haha! Now I have someone new to share them with! I mean, aside from my friends, Shelly and Sheldon. Right? "Shelly"? And "Sheldon"?” She then nervously chuckled, “Get it?” She chuckled, and then snorted.

“That sounds lovely, darling, but you must realize, we can't stay,” Rarity said.

“We've gotta get back to our families and special someponies,” Applejack added.

“I know we have to go, but you guys saw how nice and friendly Princess Skystar was. Couldn't we stay for just a little longer?” Pinkie asked, until Applejack replied, “Pinkie, we just don't have time for—“ Twilight then cut her off, “No. I think Pinkie's right.”

Rainbow Dash and the other 6 were confused, “Say what now?”

“Well, we still need to come up with a plan to get back. A few minutes or probably an hour or two... or three won't make a huge difference. And if there's anypony who can cram a lifetime of fun into a blink of an eye, it's Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie made a beaming smile with a squee. “So, let’s go ahead and show Skystar the best time ever!” Twilight said until Pinkie saluted her. “We won't let you down!”

“We’re counting on it,” Twilight said, with Storm and Eric nodding in agreement.

She and the rest of the Mane 7, along with Eric and his friends were giggling while swimming over to Princess Skystar. Princess Skystar was playing a sad harp, “It's probably for the best.” She kept holding back her tears until she saw Pinkie Pie imitating Shelly and Sheldon.

Pinkie’s singing quickly convinced the young princess, and so she happily led Twilight, Storm, and the others out into the middle of Seaquestria to swim playfully. She quickly started doing more activities, all while singing happily. Both Pinkie and Skystar were having the time of their lives. Their joy quickly spread to the others, luring them in. Meanwhile, the two new friends started to sing in unison.

It soon became a chorus. This drew in many of the residents of Seaquestria, who could not recall the last time they'd had so much fun and joy in their lives. Their harmonious, joyful singing echoed through the depths. In the span of just a few minutes, they had brightened up everyone's spirits. The princess was then joined by the residents of Seaquestria, including her mom, as they all sang together.

“Woo!” Queen Novo laughed.

“Hmm?” Princess Skystar asked as she saw her mother feeling like she enjoyed the celebration. Pinkie giggled, and then the rest of the Mane 7, Eric, and his friends laughed.

“Well, I guess there is one small thing we can do,” Queen Novo said.

The others nodded in agreement, and then they went back with Queen Novo and swam back to her throne room.

“Thank you, Queen Novo,” Eric said.

“Don’t mention it. We’ll join you soon,” Queen Novo replied, using the pearl to return them to the surface.

Chapter 6: Rescue Plan

At the shoreline of Mount Aris, the Mane 7, Spike, Eric, and his friends poked out of the water and gasped for air. Once they got out of the water and onto the beach, Eric was now shivering as Twilight held him onto her chest as he was wet and cold.

Suddenly, they were surrounded by storm trolls, then saw Tempest Shadow and Frostbite with them. “Well, fancy meeting you here,” she said.

“Tempest!” Twilight shouted.

She was soon trapped inside a magic resistant cage, then hauled up into Tempest’s airship.

“Mommy!” Eric screamed, he started to cry upon seeing Twilight get captured.

Onboard the airship

Aww, look at that. Poor Princess Twilight, all alone without her friends, husband, and son,” Tempest said. “And with no way out.”

“Why are you doing this? You’re a pony just like me,” Twilight asked, until Tempest charged up her horn and tried to scare Twilight with an electric shock. “I’m nothing like you! I’m more than you’ll ever be!”

It's time you learned a lesson
It's time that you understand
Don't ever count on anybody else
In this or any other land

I once hoped for friendship
To find a place among my kind
But those were the childish wishes
Of someone who was blind

Open up your eyes
See the world from where I stand
Me, among the mighty
You, caged at my command

Open up your eyes
Give up your sweet fantasy land
It's time to grow up and get wise
Come now, little one, open up your eyes

We all start out the same
With simple naive trust
Shielded from the many ways
That life's not fair or just

But then there comes a moment
A simple truth that you must face
If you depend on others
You'll never find your place

And as you take that first step
Upon a path that's all your own
You see it all so clearly
The best way to survive is all alone

Open up your eyes
See the world from where I stand
Me, among the mighty
You, caged at my command

Open up your eyes
And behold the faded light
It's time to grow up and get wise
Come now, little one, open up your eyes
Open up your eyes!

“I'm so sorry you felt so alone,” Twilight said.

“I saw the truth. My "friends" abandoned me when times got tough. Looks like I'm not the only one. Face it, Princess. Friendship has failed you, too,” Tempest said.

“Friendship didn’t fail me, and I’m sure it won’t now,” Twilight replied.

Back on Basalt Beach, Storm and the others tried to calm him down, but he still kept crying.

“We gotta get Twilight back!” Rainbow Dash said.

“How? We’ll never catch up!” Fluttershy replied.

“And we got no way to defeat those monsters,” Applejack added. Fluttershy sighed disappointedly.

“No need to worry, sport. We’ll get your mom back,” Storm said reassuringly.

It wasn’t long before Eric stopped crying and calmed down.

“Well, good thing I happen to know of a group of mighty heroes that could handle this easily!” said a familiar voice. The Mane 6 turned around and saw Capper standing in a heroic pose.

“Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. No offense,” Rarity said.

“Eh, none taken. These heroes have faced the Storm King’s army and escaped! I’ve seen them tackle the streets of the roughest towns, break out of the tightest situations, and inspire others to join their cause!” Capper said.

The Mane 6, Eric, and Spike replied with an “Ooooh.”

“Now don’t get too excited. He’s just talkin’ about us,” Applejack said, until the other 6 and Spike replied with an “Awww.”

“They even escaped certain doom at the hooves of Commander Tempest!” Capper said.

“Yeah. That was pretty great,” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Are you kidding me?! That was awesome!” Captain Celaeno’s voice said, as she and her crew appeared also making a heroic pose. Squabble squawked.

“Figured you could use a claw!” Boyle added.

“We’re on board to help you fight the Storm King! Just not on board our... actual ship,” Captain Celaeno said.

“That crazy unicorn sunk it. But you got back our argh! And we’re ready to kick some booty,” Mullet added. Boyle and the other pirates then laughed heartily.

“In case you’re wondering, that’s Captain Celaeno and her crew,” Storm told Eric, “We helped them get their mojo back and they tried to cover for us.”

“You must be Eric Sparkle. Twilight and her friends told us about you,” Captain Celaeno said.

“Good to meet you, captain,” Eric replied.

After all the laughter, there were multiple glows coming from the sea. It was Princess Skystar, Queen Novo, and the other seaponies transformed into hippogriffs.

“The hippogriffs are with you,” Queen Novo said.

“That’s it, right? We didn’t make friends with anypony else?” Spike asked in confusion.

“Not that I know of, Spike. But, the changelings and dragons should meet us here soon,” Eric replied.

“All right, y’all! I think our course is clear. Y’all ready to do this thang?” Capper asked.

“We’re coming, Twilight!” Pinkie said, everyone cheered as they found their confidence as their spirits were lifted, “As soon as we bake up a plan!”

“For starters, I’ll cast an invisibility spell on myself, so we can sneak into Canterlot,” Storm replied.

“My friends and I will go with the dragons and changelings, once they get here,” Eric added.

Soon enough, the dragons and changelings landed on the beach.

“Good to see you, Ember,” Spike said as he hugged her, “Glad you could join us.”

“Eric had us meet you all here,” Ember replied.

“Glad you could join us as well, Thorax,” Spike said.

“We came as soon as we could,” Thorax replied.

“Now that we’re all here, I suggest we get back to Canterlot now,” Eric said.

“Good thinking, Eric,” Storm replied, then turned to the others, “Everyone, let’s move!”

Pincer assumed his large dragon form as most of Eric’s friends, along with Jasper and Smokey got onto his back. Marina carried Zuni, while Sweetie Belle flew with Eric on his broomstick. The changeling, dragon, and hippogriff armies then took off alongside them. Storm teleported himself and the others to Mount Canter.

Eric and his friends, along with Ember, Thorax, and Novo’s armies flew for many miles until they were over the Badlands.

“Discord!” Eric said.

“You called?” Discord asked as he suddenly appeared.

“I did, we need to get back to Canterlot right away,” Eric replied, then asked, “Can you please teleport us there?”

“Alrighty,” Discord replied.

He then teleported them to the outskirts of Canterlot on Mt. Canter.

“Thanks,” Eric said.

“No problemo,” Discord replied as he disappeared elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Frostbite and his junior officers were in the Canterlot Castle throne room as they linked their crystal balls together. This created a magical holographic screen as Glacio appeared on it.

“My lord, we have Princess Twilight in our clutches and we’re waiting the Storm King to drain hers, your niece’s, and your sisters’ magic,” Frostbite said.

“Good. Once he does that, prepare for my arrival,” Glacio replied.

“Yes, my lord,” Frostbite said.

It was then that the transmission ended as Frostbite and the others unlinked their crystal balls.

“What about her husband, their son, and their friends?” Hot Shot asked.

“We’ll deal with them later. Something tells me they’re bound to try and rescue Princess Twilight, so we’ll let them come to us,” Frostbite replied.

“Very good, general,” Hot Shot said.

Chapter 7: The Battle for Canterlot

Back at Canterlot, things seemed desperate as many ponies were still kept in cages and being guarded by many storm trolls and ice ponies. Frostbite took out his crystal ball and contacted Glacio.

“My lord, Tempest and I captured Princess Twilight and the Storm King shall have the Staff of Sacanas working,” Frostbite said.

“Good. Once he gives all the alicorn magic to me, kill Princess Twilight, Prince Storm and their friends,” Glacio ordered through the crystal ball.

“Yes, my lord,” Frostbite replied.

Capper, Skystar, the pirates, and the Mane 6 saw the cage that Twilight was in through Captain Celaeno’s telescope.

“There she is,” she said. “And it looks like it’s head for the castle right there.”

“Well, we best come up with somethin’, and fast,” Applejack said.

“What if we form a surprise attack party?!” Pinkie exclaimed softly.

“Surprise attack, huh? I like this one,” Capper said with a purr.

“Okay, Pinkie. Tell us your plan,” Rainbow Dash said. Then Pinkie began explaining her plan.

Once the doors opened, Tempest and the storm troll guards entered the throne room where the three petrified princesses were held.

“Tempest, don't do this. Don't give the Storm King...” Twilight said.

Grubber was laughing as Tempest cut her off, “Your magic? Did you think you'd keep it all to yourself? Time to share. I'd love for everybody out there to know what I can really do.”

“Ooh, fascinating! What can you really do?” a voice asked.

It was then that Storm King appeared.

“Your bidding, of courth, Your Mighty One,” Grubber replied, as he then panicked and ran out of the room.

“Bidding's good. I like bidding!” The Storm King said, until he looked down at Twilight in her cage. “Um, what are you supposed to be?”

“I'm the Princess of Friendship!” Twilight replied, making a brave and confident face.

The Storm King looked unamused, and then laughed like it was a joke, “Oh. That's nice!” He said, then turned to Tempest with a little frustration and disappointment, “Why is this one still moving?”

“She and her friends put up a bit of a fight, but she's alone now. She won't be a problem,” Tempest said.

The Storm King then ruffled her mane, “Yeah. So, speaking of problems, check out this place!” He then gazed at it, “Hmm... Nice... Very tacky. But the problem is, it seems a little too... Hmm, how should I say it—oh, I don't know—CUTE!!! It just... doesn't really go with my whole "big bad powerful storm emperor guy" thing! Well... get ready to deliver the punchline, Tempest, because this has gotta go!”

The Storm King banged his staff on the ground and then the floor lit up, until the princesses’s magic was being drained into the crystal of the staff. Twilight kept struggling as her magic was being drained, “No!”

“Check out the light show! Wow! Wow!” The Storm King said, laughing maniacally in excitement.

Twilight gasped, and then fainted. “Let's get this storm started! Ooh, hey, that's good. I should trademark that,” The Storm King said. He then charged up his staff and blasted the wall open, as it sent Twilight flying.

“Not bad. Actually, kinda first rate. What else does it do?” The Storm King asked while looking at the crystal on the staff.

“Your Excellency, you promised to restore my horn and give me—“ Tempest tried to say.

The Storm King then cut off Tempest, “Deh-deh-deh-deh-deh, okay. Hang on.”

The Storm King was trying out the staff as it gave him the power to control the sun and moon, “You gotta be kiddin' me! I can move the sun?! A ha ha! Wow! Now this is what I'm talkin' about! Ha ha! Time to play! Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday! Day, night! Day, night! Day night! Day night! Day night! Sunrise, sunset!” he said, happily humming.

“You were supposed to give the staff to me so that Glacio could have a portion the alicorn magic within it! You promised us, and you broke your words! Our bargain is over!” Frostbite yelled furiously, as he left the castle.

Meanwhile, near the entrance to Canterlot, the sound of clanking wheels appeared. Capper appeared with an apron and toque, and a big cake with Spike breathing fire like a candle, and the Mane 6 shackled in chains together and pulling the cake over. The storm trolls saw it, until their shields clanged for a fight.

“Uh, yeah, I got a delivery here for a Mister "The Storm King". I was given explicit instructions to bring this here cake to this here castle's throne room,” Capper said.

The storm trolls growled as they brandished their weapons, and then Capper made a little lie, “All right, then. Look here. Could one o' y'all go be a pal, go tell your boss he's not gettin' his "congratulations on subduing defenseless pastel ponies" cake? 'Cause I don't wanna be the one responsible for the big guy missin' his special dessert. You know what I'm sayin'?” The storm trolls growled with a nod in reply or shrug on their shoulders.

“Thank you kindly, fellas. I'mma be sure and put in a good word for the botha y'all.” Capper said, then a storm creature snarled for confirmation, as Capper winked at a smiling Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie, quit lookin' so happy! Ya ain't foolin' nopony!” Applejack said quietly.

“Oh! Okay!” Pinkie Pie replied with a whimper.

The wheels kept clanking as the mares kept pulling the cake into Canterlot.

“Oh, hello, cake!” Grubber said, running over to the big cake, “Ooh! Don't mind if I do!” Some of the cake splattered as he took a piece of it, and munched it.

“Mmm! That's some, like, gourmet thing!” He then saw Squabble’s eyeball. “Who putth eyeballth in filling?” He then hyperventilated as he saw it blink, “Guards!” Squabble grabbed Grubber and pulled him into the cake. The storm trolls growled as they realized they’d been tricked.

“Uh-oh. Plan B?” Capper asked. “The jig is up!” Rainbow Dash said as she kicked the wood where the cake stood, and then the pirates popped out in a slow motion moment, and then landed on the ground.

“Come on!” Captain Celaeno said.

“Harr!” Mullet exclaimed, as the other pirates joined the fight.

Eric saw the whole thing through his telescope and turned to his friends, “That’s our cue! Come on!” he said. It was then that the hippogriffs also joined the fight.

Princess Skystar and Queen Novo were soaring in the air. “Oof!” She grunted as she grabbed a storm troll guard, “Gotcha!” She then made a bowling strike with other guards.

“You picked the wrong ‘griffs to mess with!” Queen Novo said as she and her troops engaged the storm trolls and ice ponies.

Eric and his friends rejoined Storm and the others as they helped fight the storm trolls and ice ponies. The changelings and dragons soon joined the fight, along with Forest and Spiracle, who came out of hiding in the mountain caves.

“It’s clobberin’ time!” Jasper and Smokey said in unison as they fought several storm trolls and ice ponies.

Squabble squawked as he tied up a guard with a life preserver, and Lix Spittle grunted while literally kicking the storm troll in the butt, causing that storm troll to yell and Lix Spittle to laugh.

Applejack grunted while tying up a storm troll guard with her rope, and Capper and Rarity tied up a couple of guards with a red ribbon, “Lovely!” Pinkie Pie jumped up onto the hands of a storm troll guard with a present, “Surprise!” The storm troll made surprised grunts, until Pinkie Pie popped out with cupcakes in her hooves, “Double surprise!!” She then threw the cupcakes at the guard. “Whee!” Pinkie Pie laughed, while rapidly throwing more cupcakes.

Captain Celaeno caught a storm troll guard’s spear with her sword, “Yeah!”

“Head for the castle! We'll hold them off!” Captain Celaeno said, blocking the spear with her sword.

“Eric, go! We’ll cover you!” Nightshade said.

“Come on!” Rainbow said.

She, Storm, and the others ran off towards the castle, along with Eric and Spike. The storm troll was blubbering with tears like he was crying, as Fluttershy comforted him. “There, there. Let it all out.”

“Fluttershy! Come on!” Everypony else said. Fluttershy began to catch up with her friends after talking to the crying storm troll guard, “Oh! Sorry, our time is up. Buh-bye!”

The storm troll guard waved back, “Goodbye!”

Seeing that they were outnumbered, the ice ponies fled the city, following Frostbite.

The storm trolls kept grunting while swinging their weapons at the group. “Keep going!” Princess Skystar said, until she had Shelly and Sheldon in her claws. “Shelly? Sheldon? Show him what your made of!” Shelly and Sheldon were now chattering as Princess Skystar threw them, and then landed on the eyes of a storm troll guard. “I can't see!”

The Mane 6 went on ahead, until the storm trolls growled at seeing the group coming over them.

“Uh oh,” Applejack said.

Spike inhaled and took a huge and slowly heavy deep breath, and then he let out large flames. The storm trolls screamed as Spike set them on fire.

The throne room

What?! How?!” Tempest Shadow asked. Twilight gasped with pride, “It's... It's the Magic of...”

“Yeah, yeah! Friendship, and flowers, and ponies, and bleh!” The Storm King said dramatically. “I'm so totally over the cute pony thing. This... ends... now!”

The Storm King then raised the staff of Sacanas and then shot a huge amount of lightning bolts everywhere, causing a huge storm that felt like a tornado, and then started laughing evilly as it came to be. Rarity and Fluttershy yelped, as the wind was too strong for them.

The Storm King laughed maniacally, “Yeah! Now this is how it’s done!”

“Move your hooves! We can still win this!” Storm said. Rarity screamed as the lightning almost stuck here, as the storm creatures were now yelling at the lightning that was chasing them and scaring them off.

“You'd have to be flying faster than a speeding Pegasus to break through that wind!” Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie gasped, “Excellent idea, Rainbow Dash! I’ve got an idea! Be right back!” She then ran off to get something.

“Now I truly am the Storm King! And the entire world will bow to me!” he said.

“Yes, yes, you are every bit as powerful as I promised, Sire, now, restore my horn and I swear to use my magic to serve you!” Tempest replied while kneeling.

The Storm King laughed, “Who cares about your dinky little unicorn horn?!” Tempest gasped, “But... we... we had an agreement! You said you would—“

The Storm King chuckled mischievously, “Oh, get with the program! I used you! It's kind of what I do! Now get out of my sight! I’m trying to enjoy the show!” The lightning zapped from the Storm King’s staff as Tempest yelped while dodging the attack, and then charged up her horn to repel the attack, but the zap blasted them both.

The Storm King and Tempest yelped, and then The Storm King grunted as he landed knocked out while holding Twilight gasped at the Storm King, and then saw Tempest holding onto the railing as the storm was trying to suck her in as she gasped and grunted with her life, until the strong wind started pulling her in.

“Hold on!” Twilight said, holding Tempest’s hoof.

“Why are you saving me?” Tempest asked, seeing the concern in Twilight’s eyes.

“Because this... is what friends do,” Twilight replied, smiling warmly at Tempest.

Tempest smiled warmly at the alicorn who saved her life, and then Twilight grunted while pulling Tempest towards the balcony, and then Twilight placed herself onto Tempest’s side.

“You okay?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah. You?” Tempest replied.

“Never better,” Twilight said.

Eric watched from behind, until the Storm King walked up to them.

“Awwww! Isn't that just so sweet!” The Storm King said sarcastically, until he laughed, pointing the staff at the two ponies. “Yeah. See ya!”

He charged up the staff, but suddenly Eric pointed his wand and incanted, “Expelliarmus!” He was then relieved of the staff.

“Eric?” Twilight asked.

“Did he just...” Tempest asked.

Meanwhile, the Mane 6 were placed into a giant cannon that was set to blast them to the castle.

“You sure about this?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yes! Absolutely! Let’s do it! Thank you! I'm excited! Who's excited?! Aaah! I've never been so excited!” Pinkie said. Spike jumped and then lit the fuse with his fire breath and entered the cannon.

The cannon then made a huge boom, and the rest of the Mane 7 and Spike were screaming, while Pinkie laughed, “Whee!”

Eric saw them coming and then aimed the Storm King for the upcoming bombardment. “INCOMIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!” Rainbow said, as the Mane 6 and Spike bumped into the Storm King and he landed inside the castle after crashing through the window.

“You all came back! I knew you would come!” Twilight said. “Not that I was worried or anything, but you’re the bravest pair of friends a pony could ever ask for.”

Pinkie Pie had tears in her eyes, and then zoomed over to hug Twilight, “I knew that! We’re just glad that you’re okay!”

“Uh, make up later! This isn't over!” Rainbow Dash said. The Mane 7 gasped at the staff as it was starting to destroy the castle as more debris was falling and the walls were crackling and crumbling into piles and being blown away. Tempest Shadow panted to get out of the way and take cover.

Twilight grunted and gasped as they all tried to avoid the storm, “I've gotta get control of it!”

“Go! You've got this, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie said.

“No. We've got this. Together,” Twilight replied.

“Mommy!” Eric said, pointing at the Storm King, getting back on his feet.

The Mane 6 held hooves, and then Eric grabbed Applejack’s rope. “Get the staff!”

“Eric?! What are you doing?!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Eric! Storm! Be careful!” Twilight said. Eric nodded, and then he and Storm went to go fight the Storm King.

“Whee!” Pinkie Pie said as they were feeling like they were flying as a chain, and then stayed that way as Twilight tried to reach for the staff. The Storm King grunted as he got back up, “The staff belongs to me!” Twilight gasped as she nearly got closer.

The Mane 6 whimpered as Twilight was almost close. “No! That's my staff!! Miiiiiine!! Mine!!!“ The Storm King said, as he was now tumbling down the debris while climbing. He then saw Eric looking at them like he didn’t want the villain to hurt them. “Well... looks like we’ve got ourselves a little weakling trying to defend them, huh?” he said rudely, “You think you can take me? You ain’t worth it.”

The others looked back at Storm and Eric holding off The Storm King while the Mane 6 tried to get the staff. “Almost... there!” Twilight said as she was nearly there while reaching out her hooves.

“Whoa!” Applejack said, as the rock was being pulled in. Eric then climbed up the balcony, leaving the Storm King confused, “What’re you doing up there?”

“This!” Eric said, pointing his wand, “Stupefy!”

The Storm King was literally stunned, as he clearly underestimated Eric.

Suddenly, as Twilight finally had the staff with her, the glass broke and then she and the Storm King screamed as the wind pulled them into the hurricane.

“Twilight! Nooooooooooo!!!” Pinkie said, as she saw their friend go into the storm. The wind began to die down with a glow of the sun.

“The storm’s over,” Eric said. “We’re all okay, b-but...” Eric then broke down into Pinkie’s chest and then hugged her as she hugged him while sobbing, and then Applejack, Fluttershy, and Storm came to comfort them both.

The light suddenly glistened as Eric and Pinkie saw something coming.

“Look!” Eric said. They saw Twilight flying over with the staff in her forelegs and then she landed on the ground.

“Mommy!” Eric said, hugging her.

Yay!” Pinkie said.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack exclaimed and laughed.

“All right!” The other Mane 6 cheered and laughed.

“Group hug!” Pinkie squealed as they got in together, and Eric hugged Twilight and Storm on the side. Twilight sighed as they enjoyed the moment.

Tempest was happy to see them all together again.

The Storm King grunted as he climbed up with a orb in his hand, planning to turn Eric into an obsidian statue. Tempest gasped, “ERIC!”

The Mane 7 and Spike gasped as they saw The Storm King was about to toss it, but Tempest ran over and landed in front of Eric and the Storm King and then he started turning into obsidian as the orb broke onto Tempest’s hoof and puffed smoke. Twilight prevented Tempest’s petrification with the staff, as the Storm King then fell down on the ground and shattered.

Eric hugged Twilight’s leg as she kept her wing wrapped around him.

“Whoa! I can't believe she did that!” Rainbow said.

“Me neither,” Applejack replied.

Fluttershy and Storm then came over to hug Eric, and so did Rarity.

“I can,” Twilight said.

“Now what?” Fluttershy asked.

“Now... we fix everything,” Tempest said, and then Twilight nodded.

Chapter 8: The Friendship Festival

Once they got back inside, Eric grabbed the staff, pointed it at the princesses and reversed their petrification. Princess Cadance shook the obsidian debris off her mane, Princess Luna and Lord Emerald gasped as they saw themselves released, and Princess Celestia unfolded her wings gasping in shock, and then she smiled warmly at her pupils, “Twilight! Storm!”

“Princesses! Oh!” Twilight replied, then came over to the three alicorns for a hug. The other Mane 6 did as well and Eric hugged Cadance, as she wrapped her foreleg and wing around them. Eric then held the staff with two hands and then they all joined him for another group hug. Soon, the staff restored all of Canterlot to normal, returning the color and happiness everywhere. Afterwards, Eric smashed the staff against the floor, destroying it.

“Princess Celestia? There’s somepony who wants to talk to you, and make amends,” Eric said, pointing at Tempest Shadow.

“Princess Celestia... I’ve now come to you humbly asking for forgiveness and that whatever punishment you have for me I shall accept,” she said, kneeling towards the sun princess.

“Tempest Shadow... you may have doomed Equestria, but after seeing what Twilight has done for you, and the bravery you and Prince Eric have shown... you are hereby pardoned of any and all of your crimes,” Princess Celestia replied.

“Now it looks like we have a festival to begin,” Princess Luna said.

“Sure looks like it,” Princess Cadance added.

Later on, Twilight decided to make an announcement, “Ponies of Equestria... thank you for coming and I’d like to welcome you all to the Canterlot’s annual Friendship Festival!” The ponies cheered for her motivational speech, then Twilight continued. “Now, let’s celebrate with a little features!”

The princesses came over for their announcement as well. Princess Celestia came first, “I’d like to thank Twilight for planning this joyous occasional celebration, and we’d like to thank her for offering us our help, and it’s important to ask before things happen, and to find ways to help somepony in need, even if you don’t trust them.” Princess Cadance then made her announcement, “And now, to celebrate the fact that we're all still here in one piece, give it up for Princess Twilight and her friends!” The ponies cheered for the group of heroes.

“Let’s get this party started!” Pinkie Pie said, shooting confetti, balloons, and streamers from her party cannons. They all enjoyed the party.

Rainbow Dash and Captain Celaeno made a bro-hoof. Rarity finished up a top hat and cape for Capper.

“Ooh!” he said, as Rarity was almost done with the stitching.

“And perfection!” she said.

“I think I like it!” Capper replied.

Eric was soon reunited with his little brother as Starlight and Trixie gave Midnight to him and his parents.

“I really missed you, Midnight,” Eric said. Midnight just hugged his brother’s face.

Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were enjoying the festival with their boyfriends, Smokey, Spiracle, and Soarin. Rarity, Starlight, and Trixie also enjoyed the festival with Spike, Sunburst, Forest, and Jasper. Eric was mingling with Spiracle, Soarin, and Forest, telling them about his adventure. They were amazed to hear it, as the changelings and dragons also enjoyed the festival.

It wasn’t long before the airship coming from Klugetown docked at Canterlot. Everyone onboard disembarked and went to the festival. It wasn’t long before Applejack’s eyes widened at the sight of two familiar ponies she never thought she’d see again.

“Ma! Pa! You’re alright!” Applejack said as she hugged her parents.

“Good to see you, Applejack,” Pear Butter replied as the three of them shed tears of joy.

“You’re all grown up,” Bright Mac said then asked, “By the way, is Big Mac here?”

“He is, so’s Sugar Belle, Granny Smith, and Grand Pear,” Applejack replied.

She then led her parents to where Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Granny Smith, and Grand Pear were.

“Ma? Pa? Is it really you?” Big Mac asked.

“Yes, son,” Bright Mac replied.

“Good to see you, ma and pa,” Big Mac said as he hugged them. The three of them shed tears of joy, along with Granny Smith and Grand Pear.

“Pear Butter? Is it really you or am I seeing things?” Grand Pear asked.

“Yes, pa. It’s really me,” Pear Butter replied.

“I’m so sorry for abandoning you all those years ago. I never should’ve left and let some feud get in the way of my family. I’ve come to regret it all in the years since I left for Vanhoover. I also apologize to you too, Bright Mac for how I acted towards you all those years ago,” Grand Pear said, “Can you both forgive me?”

“I forgive you, pa,” Pear Butter replied as she hugged her dad.

“I forgive you too, Grand Pear,” Bright Mac added as he hugged his father-in-law.

“Bright Mac! Buttercup! I thought y’all were gone for good!” Granny Smith said as she hugged her son and daughter-in-law.

“Hi, ma,” Bright Mac replied.

“We were held captive by the crime lord Verko, he kept us as slaves for all these years. But we’re safe now, thanks to Apple Bloom, Eric Sparkle, and their friends,” Pear Butter added.

“Thank you, Eric and Apple Bloom for bringing our parents back safely,” Applejack said.

“No problem, Applejack,” Eric replied.

Apple Bloom, Eric, and their friends told Pear Butter and Bright Mac all about their adventures and everything else they’ve been through. They were amazed and also concerned to hear about everything that happened since they’ve been gone. Bright Mac and Pear Butter also got to meet Sugar Belle as she told them how she and Big Mac met.

“Way to go, son,” Bright Mac said.

Starlight was also reunited with her long lost mom as she told her everything that she’s been through. Aurora was sad to hear that she went down the dark path a while back, but glad she found her way back to the light.

“I’ve really missed you, mom. Dad will be overjoyed to see you again after so many years,” Starlight said.

“It’ll be good to finally go home once this festival is over,” Aurora replied.

“Well, that's one thing that never changes around here. The party,” Tempest said. She was surprised about how well the festival was set up.

“Well, I hope you'll stay. More friends are definitely merrier,” Twilight replied, as Eric nodded in agreement, as he sat on Starlight’s back eating an apple fritter, two pink and white frosted chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles, some freshly peeled baby carrots and freshly cut apple slices, and a mug of apple cider from Applejack.

“If you want too, that is,” Starlight said.

“Yeah, totally,” Trixie added.

“But, um... my horn,” Tempest replied, with a sigh.

“You know, your horn is pretty powerful, just like the pony it belongs to,” Twilight said.

“But the thing is, it doesn’t matter what it looks like on the outside, but on inside that counts,” Eric added, “If you still want your horn restored, maybe you could ask Discord and he’ll do it.”

“Eric has a point,” Starlight said.

“I did tell you I wanted to show everypony in Equestria what I could do, right? Well, what do you think of this?” Tempest replied.

She then charged up her horn and made some fireworks for the festival. Twilight and Storm shared a kiss under the fireworks, as did Eric and Sweetie Belle.

“Nice touch, Tempest!” Pinkie said.

“Actually, that's not my real name,” Tempest replied.

“Oooh! What is it?!” Pinkie asked excitedly. Tempest then whispered into Pinkie’s ear quietly, “It's "Fizzlepop Berrytwist".”

“Okay! That is the most awesome name ever!“ Pinkie said with a gasp.

“Hey! That’s my mojo!” Rainbow replied.

The Mane 7, Starlight, Trixie, Sunburst, Tempest, Princess Skystar, Spike and Eric laughed together, until Queen Novo appeared, along with other hippogriffs beside her.

“Mom!” Princess Skystar exclaimed with gasp and ran up to her.

She then hugged her mother as Queen Novo hugged her daughter back. “I am so proud of you, honey. Your father would’ve been proud too,” Queen Novo said, as she laughed.

“Well, it was actually the ponies, and this little one right here,” Princess Skystar said, mentioning Eric next to her. Queen Novo lowered herself down to his level with a warm motherly smile on her beak.

“Eric Sparkle, I can’t thank you or your family enough for saving us from The Storm King. You are a hero to us.” Queen Novo gave Eric a kiss on his cheek before pulling him into a warm hug.

Eric just smiled and rested his head on her chest while hearing her heartbeat, until she lowered her head onto his shoulder. Soon enough, Eric rejoined his friends and family.

“You see, Mom? One small thing can make a difference, but it was the magic of friendship that saved us all,” Princess Skystar said.

Queen Novo nodded, until she saw Princess Celestia, Luna and Cadance walk over. “You must be Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Lord Emerald,” Queen Novo said.

“You are Queen Novo of the hippogriffs?” Princess Celestia asked as she nodded.

“Yes, I am,” Queen Novo said.

“I’m Thorax, king of the changelings,” Thorax greeted Novo.

“And I’m Ember, lord of the dragons,” Ember introduced herself.

“Good to meet you both,” Queen Novo replied.

Spike cleared his throat as he had a microphone in his hand, “Fillies and gentlecolts, get ready for a little...” A trumpet fanfare was played, and then a drumroll. “Songbird Serenade!” The crowd cheered as she walked up to sing her song.

“Hey, Twilight, Storm? Why don’t you tell us about your big adventure?” Cadance asked.

Twilight and Storm then told them everything while Eric enjoyed Songbird Serenade’s song. A colt named Tender Taps was swooned by her performance.

Author's Note

Eric Sparkle will return.

Chapter 1: A Dark Meeting/Planning the Friendship Festival

Deep in the Crystal Mountains ice fortress, Glacio was plotting a sinister plan.

“With Queen Chrysalis deposed and the changeling betrayal, we must seek new allies,” Glacio said.

“Who do you suggest, my lord?” Frostbite asked.

“There is a legendary conqueror known as the Storm King, I’ve heard he and his forces drove the hippogriffs underwater and conquered Abyssinia and Ornithia, along with heavy influence in Klugetown,” Glacio replied, “We must meet with them at once.”

“Very good, my lord. I’ll gather some of our soldiers,” Frostbite said.

It wasn’t long before Frostbite gathered Hot Shot, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Wind Rider, and Descent. Glacio then teleported himself, Frostbite, and his other minions to the outskirts of Silver Shoals. There, they tried to keep out of sight as not to alert the townsponies.

“From here, we must head south to Storm Island. To do that, we need a ship,” Glacio said.

“Right,” Frostbite replied.

They snuck into the town, hoping to find a ship in the port. Once they found the port, Glacio and his minions noticed a ship with it's crew ready to depart. They went over to try and commandeer it.

"Surrender your ship now!" Glacio said as he and his minions boarded the ship.

"Never!" the captain retorted.

"That's it! Your sailing days are over!" Frostbite said.

They attacked the crew, then tied sinkers to them and threw them overboard.

Glacio and his minions then began sailing south. They sailed smoothly for many miles until they reached Storm Island. Once they landed, the ice prince and his envoy were quicky approached by four storm troll guards.

“We wish to speak with your leader,” Glacio said.

“This way,” one of the guards replied in a gruff voice.

Once inside the palace, Glacio and his envoy met up with the Storm King and his second-in-command, Tempest Shadow. He was a satyr/troll hybrid with azure gray fur, a bluish gray face, hands, and feet, and brilliant opal eyes. He also wore black armor, a big pointy crown made of black marble and dark gray chrome steel, and also wielded the Staff of Sacanas. Tempest was a supermodel sized unicorn mare with a dark orchid coat, a dark rose mohawk mane and tail with lighter edges, and moderate opal eyes. She also had a broken horn sparkling blue electricity and a scar on her right eye, and she was wearing a black short sleeve top with black armor all over and had two on her hip showing the Storm King symbol, and black armored shoes on all four hooves.

“State your names and business, outsiders,” the Storm King spoke up.

“I am Prince Glacio, the rightful ruler of Equestria. This is my second-in-command, General Frostbite, and some of my best soldiers, Hot Shot, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Wind Rider, and Descent,” the ice prince said, “You must be the Storm King we’ve heard about.”

“You are correct. I’d like you to meet my second-in-command, Tempest Shadow,” the Storm King replied.

“Good to finally meet you, Prince Glacio. I’ve heard so much about you,” Tempest said while bowing in respect.

“We’ve come for your help in taking over Equestria,” Frostbite replied.

“What’s in it for us?” the Storm King asked.

“You get to have alicorn magic for your staff and a free…uh hand to take over any other lands you want in return for allowing my master access to his sisters’ magic,” Frostbite said.

“Alright. You got yourself a bargain,” the Storm King replied.

Meanwhile, in the Equestrian capital city of Canterlot, everypony was preparing for a festival and there were pegasus ponies flying everywhere.

“’Scuse me! Dragon on the move! Important prince and princess documents comin’ through!” Spike said, until he kept running to the castle.

“Spike!” a voice called out. He turned and saw Eric riding his broomstick.

“Get on! We’ll get you there fast enough!” Eric said.

Spike nodded, and then climbed on and then Eric flew to the entrance of the castle.

Meanwhile, Twilight and Storm were meditating with their magic, until she began freaking out.

“Ommmmm... Ohhhhhhh mmmmy goodness, I can’t handle this! Ooh! Nothing is working! I just have to get it together! Just go in there! And ask! This is your Friendship Festival! Everypony’s happiness rests in your hooves.” Twilight said then face-hoofed herself, “Ohhhh!”

“Think positively, honey. Relax,” Storm replied.

Just then, Spike and Eric opened the door. “Okay, Twilight and Storm. Got all your charts and graphs,” Spike said, panting heavily.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re here, Spike! You too, Eric! I’m just so nervous about this meeting!” Twilight replied.

“What meeting?” Eric asked.

“Whachoo talkin’ ‘bout?” Spike added.

Twilight sighed, “We’re about to ask the three most royal princesses and greatest noble of Equestria for a huge favor!

“What if they reject us?” Storm asked.

“It’ll be fine. Just remember the most important thing, you’re a prince and princess too,” Spike said.

“Right!” Twilight replied. She then exhaled as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, and Lord Emerald appeared.

“Good morning, Princesses and Lord Emerald. Thank you all for seeing us. We have an idea that I think will make our Friendship Festival the most wonderful celebration Equestria has ever seen!” Twilight said.

“Especially since this is my first royal duty to help out,” Eric added.

“Morning, Twilight and Storm. You too, Eric,” Lord Emerald replied.

“Hi, Aunt Cadance,” Eric greeted.

“Yes, Twilight and Storm! We are very excited!” Princess Celestia replied.

“Hi, Eric! Ponies have been arriving from all over all morning,” Princess Cadance said.

“I’d like to think it’s to see us, but Songbird Serenade might be the bigger attraction,” Princess Luna added.

“Yes, she is the... ‘mane’ event!” Twilight giggled.

“As if the presence of every member of royalty, including me isn’t eventful enough,” Eric replied.

“Good one, Twily, and to make it extra special, we could use your help. Spike?” Storm said.

Spike brought in a whiteboard and placed a graph on it.

Twilight then began her presentation, “Songbird Serenade’s performance is not scheduled to start until after you begin the sunset. And based on my precise calculation, to get the very best lighting for the stage, Princess Celestia, I was hoping you could make sure the sun stays about 28.1º to the south, and, Princess Luna, if you could raise the moon 62º to the north at the same time, it would reflect the sunlight on the other side and really frame the entire stage perfectly!”

“I’d..,” Princess Luna tried to say.

“But wait! There’s more! Cadance, if you could use your crystal magic to create an aurora above the stage, the sun and the moon will shine through it and create a truly amazing light show!” Twilight replied.

“Presenting Songbird Serenade!” Spike said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah! Whoa-ho! Whoa!” He then crashed onto the floor, “Ta-da.”

“So, what do you think?” Twilight asked.

“So you’re saying you want us to move the sun and the moon for the party,” Princess Luna said.

“Well, we’d do it ourselves, except we don’t have your magic,” Twilight replied, with a snort.

“Twilight, Storm, each of us uses our powers to serve Equestria in our own way. You are the Prince and Princess of Friendship. You already have all the magic you need,” Princess Celestia replied.

“So... that’d be a no?” Twilight asked.

“We didn’t say that,” Lord Emerald answered, “It’s just hard for us to discuss something you came up with on your own. You both worked really hard.”

“It’s a shame Flurry and Uncle Shining couldn’t be here for this, Aunt Cadance,” Eric said, “They would’ve loved it and loved to see me.”

“They had to stay back in the Crystal Empire with other things to attend to. But nevertheless, I’m always happy to see you, my sweet little nephew,” Princess Cadance replied, hugging him.

“Yes!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew through the clouds, clearing them out quickly as possible. “Sky’s cleared and ready for the festival!”

Pinkie Pie then blew up a few balloons, tied them up while they made squeaking noises, and set them up nicely for the festival, but one accidentally deflated out of control. “Whoa!”

Fluttershy conducted the birds as they whistled in harmony until the balloon came by, scaring them away.

“Whoa! Heads up, Fluttershy! Out of control balloooooon!!” Pinkie said chasing the balloon.

“I don’t think it’s the balloon that’s out of control, Pinkie Pie!” Fluttershy replied, nuzzling a bird on her hoof.

“Hey, y’all!” Applejack said, “Anypony up for some free samples of my family’s apple cider?”

Rainbow Dash saw the mug, and flew over and took a sip, “Thank you!” She then gave it back to Applejack. “Loved it!”

Rarity hummed as she set up the stage with blue diamonds on each reddish pink ribbon. “Wow, Rarity. It’s a fine job you’re doin’ there. ‘Course it might not get done ‘til after the concert,” Applejack remarked.

“Applejack, darling, anypony can do ‘fine’. Twilight and Storm asked me, so clearly, she’s going for fabulous, and fabulous takes time,” Rarity said.

“Fabulous takes forever! But “awesome”...” Rainbow flew over the stage setting up the ribbons, but not like Rarity hoped, “...can get done in four seconds flat! Faster if I do my sonic rainboom!”

“Aah! Nono, oh no! Don’t you dare, Rainbow Dash! It looks wretched enough already,” Rarity said, then fixed the ribbons and diamonds on them.

“Oh come on, it’s fine!” Rainbow replied.

“If you were raised in a barn! Ahem, no offense, Applejack,” Rarity said.

“None taken. Especially since I wasn’t raised in a barn. My family just happens to have a barn. Where I was born. And... spent most of my formative years...” Applejack replied.

“Raised in a barn!” Rainbow said, quickly cutting her off.

“Is she always that thirsty for apple cider?” Nightshade asked.

“Most of the time,” Applejack replied, “Want some?”

“Sure,” Holly said, then Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick took some as well.

“This is amazing,” Marina said.

“Yum, good!” Zuni added.

“It’s my family’s traditional secret for freshly squeezed apple cider,” Applejack replied.

“Okay, just two hundred and eighteen things left to do and we’re ready,” Twilight said, checking off her to-do list. Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie saw her, Storm, and Spike coming, “Hey, Twilight!”

Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, Holly, and Slapstick saw Eric coming, “Hey, Eric!” They each greeted.

“Hello, Spike,” Rarity greeted sweetly.

“Uh, hi, Rarity. Heh heh,” Spike said nervously, while blushing.

“How’d it go with the other Princesses and Lord Emerald? They like your idea?” Applejack asked.

“I bet they loved it!” Pinkie said as she bounced while following a flying balloon.

“Not exactly. They think we can make the festival perfect without their magic,” Twilight replied with a sigh.

“They specifically said that it’s hard for them to go over something we came up with on our own,” Storm pointed out.

“And they are absolutely right, darlings,” Rarity said, “This festival is your brilliant idea and we know you’re up to the task!”

“But what if we’re not?! What if Songbird Serenade hates the stage?! Or nopony makes a new friend?! And if I fail at the festival, then who am I?!” Twilight asked frustratingly.

“Twilight, look at me! This will be the biggest celebration Equestria has ever seen! As the Princess of Friendship, you cannot fail! This day will define who you are! The pressure is intense! It’s almost too much for any single pony to handle!” Pinkie shouted. The other ponies gasped. “But you have us! So stop worrying.”

Twilight made a nervous smile on her face, until Applejack helped her up.

Twilight and Storm gasped and yelled as Pinkie accidentally launched a huge cake on top of them, until it tumbled into a huge spill. The ponies gasped at the accident as Twilight and Storm popped their heads out. “Pinkie!” A candle landed on each of their horns.

“Oopsie! Guess my easy bake confetti cake cannon needs a little bit more fine tuning!” Pinkie said. Twilight and Storm groaned and blew out the candles on their horns.

Just then, Songbird Serenade suddenly appeared. She was lime greenish white with a blackish blue and yellow mane and tail in two shades of each color, which covered her dark sapphire eyes, and a cloud with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and Purple Hearts for a cutie mark. She also wore a large pink bow and a black shirt with a collar.

“Hiya. I’m lookin’ for the ponies in charge?” Songbird said, then posed for the camera three times, “I need to set up for my sound check.”

“Ms. Songbird Serenade? Um, we were just going to check on you. I’m Princess Twilight,” Twilight said.

“I’m Prince Storm, and sorry about the mess,” Storm added, “We’re usually not so...”

“Caked in cake?” Songbird finished.

“Good to meet you, Songbird. You probably know who I am,” Eric said.

“You’re Prince Eric Sparkle, good to meet you too,” Songbird replied.